Verizon just made a major change to its unlimited data plan

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After surprising customers with a new unlimited data plan in February, Verizon is making some tweaks.

A Verizon representative confirmed to Clark.com via Facebook Messenger that new unlimited plans are in effect as of August 23, but existing customers can keep their current plan.

The introductory plan that’s no longer available was $80 per month for a single line before taxes and fees.

Verizon Wireless tweaks unlimited data plan

The Verge reports that the three new plans, Go Unlimited, Beyond Unlimited and Business Unlimited, all have fine print — including limits and restrictions around video streaming.

“With Go Unlimited, you get the Verizon network at an even better value. Beyond Unlimited gives you the best of the best: premium high-speed 4G LTE data so you can stream lots of HD video, mobile hotspot and calling and data to and from Canada and Mexico,”  according to a Verizon news release.

Here are the details for the two consumer plans:

Go Unlimited

  • 1 – $75/line per month
  • 2 – $65/line per month
  • 3 – $50/line per month
  • 4+ – $40/line per month

This plan limits video streams to DVD-quality on phones (480p) and features unlimited mobile hotspot data at non-4G LTE speeds.

Beyond Unlimited

  • 1 – $85/line per month
  • 2 – $80/line per month
  • 3 – $60/line per month
  • 4+ – $50/line per month

This plan allows for HD video streaming (capped at a 720p resolution for phones, 1080p resolution for tablets), 15GB of mobile hotspot at 4G LTE speeds and calling, texting and data in Mexico and Canada.

Verizon

HD video on all legacy plans will also match Beyond Unlimited’s HD quality, Verizon said in a news release:

“We’re doing this to ensure all customers have a great experience on our network since there is no significant difference in quality on a smartphone or tablet when video is shown at higher resolutions (than 720p on phones and 1080p on tablets).”

Verizon will also slow the speeds of people on the cheaper unlimited plan during times of network congestion, the AP reported. It will do that on the more expensive plan only when a customer uses more than 22GB in a month.

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Again, if you signed up for Verizon’s unlimited plan during the introductory period, you can keep your current plan and you’ll automatically get an extra 5GB of mobile hotspot data at no extra charge.

You can read more about these new plans on Verizon’s website.

Listen to Clark talk about Verizon’s new plans on The Clark Howard Show Podcast

Although Verizon has once again been ranked the #1 wireless network by RootMetrics, it’s far from the best deal. For example, Sprint’s latest unlimited offer is five lines for $90/month.

See all of your options in Clark’s guide to the best cell phone plans and deals for 2017.

Clark’s key takeaway

“If you have not shopped your cell phone service in the last six weeks, you’re paying too much. I used to say in the last six months, but prices have moved so much in the last six weeks. You owe it to your wallet to not let inertia rule your life and go shop for the deals that are out there.”

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