[Q] Paying the ETF and switching to T-Mobile - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshootin

I'm contemplating on if I should switch to T-Mobile because as of now I'm paying $100+ a month but if I switch to T-mobile my phone bill will be $42.50. Should I pay that ETF and just switch. Please help me out guys.

ATT just added a new charge that isnt government mandated, its 62 cents or something, you can get out of your contract by following this:
http://smartphones.wonderhowto.com/how-to/get-out-your-at-t-contract-early-without-early-termination-fee-etf-0147120/

I would if you are going to see that much of a monthly savings. There are a lot of other things to consider such as coverage area, length of your current contract (i.e. how much is it going to cost to get out of it). Do a cost/savings analysis. Should make the decision easier. My quick and dirty math says that you'll save $1,380 over the life of a two year contract and only pay $350(?) to get out of the ATT contract. Just my 2 cents...

peaster3 said:
I would if you are going to see that much of a monthly savings. There are a lot of other things to consider such as coverage area, length of your current contract (i.e. how much is it going to cost to get out of it). Do a cost/savings analysis. Should make the decision easier. My quick and dirty math says that you'll save $1,380 over the life of a two year contract and only pay $350(?) to get out of the ATT contract. Just my 2 cents...
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So are you saying its worth it

LeKtRiCzzz said:
So are you saying its worth it
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He is saying yes.
$100 a month for 24 months = $2400 over 2 year contract
$42.50 a month for 24 months =$1020 over 2 years
Difference of $1380, and with $350 calculated in, you will save $1030 over 2 years.
Question is, will the $42 plan fulfill your needs for the next 2 years... if so, go ahead and pay the ETF and switch. You'd have broken even in 6 months from the the money you'll save.

If I can get out of the contract because of the .62 cents they added a month then that would be fantastic

LeKtRiCzzz said:
If I can get out of the contract because of the .62 cents they added a month then that would be fantastic
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you're gonna cancel anyways right, so play the Tax card first.... it's worth a try.
Just read through the thread, basically it's a breach of contract and you don't authorize the charges. option 1) to remove the charges as they breach your contract, you don't want them shown on your statement at all. They really have no control and can't do this obviously. so fall on to option 2) Cancel your contract immediately while waiving the Early Termination Fee and allowing you time to find another carrier because you don't agree with their breach of contract.
You'll have to try a couple times, at that point if the answer is NO, then it will always be a NO. They notate your account well.
Finally, tell them how VERY VERY disappointed you are in their service and the way they are handling this, in your right mind you cannot continue to do business with them, even if you have pay the ETF (Which you think you shouldn't). it's a matter of principal, which AT&T seems to lack in or something like that. DO NOT MAKE IT THE REPS issue, it's not their fault, you have to remember they're also following protocol. just be clear that when you refer to "YOU" you're really referring to AT&T as a whole and AT&T's management.
Be firm, but please be nice, yelling, being mad is NEVER EVER get you anywhere with a service rep.
for the reasons above, I've NEVER paid Activation fees, upgrade fees, etc etc.... They've always waived them for me.

n19htmare said:
you're gonna cancel anyways right, so play the Tax card first.... it's worth a try.
Just read through the thread, basically it's a breach of contract and you don't authorize the charges. option 1) to remove the charges as they breach your contract, you don't want them shown on your statement at all. They really have no control and can't do this obviously. so fall on to option 2) Cancel your contract immediately while waiving the Early Termination Fee and allowing you time to find another carrier because you don't agree with their breach of contract.
You'll have to try a couple times, at that point if the answer is NO, then it will always be a NO. They notate your account well.
Finally, tell them how VERY VERY disappointed you are in their service and the way they are handling this, in your right mind you cannot continue to do business with them, even if you have pay the ETF (Which you think you shouldn't). it's a matter of principal, which AT&T seems to lack in or something like that. DO NOT MAKE IT THE REPS issue, it's not their fault, you have to remember they're also following protocol. just be clear that when you refer to "YOU" you're really referring to AT&T as a whole and AT&T's management.
Be firm, but please be nice, yelling, being mad is NEVER EVER get you anywhere with a service rep.
for the reasons above, I've NEVER paid Activation fees, upgrade fees, etc etc.... They've always waived them for me.
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I want to hurry up and cancel my contract before a lot of people start doing this but Im not going to be getting my SIM Card from T-Mobile untill Wednesday so should i cancel now or wait until i get the sim card

