Why do people sign contracts? - Networking

I realize many people sign 2 year contracts because they see "free phone" and think the carrier subsidizing the phone somehow works out in their interest over the course of 2 years of paying $80-100 per month. But, considering the attractive prepaid/pay as you go/no contract options available now, why don't people take the time to do some simple math and realize paying $300 for an unlocked phone and $30-50 a month thereafter is much cheaper than getting a free phone and an expensive contract plan?
Thoughts? Personally, the notion of signing away your life for 2 years just to get phone service is absurd.

Not necessarily, I'm on contract for three years but I got my skyrocket for 200 new. My plan is only 50 tax in and has everything I need, including unlimited texting, 6 Gibson of data, 500 daytime, evenings & weekends after 6, call I'd, voicemail and unlimited network calling. Mind u, some people are paying more for less, but that doesn't mean that EVERYONE is paying 100 per month. Most people can't afford the 600 upfront for a good smartphone, and carriers know this

icenight89 said:
Not necessarily, I'm on contract for three years but I got my skyrocket for 200 new. My plan is only 50 tax in and has everything I need, including unlimited texting, 6 Gibson of data, 500 daytime, evenings & weekends after 6, call I'd, voicemail and unlimited network calling. Mind u, some people are paying more for less, but that doesn't mean that EVERYONE is paying 100 per month. Most people can't afford the 600 upfront for a good smartphone, and carriers know this
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That's not bad, really, but contract plans in the U.S. tend to be more expensive. Like, T-Mobile's standard 5GB contract plan with however many minutes and unlimited messaging is $80 a month, and you're throttled after 5GB down to dial up speeds, as far as I know.
I mean, you can find fairly new smartphones on the Internet (ebay, et al) for $200-400. Expensive, sure, but cheaper than a 2 year contract in most cases, even with a subsidized phone. Consider paying $200 or $250 for a subsidized phone, and you're still locked into a contract. Seems kind of out there, especially with the Draconian data usage policies all carriers here are implementing.

Pretty good deal, but I wouldn't commit to a carrier for 3 years (at least not in the states) because the landscape can change so much. I especially wouldn't commit to the same phone for 3 years now that they're releasing more powerful ones by the droves (sure, you can get an upgrade, but that leads to a contract extension anyway).

I just did it because the ''free'' HTC Desire HD when it was just released and I took an contract where I could change it after 3 months and that resulted that I right now pay € 22,79 before inflation correction this was € 22,50.
So for about € 600 I have unlimited mobile internet with a fup and € 20 credit each month which I can call 100 min with, but my contract is fishy, I take that € 20 to the next month if I not use it, but most time it will just get lost so my family often borrow my phone because I don't use much off those mins.
But when I took my contract the HTC Desire HD had still a new price between € 500 and € 550 so if we go calculate then I just pay about € 100 for the mobile internet and call mins.
So that would make € 4,16 for each month. That is really cheap as aslong i'm in my country i have internet, if i'm in another country I can use call and sms from within that € 20.
But in October 2012 my contract will end so I will not make it new but end it and then I will just use no sim card or a prepaid for being reachable. Because mobile contract are not cheap anymore in my country.
But this contract is my second where I have high end smartphone for free with and pay around € 600 after two years, my first was with iPhone 3G but that contract cost some more, but still in € 600 I guess something like € 650 maybe, but I forget it.
These contracts are so made that if you go over your bundle that you will pay much more, so that's why you get phone for free, but they will also charge you more if you send a text message to another country, for example, if I send a text message when I log on to a german network it cost me € 0,13 and goes off from my bundle, but if I send that same text message from my provider inside my country then it cost me € 0,39 and that is charged extra.
So i'm smart and whenever I send my gf a text message who is staying in another country, then I log my phone on the German network, it has saved me alot already.

This is almost like asking why do people go to mcdonalds?

I have both a postpaid contract account (standard 2yr in US) and a prepaid account with the same carrier. (TMOUS) (long story, don't ask)
I FEEL (note the caps phrase, please) that not only is customer service better on the postpaid account, but the data speeds are faster (comparing SIM to SIM not, device to device).....
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk

radlink14 said:
This is almost like asking why do people go to mcdonalds?
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Yeah, it is, considering the abundance of other options.

Probably because most carriers try their damndest to prevent people from getting on postpaid no-contract plans. I'm currently fighting with T-Mobile over this and have since left for AT&T which had no issue giving me a postpaid plan without a contract (since I bought my device outright).

Contract worked out cheaper for me.

synaesthetic said:
Probably because most carriers try their damndest to prevent people from getting on postpaid no-contract plans. I'm currently fighting with T-Mobile over this and have since left for AT&T which had no issue giving me a postpaid plan without a contract (since I bought my device outright).
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Click to collapse
Oh boy. I'm curious now--what'd T-Mobile do? I haven't heard many horror stories about their postpaid stuff, but to be honest I haven't heard much about T-Mobile lately at all.

pottedplant73 said:
Oh boy. I'm curious now--what'd T-Mobile do? I haven't heard many horror stories about their postpaid stuff, but to be honest I haven't heard much about T-Mobile lately at all.
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I left T-Mobile for a month to go to Sprint because coverage was terrible at my home (I've since moved). Sprint wasn't much better, so I canceled during my 30-day trial and went back to T-Mobile.
In the intervening month I was with Sprint, T-Mobile had canceled their Even More Plus (postpaid no-contract) plans and brought their current plans instead. I told them specifically I didn't want a contract, that I had my own devices and didn't need subsidized or financed phones. The rep agreed to all of this and signed me back up on what should have been the closest approximation of what I had before (500 minutes, unlimited SMS, 5GB internets).
Except it wasn't. It was a two-year contract on both lines, even though I never got a subsidized device out of the deal. So I called them and complained about this and tried to get them to fix it. The only thing they were willing to do was to give me a cheaper option by condensing my two lines into a family plan. I was not happy but I saw little choice outside of paying two lines' worth of ETF fees.
After that I didn't really have many complaints. The service was great, speeds were wonderful and the price was pretty damn low. So I didn't press the issue of being set up on a contract without my initial consent.
But then in November, T-Mobile began to heavily compress all JPEG images on the internet when using mobile data.
I don't just mean minor compression to save a few bits here and there. This was major, significant compression where JPEG filesizes would be reduced by 350%. The end result was, of course, incredibly poor image quality all across the web--and even in the Android Market. The transparent image-compression proxy caused apps like Google+ to force-close when viewing pictures.
This looked awful on my old Nexus S 800x480 display. It looked far, far worse on my Galaxy Nexus's 1280x720 display. Naturally I called and complained. Long and loud. Nothing ever changed. Nobody ever even attempted to solve the issue--indeed, if it was even an issue and not just an underhanded way to try and conserve bandwidth.
After over a dozen calls to customer service and tech support spanning nearly ten hours of phone conversations, a huge number of factory resets done on both devices to placate their reps, and two SIM card replacements, I was done, fed up with the lot of them. Went to AT&T and transferred both lines over. Now T-Mobile's trying to charge me ETFs.

