Database Users

Purchasing for T Mobile users: The Breakdown

Thinking about purchasing the nexus one? Here is a breakdown for all T Mobile customers of what's required.
Purchase Link
If you have a family plan, shared plan, flexpay plan or corporate account you will need to change before going to purchase the nexus one from the link above. Once all the above items are removed/changed then you are good to go and can enjoy the upgraded discount.
Quote from Nexus site "You can choose to purchase the Nexus One from the Google Phone Webstore without service for $529 USD, or with a qualifying T-Mobile US service plan at a discounted price:
Nexus One without service: $529
Nexus One with new, 2-year T-Mobile US service plan for new customers: $179
Nexus One with new, 2-year T-Mobile US service plan for qualifying existing T-Mobile customers who are adding data plans: $279
Nexus One with new, 2-year T-Mobile US service plan for qualifying existing T-Mobile customers who are upgrading their data plans: $379"
Source
I only paid 179.99 but that's because i opened a new line of service and got a new number. Be aware that if you open a new line of service to get the 179.99 price you CANNOT cancel your other line of service early or you will have to pay a 200.00 fee for early termination. The only option you have is to switch it to a home phone plan. If you decide to go that route as I did then it is 10.00 a month. It uses your sim card and a router that you get from T Mobile for 40.00. You must have a high speed connection to use this option.

I'm hoping you accidentally hit submit before finishing your post, cuz it doesn't make much sense to me.
I have been off contract since January 2009. How do I get the $179 price?
Edit: Just saw your post in the other thread. I think what you're saying confirms what the T-mo rep told me earlier today. She said that if I switched from my old grandfathered plan to the Even More 500 plan, then I'd be eligible for the $179 price. Not that I'm going to do it... it's cheaper for me to stick to my current plan and buying the phone unlocked.

uansari1 said:
I'm hoping you accidentally hit submit before finishing your post, cuz it doesn't make much sense to me.
I have been off contract since January 2009. How do I get the $179 price?
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Someone in another forum had the same issue and apparently he had to add another line. Once his N1 comes in he plans on canceling his old line and switching his number over to the new line. I can try to find that post if need be.?

rantrav said:
Someone in another forum had the same issue and apparently he had to add another line. Once his N1 comes in he plans on canceling his old line and switching his number over to the new line. I can try to find that post if need be.?
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That's not necessary, but thanks. I'd only buy the phone unlocked, because it will considerably cheaper than switching plans and being in a contract again. I'm really just curious because it doesn't seem right that if we're off contract with T-mo, we couldn't take advantage of the subsidized price of the phone. Theoretically we're paying higher plan prices every month because our original phones were subsidized. So if we're off contract, then we should have paid T-mo back for that subsidy and they should either discount our monthly rate (like the Even More Plus plans), or subsidize a new phone for us.

uansari1 said:
That's not necessary, but thanks. I'd only buy the phone unlocked, because it will considerably cheaper than switching plans and being in a contract again. I'm really just curious because it doesn't seem right that if we're off contract with T-mo, we couldn't take advantage of the subsidized price of the phone. Theoretically we're paying higher plan prices every month because our original phones were subsidized. So if we're off contract, then we should have paid T-mo back for that subsidy and they should either discount our monthly rate (like the Even More Plus plans), or subsidize a new phone for us.
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Sorry, people on here seem to like 'hard evidence' that is only text from another person. I am sure that this has been the plan since the beginning. Google, obviously having the upper hand and being in control, is calling the shots on how this works. T-Mobile, being an underdog, was probably given first dibs with this being part of the deal. But, I do agree with you. I bought it unlocked and would have rather saved the money and updated my phone with current plan. The guys post was something about he had a "grandfathered" in plan and was eligible through TMO for the update but with it being through Google he wasn't able to.... I guess all we can say is 'okay' and mush on.

I would have bought the unlocked version as well but I'm already paying the same amount as the plan that is required so took the discount and ran. I'm sure eventually there will be more plans available. Google is sure to take a lot of heat for it and will eventually crack...well I hope anyways lol.

