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Tmo family plan with 2 unlocked phones VS. Tmo family with 2 subsidized phones

For people interested in the tmo family plans, here is some math.
Getting 2 subsidized phones over a two-year period breaks down to an extra $15 a month ([$180 x2]/24). 2 unlocked phones is $44 a month ([$530 x2]/24).
Looking at text and web family plans with no annual contracts, its $109.99 for 750mins, $119.99 for 1500mins and $139.99 for unlimited. This gives you freedom of picking your plans or switching to another carrier that supports this phone.
Knowing that if you get the subsidized version, you will be paying $160 a month plus the breakdown of $15 a month (spreading out what you pay up front for the devices) it comes to $175 a month.
With the unlocked device price breakdown at $44 a month, you can see you will save money if you buy the unlocked phone and use either the 750min or 1500min family plans as they will cost you $154 and $164 respectively.
This is a two year savings of $504 and $264!

Even if you get the unlimited plan you're only spending $216 with freedom of changing carriers and plans.

You do save the cash if you buy the phone out-right..
Even more cashola if you can get a discount put on your plan!'
I still got about 9 months left w/ ATT, so i'm gonna sell my fuze to offset the ETF...

What kind of discounts are you referring to?

Dap1 said:
What kind of discounts are you referring to?
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If you work for a company, tmo usually has a 5-15% discount plan on your service.

bfspider said:
If you work for a company, tmo usually has a 5-15% discount plan on your service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or even if you're a student and your school is eligible for a discount. I get 15% at mine.

Egzthunder1's "TMOUSA" Method for Saving Money on HD2

For my 3000 post, I figured I would do something special for those of us fresh into TMOUSA's crappy 2 year contract (and for those thinking about it).
We all drooled and drooled consistently until TMOUSA came out with the HD2. There is a catch though, it is through TMOUSA. Many people have reported crappy service (cell-wise) and flat spots for data coverage (3G areas turning into Edge, turning into GPRS, into no-data). On top of that paying $450 for a device is not exactly appealing either ($199 sounds like a much better deal after all). I have been thinking about it long and hard and I came up with the perfect mathematical solution for getting a cheaper HD2, sticking to TMOUSA cheaper plans (or leave TMOUSA altogether), and not paying for such crappy data plan/coverage. If you are like me, you are surrounded by an accessible Wifi signal about 70-80% of your waking day, so being forced to pay $30 per month is borderline stupid.
[highlight]Edit: My method is only for brand new devices. A lot of you are suggesting cheaper solutions by buying them off eBay or craiglist, which will come with the added risk of device malfunctions or scams. If you feel adventurous enough to go down these paths... by all means. It usually works out better in the end anyways. But this method ensures a brand new device, that you will get on the spot.[/highlight]
Without Further Ado, I give you the "Scr3w You Very Much, TMOUSA" Method...
Getting HD2 without contract from the store:
$450
Cheapest Unlimited voice only plan from TMO: $49.99 (without contract)
Cost over two years: $49.99 * 24 months = $1199.76
Getting HD2 with contract from the store:
$199
Cheapest Unlimited voice + Data (they will force you into this) plan from TMO: $89.99 (2 year contract)
Cost over two years: $89.99 * 24 months = $2159.76
Cost to get out of the contract (option available only after 15 days from establishing a contract - aka remorse period): $200
Difference in phone price (with and without contract difference):
$450 - $199 = $251
Cost of breaking Contract and Keeping New Phone: $199 + $200 = $399
so we are saving $50 right off the bat (remember that the no contract price is $450, so $450 - $399 = $51)
Plan Cost:
$2159.76 - $1199.76 = $960 savings over two years
Total Savings over 2 years ($960 plan cost savings - $200 early cancellation fee + $50 for savings versus purchasing HD2 @ full price)= $810
You may think "but I still need internet" on the road... simple answer to that too:
Internet package from non contract plan = $25
Internet package from contract plan = $30
Savings over 24 months contract = $120
May not seem like much, but when you add that to the $240 from the unlimited voice plan difference (49.99 w/o contract vs $59.99 w contract), it adds to $360 for the life of the contract, plus you can leave them dry at any point you want...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope this is useful into deciding if you are getting a HD2 but don't want TMOUSA as your carrier or simply don't feel like paying a lot to them.

