I have been searching all of the forums for the last two weeks regarding the TP2 and Sprint service, which on the surface sounded good. I purchased a brand new (in the box advertised as not requiring a contract) TP2 and called Sprint to port my number and was informed that even providing my own (paid for) hardware, they will not activate service without a 2 year contract. I'm stunned! Even Verizon will allow activation of your own handset without a contract. I called the CS line and was told that they will not activate without a contract. I guess I will sell this one and go with Verizon. No wonder Sprint has been loosing customers!
IIRC its actually illegal to do that, there was a big class action suit several years ago that forced all cellular providers to allow users to buy the phones and activate without contract
FWIW i activated my TP2 without a contract, i already had sprint (my previous 2 year contract was up and i have the 30 dollar SERO plan so i didnt want to change)
bs. all of my phones have been activated without 2 year. ive been with sprint 8 years.
You can activate the phone online.
I, too, recently activated my TP2 w/Sprint after being out of contract for just over a year. You probably fell on bad luck talking to people who were out of the loop. There are some corporate Sprint stores in malls (not kiosks) that will hook you up.
I actually started with a Sprint store ( 2 hour drive) as I intended to port my number. The Sprint employee at the store is the one that first informed me of the 2 year contract requirement. I then tried CS on their toll free number. The CS person was very polite, and did put me on hold while she supposedly spoke with a supervisor, but the answer was still 'no contreact, no service'. Considering that we do not have GSM service in our area, my only option is to get rid of this phone and go with Verizon. At least I know they will activate my equipment without a contract. It will be interesting to see if the legislation currently being considered by Congress will also include regulation over some of the policies of the cell carriers...
defaultdotxbe said:
IIRC its actually illegal to do that, there was a big class action suit several years ago that forced all cellular providers to allow users to buy the phones and activate without contract
FWIW i activated my TP2 without a contract, i already had sprint (my previous 2 year contract was up and i have the 30 dollar SERO plan so i didnt want to change)
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Do you have a link to that legal decision? I have been searching all morning looking for the case, and court ruling. Thanks!
timm9 said:
Do you have a link to that legal decision? I have been searching all morning looking for the case, and court ruling. Thanks!
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this is interesting information, do u mind sharing the actual court ruling document?
i dont remember the details, it was between when i got my first and second cell phone, my first you couldnt just buy a phone, they would only sell you a phone if you got a contract, and when i got my second you could buy the phones (for like $200 more) and activate without a contract, and i was told it was because of a lawsuit
this all like 10 years ago though, so i dont know if that was even the case
http://forums.precentral.net/palm-p...-if-they-buy-phone-full-cost.html#post2231359
Sometimes to get a good deal or something usually requires a 2year contract. No big deal IMO since I have no interest in leaving Sprint anytime soon. Another plus was I was able to get ahold of the department that does discounts and such. (2 years ago I got called for a survey in exchange for a 10% discount). It disapeared from my bill and since I didn't know it was a 2 year only discount (thus the reason for the 2 year contract renewal when they first asked) I asked if there was any way to get another discount. The woman on the phone was really helpful and hooked me up with a $10 off discount for another 2 year contract. HELL YA! So now I have a 1250 Sero plan + $7 insurance - $10. On the bill for April my total after tax, fees, etc was exactly $50.00 on the dot. Love Sprint, Love their service, and their phones are getting better and better. (TP2 has been sweet and the EVO looks ever sweeter. As long as they hook it up with some dang good WM7 phones this summer I can see they have learned a lot about getting into the market with a damn good device to keep competitive.
you need a contract with sprint to get service. They dont do month to month plans.
THATS THE BIG PROBLEM WITH SPRINT THEY HIRE SOME OF THE DUMBEST CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE,but when i have problems i go into the store BECOUSE I KNOW THE PEOPLE THERE HAVE THEIR BRAIN CELLS AND THEY TAKE GOOD CARE OF ME.Sprint has its drawbacks but what company doesnt overall im very satisfied with the company i mean verizon may have better service in my area but they cost more and i have free roaming so now i have better service and im content
At this point I have returned the TP2, and have gone with Verizon without a contract. On this site a post indicated that the 'contract required' is no longer legal based on litigation, but it's not worth my time and energy to fight over it. Like my wife said, "After all this, why would you want to do business with Sprint"?
That about sums it up...
Thank you all for the responses!
Existing Customer - New Customer
I read through some of the posts. I have activated several phones with Sprint, out of contract. I have 4 lines with Sprint, and I've not been on contract with them for maybe 3 years now. During this time I have activated maybe 6-8 different phones that I have bought on my own (usually on ebay), and never once been required to enter a contract.
The difference with me (and most other respondents) and yourself is we are existing Sprint customers; we have gone through our 1yr or 2yr contract with Sprint.
Verizon is obviously different in that, if you don't get a free or discounted phone from them, then you can obtain service without a contract.
Those of you sharing experiences of not signing a contract when swapping ESn's are off track here.
O.P is NOT an existing customer (*mentions porting his number to Sprint) and was wanting to join Sprint as a new customer but with his own Sprint handset. Sprint does not do month to month service (anymore, though they use to for an additional $10/month yrs ago).
Any current Sprint customer can change out hardware as much as they want and they're not required to modify their contracts. But a new customer joining Sprint whether he/she is bringing their handset is being required to sign a contract, it seems.
LordLugard said:
Those of you sharing experiences of not signing a contract when swapping ESn's are off track here.