Related

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...
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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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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...
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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..
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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
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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
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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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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.

[Poll] On contract or Off contract?

So I have been thinking. What would I be willing to pay for a phone off contract? Well. Bought my Vibrant for off contract, and it took a nice piece out of my wallet.
So my question is for you guys, Would you be willing to pay for a phone off contract for the right price? What would that price be?
Please leave comments on what you think.
I realize this is a very general question but I'm turning to my fellow Vibrant owners first.
Question to you or anybody that bought it off contract...Do you guys have a data plan?
No data plan. The only reason I bought it off contract
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
emonero said:
Question to you or anybody that bought it off contract...Do you guys have a data plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought 2 Vibrants off contract when T-Mo had some crazy Bing cash back - like 25% or something. I do have a data plan with both.
Now, we use Even More Plus, so between the two of us we're saving something like $40/month over the rates on an equivalent Even More plan. That quickly adds up to make buying off-contract a better option if you can get phones for even slightly below MSRP, and it's an absolute no brainer for a phone enthusiast who likes to switch often and trade on Ebay or Craigslist.
I'm very disappointed that EM+ seems to be going away. It's one of the reasons I switched to T-Mobile and IMO is about the best value in mobile.
Even more plus, bought off contract with payment plan (reimbursed through work though).
All of my phones eventually become my wife's phones when I choose to upgrade.
contract is a gimmick and you eventually pay full price for phone. What do you think that extra $20 or so month goes to
my no contract Even More 500TTW is $60 on contract its $80 no thanks
To quickly crunch some numbers...
On contact the phone cost roughly $200 and an additional $20 a month over the EM+ plan. Over the 24 month contract that equals a $680 phone.
From my perspective anything under that price is worth it. Not to mention out of contract allows for mobile flexibility should you need it.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Last fathers day I wanted to cash in on the 2 free phone deal, and being an existing tmobile member for the last 5 years I was not eligible, so I called them anyways and said I have been with tmobile for the last 5 years and want to cash in on this fathers day deal, long story short........got transfered to the loyalty department and they gave me 2 free phones of my choice with the signing off a 2 year contract when my current contract is up at my same no contract rate........here is the greatest part, I can choose any phone whenever I want. so haveing the G1 for so long I said screw it I'll take a Vibrant, now I still have 1 more free phone left to get, my girl likes my vibrant, so I was thinking of handing this one to her and grabbing the Nexus S, but we will see.
Anyways the moral of the story, call and talk to someone, be calm, and ask lots of questions, they are nice at tmobile and they will bend over backwards to keep you as a customer.
Edit: I should also say that I got my G1 for $20 + $50 mail in rebate, so I ended up getting paid $30 and signed a 1 year contract at my current grandfathered rate.......just call and talk to t-mobile
a400meter said:
To quickly crunch some numbers...
On contact the phone cost roughly $200 and an additional $20 a month over the EM+ plan. Over the 24 month contract that equals a $680 phone.
From my perspective anything under that price is worth it. Not to mention out of contract allows for mobile flexibility should you need it.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well US phones typically have their bands locked down (or are missing bands). Mobile flexibility probably would amtter to someone who has i.e. a Nokia N8 with a pentaband radio - but a Vibrant doesn't have that.
Going on Contract is cheaper. If you ever want to switch carriers you can just ETF the contract. It goes down every month you're on the contract.
That way you don't have to come up with so much up front for the phone.
Also, you get rebates on contract phones that sometimes aren't available if you buy the phone off-contract (i.e. Web Deals, etc.).
If you do the calculations, off contract is cheaper in the long term.
Not by much considerimg it's over a 2 yeat period. Mosy people don't care.
Thr upfront cost for an unlocked phone is simply too high for most.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
For me, going off-contract was good. It saved me $20 (plus tax) a month on phone charges, and, since I am planning on keeping this phone for a while, it's more than paid for. For me, having a contract and "subsidized" phones means being locked in to the carrier, and ending up paying full price (or more) for the phone on the installment plan.
On contract here. I don't think I could shell out $400+ for a phone just to be an early adopter.
I pay $120 a month for the 700 min family plan which includes my Vibrant with data, 400 texts, insurance, 2 extra lines with 400 texts each and [email protected] home. I also get a %15 discount through my work. There is no other carrier that would come close too that price. I will always buy on contract and keep my grandfathered plan.
Haha i got it free from t-mobile somehow i forgot it has something to do with trading in crappy phones.
Two year contract got me a vibrant for free not on an upgrade ;p
The day this phone came out!!
nero beta
badaphooko01 said:
On contract here. I don't think I could shell out $400+ for a phone just to be an early adopter.
I pay $120 a month for the 700 min family plan which includes my Vibrant with data, 400 texts, insurance, 2 extra lines with 400 texts each and [email protected] home. I also get a %15 discount through my work. There is no other carrier that would come close too that price. I will always buy on contract and keep my grandfathered plan.
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Sprint would be cheaper. They have just as good discounts as tmo, better for us, but unfortunately no service..
Oh, and unlimited texts, too.
Important on a droid... No push notifications for most (this) phone for fb/twitter.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
N8ter said:
Well US phones typically have their bands locked down (or are missing bands). Mobile flexibility probably would amtter to someone who has i.e. a Nokia N8 with a pentaband radio - but a Vibrant doesn't have that.
Going on Contract is cheaper. If you ever want to switch carriers you can just ETF the contract. It goes down every month you're on the contract.
That way you don't have to come up with so much up front for the phone.
Also, you get rebates on contract phones that sometimes aren't available if you buy the phone off-contract (i.e. Web Deals, etc.).
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The vibrant actually does have 3g bands for at&t, even though what you say about missing bands is usually true.
Regarding price, if you have a data plan, em+ saves at least $20/month versus contract pricing, so for contract to be cheaper you'd need to either save $480 on a phone, (or less, if you convince tmo to give you phones more frequently).
Now I only paid $300 for our vibrants after rebates, so it was clearly cheaper in our case.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

T-Mo people, teach me about your pricing structure.

