Verizon Announces Cheaper Data Plans

Verizon is looking to sweeten its offerings for new and existing customers. On Thursday, the carrier unveiled its More Everything plan, which as the name suggests gives customers a little more of everything, though still not quite as much as some of its rivals.

Customers who use Verizon Edge to upgrade their phones early will automatically get a $10 monthly discount for data packages of 8 GB and lower, while $10 GB data plans and higher will receive a $20 discount. In addition, unlimited international messaging will now be bundled with unlimited domestic text, picture and video messaging.

“MORE Everything changes the game by adding even more of what customers want from their wireless provider in a single, simple monthly plan,” said Ken Dixon, chief marketing officer at Verizon Wireless in a press statement. “Verizon Wireless led the way with the introduction of shared data plans, and MORE Everything is the next leap forward with more storage, more messaging and more choice, all on a 4G LTE network that is unmatched in coverage and capacity.”

While Verizon is keen to frame its new plans as the latest innovation from the innovative carrier that first rolled out shared data, More Everything more than anything reflects growing pressure from competitors like T-Mobile to adopt cheaper and more flexible pricing options.

“Since Verizon Wireless was the first to introduce shared data plans in 2012, major U.S. wireless operators have followed suit in strategically preparing for the increase of connected devices and data consumption among its customers,” said Carrie MacGillivray, program vice president of Mobile Services and Internet of Things (IoT), IDC. “Shared plans have created demand for more data as consumers continue to embrace mobility across all aspects of their lives. Share plans that provide more data for the same price will be welcomed by customers."

More Everything customers also receive up to 25 GB of cloud storage per line, meaning 250 GB on a 10-line plan.