Is your iPhone locked to Verizon? The U.S. carrier changes its rules and starts charging the new Verizon activation fee that will be different depending on your data plan and contract status. The rules are already working since the changes officially took place on November 15th.
What does Verizon iPhone activation fee mean and who is affected? Previously you could get the iPhone locked to Verizon through installment plan and pay no activation fees. This practice is no longer available to customers. Anyone who is buying the new iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus through Verizon network via installment plan of up to 2 years will be charged additional fee of $20. This is the activation fee set up by the mobile network. Each customer who is getting the new smartphone for Christmas will have to pay these fees.
Is it a good time to order factory SIM unlock for iPhone Verizon now? It might be a good thing to do as the unlocking process might be even cheaper than the new activation fee introduced by the company. Still you should check on what other U.S. networks offer in terms of extra charges and decide whether you wish to switch the carrier or not.
The official announcements assure that the Big Red U.S. network is already charging the $20 fee for all handsets purchased since November 15th, 2015. This fee, as noted by the carrier, should covere the costs associated with adding a new line to your account. Still if you are tied to the 2-year contract with Verizon and wish to get another similar agreement you will be charged the $40 activation fee. This is the only method that guarantees you’ll keep your 24-months contract with Verizon.
Is this decision smart? We don’t know. The time will show if customers are interested in paying some extra charges for staying with the network of their choice or decide to switch to different carriers in the United States.