With the much anticipated release of the iPhone 4 on Verizon Wireless, the masses are braving lines usually reserved for Black Friday and Christmas Eve for the opportunity to purchase this highly sought after product. If you happen to be one of these individuals that thought this day would never come (or maybe realized that it’s time for your upgrade), here are some helpful tips on how to make the switch as painless as possible.
1. If you want to avoid telling everyone and their mother your new phone number, it’s as simple as doing nothing. Well, not nothing but close to it. As long as your current account and phone number remain active, a Verizon Wireless sales representative can transfer your account and number to your new account. Afterwards, your former carrier will receive a notification that your account has been terminated, and you will have avoided sending your Facebook friends a mass message with your new number.
2. Keep your contacts. When switching phones, depending on your current device, there are applications and programs that will help you make transferring them quite simple. For example, if you already own an iPhone and are upgrading your device/switching to Verizon, your contacts will sync via iTunes.
3. More than a paperweight. After you get the Apple of Steve Jobs’ eye, there are several causes that would benefit from your old device. The Verizon Wireless trade-in program estimates the value of your device (any make/any carrier) and gives you a Verizon Wireless gift card at the estimated value. For example, a 32GB iPhone 4 in good condition has an appraised value of $285. Additionally, the Verizon Wireless Hope Program recycles no-longer-used phones from any carrier and uses the proceeds to provide wireless devices, airtime, and grants to local domestic violence shelters.
4. Put your service to the test. Unlike other carriers, Verizon wireless will offer an unlimited data plan for $29.99/month to its iPhone 4 users. Additionally, Verizon Wireless also offers the Family SharePlans that will save you money by allowing you to pool minutes, texts, and more on up to five handsets.
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