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Wanting to buy/test captivate - Best option?

I've been dying to upgrade from my ever outdating Blackberry Bold. Since I am on AT&T my options are limited but I want to steer clear from the Iphone and nothing that RIM has out attracts me at al right nowl, including the new but outdated BB Torch. I am also in a family plan that I cannot leave. I've seen the Captivate and I've been doing two weeks of research and lurking XDA amongst other android forums.
I've come to the point where I've decided I definitely want to get the Captivate but I'm still on the fence due to all of the negatives I read. I understand the phone has many positives though and I've spent a good hour or two in the store playing with it. I have two options at this point:
1) Buy the phone at AT&T and extend my contract. This will cost about $200 and I will be grandfathered into my unlimited data. I will have 30 days to "test" the phone out and if I don't like it I will be forced to choose another phone. I won't be able to go back to my Bold because the AT&T rep said I will lose my unlimited data, which is something I want to completely avoid. Worst case if I bring the Captivate back I could go back to another Blackberry (Torch or a newer Bold)
2) I found a few locals selling new captivates for $350-$400ish. Although more expensive than option 1, I won't be locked into a contract or forced to choose another phone if I don't like the Captivate. Once the other half of my family plan's contract is up I will then decide if I want to stick with AT&T or go elsewhere. If I end up not liking the Captivate I can just sell it off online or locally and think of a new solution. My only concern is my unlimited data. The AT&T rep said I *may or may not* be able to retain my unlimited data when activating a Captivate this way and that is up to customer service. He was kind of vague about this and it worries me because I don't want to drop $350 on a Captivate and lose my data. Has anyone done this option and successfully gotten to keep their unlimited data?
Sorry for the wall of text but any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I was in your shoes (former 9000 bold user)
...and I got my phone at Wal-Mart for $148.88.
I did lose my unlimited BB plan, but the AT&T reps I had talked to before told me that would happen. It turned out I wasn't using more than about 200 mb in a month, but my usage has definitely gone up since I upgraded. I would definitely suggest the 2gb plan.
The people at Wal-Mart were fine to work with, but my plan got messed up and I had to call AT&T customer service to get my plan straightened out. If you go to Wal-mart be sure to check your account online at the earliest opportunity. They had actually created a separate account for my new phone, separate from the family plan.
Good luck!

Bought Captivate New in Box $350 off a local, cut the middleman (no need to talk to att) just put your BB sim in the Captivate, and you're good to go.
Save the contract like me, for the new phones that will come these holidays

MikalCarbine said:
I've come to the point where I've decided I definitely want to get the Captivate but I'm still on the fence due to all of the negatives I read. I understand the phone has many positives though and I've spent a good hour or two in the store playing with it. I have two options at this point:
1) Buy the phone at AT&T and extend my contract. This will cost about $200 and I will be grandfathered into my unlimited data. I will have 30 days to "test" the phone out and if I don't like it I will be forced to choose another phone. I won't be able to go back to my Bold because the AT&T rep said I will lose my unlimited data, which is something I want to completely avoid. Worst case if I bring the Captivate back I could go back to another Blackberry (Torch or a newer Bold)
2) I found a few locals selling new captivates for $350-$400ish. Although more expensive than option 1, I won't be locked into a contract or forced to choose another phone if I don't like the Captivate. Once the other half of my family plan's contract is up I will then decide if I want to stick with AT&T or go elsewhere. If I end up not liking the Captivate I can just sell it off online or locally and think of a new solution. My only concern is my unlimited data. The AT&T rep said I *may or may not* be able to retain my unlimited data when activating a Captivate this way and that is up to customer service. He was kind of vague about this and it worries me because I don't want to drop $350 on a Captivate and lose my data. Has anyone done this option and successfully gotten to keep their unlimited data?
Sorry for the wall of text but any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The AT&T rep is an idiot. You can upgrade to the captivate and keep your unlimited data plan. If you decide you don't like it before your 30 days are you you can return the captivate, cancel your upgrade, and go back to your Bold while keeping your unlimited data plan.

