How Does Adding a Line Affect My Contract?

[riffdex]

I have a 4 line Family Plan right now. Two of the phones are smartphones with unlimited data plans. Other two are dumbphones without data. If I add another (fifth) line (a regular, dumbphone - no data plan, I think its $10 a month but I would have to check again just to be sure), how would that affect my contract? Would I be locked into another 2-year contract? How would it affect my NE2 or if I were to try and get an early upgrade on my primary line? Would I be able to drop this line without a penalty?

EDIT: Also if I were to, for example, get a Droid X on the new line, would I be required to get a data plan with the new line (since I got a Droid X), or would I be able to get the line without data? That way I could switch the X to my primary line (with data) and then get register a dumbphone on the new line. And I'm guessing that doing that would extend my contract by 2 years but I'm just wondering if I would be required to get a data plan with it.

 

[nightelvesreasy]

I have a 4 line Family Plan right now. Two of the phones are smartphones with unlimited data plans. Other two are dumbphones without data. If I add another (fifth) line (a regular, dumbphone - no data plan, I think its $10 a month but I would have to check again just to be sure), how would that affect my contract? Would I be locked into another 2-year contract? How would it affect my NE2 or if I were to try and get an early upgrade on my primary line? Would I be able to drop this line without a penalty?

EDIT: Also if I were to, for example, get a Droid X on the new line, would I be required to get a data plan with the new line (since I got a Droid X), or would I be able to get the line without data? That way I could switch the X to my primary line (with data) and then get register a dumbphone on the new line. And I'm guessing that doing that would extend my contract by 2 years but I'm just wondering if I would be required to get a data plan with it.

yes it would lock you into another 2 years, as far as the early upgrade, that you would have to go over with verizon about, and as far as getting another smart phone added on, you are required to have a data plan with ANY smart phone, so if you add a 5th line, and its a smart phone, thats another $29.99 added to your bill just for the data plan, otherwise for a dumb phone, it is only a extra $10 a month

 

[takeshi]

I'd confirm with Verizon. IIRC you'd have 2 years on the new line but I could be thinking of another carrier... Should have no affect on NE2 as I was added as a line on my wife's account less than a year ago and her NE2 date was not changed as she's eligible in a few months.

You have to have a smartphone data plan on any line that has a smartphone on it. If you get the smartphone on the new line and place a dumbphone on the new line you don't need to keep the data plan on the new line. Data plans have nothing to do with your contract. They're features that you can add and remove.

 

[primetime]

I have a 4 line Family Plan right now. Two of the phones are smartphones with unlimited data plans. Other two are dumbphones without data. If I add another (fifth) line (a regular, dumbphone - no data plan, I think its $10 a month but I would have to check again just to be sure), how would that affect my contract? Would I be locked into another 2-year contract? How would it affect my NE2 or if I were to try and get an early upgrade on my primary line? Would I be able to drop this line without a penalty?

EDIT: Also if I were to, for example, get a Droid X on the new line, would I be required to get a data plan with the new line (since I got a Droid X), or would I be able to get the line without data? That way I could switch the X to my primary line (with data) and then get register a dumbphone on the new line. And I'm guessing that doing that would extend my contract by 2 years but I'm just wondering if I would be required to get a data plan with it.

If you add another line to your existing family shareplan it will not renew the contract on the other lines. The new line would have a contract different from the other 4 lines unless you provided your own equipment. Adding the line won't effect the primaries NE2

Doesn't matter which line the Droid X is on, most smartphones require a data plan which is a minimum $15

 

[riffdex]

Bump

 

[Clementine_3]

If you add another line to your existing family shareplan it will not renew the contract on the other lines. The new line would have a contract different from the other 4 lines unless you provided your own equipment. Adding the line won't effect the primaries NE2

Doesn't matter which line the Droid X is on, most smartphones require a data plan which is a minimum $15

That really is your answer

• Each line has it's own contract, one line/contract does not affect another.

• Each phone is eligible for replacement based in it's individual contract but only the primary line can be A) updated early (forfeit NE2 discount at 8 months) and B) is eligible for NE2 discount at 20 months (of a 2 yr contract).

• You will pay an ETF for any line that is terminated prior to it's contract end date.

