Verizon Wireless introduced a set of Usage Controls that provide customers the ability to better manage and control how they use their wireless phones, as well as how their children or others on a "family share" or multiple-line account use their phones.
The new service expands and enhances features first introduced last year with Parental Controls, including content filters. Capabilities of the new tools include:
- Set thresholds for voice minutes;
- Set specific limits for text, picture, instant and video messaging as part of pay-as-you-go or message bundle plans;
- Set time of day restrictions for data use and messaging;
- Create lists of "trusted" and "blocked" numbers (calls to 911 will always be allowed to connect); and
- Employ content filters.
Usage Controls are available for a $4.99 monthly subscription for each line. Customers must have a Nationwide Calling Plan -- either Family Share or single line -- to take advantage of Usage Controls.
Verizon Wireless is also introducing Chaperone 2.0 for $9.99 per line per month. Chaperone 2.0 capabilities include:
- The ability to locate multiple Chaperone Child devices at the same time;
- Family SMS Messaging that allows a text message to be sent to one or more Chaperone Child phones from the Chaperone Parent application or Chaperone Web site;
- Changes to the Child Zone settings, allowing parents to add time and date settings or multiple children per Child Zone;
- Integration with VZ Navigator, allowing parents with VZ Navigator subscriptions to receive turn-by-turn directions to their child's location.
