unrelated but related: late last year i had had to pay an extra $49 (over what Apple charges) to buy an unlocked iPhone 6S from the good guys at BestBuy. I would have walked out of the store if I were not in a desperate fix back then to get a phone.
Agreed. That doesn't even need to involve Verizon.This is such nonsense, and a shining example of why telecom needs regulation.
Take SIM card out of old phone, insert it into new phone. Go online, and update the IMEI numbers if needed. How does this warrant a $20 fee?
I can see John Legere initiating a new $15 cashback program if you upgrade from your current Verizon phone to a new T-Mobile phone.
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The law of demand will make them learn.
I disagree that they need regulation. They have regulation. It is called competition. This will cost them. It will cost them my business on a permanent basis ideally.
They really are bold as brass. What support cost? What support? There is no support or support cost. What a load of bull.
The last line on the article seems to say there is.Does anyone know if this new fee applies to people who upgrade at an Apple Store? I've never been to a Verizon Store for any iPhone needs, I am assuming (hoping) that if you upgrade in an Apple Store, there is no additional fee.
Anyone know?
Honestly I'm ok with this because it used to be $30 for the activation fee
That was for the 2 yr contract which changed to $40 a while back. These new $20 fee are for the other purchase plans not the 2yr contract plans.*That* was my question... where did *this* go?!
Amen! Airlines in particular are d-bags; when they jacked their prices a couple of years back they quoted increasing fuel cost... when Fuel dropped to one third of what it used to be in its height; they kept jacking their prices, and said that cheaper fuel is more profit for them.I remember when ATM's were free to use because it saved the banks money because they didn't have to pay a teller (proper vernacular for that time) to perform the transaction. Now the banks charge fees on ATM use for the same reason airlines keep jacking up their rates and Verizon is adding this fee - because they can. Until people stop buying their products (won't happen), it will continue.
I also agree with what someone said above...T-Mobile has no fee but I can't trust to have service when I travel because their coverage is lame.
This is such nonsense, and a shining example of why telecom needs regulation.
Take SIM card out of old phone, insert it into new phone. Go online, and update the IMEI numbers if needed. How does this warrant a $20 fee?
uh? I never spoke about regulation
Did you not read the post? Full retail=$20.
False. Reread the article. It says specifically it applies to direct and indirect channels. Where it notes it doesn't matter whether you buy from Verizon or directly from Apple through Apple's upgrade program. Even if you never ask for support from Verizon or engage with Verizon, they will still be able to detect the new phone when it's activated on their network, and then will bill you on your next month bill. They were losing money from people buying through new means that didn't involve them, so they've added a fee to try to get money from those customers.I don't understand. I buy a new phone, and swap my SIM card out. How does Verizon know or care? Is this if you go into the store and hand them a shiny new phone, or purchase it from them? If so - one less reason to go into the store. Just do it from home. Buy the phone from Apple or (whoever).
I just bought a Moto X Pure Edition, plugged in my old SIM card into it; AT&T didn't care.
According to the chart, buying at full price still equals the $20 upgrade fee.Buying from Verizon's online site or in their stores, if you buy your phone at full price, or use their device payment program you'll pay a $20 upgrade free. If you use a 2-year contract upgrade you'll pay $40. At the Apple store, if you use Apple's completely separate iPhone upgrade program, you will pay a $20 upgrade free. If you buy the phone at full price, you won't have an upgrade fee.
Honestly I'm ok with this because it used to be $30 for the activation fee
No. I change or upgrade my devices all the time on AT&T and I have yet to see a $15 anything.
If I have AT&T do the upgrade via a new line or I buy the device through AT&T there is a fee. Not if I bring my own and upgrade an existing line.
I don't understand. I buy a new phone, and swap my SIM card out. How does Verizon know or care? Is this if you go into the store and hand them a shiny new phone, or purchase it from them? If so - one less reason to go into the store. Just do it from home. Buy the phone from Apple or (whoever).
I just bought a Moto X Pure Edition, plugged in my old SIM card into it; AT&T didn't care.
The bit about AT&T is very misleading. They charge for upgrades on the Next plan. That's very different from a charge to just change your phone.
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Unfortunately, with Verizon you can't just switch SIM cards. They use the internal IMEI number to identify you.
Why would you look forward to that?!I look forward to a day when retailers follow suit and charge me a cover fee just to enter the store. Phone companies really are the worst.