yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Svenjamin:
I am a member of a family plan with three lines on it. One line is the grandfathered Unlimited data line, and the other two are on the 2GB plan. Recently, my data usage spiked due to the fact that I got a new job with a rather long commute, during which I tend to stream music, as well as just due to increased use in general. The problem is that I am on one of the 2GB lines. The user with the unlimited line barely ends up using 1GB monthly, so it would be ideal if there were a way to switch the line that has the unlimited plan.

From reading through this thread, it seems like this is something that could be done, technically, but that they would be fairly reluctant to do. Right now I'm thinking that my best bet may be to try the 800 number and explain that, due to increased data needs on one line, we will need to leave Verizon (who we have been with for many years) for another carrier if no solution can be found.

Do you guys think that is the best way to go about this?

EDIT: Forgot to add that our contract ends I believe this month. I found this thread because I had been planning on using my upgrade to get the S4, but I may alter that plan if this could work. If it is indeed switchable, I will probably just buy the phone outright, unless both lines are eligible for upgrades, in which case I may try the whole "upgrade limited line, switch that phone to unlimited, transfer unlimited's upgrade to limited line" process
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] madsquabbles:
since i manage the phones at work i was able to use an upgrade to snatch up a gs4 for myself (paid with personal funds, of course). can't wait to get it! guess i'll donate my gnex into the pool for whomever needs it in the office.

since our reps don't use much data going the share plan was pretty simple and saved a little change. but there's no way i'd be giving up my unlimited! i use more in a week than all our reps combined in a month.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Cilraaz:
I talked to a non-corporate store rep last night. She told me that the idea of transferring an upgrade to a non-unlimited line, upgrading that line, then device swapping would work (as stated/confirmed by multiple people in this thread). She did give me the 24-hour line, though. In addition, she said that "at start of fiscal" VZW was removing unlimited data from everyone, regardless of their current status. VZW chat support assured me she was incorrect. VZW's twitter support has yet to respond to me.

So I'm unsure if they're yanking unlimited data from everyone or not. If they do, I'd feel really bad for everyone buying phones at full retail. As I'd said to the non-corporate store rep, "it sounds like that could go class action". To which she replied, "that's why I don't work at a corporate store". Either way, I suppose doing the upgrade transfer will be of some benefit to me, since it means my line won't go under another 2 year contract.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Parafly:
Once the contract runs out it would be easy for them to just pull the rug out from under everyone
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Cilraaz:
And anyone on unlimited would be out of contract by late this month. Someone earlier mentioned 8/4 as the potential cut-off date. Does anyone know if this lines up with VZW's start-of-fiscal?

Edit: Found it myself. According to http://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/vz/financials their fiscal is Jan-Dec.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] mikel_:
I still have the unlimited after upgrading to S4 using eligibility on my unlimited line.

I transferred the upgrade to my wife's line (2Gb data limit) and ordered S4 at subsidized price from Verizon. S4 arrived yesterday. I activated it on her line, then re-activated (online) her old smartphone effectively removing S4 from her line, then called 611 and they activated S4 on my unlimited line without any wait period or need for a new SIM card. Everything works well and I still have the unlimited (at least for now) :)

Thanks guys! Nobody replied to my questions, but there was enough info in this thread anyway.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Cilraaz:
Did you (or anyone else who has done this and feels like answering) wait any length of time between the initial activation of the S4 and re-activation of the other person's original phone, aside from verifying that the S4 was completely activated? I'm picking up my S4 tonight and doing the activation at home, so I was curious if people were just doing back-to-back activations or waiting, whether the 24 hours suggested by stores or a shorter period of time.

Other than that, I'm only curious what people are doing with their SIM configurations. It's probably me being overly paranoid, but I'd like to hang on to unlimited data as long as possible, so I don't want to screw it up. I figure it's something like:

1. Unlimited line with SIM#1; non-unlimited line with SIM#2; New S4 with new SIM#3

2. Activate S4 on non-unlimited line with SIM#3

3. Activate non-unlimited line's original phone with original SIM#2

At this point, do you activate the S4 on the unlimited line with SIM#1 or with SIM#3? Or does it even matter?

I know the procedure has been discussed multiple times in the thread, but I didn't see any mention of how the SIMs worked into it. Sorry if it's a repeat question or non-issue. Thanks!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] mikel_:
I gave it 10 min after verifying S4 was activated on wife's 2GB line. Then I re-activated her original phone. I don't think you need to wait before original phone re-activaton.

However, I have read (on forums and in official Verizon's phone switching instructions) that after re-activation of the original phone, SIM card in the new phone goes into some "aging" state and you need to wait for either 24 hours or until 7am next day before you can activate your new phone (S4 in my case) on your other line (main unlimited line in my case).

