Verizon releases data management tools

Verizon announced that it will send free text messages to users when they have used 50, 75, 90 and 110 percent of their monthly allotted data usage. The company will stop offering its unlimited data plan, though existing customers’ plans will remain unchanged. Verizon said that users who have registered with its My Verizon online account management center can also opt to receive e-mail alerts about their data use. Verizon also allows customers to check on their data usage at any time by entering “#DATA” on their phones and hitting send. The company also has a data usage calculator and smartphone app. Text message alerts are a common suggestion included in anti-bill shock proposals and legislation, aimed at giving consumers more information about what charges and fees are included on their monthly mobile bills.