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Verizon Ends Smartphone Subsidies

Posted by Soulskill on from the times-they-are-a-changin' dept.

JoeyRox writes: Verizon has discontinued service plans that include subsidies for upgrading a smartphone. The new plans require customers to pay full price for their smartphones, either up front with a single one-time purchase, or by monthly payments. Unlike their previous subsidized plans, Verizon's new plans don't require a long-term commitment. Under the new plan, Verizon will charge flat fees for connected devices: $20 for smartphones and $10 for tablets. Subscribers will be able to pick from four data monthly packages to go with their devices: 1GB for $30, 3GB for $45, 6GB for $60, and 12GB for $80. The changes go into effect on August 13th. Existing subscribers will get to keep their current plans

2 of 155 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Current plan by clonehappy · · Score: 3, Informative

    You must be the idiot.

    All modern Verizon LTE smartphones (2011+ or so) have been fully compatible with GSM/UMTS networks for years now. And yes, they're completely unlocked and can be used on any carrier worldwide. You are aware that LTE is a GSM-based standard, aren't you? And that Verizon uses SIM cards even for authentication to their CDMA network, right? And that Verizon phones are some of the MOST compatible phones on the market since they can be used on any GSM carrier for at least HSPA level connectivity AND Verizon, too? And that a modern Verizon LTE smartphone s fully compatible with the majority of T-Mobile's LTE service and can work fully on their network in most areas?

    And even that you were paying "full price" for the phone even way back when Verizon was strictly an IS-95 CDMA network. It was baked into the cost of the service and was enforced through the 2-year contract. You did know that as well, didn't you?

  2. Re:Current plan by clonehappy · · Score: 2, Informative

    Every Verizon SMARTPHONE (did you even read the TITLE of the post?) being sold today has a SIM slot.

    And no one ever said buying outright would historically (it will now) lead to a lower monthly bill. I said that you were always paying full price for the phone whether you were stupid enough to do it outright or take the subsidy which is what anyone with half a brain always did.