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Verizon Promotes Tablets With New Data Plan

  • Reuters, Thursday, May 17, 2012 11:12 AM

Encouraging the spread of connected (and ad friendly) tablets, Verizon Wireless said it soon plans to offer shared data plans so customers can share their data allowance among different devices. Currently, customers have to sign up for a separate data plan for every device connected to the wireless operator's network. At an investor conference this week, Verizon Chief Financial Officer Fran Shammo said he expects the new offering to encourage more customers to connect more devices to its network.

“One area where carriers like Verizon have been missing out is tablet computers, as consumers have been hesitant to pay the extra cost of connecting their tablet to the cellular network,” Reuters writes. “But Shammo said this may change with shared data plans.” What about the possibility of subsidizing tablet computers? Alas, Shammo said this would not change any time soon.

"We're holding pretty strong with the model of no subsidies on these devices," he said this week. As Reuters adds: “The high price of devices, such as the Apple iPhone, have hurt operator margins as Verizon and its rivals pay hefty subsidies for the device so it can offer the phones at a discount to customers who sign a two-year contract.”

 

 

 

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