This is just one man's opinion, but am I alone in thinking that Verizon will NOT dispense with the unlimited option? (Or at the very least, may offer lower-than-$30-priced limited tiers)?
Two reasons. First... Verizon so far has none of the connectivity issues that are plaguing AT&T at the moment. Verizon's made a big deal over their superior coverage and network for years, and they're right - it's MUCH better than any of the others. AT&T is only crumbling under the weight of the IPhone/Pad. There's no excuse for a price increase on Verizon's end, like there is on AT&T. To make any limited tier at $30 or more, would only make their customers angry. Plus with this economy...
Which brings me to reason #2: The (noisy) customer is always right, especially in large numbers.
I'm more than a little disappointed with those who hear that the price of something they depend on is going up, and it's inevitable, and they can't do anything about it. NONSENSE.
In my area, Time Warner was trying to dispense with the ~$40/mo "unlimited" RoadRunner internet, in favor of charging by the GB. Basically anyone who used a lot of internet would have seen their price as much as DOUBLE. To add insult to injury, they targeted this area because there's no real viable competition (best out there would be Verizon's FIOS, but we're stuck with some other phone company here, and no choice).
Well, there was a full-on customer revolt, and one of our camera-loving senators even got involved, and Time Warner backed down.
I personally think Verizon would be wise to keep things where they are - even lower their plan pricing a bit, to lure people away from AT&T. They can simply stay put, and watch AT&T price themselves out of business. Hey, maybe even pick up their own version of the IPhone.
As it is, I'm paying for a phone minutes plan that, to be honest, I don't even really use, except for business (not much). $30 unlimited for internet even seems steep, but I'm willing to make that trade-off. If that price goes higher, watch me go elsewhere.