End of Era. Verizon Unlimited = new phone? - Motorola Droid RAZR

Called Verizon and they told me that the unlimited plan i'm on is guaranteed as long as I'm on a contract. Once under contract, if they change the plan that drastically, you can get out of the plan. I will be off my existing contract in a few weeks. 2 different CS reps said that the month to month plans will not be changed but cannot be guaranteed to stay that way and is very likely to convert to new plans by end of year or early next year.
She recommended just getting a new phone if I wanted to just make sure. I told her I like my phone and really didn't want a new phone or contract. She said that all the other carriers already have plans to implement similar packages so if i wanted to guarantee an unlimited rate, i would have to buy a new phone by the 28th (or pre-order the S3) or just take the risk.
I'm leaning towards the S3 even though i hated my fascinate and droid charge. I wish there was a way around it, but i use 6 gigs a month. I flash roms which reload all my apps, i stream music like crazy while at work and share data with my ipad.
Anyone know if this is true? If getting a contract guarantees me 2 more years of unlimited LTE, i will do it. I guess i could get the razr maxx too.
any reccomendations between the 2?

orateam said:
Called Verizon and they told me that the unlimited plan i'm on is guaranteed as long as I'm on a contract. Once under contract, if they change the plan that drastically, you can get out of the plan. I will be off my existing contract in a few weeks. 2 different CS reps said that the month to month plans will not be changed but cannot be guaranteed to stay that way and is very likely to convert to new plans by end of year or early next year.
She recommended just getting a new phone if I wanted to just make sure. I told her I like my phone and really didn't want a new phone or contract. She said that all the other carriers already have plans to implement similar packages so if i wanted to guarantee an unlimited rate, i would have to buy a new phone by the 28th (or pre-order the S3) or just take the risk.
I'm leaning towards the S3 even though i hated my fascinate and droid charge. I wish there was a way around it, but i use 6 gigs a month. I flash roms which reload all my apps, i stream music like crazy while at work and share data with my ipad.
Anyone know if this is true? If getting a contract guarantees me 2 more years of unlimited LTE, i will do it. I guess i could get the razr maxx too.
any reccomendations between the 2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I talked to Verizon before getting my RAZR. They said the only way your plan will change, is if you upgrade after the tiered plans take affect. As long as you stayed with your old phone, or payed full retail, you would keep your old plan whatever it may be.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA

orateam said:
Called Verizon and they told me that the unlimited plan i'm on is guaranteed as long as I'm on a contract. Once under contract, if they change the plan that drastically, you can get out of the plan. I will be off my existing contract in a few weeks. 2 different CS reps said that the month to month plans will not be changed but cannot be guaranteed to stay that way and is very likely to convert to new plans by end of year or early next year.
She recommended just getting a new phone if I wanted to just make sure. I told her I like my phone and really didn't want a new phone or contract. She said that all the other carriers already have plans to implement similar packages so if i wanted to guarantee an unlimited rate, i would have to buy a new phone by the 28th (or pre-order the S3) or just take the risk.
I'm leaning towards the S3 even though i hated my fascinate and droid charge. I wish there was a way around it, but i use 6 gigs a month. I flash roms which reload all my apps, i stream music like crazy while at work and share data with my ipad.
Anyone know if this is true? If getting a contract guarantees me 2 more years of unlimited LTE, i will do it. I guess i could get the razr maxx too.
any reccomendations between the 2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backup apps local. It saves me time and aggravation.
64gb sd card is my next experiment
Battery life => 2 Days RazrMaxx

Or, as in my case, get your phone outside of Verizon. Then, it's not a contract renewal, it's an activation only since I didn't purchase the phone upgrade through them. I guess it's the same as purchasing it at full retail (unless you get it via ebay or as a trade from someone else). I didn't purchase my through Verizon so I got to keep my unlimited data and it will stay that way until they pry it from my cold, dead hands!

so they were lying? contract is not going to change? they have to honor unlimited as long as i like?

orateam said:
so they were lying? contract is not going to change? they have to honor unlimited as long as i like?
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Click to collapse
Unless you do an upgrade via Verizon and don't pay full retail price. Basically, you are renewing your contract when you do the upgrade through Verizon. Then, at that point, you are beholden to Verizon to switch to the tiered pricing.
Otherwise, pay full retail price for the phone or get it from someone else that isn't connected with Verizon and then activate it on Verizon, you get to keep your unlimited data plan. I got my phone outside of Verizon so I didn't have to switch to the tiered plan.

orateam said:
so they were lying? contract is not going to change? they have to honor unlimited as long as i like?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd call again, maybe ask a supervisor? I've been told at least 3 times that as long as you had service during the "unlimited" era that you would be considered "grandfathered" which means it would stay that way as long as you don't leave and come back and it's still on that same line. You can change the phone number, but if you leave for a period of time by canceling a contract prematurely OR leaving because it's over and try to come back, THEN you would no longer be considered "grandfathered" and would be at the mercy of the new plans. Even if you stay month to month AFTER the contract instead of renewing it, you would still be grandfathered as long as you didn't let the service on that line come to an actual complete end. I used my upgrade on the Razr just in the beginning of April and still have my "unlimited" data.

I left and came back and lost my unlimited. I'm very sad panda. Do everything u can to ensure u keep it even if means stuck on same phone!
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA

Shinare said:
I left and came back and lost my unlimited. I'm very sad panda. Do everything u can to ensure u keep it even if means stuck on same phone!
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am doing what i can. Basically what i'm hearing from Verizon is that the grandfathering is only going to last till the end of the year and because you're not on a contract is not guaranteed. The only certain thing is they will not convert you next week. But that amount of time is VERY limited, perhaps 6 months before they pull that grandfathering.
Only through a new binding contract will they honor the unlimited rate. So if i get a new phone from them now, i get 2 years vs 6 months. For me at 6gigs a month the difference is $69 currently vs $135 on tiered. 18 extra months on unlimited if i get a contract will save me $1800.
Again, i know it's not a sure thing, but i'm just trying to find out how likely they are to end the grandfathering in 6 months. Even a little likely is too likely for me.

orateam said:
I am doing what i can. Basically what i'm hearing from Verizon is that the grandfathering is only going to last till the end of the year and because you're not on a contract is not guaranteed. The only certain thing is they will not convert you next week. But that amount of time is VERY limited, perhaps 6 months before they pull that grandfathering.
Only through a new binding contract will they honor the unlimited rate. So if i get a new phone from them now, i get 2 years vs 6 months. For me at 6gigs a month the difference is $69 currently vs $135 on tiered. 18 extra months on unlimited if i get a contract will save me $1800.
Again, i know it's not a sure thing, but i'm just trying to find out how likely they are to end the grandfathering in 6 months. Even a little likely is too likely for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What they mean by taking it away is that they won't honor it any more WHEN you do an upgrade of your phone through Verizon.
There are a number of ways to keep your unlimited data plan:
When it's time to upgrade your phone, purchase the phone at full retail price.
Purchase your phone via a 3rd party and take the phone to Verizon to activate it.
Stay on your current phone.
What it all boils down to is, do NOT renew your contract. Let it expire and stay on the month-to-month contract. Anything that makes you renew your contract to a new 2-year contract with Verizon WILL make you lose your unlimited data.
Since I purchased my RAZR outside of Verizon, I didn't renew my contract with Verizon, hence I kept my unlimited data and will continue to do so until I decide to take a subsidized upgrade through Verizon or leave them and come back at a later time. Otherwise, I will keep my unlimited data plan for as long as I please.
In the end, it IS cheaper in the long run to purchase the phone at full retail price because you'll pay MORE for it through the extra costs of the tiered data plan and the two-year binding contract.

ok, based on what you guys advise, i will keep my razr. i really love it and didn't want to change it.

