Phone in contract with alltel want to change phones

T

TydusArandor

New member
Hi, I'm Don and am new to the forum! I have gotten some great information about the merger but just wanted some clarification on something.

I have a phone that is still in contract with alltel but am intersted in moving to a blackberry plan for my wife and I.

Our alltel services are slated to be changed to verizon in July and I am wondering if it will be possible to change to verizon plan while getting discounted blackberries at that time or would I have to pay full price for the new phones before switching to a verizon plan.

I appreciate any help I can get :)
 
I am going to mix what I know, what I've read, and what I assume... so take it for what it's worth:

What I have read (also what I know):

I have seen documents from previous merged markets. They were offering a customer (if they had atleast one line eligble for upgrade) anywhere from an extra 30 - 50 bucks off the already discounted price to switch their Alltel phone to a VZW phone.

For business customers they were letting them choose from a selected group of blackberries/smartphones for free.

What I assume:

Becuase VZW rate plans are more expensive, they are going to want you to switch and extend your contract. So I assume even if you aren't eligable for upgrade you will still get the new activation price to go with VZW equipment/plans. (The doc I read didn't state anything about if a CM was not eligbale for upgrade).


That's all I know...
 
Hello Don,

I too was interested in making a switch to a VZW phone and e-mailed their customer service (as well as Alltel) regarding this. According to the rep that responded, they aren't affording anyone any additional discounts on any type of phones unless you are eligible for an upgrade and even then, you are only given the typical upgrade discount. Not only that, but you will also be required to upgrade your plan to a VZW plan and extend your contract. THEN, once you have upgraded your plan to one of the VZW plans, your current Alltel phones must be eligible to work on the new network. She stated this could be done by checking with an Alltel/Verizon store. If your current phones aren't stamped for this eligibility, then you would be required to purchase new VZW devices which are.

I personally will be switching from Alltel/Verizon as soon as possible. I understand that everyone keeps saying the coverage is the best and they have great phones, but I personally don't think that they have taken care of the current Alltel customers who have been loyal for years, at all. VZW is a great carrier, unfortunately their plans and devices are way over priced in my opinion. I will hopefully be switching to AT&T and getting an iPhone soon. :)

Ryan
 
Ryan,

I wouldn't jump ship yet if I were you...... this is all speculation until it actually happens.

You say they aren't taking care of Alltel customers? I disagree... In fact existing customers that stay on a cheaper Alltel rate plan, but need to add another device after the switch...... They will be able to have a VZW with the Alltel phones on the Alltel shared rate plan after the meger date.

Not to mention they are allowing customers to keep their Alltel phones and rate plans as long as they want to......

Just so you know.... verizon is the ONLY compnay to give loyal customers extra discounts that new customers don't get.....

So if you switch and want to upgrade down the road..... you the loyal customer will be paying more than a new customer on any other carrier. (I went into an ATT store with a buddy. He wanted the Bold and was told that he was eligable for the full discounted price of 399. He said "But it's 299 for new customers".... The rep said "I know..... that's how it goes".

I just laughed and said WOW!
 
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