Unofficial Verizon documents signal major policy changes

There are changes afoot at Verizon Wireless, starting with its mail-in rebate policy. The latest mail-in rebate form shows a new requirement that customers attach a copy of their contract to the rebate form. Previously, customers were not required to do this, and it was possible to purchase a phone without a contract, and still mail in the rebate.

Another unofficial internal document from Verizon Wireless outlines changes to the carrier's Test Drive and New Every 2 programs. Test Drive allows new Verizon customers 30 days to trial the service, during which the customer could cancel the service and not be liable for any fees or charges. According to this unofficial document, effective February 15, customers canceling within the first 30 days (but after 3 days) will be liable for the activation fee, plus whatever usage they incurred.

The New Every Two program previously offered an additional discount, up to $100 for a monthly rate plan of $79.99 or higher. The discount came off the price of a new phone when subscribers renewed an expired contract with Verizon. According to this unofficial document, on February 15, the $100 additional discount is reduced to $50. Subscribers with a monthly rate plan of $34.99-$79.98 will get a $30 discount, instead of the current $50, as well.

Verizon Wireless has not officially announced or confirmed these policy changes. [via Boy Genius Report]