[Q] Verizon Talk & Text Plus Data $20 Disc - General Questions and Answers

So, I've been riding this promo (essentially getting unlimited data for 9.99) for a while now and now that I'm eligible for an upgrade I was going to switch to a D4 (miss my QWERTY). Before upgrading I decided to call Verizon CS and make sure it wouldn't interfere with the promo, which it apparently won't. However, she did say that the promo would expire December of this year (12 months after contract expiration).
I could have sworn there was no end date on the promo? Has anyone heard anything about this?

Mmm so you get free texting and counting that as -20 for data or do you get $-20 specifically for the data?

antispiral said:
Mmm so you get free texting and counting that as -20 for data or do you get $-20 specifically for the data?
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It was a promotion back in the day to get people to pick up a data package. If you had talk (any number of minutes) and an UNLIMITED txt plan and added data to it you got a $20 discount on your bill, essentially giving you unlimited data for $9.99 as long as you maintain the first two criteria.

RussianMenace said:
It was a promotion back in the day to get people to pick up a data package. If you had talk (any number of minutes) and an UNLIMITED txt plan and added data to it you got a $20 discount on your bill, essentially giving you unlimited data for $9.99 as long as you maintain the first two criteria.
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If your contract has expired they can essentially change your plan however they please..but I also get this same discount for all 4 lines on my plan and I have not heard of this happening. I guess your best bet would be to renew now and lock it in so even if they do change it, which they probably won't, you can get out of contract without ETF.

Please use the Q&A Forum for questions &
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no you wont. Upgrade 3 of my lines with the plan and we have yet to lose the discount. UPGRADE FROM VZW ONLY THO. do not go to third party stores

