yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] madsquabbles:
i'd say the consideration would have to be if at&t starts to offer better service/price (like that'll ever happen soon, lol). but it gives us that choice if we want to switch, drop service, or do a TOL with someone and sell our account. not to mention that a 2yr contract with only 2GB limit would cost me $720 extra!

can you tell me how it would be better to pay $200 (phone upgrade) plus $720 to get less service? granted that it's is with unlimited talk and text, but data is far more important for me than talk time.

isn't it weird that when you lock yourself into a new contract they charge a activation fee, but if i buy a phone full price from anyone, including from verizon, and activate it there's no activation charge... maybe i should shut the hell up about that before they start doing it:eek:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] prem1er:
The posts regarding keeping unlimited data by switching with a non-smartphone upgrade worked like a charm for me.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] rushless:
It will take At&t being more competitive with coverage and taking share from Verizon before Verizon gets out of "milk the customer" mode with device options and storage sizes.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] D Stave:
Lost my unlimited data, but I don't think it will be a problem for me. I have wifi at my apartment and every building on campus. I think I can make due.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] radpp16:
loving it

I have timewarner 3Mb roadrunner. I pay $50 / month for this. Once I get wifi tether working on vzw s4, they r done. I use my unlimited data to its full potential. 50+ GB / month. I will never let this plan go. People are selling them on ebay. Nuts.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Cilraaz:
Frankly, I'd like Verizon to go to something like T-Mobile's new setup (even though they won't because they are greedy). T-Mobile technically doesn't subsidize phones anymore. As such, they've lowered their plan costs, including unlimited data. They then offer phones, like the S4, for the standard $200 price, but add a $20 surcharge per month until full retail is paid. Once the phone is paid off, your bill goes back to "normal" pricing. With the way Verizon works now, you essentially pay the extra plan fees (baked in based on the phone subsidy), but you pay them for life, even after the phone has long since been "paid off".
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] madsquabbles:
native tether's been working for a while and the application wifi tether definitely works on synergy rom. i haven't seen any other roms that it's currently working with, though.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] MrKleen1:
Unlimited data is the only way to go with an S4. Since buying two S4's on Verizon my son has used 24 gig of data and I've used 15 gig.

On one of their other stupid plans this would have cost a fortune. I have 5 phones on unlimited data and only pay $10 each line for unlimited. I receive a $20 discount per line to get this price. I checked and even if I went to only a 2 gig share plan it would cost more per month than I pay for unlimited.

I will pay full retail for my phones all day long to keep what I have. I feel bad for those that got tricked into the share plans only for the illusion of saving a couple hundred subsidizing a phone.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] radpp16:
I dont know if its just me but cleanrom 1.3 native mobile hotspot and tethering widget mod doesnt give me the throughput I used to get.

was on a vzw galaxy s3 root with wifi tether trevemod synergized and always got 1080p on my vizio netflix tv.

Using the s4 native mobile hotspot it jumps from sd to 720p quality to sometimes 1080p. Same movie.

waiting for a couple more synergy updates before flashing.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] bigee1212:
Hey MrKleen1,

It sounds like you have the talk n text discount on every line where you have unlimited data for 10 bucks a month? I have that as well on 4 lines as well as a 12% employee discount. Our service is so cheap, but the last 3 phones we bought were iphone 4s, and two galaxy s3's which were the last phones you could buy before they got rid of unlimited data with an upgrade. So I have that pricing and I wanted to know if you bought off contract phones and nothing happened with the pricing? If you don't mind me asking, how much do you think its worth paying for an off contract phone to keep that pricing because the gs4 is pricey as hell off contract. Thanks.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Vampyre111:
I looked on eBay for the unlimited data plan(grandfathered) that people are selling. Frankly it all sounds too good to be true. Does anyone know if they are legit or what the catch is? My current plan was/is compatible with the unlimited data plan. I might be interested in taking them up on their offer if it's not a scam.

Thanks in advance
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] hotleadsingerguy:
I didn't say I was doing it...I was saying it's possible. The benefit is not being tied to a carrier by contract.

I pay full price so I don't have to be on contract...but keeping my unlimited data is a huge perk too. If, at some point in the future, Verizon decides they want to change something about their business model I can cancel without paying a dime.

Plus, the money is borderline irrelevant...when I buy a new phone I sell the old one for close to what I paid for it, so I'm barely losing anything at all to almost always have the latest phones and unlimited data.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] nicotheandroidguy:
I loved Verizon until share everything and locked bootloaders happened so as I told a cs rep tell corperate they need to focus on consumers more and devs then I said f u I'm moving to sprint and I did and I love my S4 especialy the unlocked bootloader out of the box.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] pcsperson:
When do you guys think the cost of the data will go down? At one point Voice Minutes used to cost a lot of money, now most carriers give you a larger bucket of anytime minutes that you can use in a month or the minutes are unlimited.