Why the hell would you lose your unlimited data plan??? I had a blackberry and I switched to the iphone 4, I was able to retain the unlimited data with no issues.
I got tired of the iphone and switched to the captivate (best choice ever) and I still managed to keep my unlimited data.
I still have my blackberry and I was told I could switch between both phones and have unlimited data on either one since it's on my plan. Haven't tried it yet though.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Bowsa2511 said:
Bought Captivate New in Box $350 off a local, cut the middleman (no need to talk to att) just put your BB sim in the Captivate, and you're good to go.
Save the contract like me, for the new phones that will come these holidays
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is just plug and play? You lose no functionality or risk anything? If that's the case this may be my ideal scenario because if I end up wanting to go back I just switch the sim card back to my BB and sell the captivate for a somewhat lower price depending on how long I use it

lost2030 said:
Why the hell would you lose your unlimited data plan??? I had a blackberry and I switched to the iphone 4, I was able to retain the unlimited data with no issues.
I got tired of the iphone and switched to the captivate (best choice ever) and I still managed to keep my unlimited data.
I still have my blackberry and I was told I could switch between both phones and have unlimited data on either one since it's on my plan. Haven't tried it yet though.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Greedy reps wanting to lick OP into a contract.
Yes, just plug and play no problem, even checked my account right now.. UNLIMITED

Did you have a BB before your captivate? My ATT online says its a GPRS BB Unlimited data plan, I'm not sure if it matters that its a BB data plan while changing the sim without involving ATT

MikalCarbine said:
Did you have a BB before your captivate? My ATT online says its a GPRS BB Unlimited data plan, I'm not sure if it matters that its a BB data plan while changing the sim without involving ATT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it should work.. but they might question all non-bb data usage, so in that case just call att support, and they'll do the switch for you (BB-unlimited-Smartphone Unlimited).
If they say something like "you need new contract/plans" ask to talk to higher authority, because it's within your right to stay grandfathered in.

I upgraded from a Bold 9000 with Unlimited BB Plan and got to keep my Unlimite Plan when I switched over to the Captivate back on the Captivate's Launch Day! I am not going back as I am very happy with my Captivate!
HTH,
Charlie

I also wanted to point out that I tried to get a discount on the phone at ATT since amazon, wirefly and walmart all sell it cheaper. I've read a few threads where people have had such discounts honored. The rep said the only reason they do that is because they they (amazon for example he said) require a 4 year contract, 2 with them and 2 with ATT. This seems like BS to me and I couldn't find anything on Amazon to verify this. Is this at all true?

Just picked up my captivate today! I went to a much larger and better store and asked the rep some questions, he said the previous rep didn't know what he was talking about at all. He also gave me a $50 discount once I showed him the print out from Amazon. Once I feel out the phone I'll be rooting and modding the crap out of it

MikalCarbine said:
Just picked up my captivate today! I went to a much larger and better store and asked the rep some questions, he said the previous rep didn't know what he was talking about at all. He also gave me a $50 discount once I showed him the print out from Amazon. Once I feel out the phone I'll be rooting and modding the crap out of it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you buy, and did you get locked into a contract?
KEEP YOUR STOCK ROM IF YOU VALUE EASY TETHERING
First read up on the "Pimp My Captivate" pdf
then at the step for rooting, just flash the Unleash the beast build found in the dev section where it'll root, remove bloat apps, and give you the steps to sideroot.
Follow the rest of the pimp my captivate guide
Cosmetic mods I recommend are the battery icon, the evo black bar mod (there's a combo of them both somewhere in the dev section in the thread)
I posted some fonts in the themes section, you should set-up launcherpro with 3d app-cabinet
Get beautiful widgets, some nice live wallpapers (I'm rocking the droid x one)
and there's the notification mod, in the themes section too.
Explore and have fun, but remember to keep a nandroid backup handy (when you figure out what that is )

Best Buy has a 14 day return policy. Not sure what the restocking fee is though.

Double Your Data Allowance!

Anyone on capped data may be interested to know that starting tomorrow you can double your data allowance for no extra cost through the month of November.
4GB - $30
10GB - $50
20GB - $100
You will be able to set it up through myverizon.com
This only applies to 4G smartphones
ONCE YOU GET IT YOU GET TO KEEP IT!
also applies to new lines and upgrades!
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium
If you like it, thank it.