I currently have eight lines with AT&T and was doing the calculations and I would be saving hundreds of dollars by switching to T Mobile. Then I remembered the old days with T Mobile what I had horrible reception and unstable 3G internet connection. I remember the days when I would be on the highway and needed to get directions or look something up and I immediately would lose internet or drop down to edge and would be frustrated. If you are a heavy phone user and depend on the internet reliability for your business or everyday activities then I suggest not to switch to T Mobile. Actually a friend of mine has T Mobile and has the iPhone and they finally have 3G connection but they probably spend more time on edge then on 3G so if you're not bothered by slower internet speeds then you should make the move and save money. But remember you get what you pay for. On AT&T you're getting super fast LTE speeds that are some times faster than home internet with T Mobile well if you're lucky you'll get 3G for half of the day.
AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 32 GB Model

Related

Purchasing for T Mobile users: The Breakdown

Thinking about purchasing the nexus one? Here is a breakdown for all T Mobile customers of what's required.
Purchase Link
If you have a family plan, shared plan, flexpay plan or corporate account you will need to change before going to purchase the nexus one from the link above. Once all the above items are removed/changed then you are good to go and can enjoy the upgraded discount.
Quote from Nexus site "You can choose to purchase the Nexus One from the Google Phone Webstore without service for $529 USD, or with a qualifying T-Mobile US service plan at a discounted price:
Nexus One without service: $529
Nexus One with new, 2-year T-Mobile US service plan for new customers: $179
Nexus One with new, 2-year T-Mobile US service plan for qualifying existing T-Mobile customers who are adding data plans: $279
Nexus One with new, 2-year T-Mobile US service plan for qualifying existing T-Mobile customers who are upgrading their data plans: $379"
Source
I only paid 179.99 but that's because i opened a new line of service and got a new number. Be aware that if you open a new line of service to get the 179.99 price you CANNOT cancel your other line of service early or you will have to pay a 200.00 fee for early termination. The only option you have is to switch it to a home phone plan. If you decide to go that route as I did then it is 10.00 a month. It uses your sim card and a router that you get from T Mobile for 40.00. You must have a high speed connection to use this option.
I'm hoping you accidentally hit submit before finishing your post, cuz it doesn't make much sense to me.
I have been off contract since January 2009. How do I get the $179 price?
Edit: Just saw your post in the other thread. I think what you're saying confirms what the T-mo rep told me earlier today. She said that if I switched from my old grandfathered plan to the Even More 500 plan, then I'd be eligible for the $179 price. Not that I'm going to do it... it's cheaper for me to stick to my current plan and buying the phone unlocked.
uansari1 said:
I'm hoping you accidentally hit submit before finishing your post, cuz it doesn't make much sense to me.
I have been off contract since January 2009. How do I get the $179 price?
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Someone in another forum had the same issue and apparently he had to add another line. Once his N1 comes in he plans on canceling his old line and switching his number over to the new line. I can try to find that post if need be.?
rantrav said:
Someone in another forum had the same issue and apparently he had to add another line. Once his N1 comes in he plans on canceling his old line and switching his number over to the new line. I can try to find that post if need be.?
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That's not necessary, but thanks. I'd only buy the phone unlocked, because it will considerably cheaper than switching plans and being in a contract again. I'm really just curious because it doesn't seem right that if we're off contract with T-mo, we couldn't take advantage of the subsidized price of the phone. Theoretically we're paying higher plan prices every month because our original phones were subsidized. So if we're off contract, then we should have paid T-mo back for that subsidy and they should either discount our monthly rate (like the Even More Plus plans), or subsidize a new phone for us.
uansari1 said:
That's not necessary, but thanks. I'd only buy the phone unlocked, because it will considerably cheaper than switching plans and being in a contract again. I'm really just curious because it doesn't seem right that if we're off contract with T-mo, we couldn't take advantage of the subsidized price of the phone. Theoretically we're paying higher plan prices every month because our original phones were subsidized. So if we're off contract, then we should have paid T-mo back for that subsidy and they should either discount our monthly rate (like the Even More Plus plans), or subsidize a new phone for us.
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Sorry, people on here seem to like 'hard evidence' that is only text from another person. I am sure that this has been the plan since the beginning. Google, obviously having the upper hand and being in control, is calling the shots on how this works. T-Mobile, being an underdog, was probably given first dibs with this being part of the deal. But, I do agree with you. I bought it unlocked and would have rather saved the money and updated my phone with current plan. The guys post was something about he had a "grandfathered" in plan and was eligible through TMO for the update but with it being through Google he wasn't able to.... I guess all we can say is 'okay' and mush on.
I would have bought the unlocked version as well but I'm already paying the same amount as the plan that is required so took the discount and ran. I'm sure eventually there will be more plans available. Google is sure to take a lot of heat for it and will eventually crack...well I hope anyways lol.
Both of you should take a look at the discussion here:
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Google+Mobile/thread?tid=3c0fd3870ec370a8&hl=en#all
