Verizon launches prepaid data for Android, BlackBerry phones

Making the rumors official, Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) announced prepaid unlimited data plans for a wide range of phones, including some of its most popular devices.  

The carrier said that beginning today customers can go into stores and purchase unlimited prepaid data on select smartphones and multimedia phones for $30 per month. Multimedia phone customers (those with devices like the LG enV Touch and Samsung Alias 2) also have the option of a $10 monthly data package for 25 MB per month with $0.20/MB overage charges. Verizon said the plans will be available online starting Sept. 28. The prepaid data pricing is identical to Verizon's postpaid pricing.

Verizon said the offering applies to all of its Android phones, as well as its range of  BlackBerry devices from Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) and its two Palm devices, the Pre Plus and Pixi Plus. Verizon did not say what voice pricing plans have to be coupled with the prepaid data plans, but the company offers 450 prepaid minutes for $45 per month, 900 prepaid minutes for $65 per month and unlimited prepaid voice for $75 per month. The new data plans do not include the costs of texting.

The move comes hot on the heels of several tests conducted by Verizon, including a $50 prepaid monthly unlimited plan across the Southeast.

Other carriers, including T-Mobile USA, offer prepaid pricing plans for smartphones. T-Mobile offers unlimited voice, texting and Web browsing on a prepaid basis for $80 per month.

For more:
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