Verizon Wireless announced the availability tomorrow of three new Nationwide Messaging plans that will allow customers to use unlimited messaging on their wireless handsets. The new plans do not require an accompanying voice plan and are designed to meet the needs of customers who primarily rely on messaging to communicate with others.

Starting at $34.99 monthly access, the new Nationwide Messaging plans include unlimited text, instant, picture and video messaging, and offer per-minute voice calling rates as noted below:

Nationwide Messaging Plan:

Consumer Devices
Monthly Access: $34.00 (Includes unlimited text, IM, picture and video messaging, plus Mobile Web access and data usage)
Per-minute Voice Rate: $0.40

BlackBerry
Monthly Access: $54.99 (Includes unlimited text, IM, picture and video messaging, plus E-mail, Web browsing and data usage)
Per-minute Voice Rate: $0.25

PDA/Smartphone
Monthly Access: $54.99 (Includes unlimited text, IM, picture and video messaging, plus E-mail, Web browsing and data usage)
Per-minute Voice Rate: $0.25

All three Nationwide Messaging plans allow customers to send and receive international text messages for $0.25 per message. Nationwide Messaging plans are available with a one- or two-year customer agreement (activation fees, taxes, and other charges apply).

via [phonemag]