The $15 or $25 are basically the same discounts that are given for Edge, as they similarly apply to owned equipment (basically lines that are out of contract). When I had a couple of lines finish their contracts last year and they were staying with the phones they already had (basically not upgrading) I called Verizon and asked about the discount and they applied $15 off for those lines (since I had a plan with shared data that was below 10 GB at the time), and later that discount went up to $25 for each line when I increased the shared data to 10 GB. Basically the discount applies in case of Edge/financing or using owned (out of contract) equipment. With the new plans it will work similarly--when and if you switch to one--except that instead of the discount being either $15 or $25 it will just be $20 (which isn't as good for those on plans with more data).Well just came back here to post. I went into myVerizon to see when my sons phone was finished (knew it was soon but thinking Sept) anyway it has just completed within the past few days. In "manage my products and apps" there was a message to ask for the discount so I did and it stated $15 would be applied. The initial screen stated $10 or more. Anyway to be clear, when I did it the first time, it was in mid 2014 then again in Aug 2014 for wife and it was only $10. Not sure when that changed. Where did you get the $15 or $25 information from? Wondering if I will get the other $5 off starting tomorrow when the plans change?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Verizon Introduces New Monthly Service Plans, Eliminating Smartphone Subsidies for New Customers
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Right, so when the equipment is paid off, Verizon charges you back up to $40 because you were getting discount for buying equipment. On AT&T, when your equipment is paid off, you bill remains at $15. At least that is what it was when I last looked into it.
Verizon has the same discount for owned equipment (in one case it's called the Edge discount in the other case it's called month-to-month discount). On the current plans you get the same discount whether you are on Edge/financing or you are simply using your own (essentially out of contract or out of Edge) equipment.
The $15 / $25 comes from the current contract plans. If you have either completed your 24 month contract, brought your own phone, purchased the phone outright, or financed the cost of the phone -- They give you a discount of $15 or $25, depending on the amount of shared data you request each month.Where did you get the $15 or $25 information from? Wondering if I will get the other $5 off starting tomorrow when the plans change?
That is since you either never received the $450 subsidy for a phone or you have finished its repayment, you no longer need to be charged for it.
Since Verizon is no longer going to offer a subsidy -- Their new service plans just eliminate the hidden fee altogether. That is the "line access fee" is reduced by $20.
Well, I have to ask is your plan a "more everything" one? If you are and you have completed your 24 month obligation Verizon should be giving you a $15 or $25 discount. But, if you are not on a "more everything" plan -- you might only get a reduced amount or no discount at all.
If that's the case, then Verizon are cheeky bastards. The discount isn't an incentive to finance a phone -- it's a reflection that you aren't being given a loan to pay for your phone. As such you need to be permanently credited for that fact.
Ah I got ya. I see now on their website. the whole $15 and $25 discount from $40, or the $15 or $25 access fee they are advertising was throwing me . So 40-15 would be the $25 access fee shown and 40-25 would be the $15 access fee shown. So yeah some folks will loose $5 and some will gain $5.
Looks like for me I can gain 1gb of data for the same price if I switch to the new plans with 2 on contract phones and 1 off contract phone. (so long as they don't take away my 2gb bonus data I got with the iP6 purchases) Paying for 2gb now and new plan is 3gb. So $145 total either way. In theory anyway. We have to wait and see tomorrow. Thanks!
[Edit] The bonus data will disappear so for the same $145 I would loose 1gb total data by switching. Guess I will stick with current plan for now and keep the 4gb for $145
Last edited:
There's no such thing as a EU-wide mobile operator. So what do your figures have to do with my USA vs. SWE example? BTW: Why are Americans so keen on defending their blood-sucking operators???
Yeah I understand now. I do have the more everything and just got the $15 month-to-month discount on 1 line earlier today.
You are. It wasn't the case before until the everything plans came about around 1.5-2 years ago, but since the discount is available (although in some cases it might take calling Verizon to get it added).
The interesting thing about the pricing of smartphones is that it’s actually a little complicated. It seems more expensive to buy the phone outright. But it’s actually less expensive to do that if the monthly fee is lower. But the $480 savings doesn’t seem worthwhile when you consider that, you’ll be paying $450 extra for an unsubsidized iPhone, so you only save $30 over the course of a two-year contract. I used to think it would be less expensive for consumers if carriers stopped subsidizing smartphones and lowered the monthly fee. Then I ran the numbers and found out that it’s only worth it if you’re going to hang on to your phone for more than 2 years.
Verizon today announced that the company will be introducing a new set of smartphone rate plans for its customers while simultaneously eliminating the traditional subsidized two-year contract option for new users joining the network. The new plans come in four sizes of data allotments, and will go into effect officially on August 13.
Once customers choose the smartphone they want to pay for on its own monthly cost, they will then choose which data option they need for their plan. The new plans are going to apply to both single lines but can also be shared with up to ten devices on one plan. Verizon likens the new plan options as a simplified version of its former offerings.
