[Update] Verizon's New Family Data Plans Begin: It's Called the Share Everything Plan

[PatrickJ]

I just read this on Cnet & was wondering if this would work??

But Aaron believes he has found a loophole. Verizon allows people on family plans to essentially swap upgrades. This means that Aaron's mom can upgrade her phone when Aaron's eligibility comes up. So Aaron can upgrade his mom's number with a phone he wants. Then after he has bought the phone and activated it on the account, he can switch the numbers. Aaron will now have his new 4G phone. And his mother will keep her phone with the new contract date. Aaron will have his mom's contract date. But he'll be able to keep his existing unlimited data plan.
The only catch of course, is that Aaron's poor mother may never get to upgrade her phone, since Aaron is always using her tiered account for the upgrade.
I asked a Verizon spokeswoman to verify that this loophole does in fact exist. She confirmed that people on family plans are able to swap upgrades. But she said she'd have to check on whether there would be some kind of limitation of keeping the old unlimited plan when the numbers are switched again. I'm still waiting for her reply and will add her comment to this story.

 

[tech_head]

Verizon reps are lost also. Some say you lose your unlimited data with the preorder of the s3 before the 28th and some say you dont.

Sent from my SCH-I510 using DroidForums

here is a copy of my invoice/summary:

[TABLE="width: 470"]
[TR]
[TD="width: 300"]Samsung Galaxy S III 16GB in White[/TD]
[TD="width: 40, align: right"]1[/TD]
[TD="width: 120, align: right"]$199.99[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[TABLE="width: 470"]
[TR]
[TD="width: 300"]UPGRADE FEE[/TD]
[TD="width: 40, align: right"][/TD]
[TD="width: 120, align: right"]$30.00[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Your Plan
[TABLE="width: 470"]
[TR]
[TD="width: 291"]Nationwide Talk & Text- 1400[/TD]
[TD="width: 40, align: right"][/TD]
[TD="width: 120"][/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[TABLE="width: 470"]
[TR]
[TD="width: 291"]Monthly Line Access[/TD]
[TD="width: 40, align: right"][/TD]
[TD="width: 120, align: right"]$9.99[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

Plan Features
TXT MSG W PER MSG CHARGES
CONSUMER PDA
FRIENDS & FAMILY ALP - 10
BLOCK VIDEO DOWNLOADS
DYNAMIC-PRIVATE IP
CALLER ID
TEC ASURION $6.99
USAGE CONTROLS - $4.99
4G DATA TRANSPORT
BLOCK PREMIUM SMS
BLOCK RBT DOWNLOADS
4G APPLICATION ACCESS
4G INTERNET ACCESS
VERIZON APPS $0
EMAIL & WEB UNLIMITED $29.99
SDM REMOTE QUERY ENABLED
BLOCK V CAST MUSIC
BUSY TRANSFER
3-WAY CALLING
CALL DELIVERY
CALL WAITING
NO ANSWER TRANSFER
CALL FORWARDING
BASIC VOICE MAIL - $0
STREAMLINED BILLING - $0
USA ONLY NO ROAM - $0
PICTURE MESSAGE PROVISIONING
OTA SOFTWAREUPDATE-$0.00



The reps are wrong.
I have already agreed to the terms.

 

[jroc]

I just read this on Cnet & was wondering if this would work??

But Aaron believes he has found a loophole. Verizon allows people on family plans to essentially swap upgrades. This means that Aaron's mom can upgrade her phone when Aaron's eligibility comes up. So Aaron can upgrade his mom's number with a phone he wants. Then after he has bought the phone and activated it on the account, he can switch the numbers. Aaron will now have his new 4G phone. And his mother will keep her phone with the new contract date. Aaron will have his mom's contract date. But he'll be able to keep his existing unlimited data plan.
The only catch of course, is that Aaron's poor mother may never get to upgrade her phone, since Aaron is always using her tiered account for the upgrade.
I asked a Verizon spokeswoman to verify that this loophole does in fact exist. She confirmed that people on family plans are able to swap upgrades. But she said she'd have to check on whether there would be some kind of limitation of keeping the old unlimited plan when the numbers are switched again. I'm still waiting for her reply and will add her comment to this story.

I have a family plan right now. When I log in to my account ..and go to Upgrade Device..there is Transfer Upgrade under each phone/line. You can do this online....so it shouldnt be a problem. And I have done that before. I have a Droid 1 and DX1 that I have swapped back n forth on the same line.

I just never tried it with brand new phones....or 4G phones..and I cant remember if I ever put my Rezound on my unlimited data line. We all will find out real soon...lol. I have 1 upgrade available now on a tiered data line. I will either use it on the GS3 or wait for the next Moto phone. I just WISH I woulda did the double data deal on that line...I meant to get a Bionic or something off Ebay, Craigslist, etc.

 

[PereDroid]

here is a copy of my invoice/summary:

My business rep said the same thing. When you pre-order you are signing a contract right there on those terms. Activation date doesn't matter.

 

[monkey_man]

I just read this on Cnet & was wondering if this would work??

