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Question

ancient iPhone4 - ready to go to iPhone5S

May 7, 2015 1:53AM PDT

I am in the dark ages with a four year old iPhone 4 that still works but I am now ready to go to 5S. I don't think I need the 6. I am still on Verizon contract with unlimited data so I don't want to jeopardize that. Should I buy 5S thru Apple or Gazelle? And then I am confused how best to transfer everything over to new phone (both data and Verizon). I'm sure this has been asked a zillion times and if there is a link to answers I would appreciate. Many thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Why not buy the iPhone from Verizon
May 7, 2015 8:56AM PDT

and they will be happy to transfer all your stuff for you


P

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if I buy phone from Verizon I will lose my unlimited data
May 7, 2015 11:24PM PDT

I probably will try to go in and talk to Verizon but I am still on an old plan with unlimited data so if I buy phone from Verizon I will be subject to a new plan with limited data which may be bad way to go.

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I would also ask @ Hofo
May 8, 2015 1:23AM PDT

Sorry, I am an ATT customer, so I can't be sure what will happen in your case. Howardforums can probably give you an updated sense of what you can expect through Verizon. Keep in mind that even if you purchase from Apple or Gazelle, you still have to activate the new handset on their system. That may in itself trigger the loss of your current unlimited data feature. YMMV. Try asking in the Verizon sub-forum here:

http://www.howardforums.com/forumdisplay.php/51-Verizon-Wireless

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Verizon, like AT&T, may have a Grandfather clause
May 8, 2015 9:11AM PDT

which may apply in your case.

AT&T gave unlimited data access with the original iPhone but then excluded it from the GF clause. The second iPhone, iPhone3G, was also offered the unlimited date which included the GF clause.
Since then, owners of iPhone 3G have been able to upgrade to each new iPhone on the original unlimited data plan.
That said, any change to the unlimited plan, add a line perhaps, would break the GF clause and the unlimited data would go away.

Check with Verizon to see if your plan will remain the same or not.

As Pepe7 said, you still have to register with Verizon, or some other Carrier.

P

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Answer
I talked to Verizon and Apple
May 8, 2015 11:57PM PDT

Verizon told me I CAN buy the phone from a third party and keep my unlimited data plan. Apple told me I can buy the 5S from there for $99 (16gb) or $149 (32gb) and they can set me up on same Verizon contract which will be extended for another 2 years. Sounds good to me Happy

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(NT) And all you had to do was ask!
May 9, 2015 10:39AM PDT