The Unofficial Verizon iPhone FAQ: Questions Answered, Will I Need to Get Data Pak Plan, Port Number, Upgrade, How

This unofficial FAQ hopes to cover all sorts of questions regarding the Verizon iPhone 4. It has been compiled from various tech news sources and Verizon's own website.

To prevent confusion, the AT&T iPhone 4 will be called iPhone 4. The "newer" iPhone 4 for Verizon will be referred to as "iPhone 4c" (for CDMA) within this article. This is strictly my pet name for it as I don't want to write "Verizon iPhone 4" bazillion times. The official name is still iPhone 4.

Q: What is the different between the iPhone 4c (the Verizon iPhone 4) and the "original" iPhone 4 (released June 2010)?
A: The Verizon iPhone 4 is for Verizon's CDMA2000 network. The original iPhone 4 is designed for AT&T's GSM network.

There are reports that the buttons on the iPhone 4c have been moved slightly to solve the outside antenna problem. Thus, cases designed for iPhone 4 may not work. Please verify that they work before you buy any.

Another thing is Verizon's CDMA network currently does not allow "simultaneous talk and data", which is possible on the AT&T GSM network. Thus, the iPhone 4c will not be able to talk and use data network at the same time. There are reports that Verizon is working on that, but thus far there are no details on when that may be remedied.

Q: Does iPhone 4c bear a Verizon logo?
A: No.

Q: What is this wireless hotspot feature I heard about?
A: Apparently it is a feature in iOS 4.3 that will be rolled out to all iPhone 4's later, but iPhone 4c will get it first. You will likely need to pay extra to use the feature though. How much is undetermined. Based on existing costs, there is a separate data cost at $20 for 2GB.
UPDATE: MacWorld confirms that hotspot will indeed cost $20 for 2GB, which is separate from your $30 unlimited Internet.

Q: Will the iPhone 4c access Verzion's 4G LTE network?
A: No. Like the iPhone 4, the iPhone 4c is strictly a 3G device. Verizon and Apple exec were quoted at the announcement that "people want the iPhone now" and they don't have time to redesign the phone around LTE.

Q: Will the iPhone 4c be upgradeable to Verizon's 4G LTE network?
A: No. That would require replacing the phone altogether. There is no LTE "radio" inside.

Q: Will iPhone 4c be available on another CDMA carrier, such as Sprint or MetroPCS?
A: Unknown. According to Verizon and Apple, their contract is "non-exclusive", which means if Sprint or MetroPCS choose to pay Apple enough they can also get the iPhone 4c. However, there is no indication that either is trying to do so. It would not fit into their product lineup any way.

Q: Can the iPhone 4c be hacked to work on Sprint or MetroPCS?
A: As nobody has it now, who knows? Hackers can only hack it when it's actually available.

Q: When will be iPhone 4c be availble?
A: It will be available for pre-order on February 3rd, 2011. The phone itself should become available on February 10th, 2011.

Q: How can I pre-order one?
A: You must go to verizonwireless.com on or around February 3rd and register for the pre-order. You can sign up now for e-mail notice on what the pre-order will open.

Q: Can I pre-order at Verizon store or Apple store?
A: No. Pre-order is online only.

Q: Can I buy iPhone 4c at Verizon or Apple store?
A: At / after February 10th, 2011, yes. However, if you are an existing Verizon customer Apple store may not be able to determine your upgrade status, according to Verizon website. Thus, Verizon customers wishing to upgrade should visit a Verizon store.

Q: What is the cost of an iPhone 4c?
A: The announced price is $199 for 16 GB version and $299 for 32 GB version, both with a 2 year contract AND data pak (plan). Without contract, the 16 GB is $649 (was $599?). The 32 GB will be $749 (was $699?).

Q: Can I get it for just 1 year contract?
A: No such option was mentioned in the announcement or Verizon website. .

Q: Will iPhone 4c get unlimited data plan like the other smartphones on Verizon get now?
A: Unknown. No announcement was given regarding the plan costs. However, they did not say "no" either. Rumors from various websites are divided. Some say Verizon will still offer the unlimited plan. Others say that Verizon will use the iPhone 4c to start their "tiered cap" smartphone data paks similar to existing AT&T plans. UPDATE: Verizon confirmed to MacWorld to the unlimited plan will remain at launch, but it will soon go away.