Related

ATT Media net 10$/month family

So i've seen a few threads here saying that the new deal with media net unlimited package was 10 dollars a month now. Well i called today to get it and was told that not only was it for my fuze(i did the sim swap trick to make it seem we all had regular phones) but also the other two phones in my family, all three of us now have unlimited data for 10 dollars a month. This seems too good to be true. Did anyone else have a similar experience?
ech230 said:
So i've seen a few threads here saying that the new deal with media net unlimited package was 10 dollars a month now. Well i called today to get it and was told that not only was it for my fuze(i did the sim swap trick to make it seem we all had regular phones) but also the other two phones in my family, all three of us now have unlimited data for 10 dollars a month. This seems too good to be true. Did anyone else have a similar experience?
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So your saying the Rep said that this applied for your fuze or did it apply to your fuze because it had another sim card?
Are you saying your paying $10 a month for all 3 phones... or $10 a month PER phone ($30).
I think I might jump on this. I have a Fuze and my fiance has her old blackjack. She has unlimited messaging for $20 and I have MediaNet Bundle (Unlimited Data, 200 SMS, Unlimited AT&T Messaging) for $25.
So we spend about $45 a month.
If we could get unlimited Family Messaging for $30, then both unlimited data for $10... that would be $50.
I'd pay $5 more so my fiance can get online.
I assume this is only for Family Plans
I used to do that. I worked at radioshack though, and our rep for ATT told us that he used to be a manager at an ATT store and would add the non-pda data plan to peoples accounts, and some would come back later with giant bills because they were revised and billed per byte.
He said it didn't happen a lot, and a lot of times ATT would be full of mercy and not charge the full amount, but he did tell me it occured.
I say be careful because you would be breaking the terms and conditions and they would have every right to charge you 3 cents/KB
has anyone on this forum been caught?
from my understanding it was 10 dollars total for all three lines(as in a total of 10 a month, not 30). I specifically said to the rep, "no no i don't want the family plan i only want it on the one line" to which he replied that it was a family bundle that i qualified for since i had a family unlimited texting plan. I didn't mention my fuze so i don't know what will happen, perhaps this month will have some ridiculous charges but i'll play ignorance and try to fight them. So we shall see. My online account has not updated yet so i have no way of knowing 100% what is going on but i'm rather curious.
also it's only 1c/KB not 3 for their standard charges.
I've been using the MediaNet plan on my Samsung Blackjack, Samsung Epix, and HTC Fuze for 3+ years.
Their expensive internet plans are stupid. When I bought my Epix... the sales guy said, "Since the Epix is a newer faster phone... it won't work with the Media Net plan because the MediaNet plan doesn't send the data packets fast enough and so it won't work".
I'm a Network Engineer. What kind of crap is that?
I popped in my old sim and started checking my email.
Unlimited Data = Unlimited Data.
Every time I call CS and they get me started on that crap I give them an earful. Plus data plans are outrageous. Why would anyone want to pay for a Data plan which is the same, if not more, then the data plans they have in their homes.
SMS is nothing more then free money for them and people don't use that much data. Unlimited Data and Messaging should be MAX $20.
AT&T over-chargingn for data
I see someone else shares my irritation (exasperation) with AT&T (and the other carriers, since they all charge about the same).
I pay $30.00 a month for DSl (3mb down, 768 up). Why or why should I pay the same for speeds that are less than half that on AT&T's network just because its mobile?
Yes I can check my mail (almost) anywhere but.....thirty bucks is ludicrous, I cancelled my data plan on my Kaiser and my wifes Blackberry because it wasn't worth the service. We were paying over $60.00 a month for unlimited data on two phones. (Everyone kick me me becaause I deserve it).
Now you are telling me you are getting it on two phone on the "family plan" for $10.00 a month ?
WoW !
player911 said:
I've been using the MediaNet plan on my Samsung Blackjack, Samsung Epix, and HTC Fuze for 3+ years.
Their expensive internet plans are stupid. When I bought my Epix... the sales guy said, "Since the Epix is a newer faster phone... it won't work with the Media Net plan because the MediaNet plan doesn't send the data packets fast enough and so it won't work".
I'm a Network Engineer. What kind of crap is that?
I popped in my old sim and started checking my email.
Unlimited Data = Unlimited Data.
Every time I call CS and they get me started on that crap I give them an earful. Plus data plans are outrageous. Why would anyone want to pay for a Data plan which is the same, if not more, then the data plans they have in their homes.
SMS is nothing more then free money for them and people don't use that much data. Unlimited Data and Messaging should be MAX $20.
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Let me clear this up, I might be new to this forum but I am very familiar with AT&T rates and plans. Lets just say I use this information almost daily.
THIS APPLIES FOR STANDARD MOBILE DEVICES (NOT PDA/BLACKBERRY/iPHONE)
For Individual Lines (AT&T Nation)
-Data Unlimited (formerly known as 'MediaNet Unlimited')
cost $15 per phone.
-Unlimited Messaging (SMS+MMS+IM)
cost $20 per phone.
-Messaging & Data Unlimited (Data+SMS+MMS+IM)
costs $30 (save $5 from getting the two seperately)
For Family Plans (AT&T Family Share)
-Data Unlimited
cost $10 per line in the family plan (instead of $15 for individuals)
-Family Messaging Unlimited
cost $30 (one price covers every line on the plan)
THE FOLLOWING IS FOR PDA/BLACKBERRIES
For Individual Lines (AT&T Nation)
-PDA Personal or Blackberry Basic
cost $30 per phone.
-Unlimited Messaging (SMS+MMS+IM)
cost $20 per phone.
-PDA/BBRY Messaging Bundle
costs $50
For Family Plans (AT&T Family Share)
-PDA Personal / Blackberry Data
cost $30 per line
-Family Messaging Unlimited
cost $30 (one price covers every line on the plan)
During the sign-up process, the IMEI number of your device will be registered to your account. If the system detects the IMEI of a device that falls under the PDA or BLACKBERRY category, the Data Plans populate itself only to 'PDA Personal $30' or 'BBRY BIS Personal $30'. If an IMEI of a regular phone was entered, it will populate the options for 'Data Unlimited' for $15
