Offer from Verizon, opinions?

[Kate]

I currently have an unlimited plan with Verizon using a 3g mifi. $59.99 a month. My usual usage is somewhere between 10-15 gigs.

Today I got a call from them, offering me a new 4g modem ($50 with a $50 rebate) and a new plan, 20gb a month for the same cost. They said it is a bonus for longtime users, offered only to select customers.

I asked every question I could, it seems legit, I asked for and got an email verifying the offer. They stated this is not available to everyone (why am I so special?).

So here's my concern, will the 20gb be a blow through on the 4g? Another concern with my old plan, will they eventually just stop the 3g network?

What to do, what to do.

Kate

[DavidS]

They want you off your unlimited plan. As simple as that. You are using 10-15 GB/month already and that will probably just increase in the future.

I'm still on Unlimited Data from AT&T. I don't have a ton of usage b/c I'm on Wifi at home and have computer access at work. However, as long as they offer it to me, I'm not planning on giving it up.

[mattkime]

ask them about their 4g coverage map.

[rgG]

Since when did a cellphone company do something that was for YOUR benefit? As David said, they want you off the unlimited plan. If the 3G is fast enough for you, I would stay where I was for now.

[onthedownlow]

10GB-15GB is the same no matter what speed you use to get there.

How are you using your GB's per month? Music streaming? Movies? Will you suddenly watch more movies with 4G? Movies' lengths don't change with faster speed (perhaps shaves a few seconds off the initial loading, but that's it).

I'd say it's comparable, but yes they just want you off the Unlimited plan and I personally wouldn't do it. If the 3G speed is fine with you, I'd wait until the next offer...there very well may be an offer that will roll you over to 4G and keep you with unlimited data - this one isn't it though.

[Gareth]

onthedownlow wrote:
10GB-15GB is the same no matter what speed you use to get there.
...
Movies' lengths don't change with faster speed (perhaps shaves a few seconds off the initial loading, but that's it).

Except that with a faster connection, many services (i.e. Netflix) will automatically send you a higher quality version that will eat up more bandwidth. I've seen people go through a few GB's in a day on 4G streaming videos.

But you could always force 3G mode and only use 4G if you really need the speed for whatever reason. It's a tough call. 4G is REALLY, REALLY FAST compared to 3G, but unlimited is nice also... Chances are, you're better off on the old plan so you know exactly what your bill is every month. I assume the 4G plan would still have the $10/GB overage fee.

[space-time]

general question (but related to this topic)

once you are out of contract with any cell phone company, you can continue to go month-by-month and you can cancel or change plan any time you want. How about the phone company, what prevents them from saying "sorry, your plan is no longer available, change to something else or leave"?

[numbered]

Note that they are offering special data deals on LTE ("4g" ) phones, e.g. "twice the data". The LTE network is more efficient for them, and I am sure they would like to move all data to LTE as it becomes available. (This will allow them to move the EVDO "3g" spectrum to LTE.)

So, while I am usually the first to cover my wallet when a carrier offers to "help" me, it may not be a bad thing.

Two other items: I use the Novatel LTE Mifi, and it has been great. (I think it is better than the Samsung product. But make sure they offer you a Mifi, not just a USB modem. The Mifis are $19.) It falls to EVDO if LTE is not available. Also, for the motorhome set, it has an antenna port to allow an external antenna without funky wiring. You might find this useful in low coverage areas.....

[Zipher]

@Kate

Got a similar offer myself today. 20GB at $59.99 Extra $10/1GB for overages. Same deal but with a free device and a 2 year contract. Special promotion --Didn't know i was that special-- with only a limited time and a take it or leave it scenario. Was told by the Rep. that since my average use is at 18GB, It would be a wise Idea to switch. Got some scare tactics too -- "you're no longer under contract, so theres no telling what happens when you need a new device since its no longer sold by them or verizon makes changes"-- I have had the plan since 2006. I have also gone over 20GB sometimes so didn't seem such a great move, but they've got me playing a Wayne Brady game show here don't know what to do either. He says I have 14 days to switch back to my unlimited.

[Zipher]

A reason not to switch?

http://www.phonearena.com/news/The-real-...264/page/2