Just for your guys info verizon does a double data deal every once in a while, in march i got my razr for a penny and got the 5gb plan that got doubled to 10gb... im a heavy user and i keep it under 10gb a month.. if you need more either your really taking advantage by tethering your whole house or doing something illegal...and if u are tethering ur whole house on unlimited lte ur definitely screwing us all over lol but more power to ya....

vincentlodato said:
Just for your guys info verizon does a double data deal every once in a while, in march i got my razr for a penny and got the 5gb plan that got doubled to 10gb... im a heavy user and i keep it under 10gb a month.. if you need more either your really taking advantage by tethering your whole house or doing something illegal...and if u are tethering ur whole house on unlimited lte ur definitely screwing us all over lol but more power to ya....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its really easy to go over your limit with netflix and you tubes... nottin illegal bout that.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA

Listen, folks. If you are on a 2-year contract, once the two years is up, so is the contract. You do not have a contract. You do not have a "legally binding agreement" to hang over anyone's head.
And there is no such thing as a "month-to-month" contract. At the end of the billing period, VZW can change the terms. Because your "monthly contract" is not any kind of agreement that binds VZW to any conditions.
Want an example? Alltel customers were told their data plans, etc, would stay in effect "forever", as long as the customer did not initiate a change in the plan.
Phones could be upgraded every two years at a subsidized price and the data plan would not change.
Now, if a previous Alltel customer upgrades a phone, the data plan for all phones on the account changes.

Ed Zachary said:
Listen, folks. If you are on a 2-year contract, once the two years is up, so is the contract. You do not have a contract. You do not have a "legally binding agreement" to hang over anyone's head.
And there is no such thing as a "month-to-month" contract. At the end of the billing period, VZW can change the terms. Because your "monthly contract" is not any kind of agreement that binds VZW to any conditions.
Want an example? Alltel customers were told their data plans, etc, would stay in effect "forever", as long as the customer did not initiate a change in the plan.
Phones could be upgraded every two years at a subsidized price and the data plan would not change.
Now, if a previous Alltel customer upgrades a phone, the data plan for all phones on the account changes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I kept my unlimited data and plan from Alltel until I upgraded into my bionic and added my wife to my account. My upgrade into my OG DROID, and DROIDX didn't have to change out of my Alltel plan. Not sure where you got your info from.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA

orateam said:
Called Verizon and they told me that the unlimited plan i'm on is guaranteed as long as I'm on a contract. Once under contract, if they change the plan that drastically, you can get out of the plan. I will be off my existing contract in a few weeks. 2 different CS reps said that the month to month plans will not be changed but cannot be guaranteed to stay that way and is very likely to convert to new plans by end of year or early next year.
She recommended just getting a new phone if I wanted to just make sure. I told her I like my phone and really didn't want a new phone or contract. She said that all the other carriers already have plans to implement similar packages so if i wanted to guarantee an unlimited rate, i would have to buy a new phone by the 28th (or pre-order the S3) or just take the risk.
I'm leaning towards the S3 even though i hated my fascinate and droid charge. I wish there was a way around it, but i use 6 gigs a month. I flash roms which reload all my apps, i stream music like crazy while at work and share data with my ipad.
Anyone know if this is true? If getting a contract guarantees me 2 more years of unlimited LTE, i will do it. I guess i could get the razr maxx too.
any reccomendations between the 2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could always buy a new phone and turn around and sell it on eBay if you want to stay on your current phone. If you are on contract then you keep your service as-is. If they change your service (even by a few pennies or change the terms of your service) you can get out of the contract. That is a fact. I've done it.
That being said, I really like my Razr Maxx. It has had the best battery of any phone I've used so far (3 others... fascinate, charge and droid 4). It should be getting ICS in the next couple weeks, hopefully (maybe sooner).
The stock Launcher on the Razr Maxx blows. Use Go Launcher or anything else for more features / more customization to suit your needs.
That's my 2 cents.
---------- Post added at 10:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:16 PM ----------
After your 2 year contract is up, you are on a month-to-month PLAN... not contract. If they decide to take away something that you've had forever you can simply cancel your account.
It has been my experience that 9 times out of 10, talking to the cancellations department will get your XYZ reinstated that they tried to take away from you...but there is always that 10% chance that they follow through with it. Unlimited data may fall under that 10% chance pretty easily or not. Talking with your money and walking away does have power.

orateam said:
Called Verizon and they told me that the unlimited plan i'm on is guaranteed as long as I'm on a contract. Once under contract, if they change the plan that drastically, you can get out of the plan. I will be off my existing contract in a few weeks. 2 different CS reps said that the month to month plans will not be changed but cannot be guaranteed to stay that way and is very likely to convert to new plans by end of year or early next year.
She recommended just getting a new phone if I wanted to just make sure. I told her I like my phone and really didn't want a new phone or contract. She said that all the other carriers already have plans to implement similar packages so if i wanted to guarantee an unlimited rate, i would have to buy a new phone by the 28th (or pre-order the S3) or just take the risk.
I'm leaning towards the S3 even though i hated my fascinate and droid charge. I wish there was a way around it, but i use 6 gigs a month. I flash roms which reload all my apps, i stream music like crazy while at work and share data with my ipad.
Anyone know if this is true? If getting a contract guarantees me 2 more years of unlimited LTE, i will do it. I guess i could get the razr maxx too.
any reccomendations between the 2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would heed the warnings from the 2 CSR agents regarding so called month-to-month contracts. Once your contract expires, and you don't renew, there's no guarantee that you will be able to keep that unlimited data. VZW doesn't offer month-to-month contracts. Right now, they are saying that you will keep your unlimited data, but I wouldn't trust VZW. The 2 CSR's actually gave you a glimpse into what may be coming down the pipeline.
I would pre-order the SGSIII if your contract expires in July. At least lock up unlimited data for 2 more years. If you don't like it, I'm sure you could find someone willing to trade you a RAZR MAXX for it. Just swap your SIM card into the new phone, and your all done.

iBolski said:
What they mean by taking it away is that they won't honor it any more WHEN you do an upgrade of your phone through Verizon.
There are a number of ways to keep your unlimited data plan:
When it's time to upgrade your phone, purchase the phone at full retail price.
Purchase your phone via a 3rd party and take the phone to Verizon to activate it.
Stay on your current phone.
What it all boils down to is, do NOT renew your contract. Let it expire and stay on the month-to-month contract. Anything that makes you renew your contract to a new 2-year contract with Verizon WILL make you lose your unlimited data.
Since I purchased my RAZR outside of Verizon, I didn't renew my contract with Verizon, hence I kept my unlimited data and will continue to do so until I decide to take a subsidized upgrade through Verizon or leave them and come back at a later time. Otherwise, I will keep my unlimited data plan for as long as I please.
In the end, it IS cheaper in the long run to purchase the phone at full retail price because you'll pay MORE for it through the extra costs of the tiered data plan and the two-year binding contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he ^ said!
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium

Here is the quick run down. If you have unlimited data and upgrade after June 28th. You have to switch to tiered data pricing(2gb which is $30 or higher). If you have an upgrade now do it before June 28th! If you want to stick with unlimited and be grandfathered in the future. You have to either pay full retail price for the phone from verizon(which will have 1 year warranty) or buy phones from ebay, craigslist, swappa or other places which does not require any contract.
I am a Verizon employee. Ask me any question that you might have. I can clarify and help you guys as much as I can.

