Verizon Wireless, AT&T Lower Voice Plan Prices

Verizon Wireless, the largest cell phone carrier in the U.S., said early in the day that, starting Monday, it would start charging $70 a month for an unlimited monthly calling plan. The same plan previously cost $100.

This also brings down the monthly cost for users of the company's high-end smart phones like Motorola's Droid, which require a $30 per month unlimited data plan. An unlimited data and voice plan will now cost $100, rather than $130.

Rival AT&T Inc., the nation's second-largest wireless carrier, responded late Friday by announcing some of the same price cuts. Starting Monday, it, too will charge $70 for an unlimited calling plan that had also been $100, and offer a $100 plan with unlimited voice and data for smart phones like Apple Inc.'s popular iPhone (also down from $130).