Update: Verizon Drops $2 Online Charge Within a Day of Announcement

Earlier today we reported that Verizon would begin charging customers for one-time online payments. A day after its announcement, Verizon has released a statement saying it would be dropping the charge:

Verizon Wireless has decided it will not institute the fee for online or telephone single payments that was announced earlier this week.

The company made the decision in response to customer feedback about the plan, which was designed to improve the efficiency of those transactions. The company continues to encourage customers to take advantage of the numerous simple and convenient payment methods it provides.

“At Verizon, we take great care to listen to our customers. Based on their input, we believe the best path forward is to encourage customers to take advantage of the best and most efficient options, eliminating the need to institute the fee at this time,” said Dan Mead, president and chief executive officer of Verizon Wireless.

This statement comes just after the Federal Communications Commission announced it would be looking into the fee as it was "concerned over Verizon's actions", the New York Times reported.

Last year, Verizon Communications tried to institute a $3.50 fee for those who paid their FiOS TV or Internet bill on a month-to-month basis, but withdrew from the idea after consumer complaints.