Verizon FreeBee Sponsored Data Program Unveiled

Verizon has introduced a new sponsored data program called FreeBee Data. Under this, companies are able to sponsor subscriber mobile data under one of four different categories, including things like covering the data used by watching a 30-second video or streaming 30 minutes worth of audio. Verizon will offer both per-gigabyte and pay-per-click options.

Verizon introduced the new sponsored data program today, hawking it toward the companies it hopes will get on board. The first of the two models to launch will be FreeBee Data 360, which will allow companies to sponsor data used by consumers for things like downloading an app or accessing a mobile website.

The other option under FreeBee Data 360 will be having companies sponsor "specific consumer actions" that use data as they're accessed. For example, if someone clicks on a 30-second video, it may be sponsored by a company. The same goes for streaming audio or downloading apps.

The program is launching slowly, starting first with a FreeBee Data 360 beta today. On January 25, Verizon will roll out a pay-per-click beta that has some partners in place already: GAMEDAY, Hearst Magazine, and AOL. Those sponsors will cover the mobile data for "some mobile content" across a thousand Verizon subscribers. Verizon will expand this offering later on this year.

When the program will exit beta isn't known.

SOURCE: Verizon