droidxrooting said:
Here is the quick run down. If you have unlimited data and upgrade after June 28th. You have to switch to tiered data pricing(2gb which is $30 or higher). If you have an upgrade now do it before June 28th! If you want to stick with unlimited and be grandfathered in the future. You have to either pay full retail price for the phone from verizon(which will have 1 year warranty) or buy phones from ebay, craigslist, swappa or other places which does not require any contract.
I am a Verizon employee. Ask me any question that you might have. I can clarify and help you guys as much as I can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How will this work for family share plans?
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

Related

Verizon Killing Grandfathered Unlimited Plans

http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/verizon-cfo-says-grandfathered-unlimited-plans-on-the-way-out/
Pretty sure I'm going to go in and upgrade to a Rezound tomorrow and then exchange it for the Inc 4G when it comes out.
That'll be your last upgrade with unlimited data. So torn about stay with vzn from here on out
Sent from my VivoW using Tapatalk 2
I actually think I'm going to pick up the GNex tomorrow to try it out. My wife has a Rezound so when the DInc 4G comes out I can compare all 3 and decide which I want.
I'm already on tiered data, so it doesn't matter to me.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using Tapatalk 2
tylerlawhon said:
I'm already on tiered data, so it doesn't matter to me.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does me. It's the only thing that has kept me on Verizon (well, that and my wife. that's another story though ).
Hey guys,
Glad this came up here. So I am grannyd in on my dinc2 (signed 2yr in July) along with a really good old verizon talk/text plan and with a business discount. So all in all things are peachy for me atm.
So here are the problems: the wife has long been up and needs to ditch her iphone from work. Wtf do I do?!
1. Do I wait this out to see what the family plans look like?
2. Or do I upgrade her now onto a 4g phone and get in before the family plans come out? Hell they might actually be ok if priced decently?!
3. Could I get a used 4g phone add that to my unlimited plan?!
4. Should I add her a data line and get her an off contact phone so we aren't locked in for 2yrs?! Is that possible?!
Jezus this is f'd up. These greedy mofos will go down at some point. And here is praying that Google does it from right under their own feet (their own network)
Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2
So, assuming the Inc 4G is released before this change goes into effect...
First Question:
Will upgrading to the Inc 4G guarantee that I'll have the unlimited data for the full 24months, or will put the kibosh on it once the shared plans go "live." It seems like contractually, it would be hard for them to do the latter, but given how Verizon hates it's customers, I wouldn't be surprised if they tried it.
Second question:
I'm on a family plan and we still have a few people with dumbphones. Suppose they upgrade to smartphones and sign up for a shared plans. Will my unlimited plan just coexist and not be part of that share, or will Verizon say "You can't sign up for any new shared plan without obliterating any unlimited data lines on your account." Again, Verizon hates it's customers, so I would not at all be surprised if they try that second option.
demarcmj said:
So, assuming the Inc 4G is released before this change goes into effect...
First Question:
Will upgrading to the Inc 4G guarantee that I'll have the unlimited data for the full 24months, or will put the kibosh on it once the shared plans go "live." It seems like contractually, it would be hard for them to do the latter, but given how Verizon hates it's customers, I wouldn't be surprised if they tried it.
Second question:
I'm on a family plan and we still have a few people with dumbphones. Suppose they upgrade to smartphones and sign up for a shared plans. Will my unlimited plan just coexist and not be part of that share, or will Verizon say "You can't sign up for any new shared plan without obliterating any unlimited data lines on your account." Again, Verizon hates it's customers, so I would not at all be surprised if they try that second option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your 1st question I'm interested in the answer as well,:
Your 2nd question, I'm in the same boat and was told I could keep unlimited as long as the plan doesn't change ie same # of texts etc, but dumb phones upgrading would havto, as of now the 4g tiered plan, not sure if after they ditch unlimited if they'll stroke you into the shared plan though . Anyone know exactly when the unlimited plans will ditched?
Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk 2
http://www.androidcentral.com/verizon-clarifies-new-data-plan-policies
When the new options are introduced, Unlimited Data will no longer be available to our customers purchasing handsets and signing a new contract. Customers who choose to purchase phones at full retail price and are currently on an unlimited smartphone data plan will be able to keep that plan. The same pricing and policies will apply to all 3G and 4GLTE smartphones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I'm gonna wait at least a little while longer. I now know I don't need to rush out and upgrade today. Sounds like these plans won't start kicking in until "later this year" and they say they'll give plenty of advance notice so I should be able to wait for the DInc 4G to come out but it will be my last true unlimited plan upgrade.
demarcmj said:
So, assuming the Inc 4G is released before this change goes into effect...
First Question:
Will upgrading to the Inc 4G guarantee that I'll have the unlimited data for the full 24months, or will put the kibosh on it once the shared plans go "live." It seems like contractually, it would be hard for them to do the latter, but given how Verizon hates it's customers, I wouldn't be surprised if they tried it.
Second question:
I'm on a family plan and we still have a few people with dumbphones. Suppose they upgrade to smartphones and sign up for a shared plans. Will my unlimited plan just coexist and not be part of that share, or will Verizon say "You can't sign up for any new shared plan without obliterating any unlimited data lines on your account." Again, Verizon hates it's customers, so I would not at all be surprised if they try that second option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as your first question goes, yes upgrading to the Inc 4g before the new plans come out will allow you to keep your unlimited data. And you'all be under contract for another 2yrs with unlimited. Once your contract runs out you'll still be able to keep your unlimited data as long as you pay full retail price for all your phones from that point on. The min you buy a phone at reduced pricing from vzn you'll be forced on to a new teired data plan.
2nd. Question not so sure about but I highly doubt they'll let two different types of data plans coexist on the same plan.
Sent from my VivoW using Tapatalk 2
kg_jettaIV said:
http://www.androidcentral.com/verizon-clarifies-new-data-plan-policies
So, I'm gonna wait at least a little while longer. I now know I don't need to rush out and upgrade today. Sounds like these plans won't start kicking in until "later this year" and they say they'll give plenty of advance notice so I should be able to wait for the DInc 4G to come out but it will be my last true unlimited plan upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Won't be your last unlimited plan upgrade. Vzn released a follow up statement saying people with unlimited plans will be able to keep them but that they will have to buy their phones at full retail price. Once you upgrade through discounted pricing on a phone, that will be when they'll take your unlimited data away and put you on one of the new plans
