On the afternoon of April 30th, 2019, one of our Top Pick data plans went missing from Verizon's main prepaid web page.
The plan's absence alerted immediate concern in the unlimited data areas of the hearts of the team members at the Mobile Internet Resource Center.
Yes, our hearts have small sections devoted to affordable unlimited data plans for RVers and cruisers that are usable as a home internet replacement.
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Verizon's Prepaid Unlimited Data Plan for Jetpacks... Missing?
Where once stood a front page (albeit, 3/4 of the way down that front page) announcement of unlimited, prepaid data on a Jetpack device which was subject only to network management - now stands either a 3GB plan, or an 8GB (+7GB of bonus data) for $45 (a promo that just got extended yesterday.)
So where did the plan go?
We found it lurking behind the 'purchase a device' page of the website.
And, we uncovered that Verizon reps still see the plan on their end - and can activate it in stores and via the phone.
However...
As of 5/1/2019 at 1:00CT, we were able to walk through the process of using the online IMEI activation system again. Yay! Verizon's bring your own device (BYOD) online IMEI activation system seems to be down. Not even chat reps are able to remotely provision a SIM card for a device you already own. We assume this is was just a glitch in their system - and hope it will be resolved very soon.
For now, the best plan of action to You can also get a plan on a device you already own is to go to by going to a store or calling telesales (800-309-3341) if you have a device and SIM card ready to go.
And...
Currently available data only devices (Jetpacks) on Verizon's Prepaid website go in and out of stock - so getting to the page where you can see the prepaid unlimited data plan (pUDP) can be a feat in itself. Acquiring a hotspot device third party may be your best bet.
The 8800L is Verizon's flagship hotspot device, but still has possible lingering issues. The 7730L is a solid and still relevant device. The MHS900L that Verizon pushes with prepaid is a very basic entry level device.
What does the pUDP’s absence mean?
We don't know.
Perhaps it's just Verizon doing a website update and this is just a glitch.
Perhaps they are preparing to discontinue the plan for new customers.
Perhaps they just don't want the plan to be 'front and center' any longer.
We have inquiries into our press contacts at Verizon, and will update if we hear anything definitive.
Our Recommendation:
If you've been considering adding this plan to your mobile internet arsenal now or in the near future - we advise doing so now... just in case.
We don't know if the plan will exist for new customers much longer. It might, or it might not.
Verizon has historically grandfathered existing customers on plans when they are retired - so if the Jetpack pUDP is discontinued, we hope this remains true.
But, there are never any guarantees - especially since this is a prepaid plan.
Member Exclusive
Our members got an alert to this as soon as we noticed the disappearance yesterday, and we have an ongoing thread in our Special Announcements forum.
Members are encouraged to share their experiences there, and we'll keep the thread updated with any intel we discover.
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What is the Verizon Prepaid Unlimited Data Plan?
The Verizon Prepaid Unlimited Data plan, which we shorthand as 'Verizon pUDP' or just 'pUDP', is a data only plan offered through Verizon Prepaid directly. The plan offers unlimited, un-throttled data that is always subject to network management. The plan is only provisioned for data only devices, such as Jetpacks or routers.
We have an in-depth guide on this plan for those who need more than the above brief refresher on this plan.
The Verizon Prepaid Unlimited Data Plan Guide
Updates to this story:
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of