It looks like Verizon Wireless will be sharpening up their entire phone lineup in time for the holidays. Engadget has just published an excerpt from Verizon’s latest cell phone rebate sheet, and the discount-document has quite a story to tell. The document details several Motorola devices; including the DROID Pro, Citrus, and two SKUs for the DROID 2 Global. The two-SKU listing for the DROID 2 could indicate one model with a camera and one model without, or that the handset will come in two different colors. Although not listed above, the blog also notes that the Palm Pre 2, LG Cosmos Touch, Samsung Zeal, and Samsung Continuum make the list. Just in time for the holidays.

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When this Verizon iPhone situation is all said and done, the iPhone will, in all likelihood, go down in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most confirmed, unconfirmed device in electronics-history. In an exposé about Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg, Fortune can’t seem to steer clear of Apple and the iPhone. Noting Seidenberg’s success in transforming Verizon from a $13 billion per year business into a $108 billion per year business, Fortune quipps that “every tech company” — including Apple — “must find a way to partner with it [Verizon].” The beginning of the article contains the line that the entire blogosphere, and most of the mainstream media, will latch on to: “Fortune has confirmed that a Verizon iPhone will be released in early 2011.” There it is, your definitive, Verizon, CDMA, iPhone, it’s really happening, rumor of the week.

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There have been rumors floating around the internet about Verizon Wireless offering a second, “tiered” data plan, and that rumor was confirmed today. America’s largest wireless provider will begin offering a $15 monthly data plan to 3G smartphone users that offers 150MB data allowance. The carrier will bill overages at $15 per 150MB and the $30, unlimited data plan will remain unchanged.

Also hot off the rumor wagon, Engadget is reporting that Verizon is testing calling plans with unlimited, any-mobile-to-mobile minutes — a la Sprint — in select markets across Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. The plans range from $60 all the way up to $130 — offering between 450 and 2000 minutes — and include unlimited text messaging. The unlimited mobile-to-mobile offerings are available until the end of 2010 at which point, we assume, Verizon will either expand or cancel the plans depending on demand.

Read [$15 Data Plan] Read [Unlimited Mobile]

According to a press release out of Washington, D.C., the FCC Enforcement Bureau has reached “an historic consent decree with Verizon Wireless — including a record $25 million payment to the U.S. Treasury — regarding ‘mystery fees’ the company charged its customers over the last several years.” The agreement also calls for VZW to pay a minimum of $52.8 million to roughly 15 million customers who were erroneously charged “mystery” data fees over the course of three years. The brief explains that the investigation “focused on ‘pay-as-you-go’ data fees — charges of $1.99 per megabyte that apply to Verizon Wireless customers who do not subscribe to a data package or plan.” Hit the jump to read the full press release and let us know if you think you’re due for a small refund from Big Red.

FCC INVESTIGATION INTO VERIZON WIRELESS “MYSTERY FEES” RESULTS IN RECORD SETTLEMENT

Verizon Wireless to pay largest-ever settlement and consumer refund

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Federal Communications Commission’s Enforcement Bureau announced an historic consent decree with Verizon Wireless — including a record $25 million payment to the U.S. Treasury — regarding “mystery fees” the company charged its customers over the last several years. The payment is the largest in FCC history and the settlement concludes the agency’s ten-month investigation into these overcharges. In addition to Verizon Wireless’s payment to the Treasury, the company will immediately refund a minimum of $52.8 million to approximately 15 million customers and ensure that consumers are no longer charged the mystery fees.

“Mystery solved: today’s settlement with Verizon Wireless is about making things right and putting consumers back in the driver’s seat,” said Michele Ellison, Chief of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau. “Today’s settlement requires Verizon Wireless to make meaningful business reforms, prevent future overcharges, and provide consumers clear, easy-to-understand information about their choices. I am gratified by the cooperation of the Verizon Wireless team in the face of these issues, and pleased they are taking the high road.”

The Enforcement Bureau began investigating Verizon Wireless in January 2010 after large numbers of consumer complaints and press reports about unexplained data charges. The investigation focused on “pay-as-you-go” data fees — charges of $1.99 per megabyte that apply to Verizon Wireless customers who do not subscribe to a data package or plan.

