Potential Issue with Grandfathered plans?

[nin]

Just a potential heads up for anyone on the $25 or $40 plans. While it seems to be confirmed those two plans will be grandfathered. I have read that people sometimes get the redirect of death even though they had plenty of credit to cover the next month(s), and have to go on the site and hit "Restart my month" to get service reinstated.

I think VM gives you a grace period of 90 days after you don't pay to keep your number and top-up to continue service. But is there a chance that someone on the $25, or $40 (would only affect me by $5) could get their grandfathered plan canceled because of the random glitch? Say you get the redirect because VM didn't subtract your credit for the new month and then when you go to restart you are now stuck with the $35 or $45 plan. Would really suck for many.

Reason I bring this up is I got the redirect today. My month was to start at midnight this morning, no big deal went on the site and hit Restart my month. I just hope existing customer means same number and not a month by month thing.

 

[watskyhotsky]

i have no doubt this will happen to someone, somewhere.

possibly me! hahah

 

[rockneo]

Restart my plan month only restarts your current plan though

Sent from my Optimus V

 

[PWC Realtor]

So lesson is either set up automatic payment via credit card to just make sure you load the top up cards in advance of your billing date.

Also just FYI Virgin Mobile has told me that with Beyond Talk Plans you only have 45 days from when the account is suspended (no funds) to when they close out the account. 90 days is for PayLO

 

[mmarz]

When you restart your plan month, it'll show you exactly how much it is going to bill you for. So we'll find out when it happens.

I'm actually more worried about phone swaps. I doubt our plans will survive them.

 

[elmerf]

I'm actually more worried about phone swaps. I doubt our plans will survive them.

From the VM FAQ on the new pricing ...

-----
Q: What happens if I’m on an “old” Beyond Talk plan that isn’t included in the new price structure?
A: As of July 20th, 2011, existing Virgin Mobile customers will be grandfathered into the $25, $40 and $60 Beyond Talk plans. Grandfathered customers can keep these plans as long as they don’t change plans or let their accounts expire. They can even upgrade to new Android-powered devices without incurring additional costs.
-----

If you're really, really, really paranoid, you could always print out the FAQ, go to the post office, and mail it to yourself. As long as you keep the envelope sealed you've got a dated proof of their commitment that will hold up in court.

Of course, you'd have to be really, really, really paranoid to do that.

 

[nin]

So lesson is either set up automatic payment via credit card to just make sure you load the top up cards in advance of your billing date.

Also just FYI Virgin Mobile has told me that with Beyond Talk Plans you only have 45 days from when the account is suspended (no funds) to when they close out the account. 90 days is for PayLO

This is what I meant, I have 3 months in advanced paid all the time via TopUp cards but it didn't automatically charge me this time. It has every other month though and I think it is somewhat of a rare glitch but I have read other people have this problem. I just hope nobody gets screwed because of an issue on their end.

 

[daryllh]

would this be an issue for people who have money deducted from CC each month?

I just started service on July 8 so I haven't had to pay for new month yet.

 

[tcat007]

VM Customer service is good at correcting errors on their part. If they didn't take out $25 and you had more than $25 in your account, all you need to do is call them and get it fixed. They specifically state that we are grandfathered and will still be grandfathered on a phone swap. Yeah there can be lots of issues with a swap, and them having to restart or reactive you, but that's their problem and will be fixed at no cost (or change of plans) to you. May take 2 or 3 calls or emails, but I've found they do eventually get it right. My only fear is a year from now they will announce a new "plan" not called Beyond Talk, and force all grandfathered customers to it, just like Dish, Direct, TWC, and most other companies do. We are VERY fortunate to be grandfathered!

 

[davidh44]

From the VM FAQ on the new pricing ...

-----
Q: What happens if I?m on an ?old? Beyond Talk plan that isn?t included in the new price structure?
A: As of July 20th, 2011, existing Virgin Mobile customers will be grandfathered into the $25, $40 and $60 Beyond Talk plans. Grandfathered customers can keep these plans as long as they don?t change plans or let their accounts expire. They can even upgrade to new Android-powered devices without incurring additional costs.

By "let their accounts expire," I assume they mean after 45 days has passed and you lose your # (i.e. your account). But I guess the only sure way to know is when it happens.

 

[taddman22]

First post. I purchased an Optimus about a week ago. Got the 25 dollar plan. I was gonna try it out for a month and if I liked the service I was gonna port over my number from T-Mo. My question is will I still be grandfathered into the 25 dollar plan or should I bite the bullet and port my T-Mo number over before the 20th?

Although it's only been a week this forum has been awesome.

Thanks