Send from a Galaxy Note 2
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] InfamousChicken:
Well, I'm on a family plan, and we have another plan that should be cancelled later in the month, so that way when that plan cancels, the phone left over in that one will come onto our family one. So I have no room in the plan I don't think I could do it then ):
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] mssam:
you know what really irritates me with verizon, when they started this whole unlimited thing, i had a blackberry. At the most, is was using a 1/4 of a gig, but paying $30 for the data plan. At that time, I was asking for a tiered plan. I felt/voiced that the pricing was too high for someone who was only sending emails (which was about all you could do with a blackberry), but NO! YOU'RE GETTING UNLIMITED DATA was what I was told. Then, I got a phone that I was able to use "unlimited data" on, and all of a sudden, "oh, we're going to move to the shared plan." There's no doubt that what at&t was going through with their bog-downs because of iPhones; verizon took notice. Verizon has been making money hand-over-fist for a long time with their data racket scheme. If you have unlimited data, use it to the fullest imo...
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] ryan1977:
I agree with you there. I got pulled off unlimited data when I upgraded and im seriously considering switching carriers. I keep getting these annoying text messages from verizon about how much data ive used. And when I bought the s4 and got switched to the tiered data plan the sslesman didnt tell me that all the data id used on my unlimited plan since the beginning of the months billing cycle would go towards my new tiered plan for the billing cycle; so the day after I got the s4 I was already over my 2gbs by 2.29gbs. Anymore verizon=money hungry, unappreciative scam artists, in my opinion!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] denpad2010:
Verizon policy sucks, but I love the 4g unlimited data, that's only reason why I'm still with Verizon. But if they find the way or simply remove the unlimited data on my account I won't think twice and will say goodbye
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] citronbull:
If Sprint service was as good as Verizon, I'd switch. They're not there yet, maybe someday.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] hotleadsingerguy:
Ya I'm with you on this one. If they find a way to thieve away my unlimited plan I'll be jumping back to AT&T that day. I was on AT&T for 10+ years and get a massive discount (my father has worked there for 42 years -- my plan with unlimited everything was like $40 a month), but I chose to go with Verizon because they got the Galaxy Nexus and had an LTE network that was up and running (and they get service in a few places where AT&T does not that I travel to frequently).

If they remove my unlimited data, I'll deal with the occasional dead spot...because their 3G speeds are 10x the 3G speeds on Verizon and now they have an actually respectable LTE network up and running in metropolitan areas.

If they'd fix the deadspots over my church, Cleats (wing place down the street where my friends and I frequent), and Paninis (bar down the street a few of us frequent), I'd be the happiest person in the world.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] denpad2010:
I wish tmobile had better coverage in my area, really I like their unleash policy

So no more contract and unlimited data :D
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] jmorisey:
I really can't bad mouth verizon, they have been great to me. The service and customer service, both, rival any competition in my area. I was able to keep my unlimited plan and get the S4 on subsidized pricing, but wasn't happy with the hoops and bounds I had to jump through. It truly about made me leave. I am glad things worked out in my favor. One thing we all need to remember, myself included, is that version is a FOR Profit company. The pricing and plans may not be in line with other carriers, but the other carriers (at least in my area) are not in line with the quality that Verizon offers. You get what you pay for. Don't make any mistakes about it though, doesn't mean I wouldn't like to see the prices change and/or plan options change.

Just my $. 02
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] ahatzz11:
you should be able to go to best buy and have them price match. I know that they price match items shipped and sold from amazon, but I'm assuming verizon will be a retailer that they price match from.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] ramcharger1979:
I just got my S4 last week from best buy and they price matched no problem.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] jadecamaro:
After breaking my old phone last week (I swear not on purpose lol) I was glad I was able to upgrade one phone on my plan and keep unlimited data on my line.

Sent from my Synergy Galaxy S4
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] adooit:
I've upgrade 3 times since Verizon's new unlimited data policy went into effect, and have yet to pay full price for a phone. Most recently I upgraded to the GS4 3 weeks ago and found out they further tweaked this policy to close out even more loopholes, but still managed to find a way around it.

