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Switch to sprint?

I've been a verizon customer for 12+ years, and my current bill is $103 every month for a single line. I am currently in the grandfathered unlimited data plan. My last phone purchase was the galaxy S4 on launch day, that I bought at full retail on an installment plan so that I did not lose my unlimited data.

I currently desire a galaxy s6 and am wondering what my options are. I have no desire to switch plans, change my data package in any way, or renew a contract (because I don't want to lose my data). I use a lot of data, I stream music and video very frequently. Is there an installment plan available for me? I see that sprint can offer me a much smaller monthly bill, and a discounted phone price. I'm okay with paying full price with verizon, but I don't want to pay full price all at once. Is there anything that verizon is willing to do to keep my longterm business, or would I be forced to investigate another provider?

Comments

Ptmc518

The only way to buy a phone and keep unlimited data is to buy the phone outright at full retail. Verizon will not let you keep your unlimited data if you sign a new contract or want to buy a phone at a discounted rate.

Larstrak

Thanks for the reply! I am aware that I will pay full retail to keep my current plan. Is there an installment option for me in my situation?

Ptmc518

I know that you can have the device charged to your bill, but I'm not sure if the full amount is due at the end of the cycle or not. Best bet would probably be to call VZW and ask them. What I did was, I have a credit card that has 0 apr for 12 months so I charged it to that and then it was paid off to VZW and I just paid it off in 12 months to my cc.

ynggrsshppr91

No there is not an installment plan

kaebfly

As mentioned, no you would have to pay it in full but you can opt to use a credit card with a financing promotion (or not) to make installment payments that way. You'd just pay it off by paying your credit card bill. Store cards like Best Buys also have promotions like 18 months interest free (sometimes it's only 12 months...and sometimes they have a 24 month promotion).

rlxr7

My mom switched to Sprint and got unlimited talk text and data AND an Galaxy S6 for a low as $80 per month with zero out of pocket at point of sale. Awesome deal, but i can't personally do that because I just signed a new Verizon contract.

Loquat

If Sprint can offer you equal or better service, provide you with the device you desire, and lower your overall monthly payment...I'd think you'd be crazy not to switch. Just make an educated decision and be sure to look before you leap and make sure that with Sprint you're getting the same coverage that you're currently getting with VZW...after all, what good does it do to have a great device, a cheaper bill, and no coverage? Best of luck to you in your decision...

veryfrustrated0118

How about a store, like Best Buy, credit card that allows 0% for a certain time until it is paid off? VZW will not allow you to do the financing, even with the $2 monthly fee, and keep unlimited.

Is your S4 in good condition? You could also sell that on Swappa or something to help off set the cost of the new device.

veryfrustrated0118

Or any credit card. It seems that. You just have to look at your options and decide which is right for you.

kaebfly

Already mentioned that to the OP. Best Buy, Walmart...sometimes Sam's Club has financing deals that give you 24 months if you use their Sam's store card or their credit card. The list is long if you're looking for interest free options. Even longer if you're not concerned about interest free and just need the flexibility to make monthly payments.

veryfrustrated0118

I thought that I would reiterate since the conversation is ongoing.

doctorras

You wont get the same service/coverage with Sprint. Think about it.

unknown

doctorras wrote:

You wont get the same service/coverage with Sprint. Think about it.

To some people money is more important than coverage which is really odd when you're buying cell phone service which kind of depends on coverage.

Snn5

I have found many surprising results from even prepaid providers as it relates to their coverage maps. Even my Boost/Sprint phone gets calling signal 30+ miles outside of the coverage area on back country roads. Data is horrible, but calls are ok. Coverage certainly varies, but thats what 14-30 day test periods are for when switching. You can come back to Verizon within 30 days to avoid ETFs usually. Of course, if you try this test drive option, be sure its a prepaid carrier and you have a free phone otherwise you'll have ETFs from some other carrier.

Snn5

This link should help: Choose Sprint and your location and take a look at data, calls, and other reports.

RootMetrics Coverage Map

Loquat

I will never understand that mentality. I just can't see myself paying for something that doesn't work the way it was designed to work. And it's not just with cellular service...with most things in life. I understand things happen that can disrupt service...but it shouldn't be an ongoing situation. Paying for spotty cell coverage makes no sense to me when their are other options...

doctorras

Totally agree with you.

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