Both of you should take a look at the discussion here:
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Google+Mobile/thread?tid=3c0fd3870ec370a8&hl=en#all
It doesn't look good for people who are existing customers, off contract and want to sign a new contract. Kinda ****ty if you ask me, but fortunately it won't affect me.

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!

uansari1 said:
Both of you should take a look at the discussion here:
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Google+Mobile/thread?tid=3c0fd3870ec370a8&hl=en#all
It doesn't look good for people who are existing customers, off contract and want to sign a new contract. Kinda ****ty if you ask me, but fortunately it won't affect me.
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I love the first post that clearly states "only new T-mobile customers are eligible to purchase Nexus One at the discounted price of $179." If thats true then why did I get one for 179.99, I've been with them for 7 years! lol

uansari1 said:
Both of you should take a look at the discussion here:
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Google+Mobile/thread?tid=3c0fd3870ec370a8&hl=en#all
It doesn't look good for people who are existing customers, off contract and want to sign a new contract. Kinda ****ty if you ask me, but fortunately it won't affect me.
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I have a family plan with 4 lines so I had to break down and pay full price.... same when the G1 came out. Only reason is because i feel like this phone I will keep for some time. I hope. Google, I think, will be getting a lot of heat about this. I took a look at the link and there are A LOT of pissed off people on there. But GOOG does have the money to blow.

This is interesting guys
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Google+Mobile/thread?tid=06a361e72a26b798&hl=en

ryanmo5 said:
i would have bought the unlocked version as well but i'm already paying the same amount as the plan that is required so took the discount and ran. I'm sure eventually there will be more plans available. Google is sure to take a lot of heat for it and will eventually crack...well i hope anyways lol.
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theyre all unlocked

melterx12 said:
theyre all unlocked
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Oops lmao, I meant without service

I actually bought the unlocked phone for $530,-. I have another 6 months on my contract.
But this way, I'll be contract free, and am actually SAVING money now, because I had a G1 with Myfav600, which was $80,- a month.
And I never even come close to using my 600 minutes.
So the 500 plus plan is perfect for me. And I save $20,- a month.
And , when they get the Voip thing happening, I can use that as well, since I have a Google Voice number.

i'm a current T-mob customer with 9 mo left on my 2 yr contract i got with my G1, once i get some extra cash saved up i plan to pay the full price for the nexus one because for me at least i currently spend $53 a month on my service with t-mob and don't care or benefit to change it and if i could extend my contract and pay less for the phone by some amount it will still save me more in the long run by not having to pay for the dumb 80 dollar a month plan they force you to have by going that route
this is of course as long as they do not change their tune on how they are handling this before i'm ready to purchase the phone i.e. give me a discount of some amount to upgrade and keep my current plan or one very close to it

Im currently on the even more plus 500+unlimited text+Web
On flex pay. Iam so lucky i didnt sign a 2 year contract!
I just hope tmobile doesnt try to make me pay 80 if i buy the phone without a plan. Just going to pop in my sim from G1

I've posted this in a couple other threads but it should help here.
I'll tell everyone up front I worked for T-Mobile customer care for the last 4 years up until this past June and was a supervisor for the last year of my time there.
If you currently have a single line plan that is out of contract is qualifies through T-Mobile for the full discount but Google is giving you the price that is almost $400 here is what you can do it get around it. And change to the Even More plans prior WILL NOT fix this issue.
Alot of people are getting bad information from TMobile about what needs to be done because the reps were given almost no information about the ordering process. So most reps and just going with the flow to try and get people off the phone.
When you go to order the phone with Google select the option to add a new line to your account. It will give you the 179.99 price for adding the new line. Once the new phone comes in the mail call T-Mobile and cancel your old line and ask them to put a "request old number back" request to replace the new number with your old one. This takes about 24 hours to go through. During that 24 hours your old number will not work because you have to cancel it before you do this.
I know for a fact this will work but the rep you talk to may give you crap about doing this and not let you because they want to be a ****. If you're worried about that call and cancel you old line when you get the phone then call back and talk to another rep and tell them to put in the request for you.

