We’ve all heard about T-Mobile’s new UNcarrier stance and all the good things it offers. We’ve also heard in recent weeks that both Verizon and AT&T could go to the no subsidy approach if T-Mobile can make it work. Well today, Verizon is going in the wrong direction.
Starting today, Verizon has changed their upgrade program. Instead of upgrading after 20 months, you’ll have to wait another 4 months until you’ve had that phone for 24 months. By they way, who sticks with the same phone for 24 months? Verizon states that the first customers that will be impacted by this will be those that have a contract that expires in January 2014. Verizon also reminds you that you can pay full price for a new phone anytime.
Most of you, Verizon customers, know that the New Every Two program ended in January 2011. Verizon has continued to allow their customers to utilize these expired credits. As of April 15th, customers will no longer be able too. The good thing with all of this, customers are still able to share an upgrade with another person on their account.
So as T-Mobile is dropping contracts and letting you upgrade virtually anytime, Verizon is beefing up their contracts and making you wait them out to get that shiny new Galaxy S4 for $200 instead of $550. T-Mobile will let you put $99 down and pay off your phone every month, and when you want to upgrade, just trade in your phone for a credit towards your new one. So if T-Mobile is the UNcarrier, is Verizon the CARRIER. Yes Carrier in all caps!
For all you Verizon customers, how do you feel about not being able to upgrade until you’ve had your phone for 24 months? Is that enough to make you leave Verizon and jump ship to Sprint, AT&T or even T-Mobile? Let us know in the comments down below.