Verizon notoriously killed its unlimited data plans this past summer, leaving users with only tiered options with ugly data caps. Not cool. But such is life in the era of bandwidth slurping smartphone ubiquity. Or is it? Apparently there's a secret hack that lets Verizon users add unlimited data to their plans.
Free yourself from the handcuffs of the data overlords! Enjoy all the benefits of excess! Live capless! According to Slickdeals, the trick that lets users turn their current data plan into an unlimited data plan with unlimited tethering involves a little CSR wrangling. Here's how to do it:
1. Dial *611 from your Verizon phone, or 1-800-922-0204 from any phone.
2. Wait for computer CSR to go through the main menu. You will need your Verizon phone # and account PIN or last 4 of SSN.
3. Hit option 4.
4. When it asks you what you would like to do today say "Add a feature."
5. If you have a 3G device (which includes all iPhones): Say you would like to add the $20 2GB 3G Mobile Hotspot FEATURE to your phone. If you have a 4G device: Say you would like to add the $30 Unlimited 4G Mobile Hotspot FEATURE to your phone. According to http://stopthecap.com/2011/07/12/...…, they may be able to locate this feature via referencing feature code #76153.
6. Your data plan will now be the $29.99 unlimited data plan, and you'll have either the 2GB or unlimited Mobile Hotspot feature on top of that.
7. {OPTIONAL - if you don't want the Mobile Hotspot feature} Log into My Verizon and remove the Mobile Hotspot FEATURE from your account. Many people recommend waiting a few days (at a minimum) to remove the feature. The $29.99 unlimited data plan should remain on your account.
8. If they say they can't add that feature to your plan, or that you must bundle your data + mobile hotspot service together as a single data plan, tell them thank you, hang up, and repeat the steps above.
Of course, Big Red might squash anybody who tries to sneak in by reneging all the unlimited data plans they give out through this method but at least you get to enjoy a full day of streaming video, surfing the mobile internet and booking the face without a worry in the world. Worth it! [Slickdeals via Cult of Mac]