Verizon ?Share Everything? plan probably means less for you

With great fanfare, Verizon Wireless introduced its new “Share Everything” plan, which bills customers for unlimited voice and text, but only a limited amount of data, plus a fee for each device connected.

Unfortunately, this plan is mandatory for new customers, and for those wishing to upgrade their wireless phones. Everyone will be billed this way – whether or not it benefits you. As CNET Senior Writer Roger Cheng said, “It's a classic case of a carrier giving you more of what you don't need, and taking away what you do – all for a higher price.”

The Share Everything plan is aimed at families, which helps Verizon by securing groups of customers all tied to the carrier. And for families of three or more, there might be a benefit. But for everyone else, it’s probably a loss.

Currently, an individual with a smartphone gets 450 voice minutes, 1000 text messages and 2 GB of data for $80 a month. Under the new plan, that will jump to $100. Now, some may find unlimited voice and text alluring, but most people are increasingly using their smartphones for the Internet, and particularly for streaming – which means you can easily exceed your 2GB limit, adding to the already inflated price. If you want to use your iPad or other connected tablet, that will cost you and additional $10 a month.

The new plan favors smartphone heavy users over the thrifty. As one observer said, “The people that lose out are those who are already skimping on minutes or data packages to save money. Those on an individual plan with one smartphone and minimum minutes and texts are losers as well.”

Verizon Share Everything site (website)

Why Verizon's shared data plan is a raw deal (CNET.com, Jun. 12, 2012)

Verizon’s Share Everything plan: What it will cost you (digitaltrands.com, Jun. 13, 2012)