The investigation found that approximately 15 million “pay-as-you-go” customers were or may have been overcharged for data usage over the course of three years, from November 2007 to the present. According to the settlement, the erroneous mystery fees from Verizon Wireless were caused by:

• unauthorized data transfers initiated automatically by applications (like games) built into certain phones;
• accessing certain web links that were designated as free-of-charge (e.g., the Verizon Wireless Mobile Web homepage);
• unsuccessful attempts to access data when there was insufficient network coverage to complete the requested data transfer; and
• unwanted data transfers initiated by third parties and affecting customers who had content filters installed on their phones.

This action is part of the FCC’s ongoing commitment to empowering and protecting consumers. Earlier this month, as part of its Consumer Empowerment Agenda, the FCC proposed rules to prevent bill shock — sudden, unexpected increases in consumers’ monthly mobile bills.

To ensure that all affected consumers are repaid and the mystery fee issue is resolved, Verizon Wireless has agreed to key consumer protection measures, including:

• No more mystery fees: Verizon Wireless must cease charging customers the incorrect fees. In addition, the company has agreed to take affirmative steps to prevent future unauthorized data charges.
• Immediate repayment of 15 million customers: Customers who have been indentified by Verizon Wireless as being potentially being overcharged for data usage will receive refunds or credits on their October or November bills.
• Right to appeal: Verizon Wireless’s repayment obligations are not capped at the estimated $52.8 million in refunds identified by the company. Customers who do not receive a refund but believe they had unauthorized data charges have a right to appeal, receive a good-faith review, and reach resolution within 30 days. Verizon Wireless is required to disclose any unresolved complaints to the FCC.
• Commitment to offer data blocks on request: Verizon Wireless must offer data blocks to any customer who seeks to avoid data charges on his or her bill.
• Improved customer service: Verizon Wireless must launch several new customer service initiatives to provide more information and more options to consumers. These include:
  • Plain-language explanations of “pay as you go” data charges and data plans, and the available tools to reduce those charges;
  • An online video tutorial to help consumers understand their bills; and
  • Enhanced training on pay-as-you-go data charges to Verizon Wireless’s customer service representatives who interface directly with consumers and respond to consumer questions or complaints.
• Data Charge Task Force: Verizon Wireless must create a Data Charge Task Force, staffed by specially trained customer service experts who will monitor and resolve data charge complaints and other data charge-related issues going forward. The Task Force will issue regular reports to the FCC so the agency can ensure compliance.
• Strong accountability and compliance monitoring: Verizon Wireless must submit periodic reports to the FCC on its refund, training, and customer service initiatives (including information on specific complaints) to ensure the company’s compliance going forward.

“There is nothing more satisfying to the public spirit than to right a wrong or rectify an injustice,” said Ellison. “We salute the consumers who had the tenacity to call attention to this problem. We will continue to monitor the company’s compliance going forward. And, consumers, if you need us, our lights are always on.”

Today, Verizon Wireless announced a minor update to the Motorola DROID 2 that is currently being rolled out. The update brings with it improved battery life, better proximity sensor accuracy, improved GPS tracking, faster transitions between Wi-Fi and 3G, and a handful of other small fixes. The update — version 2.3.20.A955.Verizon.en.US/BPC01.09.07P — is being pushed out as we speak. Hit the read link to see the full change log and let us know when your handset gets the new bits.

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According to Droid-Life, yes. They seem to have come across a public test webpage URL on Verizon’s site that show the pricing for the soon-to-be launched Motorola DROID Pro at $299 with 2 year service agreement. Now, it’s possible the price is just a placeholder, but $299 for a primarily business-aimed handset wouldn’t be out of bounds in our opinion. Especially with global roaming capability. Thoughts?

[Via Engadget]

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Verizon Communications announced its Q3 2010 earnings this morning and, buried in that spreadsheet, are the results for the Vodafone, Verizon joint venture that is Verizon Wireless. The company reported 997,000 net additions for the quarter along with a minuscule retail postpaid churn of 1.07%. Total revenue increased by 6% from the third quarter of last year and Verizon Wireless’ customer base now stands at 93.2 million. Other notable facts from the report:

• Data revenue increased 5.2% year-over-year
• Cash expense per customer was down to $26.88 from $27.59 the previous year
• During Q3, Verizon sent more than 183 billion text messages, 3.8 billion picture messages, and saw users complete 22 million music/video downloads

Hit the read link to check out the entire report.

