Verizon vs. T-Mobile for four lines

[madoka]

Contracts are all up so we want to activate four new lines. Narrowed the choices down to Verizon and T-mobile. Since my parents use next to no data (less than 10 mb per month), we don't need that big a data plan.

We want two iPhone 6+ 128gb and two 5s 16gb for parents. Tethering is important to me. While no contracts is great, we also don't mind signing up for a two year contract.

In trying to get a ballpark figure of costs, I've done the following calculations. Please let me know if I've made some sort of mistake or if there are better options.

T-Mobile
$100 per month x 24 = $2400
iPhones ($950 + $950 + $600 + $600) = $3100
Total = $5500

Verizon
$240 per month (6gb plan) x 24 = $5760
iPhones ($500 + $500 + $100 + $100) = 1200
Total = $6960

 

[j1huynh]

Contracts are all up so we want to activate four new lines. Narrowed the choices down to Verizon and T-mobile. Since my parents use next to no data (less than 10 mb per month), we don't need that big a data plan.

We want two iPhone 6+ 128gb and two 5s 16gb for parents. Tethering is important to me. While no contracts is great, we also don't mind signing up for a two year contract.

In trying to get a ballpark figure of costs, I've done the following calculations. Please let me know if I've made some sort of mistake or if there are better options.

T-Mobile
$100 per month x 24 = $2400
iPhones ($950 + $950 + $600 + $600) = $3100
Total = $5500

Verizon
$240 per month (6gb plan) x 24 = $5760
iPhones ($500 + $500 + $100 + $100) = 1200
Total = $6960

I guess for VZW, are you going for the 2-yr contract.. in that case, you need to include the activation fees = $35 * 4 = $140.. so your total is $7100 instead..

Seems like the no contract of VZW is better and you get 10GB data instead of 6GB ..
VERIZON paid in full or EDGE come out:
$160 per month (10gb plan) x 24 = $3840
iPhones ($950 + $950 + $600 + $600) = $3100 (I used your tmobile pricing.. but the 5S should be $550 once iphone6 is launch?)
No activation fees
Total = $6940 and you get 10GB data plan instead of 6GB and cheaper...

 

[madoka]

Where do I find more info on the Verizon no contract plan? I can't seem to find it on their webpage.

For Verizon Edge, instead of paying $950 upfront for a iPhone 6+ 128gb, we have to pay for it in 20 installment payments. Then for doing so, you get a discount?

 

[BigCanoe]

Summary: Always choose T-Mobile if you can, and have the coverage, look at that price difference!

 

[j1huynh]

Where do I find more info on the Verizon no contract plan? I can't seem to find it on their webpage.

For Verizon Edge, instead of paying $950 upfront for a iPhone 6+ 128gb, we have to pay for it in 20 installment payments. Then for doing so, you get a discount?

Hi,
I think you can have option to pay in 20 installment payments or paid in-full. You just need to ask the customer service to put you in the edge program.
See below link under As a Family of 4:

http://www.verizonwireless.com/wcms/consumer/devices/edge.html

sorry don't know how to copy and paste
-----------------
As a Family of 4:

LINE ACCESS
DATA ACCESS
TOTAL ACCESS
4 Smartphones on MORE Everything

4 x $40
$160
monthly line access
10 GB
$100
monthly account access
$260
monthly access*

4 Smartphones on MORE Everything with Edge
4 x $15
$60
monthly line access
10 GB
$100
monthly account access
Save $100
$160
monthly access**

 

[brun019822]

I switched form vz to tmobile and I'm very happy with it. I live in nyc so my coverage is good. if you have good coverage in your area I think it would be a no brainer.

 

[lsbuffs]

I've been with Verizon and would switch to T Mobile in a heartbeat, but they have zero coverage around my South Metro Denver area. I did their Test Drive, and wanted to love it, but I literally would get no service around my neighborhood. Driving around the area would be very spotty, so I just couldn't pull the trigger.

Their pricing is great and I love the international data they provide for free. I'd say if you're sure your voice and data service is solid, go for T Mobile.

 

[maflynn]

If you're comparing prices - I think VZW is always going to be on the losing end at this stage.

Even on the per line cost, if I bring my own phone to ATT, its cheaper, even though the data per gigabyte is the same price.