After Verizon dropped their new Share Everything plans on us this morning (aka shared data tiers), it took a minute for us to fully process exactly what we have going here, but we think we have a good grasp on it now. To help everyone understand this new focus on data rather than minutes and texts that goes live June 28, we thought we would lay this out for you in the simplest of ways. Ready? 

Here they are, folks, shared data plans or as Verizon is referring to them – Share Everything Plans. They just came across the wire and are definitely an interesting approach to wireless plans. This new plan structure will debut on June 28. Let’s try to talk through exactly what we have here. 

After releasing our first ever monthly rumor round-up post in May and attempting to not commit to it being a monthly deal, we are back 1 month later with another. As we get ready for the summer, there are too many interesting stories floating around behind the scenes to not let you in on them. What we have here is information officially released paired with bits of info that have been handed to us from industry sources. Most of it can change with time, but we like to keep you up on the gossip behind the scenes. Enjoy. 

A week ago, Verizon introduced us to their latest video streaming portal called Viewdini. For 4G LTE customers, this app is essentially your one-stop shop for all things video-on-the-go. While away from a TV, Viewdini allows you to browse through content from all of your favorite spots including Netflix, Comcast XFINITY, Hulu Plus, TV networks etc. and then tells you if the content is free to consume or if it will cost you. You can then choose to watch it and the app will redirect you to the proper website or app for consumption.

While I’ll admit that the app looks nice and is easy to navigate through swiping gestures, doesn’t this seem like a direct slap in the face to anyone on a tiered data plan? Streaming video is the #1 data crusher, so what better way to force you to that 2GB limit than by recommending you stream a bunch of content. /s. 

Verizon, in an attempt to officially clarify all things unlimited data vs. shared data tiers, has published another note and sent an email to the NY Times that should set the record straight. Let’s just say that this note from Big Red is exactly what we already told you in our clarification post from earlier in the day. This was nice of them to settle it once and for all though. Well, for the most part. 

With all of the talk about unlimited data plans over the last couple of days, we thought we’d throw a twist into the situation with a reader poll to see which is more valuable to the community. What if you had the choice between staying unlimited and on 3G or going onto a tier with 4G LTE? Would you give up the speed in order to be able to gobble up as much data as possible at a fixed rate or would you rather have the speed, but still have to monitor usage?

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Thoughout the last day, we noticed in the comments that there seems to be this belief that Verizon is going to forget that you signed a contract and simply force you immediately onto a shared data plan tier and off of your unlimited plan. That’s just not the case, at least it shouldn’t be, so we wanted to help clarify everything that went down yesterday, as best as we can. 

After yesterday’s announcement by Verizon CFO Fran Shammo that unlimited data plans would soon be a thing of the past, VZW spokesperson Brenda Raney has released a statement for the company. In it, she doesn’t talk about the end of unlimited data directly, but instead mentions that if policy changes are to happen when shared data plans roll out, that customers will be informed ahead of time so that they can evaluate their choices:

As we have stated publicly, Verizon Wireless has been evaluating its data pricing structure for some time. Customers have told us that they want to share data, similar to how they share minutes today. We are working on plans to provide customers with that option later this year.

We will share specific details of the plans and any related policy changes well in advance of their introduction, so customers will have time to evaluate their choices and make the best decisions for their wireless service. It is our goal and commitment to continue to provide customers with the same high value service they have come to expect from Verizon Wireless.

I’ll let you decipher that.

Via:  Verizon

Cheers Cory!