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Carrier [Confirmed] Verizon Unlimited Loophole

Ok I am a bit confused. I have 2 lines both grandfathered, mine and my wife's.

I ordered the upgrade on my wife's line which was unlimited data and chose the 2g option. I am going to put the iPhone on my line (also grandfathered unlimited data) when it arrives. I don't care if she has unlimited data I just want to keep my unlimited data on my line. So when the phone arrives, do I immediately activate it on my line or do I activate it on hers then switch to mine?
 
If I get the iPhone 5 on my dad's dumbphone line, do I have to activate the phone on my dads line or can I just activate it on mine right away? Also do I need a nano sim to use 4g data? One more thing will is there and an activation fee and do I have to pay for 2gb right when I activate the phone on my dads line or does it bill the 2gb at end of billing cycle? Thanks!
 
Is it possible that when I ask them to swap the iphone 5 to my line, the system will force me into the Data plan, even if the phone was obtained using another line?
 
Vistination said:
If I get the iPhone 5 on my dad's dumbphone line, do I have to activate the phone on my dads line or can I just activate it on mine right away? Also do I need a nano sim to use 4g data? One more thing will is there and an activation fee and do I have to pay for 2gb right when I activate the phone on my dads line or does it bill the 2gb at end of billing cycle? Thanks!
Click to expand...

If you read through this thread, you'll find the answers to most of your questions. A lot of really good and useful information in here.
 
Really can't believe how many people can ask the same question over and over without reading.

I have experience in this particular nuance, a caveat for others attempting to transfer upgrades:

mac.cali said:
I don't think you understand. You can't do any kind of upgrade off the unlimited data line. That includes transferring the upgrade to the non smart phone line. If you were to take advantage of the upgrade via a transfer from unlimited data to a non smart phone you will lose the unlimited data regardless of what phone you get. Bottom line is that unlimited data line can't use the upgrade price in anyway shape or form.
Click to expand...

My experience confirms that this is unfortunately correct.

I have a UDP phone eligible for upgrade and a 2GB phone not eligible. Before reading this thread I went online at 3AM Friday and did a 'Transfer Upgrade' from the eligible UDP line to the non-eligible 2GB line and upgraded through the 2GB line. The system indicated that I was making contract renewal choices for the 2GB line (recipient of the transfer), as only that line's icon and mtn were identified on the top of the screen when I had to select the new data plan, and it even said 'Existing Plan' in bold next to the 2GB/$30 tier, which I reconfirmed.

Called back to confirm the next day and was informed that the originally eligible UDP line would be the one whose contract was modified and extended, consistent with mac.cali and spacebetween's comments. I see now that this is clearly the policy regarding transfer of upgrades, but all indications provided by the online system were that the contract extension applied to the transfer recipient's line (it even asked me to confirm that the recipient's future upgrade date would be swapped to the transferror line). Obviously I would have elected to pay retail price (+$450) rather than an extra $60/month for a line that uses 8+ GB (+$1440) if the information the system provided was correct.

I scavenged my cache and history and gathered evidence that the iconic plan options screen referenced the transfer recipient's MTN. Here's the response from Verizon:

You: I'm concerned because I upgraded my device yesterday by transferring an upgrade from Phone A to Phone B
You: but your website now indicates that it's Phone A that is waiting for activation on its line
Iesha F.: I'd be happy to assist you.
You: great, thanks
Iesha F.: The transfer upgrade does not work online, unfortunately. We are trying to have the tab fixed at this time. I do apologize for the inconvenience

Iesha F.: Unfortunately the transfer upgrade tab does not function as it should online. I do apologize. ...
You: but the belief that your online system was providing accurate information was material to the contract decisions that were executed through that very same online system
Iesha F.: We are aware of the issue and are trying to have the tab fixed for the online orders. I am sorry. ...
Click to expand...

So although the online contract selection screens might make it look like you're renewing the contract for the recipient of the transfer, you're actually making selections for the line from which the transfer originated, even though the transfer recipient's device icon and MTN is displayed at the top of the screen. I also never got the warning message about losing the Unlimited data plan some others have referenced (this on Chrome browser version 21.0.1180.89). Verizon has admitted ex-post that the online Transfer Upgrade utility 'does not function as it should', so be careful making contract decisions based on the information it provides.

The formerly UDP line still shows an Unlimited data option, and the rep said it won't be cancelled until the new handset is activated. Wondering what happens if I just never activate it? I asked what if I just use it over WiFi without activating Verizon service, she went away and returned with a uselessly deferential response. I'll probably try to call and cancel the order and contract modification tomorrow.
 
Appl'd said:
Really can't believe how many people can ask the same question over and over without reading.

