Are there alternatives to upgrading?

[rmdial]

We are long time customers of Verizon and am pleased with their service/coverage in general. My question is, are there alternatives to upgrading when contract is up?

Instead of waiting for two years to upgrade, paying fee, buying phone, hoping it does not fail and we don't have protection plan, and then being locked in to contract for duration. I read about people taking other paths to having a phone but being able to utilize a carrier.

Is there a source for information on any alternatives? No contract? Buying my own SD card? Any other options?

Sorry I don't speak the language to ask this question better.

Any insight/help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Soapy

 

[SellnCLT85]

You do not have to be under contract to have service. You can keep your same phone and plan as you have right now and pay your usual amount. You only have to sign a contract with a carrier if you choose to purchase or upgrade to a new phone for a discounted price instead of paying retail.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Xparent Blue Tapatalk 2

 

[clodfelterac]

i would go prepaid... i know verizon offers it... root your phone if you havent> congrats, now its actually YOUR phone> check into CyanogenMod | Android Community Rom based on Gingerbread > enjoy your freedom!...

 

[Rukbat]

I read about people taking other paths to having a phone but being able to utilize a carrier.

Not with VZW. With a GSM carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile - Verizon is CDMA - they're different technologies) you can use any phone that will work on their network. With Verizon you have to use a Verizon phone.

Is there a source for information on any alternatives? No contract?

Once the contract ends, you stay on the same plan. The only differences are a) you don't get any "free" phones any more, b) they'll keep hounding you to pick up a new contract and c) you can cancel service at any time with no penalty.

Buying my own SD card?

You can always do that, contract or not.

Any other options?

Pre-pay. With Verizon or any other carrier, or with a virtual operator like Straight Talk, Virgin, etc.

Look into pre-pay. If you can get the service you need for the amount you want to pay, that's a good option for you. All the major carriers offer it. But be aware that, unless you keep the phone you have (which means staying with Verizon), you'll be paying full price for your new phone. One you get for $50 in contract could be $350 retail. Or more.