Related
The reason I'm asking is because I see a lot of people pre-ordering and they say it's $199. I wanted to see if anyone was still on contract or would still be on a contract by the time the Evo comes out. I wanted to see if the people on contract were still getting the phone for $199 from BB or the shack. I know the $199 is for a $150 discount with a 2 year plan and an up-front $100 rebate.
On-contract as in "not eligible for an upgrade?" I know that RadioShack is not taking pre-orders for full retail purchases, and Best Buy is gouging the price to $600 for those not on contract. I'm going to pre-order from Sprint when they start accepting in-store (some places actually already have).
TheBiles said:
On-contract as in "not eligible for an upgrade?" I know that RadioShack is not taking pre-orders for full retail purchases, and Best Buy is gouging the price to $600 for those not on contract. I'm going to pre-order from Sprint when they start accepting in-store (some places actually already have).
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Click to collapse
I wonder what would be the price if I tell BB that I'm contract now but I want to renew (restart my 2yr contract). Would they just take $100 off the retail price? Guess I have to go in to BB sometime tomorrow to see how this all works. Maybe I'll try the shack as well.
Can they really inflate the price that high when retail (According to sprint) is suppose to be $450? I guess Sprint will have to take my money then and I'll have to wait 10-14 weeks for a rebate.
unknown_owner said:
I wonder what would be the price if I tell BB that I'm contract now but I want to renew (restart my 2yr contract). Would they just take $100 off the retail price? Guess I have to go in to BB sometime tomorrow to see how this all works. Maybe I'll try the shack as well.
Can they really inflate the price that high when retail (According to sprint) is suppose to be $450? I guess Sprint will have to take my money then and I'll have to wait 10-14 weeks for a rebate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The $100 rebate is only for new contracts and people with their 22-month full upgrade. The 12-month (non-premier) upgrade is just $75 off retail.
And yes, Best Buy can gouge all they want to.
Under Contract with TMO
I'm under contract with T-Mobile but with still 5 months left. Going to terminate the contract (only $100). Rather cough up the money than continue to use my G1 for the next five months. I want the Evo NOW.
Same here. I'm upgrading from my hero (which I got in December ) so I think your better seeing the device in a sprint store then buying it full out.
im dropping my plan to the lowest ($20/mo.) on vzw and already preordered from radio shack
TheBiles said:
The $100 rebate is only for new contracts and people with their 22-month full upgrade. The 12-month (non-premier) upgrade is just $75 off retail.
And yes, Best Buy can gouge all they want to.
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Click to collapse
what about ppl adding another line? I pre paid on the phone already and would go back and get my money if I can't get the phone by adding another line. None of my other 2 lines are able to upgrade since I just did that 6 months ago.
apollooff320 said:
what about ppl adding another line? I pre paid on the phone already and would go back and get my money if I can't get the phone by adding another line. None of my other 2 lines are able to upgrade since I just did that 6 months ago.
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Click to collapse
Adding another line is considered a new activation therefore you would get the phone for $199.
Where is everyone getting this 600$ quote from. At my BB the guy said he "thinks its like 600" which means that he was going off the rumoured off contract price.I don't see BB raising the price of a phone higher than it's MSRP.
setite said:
Where is everyone getting this 600$ quote from. At my BB the guy said he "thinks its like 600" which means that he was going off the rumoured off contract price.I don't see BB raising the price of a phone higher than it's MSRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh you don't? Go to Best Buy and try to buy a Hero or a Moment off contract and enjoy paying $600 or $630, respectively!
I preordered as a current customer without an upgrade available for my phone number. I just upgraded another line on my account, and will swap hardware after I have the phone in my hand.
could somebody help me figure this out a bit?
i have the HTC Hero, bought and signed with a new 2 year contract in november 2009.
so is there any way i could get the $199 price on the evo? i think you can get the EVO but you have to sign another 2 year contract even though i'm only 6 months in?
i did it today
i per-order mines today from radioshack for 50bucks..down,,i'm hype,,for the phone,i have 1 coming my way soon..
justinisyoung said:
could somebody help me figure this out a bit?
i have the HTC Hero, bought and signed with a new 2 year contract in november 2009.
