Verizon Launches New ‘FreeBee’ Data Plan

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One week after AT&T announced a new unlimited wireless data plan, Verizon announced its new “FreeBee Data” plans.

Basically, FreeBee Data plans allow third-party mobile content providers to pick up the data tab for Verizon customers who download content from those providers.

Verizon describes the plans, which the publicly traded company announced Tuesday, as a “sponsored data service.”

CNN Money likened it to toll-free “800-number” calling, when the company a caller dials agrees to pay for the phone call.

There are two FreeBee Data plans:

FreeBee Data 360:

  • Verizon describes this as follows: “Content providers can sign up to provide consumers some or all of their mobile content — whether in an app or mobile website — without using consumers’ data plans.”
  • Billed using a per-gigabyte pricing model.
  • Became commercially available on a beta basis on Tuesday.

FreeBee Data:

  • Verizon describes this as follows: “Content providers can sponsor specific consumer actions on a per-click basis, free of data charges for subscribers — including mobile video clips, audio streaming and app downloads.”
  • Billed using a per-click pricing model.
  • Expected to become commercially available later this year, but Verizon will begin a beta trial on Jan. 25. AOL, Gameday and Hearst Magazines are among the brands that have already signed up to participate in the trial. They will sponsor some mobile content for 1,000 test subscribers.

If you’re looking for a new or better cellphone plan, be sure to visit the Money Talks News Solutions Center and click on “Cell Phone Plan.”

Would you consider a FreeBee Data-type plan? Let us know what you think — leave a comment below or on our Facebook page.

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