Today Verizon announced changes with the data plan options. On June 28th shared data plans will go live. So my interested was perked up about the possibility of losing my unlimited data plan. As I read multiple Twitter posts related to the subject I wanted to find out from the source. I went to Verizonwireless.com and found the chat option to talk with a Representative. Below is the conversation:
“Please hold for a Verizon Wireless sales representative to assist you with your order. Thank you for your patience.
You are now chatting with ‘Lindsay’
Lindsay: Hello. Thank you for visiting our chat service. May I help you with your order today?
Josh: I had a question. If I decide to upgrade after June 28th, will I lose my unlimited data?
Lindsay: I’d be happy to assist you.
Lindsay: At this time there is no information available to confirm the data plan will not be available. I recommend checking back.
Josh: When should i check back? I dont want to get screwed over
Lindsay: Let me check to see if I can find that information.
Lindsay: You’re not required to move to Share Everything but if you do, unlimited data will not be retained on your line. As a Verizon Wireless customer you have choices when you upgrade at discounted pricing. You can choose from a standalone data package starting at $30 for 2GB or a Share Everything plan. If keeping unlimited is important to you, you can choose to upgrade and pay full retail price for the phone.
Lindsay: I have not heard from you in a few moments, would you like for me to keep this chat open?
Josh: is there a place on the website that states those terms?
Lindsay: No, not at this time. That information is being updated.
Josh: OK. do you know when that info will be made available?
Lindsay: No, not at this time.
Lindsay: Is there anything else I can assist you with today?
Josh: If i was to preorder the galaxy s3 before the 28th using an upgrade, it wont ship till July 9th, if I activate the phone once received, will i lose my unlimited data?
Lindsay: Yes, you would have to choose from new options. You can speak with Customer Care for any other possible options.
Lindsay: I have not heard from you in a few moments, would you like for me to keep this chat open?
Josh: I would have to talk to Customer Care to retain the unlimited data plan? Because it is not fair to take away the unlimited data if the phone doesnt ship till after the 28th
Lindsay: You will have to contact Customer Care to see if you will still have the option to keep that. Online it will prompt you to update.
Lindsay: You can contact Customer Care at 800-922-0204.
Josh: OK, Thanks for your information
Lindsay: Thank you for visiting Verizon Wireless; it’s been a pleasure chatting with you. Have a great day!
Thank you for chatting with us, visit ourOnline Workshops to learn more about your devices. Click “End Chat” to tell us how we did today via our survey.”
There you have it folks… Big Red will take away unlimited data from your line if you wait after June 28th to active a phone with an upgrade. Otherwise you will have to pay full price for a phone to keep your unlimited data plan. Or as the chat representitive stated, contact customer care in hopes of keeping the unlimited data plan if you activate an upgrade after June 28th.
I am not happy about this move at all. Ever since I heard about Verizon thinking about eliminating the unlimited data plan, I started to read up on some new devices that are in the works such as the Samsung Galaxy SIII and the Razr HD. It is too bad that it looks like no new devices will be released till after the 28th. Currently I have an iPhone 4S (Which I love), but was considering getting one of the new Android devices coming out. There is not a phone that out right now that I would want to sacrifice an upgrade for. With the exception of just using the upgrade to turn around and sell the new unopened device on eBay or Craigslist with the purpose to buy one of the new devices coming out for FULL price. I SO don’t want to pay $500-$600 for a phone. The other option is to attempt to (hate to even say it) MANAGE my data. 2GBs of data is just not a big enough cushion for me. If the plan was 3GB of data for $30, I could feel better better about the plans.
What are your thoughts about the new data plans and options that Big Red is providing? What scenario are you in? What is going to be your final decision?
UPDATE!
The info provided by my chat representative contradicts what Droid-Life.com has published. To which Droid-Life.com has better inside info than myself. Refer to this link for more info Droid-Life.com info on unlimited data subject
Hope this helps you make a decision.