O.P is NOT an existing customer (*mentions porting his number to Sprint) and was wanting to join Sprint as a new customer but with his own Sprint handset. Sprint does not do month to month service (anymore, though they use to for an additional $10/month yrs ago).
Any current Sprint customer can change out hardware as much as they want and they're not required to modify their contracts. But a new customer joining Sprint whether he/she is bringing their handset is being required to sign a contract, it seems.
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this is true to a certain extent....if you bring a line from a shared account into a separate (new) line but have bad credit, you only have to sign a 6 month contract and go month to month from there. (trust me, i know )
timm9 said:
I guess I will sell this one and go with Verizon. No wonder Sprint has been loosing customers!
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timm9 said:
At this point I have returned the TP2/QUOTE]
:| why didnt u just flash it to verizon..
well if u lost no money doing this then w/e.....
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This is really on how you play it out man. You can't give up like that homie. Really someone gave you bad info in the first call. You have to be in a contract to get service. But you can get out your contract really easy down the road. If you sign up you have 30 days to kill your service no questions. So if you were going to leave them someone might fix it for you spri-nt is dumb like that. But you have to keep calling you might get someone who is like F&*k my job I'm doing what ever today I'm going to quit. Talk to a female, guys their be tryin to mr tough I know everything you know.
Just wondering and thinking out loud i guess but you could goto a sprint store or online get a crappy feature phone with the cheapest plan that meets your needs then go online and activate your TP2 or whatever smartphone you want. I mean you will be stuck with sprint for 2 years but there prices are really good and if you want to switch devices again say when WP7 comes out your going to have to buy it used or pay full price again anyway idk just my 2 cents
EDIT:
sorry to revive a dead thread
sprint fan
i am more than happy with sprint.
while sprint has always bent over backwards to help me out other providers with whom i dealt to help out friends and family seem to tun around with their heads so far up their ass they need a glass stomach to keep from running into things.
go sprint
Related
Sorry to start another thread, but I just wanted to give everyone a heads up that Let's Talk now has The Fuze. I have been waiting to see if it would pop up there or on Amazon first. I bought it through the Walmart website. You can get the phone for either $99 or free. The free option requires you to start out with a voice plan of at least $59.99. The $99 option let's you choose a voice plan of $39.99. Although, both options make you get a data plan, but I was going to get one anyway. My total price (tax and all) was 195.53 before the $50 mail-in rebate. I'm very happy, and can finally stop wasting time at work.
I was going to upgrade through them, but they told me something completely laughable. You can upgrade a family plan, but EVERY LINE ON YOUR PLAN BEGINS A NEW 2 YEAR CONTRACT!!!
I was like, what're you ****ing kidding me? That'd be five 2 year contracts to get a cheaper upgrade, thanks but no thanks.
I tried this with my 4-line family plan. The configurator allowed me to get two of them free and two lesser phones free of charge. None of my lines are currently under contract... I am finding it hard to see the drawbacks to this.
Black93300ZX said:
I was going to upgrade through them, but they told me something completely laughable. You can upgrade a family plan, but EVERY LINE ON YOUR PLAN BEGINS A NEW 2 YEAR CONTRACT!!!
I was like, what're you ****ing kidding me? That'd be five 2 year contracts to get a cheaper upgrade, thanks but no thanks.
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Was this a representative that told you that or on the internet because it sounds completely inane :O?
If you talked with somebody, i'd try to give it another go.
Interesting, if there is a way to do this without extending all the contracts on the line I'll take mine back to the AT&T store. You can do this in store right?
The website states that whether you upgrade one line or all lines there will be a new 2yr contract for all lines in a family plan.
blkjack74 said:
Sorry to start another thread, but I just wanted to give everyone a heads up that Let's Talk now has The Fuze. I have been waiting to see if it would pop up there or on Amazon first. I bought it through the Walmart website. You can get the phone for either $99 or free. The free option requires you to start out with a voice plan of at least $59.99. The $99 option let's you choose a voice plan of $39.99. Although, both options make you get a data plan, but I was going to get one anyway. My total price (tax and all) was 195.53 before the $50 mail-in rebate. I'm very happy, and can finally stop wasting time at work.
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The upgrade price is $249.99. Be careful when dealing with LetsTalk. They have different terms and conditions in addition to AT&T's that are more strict. You MUST have a data plan to get this deal, and MUST have the data plan active for at least 6 months, or they will charge your credit/debit card at least $250.00.
I maybe retarded but I can't find how to upgrade 1 line on a family plan. It never gives me the option of choosing one line, just selecting a plan. If I select the family plan that I have it asks me to add at least 2 phones to complete the order.
Any ideas on upgrading just one line on an existing plan? Thanks.
Hmm...I just went through the LetsTalk procedure and it's telling me that, with an upgrade, you can get two Fuzes completely free? If this is true, I'm running immediately back to the store and returning this $350 dollar one.
htcfan78 said:
The upgrade price is $249.99. Be careful when dealing with LetsTalk. They have different terms and conditions in addition to AT&T's that are more strict. You MUST have a data plan to get this deal, and MUST have the data plan active for at least 6 months, or they will charge your credit/debit card at least $250.00.
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Thanks for the heads up. Hopefully I won't have any issues, as I was already planning on getting a data plan. If anything "weird" happens, I'll be sure to let everyone know.
Just a head's up. I have been with AT&T for years. Simply put, purchasing ANYTHING from letstalk.com is like walking into a mexican brothel without a condom. I have read many situation regarding these people, they are 100% sales driven. For those not wanting to believe me, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE read ALL the fine print. You might save a little now but 80% of the time you will spend much more later.
