Back to previous page

Data Packages

General Information

  1. What is a data package, and why do I want one?

    A data package is the part of your plan that allows you to access data like email and the Internet over the Verizon Wireless network.

    With all of the new content, easy access to email and Web, and the fast speeds that our 3G and 4G LTE™ devices offer, you may find yourself using your device more often. A data package can help prevent usage charge surprises when your bill arrives.

    Back to top

  2. What different data packages are available?

    Refer to the “Data Packages” page for more information.

    Back to top

  3. Why is Verizon Wireless changing its data pricing?

    We are streamlining our data packages and data plans and creating usage based options that, regardless of the device, allow you to select the plan that best matches your use. Our new usage based data pricing model will offer you more options for Smartphones and updated options for basic phones, tablets and netbooks. There will be no change to existing data plans for standalone Mobile Hotspots (MiFi® or 4G Mobile Hotspot) or USB Modems.

    Back to top

  4. Do the new usage based data options include packages for Smartphones or do the new options only impact laptops and other Mobile Broadband devices?

    Our new usage based data options are available for the following device types:

    • Basic phones
    • Smartphones
    • Tablets
    • Netbooks
    • USB modems
    • Notebooks

    With our new data packages, you have more options for data and you’ll be able to select the package that matches your usage patterns and budget. Refer to the Data Calculator to estimate your data usage.

    Back to top

  5. I don’t want to pay a lot for data. What are my data options for Smartphones?

    With our new data packages, you have more options for data, and you’ll be able to select the package that matches your usage patterns and budget.

    We offer three data packages to choose from, starting as low as $30 per month:

    Data Packages for Smartphones
    Monthly Data Allowance Monthly Access Fee Rate After Allowance
    2 GB $30 $10 / 1 GB
    5 GB $50 $10 / 1 GB
    10 GB $80 $10 / 1 GB

    Data packages may not be used to tether your Smartphone to a computer or tablet, or as a Wi-Fi® hotspot, unless you subscribe to Mobile Hotspot / Mobile Broadband.

    Back to top

  6. What data plans do you have available for Mobile Broadband devices?

    We offer a selection of data plans for Mobile Broadband devices, starting at $30 per month:

    Data Plans for Mobile Broadband Devices
    Monthly Data Allowance Monthly Access Fee Rate After Allowance Tablets and Netbooks 4G USB Modems / Notebooks and Dedicated Mobile Hotspots
     2 GB $30 $10 / 1 GB X —
     5 GB $50 $10 / 1 GB X X
     10 GB $80 $10 / 1 GB X X

    Back to top

  7. What data packages are available for basic phones?

    We have four data packages to choose from starting as low as $10 per month:

    Data Packages for Basic Phones
     Monthly Data Allowance  Monthly Access Fee  Rate After Allowance
    75 MB* $10 $10 / $75 MB
    2 GB $30 $10 / 1 GB
    5 GB $50 $10 / 1 GB
    10 GB $80 $10 / 1 GB

    *Not available on Smartphones.

    Data packages may not be used to tether your Smartphone to a computer or tablet, or as a Wi-Fi® Mobile Hotspot, unless you subscribe to an additional Mobile Hotspot / Mobile Broadband Connect data plan.

    Back to top

  8. Can I select a data package for my basic phone at a later time?

    Yes, if you choose not to select a data package right away, you can still use data on a “pay as you go” basis. If you select this option, data sent and received will be billed at $1.99 per MB. This option is not available on Smartphones.

    Back to top

  9. Are the new Smartphone data packages and Mobile Broadband data plans the same for 3G and 4G LTE™ devices?

    Yes, our new Smartphone data packages and Mobile Broadband data plans are the same for 3G and 4G LTE devices. They are designed to provide you with consistent choices across varying device types.

    Back to top

  10. What can I do with my data package?

    With a data package, you can:

    • Check personal or business email
    • Browse the Web
    • Download games, apps, ringtones and much more

    Back to top

  11. Is “pay as you go” available for data usage on tablets?

    We have data packages for tablets starting at $30 per month for 2 GB, and prepaid pricing options for iPad® starting at $20 per month.

    Apple, the Apple logo, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

    Back to top

  12. Is “pay as you go” available for data usage on Smartphones?

    No, “pay as you go” for data usage is not available on Smartphones.

    Back to top

  13. You used to have a $30 unlimited data package. But today for $30, I would only get 2 GB?

    Over 90% of our Smartphone customers use less than 2 GB per month. So the $30 / 2 GB Data Package is usually more than enough. With Wi-Fi® functionality on most devices and our data usage monitoring tools, there shouldn’t be any surprises at the end of the month.

