Now does this mean that Verizon will start activating Sprint handsets? I remember a while back they said they would do that at some point in the future. Their press release stated “Verizon Wireless’ new Month-to-Month agreement gives customers the freedom to purchase new devices at full-retail price, or use their own CDMA devices…” Nothing about it being a Verizon-branded device.

that’s great to hear. yes, it *should* be that only the handset price is affected, since mobile carriers have used the subsidization excuse as the reason for ETF’s and such. just didn’t expect them to put their money (as in lack of recurring revenue) where their mouth is!

citivolus: I believe the difference is that now you pay full price for phones instead of getting a discount when you purchase a 2 year service plan.

You read it correctly: nationwide voice and data plans are the same monthly price: with or without a contract. Makes sense as they’re essentially swapping the subsidy on the hardware from their budget to yours. The plans shouldn’t be affected.

if I read this correctly, it appears that there is no difference between the monthly price of a month-to-month plan versus a 2-year contract plan. if that is correct, I am impressed with this offering by Verizon.

One of these decades we’ll catch up with the rest of the world. In Ireland it has been possible (for at least the last 10 years) to switch handsets and carriers by taking out a small card (don’t know what it’s called).

This is a small step by Verizon. I won’t really be satisfied until I see them letting us use any phone we want to connect to their network.

Verizon has had an online ESN changing feature available thru their Customers “My Verizon Wireless” website for quite sometime now. This allows one to change their CDMA handset without involving VZW customer service, most of the time. The only hassle I have come across is when I wish to transfer to an older device or a from a Non EVDO device to a EVDO device and vice versa. So if your like me and have several CDMA Verizon devices that are fairly modern, it is trouble free.. And also, it works finer for DATA cards and USB Modems. I regularly switch between several PC Cards and a 720 USB Modem without a hitch.

This will be a very nice option for those wanting to use DATA devices but not get nailed for a year. As long as you can “social engineer” yourself out of an activation fee, this is a sweet offering. I feel they will be tougher on the Activation Fees, but in the same breathe if you are bringing your own customer owned equipment to the dance you should at least have a chance on beating the activation fee.

The interesting thing is that Korean CDMA carriers have made it easy to swap phones for years through a standard called RUIM (Removable User Identity Module). Many of the CDMA phones we have here in the US are also available in RUIM versions in Korea, obviously including many of those from Samsung and LG. Perhaps Verizon will consider adopting that standard here in the US.