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Today, Verizon Wireless announced that the 7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab would be available, starting November 11, for $600. The device will be sold for its full retail price with no data plan requirement; a $20, 1GB monthly plan can be added post-purchase. No word on whether the $20 data plan is month-to-month (like the iPad) or contract based; we’ve reached out to Verizon for clarification and will update the article when we hear back.

Hit the jump for the full press release. Anyone adding this to their holiday wish-list? What do you think of the price?

UPDATE: Verizon Wireless has just responded to our query. The $20 data plan is a month-to-month offering — just like the iPad — no contract required.

Verizon Wireless Puts Samsung Galaxy Tab™ in Stores in November

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and DALLAS, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ — Verizon Wireless and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) today announced the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy Tab™ will be available Nov. 11 for $599.99. Running on Android™ 2.2, the Samsung Galaxy Tab features a brilliant 7-inch touch screen; robust HTML Web browsing experience with full support for Adobe® Flash® 10.1 for video and mobile gaming; and a 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird Application processor.

“This is an incredible time in mobile technology, and as a company we’re excited to add the Samsung Galaxy Tab to our portfolio,” said Marni Walden, vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. “The Samsung Galaxy Tab brings together the reliability of Verizon Wireless’ 3G network and the power of Android 2.2 to deliver on our promise of providing consumers and business customers with a host of options to help manage their lives.”

Popular mobile applications, including V CAST Music and V CAST Song ID, VZ Navigator®, Slacker Radio, Kindle for Android, BLOCKBUSTER On Demand® presented by V CAST Video, and the exclusive golf game, “Let’s Golf,” will be available on the Samsung Galaxy Tab. In addition to text, picture and video messaging, the Samsung Galaxy Tab will also feature V CAST Apps, Verizon Wireless’ mobile storefront offering hundreds of applications for businesses and consumers at launch.

Verizon Wireless customers can add a monthly access plan beginning at $20 a month for 1 GB on their Samsung Galaxy Tab. For additional features and specifications on the Samsung Galaxy Tab, visit www.verizonwireless.com/galaxytab.

For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

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Today, via a press release, Verizon Wireless announced a new 3G Network Extender for customers suffering from sub-par, indoor signal strength. The extender, which is manufactured by Samsung, will allow Verizon customers to “make calls and send text and picture messages, they can also download apps, browse the Web, send e-mails, download and play 3D games, and stream video using their home Internet connection.” The device is priced at $249.99 and there is no monthly fee associated with its use. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Expand Your 3G Network: Verizon Wireless 3G Network Extender Now Available

Newest In-Home Device Enhances Both Calling & Data Capabilities

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The power to enhance wireless voice and data coverage at home is in customers’ hands with the launch of the Verizon Wireless 3G Network Extender.

Beginning today, customers who live in homes where location, geography or structural conditions interfere with reception can use the Verizon Wireless 3G Network Extender to instantly enhance the signal on their Verizon Wireless phones and smartphones. Now, with the new Verizon Wireless 3G Network Extender, customers can not only make calls and send text and picture messages, they can also download apps, browse the Web, send e-mails, download and play 3D games, and stream video using their home Internet connection.

Ideal for those customers who want to use their wireless devices in homes with structural barriers or homes located in remote, mountainous or hilly areas, the Verizon Wireless 3G Network Extender is easy to set up and can provide coverage within 40 feet of the Network Extender device.

The Verizon Wireless 3G Network Extender, a “mini-cell site” manufactured by Samsung Mobile, is about the size of a wireless router box or woman’s purse and routes Verizon Wireless calls through the customer’s home broadband Internet connection. Up to six Verizon Wireless customers can use their phones and monthly plans to place calls and access data using the Verizon Wireless 3G Network Extender. Customers can also use My Verizon (www.verizonwireless.com/myverizon) to set up a list of preferred users who will have access to their Network Extender. Customers do not need to update their plans or add minutes and will incur no additional monthly charges for using the Verizon Wireless 3G Network Extender.

The Verizon Wireless 3G Network Extender replaces the original Verizon Wireless Network Extender, which was introduced in 2009. The Verizon Wireless 3G Network Extender can be purchased online at www.verizonwireless.com or by calling 1-800-256-4646. The price is $249.99 plus local taxes. For more information, visitwww.verizonwireless.com/networkextender.

