U.S. operator Verizon Wireless has started offering small business owners access to the same monthly installment plans available to consumers, with less up-front payment, lower monthly access fees and no long-term contracts. Small businesses can now spread interest-free device payments over 24 months. There are two flexible options, the Verizon Plan for Business for up to 25 lines, and the Flexible Business Plan for 26 or more lines. Each gives users unlimited talk and text, unlimited international messaging from the U.S., shared data, and corporate e-mail using Exchange ActiveSync, Good for Enterprise, or Lotus Notes Traveler.

Tarifica’s Take

The trend in the U.S. of operators offering consumers devices on installment plans is spreading to the business sector. Verizon’s offerings seem to like a smart idea in terms of customer acquisition among small businesses, given that these entities are likely to have budget concerns similar to those of consumers. Flexibility and cost savings are very important to small business owners, and meeting these needs should put Verizon in a strong competitive position.