Since AT&T's decision to introduce tiered data plans, consumers have been waiting with bated breath to see what other cell phone providers would do in response. Sprint came out and said that it would not do away with unlimited data. However, it looks like Verizon may be the first to follow in AT&T's footsteps and introduce tiered data plans.

Businessweek.com quoted John Killian, Verizon's CFO, as saying, “We will probably need to change the design of our pricing where it will not be totally unlimited, flat rate.” Unfortunately, this might not be good news for consumers and cell phone users accustomed to getting unlimited data.

I understand the need to drop price point for entry level data plans to allow more casual data users access to next generation smart phones. However, cell phone providers need to make a tiered price system that is equitable for all its users. And so far, AT&T's tiered data plan is not. Sure, casual iPhone users can now get a relatively inexpensive monthly plan for their iPhone. But now higher data users will pay almost twice as much for the exact same service they received prior to the new data plan introduction.

What are your thoughts on tiered data plans? Are they great because they open up smartphones to a larger share of people? Or do they hinder those who actually need to check their e-mail more than twice a week?