Rumor: Verizon Tiered Data Plans Start October 28th

We've known for a while that Verizon's tiered data pricing was coming soon, but now we've got a supposed date when you can kiss the unlimited data buffet goodbye: October 28th. But all's not lost for smartphone owners.

According to Engadget, there will still a $30/month unlimited plan for smartphone owners, with an option to downgrade to $15 for 150MB/month, with a $0.10/MB overage charge.

Where you start getting squeezed? Tablets. In addition to $20/1GB, $35/3GB, and $50/5GB plans, there will be a hefty $80/10GB option for slate owners, all with overage charges of $10/1GB.

Additionally, MiFi and FiveSpot customers connecting via laptop will have to choose between $50/5GB and $80/8GB plans. Feature phone buyers can choose between a $2 "pay as you go" plan, $15/50MB, and $30 for unlimited data.

All in all, it's not nearly as bad as it could have been, especially if you're a smartphone owner. But it bears keeping in mind that these plans are for 3G only, and Verizon's long pointed at 4G as when they'll really get into limited data plans. [Engadget]