When you purchase your PDA device like a Blackjack II, if you somehow manage to have an IMEI of a normal phone be entered instead of the Blackjack II, you will be billed the rates according to whatever type of phone that was entered. (This will not work with Blackberries because BBRY needs the BIS data and the PIN number to be registered.)
Also what might be possible is; get your devices and plans normally, like a Fuze with a $30 PDA Data plan, a month later, call customer service and tell them that youre switching to a different device that you bought yourself, and give them the new IMEI (imei should be from a non pda/bbry device), and have them change the data plan prices accordingly. Voila, you saved $15 dollars per month per phone.
Oh and if some of you were wondering, the carriers data service is just data, meaning it wont know the difference between data from a Sony Ericsson W350 to an HTC Fuze, or a Touch Pro, or a Touch Diamond, or Xperia, or Nokia N96, or iPhone knock-offs, etc. you get my point.
villa_bryan said:
I used to do that. I worked at radioshack though, and our rep for ATT told us that he used to be a manager at an ATT store and would add the non-pda data plan to peoples accounts, and some would come back later with giant bills because they were revised and billed per byte.
He said it didn't happen a lot, and a lot of times ATT would be full of mercy and not charge the full amount, but he did tell me it occured.
I say be careful because you would be breaking the terms and conditions and they would have every right to charge you 3 cents/KB
has anyone on this forum been caught?
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Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=477071
cesar2010 said:
ok i had the media net unlimited ($15) with my kaiser for like 6months w/out a single problem or xtra charge. i used the upgrade option i had and ordered a fuze but to be used on another line in the fam plan, yesterday i used about 60mb with slingplayer.. today i got a text saying data disconnected due to high charges i called and they told me i didnt have a data plan and i was going to be charged about $1000 i added the $30 data plan and was wondering is there a way to fight the upcoming bill?
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meh?
i'm thankful someone noticed this. i just called and changed mine to Messaging & Data Unlimited for $30. Before had the two separate plans and was $35. Save $5! that's good in these tough economic times .
oatterzonxda said:
For Family Plans (AT&T Family Share)
-Data Unlimited
cost $10 per line in the family plan (instead of $15 for individuals)
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not to sure about this..i have a family plan and i did this trick way back in the day with my 8525 (was $20 at the time for medianet and i had to do it again when the price dropped while using my tilt) and unless theve dropped the price recently for family plan data rates then this is incorrect and its still $15 (what i pay a month with a fam plan)
oh and has anyone ELSE besiodes the OP confirmed this $10 all lines plan?
pazookie said:
not to sure about this..i have a family plan and i did this trick way back in the day with my 8525 (was $20 at the time for medianet and i had to do it again when the price dropped while using my tilt) and unless theve dropped the price recently for family plan data rates then this is incorrect and its still $15 (what i pay a month with a fam plan)
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http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/services/services-list.jsp?catId=cat1470003&LOSGId=&catName=Messaging+%26+Data
First item on the page.
evilxhwnd said:
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/services/services-list.jsp?catId=cat1470003&LOSGId=&catName=Messaging+%26+Data
First item on the page.
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For me it says $15 a month for regular cell phones and $30 a month for pda's such as the fuze.
How many of you guys are doing the thing were you call up and add a regular phone as your phone and then select the $15 for data and then just switch your sim card into the fuze and still only pay $15 for data instead of $30? What would happen if att finds out?
Thanks.
techman28 said:
For me it says $15 a month for regular cell phones and $30 a month for pda's such as the fuze.
How many of you guys are doing the thing were you call up and add a regular phone as your phone and then select the $15 for data and then just switch your sim card into the fuze and still only pay $15 for data instead of $30? What would happen if att finds out?
Thanks.
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maybe has to do with area you live in?
i see this: http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/7439/shotwh4.png
notice first item, @ $30.
evilxhwnd said:
maybe has to do with area you live in?
i see this: http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/7439/shotwh4.png
notice first item, @ $30.
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Yes, I see that too, but if you look closer at the fine print for those top two items, it says they are only available to regular cell phone ie not the fuze.
i've been using this on my 8125 for a few years now i have the media net unlimited with 200 text messages for 20 a month.
i just did this recently for my wife when i added her on to my family plan she wanted a blackjack so i had her get a dumb phone first with the unlimited messaging and the 1500 text messages for 30 a month before the 30 days were up with the dumb phone i had her return it and ordered her a refrub'd blackjack off with the discount through my job
the medianet and the messing plan stuck and i just switched her from the unlimited net and 1500 text to unlimited net and unlimited text for 30 a month
so when and if i upgrade to a fuze any new att phone with a newer htc
just like the network guy said above DATA is DATA
i checked around I didn't see anything online about the unlimited data for 10 bucks a month anybody been able to enable this?
techman28 said:
Yes, I see that too, but if you look closer at the fine print for those top two items, it says they are only available to regular cell phone ie not the fuze.
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which is why you do the trick mentioned earlier and all over this forum so you can get it.
Confirmed in Chicago area!!
The catch is (as someone already mentioned) you have to put ALL THE PHONES from your Family Plan on the $10/mo. Unlim MediaNet Data Plan...and NONE of them can be PDA or iPhones. I'm saving $45/mo !!!