In any case, I would have only needed the unlimited data in 2 of the last 12 months, and just barely. By that I mean me, my mom (who barely knows how to use her Galaxy Nexus), and my brother only crossed 30 gb twice (both times my brother used his wifi tether to play online games for days at a time). I use the 30gb figure because that's how big our family share plan would be if we decided to pay as much as we pay now. Thats more than most families would ever need. I think more than 95% of people would save money with family share.

Suffice it to say, I wouldn't leave big red just because I didn't have unlimited data. Its the biggest, baddest network for a reason and what they bring to the table outweighs any bloatware/ tinkering they add to their phones. I don't root myself (not yet at least but will try it soon when I get the time), but I don't think Verizon has added or removed any features that couldn't be restored with root - am I wrong?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Triskite:
;)

i have 2 extra lines ($10/mo so I spend $240/yr, I know) that I use so I can upgrade...

worth it imo & for my job/company
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] stix_clgi:
Definitely agree here. The Verizon corporate store in Waldorf, MD tried their HARDEST to get me off of the unlimited data plan when I upgraded to the Note 2 (which I paid full price for by the way). I mean everything from showing me my average data usage-3gb/mo- to having "difficulties" with the system. I explained to the associate twice that even paying full price, I save about $200 over the course of 2 yrs keeping my data plan. She didn't get it....

I found a cool Verizon premium reseller in Kingstowne, VA that hooked me up with the S 4. Basically they added a line, attached a basic phone to it, and upgraded the line I already had for $199 - $50 rebate. I still keep unlimited data and unlimited text messages, have 250 more minutes than I used too, and my monthly bill only went up $.07.

If you live in the Sprinfield or Kingstowne, Va area, hit them up.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] nicotheandroidguy:
I just switched to Sprint from Verizon as an ex unlimited data user it was the best dessision every they get there phones a month or 2 earlier then VZW I get the same or better service, there phones have unlocked bootloaders! And finally they are rebuilding there network from the ground up to be faster and handle more capacity with LTE and EV-DO I am luck enough to have sprint LTE it is so fast and EV-DO is to and if you have a problem with sprint service you can roam on Verizon 3G for no extra cost. Edit the VZW GNEX was my old phone.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] dluxx06:
I came from a galaxy nexus and when I went to verizon the first time to upgrade to an s4 of course the sales lady told me i would have to move to the tiered data plan... I told her i had unlimited and what she told me specificly was to buy the s4 online using the other lines upgrade, put it on a tiered data plan, then come back to the store and come back to me and i can switch everything and take off that newly purchased data plan and switch the s4 to my line and keep my unlimited data. So i did that yesterday and went to double check the billing online and TA-DA... still had unlimited data on my s4.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] 2crazeybolt:
I don't know how people can get by with 2 Gb of data, I guess you would just have to get used to using wifi all the time. I hope we never lose our unlimited data.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] mssam:
some ppl just don't use data much, except for emails. Perfect example is, I offered to buy my wife an iphone outright so she could keep her unlimited data. She said no, "i don't stream or anything like that, so it's not a big deal." Since I was buying, I said OK, but she just doesn't use 2gb of data, so she is ok with it. It's a work phone, so the employer ultimately pays the bill which is probably why she doesn't see the price to ratio. Heck, I wanted her to keep the unlimited in case I wanted to use her phone for something, but...hey some ppl just don't see things the way we do...
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] 2crazeybolt:
Ya your right, I do know a couple people who use there phones the same way. I guess I should of phrased it for people like us, who are heavy users. I can't remember the last time I used under 8gb in a month, and that's not even trying. Maybe we are just the minority?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Capaints:
unlimited data

I have two unlimited data lines on my account, my wife's and mine, we both only use 1.5 GB a month and have been told we could save $40 a month to switch to the New plan. I guess were just stubborn and feel someday will need it ?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] hotleadsingerguy:
It's not a matter of how much data we use...it's a matter of where you use it. I'm on wifi at home and wifi at work all the time. With just those two I still only use like 3GB max a month. If I turn on my wireless connection in the car (which creates a wifi hotspot with unlimited verizon data), I use around 1.5GB or less. A lot of the data I use per month is streaming music in the car or at volleyball (bluetooth speaker on the beach = awesome).
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Divine_Madcat:
So, trying to catch up here...

The wife and I cannot stand our Rezounds, but still have unlimited data. Now, we have a family plan, and two lines (dumb phones) that are eligible for upgrade. IN asking the Verizon clerk, they said a cross upgrade would nix our unlimited data.

Any loopholes we can take advantage of to still get our unlimited data?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] :
I think this may definitely apply in your situation, but if you upgrade to the S4 on both the dumb phone lines and simply activate them on you and your wife's line, you still get to keep your data.

