Database Users

Stop Complaining about the EVO's pricing

I am extremely excited for friday to come around so I can get the EVO, that being said I have been on here alot today, and have watched alot of youtube videos.
But all of the people on here complaining about the $10 extra charge being a "deal breaker for them" is hands down the most stupid thing I have ever heard.
People the $10 extra charge is for 4G/Unlimited 3G.
This phone is like the iPhone and allows you to use ALOT of data. I don't understand how people see a phone with a 4.3 inch screen, 1ghz processor, 4G, and a list of other features and will willingly pay $200 for it, but then $10 extra month is unquestionable.
Look at what you are getting from Sprint. Sprint is IMO the best company, their prices are dirt cheap, and they truly give you everything you want.
Look at the pricing for the EVO
EVO
$79.99 per month
You get
unlimited mobile to mobile
unlimited texting
unlimited data
free calls after 7 P.M.
free turn by turn navigation from sprint
450 minutes
For $79.99
Now
the iPhone on AT&T is still $10 more expensive every month, and now Verizon and AT&T are making people get a data plan on certain phones that are not considered "smart phones"

I have a problem with paying an extra $10 per month. I already pay them $160 per month (about) for my family "unlimited" plan. 4G isn't even in my state! I planned on buying the phone out of contract... they are not subsidizing my phone in any way.
You can say "well you should be thankful it's not xxxx amount because that's what yyyyyy carrier charges you". Yeah well I'm not with yyyyyy carrier I'm with Sprint. If Sprint is going to nickel and dime me up to yyyyy's price I'll just switch because it pisses me off (been with sprint about 9 years).
If I keep my Touch Pro 2 I don't have to pay this surcharge.... if I buy this new phone that they want people to buy it will cost me an extra $120 per year for the same service i'm already getting. Most I've burned through is about 10 GB's per month under my current "unlimited" plan and never been charged extra.
Make sense to you? Not to me.

$10 more for AT&T??
Way more...
- First off, the iPhone 3GS is $299 with 2 year contract (you CANNOT get upgrade pricing after 12 months like we do on Sprint.)
- Secondly, when comparing nearly identical offerings on Sprint vs AT&T, I just got $185/mo, NOT including taxes.
That's more than double. Just select iPhone and basically all the highest options (other than highest voice,) and that's what you already get on Sprint.

tadda said:
If Sprint is going to nickel and dime me up to yyyyy's price I'll just switch because it pisses me off (been with sprint about 9 years).
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buh-bye. Good luck paying $180 on any other carrier, for what we get for $80.

I did not say one word about either the Iphone or AT&T.
My point is this.... I can keep my current phone (hd 2 nice but I'm sick of winmo) and not pay the $10/month surcharge. So when I buy a new phone out of contract I am paying Sprint an extra 120/year FOR NOTHING. THEY ARE DOING NOTHING MORE FOR ME NEXT MONTH THEN THEY ARE DOING FOR ME TODAY YET I AM PAYING THEM MORE.
Don't get me wrong... phone is awesome and I want it, but this 10/month thing pisses me off. It's the principal of it not the amount.

ScrapMaker said:
$10 more for AT&T??
Way more...
- First off, the iPhone 3GS is $299 with 2 year contract (you CANNOT get upgrade pricing after 12 months like we do on Sprint.)
- Secondly, when comparing nearly identical offerings on Sprint vs AT&T, I just got $185/mo, NOT including taxes.
That's more than double. Just select iPhone and basically all the highest options (other than highest voice,) and that's what you already get on Sprint.
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nah its not double more
you can't be biased when you compare is.
The 3GS 16gb model is $199, the Evo only comes with 8gb
450 minutes are $39.99
Unlimited texting is $20.00
Data is $30
that is a total of $90, what other charges were you adding on lol, I see your point tho sprint is cheaper