This has been a public service announcement from KD8DNS
I too have been with ATT for many years, and read of many angry stories related to orders from them. I have ordered from them twice in the past and have not had any trouble either time, BUT... I agree with KD8DNS, there is an expansive amount of fine print with many rules that govern the purchase. Read this twice even three times, so that you won't be one of the many complaining in 6 months that Letstalk charged you $250 per line because you violated terms.
yea...
This looks too good to be true...
I am moving from T-Mobile and need my number ported...
I am planning on getting a hefty voice and data plan anyway, so that shouldn't be any issue...I need the data plan for work and I pay a arm and leg to T-Mobile now so over $100 is par for the course.
I think I am going to wait to see if this comes through for someone else...signing up for new service on ATT, they say that I am only going to have to pay $99, and get a $99 rebate after 6 mos of service...that is not a big deal, but getting the phone for free really seems too good to be true!
BTW, I have been looking to jump from T-Mobile for quite some time now as I need a WM phone on a 3G network and Sprint/Verizon service leaves something to be desired in my area...
I mean, come on...$99 out of my pocket for this phone???? And I get that back with a rebate after having service for 6 mos????
That is just crazy...seems way too good to be true.
I don't get it how people have problems with Letstalk. I have ordered twice from them and had a great experience. The rule is
You can NOT downgrade your plan and you can not be late on your bill. If you do that for 6 months, it is a great deal.
Simply put: If you take the LetsTalk deal, you cannot alter your account in any way for 6 mos. If you move and have to change your number that may cause your rebate to be rejected even worse they may charge you the $250 I mentioned earlier. If you are stable and the features you select are fine for 6 mo. it may be worth it. It is not really to good to be true. They make the bulk of their money in commissions paid by AT&T. However, the commissions are tied to you living up to your commitment to them/AT&T. I have ordered from them before without issue, but I admit that i am a rare breed. If you decide to take the plunge, just know what you are getting into.
aadadams said:
Simply put: If you take the LetsTalk deal, you cannot alter your account in any way for 6 mos. If you move and have to change your number that may cause your rebate to be rejected even worse they may charge you the $250 I mentioned earlier. If you are stable and the features you select are fine for 6 mo. it may be worth it. It is not really to good to be true. They make the bulk of their money in commissions paid by AT&T. However, the commissions are tied to you living up to your commitment to them/AT&T. I have ordered from them before without issue, but I admit that i am a rare breed. If you decide to take the plunge, just know what you are getting into.
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Yea, that fits me to a tee...
I have done the research and know what I want...I am not going to alter my account at all. I am not going to move at all.
They don't have them in stock though...backordered...D'OH!
It's also only good for new contracts or porting from another carrier. It's $250 for existing ATT customers with a 2 year contract extension.
I already bought my fuze through the At&t store. Can I return it to take advantage of this freebie deal Let's Talk has? What it he penalty for returning it?
I was an out of contract, upgrade available customer. So I ended up getting my phone for 260.
Thresher said:
I already bought my fuze through the At&t store. Can I return it to take advantage of this freebie deal Let's Talk has? What it he penalty for returning it?
I was an out of contract, upgrade available customer. So I ended up getting my phone for 260.
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I took mine back and all that I had to pay was $20.00 a restocking fee. The rest of the fees were all reimbursed. I was told by the 800# that it is up to each store whether they charge the $20.00 dollar restocking fee. The store I went to did.
I bought our family plan almost 2 years ago from Letstalk.com and it was a great experience. I have not changed out plan at all other than changing phones and data/text plans. But the base talk plan has stayed the same.
Jeff
I was actually considering buying from letstalk.com. I have my fuze that I bought yesterday all packed up like it's new and I'm returning it first thing. They also said that if you're returning and it has no problems, they'll take $20. If it has a problem, they'll waive that fee for you. But what's up with this part in LetsTalk's Terms and Conditions? :S
If you extend your contract length on a family plan, all lines will be extended.
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I've been unable to get the forwarding code to work (even tried individually editing the call forwarding settings in the menu), and it says that out doesn't work with "prepaid" plans. I don't think that FlexPay counts as prepaid, though.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
Google voice with flex pay does not support the forwarding needed to use google voicemail. I went through this with my N1. I switched to the post paid plan just for this reason. To switch you need to have decent credit and have had your flex pay account for over 6 months with no delinquent payments.
That was the deal six months ago when I switched.
irishrally said:
Google voice with flex pay does not support the forwarding needed to use google voicemail. I went through this with my N1. I switched to the post paid plan just for this reason. To switch you need to have decent credit and have had your flex pay account for over 6 months with no delinquent payments.
That was the deal six months ago when I switched.
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Thanks for the info. I guess I'll have to wait six months then switch over. Did you have any problems changing over?
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
No problems except finding competent T-Mobile employee that knew how do this fairly rare task.
I'd call T-Mobile just to make sure the 6 month rule is still valid.
This is my only issue on the even more plus plan I have. It's killing me!
Sent from my Nexus S
If you have good credit you don't need to wait 6 months necessarily depending on why you are currently flex pay.
They put me on a flex pay account without asking or even checking my credit (> 750) when I signed up with my nexus s at the store (emp 500 plan). I called T-Mobile and told them to get me off of this terrible flex pay and on to a proper post paid account. I found out it was a flex pay after I tried to forward my voicemail and it kept failing, logged into the website to see I was flex pay. They were apologetic on the phone and quite helpful.
