Related
So I have been thinking. What would I be willing to pay for a phone off contract? Well. Bought my Vibrant for off contract, and it took a nice piece out of my wallet.
So my question is for you guys, Would you be willing to pay for a phone off contract for the right price? What would that price be?
Please leave comments on what you think.
I realize this is a very general question but I'm turning to my fellow Vibrant owners first.
Question to you or anybody that bought it off contract...Do you guys have a data plan?
No data plan. The only reason I bought it off contract
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
emonero said:
Question to you or anybody that bought it off contract...Do you guys have a data plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought 2 Vibrants off contract when T-Mo had some crazy Bing cash back - like 25% or something. I do have a data plan with both.
Now, we use Even More Plus, so between the two of us we're saving something like $40/month over the rates on an equivalent Even More plan. That quickly adds up to make buying off-contract a better option if you can get phones for even slightly below MSRP, and it's an absolute no brainer for a phone enthusiast who likes to switch often and trade on Ebay or Craigslist.
I'm very disappointed that EM+ seems to be going away. It's one of the reasons I switched to T-Mobile and IMO is about the best value in mobile.
Even more plus, bought off contract with payment plan (reimbursed through work though).
All of my phones eventually become my wife's phones when I choose to upgrade.
contract is a gimmick and you eventually pay full price for phone. What do you think that extra $20 or so month goes to
my no contract Even More 500TTW is $60 on contract its $80 no thanks
To quickly crunch some numbers...
On contact the phone cost roughly $200 and an additional $20 a month over the EM+ plan. Over the 24 month contract that equals a $680 phone.
From my perspective anything under that price is worth it. Not to mention out of contract allows for mobile flexibility should you need it.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Last fathers day I wanted to cash in on the 2 free phone deal, and being an existing tmobile member for the last 5 years I was not eligible, so I called them anyways and said I have been with tmobile for the last 5 years and want to cash in on this fathers day deal, long story short........got transfered to the loyalty department and they gave me 2 free phones of my choice with the signing off a 2 year contract when my current contract is up at my same no contract rate........here is the greatest part, I can choose any phone whenever I want. so haveing the G1 for so long I said screw it I'll take a Vibrant, now I still have 1 more free phone left to get, my girl likes my vibrant, so I was thinking of handing this one to her and grabbing the Nexus S, but we will see.
Anyways the moral of the story, call and talk to someone, be calm, and ask lots of questions, they are nice at tmobile and they will bend over backwards to keep you as a customer.
Edit: I should also say that I got my G1 for $20 + $50 mail in rebate, so I ended up getting paid $30 and signed a 1 year contract at my current grandfathered rate.......just call and talk to t-mobile
a400meter said:
To quickly crunch some numbers...
On contact the phone cost roughly $200 and an additional $20 a month over the EM+ plan. Over the 24 month contract that equals a $680 phone.
From my perspective anything under that price is worth it. Not to mention out of contract allows for mobile flexibility should you need it.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well US phones typically have their bands locked down (or are missing bands). Mobile flexibility probably would amtter to someone who has i.e. a Nokia N8 with a pentaband radio - but a Vibrant doesn't have that.
Going on Contract is cheaper. If you ever want to switch carriers you can just ETF the contract. It goes down every month you're on the contract.
That way you don't have to come up with so much up front for the phone.
Also, you get rebates on contract phones that sometimes aren't available if you buy the phone off-contract (i.e. Web Deals, etc.).
If you do the calculations, off contract is cheaper in the long term.
Not by much considerimg it's over a 2 yeat period. Mosy people don't care.
Thr upfront cost for an unlocked phone is simply too high for most.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
For me, going off-contract was good. It saved me $20 (plus tax) a month on phone charges, and, since I am planning on keeping this phone for a while, it's more than paid for. For me, having a contract and "subsidized" phones means being locked in to the carrier, and ending up paying full price (or more) for the phone on the installment plan.
On contract here. I don't think I could shell out $400+ for a phone just to be an early adopter.
