[diesteldorf]

I already have unlimited 3G data with my DX as I'm sure many others also have. I doubt many hardcore users would've switched to the $15 data plan for 150 mb even when it was still being offered.

Frankly, the Thunderbolt doesn't really excite me and I'm not eligible for an upgrade, but I am considering getting the device only so that I can keep my exsisting plan and be locked into Unlimited 4G for the same $29.99 I pay now.

Just curious how many others felt the same way.

As of right now, I'm not in a 4G area, but I go to Chicago at least 1-2 times every couple months so I may be able to use it in the near future.

[French]

Why does everyone seem to think that getting 4G now unlimited for $30 is going to lock you in? Verizon has stated they will be going to tiered data plans this summer, and that will impact everyone.

[KSChris]

It seems to stupid to me that they wouldn't grandfather everyone in who gets it now..

Otherwise, why not just start the tiered pricing now?

I can only imagine the negative reaction they would get if they gave people unlimited 4G for the Thunderbolt, then took it away two months later. It's a horrible PR move.

[macewank]

Why does everyone seem to think that getting 4G now unlimited for $30 is going to lock you in? Verizon has stated they will be going to tiered data plans this summer, and that will impact everyone.

they cant switch you to a tiered rate plan until you modify the terms of your service.

a friend of mine still has his myfi on an unlimited data plan. they got rid of those FOREVER ago.

[biggiephat#AC]

they cant switch you to a tiered rate plan until you modify the terms of your service.

a friend of mine still has his myfi on an unlimited data plan. they got rid of those FOREVER ago.

so basically once my 1yr or 2 yr contract is up when i get the tbolt tomorrow ill be forced to go into tiered pricing when i sign a new contract?

[CyD13]

so basically once my 1yr or 2 yr contract is up when i get the tbolt tomorrow ill be forced to go into tiered pricing when i sign a new contract?

Most likely.

[Electric Mayhem]

From what I understand based on comments made by those in the know, if you get a bolt tomorrow regardless of whether you currently have a data plan or not you'll pay 29.99 for data for the duration of your contract because like others have said, they can't force you into the new data tiers unless you modify your plan / terms of service. When I started at Verizon way back when I paid for a data package with my feature phone, well I completely forgot about it over the years and honestly never used it so I finally got rid of it a few months ago. Well when I went to talk to a verizon rep about getting that package removed she told me there would be no problem but the plan has since changed and has a cap where as mine didn't so if I removed it I would loose my grandfather on said data and be capped like everyone else. This is how I see 3G/4G working.

[biggiephat#AC]

From what I understand based on comments made by those in the know, if you get a bolt tomorrow regardless of whether you currently have a data plan or not you'll pay 29.99 for data for the duration of your contract because like others have said, they can't force you into the new data tiers unless you modify your plan / terms of service. When I started at Verizon way back when I paid for a data package with my feature phone, well I completely forgot about it over the years and honestly never used it so I finally got rid of it a few months ago. Well when I went to talk to a verizon rep about getting that package removed she told me there would be no problem but the plan has since changed and has a cap where as mine didn't so if I removed it I would loose my grandfather on said data and be capped like everyone else. This is how I see 3G/4G working.

It's hard to find a straight answer from people, even reps. Say i get the 2yr tomorrow, 3/17/13 rolls around; time to get a new phone. Will i be forced into a tierd plan at that time or can i fight the fight that i have this unlimited 4g on my contract that just ended and i want that grandfathered to this contract im about to sign.

[terrain]

Answer - No one really knows. In any event the all you can eat LTE appears to be something that Verizon is going to offer for a while - possibly MAY. In general we believe that you have to make a change to your account but at the end of the day if they go TIERED LTE in the Summer they could implement caps etc...

[Electric Mayhem]

It's hard to find a straight answer from people, even reps. Say i get the 2yr tomorrow, 3/17/13 rolls around; time to get a new phone. Will i be forced into a tierd plan at that time or can i fight the fight that i have this unlimited 4g on my contract that just ended and i want that grandfathered to this contract im about to sign.

If you change phones your changing your contract so you'd have to sign onto the new tiered pricing, correct me if I'm wrong but pretty sure this is how it works.

-Mayhem

[Whetzel]

What about if you were to pay full retail for your next phone, just to keep your original plan?

Are they still going to make you resign a contract, in turn changing your plan, simply because you're simply switching phones?

If not, then I just might start saving for my next phone and pay full price for it. Just so I can keep an unlimited data plan.

[DJBeanPole]

What about if you were to pay full retail for your next phone, just to keep your original plan?

Are they still going to make you resign a contract, in turn changing your plan, simply because you're simply switching phones?

If not, then I just might start saving for my next phone and pay full price for it. Just so I can keep an unlimited data plan.

I was just about to ask this and am wondering the same thing?

[yankswinagain]

Supposedly data is an add on to the contract and not part of the contract itself, so they CAN change it on you. Not saying they will.





