Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Verizon Revamps Wireless Plans: Offers Customizable Perks System
Consumers seeking enhanced value from their mobile service provider should note recent changes from Verizon. Previously recognized for its bundled offerings, specifically the Play More plan which included the Disney Bundle (ad-free Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, and Hulu with ads) along with services like Google Play Pass or Apple Arcade, Verizon has adjusted its approach to plan benefits. While still positioned as a top choice for added features, the carrier now provides a more flexible system.
Shift to a Perk-Based System
Verizon has transitioned from automatically incorporating services into its wireless plans. The updated strategy introduces a selection of perks available for an additional $10 per month each. This modification allows subscribers to personalize their plans by choosing only the perks they desire. Notably, this perk system is now also accessible to customers on the more economical Unlimited Welcome plan.
Plan Options and Pricing
Unlimited Welcome Plan
The Unlimited Welcome plan is priced at $65 monthly for a single line or $120 per month for four lines. This option provides unlimited talk, text, and data. However, it does not grant access to Verizon’s premium, high-speed 5G Ultra Wideband network or include hotspot data.
Unlimited Plus Plan
For users requiring enhanced connectivity, the Unlimited Plus plan is available at $80 for a single line or $180 for four lines. This plan unlocks Verizon’s fastest 5G Ultra Wideband network and includes a high-speed hotspot allowance.
Available Perks at $10 Per Month
Both the Unlimited Welcome and Unlimited Plus plans offer the option to incorporate perks at the $10 monthly rate. These perks encompass a range of entertainment and utility services, including:
- Disney Bundle: Access to Disney Plus (ad-free), ESPN Plus, and Hulu (with ads). This bundle is typically valued at $15 per month independently.
- Apple One Individual: A suite of Apple services usually priced around $17 per month.
- Apple Music Family: Shareable with up to five individuals, this plan normally costs $17 per month.
- Walmart Plus: This membership, which includes Paramount Plus Essential, generally retails for $13 per month.
- 100GB Hotspot Data: For users needing extra mobile internet, this perk, when purchased separately, is valued at $45 per month.
- 2TB Verizon Cloud Storage: Additional digital storage space, typically priced at $15 per month.
- TravelPass: Three days of international data access, normally $10 per day.
Flexibility and Potential Savings
Subscribers have complete control over perk activation, deactivation, and selection. Perks can be added or removed as needed, and customers can opt out of perks entirely or even choose multiple perks on a single line.
Determining the financial benefit of this system necessitates evaluating individual service needs and willingness to pay. Significant savings are possible for users already subscribing to some of these services independently. Conversely, for some, the new system might represent a higher overall cost compared to previous plan structures.
Mix and Match Plan Options
Verizon provides flexibility through “mix and match” line options. Families or groups can optimize costs by placing users with less demanding data needs on the Unlimited Welcome plan while those requiring premium 5G Ultra Wideband can select Unlimited Plus.
Competitive Landscape
While AT&T offers similar plan customization, it currently does not include streaming service perks. T-Mobile’s perk structure generally necessitates all lines on an account to subscribe to the same plan to access benefits.
Example Scenario: Disney Bundle Savings
For example, a family seeking cost-effective access to the Disney Bundle could opt for four Unlimited Welcome lines at $120 per month and add the Disney Bundle perk for an additional $10, bringing the total monthly cost to $130 for the entire package.
Additional Discounts
Verizon subscribers may further reduce their monthly expenses by combining these plans with existing discounts for teachers, nurses, military personnel, and first responders.