[Instruction] How to get a new phone and keep (legacy) Unlimited Data on Verizon

[androidluvr2]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

How do I order a SIM card online? I'm not seeing it on the Verizon website...

As best I can remember, I had to start the process of activating/switching a phone on my line and get to the point it asked me to type in the IMEI number of the device I wanted to activate/switch. At that point the system either told me that I would need a SIM card for that device or asked me for the SIM card info for that device (ICCID). I can't remember which. But regardless, after I had reached that point, I was given the option of ordering a SIM card for the device online.

You can't just order the SIM cards online without having an IMEI number to type in. You can call verizon and see if they will mail one to you over the phone, too. I am sure they will as some people live in the boonies or just find it more convenient to have one mailed to them. But I am sure they will need the IMEI device number before they do it.

Verizon is not like GSM - only those devices that Verizon authorizes can be on their network and they have to check the IMEI number to verify that it is a CDMA device with their proprietary codes in it.

 

[dpham00]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

As best I can remember, I had to start the process of activating/switching a phone on my line and get to the point it asked me to type in the IMEI number of the device I wanted to activate/switch. At that point the system either told me that I would need a SIM card for that device or asked me for the SIM card info for that device (ICCID). I can't remember which. But regardless, after I had reached that point, I was given the option of ordering a SIM card for the device online.

You can't just order the SIM cards online without having an IMEI number to type in. You can call verizon and see if they will mail one to you over the phone, too. I am sure they will as some people live in the boonies or just find it more convenient to have one mailed to them. But I am sure they will need the IMEI device number before they do it.

Verizon is not like GSM - only those devices that Verizon authorizes can be on their network and they have to check the IMEI number to verify that it is a CDMA device with their proprietary codes in it.

Just tell them that you are having issues with connectivity on your phone and that you want to try a new sim card. They will send you one. Everytime they sent me one, they send it FexEX 2 Day with signature required. Even when I asked them, and they told me no signature was required, a signature was required. Not really shocking that they told me in accurate information because it happens quite often from them though.

If you want a sim without entering the imei, you can buy from ebay, but obviously that will cost you.

 

[androidluvr2]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

Just tell them that you are having issues with connectivity on your phone and that you want to try a new sim card.

But don't you need to have the phone already activated on the line for that to work?

 

[dpham00]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

But don't you need to have the phone already activated on the line for that to work?

Yes, you do. I do that method to get spares.

Obviously if you need one because you don't have any , just call them and they are will send it to you

Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II

 

[androidluvr2]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

Obviously if you need one because you don't have any , just call them and they are will send it to you

yeah, I am sure they will send it to you if you call them. You can order online if you try to activate the phone on a different line, but you have to start the activation process to get to the point where you can do that.

 

[bcharron117]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

Ok, I thought I was all set. I was going to go with the first method...Until I found out that all the lines on my plan want an upgrade now. (I have 5 lines. 1 smartphone. 4 basics. (all upgrade eligible except one basic).)

So now, since I can't "sacrifice" a basic line's upgrade, I think I need to go with your 2nd method, right?

1. Transfer the upgrade from the unlimited data line to the basic line that is not yet eligible for an upgrade (this can be done online)
- Can I transfer upgrade online, but actually upgrade in store?
2. Upgrade to an S3 on that basic line
3. Activate the S3 on that basic line and choose a 2GB data plan
- data is currently blocked on all lones except smartphone, will this override?
4. Reactive the original basic phone on the 2GB line and choose pay per use for data
- also, after switching to pay per use, can i re-block data?
5. Go into a Verizon store and get a new SIM card for the S3 (or order it online) for the unlimited data line
6. Activate the S3 on the unlimited data line

 

[androidluvr2]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

- Can I transfer upgrade online, but actually upgrade in store?

yes.

- data is currently blocked on all lones except smartphone, will this override?

I am not sure what you mean by blocked, but if you can buy an S3 with the upgrade on that line, you have to put a minimum 2GB data plan on it. If you are the account owner, you should be able to unblock something you previously blocked on any of the lines of the account.

- also, after switching to pay per use, can i re-block data?

I don't know anything about blocking data, but if you are the account owner and you could do it before, you should be able to do it again. Is it like a parental control?

 

[tvue83]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

Will I need to bring in the dumb phone when I upgrade? I'm planning on going to best buy.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

 

[bcharron117]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

yes.
Good. I think I'll do this part tonight.

I am not sure what you mean by blocked, but if you can buy an S3 with the upgrade on that line, you have to put a minimum 2GB data plan on it. If you are the account owner, you should be able to unblock something you previously blocked on any of the lines of the account.

I don't know anything about blocking data, but if you are the account owner and you could do it before, you should be able to do it again. Is it like a parental control?

Yes, it was a way to prevent getting data charges on my other lines without data plans.

I'm excited and a little nervous...actually anxious. I want to do this tomorrow after work and be done! Gonna have to fight the temptation to tell the rep what I want to do to ease my concerns. But I think I'll be ok if I keep remembering that I get those 14 days, and Costco does not have it's own ETF (from what I read/hear).

 

[androidluvr2]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

Will I need to bring in the dumb phone when I upgrade? I'm planning on going to best buy.

no. You just have to have a drivers license to prove you are on the account. But I don't see how it would hurt to have the dumbphone with you.

 

[androidluvr2]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

But I think I'll be ok if I keep remembering that I get those 14 days, and Costco does not have it's own ETF (from what I read/hear).

That is my understanding, too. They would need to disclose it to you if they do, but be sure and ask.

 

[bcharron117]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

How long after reactivationg old phone, should I request a new sim card? Wouldn't it seem suspicious to do so right away?

 

[androidluvr2]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

How long after reactivationg old phone, should I request a new sim card? Wouldn't it seem suspicious to do so right away?

Once you own the phone, you can transfer it to any line you want no questions asked. It is your phone. Wait 24 hours if it would make you feel better.

You are not doing anything wrong. Verizon allows you to transfer upgrades and to transfer phones to different lines. It just so happens that they have not figured out yet that this can allow you to use your upgrade on your unlimited data line and still keep unlimited data. Or maybe they have figured it out and don't see it is much of a problem because most people with unlimited data are not going to figure this out. If this gets real popular, they may eventually stop people with unlimited data from transferring their upgrades to other lines on the account.

Regardless, you are not doing anything wrong. You are just doing what Verizon allows. If they want to stop allowing it, they can at any time. But for now, this is allowed.

 

[tvue83]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

I have 4 lines on the old family plan right now, 2 smart phones with unlimited and 2 dumb phones. All 4 lines are available for upgrade this year. So technically I can get 4 upgrades this year if I keep transferring my upgrades?

 

[bcharron117]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

Like I said: I'm going for it after work. But just thought of one more thing... Will there be a penalty for dropping data package?

 

[dpham00]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

Like I said: I'm going for it after work. But just thought of one more thing... Will there be a penalty for dropping data package?

No penalty, if you bought from Verizon. Some third party may charge a $400 fee if you make certain changes within 181 days.

Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II

 

[Aquila]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

No penalty, if you bought from Verizon. Some third party may charge a $400 fee if you make certain changes within 181 days.

Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II

Best buy is also sans fee

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[bcharron117]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

Going to Costco

 

[androidluvr2]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

Going to Costco

From everything I have read here, Costco does not charge the fee, either, but double check when you make your purchase.

 

[androidluvr2]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

I have 4 lines on the old family plan right now, 2 smart phones with unlimited and 2 dumb phones. All 4 lines are available for upgrade this year. So technically I can get 4 upgrades this year if I keep transferring my upgrades?

yes.