As an authorized Verizon Wireless retailer, we get a ton of questions about service, pricing, rebates, coverage and much more. Our goal is to be as transparent as possible throughout this process. Here are some common misconceptions about Verizon:

Myth: "The new Verizon Plan is way more expensive."

Fact: For many customers, the Verizon plan is cheaper.

The Verizon plan might be a few dollars more or a few dollars less per month depending on your current plan, but one thing’s for certain: The new plan is simpler and easier to understand.

Rather than a two-year contract, the new plan is month-to-month. There are no hidden upgrade fees or catches. There are three parts to it: you pick a size (amount of data), pick your devices ($20 per month per iPhone, $10 per month per iPad) and pay for the devices (the full retail price spread out over 24 months).

Visit one of our stores and we’ll analyze your account to determine whether the new plan or your current plan will be the most cost effective.

Myth: "If I upgrade my phone I will be forced to switch to the new Verizon plan."

Fact: Existing customers can retain their existing plans, even if they upgrade or add a line.

The new Verizon plan is the only option for new Verizon customers. Existing customers have the option to switch to the new plan or keep their existing plan, even when upgrading or adding a new line.

One notable exception is customers on unlimited data plans (usually under the name “Nationwide”). Since Verizon does not offer unlimited data anymore, these customers will lose their unlimited data if they upgrade - though they will receive a 6GB Nationwide plan for the price of 2GB.

Myth: "I can’t do a 2-year contract anymore."

Fact: Existing customers can still get a 2-year contract and a subsidized phone if they keep their current plan.

On the new Verizon plan, there are no subsidized phones (i.e. the $199 price for a 16GB iPhone 6), only device payments towards the full amount. This means new customers no longer have the option of doing a two-year contract.

If you’re an existing Verizon customer, you can still get a subsidized phone on a two-year contract if you keep your existing plan.

However, in most cases it’s cheaper to do a device payment instead of a two year contract in the long run. For example, on the More Everything plan, you get a $25 line access discount if you have a 6GB or higher plan with a device payment (formerly Edge).

Myth: "Verizon’s coverage isn’t as good as they say it is."

Fact: Verizon truly is the largest and most reliable 4G LTE network in the United States.

Good coverage isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. According to RootMetrics, an unbiased third-party organization that measures US mobile network strength, Verizon is the clear winner in call performance, data performance, network speed, network reliability and overall network performance.

Rather than pumping billions into advertising or cheap customer gimmicks, Verizon invests a large percentage of their revenue in making their network even stronger. The company has spent over $100 billion since the year 2000 on improving the network.

Having a good, reliable network really comes into play when you travel away from metro areas. On your next hiking trip, you’ll be uploading a video to Instagram of your friend with T-Mobile climbing a tree just to get a single bar of service.

Myth: "I will get a better price if I go to the Apple Store or a corporate Verizon store."

Fact: CityMac offers the same prices, service plans and warranties as other stores, plus you can trade in your old device for credit towards your purchase.

At CityMac, we offer good ol’ fashioned service for everything Apple. We are a fully-licensed Apple Specialist and an authorized Verizon Wireless retailer, which means you’ll get the same great prices at CityMac that you would at other stores.

Instead of waiting to be helped at another store, stop by any of our locations for immediate assistance, a comfortable and calm atmosphere and knowledgeable Apple Product Professionals who are here to help.