New Verizon Wireless plan targets texters

Verizon Wireless introduced a new option within its “America’s Choice” family of calling plans designed to target the text-messaging segment of the market:

“The new plans are in response to customers’ increasing demand for greater text messaging options,� said Jim Naughton, director of consumer marketing for Verizon Wireless.

The text-centric plan offers unlimited text, picture, and multimedia messaging to anyone in the United States; monthly rates begin at $39.99 for 450 minutes (in addition to the unlimited messaging), and range upward from that entry level.

Text messaging in this country lags behind most markets in Europe, but continues to grow exponentially as more Americans adapt the technology as a fundamental method of communication. Verizon, together with the other U.S. carriers, has shown an ability to shape new service options for an evolving consumer base — the prospect of unlimited texting is certain to appeal to many users (yours truly, included).