I pay $120 a month for the 700 min family plan which includes my Vibrant with data, 400 texts, insurance, 2 extra lines with 400 texts each and [email protected] home. I also get a %15 discount through my work. There is no other carrier that would come close too that price. I will always buy on contract and keep my grandfathered plan.
Haha i got it free from t-mobile somehow i forgot it has something to do with trading in crappy phones.
Two year contract got me a vibrant for free not on an upgrade ;p
The day this phone came out!!
nero beta
badaphooko01 said:
On contract here. I don't think I could shell out $400+ for a phone just to be an early adopter.
I pay $120 a month for the 700 min family plan which includes my Vibrant with data, 400 texts, insurance, 2 extra lines with 400 texts each and [email protected] home. I also get a %15 discount through my work. There is no other carrier that would come close too that price. I will always buy on contract and keep my grandfathered plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint would be cheaper. They have just as good discounts as tmo, better for us, but unfortunately no service..
Oh, and unlimited texts, too.
Important on a droid... No push notifications for most (this) phone for fb/twitter.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
N8ter said:
Well US phones typically have their bands locked down (or are missing bands). Mobile flexibility probably would amtter to someone who has i.e. a Nokia N8 with a pentaband radio - but a Vibrant doesn't have that.
Going on Contract is cheaper. If you ever want to switch carriers you can just ETF the contract. It goes down every month you're on the contract.
That way you don't have to come up with so much up front for the phone.
Also, you get rebates on contract phones that sometimes aren't available if you buy the phone off-contract (i.e. Web Deals, etc.).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The vibrant actually does have 3g bands for at&t, even though what you say about missing bands is usually true.
Regarding price, if you have a data plan, em+ saves at least $20/month versus contract pricing, so for contract to be cheaper you'd need to either save $480 on a phone, (or less, if you convince tmo to give you phones more frequently).
Now I only paid $300 for our vibrants after rebates, so it was clearly cheaper in our case.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
**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...
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
SevenSe7enSeven said:
I'm thinking contracts have benefits when in need of multiple lines
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But really only if those lines have small requirements. If you need an all you can eat plan multiple lines cost out the ass on all the big carriers (but I would love to be proved wrong with some numbers. I love a good deal!)
don728871 said:
T-Mobile you paying for great customers care and a real office and discounts on phones with pre paid its cheaper in the long run
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the thing though. I'm constantly shocked by how many smart people seem to not be good at math. Prepaid is often not just cheaper but waaaayy cheaper over the life of a contract. Like over a thousand bucks cheaper. I don't buy that these folks are getting a thousand dollars worth of convenience and customer service calls.*
elesbb said:
I'm on t mobile pre paid. 30 a month. 5gigs 100 anytime minutes. Unlimited text. I can't complain
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
Bluntified said:
To the OP.
I think where people are located has a lot to do with it. Here in Canada, in Toronto to be more specific, pre-paid carriers suck if you're not in the city. I live just outside of Toronto, Mississauga, and the quality of service is very low compared to living in the major city.
I've been with my carrier, Telus, for 10 years now, I get huge discounts and slack from them! I've never been on a contract and have always paid for my phone upfront (minus loyalty discounts).
All in all, it's about reliability, what's reliable for one, isn't always reliable for the next.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point. In the USA, most folks on prepaid are using MVNO carriers that literally use the same towers as the big guys. For example, Straight Talk you can get either an ATT sim or a T-mobile sim, and use the exact same towers as if you were with that carrier.
---------- Post added at 10:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:30 PM ----------
Teo032 said:
I understand prepaid is great for single lines, but multiple lines... Plus loyalty bonuses is a great steal.
Unlimited 2 main lines. Remaining 3 has 500 mins plus nights and weekend. All unlimited text. 3 lines have 5gb plan and have i think $7 insurance. Without insurance it's $140. I opt for insurance for 2 lines so it ends up being ~$155 including tax.
Renew Bonuses: $250 credit plus $10 discount each month while on contract = $240. So $490 in bonuses which covers 3 months of pay... So yes there are benefits to staying on contract when you're on family plan.
You may not get the same deal as i do... Depends on the rep.. Pretty sure i was talking to a supervisor of some sort because he kept repeating "i can do things a normal rep doesn't have access to."
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they mark you up $500 higher, and then give you $500 in BONUS, you still are paying the bonus is worth much. The calculation needs to compare what the contract price all in amount is to the prepaid all in amount. I'm assuming your $140 number is ACTUAL bill, including taxes and surcharges and fees? If so, that is really good deal for 3 lines.
2 * $45 a month ST plans, unlimited everything, + $30 Tmo 100 voice 5gb fast data, = $120, that's $20 a month cheaper than what you are quoting, or $480 cheaper over 2 years, which feels pretty close to the $490 bonus you get on your contract. And that's straight off the shelf pricing, no need to talk to a supervisor.
SO, in your case, I'm not seeing a big savings either way, slight variations on the two scenarios, more minutes in one, more data in the other, unlimited txt all around.
BUT if a cheaper deal comes up in the next 2 years? Prepaid can go after it, contract is stuck on contract.
Yes, some folks can get a better deal than the norm contract or prepaid, but, on average, I'm pretty sure the OP is correct, prepaid saves much money over contracts, for most consumers, although Teo has a point that the gap is likely narrower for multi line customers ... IF they can get such a good deal.
Right now, att, 3 lines 550 minutes, unlimited mobile to mobiles, starts at $70, + $30 family unlimited txt, + $20 PER PHONE minimum for 300mb of data, is $160, $190 month with one line at 5GB of data, or $70 month more than the prepaid package I put together for a family of three, costing $1700 more over 2 years ... which is still $1200 even with a $500 "loyalty bonus".
Shelf price to shelf price, prepaid is way cheaper than most post paid equivalent plans, as the OP claimed, granted occasional sales / promo exceptions.
YMMV
I think everyone will benefit giving this thread a read:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1455014
It's basically what the OP is saying.
MegaMan X said:
I think everyone will benefit giving this thread a read:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1455014
It's basically what the OP is saying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a great thread. That thread does make some good points about prepaid, and compares some postpaid to prepaid prices, AND, shows how to set things up in a nice convenient, prepaid way its a great thread ... BUT,
OP here is more "WHY are people paying so much more on contract plans, it doesn't make sense?" Other's have pointed out that FAMILY plans may make sense, in the "OWN YOUR CELL SERVICE", they mostly just compare single line plans, and do not address the possible LACK of savings for multiple lines.
Now, I have defended the PREPAID savings, and compared ONE possible prepaid package to both current members 3 line plan (no prepaid savings given Teo's current pricing) and that same prepaid plan to a current (as of 8/2012) ATT family plan and shown great savings.
SO, so far in this thread we're 1-1 for savings on family plans.
AND, I'll throw in that for folks with multiple lines with 1 or more TABLETS, that the jury is even more still out there if prepaid is better, the new verizon and ATT tablet contract plans might be really attractive.
Of course, our discussions on "which plans is prepaid much cheaper for" STILL doesn't answer the OP's question of "WHEN PREPAID PLANS ARE CHEAPER, WHY DO PEOPLE NOT BUY THEM? " although some of us have hypothesized some possibilities.
Great thread so far ....
_atlien_ said:
I'm really wondering why users are in these contracts.
Thoughts?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll hazard another guess. How long have the prepaid plans been around with "just as good service"? I think TMO JUST recently came out with a 4g high speed prepaid option, right?
Perhaps "all these users are in these contracts" because two years ago contracts WERE better than prepaid, and these folks haven't bothered to check , and might not until their contracts are up and they shop again. I guess that's as good a guess as any.
noneone said:
Good point. In the USA, most folks on prepaid are using MVNO carriers that literally use the same towers as the big guys. For example, Straight Talk you can get either an ATT sim or a T-mobile sim, and use the exact same towers as if you were with that carrier.
---------- Post added at 10:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:30 PM ----------
If they mark you up $500 higher, and then give you $500 in BONUS, you still are paying the bonus is worth much. The calculation needs to compare what the contract price all in amount is to the prepaid all in amount. I'm assuming your $140 number is ACTUAL bill, including taxes and surcharges and fees? If so, that is really good deal for 3 lines.
