Verizon to stop honoring grandfathered unlimited data plans this summer. Switching?

[edgar]

Verizon has just announced that it will not be honoring grandfathered unlimited data plans starting this summer! Of course, this only applies to people that are upgrading. So if you are not upgrading any time soon, you can still keep your unlimited data until you do so.

This is quite upsetting, as it doesn't seem like Verizon waited that long to start getting rid of unlimited data plans. Verizon's 4G is the best in the country (in my opinion), that is the reason I joined the network when I did. The speeds and variety of markets covered by these blazing speeds are awesome.

I know things have to move on at some point. But really, I thought I might be able to at least keep my unlimited data plan for the duration of my contract, as well as the upcoming one. I know that could be stretching it too far, though... But I know people that still have plans that haven't been available for MANY years.

So I am wondering if there is a workaround. It seems Verizon is talking about people that upgrade. So, would it be possible to just not upgrade, and purchase my next devices without at full retail price? Would this process allow me to keep my unlimited data plan? What do you guys think?

If not, I am thinking I might switch to a GSM carrier after my contract is over. AT&T is really catching up. They have more options for good devices now, as well as data plans. And AT&T LTE is now available in my area, as well. Plus, I really miss rollover minutes. lol.

What do you say? Will you be switching to another carrier?

[Paul]

OMG, I am so pissed about this! I guess it was coming but like you said, it is too soon. I feel like I didn't even get to enjoy my unlimited data enough... Oh well... I guess I am upgrading sooner than I thought. And I will probably go somewhere else after that is over. I guess we will see how things are in 2 years.

[edgar]

Well it seems a bit vague from Verizon's side. In a way they kinda say that it will mostly affect 3G users, but it also sounds like it could apply to everyone, and he was just focusing on 3G users due to the fact that they will have to make the jump. It also seems like Verizon has designed the new shared data plans to juice our pockets more. The way it was put, users will start using more data, and therefore, upgrade plans and add more devices.