It doesn't look good for people who are existing customers, off contract and want to sign a new contract. Kinda ****ty if you ask me, but fortunately it won't affect me.
For people interested in the tmo family plans, here is some math.
Getting 2 subsidized phones over a two-year period breaks down to an extra $15 a month ([$180 x2]/24). 2 unlocked phones is $44 a month ([$530 x2]/24).
Looking at text and web family plans with no annual contracts, its $109.99 for 750mins, $119.99 for 1500mins and $139.99 for unlimited. This gives you freedom of picking your plans or switching to another carrier that supports this phone.
Knowing that if you get the subsidized version, you will be paying $160 a month plus the breakdown of $15 a month (spreading out what you pay up front for the devices) it comes to $175 a month.
With the unlocked device price breakdown at $44 a month, you can see you will save money if you buy the unlocked phone and use either the 750min or 1500min family plans as they will cost you $154 and $164 respectively.
This is a two year savings of $504 and $264!
uansari1 said:
Both of you should take a look at the discussion here:
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Google+Mobile/thread?tid=3c0fd3870ec370a8&hl=en#all
It doesn't look good for people who are existing customers, off contract and want to sign a new contract. Kinda ****ty if you ask me, but fortunately it won't affect me.
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I love the first post that clearly states "only new T-mobile customers are eligible to purchase Nexus One at the discounted price of $179." If thats true then why did I get one for 179.99, I've been with them for 7 years! lol
uansari1 said:
Both of you should take a look at the discussion here:
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Google+Mobile/thread?tid=3c0fd3870ec370a8&hl=en#all
It doesn't look good for people who are existing customers, off contract and want to sign a new contract. Kinda ****ty if you ask me, but fortunately it won't affect me.
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I have a family plan with 4 lines so I had to break down and pay full price.... same when the G1 came out. Only reason is because i feel like this phone I will keep for some time. I hope. Google, I think, will be getting a lot of heat about this. I took a look at the link and there are A LOT of pissed off people on there. But GOOG does have the money to blow.
This is interesting guys
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Google+Mobile/thread?tid=06a361e72a26b798&hl=en
ryanmo5 said:
i would have bought the unlocked version as well but i'm already paying the same amount as the plan that is required so took the discount and ran. I'm sure eventually there will be more plans available. Google is sure to take a lot of heat for it and will eventually crack...well i hope anyways lol.
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theyre all unlocked
melterx12 said:
theyre all unlocked
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Oops lmao, I meant without service
I actually bought the unlocked phone for $530,-. I have another 6 months on my contract.
But this way, I'll be contract free, and am actually SAVING money now, because I had a G1 with Myfav600, which was $80,- a month.
And I never even come close to using my 600 minutes.
So the 500 plus plan is perfect for me. And I save $20,- a month.
And , when they get the Voip thing happening, I can use that as well, since I have a Google Voice number.
i'm a current T-mob customer with 9 mo left on my 2 yr contract i got with my G1, once i get some extra cash saved up i plan to pay the full price for the nexus one because for me at least i currently spend $53 a month on my service with t-mob and don't care or benefit to change it and if i could extend my contract and pay less for the phone by some amount it will still save me more in the long run by not having to pay for the dumb 80 dollar a month plan they force you to have by going that route
this is of course as long as they do not change their tune on how they are handling this before i'm ready to purchase the phone i.e. give me a discount of some amount to upgrade and keep my current plan or one very close to it
Im currently on the even more plus 500+unlimited text+Web
On flex pay. Iam so lucky i didnt sign a 2 year contract!
I just hope tmobile doesnt try to make me pay 80 if i buy the phone without a plan. Just going to pop in my sim from G1
I've posted this in a couple other threads but it should help here.
I'll tell everyone up front I worked for T-Mobile customer care for the last 4 years up until this past June and was a supervisor for the last year of my time there.
If you currently have a single line plan that is out of contract is qualifies through T-Mobile for the full discount but Google is giving you the price that is almost $400 here is what you can do it get around it. And change to the Even More plans prior WILL NOT fix this issue.
Alot of people are getting bad information from TMobile about what needs to be done because the reps were given almost no information about the ordering process. So most reps and just going with the flow to try and get people off the phone.
When you go to order the phone with Google select the option to add a new line to your account. It will give you the 179.99 price for adding the new line. Once the new phone comes in the mail call T-Mobile and cancel your old line and ask them to put a "request old number back" request to replace the new number with your old one. This takes about 24 hours to go through. During that 24 hours your old number will not work because you have to cancel it before you do this.
I know for a fact this will work but the rep you talk to may give you crap about doing this and not let you because they want to be a ****. If you're worried about that call and cancel you old line when you get the phone then call back and talk to another rep and tell them to put in the request for you.
Don't you have to pay the 200 dollar ETF if you cancel a line?
There's no ETF if the line has no contract. So if you add a new line to get the discount you can cancel the old one without a fee
Ah I missed that part. I am trying to get the 180 price and I only have a few months left on my contract and they won't upgrade it. They will let me add a new line of service though.

