1 Year/2 Year

[bcbpgh163]

I added myself to my dad's Verizon AC plan on December 1. At the time, I opted for the 2 year contract because it's $85 cheaper ($35 Activation + $50 more for the phone). They said that I had 15 days to change it to a 1 year if I wanted to. I just wanted to see what everyone here recommended. Obviously $85 is $85, but will I regret being cheap? What if my phone breaks after a year? Also, another quick question, after this contract is over, I'll probably get my own plan. Is it possible to port my number to a new plan even if the new plan will be in my name and this plan is obviously in my dad's? Thanks for your help!

[Airb330]

That's a hard choice. I chose a one year in May, while I paid the 35$ fee and about 40-50$ more for the phone, I am glad I did.

1) Verizon's service is going downhillin my area, Sprint is getting much better. When my contract is up I have choices, May 2004, instead of May 2005.

2). If one's phone breaks in the 13th month of a 2 year contract, one is screwed! One will need to find a phone on Ebay or pay full retail price at Verizon. Ouch....$$$!

I just thought it'd be worth the extra 80$, cause you never know what can happen in a year. I was happy with Verizon from November 2001, but recently they have sucked. So while I had a happy history with Verizon, I am still glad I signed a 1 year because crap happens.

[Matt]

I have TM which doesn't even have 2-year contracts. However, I always recommend one-year contracts when people ask me about wireless service. That way if you are unhappy with your service, or it goes downhill after 6 months or so, you only have 6 months, instead of 18, before you can change providers without an early termination fee. Each person has to make their own decision on whether or not they can afford to do that.

[fb]

You may save a few dollars with a two year contract, but I would rather stick with a one year. Sure, it costs a little more, but you have more leverage with the company. If the service is not as good after one year, you can switch. I chose a one year contract with Cingular in April, 2002, and am happy that I now have no obligation. I did get a new phone in the summer b/c my old one was lost, but then again I paid a little more to get it without a contract.

When I first bought my phone, I spoke to a rep who gave me the phone with a one year contract for the two year contract price and even waived the activation fee...

One thing to keep in mind-- Cingular lets me stay on my contract month to month, with the same number of minutes (250 anytime, 3500 N/W), free detailed billing, free wireless web, no roaming whether on or off network, free voicemail, for 29.99 a month. It works for me and they even converted it to a GAIT plan, so I am good on GSM networks as well. I know of people who had trouble with ATT wireless saying they could no longer keep their promotional minutes after the contract was up.

Ultimately, you have to do what feels right for you. I would try for a better deal from a rep., but if they are stubborn, would still go for a one year.

[jones]

2 years is just too long.

[EHilderbrand]

Like everyone said, two years is entirely too long. If you get stuck with a service you don't like, you're pretty much SOL unless you want to pay the cancelation fee(which I just recently payed to Verizon) and it suck. Sign a one year contract.

[Dharmster]

Originally posted by: fb


I know of people who had trouble with ATT wireless saying they could no longer keep their promotional minutes after the contract was up.

AT&T normally lets you keep your promotional minutes. However, if you have a promotional plan and you change something you lose the promotional plan. I'm on a promotional multi-band plan where I get 500 anytime, unlimited N&W, and long distance for $34.99. If I switch from my current multi-band phone to a GSM phone, I'd have to pick another plan. The only way around this is to buy a phone on E-Bay and swap your SIM card. You lose any discount AT&T may be giving you though.

[NYCDru]

Originally posted by: EHilderbrand
Like everyone said, two years is entirely too long. If you get stuck with a service you don't like, you're pretty much SOL unless you want to pay the cancelation fee(which I just recently payed to Verizon) and it suck. Sign a one year contract.

Normaly i would be all for one years. I am on a 2 year now because VZW will only get beter in my area and with my minute usage i am used to a $80-$120/month bill anyway. So for me plunking down $175 for cancelation is not too bad. But i don't expect to have to or even want to for a very long time. Nobody is better in NYC and i travel too much for the other carriers.

[crood]

I have been on two year plans with Verizon since I started. A big advantage to the two year plan is that you get $100 towards a new phone when you renew. If you are really afraid of something happening to your phone, you could opt for phone insurance, but there goes your $85 savings. Also, keep in mind that you can break/lose your phone in three months as easily as you can in thirteen. Another option is to pick up a backup phone on ebay to use until your contract time is up. Also, will you be looking to upgrade your phone frequently. I've noticed that a lot of people on these boards switch phones and carriers a lot more than the average person. It's really a personal decision.

As for keeping your number when you split from your Dad's plan, I can only tell you about the reverse situation. My wife recently, switched from AT&T to Verizon. We were planning to go onto a Family Plan, but were told that the account name must be the same for LNP. My wife had to set up a separate account and we must now wait a month before we can merge into a Family Plan. I'm guessing there might be some wait time involved with transferring your number from one account to another.