While everything else seems to be getting more expensive lately, there's one crucial commodity that's been largely unaffected: wireless service. With the growing ubiquity of prepaid carriers, even the largest mobile service providers are beginning to lower their prices and offer new data plans for the budget-minded consumer.
Verizon already revolutionized the wireless experience with its customizable myPlan program, but the Big Three carrier has just taken things even further by launching its brand new Simplicity plan. Starting at just $30 per month (for new members with AutoPay), the new phone plan provides unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network, mobile hotspot data, and more.
I've been covering Verizon plans for quite a few years now, but even I have to admit that this sounds too good to be true. Is the new Simplicity plan right for you and your family? Let's discuss.
In addition to unlimited wireless on Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network, the new Simplicity plan also comes with 10GB of mobile hotspot data, international roaming and satellite texting, call filter, and optional entertainment bundles that you can mix and match every month.
These packages include the "For Movie Lovers" bundle, which gives you access to Disney Plus, Hulu, Netflix, and HBO Max for only $23 per month. Other bundles include music streaming, cloud storage, and international benefits for additional monthly fees.
The Simplicity plan also introduces the new Verizon Dollars loyalty program. Whenever you spend money at Verizon, this included perk gets you 3% back in the form of rewards that you can spend on the carrier's site or at one of its many partners, including Starbucks, Target, Hilton hotels, and more.
So what's the catch?
The Verizon Simplicity plan offers a ton of value no matter how you look at it, but that doesn't mean it's for everyone. One thing I noticed is that, unlike other Verizon plans, the Simplicity plan doesn't get cheaper the more lines you add. For new Verizon customers, the plan costs $30/month per line, whether you're adding one line or four. This could be a problem for families who try to save money by utilizing multiline discounts.
Furthermore, it appears that video streaming on the Simplicity plan is capped at 720p, and unlike most cheap phone plans offered by MVNO carriers, taxes and fees aren't included in the price listed above. And again, the $30 per month price is only available to new subscribers who use AutoPay — existing Verizon customers will pay $45 per month for each line.
Is the Simplicity plan worth it?
If you're a new customer who is ready to switch to Verizon and you don't need all of the bells and whistles offered by premium unlimited plans, then Verizon's Simplicity plan might be perfect for you. If you're an existing Verizon customer or you're looking to bring the whole family, however, I'd probably look elsewhere.