Cancellation of TMO

Guys I just wanted to give you a forewarning about T-Mobile's business practices.
I apologize if anyone takes offense but I am simply posting my experience with T-Mobile. I understand I signed a 2 year contract but where I am moving I have horrible service and I am not asking for a sympathy boat either, but if you don't agree with the way T-Mobile handled this, please feel free to upvote this.
tl;dr - T-Mobile's map shows 4+ bars where I'm moving; we (my fiancee and I) get 2... outside and that doesn't include the many dropped calls we get either. I never got a dropped call until I went to the new location. I have to pay $300 in cancellation fees because they wouldn't budge because their map is supposedly "right."
http://www.reddit.com/r/technology/comments/b5php/tmobile_trying_to_screw_over_their_own_customer/
If you guys are willing, please upvote. I'd really appreciate it.
Once your locked in....its pretty hard to get out.
Yeah I'm seeing that now. I honestly loved the service, but now that I am moving, it's no good to me.
Contracts blow. Stupidest thing you can ever do is lock yourself into a phone contract, especially when there is the possibility of moving, and the FACT that in a few months, some OTHER carrier will probably offer a better deal. Might as well avail yourself to the chance!
It is ALWAYS better to buy your phone outright.
Note: I suspect that eventually, the US carriers will be forced out of their contract practices.... we in CANADA even already have a new NATIONAL carrier that DOES NOT OFFER contracts.
I've never understood contracts personally, I hate being tied into anything just because they give you a sparkly new phone. That's why I'm thankful T-mobile have 30 day rolling sim only deals, I can get huge discounts after a year on a newer phone upgrade, get 350 minutes (any network) unlimited text and free unlimited internet (thank you rewards) for £15 a month and can walk away with only 30 days notice anytime.
Thank god for the sim only plan
thats why you get used phones and no contract.. plus being on an employee plan is always nice
You don't need to get a used phone... the carrier will still sell you the phone without contract, just at the "full price". You can also buy your phone from a STORE rather than from the carrier.
Note: The way the contract works, you end up actually paying SIGNIFICANTLY MORE for the phone through the contract than just buying the thing from a store for full price.
lbcoder said:
You don't need to get a used phone... the carrier will still sell you the phone without contract, just at the "full price". You can also buy your phone from a STORE rather than from the carrier.
Note: The way the contract works, you end up actually paying SIGNIFICANTLY MORE for the phone through the contract than just buying the thing from a store for full price.
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The problem is that the full price of these devices is quite high. A lot of people can only afford a decent phone by getting the contract.
Another problem I had when looking at the g1 initially was a lack of good data plans on non-contract deals.
The people that are telling you it's cheaper to buy your phone outright... this really isn't the case for the G1. At launch, I purchased my G1 for $179 in 2 year contract. Unlocked would have cost $399. I needed phone service regardless, so the fact that I was paying for service is moot.
Now, when I moved, I knew I wasn't going to still get service, and didn't want to stick with T-Mobile. So I paid the $200 to get out of contract. That brings the total cost of the phone up to $379. That's pretty damn close to the $399 price point I would have paid for an unlocked phone from the start .
To the OP, your only real choice is to live with it or pay the termination fees. Read every contract you sign carefully. Service outage isn't a reason to break the contract. It sucks, but that's US carriers for you.
I appreciate all of the responses but again, why pay for a service I cannot use? I had no intention of moving until after the contract; things changed, so I had no option. I'll just be glad when contracts like this are over with worldwide; cell phones could get away with murder if they wanted to. BLEH I say, haha.
We will see how things turn out with the FCC and FTC. Maybe my complaint will push them over the barrier and stop advertising fake signal readings? Roughly 5 phones report all the same exact thing, but their map is always right apparently.
BBB will probably just tell me to deal with it, so we will see on that too.
Again, thanks guys.
esmith972 said:
I appreciate all of the responses but again, why pay for a service I cannot use? I had no intention of moving until after the contract; things changed, so I had no option. I'll just be glad when contracts like this are over with worldwide; cell phones could get away with murder if they wanted to. BLEH I say, haha.
We will see how things turn out with the FCC and FTC. Maybe my complaint will push them over the barrier and stop advertising fake signal readings? Roughly 5 phones report all the same exact thing, but their map is always right apparently.
BBB will probably just tell me to deal with it, so we will see on that too.
Again, thanks guys.
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have you upgraded your radio ?
have you tried using EDGE instead ?
you seem more upset with the contract than the service, and one of those two might help things.
if you're at 2 bars with edge, ya, that's pretty bad. 2 on 3g is about average to bounce around at from my experience. 2 - 4 on 3g can mean a person standing between me and the tower.
good luck
That's why I hate contracts. You get a $600 phone for $150, but you're stuck with it for 2 years. And you envy evr1 who gets a new phone while you're stuck with yours and then in 2 years when you get a settle phone, a new one comes out a month later.
Just as an update, T-Mobile received my complaint from the FCC and took the charges off immediately. I'm only left with the last monthly bill.
Goes to show they do care about you... a little.
So how exactly did you get FCC to contact T-mobile, you write them a letter, eh?
The squeakiest wheel gets the oil.
Good to hear it mate . Generally they won't budge as far as cancellation fees, from my experience.