Don't you have to pay the 200 dollar ETF if you cancel a line?

There's no ETF if the line has no contract. So if you add a new line to get the discount you can cancel the old one without a fee

Ah I missed that part. I am trying to get the 180 price and I only have a few months left on my contract and they won't upgrade it. They will let me add a new line of service though.

Flaw in t-mobile and N1 phone?

Im planning to sign up for t-mobile contract and pay 179 for the N1. Once I get the phone, i will cancel the contract on the first day and pay $150 to google. T-mobile should charge me anything because I cancel within the 14 days period. My total cost to obtain the phone is only 329 compared to 529. Anyone see a flaw in this strategy?

Yeah...
If you sign up with T-mo the phone comes locked to T-mo.

PLEASE DO IT!!!!!!!!
Than search google and find this site >>> http://gizmodo.com/5446146/canceling-a-nexus-one-contract-costs-more-than-a-nexus-one

And on another google search (use it, its very useful)
You'll have to pay an Early Termination Fee to both your carrier, and Google.
While your carrier's ETF may vary ($200 for T-Mobile), Google's is equal to the full price of the Nexus One, minus the service plan and the $180 you paid upon signing up. This ETF only applies if you cancel your line within the first 120 days of service. It appears to be set up to make the idea of scamming carriers for cheap phones even less attractive.

Should of told him it was a great idea...

zizoty said:
Im planning to sign up for t-mobile contract and pay 179 for the N1. Once I get the phone, i will cancel the contract on the first day and pay $150 to google. T-mobile should charge me anything because I cancel within the 14 days period. My total cost to obtain the phone is only 329 compared to 529. Anyone see a flaw in this strategy?
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There is more to it than that. If you cancel inside the grace period, you just send back the N1 and pay for days used.
If you do what you want, keep the phone, you also pay T-Mobile a handset recovery fee of $200. So, you would end up paying 529, plus tax, plus proration and your N1 would be locked to T-Mobile.
Sounds like a very flawed logic.

Yeah I was tempted lol

This would work because tmo wont charge an etf if you cancel within 14 days and google will only charge $150 if you keep the nexus.

I was under the assumption that the T-Mobile ETF is only charged after the 14 days?

alex7619 said:
This would work because tmo wont charge an etf if you cancel within 14 days and google will only charge $150 if you keep the nexus.
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Exactly. I thought google only charge you 150 for ETF instead of 350. Didnt goodle change the EFT from 350 to 150 couple weeks ago?

zizoty said:
Exactly. I thought google only charge you 150 for ETF instead of 350. Didnt goodle change the EFT from 350 to 150 couple weeks ago?
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Even so, that puts you at $530 (which seems logical but your not gonna make anything and have a lot of extra work)

How did you get 530?. You pay $179 for the phone and 150 for google ETF. Unless t-mobile charge you 200 for ETF but this wouldnt happen because you cancel it within 14days period.

zizoty said:
How did you get 530?. You pay $179 for the phone and 150 for google ETF. Unless t-mobile charge you 200 for ETF but this wouldnt happen because you cancel it within 14days period.
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Sorry I put the whole T-Mobile etf...so it comes out too $380 with the $50 T-Mobile etf

You people think found found a loophole in a collaboration between two mega corporations?
T-mobile requires notification from Google that you send the phone back if you wish to cancel your contract.

this is the internet, the land where your good idea was somebody else's idea weeks or months ago...

