Verizon has just began to allow customers to take their non-Verizon smartphones and have them activated for Verizon, in a bid to further increase its subscriber numbers.
The program launched this week, with Verizon confirming to news website 9to5Mac that the initiative will cover Apple's iPhone and Google's Nexus 6.
Verizon, however, said that the smartphones should first be unlocked before being activated to operate under its network.
Customers that would be interested in making the switch from another carrier to Verizon can first check to see if their iPhone or Nexus 6 is compatible with the initiative by accessing the carrier's dedicated webpage for the program.
Customers will have to enter their device's ID, such as the ESN, MEID or IMEI, with the webpage explaining to users how these numbers can be acquired. Afterwards, users will then be asked to input the SIM ID number or to acquire a new SIM card from any store of Verizon. Users will then be shown the plans that their device can be signed up for and will allow users to then activate the device to work under Verizon.
The idea of not having to purchase a new device if their current one is not compatible with Verizon is a huge plus for potential subscribers that may be looking to sign up under Verizon. Aside from increasing subscriber numbers, users that switched to Verizon may then make all their future purchases from the carrier.
While only the iPhone 6 and Nexus 6 are currently accepted in the program, it could eventually expand to include other smartphones in the future.
Earlier this month, Verizon released new contract-free plans with varying amounts of included data that will require users to either pay for new smartphones in full right away or to do so in monthly installments.
The small plan offers a monthly 1GB of data for $30, the medium plan offers a monthly 3GB of data for $45, the large plan offers a monthly 6GB of data for $60 and the x-large plan offers a monthly 12GB of data for $80.
In addition to the fees, users will also have to pay a $20 access fee for each smartphone, $10 for each tablet and $5 for each connected device such as smartwatches.