Good to know for us tmobile users my friend.. i'll stick it as requested.

But there are those of us who actually need more than the basic services.
My business requires me to have unlimited minutes, texts, and e-mail access at all times.
So, over all, T-Mobile is cheaper than At&T or Verizon.
But I do see your point.
$30 a month for 3G internet service does seem a bit too much, when I pay the same amount for 4G (Clear Wireless) at home.

I would much rather opt out of TMOUS 2 year contract and jump ship to AT&T/Verizon/Sprint...
TMOUS has the absolute WORST service...

I guess you forgot the %35 Bing cash back when you shop online and pay full price! $300 with no contract is the best deal

Funkyrocemz said:
I would much rather opt out of TMOUS 2 year contract and jump ship to AT&T/Verizon/Sprint...
TMOUS has the absolute WORST service...
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Click to collapse
Depends on where you are...they work quite fine in many major areas.

This does make sense. But then again it doesnt. Think about it!
Tmobile sells it on a 2 year contract for $199.
Walmart sells the samething (online) for $99 plus theres many coupons foe $25 off. So thats $75 on a new 2 year contract. Walmart also pays taxes.
Thats $75 vs. $450+ tax.
Now let me get to the point. If you want data+text+500 minutes. Its 59.99 on even more plus. Vs. $79.99 on contract.
So thats $20 more a month.
Heres the catch. If you cancel your contract after 6 months. The fee goes from $200 to $100 per line.
So lets add this up.
Buy the phone for $75. Add ($20 extra a month for 6 months= $120). And then add another $100 for the contract cancellation. Thats a total of $295.
So $295 vs. $450+ tax. Which sounds like a better deal?
After you cancel the contract. Just sign up for even more plus..

As an alternative (I did that personally), buy one get one free from T-Mobile promotion ... and pay $200 + tax for TWO HD2 phones. Activation waived.
So you pay $214 (in FL) for 2 phones.
Then you pay for 2 weeks of cheapest service (around $70) and cancellation fees of $400 for 2 phones
Total loss: $684
And you eBay your 2nd HD2 for $500 (around 450 after all fees)
You get your new shiny HD2 for $234 and you did not even extended your contract yet

Don't Forget HTC has extended the turn in a old phone and get 50.00 on top of that with teh purchase of a HD2, G1, etc... I think till May 19th
recyclerebates.com/htcWebQuote.do;jsessionid=B386A281A1471313D8E724CBA74DD8B4

joshkoss said:
Good to know for us tmobile users my friend.. i'll stick it as requested.
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Thanks a lot josh!
Always a pleasure hearing from you, my friend!

rickyoon.vegas said:
But there are those of us who actually need more than the basic services.
My business requires me to have unlimited minutes, texts, and e-mail access at all times.
So, over all, T-Mobile is cheaper than At&T or Verizon.
But I do see your point.
$30 a month for 3G internet service does seem a bit too much, when I pay the same amount for 4G (Clear Wireless) at home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may think "but I still need internet" on the road... simple answer to that too:
Internet package from non contract plan = $25
Internet package from contract plan = $30
Savings over 24 months contract = $120
May not seem like much, but when you add that to the $240 from the unlimited voice plan difference (49.99 w/o contract vs $59.99 w contract), it adds to $360 for the life of the contract, plus you can leave them dry at any point you want...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Internet with the cheaper plans is cheaper ($5 a month cheaper to be more precise)

alefsin said:
I guess you forgot the %35 Bing cash back when you shop online and pay full price! $300 with no contract is the best deal
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Click to collapse
It isn't as much as I forgot, but rather I had no idea about it (then, again, I have never used Bing)