• Phones can be moved from line to line and changed at any time, affecting nothing (contract).

• If it is a smart phone it needs a data package, if it's a dumb phone it doesn't.

• You can buy a phone on ebay and activate it on an existing line, it will not change any contract date.

• You can add the 5th line with a new 2 year contract if you go through Verizon for the new subsidized phone or add the 5th line w/no contract if you "bring your own" phone. It still would require data if it is a smart phone though.

 

[butthead007]

That really is your answer

• Each line has it's own contract, one line/contract does not affect another.

• Each phone is eligible for replacement based in it's individual contract but only the primary line can be A) updated early (forfeit NE2 discount at 8 months) and B) is eligible for NE2 discount at 20 months (of a 2 yr contract).

• You will pay an ETF for any line that is terminated prior to it's contract end date.

• Phones can be moved from line to line and changed at any time, affecting nothing (contract).

• If it is a smart phone it needs a data package, if it's a dumb phone it doesn't.

• You can buy a phone on ebay and activate it on an existing line, it will not change any contract date.

• You can add the 5th line with a new 2 year contract if you go through Verizon for the new subsidized phone or add the 5th line w/no contract if you "bring your own" phone. It still would require data if it is a smart phone though.

People like you who post correct information are so annoying.......

There is one thing you overlooked. If you add a 5th line, get a smartphone on it, move it over to a different line and activate a dumb phone on line 5, you are still stuck with the $350 etf on line 5.

Sorry, had to nitpick

 

[Clementine_3]

If you add a 5th line, get a smartphone on it, move it over to a different line and activate a dumb phone on line 5, you are still stuck with the $350 etf on line 5.

Nope, not true. The line of service is under contract and subject to the ETF, not the phone. You can add a line and then change the phone and it's fine, as long as you do not cancel the line itself. I've done it and I've upgraded phones and switched them all around, it's never been an issue.

Just to be sure I was right on this I asked:

Ryan: Hello. Thank you for visiting our chat service. May I help you with your order today?
You: Hi, quick question...is the ETF on the line of service or on the actual (smart) phone? If I add a line (family plan) and then decide to switch phones around or just 'downgrade' a line would I get an ETF...the line itself would still be active, but perhaps not the phone.
Ryan: Thank you for waiting. I'll be with you in just a moment.
You: sure, thanks
Ryan: I will be happy to help you with your question,
Ryan: Thank you for visiting Verizon Wireless, I look forward to speaking with you again. Have a great day!
Ryan: Just to be sure that I understand what you are asking, can you please rephrase your question?
You: OK...if I buy an Android device and add an new line to a family plan, then decide to change the phone on that new line to a "dumb" phone and move the new phone to a different line will there be an ETF or not?
You: is the ETF on the actual phone number/service or on the phone? That is the question really.
Ryan: There will be no early termination fee
You: So the ETF is on the actual line of service and as long as that stays active, no matter what happens to the "new" phone, there is no ETF. i would only have an ETF if I cancel the service...
Ryan: If you decided to terminate your contract, it will cost you etf, but if you add a line and chnage the phone over there is not etf.
Ryan: change
You: Great, thanks! Just wanted to double check.
Ryan: No problem, ready to add a line ?
You: Not yet, still deciding about which phone. Although now it wouldn't matter. lol
Ryan: What key features in a cell phone are most important to you?
You: well, it's for a teenager so that's why I asked about moving from a smart phone back down...not sure what they will really use or not
You: and i woulnd
You: wouldn't want to pay for data etc if I don't have to
Ryan: You can always get the 15 dollar 150 mb data plan .
You: yeah, i would probably start w/that. I was just thinking that if he gets an Android then really just needs a feature phone i would be able to change it w/no penalty. I have an old phone that I could put on the new line if that was the case.
Ryan: Yeah if you add the line and take the phone off you will be ok.
You: OK, perfect. I'll think about which way to go. Thanks!
Ryan: Your welcome

 

[riffdex]

Nope, not true. The line of service is under contract and subject to the ETF, not the phone. You can add a line and then change the phone and it's fine, as long as you do not cancel the line itself. I've done it and I've upgraded phones and switched them all around, it's never been an issue.