Went in to a T-Mobile store yesterday to see if they had any S3's, and while looking at the display model, it said it was $279, or $229 if on the value plan. What is the value plan, and whats different between it and the standard family plan? Also, you MUST take the 5GB data plan? They had 2 employees working and about 5 people in line, so after ab out 10 minutes I left, questions unanswered.
The price is to make up the fact that you could save more with them. A value plan is when you start out a contract with a phone that you either have or bought full price. At the end, you end up saving even more than classic. You could find better deals at Wally world or Costco and they won't even make you upgrade your plan
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So if Im walking in as a new customer, I would have to pay the $279?
I just signed up for T-mobile this week coming from sprint. Got the S3 with the value plan. I paid about $270 in the store and walked out with the phone. With the value plan, you end up paying FULL price for the phone but they basically give it to you on credit and interest free. They add an extra 20 a month to your bill for 22 months, however you can pay off the phone early. Once the phone is paid off, I am looking at about 83 bucks a month with insurance for Unlimited with 5GB data with hotspot.
All of the numbers I just gave your are ballpark (except for the extra 20) becasue I don't remember the exact numbers.
In the long run, your monthly bill will be cheaper. The classic play with 5gb is about 94 bucks a month before taxes and fees.
At least this is how I understand things. If I am wrong, someone else please chime in.
I hope this helps a bit.
To add to durhamite's response, the extra $20 is per phone on the Value plan. This is easier to explain with examples. I'll assume two lines on an unlimited voice/text/2GB high-speed data plan.
Classic price for phones: $279 (after MIR)*2=$558
Classic MRC = $139.98
Value price for phones: $229*2= $458
Monthly EIP payments (for 20 months): $20*2=40
Value MRC: $99.98
I left out activation fees and any other fees that would be the same, regardless of plan. To summarize, with the Value plan, you pay $200 less today ($100 would come back via MIR if you chose Classic), the same amount for the next 20 months, and $40 less for the last four months of your contract. Keep in mind that both plans have an ETF and if you cancel a Value plan early, the remaining balance on the phones is due immediately.
The other advantage is that with the Value plan, you wouldn't have to have the data plan on your phones. However, I'm unsure if that is from the beginning, or only after you have finished your EIP installments.
So basically on the Value Plan, TMO is giving you an interest free (0% APR) loan on your phone (EIP payments = $20 x 20 months). Assuming that your credit is good enough to qualify for this plan.
I've ran the numbers between Classic vs Value plans. Value is always cheaper, you'll save between $100-$200, after 24 months contract, depending on which plans you choose.
Should of went to Walmart, only 198 for the phone.
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cashyftw said:
Should of went to Walmart, only 198 for the phone.
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Click to collapse
While it's true that you're saving upfront cost of the phone $198 vs $229 from Walmart vs TMOBile, once you add up all the 24 months contract the Value plan is still cheaper. AFAIK, you can only get Value Plan from Retail TMO stores.
durhamite said:
I just signed up for T-mobile this week coming from sprint. Got the S3 with the value plan. I paid about $270 in the store and walked out with the phone. With the value plan, you end up paying FULL price for the phone but they basically give it to you on credit and interest free. They add an extra 20 a month to your bill for 22 months, however you can pay off the phone early. Once the phone is paid off, I am looking at about 83 bucks a month with insurance for Unlimited with 5GB data with hotspot.
All of the numbers I just gave your are ballpark (except for the extra 20) becasue I don't remember the exact numbers.
In the long run, your monthly bill will be cheaper. The classic play with 5gb is about 94 bucks a month before taxes and fees.
At least this is how I understand things. If I am wrong, someone else please chime in.
I hope this helps a bit.
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Click to collapse
WELCOME TO TMO BRO! Ive been with them for a decade, and in that time Ive also had second lines with Sprint, and verizon. Tmo is AMAZING!! They will take good care uf you whenever theres a problem, they have gone SOOO far above and beyond anything any other carrier will do for me.
Also, make sure you bookmark tmonews.com, , its ran by blogger David Beren and its a branch of phonedog. Youll find all the latest leaks of phones, and sales. If you watch the sales, you can call and make changes to your plan that cxan really save you big money and lock you into great prices and features. Sorry, Im a huge TMO Fan, and Im always trying to bring ppl over, lol. Theres a guy at my local Tmo store who tells me I make him About $500 a year in commisions, just telling ppl about the service and handing them his card, lmao. But in return he called me the day before launch and had a GS3 tucked off to the side to sell me a day early!
androholic said:
WELCOME TO TMO BRO! Ive been with them for a decade, and in that time Ive also had second lines with Sprint, and verizon. Tmo is AMAZING!! They will take good care uf you whenever theres a problem, they have gone SOOO far above and beyond anything any other carrier will do for me.
Also, make sure you bookmark tmonews.com, , its ran by blogger David Beren and its a branch of phonedog. Youll find all the latest leaks of phones, and sales. If you watch the sales, you can call and make changes to your plan that cxan really save you big money and lock you into great prices and features. Sorry, Im a huge TMO Fan, and Im always trying to bring ppl over, lol. Theres a guy at my local Tmo store who tells me I make him About $500 a year, just telling ppl about the service and handing them his card, lmao.
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This must be a joke. Their CS is terrible now. They have no interest in getting me a phone and keeping my business. Tell them you're cancelling and they don't care!
jdpdata said:
While it's true that you're saving upfront cost of the phone $198 vs $229 from Walmart vs TMOBile, once you add up all the 24 months contract the Value plan is still cheaper. AFAIK, you can only get Value Plan from Retail TMO stores.
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Click to collapse
wrong you can get the value plan w/ the s3 at costco for 390 without monthly installments. now that is a deal.
My plan:
unlimited minutes for two lines: 69.99
unlimited text for all lines: 9.99
two additional lines: 4.99 x 2 = 9.98
two lines w/ 200mb data: 4.99 x2 = 9.98
Total bill: 99.94$ - 15% employee discount = 84.95$ monthly pre taxes for four lines.
This same plan on classic would run you.... 99.99 for unlimited talk/text plus 19.99 for two add a line plus 40$ (minimum) for required data. After the discount it would be 137$ monthly.
This itself is a 52$ savings per month over 2 years. Which is 1248$ total in savings.
Provided you have to buy your phones separately it is still a good deal. My family all has smart phones of our individual choice, some that are not available on T-mobile.
I'm thinking about going to Tmobile also as sprint still doesnt have LTE. So if I get the value plan of $64.99 (500talk+text+5gb data) then I can go to costco and get the s3 for $350 correct?
aznmode said:
I'm thinking about going to Tmobile also as sprint still doesnt have LTE. So if I get the value plan of $64.99 (500talk+text+5gb data) then I can go to costco and get the s3 for $350 correct?
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Click to collapse
390* but this is only an in store promotion so IDK if you can get in on the deal depending on where your at.
Also 5gb data is kind of a waste, I would sign up for the 2gb data unlimited for 10$ and edit the apn to keep getting unlimited data without throttling. But that's just me....
Good luck
tspx23 said:
390* but this is only an in store promotion so IDK if you can get in on the deal depending on where your at.
Also 5gb data is kind of a waste, I would sign up for the 2gb data unlimited for 10$ and edit the apn to keep getting unlimited data without throttling. But that's just me....
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it work really?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Great, now my head hurts!
TMobile executive meeting; "How can we make cell phones as confusing as buying a car?" Just think, leasing a phone is just around the corner.
tspx23 said:
390* but this is only an in store promotion so IDK if you can get in on the deal depending on where your at.
Also 5gb data is kind of a waste, I would sign up for the 2gb data unlimited for 10$ and edit the apn to keep getting unlimited data without throttling. But that's just me....
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't know you can do that. Sometimes I use my phone to tether my tablet when my home internet is down and have used 6gb. That's why I figure I'd sign up for the 5 gb plan.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
gedster314 said:
Great, now my head hurts!
TMobile executive meeting; "How can we make cell phones as confusing as buying a car?" Just think, leasing a phone is just around the corner.
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Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure they will specially with the phones coming out now days and as fast as they come out
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Just as a note for those thinking about it... if you live in the area east of dallas, tx, tmobile service is the worst out of the four carriers. Bar none. Sprint beats them, Verizon and AT&T beat them without any effort at all.
Diviance said:
Just as a note for those thinking about it... if you live in the area east of dallas, tx, tmobile service is the worst out of the four carriers. Bar none. Sprint beats them, Verizon and AT&T beat them without any effort at all.
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Cool info man, I definitely like sprint services since they have free roaming and good coverage but my area on 3G completely sucks, but when I go on road trips I'm pretty sure I'll find some bad spots for tmobile as well
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tony yayo said:
This must be a joke. Their CS is terrible now. They have no interest in getting me a phone and keeping my business. Tell them you're cancelling and they don't care!
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Click to collapse
Not a joke at all bud, if your making threats like "I'm leaving" when you call in, that may be the reason why? I've been a small business owner, and if someone has an issue, being polite could take them a long way with me. Not to say you haven't been, but I know a lot of ppl expect to just get what they want out of a business by yelling, especially when it's an over the phone situation, and not in person.
Tmo has done things that have just blown me away to keep my services. I'm positive that not everyone has had all great experiences with them, but honestly, in 10yrs they've always gone out of their way for me, while other carriers have barely ever ever been personable!

