Verizon Ended Free Phone Promotions
CEO Dan Schulman announced the decision on September 9, 2026, marking a shift in the carrier's customer retention strategy.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Telecommunications
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Verizon CEO Dan Schulman announced on September 9, 2026, that the company would discontinue its practice of offering free phones to customers. The decision moves away from traditional promotions that tethered users to long-term installment agreements.
Why it matters
The company determined that providing free devices is no longer a necessary tactic for attracting or retaining subscribers in the current wireless market. This change reflects a broader shift in how major carriers approach consumer incentives and plan structures.
Verizon previously tied $600 in bill credits for the iPhone 17e to 36-month installment agreements, requiring a minimum monthly plan cost to qualify. The average monthly bill for wireless customers without a bundle currently sits at $102.
The players
Dan Schulman
Dan Schulman is the CEO of Verizon who oversaw the strategic decision to end free phone incentives.
Verizon
Verizon is a major American telecommunications provider that offers wireless and fiber-optic services nationwide.
The details
Under the old model, Verizon credits were contingent on customers maintaining specific plan requirements and were forfeited if the line was canceled or the phone was paid off early. Customers seeking to own their devices outright can still unlock their phones by paying the full financing balance.
Timeline
March 2026: Verizon launched the iPhone 17e with credit-based promotional offers.
September 9, 2026: CEO Dan Schulman announced the end of free phone promotions.
The Tech Race
The industry is moving away from the hardware-subsidizing model that defined the last decade of smartphone expansion. This decision signals a departure from the arms race of free device distribution, as carriers shift focus toward service-based value and competitive plan pricing.
Consumers should expect to pay full retail prices or manage longer-term financing without the benefit of previously standard bill credits. Budget-conscious shoppers may find it necessary to compare service plans more closely as the upfront cost of devices increases.
The takeaway
The end of free phone offers suggests that hardware-based lock-in strategies are becoming less effective for major carriers. Subscribers should prioritize flexible, lower-cost plans rather than relying on bundled device promotions for long-term savings.
Further reading
For more information on the current wireless market, visit the Telecommunications section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Money Talks News.
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