2 * $45 a month ST plans, unlimited everything, + $30 Tmo 100 voice 5gb fast data, = $120, that's $20 a month cheaper than what you are quoting, or $480 cheaper over 2 years, which feels pretty close to the $490 bonus you get on your contract. And that's straight off the shelf pricing, no need to talk to a supervisor.
SO, in your case, I'm not seeing a big savings either way, slight variations on the two scenarios, more minutes in one, more data in the other, unlimited txt all around.
BUT if a cheaper deal comes up in the next 2 years? Prepaid can go after it, contract is stuck on contract.
Yes, some folks can get a better deal than the norm contract or prepaid, but, on average, I'm pretty sure the OP is correct, prepaid saves much money over contracts, for most consumers, although Teo has a point that the gap is likely narrower for multi line customers ... IF they can get such a good deal.
Right now, att, 3 lines 550 minutes, unlimited mobile to mobiles, starts at $70, + $30 family unlimited txt, + $20 PER PHONE minimum for 300mb of data, is $160, $190 month with one line at 5GB of data, or $70 month more than the prepaid package I put together for a family of three, costing $1700 more over 2 years ... which is still $1200 even with a $500 "loyalty bonus".
Shelf price to shelf price, prepaid is way cheaper than most post paid equivalent plans, as the OP claimed, granted occasional sales / promo exceptions.
YMMV
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is 5 lines.... And the $30 plan only has 100 mins, that is definitely not enough. I would have to opt for simplemobile or straight talk if i do prepaid so $40-45 x 5 if anything.
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
Maybe a N00B question here, but I am very confused about something.
I am reading all over the place about T-Mobile charging $15 - $20 over 20 months on top of the $199 2year contract price.
I have never heard of T-Mobile charging an additional monthly fee for an upgrade/new contract phone.
I have never had any monthly fees on any of my previous phones, nor has any of my friends, including those who have upgraded recently to their S3's.
Is this just something with the Nexus 4 specifically? Can someone please explain this to me? Thanks!
I think people are confusing T-Mobile's pricing and their $20/20months program.
If you sign a contract on T-Mobile you're going to end up spending $20/month more than you would if you did a pay-as-you-go plan.
They also have a program for their more expensive phones where you can buy them for $20 every month for 20 months, instead of up front. (I believe they do this program for the Galaxy S3)
The Nexus 4 doesn't fall under this, but rather just the raised prices of the post-paid plans.
Hope that helps
I've never had a $15/$20 "bump" in my monthly bill when I've done any upgrade, nor have my family or friends with their GS3s. Is this something that doesn't occur when you upgrade/extend your 2-year contract?
What is this additional fee specifically attributed to?
The way the "value" plan (as opposed to the "classic" plan) works is that you get no subsidy on new phones. You can bring your own or you can buy from T-Mobile for full price, and since there is no subsidy, they give you a lower monthly rate than on the "classic" plan.
To help you buy phones from them, they will essentially give you an interest-free loan that is paid back over 20 months. You pay a down payment of $200, then your bill is increased by however much is necessary over the 20 months to cover the full retail price of the phone. In the case of the Nexus 4, they are setting the full retail price as $500, so you pay them $200 down payment and $15/month for 20 months to cover the $500. It's not just for the Nexus 4; for example, you can buy the Galaxy Note II from them for $650, $250 down plus $20/month for 20 months.
They do still have the "classic" plans, where you pay the higher rate but your rate is the same, regardless of whether you have upgraded to a new phone or not; that's the kind of plan you had before.
Look at their classic plan vs value plan.
They are the exact same except that the classic is $20 more due to the discounted phone.
I suspect you are on the classic plan and have been all along.
I am on the classic plan. And that makes sense. Thank you for clearing that up! It's much appreciated
I'm checking Tmobile's website and not believing the cost, so I called them. Here is what is offered:
1. $708 upfront + $10 SIM card fee = $718 = unacceptable
2. 24 months $29.50 monthly payment = $714 + $10 SIM card fee = unacceptable
3. $199 upfront + 24 months x $21 monthly payment + $10 SIM card fee = $713 = UNACCEPTABLE
Seriously, if I'm signing a 2 year contract, there has got to be a better deal than this. What are you guys doing to get the phone at a better price?