Carriers For This Phone (and generally)

**I have no business or employment connection with ANY phone company or carrier or with any company connected to one**
I used T-Mobile a few years back here in Atlanta and it was pretty good service here but then I discovered Simple Mobile. It uses T-Mobile network but is a prepaid service as opposed to T-Mobile which is a post paid service. My speed tests indicate that they are the same service. So I'm wondering why people stay with T- Mobile (or any of the big 4 post paid carriers)?
This is a real question as I have not been with any of the big 4 for several years now. Is there a reason to have a contract besides lower upfront cost on a phone (with a plan that for almost every customer makes the overall cost much much more)?
I switched from Simple Mobile to Straight Talk when I discovered that they offered an even cheaper plan at $45/month. And when I decided to switch it just ported my number and switched in a matter of hours. No termination fee no nothing. I'm really wondering why users are in these contracts.
Thoughts?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium
T-Mobile you paying for great customers care and a real office and discounts on phones with pre paid its cheaper in the long run
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
I'm thinking contracts have benefits when in need of multiple lines
I'm on t mobile pre paid. 30 a month. 5gigs 100 anytime minutes. Unlimited text. I can't complain
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Because my 5 lines costs $140...
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SevenSe7enSeven said:
I'm thinking contracts have benefits when in need of multiple lines
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Click to collapse
But really only if those lines have small requirements. If you need an all you can eat plan multiple lines cost out the ass on all the big carriers (but I would love to be proved wrong with some numbers. I love a good deal!)
don728871 said:
T-Mobile you paying for great customers care and a real office and discounts on phones with pre paid its cheaper in the long run
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the thing though. I'm constantly shocked by how many smart people seem to not be good at math. Prepaid is often not just cheaper but waaaayy cheaper over the life of a contract. Like over a thousand bucks cheaper. I don't buy that these folks are getting a thousand dollars worth of convenience and customer service calls.*
elesbb said:
I'm on t mobile pre paid. 30 a month. 5gigs 100 anytime minutes. Unlimited text. I can't complain
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Nice! That sounds like a veeeery good deal if one doesn't need many minutes.
Me thinks people just don't know about the deals available with prepaid carriers like Simple Mobile and Straight Talk and Red Pocket (and others). I understand that the elderly will go for convenience because they don't understand how to set it all up over the internet and that kinda jazz but anyone growing up in the last 15 years should know better.
T-Mobile is the cheapest of the big 4 carriers and their unlimited monthly plan for an individual costs $720 more than the same service with Simple Mobile over the life of the T-Mobile contract. That's a 64GB iPad. These aren't small differences in cost.
_atlien_ said:
That's the thing though. I'm constantly shocked by how many smart people seem to not be good at math. Prepaid is often not just cheaper but waaaayy cheaper over the life of a contract. Like over a thousand bucks cheaper. I don't buy that these folks are getting a thousand dollars worth of convenience and customer service calls.*
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Do not underestimate the price rich people will pay for convenience.
How about insurance shopping? You shop for car insurance lately? Studies show that most people would save $500 a year if they shopped for car insurance annually. Most don't shop but once every 10 years for insurance. That's about the same amount of savings ....
And POOR people? Think about the economics of contracts .... its sort of like buying a phone on extremely high interest rate financing .. but ... SOME people use rent-to-own and those check cashing places ..... is post paid really that much different than?
The bigger question is how much we should be spreading the word .... since all the MNVO's are really at the mercy of the big companies, if everyone switches to the st $45 a month plan who will be left to subsidize our cheap prepaid rates? .......
To the OP.
I think where people are located has a lot to do with it. Here in Canada, in Toronto to be more specific, pre-paid carriers suck if you're not in the city. I live just outside of Toronto, Mississauga, and the quality of service is very low compared to living in the major city.
I've been with my carrier, Telus, for 10 years now, I get huge discounts and slack from them! I've never been on a contract and have always paid for my phone upfront (minus loyalty discounts).
All in all, it's about reliability, what's reliable for one, isn't always reliable for the next.
I understand prepaid is great for single lines, but multiple lines... Plus loyalty bonuses is a great steal.
Unlimited 2 main lines. Remaining 3 has 500 mins plus nights and weekend. All unlimited text. 3 lines have 5gb plan and have i think $7 insurance. Without insurance it's $140. I opt for insurance for 2 lines so it ends up being ~$155 including tax.
Renew Bonuses: $250 credit plus $10 discount each month while on contract = $240. So $490 in bonuses which covers 3 months of pay... So yes there are benefits to staying on contract when you're on family plan.
You may not get the same deal as i do... Depends on the rep.. Pretty sure i was talking to a supervisor of some sort because he kept repeating "i can do things a normal rep doesn't have access to."
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Oh btw i can save another $30 if i choose to go 2gb, but we rather be comfortable with 5gbp
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Bluntified said:
To the OP.
I think where people are located has a lot to do with it. Here in Canada, in Toronto to be more specific, pre-paid carriers suck if you're not in the city. I live just outside of Toronto, Mississauga, and the quality of service is very low compared to living in the major city.
I've been with my carrier, Telus, for 10 years now, I get huge discounts and slack from them! I've never been on a contract and have always paid for my phone upfront (minus loyalty discounts).
All in all, it's about reliability, what's reliable for one, isn't always reliable for the next.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point. In the USA, most folks on prepaid are using MVNO carriers that literally use the same towers as the big guys. For example, Straight Talk you can get either an ATT sim or a T-mobile sim, and use the exact same towers as if you were with that carrier.
---------- Post added at 10:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:30 PM ----------
Teo032 said:
I understand prepaid is great for single lines, but multiple lines... Plus loyalty bonuses is a great steal.
Unlimited 2 main lines. Remaining 3 has 500 mins plus nights and weekend. All unlimited text. 3 lines have 5gb plan and have i think $7 insurance. Without insurance it's $140. I opt for insurance for 2 lines so it ends up being ~$155 including tax.
Renew Bonuses: $250 credit plus $10 discount each month while on contract = $240. So $490 in bonuses which covers 3 months of pay... So yes there are benefits to staying on contract when you're on family plan.