You guys don't seem to understand...
If you keep the phone after canceling you pay:
$180: Phone
$150: Google ETF
$200: T-Mobile un-returned equipment fee
$?: Prorated usage
Add that up, you get $530, plus the proration, and you have a locked Nexus One.
Now, if you decide you don't like the phone and take advantage of the 14 day return/cancel window and return the phone you pay:
$?: Proration
You don't get any ETF's, or equipment charges(assuming the phone is in like new condition). But you also don't get to keep the phone, and google can charge you a restocking fee (which I think they do, but am not certain, if they do that is another $45 for testing out the phone for a couple days)
Big surprise, Google and T-Mobile are smart enough to prevent you from gaming them. Crazy thought, I know!

veive said:
If you sign up with T-mo the phone comes locked to T-mo.
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Actually all of the nexus one's are unlocked. You can put any sim card in it.

No there not my buddy has one subsidized took his sim out put his ATT sim in no luck

Don't forget that they can blacklist the IMEI. Doh!

pjcforpres said:
You guys don't seem to understand...
If you keep the phone after canceling you pay:
$180: Phone
$150: Google ETF
$200: T-Mobile un-returned equipment fee
$?: Prorated usage
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I didn't know T-Mobile charged any "un-returned equipment fee". Not that I would try to do anything like this anyway but why would they charge "un-returned equipment fee" if you didn't buy equipment from them? Seems about as shady as somebody buying a subsidized phone just to cancel.

How to get N1 for $372.00

ok here goes just bought the phone and got it for $372.00. i checked with t-mobile and google twice. U have to set-up a new line and buy the phone for $179.00 and then cancel with-in 14 days (buyers remorse period). then u keep the phone and pay the new EFT fee of $150.00. the phone comes out to be $372.00 bc those cheap ****s tax you on $529.00 not $179.00. but i have checked with tmobile and google this works i even told them what i was going to do. i am on a family plan but it is in my dads name that is why i am able to setup an account in my name. hope this helps

KROMO50 said:
ok here goes just bought the phone and got it for $372.00. i checked with t-mobile and google twice. U have to set-up a new line and buy the phone for $179.00 and then cancel with-in 14 days (buyers remorse period). then u keep the phone and pay the new EFT fee of $150.00. the phone comes out to be $372.00 bc those cheap ****s tax you on $529.00 not $179.00. but i have checked with tmobile and google this works i even told them what i was going to do. i am on a family plan but it is in my dads name that is why i am able to setup an account in my name. hope this helps
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You sure you don't have to return the phone to T-Mobile? Subsidized phones have to be returned or the ETF has to be paid to the carrier (plus google's $150 equipment recovery fee) if the contract is canceled. Feel free to try it, but I would suspect you get charged for the phone.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=622306

I like how they're "cheap ****s" yet you're the one trying to scam them out of getting the full price of the phone

@seanhassars
Nice! haha
But yeah you won't get the phone for $372. If you could everyone would be doing it. And next time use the search, you'll find plenty more people like yourself.

cymru said:
@seanhassars
Nice! haha
But yeah you won't get the phone for $372. If you could everyone would be doing it. And next time use the search, you'll find plenty more people like yourself.
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Cheap ****s?

Well I just talk to t-mobile once again and they insured me that if i cancel my service within 14 day i will not pay anything. And Google will only charge me the $150 called and made sure of that as well. Also T-mobile noted my account about what is going on. But when i say cheap ****s ha ha i mean you can not upgrade to the phone on a family plan and they are also taxing me on the retail price instead of the purchase price. I will let u guys know what happens

mods should lock this thread...

KROMO50 said:
Well I just talk to t-mobile once again and they insured me that if i cancel my service within 14 day i will not pay anything. And Google will only charge me the $150 called and made sure of that as well. Also T-mobile noted my account about what is going on. But when i say cheap ****s ha ha i mean you can not upgrade to the phone on a family plan and they are also taxing me on the retail price instead of the purchase price. I will let u guys know what happens
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If you said "I plan to get it, then cancel, and then use the phone on my family plan" then that would make sense as they have already been helpful for people who are trying to get these phones on their family plans at less than full price - though I think there are possibly even cheaper ways of doing it that don't involve paying another $150 to Google.
If you said "If I cancel within 14 days will I pay anything?" then they may have said "No" assuming that you would be returning the phone to google which are the standard terms of cancelling under the buyer's remorse clause.
But, did you call T-Mobile and say "I am going to order this phone, then cancel the contract within 14 days and I will *not* be returning the phone to Google"? If so, then they should have told you that they will charge the $200 unless you return the phone.
The entire reason Google dropped the "equipment recovery fee" from $350 to $150 was because of this $200 that T-Mobile collects from you. You can avoid both by returning the phone within 14 days. You can avoid neither by cancelling and keeping the phone, no matter what the time frame is.

