It’s clear that I know (too) little about Verizon, because when I came across their press release announcing a new, cheaper data plan for their smartphone lineup, I was surprised that it had taken them this long…

E-mail and Web for Smartphone is available for $29.99 monthly access with a qualifying voice plan through business sales channels, at www.verizonwireless.com and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores, including those in Circuit City. The plan is currently available on the Verizon Wireless SMT5800; the Verizon Wireless XV6800 and the MOTO Q9m. Other devices will be added within the next few months. An E-mail and Web for BlackBerry® plan is currently available.

It’s not a bad deal, considering they offer pretty decent EVDO coverage, though it’s not immediately clear whether the plan is available for current customers who are paying upwards of $59 for their smartphone data.

Source: Verizon Wireless