Q: Must I get a data plan with the iPhone 4c?
A: Yes. On Verizon, ALL smartphones (even the anemic Motorola Devour, a cheap Android phone) are required to get a smartphone data plan. However, which data plan will be available is yet to be determined.

Q: Is Verizon getting the iPhone 3GS also?
A: No. iPhone 3GS is being phased out altogether, and Apple is not redesigning it for CDMA.

Q: Is Verizon's phone network that good?
A: For talk, yes. And they claimed they can handle the data load even with all the iPhones around.

Q: Can I have a comparison between AT&T's iPhone plan vs. Verizon's iPhone plan?
A: See the MacWorld comparison, which includes voice, text, and data, even family plans.

Q: I am an existing iPhone 3G / 3GS / 4 user (from AT&T). How much would it cost me to switch to iPhone 4c?
A: The cost varies depending on your specific phone and contract, as AT&T changed the early termination fee in 2009. CNN has a calculator for you but you will need to know when exactly does your contract start / expire.

Q: Can I just take my existing iPhone and activate it on Verizon?
A: No. Your existing iPhone is GSM. It will not talk to Verizon's CDMA network at all. Jailbreaking and loading other apps won't help you.

Q: Will Verizon offer a "trade-in" program for people who want to switch?
A: Probably not. Verizon only have need for CDMA phones. What will they do with a bunch of used GSM phones?

Q: What else can I do if I want to switch over?
A: See lifehacker guide: how to ditch your AT&T iPhone and Switch to Verizon for free (or almost free)

Q: I am a Verizon customer. How much will it cost me to switch from whatever phone I have now to the iPhone 4c?
A: Please contact your local Verizon store, or check online at verizonwireless.com. You need to find your "early termination fee", which is prorated based on how long you have had your contract. The exact amount depends on your phone and how long have you had it.

Keep in mind that you may be able to sell the used phone and defray some of the cost.

Q: Can I upgrade early?
A: No. According to reports from SmartMoney and confirmed by CNNMoney, Verizon is canceling all early upgrades by January 16th, 2011, before they accept iPhone 4c preorders. They are going to replace the "New Every Two" program with something else, but thus far have not indicated what that may be. If you already have New Every Two credit, you can apply it to iPhone 4c when it becomes available.

Q: Can I upgrade again when iPhone "5" comes out in the Summer of 2011?
A: Virtually certain NO! AT&T gave the iPhone 3G / 3GS users early upgrade to iPhone 4 and apparently lost significant money doing so, according to some reports. It is unlikely Verizon would repeat such a venture. On the other hand, they also locked in a large group for 2 year contracts.

Q: I already have a $10 data plan. Can I keep that?
A: No. That $10 unlimited plan is only for "feature phones". Smart phones require the more expensive smart phone data plan.

Q: I am covered under a family plan and my _____'s upgrade is not used. Can I used their upgrade credit?
A: Please check your Verizon store or call Verizon wireless so they can look at your account to be sure. The primary account holder will need to authorize the upgrade.

Q: Can I swap my contacts over?
A: Yes. Run Backup Assistant on your phone now, and you will be able to restore the contacts later.

Q: How about voicemail? Can I keep those?
A: According to Verizon, your voicemail will be lost, unless you do specific steps to backup.

Q: I am currently on _____...
A: Please contact your current carrier on how much is the early termination charge for your existing contract. However, do NOT cancel your phone contract just yet. You will need to request Verizon to "port" your number over. You will need to settle the account with your existing carrier before your number can be ported. Once the number is ported, you can then sell your old phone and recover some of your money.

For more questions on porting your number, check whether your number can be ported, and the status of your porting request, please see the Verizon porting page.

Q: Can I port my landline number to Verizon Wireless?
A: Yes, but it may take several days. Wireless porting usually takes just a few hours.

See the Lifehacker Q&A, which covers very similar questions

Lifehacker: Everything You need to Know About Verizon iPhone and Making the Switch

If you have any other burning questions about the Verizon iPhone 4, please post them in comments and an answer will be provided.