I am actually in the exact same situation, but I was talking to a guy at Verizon the other day. Told him, I'm ready to get an upgrade (Mine upgrade date was 10/08/12), but didn't want to lose my unlimited data. He told me, if I have another phone that is available for upgrade, to order one for that phone. Then when it comes in the mail, just set it up as mine. He said this would allow me to keep my unlimited date, but the line I upgraded would be stuck with that phone for 2 more years. Also told me if I bought one out right, it wouldn't change my unlimited status.
__________________
|