But Aaron believes he has found a loophole. Verizon allows people on family plans to essentially swap upgrades. This means that Aaron's mom can upgrade her phone when Aaron's eligibility comes up. So Aaron can upgrade his mom's number with a phone he wants. Then after he has bought the phone and activated it on the account, he can switch the numbers. Aaron will now have his new 4G phone. And his mother will keep her phone with the new contract date. Aaron will have his mom's contract date. But he'll be able to keep his existing unlimited data plan.
The only catch of course, is that Aaron's poor mother may never get to upgrade her phone, since Aaron is always using her tiered account for the upgrade.
I asked a Verizon spokeswoman to verify that this loophole does in fact exist. She confirmed that people on family plans are able to swap upgrades. But she said she'd have to check on whether there would be some kind of limitation of keeping the old unlimited plan when the numbers are switched again. I'm still waiting for her reply and will add her comment to this story.

Yeah bookmark that site for future updates. dancedroid I confirmed also (before June 28 tho) that I transferred upgrades many times via online or at the store. In reality, like someone said before me that Verizon shouldn't end such option. Why? They are very well thought of Corporation in counting its money properly :icon_ devil:. There are so many profits going to Verizon's way by allowing its customers transfer upgrades (Yes, they rather want you stick with your old phone more than you upgrade, but they unhappily knew that this is the cost of Business.) BUT again who KNOWS! :icon_ devil: Verizon can surprise you... like literally :rofl2:

For those users that have upgrade available before the new plan starts, here is an article about owning SGS3:

Verizon Exempts Samsung Galaxy S3 From Wrath of Tiered Plans :rofl2:

Be prepared also to wait as its been delayed till July 10 :icon_ peace:


http://global.christianpost.com/new...e-delay-angers-verizon-customers-photo-76796/

 

[mikeinctown]

Well since this is happening VZW will lose (IMHO) some market share to TMobile and Sprint. Sprint has 4g coverage where I live, but not where I work. VZW has better coverage, but at what cost? I have a feeling I'll just do what others have suggested if I stay with VZW and get a 6 month old phone for half the cost. Will just have to be more careful. I would also imagine there will be a growing market for insuring phones not purchased through the big stores.

 

[ablank]

The day has finally arrived folks. The "family data plans" that Verizon has teased for over a year are now in effect and will be available June 28th. Verizon just announced their "Share Everything" data plans. The basic summary of the plans is that users get Unlimited Minutes and Unlimited Texting, shared amongst multiple phones. Each tier of shared data is also shared with every phone. First, they charge $40 dollars per month for each smartphone that you add to the plan, or $30 dollars a month for each basic feature phone. Then you tack on the data plan. The beginning tier is 1GB for $50 dollars. The data allowance doubles for each tier and tacks on an additional $10 bucks, as you can see in the pic above, thus, 10GB of data shared with your whole family will run you $100 bucks a month plus however many phones you have.

A good example is a family of three with three smart phones will cost $120 per month for the phones. Then if they pick the 6GB plan it will cost an extra $80 dollars per month, for a total of $200 for the family.

Additionally, you can add up to 10 devices to this Share Everything plan. Also, mobile hotspots, tablets and other miscellaneous stuff will cost extra. For a complete breakdown, click the source link below.

So, take a few minutes to do the math, and then sound off in the forums if these plans will tempt you away from your current plans...

Thanks to all of our tipsters!

Update: Just as an aside, and to add more clarity... from what I can tell data overages are still $15 per 300 MB over the limit. If you find info to the contrary please share in this thread while we investigate further. Also, these plans are not available until June 28th.

Update 2: We have some additional information to add to this article, and it isn't pretty. First, we will preface this by saying that we received this information directly from a Verizon rep, but he could have explained it wrong or been improperly trained. However, if his information was accurate, then these new plans are what Verizon is migrating everyone too. The next time your contract is up and you try to sign up for a new one to get a subsidized phone, then your only option is to lose whatever plan you currently have and switch to one of these new ones. The only way to keep your current plan is to purchase an unsubsidized phone at full retail, and never sign up for a new contract.

Interestingly, the Verizon rep we spoke to had only been handed these new plans this morning, so it is possible that he was not fully trained to explain things properly. If anyone in the forums can add more information to this, please do so in the thread.

Source: Verizon Share Everything Data Plans Site and Verizon Plan Description

So let me get this straight, my family, with three smartphones, will not have to change plans so long as we don't upgrade any phones? If so will I lose my grandfathered unlimited data? This is such a tacky plan.

 

[Coosa Droid]

Why is Verizon not allowing the sales people to give any details? I went into the store and bought a new Droid Razor Maxx for my wife before the deadline. I asked were there any unlimited plans avaialable after the 28th. Seh said the sales people are not at liberty to discuss anything about the new plan untit it rolls out on the 28th. Two others nodded.

I'd like to say thanks Verizon for trying to slip one in on us loyal customers. First you change the options to something you know we won't like, but then you won't even let me know what you are doing when I ask. I have been on this Network for 20 years back when it was GTE. I for the life of me can't understand why Verizon cna't figure out that it should reward loyal customers. Years back I had to switch out account to my wifes name (at the sales persons prompting) to qualify for a new phone (mine was nearly 5 years old), even though the competiotors would gibe me a new phone to switch.

