Verizon adds free Google AI Pro, waives $40 fees

Verizon's announcement frames these benefits as built-in value that customers may already have but not be using. The safety tools — Verizon Digital Secure, Verizon Family with Safe Walk, and Call Filter — address online protection, location sharing, and spam calls, while the AI perk gives eligible subscribers six months of Google AI Pro to experiment with productivity features.

The loyalty program goes further by waiving activation and upgrade fees, which Verizon says can amount to up to $40 per device, and by offering 3% back in Verizon Dollars that can be redeemed for devices, accessories, gift cards, or hotel rewards. The weekly Verizon Shine drops, such as the Walt Disney Studios visit on 10/19 and the Jonas Brothers show on 11/9, add an experiential layer to the program.

Notably, the loyalty program is described as open to all postpaid customers on any plan, which suggests Verizon is using it to deepen relationships across its base rather than only rewarding top-tier subscribers. Whether these perks meaningfully change how customers perceive the cost of their plans will likely depend on how many take advantage of them, but the company is clearly betting that bundled extras can differentiate its service.