I have been out of contract with Verizon since last fall & have been eligible for new every two since August. I just got an E mail from verizon (I was all excited thinking it was about the Thunderbolt) offering a free months service if I signed at least a new 1 year contract. I called the number to see when it expired, she didn't have a clue but assured me it would be good for a couple weeks. She tried to sell me the iPhone and had no clue when the Thunderbolt would arrive. So if you are out of contract and the Tbolt lands next week, call 1-866-396-7999 and ask for the "Free for one month" promotion before you order the phone.