T-Mobile just changed the way customers can buy new phones, and Verizon is following suit. Under a two-year contract, Verizon used to let you upgrade your phone after a mere 20 months. Verizon would re-up you for another two years, you’d get a shiny new toy … it was a win-win all around. But the company got rid of that early upgrade program and now requires you to wait a full two years before you’re eligible for a new discounted device. That doesn’t just apply to new contracts – any contract set to expire after January 1 of next year has had the extra four months tacked on. But Verizon also created a Device Payment plan for “some devices” it carries, letting customers buy a new device and spread that payment out over 12 months … plus an added $24 finance charge. Your monthly rate won’t go down in year two like it does on T-Mobile, but at least you’ll have more flexibility in upgrading your device.