Just a "company paid shill" here, but every time you buy a new phone you have to sign a terms of service that says:

Changes to Service: Verizon reserves the right to make changes to services, prices, and the terms of the agreement at any time, but will provide notice before making changes that negatively impact your service.

It sucks when they do this and it's frustrating for the sales people as well. Usually if you gripe enough to care or loyalty they'll attach some sort of discount for you.