The Federal Communications Commission is letting Verizon lock phones to its network for longer periods, eliminating a requirement to unlock handsets 60 days after they are activated on its network.
The change will make it harder for people to switch from Verizon to other carriers.
This doesn’t affect unlocked devices, just devices purchased through vzw.
Never buy devices through the carrier. And never get postpaid service unless there is a very specific reason (I used to have AT&Ts highest business plan, to get the top tier data priority; it also cost me $100 a month). Buy the device through the manufacturer, then shop around for prepaid options.
Yep, that’s what I did too. A few years ago I bought my phone straight from the manufacturers website already unlocked. Tmobile is ripping me off big time now, so I’m looking into prepaid options right now. I’m kinda unsure how the process will go, do you happen to know if I could keep my old T-mobile number when switching to these prepaid options? Because that’s is the only thing that makes me feel stuck with Tmobile. It is an absolute pain in the ass switching over all your online accounts that are tied to your old phone number. They treat that like it’s your social security number lol
Yes, it is a process known as ‘porting’. You will need your account number (usually your phone number, but verify that), your port(ing) pin which could be preset by you or a random time-sensitive number set by the (old) carrier, and to make sure the account is unlocked for porting. You then give these details (and your name, address, etc that they verify with the old carrier) and then begin the process. As fast as 60 seconds, as long as a couple of hours. You’ll lose service on the old sim when the new one takes control of the number.
It sounds complex but it’s not - I’ve done it several times with the big 3, their wholly-owned MVNOs, and third parties too. My main concern is a carrier fighting me, trying to retain me as a customer, by withholding my port pin. It’s never happened but I’m always anxious.
If you need more info just let me know =)
E: do NOT CANCEL SERVICE - that is done automatically at the completion of the porting process
Thank you so much! This is exactly what I needed!
I always buy an unlocked refurbished device from a retailer like target or Walmart.
You can usually pick out a newer phone for a good price