Verizon is sweetening its month-by-month price plan by offering it at the same price as it does for those who sign up for long-term contracts.
Previously, Verizon charged an extra $20 per month for subscribers of the month-by-month plan. The approach was market tested earlier this year in parts of Florida and Pennsylvania.
The approach is meant to be richer enticement to cable subscribers “ready to drop their cable provider” and switch to FiOS.
Effective immediately, all new Verizon FiOS customers can subscribe to bundled services on a month-to-month basis at the same prices charged to customers purchasing a term contract. Verizon said new subscribers opting for the monthly plan will get price protection for one year, and if they cancel service, there will be no early termination fee.
For customers who want two-year price protection, Verizon offers a trial period of 30 days. The company will not charge a termination fee only if the consumer cancels within 30 days. Verizon is calling that its Worry-Free Guarantee.
The Worry-Free Guarantee now covers new bundled customers in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia and the District of Columbia markets where FiOS is offered.
The month-to-month option is available in those states, plus the FiOS markets of Indiana, Oregon, South Carolina and Washington, which are in the process of being transitioned to Frontier Communications.
“We’ve listened closely to the market and heard potential customers say that FiOS offers faster, more reliable broadband service and crystal-clear TV pictures in any conditions, but that they want time to consider their switch from cable,” said Mike Ritter, Verizon’s chief marketing officer for consumer wireline and business services. “We want customers to know that the shift to FiOS is the best move they can make, that a two-year commitment provides them with price protection for their home entertainment needs, and that our month-to-month pricing option and Worry-Free Guarantee help reduce anxiety from their decision.”
New customers will also receive Epix or the FiOS TV Movie Package, which features more than 40 channels, including Showtime, Starz, The Movie Channel, Encore and Flix – all free for a year with a triple-play bundle and free for three months with a double-play bundle. This matches the current FiOS TV Movie Package offer for new term-contract customers.