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While AT&T and T-Mobile subscribers are beginning to enjoy their first taste of Windows Phone 7 devices, Verizon Wireless reportedly has a bundle of new smartphones ready to help keep subscribers’ minds from wandering this holiday season. New rumors place four sexy new smartphones on Verizon Wireless store shelves early next month: the Motorola DROID Pro, DROID 2 Global and CITRUS, and the just-announced Palm Pre 2. All four of these fine phones are said to be launching on November 11, leaving plenty of time for shoppers to get familiar with them ahead of the holidays. While none of the aforementioned handsets have the hype or $500 million marketing blitz enjoyed by Windows Phone 7, they’re all respectable offerings that will help bolster Big Red’s lineup ahead of you know what.

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BlackBerry Storm users on Verizon Wireless are still feeling the burn from the AT&T exclusive launch of the BlackBerry Torch. While not everyone has a hankering for a hybrid handset, owners of the Storm and Storm 2 were more than displeased to learn that RIM will not be updating either smartphone to the latest version of its OS, BlackBerry 6. While the imminent release of a new OS 6-powered touchscreen handset will merely be salt in the wound for some, others will be happy to learn that the Storm 3, so it would seem, is almost ready for prime time. The third coming of RIM’s popular touchscreen line, the BlackBerry Storm 3, has been spotted in Cellbrite — an internal system used by Verizon Wireless service technicians to transfer information between phones. In short, another piece of the puzzle is now in place and the BlackBerry 6-equipped Storm 3 may be hitting store shelves in the near future.

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Verizon Wireless today announced the imminent availability of a new set of account management tools for subscribers with Android handsets. The new tools, dubbed “Express Services”, give Android phone owners easy access to a variety of account-related information such as call logs, billing history and Friends & Family management. Express Services also allows users to quickly activate a new phone or even add a new line of service. John Stratton, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Verizon Wireless, had this to say:

Now, with one click, customers can use Express Services to select the transactions they want, with time-saving account management services that are simple to use and consistent across multiple touch points, empowering them to save time and control their wireless services, whenever and wherever they want.

Express Services will be delivered this week as an OTA update available across all current Android models. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Verizon Wireless “Express Services” Empower Customers To Manage Their Online Accounts

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Beginning this week, Verizon Wireless customers will find it easier than ever to manage their accounts using enhanced Express Services. Express Services are Verizon Wireless’ easy-to-use tools that enable customers to quickly and conveniently manage their accounts at home or on the go.

Verizon Wireless customers using My Verizon (www.verizonwireless.com/myverizon) online or accessing My Verizon Mobile from any Android device will now see a list of frequent transactions involving their bills, their plans and their devices. In one click, customers can start to explore their account activity quickly and easily, and complete popular transactions, including viewing a bill, managing Friends & Family®, changing an address, adding a new line of service, or activating a new phone.

“Now, with one click, customers can use Express Services to select the transactions they want, with time-saving account management services that are simple to use and consistent across multiple touch points, empowering them to save time and control their wireless services, whenever and wherever they want,” said John Stratton, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Verizon Wireless.

The new My Verizon Mobile will be available initially on DROID by Motorola, DROID™ 2 by Motorola, DROID X by Motorola, DROID™ R2-D2™ by Motorola, Motorola DEVOUR™, DROID ERIS™ by HTC, DROID Incredible by HTC, LG Ally™, and the Samsung Fascinate™. My Verizon users on Android devices will receive an alert to install the free update. Customers who have not yet tried My Verizon may download the application from Android Market™.

Later this year, Verizon Wireless plans to implement changes consistent with Express Services on additional phones and smartphones and on the voice response system customers use when they call customer service.

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One of our solid Apple sources has just let us know some pretty interesting (and exciting) information surrounding Apple’s upcoming iPhone devices. For starters, we have been told that iPhone model 3,2 — what everyone is assuming to be the Verizon (or at least CDMA-compatible) phone — just hit the “AP” testing stage. This is the very last stage before retail release; final hardware, almost final software. Here is the odd thing, though… the iPhone 3,2 unit, we have been exclusively told, contains a SIM card slot. This is interesting for a multitude of reasons, and presents several different scenarios:

• The iPhone 3,2 could be the mythical CDMA + GSM/HSPA device that would support Verizon, AT&T, and the other current worldwide iPhone 4 carriers frequencies. The mid-cycle refresh would bring an updated antenna design for the current iPhone 4 and bring CDMA-compatibility; essentially, Verizon Wireless subscribers would have the same device as AT&T subscribers.
• The iPhone 3,2 could be a CDMA-capable iPhone that houses a SIM card for global roaming capabilities; though that certainly seems more complicated than just having one single glove that would fit both hands.
• One last possibility that the iPhone model 3,2 would simply be a slightly different design that doesn’t suffer from the same antenna attenuation as the current model; though that would be a little disappointing.