    We offer a number of tools to help you manage your data usage and choose the right option:

    Back to top

  14. I thought Verizon Wireless was supposed to have the best network. Why can’t you offer unlimited data anymore?

    Our network is robust. We invest more than $6.5 billion annually to keep it that way. As we plan for the future, we need to have the tools in place that allow us to continue to provide the nation’s best and most reliable wireless network. Moving to a usage based pricing model helps us safeguard the superior experience our customers enjoy.

    Back to top

  15. If most customers use less than 2 GB, why don’t you offer a package for less?

    If you have a basic phone and don’t use much data, our “pay as you go” option is available. If you have a Smartphone, a 2 GB Data Package allows you to enjoy email, Internet, apps and more, all on the largest, most-reliable wireless network in America.

    Back to top

  16. Does the change to usage based data pricing impact current Verizon Wireless customers?

    Existing customers with unlimited data packages do not need to make any changes at this time. If you are an existing customer, and you are upgrading your device from a basic phone to a Smartphone or adding a new line of service, you can select from currently offered pricing.

    Back to top

  17. I have the current Mobile Hotspot Data Plan. Will the new usage based data pricing affect my current plan?

    While existing customers can switch to current pricing at any time, there is no requirement to change at this time, unless you are upgrading your device from a basic phone to a Smartphone or adding a new line of service.

    Back to top

  18. Do you offer a new Family SharePlan® for data as part of the new usage based data pricing system?

    Our new data packages and plans can be purchased on a per line basis.

    Back to top

  19. I currently have a Family SharePlan® with unlimited data. If I want to add an additional line, will it have unlimited data as well?

    No, for your additional line you may select from any currently offered data package.

    Back to top

Data Package Features

  1. What is included with my data package?

    In addition to the monthly allowance that can be used for Web browsing and downloading games, apps and ringtones, your data package includes personal email.

    If you have a basic phone and do not wish to subscribe to a data package, email is available for $5 per month.

    Business email is available for an additional $15 per month on the $30 / 2 GB Data Package, and it is included with data packages of $50 and higher for a limited time.

    Back to top

  2. What kind of personal email is available with my data package?

    Your data package gives you access to popular Internet-based email accounts including Yahoo!® Mail, AOL® Mail, Gmail™, Windows Live® and Verizon.net.

    Gmail is a trademark of Google, Inc. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions.

    Back to top

  3. What type of business email is available with my data package?

    You have access to server-based corporate email running on Microsoft® Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino, Novell® GroupWise® and / or company intranet sites.

    Business email costs an additional $15 per month on the $30 Data Package, and it is included in the $50 and $80 Data Packages for a limited time.

    Back to top

  4. Do your new data packages allow me to share my Smartphone’s Internet signal with my child’s gaming device?

    Data packages that include Mobile Hotspot / Mobile Broadband Connect are available for your Smartphone. You can extend the capability of your Smartphone and share your data allowance, plus get an additional 2 GB of data for just $20 more per month.

    Data Packages with Mobile Hotspot / Mobile Broadband Connect
    for Basic Phones & Smartphones
    Monthly Data Allowance Monthly Access Fee Rate After Allowance
    4 GB $50 $10 / 1 GB
    7 GB $70 $10 / 1 GB
    12 GB $100 $10 / 1 GB

    Data packages may not be used to tether your Smartphone to a computer or tablet, or as a Wi-Fi® hotspot, unless you subscribe to Mobile Hotspot / Mobile Broadband.

    Back to top

Managing Your Data

  1. How do I know how much data I will need?

    We offer helpful tools to manage and monitor your data usage:

    • Data Calculator – You can use the free Data Calculator available through My Verizon to help estimate how much data you’ll need
    • Alerts – You can set up alerts in My Verizon and My Verizon Mobile that will help you keep track of how much data you are using
    • Data Usage Widget – Most of our Smartphones have a data usage widget that allows you to track your usage right on your device

    Should you find that you need more or less data than your current data package provides, you can change your package at any time.

    If you are not registered for My Verizon, you can register online and start managing your account immediately.