You may not get the same deal as i do... Depends on the rep.. Pretty sure i was talking to a supervisor of some sort because he kept repeating "i can do things a normal rep doesn't have access to."
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they mark you up $500 higher, and then give you $500 in BONUS, you still are paying the bonus is worth much. The calculation needs to compare what the contract price all in amount is to the prepaid all in amount. I'm assuming your $140 number is ACTUAL bill, including taxes and surcharges and fees? If so, that is really good deal for 3 lines.
2 * $45 a month ST plans, unlimited everything, + $30 Tmo 100 voice 5gb fast data, = $120, that's $20 a month cheaper than what you are quoting, or $480 cheaper over 2 years, which feels pretty close to the $490 bonus you get on your contract. And that's straight off the shelf pricing, no need to talk to a supervisor.
SO, in your case, I'm not seeing a big savings either way, slight variations on the two scenarios, more minutes in one, more data in the other, unlimited txt all around.
BUT if a cheaper deal comes up in the next 2 years? Prepaid can go after it, contract is stuck on contract.
Yes, some folks can get a better deal than the norm contract or prepaid, but, on average, I'm pretty sure the OP is correct, prepaid saves much money over contracts, for most consumers, although Teo has a point that the gap is likely narrower for multi line customers ... IF they can get such a good deal.
Right now, att, 3 lines 550 minutes, unlimited mobile to mobiles, starts at $70, + $30 family unlimited txt, + $20 PER PHONE minimum for 300mb of data, is $160, $190 month with one line at 5GB of data, or $70 month more than the prepaid package I put together for a family of three, costing $1700 more over 2 years ... which is still $1200 even with a $500 "loyalty bonus".
Shelf price to shelf price, prepaid is way cheaper than most post paid equivalent plans, as the OP claimed, granted occasional sales / promo exceptions.
YMMV
I think everyone will benefit giving this thread a read:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1455014
It's basically what the OP is saying.
MegaMan X said:
I think everyone will benefit giving this thread a read:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1455014
It's basically what the OP is saying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a great thread. That thread does make some good points about prepaid, and compares some postpaid to prepaid prices, AND, shows how to set things up in a nice convenient, prepaid way its a great thread ... BUT,
OP here is more "WHY are people paying so much more on contract plans, it doesn't make sense?" Other's have pointed out that FAMILY plans may make sense, in the "OWN YOUR CELL SERVICE", they mostly just compare single line plans, and do not address the possible LACK of savings for multiple lines.
Now, I have defended the PREPAID savings, and compared ONE possible prepaid package to both current members 3 line plan (no prepaid savings given Teo's current pricing) and that same prepaid plan to a current (as of 8/2012) ATT family plan and shown great savings.
SO, so far in this thread we're 1-1 for savings on family plans.
AND, I'll throw in that for folks with multiple lines with 1 or more TABLETS, that the jury is even more still out there if prepaid is better, the new verizon and ATT tablet contract plans might be really attractive.
Of course, our discussions on "which plans is prepaid much cheaper for" STILL doesn't answer the OP's question of "WHEN PREPAID PLANS ARE CHEAPER, WHY DO PEOPLE NOT BUY THEM? " although some of us have hypothesized some possibilities.
Great thread so far ....
_atlien_ said:
I'm really wondering why users are in these contracts.
Thoughts?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll hazard another guess. How long have the prepaid plans been around with "just as good service"? I think TMO JUST recently came out with a 4g high speed prepaid option, right?
Perhaps "all these users are in these contracts" because two years ago contracts WERE better than prepaid, and these folks haven't bothered to check , and might not until their contracts are up and they shop again. I guess that's as good a guess as any.
noneone said:
Good point. In the USA, most folks on prepaid are using MVNO carriers that literally use the same towers as the big guys. For example, Straight Talk you can get either an ATT sim or a T-mobile sim, and use the exact same towers as if you were with that carrier.
---------- Post added at 10:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:30 PM ----------
If they mark you up $500 higher, and then give you $500 in BONUS, you still are paying the bonus is worth much. The calculation needs to compare what the contract price all in amount is to the prepaid all in amount. I'm assuming your $140 number is ACTUAL bill, including taxes and surcharges and fees? If so, that is really good deal for 3 lines.
2 * $45 a month ST plans, unlimited everything, + $30 Tmo 100 voice 5gb fast data, = $120, that's $20 a month cheaper than what you are quoting, or $480 cheaper over 2 years, which feels pretty close to the $490 bonus you get on your contract. And that's straight off the shelf pricing, no need to talk to a supervisor.
SO, in your case, I'm not seeing a big savings either way, slight variations on the two scenarios, more minutes in one, more data in the other, unlimited txt all around.
BUT if a cheaper deal comes up in the next 2 years? Prepaid can go after it, contract is stuck on contract.
Yes, some folks can get a better deal than the norm contract or prepaid, but, on average, I'm pretty sure the OP is correct, prepaid saves much money over contracts, for most consumers, although Teo has a point that the gap is likely narrower for multi line customers ... IF they can get such a good deal.
Right now, att, 3 lines 550 minutes, unlimited mobile to mobiles, starts at $70, + $30 family unlimited txt, + $20 PER PHONE minimum for 300mb of data, is $160, $190 month with one line at 5GB of data, or $70 month more than the prepaid package I put together for a family of three, costing $1700 more over 2 years ... which is still $1200 even with a $500 "loyalty bonus".
Shelf price to shelf price, prepaid is way cheaper than most post paid equivalent plans, as the OP claimed, granted occasional sales / promo exceptions.
YMMV
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is 5 lines.... And the $30 plan only has 100 mins, that is definitely not enough. I would have to opt for simplemobile or straight talk if i do prepaid so $40-45 x 5 if anything.
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Teo032 said:
Mine is 5 lines.... And the $30 plan only has 100 mins, that is definitely not enough. I would have to opt for simplemobile or straight talk if i do prepaid so $40-45 x 5 if anything.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5 lines, that IS a great price. Right now, 3 lines, 5 gigs of data with T-mobile, is $210 per month, 24 month contract, so you're 5 lines for $140 is really good.
I'll ALSO point out .... ". $5 Add-A-Line Offer: $5 monthly recurring charges until 1/2/2014 for voice and messaging services on lines added to qualifying Classic family plan. As of 1/2/2014, regular monthly service pricing will apply to all added lines. New activation of an additional line to a qualifying Classic family plan required; maximum three added lines. "
So, if you were to sign up TODAY for a 24 month contract, that 3rd line will cost you only $5 a month for 18 months, but .. who knows WHAT you will HAVE to pay for the last 6 months of your contract?