With the new plan structure, monthly device access charges will be priced at $20 for smartphones, $10 for tablets and Jetpack MiFis, and $5 for "connected device lines" such as smart watches. These device access charges are, of course, in addition to one of the four data options each customer will pick and any financed cost for the devices themselves. Verizon hopes that the new offerings will result in "a simpler and more streamlined bill" for its customers in the future.
New customers will have to choose between paying the full device cost up front or using interest-free financing to spread the costs out over 24 months, as subsidized pricing with a two-year contract will no longer be available to new customers. Existing customers will be able to move to the plans or retain their existing plans, with some restrictions that have yet to be detailed.
Article Link: Verizon Introduces New Monthly Service Plans, Eliminating Smartphone Subsidies for New Customers
$450 more for the phone.
$480 savings from lower monthly fees.
$30 total savings.
Unless you're going to hang on to your iPhone for more than two years, you won't save much. This would just make it seem less expensive when you pay your monthly Verizon bill.
Carrier infrastructure throughout Europe is very integrated. And yes, there are carriers who have a presence in almost all EU companies. T-Mobile comes to mind.
I am not defending the profiteering that goes on with US carriers. But anyone with any common sense knows that there are infrastructure challenges faced by US carriers that European carriers don't have.
Here's my problem with this....
I currently pay $50 a month for my iPhone and 1 GB of data. That plan includes the subsidized phone as I was due for a full upgrade last year. This year if I want to get a new iPhone, or next year for that matter, I will pay full price for the phone so that leaves Verizon completely off the hook for the subsidy. But what will my monthly cost be for just phone service at 1 GB of data and NO phone subsidy on their part...$50 a month. I save nothing and they make more. I just chatted with a Verizon rep and asked if there were any options to increase my data and the only way is to jump onto one of these plans plus adding in the cost of my current phone's balance. That would be an increase of $35 in my case to increase to 3 GB of data. Thankfully the rep was straight with me and didn't try to push that option because it would be completely stupid. I am better off risking going over my limit and paying an extra $10 per GB.
I get that these are intended to get people to buy bigger data packages because that's where the savings are for some people. But this kinda sucks for people who have a single line and don't stream video on their iPhone 8 hours a day.
I currently pay $50 a month for my iPhone and 1 GB of data. That plan includes the subsidized phone as I was due for a full upgrade last year. This year if I want to get a new iPhone, or next year for that matter, I will pay full price for the phone so that leaves Verizon completely off the hook for the subsidy. But what will my monthly cost be for just phone service at 1 GB of data and NO phone subsidy on their part...$50 a month. I save nothing and they make more. I just chatted with a Verizon rep and asked if there were any options to increase my data and the only way is to jump onto one of these plans plus adding in the cost of my current phone's balance. That would be an increase of $35 in my case to increase to 3 GB of data. Thankfully the rep was straight with me and didn't try to push that option because it would be completely stupid. I am better off risking going over my limit and paying an extra $10 per GB.
I get that these are intended to get people to buy bigger data packages because that's where the savings are for some people. But this kinda sucks for people who have a single line and don't stream video on their iPhone 8 hours a day.
So, yippee for me. I used one of my two remaining upgrades before the "cutoff" date to snag an on-sale Slate Grey 64GB iPhone 6+, and activated it on my existing SIM card (the "Best Buy Method" described over on Slickdeals). The 6+ is activated, I've kept my UL data and VZW is showing that I've extended my contract until 8/2017.
The activation lock on my account during the order/delivery process of the 6+ kept me from ordering another handset - and my account was showing I had "0 upgrades" remaining. But, I just logged back into My Verizon, and my account is showing that I still have UL data AND I have 1 upgrade available back on my account. I have a VZW corporate store and a Best Buy here in the business park - I shunned the VZW store and talked to a BB rep and was told that some legacy plans will still be able to use upgrades on their accounts, at least for the next several weeks. The BB rep related to me that VZW made the cutoff likely because of the new Samsung Galaxy/Note devices being announced and the upcoming Apple Event.
Thought I'd pass my experience on. Time to set about selling a few iPhone 6s before the 6S comes out...
The activation lock on my account during the order/delivery process of the 6+ kept me from ordering another handset - and my account was showing I had "0 upgrades" remaining. But, I just logged back into My Verizon, and my account is showing that I still have UL data AND I have 1 upgrade available back on my account. I have a VZW corporate store and a Best Buy here in the business park - I shunned the VZW store and talked to a BB rep and was told that some legacy plans will still be able to use upgrades on their accounts, at least for the next several weeks. The BB rep related to me that VZW made the cutoff likely because of the new Samsung Galaxy/Note devices being announced and the upcoming Apple Event.
Thought I'd pass my experience on. Time to set about selling a few iPhone 6s before the 6S comes out...
I've been off-contract for about a year, and I thought the only thing I had to consider come September was whether to get the iPhone 6s or wait for the 7. Now I have to whip out a spreadsheet and figure out what makes sense without a contract, given my usage. And whether it makes more sense to sell my 5 now, while it is worth more, then to wait another year and get less for it, even as the new phone prices won't change.
