• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Thunderbolt One Year Contract

Ibrick said:
Im definately doing the one year if I can. I was thinking of waiting for the Bionic, but I'll just go with the TB and hopefully HTC will have the Qualcomm MSM8960 in something by then. 1.5GHz dual core and integrated 3G/LTE.. It's gotta find its way into a VZW phone sometime.

Figure about a year should put me at a good spot for dual core tech.
Click to expand...

I think you mean either the MSM8660 or the QSD8672 ? Both are 3rd gen Scorpion dual cores, first at 1.2 GHz, the latter at 1.5 GHz... both w/ the Adreno 220 GPU. One or both will likely show up in a device(s) late this year.

The MSM8960 is 4th gen Krait dual core w/ Adreno 225. Sampling from Qualcomm hasn't even gone out yet, and likely not to hit a device until spring or summer 2012.

EDIT: Nevermind :) I see your timeframe regarding a 1 year contract.
 
Here is a thought: what if Verizon is allowing people to purchase this phone on a 1 year contract with unlimited LTE so that they can, in the future, eliminate the 1 year contract and any phone you would want to buy in 10 months would not be allowed to go onto a 1 year contract? That would force you into a 2 year deal at that point AND it would constitute a change in contract and you would then be subject to tiered data pricing... hmmmm......
 
I just spoke to a verizon store close to where I live in the northern Cincinnati suburbs and they confirmed that the phone will be $249.99 with a $50 mail in rebate, and they WILL be offering the 1 year option on it (he said roughly $70 additional for this option as we predicted it would be).
 
rdubbs007 said:
I just spoke to a verizon store close to where I live in the northern Cincinnati suburbs and they confirmed that the phone will be $249.99 with a $50 mail in rebate, and they WILL be offering the 1 year option on it (he said roughly $70 additional for this option as we predicted it would be).
Click to expand...


Not to be a douche, but you're wrong. I work for a Verizon Premium Retailer, I have access to a lot of stuff....including the rebate forms that take affect 3/17/11 and guess what's not on there? The Thunderbolt. The phone is over $199, therefore, there is no mail-in-rebate. I will say, however, that the new Samsung MiFi 4G LTE device is on there, so hopefully that means its hitting us soon! That thing is going to make us sales reps BANK!

Anyways, my company has not confirmed/denied whether we will be doing a 1 year contract option for Thunderbolts, not that Verizon Corp won't be, just that the franchise that I am a part of may not be doing it. I hope we do...as I have special benefits at my company that allow me to earn "money" that I can spend on stuff only from the franchise itself, and they would allow me to purchase the phone on a CONTRACT and use that "money" to pay for it... so I'd only be out the monthly expenses and not the up front! Either way, I don't mind too much if its a 1 or 2 year, the phone will virtually be free for me, I would just be paying monthly for longer if I couldn't do a 1 year.

If I hear more regarding the contract options before someone else posts about it, I will gladly post it here for you all. Good luck tomorrow!
 
I haven't commented in a while. But I was told $320 as well for a one year contract. But they were not sure if they could apply my company discount which usually $30 more ($280) than the 2 year contract price for one year. But I'm sure everyone will find out tomorrow. I just wished they did pre-orders online to make things easier.
 
rdubbs007 said:
Here is a thought: what if Verizon is allowing people to purchase this phone on a 1 year contract with unlimited LTE so that they can, in the future, eliminate the 1 year contract and any phone you would want to buy in 10 months would not be allowed to go onto a 1 year contract? That would force you into a 2 year deal at that point AND it would constitute a change in contract and you would then be subject to tiered data pricing... hmmmm......
Click to expand...

This is my concern. I was all set, in theory at least, to go with a one-year contract. But what happens at the end of the contract? Will tiered pricing be forced upon when you sign your next contract? I don't know if that's a gamble I want to take. I might just get the two-year contract. Some clarification would certainly be helpful. I know someone painted a picture that tiered plans might actually be a money saver for some over the $30 unlimited plan, but again, knowing you won't be paying more than $30 for two years sounds kinda nice.
 
All excellent points. Weighing the current information, I think the 1 year contract sounds better. Here's my reasoning:

In the next 1 year to 20 months, clearly the devices available will be much better than the current devices. You'll have the option of buying a new device at that time, or waiting 14 months while off contract, or waiting 16 months while off contract, etc... and while you're off contract, you'll still get to keep your current plan (i.e. the unlimited 4G). I'm off contract now for the past 2 months, and my plan is the same.

With the 2 year, you'll be waiting at least 20 months to upgrade.
 
DoctorPDA said:
All excellent points. Weighing the current information, I think the 1 year contract sounds better. Here's my reasoning:

In the next 1 year to 20 months, clearly the devices available will be much better than the current devices. You'll have the option of buying a new device at that time, or waiting 14 months while off contract, or waiting 16 months while off contract, etc... and while you're off contract, you'll still get to keep your current plan (i.e. the unlimited 4G). I'm off contract now for the past 2 months, and my plan is the same.

With the 2 year, you'll be waiting at least 20 months to upgrade.
Click to expand...

Sorry this is still a bit confusing to me but you seem to have it down--

so with a one yr, i would be eligible for an upgrade between 12-20 months?

and if i was in a 2yr it'd have to be 20+ months?

seems like one yr might be worth the money, everyone knows a better phone is going to be out by the end of the year-- still debating with the 2yr tho because im pretty much stickin wit verizon no matter what--
 
Chrizzl3 said:
Sorry this is still a bit confusing to me but you seem to have it down--

so with a one yr, i would be eligible for an upgrade between 12-20 months?

and if i was in a 2yr it'd have to be 20+ months?

seems like one yr might be worth the money, everyone knows a better phone is going to be out by the end of the year-- still debating with the 2yr tho because im pretty much stickin wit verizon no matter what--
Click to expand...

with a 1 year you are eligible for an upgrade after 10 months.

with a 2 year you are eligible after 20 months.
 
What are most of you going to do? Should be a pretty solid phone but 20+ months seems so long after having my dumbphone for 3 yrs
 
rdubbs007 said:
Here is a thought: what if Verizon is allowing people to purchase this phone on a 1 year contract with unlimited LTE so that they can, in the future, eliminate the 1 year contract and any phone you would want to buy in 10 months would not be allowed to go onto a 1 year contract? That would force you into a 2 year deal at that point AND it would constitute a change in contract and you would then be subject to tiered data pricing... hmmmm......
Click to expand...

Just bite the bullet and buy your next/new phone off-contract, retain your same contract/account with unlimited LTE data. The monthly savings then pays for your new hardware over time, so it all evens out.

This idea assumes the tier you desire will be a higher monthly amount than currently.
 
rigor said:
Just bite the bullet and buy your next/new phone off-contract, retain your same contract/account with unlimited LTE data. The monthly savings then pays for your new hardware over time, so it all evens out.
Click to expand...

makes sense-- just to clarify, you're saying get on the TB 2 yr contract and in a year if/when i want to upgrade just buy a new phone for retail price?
 
Chrizzl3 said:
makes sense-- just to clarify, you're saying get on the TB 2 yr contract and in a year if/when i want to upgrade just buy a new phone for retail price?
Click to expand...

No no. I LOVE the 1 year (10 months) contracts. $70 more upfront, but if you sell your phone in 10-12 months, you can get ALL your money back (including tax you paid), sometimes more money than you spent for the phone. So you essentially just had a phone for "free" for 10-12 months. Now take that money, and do it all over again with the latest and greatest phone. Can't be beat. The 2 year agreements really mess you over, cause your handset is not worth much 20-24 months later.

EDIT: Sorry, just realized I explained my 1 year pricing outline I use. We were talking about how they may make you enter into tiered pricing upon next phone discount. In either case then, whether you do a 1 or 2 year now, you can always just leave your plan alone and buy your phones outright in the future. This should work, unless VZW does something scammy and denies your new device you purchased on your own or off contract to work with your older unlimited LTE data plan.
 
rigor said:
No no. I LOVE the 1 year (10 months) contracts. $70 more upfront, but if you sell your phone in 10-12 months, you can get ALL your money back (including tax you paid), sometimes more money than you spent for the phone. So you essentially just had a phone for "free" for 10-12 months. Now take that money, and do it all over again with the latest and greatest phone. Can't be beat. The 2 year agreements really mess you over, cause your handset is not worth much 20-24 months later.

EDIT: Sorry, just realized I explained my 1 year pricing outline I use. We were talking about how they may make you enter into tiered pricing upon next phone discount. In either case then, whether you do a 1 or 2 year now, you can always just leave your plan alone and buy your phones outright in the future. This should work, unless VZW does something scammy and denies your new device you purchased on your own or off contract to work with your older unlimited LTE data plan.
Click to expand...

Sorry in advance if i sound stupid but im getting confused!--

So when you say sell the phone back, do you mean ebay or something? or will verizon buy it back--?

Kind of getting overwhelmed might just go with the 2yr.. seems the easiest haha.

one-yr sounds great but i feel there are going to be some catches with thr 4g data when it catches up.---

no idea what to do now!
 
rigor said:
Just bite the bullet and buy your next/new phone off-contract, retain your same contract/account with unlimited LTE data. The monthly savings then pays for your new hardware over time, so it all evens out.

This idea assumes the tier you desire will be a higher monthly amount than currently.
Click to expand...
This might jack up that plan.

Verizon LTE data pricing docs leaked

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 16, 2011 by Jerry Hildenbrand


An anonymous tipster has sent us s few screenshots of


An anonymous tipster has sent us s few screenshots of Verizon's LTE data pricing quick reference guide for indirect sales. Besides taking a shot or two at the competition (did anyone not expect that one?), and confirming what we've already heard about the pricing, there are a few juicy details here.
  • The $20/2 GB plan will not be available for LTE phones
  • The free MHS (mobile hotspot) lasts only until May 15, regardless of when you sign up
  • Soon after the MHS promotion ends, an OTA update is scheduled to allow customers to pay for tethering for a monthly fee (details and pricing to be determined)
  • 3G and LTE smartphones will have a data only plan if you buy off-contract. It's $49.99/5 GB (with a $10 per GB overage), and you'll have to sign up for a voice and data plan on a month-to-month agreement, then call Verizon Customer Service to get changed to this plan.
  • The MyVerizon Mobile app is getting updated to track LTE data usage
 
odiej34 said:
This might jack up that plan.

Verizon LTE data pricing docs leaked

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 16, 2011 by Jerry Hildenbrand


An anonymous tipster has sent us s few screenshots of


An anonymous tipster has sent us s few screenshots of Verizon's LTE data pricing quick reference guide for indirect sales. Besides taking a shot or two at the competition (did anyone not expect that one?), and confirming what we've already heard about the pricing, there are a few juicy details here.
  • The $20/2 GB plan will not be available for LTE phones
  • The free MHS (mobile hotspot) lasts only until May 15, regardless of when you sign up
  • Soon after the MHS promotion ends, an OTA update is scheduled to allow customers to pay for tethering for a monthly fee (details and pricing to be determined)
  • 3G and LTE smartphones will have a data only plan if you buy off-contract. It's $49.99/5 GB (with a $10 per GB overage), and you'll have to sign up for a voice and data plan on a month-to-month agreement, then call Verizon Customer Service to get changed to this plan.
  • The MyVerizon Mobile app is getting updated to track LTE data usage
Click to expand...

Thx for this--- 2yr it is I think. I think either way VZW is going to get the money from us somehow... i can see it coming now-- "VZ is changing their data plans! no way WTH! ok i guess..." no choice for the best network
 
Chrizzl3 said:
Sorry in advance if i sound stupid but im getting confused!--

So when you say sell the phone back, do you mean ebay or something? or will verizon buy it back--?

Kind of getting overwhelmed might just go with the 2yr.. seems the easiest haha.

one-yr sounds great but i feel there are going to be some catches with thr 4g data when it catches up.---

no idea what to do now!
Click to expand...

Sorry, didn't come out as clear as I wanted it to. Yes, I meant you'd need to sell your phone on your own to gain max value for it back. eBay is where the sales are highest.
 
rigor said:
Sorry, didn't come out as clear as I wanted it to. Yes, I meant you'd need to sell your phone on your own to gain max value for it back. eBay is where the sales are highest.
Click to expand...

What do you think about that new post and the data plan. maybe after the on yr you have to do month/month data plans that are monre expensive? the $$ comin from somewhere? im trying to keep it simple also but its not! haha just excited for the phone
 
odiej34 said:
This might jack up that plan.
Click to expand...