tadda said:
I have a problem with paying an extra $10 per month. I already pay them $160 per month (about) for my family "unlimited" plan. 4G isn't even in my state! I planned on buying the phone out of contract... they are not subsidizing my phone in any way.
You can say "well you should be thankful it's not xxxx amount because that's what yyyyyy carrier charges you". Yeah well I'm not with yyyyyy carrier I'm with Sprint. If Sprint is going to nickel and dime me up to yyyyy's price I'll just switch because it pisses me off (been with sprint about 9 years).
If I keep my Touch Pro 2 I don't have to pay this surcharge.... if I buy this new phone that they want people to buy it will cost me an extra $120 per year for the same service i'm already getting. Most I've burned through is about 10 GB's per month under my current "unlimited" plan and never been charged extra.
Make sense to you? Not to me.
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Thats the problem right here...
And you and many others don't see it.
You are wrong!!
List me all of the features you have on your plan, (how many lines, what phones, and what plans you have)
And I guarentee it will be cheaper on Sprint. Than on AT&T and verizon or tmobile.
You will consider leaving sprint after 9 years and paying an ETF, but actually figuring out the costs and features you get on sprint v. the other carriers is unquestionable, correct?
Please list your features, untill you do that and show everyone how the other carriers are cheaper, you don't have a fair point.

mjz147 said:
nah its not double more
you can't be biased when you compare is.
The 3GS 16gb model is $199, the Evo only comes with 8gb
450 minutes are $39.99
Unlimited texting is $20.00
Data is $30
that is a total of $90, what other charges were you adding on lol, I see your point tho sprint is cheaper
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The only way to compare is to have unlimited ANY MOBILE calling... AT&T doesn't have this option, so you'd have to put on unlimited calling.
You also need to add corporate messaging/etc, because Sprint has all that included. Yes, not everyone needs that, but for those who do, it adds up.
Also, you must add unlimited route navigation.
I think you get the idea. It's hard to do a pure apples-to-apples comparison, but even when you get close, it's drastically more expensive on AT&T.

ScrapMaker said:
The only way to compare is to have unlimited ANY MOBILE calling... AT&T doesn't have this option, so you'd have to put on unlimited calling.
You also need to add corporate messaging/etc, because Sprint has all that included. Yes, not everyone needs that, but for those who do, it adds up.
Also, you must add unlimited route navigation.
I think you get the idea. It's hard to do a pure apples-to-apples comparison, but even when you get close, it's drastically more expensive on AT&T.
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Ya, i didn't put that in ur right tho about those other charges, good call

$10 a month. Putting that into perspective, that's one time out in a Thai restaurant. IMHO I can live without thai food for a day and just put those $10 toward Evo which I will use EVERY DAY of the month... can't complain here

Geez... again I don't think you see my point. Let me try to rephrase a little bit.
If this $10 surcharge was across every single data-plan regardless of phone I would not be complaining, I would take my lumps and deal with it.
This $10 is for owners of the HTC Evo 4g only. That is my problem.
Example:
So if you lived in my area where there's no 4g, and had an EVO 4g your bill would be $10 more than mine with a Touch Pro 2 even though we're both on the same Simply Everything Plan using the same EVDO/3g network. (pretend I only have one line)

tadda said:
Geez... again I don't think you see my point. Let me try to rephrase a little bit.
If this $10 surcharge was across every single data-plan regardless of phone I would not be complaining, I would take my lumps and deal with it.
This $10 is for owners of the HTC Evo 4g only. That is my problem.
Example:
So if you lived in my area where there's no 4g, and had an EVO 4g your bill would be $10 more than mine with a Touch Pro 2 even though we're both on the same Simply Everything Plan using the same EVDO/3g network. (pretend I only have one line)
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Simple answer: Think of it as an "EVO 4G" fee.

ScrapMaker said:
Simple answer: Think of it as an "EVO 4G" fee.
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I guess if that's the way you wanna see it that's the way you will see it. Unfortuantely I don't see it that way. Again... if it was across the board for everyone on the simply everything plan I wouldn't even be posting right now.

tadda said:
I guess if that's the way you wanna see it that's the way you will see it. Unfortuantely I don't see it that way. Again... if it was across the board for everyone on the simply everything plan I wouldn't even be posting right now.
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http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ATampT-caps-phone-data-usage-apf-499602515.html?x=0&.v=7
Again, not happy about the +$10, but it's hella better than that...
It all boils down to you're gonna pay for it because....you WILL pay for it. Sprint knows it's still a better deal. Is it fair? Maybe not -- but you're still buying the phone...

tadda said:
I guess if that's the way you wanna see it that's the way you will see it. Unfortuantely I don't see it that way. Again... if it was across the board for everyone on the simply everything plan I wouldn't even be posting right now.
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You can choose to whine about it, but I doubt very much you will pass on the EVO 4G because of $10.

