Verizon’s ‘Simplicity’ flat-rate plan starts at $30 per month for new customers

Verizon is launching a new Simplicity plan that starts at $30 / month for new customers, or $45 / month for existing ones. In its announcement , Verizon says the plan drops activation and upgrade fees, while offering one flat price for each line. The $30 price for new customers is an “initial promotional offer” that applies after enabling autopay and taking advantage of a discount for switching carriers, according to Verizon . But before customers can ditch Verizon’s $40 fee to activate or upgrade a device, they’ll need to opt in to the carrier’s new loyalty program through the My Verizon app. The loyalty program comes with a new Verizon Dollars perk, which offers 3 percent cash back on your bill each month, as well as a Verizon Shine benefit with access to ticket sales, sweepstakes, and giveaways. The Simplicity plan includes unlimited access to Verizon’s 5G ultrawideband network, 10GB of mobile hotspot data, roaming in Canada and Mexico, and satellite texting on devices with the feature. Customers can tack on a home internet plan for $35 per month, as well as bundle streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and HBO Max at an added cost. Verizon notes that customers can “continue to enjoy” perks offered through myPlan . “For too long, this industry has burdened people with complex plans, forced upgrades they don’t need, and so-called ‘rewards’ with tons of caveats,” Verizon CEO Dan Schulman said in the press release. …