Verizon cell plan?

[VanKitten]

i am looking for a Verizon plan that will let me bring my old iPhone 3G 

Thing is...this phone was never used.  It was supposed to be for an ATT plan..but the plan was cancelled and this phone was left with me.   It has done nothing all these years except run my Garmin.    I would guess it is still locked to att

Mostly, this is just a backup phone.   I want a cheap as possible Verizon plan for voice and text only.

Of course, going to the Verizon store gets me a guy that only knows that he is required to sell me a new phone...

Am I seeking the impossible?   Anyone know the name of a plan or link to online activation?

 

[John61CT]

You need a phone specifically designed for compatibility with VZW frequencies, AND with the ESN pre-registered in VZW's database by the manufacturer, in order for them to accept it onto their network.

Same as Sprint.

The GSM based carriers are looser, since their tech is used worldwide.

 

[John61CT]

IOW buy a Verizon-branded phone.

If 2nd hand, most sellers will give you the MEID and you can verify it with VZW's ESN checker before finalizing payment.

I believe last couple years high-end Nexus and iPhone are "universal" models, pre-registered with VZW.

In some cases, a VZW manager can enter ESN in their database.

 

[jimindenver]

Some phones can work on any carrier, some can ever except a sim on GSM and CDMA both but those are newer.

 

[John61CT]

You mean multiple concurrent radios?

Examples?

I have single-SIM phones one that switches between T-Mobile and Sprint, the other between T-Mobile and ATT, depending on which signal is stronger.

None of the concurrent dual- and triple- SIM phones I have work with Sprint or Verizon though.

 

[breeze]

Best Buy would be the market leader in Verizon plans and can better match you up to the exact configuration and phone that meets your requirements. A new unlimited program with 15 gb of 4g hotspot and unlimited phone for $90/mo total: that beats Walmart's Tracphone ($40 for 400 minutes) and Boost's 10gb hotspot for ($50) big time: and with better service.

 

[VanKitten]

Since I want no data. Only talk and text.

I plan this for a backup phone....when ATT doesn't have a signal.

 

[John61CT]

Then Tracfone, ends up $12.50 a month, unused units roll over indefinitely, just don't let it expire.

Get a Verizon phone clean ESN and make sure to get that version SIM.

 

[galladanb]

RK, Just now seeing this...

I'm sure you know about Consumer Cellular ( www.consumercellular.com )? They use the at&t network towers and BILLED plans starting as low as $10 bucks per month, and real plans starting at $15 Bucks.
Talk, Text, and data... (Mostly minimum amounts, but they do have bigger plans.
Oh and side bonus, the folks you call there are all American and US based... BIGGGGG BONUS!!!!!

And of course, there's always Straight Talk from Walmart, great prices and plans, but Off shore support, (Big deal breaker for me!)
"Yes, Off crash, I spokeed anglishism. How bay I you help with you tomorrow? NO?" OMG!!! LOL!

 

[galladanb]

RK,

Also that att iPhone has a GSM chip and Verizon uses another kind of chip, so NOT NETWORK SWAPPABLE. Sorry!!!

The VZW guy will have to sell you a new one, or buy used, if you dead set on VZW...

Jus saying!!!

 

[John61CT]

Consumer Cellular is fantastic value, especially for multiple devices on one account.

Not the cheapest but if you value customer service by far the best.