(And yes, I'm late to the table. I *just* realized this was happening!)
(And yes, I'm late to the table. I *just* realized this was happening!)
What plan are you on right now? And what do you need (as far as minutes/messages/data)?
I have a basic plan that I'm likely spending too much money on (I'm looking for a bill right now). All I want are unlimited phone and text, and given that I often use wifi, 3gb will be more than fine as far as data goes. I have a feeling it's break even for me whether or not I'm contracted or not.
I also think that even though I'd rather wait for the 7, if I'm going to pay full price for a phone, it might be more financially beneficial to get the 6s and sell back the 5 (Amazon seems to have the best prices in this regard).
I suspect you will be better off as your access fee will drop to $20 down from $40 since you are off contract. The old plans make you keep paying for the subsidy even after contract was fulfilled so you really ended up paying more than full price for the phones technically. Also look into the month-to-month discount ($15) that they give you once your contract is completed. You have to actually request it (click on it) from your MyVerizon website. Its not automatic
but does show when you log in and "Manage my Plan". Then you can see where you are. Most likely take $15 off your current bill if you never got the m2m discount or take $20 off by going to the new plans. (for access) then see where your data falls.So based on what you said, you would pay $20 access and $45 data (3gb) on new plan so $65 total.
I suspect you will be better off as your access fee will drop to $20 down from $40 since you are off contract. The old plans make you keep paying for the subsidy even after contract was fulfilled so you really ended up paying more than full price for the phones technically. Also look into the month-to-month discount ($15) that they give you once your contract is completed. You have to actually request it (click on it) from your MyVerizon website. Its not automatic
So based on what you said, you would pay $20 access and $45 data (3gb) on new plan so $65 total.
Which suggests that entering a new contract for a new phone would be less than a good idea, even if I decide to get the 6s (my understanding is that existing customers can still get a new contract if they so choose, but I may be wrong on this).
Ah. I foresee a conversation (and a long wait time) with a Verizon person this weekend.
(Thanks for doing the math!)
The old plans did not make you continue paying for the subsidy even after the contract was fulfilled, after the contract was up, each line was eligible for a $15 or $25 discount depending on how much shared data you had. You had to call in to get that month to month discount.
Yeah they just started doing that not to long ago and you had to be on More Everything plan to get it. Bad part is you are not really made aware of it and had to select the option from your online acct or call and ask for it. I suspect most folks didn't know it existed so didn't know to ask for it. So Verizon gladly kept billing you the full monthly subsidized fee.
We're on "More Everything" with 10 gb plus 2 gb bonus. Four iphones (iP5, iP5s, iP5s & iP6+) with one off contract and another will be in October. The off contract one has the discount applied.
A VZW CSR called yesterday to see if interested in a phone upgrade. Said we were but waiting to see specs on new iPhone.
Since I had seen this thread about the new plans I asked for specifics on the new plans as a comparison.
Here's the interesting part. I you purchase a new phone from VZW, with either monthly payments or purchase outright, you lose that discount.
However, if you purchase an unlocked phone from Apple (for instance) and just switch it with the off contract phone the discount stays since it is considered a device swap. Assuming we stay on "More Everything" plan.
This sounds odd to me and quizzed them on that for a few minutes. I specifically asked if a bought an unlocked phone from Apple and did a device switch would the discount remain? The answer was yes.
Maybe I misunderstood, perhaps someone here can verify.
A VZW CSR called yesterday to see if interested in a phone upgrade. Said we were but waiting to see specs on new iPhone.
Since I had seen this thread about the new plans I asked for specifics on the new plans as a comparison.
Here's the interesting part. I you purchase a new phone from VZW, with either monthly payments or purchase outright, you lose that discount.
However, if you purchase an unlocked phone from Apple (for instance) and just switch it with the off contract phone the discount stays since it is considered a device swap. Assuming we stay on "More Everything" plan.
This sounds odd to me and quizzed them on that for a few minutes. I specifically asked if a bought an unlocked phone from Apple and did a device switch would the discount remain? The answer was yes.
Maybe I misunderstood, perhaps someone here can verify.
Sounds like the representative didn't really know what he/she was talking about, misunderstood something him/herself, or perhaps misrepresented something (intentionally or not). The discount exists for and applies to lines with phones on Edge/financing and owned/out-of-contract ones.
Well in reality the new plans will offer you a $20 discount for off contract devices. The old more everything did $25 or $15 depending on your data plan. The 10gb plan would get you the $15 access fee. However the new plans you would get a $20 access fee (so $5 more per device) but you would get 12gb data instead of 10gb. So basically 6gb and up data users will pay $5 more per device with the new plan verses the old plan. But you will get more data for less. And yes bring your own phone and you can stay (grandfathered) on the old plan so I understand. Technically once all are off contract you will save $20 per month by staying on the old plan. (4 phones x $5 ea). Also if you switch plans to the new ones you will loose your 2gb bonus data so keep that in mind.
Last edited: