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   Verizon Wireless Brings Back 'Unlimited' Data

   Josh Centers

   In the early days of the iPhone, mobile data was unlimited, and voice
   calls and text messages were rationed. That flipped as usage evolved:
   now data is metered while carriers practically give away text messages
   and voice minutes. But thanks largely to Sprint and T-Mobile (see
   '[1]T-Mobile and Sprint Announce Unlimited Data (for Higher Prices),'
   19 August 2016), unlimited data is making a comeback, with [2]Verizon
   now announcing its own 'unlimited' data plan. (AT&T offers [3]an
   unlimited data plan too, but only to customers who have AT&T wireless
   and DirecTV or U-verse TV residential service.)

   I put 'unlimited' in quotes because there is still a limit, but it's
   not onerous. After you've used 22 GB of data in a month, Verizon may
   prioritize other users' connections over yours, effectively throttling
   your speed. However, Verizon said that it doesn't expect to do that
   often. There are also a couple of other minor catches: you must agree
   to paperless billing and enroll in auto pay.

   [4]Pricing for Verizon's unlimited data plan is reasonable, starting at
   $80 per month, including unlimited talk and text. Here's how that works
   for multiple lines:
     * 1 line: $80 per month
     * 2 lines: $70 per month per line, for a total of $140 per month
     * 3 lines: $54 per month per line, for a total of $162 per month
     * 4 lines: $45 per month per line, for a total of $180 per month

   Verizon's unlimited plan also includes HD video streaming, mobile
   hotspot functionality, calling and texting to and from Canada and
   Mexico, and up to 500 MB per day of 4G LTE roaming data in Canada and
   Mexico.

   Given that Verizon is typically the most expensive network and the
   slowest to compete with its rivals on plans and price, the fact that
   Verizon is bringing back unlimited data at a reasonable cost is a big
   deal and a testament to the power of market competition. Would this
   have happened if AT&T had successfully purchased T-Mobile (see '[5]The
   Impact of AT&T Buying T-Mobile,' 21 March 2011)?

References

   1. http://tidbits.com/article/16697
   2. http://www.verizon.com/about/news/get-unlimited-data-network-you-deserve-verizon
   3. https://www.att.com/shop/wireless/unlimited-plan.html
   4. https://www.verizonwireless.com/plans/verizon-plan/#plan-details
   5. http://tidbits.com/article/12058

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