joefx13 said:
This does make sense. But then again it doesnt. Think about it!
Tmobile sells it on a 2 year contract for $199.
Walmart sells the samething (online) for $99 plus theres many coupons foe $25 off. So thats $75 on a new 2 year contract. Walmart also pays taxes.
Thats $75 vs. $450+ tax.
Now let me get to the point. If you want data+text+500 minutes. Its 59.99 on even more plus. Vs. $79.99 on contract.
So thats $20 more a month.
Heres the catch. If you cancel your contract after 6 months. The fee goes from $200 to $100 per line.
So lets add this up.
Buy the phone for $75. Add ($20 extra a month for 6 months= $120). And then add another $100 for the contract cancellation. Thats a total of $295.
So $295 vs. $450+ tax. Which sounds like a better deal?
After you cancel the contract. Just sign up for even more plus..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow! I had no idea Walmart sold these... I bought mine at Best Buy (had a $70 coupon from Rewards)
I was looking at this option and it is done through "Let's Talk"... and they do have their own set of rules (apart from TMOUSA)
$200 LetsTalk instant discount
Purchase select T-Mobile phones online or through our customer service department and receive a $200.00 instant discount when you activate new T-Mobile service on a plan of $59.99 per month or higher and in conjunction with any feature or bundle or any other plan option at least $30.00 per month or greater. This exclusive offer is limited to select online retailers and is not available in any stores. Certain rate plans may not apply. This promotion applies only to individual plans or line 1 to line 2 of a family plan and requires a (2) two-year service agreement.
Offer Qualifications and Restrictions:
Cancellation of this purchase option within the first 61 days of activation will result in a $100 penalty charge.
Customers who add a qualifying feature after their service has been activated by LetsTalk.com are NOT eligible unless the feature is activated by LetsTalk.com directly.
If the customer receives their phone and the qualifying data feature is not active, the customer must contact LetsTalk.com directly to have the feature added in order to avoid a chargeback.
If the customer receives their phone and wishes to add the qualifying feature to take advantage of the offer, the customer must contact LetsTalk.com's Customer Service center and LetsTalk.com must add the qualifying feature through their activation system.
Customers who contact T-Mobile directly to have the qualifying feature added to their accounts post activation will not be eligible for this offer.
The customer may not change the feature activated by LetsTalk.com through T-Mobile's website, call center retail stores or any other T-Mobile agents or representatives and must maintain the same qualifying feature selected at the time of purchase for 61 days in order to avoid a deactivation chargeback.
If the customer wishes to change to a different qualifying feature they must contact LetsTalk.com directly and LetsTalk.com must change the data feature directly otherwise the customer may be liable for a chargeback.
LetsTalk.com imposes this chargeback solely to recoup plan feature commissions deducted by T-Mobile.
Phones Eligible for this Promotion:
Samsung Behold II (T-Mobile), HTC HD2 (T-Mobile)
Qualifying Plan Features for this promotion:
Android Unlimited Web, Android Unlimited Web for Flexpay, myTouch Unlimited Web, myTouch Unlimited Web for Flexpay, BlackBerry Unlimited Web, BlackBerry Unlimited Web for Flexpay, BlackBerry Unlimited Web w/Enterprise Email, BlackBerry Unlimited Web w/Enterprise Email for Flexpay, Sidekick Unlimited Web, Sidekick Unlimited Web for Flexpay, SmartPhone Unlimited Web, SmartPhone Unlimited Web for Flexpay
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you are absolutely correct about everything you are saying... There will be various methods for doing this (which result in different savings) based on personal usage of the features of the plan. In my case, (as I explained in the first post) I don't really need internet 24/7 on my device since most of my waking time, I am in areas where wireless is available, so for me this translates into at least saving $30 per month (without accounting the fact that the unlimited voice is $10 cheaper as well), and here is the thing why I posted this. Remember that having internet when you are in a contract is not an option, it is a requirement... there is no way out of it unless you break your contract or pay full price for the phone. I figured this way to be cheaper for my usage type.
Maybe I will change the title of this thread to "Ways of Getting a Cheaper Device and No Contract" or something like that. I appreciate your input on this

bogdatov said:
As an alternative (I did that personally), buy one get one free from T-Mobile promotion ... and pay $200 + tax for TWO HD2 phones. Activation waived.
So you pay $214 (in FL) for 2 phones.
Then you pay for 2 weeks of cheapest service (around $70) and cancellation fees of $400 for 2 phones
Total loss: $684
And you eBay your 2nd HD2 for $500 (around 450 after all fees)
You get your new shiny HD2 for $234 and you did not even extended your contract yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not bad, but why would someone pay $500 for a device on eBay (assuming shipping is included), when they can buy it brand new, from the store, no contract needed for $450?

