Verizon Wireless beat all analyst expectations by reporting second-quarter wireless data revenues of more than $1 billion, the first time the carrier has passed that milestone. The data figure represents almost 13 percent of the company’s service revenues, a 7 percent jump from the same period last year. Verizon also netted 1.8 million customers during the quarter, bringing its total to 54.8 million, second only to Cingular Wireless.

These are some very positive figures for Verizon, which has been quietly revamping much of its data strategy in the last few months. Its BREW-based walled garden approach has been criticized for being too restrictive on commerce, particularly by entertainment industry executives. But services like the VCast Music service (which just dropped its monthly fee) don’t rely on the content delivery system, and the new tack seems to be bearing fruit.

In comparison, DoCoMo reported $2.64 in data revenues this quarter. Quite a room for growth if one pursues the right strategies.