They will do a hard pull on your credit, but as long as you qualify they should switch you.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
krohnjw said:
If you have good credit you don't need to wait 6 months necessarily depending on why you are currently flex pay.
They put me on a flex pay account without asking or even checking my credit (> 750) when I signed up with my nexus s at the store (emp 500 plan). I called T-Mobile and told them to get me off of this terrible flex pay and on to a proper post paid account. I found out it was a flex pay after I tried to forward my voicemail and it kept failing, logged into the website to see I was flex pay. They were apologetic on the phone and quite helpful.
They will do a hard pull on your credit, but as long as you qualify they should switch you.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
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My credit is fairly nonexistent since I'm a college student, but hopefully after half a year of on-time payments and a bit of arm-twisting I can get a normal account.
I was suckered into FlexPay once, and I literally had to cancel the account to move to a postpaid account. On the second account, I was nearly forcibly sold a flexpay account again; the phone rep. literally denied knowledge of any non-contract postpaid accounts. It took another call (on a Saturday, no less) to move to a "regular" postpaid account.
TheBiles said:
My credit is fairly nonexistent since I'm a college student, but hopefully after half a year of on-time payments and a bit of arm-twisting I can get a normal account.
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Actually, good news on that front, no arm twisting needed! They will change your account over to postpaid if you've had 6mo of consistent on-time payments.
I stopped my local T-Mobile store when the G2 came out, curious about my ability to purchase it on contract with them given my good account history (also a college student with shoddy credit). Sure enough, the only thing that's required is the 6mo of on-time payments, took a few minutes to change my account over, and everyone walked out happy. They did ask me for my SSN, not sure if they looked up my score or not, but it didn't matter. They did stress the importance of the consistency. If you make your payment on time for 5mo, then miss it, the clock starts over.
URPREY said:
This is my only issue on the even more plus plan I have. It's killing me!
Sent from my Nexus S
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I have Even More Plus, and it works fine for me.
unremarked said:
Actually, good news on that front, no arm twisting needed! They will change your account over to postpaid if you've had 6mo of consistent on-time payments.
I stopped my local T-Mobile store when the G2 came out, curious about my ability to purchase it on contract with them given my good account history (also a college student with shoddy credit). Sure enough, the only thing that's required is the 6mo of on-time payments, took a few minutes to change my account over, and everyone walked out happy. They did ask me for my SSN, not sure if they looked up my score or not, but it didn't matter. They did stress the importance of the consistency. If you make your payment on time for 5mo, then miss it, the clock starts over.
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Awesome! Thanks for the info! I've got automatic payments set up, so it would be tough for me to miss one!
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
I'm a T-Mobile employee so I figured I can shed some light on this situation. Yes, the 6 month on-time payment policy is still in effect. In fact, they just starting that policy not too long ago. When T-Mobile runs credit, it is NOT a hard pull and doesn't effect your credit like your applying for a mortgage or a car loan. We also don't see an exact credit score either. It actually goes by credit class. From what I was told by tech support about Google Voice and call forwarding, FlexPay does not have call forwarding as a feature which is one of the reasons why Google voicemail doesn't work with FlexPay plans. A far as the conversion from FlexPay to Postpaid, it's a good idea to have automatic scheduled payments taken out of a credit or debit account just to make sure the payments are on time and to avoid paying the 4.99 Control Charge.
If you are within the 14-day Buyer's Remorse period, you do not need to wait 6 months. Just cancel your FlexPay plan under Buyer's Remorse. They will refund your payment. Then go to a T-Mobile store and start new service with a non-contract postpay plan.
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For anyone who wants to feel my pain, this is how I found out:
I bought my Nexus S without contract ($529 at Best Buy) and called T-Mobile to activate service. At that time, I was told that FlexPay and post-pay without contract would give me the same features, and I chose FlexPay.
After a week of Google Voice voicemail mostly not working, I Googled and found the threads about FlexPay not supporting this feature. Called T-Mobile phone support and had the following conversation:
Me: Hi, I bought a Nexus S at full retail price less than a week ago, activated a non-contract FlexPay plan after being told it had all the same features as a post-pay plan, but have come to find out that this is not true and that the FlexPay plan doesn't fully support Google Voice, which is one of the advertised features of this phone. I would like to switch to a non-contract postpay plan.
T-Mobile Representative: I would be happy to assist you... In order to be eligible for changing from FlexPay to a postpay plan, you should have 6 months of on time payments and...
Me: That makes no sense. I just bought the phone. I am within my return period for the phone at Best Buy, and I am within my trial period with T Mobile. I'm entitled to cancel my plan altogether and start a new one, right? So why can't I switch plans?
T-Mobile Representative: I would be happy to assist you. In order to be eligible for changing from FlexPay to a postpay plan, you should have 6 months of on time payments and...
Me: Did you really just repeat exactly the same thing to me? Did you understand a word I just said?
T-Mobile Representative: I am sorry for your frustration. We have certain eligibility requirements. In order to be eligible for changing from FlexPay to a postpay plan, you should have 6 months of on time payments and...
Me: I would like to speak to a supervisor.
T-Mobile Representative: I would be happy to get you to a supervisor, but there are very few supervisors available right now. It may be better for you to go to a T Mobile store for help.
Me: My closest T Mobile corporate store is pretty far away. I'll hold for a supervisor.
