We've known for some time that Verizon was planning to switch to tiered data options, but no one knew exactly when the switch would happen.  Thanks to a leak today, though, it looks like the change is going to come sooner than we all expected.  According to an Engadget tipster, Verizon will be implementing their tiered data plans beginning on October 28th, and this is how it all will go down:

• Smartphones owners can choose either a $15/150MB ($0.10 per MB overage) plan or opt for the $29.99 for unlimited option.

• Tablet plans that include: $20 for 1GB, $35 for 3GB, $50 for 5GB, or $80 for 10GB.  Overages will cost $10 per GB.

• MiFi, FiveSpot, and notebook/netbook modems can select either a $50 for 5GB or $80 for 8GB.  MiFi/FiveSpot owners can select a $35/3GB option as part of a 90-day promo.

• Feature phone plans include a $1.99 pay as you go plan, $15 for 150MB, or $29.99 for unlimited data.

• Finally, USB modem pricing will remain the same at $39.99 for 250MB or $59.99 for 5GB.

This is huge news for Verizon customers, for several reasons.  It's big that Big Red is finally moving to tiered data after AT&T was the only carrier to do so for so long.  Also huge is that Verizon will be retaining the unlimited data option for smartphone owners, unlike AT&T who threw out the unlimited plan and angered many current and potential customers.  Perhaps we'll see AT&T reinstate their unlimited smartphone data plan back to its former glory?  We can only hope.  Also, one last important note: these data plans are for 3G only.  What do you all think of these tiered pricing options?

Via Engadget