*sigh*
The uproar over this whole thing is just silly.
1. We do NOT have solid info yet as to what the new plans will be, and July 6 is only speculation as far as the timing goes. It's all rumors and old rumors at that.
2. Existing costumers will be fine as long as you don't remove your data plan or move to one of the new ones REGARDLESS of upgrading or changing phones as long as the new phone is compatible with the existing data plan (ie 3g smartphone data 4g smartphone data, etc)
3. Even when you re-up your contract you will most likely be allowed to keep your existing data plan. There are people out there on VZW under calling plans that have not been offered in years and they continue to be allowed to renew their contracts every year or two. (What happened with America's Choice was the exception not the rule)
4. Everyone with an unlimited 4G data plan now is grandfathered in until 4G unless a new line of phones comes out and are specifically stated to be not compatible with the existing 4G data plans and even in that case no one will force you till upgrade to that phone.
5. Even ATT didn't force people off of their unlimited data, the people who lost it were those who CHOSE to move to a tiered plan and are now no longer able to go back.
And once you are out of contract they don't have to honor the plan anymore. The contract and your right to a discounted price expire in 24 months regardless. I am not saying that they wont continue to honor it if you continue to pay the bill, but buying a phone full retail just to avoid changing your plan will not ensure that you get to keep your plan.