tadda said:
I have a problem with paying an extra $10 per month. I already pay them $160 per month (about) for my family "unlimited" plan. 4G isn't even in my state! I planned on buying the phone out of contract... they are not subsidizing my phone in any way.
You can say "well you should be thankful it's not xxxx amount because that's what yyyyyy carrier charges you". Yeah well I'm not with yyyyyy carrier I'm with Sprint. If Sprint is going to nickel and dime me up to yyyyy's price I'll just switch because it pisses me off (been with sprint about 9 years).
If I keep my Touch Pro 2 I don't have to pay this surcharge.... if I buy this new phone that they want people to buy it will cost me an extra $120 per year for the same service i'm already getting. Most I've burned through is about 10 GB's per month under my current "unlimited" plan and never been charged extra.
Make sense to you? Not to me.
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Hey Tadda why don't you go to your facebook page and cry. Don't buy the F****N phone and stay the **LL off this board.

!
the 10$ extra isnt for 4G..
Sprint looks at it like this, You just bought a bad ass phone, and your gonna wanna see what it can do. so your gonna start using WAY MORE DATA now.. 10$ for unlimited data.. or 30 from AT&T .. your choice..
And if you wanna see the price difference go to att.com and look at the prices. Stop arguing like a bunch of girls.

Are we still on this $10.00 a month?
Let's see AT&T so far has removed for new users the unlimited plan. Charges $15 for 200MB or $25 for 2GB. It's like they are pushing for people to find their local Starbucks to do their surfing.
$69.99 - Unlimited everything mobile to mobile + 450 mins anywhere. No roaming.
$10.00 for 4G phone which in return gives 5GB(cap) that has not been really enforced when you go over a few GB's or 4GB Unlimited. Can't have a WiMax Hotspot and CAP the speeds.
Free Telenav Sprint NAV turn by turn usually a $10.00 a month feature on AT&T.
So for $79.99 you get all of that and then some.
AT&T for the most part charges:
$69.99 unlimited talk
$20.00 unlimited text
$30.00 Unlimited capped data at 5GB not $25.00 for 2GB
$10.00 for TeleNav
So for $129.99 a month you get AT&T.
If you want to get apples to apples then we can go to the Simply Everything plan which is $99.99 and it gives you unlimited everything + $10.00 4G and you have $109.00 with Unlimited Calls to Mobile and Landlines.
With Verizon you have:
$69.99 unlimited talk
$20.00 unlimited text
$29.99 unlimited data - not to include enterprise data such as blackberry
$44.99 unlimited Enterprise Data
As you can see the Sprint has no caps on data like the other two. So how can one really complain about the pricing. It's a BIG difference and to have all these people and mags complain about $10.00 is a JOKE!
I hope to be happy with my Sprint Service. I don't like change often but I am willing to make the leap.

What your not considering is what if you DON'T NEED unlimited voice minutes? It's great that Sprint is cheaper when comparing unlimited plans, but I for one, only use 200-400 mins a month total between 2 lines. So a 550 family plan with AT&T is just fine, I don't need unlimited with Sprint or even the 1500 minutes there giving us with the Evo's. I would rather pay Sprint less, since I will be using less. But they force you into a Everything plan for smartphones.
All carriers have their ups and downs.
AT&T has the fastest 3g network, but poor coverage/prices
Verizon has the largest 3g network, but poor prices
Tmobile has...umm..good prices
Sprint has good network, good prices, poor phone choices.
With Sprints Evo tax, we save ~10.00 dollars a month switching from AT&T with our current 2 x 3gs's. That is not a lot of money to save, especially since AT&T's data speeds are about twice as fast as Sprints in this area. So the Evo tax is a big deal. We have a pre-order in, I am extremely excited, we will test them out, and if we both like them, we will switch. But if they disappoint like the Pre's did, then they go back and we will keep our iphones.
Now if Sprint didn't charge the Evo tax, we would save 30.00 a month. With that kind of savings, we could accept a few snags here and there and would for sure dump AT&T.

notown775 said:
the 10$ extra isnt for 4G..
Sprint looks at it like this, You just bought a bad ass phone, and your gonna wanna see what it can do. so your gonna start using WAY MORE DATA now.. 10$ for unlimited data.. or 30 from AT&T .. your choice..
And if you wanna see the price difference go to att.com and look at the prices. Stop arguing like a bunch of girls.
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I think that's Sprint's point too.... This phone WILL use more data

G2 now Free wi/ 2 Year Contract (Valid till Jan20th)

I was just checking up on Engadget and saw this article. Hope this was the small push you needed to get a G2
The cheapest before was $50 with contract but now it's Free!
http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/t-mobile-g2-now-free-on-contract-android-buyers-have-never-had/

Doesnt apply if you have a no contract plan (The extra line that is)

I had been using a myTouch Slide that was given to me way back in April...so my G1 contract obviously ran out a few months ago. The second I saw this promotion, I jumped on it. Couldn't be more stoked.

