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Unlimited Data Plan Grandather?

sparker781

Jun 22, 2011, 11:24 AM
😲

I keep reading on here that if you have the Unlimited tiered plan that you'd be grandfathered in. Then there's the other side of the coin...People are saying they're not grandfathering anyone in.

So whats the real deal?
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Below.Me

Jun 22, 2011, 11:56 AM
Customers that already have an unlimited data plan on a smart phone, or sign up for one by the end of night on July 6th, will be grandfathered and keep the feature.

You can move between blackberry and droid, 3G to 4G, forward and backward and keep unlimited data. As long as the move is smart phone to smart phone.

The only system changes that will change this feature and drop it off would be moving from a smart phone to a basic phone. Once the data feature has been dropped off an account, it can not be added back on.

All new lines on your plan will require the new tiered data pricing on July 7th and forward, while existing phones will remain unlimited.
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sparker781

Jun 22, 2011, 12:06 PM
Below.Me said:
Customers that already have an unlimited data plan on a smart phone, or sign up for one by the end of night on July 6th, will be grandfathered and keep the feature.

You can move between blackberry and droid, 3G to 4G, forward and backward and keep unlimited data. As long as the move is smart phone to smart phone.

The only system changes that will change this feature and drop it off would be moving from a smart phone to a basic phone. Once the data feature has been dropped off an account, it can not be added back on.

All new lines on your plan will require the new tiered data pricing on July 7th and forward, while existing phones will remain unlimited.


Thanks for the explanation....
(continues)
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Jellz

Jun 22, 2011, 12:16 PM
I say it to AT&T customers and I'll say it to Verizon customers now too: watch your usage. If you can save money by switching to a data plan that consistently fits your usage needs, then go for it. Nothing wrong with tiered data if you fit under it without a problem and save money in the process.
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sparker781

Jun 22, 2011, 12:19 PM
Jellz said:
I say it to AT&T customers and I'll say it to Verizon customers now too: watch your usage. If you can save money by switching to a data plan that consistently fits your usage needs, then go for it. Nothing wrong with tiered data if you fit under it without a problem and save money in the process.


Also a good point Jellz. I'll have to take a look at my bill and if its warranted i'd switch
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Jayshmay

Jun 22, 2011, 12:59 PM
Careful. Once you drop unlimited from your acct it will be gone --forever--
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sparker781

Jun 22, 2011, 1:48 PM
true....but at the same time......if i dont use that much data to begin with to warrant unlimited data then maybe i should get rid of it?
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texaswireless

Jun 22, 2011, 3:03 PM
No point in that discussion with Jay. Jay cannot fathom how someone can use less data on their handset.
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Below.Me

Jun 22, 2011, 5:46 PM
It would make no sense to get rid of unlimited if you already have it.

The minimum data plan is still 29.99 for 2GB of data usage. There is not a lower plan that will work on any smartphone.

These new plans really are only going to effect NEW lines of service,
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Jellz

Jun 22, 2011, 8:48 PM
$29.99 for 2 GB? Huh, I was honestly expecting $30 for 3 GB. Don't see why Verizon would price 2 GB at $5 more than AT&T. Verizon has always been the choice for heavier data users tho, just look at mobile broadband options for laptop cards or tablets. So starting at 2 GB (rather than something lower) does make sense.
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Jayshmay

Jun 22, 2011, 12:55 PM
Those people obviously don't use their smartphones.
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Jellz

Jun 22, 2011, 1:38 PM
There's over 300 MILLION people in the United States, Jay. 300 Million. I actually remember, years ago, seeing the news report where they touted the 300 millionth baby around (yeah right).

Not everyone has the same needs, or wants, when it comes to phones. Just because they don't marry their smartphone and use it every hour of the day, doesn't mean they don't use it, or need data. Some people just need it to check Facebook or email, and other people need it to watch Netflix. Different needs warrant different plans, which is something I never liked with Verizon data plans: only one option. Would I like AT&T to have higher data caps? Damn straight. But I like that with them, you at least get some choice in the matter.

And now, pe...
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sparker781

Jun 22, 2011, 1:50 PM
I use my phone mainly to get email when I'm on the go and check my facebook status as well. I dont watch movies on my droid and dont watch tv shows either.
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Jellz

Jun 22, 2011, 2:26 PM
Usage like that would normally fall under the smallest plan. Web browsing, social networking and email don't take up too much data. I don't know what data options Verizon will have, but I bet apples to dollars they'll go for plans that out-do AT&T at the least, so you'll want to look.