so is there any way i could get the $199 price on the evo? i think you can get the EVO but you have to sign another 2 year contract even though i'm only 6 months in?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. You are stuck paying the full price. I am a smart one though. I had a Sprint account back in the day, left with good standing. I ran into credit issues and about a year back had to pay a deposit so I just went on my father's plan with my fiancee instead. Well, I just got my Hero in October, 2 yr contract. Called up Sprint. They told me to get the Evo in my name, new account with a new phone number. Then afterward, get my dad and transfer my Hero line into my account. I get the 2 yr new activation price for the Evo, I keep my number and I don't have to pay the ETF. Life is f-ing sweet!
chuckhriczko said:
No. You are stuck paying the full price. I am a smart one though. I had a Sprint account back in the day, left with good standing. I ran into credit issues and about a year back had to pay a deposit so I just went on my father's plan with my fiancee instead. Well, I just got my Hero in October, 2 yr contract. Called up Sprint. They told me to get the Evo in my name, new account with a new phone number. Then afterward, get my dad and transfer my Hero line into my account. I get the 2 yr new activation price for the Evo, I keep my number and I don't have to pay the ETF. Life is f-ing sweet!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I understand this right, aren't you still left with paying for 3 lines, yours, your fathers' and your fiancee's?
MetroKnight said:
If I understand this right, aren't you still left with paying for 3 lines, yours, your fathers' and your fiancee's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but I don't pay for those lines. The owner's of the lines do. I will now be on my own plan, by myself with no ties to them. This isn't the solution for everyone but I figured maybe if someone is in the same situation it may help them.
Radio Shack would not let me upgrade, because I am not eligible until June 1st for upgrade. I just went over to Best Buy and signed right up.
Also, the rep at Radio Shack was not clear as to whether or not I would get the phone on Launch day or not. The Best Buy mobile manager told me for sure that I would get it then. I wanted to try Radio Shack first, simply because of the $20 of free accessories, but hey, you win some, you lose some.
then again, in the case of the Evo, I think we all win
It's like they timed this specifically for Palm Pre Premier owners... Friggin awesome.
justinisyoung said:
could somebody help me figure this out a bit?
i have the HTC Hero, bought and signed with a new 2 year contract in november 2009.
so is there any way i could get the $199 price on the evo? i think you can get the EVO but you have to sign another 2 year contract even though i'm only 6 months in?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you go through sprint, you'll probably have to renew your 2 yr contract so that it starts up at June 4th, or whenever you get the EVO. You won't get the $150 upgrade discount, but you'll get the $100 mail-in-rebate though.
I believe this is what you'll go through because this is what I'm thinking will happen for me. I too bought the Hero in Nov. 09. But in the past when renewing a contract, Sprint has always just restarted my contracts when I wanted a new contract.
Do to the retail cost that BB and the shack might, I'm going to go through sprint, but not the sprint store. If you go through the sprint store, you'll have to pay the $36 activation fee. Most of the phones that you buy online through Sprint, don't charge an activation fee, so I'm thinking (hoping) this will be through for the EVO when they start selling them online.
I'm still on contract and pre-ordered with best buy, was quoted $199
So I am currently a Sprint customer... well I just joined them anyway.
So if I join Verizon and get a Droid X(200$), am I tied down to them for 2 years? I know on Sprint I can upgrade every year.
So is it possible if I bought the Droid X and do a month to month plan with them or something? Because I don't want to be tied down with a phone for 2 years, it's just way too long.
jigglywiggly said:
So I am currently a Sprint customer... well I just joined them anyway.
So if I join Verizon and get a Droid X(200$), am I tied down to them for 2 years? I know on Sprint I can upgrade every year.
So is it possible if I bought the Droid X and do a month to month plan with them or something? Because I don't want to be tied down with a phone for 2 years, it's just way too long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could pay 269.99 for the phone which gives you a one year contract. $70 vs $350 Early Term Fees.
Or say the unit is 599.99 out right, $330.00 is saves getting a one year contract
I think I may go the 1 year contract. Sprint does not want me as a customer. With a fully paid for EVO they are forcing me to sign up with a 2 year as a new customer. Oh well.
Riztnack said:
You could pay 269.99 for the phone which gives you a one year contract. $70 vs $350 Early Term Fees.
Or say the unit is 599.99 out right, $330.00 is saves getting a one year contract
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, I don't fully understand. So 270$ for the phone with a 1 year contract? Then a 70$ early termination fee? Could you elaborate please? (Also is Verizon overpricing? Because on their site the Droid is selling for 560$ for a month to month)
Well if you do buy the phone without a contract, make sure its from the retail store Verizon and not BB; as BB charge more for no contract phones...
edit:
Riztnack said:
You could pay 269.99 for the phone which gives you a one year contract. $70 vs $350 Early Term Fees.
