Verizon adds two new prepaid plans with plenty of data

Two-year contracts are so passé. Right now, the US is seeing two major trends: contract-free installment plans and bolstered prepaid plans. Verizon Wireless is adding two new prepaid plans, one with 5GB of data and the other 10GB.

Even just a few years ago, prepaid plans were almost non-existent in the US. Whereas in Europe, carriers have always offered a variety of pay-as-you-go packages, the US has historically been more contract-centered. Plus, prepaid plans were almost exclusively for feature phones. That’s why these plans never had adequate data and value to be appealing.

Well, things started to change a bit with GSM network carriers. AT&T, over the past year or two, has really been trying to bolster its prepaid offering, and for someone like me who might spend a few months in this country and a few months there, this was fantastic news. In fact, I still use AT&T’s $60 plan on my unlocked Galaxy S7 edge, which gives me plenty of data, and unlimited calling even to Canada and Mexico.

Seeing AT&T’s success, Verizon Wireless followed suit. And ever since, the red wireless network has come a very long way. Currently it offers 3GB of data for $45, 6GB of data for $60, all with unlimited talk and text, and starting November 13^th, it will add two more prepaid plans. For $50, you get 5GB of data, and for $20 more – $70 a month – you get 10GB! FYI, your unused data do roll over, and if you opt for the $70 plan, you also get unlimited calling to Canada and Mexico.

Verizon wants to remind you that these prepaid plans work with the latest smartphones like the Google Pixel and Lenovo Moto Z, which are offered by the carrier. If you travel a lot, or if you’re just looking to save money, prepaid plans might be the way to go.