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Family member getting a smart phone, how do I keep my unlimited data?

K

Kreeker

Newbie
I preordered my gsIII so I should be locked in for another 2 years with unlimited data. My dumb sister is getting a smart phone, and I'm worried that somehow my unlimited data is going to get thrown out when she buys her phone this week.

Her and my mom are oblivious, so I'm afraid that the person at Verizon is going to say you should switch your plan to the share everything plan because it's "cheaper". When in all reality I know it won't be in the end.

My first question is do you think it's going to be the person at Verizon's first reaction to suggest the share everything plan?

My second question is what are the actually plan options now? Can she add the line for $30 and get 2gb still?
 
Kreeker said:
I preordered my gsIII so I should be locked in for another 2 years with unlimited data. My dumb sister is getting a smart phone, and I'm worried that somehow my unlimited data is going to get thrown out when she buys her phone this week.

Her and my mom are oblivious, so I'm afraid that the person at Verizon is going to say you should switch your plan to the share everything plan because it's "cheaper". When in all reality I know it won't be in the end.

My first question is do you think it's going to be the person at Verizon's first reaction to suggest the share everything plan?

My second question is what are the actually plan options now? Can she add the line for $30 and get 2gb still?
Click to expand...

Can she add the single data plan? Yes, as long as it was already a family plan. But the Verizon rep will probably push the shared data if they feel that she is gullible or easy pray.
 
I am not sure, but I think if your sister gets a subsidized price on her new phone (which she probably will cuz she won't be willing to pay full price) then they have the right to automatically change the plan to a shared plan. I hope I am wrong about that, though.
 
For my own curiousity I asked a Corporate store CSR today what would happen If I canceled my S3 preorder to wait for another phone. Would i be able to buy a 2GB $30 plan for my line and keep my wife's unlimited data? he said no, but that means nothing because I did not try to pursue it with a manager. It does mean that whether or not you can or can't buy individual data plans or existing plans, you WILL be PRESSURED to switch.
 
Kreeker said:
I preordered my gsIII so I should be locked in for another 2 years with unlimited data. My dumb sister is getting a smart phone, and I'm worried that somehow my unlimited data is going to get thrown out when she buys her phone this week.

Her and my mom are oblivious, so I'm afraid that the person at Verizon is going to say you should switch your plan to the share everything plan because it's "cheaper". When in all reality I know it won't be in the end.

My first question is do you think it's going to be the person at Verizon's first reaction to suggest the share everything plan?

My second question is what are the actually plan options now? Can she add the line for $30 and get 2gb still?
Click to expand...

I would suggest inviting your mom to read the sticky about the new plans and explain how much data you use/plan to use and price compare the differences.
 
OP - perhaps you should sit down with your family members and explain the situation prior to them going in the store. I can guarantee you the CSRs will be pushing hard on the new plans. But if they are prepared for this, they will know what is the right thing for them.
 
whoever is the account holder is the one who can make those decisioins.

basically in example:

I am the account holder for my account
my sister, and her husband are on my account.
if they buy new phones verizon cannot change my plan because they buy new phones, as i have not authorized it. only when a change to the plan is made by me is when they can change it.

unless they have changed the rules then thats how it is
 
Doit2it said:
You are alright. Read the second paragraph. But I'd print that page and go with them just to be sure.
Share Everything
Click to expand...

Amazing. Thank you!

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Unfortunately, they are thick-headed and do not listen. They are under the impression that I am trying to push them towards something that is only good for me.. Also, my sister is for some reason an account manager, so I'm pretty sure she has full access.

I know she is going to be so eager to get the phone, that she is probably going to say yes to the first thing they mention...

I wonder if I can call and put a note on the account? Doubt it would do anything....
 
Kreeker said:
Amazing. Thank you!

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Unfortunately, they are thick-headed and do not listen. They are under the impression that I am trying to push them towards something that is only good for me.. Also, my sister is for some reason an account manager, so I'm pretty sure she has full access.

I know she is going to be so eager to get the phone, that she is probably going to say yes to the first thing they mention...

I wonder if I can call and put a note on the account? Doubt it would do anything....
Click to expand...

Your safest bet is to go with them when they go. If your unlimited data is important, make SURE you're there!

Best of luck,
 
It really upsets me how CSRs are either completely ignorant or bold faced liars about the ability to keep an existing plan.
 
Kreeker said:
Amazing. Thank you!

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Unfortunately, they are thick-headed and do not listen. They are under the impression that I am trying to push them towards something that is only good for me.. Also, my sister is for some reason an account manager, so I'm pretty sure she has full access.

I know she is going to be so eager to get the phone, that she is probably going to say yes to the first thing they mention...

I wonder if I can call and put a note on the account? Doubt it would do anything....
Click to expand...