Or say the unit is 599.99 out right, $330.00 is saves getting a one year contract
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jigglywiggly said:
Wait, I don't fully understand. So 200$ for the phone and when I get out I will pay a 70$ early termination fee correct? Could you elaborate?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong, $200 is for new 2yr agreement w/$350 early termination fee for Smartphones.
dr154 said:
Well if you do buy the phone without a contract, make sure its from the retail store Verizon and not BB; as BB charge more for no contract phones...
edit:
Wrong, $200 is for new 2yr agreement w/$350 early termination fee for Smartphones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does Verizon offer 1 year contracts on all phones? I mean I can live with a phone for a year, but two years I can't do.
Riztnack said:
You could pay 269.99 for the phone which gives you a one year contract. $70 vs $350 Early Term Fees.
Or say the unit is 599.99 out right, $330.00 is saves getting a one year contract
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jigglywiggly said:
Wait, I don't fully understand. So 270$ for the phone with a 1 year contract? Then a 70$ early termination fee? Could you elaborate please? (Also is Verizon overpricing? Because on their site the Droid is selling for 560$ for a month to month)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jigglywiggly said:
Does Verizon offer 1 year contracts on all phones? I mean I can live with a phone for a year, but two years I can't do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there's an option for 1 yr contract but the phone will cost around $269.99-$369.99(if you do it online promotion vs in-store *possible promotion offer.*) with i believe with early termination fee of $350 for it being a smartphone.
Also to answer your previous question, the Droid retail price is $559.99($560) month to month(pre-paid) means no contract so your basically purchasing the phone and paying for data that you only use.
O i c
my question about the Droid was because I see the Droid sell for 300$ as a standalone phone. It seems overpriced compared to Verizon's price.
true, but since your getting from the retailer brand new, they sell at full retail price as others may sell the same product for cheaper since they are a re-seller or such, if you can get it brand new for cheaper then go for it... thats why i advised if your trying to save money don't buy from BB at their retail price as some prices are a bit more then the retail store.
I say just do the two-year contract. Every Year you could just talk your way into a One Year Promotion pricing. Thats what I've done.
Raziken said:
I say just do the two-year contract. Every Year you could just talk your way into a One Year Promotion pricing. Thats what I've done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
verizon does the ne2 that allows an upgrade every year.
Assuming that we stick with the fad here - the Epic 4g will be $199 on first line contract pricing. Do you all think its safe to assume the $599.99 price tag for a full retail price?
I'm curious because I will most likely make this my next phone the day it is rooted and don't have an upgrade to use on it.
Before I decide, I wan't to see Quadrant/linpac/benchmark Pi scores before I buy - I have every suspicion that it will beat/match everything else on the market with the GPU it has in it. SuperAMOLED will be nice as well.
why pay retail? Just get someone you know who worships an iphone to buy one on contract. Have them end the contract the next day (pay the $200 ETF) and give them the $400 to cover their cost. Save yourself $200. Never understood why these phones have inflated prices on ebay and stuff. When i was low on cash last year, i did this repeatedly and got hundreds a week on craigslist. There are so many ways to legally make money in this world for those that want it. If you don't, somebody else will. I could write a book with the crap I've learned through the years.
orateam said:
why pay retail? Just get someone you know who worships an iphone to buy one on contract. Have them end the contract the next day (pay the $200 ETF) and give them the $400 to cover their cost. Save yourself $200. Never understood why these phones have inflated prices on ebay and stuff. When i was low on cash last year, i did this repeatedly and got hundreds a week on craigslist. There are so many ways to legally make money in this world for those that want it. If you don't, somebody else will. I could write a book with the crap I've learned through the years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't you have to pay the deposit and I'm pretty sure you have to pay the first months bill even if you cancel out.. that's about $125 for the deposit and likely about $120 or so for the first month.
no deposit on a contract phone. If you cancel the next day, at worst, you'll pay pro-rated amount of contract (69+10)/30 or about $2.60.
orateam said:
no deposit on a contract phone. If you cancel the next day, at worst, you'll pay pro-rated amount of contract (69+10)/30 or about $2.60.
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Click to collapse
Not true, I almost went for the HTC Hero back in November and I paid the $125 deposit. It depends on your credit, I have zero.
