BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Verizon Wireless, the owner and operator of the nation’s most reliable wireless network, 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.

The Nationwide Messaging plans are available on most handsets, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and Smartphones inclusive of BlackBerry devices. 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: $34.99 (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