Just ordered one of these so expect me to start patrolling these forums in the next few day.( I'm not a noob though)
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Orite said:
I was just checking up on Engadget and saw this article. Hope this was the small push you needed to get a G2
The cheapest before was $50 with contract but now it's Free!
http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/t-mobile-g2-now-free-on-contract-android-buyers-have-never-had/
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Please be aware that getting yourself into a contract causes you to end up with a service plan far in excess of your actual use, and NO OPTION TO CHANGE IT FOR THE DURATION. The result of this is that you end up spending THOUSANDS extra over the term of the contract than you would by just paying up full price for the phone in the beginning.
DON'T BE STUPID!!!! CONTRACTS ARE THE RAPE AND TORTURE OF PUPPIES!

Puppies?
10char

dhkr123 said:
Please be aware that getting yourself into a contract causes you to end up with a service plan far in excess of your actual use, and NO OPTION TO CHANGE IT FOR THE DURATION. The result of this is that you end up spending THOUSANDS extra over the term of the contract than you would by just paying up full price for the phone in the beginning.
DON'T BE STUPID!!!! CONTRACTS ARE THE RAPE AND TORTURE OF PUPPIES!
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Click to collapse
How is it spending "thousands" more, if you already have a plan with the $20 preferred android plan for your existing phone?
If you change nothing on your plan when you take the free upgrade, in essence, the phone *IS* free, you just agree to keep service for 24 months, and if you hate the phone and or said service after 30 days, CANCEL, pay the $250 ETF and sell the phone and recoup your losses. I don't see how "Thousands" of extra dollars come into effect here when most people already have a plan they like with the $20 preferred data plan. I know my grandfathered plan with all the free features is much cheaper than ANYTHING a EM+ can EVER offer me.

ratchetrizzo said:
How is it spending "thousands" more, if you already have a plan with the $20 preferred android plan for your existing phone?
If you change nothing on your plan when you take the free upgrade, in essence, the phone *IS* free, you just agree to keep service for 24 months, and if you hate the phone and or said service after 30 days, CANCEL, pay the $250 ETF and sell the phone and recoup your losses. I don't see how "Thousands" of extra dollars come into effect here when most people already have a plan they like with the $20 preferred data plan. I know my grandfathered plan with all the free features is much cheaper than ANYTHING a EM+ can EVER offer me.
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Because next week, the price will drop.

I bought the phone less then a month a go is there a way for them to give me 200??

While I got u guys here....question?
Does wifi calling count towards your minutes? Couldn't get a clear answer from a Rep.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

dhkr123 said:
Because next week, the price will drop.
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So the price will drop to where they say they will PAY you sign a 2 year extension?
I don't see how you can get better than FREE. So once again, where do the "thousands" come in to effect with them giving you the g2 for FREE with this deal.

david279 said:
While I got u guys here....question?
Does wifi calling count towards your minutes? Couldn't get a clear answer from a Rep.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
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Yes, wifi eats out of your bucket unless you have the free grandfathered [email protected] UMA plan on your line, then all wifi calls are free. If you have a EM/EM+ plan you can't get that feature added. Old plans still have a 50/50 shot of having a loyalty rep add the SOC.

Ok. Rep didn't know what she was talking about.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Woot recently switched from the nexus s back to g2 and I love it. Saved me $50! Now I save another $150? Man this is awesome! Time to spend the savings on accessories ie dock and larger batt.

Jumped on this when I got to work this morning. Upgrade was 50 bucks, but comes with 50 dollar mail in rebate. Signed new 2 year, but didn't change my plan from my original G1 plan + some discounts I have had.

I've been running Gingerbread on my HD2 but this free G2 has me interested. I've been lurking on the G2 forums trying to figure out the current state of G2 developement. Still not decided if I want to pull the trigger or not. I really love the form factor of my HD2.

just bit the bullet and got one. have a n1 with a g1 plan for a year now and didnt have to change my plan but i did anyway casue i want the 4G's. only a extra $5/mo for it. yes, extra 2 years but they are cheaper then the rest of the carriers, and i dont want to pay $500 for a phone again (got my n1 off cl for that price w/xtra battery). rather buy a HD projector. coming from legacy myfav5 300 anytime minute plan with android data/messaging unlimited plan to the Unlimited 4G for $20/mo and 1500 anytime and unlimited text for $60/mo. and no extra premium data charges. go magenta!

