Verizon followed in T-Mobile and AT&T's footsteps, announcing that customers – new and existing – can trade in an old phone and get a new 5G phone, where the selection includes the iPhone 12 Mini and Samsung's S21 5G, for free, with select plans.
5G unlimited data plans
Existing Verizon customers who trade in any recent smartphone - no older than the iPhone 8 or Galaxy S8 – will get the equivalent of $700 off a new iPhone or $800 off a new Android phone. In order to qualify, customers need to sign up for one of Verizon's top three unlimited data plans, costing from $70 to $80 per month, or be an existing subscriber to one of the most expensive unlimited data plans.
“Verizon 5G in the hands of every customer."
Verizon.
“We launched the first 5G network, and now we want to be the first to put the power of Verizon 5G in the hands of every customer,” said Verizon in a statement.
Those looking to switch to Verizon from another carrier, have the free 5G phones deal sweetened further as these customers get the same trade-in deal, as well as $300 prepaid credit card.
Additionally, Verizon is encouraging customers to buy a premium entertainment option, including Apple Arcade, Google Play Pass, Apple Music, Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ and Discovery+. Existing and new customers can get six months of Apple Arcade or Google Play Pass for free, or 12 months free with Play More or Get More Unlimited plans, then, $4.99 per month afterwards.
Under the trade-in deal, customers will need to sign-up for a 24-month payment plan. Verizon then issues a credit for each payment – but, if customers leave the network before the plan is at an end, they would owe the outstanding payments.
5G for small businesses
Verizon is also aggressively chasing small business custom. The network is offering business switching over to them 5G Business Unlimited plans as low as $30 per month, a new 5G phone for all lines associated with a small business account, and help covering switching costs.
“Verizon Business is committed to helping small business customers get the technology and tools they need to thrive.”
Verizon.
“Verizon Business is committed to helping small business customers get the technology and tools they need to thrive and jumpstart their mobile communication and connectivity. In addition to its 5G mobility solutions, Verizon Business offers 5G Business Internet, providing broadband connectivity in parts of 24 cities, and 5G Edge, Verizon's mobile edge compute platform, in parts of 10 cities,”said Verizon, via a statement.
Fierce competition
Verizon’s offer is certainly a good one for customers who were intending to go for one of the pricier unlimited data plans and it also goes to show just how fierce competition is between the US’s three big 5G networks, all offering strong 5G deals.
AT&T was the first to kick-off the promo war with its enticing AT&T 5G iPhone deal, back in October 2020. In April this year, rival T-Mobile announced a promotion where customers trading in a working mobile phone could get a free Samsung Galaxy A32 5G phone and those trading in a iPhone could get a free or discounted 5G iPhone 12, all on T-Mobile 5G.
Verizon launched the first 5G network in the US and now has their 5G Ultra Wideband is available in parts of more than 75 cities, 13 airports and more than 60 stadiums and arenas and 5G Nationwide is available to more than 230 million people in over 2,700 cities.
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