alooohaboy said:
Don't Forget HTC has extended the turn in a old phone and get 50.00 on top of that with teh purchase of a HD2, G1, etc... I think till May 19th
recyclerebates.com/htcWebQuote.do;jsessionid=B386A281A1471313D8E724CBA74DD8B4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just checked it out and in order to do this, you have to have proof of purchase (receipt or UPC box label). I have a 7 year old Wallaby bought in eBay, a 5 year old Blue Angel, 2 0.5 year old Vogues (soon to be 4), soon to have a Tytn, and a Wizard (which I sold, but for the sake of argument, I will throw it in as well).... I cannot use any of these devices for that since I have no way of providing them with proof of purchase (and this happens to be the case for a lot of htc device owners around here).
It is a good resource to have though. Thanks for sharing.

Just spoke to LetsTalk customer support. aka Walmart $99 purchase.
They'll give you the phone for $99 but if you break the contract within 6 months, you'll have to pay $250 disconnect fee to LetsTalk in addition to the $200 charged by T-Mobile.
I went to a Sams Club last week and they had it for $142 + tax. The guy there said I can keep my existing plan (family plan and $25 android data plan).
So my plan is to buy the phone from Sams Club. If I like it, I'll stay on the new 2 yr contract and if I don't I'll break the contract after 30 days and sell it on craigslist (ebay charges a lot of fees).
I've been waiting for a good android phone for a long time (my contract on the G1 got over more than a year ago. But since T-Mobile is not getting any good androind phones, I'll try WM 6.5. Microsoft wins and Google loses. The last WM device I used was an MPX200. I would have bought the Nexus One if they allowed me to add it to my family plan with a discounted rate.

before u go getting phones at contract discount and canceling. you may want to read this http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1634784
basically says tmobile will start blcking IMEI's of phones from canceled contracts. I dont know if its legit but i just bought a HD2 from ebay and now im paranoid anyone heard of this?
Edit seller assured me thats not the case for me but still thats kinda scary.

kcaj32 said:
Just spoke to LetsTalk customer support. aka Walmart $99 purchase.
They'll give you the phone for $99 but if you break the contract within 6 months, you'll have to pay $250 disconnect fee to LetsTalk in addition to the $200 charged by T-Mobile.
I went to a Sams Club last week and they had it for $142 + tax. The guy there said I can keep my existing plan (family plan and $25 android data plan).
So my plan is to buy the phone from Sams Club. If I like it, I'll stay on the new 2 yr contract and if I don't I'll break the contract after 30 days and sell it on craigslist (ebay charges a lot of fees).
I've been waiting for a good android phone for a long time (my contract on the G1 got over more than a year ago. But since T-Mobile is not getting any good androind phones, I'll try WM 6.5. Microsoft wins and Google loses. The last WM device I used was an MPX200. I would have bought the Nexus One if they allowed me to add it to my family plan with a discounted rate.
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Click to collapse
This is true!
But if you plan on keeping the phone for atleast 181 days, then lets talk will remove the fee (plus tmobile will only charge $100 per line). This would be the best decision for someone looking to keep the phone and not sell it anytime soon.

mrbox23 said:
before u go getting phones at contract discount and canceling. you may want to read this http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1634784
basically says tmobile will start blcking IMEI's of phones from canceled contracts. I dont know if its legit but i just bought a HD2 from ebay and now im paranoid anyone heard of this?
Edit seller assured me thats not the case for me but still thats kinda scary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess this would apply more to being careful about buying the phone from 3rd party (places like ebay, craiglist, etc)

joefx13 said:
This is true!
But if you plan on keeping the phone for atleast 181 days, then lets talk will remove the fee (plus tmobile will only charge $100 per line). This would be the best decision for someone looking to keep the phone and not sell it anytime soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I spoke to T-Mobile too. Their policy for canceling 2 years contract is:
If you have more than 180 days from the end of the contract, you pay $200.
If you have more than 90 days but less than 180 before contract ends, its $50, and less than 90 days for contract to end, you pay $25.
But yes, I agree that someone who plans on keeping the phone for 2 years, its a good deal.

Best price & plan discounts for evo?