Sent from my VivoW using Tapatalk 2
tnez said:
Won't be your last unlimited plan upgrade. Vzn released a follow up statement saying people with unlimited plans will be able to keep them but that they will have to buy their phones at full retail price. Once you upgrade through discounted pricing on a phone, that will be when they'll take your unlimited data away and put you on one of the new plans
Sent from my VivoW using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, not really looking forward to buying phones at full price
verizon really needs to clarify those already on family plans with shared minutes (like me and my wife)...what happens if she wants to upgrade? does that mean i get forced onto shared data with her?
cuz honestly, i wouldnt mind that much (mostly cuz on her own she wont use over say 2gb once i have my own lte phone) if she could still use her upgrades going forward if i could keep my unlimited data
Ok fom my expuerence if you guys have been with the company for a while just put up a ***** tell them you are leaving. Im with tmobile and i get great offers all the time that are meant to be for new customers only. I once got two new phones forget the name and only had to pay tax on them and i got them to order them for me. Believe me the last thing they want is for you to leave them.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA
whoa, I'm tmobile too but I have full unlimited data plan, all the bells and whistles and STILL have to pay FULL price for my devices! Complaining does nothing for me! My HTC SENSATION 4g costed me almost 700.00!! One good thing about tmo is you do have the option to take the device home and pay approximately 20.00 a month for the device. This makes it a bit easier than having to pay all at once.! But their data is NOT cheap! I have two lines unlimited data, one equipment charge (20.00)
My bill for last month was 254.00! That seems outrageous to me! I asked about it and they said I can cancel some services I have to lower it, such as hotspot tethering ect. But I need those services. I've been with them for ,4 years, seems like I should at the very least, get a reduced equipment charge! But I still have to pay full price! Complaints get me no where.!
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using xda premium
realsis said:
whoa, I'm tmobile too but I have full unlimited data plan, all the bells and whistles and STILL have to pay FULL price for my devices! Complaining does nothing for me! My HTC SENSATION 4g costed me almost 700.00!! One good thing about tmo is you do have the option to take the device home and pay approximately 20.00 a month for the device. This makes it a bit easier than having to pay all at once.! But their data is NOT cheap! I have two lines unlimited data, one equipment charge (20.00)
My bill for last month was 254.00! That seems outrageous to me! I asked about it and they said I can cancel some services I have to lower it, such as hotspot tethering ect. But I need those services. I've been with them for ,4 years, seems like I should at the very least, get a reduced equipment charge! But I still have to pay full price! Complaints get me no where.!
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
complaining may or may not get you anywhere with carriers
a lot depends on who you complain too, how often, what the complaint is, and your history of service and complaining with them
many people have gotten ETF's waived, but it usually takes a series of calls over several weeks and months proving there is something wrong with their lines and services
complaining about your contract and what it contains, depends on what you are up in arms about...i really dont see being able to argue your way into an upgrade AND keeping unlimited data once the family data share plans start...regardless of your circumstances/history (but who knows)
a few years back (2008/9) my wife and i were extremely unhappy with our BB8830s and were each around 8-10 months away from an upgrade (me 4 months into my annual my vzw upgrade, she was half way through a 2 year)...i must have called 25-30 times and spoken to half that many different CR's and supervisors, demanding that they move our upgrade dates up to get the BB Storm (lol, ikr) or that when our contracts were up we would leave for ATT to get the iphone because its what we both really wanted
basically everyone i talked to gave me the "ok, have fun with ATT" talk and refused to do anything except move *1* of our upgrades up by a few months....despite my carrying on that we had been customers since the late 90's (well i had been) it all fell flat
other times, however ive been successful in getting replacement devices with no ?s asked...wife actually dropped her first tbolt and it stopped working (but showed no real damage) and we got it replaced for free w/o insurance...and i got my fascinate replaced with the inc2 when the speaker failed (and the fascinate was actually a used device bought off ebay a few weeks after its launch)
so its all situational i suppose
/end rambling
tnez said:
Won't be your last unlimited plan upgrade. Vzn released a follow up statement saying people with unlimited plans will be able to keep them but that they will have to buy their phones at full retail price. Once you upgrade through discounted pricing on a phone, that will be when they'll take your unlimited data away and put you on one of the new plans
Sent from my VivoW using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat. We both have unlimited data planes and I'm sure she ain't going to want to pay $700 for her phones lol
Sent from my VivoW using Tapatalk 2
Ok if you wait till your contract is up you will have more leverage i have done it multiple times and even got one of my lines upgaded to a better u.nlimited ie 5 gb instead if 2 gb at no extra cost talk to someone higher up and results will follow. Tell them why woild i pay you x amount when i can change carriers for cheaper
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA
I was at the Verizon store today and asked about them about the Incredible 4g. Said it was supposed to be out this month but its delayed until probably next month. I also asked if it will be out before Verizon kills the unlimited plan and he says they have decided not to do it ans they got a corporate email saying so. Not that I believe them anyway just stating what they said.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Fyreman97 said:
I was at the Verizon store today and asked about them about the Incredible 4g. Said it was supposed to be out this month but its delayed until probably next month. I also asked if it will be out before Verizon kills the unlimited plan and he says they have decided not to do it ans they got a corporate email saying so. Not that I believe them anyway just stating what they said.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your last sentence said it all... Cardinal rule of Verizon: never believe anything the salespeople say. It's never right.
I was a former in store tech for vzw before they laid us all off and i still have good friends that work as sales reps and one told me he heard a rumor about this taking affect at the end of june. Again its just a rumor but we all know its coming. If i hear anything gurther i will post my findings
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium

Vrrizon about to kill grandfathered plans?

http://www.fiercewireless.com/story...ush-users-data-share/2012-05-16#ixzz1v3jKBWDs
Title says it all. What do u guys think?
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA
I think its gonna mean alot of people will hold off on upgrading there phones, folks aren't gonna give up that on a whim just to get a new phone.
It won't affect me because the razr was my first "smart phone" so I have the 4 GB double (2 GB) data for 30 bucks deal, so in 1 year and 9 months or later (depending on when we next upgrade) before we get to even use this data share (which i'm hoping will help reduce are monthly cost).
I got my Razr w/ 4G-LTE unlimited data grandfathered in.
VZW is going to change the terms mid-contract? I doubt they'd even try.
If limited data is my only option, I'll cancel. Lots of other people will, too.
You would be able to fight it. The only way they can is by tricking you and we all know they are into that!
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA
It won't be until your next upgrade cycle most likely, the "Keep My Current Data Plan" option will disappear.
So I have roughly 2 years, at which time I'll buy myself something off contract.
I will be very unhappy.
Ive been with Vz for about 8 years now. You would think they would have learned something with the huge backlash ATT got with their "unlimited plan" customers and getting taken to court.
If they will only change it from unlim to limited by upgrading AND with them charging a fee for upgrading... I see a lot of ppl getting phones elsewhere then.
Not happy to hear this
All companies involved in mobile data today are pushing users to the cloud for all storage, we have to stream our music, pictures and videos to and from our devices. On top of all the cloud services, the device manufacturers are limiting the storage capability on the devices. Take the Galaxy Nexus for example; it is built with no memory card slot, and so are many other devices coming to market today. At the same time we are buying limited storage mobile devices, all of the mobile data providers are cutting back on data allowances.
Are the data providers and device manufactures building this limited data structure together? I don’t know, but my gut says YES. As technology progresses it always gets cheaper and these companies are trying to change that relationship. I've been with big red for almost 8 years, the first 5 years my bill was no less than 500 a month, the last 3 has been no less than 275, all with unlimited data, always getting a little cheaper. If I get forced into a data plan that I have to watch just to keep from getting slammed with overage charges, I’m done! Not only done with Verizon, but I will give up all mobile data, purchase a few nice flip phones for my family and go month to month with Cricket or the like.
http://www.change.org/petitions/sto...unlimited-data-plans-for-existing-subscribers here sign this to stop it
Sent from my Awesome MotoMaxx
Not a lot of people will cancel. Who else can you use. In my area verizon crushes. I would gladly switch but no one even at a better price gets device where I need it. 9 guys in my shop are unlimited and 2 were crying about this.
Let's face it. Its money. Verizon will eventually fully phase out unlimited because they can. They will make more money and 97% will not leave because the red devil owns them. It sucks but its true. Lots of people don't come close to 2gb a month but I use around 6gb. I pay for 10gb.
What kills me is thru Cox cable internet I have the 12meg package w 15meg speed boost. It cost me $45 no and I get 200gb. Verizon charged $50 at a double data rate for 10gb. How does this happen? I don't mind paying tier plan if they were reasonable. For me 10gb should be $30. Realistically $15. Makes no sense how they gouge for data but they have more people lined up waiting for their service.
stkiswr said:
Not a lot of people will cancel. Who else can you use. In my area verizon crushes. I would gladly switch but no one even at a better price gets device where I need it. 9 guys in my shop are unlimited and 2 were crying about this.
Let's face it. Its money. Verizon will eventually fully phase out unlimited because they can. They will make more money and 97% will not leave because the red devil owns them. It sucks but its true. Lots of people don't come close to 2gb a month but I use around 6gb. I pay for 10gb.
What kills me is thru Cox cable internet I have the 12meg package w 15meg speed boost. It cost me $45 no and I get 200gb. Verizon charged $50 at a double data rate for 10gb. How does this happen? I don't mind paying tier plan if they were reasonable. For me 10gb should be $30. Realistically $15. Makes no sense how they gouge for data but they have more people lined up waiting for their service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. I hate to hear the news, but most will take it bent over. Its all about money. They could care less about customer satisfaction. I doubt 3% would be the final number of people leaving VW because of this change.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
Giblet535 said:
I got my Razr w/ 4G-LTE unlimited data grandfathered in.
VZW is going to change the terms mid-contract? I doubt they'd even try.
If limited data is my only option, I'll cancel. Lots of other people will, too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not according to the transcript on that article. It only effects the customers with unlimited plan migrating from 3G device to 4G's.
Fran Shammo - Verizon Communications Inc. - EVP & CFO
Well, the way we have designed this and of course, it is paper, not actual and we will see how this comes out, but the way we have designed this
is we really shouldn't see a short-term decline. And really the theory behind this is LTE is our anchor point for data share. So as you come through
an upgrade cycle and you upgrade in the future, you will have to go onto the data share plan. And moving away from, if you will, the unlimited
world and moving everybody into a tiered structure data share-type plan.
So when you think about our 3G base, a lot of our 3G base is unlimited. As they start to migrate into 4G, they will have to come off of unlimited
and go into the data share plan. And that is beneficial for us for many reasons, obviously. So as you pick what tier you want to be and we think that
there will be some price up in those tiers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just buy your phone on ebay and sell it back on ebay. I figure i lose about $150 a phone each year. But i've had the Fascinate/droid charge/razr over the last year and half. All 3 were top phones. I don't plan on 'upgrading' see no reason for it. I will upgrade only the phone, but on ebay.
orateam said:
Just buy your phone on ebay and sell it back on ebay. I figure i lose about $150 a phone each year. But i've had the Fascinate/droid charge/razr over the last year and half. All 3 were top phones. I don't plan on 'upgrading' see no reason for it. I will upgrade only the phone, but on ebay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was my line of thinking after seeing this news, i got an upgrade to the RAZR with unlimited data late last year. If they don't flat out kill that anytime soon, i will probably "upgrade" via Ebay next time.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
I got on the tiered 3g for 30 and got the unlimited 4g hotspot for 30 when they still offered it. Because of that I have unlimited data currently. Do you guys think this change will affect me?
Spat from the mouth of mah Droid RAZR Maxx!
The truth is it will eventually affect everyone. The start is 3g.
High prices<tiered data<limited 3g<limited 4g.
Inevitable
THe clarification today was that if you ever get a subsidized phone or switch your plan, ie. 3g to 4g; you move to the new plans.
So if you are 4g and buy phones at full retail or elsewhere, no problem and you can keep it forever because you aren't making a change.
I know some people still on 350 minute loyalty plans. No issues, but they can't change a thing.
There was a leak from the new york time or something saying you can keep your unlimited data plan if you pay full price for a new phone instead of the subsidized price.
http://www.droid-life.com/2012/05/1...d-data-says-exactly-what-we-already-told-you/
No information was released by verizon so those are just prediction/assumptions. I have 5 lines with unlimited internet and 2 with 3g and 3 with 4g phones. I will hurry and get them into 4g phones asap. Every rumor tend to indicate that 4g phones are safe....... for now.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA Premium App
droidxrooting said:
No information was released by verizon so those are just prediction/assumptions. I have 5 lines with unlimited internet and 2 with 3g and 3 with 4g phones. I will hurry and get them into 4g phones asap. Every rumor tend to indicate that 4g phones are safe....... for now.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
umm, yes it was:
http://news.verizonwireless.com/news/2012/05/data-pricing.html
When the new options are introduced, Unlimited Data will no longer be available to our customers purchasing handsets and signing a new contract. Customers who choose to purchase phones at full retail price and are currently on an unlimited smartphone data plan will be able to keep that plan. The same pricing and policies will apply to all 3G and 4GLTE smartphones.
So it seems as long as you don't upgrade, for now you get to keep unlimited data.
nrfitchett4 said:
umm, yes it was:
http://news.verizonwireless.com/news/2012/05/data-pricing.html
When the new options are introduced, Unlimited Data will no longer be available to our customers purchasing handsets and signing a new contract. Customers who choose to purchase phones at full retail price and are currently on an unlimited smartphone data plan will be able to keep that plan. The same pricing and policies will apply to all 3G and 4GLTE smartphones.
So it seems as long as you don't upgrade, for now you get to keep unlimited data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WTF? I just saw that. Thank you.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA Premium App

Keeping Unlimited Data?