I have experience in this particular nuance, a caveat for others attempting to transfer upgrades:



My experience confirms that this is unfortunately correct.

I have a UDP phone eligible for upgrade and a 2GB phone not eligible. Before reading this thread I went online at 3AM Friday and did a 'Transfer Upgrade' from the eligible UDP line to the non-eligible 2GB line and upgraded through the 2GB line. The system indicated that I was making contract renewal choices for the 2GB line (recipient of the transfer), as only that line's icon and mtn were identified on the top of the screen when I had to select the new data plan, and it even said 'Existing Plan' in bold next to the 2GB/$30 tier, which I reconfirmed.

Called back to confirm the next day and was informed that the originally eligible UDP line would be the one whose contract was modified and extended, consistent with mac.cali and spacebetween's comments. I see now that this is clearly the policy regarding transfer of upgrades, but all indications provided by the online system were that the contract extension applied to the transfer recipient's line (it even asked me to confirm that the recipient's future upgrade date would be swapped to the transferror line). Obviously I would have elected to pay retail price (+$450) rather than an extra $60/month for a line that uses 8+ GB (+$1440) if the information the system provided was correct.

I scavenged my cache and history and gathered evidence that the iconic plan options screen referenced the transfer recipient's MTN. Here's the response from Verizon:



So although the online contract selection screens might make it look like you're renewing the contract for the recipient of the transfer, you're actually making selections for the line from which the transfer originated, even though the transfer recipient's device icon and MTN is displayed at the top of the screen. I also never got the warning message about losing the Unlimited data plan some others have referenced (this on Chrome browser version 21.0.1180.89). Verizon has admitted ex-post that the online Transfer Upgrade utility 'does not function as it should', so be careful making contract decisions based on the information it provides.

The formerly UDP line still shows an Unlimited data option, and the rep said it won't be cancelled until the new handset is activated. Wondering what happens if I just never activate it? I asked what if I just use it over WiFi without activating Verizon service, she went away and returned with a uselessly deferential response. I'll probably try to call and cancel the order and contract modification tomorrow.
Click to expand...
If I remember correctly, after x amount of days (maybe 30?)they charge you the full price for the phone. At least that's what a CS rep told my dad a few years ago.
 
Sorry to hear about this.

My response to this would be... what would happen if you just cancelled the order? If you cancel it, you've technically never used your upgrade and therefore your plan should remain unchanged. Cancelling the order would also seem like it would cancel out any changes to your plan.

I understand that by cancelling it, you miss out on getting the phone by release date, so I guess it comes down to whether it's more important for you to have it on launch date or keep your Unlimited Data Plan.



Appl'd said:
Really can't believe how many people can ask the same question over and over without reading.

I have experience in this particular nuance, a caveat for others attempting to transfer upgrades:



My experience confirms that this is unfortunately correct.

I have a UDP phone eligible for upgrade and a 2GB phone not eligible. Before reading this thread I went online at 3AM Friday and did a 'Transfer Upgrade' from the eligible UDP line to the non-eligible 2GB line and upgraded through the 2GB line. The system indicated that I was making contract renewal choices for the 2GB line (recipient of the transfer), as only that line's icon and mtn were identified on the top of the screen when I had to select the new data plan, and it even said 'Existing Plan' in bold next to the 2GB/$30 tier, which I reconfirmed.

Called back to confirm the next day and was informed that the originally eligible UDP line would be the one whose contract was modified and extended, consistent with mac.cali and spacebetween's comments. I see now that this is clearly the policy regarding transfer of upgrades, but all indications provided by the online system were that the contract extension applied to the transfer recipient's line (it even asked me to confirm that the recipient's future upgrade date would be swapped to the transferror line). Obviously I would have elected to pay retail price (+$450) rather than an extra $60/month for a line that uses 8+ GB (+$1440) if the information the system provided was correct.

I scavenged my cache and history and gathered evidence that the iconic plan options screen referenced the transfer recipient's MTN. Here's the response from Verizon:



So although the online contract selection screens might make it look like you're renewing the contract for the recipient of the transfer, you're actually making selections for the line from which the transfer originated, even though the transfer recipient's device icon and MTN is displayed at the top of the screen. I also never got the warning message about losing the Unlimited data plan some others have referenced (this on Chrome browser version 21.0.1180.89). Verizon has admitted ex-post that the online Transfer Upgrade utility 'does not function as it should', so be careful making contract decisions based on the information it provides.

The formerly UDP line still shows an Unlimited data option, and the rep said it won't be cancelled until the new handset is activated. Wondering what happens if I just never activate it? I asked what if I just use it over WiFi without activating Verizon service, she went away and returned with a uselessly deferential response. I'll probably try to call and cancel the order and contract modification tomorrow.
Click to expand...
 
