Verizon Wireless adds data packs to prepaid plans

Verizon Wireless (VZ) unveiled the availability of data packages for prepaid customers that in turn will now allow those looking to eschew a contract a broader selection of devices.
The carrier said prepaid customers can now add an unlimited data package to its “3G Smartphones” for $30 per month or 25 megabytes of data access to its “3G Multimedia phones” for $10 per month. These plans are on top of the carrier’s regular prepaid packages that include both daily and monthly rates.
The smart phones eligible for the new offering include Research In Motion Ltd.’s (RIMM) BlackBerry Curve 8330, Curve 8530, Storm 9530, Storm2 9550, Tour 9630 and Bold 9650; Palm Inc.’s Pre Plus and Pixi Plus; Motorola Inc.’s (MOT) Droid, Devour, Droid X and Droid 2; HTC Corp.’s Droid Eris and Droid Incredible; and LG Electronics Co. Ltd.’s Ally.
The other 3G phones eligible for the multimedia plan include LG’s enV Touch, enV3, Chocolate Touch and VX8360; Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.’s Alias 2 and Renown; Nokia Corp.’s Twist; and Casio Corp.’s Exilim.
Current prepaid customers are limited to a trio of lower-end devices, including Samsung’s Intensity and Smooth, and LG’s Accolade. These devices are considered “Feature Phones” by the carrier as they lack 3G access.
Verizon Wireless said the prepaid data packages would be available in its retail locations beginning today and via its website on Sept. 28.
Verizon Wireless updated its prepaid packages earlier this year, pricing its no-contract offerings at a $5 premium over its contract plans.