I don't think VM/Sprint has any intention of dropping the prepaid line (specifically the Beyond Talk Line).
But, due to the fact that it IS prepaid (without a contract), the carrier can change terms and conditions of any plan at any time.
Based off experience with VM in the past (especially with the BroadBand2Go usb device), I've seen terms of service change.....whamo....new TOS, new caps, and new rates.
Worse case scenerio that I see (again based on their whim of changes), I predict......
(1) The $25 beyond talk plan will remain @ $25 BUT "unlimited data" goes away. More like a limit of 2 or 5gb per month (this will keep legit users in-line, and get rid of all the data hogs....maybe).
(2) The plan will increase to from 25 to 35 (just as the broadband2go increased from 40 to 50 with 2.5/5gb limits).
Who knows what Sprint and VM are thinking. Enjoy it while it lasts!
UNLIMITED is becoming a thing of the past. Verizon (a long time "unlimited for 29.99) is changing this July to usage based pricing)...Only a matter of time til Sprint hops on the bandwidth wagon!
As for the dropped VM/Sprint phones in some stores... I can see that happening. Some made it seem like it was this huge widespread issue, so of course I want to be sure I won't wake up in the morning to find VM/Sprint gone in my area. Being a single mom with two teens, it would really piss me off after spending all this money on phones. Better to be safe and ask for official info rather than going off half cocked due to rumors and speculation.