:crying:
EDIT: No more 2 year contracts.
That's pretty much what happens when you go with any other carrier. Tmobile is just up front with how they are charging you.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk 4
I'm on AT&T: $300 for a 2 year contract.
AFAIK, you don't pay "extra" for the duration of the contract and then have the bill reduced when the phone is "paid off", you just get locked into AT&T's service for 2 years, at the normal rate that any AT&T customer would pay.
You gotta pay to play.
barnabydog said:
I'm on AT&T: $300 for a 2 year contract.
AFAIK, you don't pay "extra" for the duration of the contract and then have the bill reduced when the phone is "paid off", you just get locked into AT&T's service for 2 years, at the normal rate that any AT&T customer would pay.
You gotta pay to play.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol I am looking at $725 + 8.25% tax which brings that to $784.8. I am just going to wait for craigslist. If not I am going to get myself a Z1.
LoL..There is no better deal. Thats how celpones work. You either pay up front or you pay for it in increased monthly service charges.
No high end phone costs 300$ . Look at all the corners google has to cut to get there Nexus devices to that range. ATT/SPRINT/VZ all take into account the cost of the phone hence early termination fees.
You can try CL which is what I used to do..but IMEI blocking and scamming is rampant and disgusting and you may end up with a $500 wifi only device.
Have to agree don't do craigslist, way too risky.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2
Warrior1975 said:
Have to agree don't do craigslist, way too risky.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive done plenty of CL. Just meet them at the the carrier store. Activate it right there and see if it works. I havent had a problem yet.
Buying it from eBay.....I originally planned to buy it in Decemnber,but I think this will be more soon,as the USD is getting very low/weak
Lucas155 said:
I'm checking Tmobile's website and not believing the cost, so I called them. Here is what is offered:
1. $708 upfront + $10 SIM card fee = $718 = unacceptable
2. 24 months $29.50 monthly payment = $714 + $10 SIM card fee = unacceptable
3. $199 upfront + 24 months x $21 monthly payment + $10 SIM card fee = $713 = UNACCEPTABLE
Seriously, if I'm signing a 2 year contract, there has got to be a better deal than this. What are you guys doing to get the phone at a better price?
:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try Costco,
They usually give you a bag of goodies which in the past has come up to about $100 dollars in case, car charger, cleaner and microfiber etc... Most importantly you get 90 days to return the phone. It must turn on before returning it to them.
Sounds like you need to get a 2-3yr old smart phone, clearly the Note 3 is to expensive for you.
That's actually really cheap compared to the plans down here in Australia. I just got my Note 3 today and it will cost me about AU$1300 over 2 years.
The note 3 is going to cost me around 931 usd in South Korea. The Korean version come with a load of accessories that American versions dont have, which must justify the highier cost. I already have a contract with olleh and just need to transfer sims. But for some reason most places will not sell a phone without a contact that I aready have. They do do the payment plans that add on to the service bill. I am having problems find a place that will just sell me the note.
xManMythLegend said:
LoL..There is no better deal. Thats how celpones work. You either pay up front or you pay for it in increased monthly service charges.
No high end phone costs 300$ .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that's all you pay on At&t (or I think Verizon or Sprint)- there are no extra monthly payments that pay off the retail cost of the phone. You are just committed to another 2 years with them which you would've done anyways. Moreover, if you get it from Best Buy they'll price match anyone on the internet for 30 days.
That's what I did when I got my Note 2. Amazon mobile posted a price a couple days before my price match period was going to expire and I got a refund no questions asked. I paid $175 instead of $300. Walmart also offered that price.
That's why my advice would be to wait a while to see what happens. When a great deal comes along, someone will probably post it here anyway - that's how I found out last year.
Unfortunately I don't think any of that applies to the T-mobile version, or any non US users. Sorry.
