Verizon Wireless said it plans to introduce new rate plans that combine voice minutes and unlimited data access from a personal digital assistant, smart phone or BlackBerry device.
The new plans begin at $80 per month for 450 anytime calling minutes, unlimited night and weekend calling minutes, and unlimited wireless data, which Verizon Wireless said is $5 less than if the voice and data services are acquired separately. More talkative customers can step up to a $110 plan that provides 1,350 anytime calling minutes for a savings of $15 per month, or for $170 per month receive 3,000 anytime calling minutes for a savings of $25 per month.
Customers can still select data-only plans for their smart phones, BlackBerrys or PDAs from the carrier’s recently simplified per-megabyte pricing plans that include 10 megabytes of data transmission for $30 per month or unlimited data access for $50 per month.
“Business customers are increasingly dependent upon a single wireless device for voice and e-mail,” said Bill Stone, vice president of marketing for Verizon Wireless. “These new plans recognize this paradigm shift by giving smart-phone, BlackBerry and PDA customers larger bundled data and voice plans that enhance their ability to stay in touch and productive while mobile.”
Verizon Wireless also reported that large account customers are now able to purchase the Samsung Corp. SCH-i730 smart phone, and the device will be available for all customers beginning July 7. The device features Microsoft Corp.’s Windows Mobile software, support for Verizon Wireless’ CDMA2000 1x EV-DO high-speed wireless data network, Wi-Fi and certain Bluetooth profiles, an integrated SD expansion slot and a slider form factor hiding a full QWERTY keyboard.
The Samsung device retails for $600 with a two-year contract agreement.