I then held for about 20 minutes with the representative occasionally checking in with me to ask if I'd rather go to a store instead of continuing to hold. I finally gave up and called back. Got a new representative this time.
Me: I just called and explained to someone my predicament. She showed no understanding and repeatedly read eligibility guidelines to me. Hopefully you will comprehend what I am calling about. Please refrain from reading me any eligibility guideline involving waiting 6 months.
T-Mobile Representative #2: Sorry for your frustration. How can I help you?
Me: I bought a Nexus S at full retail price less than a week ago, activated a non-contract FlexPay plan after being told it had all the same features as a post-pay plan, but have come to find out that this is not true and that the FlexPay plan doesn't fully support Google Voice, which is one of the advertised features of this phone. I am within my return period for the phone at Best Buy, and I am within my trial period with T Mobile. I would like to switch to a non-contract postpay plan.
T-Mobile Representative #2: I would be happy to assist you. In order to be eligible for changing from FlexPay to a postpay plan, you should have 6 months of on time payments and...
Me: This is very frustrating. I am within the 14 day Buyer's Remorse period entitled to cancel my service with T Mobile for a full refund. At that point I could start new service as postpay. I could understand if you were to tell me "I understand that what I am telling you makes no sense, but unfortunately my system does not allow me to do what you ask"; however, you showing no comprehension and repeating these eligibility criteria is very frustrating.
T-Mobile Representative #2: I am sorry for your frustration. Our eligibility guidelines specify that in order to be eligible for changing from FlexPay to a postpay plan, you should have 6 months of on time payments and...
At this point, I said goodbye and disconnected. It was some of the most unhelpful customer support I had ever encountered. I can only assume that those workers are not allowed to express any thoughts which aren't written on the page/screen in front of them.
I drove to my local T Mobile store, and the support there was top notch. The representative there explained that the phone support training was very limited and that in order to get what I wanted with them, I would have to have called and said "I would like to cancel my service under Buyer's Remorse", cancel, and then set up new service (which would be much easier to do with a new SIM, so better that I came into the store). Apparently, the training of the phone support was such that they were to do anything possible to avoid canceling a customer's service, so they were not going to suggest that as the solution for my issue.
The in-store customer service representative then called back the same folks I had just spoken to at phone support and had them cancel my FlexPay plan and refund all that I had paid (that's how Buyer's Remorse works). He then promptly set up non-contract postpay service for me, and I walked out with working Google Voice.
The T Mobile phone support experience made me thing twice about sticking with T Mobile, although the excellent in-store customer support made up for it at least partially.
Verizon phone support is so much better. For starters, I called Verizon on Christmas day and got a US-based rep without any hold time. The T-Mobile phone reps had clearly been outsourced, although this would not have been an issue to me if they had been helpful.
Here's how my conversation went with the Verizon rep:
Me: I got a new phone with T Mobile and would like to know what the early termination fee would be for my Verizon contract which ends in April.
Verizon Representative: That fee is $280
Me: Ouch. Can I drop the data plan from my contract?
Verizon Representative: Unfortunately you are required to have a data plan with that particular phone (HTC Incredible). If you won't be using the phone much, you could pay for the $15 data plan, which gives you 150MB, instead of the $30 data plan you are currently using. Do you or someone you know have an old Verizon phones which is currently not in use?
Me: Yes, why?
Verizon Representative: You can associate your Verizon plan with a non-smartphone and then stop paying for a data plan.
Me: Great!
She then helped me change over to the other phone and also saved me a few extra bucks by putting me on a family plan with my wife. Bottom line is that for the next five months, instead of paying $70/month for a phone I'm not using, I'll be paying $20/month for that phone thanks to a thinking customer representative who did more than read to me from a script.
Amin Sabet said:
If you are within the 14-day Buyer's Remorse period, you do not need to wait 6 months. Just cancel your FlexPay plan under Buyer's Remorse. They will refund your payment. Then go to a T-Mobile store and start new service with a non-contract postpay plan.
----------------------------------
For anyone who wants to feel my pain, this is how I found out:
I bought my Nexus S without contract ($529 at Best Buy) and called T-Mobile to activate service. At that time, I was told that FlexPay and post-pay without contract would give me the same features, and I chose FlexPay.
After a week of Google Voice voicemail mostly not working, I Googled and found the threads about FlexPay not supporting this feature. Called T-Mobile phone support and had the following conversation:
Me: Hi, I bought a Nexus S at full retail price less than a week ago, activated a non-contract FlexPay plan after being told it had all the same features as a post-pay plan, but have come to find out that this is not true and that the FlexPay plan doesn't fully support Google Voice, which is one of the advertised features of this phone. I would like to switch to a non-contract postpay plan.
T-Mobile Representative: I would be happy to assist you... In order to be eligible for changing from FlexPay to a postpay plan, you should have 6 months of on time payments and...
Me: That makes no sense. I just bought the phone. I am within my return period for the phone at Best Buy, and I am within my trial period with T Mobile. I'm entitled to cancel my plan altogether and start a new one, right? So why can't I switch plans?
T-Mobile Representative: I would be happy to assist you. In order to be eligible for changing from FlexPay to a postpay plan, you should have 6 months of on time payments and...
Me: Did you really just repeat exactly the same thing to me? Did you understand a word I just said?
T-Mobile Representative: I am sorry for your frustration. We have certain eligibility requirements. In order to be eligible for changing from FlexPay to a postpay plan, you should have 6 months of on time payments and...