Tokinjedi said:
just bit the bullet and got one. have a n1 with a g1 plan for a year now and didnt have to change my plan but i did anyway casue i want the 4G's. only a extra $5/mo for it. yes, extra 2 years but they are cheaper then the rest of the carriers, and i dont want to pay $500 for a phone again (got my n1 off cl for that price w/xtra battery). rather buy a HD projector. coming from legacy myfav5 300 anytime minute plan with android data/messaging unlimited plan to the Unlimited 4G for $20/mo and 1500 anytime and unlimited text for $60/mo. and no extra premium data charges. go magenta!
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Um, you know that the G1 plan included HSPA+ and you are paying $5 extra for nothing, right?

Just to let yall know, if you are renewing your 2 year contract then you still have to pay $50 up front, you get back the $50 with a $50 mail in rebate which in time, makes it free. Oh and this offer is on the web only, not in stores.
I was going to get my G2 this weekend at the store because Friday is my payday but the offer ends on the 20th so I think I'll bite the bullet and order it tonight online and hope to receive it by Friday.

KoolKidsKlub said:
Just to let yall know, if you are renewing your 2 year contract then you still have to pay $50 up front, you get back the $50 with a $50 mail in rebate which in time, makes it free. Oh and this offer is on the web only, not in stores.
I was going to get my G2 this weekend at the store because Friday is my payday but the offer ends on the 20th so I think I'll bite the bullet and order it tonight online and hope to receive it by Friday.
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My ETA when i ordered and got my confirmation email with standard ups shipping was Friday, but when i checked on the site later in the day it was pushed to the 25th, i guess they're selling a bunch, eh?

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
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

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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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
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
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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
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
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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."
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app

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.
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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
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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.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app

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.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
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
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
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.

ATT Next Promotion

I just walked into a att store just to check out some cases and get some information on when I will be able to update / trade in my note 3... I walked out with $15 off my monthly bill! They have a promotion going on right now. Go check it out yourself.
-b0Ne

b0Ne83 said:
I just walked into a att store just to check out some cases and get some information on when I will be able to update / trade in my note 3... I walked out with $15 off my monthly bill! They have a promotion going on right now. Go check it out yourself.
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It's not a promotion it's their new Mobile Share Value plan. Every Next device, device that's completed a two-year contract, and customer owned device receives $15 off the monthly device charge. Here's the catch. While the prices for the data packages remain the same (Mobile Share<>Mobile Share Value) the cost per subsidized device on the Value plan goes up $10. So if you a subsidized device and a non-subsidized device on the same plan you'll end up saving $5 ($-15 non-subsidized device $+10 subsidized device = $-5). I have two non-subsidized devices and my monthly charges dropped $30.

Thanks for the info. I will go into an AT&T Store, over the weekend, and see if I can benefit from this. I have a Note 3 that was given to me by Best Buy, as an insurance replacement. I'm not knowledgeable, but doesn't that mean I own the device?? I talked to AT&T this even, by coincidence, seeing what they could do to lower my monthly bill. I mentioned switching over to T-Mobile, and the offers started pouring in. I got six months free unlimited texting, my bill for this month was reduced by almost half, and I was given 5,000 extra rollover minutes! The retentions rep was also going to give me an early upgrade on the spot, somehow not realizing I already owned a really new phone. It would be cool to see if I can also get this $15/mo off of my bill, too!

Here's a comparison of the new vs. old Mobile Share plans. I don't think the old one's offered any longer. You can see that the new pricing can save you money under certain circumstances and cost you money in others. The old plan lowered the monthly price you paid per device based added to the plan with larger data plans being charged lower monthly device fees. The new plan is flat.