On the other hand, the Att and Verizon Note 3 will be coming with the bootloader locked, so I'm going to wait anyway, since it would be useless to me that way.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317
What the bloody hell are you complaining about? I wish I could get it that cheap, and with me 80% of the world!
On a Dutch T-Mobile contract it's
2years 2GB + 90minutes = €44.00p/m + €269 phone = €1325. $1,802USD
2years 5GB (max) + Unlimited = €69,00p/m + €89,00 phone = €1745. Only a meagre $2,373USD
2years 250MB + 90minutes = €29,00 + €389,95 Phone = €1086. $1,476USD
In the shops it's €750 prepaid. THE PHONE COSTS $1,020USD HERE.
Truly, stop feeling so sorry for yourself.
ShadowLea said:
What the bloody hell are you complaining about? I wish I could get it that cheap, and with me 80% of the world!
On a Dutch T-Mobile contract it's ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you include the cost of the contract, obviously we'll pay way more than what the OP or I were quoting. A better comparison is the cost of buying it from an online retailer in your home country without contract since we all have different data plans.
Edit:
By the way, you could try ebay (US site). I just checked and they'll sell for less than $1000. I saw several selling with a buy it now price of between $750 to $785.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317
Dumbo53 said:
If you include the cost of the contract, obviously we'll pay way more than what the OP or I were quoting. A better comparison is the cost of buying it from an online retailer in your home country without contract since we all have different data plans.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be the latter. €750/$1,020.
God some of you guys have huge contracts thank god the UK ain't so bad
Sent from my HTC One using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Sorry I added to my post since it looked like no one responded. Anyway I suggested the ebay US site as a possible alternative for you?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317
Smartphones have been like this for a long time, in upwards of $600 unless you get a 2 yr contact, the more high end they are the more they gonna cost. I'll never dump $700 because I need two phone every two years so, instead of dumping $1,400 I'm renewing my 2 year contract with at&t and getting a note 3 for me and an iPhone 5s for the wife for under $700.
The reality is you want a fresh new device you'll have to dump that much money out get locked in a 2 contract. Well unless you want to pay a monthly payment on your phone on top of your bill.
RoloRacer on PA 4.3 Nexus 10
Dumbo53 said:
No, that's all you pay on At&t (or I think Verizon or Sprint)- there are no extra monthly payments that pay off the retail cost of the phone. You are just committed to another 2 years with them which you would've done anyways. Moreover, if you get it from Best Buy they'll price match anyone on the internet for 30 days.
That's what I did when I got my Note 2. Amazon mobile posted a price a couple days before my price match period was going to expire and I got a refund no questions asked. I paid $175 instead of $300. Walmart also offered that price.
That's why my advice would be to wait a while to see what happens. When a great deal comes along, someone will probably post it here anyway - that's how I found out last year.
Unfortunately I don't think any of that applies to the T-mobile version, or any non US users. Sorry.
On the other hand, the Att and Verizon Note 3 will be coming with the bootloader locked, so I'm going to wait anyway, since it would be useless to me that way.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you are misunderstanding.
The price of your monthly plan is padded to cover the cost of any phone you may have. TMO is the first company to give you the transparency and be forward enough to say you're paying extra for your phone and we will drop the price once its paid off. Take a look at their pricing before they changed to their no contract , and compare other carriers. Other carriers are pricier per month because they know you dont want to pay full price on your phoneup front so they give it to you for $199 and the additional hundreds it costs you end up paying for in monthly service costs over the 2 years you are locked in. Its not a coincidence as phones got more expensive so did the early termination fees.
Again this is in the U.S I make no claims about overseas.
