keeping my unlimited data plan
frustrated_customer78
Enthusiast - Level 1

I've been stuck with my phone for the past 3 years and in desperate need of a new one. How can I upgrade my phone without losing my unlimited data plan. I've spoken to several Verizon reps who tell me something different every time. I've also heard of several ways to upgrade without losing it. Why can't we just be grandfathered in like AT&T does? This issue is extremely frustrating.

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45 Replies
tikibar1
Community Leader
Community Leader

You can retain your unlimited data by not signing a new two-year contract for a subsidized phone.  In other words, you'll need to pay full retail price, buy a used phone from somewhere like ebay or swappa, borrow a phone from a friend, add a line to get a subsidized phone (and then, of course, you'll be paying for that new line each month until its contract ends), or upgrade another line on the account (if one is available) and move the new phone to the unlimited line.

frustrated_customer78
Enthusiast - Level 1

I might just go that route. Thanks

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Ann154
Community Leader
Community Leader

Which route? There were several presented.

I'm most definitely NOT a VZW employee. If a post answered your question, please mark it as the answer.

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twitterbird
Enthusiast - Level 2

I just upgraded my phone and was given unlimited calls and texts. Go to store or call Customer Service (866)266-1445. Good luck.

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StreetDocRN
Champion - Level 1

Congratulations on your new contract with unlimited calls and unlimited texts.  Let us know if you have any problems.  Good luck.

Doc

twitterbird
Enthusiast - Level 2

Thank you StreetDocRN for your reply and offer to help. One thing you might do for me is to tell me how to access the data usage function online. I cannot seem to find it nor is it available on my Jetpack. It says "not available.

Thanks for any help

StreetDocRN
Champion - Level 1

Check out http://m-support.verizonwireless.com/mobl/features.faqs_faqs%7CMyVerizon%7Caccessing-my-verizon-mobi...

Once you install the My Verizon app, you can track your usage.

twitterbird
Enthusiast - Level 2

Thank you for your timely response regarding Jetpack usage analysis. This is much appreciated.

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Not applicable

There is two ways to preserve unlimited data.

1) pay full price for the phone. You keep unlimited data.

2) use Verizon device payment plan. Pay the full price over 12 months. You must make the first payment and full tax with a $2 finance charge on day of device purchase. Then 11 payments with a $2 finance charge each month there after.

Please note in both cases don't let Verizon tell you that you lose unlimited data. You do not. Or that it is just for tablets. They will lie to you to get you off unlimited data.

Verizon Mobile Support

Verizon’s Device Payment Plan Can be Used as a Way to Keep Unlimited Data and Upgrade Phones | Droid...

This must be done at a Verizon wireless corporate store only. No resellers.

Good Luck

Not applicable

Oh I forgot. Do not get talked into the EDGE program.

You lose unlimited data.

Jiminraleigh
Contributor - Level 2

I have researched the same issue (4 hours total on phone with Verizon). Suggest that you research other service providers to compare options. I have and am getting ready to test unlimited data, talk and text (for $25/mo).  New phones from almost all providers are discounted. Surprised to see that Verizon is charging full rate + finance charge. That is (I think) unique to Verizon.

(I am a Verizon customer - and have been since 1982)

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Not applicable

I am quite happy with my Verizon service. Been a customer way back before the were called Verizon.

Probably 25+ years.

I have used T-Mobile as a test, they failed. I originally had Cellular One, which became Cingular who now is known as AT&T which had great coverage, great phone selection for 25 years ago but their billing was terrible. Remember they had roll over minutes, bonus minutes etc. But would still charge .35¢ a minute for calls and .20¢ per text.

My wife uses Sprint, calls are good, but data is mostly 3G and not very reliable but its unlimited everything.

For the price that you reference has to be one of those all you can eat, but you get 3G data only, and your unlimited is throttled after 2.5 GB so its not really unlimited.

So you have to compare apples to apples not apples to oranges.

Good Luck

Jiminraleigh
Contributor - Level 2

Great note, THANKS.

I not good at comparing fruit (apples, etc.).