9 Months to Go on Contract

Anyone see a way to get a Thunderbolt when I have 9 months to go on my current contract? I realize I could pay full price but not looking to do so. Thanks for any suggestions. My current phone is an amoled incredible.
Add a line? $10. a month.
jdk2 said:
Add a line? $10. a month.
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if you added a line and got the contract pricing wouldn't you also have to sign up for a data plan, which then cannot be removed without breaking the contract and incurring ETFs. then it'd be $10 + $29.99/month......seems buying retail would be better/equivalent to that.
ebay is always an option, but since it's so new it would be quite difficult to get anything much less than retail cost.
i don't know much about it but i've seen mention of early upgrade fees on verizon, maybe you could talk to verizon employees and see if you have any options there. i haven't had much luck with them but people have posted about experiences with verizon people where they are really accommodating and friendly.
sitrucz said:
Anyone see a way to get a Thunderbolt when I have 9 months to go on my current contract? I realize I could pay full price but not looking to do so. Thanks for any suggestions. My current phone is an amoled incredible.
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Back when I got my Droid 1, I was only 12 months into my 2 year contract. VZW let me do an early upgrade but did charge me a $20.00 fee. I recomend you calling *611 from your phone.
good luck !!!
Verizon did the same with me for my tbolt. I was 13 months into contract, they let me upgrade for 2 year contract price + 25.00$
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Buy retail or try to get an early upgrade...
it is actually really annoying. everyone always wants the latest phones and cannot wait to get them... and then they scramble to find the best way to get them when they still have "x" months left in their contract (x usually being greater than 6, closer to 12).
at that point, why not just get a 1 year contract to begin with. pay the extra $70 for your device up front but then have the freedom and flexibility at 10 months to do as you choose (and be able to get a new device without trying to "work the system" and weasel your way out of a contract or find some fishy way to add another line). you will end up spending more if you do not get a 1 yr contract.
I am a firm believer of this!
*EDIT*: and Verizon does not always allow early upgrades for 2 yr contracts, so you cannot rely on that
bmcclure937 said:
Buy retail or try to get an early upgrade...
it is actually really annoying. everyone always wants the latest phones and cannot wait to get them... and then they scramble to find the best way to get them when they still have "x" months left in their contract (x usually being greater than 6, closer to 12).
at that point, why not just get a 1 year contract to begin with. pay the extra $70 for your device up front but then have the freedom and flexibility at 10 months to do as you choose (and be able to get a new device without trying to "work the system" and weasel your way out of a contract or find some fishy way to add another line). you will end up spending more if you do not get a 1 yr contract.
I am a firm believer of this!
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That, I'm never getting another phone at a two-year contract ever again unless the whole market system changes with it, which i dont see happening.
Regardless, if you are stuck in a contract, do the add a line thing, as with that, you can get the new phone on a new line, then switch it over to a crappy cheap phone that doesn't need a data plan, and disable everything on it, so you're only paying the $10 a month for an extra line.
Russ36363 said:
Regardless, if you are stuck in a contract, do the add a line thing, as with that, you can get the new phone on a new line, then switch it over to a crappy cheap phone that doesn't need a data plan, and disable everything on it, so you're only paying the $10 a month for an extra line.
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maybe i'm not well-versed on verizon's contract terms. are you all sure that the contract doesn't forbid cancelling the data plan? i was basing my knowledge on an experience with at&t more than two years ago, haha. at that time i did the secondary line upgrade to get a new blackberry and at&t's terms were that in order to get an upgrade price it is required to sign up for a data package. the loophole there for me was that the data plan could be cancelled after two months at no cost at all. later on a friend who tried to do the same thing as me could not because at&t changed their policy and would not allow people to remove data plans after two months without an ETF.
is verizon's policy better and either doesn't require a data plan upon upgrade or allows you to remove it immediately after upgrading? (note: i tried to look up verizon's policy on this by going to the site and pretending to be a new customer but it started to ask for payment and personal info before showing me the terms and conditions. it did require me to sign up for a data plan when purchasing a smartphone though) i'm curious to know what the fine details are.
bkiminfinity said:
if you added a line and got the contract pricing wouldn't you also have to sign up for a data plan, which then cannot be removed without breaking the contract and incurring ETFs. then it'd be $10 + $29.99/month......seems buying retail would be better/equivalent to that.
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Click to collapse
make sure you have an older dumbphone to transfer your existing line to. then you can drop data to your heart's content.
i have done this twice now, once for x and once for thunderbolt. $10/mo each.
bkiminfinity said:
maybe i'm not well-versed on verizon's contract terms. are you all sure that the contract doesn't forbid cancelling the data plan? i was basing my knowledge on an experience with at&t more than two years ago, haha. at that time i did the secondary line upgrade to get a new blackberry and at&t's terms were that in order to get an upgrade price it is required to sign up for a data package. the loophole there for me was that the data plan could be cancelled after two months at no cost at all. later on a friend who tried to do the same thing as me could not because at&t changed their policy and would not allow people to remove data plans after two months without an ETF.
is verizon's policy better and either doesn't require a data plan upon upgrade or allows you to remove it immediately after upgrading? (note: i tried to look up verizon's policy on this by going to the site and pretending to be a new customer but it started to ask for payment and personal info before showing me the terms and conditions. it did require me to sign up for a data plan when purchasing a smartphone though) i'm curious to know what the fine details are.
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From the experiences I've had and others who've posted about it, the only restriction AFAIK from verizon is that you need a data plan on the line when you activate the phone on that line, so you'd need to add a data plan on the line when a smartphone is activated for it. However, if the phone isn't a smartphone, i've been able to add and remove the data to the line as needed (I've had an old enV phone where theres been a few times where I've needed the data, so I've just turned on the data plan for the two weeks or so, and never gotten charged outside of that, or fees)
Bodero said:
make sure you have an older dumbphone to transfer your existing line to. then you can drop data to your heart's content.
i have done this twice now, once for x and once for thunderbolt. $10/mo each.
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Click to collapse
i have an old blackberry pearl flip, does that count? seeing that it is a blackberry i would think it doesn't......
but a follow-up question i have is that is it worth it paying the extra $10/month? price speculation for tbolt: $319 for 1-year contract, add the $10/month for a year = $120 for a total of $439. retail is $599 so you save $160.....as opposed to paying $319 alone and saving $280. i guess for someone with an upgrade available the method of adding a line and then moving the new phone saves you an upgrade and costs $120 more to get the tbolt. so you are paying an extra $120 above the cost of the phone itself to save your upgrade.
makes more sense for someone with no upgrade option then.
But i didn't think it could be just 10 dollars a month. The phones are required to have their own 29.99 data plan
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Thanks all I'm thinking *611 and see if I'm eligible for that early upgrade and will do the 1 year contract.
Bodero said:
make sure you have an older dumbphone to transfer your existing line to. then you can drop data to your heart's content.
i have done this twice now, once for x and once for thunderbolt. $10/mo each.
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Click to collapse
Or call Verizon and tell them you no longer want a phone on that line and they'll put a dummy ESN on it. That's what I did the last time I pulled the add a line and drop it for a discount.
It turns out I'm eligible for the early upgrade on 5/10 of this year which puts me on my incredible for 1 year. My full upgrade is up on 1/10/12. So I guess I'll see what's out there in May. Thanks again.
just keep calling *611 and get someone that is nice. after 4 calls to CS i begged the lady to ask her supervisor to advance my upgrade (from Dec.). I paid the $20.00 fee. good luck.
I found an official document on verizon's FAQs under "Worry Free Guarantee". Easier to get to through google. When I have the link I can post it.
Basically it states that if you are in a two year plan already you will be able to take advantage of one more annual upgrade at discount price or if you so choose wait until your 20th month and get your "New Every Two" credit.
I had to print this sheet and make sure the full url was across the top in order to show it to a verizon rep. He then put a remark under my account stating that I was indeed elgible for an early upgrade. The problem is just with the changes verizon is now implementing.
Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using XDA App
I bought my thunderbolt on craigslist for $540. Was a little shady as the guy didn't have the box, but had all the accessories Verizon employee maybe? Just can't imagine how a day old phone is missing the box. Anyway I activated the phone with no issue.
When you guys are paying the $20 or whatever to get the early upgrade, so they just reset your account so that Wirefly/Amazon/etc see you as upgrade eligible, or do you then have to buy the phone from VZW? I'd like to upgrade 4 months early (and have multiple lines to upgrade, so the "new every 2" would only take care of one phone) but I don't want to pay VZW an extra $50/phone if I can avoid it.
They are sadly apparently getting rid of the annual upgrade feature Anyway should you want to go the full retail route I got mine cheapest through VZW at 599.99 vs the 749.99 it seemed to be listed everywhere else. I don't get my annual upgrade which they are still honoring for the time being until July of this year (still can get it should I want to grab another device this summer).
The only reason I could see to upgrade earlier than your annual upgrade date is in the off chance verizon changes the way they do 4G data plans for new 4G phones at that point? Currently they are offering 4G at 3G data prices w/ unlimited data, and they can't suddenly start charging those of us who are on these unlimited plans more or force us to the tiered plan concept... so we'd be grandfathered in sorta like the unlimited data AT&T users are currently. Was the main reason for me jumping the gun and upgrading early at full retail, that and the speeds are amazing.