As far as the next generation iPhone 5, our source has also indicated to us that device has hit the “EVT” stage in the development cycle. The “EVT” stage is the engineering verification test phase, before the “DVT” phase.

And it just got interesting, folks. Starting October 28th, Apple’s iPad will kick into hyperdrive distribution and be available at Verizon Wireless retail locations. The Wi-Fi model will be bundled with a MiFi 2200 and cost you $20/month for 1GB of data usage. Pricing is set for $630, $730, and $830 respectively. Verizon will also simply sell the device independently as well so that is another distribution point Apple just locked in. Well, now that Verizon and Apple have a formal working relationship, we suppose this is the start of things to come? Hopefully. Full press release after the break!

UPDATE: AT&T will begin to offer the iPad in its retail locations beginning October 28 as well.

UPDATE 2: Verizon will also offer a 3GB plan for $35/month and a 5GB plan for $50/month according to this FAQ document.

Verizon Wireless Offers iPad at Stores Nationwide on October 28

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. & CUPERTINO, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)— Verizon Wireless and Apple® today announced that iPad™ will be available at over 2,000 Verizon Wireless Stores nationwide beginning Thursday, October 28. Verizon Wireless will offer three bundles, all featuring an iPad Wi-Fi model and a Verizon MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot, for a suggested retail price of $629.99 for iPad Wi-Fi 16GB + MiFi, $729.99 for iPad Wi-Fi 32GB + MiFi and $829.99 for iPad Wi-Fi 64GB + MiFi. Verizon Wireless is offering a monthly access plan to iPad customers of up to 1GB of data for just $20 a month. In addition, Verizon Wireless will also offer all three iPad Wi-Fi models on a stand-alone basis.

“This is the perfect pairing for holiday travels,” said John Stratton, chief operating officer for Verizon Wireless. “iPad together with the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G data network allows customers to easily connect on the go wherever they are.”

“We’re thrilled to be working with Verizon Wireless to get iPad into the hands of even more customers this holiday season,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s COO. “iPad allows users to connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before, and together with Verizon Wireless we’re offering an easy way to stay connected wherever you go.”

iPad allows users to browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch HD videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more, all using iPad’s revolutionary Multi-Touch™ user interface. iPad Wi-Fi models are just 0.5 inches thick and weigh just 1.5 pounds-thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook-and deliver up to 10 hours of battery life.*

Apple’s App Store℠ offers iPad users access to the world’s largest catalog of apps with over 280,000 apps and more than 30,000 iPad specific apps in 20 categories, including games, business, news, sports, health, reference and travel. With Apple’s iBookstore℠, the best way to browse, buy and read books on a mobile device, iPad users have access to more than 100,000 books from major and independent publishers.

MiFi 2200 is small enough to fit in a pocket and allows customers to create a personal Wi-Fi cloud capable of sharing the high-speed Internet connectivity of the Verizon Wireless 3G Mobile Broadband network with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices. The MiFi 2200′s rechargeable battery provides up to four hours of active use and 40 hours of standby time on a single charge.

Customers can sign up for more information on Apple’s iPad together with Verizon Wireless’ MiFi 2200 at www.verizonwireless.com/iPad, at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store or by calling 1-800-2 JOIN IN.

*Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary.

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Engadget has just published information on the availability of several handsets coming to Best Buy. First, for those of you that enjoy pale phones: the Samsung Fascinate, for Verizon Wireless, and the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, for AT&T, will both be available — in white — on October 24th. Also seen in the above image is the HTC Surround Windows Phone 7 handset with an availability date of November 8 and the Dell Streak with an availability date of October 24. All four handsets can be reserved today with a $50 deposit. This did get us thinking… do you prefer mobile devices in white? Hit the jump to vote in our poll.

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