Edge Plan, Device Payment Plan...How to keep Grandfathered Unlimited Data?

[ShadowAgent]

Ok, I've looked around the forum and read about the Edge Plan and the Device Payment Plan, but when I speak to someone I get different answers.  The posts I found here are months old so I'm not sure if anything is still current.

I have the America's Choice 450 with unlimited data and I want to keep that.  I had heard that if you buy a phone outright (either full price or off of eBay, Craig's list, etc.) you keep your existing plan.  This is because you are providing the equipment.

I went to the VZW store yesterday and asked "If I pay full price for the phone, I heard I can keep my unlimited data plan.  Is this correct?"  The question wasn't answered, instead I was told about the Edge Plan.

The Edge Plan was described to me as I would get 6GB data (and they said I was trending around 4.5GB), pay same price as my America's Choice 450 plan, and have an extra charge to cover the phone (for example $23 if I went with this smart phone or $20 if I went with that).  The representative kept dodging the keeping of the unlimited data plan, and I thought it was a rip off to pay the same plan price for less data,  so I left to come back to the website and forums.

That is how I found out that there was a Device Payment Plan (found the link outside the forum) that was different from the Edge Plan.  Unfortunately the FAQ for the Device Payment Plan doesn't talk about the phone plan.

So I called Customer Support to ask the question about the Device Payment Plan.  I described what I was told by friend and VZW representative and I was informed I had some incorrect info.

I was told that the info on keeping the America's Choice and what the Edge plan covers was correct.  However, there wasn't a Device Payment Plan option.

Has this Device Payment Plan been discontinued?  Has anyone had any recent success in getting this plan (instead of Edge) and keeping their grandfathered unlimited data?

[ttipgem]

Here is some information about the Device Payment Plan.  There is a $2 per month finance charge.

http://support.verizonwireless.com/support/faqs/FeaturesandOptionalServices/device-installment-plan....

You can keep your unlimited data by purchasing the phone at full retail from Verizon directly, by purchasing a phone from a third party source, or by using the Device Payment Plan.

You cannot keep your unlimited data if you use the Edge plan.

[ShadowAgent]

Thanks, but as I stated I knew all this already.  The Reps at the VZW store wouldn't answer the question and the person on the phone said the plan wasn't available.  So I wanted to know if anyone had any recent luck in getting the Device Payment Plan.

[vzw_customer_support]

Hi ShadowAgent- We want you to have an awesome device and a plan that meets your needs! I can confirm the Device Payment Program is a current option available to qualified customers. It is an option that is only available in our retail sales locations. I would be happy to offer any additional support needed.

Thank you,

YaleK_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWsupport

[ShadowAgent]

Thank you Yalek!  This is what I was looking for.  Just to clarify, The Edge and Device Payment Program are 2 separate options right?

I will print this conversation and bring to the store.

[vzw_customer_support]

That's correct ShadowAgent. Edge and the Device Payment Program are 2 separate options.

MarquiaF_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

[TAWPOWER]

I believe I will need support when I talk to the store manager to get a HTC ONE Max on the device payment plan.  I was told the plan was only for tablets and not smart phones.  How is it that no stores managers and the girl I talked to on the phone with Verizon support have no idea what the Device Payment plan is?

[vzw_customer_support]

I'm confident the store will be able to help you find the best option available to your account, TAWPOWER. The Device Payment Plan  http://vz.to/ZILXBT details are no secret. The store will be able to review your account and see if it qualifies for this fantastic program.

Thank you
JenniferH_VZW

Please follow us on Twitter @vzwsupport

[ShadowAgent]

I plan on bringing a print out of each plan and have this discussion ready on my phone when I go in to finally get a new phone (still deciding).  If they tell me they don't know about this plan then speak to a manager.

[Eliexpression]

My upgrade is coming soon and I don't want to lose my unlimited data plan. What should I do?

As far as I know the edge plan doesn't mention anything about changing your plan at all, it only states to sign a 24 month payment contract.

[vzw_customer_support]

Let's explore options to keep your current plan Eliexpression! You can keep your plan unchanged if you upgrade at full retail price, even if you use our Device Payment Program http://vz.to/ZILXBT or you can get your next phone from a third party and activate on your account and keep your current plan also. Upgrading via Edge program will require to change to a current calling plan http://bit.ly/T8w8iM

AntonioC_VZW
Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VZWSupport

[rcschnoor]

With Edge, you cannot keep your unlimited data.

[rcschnoor]

ShadowAgent wrote:

The Reps at the VZW store wouldn't answer the question and the person on the phone said the plan wasn't available.

It is available to qualified customers who pass a credit check. It is an option, however not all customers will qualify.

[ShadowAgent]

According to the information on the website, Edge has a credit check on new customers or customers with only 6 months on an existing plan (I didn't see this for the Device Payment Program).  Given I qualified for Edge I'm sure I qualify for Device Payment Program.  I did notice on the Edge plan that when you "edge up" you return your phone and it must be in good working order.  Sounds like leasing a car to me.

[ttipgem]

It's exactly like leasing a car.

[PJGMIG]

Please remove me from your distribution

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

[rcschnoor]

Only you can remove yourself from the distribution. You have to log in to the forum and change you preferences.

[courtneyls22]

Buy the device. I did because I didn't wanna lose my 700 mins/Unlimited Texting & Unlimited Data plan. For some reason, some in the company don't want you to do this because they want you to jump on their current plans, they swayed my Mom out of the unlimited plan she was on but I refused. My Mom not only of course uses more data than the plan offers but consistently has to pay overage fees every month, so she pays more NOW than she did previously with the 700 mins/Unlimited Texting & Data Plan. It's not worth it to give in... Although I bought my phone outright, I don't regret it because I now own my phone, still have my plan that I didn't wanna give up & if I decide to do so I can take my device with me to another carrier/company.

[marcodif]

If you have good credit, grab a new CC that has 0% interest on purchases and/or balance transfers for 24 months.  Yep, even in this economy they are available.  Do a Google search.  Fortunately my company offers a electronics purchase program that deducts from my paycheck every 2 weeks, no interest.  But $750 for my Note 2 was steep, payment plan or not.  My gripe is that they don't allow more "open" phones that are high end on performance but reasonable on cost, like the Nexus 5 and the One+ One.  I can stomach $350 every 2 years for a new phone.