Hey flarbear i told tmobile that i am not returning the phone, and they said that they have nothing to do with the phone bc i bought it form Google not them. I mean i have called them 4 times to make sure of this. I don't understand why everyone on this site is getting mad about this if this works it is good for all. also in the term of sale it says to connect the provider to get their termination fee and i am going by that.

I got mine for $330 because I have my own plan and don't live off my parents.

Just saying, what you're planning on doing constitutes fraud. Something that is a rather serious offense, and if found out could lead to much more than that extra ~$140 that you're "saving". Also, as part of buyers remorse, you must return the phone in order to qualify. And even if Tmo isn't selling you the phone directly, a partner is. And since Tmo is the subsidized partner, they're even more willing to charge you extra fees since they make money off the fees and plans, not the phones.
On a different note, if they are truly, without confusion, maliciously deceiving you, then its a whole different ball game.
ps. Your horrific English may have also confused them.

Actually its not fraud. Everything he is doing is totally legal.
It may be against the spirit of the deal google/T-Mobile are offering, but there is absolutely nothing illegal about it. Which part would you say is illegal and which law specifically would relate to it?
It would be fraud if he were buying the phone and saying it was stolen when it wasnt. I would be fraud if he lied to T-Mobile and said that the phone was broken and that's why he is cancelling. In this case he has a right to pay the ETF and terminate early as per the terms of the sale. He is not obligated to disclose why, or even enter into the sale more inclined to keep it than not.

Google charges you a recovery fee if you don't return the phone. That brings you above the price of buying it unsubsidized.
I assume you'll be cancelling your credit card or whatever payment you made with it.
Way to go thief.
google's terms of sale said:
For example, if the full price of the Nexus handheld device without service plan was $529 USD and the price you paid for the Nexus handheld device was $179 USD with a service plan, the Equipment Recovery Fee you pay will be $350 USD in the event you cancel within the first 120 days of carrier service.
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179 + 350 = 529
Then you have t-mobile fees for not returning your device after being "unsatisfied".
tmobile said:
4. Cancellation and Returns. You can cancel your Service without paying an Early Termination Fee if you cancel WITHIN 14 DAYS of activating a new line of Service (30 days if you activate in California; other states may differ "“ ask your sales representative) ("œReturn Period"). You remain responsible to pay for the Service and all charges, fees and taxes incurred through the date of cancellation. To cancel during the Return Period, you must return to the store where you activated (or, if purchased online or by phone, follow the return instructions in the package), and return any Device you acquired at the time of activation. To receive a refund of the purchase price of your Device (less rebates received and shipping costs), you must return it (with original packaging and all contents) within the Return Period in undamaged condition and good working order to the place of purchase. You may be required to pay a restocking fee. If you do not comply with store policy, we may elect not to process your Service cancellation or you may be charged the suggested retail price of the Device, (which may be greater than the price you paid), plus any shipping and handling charges. If you activated your Service through an authorized T-Mobile dealer, the dealer"™s return policy may differ from T-Mobile"™s policies.
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Techinally both t-mobile AND google can come after you for the full price of the phone, meaning 529 x2.
Matter of fact, I encourage you to attemp this little theft, I'd love to see real world repercussions.

KROMO50 said:
Well I just talk to t-mobile once again and they insured me that if i cancel my service within 14 day i will not pay anything. And Google will only charge me the $150 called and made sure of that as well. Also T-mobile noted my account about what is going on. But when i say cheap ****s ha ha i mean you can not upgrade to the phone on a family plan and they are also taxing me on the retail price instead of the purchase price. I will let u guys know what happens
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t mobile nor google has any say so on how much tax they want to charge you

I don't understand why you guys are getting mad and attacking his character when you have a problem with his method. He is trying to test out a potential loophole. That is not illegal or fraud, just trying to beat the system.

we have these things called casinos for such endeavors..

