Verizon to End Activation and Upgrade Fees Under New Simplicity Plan
Verizon will remove device activation and upgrade fees and launch Verizon Dollars rewards as part of its Simplicity Plan. Two new marketing campaigns featuring the Austin Powers and Yo Soy Betty, la Fea casts begin Tuesday.
VarietyVerizon plans to eliminate activation and upgrade fees for customers who have already paid for phone service under a new Simplicity Plan. The company will also offer new promotions that include a return on dollars spent as well as prizes and rewards. Leslie Berland, Verizon’s chief marketing officer, said the changes address customer frustration.
“We know that people were frustrated by device upgrade and activation fees,” she said. ” Verizon has reunited the cast of the Austin Powers movies, including Mike Myers as Dr. Evil, for an English-language campaign.
In the ads, Dr. Evil reunites associates played by Rob Lowe, Seth Green, and Mindy Sterling to launch “Menace Mobile,” which will feature the most confusing pricing plans of all time. A separate Spanish-language campaign uses the cast of the original telenovela Yo Soy Betty, la Fea.
Ana Maria Orozco, Jorge Enrique Abello, and Lorna Cepeda appear in spots that discuss how Verizon makes things easier for customers. As part of the initiative, Verizon introduced Verizon Dollars, a program that gives customers 3% back in promotional currency each month.
Starting in July, the currency can be redeemed for devices, accessories, or exchanges with brands including Sephora, Hilton, Marriott, and Starbucks.
Verizon subscribers can also enter Verizon Shine contests. Prizes include a trip to Australia to see the first NFL game played there, a New York City food tour with celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern, and a trip to New York City for a VIP event with David Beckham and tickets to the Final FIFA World Cup 2026 match. Mike Myers said the campaign gave him another chance to play Dr.
