Verizon CEO Dan Schulman says he’s pushing a more disciplined, efficiency-first Verizon—after layoffs and cost-cutting targets—raising the possibility the carrier could reduce or end device subsidies and discounted handsets. If subsidies shrink, the postpaid value equation changes fast, pushing more customers toward prepaid/BYOD. Dealers should prepare with upgrade readiness services, trade-in prep, and a “postpaid vs prepaid” savings audit.

New Street Research says Verizon’s “comeback” is showing early traction as CEO Dan Schulman nears his one-year mark. Analyst David Barden notes Verizon’s postpaid phone losses were improving before Schulman, but the pace has picked up since he took over in Oct. 2025. Gross adds are up close to double digits, churn improved in Q2 2026, and cost cuts are boosting EBITDA—though New Street warns Verizon can’t “cut its way to greatness,” and ARPU/ARPA pressure remains.