While I find the action morally questionable at best, given the changes in Google's terms of sale for the Nexus One it would probably work. You are entering a contract with a premeditated plan to immediately break it to your benefit. It is at the very least a violation of good faith terms but this may or may not be actionable. Even if it is actionable the chances of either party (T-Mo or Google) bothering is not high.
Prior to the changing of the wording there was little doubt you would pay the full price, but they changed the terms due to the outrage at the "double dipping" return fee.

I have no issue with the OP, I just found it rather ironic considering the thread topic that he was upset google had the audactiy to charge him tax on the full retail price and that they were being cheap. I still don't think this would work considering the whole google "if you change/cancel your plan within 120 days you'll be charged the full price of the phone" deal, but if they've changed the wording I say go for it and be the guinea pig.

muncheese said:
Google charges you a recovery fee if you don't return the phone. That brings you above the price of buying it unsubsidized.
179 + 350 = 529
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You should look into this again. Google lowered this fee from the original $350 down to $150. When it was at $350 it was obvious that you would be paying more, but now that they have it at $150 it is no longer so obvious.

Verizon "Pay as you Go" data Plan for XOOM

Please I need some clarification on how the "Pay as you go" data plan works with Verizon for the XOOM. My only experience is with the iPad and AT&T, where it was very simply and user friendly, I just had to purchase the data from the iPad itself and pay with my Credit Card, no calls to customer service, and I can cancel it anytime from the iPad itself. Based on a quick conversation with a Verizon rep, with Verizon it's much more complicated, I have to actually setup an account with Verizon, use the XOOM with the monthly contract data plan, and when I want to cancel it I have to call customer service and close the account, the same thing to activate the plan again, is that true that it's so complicated ?, I think the way how Apple implemented it with AT&T is very effective and simple, I don't know if with the iPad 2 Verizon will have a different option. Please could you add your comments based on your experience ?, thanks

its true and will apparently incur an activation fee each time service is restarted. Verizon really wants you to get a data plan and keep it :-(

Today I was ready to buy the Verizon XOOM, and use the data as "pay as you go", but after I understood the way how Verizon manages "pay as you go data", I will never invest on something that it will be so complicated and expensive to use. I'll have to wait for the Wifi only XOOM.

Supposedly you don't have to pay an activation fee of $35 bucks but rather you can suspend your account for $15. Still a major deal breaker but maybe when the iPad 2 is released they will change their policy.

Ya it really sucks. I purchased my Xoom and returned it after a week. Day after i returned it i got a Bill from VZN for almost 60 bucks for my "activation fee" + "1 month Data". I actually had to call up VZN and speak to a representative to "see what they could do". Fortunately i got an absolute sweetheart of a rep and was sure to be equally as sweet back. though i didnt get %100 credit. She was able to reduce my bill to $2.39 for the cost of my prorated data for 2 days. While most people would probably argue about that i said that was fine and will pay that bill when i get it.
Im not sure if they do the same thing with the Ipad 3G for ATT(even though i own one) but with the Xoom your data plan actually has a Phone number in addition to the ACCT number associated with it. So thats where all these stupid fees are coming from, they treat it like your actually opening up a new cellphone contract. IPad was 1(setup),2(pay),3(Surf)

verusevo said:
Ya it really sucks. I purchased my Xoom and returned it after a week. Day after i returned it i got a Bill from VZN for almost 60 bucks for my "activation fee" + "1 month Data". I actually had to call up VZN and speak to a representative to "see what they could do". Fortunately i got an absolute sweetheart of a rep and was sure to be equally as sweet back. though i didnt get %100 credit. She was able to reduce my bill to $2.39 for the cost of my prorated data for 2 days. While most people would probably argue about that i said that was fine and will pay that bill when i get it.
Im not sure if they do the same thing with the Ipad 3G for ATT(even though i own one) but with the Xoom your data plan actually has a Phone number in addition to the ACCT number associated with it. So thats where all these stupid fees are coming from, they treat it like your actually opening up a new cellphone contract. IPad was 1(setup),2(pay),3(Surf)
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That was nice of her!