Found the above about data being an add on, but Verizon says you lock in the price until you make a change to the overall contract:

The data plan is a component add-on to the overall agreement. Once an agreement is set, it’s set. That said, customers can make changes at any time as their needs change but it requires a new agreement effective on the change date with the plans and options available at the time.

[elir41]

I spoke to a rep earlier and what I gathered is that the unlimited 3G/4G is for a limited time. She hinted at May, which she said anyone upgrading a contract, or starting new service during that time, will have to pick a tiered data package.

If you buy the phone off contract, and keep your plan as is, when your contract does end, and is around the time tiered data is around, you will have to pick a tiered plan. At least that's what I took from the conversation.

She used an example of customers using older smartphones that were on data packages from years ago, and then upgrading to a newer smartphone, they essentially had to pick the $30 unlimited data.

She also stated that if someone wanted to keep their unlimited data, this is the time to do it. Whether she said that for a sale or what, who knows.

My brother's updrade date is this weekend (20th) and mine is in May. We are both upgrading to the Thunderbolt and to be "locked" in to the unlimited data. Even though we won't see 4G in our area for another year or so, $30 for unlimited isn't too shabby.

[dhendriksen]

I talked VZW into an early upgrade just to lock in the 4G unlimited data. I live in SLC and I don't know when we'll get LTE here, but I want unlimited for $30...that's for sure.

Plus, the simultaneous voice and data over 3G is worth it as well.

I'm going to order it tomorrow, but will probably hang on to my Droid X for a while...I still really love this phone.

I'm excited to tether my XOOM to the Thunderbolt via Bluetooth for unlimited 4G on the XOOM for no extra charge!

[karmamule]

Since I listen to lots of streaming music, and generally do use several gb a month, does this mean it makes more sense to get a 2 year contract rather than a 1 year one in order to lock in unlimited 4G for an extra year?

The cost of doing this is the $70 extra on the phone and having the option to upgrade pushed out another 10 months.

It's hard to tell because it will depend on the tiers they eventually come out with. If I ended up having to pay an extra $5 a month, then the second year at that tier would only cost me $60 more and the 1 year would still be a better deal, but if the tiers require me to go $10 or more up a month then it would have been better to stick with the 2 year.

Without knowing the tiers to come I'm not sure what the best choice is.

[htowngator]

Why does everyone seem to think that getting 4G now unlimited for $30 is going to lock you in? Verizon has stated they will be going to tiered data plans this summer, and that will impact everyone.

Wrong. It will only impact you if you change contracts.

[htowngator]

If you change phones your changing your contract so you'd have to sign onto the new tiered pricing, correct me if I'm wrong but pretty sure this is how it works.

-Mayhem

thats exactly how it works

whatever is required for a new phone is what you agree to

[Ter1990]

I am one of "those people" who still have a data card on the "unlimited plan". I used 30 gb last month. I just signed a new contract on it and got a mifi. Still allowed to keep the same plan. I was told this was possible because i bought a device that was compatible with the plan i had in place, therefore my plan was not altered and it just extended my contract for another 2 years. This was less than a month ago.

As far as the TB is concerned, it should be the exact same. The reps i have spoken with (they know me by name) have told me that they have not gotten any information that this would be changing with the TB. If it does, i will be looking seriously at other coverage/providers in my area. FYI, i do not have 4g where i live and most likely will not have until it is time for my next upgrade (i live in very very rural east tx town of less than 6000)

[weave majjik]

Even if I was on the fence about this phone (I'm not) the 4G pricing and thereby granting unlimited Xoom 4G for $20/month is outstanding. My only debate is a one or two year contract as I want to be able to maintain that pricing but anticipate much better phones on the market in a year. Decisions, decisions.....

[biff6789]

So is the consensus here that if you buy the phone tmrw or whatever, you are locked into unlimited LTE for the rest of your contract?

[DJBeanPole]

So is the consensus here that if you buy the phone tmrw or whatever, you are locked into unlimited LTE for the rest of your contract?

That is the consensus my good man.

[biff6789]

That is the consensus my good man.

Oh goodie

[fargles]

Answer - No one really knows. In any event the all you can eat LTE appears to be something that Verizon is going to offer for a while - possibly MAY. In general we believe that you have to make a change to your account but at the end of the day if they go TIERED LTE in the Summer they could implement caps etc...

I actually asked one of the online reps and they made it very clear that as long as we have that as long as you have it and don't change the plan itself your set, even if you upgrade phone because it still uses the same contract. I think I am gonna be gettin the TBolt, really want the X2 but will be kicking my self when I want a 4G phone once they become even more amazing

[TBolt2011]

I actually asked one of the online reps...

What you explained is generally what we've come to expect as how it will work, but after going through the Tbolt launch for myself... I would trust the method you used that I quoted above. Not one bit.