The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Verizon just raised the stakes once more in the wireless carrier’s heated battle with AT&T to win and retain iPhone customers.
According to the report, Verizon will roll out a $30 per month unlimited 3G data plan for iPhone users. The information – which initially came from an allegedly leaked internal Verizon memo – suggests that the $30 plan may be the “only option available for any smartphone,” as Verizon is believed to be ending all entry-level data-capped plans.
Verizon, however, has since confirmed the Verizon iPhone $30 unlimited data plan to the WSJ.
But on Tuesday morning, only hours after the initial WSJ report, the carrier’s heir apparent and chief operating officer, Lowell McAdam told investors at a meeting that the iPhone’s unlimited plan “will be a temporary offer” and that the carrier will “follow AT&T’s move to tiered pricing” at some point in the near future.
The revelation of Verizon’s new highly competitive data plans is widely seen as particularly attractive, especially in light of the three-year wait many current and prospective iPhone owners endured while Apple’s exclusive deal with AT&T ran its course.
Beginning February 10th, Apple’s iPhone will be available to Verizon customers for $199.99 (16GB) and $299.99 (32GB).