As an employee, here's some tips on getting the best experience from AT&T

I probably won't be around much after the next few days (I get my phone tomorrow) until the note 3 boards open up, so feel free as well to ask any questions if I haven't mentioned something. Also, I got back to work today after having tomorrow off and the phone will go on sale in stores Saturday. In our training video they had a massive back to the future type reference in which someone came back in a phone booth talking about how futuristic the phone is. At least at&t is trying to make it entertaining
1) I realize in the past that some of you have probably called to waive upgrade/ activation fees and it may have worked. Unless it's a property of your discount with at&t, the chances of you having it waived are less than 1%. I would recommend trying to get credit back some other way, like complaining about service issues at the house or something. You may not get the full 36 back, but something is typically better than nothing. At&t has blocked this capability for all of us a few months ago.
2) CHECK TO SEE IF YOU HAVE A DISCOUNT. Depending on where you work or go to school, you get discounts. Sometimes these discounts get added benefits, like an extra 150$ back if you sign up for U-verse or waived upgrade/ activation fees. These discounts are applied in two ways. One, on a family talk/ individual plan the discount is applied to what the first line has to pay for minutes plus anyone on a five gig plan. For example, family talk plan with 700 minutes (60 dollars) plus one person on a five gig plan (50 dollars) with a 10% discount would save 11$ a month. On mobile share plans it goes off any number from the top row from the brochure. like a 10% discount on a 10 gig plan (120$) would save you 12 bucks a month. These discounts can be applied one of two ways and have to be done in store. One, through email. Which is faster and instant. If you're lucky, try a retail store to see if they'll email someone other than the account holder if they have a discount. The second is through fax if you don't have an email specific to your job. This method can only apply a discount to whatever it says on your paycheck. So, if you work at a franchise like Dunkin' Donuts or something, check to see if it actually says Dunkin' Donuts or if it says the name of the franchise. This method can take up to two billing cycles to go on your bill and requires a paystub and your I.D. These discounts also typically come with accessory discounts as well for in store.
3) If everyone on your plan has a smartphone and doesn't have unlimited data, Mobile Share plans are more cost efficient than family talk plans and give you truly unlimited talk and text within the U.S.. Call up customer service and see how much data you guys use on average and move to a mobile share from there. Example: Two lines on a family talk vs. mobile share. Family talk: (700 minutes 60$ + 1 10$ + unlimited text 30$ + 2 3 gig plans 60$ = 160). Mobile share (6 gigs 90$ + 2 lines 70$ = 160). Same price, but lets look at the difference. Mobile share has truly unlimited talk and text AND includes tethering. Also, if you have a discount it will apply to the 90$ for the 6 gigs vs. the 60$ for the 700 minutes under the family talk. You start to save money vs. family talk once you hit 3 lines and above.
4) If ever adding a new line/ or just changing around your plan, don't be afraid to start out high. We have a trial policy with plans. If you start out high, like a 10 gig mobile share, and the first/ second bill with that plan shows you haven't even exceeded 6 gigs, we'll move you down and credit the difference.
5) Try to upgrade at corporate stores. Retail stores have a different commission structure in which they can mess around with your plan to change the primary line resulting in prorated charges. This is called base hopping. If you do upgrade at a retail store, you can haggle with the price of accessories to an extent compared to corporate stores with upgrades/ new activations. Just let them know that there will be repercussions if they mess with your plan when you want to keep it the same.
6) There are notes added every time you call customer service. Let us call for you if you have a chance. Otherwise, I recommend calling only twice. The first time be extremely polite and nicely talk about your frustrations. If that doesn't work, the next time be aggressive. If both don't work, you're pretty much SOL.
Any questions? I uploaded pictures of the brochures to help you with plan searching.
Couldn't have explained it better myself. Now if only all the customers that come in Saturday will read this before coming in. :thumbup:
Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk 2
SPAM!!
Jk
Thanks for the tips, I knew most of them. My fan account gets my upgrade fee waivered almost always.
Here is my job's offer.
Receive a monthly service discount of 15%. Visit the premier website (click on the business name) for additional promos and discounts. You also receive a $25 credit when activating through the premier website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My wife initially ordered the phones herself and not on the premier site. I can just apply the coupon later at https://www.wireless.att.com/business/enrollment/index.jsp correct? I tried to use our phone numbers(switching our numbers over) which did not work. Also tried the temporary numbers which did not work as well. I am guessing I cannot apply for the discounts until I activate the phones/phone numbers?
SysAdmNj said:
SPAM!!
Jk
Thanks for the tips, I knew most of them. My fan account gets my upgrade fee waivered almost always.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If its a property of the fan and it still appears on the bill, call 611 and customer service will waive it.
JustSaya said:
Here is my job's offer.
My wife initially ordered the phones herself and not on the premier site. I can just apply the coupon later at https://www.wireless.att.com/business/enrollment/index.jsp correct? I tried to use our phone numbers(switching our numbers over) which did not work. Also tried the temporary numbers which did not work as well. I am guessing I cannot apply for the discounts until I activate the phones/phone numbers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you go into more depth? It sounds like you're starting new service?
attbrandon said:
Can you go into more depth? It sounds like you're starting new service?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and transferring phone numbers.
attbrandon said:
3) If everyone on your plan has a smartphone and doesn't have unlimited data, Mobile Share plans are more cost efficient than family talk plans and give you truly unlimited talk and text within the U.S.. Call up customer service and see how much data you guys use on average and move to a mobile share from there. Example: Two lines on a family talk vs. mobile share. Family talk: (700 minutes 60$ + 1 10$ + unlimited text 30$ + 2 3 gig plans 60$ = 160). Mobile share (6 gigs 90$ + 2 lines 70$ = 160). Same price, but lets look at the difference. Mobile share has truly unlimited talk and text AND includes tethering. Also, if you have a discount it will apply to the 90$ for the 6 gigs vs. the 60$ for the 700 minutes under the family talk. You start to save money vs. family talk once you hit 3 lines and above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AttBrandon,
I have a fan accnt, 4 lines, three of which are smart phone lines, Currently pay 30$ a line for data on each of the smartphones, have unlimited texting and mobile to any mobile calling. for all lines. Bill comes out to roughly 210/month.
Will the mobile share plan save me money?
btw my 4th line is not used but still in contract.
Thanks!
I really want the 32GB version; but the lack of a release date has me thinking that it might be a few months before we see it in stores. So my question is: If I purchase the 16GB version and the 32GB is released in the next 30 days, can I return it to get the 32GB version and simply pay the extra $50?
darkodin14 said:
AttBrandon,
I have a fan accnt, 4 lines, three of which are smart phone lines, Currently pay 30$ a line for data on each of the smartphones, have unlimited texting and mobile to any mobile calling. for all lines. Bill comes out to roughly 210/month.
Will the mobile share plan save me money?
btw my 4th line is not used but still in contract.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on your FAN discount and data usage. It also sounds like you don't have any insurance for any of the lines. Be careful with that.
I'd really only recommend it if you were to get a fourth smartphone. 10 gig mobile is 120 + 120 = 240. Subtract 18 (for arguments sake, average fan discount is 15 percent) = 222 before tax. 6 gig would be 211.5 in this scenario.
It's the same price whether you have that fourth line as a basic or smart phone. Or it's a viable option if one of your lines is starving for data and it gives all the smartphones tethering.
Demodave said:
I really want the 32GB version; but the lack of a release date has me thinking that it might be a few months before we see it in stores. So my question is: If I purchase the 16GB version and the 32GB is released in the next 30 days, can I return it to get the 32GB version and simply pay the extra $50?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
50$ + 35$ restocking fee. If you're really nice about it maybe they'll waive the restocking fee. Just be 100% sure it's not a 14 day return policy instead of a 30. This can be store dependent.
attbrandon said:
Depends on your FAN discount and data usage. It also sounds like you don't have any insurance for any of the lines. Be careful with that.
I'd really only recommend it if you were to get a fourth smartphone. 10 gig mobile is 120 + 120 = 240. Subtract 18 (for arguments sake, average fan discount is 15 percent) = 222 before tax. 6 gig would be 211.5 in this scenario.
It's the same price whether you have that fourth line as a basic or smart phone. Or it's a viable option if one of your lines is starving for data and it gives all the smartphones tethering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mine right now is 210 with taxes included. So I guess it might not be worth it.
Thanks for the reply.
JustSaya said:
Yes and transferring phone numbers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not 100% sure to be honest. Ask your job for the FAN ID and I'll look up the properties of it tomorrow.
darkodin14 said:
mine right now is 210 with taxes included. So I guess it might not be worth it.
Thanks for the reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must have an amazing discount 0_o.
attbrandon said:
You must have an amazing discount 0_o.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
28% I think?
I want to thank you for taking the time to offer this - I have been wondering what to do with my Wife's phone (She is still on Sprint) - she doesn't use much data - doesn't get the benefit of either 4g or LTE anyway (Sprint doesn't have LTE in Milwaukee) and I sometimes find myself going over the 3gb limit on my plan. After reading your comments and checking out the plans you posted - I think it would be cheaper for me to buy a 6gb shared plan for our two phones - I would pay less collectively than I am paying now for the ATT and Sprint plans I am paying for - and I would double the available data I can use - as she really doesn't use any.
Thanks a lot - I appreciate the tips...
darkodin14 said:
28% I think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Math then silly. A mobile share 10 gig would cost you 206.4 before tax. I thinks that's worth it for the tethering.
I don't like the idea of sharing data....then you gotta worry about how much other people are using...like what if your brother decides to do something stupid and uses up 6gigs...leaving only 4gigs for everyone else (3 other people)...I'd rather pay the extra and not have to worry about others eating up my precious data...idk just seems like a data overage waiting to happen
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2
attbrandon said:
Any questions? I uploaded pictures of the brochures to help you with plan searching.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP, maybe you can help me make a decision. Here is what I have currently
26% Discount
5 Lines on the FamilyTalk Nation 700 with Rollover
Rollover for me is like having unlimited talk anyway. Whenever we go over 700 it kicks in and is enough to cover things.
2 - Smartphone lines with 2gb data plan (not even coming close to full utilization - always have wifi around)
2 - Smartphones lines with 200mb plan
1 - Regular phone
Total I am paying with taxes in NYC is about $215.
Is is worth going over to a shared use plan? I would like to add additional lines in the future and can't do that with my current plan.
AT&T says, "the more you use, the more you save." What crap!!! They have the network capacity to offer truly unlimited data. That's what they need to do. What's the point of having a brand new shiny new LTE device when you only can use it so much???
Families would rather have unlimited data instead of sharing. I will add, if they brought back unlimited to raise the price, say $40 or $50.