Yet somehow I still have a 680 dollar bill at Verizon for 2 BB Storm 2's I bought and returned within my 30 days...I am taking them to court over it. Either way.
I don't mind paying retail for it, just curious what it is going to be.
Kcarpenter said:
I am taking them to court over it.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope you get lots of money from them for their stupidity. You should get more then just the refunded $680, they should pay all the legal fees and plus extra for wasting your time.
Retail for all (high end) Sprint PDAs should be $450 for the time being. EVO, Blackberry Bold, the Epic.
I got mine for 108 customer loyalty discount .
i got mine for $0.00
:-D
$99 - Loyalty discount NM
NM
There is no message.
I paid $212.13 after tax. They did wave $18 upgrade fee.
However, this was my first smartphone. Where I won was them allowing me to reverse grandfather into the $30 unlimited plan. The last update to my data usage was 2457MB as of 6:27pm 11/14/10, 6.5 days after I got it.
I got mine for free, my wife's was 199.
There are only two ways to get the loyalty discount:
1. You paid too much each month (> $100).
or
2. You haven't upgraded for ages ( out of contract for over a year or two).
Either way, it's a chimp change for AT&T to give you a small discount out of the $$$ they made out of you every month
I pay only $95/mo for entire family account of 3 lines and upgrade every single year (can live with any phone for over a year). So, no discount for me. But also means I saved $$$ every year, more than $100 or $200 discount for sure.
foxbat121 said:
There are only two ways to get the loyalty discount:
1. You paid too much each month (> $100).
or
2. You haven't upgraded for ages ( out of contract for over a year or two).
Either way, it's a chimp change for AT&T to give you a small discount out of the $$$ they made out of you every month
I pay only $95/mo for entire family account of 3 lines and upgrade every single year (can live with any phone for over a year). So, no discount for me. But also means I saved $$$ every year, more than $100 or $200 discount for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My thoughts exactly.
foxbat121 said:
There are only two ways to get the loyalty discount:
1. You paid too much each month (> $100).
or
2. You haven't upgraded for ages ( out of contract for over a year or two).
Either way, it's a chimp change for AT&T to give you a small discount out of the $$$ they made out of you every month
I pay only $95/mo for entire family account of 3 lines and upgrade every single year (can live with any phone for over a year). So, no discount for me. But also means I saved $$$ every year, more than $100 or $200 discount for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or you have 4 smartphones...and associated data plans to go with them and unlimited messaging.
If I priced out 4 separate individual plans, I'd be paying through the nose. I think $150 for four smartphones with unlimited data (pre cap) and unlimited text/pix/vids etc. along with 2k mins is a pretty good deal
V DidDy 210 said:
Or you have 4 smartphones...and associated data plans to go with them and unlimited messaging.
If I priced out 4 separate individual plans, I'd be paying through the nose. I think $150 for four smartphones with unlimited data (pre cap) and unlimited text/pix/vids etc. along with 2k mins is a pretty good deal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only the service charge on the primary line counts into loyalty discount. You can pay for 100 lines and your loyalty discount remains the same.
foxbat121 said:
Only the service charge on the primary line counts into loyalty discount. You can pay for 100 lines and your loyalty discount remains the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's true but i'm not even talking about the discount. He's saying that people who pay way too much are the only one's eligible for loyalty discount.
but I'm arguing that I think that 150 for all that i get is a very good deal
I paid $499 and tax. And promptly returned it the next day. I'll wait to see if any holiday sales pop up before thinking about purchasing one again.
V DidDy 210 said:
that's true but i'm not even talking about the discount. He's saying that people who pay way too much are the only one's eligible for loyalty discount.
but I'm arguing that I think that 150 for all that i get is a very good deal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, $150 is a good deal for 4 smartphones, but he's also right because you don't qualify for the loyalty discount since you don't pay "too much".
Right now Focus is AT&T store exclusive, as soon as Amazon or Newegg has it, it'll be $100 less at least. Surround was available for free with a new contract at Amazon and it's a damn good phone for free!
I paid $106 for the Focus(haven't upgraded in almost a year) and got the unlimited data for smartphones on AT&T.I used to have the unlimited data for iphone so no change in monthly bill.
rexian said:
Yes, $150 is a good deal for 4 smartphones, but he's also right because you don't qualify for the loyalty discount since you don't pay "too much".
