Verizon to end Grandfathered unlimited data plans when upgrading this summer,

For all those who are loyal vz customers- a top executive announced that this summer they will be requiring you to switch plans when "upgrading" your 3G phone to a 4g lte device. I don't know how this will affect those with a 4g phone before this goes into affect but it might be a good time to lock into a new contract and pick up a new 4g phone ( or switch to sprint who still offers all u can eat data). However vzw is going to time this before the new iPhone is released and well before the people who bought the iPhone 4 feb 10 2011 will be eligible for an upgrade.

Ultimately, the company hopes to move everyone off unlimited plans, said Mr. Shammo. "You will have to go onto the data-share plan and moving away from, if you will, the unlimited world," he said. As customers adopt increasingly data-rich plans, "you'll see the revenue increase there." Mr. Shammo's comments suggested users who keep 3G-only devices may be able keep their unlimited plans.

So 4g has a decreased wholesale cost per bit door the telcos v 3G. They use to charge 20 to 30usd for unlimited ( up to 5 gb per month) of data on 3G . Now with the cheaper dollar per bit cost they actually charge the same amount for 60% less bits. Now we can consume the data faster, use more data and pay even more money to the phone co.

Shame on Verizon for not standing by their long term customers!