early upgrade

Although new Verizon customers won't be able to participate in previous upgrade programs, they will get a bit of a late Christmas gift from the wireless company if they're looking to buy a new iPhone when it hits next month.

While current eligible customers can still use their $200 "New Every Two" credit toward an iPhone 4, if brand-new Verizon customers (who joined between Nov. 26 and Jan. 10) want to get an iPhone as well, Verizon will give them a $200 Visa gift card when an iPhone 4 is purchased at regular price by Feb. 28. Be prepared for sticker shock when you head into your local Verizon store on Feb. 10 to get the deal. Find out how much you'll actually pay after the break.

Ahead of potential major announcements like 4G LTE phones and the insanely anticipated Verizon iPhone, there's some rumored bad news from Verizon.

According to an alleged 2011 upgrade policy, Verizon is ending two popular upgrade programs: its early upgrade policy allowing subscribers on two-year plans to upgrade their phones after one year at a reduced rate, and its "New Every Two" program, giving subscribers $50 toward the purchase of a new phone. When will they end? Find out after the break.