I called 611 and they said it is not true anymore. They said the wait was needed for older phones/SIMs, but current SIMs (probably she meant 4G sim) can be reactivated on another line immediately after deactivation.

Once again, what I did:

- put new 4G SIM (shipped with S4) into S4 and activated it on wife's 2Gb line following instructions in the box.

- waited 5-10 min.

- re-activated wife's old 3G smartphone on her 2Gb line without changing any SIM cards.

- waited 10 min.

- called 611 from wife's phone and told them I am switching phones and asked to activate S4 on my unlimited line

- verizon rep told me to turn off both phones and activated S4 (with the same new SIM card that I used for activation on 2Gb line)

- the rep had to go through activation 2 times for some reason and we had to wait for almost 10 min before S4 started working.

I am not en exert, but you should be able to activate S4 on unlimited line with SIM3 just like I did. I did not have SIM1 since my old phone had a 3G SIM card.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] zetachi:
Mine was slightly different as I upgraded a dumb phone (no SIM) It went like this. switch upgrade to dumb phone, activate S4 on that line with SIM. Deactivate S4 and re-activate dumb phone on line, swap for new SIM intoS4 and activate on unlimited line (could not use the 4G sim from my Bionic as it was a different size). Phone rep at Verizon Corp store only had to wait for the phones to show up in the system so they knew they were active on those lines, and we never had to turn off any of the phones. Said that wasn't needed anymore.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Cilraaz:
Good info. Thank you.

I'd actually just come back to edit my previous post because I'd realized that my current GNex uses a mini SIM and the S4 uses a micro SIM, so they're probably not compatible anyway.

I can't wait to get my hands on the S4 and get it up and running. Thanks to everyone in this thread who got on the topic of alternate upgrades! I would have never thought of that as a work-around to save my unlimited data plan.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] cell128:
If they take away my unlimited I'll be going to T-Mobile or sprint if they still provide unlimited at that time.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] najaboy:
Having come from one of them, unlimited is pointless if the service sucks.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] bhags8:
I've been month to month since January. Not buying a new phone until at least August. If they make me change I will tell them to piss off and go to T Mobile the next day.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] radpp16:
Could you tell us what tether method you use and do you think VPN is necessary?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] barondebxl:
Just a quick OT guys, the galaxy s 4 is giving the iphone 5 an a$$ whooping

http://modmyi.com/content/11131-galaxy-s4-sales-best-iphone-5-verizon-sprint-t-mobile.html
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] littleguevara:
IMO once Verizon goes fully VoLTE it'll be the end of everyone's unlimited data. I too am grandfathered and have been for several years but as they say "all things must come to an end"
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] denpad2010:
So you thing is matter of time that we unlimited data user to lose our unlimited data
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] littleguevara:
In a word; yes. They may revamp the tiered data once its all VoLTE because that wouldnt allow much usage but the ground is shrinking below our feet. This thread is case and point, the work you have to go through just to acquire unlimited data.

Verizon has been trying to get rid of us since June 2011 and frankly I dont think its been effective cause most of the data hogs (myself included) took the necessary measures to make sure we kept our unlimited data and continue to get our money's worth out of their network.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] denpad2010:
well the day that happens I will say goodbye to Verizon ,unlimited data is the only thing make me keep their service,i really was pissed off when I knew that I cant upgrade my line without losing my unlimited data,just a few days ago I knew about the possibility to upgrade another line with a dumb phone to a s4 and then I just move my unlimited sim to that phone ,was the only way to get the s4,but I extended my contract of course and I didn't want it,but well as longt as my unlimited data is there im ok
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] littleguevara:
Thats the thing though; and go where? Unless other companies make vast improvements in there coverage they know theyve got everyone by the balls
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] gt5oh:
too true
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] jmorisey:
In my opinion, Verizon has the best network and customer support. I was able to retain my unlimited data, not that I really needed it, but it was more for piece of mind. I only average 6-9 gig a month, but it was the principle of retaining it more than the need.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] madsquabbles:
actually you do need it (unless you don't really need the money:p). do you know how much 8GB/mo costs vs your unlimited? three times as much!

now if that's 6-9 spread out between multiple devices then you may have a point. we saved $40 per month at work by going shared and upped the calls and text to unlimted (had 4000 shared plus no texts). the sales barely use 1GB/mo but we opted for 8GB just in case the new guy is more tech savy.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] jpen:
I priced match at best buy and got it for 649. Traded in my galaxy nexus for 130 and did their 18 month 0% apr card. Which makes it 30 bucks a month.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] denpad2010:


I didn't know best buy match verizon prices :eek:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Cilraaz:
Well, I had some issues with activation last night, but eventually got it sorted. I tried to follow the above plan and managed to get the S4 activated on the non-unlimited line with the new SIM#3. At that point, though, I couldn't get my wife's Note2 to re-activate on the non-unlimited line. I had a support rep put the ESN change in for me, specifying the proper SIM card (#2). It didn't work, so I let everything sit overnight untouched. It wasn't right in the morning, so I got another rep who tried the ESN swap. It still didn't work and the rep didn't know why. In the end, I put SIM#3 into my wife's Note2, which instantly re-activated it on the non-unlimited line. Then I put SIM#1 from my old Nexus into the S4, which instantly activated the S4 on my unlimited line. The strange thing is that I tried this last night, but it didn't work then. I'm not sure why it didn't work last night, but worked this morning. In any case, I'm not caring too much at this point, as I have the S4 on my line and still have my unlimited data.

Thanks again to everyone who posted any tidbits about this method of retaining unlimited data!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] jpen:
It was 649 on Amazon as well. It was pretty much 649 everywhere but Best Buy. Found that out after I bought it, so I went back and told them and they told me I would need to give back my phone and get a new one. Well I have mine rooted and hacked like crazy so I said no, I will not exchange it. The guy said he couldn't just refund it, that I NEED to exchange it. And again I said no, I've done it before so he tried and was able to refund me without exchanging it. Some people should just not work at mobile places.....
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Justblazeitup:
ok i am having an issue. I just recieved my s4 and activated it on my other (dummy line). after activation was successful, i swapped on myverizon back to the dummy phone for that line and reset the plan back to its original state. but now, i cannot activate the phone on my unlimited line. im gettting an error saying i need to call customer service. What am i doing wrong?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] zetachi:
Maybe the sim. Since it was already activated on the other line?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Justblazeitup:
that sounds like it could be it...so i should have gottten two sims with my order? im guessing i could just walk into a store and get one if need be tomorrow.

can anyone confirm getting another sim and having them activate on a walk in could work?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] DROID3R:
Yes go and get a new sim

iSheep... iSheep... Meowww that's Apple VZW GSIII
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] pfunk26:
Just bought the S4 in store. Want to confirm that the old switcheroo trick still works. Had to wait 24 hrs to 'age' the sim. Then went back to store, did the switch with new sim, and now good to go.

They tried to get me to switch to the share everything and tried even harder to sell me cases - eff that!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] synaptic13:
After skimming through this entire thread I'm astonished at the inability for anyone to have a straight answer.. the bottom line is that Verizon does not care if you have unlimited data they only care if you sign a new contract... yes they want their new customers to be on tiered data but as far as jeopardizing the millions of customers that have unlimited they're not going to do anything. If you don't know how to save it then yes you'll lose it when you upgrade. Simply put.. there are loopholes to save your unlimited... I do it everyday. :cool:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] madsquabbles:
i'm curious as to why you'd have to activate on a "dummy" line in the first place. i bought and upgrade for one of our sales phones and used that phone for my personal acct w/unlimited still. i didn't have to activate on the sales line at all. i did had to call to have them move the ownership to my acct, which didn't take much time at all. the sales acct now has a 2yr agrmt and i've still got unlimited data.

as to your problem, i had something like that when i was switching back and forth from my gnex and droid charge. the gnex had some terrible 4g reception (live in a rural area) & i wanted to test both signals. at some point i couldn't go back to activate the gnex b/c i said the activation on the droid charge was still pending. calling vz they told me i just need to wait. on worst case scenarios they said it could take up to 3 days. mine to 1.5 days. switching back to the gnex took 15 min, as did all the prior switches.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Justblazeitup:
All done. Kept my unlimited data after going into the store to het a new sim card. They did immediately push for accessories. Now i can use this droid charge as wifi only.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] rushless:
Conversely, caps are pointless if the service does not suck ;) 4G and data caps are pure stupid partners, forced on customers by carriers.

Instead of throttling abusers, they are screwing everyone over and allowing unlimited users to slowly attrition away.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] hotleadsingerguy:
This, but there's no "loophole" that's necessary. I don't understand the nonsense everybody in this thread is going through to keep their unlimited plans.

I buy new phones every 4-6 months, and I do the same thing every time. I walk into the store and say "I want to buy that phone". They say are you starting a new contract, to which I reply "No, I'd like to buy it outright please". They charge my credit card the $650-$800 (whatever the phone costs), they put in a new sim card, and 5 minutes later I have my new phone working on my regular account.