Sprint Changing Terms of Service AKA Get Out of Contract For Free

http://consumerist.com/2010/08/sprint-hikes-prices-by-dumping-discounts.html
If Sprint changes the terms of service on your existing contract, you have the right to end it with no ETF and keep your phone.
Not saying I want to get out of my contract, but last time Sprint changed their TOS, tons of ppl haggled their way into getting $20 off per month for 24 months in order to NOT break their contract.
You have 30 days from when the charge first appears on your bill. So if your BILLING date is Aug 23, you have until Sept. 22 to assert your right to cancel.
Update:
From Sprint's contract, you can only cancel the affected lines
Our Right To Change The Agreement & Your Related Rights
We may change any part of the Agreement at any time, including, but not limited to, rates, charges, how we calculate charges, or your terms of Service. We will provide you notice of material changes, and may provide you notice of non-material changes, in a manner consistent with this Agreement (see "Providing Notice To Each Other Under The Agreement" section). If a change we make to the Agreement is material and has a material adverse effect on Services under your Term Commitment, you may terminate each line of Service materially affected without incurring an Early Termination Fee only if you: (a) call us within 30 days after the effective date of the change; and (b) specifically advise us that you wish to cancel Services because of a material change to the Agreement that we have made. If you do not cancel Service within 30 days of the change, an Early Termination Fee will apply if you terminate Services before the end of any applicable Term Commitment.
Update 2: Several people have reported getting credited back what is being "un-discounted" from their bill.
itmustbejj said:
http://consumerist.com/2010/08/sprint-hikes-prices-by-dumping-discounts.html
If Sprint changes the terms of service on your existing contract, you have the right to end it with no ETF and keep your phone.
Not saying I want to get out of my contract, but last time Sprint changed their TOS, tons of ppl haggled their way into getting $20 off per month for 24 months in order to NOT break their contract.
And before you freak out, this really isn't that big of a deal IIRC, your base discount goes on your main plan, so I think it's saying the +20 per lines 3-5 will no longer be eligible for the discount.
But still, I wouldn't mind getting in on some of that 20/24 action....
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i have 4 phones and with my discount ( 27% ) i pay 180ish a month for unlimited everything not sure ill be happy if my discount drops off the other 2 lines might have to raise a stink about this
Sporkman said:
i have 4 phones and with my discount ( 27% ) i pay 180ish a month for unlimited everything not sure ill be happy if my discount drops off the other 2 lines might have to raise a stink about this
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Ahhh so you are a citi group "employee"
itmustbejj said:
http://consumerist.com/2010/08/sprint-hikes-prices-by-dumping-discounts.html
If Sprint changes the terms of service on your existing contract, you have the right to end it with no ETF and keep your phone.
Not saying I want to get out of my contract, but last time Sprint changed their TOS, tons of ppl haggled their way into getting $20 off per month for 24 months in order to NOT break their contract.
And before you freak out, this really isn't that big of a deal IIRC, your base discount goes on your main plan, so I think it's saying the +20 per lines 3-5 will no longer be eligible for the discount.
But still, I wouldn't mind getting in on some of that 20/24 action....
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Do I have to terminate my plan if I want to get out of my contract? Or can I get out of my contract and go month to month?
How much time has to pass before you can sign up with them again?
you have to wait atleast 3 to 6 months.. should i stay or should i go now? i can get the same phone on clear in another month, can just go to boost for a month or two until its out... but i did pay $500 for this thing...
itmustbejj said:
Ahhh so you are a citi group "employee"
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no im not, mines legit lol i have this discount for about 10 years
That sucks. I signed up with 4 lines in June 2010 with 25% discount. My bill is now $170, so with this new policy, it'll be $180. That's more than what I was paying for AT&T with 4 lines. Might have to talk to Sprint and figure out if something can be done as one of the main reasons for moving to Sprint was due to it's price and now it's really not much of a difference.
If they change the TOS, can I cancel the contract and just pay them monthly as if my contract expired?
Bioxoxide said:
If they change the TOS, can I cancel the contract and just pay them monthly as if my contract expired?
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No. You are canceling the contract and your service goes with it.
if this affects you (2 or more lines) you can always setup a new account with another person on your account as the primary account holder, or just use boost after cancelling and sign up with clear after they sign up.
Before everyone gets their panties in a bunch, this change is only going to affect people with an old "add a line" plans. I found another post about this subject in another forum, and sprint isn't changing anything for the newer "unlimited" plans. Chances are, if you're using a smart phone, you aren't using the old plans where you had options to add data, add text, add internet, etc. And really, I would think that if you have an old plan where you only get limited minutes and you're buying a text plan, buying data, buying picture mail, and anything else .. you're probably paying too much and you should have changed your plan a long time ago.