Good News - ATT is offering a new mobile data share plan w/unlimited Talk & Text. More data for less, new data share plan included 10GB of data
http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/data-plans.html?gnLinkId=t2015#fbid=QH4FNKQoqUv
Just signed up for the 10gb plan. Was on 6gb now I get an additional 4gb for only 10.00 Att is headed in the right direction. Maybe unlimited like t-crap mobile one day ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk
chadrick.7 said:
Just signed up for the 10gb plan. Was on 6gb now I get an additional 4gb for only 10.00 Att is headed in the right direction. Maybe unlimited like t-crap mobile one day ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was on the 6gb before also, now i got 10gb i am a happy att customer now...TMobile is keeping all the other carriers on their toes...I love it. Plus i get 22% off my bill through my employer att discount #winning
iamolu said:
I was on the 6gb before also, now i got 10gb i am a happy att customer now...TMobile is keeping all the other carriers on their toes...I love it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Things are getting better now. Hopefully it will even get better in the future.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk
iamolu said:
Good News - ATT is offering a new mobile data share plan w/unlimited Talk & Text. More data for less, new data share plan included 10GB of data
http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/data-plans.html?gnLinkId=t2015#fbid=QH4FNKQoqUv
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This change cut $80 off of my bill overnight!! I was on the original 10gb share plan with 4 smartphones. Now my data plan has dropped $20 from $120 to $100 and I'm saving $15 on each device fee. :thumbup::thumbup::sly:
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I think I got duped. I called up and she claimed that I can convert my 4 contract phones over to this plan however that there is only the 40 dollar rate for each line, and I'll actually see 15 bucks per line on the bill. The change is effective on 2/4/2014 which is when my billing cycle changes... I guess I'll check back at the end of the month and have a long discussion with AT&T about it.
That is great news, any saving is good savings
msm903 said:
I think I got duped. I called up and she claimed that I can convert my 4 contract phones over to this plan however that there is only the 40 dollar rate for each line, and I'll actually see 15 bucks per line on the bill. The change is effective on 2/4/2014 which is when my billing cycle changes... I guess I'll check back at the end of the month and have a long discussion with AT&T about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can change it yourself. Just login to you att.com acct
what's the catch? there is always a catch, I don't trust att no more
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Saved me $77 a month!
lyrad12 said:
what's the catch? there is always a catch, I don't trust att no more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's pretty much a modification of the Family Share Value plan introduced not that long ago. The biggest pricing discrepancy between T-Mobile and AT&T was that AT&T charged the same monthly fee per device whether you bought it outright, got it with Next, or brought your own. With the introduction of the recent Family Share Value plan people who got their phones as described above were given a $15 a month discount on the monthly service fee per non-subsidized device. My two went from $40 to $25 per month. With the new plan announced today, if you're not using a subsidized phone, the $25 per month drops to $15. It starts at 10GB so it's really targeted at families/groups and large data users. My 6GB plan with two non-subsidized devices ($25 a month each) was $116. With the new 10GB plan it's $109 because while the data component went up a bit each device dropped $10 ( $15 a month).
So it's a great deal if you aren't using a subsidized device, have a lot of (non-subsidized) lines on your account, or are a big data user. It's pretty meaningless to those with subsidized phones. But it's meant to be a T-Mobile deterrant and you can't get subsidized phones from them directly anymore anyway. You can but only through resellers along with 2-year contracts and different rate plans that are pretty comparable to AT&T subsidized rates.
I was also on the 6GB plan (2 lines). Upgraded to this and now have 10GB for $15 less. Winning!
Can anyone who had a contract tell me exactly what is listed for the specific phone charge? I have attached how it shows up on mine and am a bit worried even though I am told that the 15 dollars will apply to each of my 4 lines
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda premium
msm903 said:
Can anyone who had a contract tell me exactly what is listed for the specific phone charge? I have attached how it shows up on mine and am a bit worried even though I am told that the 15 dollars will apply to each of my 4 lines
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not on a Mobile Share plan and I can't tell if the devices on your account are subsidized or not. The per device monthly discount only applies to non-subsidized devices (finished 2-year contract, purchased outright, Next, or bring your own). To get any of the discounts we're talking about you'd need to move to a Mobile Share plan and if you have devices on your account that are subsidized the monthly charge you pay for them won't decrease. With the new 10GB plan non-subsidized devices drop from as high as $40 to $15 per month.