Good to know glad I got w/verizon when they had the unlimited data plans.but good info to know.
Sent from my epicly gingerbolt powered by forever cube using XDA App

It would be NICE of verizon to make this a permanent change to their data lineup.
Just sayin.

is Verizon paying you or something?.. you've posted this in multiple forums. heh...

Can I double unlimited? Like how a prisoner can serve 8 life sentences lol.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

I only pay $9.95 per month for unlimited for each of my five lines. I think I'll stick with that plan.

on a side note, when I called Verizon about upgrading my phone, they insisted on doing it over the phone & stated that for exsisting customers you have to do it that way. however, I called a local Verizon store yesterday and they said I can just go into the store and do it.
uh oh... different people telling me different things. shame on you Verizon!
as Mordecai & Rigby would say.. "tsk tsk... hmm hmm hm hmm hmm hm!"

voxigenboy said:
on a side note, when I called Verizon about upgrading my phone, they insisted on doing it over the phone & stated that for exsisting customers you have to do it that way. however, I called a local Verizon store yesterday and they said I can just go into the store and do it.
uh oh... different people telling me different things. shame on you Verizon!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless the sales person over the phone is offering you something special or exclusive, there is no reason why you can't go into any Verzion Wireless dealer and do an upgrade.
Back on topic, just upgraded my data. 6GB with Mobile Email/Hotspot for $25. Awesome.

prjkthack said:
Unless the sales person over the phone is offering you something special or exclusive, there is no reason why you can't go into any Verzion Wireless dealer and do an upgrade.
Back on topic, just upgraded my data. 6GB with Mobile Email/Hotspot for $25. Awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used 6GB this morning downloading a PC game.

prjkthack said:
Unless the sales person over the phone is offering you something special or exclusive, there is no reason why you can't go into any Verzion Wireless dealer and do an upgrade.
Back on topic, just upgraded my data. 6GB with Mobile Email/Hotspot for $25. Awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you have to buy a new phone? i am pissed i had unlimited data and washed my old dinc in the washing machine. due to lack of funds i re activated my old flip phone temporarily and then 1 month later bought a Tbolt. now i just looked at my verizon account and i have a 2GB plan. WTF? i am an idiot, i know but how do i get 6 gb for 25?

kidhudi said:
did you have to buy a new phone? i am pissed i had unlimited data and washed my old dinc in the washing machine. due to lack of funds i re activated my old flip phone temporarily and then 1 month later bought a Tbolt. now i just looked at my verizon account and i have a 2GB plan. WTF? i am an idiot, i know but how do i get 6 gb for 25?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if i were you i would call verizon and ask to talk to a supervisor & complain big time. try and get that unlimited back if you can.

He was talking about 4gb for being the double and 2gb for mobile hot spot. That is the 6gb.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

What Vox said, Yea tell them you never had it removed and SD still paying full amount,
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

I'll let my unfortunate capped friends know, thanks

"Verizon says the offer will be active for a “limited time” with no announcement on when the deal will end.At the conclusion of the promotion, the double data allotments will revert back to the normal rates."
only for a limited time

kidhudi said:
"Verizon says the offer will be active for a “limited time” with no announcement on when the deal will end.At the conclusion of the promotion, the double data allotments will revert back to the normal rates."
only for a limited time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you expect anything less? : /

I know there is no conclusive answer as to the length of the program once activated . i can't find a definative answer if the double is " for the holidays" and expires then, or if it continues through the remainder of the customers current contract.

kidhudi said:
I know there is no conclusive answer as to the length of the program once activated . i can't find a definative answer if the double is " for the holidays" and expires then, or if it continues through the remainder of the customers current contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP says once you get it, you get it for the contract but if you can't find a definitive response, who knows.

In all the promo material Verizon it states that you will keep it until you opt into something, no longer how long you keep it. However if you switch to a 3G phone you will lose it, and will be unable to get it back.
Verizon has confirmed that this will be grandfathered once you get it.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium

[Q] Keeping grandfathered unlimited data

So I call AT&T before ordering on amazon, and the rep tells me that I'll be able to call back and switch my data plan to the "5GB Unlimited." I inquire as to how the plan works, she says that if I go over 5GB, I get charged, because it is not unlimited. But then she confirmed that I'll be keeping the grandfathered data plan.
Is this consistent with what other people are getting? Just want to make sure I'm not screwing myself over. Thanks!