Or so I hope what I found is correct, we have a family plan with 5 lines. Lol
jblazea50 said:
That sucks. I signed up with 4 lines in June 2010 with 25% discount. My bill is now $170, so with this new policy, it'll be $180. That's more than what I was paying for AT&T with 4 lines. Might have to talk to Sprint and figure out if something can be done as one of the main reasons for moving to Sprint was due to it's price and now it's really not much of a difference.
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We just signed up 3 lines with the 1500 min. /mo any mobile any time plan - all 3 evos. I have a 23% student discount and that's the reason I went with sprint. It works out to $52 bucks a month x3 phones, but if that's ending, then will cancel sprint and just go with the iphone 4 on att, keep the evos and sell them.
I'm actually kind of pissed about this, but if I can have a iphone 4 for the same price sprint will go up to, then I might as well have that.
FYI - depsite what the post on Consumerist says, I've been hearing elsewhere that Sprint does not consider this a "materially adverse change" and won't waive your ETF because of it. I don't care either way personally because it's still cheaper than any comprable family plan on Verizon or AT&T.
I'm chatting with a rep right now about this new ToS change.
The discount will only apply to the first 2 lines of any family plan after the said date!
Call this number if you want to find out for sure if you can get out ETF free and keep your phones: 1888-211-4727
Hrshycro said:
We just signed up 3 lines with the 1500 min. /mo any mobile any time plan - all 3 evos. I have a 23% student discount and that's the reason I went with sprint. It works out to $52 bucks a month x3 phones, but if that's ending, then will cancel sprint and just go with the iphone 4 on att, keep the evos and sell them.
I'm actually kind of pissed about this, but if I can have a iphone 4 for the same price sprint will go up to, then I might as well have that.
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I'm pissed as well. I paid like $350 in ETFs and got rid of my ATT phones because with the discounts, I knew I would be paying less with Sprint. I also paid about $700 for the 4 Sprint phones (2 Evo and 2 blackberry).
I chatted with a Sprint rep and he said they will no longer offer discounts to lines 3-5 on services less than $29.99.
I'd switch back to ATT if I can get out without paying the ETF with Sprint.
jblazea50 said:
I'm pissed as well. I paid like $350 in ETFs and got rid of my ATT phones because with the discounts, I knew I would be paying less with Sprint. I also paid about $700 for the 4 Sprint phones (2 Evo and 2 blackberry).
I chatted with a Sprint rep and he said they will no longer offer discounts to lines 3-5 on services less than $29.99.
I'd switch back to ATT if I can get out without paying the ETF with Sprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So does that mean my $29.99 Evo family line is still discounted?
Chrisjby said:
Before everyone gets their panties in a bunch, this change is only going to affect people with an old "add a line" plans. I found another post about this subject in another forum, and sprint isn't changing anything for the newer "unlimited" plans. Chances are, if you're using a smart phone, you aren't using the old plans where you had options to add data, add text, add internet, etc. And really, I would think that if you have an old plan where you only get limited minutes and you're buying a text plan, buying data, buying picture mail, and anything else .. you're probably paying too much and you should have changed your plan a long time ago.
Or so I hope what I found is correct, we have a family plan with 5 lines. Lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i hope you are right my phone plan rocks ! and would hate to loose it
jblazea50 said:
That sucks. I signed up with 4 lines in June 2010 with 25% discount. My bill is now $170, so with this new policy, it'll be $180. That's more than what I was paying for AT&T with 4 lines. Might have to talk to Sprint and figure out if something can be done as one of the main reasons for moving to Sprint was due to it's price and now it's really not much of a difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SilverZero said:
So does that mean my $29.99 Evo family line is still discounted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I chatted with a rep an hour ago and got this:
The discount will only apply to the first 2 lines of any family plan after the said date!
Call this number if you want to find out for sure if you can get out ETF free and keep your phones: 1888-211-4727
Orrrr, we could always just call this number instead and actually get some where.
http://consumerist.com/2007/05/spri...eader-executive-customer-service-hotline.html
datajosh said:
FYI - depsite what the post on Consumerist says, I've been hearing elsewhere that Sprint does not consider this a "materially adverse change" and won't waive your ETF because of it. I don't care either way personally because it's still cheaper than any comprable family plan on Verizon or AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"materially adverse" means "affecting your money". All the carriers do this, they posture and try to downplay the change to the TOS for 30 days after it goes into effect because by that time it's too late to get out of your contract.
The fact remains, you signed a contract with determined terms. If they change that contract before it expires YOU ARE NO LONGER BOUND TO IT. Don't let them BS you, know they are bound to the contract just as much as you are. Stand up for yourself if you are unhappy about this.

