I am in the same boat as many of you in here, day one Thunderbolt owner looking to upgrade to a Galaxy Note 2 while keeping my unlimited data. I am currently in a family plan with unlimited data on my line along with two dumb phones. Just went through a live chat with a verizon rep who seemed uninformed at first but after copying part of the chat posted above by Chuckawd she understood what I was talking about and then proceeded to tell me I shouldn't have any issue temporarily upgrading a dumb phone line and then immediately switching it back and removing the data plan. She even stated that I shouldn't be charged for the data plan although it's possible that I may receive a charge for a single month. Here's the chat:
Britt R.: Hello, my name is Brittney! How may I assist you with your order today?
Noah: I am currently in a family share plan and my line is grandfathered with unlimited data for my HTC Thunderbolt, I am looking to upgrade to a galaxy note 2 at the end of this month but am worried about losing my unlimited data
Britt R.: Good afternoon, Noah!
Britt R.: With the upgrade at discounted price, the unlimited data won't carry over, though most of our users don't exceed the 2GB data plan and there is still handy unlimited data on wifi networks!
Noah: I have heard that as long as I use the upgrade for a different line I should not lose my unlimited data plan, but the part I am confused about is that my other two lines do not have data plans so if I were to use one of those to upgrade would there be an issue moving from a "dumb phone" to a smart phone?
Noah: But I wouldn't be using my line to upgrade
Noah: I would use one of my other 2 non-unlimited lines, activate them, then simply deactivate them after and reactivate my note 2 on my line
Britt R.: This would mean you would need to change the data plans.
Britt R.: PLan*
Noah: I have been told that this can be done by another representative
Noah: since I wouldn't be using the upgrade on my line
Britt R.: But with activating the other line without data then putting the new phone on your line, the 2GB data plan would carry over.
Noah: But what if I were to activate the other line first, then deactivate it and switch them? Another rep has said this was possible
Noah: I will copy what he said
Noah: You: I would love to get it pre ordered but need to assure that the way in which I will be using an upgrade to purchase it will not knock me off my unlimited data plan Scott: The line that is the basic phone and eligible to upgrade, you'd want to upgrade that line directly to the phone. This will keep unlimited data on your line. Scott: Once you receive the phone, activate it on the line, then take the basic phone that was on it and re-activate it onto that line. Scott: This now has the Note 2 de-activated, ready to be activated on your line, keeping your unlimited data. You: AWESOME!! So to verify, if I was to pre order online, would I use the upgrade for my basic line, recieve the phone, activate it onto my main unlimited line and then re activate the basic phone back onto its original line? Scott: Close. Scott: You'd activate it on the basic phone line first. You: Darn, I get so confused when trying to figure this out Scott: The line it you used to upgrade to it. Scott: 1. Upgrade the line that is directly eligible now (Basic phone line). 2. When the phone arrives, activate it as if you want it on this basic phone line. Scott: 3. Now that you did that you have the old basic phone de-activated. Re-activate the basic phone on it's old line. 4. Now you have the Note 2 de-activated ready to be activated on your line.
Britt R.: Please give me a couple minutes to read this.
Noah: Thank you, sorry it is formatted so messy
Britt R.: Haha no worries!
Britt R.: Okay, I see what you are saying now! This helps clarify! Yes, you will be able to do this to keep the unlimited data!
Noah: Yes sorry it is such a confusing issue
Noah: But my confusion is
Noah: Since my other two lines are "dumb phones"
Britt R.: Oh, no problem!
Noah: and I will be temporarily activating a smartphone on one of the lines
Noah: will this cause me to have to get a new data plan for one of those lines?
Noah: And if this is the case will I be able to cancel that new data plan after the first month?
Noah: Or is there some way around this problem?
Britt R.: No, once you activate the Note 2 on the one basic line then reactivate the basic phone, it would drop the other data plan and you would just have the unlimited on your line.
Noah: Because as far as I know I would need a data plan for it since I'd be upgrading from a dumb phone to a smartphone temporarily, but it would only be for a day
Noah: So would I be charged for the data plan even if I cancel it immediately?
Noah: Or would I be able to just negate that charge since I would literally only have it for a day or less
Britt R.: You should not have any cost for that "new" data plan since you will activate right back to the basic line and no data would be used.
Britt R.: If anything, it might be the one month cost but you shouldn't even have this.
Noah: Cool thank you this is what I wanted to clarify
Noah: And it shouldn't affect my contract at all correct? Just simply extend it?
Britt R.: Sure thing! May I assist you with walking through the pre order as well today? Right, it would just renew your line plan for the 2 years, no other changes.
Noah: That's ok I am still not 100% positive that I want the Note 2 until I take a look at it, but I appreciate the help
Britt R.: There is the 14 day return policy that is always handy for seeing the new phone and using it first hand, then returning if it is not up to par!
Noah: I understand but I would still rather take a look before finalizing a purchase
Noah: But thank you for clarifying that
Britt R.: You're welcome. This phone isn't in stores at this time either, so you are aware.
Noah: Yes I am aware I will be looking at it as soon as it releases. Do you know when it will be released? I have heard November 29th but don't know if that is official.
Britt R.: This is what I have heard, though I don't have the exact date to say yes, 100%.
Noah: Thank you
Britt R.: You're welcome!
Noah: Is there any way to have this chat emailed to me in case I encounter any issues?
Noah: If I do decide to go through with the purchase that is
Britt R.: Sure thing! Once you end chat today you will have the survey and e-mail option.
Noah: Thank you so much
Britt R.: No problem!
Britt R.: May I assist you with getting any new accessories for the current phones today as well perhaps?
Noah: No that's ok
Noah: Thank you though
Noah: Have a great day
Britt R.: You're welcome!
Britt R.: Is there anything else I may assist you with here online at this time?
Noah: No that's all for today
Britt R.: Thank you for visiting Verizon Wireless; it’s been a pleasure chatting with you. Have a great day!
Noah: Thank you, you too
Britt R.: Thank you!