Sorry, but what am I not seeing here ? If I get a TBolt tomorrow on a 1 or 2 year agreement, and then I purchase my NEXT future phone outright a year or two from now, and leave my plan the same, I should just be able to go to my account and punch in my new phone's ESN, w/o altering my plan, or even calling VZW about any of it.

Sorry if I'm missing it... didn't get a lot of sleep last night after working.
 
Chrizzl3 said:
What do you think about that new post and the data plan. maybe after the on yr you have to do month/month data plans that are monre expensive? the $$ comin from somewhere? im trying to keep it simple also but its not! haha just excited for the phone
Click to expand...

I can only speak for the past, but once you go out of contract, you can just chill and continue using the same plan. It would only alter if you went and got a new handset at a discounted rate, or if VZW eventually forced an old plan out of their system (which does usually happen eventually). I've heard of folks over the years retaining their same old plans because they were so good/cheap.
 
odiej34 said:
This might jack up that plan.

Verizon LTE data pricing docs leaked

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 16, 2011 by Jerry Hildenbrand


An anonymous tipster has sent us s few screenshots of


An anonymous tipster has sent us s few screenshots of Verizon's LTE data pricing quick reference guide for indirect sales. Besides taking a shot or two at the competition (did anyone not expect that one?), and confirming what we've already heard about the pricing, there are a few juicy details here.
  • The $20/2 GB plan will not be available for LTE phones
  • The free MHS (mobile hotspot) lasts only until May 15, regardless of when you sign up
  • Soon after the MHS promotion ends, an OTA update is scheduled to allow customers to pay for tethering for a monthly fee (details and pricing to be determined)
  • 3G and LTE smartphones will have a data only plan if you buy off-contract. It's $49.99/5 GB (with a $10 per GB overage), and you'll have to sign up for a voice and data plan on a month-to-month agreement, then call Verizon Customer Service to get changed to this plan.
  • The MyVerizon Mobile app is getting updated to track LTE data usage
Click to expand...

I think this would apply only if you do not have service with vzw.
I would bet that if you bought a new device later on off contract and activate it yourself it would not change your plan. Im still going the one year route. I will sale my tv when I get bored for probably as much as I gave for it and use the money for a new phone probably off contract though.
 
"Chrizzl3": I've had my Windows Mobile 6 phone for > 2 years now and since then, the initial iPhone had just recently come out, and the first Android phone came out 1 year later, and look what's out now! Talk about the change in technology in just 2 years! If Verizon offers the 1 year contract, I would get it, just for this reason! It makes upgrading your phone a lot easier (upgrading at the earliest by 10 months as stated above by "GFA") and getting a new phone at a subsidized price.

If you sign a 2 year contract, and you want to upgrade to a new phone before 20 months, you'll have to pay full price for the phone (which could be $600 or more!!). (Actually, not something you'd want to do, but if you had a 2-year contract, you could get a new phone at a subsidized price at 1 year, but you'd have to cancel your contract and pay the $230 early termination fee at 1 year, then pay $250 or so for the phone, which will still come out to about $500, so this is not worth it).

What some have asked above is whether your Unlimited LTE data plan for $30/month will still be available after your 1 year contract is over. Verizon hasn't announced anything about this yet, but I suspect if you sign a 1 year contract, you should be "grandfathered" into your Unlimited LTE $30/month plan until you upgrade to a new phone. Technically if you signed a 2 year contract, you should be locked into a 2 year Unlimited LTE plan for $30/month. We don't even know if Verizon will definitively have "tiered" LTE plans in the future, and if so, what they will look like. I really hope that it will not be like the current "tiered" ATT plans for the iPhone 4 (i.e. 2 GB for $25/month; or 200 MB for $15/month).....

"Rigor" is describing a keen way of making money; but, you don't have to do that. If you had a 1-year contract and you wanted to upgrade after 10 months, I'm sure you could sell the phone on eBay for a decent amount. Then, you could buy a new phone at a subsidized price because you're eligible for an upgrade.

EDIT: I posted my message just before that AndroidCentral leaked document on LTE pricing was posted here. Anyway, the document talks about what an LTE plan would be off contract, but that doesn't apply if you buy the Thunderbolt now. I don't think we know what will happen 1 year from now with LTE data plans! I agree with digdug1 above- I'm going for the 1 year contract!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom