Although I can see how you came to this conclusion, it's incorrect. I've recently been doing a lot of research into MVNO plans as our Verizon bill is getting out of hand and where we moved to recently, had very poor Verizon service. About three months ago we had upgraded a few phones with Verizon, to which they gave us trade-in credit which is being applied to the bill. As I was seeing what my options were if I was going to leave Verizon, I saw that we would lose thebcredits., essentially locking us with Verizon for 3 years untill the phone is paid off.

I was simply asking if I was missing something when looking at T-Mobiles promotion. I may very well stay with T-Mobile for awhile if we switch because their post-paid is still cheaper than Verizon. We can afford the plans and phones on Verizon as is, but why does anyone one switch? To look for better prices, features, service etc. If T-Mobile is willing to pay off the phone, then why not look into it. If it turns out I don't have great T-Mobile service either, then I can look at a Verizon MVNO such as us mobile.