Probably the wrong place for this, but... Verizon vs AT&T

[TerryMasters]

Right now, my Mom is torn between the two carriers on whether or not she should stay with AT&T, or move to Verizon. Comparing the current plans, these are the choices she ends up with:

Verizon:
-450 minutes
-1000 text messages
-4GB data
$80

AT&T:
-450 minutes
-Unlimited text and calling to any cell phone
-2GB data
$85

Now my question is whether or not Verizon has ever cut people deals based on things like this. Because honestly, even though VZ's network is better, who could pass up unlimited calling and texting to any cell phone for 5 bucks more? It actually boggles my mind how Verizon doesn't offer something comparable. She's never had a phone with a data plan before, so she'd probably fall within the 2GB usage anyway making the double data pointless.

However, if Verizon can give us a deal on the plans, we'd like to go there because it's the better network. What do you guys think? Even though it's not a top priority the double data sale does end by New Years. Thanks in advance!

 

[diesteldorf]

Hi Terry,

Personally, I'd have much more difficulty staying under 2 GB (or even 4 GB) of data than I ever would staying under 1000 text and 450 minutes. However, your mom is probably different from me.

It sounds cool to have unlimited anything, but unless your mom is thinking about getting rid of her landline and/or has already had issues with minute/text overage charges, I would go with VZW because the overall cost is cheaper and the network is better.

Does your mom still work? If so, she may be eligible for a VZW discount through her employer.
Also, is it possible to add her to an existing family member's (VZW or AT&T) family share plan?
This may be cheaper for her still and allow her to enjoy unlimited texting if the family share plan already has unlimited.

 

[FrankXS]

When I look at the two plans that you have detailed, the Verizon plan looks way better to me, and is $5/mo less! No brainer.

-Frank

 

[CarryMe]

Because honestly, even though VZ's network is better, who could pass up unlimited calling and texting to any cell phone for 5 bucks more? It actually boggles my mind how Verizon doesn't offer something comparable.

In my market they do. I have unlimited mobile-to-mobile calls to any mobile and unlimited text to any mobile - $65 a month with 450 anytime minutes. This is brand new in my area and my guess is they are going to expand it to other markets. I also have 4GB data for $30.

 

[TerryMasters]

Well, I should have mentioned that this is in the NY area - apologies for not saying that before hand - and that the unlimited calling on at&t for $5 more is not just to other at&t customers, where the unlimited mobile to mobile on Verizon could just be to other Verizon customers. There doesn't seem to be anything that states otherwise when setting up a new phone online, unless I'm missing it.

I caught AT&T doing some false advertising with their plan, I wouldn't be surprised if Verizon did the same.

 

[bulldogmoe7]

got to ask how old is mom? ask about senior discount. serious my mom has it. does she text at all or a lot? verizon has unlimitrd text

 

[NOMster]

If she's getting an android phone there is another option.
Get the Verizon 900 minute plan with 4 gigs.
Block texts. Install the older apk for Google voice
Make a call and see what number it dials. Add that number to friends and family. Now she has unlimited outbound calls 24/7. Also Google voice would let her text using that app.

Plan total is 90. But you have unlimited texts and calling.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

 

[dchawk81]

If she's getting an android phone there is another option.
Get the Verizon 900 minute plan with 4 gigs.
Block texts. Install the older apk for Google voice
Make a call and see what number it dials. Add that number to friends and family. Now she has unlimited outbound calls 24/7. Also Google voice would let her text using that app.

Plan total is 90. But you have unlimited texts and calling.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

The last thing I would do is set up a potentially confusing workaround in my mom's phone.

Sent from my hoe. Forgive the typoes; it's an Epic.