Verizon Wireless to Require Data Plan on “Enhanced Multimedia” Devices

Wirefly Learn » Wireless News

September 8th, 2009

By Ari Driessen

Verizon Wireless, the nation’s largest Wireless carrier, has announced a number of changes to its feature set and rate plans. Effective September 8th, Verizon Wireless will require subscribers purchasing handsets categorized as “Enhanced Multimedia” devices to have a data plan. At the same time, the carrier will also be introducing VCAST Videos on Demand and grandfathering VCAST VPak and replacing it with two new add-on data features.

1. Verizon Wireless is introducing a new category of device called “Enhanced Multimedia.” Devices in this category (initially only the Samsung Rogue) will support EVDO Rev. A speeds, will have an HTML browser and will have a QWERTY keyboard (physical or virtual). For devices in this category, Verizon Wireless will require customers to have a Connect or Premium plan, or maintain either the Data 25MB or the Data 75MB feature with a Basic or Select plan for as long as they are using the Enhanced Multimedia device. Verizon has said that they will only be adding NEW devices to the Enhanced Multimedia category.
2. VCAST VPak is being retired, and will be replaced by “Data 25MB” ($9.99/month) and “Data 75MB” ($19.99/month). These features will be available for customers purchasing a non-PDA device who select either a Basic or Select rate plan (Connect and Premium plans include unlimited data).
3. VCAST Videos on Demand is a new feature with a that brings subscribers full length TV shows as well as the latest in news, sports, weather and live entertainment. VCAST Videos on Demand can be sold alongside any Basic, Select or Connect rate plan (the feature is included in the Premium rate plans).

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