Verizon, a major U.S. telecommunications provider, structures numerous promotional campaigns to attract new customers and retain existing ones. These campaigns often bundle free products, subscriptions, and equipment with service plans, creating opportunities for consumers to receive valuable items at little to no additional cost. The availability and specifics of these freebies vary significantly by service type (internet vs. mobile), plan tier, geographic region, and promotional period. Based on provided documentation, Verizon's free offerings can be broadly categorized into three areas: incentives for new Fios internet subscribers, perks included with mobile unlimited plans, and seasonal or app-based giveaways.
Freebies with Verizon Fios Internet Service
Verizon Fios, the company's fiber-optic internet service, frequently structures promotional campaigns offering a variety of freebies and incentives. These offers are typically tied to specific internet service tiers and require adherence to enrollment criteria, such as signing up for automatic payments or committing to annual service agreements. The availability and specifics of these freebies vary by region and promotional period.
High-Value Hardware Incentives for Gigabit Tiers
The most substantial freebies are generally reserved for customers subscribing to Gigabit-tier speeds (1 Gig or higher). A prominent promotional partnership between Verizon and Google provided new Fios customers with a Stadia Premiere Edition, which included a Stadia controller, a Google Chromecast Ultra, and a three-month Stadia Pro subscription. Eligibility for this offer required signing up for one of the Fios Gigabit packages, which start at $80 per month. It is important to note that the Stadia Pro subscription would automatically convert to a paid $9.99 monthly subscription at the end of the trial period unless canceled.
Another significant offer provided a choice of freebies for customers signing up for the 1 Gig Fios plan (priced around $64.99 to $74.99 per month). Eligible customers could choose between a year of free Netflix and Max subscriptions or an Xbox Gaming Bundle. The Xbox bundle included an Xbox Wireless Controller (Robot White), an Xbox Stereo Headset, and a $50 Xbox gift card. To qualify for these specific freebies, customers must reside in an eligible area and be signed up for an unlimited 5G data plan with Auto Pay enabled.
Additional hardware incentives for Gigabit connections are documented. Subscribers to the Fios 1 Gigabit Connection ($74.99/month) or the Fios 2 Gigabit Connection ($94.99/month) were eligible to receive a choice of a Samsung 43-inch Class Q7F QLED TV, a Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 5G, or a Nintendo Switch System.
Streaming Service Subscriptions
Verizon has integrated major streaming services into its Fios internet plans to add value for subscribers. Under a plan priced at $65 per month for a 1 Gigabit connection, customers received free subscriptions to Netflix and Max for 12 months. Similarly, the 500 Mbps Fios connection, priced at $60 per month, included Vix Premium for 12 months. These subscriptions are typically included for a promotional period and may convert to a paid subscription unless canceled.
Router and Equipment Freebies
Several internet service tiers include complimentary equipment rentals, which can result in significant savings compared to standard monthly rental fees. The Fios 300 Mbps plan, often listed at $35 to $49.99 per month depending on the specific promotion, typically includes a free router rental. Sources indicate that the Fios 300 Plan and Fios 500 Plan also include a "Free Wi-Fi 6E Router." The Fios 500 Plan is specifically noted to include a free Wi-Fi 6E router, which is an upgrade over standard equipment.
Internet Plan Tiers and Pricing
Verizon Fios offers a tiered internet service structure with varying speeds and associated promotional pricing.
- Fios 300 Mbps: This is the most affordable tier, with prices ranging from $34.99 to $49.99 per month. Promotional benefits often include a free router rental and a 3-year price guarantee.
- Fios 500 Mbps: Priced around $59.99 to $60 per month, this tier is marketed toward households with slightly higher bandwidth needs. It includes a free Wi-Fi 6E router and, in some instances, a 12-month subscription to Vix Premium.
- Fios 1 Gigabit Connection: Priced between $64.99 and $74.99 per month. This tier is the gateway to high-value freebies, including the choice of a year of Netflix and Max or an Xbox Gaming Bundle.
- Fios 2 Gigabit Connection: The highest speed tier listed, priced at $94.99 per month, which also qualifies for the premium hardware incentives like the Samsung TV or Nintendo Switch.
