This tidbit on PhoneArena has “unofficial information” written all over it. Really, it actually does. The blog freely admits this hasn’t been validated yet.

So keep that in mind as you read the following (unconfirmed) scoop: Supposedly, when Verizon makes the Samsung Rogue U960 and Intensity U450 available (reportedly on September 8th), the carrier will also launch a new data plan requirement for "enhanced multimedia phones" (i.e., not quite smartphones). The Rogue is slated to be the first one saddled with it.

So if you want the Rogue, you have to get the Nationwide Plan (as per usual). The twist is that, if it’s a Basic or Select version of the plan, you have to sign up for a data plan at 25MB for $9.99 per month or 75MB for $19.99 per month. And current $15 VCast Packs won’t include unlimited data anymore. (On the upside for some users, it looks like VCast might be lowered to $10/month).

Get the Nationwide Connect or Premium, however, and you won’t have to monkey with all this. Unlimited data’s already included.

So there it is. If true, these changes represent a pretty transparent grab to generate some cashola.

Now I don’t typically spread everything I hear — in fact, I’m pretty picky about what I choose to pass on — but I’ve got a sore spot when it comes to data plans. (I’m on AT&T, so there you go.) But I used to be a Verizon customer, and if this turns out to be true, I just want my former brethren to have some advance notice.

Are you a Verizon subscriber that would be ticked off by this? Or are you understanding of the carrier’s need to fund “The Network”? Most of all, if this pans out, would it keep you from getting an “enhanced multimedia phone”? Sound off below.

[via PhoneArena]