Question about Verizon MiFi

[Matt Hunt]

Sorry, this is kind of an amateur question, as I'm not really up on the latest technology, but for these MiFi devices, would I be able to purchase a used device and still get it activated on a pre-paid plan through Verizon? I noticed on the new one directly from Verizon, there is no charge for activation, but not sure if that would be the case on a used device as well? Thanks!

 

[Brett Roberts]

From what I've read, if you're buying a used device from someone other than Verizon, your safest bet is to sign up for month-to-month (rather than prepaid) service. When I was researching my options, I recall at least an implication that only specific Verizon-issued devices were eligible for the prepaid plans, but it was never made completely clear.

For month-to-month, there's a $35 activation fee, but the rates are a little cheaper which helps to offset that. Obviously, you will not be under contract if you bring your own device. If you keep service on for March-June and need 4 GB/mo., you end up paying about $235 ($50/mo. + $35 activation) for month-to-month, vs. $240 ($60/mo.) for prepaid. Personally, I've been quite happy using their month-to-month service the past two years.

 

[Matt Hunt]

Thanks Brett! The website is pretty vague, but it does say you can bring your own device, and that not all devices are compatible with the pre-paid plan, but doesn't specify which ones are or are not. I'd probably get the same one, but I've found it cheaper (even new) elsewhere than directly through Verizon. I didn't see a month-to-month option, but maybe it's hidden in there somewhere? I'll only need it for one week in April, and a half-week in May, though, at least for this year.

 

[David Biggar]

I'm going to second what Brett said about the plan. If I recall from the first time I got a data card (bear with me, may not be right, but I hope it makes sense) prepaid is only for Verizon's "Network" so if you are on a partner's tower, you will be paying roaming. Month-to-month gets you access to the partner towers without a roaming cost.

Here's the difference:
Prepaid (note the area's with roaming costs)

Month-to-month (most roaming areas are now covered)

Of course I could be totally wrong (or the Verizon guy was just trying to get me on a month-to-month plan). Hope that helps with the plan part.

 

[Matt Hunt]

Yep, you're right, no roaming on pre-paid. But this year pre-paid probably makes more sense to me. I could probably get by with just the one week plan, since I'll only have 2 isolated chases, neither even lasting a full week. I've hardly ever gone over 500 MB of data on my phone, even with chases thrown into those months, so I think 250 MB would be fine for a 1-2 day chase trip. I'd just have to use my phone for back-up in those roaming areas.