Frasern1 said:
If I remember correctly, after x amount of days (maybe 30?)they charge you the full price for the phone. At least that's what a CS rep told my dad a few years ago.
Click to expand...

Yeah that makes sense, and thanks for reading all that. It would probably be better for me to cancel the transaction (if they let me) and just reorder at full retail price and wait for 10/5 delivery, instead of stick with my 9/21 delivery and have to wait 30 days to activate it. I'll call tomorrow and update with any new information. Just pissed the system tricked me into believing the contract modification applied to the recipient line, namely that it said 'Existing Plan' in bold next to the 2GB data option.
50252_88169668551_2337_n.jpg


Worst part is that it's actually my brother's unlimited plan now in jeopardy. I also have unlimited data but only use a meager 250 MB/month. That little hog watches 3 hours of netflix on his phone a day running up 8-10 GB/month and he secretly swiped my upgrade to get a 4S last year, so I've been stuck with a broken droid incredible for 2 1/2 years now, patiently waiting for this very date. Now I can't let his unlimited data get cut because that would actually be taking it out financially on our family business. ...So pissed I have to dance around this upgrade-swiping data hog and give up my iPhone 5.

Now I know how all of your wives must feel.
 
spacebetween said:
Sorry to hear about this.

My response to this would be... what would happen if you just cancelled the order? If you cancel it, you've technically never used your upgrade and therefore your plan should remain unchanged. Cancelling the order would also seem like it would cancel out any changes to your plan.

I understand that by cancelling it, you miss out on getting the phone by release date, so I guess it comes down to whether it's more important for you to have it on launch date or keep your Unlimited Data Plan.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the support. The story was half informative for others trying the Transfer Upgrade trick (which is distinct from the OP's loophole that's been thoroughly covered so far), and half venting because no one else would understand the frustration. I'll report on the feasibility of canceling the upgrade tomorrow after I call.

Looks like buying the 4S outright for $200 is probably the sensible deal, which sucks because I've been eligible for the upgrade since February and could've gotten it for the same price back then and still not compromised the UDP. Ugh thinking of how many times this phone let me down during that time, all 'worth it' in anticipation of the iphone 5.


TL;DR version: If you think you're being clever by using the VZW website's 'Transfer Upgrade' button to switch upgrade eligibility to a device without unlimited data, it's almost certainly not going to work out the way you're hoping, despite what the screens might be indicating; you'd be better off attempting this in a retail store so you can be absolutely sure what contract modifications you're making, and even then I'd get all the written verification I could. Good luck!
 
jbromer said:
OK - here is my scenario:

I have a family plan with two iPhone 4's - Old plan, 1400 minutes shared, text feature, and unlimited data on both lines for $30/month. Both lines eligible for upgrade around 10/7. I use a fair amount of data, and would not mind keeping unlimited. My wife uses less than 1 GB/month usually. She also doesn't necessarily care about getting the iPhone 5.

My thought was:

1) Keep my old national access family plan with 2 lines.
2) Use the subsidy and upgrade to iPhone 5 on my wife's line, revert to 2GB $30 month data plan on that line.
3) Then switch the iPhone to my line, and reactivate her old iPhone 4 on her line. Or, sell both iPhone 4's and buy a 4S for her online or something.

Any reason that wouldn't work? That way, I would have unlimited data on the iPhone 5, and she would have 2 GB data on her phone.

I realize this will only work once, or at best, once every 2 years - ie, if I ever use a subsidy on my line, I lose my unlimited data.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

spacebetween said:
Yes, that will work. It's pretty much what most people who are trying to keep Unlimited Data is doing.
Click to expand...

I would be careful with this, the ULD plan that you upgrade might be move to the shared data plan.
 
takiman said:
Will I be charged a $30 activation fee twice if I add a dumb phone line to my account and then use the upgrade to get an iPhone 5?
Click to expand...

You will be charged a $35 activation fee for the dumb phone line then charged a $30 upgrade fee. The one-two punch. :)
 
verizon

so just want to see if im understanding all of this. if i have a family plan with 2 iphone 4 and 1 4s and 2 basic phones all of the iphones have the unlimited plan if i upgrade one basic phone sign up for the 2gb plan and then go online and put the iphone 5 on one of the unlimited plans and put the basic phone back on its normal number while canceling the 2gb plan all should be well.
 
firefighterk said:
so just want to see if im understanding all of this. if i have a family plan with 2 iphone 4 and 1 4s and 2 basic phones all of the iphones have the unlimited plan if i upgrade one basic phone sign up for the 2gb plan and then go online and put the iphone 5 on one of the unlimited plans and put the basic phone back on its normal number while canceling the 2gb plan all should be well.
Click to expand...