[Q] Xoom non-contract question

Hi All,
I am purchasing a Xoom tomorrow morning, and I came to a stark realization today while browsing some other forums. I read that even with the no contract version that there is no true month to month data plan (ie the ATT iPad) and that it costs you $35 every time you want to activate it again. So if I use it for two months, decide to not for two, and then want to use it again, I have to pay a $35 fee. Can someone shed some light on this? I am REALLY hoping this is not the case.
Brock
Please search, this has been answered many times. Your description is correct. If you cancel the 3g service within 72 hours they will refund the activation fee.
I apologize, I did search, apparently not well enough, but that doesn't truly answer my question. I don't mind the initial fee, but will I have to pay it multiple times?
brockwitting said:
I apologize, I did search, apparently not well enough, but that doesn't truly answer my question. I don't mind the initial fee, but will I have to pay it multiple times?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Verizon isn't as kind with this plan as AT&T is with the iPad's month-to-month usage.
That is absolutely horrible... So basically, if you plan on using ANY data sporadically at all, you are better off getting the subsidized version... This is a bad thing for us consumers. I can't believe they would require reactivation multiple times.
brockwitting said:
That is absolutely horrible... So basically, if you plan on using ANY data sporadically at all, you are better off getting the subsidized version... This is a bad thing for us consumers. I can't believe they would require reactivation multiple times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a shame. I didn't mind getting the 3g version when I thought I could just activate it when I need it, like the iPad. I have a Nexus One I can use as a hotspot in most cases. It's just a kick in the groin to know I'll have to add $35 to the fee if I ever want to use the 3g. In this case, it looks like I'll be turning the 3g off right after I buy it and only activating in case of emergency in the future.
Jrockttu said:
It's a shame. I didn't mind getting the 3g version when I thought I could just activate it when I need it, like the iPad. I have a Nexus One I can use as a hotspot in most cases. It's just a kick in the groin to know I'll have to add $35 to the fee if I ever want to use the 3g. In this case, it looks like I'll be turning the 3g off right after I buy it and only activating in case of emergency in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats probably what I'd do. But I'd imagine if you made an issue out of having to pay another activation fee (when reconnecting), they would drop it. After all, some money is better than no money.
Wow.. Thanks for the updates guys. I just actually called verizon to confirm this, and yup. This is absolutely horrible.. I hope they change.
This is absolutely insane, and has convinced me to not only not get a Xoom, but to drop Verizon altogether once my contract expires in November. The whole point of getting a tablet off contract is to be able to enable data whenever you want. I probably only have use for the data service 3 months (non-consecutive) out of the year, so this has convinced me to wait for a tablet on a carrier that won't screw me as badly.
Meanwhile, I encourage everyone to complain loudly to Verizon. Let them know you're not going to put up with it.
Ingjald said:
This is absolutely insane, and has convinced me to not only not get a Xoom, but to drop Verizon altogether once my contract expires in November. The whole point of getting a tablet off contract is to be able to enable data whenever you want. I probably only have use for the data service 3 months (non-consecutive) out of the year, so this has convinced me to wait for a tablet on a carrier that won't screw me as badly.
Meanwhile, I encourage everyone to complain loudly to Verizon. Let them know you're not going to put up with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea im also leaving verizon, im trying to go att but my credit is bad and asked for 500 deposit on EACH LINE. so tmobile is what we are looking at now. We are going to switch once we move.
brockwitting said:
That is absolutely horrible... So basically, if you plan on using ANY data sporadically at all, you are better off getting the subsidized version... This is a bad thing for us consumers. I can't believe they would require reactivation multiple times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or tether wirelessly with an android phone.
Ingjald said:
This is absolutely insane, and has convinced me to not only not get a Xoom, but to drop Verizon altogether once my contract expires in November. The whole point of getting a tablet off contract is to be able to enable data whenever you want. I probably only have use for the data service 3 months (non-consecutive) out of the year, so this has convinced me to wait for a tablet on a carrier that won't screw me as badly.