has anyone seen this? it is not the first time I've heard that Verizon wants to go head to head with AT&T (is no activation fee each time). Read in the comments.
We'll see tomorrow. I will go into a store and ask.
http://www.phonearena.com/news/iPad...from-AT-T-and-Verizon-go-head-to-head_id17305

The verizon rep i spoke to when I setup my month to month accounts that its simply$20 a month plus a little tax and the stupid 35 dollar activation fee. . . as long as you have them bill you for it - but without a contract.
If you want to pre-pay they charge you a $30 fee every month . . . thats right, if I want to be a thrifty consumer and pay as I go so I don't overspend, they charge a fee thats MORE than the cost of service.
Just to clarify, if you want to prepay as opposed to having them bill you (both options without a contract), they charge $50/month for 1GB.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App

Also note: the "suspension" option can be done online, I believe, without the $15 fee, but it can only be done twice a year for 90 days max each time. So, that's not an option unless you can plan your year pretty carefully.
I'm going to swap my 3G version out for the wifi-only version as soon as it's available. I was told when I purchased mine that data could be turned on and off as needed without any fees, and so I won't have any qualms about exercising the 90-day return policy at Costco.

It seems Verizon will enable "true pay as you go" capabilities for the iPad 2
http://news.vzw.com/news/2011/03/pr2011-03-09y.html
Why not the XOOM ?

I've called customer service several times today. I bought my xoom on contract because I wanted to have 3g data but was specifically told I couldn't activate it whenever I wanted and I was just better off keeping the minimum $20/1gb plan. So I said if I'm going to have to pay that anyway, I might as well get it subsidized. In other words I was specifically told that vzw would not have that option. Of course, my two weeks are up today and they may change it!!
I would be very mad. I would have definitely bought my xoom without contract. I have called several times and I keep getting different answers. I'm going to go to the store tomorrow and find out. If anyone finds anything definitive, I'd love to see it. Thanks.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App

I activated my Xoom at the Verizon store on a month to month plan and it was $20/month/1GB and they did not charge me an activation fee.

I bought mine at costco.. the paperwork said 20 a month, activation fee with refund, unsubsidized.
I called VZW the next day and they had put me on a 2 yr contract that if I hadn't have called when I did would've been like 175 bucks ETF to get out of.
SO.. buyer beware, be sure to call vzw to ensure you are getting what you really wanted!

Be careful if your under contract my understanding was that if you suspend the data it also extends your contract until data is turned back on. This is why I just bit the bullet and bough the device. I know its not in everyones budget to do so, but it will save you money down the road.

zone23 said:
Be careful if your under contract my understanding was that if you suspend the data it also extends your contract until data is turned back on. This is why I just bit the bullet and bough the device. I know its not in everyones budget to do so, but it will save you money down the road.
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This is what makes me mad. Given the choices at the time, I got the device subsidized since I was going to have to get a data plan anyway (if I wanted data some months and didn't want to pay an activation fee). Now, two weeks after my purchase, they change the rules!
BTW - no activation fee on the ipad2. according to @Verizonwireless
http://twitter.com/#!/VerizonWireless
That's crap.

ok. i went to the store. the first three sales people had no idea what i was talking about. I finally spoke to my manager. They are running a promotion of no activation fee starting today for any tablet (obviously if you buy at full price). I still do not have clarity on whether there's an activation fee each and every time you turn on your device's mobile data. I have read that ipad2 will not have to pay (ie using mobile data whenever you want and pay only the mobile broadband plan) and Xoom will have to pay (ie pay activation fee each and every time you activate).
my takeaways:
1. VZW sales people either just plain dumb or not trained well
2. Apple is pushing VZW around and VZW is pushing Moto around
3. Flash or no flash, this is definitely going to lead to fewer Xoom sales

The ONLY reason holding me back to buy a XOOM today, it's Verizon NOT having a TRUE "Pay as you go" data plan, like the iPad with AT&T and now the iPad 2 with AT&T and Verizon. I think will buy an iPad 2 today.

