Upgrade from dumbphone to BB a few months early?

[tiredone]

I'm currently using the LG Venus which isn't meeting my needs as a graduate student with an unpaid internship (sort of like a residency). I'm in need of a device that keeps me connected to emails from school and work, as well as being able to have a calendar on me to schedule client appointments.

I've had the LG Venus since March of 2008, and am only paying $39.99 a month.

The earliest I can upgrade is November 15, 2009. I need the phone before then.

I was wondering if it was at all possible to upgrade to the Tour a few months early. At this point, I really don't care about getting my NE2 $50. I just want to upgrade at the 2 year contract price. As that's all I can afford right now.

I'll be upping my plan by at least another $30 a month plus a fee for texting, so really VZW will be making more money from me monthly.

Oof, sorry that was so long!

[bikebryan]

Originally Posted by tiredone

I'm currently using the LG Venus which isn't meeting my needs as a graduate student with an unpaid internship (sort of like a residency). I'm in need of a device that keeps me connected to emails from school and work, as well as being able to have a calendar on me to schedule client appointments.

I've had the LG Venus since March of 2008, and am only paying $39.99 a month.

The earliest I can upgrade is November 15, 2009. I need the phone before then.

I was wondering if it was at all possible to upgrade to the Tour a few months early. At this point, I really don't care about getting my NE2 $50. I just want to upgrade at the 2 year contract price. As that's all I can afford right now.

I'll be upping my plan by at least another $30 a month plus a fee for texting, so really VZW will be making more money from me monthly.

Oof, sorry that was so long!

If you aren't eligible you aren't eligible. That's the bottom line on upgrades. I assume you've already checked the dates and the different programs?

You could always get an older model BB from a place like Ebay. No waiting for contract eligibility, no new contracts, no paying full retail.......newest isn't always best after all!

[Quint101]

If you are on a base plan that is at least $49.99/monthly, you could use the Annual Upgrade option. With that option, you can get promotional pricing every 12 months and you forfeit the NE2 and you may be subject to an upgrade fee as well...

[bikebryan]

Originally Posted by Quint101

If you are on a base plan that is at least $49.99/monthly, you could use the Annual Upgrade option. With that option, you can get promotional pricing every 12 months and you forfeit the NE2 and you may be subject to an upgrade fee as well...

This is why I didn't bring it up. He said his plan was 39.99/month, so an annual upgrade is not an option.

Also, annual upgrades do incurr and additonal $20 early upgrade fee and reset the NE2 clock.

[Quint101]

Originally Posted by bikebryan

This is why I didn't bring it up. He said his plan was 39.99/month, so an annual upgrade is not an option.

Also, annual upgrades do incurr and additonal $20 early upgrade fee and reset the NE2 clock.

True... I did an annual upgrade on my line and I wasn't charged that fee I will be happy keeping the extra $$ ... but they have the right to charge that fee

[tiredone]

I contacted the HQ Relations Coordinator via email, and explained my situation. He responded asking for my account number. I received a phone call from Verizon Wireless today to discuss with me my inquiry regarding an early upgrade. This all happened in about 2 days turnaround. Unfortunately, I missed the call and will have to call her back first thing tomorrow morning.

So I'll see how it goes. Thank you for the information thus far.

- Kristine

[tiredone]

Just an update:

I did just call back the lady from the Executive Relations department. She clarified that I was interested in upgrading early to a BB and I told her yes. She asked which phone I was interested in and I told her the tour. She said that was fine, and that she would call me back in about a week to upgrade me as the phone hasn't fully rolled out yet (obviously).

So thank you guys for your help. Verizon was completely understanding of my situation and need of switching to a blackberry for school and business purposes.