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

[JulesJam]

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

This makes me wonder if somehow they would try to stop people from transferring upgrades from a UDP line to a 2gb tiered line and keeping unlimited data (even if I switch the phone back) while they are at it.

I am sure in time they will unless they can get enough people off of UDP by throttling us.

Makes me wonder if I should just jump and upgrade my S4 get the G3 (since it looks like there's a chance of the bootloader being unlocked) before the 24th just to be safe. Who knows if there are other loopholes they may try to close. I'd really like to hold off for a flagship phone that comes with Android L if possible.

If you have a basic phone upgrade available now, upgrade before August 24th so you can drop the data plan. If you have a UDP upgrade available now, I would transfer and use it before October 1st to lock your UDP line into a 2 year contract. If you are waiting for the Gnote4, just get an iPhone 6 in september when it releases and sell it and then use the proceeds to buy a Gnote4 outright.

If you are waiting for the Moto X+1, I would do the same - buy the iPhone 6 and sell it. Then use the proceeds to buy a Moto X+1 developer edition.

 

[NBAJ2K]

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

I am sure in time they will unless they can get enough people off of UDP by throttling us.


If you have a basic phone upgrade available now, upgrade before August 24th so you can drop the data plan. If you have a UDP upgrade available now, I would transfer and use it before October 1st to lock your UDP line into a 2 year contract. If you are waiting for the Gnote4, just get an iPhone 6 in september when it releases and sell it and then use the proceeds to buy a Gnote4 outright.

If you are waiting for the Moto X+1, I would do the same - buy the iPhone 6 and sell it. Then use the proceeds to buy a Moto X+1 developer edition.

Thanks for the advice. I have a UDP upgrade that I'd be transferring to a 2gb line on my account. You said to transfer before October 1st, does something happen then, or are you referring to when phones would be coming out.

With the LG G3 only being $100 right now, I was debating just using the upgrade on that and selling it to bank the cash, then using the money in the future to buy another phone outright. iPhone 6 might be a better bet, but I'm not sure if I'd pocket as much money since the upfront cost would be higher. (eBay fees are high though so I'd try to find somewhere else to sell probably)

Anyways, I apologize this post has gotten a bit off topic to a degree.

-J

 

[cnotes2019]

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

How long is the verizon sale going to last?

 

[JulesJam]

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

Thanks for the advice. I have a UDP upgrade that I'd be transferring to a 2gb line on my account. You said to transfer before October 1st, does something happen then, or are you referring to when phones would be coming out.

Verizon has announced that they will start throttling UDP users who use over 4.7GB per month if they have fulfilled their minimum contractual agreement and are on a congested tower. No one knows what minimum contractual agreement means but we are assuming it means you are off contract. And since Verizon is out to get UDP users, all towers are sure to be considered congested towers by verizon.

With the LG G3 only being $100 right now, I was debating just using the upgrade on that and selling it to bank the cash, then using the money in the future to buy another phone outright. iPhone 6 might be a better bet, but I'm not sure if I'd pocket as much money since the upfront cost would be higher.

A 16GB iPhone 6 is likely to be $200 + the upgrade fee and if you signed up for the best buy reserve gift card, you get $50 off if you upgrade thru best buy.

(eBay fees are high though so I'd try to find somewhere else to sell probably)

I sell on swappa.

 

[diesteldorf]

Re: Verizon closing the transfer upgrade loophole?

It'll be interesting to see how this is implemented. I recently used all of my upgrades available on all lines and now have all my Unlimited Data lines under contract till 2016. The most recent upgrade used extended my Unlimited Data line till 8/6/2016.

A couple things I am concerned about:

In the internal documents, they show a special section for the DATA PLAN REQUIREMENT contract. Of course, if you upgraded your phone and had no suspensions etc, it would mirror the actual two-year contract.

However, feature phones currently allow a 75 mb data plan for $10. Will that also count as a data plan if someone wants to put a feature phone on a line that used to have a smartphone (theft of smartphone, personal choice, punishing a child)?

Or, will Verizon prevent feature phones from being activated on former smartphone lines, or maintain that the data plan must stay at a minimum of $30, regardless of phone.

Also, in the past Verizon has allowed anyone to take any existing phone line and use it for a Home Phone Connect or a tablet/netbook. Will Verizon stop allowing this as well? Granted, a tablet requires a data plan already, but Home Phone Connect does not.

Finally, I'd be curious to know how this may affect someone who assumes responsibility of a line from another user. The new owner is currently responsible for any remaining time on the contract and ETF. Will Verizon also require them to keep a data plan when no actual transfer of equipment is involved?

 

[JulesJam]

Re: Verizon closing the transfer upgrade loophole?

