Cell phone + study abroad = ???

[IEC]

My younger sibling has a cell phone from Verizon with our family plan (total: 4 phones). That particular line is the only one with the unlimited text-message package. Said sibling is going to be studying abroad for the semester, so we were thinking of canceling the text-messaging package (save $10/month) and maybe even just cutting out the line entirely.

Unfortunately I think we have a 2 year sub that ends in April 2009, so I don't think we can deactivate it without early termination fees...

So my main question: If we leave the phone off the entire time, will we get charged for text messages received? Those messages (which I have maybe used 10x in the past two years, but which my sibling sends/receives constantly) are pretty damn expensive.

From Verizon:

If I have my phone turned off, will I still receive text messages? Verizon Wireless will attempt to deliver the message when your phone is powered on and you are in the Verizon Wireless digital service area. If the phone is powered off or you have traveled outside of the Verizon Wireless digital service area, the network will store the message for later delivery. The network will attempt to deliver the message for 5 days (120 hours) from the date of Verizon Wireless' receipt of the message. Messages not delivered within 5 days will be automatically deleted.

If any of you have/know of anyone who has been abroad and faced a similar situation, let me know how you took care of it. I figure asking ATOT will be much quicker than the response from Verizon

 

[xSauronx]

maybe you can have texts disabled on the number/phone? my sis said her husband has his disabled because he doesnt ewant any, but he uses US Cellular

 

[IEC]

Originally posted by: xSauronx
maybe you can have texts disabled on the number/phone? my sis said her husband has his disabled because he doesnt ewant any, but he uses US Cellular

That's a possibility, but until I hear back from Verizon I don't know if that can be done. IIRC it's on by default on our plan.

Though that doesn't mean it can't be disabled, I suppose.

 

[nonameo]

Skypephone and get a local skype number.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

And CDMA will work overseas? Fat chance you will even get reception... You should be fine with it switched off.

 

[IEC]

Originally posted by: DLeRium
And CDMA will work overseas? Fat chance you will even get reception... You should be fine with it switched off.

No, I'm talking about sibling leaving phone at home and we leave it off - and whether we can deactivate texts with Verizon, or maybe the entire #.