Do you think the Galaxy Note 2 is worth giving up unlimited data? I can only imagine how much data I would be using with this phone. I could imagine being limited. I couldn't see myself paying ful price to keep unlimited data going. Sprint nor Tmobile have LTE in my area.
Has anyone found a way around being pushed into the upgrade? I also found it obnoxious that they are charging a $30 upgrade fee and giving me a $50 upgrade discount at the same time lol.
textron said:
Do you think the Galaxy Note 2 is worth giving up unlimited data? I can only imagine how much data I would be using with this phone. I could imagine being limited. I couldn't see myself paying ful price to keep unlimited data going. Sprint nor Tmobile have LTE in my area.
Has anyone found a way around being pushed into the upgrade? I also found it obnoxious that they are charging a $30 upgrade fee and giving me a $50 upgrade discount at the same time lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing is worth giving up unlimited data.
4g tethering / internet practically anywhere there is 4g... I would never give that up for anything. I use around 7-10gb of data on the average.
I will be giving up unlimited data this go around. After getting laid off of my job of 6 years I had to take a lower paying gig and the only way I could talk my wife into the Note 2 was if we combine our plans. I have never used more than 8 gb in a month and she uses 1 gb. We will either go with the 8 gb shared and save $30 a month by combining or maybe the 10gb plan. Its a small price to pay for me to upgrade from my X to the N2. It is what it is, I will make it work even though it does suck.
I'm likely buying the phone outright and keeping the unlimited data. Even my wife doesn't want me to give up the unlimited data.
That's cool. With 2 mortgages and 2 kids I couldn't justify 1400 for 2 phone's when we can get both for 700 and save 30 a month by combining. I hope all of you guys can keep unlimited, in 2 years ill see where the carriers are with respect to unlimited and move to another carrier if my 10gb plan isn't working for me. Honestly I doubt we will be having this conversation about unlimited on Verizon in 2 years. My guess is Verizon will decide in the near future to end it completely.
I wish there was a way to keep the plan. It's crazy they try to force you off.
My replacement Fascinate is defective with the constant reboots and overheating while charging. I was going to replace under warranty but I dropped it and the screen cracked which they have already tried to blame that for the problems. Assurion wants 99 bucks for a replacement. They keep telling me that my data usage is low. Yeah, my phone dies in 4 hours and crashes most when I use my web browsers.
Prior to that I was using 3-6 gigs a month. LTE + 2gb a month is like getting a Lambo to drive only in a parking garage.
Since I live at a University, I have to share with everyone else. I am averaging about 16GB a month so I have to keep the unlimited plan.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Yup. 16 gb would cost you 170 (40 + 130 for data) a month on the new plan.
Wouldn't it be illegal for them to "force" you to change data plans later when people continue to buy phones outright.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
ihavenewnike said:
Wouldn't it be illegal for them to "force" you to change data plans later when people continue to buy phones outright.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but thhey can terminate you after you contract expires
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I just got back from VZW Corporate store.
I have 4 lines on a family account, i'm the owner of the entire account - I have TWO upgrades on my account and there's literally no way to be able to keep the unlimited data if the upgrade is on the line that has unlimited. It only works if you use a tiered line's upgrade for your unlimited line.
I know this might seem hard to follow but in short:
Unlimited Line has upgrade = wasted, nothing you can do with it
Tiered line has upgrade = useful for unlimited line
I don't find really any phone being with $600 to $700 after tax. That's just plain robbery. I've been doing it on my past 2 phones and now that I have upgrades actually available, i'm plainly fed up. I threaten to close my account with VZW but they would LOVE for that to happen because they don't want unlimited plan folks on their network anymore.
Now it's a game to test my wits.. How long can I go with my SG3 before going insane? I have to wait another year for one of my tiered lines to have an upgrade available.
Diversion said:
I just got back from VZW Corporate store.
I have 4 lines on a family account, i'm the owner of the entire account - I have TWO upgrades on my account and there's literally no way to be able to keep the unlimited data if the upgrade is on the line that has unlimited. It only works if you use a tiered line's upgrade for your unlimited line.
I know this might seem hard to follow but in short:
Unlimited Line has upgrade = wasted, nothing you can do with it
Tiered line has upgrade = useful for unlimited line
I don't find really any phone being with $600 to $700 after tax. That's just plain robbery. I've been doing it on my past 2 phones and now that I have upgrades actually available, i'm plainly fed up. I threaten to close my account with VZW but they would LOVE for that to happen because they don't want unlimited plan folks on their network anymore.
Now it's a game to test my wits.. How long can I go with my SG3 before going insane? I have to wait another year for one of my tiered lines to have an upgrade available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So why don't you use the tiered line upgrade and then switch the note to your line? I'm not really following this since you said two upgrades are available one on the tiered line and one on the unlimited.
Speaking of lines and unlimited. Our plan states that both are smartphones share the unlimited data. I keep hearing people talking about no unlimited data on certain lines??
I did preorder Note2 full price so we could keep unlimited and we were not eligible anyway as my line isn't up till Feb.
I can't imagine not having unlimited with the Note2, because its so powerful and with large screen, plan to use Netflix and music a lot!!
I'll be buying outright simple because they tacked on a $30 upgrade fee when I tried to preorder...Yea I know it makes no sense but its a principle thing now...haha
eganraC said:
I'll be buying outright simple because they tacked on a $30 upgrade fee when I tried to preorder...Yea I know it makes no sense but its a principle thing now...haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you purchase the phone outright, say from Verizon or Amazon Wireless, and pop in your working SIM, you don't have to pay the upgrade fee?
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
xdadevnube said:
If you purchase the phone outright, say from Verizon or Amazon Wireless, and pop in your working SIM, you don't have to pay the upgrade fee?
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, I bought my DNA yesterday with no upgrade fee when I paid full retail. I also had no fee when buying my GS3 or MAXX HD.
Diversion said:
I just got back from VZW Corporate store.
I have 4 lines on a family account, i'm the owner of the entire account - I have TWO upgrades on my account and there's literally no way to be able to keep the unlimited data if the upgrade is on the line that has unlimited. It only works if you use a tiered line's upgrade for your unlimited line.
I know this might seem hard to follow but in short:
Unlimited Line has upgrade = wasted, nothing you can do with it
Tiered line has upgrade = useful for unlimited line
I don't find really any phone being with $600 to $700 after tax. That's just plain robbery. I've been doing it on my past 2 phones and now that I have upgrades actually available, i'm plainly fed up. I threaten to close my account with VZW but they would LOVE for that to happen because they don't want unlimited plan folks on their network anymore.
Now it's a game to test my wits.. How long can I go with my SG3 before going insane? I have to wait another year for one of my tiered lines to have an upgrade available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an unlimited data line and I was due for the upgrade, I moved the upgrade to my dads 4gb tiered line and pre ordered on his line and everything appears to be just fine.. I wonder what the difference was? Did you try and go online and do this? I am not second guessing you, I just dont know what the difference is between our situations..
drum747 said:
I will be giving up unlimited data this go around. After getting laid off of my job of 6 years I had to take a lower paying gig and the only way I could talk my wife into the Note 2 was if we combine our plans. I have never used more than 8 gb in a month and she uses 1 gb. We will either go with the 8 gb shared and save $30 a month by combining or maybe the 10gb plan. Its a small price to pay for me to upgrade from my X to the N2. It is what it is, I will make it work even though it does suck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you considered dropping carrier texting and lowering minutes to 450 while keeping unlimited data and using Google Voice and Groove IP for unlimited calls and unlimited SMS over data? You can also look into applying a corporate discount on your plan. As far as the Note II you're bound to find a good deal on Craigslist.
Yeah I'm buying it at full retail just to keep unlimited. This will also be my last phone with Verizon. Moving to prepaid T-mobile after this one, hopefully they have real 4G by then
I've got a 5th line with a 3g dumb phone on Family Share Unlimited plan. Upgrading that to the Note 2 for 2year contract discount. Killing that in 24 hrs and transferring N2 to me/current Gnex and putting dumb phone back on 5th line. Keep unlimited data