That was a game changer what T - Mobile announced at CES... I'm staying with att though. After 7 years of sprint and horrible service att has been very good to me. Plus the service is outstanding in my area
-b0Ne

So what does this mean?
if you have a phone out of contract you can save money? If you upgrade your phone the usual way with the 2 year contract they charge you a little more...and if you go with the next plan what happens?
thanks sorry for the ignorance but the post to me isnt 100% clear

redrover69 said:
So what does this mean?
if you have a phone out of contract you can save money? If you upgrade your phone the usual way with the 2 year contract they charge you a little more...and if you go with the next plan what happens?
thanks sorry for the ignorance but the post to me isnt 100% clear
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Still confused, myself. Talked to someone at AT&T last night. They were really apprehensive about entertaining my question about this plan, as I only have a single line. There's a lot of conflicting information out there. I've literally seen some reports which state that if you only have a single line of service, and you either own your device or are off contract, AT&T will automatically move you to this Mobile Share Value Plan, and you save $15/month. However, I've seen other reports that mention this plan is only really beneficial for multiple lines of service. And, the AT&T rep I spoke to, also backed up the latter. She stated it would cost more for a person with a single line, in the long run, so she doesn't recommend that plan to people like me. So, I don't know what to believe. Details seem really sketchy and all over the place.

didn't save me any money because i have too many lines to benefit. AT&T already discounts each line as you add more and more. switching to this actually increased the cost for some of my lines from $30 to $40 so it offset the savings of switching to the $15/line plan. YMMV

I still don't know why anyone in their right mind would sign up for the next promotion.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

duhbanjopicker said:
I still don't know why anyone in their right mind would sign up for the next promotion.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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In case your one of those people who like to keep current tech. With this plan you can get the newest phone each year and not have to be on a two year contract or pay a large amount up front for the phone.

Dr. Evo said:
Thanks for the info. I will go into an AT&T Store, over the weekend, and see if I can benefit from this. I have a Note 3 that was given to me by Best Buy, as an insurance replacement. I'm not knowledgeable, but doesn't that mean I own the device?? I talked to AT&T this even, by coincidence, seeing what they could do to lower my monthly bill. I mentioned switching over to T-Mobile, and the offers started pouring in. I got six months free unlimited texting, my bill for this month was reduced by almost half, and I was given 5,000 extra rollover minutes! The retentions rep was also going to give me an early upgrade on the spot, somehow not realizing I already owned a really new phone. It would be cool to see if I can also get this $15/mo off of my bill, too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You "own" your device. You are still under the terms of the contract you signed when you purchased the original phone. The phone you got as a replacement "junk out" does qualify as a phone purchased as full price. The $15 off per month only applies to AT&T Mobile Share Value Plans, it sounds like you are on the old Minute plans. You are getting a better deal with the promo that AT&T is giving you now, switching plans would could potentially cost you more.
I hope this is helpful.
Also check out this website:
www dot myattrpc dot com (haven't hit my 10 post minimum)
It breaks down the different plans AT&T offers and thankfully it's closer to plain english.

Slyck said:
You "own" your device. You are still under the terms of the contract you signed when you purchased the original phone. The phone you got as a replacement "junk out" does qualify as a phone purchased as full price. The $15 off per month only applies to AT&T Mobile Share Value Plans, it sounds like you are on the old Minute plans. You are getting a better deal with the promo that AT&T is giving you now, switching plans would could potentially cost you more.
I hope this is helpful.
Also check out this website:
www dot myattrpc dot com (haven't hit my 10 post minimum)
It breaks down the different plans AT&T offers and thankfully it's closer to plain english.
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Click to collapse
So even though he is under a two year contract, since he got his phone replaced your saying he qualifies for $15 off?
Thanks for the website btw.

jigu005 said:
So even though he is under a two year contract, since he got his phone replaced your saying he qualifies for $15 off?
Thanks for the website btw.
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No, he is still under a contract for the previous device. Once the 2 years from the device he purchased originally from Best Buy is over then he would qualify for the $15 off with the new mobile share value plans. As of right now he is still "paying" for the original device as device costs are built into the old AT&T plans.
I hope this clears that up a bit, if not let me know.

Slyck said:
No, he is still under a contract for the previous device. Once the 2 years from the device he purchased originally from Best Buy is over then he would qualify for the $15 off with the new mobile share value plans. As of right now he is still "paying" for the original device as device costs are built into the old AT&T plans.
I hope this clears that up a bit, if not let me know.
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Click to collapse
Its really a great deal. Nothing down and your plan drops 15 bucks a month to 25 per line and whatever the days is. We have have 10 gigs where we used to pay 120 for it 10 GB has gone down to 100. Each line that is on the next plan goes down to 25 a month from 40 a month.
I thank T-Mobile for keeping he pressure on them