Questions for T-Mobile users.

Alright, so currently I have an S3 with T-Mobile and I'm paying around $100 for just my line that includes 500mins, unlimited data and text.
I rarely break the 150min mark each month so I would definitely like to change my plan to something that offers less minutes. Makes no sense on paying for something I don't use, right.
What would be my best option right now? Go on a prepaid plan and buy the Nexus 5 from the playstore? Is there a hassle from switching to a normal plan to a prepaid plan with T-Mobile?
I would be more than happy paying less to get 200mins, unlimited text, and data. 2.5 or 5gb before throttling is fine with me.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
The T-Mobile $30 plan.. 100 minutes, unlimited texts, 5GB of 4G LTE.
Just add like $50 every month and you'll have around , what.. 275-300 minutes you can use.
But if you're still on contract with T-Mobile, the ETF is $200.
And yes, you can buy the phone from the Play Store.
Wow that's crazy expensive. My T-Mobile plan is $120/month for 3 lines, unlimited everything. Data IS throttled after 500mb though. Not an issue for me since I'm always on wifi. I can bump it to unlimited for an extra $20
IXChicharitoXI said:
Alright, so currently I have an S3 with T-Mobile and I'm paying around $100 for just my line that includes 500mins, unlimited data and text.
I rarely break the 150min mark each month so I would definitely like to change my plan to something that offers less minutes. Makes no sense on paying for something I don't use, right.
What would be my best option right now? Go on a prepaid plan and buy the Nexus 5 from the playstore? Is there a hassle from switching to a normal plan to a prepaid plan with T-Mobile?
I would be more than happy paying less to get 200mins, unlimited text, and data. 2.5 or 5gb before throttling is fine with me.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure how you're paying so much for the classic 500min plan, maybe you got extra services along with it? Should only be $85/w tax. And if you said you don't use as much minutes then go with the prepaid $30/mo like that person said. Or you can go with straight talk for $45/mo unlimited talk text and web (might throttle 2.5gb). I'm not sure if they are still selling GSM sim cards because they kept being pulled off the shelves.
Synyster06Gates said:
Wow that's crazy expensive. My T-Mobile plan is $120/month for 3 lines, unlimited everything. Data IS throttled after 500mb though. Not an issue for me since I'm always on wifi. I can bump it to unlimited for an extra $20
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you're on the new simple/value plans that T-mobile has. 3 lines should cost you $90 ($50 first line $30 second $10 add a line) for unlimited talk text and unlimited web throttled at 500mb. You might be over paying as well unless you have the 2.5gb data plan or the jump plan services.
Deekayy said:
Well you're on the new simple/value plans that T-mobile has. 3 lines should cost you $90 ($50 first line $30 second $10 add a line) for unlimited talk text and unlimited web throttled at 500mb. You might be over paying as well unless you have the 2.5gb data plan or the jump plan services.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I am over paying by $30. I didn't get the simple value plan. I switched from AT&T right before they ended the classic unlimited contracts. What really sucks is the T-Mobile service went to **** in my area a few days after my "2 week trial period" (that was really maybe a week after getting the phones shipped and activated) and they refuse to help me out in any way. It's a story for another time, but I'm absolutely furious at T-Mobile.
I got the Ptel Paygo plan (on T-Mobile network), I don't really need data (on wifi almost everywhere, with T-Mobile 4G hotspot at $17.50/mo for 1.75gb). 5 cents per minute. Bought a $100 card with coupon for $78, so 2000 minutes for a year. Haven't got my sim yet, will run speed test once I get it.
Deekayy said:
Not sure how you're paying so much for the classic 500min plan, maybe you got extra services along with it? Should only be $85/w tax. And if you said you don't use as much minutes then go with the prepaid $30/mo like that person said. Or you can go with straight talk for $45/mo unlimited talk text and web (might throttle 2.5gb). I'm not sure if they are still selling GSM sim cards because they kept being pulled off the shelves.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I think I'm being charged $8 or $10 for insurance on the phone.
How exactly do pre paid plans work? I assume the bill won't arrive to my house anymore? Do I have to to to the T-Mobile store before the month ends to pay for the following month before it gets disconnected?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Also if I were to sign up for the pre paid plan. Could I bring the phone to a T-Mobile store and could they activate the new sim at the store or do I have to do it myself online?
Thank you for the responses everyone, i really appreciate it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Synyster06Gates said:
Unfortunately I am over paying by $30. I didn't get the simple value plan. I switched from AT&T right before they ended the classic unlimited contracts. What really sucks is the T-Mobile service went to **** in my area a few days after my "2 week trial period" (that was really maybe a week after getting the phones shipped and activated) and they refuse to help me out in any way. It's a story for another time, but I'm absolutely furious at T-Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's unfortunate, sorry to hear. So you're on a 2-year contract then I suppose? Did you get basic phones or smart phones when you signed up? If anything you can always try to call customer service (Dial 611) and ask to be switched to the new simple choice plan but they might charge you a $200 migration fee per line. In that situation, you can probably argue that your service has not been working well ever since you got it and hopefully they'll work something out.
IXChicharitoXI said:
Yeah, I think I'm being charged $8 or $10 for insurance on the phone.
How exactly do pre paid plans work? I assume the bill won't arrive to my house anymore? Do I have to to to the T-Mobile store before the month ends to pay for the following month before it gets disconnected?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only service that does that still bills to your house is T-Mobile Family Mobile (only in walmart) $39.88/mo unlimited talk text unlimited web 2.5 throttle (3G, some say 4G). That service is no contract and you can set auto pay with your debit/credit card or pay at any walmart location.
Other T-mobile pre-paid services is the "monthly 4G" which you will need to purchase a pre-paid card at any convenience store and refill your service at the end of each month. Or you can pay the balance of the bill online through T-Mobile prepaid website. If you don't pay your remaining balance by the end of the month it will get shut off and I believe T-Mobile will hold for 7-14 days before they release the number.
I can't give you a suggestion on which service you should use because I use both Verizon and T-Mobile services (note 2 and nexus 5) on a dealer line. Believe it or not, T-Mobile pulls off 21mb vs verizon 12mb in my home. If anything i'd start with the $30 pre-paid plan and test out the service to see whether or not it works in your area. If you feel that you get a lot of drop calls, you can try the actual T-Mobile service (Simple choice plan) because it's running on a primary network. Don't want to get too technical on why contracts vs pre-paid services are good or bad.
Replying to your second question:
You can purchase a Sim starter kit on the actual T-mobile site and you can activate it yourself, very easy. Follow the steps and select the plan that you desire.
t-mobile (dot) com/shop/plans/activatecodes (dot )aspx
Deekayy said:
That's unfortunate, sorry to hear. So you're on a 2-year contract then I suppose? Did you get basic phones or smart phones when you signed up? If anything you can always try to call customer service (Dial 611) and ask to be switched to the new simple choice plan but they might charge you a $200 migration fee per line. In that situation, you can probably argue that your service has not been working well ever since you got it and hopefully they'll work something out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will attempt to do this over the weekend. I am on a 2 year contract. When we signed up, I got a Galaxy S3, an LG F3, and an LG F6.
Since we started, none of the phones will reliably get phone calls or text messages. More often than not when people try to call us (even the T-Mobile reps calling me back) the phone will ring on their end, but I never get a ring or even missed call notification. A voice-mail will randomly pop up later in the day. Text messages will stop for hours on end then all of a sudden 10 or so will come to my phone at once. MMS won't reliably send or download. It's been a FRUSTRATING experience to say the least.

