Verizon to end unlimited data plans for users who move to LTE phones, will push shared data plans instead | 9to5Mac | Apple Intelligence

Verizon to end unlimited data plans for users who move to LTE phones, will push shared data plans instead | 9to5Mac | Apple Intelligence



Fierce Wireless reports on comments from Verizon Wireless CFO Fran Shammo regarding the carrier’s future LTE plans. A topic most notable for users planning on moving to the much-rumored LTE iPhone this fall is that Verizon plans to drop grandfathered-in unlimited data plans for users who move to 4G LTE handsets. This will affect iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S owners on Verizon Wireless with unlimited data plans who move to the rumored LTE iPhone. Instead of unlimited data plans, CFO Shammo says that Verizon will push their upcoming shared-data plan system:

When asked how Verizon will drive customers to this new data share plan, Shammo said that LTE will be the anchor for the new plan and that as customers upgrade from 3G to LTE, they will have to be on a data share plan, allowing the company to sunset its unlimited 3G data plan. “A lot of our 3G base is on unlimited,” Shammo said. “When they migrate off 3G they will have to go to data share. That is beneficial to us.”

Verizon Wireless says that shared data plans will begin rolling in mid-summer, but the company is yet to release any details regarding pricing or shared data plan usage packages. The company says that shared data plans will not only benefit the company in the long-term, but will also benefit families with multiple devices on their account. The current Verizon unlimited data plan costs individual users $30 per month on top of their normal calling bill charges.


 This part is probably the 'answer' that most of you suspect... @ why this is happening.. 

 "LTE is our anchor point for data share. So, as you come through an upgrade cycle and you upgrade in the future, you will have to go on to the data share plan. And moving away from, if you will, the unlimited world and moving everyone into a tiered structure data share plan."

However, Shammo said that with the launch of this new data share plan, the industry will have to change a key metric--average revenue per user. Shammo said that Verizon will move to a "revenue per account" metric that will more accurately measure the company's business.
When asked how Verizon will drive customers to this new data share plan, Shammo said that LTE will be the anchor for the new plan and that as customers upgrade from 3G to LTE, they will have to be on a data share plan, allowing the company to sunset its unlimited 3G data plan. "A lot of our 3G base is on unlimited," Shammo said. "When they migrate off 3G they will have to go to data share. That is beneficial to us."
In an unrelated note, Shammo also said that the company will launch Voice over LTE technology at year end, but will not push the technology until mid-2013 when it has a bigger LTE footprint. In fact, Shammo noted that by the end of 2013 Verizon's LTE footprint will be equal to or even bigger than its existing 3G footprint.

TRANSLATION:


"Buy the old cheap most Pre LTE ready device available; NOW.  TO KEEP YOUR UNLIMITED. 

Another possible option using this scenario would be... (Which I doubt will work 'cause they are gonna shut that down REAL QUICK...) When the new LTE iPhone device comes out, you get to keep your unlimited data for the new iPhone"
Of course, this is only a solution if the unlimited LTE plans will be honored if switching to new iphone. Which I think they are gonna block...




That's how I read this... Am I wrong? Someone help me out..