/shrug, I guess if you get a super can't buy again guaranteed not to change contract plan, then, in those cases, prepaid isn't as good for families.
I still can't get to "contracts are in general better than prepaid for multi line families". Any one got any examples of currently advertised multi line plans being a better deal than a collection of prepaids?
It makes SENSE that a family plan, where you're sharing 5gb of data between 5 people should be cheaper than 5 seperate plans each with 2GB of data, but, does anyone have such an example?
noneone said:
5 lines, that IS a great price. Right now, 3 lines, 5 gigs of data with T-mobile, is $210 per month, 24 month contract, so you're 5 lines for $140 is really good.
I'll ALSO point out .... ". $5 Add-A-Line Offer: $5 monthly recurring charges until 1/2/2014 for voice and messaging services on lines added to qualifying Classic family plan. As of 1/2/2014, regular monthly service pricing will apply to all added lines. New activation of an additional line to a qualifying Classic family plan required; maximum three added lines. "
So, if you were to sign up TODAY for a 24 month contract, that 3rd line will cost you only $5 a month for 18 months, but .. who knows WHAT you will HAVE to pay for the last 6 months of your contract?
/shrug, I guess if you get a super can't buy again guaranteed not to change contract plan, then, in those cases, prepaid isn't as good for families.
I still can't get to "contracts are in general better than prepaid for multi line families". Any one got any examples of currently advertised multi line plans being a better deal than a collection of prepaids?
It makes SENSE that a family plan, where you're sharing 5gb of data between 5 people should be cheaper than 5 seperate plans each with 2GB of data, but, does anyone have such an example?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah off the shelf probably not, but since most ppl are already on contracts, they can get into the loyalty contracts.. meaning plans only available when renewing. Most ppl of course will go for the free phones and stuff, but they should really go for the other set of plans.. forget the name, but they're much better deals. i think my plan is based 79.99 with text and 2gb internet + $5 add on lines. so 80 + 15, opt for 5gb internet for 2 main lines so additional 2x $10 and another 5gb line thats another $20 total is like
80 + 15 + 40 = 135 then + taxes and crap < $145.
But the thing is.. my 2gb data only costs $10 if i choose that route so it can actually probably be $112 or so
I got a Free SGS2 from T Mobile. I have 500 min plan + unlimited data with 2GB high speed i.e. $39 + $20 - 12% corporate discount(not present in Prepaid) + Taxes = $62 approx.
I was prevoiusly using Unlimited all T Mobile prepaid $50 plan which $55 after taxes.
I have SipDroid, GrooveIP, WiFi Calling all enabled(i am 90% of the time connected to Wifi)
So its only $7/month extra i pay plus i get free SGS2 phone.
This tempted me to go for contract.
This is a really good and interesting thread. I am seeing that for some people in some situations contracts are less expensive than anything prepaid has to offer. Particularly some family plans where some users have very limited needs. It seems to make a lot of sense in those instances.
However, I would be willing to bet those situations are the vast minority and that the reality is that most people are paying tons of cash on contract mainly due to advertising and marketing. That and the emotional need to be associated with a big brand name, a force I've come to understand is REALLY powerful for US citizens who are bombarded by more advertisements than any other human population in the history of our species.
I came across a very interesting article a couple weeks ago discussing the cost of broadband Internet in my home country, the USA, versus the cost in other countries. The study was very detailed. It illustrated how US companies charge much more for less service than any other companies on the planet.
Now I know that is for broadband Internet, land based, but increasingly these services are merging. And what it suggests is that these carriers charge way more than what would otherwise be competitive in a system with real competition (not the case in the USA where industry monopoly or duopoly exists in just about every industrial sector). The name of the study for those interested was The Cost of Connectivity.
I think the clock is ticking on these contracts. People are getting smarter about how they spend their money. These big telcos are gonna be forced to accept slimmer profit margins.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium
_atlien_ said:
This is a really good and interesting thread. I am seeing that for some people in some situations contracts are less expensive than anything prepaid has to offer. Particularly some family plans where some users have very limited needs. It seems to make a lot of sense in those instances.
However, I would be willing to bet those situations are the vast minority and that the reality is that most people are paying tons of cash on contract mainly due to advertising and marketing. That and the emotional need to be associated with a big brand name, a force I've come to understand is REALLY powerful for US citizens who are bombarded by more advertisements than any other human population in the history of our species.
I came across a very interesting article a couple weeks ago discussing the cost of broadband Internet in my home country, the USA, versus the cost in other countries. The study was very detailed. It illustrated how US companies charge much more for less service than any other companies on the planet.
Now I know that is for broadband Internet, land based, but increasingly these services are merging. And what it suggests is that these carriers charge way more than what would otherwise be competitive in a system with real competition (not the case in the USA where industry monopoly or duopoly exists in just about every industrial sector). The name of the study for those interested was The Cost of Connectivity.
I think the clock is ticking on these contracts. People are getting smarter about how they spend their money. These big telcos are gonna be forced to accept slimmer profit margins.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the article, did they adjust for the "cost of living"? For example, a gallon of gas in Chicago I saw at $4.15, in central NJ I just paid $3.40. Similarly, the price of TYLENOL varies by where you are in the USA.
In some countries, EVERYTHING is cheaper, labor, land, houses, etc., so I might expect the price of broadband to be cheaper in those countries too, since the cost to lay the cables could be phenomenally cheaper than the USA (labor rates, right?). Now, as a % of INCOME, I would expect broadband to be cheaper in the USA.
Just wondering.
Thanks!
I think the article was the speed provided by isp how Korea and a few other countries are charging for less on faster lines. But I'm pretty sure they didn't consider that countries like korea is a hell lot smaller and the houses and businesses are a lot more compact compared to the vast wasted land of America. So it's like they have less distribution centers or whatever they're called which means less workers to pay so less money out of their pockets... basically the isp is putting less money out meaning they can charge less for lines.
But it's okay google is going yo have their gbit line soon.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app