Eventhough I'm not currently in a 4G market, the EVO has me excited however I'd like to get the best deal possible particularly as I'd be using it perhaps 80+% on Wi-Fi off their network.
1) Full retail price: $450 or $600 as I'm not sure I want to sign a 2 yr contract? If I do sign a 2yr contract is the ETF a monthly prorated $200 & would that have any effect on my credit rating-report?
2) Discounts: I've heard suggestions of setting up a simple $10 savings account at a Credit Union to get a 10% Sprint discount, any comments/other discount ideas to minimize that monthly fee?
3) Rooting: Just to clarify does rooting void the warranty & if so do you have any qualms doing it day1?
-Thanks & would be cool to develop for Android/EVO..

Not sure if this info is right but I got it from sprint rep. I asked if I bought the phone straight out what deal would I get. She said its the same plan either way and I would have to have a 2 yr contract even if i didn't buy the phone from them. So no discount and still have to have 2 yr contract. Can anyone confirm this info?

Plans: In order to have an Evo you MUST have an Everything Data Plan. You MUST pay $10 dollars additional to add Premium Data to your plan. You MAY pay $29.99 for the Wi-Fi Hotspot feature.
Discounts: Sprint offers discounts to pretty much every company out there. Heck, some companies only require you know someone who works there to get the discount!
If you are out of contract, you can often call Customer Service and get an additional discount just for resigning, and then still upgrade (and thus resign) a few days later. But it has to be done in that order!
However, these discounts do NOT apply to the $10 Premium Data, $29.99 Wi-Fi Hotspot, or $7 TEP. Only to the actual plan!
Contract: If you are a NEW customer, you MUST agree to a 2 year contract, even if you don't take the discount. So take the discount.
If you are an existing customer and want the discounted price ($199 after $100 MIR) you MUST sign a 2 year contract AND be eligible for upgrade.
If you are an existing customer and got an Evo from a friend or I/O Attendee, you do NOT have to sign a contract. You can change the plan, add the services, add TEP, and add the Hotspot without changing your contract. You'll even be eligible to upgrade on your regular date!

Where did you get the $600 price? I thought the phone was $450 without a discount and $199 with a rebate/discount for an upgrade/new contract.
The reason I ask is I am only 8 months into my contract, so am I going to have to pay $450 or $600?
Also, a friend said he had a Bowing Credit Union account, got him a 20% discount.

$450 is the official price from a Sprint corporate store, $600 is the BestBuy full retail price.

nachyochez said:
$450 is the official price from a Sprint corporate store, $600 is the BestBuy full retail price.
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Click to collapse
Wow, I didn't know that. Why on earth would anyone get it from BestBuy?

nachyochez said:
Plans: In order to have an Evo you MUST have an Everything Data Plan. You MUST pay $10 dollars additional to add Premium Data to your plan. You MAY pay $29.99 for the Wi-Fi Hotspot feature.
Discounts: Sprint offers discounts to pretty much every company out there. Heck, some companies only require you know someone who works there to get the discount!
If you are out of contract, you can often call Customer Service and get an additional discount just for resigning, and then still upgrade (and thus resign) a few days later. But it has to be done in that order!
However, these discounts do NOT apply to the $10 Premium Data, $29.99 Wi-Fi Hotspot, or $7 TEP. Only to the actual plan!
Contract: If you are a NEW customer, you MUST agree to a 2 year contract, even if you don't take the discount. So take the discount.
If you are an existing customer and want the discounted price ($199 after $100 MIR) you MUST sign a 2 year contract AND be eligible for upgrade.
If you are an existing customer and got an Evo from a friend or I/O Attendee, you do NOT have to sign a contract. You can change the plan, add the services, add TEP, and add the Hotspot without changing your contract. You'll even be eligible to upgrade on your regular date!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so since I'm new to Sprint it sounds like I would have to sign a 2 yr contract for access to their network & should take their discounted price-Is it a monthly prorated $200 ETF (& would that have any effect on my credit rating-report)?
I was going to link to the 10% Credit Union Sprint Discount but can't as a new user here yet, any other specific significant accessible discounts to consider (wow Sirchuk 20% Bowing Credit Union account, I'll have to look into that-thanks)?
Is the radio shack pre-order by 5/31 the best deal out there? $7 TEP worth it? Are you gonna root it? -Appreciate the replies

If you pay the $200 ETF then it won't go against your credit, but if you don't pay it (just like any other bill) they could take you to collections and then it will hurt your credit. Keep in mind in order to get the rebate you will still need to keep the phone on sprint for X period of time or they'll deny the rebate.
Also, I don't believe the amount is prorated monthly at all. You are agreeing to 2 years and thus get a discount on the phone.