I just don't get why people think they need to do all that junk lol just buy the phone and ask them to put it on your line. They'll handle the rest. Just make sure to say "I don't want to sign a new contract because I want to keep my unlimited plan". It's not like they're going to trick you into getting rid of it.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Don_Don:
Two weeks ago after getting my new phone I lost my grandfathered in unlimited plan so after a few days I decided to call the main 1 (800) number and nicely tell them how unhappy I was about losing it and of course after 10 minutes he said there was nothing he could do. I called back 3 more days in a row and the guy nicely said no problem he understood where I was coming from and I now have unlimited back and he also added it to my wifes who never had it in the beginning.

Story is persistance paid off and no xtra phone just needed to reach the right person in customer care.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] imablackhat:
Its all about how nice they feel lol
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] SmokeyMon:
I don't swap as often but this is my experience with switching last time. I just had to buy the handset outright.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] pfunk26:
Difference is that I didn't pay full price for the new phone.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] mssam:
Same thing over here, I just bought it out right and didn't look back. What's interesting to me is, supposedly Verizon isn't letting their employees keep unlimited either. I know several that paid full price too so they could keep their unlimited. What a racket...

Sent from my Nexus 7
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] rednoved:
I guess he missed that part. Why pay $650 for the phone when you can get it for a third of that cost.

You've also got to consider how much money unlimited data saves you, or costs you. When you buy a phone outright, you have to factor in the additional $400+ to your bill. Many people might find they are breaking even or losing money at the moment.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] hotleadsingerguy:
Except there are other benefits, as well. No contract means I can switch to AT&T anytime I want without facing an ETF.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] klabit87:
Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, it just depends on each persons situations and preferences.

For me, I just ordered my GS4 on an upgrade I transferred to my wife's line so i can keep unlimited. My reasoning was the area i live in has the best Verizon service.

AT&T is sort of spotty and we don't have T-Mobile. I plan on staying with Verizon for a while.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] rednoved:
Is the ETF more than $400 now?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] klabit87:
I believe it's $350 minus $10 for each month of the contract you have completed.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] mssam:
So your wife has another two year contract, probably with the 2 GB of data?

Sent from my Nexus 7
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] terryfiedxda:
I'm fine with it.

I have the 6GB plan with 5 lines, all have data, standard data use and I hardly ever go over 4GB. I'm fine with the status quo.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] klabit87:
Her contract should stay the same from what i can tell.

She just upgraded a few months ago so her next upgrade date is in 2015.

After i transferred my upgrade, her date stayed the same but mine changed to 2015.

My understanding is if i activate on her line first then put it on my line it should keep my unlimited data.

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] hogowner:
Question guys..

Last week I got off my unlimited plan....got 2 more smart phones for the kids....and used my upgrade for an S4 .and now sharing 4 GB of data between the 3 phones....I still have my old nexus and the sim card that had the unlimited data plan on it.....the phone is not activated. Is there any way I can take the sim card out of the unactivated Nexus.....put it into my S4.......activate it and get unlmited data on the S4? Or is there nothing I can do..........or you can suggest something else to try?

Thanks in advance.

Sent from my Blazing Fast Galaxy S4
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] madsquabbles:
it's the account, not the sim card, that has unlimited/limited data.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Vampyre111:
I was so bummed when Verizon dropped their unlimited plan. I missed it by just 2 weeks. I have a lot of free time at work and wanted to fill the time steaming Netflix.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Cares:
That's correct and exactly how I upgraded one of the lines on my account to keep unlimited.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] InfamousChicken:
How can I get this deal? I'm going to upgrade to the S4 and I was wondering if it's possible with a new contract to negotiate or get this grand fathered in?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] ChapterOmega:
Ask about a ghost line

I went on Saturday and they told me that my unlimited data would be gone when i upgraded, but then the sales associate figured out a way to allow me to keep it if he added a "ghost line" for $9.99 onto the family account. He then was able to add the ghost line to one of my old phones, so now I have my S4 with unlimated data and another phone with a new number for just 10 bucks more a month. Don't know if they will be able to do the same for you (since I'm on a shared family plan), but it's worth asking.

---------- Post added at 03:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:19 PM ----------

it's definitely possible (read my ghost line post), but it might depend on what kind of plan you have already (family vs individual). Also the sales associate who helps you must be willing to work with you. If you come across someone who gives you a hard NO in regards to grandfathering it in then go to a different store (or ask to see a manager).
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] pfunk26:
how is that a benefit? You paid full price so you can keep unlimited Verizon 4G and now you're talking about switching to AT&T. What is the point of spending full price to get a new phone if you would even consider to drop your unlimited 4G with Verizon.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] feffrey:
Is this possible?

Family Plan with no upgrades with four lines

1. basic phone

2. basic phone

3. smart phone unlimited

4. smart phone shared plan

Can I add a 5th line, buy a s4 for $200, activate the s4 with the sim from the unlimited line and activate a dumb phone on the new line? Then that would cancel out the new data plan correct?