Getting a deal for wireless phone/data service?

December 7, 2008 12:26 PM

Is there a good way to get a reduced rate from Verizon on data and voice service on a wireless phone like a Blackberry for my husband? I've heard people get deals on wireless phone service by threatening to switch providers, and wondered if that or signing up for a long term plan could get me a deal.

I'd like to give my husband a Blackberry and voice/data service for a few years this year for the holidays. He is okay with getting signed up for a long term plan if it would save money. Does anyone have any strategies that I could use to get a deal? Right now a regular voice plan in our area would cost about $30/month and the data on top of that would cost about $50 extra.

It would be best if I didn't have to change my own service at this time to get the deal, because I currently have a crazy deal on my own blackberry service (but I don't remember how I got it!). I know they won't give out the same deal I have b/c I asked. Does anyone know whether I might get a good deal if my husband is thinking about switching to another provider, or alternatively is willing to sign up for a long period, or for some other reason? Thanks!

posted by onlyconnect to shopping (3 comments total)

Corporate discounts can be pretty good. Does he work for anybody on this list?
posted by faster than a speeding bulette at 1:07 PM on December 7, 2008

In my experience the major carriers are not too flexible in terms of their service plans. But, I agree with above post, corporate discounts are the way to go. If you work for a major employer, or if you are part of an organization that can get discounted rates.

My employer allows me to get a 18% discount and then a 40% discount on the full price of equipment. I don't know about discounts off of the media services.
posted by hazyspring at 1:55 PM on December 7, 2008

Neither of us gets a corporate discount. Thanks for the thought, though. I really think that something should be possible here, if only by virtue of the fact that I am getting a ridiculously crazy deal right now.
posted by onlyconnect at 9:47 AM on December 9, 2008