Meanwhile, I encourage everyone to complain loudly to Verizon. Let them know you're not going to put up with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe any carrier for any tablet is going to offer a plan where you pay as you go. And if there is such a plan, I can bet you the price would be something like $5 for 250MB of data, or something that will truly not be worth it
unknown_owner said:
I don't believe any carrier for any tablet is going to offer a plan where you pay as you go. And if there is such a plan, I can bet you the price would be something like $5 for 250MB of data, or something that will truly not be worth it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The iPad offers it through AT&T. It's one of the competitive advantages they still hold against all of these new devices.
just to clarify some of vzw policy about activation
kinda thinking about it the wrong way, if you want a data plan it needs a phone number.
that is basically where the fee goes to.
so if you disconnect the data the number is lost.
but per vzw consumer clear disclosure, reactivating within 60 days there is no activation fee. (this would also waive ETFs, if it had one)
to get around this, you can activate a phone.
saving money and not losing the number.
Benkr0n said:
just to clarify some of vzw policy about activation
kinda thinking about it the wrong way, if you want a data plan it needs a phone number.
that is basically where the fee goes to.
so if you disconnect the data the number is lost.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you cancel, wouldn't the number just go into the pool of available numbers? I'm not seeing how this should cost anything. (Also, AT&T doesn't charge an activation fee for the iPad)
but per vzw consumer clear disclosure, reactivating within 60 days there is no activation fee. (this would also waive ETFs, if it had one)
to get around this, you can activate a phone.
saving money and not losing the number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not exactly clear to me how that would save anything. Not only would that require buying another phone (useless to me), but it would require active service on it, which is, to my knowledge, no less than $40/mo--twice as much as the cheapest data plan.
Ingjald said:
When you cancel, wouldn't the number just go into the pool of available numbers? I'm not seeing how this should cost anything. (Also, AT&T doesn't charge an activation fee for the iPad)
It's not exactly clear to me how that would save anything. Not only would that require buying another phone (useless to me), but it would require active service on it, which is, to my knowledge, no less than $40/mo--twice as much as the cheapest data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it doesn't immediately go back into the pool, thats why you can get it back within 60 days
if you look at where the money goes to its mostly a credit check.
but it's easer to think of it as getting the number
i guess before, i made a few assumptions, that you had a phone (non smartphone so no data requirement). and a family share plan already with vzw.
meaning switching from the data plan to a secondary on the family share plan. only 9.99
Benkr0n said:
if you look at where the money goes to its mostly a credit check.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They should just do it prepaid like AT&T does for the iPad, with no credit check (but then I guess Verizon can't ding you for $20 when you go a byte over your allotment). It also doesn't make sense that they do a credit check on someone who is already a customer in good standing.
i guess before, i made a few assumptions, that you had a phone (non smartphone so no data requirement). and a family share plan already with vzw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have any other phones and am not on a family share plan. I still wouldn't pay the $9.99/mo just for the privilege of not paying a $35 activation fee; in fact, it would probably cost me about as much as the activation fee anyway.
secondary activations are also $25 instead of $35
so if you, again my assumptions, activate a secondary phone its only 25.
then switch to the xoom and data plan.
just throwing out more ways to save money.
and btw, vzw will never do pay as u go data
i've regularly seen international pay as u go in the thousands.
I just can't believe that verizon would operate like this, esp since att has prepaid data for the iPad.. I'm sorta screwed, I don't have a family plan, and I only have a D1, and afk, xoom can't connect to ad-hoc.. plus it kinda defeats the reason for me getting the 3g Xoom anyway.
with the xoom it is being handled differently than the tab...
the tab was an accessory non subsidized meaning you could just purchase it.
but the xoom has to go through a different order process
needing an account and plan
if you don't have vzw, thats where the fee comes into play
if you do, there are ways to order it with out the fee (by ordering it for your current line, and taking it off afterwards)

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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

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