Verizon today revealed a new feature called PopData.
With PopData, you can pay for a brief period of 4G LTE data access that won’t touch your monthly high-speed data allotment. There are two options available: 30 minutes of 4G LTE for $2 and 60 minutes for $3.
When you start a PopData session, you’re able to use as much data as you want. You can sign up in the My Verizon app, and when your session begins, you’ll see a timer showing how long you’ve got left. You’ll also receive notifications when you’ve got 5 minutes left and when your session is over.
PopData is available for use on Android smartphones, iPhones, and iPads. Verizon does note that you’ll need a 4G LTE data connection to begin a PopData session, but that your unlimited data session will continue even if you move into 3G or 1X coverage. Verizon also says that PopData session options depend on network availability.
Verizon hasn’t officially announced PopData quite yet, so you may not see the option in your My Verizon app quite yet. There’s a webpage for PopData that’s live on Verizon’s site, though, as well as a FAQ.
Verizon touts PopData as a good alternative to public Wi-Fi hotspots, because public hotspots could be unsecure or just plain slow. You could also use PopData while moving from place to place rather than being stuck at a single Wi-Fi hotspot at a coffee shop or wherever else.