Right now Focus is AT&T store exclusive, as soon as Amazon or Newegg has it, it'll be $100 less at least. Surround was available for free with a new contract at Amazon and it's a damn good phone for free!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. What I refered to was monthly bill, not how much you paid for your phone. It's the monthly bill that matters dollar wise, not the one time phone cost. Assume you pay $30 extra per month than most others, it could add up to $720 extra in 2-year contract and for that you get $100 discount on the phone. No a greatest deal but if you could use all that features you paid for, good for you. But personally I don't see any point of this poll/thread.
i'm curious as to how you got 3 lines with unlimited data/messaging and minutes for 95...?
Revaric said:
i'm curious as to how you got 3 lines with unlimited data/messaging and minutes for 95...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't say that.
Someone over at Engadget tipped regarding a $100 off holiday coupon for select phones - the Focus was included. I called AT&T customer service and asked them to credit me for the $100 so I didn't have to go through the trouble of returning it to the store and buying it again online just to save. They credited me $105. So I ended up paying $145 for my Focus after tax.
Does that coupon work for the non contract price? A $499 Focus would then be $399?
I don't know. I suggest anyone thinking about the focus. Which is awesome pressure the sales associate for the customer loyalty discount. and then report back here.
bmstrong said:
Does that coupon work for the non contract price? A $499 Focus would then be $399?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The coupon specifically stated it was only valid with certain phones and a 2 year contract
I really want to get the Note 4 but the price is too high for me at the moment, the current price is $299.99 pretty much everywhere. Best Buy has been dropping it to $249.99 but I still find it a bit high. I'm with AT&T and they usually are slow with deals. How long do you think the wait will be for a set price of $249.99? Not that I want to pay that, but I'd expect some store to go to $199.99 for at least a few days. It's not that I don't have the money to pay for the phone, it's just that I don't want to pay that much for it.
I'll be keeping my phone for 2 years, so I want to buy it at a reasonable price for me not to feel bad of when I purchased it... I bought the Galaxy S3 two years ago and about a month later the S4 was announced and the S3 price was dropped and I could have gotten the S4.
Any input?
299.99$ and you're still complaining? It's two and a half times cheaper than in Europe!!!
$299.99 for a 2 year contract, I think you're talking about the phone unlocked.
That's right. But in your OP there's no single word about contract.
youre going to spend $1400 over the life of the contract for the phone and youre cribbing about $50 ? really ?
Just buy it for $900 like the rest of us and save yourself $500.
zurkx said:
youre going to spend $1400 over the life of the contract for the phone and youre cribbing about $50 ? really ?
Just buy it for $900 like the rest of us and save yourself $500.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What?
bat0nas said:
That's right. But in your OP there's no single word about contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then again, there is no way I'd find an unlocked phone for $299.99...
Not a hard one, but you're out of country so you might of not known about the options.
you do understamd they charge a huge markup on the contract phone price, right ?
Your $200 note is actually $1400 or more on a 2 year contract or $900 unlocked today.
lol
I bought one 2 days ago on kijiji for 460$ Canadian use for 1 day, reason i got it so low is i managed to convince the guy that root voids the warranty and so i got it at that price with no contract
CrazyMav said:
Not a hard one, but you're out of country so you might of not known about the options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are out of country. Not me
zurkx said:
you do understamd they charge a huge markup on the contract phone price, right ?
Your $200 note is actually $1400 or more on a 2 year contract or $900 unlocked today.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are you talking about.
I pay the $299.99 and taxes and that's it. Not hard to figure out. When I got my S3 I only spent the $199.99 plus tax and that was it. I didn't spend more on it...
what about the extra you pay every month during the 2 year contract ?
CrazyMav said:
What are you talking about.
I pay the $299.99 and taxes and that's it. Not hard to figure out. When I got my S3 I only spent the $199.99 plus tax and that was it. I didn't spend more on it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's talking about the price of your contracted plan per month compared to what other providers might have. Let's assume you are paying $80 for your service....while same service can be had for $50 elsewhere... you are paying $30 more a month x 24 = $720 + the $300 you spend initially + tax.
It's theoretical... no one knows what you're paying monthly on contract.
I was paying $250 for 6 lines on AT&T... that was my contract price... I could upgrade all 6 lines on contract and get phones etc.
I switched to T-mobile and pay $120 a month. The savings was substantial and not every line need a smartphone or an upgrade. I can get new phones on installment and pay $0 down. and still cost would be less than AT&T.