Nexus 4 Dilemma. Need Your Advice......................

So a local T Mobile store has 5 in stock. Of course at first I was initially excited but the feeling quickly went away as I thought to myself, "Is it worth the trouble?" My initial plan was to buy the phone on contract for $150 (discounted for work), sign up for the cheapest what ever classic plan then leave. Figured I'd cancel it in a few days then head over to Walmart and get the 30$ Prepaid plan. The thing is, I am planning on moving overseas In February so being unlocked is key. It seems that it is unlocked so thats not the issue. The problem is the termination fee might not be 200 as I initially thought but would be for the remainder of the phone (about $350). I don't know if that is comfirmed but still.
If you were in my shoes, would you chance the fees just to have the phone a month early (and be one of those evil posters who post about it) or just bite the bullet and wait for a second batch that you might not even have a chance to order from?
I have a 2 year old optimus but in no rush to have it in my hands but then again, it would be awesome to be one of the first to have it.
Any advice, suggestions, thoughts are appreciated.

Thread moved to Q&A
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jeremydc808 said:
So a local T Mobile store has 5 in stock. Of course at first I was initially excited but the feeling quickly went away as I thought to myself, "Is it worth the trouble?" My initial plan was to buy the phone on contract for $150 (discounted for work), sign up for the cheapest what ever classic plan then leave. Figured I'd cancel it in a few days then head over to Walmart and get the 30$ Prepaid plan. The thing is, I am planning on moving overseas In February so being unlocked is key. It seems that it is unlocked so thats not the issue. The problem is the termination fee might not be 200 as I initially thought but would be for the remainder of the phone (about $350). I don't know if that is comfirmed but still.
If you were in my shoes, would you chance the fees just to have the phone a month early (and be one of those evil posters who post about it) or just bite the bullet and wait for a second batch that you might not even have a chance to order from?
I have a 2 year old optimus but in no rush to have it in my hands but then again, it would be awesome to be one of the first to have it.
Any advice, suggestions, thoughts are appreciated.
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That's not a very bright idea...ANY US CARRIER will not allow you to buy a device on contract price then cancel without paying the early termination fee, services used fees, taxes and the price of the device in full if you do not return it. There is no way around that because you must return the equipment before they will do any line cancellations. The only option you would have is to buy it at FULL RETAIL PRICE ($499.99) from t-mobile and get a prepaid $1 per day plan so you can get the unlock code sent to you via email. Trying to play with phone subsidies does not work.

Keep the following things in mind:
1. You may have to pay an activation fee.
2. You will probably have to pay for the first month of service.
3. ETF may be more than $200 (I'm not sure how much it actually is).

Tmobile's ETF is $200 but you might have to also pay the difference in the retail price if you want to keep the phone

honestly that not a problem just sign up with the contact and everything and when u call in to cancel your contact just tell them that your going to that your joining the army and there u go no contact cancellation fee

Jrude2262 said:
honestly that not a problem just sign up with the contact and everything and when u call in to cancel your contact just tell them that your going to that your joining the army and there u go no contact cancellation fee
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Actually, this will not always work. For your ETF to be waived for military deployment, active orders will need to be provided to Customer Relations. Without it, all ETF and fees will be valid.

SevenSe7enSeven said:
Tmobile's ETF is $200 but you might have to also pay the difference in the retail price if you want to keep the phone
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And you should also keep in mind that the retail price they use may not be the low $350 that Google is charging through the play store. From what I've read, LG's suggested retail price for the phone is actually $499 so you may end up having to pay that to T-Mobile if you cancel.