(Image source: VentureBeat )

BY EVAN THOMAS

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY


So — enjoying unlimited 3G data on Verizon? You might wanna enjoy it while you can.

FierceWireless reports , Verizon is preparing to axe its $30-a-month unlimited data plan for those users who have held contracts since before last year. Verizon CFO said when users upgrade to Verizon’s upcoming 4G LTE network, they’ll be required to buy the associated data plan.

Grandfathered customers aren’t required to immediately switch over to a 4G phone.
But GottaBeMobile points out, if they ever do want to upgrade, they’ll have to leave their unlimited data behind.
 

“ Verizon, for its part, doesn’t plan to release any 3G smartphones in 2012 and instead, will be strictly launching 4G LTE devices. This clearly will force the hand of customers who wish to remain with the carrier.”

AllTwitter compiled some of the 140-character fallout. It would appear Verizon is about to lose a fair few customers. Some say they’ll head to Sprint, the last carrier with true unlimited, unthrottled data left.

For those who remain, it’s not all bad news.  Verizon’s new data plan will let users lump as many devices together as they choose, which will all draw from the same per-month data reservoir. Computerworld says it’s likely to be a better deal that way.


“Although the end of unlimited data is bad news for grandfathered subscribers, shared data will likely be a money saver for customers who want to use phones, tablets and hotspots without paying separately for each device.”

And All Things Digital points out such a plan could mean getting some truly mobile use out of anything with a cellular radio.

“Despite the convenience of having a tablet with a built-in cellular connection, most customers so far have opted to stick with Wi-Fi. One of the big reasons has been that, for the most part, such devices have required smartphone customers to sign up for another data plan.”

Verizon’s new 4G plan is scheduled for release this summer. Pricing hasn’t been set yet.