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Caution if you're grandfathered and getting the Opt. Elite

S

sirrx7

Member
I've been reading in a few forums that people are under the impression that if you upgrade to the Optimus Elite you can keep your grandfathered plan because you're upgrading before the 27th of may. That information is FALSE.

Direct from VMUSA's FAQ...

What are the new device upgrade rules?

Starting May 27, 2012, if you are using the $25, $40, or $60 Beyond Talk plan and you upgrade to a Beyond Talk Smartphone launched after May 1, 2012*, you will need to switch to the $35, $45, or $55 Beyond Talk plan. When you switch plans, you will need to pay for your new plan and you will lose any minutes, messages, and money in your balance. This will also change your monthly payment date. So if you are considering upgrading to a new smartphone, we recommend that you wait until right before your next monthly payment date to activate.

*The following smartphones launched before May 1, 2012 and are therefore not subject to the new device upgrade rules at this time: VentureTM, LG
 
The elitecan b grandfathered as long as it on ur account by May 26 at the latest. This is per virgin mobile. The new rates are starting may 27 which is y the evo v not out til May 31. Not even preorders
 
No. If the phone was debuted after May 1st, It cannot be grandfathered.

I am an authorized dealer.
I am the manager of a store and I just called my customer service line.
They said you will have to upgrade to their current rates.
Only phones prior to May 1st can be grandfathered.

After the 27th I believe even older handsets will be subject to the new rates.
 
firewill81 said:
This is per virgin mobile.
Click to expand...

Please provide a link to a something on the VM USA website that specifically supports your view. I can't find anything that specifically mentions that the LG Optimus Elite is exempt. What I can find contradicts what you are claiming.

Building on what sirrx7 posted, see the FAQ page on the VM USA website - Learn about new Beyond Talk device upgrade rules. This FAQ page doesn't support your view; the FAQ page doesn't mention any exceptions.

The FAQ page says "Who will be affected by the new device upgrade rules? Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk customers who are on the $25, $40, or $60 Beyond Talk plans as of May 27, 2012 and who upgrade to a Virgin Mobile smartphone launched after May 1, 2012."

To me that means that if you go out today and buy any "new" phone introduced after May 01, including the Optimus Elite, you will only get the old, grandfathered rates for one more bill cycle (or less). Either on May 27th or at your next regular bill date after May 27th (I'm not sure which) you will be forced into the "current" rates.

VM USA isn't being crystal clear about every possible if this/then that situation, so I'd recommend that everyone proceed with caution.
 
septembersrain said:
After the 27th I believe even older handsets will be subject to the new rates.
Click to expand...

Per the FAQ page I've linked to above, you will NOT have to change rate plans unless you upgrade to one of the "new" phones.

Quoting from the page:

"What if lose my smartphone after May 27, 2012 and I have to replace it? As long as you
 
Here is the Facebook info from the rep
 

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firewill81 said:
Here is the Facebook info from the rep
Click to expand...

Thank you for posting that.

I acknowledge what the VM rep said, but don't trust it. If I had a facebook account, I would go in and ask why the information he's giving contradicts the published information on the VM USA website. That inconsistency bothers me. Buyer beware, etc. etc.

It would be great if the rep is right, though.
 
firewill81 said:
with so many mixed things best thing to do is call vm themselves to see whats going on. it dont matter to me as i am awaiting the evo v 4g
Click to expand...

I wish I had the time (and desire) to call VM ten times, ask the same question each time and note the answers. I bet you that I wouldn't get the same answer twice.
 
I have a direct line to VM since I'm working for an authorized dealer.

I will call regarding one change I'm unsure of.

I know for sure if you buy the Elite you won't be grandfathered in to the older plans. What I'm unsure of is if you buy an older model handset will it require you upgrade your plan after May 27th? What is the significance of May 27th if all new handsets after May 1st require the switch in plans? Also if you buy the Elite, you won't have to change your plan until your next billing date?

I'll call today. I'll possibly even E-mail my regional rep.
 
septembersrain said:
I have a direct line to VM since I'm working for an authorized dealer.

I will call regarding one change I'm unsure of.

I know for sure if you buy the Elite you won't be grandfathered in to the older plans. What I'm unsure of is if you buy an older model handset will it require you upgrade your plan after May 27th? What is the significance of May 27th if all new handsets after May 1st require the switch in plans? Also if you buy the Elite, you won't have to change your plan until your next billing date?

I'll call today. I'll possibly even E-mail my regional rep.
Click to expand...

Awesome , thank you. The wording on their FAQ is a bit suspect. I can see how the confusion is out there.
I'm honestly still confused on the whole 27th deal. My wife pointed out and stressed that it says STARTING the 27th therefore, anything mentioned after that line should not pertain to anyone that buys and activates the elite BEFORE the 27th. She points out their use of AND as opposed to OR. Both stipulations don't pertain to anyone buying before the 27th therefore they're exempt from that rule. I bought one for her but we're waiting for clarification from VMUSA before activating.

Also as for the other models... I take it to mean that the older models won't force a loss of grandfathered plans even after the 27th.... for now.
 
I took a gander on the Optimus Elite forum and people are reporting that they still have their grandfathered $25 plan. Someone even switched to $35/month thinking that they had to do it anyway, found out that you can keep your $25 plan, called VM and they switched it back to $25!

Edit: I guess you have to swap it by the 20th of this month.
 
Virgin mobile has lied abuot that i bought a lg optimus elite on the 26 of may a week after and i still have my 25$ a month plan. Did not have to ask for a new plan. Cuase when i bought it at best buy !!!!""the receipt said prepaid phone only" "no plan""!!!!!!. So i guess if u dont want to loose ur grandfathered plan is to buy your phone at best buy. And make it says !!!!phone only no plan i just wanted to put this out there.
 
So jealous of you guys that were able to do this. I'm a few months late but would love to get my hands on an Elite with the $25 plan attached.

If anyone wants to sell, let me know! I'm gonna ask around.
 
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