Me: I would like to speak to a supervisor.
T-Mobile Representative: I would be happy to get you to a supervisor, but there are very few supervisors available right now. It may be better for you to go to a T Mobile store for help.
Me: My closest T Mobile corporate store is pretty far away. I'll hold for a supervisor.
I then held for about 20 minutes with the representative occasionally checking in with me to ask if I'd rather go to a store instead of continuing to hold. I finally gave up and called back. Got a new representative this time.
Me: I just called and explained to someone my predicament. She showed no understanding and repeatedly read eligibility guidelines to me. Hopefully you will comprehend what I am calling about. Please refrain from reading me any eligibility guideline involving waiting 6 months.
T-Mobile Representative #2: Sorry for your frustration. How can I help you?
Me: I bought a Nexus S at full retail price less than a week ago, activated a non-contract FlexPay plan after being told it had all the same features as a post-pay plan, but have come to find out that this is not true and that the FlexPay plan doesn't fully support Google Voice, which is one of the advertised features of this phone. I am within my return period for the phone at Best Buy, and I am within my trial period with T Mobile. I would like to switch to a non-contract postpay plan.
T-Mobile Representative #2: I would be happy to assist you. In order to be eligible for changing from FlexPay to a postpay plan, you should have 6 months of on time payments and...
Me: This is very frustrating. I am within the 14 day Buyer's Remorse period entitled to cancel my service with T Mobile for a full refund. At that point I could start new service as postpay. I could understand if you were to tell me "I understand that what I am telling you makes no sense, but unfortunately my system does not allow me to do what you ask"; however, you showing no comprehension and repeating these eligibility criteria is very frustrating.
T-Mobile Representative #2: I am sorry for your frustration. Our eligibility guidelines specify that in order to be eligible for changing from FlexPay to a postpay plan, you should have 6 months of on time payments and...
At this point, I said goodbye and disconnected. It was some of the most unhelpful customer support I had ever encountered. I can only assume that those workers are not allowed to express any thoughts which aren't written on the page/screen in front of them.
I drove to my local T Mobile store, and the support there was top notch. The representative there explained that the phone support training was very limited and that in order to get what I wanted with them, I would have to have called and said "I would like to cancel my service under Buyer's Remorse", cancel, and then set up new service (which would be much easier to do with a new SIM, so better that I came into the store). Apparently, the training of the phone support was such that they were to do anything possible to avoid canceling a customer's service, so they were not going to suggest that as the solution for my issue.
The in-store customer service representative then called back the same folks I had just spoken to at phone support and had them cancel my FlexPay plan and refund all that I had paid (that's how Buyer's Remorse works). He then promptly set up non-contract postpay service for me, and I walked out with working Google Voice.
The T Mobile phone support experience made me thing twice about sticking with T Mobile, although the excellent in-store customer support made up for it at least partially.
Verizon phone support is so much better. For starters, I called Verizon on Christmas day and got a US-based rep without any hold time. The T-Mobile phone reps had clearly been outsourced, although this would not have been an issue to me if they had been helpful.
Here's how my conversation went with the Verizon rep:
Me: I got a new phone with T Mobile and would like to know what the early termination fee would be for my Verizon contract which ends in April.
Verizon Representative: That fee is $280
Me: Ouch. Can I drop the data plan from my contract?
Verizon Representative: Unfortunately you are required to have a data plan with that particular phone (HTC Incredible). If you won't be using the phone much, you could pay for the $15 data plan, which gives you 150MB, instead of the $30 data plan you are currently using. Do you or someone you know have an old Verizon phones which is currently not in use?
Me: Yes, why?
Verizon Representative: You can associate your Verizon plan with a non-smartphone and then stop paying for a data plan.
Me: Great!
She then helped me change over to the other phone and also saved me a few extra bucks by putting me on a family plan with my wife. Bottom line is that for the next five months, instead of paying $70/month for a phone I'm not using, I'll be paying $20/month for that phone thanks to a thinking customer representative who did more than read to me from a script.
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I feel your pain. The reason why the customer service was very poor when you first called in was due to the fact that you were speaking to the Flex Pay customer care department and they are 80% outsourced. Every other department is not, especially Post Paid Customer Care.
However, your situation is different than a lot of other people in the same position as you. You were approved for a postpaid account but opted for the Flex Pay account and not everyone will be qualified for both because it's based on credit.
drew_grant said:
I feel your pain. The reason why the customer service was very poor when you first called in was due to the fact that you were speaking to the Flex Pay customer care department and they are 80% outsourced. Every other department is not, especially Post Paid Customer Care.
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^ Truth. When I had my Nexus One, I was on the FlexPay plans and the support was pretty terrible. But once I went postpaid with my G2 and MT4G, support was vastly improved aside from this one jerk who tried to convince me that my last eventually returned MT4G had received it's update while in it's box, while unpowered, and that Android 2.2 was the latest version.
Once I got past him and talking with an actual phone tech about my issue, I was very impressed with her knowledge/skills/customer service. I wish I had written down her name, because I'd pay extra/wait on hold forevers just to talk with someone who knows her stuff again. She even threw in a $10 account credit just because. Heh.
I just got back from the T-Mo store - they switched me to a post-paid account and my Google Voice works now. It's still the same Even More Plus plan, but it's post-paid instead of Flex-Pay. I have no idea why they stuck me on that plan in the first place.
I got a new number, but I really didn't care because I use Google Voice anyway.