Just to be sure I was right on this I asked:

Ryan: Hello. Thank you for visiting our chat service. May I help you with your order today?
You: Hi, quick question...is the ETF on the line of service or on the actual (smart) phone? If I add a line (family plan) and then decide to switch phones around or just 'downgrade' a line would I get an ETF...the line itself would still be active, but perhaps not the phone.
Ryan: Thank you for waiting. I'll be with you in just a moment.
You: sure, thanks
Ryan: I will be happy to help you with your question,
Ryan: Thank you for visiting Verizon Wireless, I look forward to speaking with you again. Have a great day!
Ryan: Just to be sure that I understand what you are asking, can you please rephrase your question?
You: OK...if I buy an Android device and add an new line to a family plan, then decide to change the phone on that new line to a "dumb" phone and move the new phone to a different line will there be an ETF or not?
You: is the ETF on the actual phone number/service or on the phone? That is the question really.
Ryan: There will be no early termination fee
You: So the ETF is on the actual line of service and as long as that stays active, no matter what happens to the "new" phone, there is no ETF. i would only have an ETF if I cancel the service...
Ryan: If you decided to terminate your contract, it will cost you etf, but if you add a line and chnage the phone over there is not etf.
Ryan: change
You: Great, thanks! Just wanted to double check.
Ryan: No problem, ready to add a line ?
You: Not yet, still deciding about which phone. Although now it wouldn't matter. lol
Ryan: What key features in a cell phone are most important to you?
You: well, it's for a teenager so that's why I asked about moving from a smart phone back down...not sure what they will really use or not
You: and i woulnd
You: wouldn't want to pay for data etc if I don't have to
Ryan: You can always get the 15 dollar 150 mb data plan .
You: yeah, i would probably start w/that. I was just thinking that if he gets an Android then really just needs a feature phone i would be able to change it w/no penalty. I have an old phone that I could put on the new line if that was the case.
Ryan: Yeah if you add the line and take the phone off you will be ok.
You: OK, perfect. I'll think about which way to go. Thanks!
Ryan: Your welcome

I believe what he meant is, you would be liable for an ETF if you cancel line 5. He did not mean you will have to pay ETF just for switching them.

 

[Clementine_3]

Yeah, that's the way it does work but he didn't say it right... I was just trying to clear up any confusion.

 

[Knewz]

you are only liable for the ETF if you add the line and it is active for 30 days. If you cancel before then, you have to return the phone and pay restock fee, but no termination fee

 

[riffdex]

Yeah, that's the way it does work but he didn't say it right... I was just trying to clear up any confusion.

Yes he did
You do have the $350 ETF on line 5. ETF is only paid if you cancel the line obviously He didn't say you have to pay the ETF just for switching, but that the $350 ETF is still on line 5.

 

[Clementine_3]

He didn't say you have to pay the ETF just for switching

I was going to let this go and drop it, but I just can't.
He did say there is an ETF for just switching...I quoted what he said and will copy/paste it again:
There is one thing you overlooked. If you add a 5th line, get a smartphone on it, move it over to a different line and activate a dumb phone on line 5, you are still stuck with the $350 etf on line 5.
That is not right, no matter what he meant to say what was said there is wrong. You will not get an ETF for moving phones around.

 

[riffdex]

I was going to let this go and drop it, but I just can't.
He did say there is an ETF for just switching...I quoted what he said and will copy/paste it again:
There is one thing you overlooked. If you add a 5th line, get a smartphone on it, move it over to a different line and activate a dumb phone on line 5, you are still stuck with the $350 etf on line 5.
That is not right, no matter what he meant to say what was said there is wrong. You will not get an ETF for moving phones around.

Early Termination Fee - The total fee that will be charged for early termination of a contract or agreement.
Usage - I have a $350 Early Termination Fee on line 2 of my cell phone contract with Verizon.
Means - A fee of $350 must be paid only if I cancel line 2.

What he said was the $350 ETF remains on line 5 even if I've activated a dumb phone on line 5. His post was very informative to me He did not say there is an ETF for switching, he said the $350 ETF is stuck on line 5.

It's not a big deal at any rate, in the context it was very clear what he meant, I can understand how it could be misunderstood but I say we just drop it