Your usage report should be on your bill, or online account. Try to get a report that shows your overall usage for the past few months, and use that as an indicator.
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texaswireless

Jun 22, 2011, 3:05 PM
No logic will work Jellz. Jay does not comprehend that others may use their smartphone a significant amount yet not consume gobs of data as he does. Not everyone is allowed to watch TV, etc. at work. Something tells me he isn't allowed to either but that is another subject and only relevant to those items he is paid to watch (instead of his phone).

I think tiered data is going to be a good thing. More choice is always good.
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texaswireless

Jun 22, 2011, 2:57 PM
That you can switch between 3G and 4G?

Nothing has been published for training purposes.
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Below.Me

Jun 22, 2011, 5:26 PM
The actual feature code for the data plan charge is the same for all non blackberry phones. There are different provision codes that attach with it if it is a 3G or 4g phone. 4G phones add a feature called dynamic ip at $0 to enable access to the 4G LTE system.

Starting later this month, all data features are being converted to a standardized code. This will eliminate the need to change the data plan when switching from a android to a blackberrry like the current system forces us to now. This is what is preventing the drop off of the unlimited feature and makes it easy for the customer to self serve.

Verizon really thought all this through to in order to not anger their current customer base.
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Below.Me

Jun 22, 2011, 5:34 PM
I got this information from a webinar that are being held all week for direct retail management employees and indirect account managers in my area.

Online training, qrg's and other resources will be distributed out later this week once all the management have been educated on the new changes.
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johnnyb0810

Jun 23, 2011, 7:19 AM
It's posted in the system as well, I'm pretty sure it says "should not be discussed with customers" on the top as well as I spent all day looking at it between calls.
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Azeron

Jul 7, 2011, 5:47 PM
Good thing we're not customers.
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Boothie

Jun 27, 2011, 12:50 PM
Not true, unfortunately. I contacted Verizon about this. They told me that as long as you make no changes to your plan, you keep unlimited data. But as soon as you make any changes, including buying a new phone (which extends your contract), you are forced to go into the tiered plan. I posted my email exchange with Verizon in the comments to the article that Phonescoop posted.
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howardk111

Jun 27, 2011, 3:36 PM
Your post is contrary to what had been said in this forum prior thereto, so I called Verizon to ask. The first person at Verizon confirmed what you posted. The second person said that one is grandfathered even if he upgrades phones after the July 7 date. The latter person read to me from what he said was the training manual and it clearly said that one is grandfathered even if one upgrades devices and is not grandfathered only if one adds a line.

Now I'm completely confused.
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texastim

Jun 22, 2011, 8:55 PM
YES, I held out as long as I could being greedy with my upgrades. The VzW corp. store even concurred that the Data Plans will be changing effective the date stated within this forum above. I will be safe for 2 years, UNLESS, I change Smartphones within the 2 year timeframe. Then I was told that I would be forced over to the new Data level Plan. Funny, I read 'somewhere' as to where they will be launching the new Bionic Moto prototype on that rollover date as well. Could be all hype, but wouldn't that suck though? Also, I thought that 'Hot Spots' would remain free under my new 2-year contract, but I found out this evening that this is/was a free promotion until July 6th, that if I do not cancel it, I will/would be charged an extra $20 p...
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pickles

Jun 22, 2011, 8:59 PM
Try skype. Much better than tango, imo.
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Jayshmay

Jun 22, 2011, 10:17 PM
Damn, I wish I knew someone I could video chat with, prefereably a gf!

It's so new of a technology there just aren't that many people who have the ability to video chat.
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pickles

Jun 22, 2011, 10:31 PM
I'm not sure it will ever catch on here with the way carriers are being so stingy with data nowadays...it's very popular in most developed parts of asia, it's been around for a decade over there.
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Jayshmay

Jun 22, 2011, 10:43 PM
Good point!
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Jayshmay

Jun 22, 2011, 10:14 PM
So you got the Samsung Droid Charge? Good for you!!! I got mine May 20th.
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Below.Me

Jun 23, 2011, 6:55 AM
I am sorry that you got a lot of conflicting in formation about the new data plans that are coming. I will try and clear some of it up for you.

1. Now that you have unlimited data, you will keep unlimited data as long as you keep a smartphone active on your number. Moving from a droid to blackberry, 3G to 4G will not change you off the unlimited plan

2. Droid Bionic by Moto rumors- I have no information on this.

3 The free mobile hotspot function on the 4G phones has been a promotion running since the launch of the Thunderbolt. It has always been a temporary thing. Now the good part about it, there are no features on your account giving you access. On the 7th, if you want to continue having the mobile hotspot feature there wi...
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akin67

Jun 23, 2011, 8:08 AM
I was at a Verizon store a couple of days ago and the rep told me that if you have an unlimited data plan on a 3G phone and upgraded to a 4G phone after the tiered pricing your unlimited plan will not carry over. He is claiming that 4G and 3G are different. I hope he is wrong. Does anyone else have any info on this?
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Below.Me

Jun 23, 2011, 8:30 AM
That is incorrect.