Amin Sabet said:
If you are within the 14-day Buyer's Remorse period, you do not need to wait 6 months. Just cancel your FlexPay plan under Buyer's Remorse. They will refund your payment. Then go to a T-Mobile store and start new service with a non-contract postpay plan.
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This was extremely helpful, and exactly what I did. Thanks!
drew_grant said:
I feel your pain. The reason why the customer service was very poor when you first called in was due to the fact that you were speaking to the Flex Pay customer care department and they are 80% outsourced. Every other department is not, especially Post Paid Customer Care.
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Thanks, I'm happy to hear that!
drew_grant said:
However, your situation is different than a lot of other people in the same position as you. You were approved for a postpaid account but opted for the Flex Pay account and not everyone will be qualified for both because it's based on credit.
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I wish that when I had been presented with the options, they had given me a bit more info to differentiate them. All I was told:
- FlexPay costs $5 more per month unless you have automatic recurring payments
- Post pay has $35 activation fee and FlexPay does not
- Post pay checks your credit and FlexPay doesn't
- Post pay you pay after and FlexPay you pay before
- Same features - no differences at all
I figured I'd save myself the activation fee, avoid a credit check (in case this was not good for my credit) and go with FlexPay with automatic/recurring payments. If they had told me that FlexPay doesn't have call forwarding or that there was a different level of phone support, I never would considered it.
Amin Sabet said:
Thanks, I'm happy to hear that!
I wish that when I had been presented with the options, they had given me a bit more info to differentiate them. All I was told:
- FlexPay costs $5 more per month unless you have automatic recurring payments
- Post pay has $35 activation fee and FlexPay does not
- Post pay checks your credit and FlexPay doesn't
- Post pay you pay after and FlexPay you pay before
- Same features - no differences at all
I figured I'd save myself the activation fee, avoid a credit check (in case this was not good for my credit) and go with FlexPay with automatic/recurring payments. If they had told me that FlexPay doesn't have call forwarding or that there was a different level of phone support, I never would considered it.
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Click to collapse
Flex Pay is a HUGE hassle. It's all systematic and if one thing goes wrong it can mess everything up for the customer and for T-Mobile. As a technicality, I don't expect many people to know about the call forwarding thing on Flex Pay because it's hardly ever used except in the case of GV. The only way I found out about it was last year and it was for on a Sidekick. But like I said, if you can qualify for a Postpaid account, go for postpaid. There's no 4.99 control charge, and you don't have to pay everything up front as far as changes in plans and features goes...and last but no least, the CS is WAY better . Also when they run credit, it's a soft pull that won't damage your credit unless you go to every single wireless carrier around and have them run your credit; THAT will affect it negatively.
URPREY said:
I just got back from the T-Mo store - they switched me to a post-paid account and my Google Voice works now. It's still the same Even More Plus plan, but it's post-paid instead of Flex-Pay. I have no idea why they stuck me on that plan in the first place.
I got a new number, but I really didn't care because I use Google Voice anyway.
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Hey man, if you want your old number back, it is possible. I'd call the store you went to or just go up there and have the rep request your old number back. It migrates over in 36 hours or so. But yeah, it's totally possible if you would like it back.
With the Arrive coming out on Sprint soon, and the Trophy coming to Verizon, allegedly on the 24th, I'm wondering if it will be possible to get an Arrive to work on Verizon? Verizon's coverage in my area is far better than Sprint's, but I don't want the bottom of the barrel WP7 device, as I've heard the Trophy called. I have used the Mogul, the Touch Pro, and now the Touch Pro 2, and really like having that slide-out keyboard.
Any idea if getting Arrive to work on Verizon, or am I doomed to deal with Trophy?
Thanks,
Rich
No idea. The only WP7 device I've heard of for Verizon is the Trophy, like you stated.
You can get the Arrive on Sprint and roam on Verizon!
I am hoping that a few more WP7 devices are announced for both carriers at CTIA (March 22-24).
Musicman247 said:
No idea. The only WP7 device I've heard of for Verizon is the Trophy, like you stated.
You can get the Arrive on Sprint and roam on Verizon!
I am hoping that a few more WP7 devices are announced for both carriers at CTIA (March 22-24).
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truth...
Sprint has agreements with Verizon, when you roam on Sprint it is through Verizon's network and there is no extra charge.
You could get on the Sprint Everything Plus Data plan for $59.99, and pay another $10 for the premium data plan, and pay $69.99 for a new HTC Arrive.
Really.... :/
I had a Sprint Mogul when I moved to GA two years ago. The reception was PATHETIC. You used to see the commercials where someone would say something then drop the call, and it was totally awkward? Well, that happened to me. I was talking to a dear friend, and said, "I love you, Patty", and the call dropped, and I WOULD have continued, "you're one of the dearest friends I have." Of course she didn't hear the last part. I drove up and down the road desperately seeking a bar. JUST ONE BAR! I switched to Verizon and that problem went away.
So, I guess the question I have now is whether the switch to CDMA on Sprint is that recent? I wasn't aware that I could use a Sprint phone on a Verizon network, and due to my past experience I didn't check. If the answer is yes, then I believe I will be cancelling my Verizon contract when the Arrive arrives!