It is not called 5GB unlimited. It is LTE unlimited and you will never be charged for overage. What happens is you will be throttled (300k to 500k speed) when you use over 5GB.
You will have to call AT&T to switch back to your unlimited plan after you received your phone from Amazon.

You will probably want to follow up with AT&T after you get your phone to make sure you are actually keeping your grandfathered unlimited plan and that you have not actually been switched over to the 5GB plan.

I had to convince the at&t rep when ordering over the phone that I should have unlimited grandfathered plan.
It is always worth checking to make sure they didn't take it away from you.

While on the phone and on web chat, I asked this specifically with radioshack rep several times that i want to keep my grandfathered unlimited data and they say yes it will be possible. I told them why on my receipt it shows mt dataplan got switched to the 5gb+tether for $50, they said this is only for initial processing, but after approval, everything will go back to the way it was. I made sure to get them to confirm this before I purchased and after i purchased haha.
We will see if this is still the case when I finally get my phone. If not, sucks I might have to cancel and return the phone. unlimited data is pretty valuable especially when you get to go all the way up to 5GB before being throttled in LTE.

When I placed my pre-order through AT&T, I specifically had the option to add the "LTE Unlimited Personal" data package. I was pretty tempted by RadioShack offering it at $50. But given all I read about them farqing things up for pretty much everybody they sell things to, I paid the whole $200 through AT&T. I am willing to pay extra to make sure nobody screws up my unlimited data plan. But that's just me.

I kept my smartphone unlimited plan. AT&T had no problem letting me keep my plan

Keeping my unlimited data plan is the sole reason I always upgrade through ATT. Sure the Radio Shack and Amazon prices are always lower but I never fully trust that ATT will put unlimited data back after I get the phone...

snvyas said:
Keeping my unlimited data plan is the sole reason I always upgrade through ATT. Sure the Radio Shack and Amazon prices are always lower but I never fully trust that ATT will put unlimited data back after I get the phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. Spending more in the store is worth it to me rather than running the chance of losing the unlimited data plan.

SR4 said:
Agreed. Spending more in the store is worth it to me rather than running the chance of losing the unlimited data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if somehow they screw your data plan up. You can always get your unlimited data plan back. As long as you can:
-Prove that you've had it
-Say that it was changed without your knowledge / consent.
I cannot add them back in the store. You will have to call 611 to get it added back to your account if it was messed up by some other retailer. It's always worth checking your account online to make sure. Or dial *3282#. That will tell you what data plan you currently have.
The type of data connection doesn't matter either. If you are just now moving to your first LTE device, the amount of data you are allowed to transfer before the throttle increases to 5gb from 3gb. The cost is the same and it is still unlimited. Meaning no overage costs.
If you have any specific questions or if customer service gives you any trouble. Please message me and I can help resolve it.

My contract just ended and I have the $30 unlimited data grandfathered. I've always been able to keep it when upgrading by speaking to customer service. But this time I don't want to upgrade for another 2yr contract. I've been a customer forever and would like to have the freedom of no contract for a little bit. I'm currently using a 3g samsung captivate but want to get the s3. I found a really good deal on craigslist. Will at&t let me keep unlimited data without upgrading? I'm just worried that they tell me yes when I call, then after I buy the phone they say no you gotta upgrade. That would suck..

