Verizon has beaten this drum before, but it seems that AT&T’s move to tiered data has inspired them to cut unlimited plans as soon as this year. It’s time to say goodbye to the all-you-can-download buffet.
The comments this time came from CFO John Killian, who came out more explicitly than past Verizon execs in favour of a tiered system in a recent Businessweek interview
“We will probably need to change the design of our pricing where it will not be totally unlimited, flat rate.”
Killian also mentioned that they’re currently in the process of finalising new 4G data plans, so there are no specifics but they’re coming soon. 4G is again the scapegoat, as Killian mentioned that “explosions in traffic” will make unlimited, flat rate plans unfeasible.
Well, it was fun while it lasted. At least Clearwire’s committed to keeping unlimited 4G plans alive. For now. [Businessweek]
Chris Guerin
Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 11:22 AMSomething you can thank Australia for: Killing your UNLIMITED INTERNET plans.
This is the only model we’ve ever had, and we’re glad that America can experience that too.
Americans have a choice though; Over-usage fees, or speed limited internet until your next ‘billing period’.
matt
Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 11:32 PMthis is a GOOD thing.
paying by the byte is a much fairer system. even tierd plans suck, it should just be pay by the byte.
“unlimited” plans lead to advertising that is “optimistic” at best, and “blatantly false” at worst. sure you get the advertised performance… when no one else is using it…
and even tierd plans lead to good deals for the greedy at the expense of the incompetent (incompetency that is perfectly understandable in this instance)
internet is a utility, just like electricity and water. why can’t it be sold like them?