Verizon Wireless is testing a new cellular plan that offers unlimited text and data to a limited group of customers for $70. Is it just a one-time promotion by the nation's largest wireless carrier, or is it the beginning of a new pricing plan that undercuts its main competition?
The new plan offers 450 monthly minutes and unlimited Verizon mobile-to-mobile, texting and data. It's not available on Verizon's website, though; you have to call the number specified in the promotional e-mail to get the plan.
The deal only applies to those who received the e-mail; if you call the number and didn't get the promotion, Verizon's computers will know. Buying the same plan on Verizon's website will cost you $90 ($40 for the minutes + $20 for text + $30 for data).
The carrier is also offering a discounted Family SharePlan for $140, which includes 1,400 minutes and unlimited data, text and Verizon mobile-to-mobile; it costs $20 per month to add an additional line.
As Boy Genius Report points out, the plan looks very similar to Sprint's "Everything Data" plan, which also offers 450 minutes and unlimited messaging, data and mobile-to-mobile minutes. You can get only get the same price on AT&T if you're using a "basic" phone; you can't get the same deal with a feature phone or a smartphone.