There are changes afloat at Verizon Wireless official ahat may show how T-Mobile's new cheaper un-carrier plans' influence on plans, end of discounts and subsidies. Verizon will over one-year payments plans for some devices starting April 21.
End of Life for Shared Non-Phone Upgrades and Every Two, Too
Verizon wireless spokeswoman, Brenda Raney announced today that Verizon Wireless has changed its upgrade eligibility. Customers on a two-year agreement will be eligible for an upgrade at 24 months versus the current eligibility of 20 months.
The "New Every Two" program ended in January 2011, however, customers could use the expired credit which will officially and on April 15 this year.
Sharing upgrades in family plans has also changed. Customers can share an upgrade within other person on the account if that customer is in the same device category such as a phone upgrade exchange for a phone upgrade. Shared upgrade from non-phone devices such as tablets or Jetpacks are no longer an option.
New Prepaid Feature Phone Plan $35 a Month
Meanwhile for those who want a basic cell phone Verizon announced at $35 month Prepaid Verizon Wireless plan for "basic phones' with 500 any times minutes, unlimited text and unlimited mobile web. Verizon to Verizon customer calling will be used against monthly minute. If you have an older or used Verizon feature phone you can activate this plan, too.
You can only use a feature phone approved by Verizon Wireless for the plan such as the LG Cosmos($49.99), Samsung Gusto 2($49.99), and Samsung Intensity III ($59.99).
More Plans for Payments and Contractlessness in the Future at Verizon Wireless?
A leaked document showed an upcoming Verizon new payment option, "Device Payment Plan for full retail cost launching soon for Smartphones." It also stated "a new payment plan for smartphones for costs over twelve months.
Brenda Raney updated her post to state:
"Beginning April 21, some devices will be available for purchase through the Verizon Wireless Device Payment Plan."
It is not clear if that plan for paying full price will be available for those with grandfathered unlimited Verizon data plans.
Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam previously said that Verizon would follow T-Mobile's payment options if customers showed interest in similar contract-free options.
Finally, Brenda Raney noted here announcement today, that " As always, customers may purchase a new phone at the full retail price at any time."
Verizon Wireless has the most LTE coverage and according to our tests the fastest in our area to the tune of 35Mpbs.