    Back to top

  2. Is there a way for me to see how much data I have used in my current bill cycle?

    There are various ways to check your data usage:

    Ways to Check Data Usage
    Method Details
    Online Sign in to My Verizon and view the Data Usage section of My Usage.  View screenshot

    Click on the Usage Details link to see a more detailed data usage summary.
    Call from your device Dial #DATA (#3282) + Send from your wireless device. A text message will be sent to your device containing your data usage details.
    My Verizon Mobile app Open the My Verizon Mobile app. Tap Usage Details and tap Data to view the data usage for each line on your account.
    Android™ widget A data usage widget that displays usage details on your Smartphone Home screen is available for Android devices with OS version 1.6 and higher. View instructions on setting up this widget on Android devices.

    Similar widgets coming soon for BlackBerry®

    Android is a trademark of Google, Inc. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions.

    Back to top

  3. Where can I see the data usage charges on my Verizon Wireless bill?

    For a quick summary:

    1. Sign in to My Verizon and go to the My Bill page.
    2. Click on the Data link under Usage Charges. This will provide a summary of total megabytes used during the last bill cycle.

    For more detailed information:

    1. Sign in to My Verizon and go to the My Bill page.
    2. Go to the Data Charges section under Charges.

    Back to top

  4. Can I view details of my past downloads to my device?

    Yes, to view details of past media purchases, sign in to My Verizon and go to the My Media page.

    To view downloads for a given month, go to the Data Details tab of your online billing statement and select Downloads in the Usage dropdown.

    Note: You can only view downloads that appear on your bill. My Verizon will not display downloads from other storefronts like Android™ Market, BlackBerry® App World, Handango, etc.

    Android is a trademark of Google, Inc. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions.

    Back to top

  5. How do I set up the Data Usage widget on my Android™ Smartphone?

    Refer to these instructions on how to set up the Data Usage widget for Android.

    Android is a trademark of Google, Inc. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions.

    Back to top

  6. What happens if I go over my monthly data usage limit?

    Data overage charges are billed differently depending on your package.

    • If you subscribe to the 75 MB / $10 Data Package for basic phones and you exceed your 75 MB allowance, you will be charged $10 for an additional 75 MB.
    • If you subscribe to the 2 GB, 5 GB or 10 GB Data Package for Smartphones, tablets, netbooks and USB modems, notebooks and dedicated Mobile Hotspot, and you exceed your allowance, you will be charged $10 for an additional 1 GB.

    Back to top

  7. Can I be notified when I am nearing my monthly data usage limit?

    Yes, with My Verizon and / or My Verizon Mobile you can set up your account so that you receive text messages or emails alerting you when you’ve reached 50%, 75%, 90%, 100%, and a one-time overage alert at 110% of your data allowance.

    Back to top

  8. How can I use Wi-Fi® hotspots on my Smartphone?

    Wi-Fi hotspots can be used to supplement your monthly data allowance. Most Smartphones can be configured to search for open Wi-Fi hotspots and, depending on your settings, automatically connect. By activating your Smartphone’s Wi-Fi settings, you’ll still have access to the Internet, but you won’t use your monthly data allowance.

    Back to top

  9. My average monthly data usage falls right in between two packages. Is it better for me to get the larger package?

    If your data usage falls between two packages, it may be a better value to sign up for the larger allowance.

    For example, if you have a 2 GB Package (which costs $30) and you exceed it by double, you would be paying $50 for 4 GB. We recommend changing to the 5 GB Package which costs $50. Should you find that you need more data, you can change your data package at any time.

    Back to top

  10. If I sign up for the 2 GB Data Package, and I discover that I use more than 2 GB per month, is it easy to upgrade to a larger package?

    If you find that you need more or less data, you can change your data package at any time.

    Back to top

  11. If I reset my device and have to download all of my apps again, will I be charged for data usage?

    You will be charged for data usage on applications you re-download.

    Back to top

  12. If Google releases Over the Air (OTA) updates for my device, will I be charged for data usage?

    Yes, you will be charged for data usage on any OTA updates you receive on your device.

    Google and the Google logo are trademarks of Google, Inc.

    Back to top

  13. Is there an extra charge to use Mobile Hotspot on my Smartphone?

    In order to extend the capability of your Smartphone and share your data allowance with other Wi-Fi® enabled devices, you must subscribe to a data package that includes Mobile Hotspot. You’ll get an additional 2 GB of data for only $20 more per month.

    Back to top

  14. Is there an extra charge to use my basic phone or Smartphone as a modem?

    You can connect your Smartphone or basic phone to your computer and get online access. To do this, you must subscribe to a data package that includes Mobile Broadband Connect. You’ll get an additional 2 GB of data for only $20 more per month.

    Back to top