Well, I'm new to xda and as such can't post links.. So google search on,
mcguireslaw
If you will be new to Sprint, go here, for probably the best available discount, if you don't work for a medium or big comapny. Read the link on the right of page (Special Sprint Offer), and click through it.
If you are currently on Sprint (or not), and work for a mid to large company, google seach on,
evpdiscount
and plug your company name in. These are without a doubt the best available discounts, and can simply be added to existing service.
A few examples,
evpdiscount.com/ibm
evpdiscount.com/ups
evpdiscount.com/cisco

SMARTPHONEPC said:
Ok so since I'm new to Sprint it sounds like I would have to sign a 2 yr contract for access to their network & should take their discounted price
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. Probably why they do it that way!
SMARTPHONEPC said:
Is it a monthly prorated $200 ETF (& would that have any effect on my credit rating-report)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ETF is $200 until month 5, then goes down by $10 every month until only $50 remains. And no, if you pay the ETF and final bill (make sure you pay it ALL!) by the bill due date (like any bill) it doesn't affect your credit.
SMARTPHONEPC said:
I was going to link to the 10% Credit Union Sprint Discount but can't as a new user here yet, any other specific significant accessible discounts to consider (wow Sirchuk 20% Bowing Credit Union account, I'll have to look into that-thanks)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's called an NVP discount, and there are (literally) hundreds. They range from 5% to 25% based on where you work. So go into a store and get it setup!
SMARTPHONEPC said:
Is the radio shack pre-order by 5/31 the best deal out there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Define "deal". Sam's Club has the cheapest price ($160) last I checked, Radio Shack and Bestbuy both will do it out the door with no MIR and have cheaper accessories. But those same accessories void your mfg. warranty the second you plug them into your phone. Plus you're going to have to call customer service to get any discounts added to your plan.
Corporate stores will require the MIR (Extra hundred bucks up front), but will setup your discount johnny on the spot (should you qualify and I'll bet dollars to dimes you do!) and walk you through the entire setup up the phone (They call it "Ready Now")
SMARTPHONEPC said:
$7 TEP worth it?
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Click to collapse
Absolutely. If something in the phone fails or needs to be cleaned take it to a local Sprint Service center. They either repair or replace at no charge, and replacements are usually in your hands within 3-5 days (unlimited). If you bust the screen out, get water in it, loose it or get it stolen call Asurion and for $100 they send you another (up to 3 a year).
SMARTPHONEPC said:
Are you gonna root it?
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Click to collapse
Whatever it takes to make my AVI's play from my phone onto my TV. This phone is cutting my need for a PC in HALF!!

go through EPRP
sprint.com/sero
[email protected]
383

tatnai said:
go through EPRP
sprint.com/sero
[email protected]
383
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So through that link the Everything Plus™ Data - 500 Anytime Minutes is $59.99+the$10 EVO charge, so we're talking ~$70+taxes/mo as the best deal?
I would have to set that up through Sprint & why doesn't Sprint just match reseller deals while annoying new customers with a mail-in rebate?
-Thanks

tatnai said:
go through EPRP
sprint.com/sero
[email protected]
383
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is there anyway to change my current plan to those prices with this information, or new lines only?

tatnai said:
go through EPRP
sprint.com/sero
[email protected]
383
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought you couldn't use a SERO plan with the EVO? (or any recent smarphone short of the TP2) Or is EPRP different from SERO and I'm just being thrown off by the fact that it says /sero on the URL in your post?
Edit: Nevermind, I figured it out... For anyone not familiar, SERO is an old/outdated set of discount plans Sprint used to offer (based on employee referral), EPRP is the current/modern iteration of that and apparently you can use the EVO on such a plan (and you can upgrade a SERO plan to EPRP too), but it's possible you may not be able to actually buy the EVO w/an EPRP plan until July (judging by what Sprint employees have stated elsewhere), due to the fact that you need to get the phone directly thru Sprint with the plan in order to be able to get on the EPRP and they're locking out the EVO from the EPRPs 'till then (like they did w/the Pre), so that's a bit of a letdown.
Am I right? Kind of a downer, I would've loved to save an extra $10 a month but I don't think I can wait 'till July! Thanks for the info anyway.
Edit: Also, getting on the EPRP and knocking $10 off the bill for a single line plan would disqualify you for Sprint Premier status anyway (since your base bill has to be $69.99+/month), so if anyone wants to be able to upgrade/renew every year you're better off w/the regular plans, as long as you don't mind the higher bill (worth it imo). That is unless you're getting an EPRP family plan of $99 or more, then you still qualify, such as the $110 EPRP 1600 min plan... Which is a big discount over the standard $130 for 1500.
I've got a question, say I sign a contract for a single line $69.99 plan this month, could I later upgrade that to an EPRP family/share plan?