Mobile Share Value Plans

Not sure if anyone really cares or not but I just knocked $105 off my AT&T Family plan bill with their new Mobile Share Value Plans.
I'm not a sales agent for AT&T, I'm just letting my fellow XDA users know.
https://www.att.com/shop/wireless/data-plans.html#fbid=K-dU-76XrWB
This is a real deal if you have a large family plan like i do with 5 lines and all smartphones. I was able to lower my bill to $192 a month from $306 the previous month with one phone call. And even better we are getting 10gigs a month now vs the 6gigs i was on.
I know I'm going to take some heat for spamming the board but if one person saves some money I'll be happy
ok flame away
Not sure if its worth giving up an unlimited data plan for this plan.
Ya, I saw those plans, heck, it's even worth it for just 2 lines and 10Gig, $100+$15+$15=$130. I am paying 70 for my single line and only 2gig of data. I know, everyone will tell me to go to a prepay, but I HAVE to have the microcell so I am stuck.
lemonz23 said:
Not sure if its worth giving up an unlimited data plan for this plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah .. unfortunately we lost are unlimited plans back in 2009 when we all got iPhone's
clsA said:
yeah .. unfortunately we lost are unlimited plans back in 2009 when we all got iPhone's
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unl plans are caped at 3 GB... Then u get the slowest speed...
10 GB = $100 + 15 per device
15 GB = $130 + 15 per device
Completely worth it. Now if you do an upgrade after moving to the plan instead of paying 15 for that line you will pay 40... they are trying to cope somehow how T-Mobile works.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
I went ahead and jumped on this. I had to give up 1 unlimited (LTE) data plan, which was throttled after 5GBs anyway. I think it's worth it to save $90/month.
We went to the value plan. Only two lines, so no massive savings. Went to from 6 to 10 GB for $10 cheaper
I was under the impression that once you switched to one of these plans, you no longer would get subsidized phone upgrades. Correct? In other words, the next time you want to upgrade you basically are on the AT&T Next setup (full unsubsidized price of phone broken out over x payments)
chp said:
I was under the impression that once you switched to one of these plans, you no longer would get subsidized phone upgrades. Correct? In other words, the next time you want to upgrade you basically are on the AT&T Next setup (full unsubsidized price of phone broken out over x payments)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is correct. Also, if you have currently been in contract for 6 months, they will allow a switch to AT&T Next. I feel it will not be long before they completely go to this method, especially with T-Mobile and others doing much the same.
Ive held on to my 2 line unlimited everything plan for years, paying about $185 before taxes and fees. I think it makes sense to go for this new plan, which drops the price down to $150 while sharing 10gigs. i've only ever gone over 3gigs in a month two times.
codejunkie83 said:
This is correct. Also, if you have currently been in contract for 6 months, they will allow a switch to AT&T Next. I feel it will not be long before they completely go to this method, especially with T-Mobile and others doing much the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, so if that is the case, it seems like you will only save money if you do not intend to take advantage of subsidized upgrades in the future (assuming still available).
chp said:
Okay, so if that is the case, it seems like you will only save money if you do not intend to take advantage of subsidized upgrades in the future (assuming still available).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From a purely monetary standpoint, yes - however, when you compare the data that you receive (10 GB vs 4/6GB), you are still saving money if you use that much data. But without taking advantage of the subsidized upgrades, you would most likely even out.
chp said:
I was under the impression that once you switched to one of these plans, you no longer would get subsidized phone upgrades. Correct? In other words, the next time you want to upgrade you basically are on the AT&T Next setup (full unsubsidized price of phone broken out over x payments)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you remember where you heard this? It's the first I've heard about this aspect to the new plans, which means I may regret making the switch.
joshfalk said:
Do you remember where you heard this? It's the first I've heard about this aspect to the new plans, which means I may regret making the switch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding from the AT&T rep (and my bill) is that each smartphone in the value plans are now $40 per month with a $25 monthly credit, so net $15.
If I upgrade using a Next plan, the $25 credit remains. (Next = a 0% interest loan to purchase the phone over 20 months.)
If I upgrade using a 2-year subsidy, the $25 credit is removed. (Making for a really expensive upgrade-- 24 * $25 + $200 up front = $800 for an iPhone 5S that I could purchase outright for $650.) Not that I'd purchase a 5S, but just an example of how an already overpriced phone just got even more expensive.
Basically, they really do not want people buying subsidized phones, and that's fine with me. I'd rather purchase the phone I want on my own timing and pay for it outright.
Up until the value plans it made sense to do 2-year upgrades because AT&T was already padding their rate plans with the subsidy cost, whether you upgraded or BYOP you paid for it.
Now, it makes more sense to just BYOP.
Yes you have to stay on the next plan, ability to get a new phone yearly or 18 months, to keep the $15/month. I also saved 50% on my phone bill.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
ronf1011 said:
Yes you have to stay on the next plan, ability to get a new phone yearly or 18 months, to keep the $15/month. I also saved 50% on my phone bill.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is good news, I was worried that when i upgraded with NEXT it would go from $15 to $40. I guess I should have read into it a little more, but yeah, my family is saving close to $100 since we switched to the value plan.
Love this plan. Switched to it immediately.
The Next program is basically a phone leasing program. So if you pay $30/month for Next18, that $540 is gone when you trade in for the new one. It would be cheaper buying the phone out right then sell it when you wanted to get a new one.
HTCm7One said:
The Next program is basically a phone leasing program. So if you pay $30/month for Next18, that $540 is gone when you trade in for the new one. It would be cheaper buying the phone out right then sell it when you wanted to get a new one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 and you are still dealing with the bloat. Going unlocked from here on out. These value plans are nice. Thanks @t-mobile! ? and AT&T for falling in line..
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
Upgrades?
I changed to the shared plan two months ago, losing my useless unlimited plan. I moved 5 phones. Two of them were eligible for upgrades at the time, but I was holding them for when I really wanted them. I need one now. I went to the ATT website and checked upgrade-ability. The two phones seem like they have subsidized plans available to them. I can also do the Next plan for any of my phones for the same price. So I can pay zero interest for 20 months, have no plan commitment, and pay in full for my daughter's new iphone over 20 months, or I can pay $199 for the phone, a one-time $36 upgrade fee, and commit for another two years of my shared plan. There is no change to the basic rate.

