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Verizon Wireless Going Contract Free?

Discussion in 'Wireless News' started by Ddeere2, Sep 17, 2008.

  1. Ddeere2

    Ddeere2 Senior Member
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    While we've yet to see Verizon's promises of a new, open network realized yet, the Boy Genius Report indicates that more users may soon be able to avoid long term contracts. Citing an anonymous inside source, the website suggests that Verizon will be going contract-free starting September 21 (this Sunday), allowing users to avoid long-term obligations if they're willing to pay the full, unsubsidized price of a device. We were under the impression Verizon already offered this, and AT&T and Sprint already do -- so it appears Verizon is playing catch up if this change is a new thing. While the move may not be particularly original, it looks like it could be the opening salvo in Verizon's promised shift to allow any device onto the Verizon Wireless network.
    Verizon Wireless Contract Changes, September 21? - Beginning of the company's shift towards openness? - dslreports.com

    I'm taking this one with a big grain of salt. Like article says, don't they already offer plans without contracts?
     
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    #1 Ddeere2, Sep 17, 2008
  2. cheddar

    cheddar Senior Member
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    Isn't this already an option? I thought most companies allowed you to skip the contract if you paid full retail for the phone.
     
    #2 cheddar, Sep 17, 2008
  3. AnthroMatt

    AnthroMatt Big Meanie
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    I was not aware Sprint allowed this on anything other than their unadvertised plan that is 200 minutes for $30 (no mobile to mobile, no N&W, no nothing extra).

    I think Sprint considers all their "normal" rate plans to be promotional and therefore require a contract. Perhaps this has recently changed?
     
    #3 AnthroMatt, Sep 18, 2008
  4. Eric47

    Eric47 Bronze Senior Member
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    most company's offer this, but very few consumers take advantage of it.

    honestly i would rather have a contract and pay the subsidized price.

    you get 30 days to decide if the solution fits your needs, so generally speaking there is no need to be so hasty with phone purchases and breaking the bank just to skip the contract. particularly with declining ETF's these days.

    just my .02
     
    #4 Eric47, Sep 18, 2008
  5. kranium007

    kranium007 Bronze Senior Member
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    As its true each carrier gives you a period of time to make sure their service works, there are still a significant number of customers who refuse to sign long-term agreements. I see this every day in our stores. I like the idea. Its great for someone who needs service for less than a year, or just temporarily. Sure, they need to pay the full price of the phone, but we are also going to offer refurbs for a much lower price for those who choose a monthly to month plan.
     
    #5 kranium007, Sep 20, 2008
  6. Simon5282

    Simon5282 Senior Member
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    I never thought about that. I do know that some Nokia models can be bought brand new and at profit for around thirty US Dollars (after exchange rate is factored it) in developing countries. These phones are very simple, but tough little fellows. Referbs are a great way to get higher end phones in the hands of people for less money!

    With so many people feeling like they have been burned by the industry, I cannot see how the free market won't demand contract free plans and the carriers will have to offer them to attract customers. (Maybe even better, SIM plans similar to those in Europe where the plans are cheaper if you do not take a subsidized phone.) However with the FCC sticking its nose in the situation, it may only be short term.
     
    #6 Simon5282, Sep 22, 2008
  7. Ddeere2

    Ddeere2 Senior Member
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    Well I just saw that Verizon confirmed that its for new customers, they have the option of not opting for a contract. I would rather pay full price then get one of their phones. The UI imo is horrible and on some phones if i remember correctly, they lock some of the features out.


    Last week a leak surfaced suggesting that Verizon would soon be offering no contract wireless cellphone service. Today, Verizon has confirmed those rumors, by announcing they're offering no-contract plans to new customers who either bring a CDMA device with them, or buy one from Verizon at full, unsubsidized price. It's pretty clear that this is some preparatory re-arrangement of Verizon's offers ahead of their "open access" tier launch. Verizon's description of the new option from their press release:
    Verizon Wireless’ new Month-to-Month agreement gives customers the freedom to purchase new devices at full-retail price, or use their own CDMA devices without the commitment of a one- or two-year contract. Additionally customers can terminate their agreement at the end of any month without paying an Early Termination Fee.
    I was under the impression that Verizon already offered this, so I asked Verizon spokesperson Brenda Raney exactly what was different. "You are partly correct in that customers whose contracts have expired may continue their service on a month to month basis," she says. "What is different is customers may now come to us and select a Month-to-Month agreement in lieu of a contract."

    All of Verizon's service tiers are now available at the same price point as long-term contracts, without having to pay an ETF. This of course is particularly handy if you're bringing a compatible device over from another carrier. Of course if you want a new phone, the trade-off will be you'll be paying the full unsubsidized price for it.

    Verizon Ditches Contracts For New Customers - Moves things month to month ahead of 'open access' launch - dslreports.com
     
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    #7 Ddeere2, Sep 22, 2008
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