Verizon’s “Free” Wireless Data Program Enters Beta Phase

We recently reported on Verizon Wireless’ efforts to offer customers access to free data, via the use of select services that would have no effect on their data allowances each month. And now, to our delight, the company has officially launched the beta phase of its new sponsored data program, known as FreeBee Data, which is poised to offer customers exactly what it claims.

The beta (testing) phase of Verizon’s ‘FreeBee Data’ program has officially launched, with the company ramping up availability in select markets around the country. What the program entails, in essence, is that customers on Big Red’s network will now be able to access certain digital content from their wireless device — either via the carrier, itself, or through any of the partner services/brands — without the access dipping into their data allowance each month.

Verizon is certainly not a pioneer on the sponsored data bandwagon, however, as AT&T launched a similar program back in 2014. We’ve also seen a somewhat different, though conceptually similar, program, launch recently on T-Mobile — in addition to their BingeON offering, which features free access to digital content such as music and video streaming.

In Verizon’s official press release on the FreeBee data service, they had the following to say:

• “Participating brands and content providers to build smarter mobile marketing campaigns targeted to Verizon Wireless subscribers using either pay-per-click or pay-per-gigabyte pricing. FreeBee Data and FreeBee Data 360 are open to any content provider, including mobile advertisers and others who want to take their mobile-first experience to the next level.”

• “Consumers to get great content from participating brands and content providers without using their data plans. For pay-per-click campaigns, the FreeBee Data icon (a “bee”) appears next to sponsored content to let Verizon Wireless subscribers know that, when they click on that content, they will not incur data charges. With FreeBee Data 360, businesses can sponsor some or all of their app or website.”

While it seems somewhat ironic that wireless carriers would bring an end to unlimited data plans as we once knew them, it’s certainly nice to see such a progressive effort to offer more customers more access to certain content without taking away those precious gigabytes that are costing us a fortune, right?

Then again, these programs could (and probably will) end up being just another cash cow for the big telecom companies in the end, anyways. After all, it’s only reasonable to assume they wouldn’t be pushing it so hard if there was no benefit on their end, right?

What are your thought on Verizon’s FreeBee data program?
Have you used similar services on other carriers before?