What your Verizon contract says

In short

This is a wireless customer agreement with Verizon Wireless (Cellco Partnership). You're signing up for mobile phone service including voice, text, and data on Verizon's network. Most plans are now "unlimited" but there are multiple tiers (the cheaper unlimited plans throttle your data speeds after a certain threshold (typically 25-50 GB) and may deprioritize you during network congestion). If you finance a phone through Verizon, you're locked into monthly device payments for 24-36 months, and the phone is locked to Verizon's network until you pay it off. Under California's automatic renewal law, Verizon must clearly disclose recurring charges and provide a straightforward cancellation process.

What you agree to do

• You must pay your monthly bill by the due date, including any device payment installments.
• You must return a financed device in good condition if you cancel within the return period.
• You must notify Verizon if your phone is lost or stolen to prevent unauthorized usage charges.

What you can ask for

• You can cancel your service at any time without an early termination fee on month-to-month plans.
• You can unlock your device after it's paid off in full and your account is in good standing.
• You have a 30-day return window for new devices and new lines (you can return the phone and cancel for a full refund minus a $50 restocking fee).

Points worth knowing

• Data deprioritization on cheaper unlimited plansOn lower-tier unlimited plans, Verizon may slow your data speeds during times of network congestion after you've used 25-50 GB. This is not technically a 'cap,' but your speeds can drop dramatically.
• Device payment obligation survives cancellationIf you financed a phone and cancel your plan early, you still owe the remaining device payments in full (immediately). On a new phone, this could be $500-800 or more.
• Mandatory arbitration clauseVerizon's agreement includes a binding arbitration provision with a class action waiver. While California courts have occasionally found such clauses unconscionable, they are generally enforced.
• Price increases with noticeVerizon can increase plan prices with 30 days' notice. Under CA Bus. & Prof. Code §17602, they must disclose the change, but continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance.
• Administrative and regulatory feesBeyond the advertised plan price, Verizon adds monthly administrative and regulatory surcharges that can total $5-10/line. These fees are set by Verizon, not the government, and can increase.

Dates and deadlines

Device return window

30 days from purchase or activation to return a device for a refund

Monthly billing cycle

Bill due monthly, autopay discount ($5-10/line) requires enrollment

Device unlock eligibility

Device can be unlocked 60 days after purchase, once fully paid off