Not all in-store Verizon folks are idiots, and why an Edge plan saves money

Yes some are bone heads but some aren't. Here's my recent experience.
I have 4 phones on my account with a 10 gig shared data plan. My daughter wanted to move from Sprint to Verizon so my wife and I went to a Verizon store to help her through the transaction. One of the first things I do when I talk to one of the CS reps is state my position and what I want from this conversation with him/her. I like to see what they know or don't know. My rep, John, saw that I wasn't an average clueless customer and he immediately shifted into a smarter mode. Kudos for that.
So, my daughter decides on a Moto X. He runs the numbers and quickly figures out that it's much cheaper for her to join our family plan. No problem, we'll do that. She now pays us monthly for 1/5 of the total bill.
Then he pulls this one: "I'd like for you to look at the Edge plan for that Moto X." Ok, I'm not dumb, I've read all about the Edge plan. Yes it's no contract and yes you can switch to a new phone after a year but you pay for the phone as you go. I've looked at the numbers and it never makes sense to get Edge unless you just can't wait to upgrade phones. But boy do you pay for it.
Right now my opinion of John is changing. He's trying to pull a fast one. So I object saying, "I'm not interested in Edge." He comes back with, "What if I can prove it saves you money?" "OK, wise guy," I'm thinking, "do you take me for an idiot? Show me how smart you are, bonehead." Instead, I say, "Really? How?"
And he shows me. The way the Edge program works is that the monthly cost of the phone on an Edge plan is retail cost divided into 20 months. In the case of the Moto X it's $400 retail or $20 per month. Turns out if you have a 10 gig, or higher, data plan they discount the Edge program by $25 for EACH phone on the Edge plan. So, in her case the $20 plan minus the $25 discount reduced the plan by $5 compared to a 2 year subsidized contract. "So," I thought, "this guy really knew what he was doing."
Other advantages to Edge: The phone can be upgraded after 60% of the retail price is paid off. That's 12 months. If you want to trade it in sooner than 12 months then pay the difference to get up to 60%. This is a trade-in, you don't keep the phone. However, if you do keep the phone for 20 months it's yours to keep, no trade in necessary.
The break even point is phone that retails for $500. At that point the monthly payment is $25 and the discount is $25.
An HTC One and LG G2 are break even on Edge. A Note 3, S5 and LG G3 are only $5 more on Edge. All in all, it turns out, Edge is a pretty good deal if you have the 10 Gig plan.
In the end, my daughter was happy, I'm happy and it was a great experience. So, not all CS reps are idiots.
Nice too bad I have unlimited and won't be going the edge route
ihavenewnike said:
Nice too bad I have unlimited and won't be going the edge route
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You can say that again
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samcook2003 said:
You can say that again
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Yeah. Because of how much data I use, they told me they would give me all the deals of a more everything plan plus 20% off my whole bill. Then I said I already have 20% off through a worker who worked there years ago. They said it would add on top of that. So 40% off plus what ever more eveything. But given how much data I use, wouldn't do anything for me.
You lost me at "some aren't"
Nice experience. Not sure why you keep calling him a bone head in your mind. If you knew about the edge and the savings you get (-$25 for 10gb), then the sale would be as easy as in and out. But then again looks like you didn't know of that last part about the savings. Anyways congrats on your new phone purchase.
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Deekayy said:
Nice experience. Not sure why you keep calling him a bone head in your mind. If you knew about the edge and the savings you get (-$25 for 10gb), then the sale would be as easy as in and out. But then again looks like you didn't know of that last part about the savings. Anyways congrats on your new phone purchase.
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For now. The days of unlimited are coming to an end. Before long the only to keep unlimited data is to never change your phone.
TabGuy said:
For now. The days of unlimited are coming to an end. Before long the only to keep unlimited data is to never change your phone.
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As. Long as wee keep our current unlimited plans and buy our devices outright then I do not see how they can legally boot us off of unlimited.
droidstyle said:
As. Long as wee keep our current unlimited plans and buy our devices outright then I do not see how they can legally boot us off of unlimited.
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First of all, if you read your contract you'll see that they have the right to change the contract at any time. In essence, legally, they can boot you off of unlimited data anytime they want. There's nothing you can do about it, you signed the contract. Right now they won't do that because there are too many unlimited plan customers, including my phone, that it would get bad press.
Another loophole changes in August were people would have someone on their family plan buy a new phone and they switched the SIM card to be able to upgrade their phone without paying full price. That goes away on August 24th.
Right now the only way left to keep unlimited data is to buy a full phone at full price, not a discounted price. However, I expect to see that change in the future. I believe that within the next 12 months Verizon will change their policy with regard to unlimited. They won't kill it but you will lose it if your phone's MEID changes. In effect, the only way to keep unlimited data is to never change to a different phone. Lose your phone, break your phone, or upgrade to a new phone and your unlimited data plan will go away. Verizon has stated LOUD AND CLEAR that they don't like unlimited data plans and that they will eventually end.
droidstyle said:
As. Long as wee keep our current unlimited plans and buy our devices outright then I do not see how they can legally boot us off of unlimited.
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Click to collapse
This forum has a link about the future of unlimited data. Basically Verizon will begin throttling people who use more data than they deem profitable.
TabGuy said:
First of all, if you read your contract you'll see that they have the right to change the contract at any time. In essence, legally, they can boot you off of unlimited data anytime they want. There's nothing you can do about it, you signed the contract. Right now they won't do that because there are too many unlimited plan customers, including my phone, that it would get bad press.
Another loophole changes in August were people would have someone on their family plan buy a new phone and they switched the SIM card to be able to upgrade their phone without paying full price. That goes away on August 24th.
Right now the only way left to keep unlimited data is to buy a full phone at full price, not a discounted price. However, I expect to see that change in the future. I believe that within the next 12 months Verizon will change their policy with regard to unlimited. They won't kill it but you will lose it if your phone's MEID changes. In effect, the only way to keep unlimited data is to never change to a different phone. Lose your phone, break your phone, or upgrade to a new phone and your unlimited data plan will go away. Verizon has stated LOUD AND CLEAR that they don't like unlimited data plans and that they will eventually end.
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First of all if you are not on a contract then they can not change anything.
kinstre11 said:
This forum has a link about the future of unlimited data. Basically Verizon will begin throttling people who use more data than they deem profitable.
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Yes I am well aware...see my posts in that thread.
droidstyle said:
First of all if you are not on a contract then they can not change anything.
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If you aren't under contract then they can do anything. They could end your unlimited data tomorrow and you'd have absolutely no recourse.
Edit: You are always under contract, the one you signed when you first joined Verizon. The phone may be paid off but the contact always exists as long as you use their network. You are just under the month-to-month portion of the contract.
TabGuy said:
If you aren't under contract then they can do anything. They could end your unlimited data tomorrow and you'd have absolutely no recourse.
Edit: You are always under contract, the one you signed when you first joined Verizon. The phone may be paid off but the contact always exists as long as you use their network. You are just under the month-to-month portion of the contract.
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No you are not under a contract when month to month. There are no binding terms keeping me locked to any set rules or conditions. However, there is the TOS I agreed to back when I first joined. Aside from that I have been a VZW customer for 15yrs and they have never ended or terminated any service I have had with them. They may discontinue a older plan, but they have never forced me off of any plan I was on. I have no reason to believe they would start doing such things. Just because they did away with the loop hole(add a line/transfer device/put dumb phone on added line) to keep unlimited does not mean they are going to start forcing people off thier unlimited plans. Even if they did, I would simply jump on a shared plan...it is what it is.
Boy did I luck out. Just read this about august 24th. I got a note 3 yesterday! Still unlimited.... and my upgrade I'd in November, seems like people better get their phones now! So what if you buy a used phone and swap sims?? Post Aug 24th...
TabGuy said:
Another loophole changes in August were people would have someone on their family plan buy a new phone and they switched the SIM card to be able to upgrade their phone without paying full price. That goes away on August 24th.
.
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That's not true, the only loop hole they are closing is that if you add a new line to get a smartphone you have to keep the data plan on that phone. You can still use an upgrade on another smartphone line then transfer the SIM, or if you have an upgrade on your unlimited, transfer it to another smartphone do the upgrade then swap the SIM cards(this is what I just did a couple of months ago). So basically I have an unlimited line and my wife has a tiered plan, we both get to use our upgrades, we just have to do the transfer gimmick.
gottahavit said:
That's not true, the only loop hole they are closing is that if you add a new line to get a smartphone you have to keep the data plan on that phone. You can still use an upgrade on another smartphone line then transfer the SIM, or if you have an upgrade on your unlimited, transfer it to another smartphone do the upgrade then swap the SIM cards(this is what I just did a couple of months ago). So basically I have an unlimited line and my wife has a tiered plan, we both get to use our upgrades, we just have to do the transfer gimmick.
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Exactly... +1
droidstyle said:
As. Long as wee keep our current unlimited plans and buy our devices outright then I do not see how they can legally boot us off of unlimited.
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Click to collapse
I worked for Verizon, and have recently left to pursue other opportunities. I posed this very same thought to my account manager. She said that the most likely scenario is that there will be a point when they will absolutely remove unlimited data. They can say we are sorry but that phone cannot be put on a line with unlimited data. You have to also scour the terms and conditions. The company does reserve the right to terminate any plans and change existing plans. This is whether or not you are in contract. I am pretty sure they have a legal team that has already discussed this. I always see threats by people saying they will leave and go to this company or that company; but let's face it, choices for phone companies are very limited. You go to T-Mobile and you have limited areas, same with Sprint. The two companies that are in control are Verizon and AT&T. They have effectively formed a duopoly. It is not by accident that they have nearly the same exact plans. All I am saying is enjoy the data while you have it.
bairste said:
I worked for Verizon, and have recently left to pursue other opportunities. I posed this very same thought to my account manager. She said that the most likely scenario is that there will be a point when they will absolutely remove unlimited data. They can say we are sorry but that phone cannot be put on a line with unlimited data. You have to also scour the terms and conditions. The company does reserve the right to terminate any plans and change existing plans. This is whether or not you are in contract. I am pretty sure they have a legal team that has already discussed this. I always see threats by people saying they will leave and go to this company or that company; but let's face it, choices for phone companies are very limited. You go to T-Mobile and you have limited areas, same with Sprint. The two companies that are in control are Verizon and AT&T. They have effectively formed a duopoly. It is not by accident that they have nearly the same exact plans. All I am saying is enjoy the data while you have it.
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Click to collapse
the problem with putting any stock in what your account manager says is the simple fact that one could speak to 10 different account managers and get 10 different answers.
Amen to that, verizon employees must not have group trainings as they All seem to have a different answer for you.
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Most people do not realize the 25 dollar credit per edge line per month on the bill.
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