It's different for everyone. You might have a cheap grandfathered plan..who knows.
n19htmare said:
He's talking about the price of your contracted plan per month compared to what other providers might have. Let's assume you are paying $80 for your service....while same service can be had for $50 elsewhere... you are paying $30 more a month x 24 = $720 + the $300 you spend initially + tax.
It's theoretical... no one knows what you're paying monthly on contract.
I was paying $250 for 6 lines on AT&T... that was my contract price... I could upgrade all 6 lines on contract and get phones etc.
I switched to T-mobile and pay $120 a month. The savings was substantial and not every line need a smartphone or an upgrade. I can get new phones on installment and pay $0 down. and still cost would be less than AT&T.
It's different for everyone. You might have a cheap grandfathered plan..who knows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He mentioned a "huge markup" on the phone. That was what I read and he said. Of course we have to pay for our service, for me, I am in a family plan with no actual contract for our service.
I was simply wondering about the price of a 2 year contract on the Note 4, I figured the $299.99 price would be more than a hint that I am interested in contract prices.
Now I have no choice though. Just this morning I was in the restroom and as soon as I was about to do #1, I got a notification and picked up my phone and dropped it in the bowl, luckily it was "clean" water but now I have no sound on my phone, can't watch Youtube videos, can't use the camera and there is a red light that literally doesn't go away, even if the phone is off... Trying the rice method but don't think it'll work.
Note 4 here I come I guess.
do you seriously think youre going to get a $900 phone for $300 without getting into a plan with substantial markup over 2 years ?
they are going to loan you the $600 at 50% interest for 2 years. then youre going to pay for the voice/data/network access on top of that.
zurkx said:
do you seriously think youre going to get a $900 phone for $300 without getting into a plan with substantial markup over 2 years ?
they are going to loan you the $600 at 50% interest for 2 years. then youre going to pay for the voice/data/network access on top of that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm done. I don't believe you understand how it works here or you might not get what I am saying.
I found out that Best Buy has a price adjustment policy so I'll take advantage of that, I'll be getting it next week and hopefully the price drops for a day or so, if not, oh well.
$299.99 plus tax, that's it, for the phone.
its simple arithmetic. they arent going to sell you a $900 phone for $300.
you pay every month for the cost of the phone with markup and you pay for the plan on top of that. not sure what else is there to understand. at&t is a business like any other carrier. they arent in it for charity. just because they bake it into other places on your bill like access charges doesnt mean the phone only costs $300.
I guess it'll work just like it does here. You simply pay the cost of the phone (£0.00 in the UK), then you pay the rest with your monthly payment to the carrier (The actual minutes /texts /data are irrelevant as they have to provide them and 99% of companies offer unlimited everything now anyway barring data).
No
zurkx said:
its simple arithmetic. they arent going to sell you a $900 phone for $300.
you pay every month for the cost of the phone with markup and you pay for the plan on top of that. not sure what else is there to understand. at&t is a business like any other carrier. they arent in it for charity. just because they bake it into other places on your bill like access charges doesnt mean the phone only costs $300.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the US, regardless of whether your phone is unlocked or on contract, the amount you pay for a phone/text/data plan is the same.
Plans have just been recently introduced (AT&T Next, Verizon Edge, etc) where you owe nothing up front for the device and pay extra on your monthly payment to pay for the phone, but you wind up paying more in the long run than you would have if you'd just shelled out the cash up front for a 2-year plan.
Cell phones are subsidized here if you lock into a 2-year mobile contract and pay anywhere from $50-$400 up front depending on the phone.
OP, along with me, just cares about when the expected price drop will be. Was anyone around or paying attention when, approximately, the Note 3 dropped in price for those in contract? Instead of talking about how awesome off-contract is or correcting the poor fella, a proper response would be, "Yeah, man, I recall after the Mobile World Congress last year, the Note 3 dropped to $200 on-contract." Or, "The Note 3 is still $300, give it up, it will never go down."
I'm an unhappy AT&T S5 (grandfathered "unlimited" data plan) owner and am going off-contract once this one is up. My girlfriend wants the Note 4 and her grandma pays her cell phone bill so all we care about is the up-front cost. She is eligible to get a new phone in a month and we'd like to plan around that. Many of you fine folks are ridiculously resourceful and your prior experience can help us plan around that.