Verizon Wireless is launching its first prepaid unlimited phone plan on Thursday, with voice calls, text messaging and Web access for $50 a month.
Verizon Wireless has offered prepaid plans since 2000, but previous plans offered services only a la carte — for example, voice calling for $1.99 a day, mobile Web for 99 cents a day and unlimited texting for $20 per month.
In an effort to compete with MetroPCS and Sprint-owned Boost and Virgin Mobile, Verizon Wireless will introduce a brand new $50 monthly prepaid plan starting on September 15th, that includes unlimited text, talk and web.
Shop for Verizon prepaid phones via the Verizon Wireless website here.
Sprint has a large presence in the prepaid market and offers an unlimited plan through Boost Mobile for $35 a month. MetroPCS also offers an unlimited data prepaid plan, which is less expensive than Verizon’s at $40 a month. Verizon is likely banking on the strength of its network to distinguish its prepaid option from the competition.
Verizon spokeswoman Brenda Raney told Dow Jones Newswires that the plan will include unlimited voice, texting and Web usage for $50 per month, and will be available at Verizon stores and through Best Buy, Target and Walmart stores.
“This is a very competitive market, and we want to make sure we have a price portfolio to fit a greater number of customers,” Verizon’s Raney said. “In these times, there are some people who would prefer living on a prepaid plan.”
If you are looking for the convenience of a cell phone without the commitment of a 1-year or 2-year contract, but are looking to have a phone with strong network coverage, this may be the deal you are looking for.
