Verizon Locks Prices for 3 Years, Offers Free Phones for Trade-Ins

From CNET: Prices on everyday things are in flux, whether from tariffs, unexpected phone line increases or even costly take-out food. Verizon is hoping that some stability -- sweetened with free device trade-ins and free satellite text messaging -- will convince new and existing customers to stick with its service for a while.

Starting Thursday, Verizon is implementing a three-year price lock on its MyPlan mobile and HomePlan home internet accounts. The price lock applies automatically to all customers; it's not a program requiring a separate enrollment or contract.

If someone switches plans, the three-year price guarantee renews with the new plan. That also applies to individual lines -- bumping a line with an Unlimited Plus plan to an Unlimited Ultimate plan, for example, resets the three-year counter on that line.

Although the price lock appears designed to keep people with the carrier, Verizon representatives said it's not meant to shackle customers to the service; there are no fees or penalties related to the three-year span if someone cancels a line or account.

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