Just swap the sim card into the new phone.
Sent from my One X using xda premium

hugebulge said:
Just swap the sim card into the new phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the GS3 is a MicroSIM, and the Captivate is a "regular" SIM. So the person can get a MicroSIM from AT&T. If you call for one, I think they charge you $15. But in store, they will often give it to you for free to AT&T account holders.
You can also cut the SIM to make it work, using guides online. But its probably easier to just get a free new one from the store.
jsmizzle said:
My contract just ended and I have the $30 unlimited data grandfathered. I've always been able to keep it when upgrading by speaking to customer service. But this time I don't want to upgrade for another 2yr contract. I've been a customer forever and would like to have the freedom of no contract for a little bit. I'm currently using a 3g samsung captivate but want to get the s3. I found a really good deal on craigslist. Will at&t let me keep unlimited data without upgrading? I'm just worried that they tell me yes when I call, then after I buy the phone they say no you gotta upgrade. That would suck..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont' worry, they can't make you upgrade, you can use whatever hardware you want (as long as its compatible with their network).
If you don't presently have LTE on your account, and the phone you are buying is compatible with AT&T's LTE bands, you can get it added to your account w/o an upgrade and w/o a new contract. But you have to go through AT&T to do it (either by phone or in an AT&T store). Simply tell them you want to keep unlimited data, and add LTE. They technically have to change you to a "new" data plan that is unlimited data with LTE, but its really just the same - unlimited data, but with LTE capability added and no extra fee (its just what they do to make it work in their system). Just make sure they do it right before you leave the store or hangup the phone. Its not completely straightforward, it took them about 15 minutes to get it right for me at my AT&T store, and the rep had to bring the manager into it, and they were really trying. But its worth the hassle, since if they screw it up and take unlimited data off your account, its a real pain to add it back.
And this is the only way to add LTE to your account, if the S3 you are buying has LTE.

Thanks guys for the replies. Apparently, the LTE microSIM is different from the 3g microSIM. Even though they're the same size the coding is different. So i'm gonna need to visit the store to get the LTE card. AT&T customer service did tell me that my unlimited data won't change and I won't need to upgrade. So that's cool.. Now it's about choosing which phone to get. I'm still thinking the S3 but I just looked at the demo models at best buy. Damn this is hard. The one x is a beauty and even the atrix hd looks great too. I might just wait until the iphone 5 release on the 12th so all the other phone prices will drop. But that's a whole different thread..

[Q]Best Way to Upgrade to GS3 While Keeping Unlimited?

I thought of a few ways to upgrade while keeping unlimited data.
There was..
Add a new line, with the GS3, give that phone to the unlimited data, and then put a basic phone on that line so it doesn't require the data fees...
There's buy a used cracked screen on eBay, replace the cracked screen with a replacement on eBay..
Any ideas anyone?

I would suggest against buying any used phone, especially for verizon phones, only because of the risk that if the person selling it has any remaining balance on that account that the phone was tied to, it would be useless for you and by law Verizon will be unable to add it to your phone line. If you can confirm that it in fact has no left over balance, then this is probably the best way to go.
Better off going with the plan of adding a line with a basic phone and switching the two numbers, but that will cost you another 40$ every bill and verizon will probably still make you pay an arm and a leg for the SGS III essentially at full retail price if you really want to keep that unlimited data plan. So you might as well just pay full price for the phone and then just switch your number to it in order to keep the unlimited data plan.
Hope this helps.

Martakia said:
Better off going with the plan of adding a line with a basic phone and switching the two numbers, but that will cost you another 40$ every bill and verizon will probably still make you pay an arm and a leg for the SGS III essentially at full retail price if you really want to keep that unlimited data plan. So you might as well just pay full price for the phone and then just switch your number to it in order to keep the unlimited data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I get the GS3 on the extra line and I switch a basic phone onto it, wouldn't it be just 10 dollars a month?

That's basically what I did to keep my unlimited data. Added a line for the GS3, switched it to my line with unlimited data and activated a basic phone I had lying around onto the new line.

weblexa said:
That's basically what I did to keep my unlimited data. Added a line for the GS3, switched it to my line with unlimited data and activated a basic phone I had lying around onto the new line.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much a month is it for that line? 10 dollars?

Well I have 2 lines that had an upgrade on the same day. Mine had unlimited data, and the other one was my moms who had no data at all. So what we did was use my upgrade to upgrade her line to a sgs3 with 2gb of data a month , then put that phone on my line and put the basic phone back on her line. Then she upgraded with her updrage to a sgs3 for herself
Sent from my Verizon Galaxy S3

weblexa said:
That's basically what I did to keep my unlimited data. Added a line for the GS3, switched it to my line with unlimited data and activated a basic phone I had lying around onto the new line.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I did as well. Added $10/month to my bill.