You will be able to keep unlimited data when switching from 3G to 4G.

Currently there is a feature that gets you unlimited data for 3G. In the system that billing feature is called "email and web for smartphone". This feature auto adds additional features to allow access to the 3G system. They are added as $0 features to your account similar to the way caller id and voicemail are added to give you access for those options. I forgot what they are actually called, but I will look them up when I get to work later today.

The same email and web for smartphone feature is for 4G also. It just adds different identifier features to tell the system that you have a 4G device and can access that system.

So when switchi...
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islanderbaw

Jun 24, 2011, 2:40 PM
I have a question for you if you know . . .

I have an Env3 with no data plan. I'm looking to switch to the Moto Bionic whenever it comes out but would like to grandfather myself for the unlimited data plan.

Can I upgrade my phone to use the $30 data plan, pay for it the months I would need to wait until the Bionic comes out? Would I be grandfather into the unlimited 4G data plan?

thanx for your help here.
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CellStudent

Jun 24, 2011, 3:36 PM
islanderbaw said:
I have a question for you if you know . . .

I have an Env3 with no data plan. I'm looking to switch to the Moto Bionic whenever it comes out but would like to grandfather myself for the unlimited data plan.

Can I upgrade my phone to use the $30 data plan, pay for it the months I would need to wait until the Bionic comes out? Would I be grandfather into the unlimited 4G data plan?

thanx for your help here.

The leaked training material clearly shows that upgrading from a dumbphone to a smartphone after the change will not be able to hold the $30 unlimited plan.

That's because while 3G and 4G smartphones have the same core billing code for the unlimited plan, the dumbphone...
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islanderbaw

Jun 24, 2011, 4:35 PM
Are you saying my Env3 (listed as a Verizon Featured Phone) is a dumb phone? And even if I'm paying $30 a month for unlimited data, when I move to a smart phone I'm not grandfathered?
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OrionsVantage

Jun 24, 2011, 5:42 PM
yup, thats exactly what he is saying.
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CellStudent

Jun 24, 2011, 6:46 PM
islanderbaw said:
Are you saying my Env3 (listed as a Verizon Featured Phone) is a dumb phone? And even if I'm paying $30 a month for unlimited data, when I move to a smart phone I'm not grandfathered?



It's either a smartphone, or it's not.


It's not.
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akin67

Jun 28, 2011, 3:47 PM
What about the LG Voyager? I too am waiting for the Bionic but wanted to lock in the unlimited data plan. I went to local Verizon office and got the $29.95 unlimited data plan for my LG Voyager. The rep said I am now locked in to the unlimited data plan and will be grandfathered when I get a 4G phone.

I know reps can sometimes be wrong. Is the LG Voyager considered a smart phone? You can do web, email, text etc...
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cellphoneguy

Jun 28, 2011, 4:15 PM
Without a doubt it is NOT a smartphone.
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epik

Jul 5, 2011, 9:22 PM
To add to cellphoneguy's comment, as I had to check into this today to be 100% certain, you DO NOT have the kind of data plan that will be grandfathered in. Once you make the move to a smartphone, you will be forced onto one of the new data plans, even though you had the same rate on your basic/multimedia phone.
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peacebe2me

Jun 23, 2011, 9:47 AM
I'm still holding a glimmer of hope they release the bionic before the new pricing plans kick in. Or do some promo deal.
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Jayshmay

Jun 24, 2011, 9:34 PM
If it were going to be released in the next 2wks I think we'd already know. Stuff like that always leaks out in either Engadget or BGR.
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HereisaCLUE

Jul 4, 2011, 9:33 PM
The unlimited data plans change on july 7. I have heard the Bionic (or some version called the Bionic) will be released on July 28. The unlimited data plan will not change if you already have a unlimited plan with a currect smartphone.
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Beth

Jun 27, 2011, 3:45 PM
and got the EVO 3D with sprint! Better than anything verizon has!
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yenoh93

Jun 27, 2011, 10:24 PM
About to do so as well. never met a less competent group. May as well spend less for bad support. In the meantime, their tech support (specifically Jim williams) misinforms, screws up and then does not follow up as promised. Then, send you in a phone circle. No respect for customers. so, pulling personal and business accounts. Cannot afford to have all those employees wasting time with Verizon.
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