Update: We all knew it was coming, so this shouldn't come as a shocker to anyone -- Verizon found the loophole. Not only has the "issue" been fixed, but Big Red is now taking the necessary steps to revert changed plans back to their tiered state. Sorry, guys - it was worth a shot.

So, you signed up with Big Red after it switched over to tiered plans, and now you're envious of all your friends who flaunt their unlimited data all over the place. Want to shut them up quickly by getting some unlimited data action of your own? Here's how to make it happen:

  1. Dial *611 from your Verizon phone, or 1-800-922-0204 from any phone.
  2. Wait for computer CSR to go through the main menu. You will need your Verizon phone number and account PIN or the last four digits of the Social Security Number attached to the account.
  3. Hit option four.
  4. When it asks you what you would like to do today say "Add a feature."
  5. If you have a 3G device: Say you would like to add the $20 2GB 3G Mobile Hotspot FEATURE to your phone If you have a 4G device: Say you would like to add the $30 Unlimited 4G Mobile Hotspot FEATURE to your phone.
  6. Your data plan will now be the $29.99 unlimited data plan, and you'll have either the 2GB or unlimited Mobile Hotspot feature on top of that.
  7. {OPTIONAL - if you don't want the Mobile Hotspot feature} Log into My Verizon and remove the Mobile Hotspot FEATURE from your account. Many people recommend waiting a few days (at a minimum) to remove the feature. The $29.99 unlimited data plan should remain on your account.
  8. If they say they can't add that feature to your plan, or that you must bundle your data + mobile hotspot service together as a single data plan, tell them thank you, hang up, and repeat the steps above.

While we've seen a few reports that this worked without a hitch, VZW could (and probably will) put a stop to it at any time. Those of you who give this a shot (and succeed) should also be aware that Big Red can switch you back to a tiered plan at any time.

If you give this a go, make sure to drop a line in the comments to let us (and others) know how it went. Good luck!

[Cult of Mac via SlickDeals]