Freebies with Verizon Mobile Unlimited Plans
Beyond internet services, Verizon mobile plans include a variety of perks and free subscriptions. These are generally bundled with unlimited data plans and can provide significant annual savings for consumers who utilize the included services.
Included Subscriptions and Services
Verizon's unlimited plans offer a tiered structure of benefits. The perks vary by specific plan, with more expensive plans including more services.
- Start Unlimited ($102/Year In Freebies): Includes Disney+ for 6 months and Apple Music for 6 months.
- Play More Unlimited ($288/Year In Freebies): Includes Disney+, Hulu Basic, and ESPN+ (all included, not for a limited time), plus Apple Music for 6 months.
- Do More Unlimited ($102/Year In Freebies + Discounts): Includes Disney+ for 6 months and Apple Music for 6 months. It also offers 50% off Unlimited Connected Device Plans and 600GB of Verizon Cloud Storage.
- Get More Unlimited ($348/Year In Freebies + Discounts): Includes Disney+, Hulu Basic, and ESPN+ (all included), Apple Music (included), 50% off Unlimited Connected Device Plans, and 600GB of Verizon Cloud Storage.
To redeem these Unlimited plan perks, customers can sign in to My Verizon, navigate to "Plans & Devices," select "Explore Add-ons," and click the "Get It Now" button under the desired perk. Verizon will prompt the user to create or log into an account for the selected service.
Free Device Promotions
According to a Verizon customer service agent, customers can get a free Apple iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Plus when adding a new line to an account or signing up for any of Verizon’s Unlimited Plans. These phones retail for $699 and $799, respectively. Eligibility for such device promotions typically requires adding a new line of service and may involve trading in an eligible device or agreeing to specific plan terms.
Seasonal and App-Based Giveaways
Verizon also runs seasonal promotions and giveaways accessible through its mobile application. These offers are often time-sensitive and may have limited quantities.
Summer Perks Giveaway
A documented promotion from summer involved Verizon giving away 150,000 freebies to its customers. The giveaway included NFL tickets, concert tickets, gift cards, and movie passes, available through the My Verizon app. The process required downloading the app and navigating to the giveaway section to claim a prize. Supplies were reported to be limited, indicating a first-come, first-served model.
Historical Content Offers
Historical data indicates that Verizon has utilized "On Demand Marathon" events to engage customers. In September 2013, a promotion allowed users to access over 2,000 On Demand movies and more than 50 full-series TV shows for free during a specific date range. While this is a historical example, it demonstrates a pattern of diverse content incentives beyond hardware and subscriptions.
Important Considerations for Consumers
When seeking Verizon freebies, consumers should be aware of several critical factors.
- Eligibility and Requirements: Most high-value freebies are tied to specific service tiers (e.g., Gigabit internet, Unlimited mobile plans) and require enrollment in Auto Pay. Geographic restrictions may apply, and offers are often limited to new customers or those adding a new line of service.
- Promotional Periods and Conversions: Many included subscriptions (e.g., streaming services) are free for a limited period (e.g., 6 months, 12 months) and will automatically convert to a paid subscription unless canceled by the user. It is essential to note the end date of the promotional period.
- Verification: Promotional terms are subject to change. Prospective customers should verify current eligibility requirements, offer expiration dates, and geographic availability directly with Verizon or through official sign-up channels before committing to a plan.
- Source Reliability: Information about specific freebies is drawn from a mix of official documentation and third-party reports. For the most accurate and current details, consumers should consult Verizon's official website or contact customer service directly.
Conclusion
Verizon offers a range of free products, subscriptions, and equipment as part of its service promotions. The most valuable freebies, such as gaming consoles, smart TVs, and extended streaming subscriptions, are typically associated with higher-tier internet plans (1 Gigabit or higher) or specific unlimited mobile plans. Free router rentals are commonly included with lower-tier internet plans. Additionally, Verizon runs seasonal giveaways and app-based promotions. Consumers interested in these offers should carefully review the eligibility criteria, understand the duration of any included subscriptions, and verify all details directly with Verizon to ensure they receive the advertised benefits.