Verizon bumps up data limits on its prepaid phone plans

Today, Verizon announced it is increasing the amount of monthly data you receive with two of its three prepaid smartphone plans. Starting May 15th, the data limit on Verizon's $45 a month plan jumps from 1GB to 3GB, while the $60 plan has been doubled to 6GB. Both options require you to enroll in Verizon AutoPay every month to receive the full amount of data. But now the $45 plan comes with free texting to Mexico and Canada while the $60 plan comes with free texting and calling to both countries.

Verizon still offers a basic plan with unlimited talk and text for $30 a month, but you don't get a monthly data plan and have to rely on Wi-Fi. For the person who still chooses to use a feature phone in 2016 — an admittedly dwindling market — Verizon sells an unlimited talk, text, and mobile web plan for what feels like an exorbitant $30 a month. At that point, you may as well shell out for a budget smartphone.

• SourceVerizon