which US carrier to choose

hello xda member which us carrier are you guys choosing
i live in NJ and like most people i just wanna get a cheap plan with unlimited data i hardly talk i just text and use the internet etc..
1 what is the cheapest plan that tmobile offer with the galaxy note 2 and does any body know how much will is the retail price of the galaxy note 2.
i wish they will bring it out b4 black friday
I thought about going to T-mobile, until I saw most of their coverage is 2g. So I'll be sticking with my unlimited AT&T plan.
mrej201 said:
so guys in united stated which carrier are you guys going to choose
idk which to choose tmobile or sprint ot att or verizon which is too expensive
does any one know if the note 2 on tmobile can go on the 50 dollar plan
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Click to collapse
If you get it on T-Mobile, you can use it with whichever plan you want. T-Mobile doesn't care where you buy the phone or that you don't have a "data-plan". To get it subsidized though, you'd need to get a classic plan which will cost more than their value plans (I'd personally buy the phone at retail price and then go on their value plan)
SchusterIX said:
I thought about going to T-mobile, until I saw most of their coverage is 2g. So I'll be sticking with my unlimited AT&T plan.
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SchusterIX, true, but it also depends on where you stay. I spend 99% of my time in metropolitan areas (Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay and Seattle), so for me all 4 carriers have 4G wherever it matters. However, I could see why one would choose another carrier over T-Mobile as in less populated areas they do lack coverage (but they are cheaper, ie. if I were on Verizon, my plan would be double what it is now)
achusaysblessyou said:
If you get it on T-Mobile, you can use it with whichever plan you want. T-Mobile doesn't care where you buy the phone or that you don't have a "data-plan". To get it subsidized though, you'd need to get a classic plan which will cost more than their value plans (I'd personally buy the phone at retail price and then go on their value plan)
SchusterIX, true, but it also depends on where you stay. I spend 99% of my time in metropolitan areas (Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay and Seattle), so for me all 4 carriers have 4G wherever it matters. However, I could see why one would choose another carrier over T-Mobile as in less populated areas they do lack coverage (but they are cheaper, ie. if I were on Verizon, my plan would be double what it is now)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just curious what the Note2 would cost on T-Mobile value plan service compared to others..? -Thnx
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1931064
achusaysblessyou said:
If you get it on T-Mobile, you can use it with whichever plan you want. T-Mobile doesn't care where you buy the phone or that you don't have a "data-plan". To get it subsidized though, you'd need to get a classic plan which will cost more than their value plans (I'd personally buy the phone at retail price and then go on their value plan)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get it for a down payment and $20 per month while on a value plan. It still turns out cheaper than a subsidized one on a classic plan in the long run.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
jlczl said:
You can get it for a down payment and $20 per month while on a value plan. It still turns out cheaper than a subsidized one on a classic plan in the long run.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
contract free right
Value plan is still contract. Though you pay retail for the phone you can use EIP.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
SMARTPHONEPC said:
Just curious what the Note2 would cost on T-Mobile value plan service compared to others..? -Thnx
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1931064
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Value plan is just a 2 year contract plan without any free phone. If you want a phone, you can pay a down payment and $20 over the next 24 months or pay off the $480 all at one with the down payment (as said below, but the down payment varies per phone so... ymmv). I plan on buying mines outright for probably $650 + tax
jlczl said:
You can get it for a down payment and $20 per month while on a value plan. It still turns out cheaper than a subsidized one on a classic plan in the long run.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The price of the phone + value plan is cheaper than the price of the phone + classic plan true, but that's because the classic plan costs more than the cost of the phone over 24 months. (although if you can get retentions and get some discounts, it could possibly be even or save you a bit on classic if you have multiple lines with data, etc)
mrej201 said:
contract free right
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Value plans require a 2 year contract (and they do charge ETF). It's just cheaper because you get no subsidized phone.
Tidbits said:
Value plan is still contract. Though you pay retail for the phone you can use EIP.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Yep, or you can get on the contract price, although in the magenta day deals, you could get a SGS3 for $400 with a new value plan since they gave you a rebate for the down payment and you only needed to pay $20 over $20 month, but that's over now.
Here's my $.02. I am buying the Note II unlocked, probably for around $500 (I always get my phones from Craigslist cause I can get the best deal). I use T-Mobile's $30 Walmart plan (no contract of course). It gives me 100 minutes, unlimited text/mms and Unlimited (i.e. 5GB) of 4G (I live in NYC and consistently get ~14 Mbps down, ~3 Mbps up). That is perfect for me, because I hardly talk on the phone.
So you might want to consider that plan if you can swing not talking that much. I think you said you live in Jersey, so you shouldn't have any problem getting good 4G speeds there. I spend a lot of time in Newark and I never have any problems with T-mos network there.
Techngro said:
Here's my $.02. I am buying the Note II unlocked, probably for around $500 (I always get my phones from Craigslist cause I can get the best deal). I use T-Mobile's $30 Walmart plan (no contract of course). It gives me 100 minutes, unlimited text/mms and Unlimited (i.e. 5GB) of 4G (I live in NYC and consistently get ~14 Mbps down, ~3 Mbps up). That is perfect for me, because I hardly talk on the phone.
So you might want to consider that plan if you can swing not talking that much. I think you said you live in Jersey, so you shouldn't have any problem getting good 4G speeds there. I spend a lot of time in Newark and I never have any problems with T-mos network there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dunno, for $150 more I'd go with an actual warranty + less risk of a blocked IMEI (people buy phones on contract just to sell it then they never pay their bills, so your phone might work for a month or two, but then T-Mobile will block the IMEI rendering the phone useless).
I mean if you're going to spend this much on a phone... why not buy it new anyways. Not that I'm against buying from Craigslist, I've gotten all my previous phones off Craigslist, N900, myTouch 4G Slide, G2x, Sensation, etc. It's just that those phones cost ~$200-$300 so the risk was lower than $500...
achusaysblessyou said:
SchusterIX, true, but it also depends on where you stay. I spend 99% of my time in metropolitan areas (Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay and Seattle), so for me all 4 carriers have 4G wherever it matters. However, I could see why one would choose another carrier over T-Mobile as in less populated areas they do lack coverage (but they are cheaper, ie. if I were on Verizon, my plan would be double what it is now)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, if you are covered and don't travel, at all, T-Mobile is fine. But I think that I'd really want at least 3g while traveling, whether it's from cincinnati to chicago or from cin to montreal, i'd like my data. I do I could go to T-mobile, atm I have no signal in my apartment...hoping this phone will have it though.
achusaysblessyou said:
I dunno, for $150 more I'd go with an actual warranty + less risk of a blocked IMEI (people buy phones on contract just to sell it then they never pay their bills, so your phone might work for a month or two, but then T-Mobile will block the IMEI rendering the phone useless).
