For the most recent info, check out the 2010 Verizon Mobile Broadband Plans
The Facts
While Verizon has 3 plans, most people will end up getting the 5 Gigabyte plan.
Since the last time we reviewed them, Verizon Mobile Broadband plans have changed slightly. Instead of two plans, there are three plans to choose from:
1. 250 Megabyte plan for $39.99/month
2. 5 Gigabyte plan for $59.99/month
3. DayPass plan for $15/day
For details on the DayPass plan, check out our 2009 Prepaid Mobile Broadband Comparison.
At a moment’s glance, heavy users will know they don’t really want you to get the 250 MB plan. Verizon describes the plan as best for “heavy users that need a mobile connection 7-8 hours a month”. I agree with everything but the heavy part. What they go on to say is also accurate:
- Send or receive email with small or no attachments
- Light web browsing
- Download or upload small files
- Download a song or two once in awhile
Before I blast the plan any further, I will mention that it does have its uses. For some, mobile broadband may be a secondary backup connection (only for emergencies). Then, such a solution may work. Then again, it’d just make sense to go for the $9.99 DayPass plan when you need it.
The 5 GB plan is much more reasonable. This is what most people will end up getting. in addition to this, the fine print in Verizon’s mobile broadband contract (terms and conditions) is actually more lenient than most:
“You can use our Data Plans and Features for accessing the Internet and for such uses as: (i) Internet browsing; (ii) e-mail; (iii) intranet access (including accessing corporate intranets, e-mail and individual productivity applications made available by your company); (iv) uploading, downloading and streaming of audio, video and games; and (v) Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)”.
While most carries include the first three, not many explicitly allow (iv) and (v). Three cheers for Verizon on this. While they still prohibit the most fun activities (P2P, BitTorrent and using your device as a server), this is definitely a start.
Unfortunately, there is something to be cautious about.
Both the 250 MB and 5 GB plan have overage charges. Just like if you go over your cell phone minute plan, you’ll get charged extra for going over your mobile broadband plan. How much you say?
You’ll pay overage charges to the tune of $0.10/MB for the 250 MB plan and $0.05/MB for the 5GB plan. To put that more realistically, that’s $102.40 per extra Gigabyte you use on the 250 MB plan and $51.20 per extra GB you use on the 5GB plan. Oh, and if you thought that was bad, if you roam internationally, it can get higher.
That’s alotta cash.
For that reason, and that reason alone, I urge you to check out Lesson 3 of Mobile Broadband Buyer’s Guide. Not only will you learn how much 40 MB and 5 GB can get you, but you’ll be properly equipped to avoid ridiculous overage fees.
Once you’re equipped to avoid going over the limit, the natural question that follows is, “Does Verizon have the kind of speed to support streaming audio, video and games?”. Read on for the full scoop on Verizon mobile broadband speed.