I renewed hoping that public outcry will change their minds before my two years are up. If not, I will be shopping around for another carrier.... I Just don't get it.:blink:

 

[Droid101]

So let me get this straight, my family, with three smartphones, will not have to change plans so long as we don't upgrade any phones? If so will I lose my grandfathered unlimited data? This is such a tacky plan.

Yes correct the three options you have are as follows:
1. Purchase a phone on a month to month plan
2. Purchase a phone from a re seller
3. Provide your own equipment

So in the end as long as you DO NOT upgrade any device on your account then you can keep your unlimited data.

 

[Droid101]

Why is Verizon not allowing the sales people to give any details? I went into the store and bought a new Droid Razor Maxx for my wife before the deadline. I asked were there any unlimited plans avaialable after the 28th. Seh said the sales people are not at liberty to discuss anything about the new plan untit it rolls out on the 28th. Two others nodded.

I'd like to say thanks Verizon for trying to slip one in on us loyal customers. First you change the options to something you know we won't like, but then you won't even let me know what you are doing when I ask. I have been on this Network for 20 years back when it was GTE. I for the life of me can't understand why Verizon cna't figure out that it should reward loyal customers. Years back I had to switch out account to my wifes name (at the sales persons prompting) to qualify for a new phone (mine was nearly 5 years old), even though the competiotors would gibe me a new phone to switch.

I renewed hoping that public outcry will change their minds before my two years are up. If not, I will be shopping around for another carrier.... I Just don't get it.:blink:

Simple answer to your question is that Verizon has not released training to all of their reps, they just do not want anyone talking about their new plans or giving out any advice until they know they have trained everyone, They don't want to give you bad info cant fault them for that can you?

Now to answer your question after the 28th there is NO unlimited plans available on Verizon anymore they are going to be taken out of the system that is why in order to keep it after the date you have to upgrade before the date because after the 28th it will no longer even show in the system.

 

[Coosa Droid]

Yes correct the three options you have are as follows:
1. Purchase a phone on a month to month plan
2. Purchase a phone from a re seller
3. Provide your own equipment

So in the end as long as you DO NOT upgrade any device on your account then you can keep your unlimited data.

Until your contract is up in 2 years. If they want your contract has expired they can force you into the new plan if they wish.

 

[Droid101]

Until your contract is up in 2 years. If they want your contract has expired they can force you into the new plan if they wish.

Eh its kind of a grey area. I will not say much but I am an Employee for Verizon Wireless and have completed the training that they are pushing out for these new plans and those are the options as it stands. So as it stands now and according to the training Verizon will leave you alone and let you keep your plan if you continue month the month.

 

[Coosa Droid]

Simple answer to your question is that Verizon has not released training to all of their reps, they just do not want anyone talking about their new plans or giving out any advice until they know they have trained everyone, They don't want to give you bad info cant fault them for that can you?

Now to answer your question after the 28th there is NO unlimited plans available on Verizon anymore they are going to be taken out of the system that is why in order to keep it after the date you have to upgrade before the date because after the 28th it will no longer even show in the system.

I agree with you there is no unlimited plan anymore, but when I upgraded one of our phones in December to a Droid 3, I had the ability to stay on the same plan I am currently on, or upgrade to a new plan as long as I didn't cancel my data plan.

What I AM faulting Verizon for is not allowing any information before the deadline. If they feel it is that important to change the plan they should put a priority on training at least 1 employee in every store. Even if I had to make an appointment to talk to them during the day, they should be willing to work with existing customers.

As it is, by the time they are willing to divulge information it is too late. I would have no choice but to upgrade to a lesser plan for more money.

Most people are not members of a forum like this that gives them good information in advance. (Admittedly their fault.) As it is, I bought us two more years on the unlimited plan unless they feel the need to alter my existing contract.

 

[ablank]

Alright so what if my little brother wants a smartphone after the 28th, will the plan change because he changes to a smartphone?

 

[Droid101]

I am agree with you there is no unlimited plan anymore, but when I upgraded one of our phones in December to a Droid 3, I had the ability to stay on the same plan I am currently on, or upgrade to a new plan as long as I didn't cancel my data plan.

What I AM faulting Verizon for is not allowing any information before the deadline. If they feel it is that important to change the plan they should put a priority on training at least 1 employee in every store. Even if I had to make an appointment to talk to them during the day, they should be willing to work with existing customers.

As it is by the time they are willing to divulge information it is too late. I would have no choice but to upgrade to a lesser plan for more money.

Most people are not members of a forum like this that give them good information in advance. (Admittedly their fault.) As it is, I bought us two more years on the unlimited plan unless they feel the need to alter my existing contract.

Yea no I understand where you are coming from and agree that it would be nice if they were more transparent and gave more info to allow people to decide in time.

And from my understanding after the 28th it is the same as when you did it in December you keep the same plan just they will force you over to a tiered $30 2GB plan.