I mean if you're going to spend this much on a phone... why not buy it new anyways. Not that I'm against buying from Craigslist, I've gotten all my previous phones off Craigslist, N900, myTouch 4G Slide, G2x, Sensation, etc. It's just that those phones cost ~$200-$300 so the risk was lower than $500...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never knew about the IMEI blocking issue. I have been buying phones on CL for years without having any problems. I guess I was lucky. I think i'll still get mine from there, but i'll be more cautious and make sure I meet in a T-Mobile store so they can tell me which plan they have and if the phone could possibly be blocked in the future.
Thanks for the info.
Techngro said:
I never knew about the IMEI blocking issue. I have been buying phones on CL for years without having any problems. I guess I was lucky. I think i'll still get mine from there, but i'll be more cautious and make sure I meet in a T-Mobile store so they can tell me which plan they have and if the phone could possibly be blocked in the future.
Thanks for the info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any phone can be blocked sadly, and even if you meet in a T-Mobile store to check out the IMEI, if the person doesn't pay their plan etc, then it could be blocked in the future. It's never happened to me, but it usually happens when the phone is new (so the person can make a quick sell for as much money as possible). I guess just use your best judgement, maybe ask them why they're selling the phone, no pain no gain right?
achusaysblessyou said:
Any phone can be blocked sadly, and even if you meet in a T-Mobile store to check out the IMEI, if the person doesn't pay their plan etc, then it could be blocked in the future. It's never happened to me, but it usually happens when the phone is new (so the person can make a quick sell for as much money as possible). I guess just use your best judgement, maybe ask them why they're selling the phone, no pain no gain right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right on.
As for the OP, have you made any progress in deciding which carrier to go with? I have realized lately (since I broke my phone and haven't had one for about two weeks now) that I could really get by with just a data only plan. I only use like 20 minutes per month and use Google Voice for all of my texts, which is how I communicate mostly anyway. I wonder why there aren't any data only plans yet.
Techngro said:
Right on.
As for the OP, have you made any progress in deciding which carrier to go with? I have realized lately (since I broke my phone and haven't had one for about two weeks now) that I could really get by with just a data only plan. I only use like 20 minutes per month and use Google Voice for all of my texts, which is how I communicate mostly anyway. I wonder why there aren't any data only plans yet.
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Click to collapse
You sound like the perfect candidate for the $30 pre-paid plan from T-Mobile that gives you 100 minutes, unlimited texts, and unlimited data (throttle to EDGE after 5GB).
http://slickdeals.net/f/3377172-T-M...-5GB-Data-100-Voice-Mins-New-Activation-Only?
achusaysblessyou said:
You sound like the perfect candidate for the $30 pre-paid plan from T-Mobile that gives you 100 minutes, unlimited texts, and unlimited data (throttle to EDGE after 5GB).
http://slickdeals.net/f/3377172-T-M...-5GB-Data-100-Voice-Mins-New-Activation-Only?
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Click to collapse
OK, I have Verizon and I use just over 2 gigs a month so my question is... Does Verizon throttle like T-Mobile after 5 Gigs ? I never noticed that issue yet. And, BTW, Anyone here use straight talk with the verizon hook-up ? I might look into that deal.
fwhomeboy said:
OK, I have Verizon and I use just over 2 gigs a month so my question is... Does Verizon throttle like T-Mobile after 5 Gigs ? I never noticed that issue yet. And, BTW, Anyone here use straight talk with the verizon hook-up ? I might look into that deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3G devices sort off. 4G devices no(block C rules). That's if you have unlimited. Thought June 29, 2014 could be the end of all Verizon unlimited plans.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Techngro said:
Right on.
As for the OP, have you made any progress in deciding which carrier to go with? I have realized lately (since I broke my phone and haven't had one for about two weeks now) that I could really get by with just a data only plan. I only use like 20 minutes per month and use Google Voice for all of my texts, which is how I communicate mostly anyway. I wonder why there aren't any data only plans yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to tell you the truth i wanna get tmobie because i wanna get warranty if not just buy the phone from wirefly and get phone covare with then
fwhomeboy said:
OK, I have Verizon and I use just over 2 gigs a month so my question is... Does Verizon throttle like T-Mobile after 5 Gigs ? I never noticed that issue yet. And, BTW, Anyone here use straight talk with the verizon hook-up ? I might look into that deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as i know, no. Verizon has tiered data plans so once you hit 2GB. They shut off your data for the rest of the month, then I think you can buy liek 1GB for like $15 or something (not sure). Same for AT&T only T-Mobile has this type of "unlimited" data plan where you technically get unlimited data, but the 4G data is limited to 2GB/5GB. Or you can always pay $20 on a value plan for unlimited data 4G data or $30 on a classic plan for the same unlimited data (tmobile of course).
If I am getting the Note II (which depends especially on the presence of Paranoid Android), it will be the GT-N7100 for sure. I don't want any kind of carrier branding or any interference by such a company - if there is a problem I prefer to deal directly with the manufacturer.
Since I am using Straight Talk with my N7000 I will just cut the SIM to micro size and move over.
I don't have any interest in a carrier branded Note II, it should be completely unlocked and clean. My experience with branding is very negative and that basically eliminate the US versions completely (since the only choice is between bloatware and bloatware or between being vendor locked-in with CDMA or following a more open approach with GSM/UMTS/LTE but with bloatware).
It is unfortunate that the N7100 seems to lack pentaband, otherwise T-Mobiles prepaid plan could be interesting. I am not going to get a T-Mobile branded device just in order to use that plan (and pay an elevated "full retail" price, that's for sure.
If I finally decides to get the N7100, I will try to buy a 32 GB or 64 GB version when I visit Sweden.
Perhaps the N7105 if it is available can be on my list - I can then use LTE when I visit Europe. I am not interested in US LTE at all since I don't see any reason to pay $100 per month for a contract with horrible 2 GB of data when I know that Swedish carriers offers 10 GB for $50. Yes, that's right. 10 GB of data and 3000 free texts - and you can use the $50 for calls.
The whole contract ends at $50. No taxes and fees on top of that. Just $50 including the 3000 texts, 10 GB of data and the minute rate means approximately 1000-1200 minutes included. Compare it with the US contracts........
This mean that I find the US prices totally unacceptable to me - LTE with 2 GB of data is what I consider pathetic. Useless simply put. It is like having a car that offers a normal speed of 150 mph with a range of 10 miles. Nice to run quickly for 10 miles but still completely useless.
LTE is normally for streaming etc and 2 GB is simply inadequate. 10 GB of data on a US carrier is horrendous. Verizon charges $100 for it plus $40 for the smartphone. Excluding taxes and fees. That is approximately 3 times more expensive.
It is funny to see the carriers promote Netflix - I don't dare to think about the cost for streaming 10 full-length movies in SD quality - even less HD quality.
So my interest for having LTE in the US is absolutely zero as long as the prices for data is outrageous.
Getting the N7100 and put Straight Talk or Net10 (they offers BYOD now) is a no-brainer to me.
Edit: A question to those that mention LTE as an important factor in the US:
What are you doing with the device? Are you streaming videos from Netflix? Spotify in high quality?
I used the Verizon data calculator and put in normal multimedia use of those services paired with web browsing, uploading of pictures with Dropbox etc: 30 GB. That's right. 30 GB per month for LTE-optimized use.
I don't see any reason to pay premium for LTE when the data caps and limits are so low that proper use is blocked.

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