i did backup/reset on 4s after getting 6 plus and now the carrier goes to "vodaphone" instead of verizon. Tried process 5 or 6 times and no change. Local store clerks say they never saw this. They tried several things and couldn't get it right.

Check to see if there is a SIM in the phone. If there is, take it out. You do not need a SIM for domestic use on that phone. It's only for international roaming. On a couple of occasions, I've seen a similar issue. Pulling that SIM usually fixes it. Once the phone is active, you should be able to put the SIM back in, just for safe keeping should you ever want to use it internationally.

Just to clarify Meg's procedure. The phone needs to be OFF to remove or insert the SIM.

Turn it OFF, take SIM out, turn it on sans-SIM, get it to activate, turn it OFF, put SIM back in, turn it on and test. Or leave the SIM out if not traveling.

Ok, so now confess… CONFESS!! Ain't doin' telephone so much fun??

NOT!

Cheers!

If you downloaded the firmware update any other way than on the phone itself over the air through Settings>General>Software update, or through iTunes, you can cause all sorts of problems. Who knows where those files have been or what has been done to them.