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If you’ve been considering changing your home internet provider, Verizon is offering a limited-time deal with a nice perk. New customers who switch to Verizon home internet can choose a free Nintendo Switch, a Samsung TV or a Samsung Galaxy Tab with select plans.
A free device can make switching providers feel like an easy decision, especially if you were already thinking about upgrading your internet service. Offers like this are meant to add immediate value, but they don’t always tell the full financial story.
Before making the switch, it’s worth taking a closer look at the plan requirements, long-term costs and whether Verizon’s service fits your internet needs.
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What Verizon’s free Nintendo Switch deal includes
Verizon is offering new customers a free Nintendo Switch with select home internet plans this holiday season. If you’re not a gamer, you can also choose from a Samsung Galaxy Tab or a 43-inch Samsung QLED TV.
The following Verizon home internet plans qualify:
Only new customers can qualify for the free devices. To qualify, you’ll need to activate your internet service and keep that account active for 14 days. You must redeem the offer within 60 days.
If you cancel your internet service within 180 days of activation, Verizon will charge back the value of the promotional device that you chose. This “clawback” condition is commonly included in these types of offers, and you could be responsible for the full value of the device if you don’t follow the contract’s terms.
Verizon also specifies that supplies of the devices are limited, so if you’re considering taking advantage of this offer, you may want to act quickly. The promotions also differ by geographic coverage and plan availability, so check the plans and offers available for your specific address.
Is it really worth switching?
Getting a free device like a Nintendo Switch may be tempting, but is it really worth switching to Verizon home internet? Consider these factors before you switch:
- Compare Costs: Evaluate your current internet plan compared to Verizon’s pricing. Be sure to include any discounts you receive, like autopay discounts, as well as any fees.
- Factor in the Gift’s Value: A Nintendo Switch has a retail value of approximately $340, so factor that value into the Verizon internet plan you’re considering. However, it’s also important to calculate your net costs over the first year and beyond to see how Verizon’s service compares to your current service.
- Consider Price Locks: Verizon offers three- to five-year price locks on its plans, and those price locks can offer some stability if you plan to stay with Verizon long-term. Think about how likely you are to change providers again, though, since the price locks may not be so helpful if you don’t stay with Verizon for years.
- Evaluate Service: Evaluate Verizon’s service plans to determine if one of the plans eligible for the deal makes sense for you. If you don’t need the faster internet speeds or enhanced video streaming that come with some of these upper plans, you could be overpaying for an unnecessary service.
Pitfalls and consumer warnings
Before you decide to switch to Verizon, check the coverage map. Service and all plan types aren’t available in all areas, which may affect your eligibility for this deal.
If you already have a Nintendo Switch, then consider whether the alternate TV or tablet options provide more financial value. If you don’t need a TV or tablet, then the offer isn’t quite as valuable for you.
Smart tips before you switch
If you’re thinking of switching to Verizon, these steps can help you strategically prepare:
- Call Your Current Provider: Start by calling your current internet provider to see if they can match or beat Verizon’s home internet deal. Your provider may offer to lower your rates to retain you as a customer, so you could save on your internet bills without having to switch to a new provider.
- Run the Numbers: Internet deals often promise upfront savings, but will you really save long-term? Run the numbers over a year or two to determine whether a Verizon internet plan will save or cost you money over the coming years.
- Keep Documentation: Keep documentation of the promotional terms and redemption instructions. Take screenshots and save your emails from Verizon to establish proof of the terms you’ve agreed to and the steps you’ve taken. This documentation can help you correct any disputes or issues you might encounter.
The Verizon home internet deal may be appealing, especially with the reward of a free Nintendo Switch for switching. But changing your internet provider is about more than getting a free device.
Take the time to carefully review how Verizon’s plans stack up against your current internet and whether the plans will meet your internet needs over the next few years. If you decide that it makes sense to change providers, the free Nintendo Switch or other device can be a nice perk on top of getting the home internet service you need.
