Verizon’s 5G Home Internet Prices Increase, Yet Some Plans Become More Affordable

Streaming services often raise their prices without prior notification, creating obstacles for consumers looking to cancel their subscriptions. This situation has become increasingly common, with many companies, including Verizon, gradually increasing their rates over time. Recently, Verizon announced a price hike for new customers on its 5G Home Plus plan by cutting discounts and introducing additional “free perks.” Picture this: you’re enticed to subscribe to a streaming service with appealing introductory prices.

Before you know it, a price increase appears on your bill unexpectedly. After settling into a new service, it feels too cumbersome to cancel and search for a better deal. This scenario has played out countless times, particularly as numerous streaming services have increased their prices over the past year. Few major subscriptions have maintained stable rates, and the trend is not limited to streaming.

Internet service providers and mobile carriers are also notorious for similar practices. Verizon, in particular, has come under scrutiny for its pricing strategies. Discussions on platforms like Reddit revealed that the company is subtly increasing the rate for its 5G Home Plus plan. The discount for new customers who bundle with mobile plans has decreased from $35 to $25, leading to a higher total cost.

While new customers receive an added “free perk,” the notion of something being “free” when it’s bundled into a price increase raises eyebrows. Unfortunately, these price hikes are not new. Verizon has a history of implementing increases that often go unnoticed, including fees for administrative and telco recovery charges. Similar pricing strategies, such as hikes in device insurance and family plan costs, suggest a persistent pattern of deceiving consumers.

YouTube TV, another example, has seen its monthly subscription rise dramatically, from $35 to $83 over eight years—an increase of 137%. While the service has arguably improved in some aspects, the steep price rise raises questions about whether it has enhanced enough to justify such growth. Consequently, subscribers who initially switched to streaming for cost savings are now finding themselves reconsidering traditional cable services.