BarryH_GEG said:
You're not on a Mobile Share plan and I can't tell if the devices on your account are subsidized or not. The per device monthly discount only applies to non-subsidized devices (finished 2-year contract, purchased outright, Next, or bring your own). To get any of the discounts we're talking about you'd need to move to a Mobile Share plan and if you have devices on your account that are subsidized the monthly charge you pay for them won't decrease. With the new 10GB plan non-subsidized devices drop from as high as $40 to $15 per month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See that's the problem there. I was told by the REP that even though I am on contracts the 15 dollar will apply. Its like I am getting an exemption. I will call them back
Also "The most surprising part of today's announcement is that current customers with on-contract phones can switch to the new pricing structure. Starting tomorrow, you can simply call up AT&T and ask to switch to a Mobile Share Value plan with 10GB or more of data, and you'll drop from paying $40 per smartphone down to just $15" the following was reported via the verge at http://www.theverge.com/2014/2/1/5368768/att-discounts-large-mobile-share-value-plans paragraph 6.
She actually set the plan up to take effect on 2/4/2014 which coincides with the start of my billing cycle.
I will call them back and cancel the changes. I would be going from paying 199 minus discounts to 235 minus discounts and that makes no sense for me.
msm903 said:
See that's the problem there. I was told by the REP that even though I am on contracts the 15 dollar will apply. Its like I am getting an exemption. I will call them back
Also "The most surprising part of today's announcement is that current customers with on-contract phones can switch to the new pricing structure. Starting tomorrow, you can simply call up AT&T and ask to switch to a Mobile Share Value plan with 10GB or more of data, and you'll drop from paying $40 per smartphone down to just $15" the following was reported via the verge at http://www.theverge.com/2014/2/1/5368768/att-discounts-large-mobile-share-value-plans paragraph 6.
She actually set the plan up to take effect on 2/4/2014 which coincides with the start of my billing cycle.
I will call them back and cancel the changes. I would be going from paying 199 minus discounts to 235 minus discounts and that makes no sense for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is from the new program's conditions. Anyone with subsidized phones can't also be on a "no annual service contract" agreement. Installment agreement refers to Next. Who knows, maybe the CSR you talked to is giving you some additional discounts or exceptions. It's pretty much the Wild Wild West over at AT&T lately in their effort to keep customers from T-Mobile.
Pricing for Value plan w/ 10 GB data ($100/mo.) plus per smartphone pricing ($15/mo.) on no annual service contract or on an installment agmt.
BarryH_GEG said:
This is from the new program's conditions. Anyone with subsidized phones can't also be on a "no annual service contract" agreement. Installment agreement refers to Next. Who knows, maybe the CSR you talked to is giving you some additional discounts or exceptions. It's pretty much the Wild Wild West over at AT&T lately in their effort to keep customers from T-Mobile.
Pricing for Value plan w/ 10 GB data ($100/mo.) plus per smartphone pricing ($15/mo.) on no annual service contract or on an installment agmt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyway thanks for the information. I just got back off the phone with ATT rep along with a online chat and I was informed that I will get charged the 40 dollar a month for the 3 lines and will receive a 25 dollar credit for each line. OF course I would only see that credit on my Next Bill and following bills. I will have to hope the reps I spoke to are correct, if not I'll be calling them back when my next bill shows up.
Here's to crossing my fingers.
While this is great and all but I would rather keep unlimited data on 3 lines family plan with unlimited text messaging and 500 mins with roll over for $160 a month. Until they take away the unlimited that is. Hopefully not anytime soon.
Sent from my SM-N900A using Tapatalk
With the monthly device fee down to $15, Next finally makes sense. It's now cheaper (as long as you want/need 10GB of data) than buying the phone subsidized. And that's not even taking in to account the "new device after 12 months" benefit of Next. Here's how the numbers work out based on current AT&T prices.
BarryH_GEG said:
With the monthly device fee down to $15, Next finally makes sense. It's now cheaper (as long as you want/need 10GB of data) than buying the phone subsidized. And that's not even taking in to account the "new device after 12 months" benefit of Next. Here's how the numbers work out based on current AT&T prices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe I'm missing something, but I'm on the 10GB Mobile Share Plan and while all my devices are subsidized, the cost per smartphone is just $30.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app