Essentially, all you are doing is getting a new device and you are not altering/updating anything to your plan or contract. I contacted a Verizon Wireless Rep at *611 3 times and each and every time they have confirmed me that I will retain my unlimited data.

Long story short:

1. Line 2 had upgrade

2. Line 2 upgraded to S4

3. Trade devices from Line 1 and 2 (in this case, traded iPhone for S4)

I hope that makes sense.. haha
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] mssam:
oh yeah, there are loopholes - they're all throughout the thread! My advice is to hold off for just a moment and read this thread from the beginning. You will find what you are looking for, and more... :)
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Divine_Madcat:
It makes perfect sense, and i am THRILLED to report that it worked perfectly.

Bought two S4's on the dumbphone line at Best Buy, and let them activate there. Then took it to a Verizon store (Best Buy was cheaper), and had them switch the lines.. old dumbphones back to dumb, and new phones on our unlimited lines.

Checking My verizon confirms unlimited data still, and shows the new devices active on our lines.. Works perfectly.

Thank you!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] :
Awesome to know that the reps at Best Buy were able to help you out.

I walked in to my local Best Buy and the rep there simply stated that if I did this method, I would lose my unlimited data. I ended up walking out and ordering the S4 on Amazon and did the whole activation process over the phone.

Worked out for me as well and I'm glad that it worked for you!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Divine_Madcat:
WEll, actually, it was a rep at Verizon that did it. I bought the phones at BB, and activated them on the dumbphone lines, and then the VZ rep took care of us at a store. Still, two unlimited S4s.. cant complain.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] BusyPooping:
what part of xda do you moderate? JW. glad that switch worked out for you.

my question here is, how long do you have to wait when you transfer an upgrade to another line? I have one coming up and im gonna give it to my brother since i used his line to keep my unlimited plan and get the s4
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Divine_Madcat:
Sadly, not this forum (yes, even us Mods can make mistakes and miss details in threads. Believe it or not, some of us are human... ;)

As it was, it was about 30 minutes between for me. As long as it was activated on the non unlimited line, you should be set (from what the Rep also confirmed)
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] BusyPooping:
i was just wondering if it was in one of the vzw s4 ones, cause ive been trying to get one of my threads pinned.... but no problemo :)

We feel special to know a mod so when you act as one of us, it makes us feel even more special!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Divine_Madcat:
Well, i am happy to say my fellow mods are all down to earth. We are here to help you guys out.

If you wish to contact a specific mod for a forum, you will see their names listed at the bottom of the page (when on the topic listing).
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] terryfiedxda:
I was told something different. I have a family plan with 5 lines, 4 of which are data and line 5 is non-data. In July, lines 1 and 5 both become eligible to upgrade. The rep told me that because all of the lines are on the same "plan" i.e. "contract" then any change to any line affects the entire "contract" and getting the 2-year upgrade price for a new device on any line would require a new contract, and since they no longer offer unlimited data I would no longer have unlimited data.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] synaptic13:
Nope... Its called an alternate upgrade... As long as the upgrade that's available is not used directly through any line that has unlimited then after the upgrade is processed you can do an esn change with the new equipment to any line on your account without affecting the unlimited feature. Every line is its own separate contract.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] IamPro:
What about a basic dummy phone? I have one dummy line which I don't use (but active) so what's my play if my other lines don't have an upgrade besides the unlimited data?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] synaptic13:
As long you use the upgrade for the dummy line it doesn't affect the unlimited line.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] igdawgi:
Love my unlimited data; I hear rumors that verizon will eventually cut this out from everyone. Is this rumor passing around? Apparently since you are out of contract, they can do whatever they like. Is this true?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] terryfiedxda:
I was told the exact opposite, which was that there was absolutely no way to get a hardware discount from VZW as a result of a new agreement that would not convert the entire family plan to a limited data plan. However, the person asking should get the final word from VZW and take what we say as information to help better understand your position when they call them.

By the way, I do know you can move phones around from line to line via VZW's website or customer service. I do it all the time with phones I buy from Craigslist or at a discount from VZW when one of my lines is eligible for an upgrade.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] terryfiedxda:
By the way, quick question...you said that you can get a hardware discount on a new phone on a line that's part of an unlimited data plan, and we can all agree that you can't sign up for a new 2-year agreement that is an unlimited data plan, so say a person has a 3-line unlimited data family plan and line 3 becomes eligible for an upgrade, how do you get the hardware discount and new 2-year agreement and maintain the unlimited data for the line you upgraded on? I don't see how lines 1 and 2 can have unlimited data but line 3 is restricted to 3GB or whatever since family plan lines all share the same data...?