Nokia 2125i / 2126i / 2128i

I just did this and I have a traditional Verizon account. Its not too difficult, here is what I did:

1- I bought the 2128 phone that was in the inpulse packaging at Best Buy for about $70. I told the cashier that I did not want it activated, that I would do it at home. (This is KEY - do not let them activate the phone at the store!!!)

2 - At home I took phone out of packaging and wrote down the ESN number before I attached the battery and charged it. The ESN is a 12-digit number on the back of the phone in the battery compartment area (battery must be out of phone to see it). It's labeled "ESN" - hard to miss!

3 - So now I logged onto my traditional existing Verizon account online. (if you don't already have an acct you can create one for free)

4 - Once in my account I clicked on: "Equipment and Plans".

5 - Then I clicked on: "Activate Phone".

6 - Then clicked on: "Activate Existing Equipment"

7 - From there I entered the ESN I wrote down from the new phone earlier, picked 'other' as my reason for change, and clicked "submit". From here I got a message telling me it was activating, then that it was successful, and to wait 5 to 10 minutes, then do a *228 on new phone to activate.

8- Did the *228 thing and presto - new phone was activated and ready for use with my existing traditional Verizon account.

Notes:
1 - At no time did I ever mess with inpulse. Do not active an inpulse account - tell them you want to take the phone home and do it yourself.

2 - It's my understanding that if you do your phone activation online that it is free - however if you call in or take it to a store that they will charge you $15 for doing it. It's easy enough to do online - just follow my instructions above.

3 - Doing this does not extend your contract, it does not charge you for anything (if you do it online), and you still get the 1-year warranty that comes with a new phone. Good deal all around.

Good luck!