The deal was awaited for 3 years, since the release of the original Apple iPhone, and has now arrived for the iPhone 4( a CMDA version of the iPhone 4 specially made for Verizon's 4G network) and probably for the new iPhone 5 that will arrive soon. However, something came out today that is probably more important to customers than the deal itself. Because the arrival of the Apple iPhone on their network, Verizon as decided to make some changes regarding their upgrade policy, which will make mobile phones more expensive.
After being told the same thing by every sale reps from Verizon stores that they have encountered, the people over at SmartMoney got the confirmation from the Verizon officials: They are letting go of their "New every Two" program which gives Verizon customers a $30 up to $100 credit every two years, towards buying a new mobile phone. As of January 16, Verizon stopped giving new customers the credit, and refused to re-enroll old customers into the program after their next "new every two". Verizon store reps also confirmed that the carrier has no intention of going on with their permissive early upgrade policy any further.
All of these changes only results more out of pocket money from Verizon subscribers. With the New every two perk, a longtime customer from Verizon could get the new iPhone for $99, in stead of its price for new subscribers which is $199. When the program ends, new Verizon customers will no longer be eligible for the perk, and old customers will no longer have access to it either, unless they renew their contract before January 16, which is way before the release of the new Apple iPhone. The end of the early upgrade program also means less perks, as a customers who previously had to wait 13 months to get a new phone at a promotional price on a two-yea contract will now wait 20 months if they want to buy a new phone at a promotional price instead of the retail one (for the iPhone 4, that is currently a difference of $400). The changes come after millions of people are expected to jump to Verizon due to the closed deal for the new and highly-sought iPhone 4.
Because of its policies, the iPhone 4 will not be available for new customers until February 10. And if Apple decides to maintain its new phone release habits, those who sign a deal with Verizon in February will be locked out of having such price tags for new models until three months after Apple releases one in 2012.