Yeah what he said..just trying to plan this out so I have this phone next weekend or maybe I should calm down & wait until...mid June ?

I'm currently on AT&T and I'm not even waiting 'till the 7th (Monday after the EVO launches), even tho supposedly they've got some big (non-Apple) announcements then. Just sick and tired of waiting for them to release a solid Android phone, the EVO is calling my name! 'Specially after I discovered I can get a 15% discount on my monthly bill thru StudentRate and still qualify for Premier status. That basically makes EPRP irrelevant for me since it's the same amount of discount but w/no caveats; and StudentRate's also got a sweet offer for those ordering the EVO online on the 4th, after 2 different credits you basically end up paying $125 for it w/no activation fees and free overnight shipping, tough to beat. I don't mind waiting 'till Monday if it means saving $110!

Impulses said:
I thought you couldn't use a SERO plan with the EVO? (or any recent smarphone short of the TP2) Or is EPRP different from SERO and I'm just being thrown off by the fact that it says /sero on the URL in your post?
Edit: Nevermind, I figured it out... For anyone not familiar, SERO is an old/outdated set of discount plans Sprint used to offer (based on employee referral), EPRP is the current/modern iteration of that and apparently you can use the EVO on such a plan (and you can upgrade a SERO plan to EPRP too), but it's possible you may not be able to actually buy the EVO w/an EPRP plan until July (judging by what Sprint employees have stated elsewhere), due to the fact that you need to get the phone directly thru Sprint with the plan in order to be able to get on the EPRP and they're locking out the EVO from the EPRPs 'till then (like they did w/the Pre), so that's a bit of a letdown.
Am I right? Kind of a downer, I would've loved to save an extra $10 a month but I don't think I can wait 'till July! Thanks for the info anyway.
Edit: Also, getting on the EPRP and knocking $10 off the bill for a single line plan would disqualify you for Sprint Premier status anyway (since your base bill has to be $69.99+/month), so if anyone wants to be able to upgrade/renew every year you're better off w/the regular plans, as long as you don't mind the higher bill (worth it imo). That is unless you're getting an EPRP family plan of $99 or more, then you still qualify, such as the $110 EPRP 1600 min plan... Which is a big discount over the standard $130 for 1500.
I've got a question, say I sign a contract for a single line $69.99 plan this month, could I later upgrade that to an EPRP family/share plan?
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1. not sure about sprint premier with the 59.99 plan. previously, SERO plans got special treatment even though they didn't qualify for it by their cost structure (phone upgrade discounts, etc), it might be the same with EPRP, you'd have to call and ask
2. very difficult to more from a regular plan into an EPRP. If you want it, sign up with it
3. sprint distinguishes employees from regular users on a referral plan. my rep says I can get it friday. i'll post back friday.

nachyochez said:
Define "deal". Sam's Club has the cheapest price ($160) last I checked, Radio Shack and Bestbuy both will do it out the door with no MIR and have cheaper accessories. But those same accessories void your mfg. warranty the second you plug them into your phone. Plus you're going to have to call customer service to get any discounts added to your plan.
Corporate stores will require the MIR (Extra hundred bucks up front), but will setup your discount johnny on the spot (should you qualify and I'll bet dollars to dimes you do!) and walk you through the entire setup up the phone (They call it "Ready Now")
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The only way using a charger voids your warranty is if you tell them you used a non-OEM charger when making your claim And why would you do that? Not to mention that Radioshack, at least, can set up discounts right in the store. Radioshack will also walk you through using the device (if you've never owned a smartphone before and need it). We call it "customer service."

