Since its introduction with the iPhone 4 in June 2010, FaceTime video calling has been a Wi-Fi-only feature. That'll be changing in iOS 6, though, as Apple will be enabling iOS users to make FaceTime calls over a cellular connection. There's been speculation as to whether or not the carriers would charge extra for this feature once iOS goes public, but today Verizon confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that its customers will be able to use FaceTime over cellular for no additional fee. The feature will be included in all of the carrier's data plans, and a Verizon spokesperson also said that customers with unlimited data plans will also be able to use FaceTime over cellular without facing any extra charges.
While Verizon (and Sprint) will be allowing all of its customers to use FaceTime over cellular without being hit with extra fees, AT&T customers won't be given the same treatment. The big blue carrier revealed last month that only subscribers on its new Mobile Share data plans will be able to use FaceTime on a cellular connection, and while the decision hasn't exactly sat well with everyone, it doesn't look like AT&T plans on changing its stance on the issue. The good news today is that Verizon subscribers needn't worry about any extra fees, though, so all of the folk on Big Red can begin FaceTiming right away once iOS 6 and the iPhone 5 drop next week. So how many of you Verizon customers plan on checking out FaceTime over cellular?
Verizon To Offer iPhone 5 On Its 4G LTE Network On Sept. 21
Pre-Order Sales Begin on Sept. 14
BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Verizon Wireless, owner of America’s largest 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network covering more than 75 percent of the U.S. population, today announced it will offer iPhone 5 on its 4G LTE network beginning Fri., Sept. 21 at 8 a.m. (EDT). Customers will be able to pre-order iPhone 5 online beginning Fri., Sept. 14 at 3 a.m. (EDT) at www.verizonwireless.com/iphone. iPhone 5 will be available starting at $199.99 for the
16 GB model, $299.99 for the 32 GB model and $399.99 for the 64 GB model with a new two-year customer agreement.
iPhone 5 is the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, completely redesigned to feature a stunning new 4-inch Retina display; an Apple-designed A6 chip for blazing-fast performance; and ultrafast wireless technology – all while delivering even better battery life. iPhone 5 comes with iOS 6, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 200 new features, including the all new Maps app with Apple-designed cartography and turn-by-turn navigation; Facebook® integration; Passbook organization; and even more Siri features and languages.
“Customers come to Verizon Wireless for a premier wireless experience, and iPhone 5 combined with our 4G LTE network is an outstanding combination,” said Dan Mead, Verizon Wireless CEO. “The availability of our 4G LTE network means customers get the reliability they value and the technology they need, regardless of where they roam on our network.”
The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is currently in more markets than all other U.S. wireless providers’ 4G LTE networks combined. The company continues its roll-out of 4G LTE and has committed to introducing the service in 400 markets by year-end.
Customers purchasing iPhone 5 will also want to purchase a Share Everything Plan beginning at $40 monthly access and $50 monthly account access that includes unlimited voice, unlimited text, picture and video messaging, and a data plan that can be shared with up to 10 devices on a single account. And, customers wanting to use FaceTime on their iPhone 5 can do so using any Verizon Wireless data plan allowance.
Global Ready
Verizon Wireless iPhone 5 customers can stay connected in over 220 countries for voice and over 205 for data, with 140 offering 3G speeds. Global service at Verizon Wireless carries 24-hour customer service from trained Verizon Wireless U.S. based employees. More information on Verizon Wireless Global Plans is available at www.verizonwireless.com/global.
iPhone 5 will be available at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores nationwide and online at www.verizonwireless.com/iphone beginning Fri., Sept. 21. Additional details will be available at www.verizonwireless.com/iphone.
For more information on iPhone 5, please visit www.apple.com/iphone.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 94.2 million retail customers, including 88.8 million retail postpaid customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 78,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