Let us know how it goes.
 
you just upgraded correct? you should be locked into contract for 2 years. any change would be breach of contract.

im sure vzw could weasel around this but it shouldnt be a problem to stick her on a single 2gb plan while you keep your unlimited.
 
vr4 said:
you just upgraded correct? you should be locked into contract for 2 years. any change would be breach of contract.

im sure vzw could weasel around this but it shouldnt be a problem to stick her on a single 2gb plan while you keep your unlimited.
Click to expand...

Verizon has already stated that people are free to switch to the Share Everything plans irregardless of contract. Also since her sister (and mom I am assuming) are administrators on the account, if they agree to the switch, his line would be switched as well. That is what he is worried about, that the VZW person will talk them into the Share Everything plan. Its actually very likely to be honest, if all three have smartphones, the pricing of the SE plans can be competitive with the old plans.
 
Forgot about this thread.

I printed out that page, which has now been changed, and wrote "DO NOT WANT!" next to share everything and circled the $30/2gb plan and had my Mom bring it with her to Verizon.

My Mom said the person at Verizon got a kick out of it, and she was able to add my sister's iphone with no issues.

Thanks guys!
 
Glad to hear it worked out, LOL. Very creative way to ensure you kept your unlimited too, bravo! :D
 
Kreeker said:
I printed out that page, which has now been changed, and wrote "DO NOT WANT!" next to share everything and circled the $30/2gb plan and had my Mom bring it with her to Verizon.

My Mom said the person at Verizon got a kick out of it, and she was able to add my sister's iphone with no issues.
Click to expand...

Wow, I just talked to a customer service rep today who said that if anyone on my family plan gets a device upgrade, then everyone on the family plan will be forced to give up their unlimited data plan. I asked her this:

"What if the person who upgrades signs up for a stand-alone plan rather than the shared data plan? In that case, could I keep my unlimited data?"

The CSR said that no, that wouldn't work. She said that if the upgrading person signs up for a stand-alone data plan that everyone else on the family plan needs to sign up for a stand-alone plan under new pricing too. Ha, what a load of bull. The CSR was obviously mistaken based on your experience! I'm happy to read your posts.
 
My mom is the account holder and shes on my side, but, can my sister go upgrade on her own and ruin things for us, or does she need my mom approval?

I'm stressed out over this.
 
VZNUnlmtd4Life said:
My mom is the account holder and shes on my side, but, can my sister go upgrade on her own and ruin things for us, or does she need my mom approval?

I'm stressed out over this.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure that if your mom is the account holder then she'll need to approve any account changes.
 
VZNUnlmtd4Life said:
My mom is the account holder and shes on my side, but, can my sister go upgrade on her own and ruin things for us, or does she need my mom approval?

I'm stressed out over this.
Click to expand...


First off don't stress over the small things in life. Look at it this way if something does happen your unlimited plan it was going to happen sooner or later anyway. There is no way your keeping your phone on your parents plan for ever. Also Verizon could force everyone to one of the new plans at any time according to there TOS. Why stress over something that is going to happen anyway at some point.

With that said your sister would need some kinda authorization to make changes on the account.

Over the years I seen this come in the form of

Last 4 of the account holders social
A Password/Code
A Pin number

As long as your sister does not have access to any of the above she most likely can not make changes to the account. There is a small chance she might get a VZ rep who will do it with out the account authorization.

I recently left Verizon myself because they would tell me A. do B. then charge me for C. Seems like after they merged with Alltel they became a garbage company with very little morals. Watch the bill if she does upgrade her phone cause there is a small chance they will tell you no problem then try to change your plan anyway.
 
Cares said:
On top of that...your sister can upgrade and it won't affect your unlimited unless she changes your account plan to Share Everything.
Click to expand...

But won't Verizon say when she upgrades her phone at subsidized pricing she must pick one of the plans available now?

In order to keep your unlimited plan you must pay full retail for your phone, which if I remember, the sister wasn't willing to do.

Of course I could be way off base here, so someone correct me if I'm wrong. :smokingsomb:

Edit: Just saw this from AntimonyER in a different thread,

Regarding the unlimited loss of all account members if one upgrades their phone at subsidized price... The CSR was either mistaken, or lying. Only if the account manager specifically chooses to move the account to Share Everything will that occur. If a non-account manager comes in for an upgrade that has unlimited, their line will be bumped to 2GB, however the rest of the lines will not change.

So there you have it, got caught "off base" again. Thanks AntimonyER.
 
I just upgraded my phone to the Droid Razr Maxx at a Best Buy mobile. I was forced to change my plan to the 2gb/$30 plan. I swear on a bible that when I was going to order online a few days prior it gave me the unlimited data option to apply to the phone. So I'm thinking of returning it & ordering online.

Sound pointless?
 
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