Try this link for 25% off all plans
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=699240

According to a lot of different posts on sprintusers.com, EPRP plans under the cost limit for Premier don't qualify for it, period. Corporate discounts and other stuff don't preclude you from Premier status but EPRP does (it's not treated as a discount but a separate set of plans, which it is pretty much since some of the minute allotments vary).
Anyway, I'm going ahead w/the 15% StudentRate discount plans, I can get the EVO thru them for $125 anyway... Seems a little more honest than getting in on the 25% Time Warner deal heh (since I AM a student). I'm just wondering if you can upgrade your plan at any time (say, to a Share Plan) when using these discounts.

Adding A Line Just To Get G2x Discounted - Good Idea?

I'm this close to adding a line to my contract just to get the phone for $199.
It would cost me an extra $20/month ($10 for the added line and in order to not breech the contract to get the phone discounted I would HAVE to have data package and they have a $10/month plan) for that line, get the phone for $199, then just never use the line...put my SIM from my N1 into the G2x and change my current data plan to 4G.
I'm kind of weighing the options.
I figure $20/month for 24-months is $480 plus the $199 for the phone. Means I'll pay $679. Really not that much more, plus I pay it over the course of 2-years instead of plopping down a straight $600 out of pocket.
Opinions?

uoY_redruM said:
I'm this close to adding a line to my contract just to get the phone for $199.
It would cost me an extra $20/month ($10 for the added line and in order to not breech the contract to get the phone discounted I would HAVE to have data package and they have a $10/month plan) for that line, get the phone for $199, then just never use the line...put my SIM from my N1 into the G2x and change my current data plan to 4G.
I'm kind of weighing the options.
I figure $20/month for 24-months is $480 plus the $199 for the phone. Means I'll pay $679. Really not that much more, plus I pay it over the course of 2-years instead of plopping down a straight $600 out of pocket.
Opinions?
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That's almost $200 more. Considering you haven't had the N1 for that long, how many times will you want to do this in the future? I knew that dual core was coming so paid full price for my N1. I can now flip it for 200-250 and make out "ok".
PS... the G2X is $499.99 without discounts...not $600

There are always options
option number 1
save money and sell few of the items you don't need and come out with 550.00
option 2
get a best buy card and buy it and they wont charge interest if you paid it off before 18 months.
option 3
paypal has a billmelater which you can buy things on ebay, newegg and walmart etc. etc. and pay it in payments and they wont charge you interest if you paid in full in like 6 months.
option 4
Wait maybe 2-3 months and it might turn out to be free in sites like wirefly and you end up spending $480 in a 2 year contract paying 20 bucks a month like i think you said.
option 5
Just wait dual-core still seems green and there are not many things to take advantage of it unless you want heavy gaming & movie watching. Plus a new android device gets announce like every 3 months so you shouldn't feel so rushed the nexus still pretty good device it wont get old until maybe end of the year.

Find out what the early termination fee is. If the fee is less than $480, then you can buy the phone at a discount and then pay the early termination fee...

Thanks for your advice guys, I think you guys are absolutely correct. I think I'm getting way to hyped about this phone and trying to jump the gun on it.
I bought my N1 off contract as well, on release date, and had a non-contract plan. I signed a contract in November to get two Blackberry's, which I sold just for extra cash to move into a contract and get my wife on my plan so, I have until 9/13/2012 before I can upgrade but I think I'll just hold out a while and keep using the N1.
No reason to jump ship.
Thanks again.

Well I just bought the g2x cause I had a $400 flex pay credit on my line. I'm out of contract like you. So I paid $100 out of pocket and just $20 a month or until it's paid off.
Check your account for flex pay or just call a tmo rep and see what they can do for you.
Don't add a line cause you'll have to pay for a data line and the monthly fees for adding a line. I tried doing this before and the cs rep said it'd be like $35 a month extra... Ie not worth it.

Double check your plan options. I added a line and got a free phone for $20 less a month.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA Premium App

TheSneakerWhore said:
Double check your plan options. I added a line and got a free phone for $20 less a month.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA Premium App
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10 dollars for the extra line and 10 dollars for base data plan... so 20 in total

i wonder what the cancellation fee is

[Q] Expected Price Drop?

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.
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What?
bat0nas said:
That's right. But in your OP there's no single word about contract.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.