You become a VIP depending on how long you've been with Verizon and how much you spend each month. My parents have been with Verizon since 2003 with a monthly contract at around $250, and they were added to the VIP program automatically last summer. It doesn't really mean much; you'll get invitations for stuff like the above, special offers (Verizon offered to upgrade my phone to a Pearl shortly after it came out without extending my contract for $99), and some one-time use perks. (like a one-time overage forgiveness, one-time late fee waiver, etc.)

JHB8000

@Lite: By iPhone I mean get poor 3G reception due to faults within AT&T's 3G network design, and not entirely because of the phone itself, even though AT&T let Apple take the fall?

Lite

But will it iPhone?

Lite

In order to be a member you have to be on a calling plan of $79.99 or higher AND pay your bill on time for 3 months.

The catch here is that for them to see you paying $79.99 or higher you must be on one of the bundle plans if your regular calling portion does not exceed $79.99. What I mean is if you have a $39.99 minute plan, and then the data add on for unlimited use at the price of $40+ dollars, they do not consider this a plan over $79.99.

I learned this the hard when as I have had a PDA with unlimited data for at the minimum 6 years (Treo 600 days and before) and I was ineligible to be a VIP until I switched to the combo bundle plans when they became available. If you have a voice plan that is $79.99 or higher it doesn't matter if you have a bundle plan or add on data.

acadapter

Hey, My Name is Kevin!!!

unkpku has a really long fucking screenname because i saw some other people do it

We have 215 phones and a monthly bill of around $14k and our account existed before I started working here 8 years ago. Haven't seen anything like this. :(

Then again, my revolving door of reps have always been pretty useless...

Pwnieboy

my plan that i am on is a family plan, but the voice is above 80. how can i get the invite

SubrataPurpureo

I can wait the week until the 24th (or 25th)...

justreboot

Just release the friggin thing! I want one so bad!

onekny

@unkpku has a really long fucking screenname because i saw s...: Hi there!!!

arke

I got my invitation today too. I'm hoping to get in next week for a hands on with this thing. I want to get one but I'm not sure if it's in the budget for me right now.

DahCheet

I don't know if that plan pricing for VIP status is valid...my monthly bill is about $66 but I got one of these in the mail today too. Maybe it's because we get a corporate discount? Anyway, no upgrades for me right now.

Jeb_Hoge

If it wasn't obvious from the above graphic the release date for the Storm is 17 November... I happen to know because the posters are plastered all over my Vodafone office.

AllYourBaseAreBelongToUs

Awesome, I got a posting off my email. My thumb is famous! My thumb will be making appearances throughout CT this weekend. Please email for dates and pricing.

Anyways, I am not sure if I received this because of the reason 'acadapter' submitted or because I signed up on the Verizon website weeks back. Either way I'm happy to get a sneak peek.

ThaKoolAidKid

How funny. I am a VIP member, I signed up and receive the Storm updates, but still haven't received an invitation. I currently spend on average around $130 on my Phone/PDA bill. Go figure. Oh well. I guess I can wait until the 24th to get this device. I just saw they are also releasing the HTC Pro Touch on the same day. Too bad the striped this device of some of the items that the ATT and Sprint versions have. It might have been enticing. The Storm looks like a good phone. If the platform is good, then the applications will come. As most of you know, it is the apps that make the Iphone, and not necessarily the device itself! That is why Corp. users haven't flocked to the Iphone because corp. Email and App support still suck. Also for consumers, MMS is a joke. I know the Storm has the Email thing down, now lets see all the consumer features it is possible of supporting. WIFI SD/ Memory card?

Lupismaximus

@Lite: the reason why it was delayed is because vzw gets it right BEFORE release. also why they're a year behind or so on release of other devices. AT&T just throws them out and see what breaks.

doofusgumby

I still don't get it. If I have one of these can I buy a Storm on the 17th?

2-7offsuit

All the details are in the fine print on thier VIP sign up website:

[www.vzwshop.com]

VOICE plans $79.99 & higher, only subscribers in ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI, NY, NJ, DE, MD, plus Washington D.C., and portions of PA, VA, WV and NC are elligable.

AlpineSurfer