Martakia said:
I would suggest against buying any used phone, especially for verizon phones, only because of the risk that if the person selling it has any remaining balance on that account that the phone was tied to, it would be useless for you and by law Verizon will be unable to add it to your phone line. If you can confirm that it in fact has no left over balance, then this is probably the best way to go.
Better off going with the plan of adding a line with a basic phone and switching the two numbers, but that will cost you another 40$ every bill and verizon will probably still make you pay an arm and a leg for the SGS III essentially at full retail price if you really want to keep that unlimited data plan. So you might as well just pay full price for the phone and then just switch your number to it in order to keep the unlimited data plan.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a question about this. Does the new use of a SIM card change what you're saying about left over fees owed to Verizon? If a person were to buy a phone from Ebay and put their own SIM in would that be Ok even if the original owner owed money on their SIM?

All I did was order online. I originally went into the store to upgrade, but they told me I had to get a new data plan. I went home and ordered the GS3 online that night and it let me keep my unlimited plan. They probably fixed that glitch by now though.

pcdisme said:
I have a question about this. Does the new use of a SIM card change what you're saying about left over fees owed to Verizon? If a person were to buy a phone from Ebay and put their own SIM in would that be Ok even if the original owner owed money on their SIM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the new SIM card system that Verizon has started to use, I am not quite sure about that, but when reading past experiences, and one that my cousin had to go through, they all bought used phones from online sites like ebay and amazon, but ended up being unable to apply them to their own plans because of a check that was done on the phone's background. (I know there is a way to do this yourself, but you pretty much have to have the phone in your possession in order to do so.)
When my family had to add a new line to our family plan for my little brother, a basic phone, verizon wanted to charge us $40, and instead we got him a smartphone which was only $30. Verizon is really pushing smartphones, primarily android devices and especially the SGS3. Essentially what they tried to sell us, but we told them no lol.

Martakia said:
With the new SIM card system that Verizon has started to use, I am not quite sure about that, but when reading past experiences, and one that my cousin had to go through, they all bought used phones from online sites like ebay and amazon, but ended up being unable to apply them to their own plans because of a check that was done on the phone's background. (I know there is a way to do this yourself, but you pretty much have to have the phone in your possession in order to do so.)
When my family had to add a new line to our family plan for my little brother, a basic phone, verizon wanted to charge us $40, and instead we got him a smartphone which was only $30. Verizon is really pushing smartphones, primarily android devices and especially the SGS3. Essentially what they tried to sell us, but we told them no lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my SGS3 from someone that had left over fees and it didn't effect me at all. I think the SIM card system has made this a thing of the past.

MrSmith317 said:
I got my SGS3 from someone that had left over fees and it didn't effect me at all. I think the SIM card system has made this a thing of the past.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome , then i guess the op is good to go and buy the one off ebay and replace the screen.

Thanks for all the input guys! Much appreciated.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Dude, all u have to do is calling Verizon & give them the imei or serial, they will tell u if the fone legit. Bought mine used but looks like new.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

quattr0 said:
Dude, all u have to do is calling Verizon & give them the imei or serial, they will tell u if the fone legit. Bought mine used but looks like new.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep or you can use one of the following online service to check the IMEI/MEID, Verizon's is the more accurate one, if it says call customer service then the IMEI is bad:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/estore/certifieddevice/cd
http://www.checkesnfree.com/

I upgraded a flip phone line on my plan to the SG3 and gave it 2gb data temporarily. I then had them switch the SG3 to my number, re-enable the flip phone on the upgraded line, and then cancel the 2gb data plan, reverting it back to $10 nondata plan. Verizon will not charge for a data plan that is changed within 24 hours. Worked for me anyhow, but did have to pay the $30 upgrade fee.

Martakia said:
With the new SIM card system that Verizon has started to use, I am not quite sure about that, but when reading past experiences, and one that my cousin had to go through, they all bought used phones from online sites like ebay and amazon, but ended up being unable to apply them to their own plans because of a check that was done on the phone's background. (I know there is a way to do this yourself, but you pretty much have to have the phone in your possession in order to do so.)
When my family had to add a new line to our family plan for my little brother, a basic phone, verizon wanted to charge us $40, and instead we got him a smartphone which was only $30. Verizon is really pushing smartphones, primarily android devices and especially the SGS3. Essentially what they tried to sell us, but we told them no lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah.....
I don't think so.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Verizon has sim cards?
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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?
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Frostacious said:
Verizon has sim cards?
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4g phones do.
And we have separate lines because we're on a family plan.