Verizon this week introduced new data-only service plans that apparently are aimed specifically at people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and who use their mobile devices primarily for text-based communications (instant messaging, text-messaging, email, and internet access).

The news article (link below) from Telephony Online that reported the new data-only plans suggests that Verizon may be intending these new offerings as a precursor to an expanded set of offerings aimed at the general public. There seems to be an increasing trend toward using mobile devices primarily for data, rather than for voice communications.

Here's the link to the news article:

http://telephonyonline.com/wireless/news/verizon-att-pricing-0415/