Kept my Unlimted Data

Upgraded my S3 today to a S4 and I was still able to keep my Unlimited Data, thanks to the clever workings of the rep at Costco.
Since I still have a regular line on my account, he was able to do some switching around with the lines and keep my data plan intact
According to him Costco does what they can do to keep the customer happy.
BestBuy and Verizon could not do anything for me.
Pico said:
Upgraded my S3 today to a S4 and I was still able to keep my Unlimited Data, thanks to the clever workings of the rep at Costco.
Since I still have a regular line on my account, he was able to do some switching around with the lines and keep my data plan intact
According to him Costco does what they can do to keep the customer happy.
BestBuy and Verizon could not do anything for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just curious, did you have more than one line to begin with, and were you still in contract (if so, how long was left)? When upgrading time comes around I don't want to lose my unlimited either.
That makes sense... Costco is a retailer, so if they want to sell you the device @ a discounted price, they can... and from the sounds of things, WILL. Costco will do anything for members and this sounds like a rad deal!
You'll never get that kind of deal from VZ directly. I have unlimited too and bought my S3 of ebay to avoid losing my data.
Shhhh!!! And its very possible to do this directly through Verizon if you take the self service route.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
MartyMacGyver said:
Just curious, did you have more than one line to begin with, and were you still in contract (if so, how long was left)? When upgrading time comes around I don't want to lose my unlimited either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have 2 data lines and one non data (regular phone) on my account, that is how costco was able to keep my data intact. without the reg line I dont think they would of been able to keep the data unlimited.
Not sure how much time I had on my contract
So I have an none smart phone on my plan that is eligible for an upgrade. If I upgrade my phone with that to keep unlimited data do I have to keep the none smart phone on my data plan and pay the extra $9. Our can I take it off after I upgrade mine with it to keep unlimited.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
verizon and unlimited data
mosfet356 said:
So I have an none smart phone on my plan that is eligible for an upgrade. If I upgrade my phone with that to keep unlimited data do I have to keep the none smart phone on my data plan and pay the extra $9. Our can I take it off after I upgrade mine with it to keep unlimited.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you renew your contract in any way shape or form you will lose your unlimited data.
An upgrade means you can sign a contract to get a phone subsidized. An upgrade is not a courtesy or a freebie, the word is misleading. An upgrade eligibility simply means Verizon or whatever carrier will let you sign a contract to get a phone on subsidy. Use it and the unlimited goes away.
The only way to maintain unlimited data is to not alter your contracted terms. If you sign a new contract it'll go bye bye.
The only ways to get a new phone without losing your unlimited data is to acquire a phone without putting your line with unlimited in contract. There are many ways to do this, none of which I spell out in detail.
If you search ebay you can purchase unlimited data for around $150-200 off people selling it.
It greatly depends on where you go. I recently found a great third party Verizon retailer with a system which still allows people to keep unlimited data. I believe it has to do with the insurance they go through. Corporate and Best Buy go through assurion which absolutely cannot in any shape or form allow you to keep unlimited data.
Other systems do have workarounds and some people are willing to oblige. Just recently I let my brother use my upgrade (my line is unlimited, his is tiered) but every location I asked said it was impossible for him to take my upgrade and let me keep my unlimited data. Well, here I am now still rocking unlimited data with a 2 year contract extension.
The third party location I found was great to us and even offered to help my mom keep unlimited data using a subsidized upgrade using a "musical phones" method.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
makaveliq3 said:
If you renew your contract in any way shape or form you will lose your unlimited data.
An upgrade means you can sign a contract to get a phone subsidized. An upgrade is not a courtesy or a freebie, the word is misleading. An upgrade eligibility simply means Verizon or whatever carrier will let you sign a contract to get a phone on subsidy. Use it and the unlimited goes away.
The only way to maintain unlimited data is to not alter your contracted terms. If you sign a new contract it'll go bye bye.
The only ways to get a new phone without losing your unlimited data is to acquire a phone without putting your line with unlimited in contract. There are many ways to do this, none of which I spell out in detail.
If you search ebay you can purchase unlimited data for around $150-200 off people selling it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's simply not true as long as you don't take the upgrade on the number that has the unlimited data you can upgrade on any of the others that don't and it does not affect the unlimited line at all
scottguest11 said:
That's simply not true as long as you don't take the upgrade on the number that has the unlimited data you can upgrade on any of the others that don't and it does not affect the unlimited line at all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The most basic way, of which I have personally used myself, is to have a basic phone attached to your [insert service provider here] service contract. Whenever you have an upgrade for your smartphone line, swap it to the basic phone, then upgrade through that "dumb" phone. Once you receive the new smartphone, activate it on your smartphone account, and reactivate the basic phone on its original line. Voila.
Edit: I am sure there are other methods which may be more effective (not have to pay for a secondary basic phone), however this one has worked for me (and others). Your call as to how you will proceed...
Don't forget the new $30 upgrade fee on Verizon.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
scottguest11 said:
That's simply not true as long as you don't take the upgrade on the number that has the unlimited data you can upgrade on any of the others that don't and it does not affect the unlimited line at all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're 100% correct!
scottguest11 said:
That's simply not true as long as you don't take the upgrade on the number that has the unlimited data you can upgrade on any of the others that don't and it does not affect the unlimited line at all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. I went into detail with a manager at a VZ store once and he told me you can change anything on your account, like minutes or text, which will not affect your unlimited data. Once you upgrade your phone and get that subsidized price, you lose the data and go on a new 'share everything' package.
You can, however, transfer an account/number to someone and they'll keep unlimited data... so if you have an extra line on your account with unlimited data, you can sign a release of liability over to that person and they will have the line/account exactly as it was on your account, because you're just moving the line from one owner to another. I did this in June with my ex.
Maybe that's what the people on eBay are doing... it's shifty and I'd try to avoid it, though.
This can also work through verizon.
Just talked to a clerk online and told her exactly what I wanted to do and she helped me through the whole process. All you need to do is switch your upgrade to another line with data, renew their contract by buying the phone, from there you can either chose pick up phone in-store or have them ship it to you. Once you get it just activate the phone on your line and your good to go.
scottguest11 said:
That's simply not true as long as you don't take the upgrade on the number that has the unlimited data you can upgrade on any of the others that don't and it does not affect the unlimited line at all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can attest to this. Just upgraded my wifes phone today. I have unlimited data and she does not. We went to the Verizon store and they kept the plan the same.
What we did was use the upgrade on another line and then just swap the sim cards when we got home and it worked fine.
I used the upgrade on a dumb phone on my account. When I get the S4 Can I just put my SIM card in it and activate it without having to call Verizon again?
drake90001 said:
What we did was use the upgrade on another line and then just swap the sim cards when we got home and it worked fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon has sim cards?
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
This wouldn't really make sense to someone who doesn't already have a spare data line.. Regardless your still paying for 2 lines, if you cancel there is a hefty fee that goes with it.. If you don't already have a spare data line itd be a better idea just to buy a phone at retail price.. Wouldn't it?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Frostacious said:
Verizon has sim cards?
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4g phones do.
And we have separate lines because we're on a family plan.

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