Verizon, in an attempt to officially clarify all things unlimited data vs. shared data tiers, has published another note and sent an email to the NY Times that should set the record straight. Let’s just say that this note from Big Red is exactly what we already told you in our clarification post from earlier in the day. This was nice of them to settle it once and for all though. Well, for the most part.

As we have stated publicly, Verizon Wireless has been evaluating its pricing structure for some time. Customers have told us that they want to share data, similar to how they share minutes today. We are working on plans to provide customers with that option and will introduce new plans later this year. When the new options are introduced, Unlimited Data will no longer be available to our customers purchasing handsets and signing a new contract. Customers who choose to purchase phones at full retail price and are currently on an unlimited smartphone data plan will be able to keep that plan. The same pricing and policies will apply to all 3G and 4GLTE smartphones. We will share specific details of the plans well in advance of their introduction so customers will have time to evaluate the plans and make the best decisions for their wireless service. It is our goal and commitment to continue to provide customers with the same high value service they have come to expect from Verizon Wireless.

The email in bullets:

Customers will not be automatically moved to new shared data plans. If a 3G or 4G smartphone customer is on an unlimited plan now and they do not want to change their plan, they will not have to do so.

When we introduce our new shared data plans, Unlimited Data will no longer be available to customers when purchasing handsets at discounted pricing.

Customers who purchase phones at full retail price and are on an unlimited smartphone data plan will be able to keep that plan.

The same pricing and policies will be applied to all 3G and 4GLTE smartphones.

So just as we said earlier – this doesn’t affect you if you are on a contract as of today or up until they launch shared data tiers. If you renew after shared plans go live though, and take on a discounted or subsidized phone, you will have to choose a shared data tier and come off of unlimited. If you want to continue on month-to-month after your contract is done with your same old phone and/or upgrade at full retail to a new one, you get to keep your current unlimited plan. Verizon can’t void your current contract and push you into a tier, again, as we said earlier.

The only thing this doesn’t explain is how this will work when you have multiple lines and one of those lines takes on a new contract with a subsidized phone. Does that affect everyone on that account or not?

There you have it, again.

Via: Verizon | NY Times

Cheers zepfloyd and James!