Yes, but the upgrade has to originate from the basic phone and you must activate it on that line first before you deactivate and activate on the line that has the Unlimited Data.
 
firefighterk said:
so just want to see if im understanding all of this. if i have a family plan with 2 iphone 4 and 1 4s and 2 basic phones all of the iphones have the unlimited plan if i upgrade one basic phone sign up for the 2gb plan and then go online and put the iphone 5 on one of the unlimited plans and put the basic phone back on its normal number while canceling the 2gb plan all should be well.
Click to expand...

Yes. You need upgrade eligible lines without UDP. You don't want to touch the unlimited data lines. In your case, if you want to upgrade all three iPhones do the following:

Upgrade the 2 basic lines individually with a 2gb plan and order two iPhone 5
Add a new line for $9.99 and order another iPhone 5.
Activate on the upgraded lines, immediately deactivate to go back to basic phone plan without the 2gb data.
Activate iPhone 5s on the unlimited lines as though you 'brought your own device'

Also, don't do any of this online. Call to order, and take it to a store for the subsequent activation/deactivation and swap. Good luck!
 
I asked a rep about the upgrade transfer and she said I would keep my unlimited data. Just make sure I activate the iPhone on the dumnphone line and not my unlimited line I transferred the upgrade from.
 
Seems like once we activate the phone on the dumb line and transfer to the unlimited data, we still have to make a trip to the verizon store to acquire a new sim? I was under the impression we can do this online. :confused:
 
mac.cali said:
Seems like once we activate the phone on the dumb line and transfer to the unlimited data, we still have to make a trip to the verizon store to acquire a new sim? I was under the impression we can do this online. :confused:
Click to expand...

Print out a sim?
 
Cozmo85 said:
I asked a rep about the upgrade transfer and she said I would keep my unlimited data. Just make sure I activate the iPhone on the dumnphone line and not my unlimited line I transferred the upgrade from.
Click to expand...

99% sure this won't work.

----------
mac.cali said:
Thats a stupid question. :cool:

I'm talking about using the orignal sim that came with the iPhone 5. You can't transfer that sim to the unlimited line?
Click to expand...

Every Rep Ive spoken to has advised me that the phone needs to be brought in to Verizon to have the SIM swapped out.
 
spacebetween said:
99% sure this won't work.

----------



Every Rep Ive spoken to has advised me that the phone needs to be brought in to Verizon to have the SIM swapped out.
Click to expand...

This is transferring my upgrade from an unlimited line to a dumb line. During checkout there was no mention of my unlimited plan or original line.
 
Cozmo85 said:
This is transferring my upgrade from an unlimited line to a dumb line. During checkout there was no mention of my unlimited plan or original line.
Click to expand...

I understand that this is a transfer of your upgrade. Everything I've been told by several Reps and what I've seen and read here states that you cannot transfer your upgrade on an Unlimited Data Plan and purchase a 4G phone with it, transfer or not. Verizon will consider this you using an upgrade on your UDP account and cancel out your UDP. Good luck to you if it works, but someone else here did the same thing and found it did in fact cancel out their UDP.
 
iTalk said:
Yes. You need upgrade eligible lines without UDP. You don't want to touch the unlimited data lines. In your case, if you want to upgrade all three iPhones do the following:

Upgrade the 2 basic lines individually with a 2gb plan and order two iPhone 5
Add a new line for $9.99 and order another iPhone 5.
Activate on the upgraded lines, immediately deactivate to go back to basic phone plan without the 2gb data.
Activate iPhone 5s on the unlimited lines as though you 'brought your own device'

Also, don't do any of this online. Call to order, and take it to a store for the subsequent activation/deactivation and swap. Good luck!
Click to expand...

so i plan on being one of those idiots that wait on those lines on friday at the apple store. i just happen to pass by a vzw store. they said i should keep the iphone 5 on the basic phone line for atleast 24-48 hours before i do the swap. they also said they had a meeting last week as all verizon stores did and they were told by management they are not aloud to do any swaps and you can only do it online. any thoughts
 
spacebetween said:
I understand that this is a transfer of your upgrade. Everything I've been told by several Reps and what I've seen and read here states that you cannot transfer your upgrade on an Unlimited Data Plan and purchase a 4G phone with it, transfer or not. Verizon will consider this you using an upgrade on your UDP account and cancel out your UDP. Good luck to you if it works, but someone else here did the same thing and found it did in fact cancel out their UDP.
Click to expand...

Yea called again just now and the 3rd rep I talked to appears to have the correct info. It will change me to 2gb $30 but I will keep my $20 credit every month which is what I really cared about.
 
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