Class Action Against Verizon Can Move Forward

The only time VZW required a contract extension was when the customer upgraded equipment at a subsidized price, or if the cust changed calling plans. The customer signed a contract stating they would be on the decided calling plan for a determinate length of time. If they wanted to change their calling plan, it was technically a breach of contract, therefore VZW (and every other carrier) required the customer to sign a new ONE year agreement. Most customers change their calling plan within the first year as they get to know their new service. Within the first year, there was no effect the the customer's contract end date (CED). I know Sprint (and possibly others) required customers to sign a new TWO year agreement if they changed their plan. To my knowledge (going back to 2005), VZW has never required a contract extension on any feature change.

If VZW is guilty in this lawsuit (which I doubt), then every other wireless carrier is in trouble as well. While the settlement sounds good, people need to be prepared for the ramifications. People will see more expensive phones with less subsidies as carriers try to offset the cost of lawsuits. It's possible the idea of the contract for service may disappear and we see a change to the European and Asian model. Then John Q. American Customer will have to shell out $600 for a phone instead of the "free" phone that they rightfully "deserve".