Annual upgrade question

[hal1]

Just spoke to a VZW rep who told me that there are no more annual upgrades, even if my 2 year contract was renewed last April. I've been with them for 6 years, though I don't think that gives me any leverage

Now, I do understand about their new policies that started this past January. But if I signed my 2 year contract last April, and they're still allowing their NE2 for contracts signed prior to that, shouldn't I also be allowed to use the annual upgrade (+$20) provision that they had? Otherwise I would have signed up for only a 1 year contract.

Any reps that can help me?

Googling "annual upgrade" it appears that the rep I spoke to may be wrong, and that I have nothing to worry about, and that VZ will honor the annual upgrade.

Any thoughts?

 

[Smitty_82]

The VZW rep that I deal with, and whom has never given me wrong information, told me that existing two year contracts will have one final one year upgrade. Once that upgrade is used, then the new rules will be in effect.

 

[RHChan84]

That is what I have heard as well. Call and talk to a different rep, the no more annual upgrade only applies to people who sign a new/upgraded contract after jan 16.

 

[ballroomdru]

How to get Annual updates

I was looking at the Verizon website for a way to get annual updates and I finally found one.

ONE YEAR CONTACTS!!!!!!

If i get an HTC Thunderbolt on 4/01/11 from the VZW website on 1 year contract it will cost me $70 more than on a 2 year. So, what do i get for an extra $70 up front?

1.) I can upgrade at a 1 year price to the New Hottness come 2/01/12, 10 months later.

2.) I am OUT OF CONTRACT once 4/02/12 comes.

3.) At the 10 month mark, i can sell my phone for AT LEAST as much as i paid for it and probably get the latest and greatest Android phone for about the same $320 on contract.

As of 3/16 this is the only way to get annual updates. But in my opinion, it is the best.

 

[Super_Mario]

You can not get 1-year contracts when using an Annual upgrade.

 

[ballroomdru]

With a one year contract, you automatically get an Annual upgrade, you just pay $70 more for the phone.

 

[Menno]

You can not get 1-year contracts when using an Annual upgrade.

This is true, you have to wait until your normal 20 month upgrade date, and then when you sign up, you get a 1 year. From that point on, you get a new phone every 10 months for just $70 more than it would cost waiting 2 years. If you must sign contracts, then this is the way to do it.

 

[bberrynewbie84]

Do they do credit check for annual upgrades? I got one last one in August,so i was wondering.

 

[Menno]

Do they do credit check for annual upgrades? I got one last one in August,so i was wondering.

no more than a usual upgrade. it's not a credit check per say,you just have to be caught up to date with your payments with Verizon and meet the old requirements for an annual upgrade. (Also, if you made ANY price plan changes after january, you might lose your upgrade)

 

[DC Damien]

Just found this thread. Last week I was looking at Tbolt and the rep told me they were dropping the 1-year contracts after this month. I'll go back and ask more questions. Def would be nice to get a new phone before another 20 months.

 

[Menno]

Just found this thread. Last week I was looking at Tbolt and the rep told me they were dropping the 1-year contracts after this month. I'll go back and ask more questions. Def would be nice to get a new phone before another 20 months.

I haven't heard anything about them dropping 1 years, but with some of their other moves lately, it wouldn't surprise me. But as far as my contacts know, this isn't happening.

 

[anonymous9458679834576]

Heard it as well

That is what I have heard as well. Call and talk to a different rep, the no more annual upgrade only applies to people who sign a new/upgraded contract after jan 16.

I just spoke with Verizon Corp - they confirmed the above. I signed in Sept with a Droid Inc (since swapped to X) but am eligible one last time with an annual upgrade in Sept. +1 because my city gets 4G service sometime in 2011.

-T

 

[dyastrab]

I send them the following email:

I understand that Verizon will be eliminating its 1-year renewal option for smartphones. I was very disappointed to hear this. I enjoyed the ability to renew annually and bought a new phone every year despite a slightly higher phone cost. Given the rate of smartphone innovation, I would think more options rather than less would be the right way to go. Not having the 1 year option is not encouraging and is of concern.

This was the response:

Thank you for contacting Verizon Wireless through our website. My name is Priscilla, and I understand you are concerned about the changes to the one year contract . I know how important it is to . I apologize for the inconvenience this matter caused you. I am happy to assist you .

It was my pleasure speaking to you today by phone to address your concerns about . I am sending this email for your records. As explained, effective April 17, 2011, one-year contracts and one-year device pricing options will no longer be available.

Verizon Wireless is changing the one-year contract policy to simplify our business and streamline our offers. Today, very few customers select one-year contracts, so the need for one-year contracts is low. In fact, the majority of our customers choose two-year contracts to get the best device pricing.

If you selected a one-year contract prior to April 17, 2011, will not be impacted until your contract expires on or you decide to upgrade. After April 17, 2011, new and upgrading consumers will have a choice between two-year and month-to-month contract options.

In addition, I have forwarded your concerns to our Leadership Team for review Your comments and feedback are very important to us and provides us with the perfect opportunity to hear exactly what you think, and often leads to improvements you will see in the future.

I hope providing information regarding the one year contract change was helpful and addressed your concerns . Should you have additional questions or concerns, please reply to this e-mail or contact me at 910-794-6221 Ext 7603 Monday through Friday 7:00 am-4:00 pm and I will be happy to assist you.

We appreciate your business and customer loyalty to us since 02/18/2004. I hope we will remain your cellular service provider for many years to come . Thank you for using Verizon Wireless.

Have A Good Day,

Sincerely,

Priscilla