But service, price, fairness - not too bad at.

You and I have a similar phone history. 1984 with a Verizon predecessor and stayed with it through all the changes.

Have been in Telecom since 1968 (Stromberg-Carlson), then ITT Telecom, then NorTel, then Lucent. I am killing them off, I think.

Anyway, 25 dollar unlimited service IS 3G (you are correct). To get unlimited 4GLTE, it is 40 dollars per month (42.50 with tax).

I asked for something similar yesterday from my Verizon CSR and (after 25 minutes of life sharing moments), he stated that Verizon cannot compete with unlimited data plans. Also, Verizon does no compete with other providers on minutes or phones either. It is the coverage (period).

Finally, he said - if you can get adequate coverage for a better price - I think you would be silly not to do it.

Also, if you want unlimited talk and text, we CAN help - but the total cost to you will be about double what that other provider offers.

So the word from Verizon is cost is about double (after all is summed up), quantity of service is limited in most packages and finally, the Share Everything plan will increase the average cost by about 20% over some of our other plans (if you include phones, talk, text, data)

I am testing Republic wireless because it is a local company (Raleigh, NC).

It offers plans from $5 to $40.

It offers discounted phones.

EVERYthing is unlimited - but you are correct in one aspect, they will knock your data from 4G to 3G after 5 Gig (but who uses that much cellular air time -roaming). If not roaming, NO limits or changes. Oh, they DEFAULT to WiFi for everything - so none of these bandwidth limitations/discussions apply if we are talking about home use, work use, resturant use, etc. (anywhere WiFi is available).

Sorry 'bout the soap box. I have done so much research and spent so much time trying to stay with Verizon that I was sick all day Sunday. This saddens me as much as Motorola being sold to the Chinese a few months ago (last US cellphone maker).

Jim

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Tidbits
Legend

Actually you need to look again at republic. There's a lot more to it. Any way I wish you the best if luck.

Jiminraleigh
Contributor - Level 2

Thanks for the good luck wish.  I will take your advice and give it another look.

I received a MotoG today and started a 30-day trial.  I will let you know the result.

The first few hours of testing resulted in 100% wifi calling success, text send/receive and 3 of 5 bars on cell.

Not enough to draw conclusions yet - but looking reasonable so far (after all, the test period is free!!)

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Tidbits
Legend

The problem is you are limited on Sprints network.  You can't use more on Sprint network than you do on WiFi.  There's a lot more, and I have friends who left Republic because they thought like a lot of people though and their usage habits hinder them.

Jiminraleigh
Contributor - Level 2

Titbits,

This MAY be an important consideration - but I don't understand it. What do you mean by "You can't use more on Sprint network than you do on WiFi."

I know that I can use 5.2 gig of data without any consideration or concern.

I know that I can use wifi for voice, text and data without any concern or restriction.

What am I missing?

Jim

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Tidbits
Legend

Sprint is used as a piggyback for republic wireless. Majority of your usage MUST be off the piggyback. That's the main reason why it's so cheap to have. Just try and not use WiFi at all and see what happens.

Not applicable

This Jim dude has been spamming Republic on this board for the last few days. Funny thing is he's a Verizon customer that has no intention of leaving.

To frustrated, unlimited data is not sustainable. And at&t will stop grandfathering it in due time. In fact it won't be long before Verizon gets rid of it altogether. Also it's just not fair some people get unlimited for $30 and some others only get 2 GB. Once unlimited is gone the caps will go up for everyone. Also Verizon is moving everyone to More Everything and you can't have unlimited data on that anyway.

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Not applicable

There is nothing unfair with unlimited data users paying $30 and others paying $30 for 2 GB.

It was the plan offering way back when. There is now another plan and it is what it is.

T-Mobile & Sprint are using the same promotion of unlimited to garner customers and revenue just as Verizon did. The statement of unlimited being unsustainable is a falsehood. Some people just don't understand data is being used by all or most customers. Because they charge more per GB does not make it sustainable. It just makes it more expensive.

People have got to use their brains.

Good Luck