However, feature phones currently allow a 75 mb data plan for $10. Will that also count as a data plan if someone wants to put a feature phone on a line that used to have a smartphone (theft of smartphone, personal choice, punishing a child)?

I suspect the only data plans that will count are smartphone data plans, since that is the whole point of this - to force you to keep a smartphone data plan on the line regardless of the actual device you have on the line since you obtained a subsidized smartphone using that line's upgrade.

I doubt that Verizon thinks they have to subsidize you punishing your child. If you obtained a subsidized smartphone on a line, then you have to pay for a smartphone data plan for 24 months on that line. If you lose it, well they offer insurance and if you opt out of the insurance, that is your choice and this will be one of the consequences of opting out of insurance.

And if it is your personal choice to put a basic phone on a line that you originally purchased a subsidized smartphone on, then I am sure verizon would say it is your personal choice to keep paying for the smartphone data plan even though you chose to take a smartphone off of the line.

Or, will Verizon prevent feature phones from being activated on former smartphone lines, or maintain that the data plan must stay at a minimum of $30, regardless of phone.

I think you will be able to keep a feature (basic) phone on the line, but will still have to pay for a smartphone data plan.

Also, in the past Verizon has allowed anyone to take any existing phone line and use it for a Home Phone Connect or a tablet/netbook. Will Verizon stop allowing this as well? Granted, a tablet requires a data plan already, but Home Phone Connect does not.

you can probably put them on the line, but you will need to maintain a smartphone data plan is my guess.

Finally, I'd be curious to know how this may affect someone who assumes responsibility of a line from another user. The new owner is currently responsible for any remaining time on the contract and ETF. Will Verizon also require them to keep a data plan when no actual transfer of equipment is involved?

I am sure they will. I doubt that the fact that someone else benefitted from the subsidized equipment will change Verizon's stance on this.

 

[shortwave8669]

Re: Verizon: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price

... As what the threads have said (and correct me if I got it wrong); just simply remove the included SIM before I turn the device on. Replace it with my SIM card. Turn on/activate. Knocking on wood I got this figured out right, and this works. I absolutely will hate to lose my UDP, even though I'm not a huge or heavy user; just like having that safety factor in my plan if I do use more data than usual.

Correct...and ACTIVATE might only mean that you make a phone call on the S5 to anyone (basically to let the cell tower know the device is working).

I did exactly what you plan to do 2 weeks ago.
From the time I powered on my new device (Galaxy Note 3) to completed the log-in process at VZW.com the carrier website was already showing my Note 3 as my device.

1) open new device and remove batt and NEW SIM card (treat as radioactive waste).
2) slip old SIM card into new device.
3) reinstall batt and back cover
4) power on new device and wait for bootup to complete
5) place phone call. If call goes through you are done!!
6) log into VZW.com and look at account details to confirm UDP still in place.

 

[modilino]

Re: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price.

Hello,

I tried reading through this forum to find what I need, so I apologize my questions have already been answered.

I have a 2 line plan with my wife, with both lines sharing the unlimited data plan. It's been out of contract/eligable for upgrade for a little over a month. We both have Galaxy S3s, and are wanting to get new phones, and obviously keep the UDP. So I have a few questions:

1: I am wanting to do the SIM card method (buy new phones through Best Buys website and swapping the sim card). Is this possible with purchasing 2 phones that need to keep the UDP plan, and if so, will it require 2 separate purchase transactions through Best Buy's website?

2: If the SIM card method definitely won't work in my situation, can someone point me in the direction of what the best plan of action should be?

3: Has anyone successfully cut down a Android Micro SIM and had it work in an iPhone 5? I am probably going to either get a S5 or M8, my wife may go to an iPhone 5 (im guessing it would have to be the 5C, since the 5S is not available for shipping). From what I've read, there shouldn't be any compatibility issues with using her S3 SIM card in an iPhone, other than having to cut it down to Nano size. I just wanted to see if anyone here had actually done that specific change.


Thanks, I appreciate any help!

 

[Mr. Toad]

1: It will probably take 2 transactions. You will have to funnel the upgrades to whichever line is the primary. If you get the error that line is not the primary. Cancel try the other line.

2: It should work. Other options add a line before the 24. Use that upgrade and the use then use it to funnel your other upgrades. This will cost you about $15 more a month.

The flying arrow method. Not to familiar with this one. Order the phone through Verizon. When you get it activate online but click I want to activate a different device.

3: I have not but read about many people doing it.

 

[ricks]

Re: Verizon: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price

I didn't have to switch my line to primary to do this...

1: It will probably take 2 transactions. You will have to funnel the upgrades to whichever line is the primary. If you get the error that line is not the primary. Cancel try the other line.

