[Andy.Rogers]

Hello -

I'm a Verizon Curve user and my wife just got a Storm. A little background:

I had an 8703e and waited patiently for the Curve. The curve came out and I, like many other, got it immediately using our "New Every Two." Shortly thereafter, Verizon announced the Storm and the rest is history. Verizon expects me, a loyal customer to pay in excess of $500 for a phone. I, like many other Verizon subscribers, feel "shang-hi'd".

My wife bought her storm this week and was offered a buy one-get one deal. The free storm must be on a new line. So here is my question: Could we get the free storm, transfer it to my number and cancel the new line? I'm willing to pay the ETF ($175) which is about what new subscribers are paying.

This isn't a question of ethics - frankly, I have no problem sticking it to verizon after they way they've treated long-time subscribers. I'm asking if Verizon would allow me to do this within the framework of their subscriber rules.

Andy

[Roguestatus]

Hello Andy,

I work for the big red and answer you are looking for is that unfortunately they will let you pay the ETF of $175 but if you donxxx8217;t return the phone they will stick you with the full price of the phone. I donxxx8217;t think you want to pay the ETF and the phone. The only way around it is to add the line for one year then pay the ETF or look for someone willing to sell you there Storm.

[Andy.Rogers]

Roguestatus -

So you get tagged with the phone price even though Verizon's own cancellation policy indicates that if you cancel and return the device within 30 days you're free and clear but if you elect to KEEP the device you pay the ETF?

Why is this any different?

Andy

[XelhaBB]

Andy,

I went through this with the wife. She just HAD to have a certain Verizon phone. Of course a couple months later she just HAD to have a Blackberry Curve for work.

What I did was go online and found a Pink Curve for $300. I sold her phone for $225 and activated the Curve on the same account. Other than adding the data package for her phone, the move cost me $75.

My advice is to scout out a Storm online. You won't pay full retail if you scour the internet (Craigslist, eBay, etc). Once you get your Storm, sell your slightly used Curve. On eBay, if they are in good shape, the sell used all day for $300 and up. Having the box and all the accoutrements is always helpful.

Honestly, you are not in a bad spot. The Curve is a great phone and you might even be able to sell it locally on Craigslist.

[Roguestatus]

If you return the storm they won't get tagged with the ETF if you return the phone with in 30 days but if you don't return it you with have to pay full price if you choose to keep the phone.

[dbower96]

Why don't you just activate the second Storm on the new line, and leave the Curve sitting on an open line that never gets used. I believe that the cost is $9.99 per month for the extra line. Your expense over the year would be $120 bucks and spread out over the entire year instead of getting hit with $175 at once. You may even find that you have a need for an additional line...

[Mark_Venture]

Originally Posted by dbower96

Why don't you just activate the second Storm on the new line, and leave the Curve sitting on an open line that never gets used. I believe that the cost is $9.99 per month for the extra line. Your expense over the year would be $120 bucks and spread out over the entire year instead of getting hit with $175 at once. You may even find that you have a need for an additional line...

If the Curve is on the extra open line... it will also cost the $29.99 per month for BB Data.

Now, what you posted is a pretty good suggestion if they have a dumb phone laying around that they could put on that line..

[dbower96]

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

If the Curve is on the extra open line... it will also cost the $29.99 per month for BB Data.

Now, what you posted is a pretty good suggestion if they have a dumb phone laying around that they could put on that line..

Do you have to have a BB Data plan subscribed? Can't you just tell Verizon that you only want to receive and make calls on the phone?

[Hanwei]

Negative.

[rachamphetamine]

Yes, you have to have a data plan. Verizon requires it, so it will not work as Hanwei said.