2: It should work. Other options add a line before the 24. Use that upgrade and the use then use it to funnel your other upgrades. This will cost you about $15 more a month.

The flying arrow method. Not to familiar with this one. Order the phone through Verizon. When you get it activate online but click I want to activate a different device.

3: I have not but read about many people doing it.

 

[Ry]

Re: Verizon closing the transfer upgrade loophole?

Speak with your wallets folks.

 

[kay2014]

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

I'm so overwhelmed right now with all the different methods. Someone please tell me what is the best option... I have 3 lines. 2 are unlimited data and the third one is just a basic phone line. One of my unlimited data lines is due for upgrade. I was told by a rep in the Verizon store and a few reps I chatted online that said I would lose my unlimited data if I transfer it to the basic phone line. Other reps I chatted said I won't. I want to upgrade to the S5 but like everyone else, don't want to lose the unlimited data. What is the best method?

Thanks for all your help in advance!

 

[JulesJam]

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

I have 3 lines. 2 are unlimited data and the third one is just a basic phone line. One of my unlimited data lines is due for upgrade.

The easiest option is to log online to Verizon and transfer the UDP line's upgrade to the basic line. Then order the smartphone that you want on the basic line, pick the 2GB data plan and when the new smartphone arrives, activate it on the basic line. Then put the basic phone back on the basic line and drop the 2GB data plan. Then activate the new smartphone on the UDP line.

Some people skipped activating the new smartphone on the basic line and activated it directly on the UDP line and have not lost their UDP.

You need to do this before August 24th because Verizon is changing their policy on allowing customers to drop a data plan on a basic line after upgrading to a smartphone. I think it only applies if you use the basic phone's upgrade rather than a transferred upgrade, but none of knows for sure until Verizon implements this so to be safe, due it before August 24th.

I was told by a rep in the Verizon store and a few reps I chatted online that said I would lose my unlimited data if I transfer it to the basic phone line. Other reps I chatted said I won't.

There are literally thousands of posts on this in the 3 large threads about this topic. There is no need at all to speak to Verizon reps about this. If you involve a Verizon rep in this process, the chances are high that they will switch you off of unlimited data when it is not necessary since they get bonus commissions for doing so.

Don't involve a verizon rep and you will be fine. If you do involve a verizon rep and they underhandedly switch you off of unlimited data, you will get no sympathy from me. Over and over on these threads people are warned not to involve verizon reps yet they refuse to listen *smh*.

 

[modilino]

Re: Verizon: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price

Thank you Mr. Toad and Ricks, I appreciate the help.

Ricks: to clarify, did you purchase 2 new phones for both a primary and secondary line, which are both on the same UDP? That is the situation I'm currently trying to work through.

 

[kay2014]

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

How long do I have to wait before I drop off the data plan? I'm in the middle of ordering and should get the phone by tomorrow.

Thanks.

 

[HawaiiD]

yes, that is what it is looking like. So if you have a family plan with even one tiered data line, it won't impact you because you can just use the tiered data line to transfer the UDP lines' upgrades to. It will only impact those of us who were using a basic line to transfer the UDP lines' upgrades to.

I don't think that is how it will work?

I believe what will happen is?For example, when you upgrade and purchase a subsidized phone with a 2 year contract with the tiered data line. The data plan that is associated with the tiered plan will stick along with the 2 year contract when transferring to the UDP line, thus overriding the older legacy UDP.


I believe the key here is... Whatever data plan that is associated with the 2 year agreement? It will also transfer along with the 2 year agreement.

I'm also thinking even with the best buy method? Verizon will some how make the 2GB plan stick when ordering a subsidized phone with a 2 year contract. I mean you could probably switch the phone later to the UDP?
But you will be stuck paying an extra 30
Dollars a month going that route.

 

[JulesJam]

Re: Verizon to close the upgrade to smartphone then downgrade to basic phone loophole

I don't think that is how it will work?

I believe what will happen is?For example, when you upgrade and purchase a subsidized phone with a 2 year contract with the tiered data line. The data plan that is associated with the tiered plan will stick along with the 2 year contract when transferring to the UDP line, thus overriding the older legacy UDP.

That would suck. I guess we will just have to wait and see.

 

[JulesJam]

Re: Verizon closing the transfer upgrade loophole?

Speak with your wallets folks.

If they throttle me, I will. But for people in more rural areas, they may not have a choice due to coverage issues.

 

[JulesJam]

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

How long do I have to wait before I drop off the data plan? I'm in the middle of ordering and should get the phone by tomorrow.

immediately after putting the basic phone back on the line you can drop the data plan.

 

[kay2014]

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

can i do this online through Verizon website or do I need to call to drop data? i just ordered the phone so it should get here tomorrow. crossing my fingers and hope it all works out!

thx.