Hmmm... Only issue is that my VZW plan is unlimited data - TRULY unlimited - because I had it on an employee plan when I got it (and I'm not an employee of that company anymore). Is Sprint's plan TRULY unlimited?
hopmedic said:
Really.... :/
I had a Sprint Mogul when I moved to GA two years ago. The reception was PATHETIC. You used to see the commercials where someone would say something then drop the call, and it was totally awkward? Well, that happened to me. I was talking to a dear friend, and said, "I love you, Patty", and the call dropped, and I WOULD have continued, "you're one of the dearest friends I have." Of course she didn't hear the last part. I drove up and down the road desperately seeking a bar. JUST ONE BAR! I switched to Verizon and that problem went away.
So, I guess the question I have now is whether the switch to CDMA on Sprint is that recent? I wasn't aware that I could use a Sprint phone on a Verizon network, and due to my past experience I didn't check. If the answer is yes, then I believe I will be cancelling my Verizon contract when the Arrive arrives!
Hmmm... Only issue is that my VZW plan is unlimited data - TRULY unlimited - because I had it on an employee plan when I got it (and I'm not an employee of that company anymore). Is Sprint's plan TRULY unlimited?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint unlimited really is unlimited, but if you read the fine print they reserve the right to terminate you if you get retarded on it, just like any other carrier. Check with a local Sprint store about the coverage/roaming issue. Most plans on Sprint now include free roaming nationwide, and I can't think of what other major carrier in the US has CDMA other than Verizon.
Don't! sign up for a plan through the store, you need to do it online through the Everythign Plus referral, and get the plan for $10 less than doing it in store. So you can bet a HTC Arrive and pay $59.99+$10 premium data = $69.99 for 500 anytime minutes to landlines, and unlimited any mobile any time, unlimited data, pictures, text, nights starting at 7pm, etc. etc. etc.
http://www.sprint.com/everythingplus
You will need a Sprint employee email address/pin. This is where Russ McGuire comes into play, he is Vice President of Strategy for Sprint. On his blog he invites everyone for the sprint offer.
http://mcguireslaw.com/
(under about on the right hand side he has his email address and pin for everyone to use freely/Legitimately)
Addendum: their fine print says they can terminate/stop service if you use too much data outside their network etc, so the roaming thing would apply here. Wouldn't hurt to check out if their coverage has improved in your area.
Very interesting - thanks so much for the info! I guess now I'm tossing up the pros and cons of going with that or going through wirefly and getting the phone for $50 - especially since my wife will get an arrive if it is $50, but she wont' get it if we have to pay $200 (after rebate). I'm looking at it like this:
From Wirefly:
2 phones $100
monthly rate $149
From Sprint:
1 phone $200 (plus whatever phone my wife ends up getting)
monthly rate $129
So, for $20 a month over 2 years, I would save a total of $480. At a $150 savings for each Arrive buying through wirefly, that takes the comparable savings down to 180. Given that my wife won't get an Arrive if we have to pay full price now (since we'll also have to pay early term fee for our current Verizon contract), She would probably go with a free phone, and I'd save more money, but she wouldn't have WP7 (which I want her to have).
You've given me much food for thought. Right now I'd say we're probably going to end up going with Wirefly, but I'm going to sit on the decision for a couple days to decide. Thank you.
hopmedic said:
Very interesting - thanks so much for the info! I guess now I'm tossing up the pros and cons of going with that or going through wirefly and getting the phone for $50 - especially since my wife will get an arrive if it is $50, but she wont' get it if we have to pay $200 (after rebate). I'm looking at it like this:
From Wirefly:
2 phones $100
monthly rate $149
From Sprint:
1 phone $200 (plus whatever phone my wife ends up getting)
monthly rate $129
So, for $20 a month over 2 years, I would save a total of $480. At a $150 savings for each Arrive buying through wirefly, that takes the comparable savings down to 180. Given that my wife won't get an Arrive if we have to pay full price now (since we'll also have to pay early term fee for our current Verizon contract), She would probably go with a free phone, and I'd save more money, but she wouldn't have WP7 (which I want her to have).
You've given me much food for thought. Right now I'd say we're probably going to end up going with Wirefly, but I'm going to sit on the decision for a couple days to decide. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me further add to your thoughts, wirefly still may not be the best option.
If you sign up with Sprint and port your current number over to them from another carrier they will give you $125 credit for each smartphone.
http://www.sprint.com/landings/portcredit/
sprint said:
Move your number to Sprint. Get $125.For a limited time only, activate a new Sprint smartphone and save.Just bring your number from another carrier to Sprint and activate a smartphone, like the Samsung Epic™ 4G, on a new line and we'll give you a $125 service credit. Not ready for a smartphone? We'll give you a $50 service credit when you port your number from another carrier and activate one of our other fabulous phones. Either way, you win.
$125 service credit per line for each smartphone
$50 service credit per line for other phones
How to get your service credit:
Find the perfect phone. Shop online now.
Transfer your eligible number to Sprint by 4/16/2011. Doing this online is easy – we'll ask you for your number when you checkout.
Within 72 hours of activating your phone and transferring your number from another carrier, register for the credit.
That's it! You can expect to see your service credit as a lump sum within the adjustment section of your invoice. The service credit will show up on the first or second invoice after you have been a Sprint customer for 60 days. It will be labeled as "Valued Customer Service Credit."
Visit this page if you have any questions about the status of your service credit and select “Where’s my credit?” Remember, the credit will not appear on your invoice until at least 60 days after activation.
Requires two-year Agreement.
This offer is available online, via Telesales and in participating Sprint Stores. Purchases from other retailers are not eligible for this credit.
Offer ends 4/16/2011. Available for consumer and individual-liable lines only. Requires port in from an active wireless line and mobile number that comes through the port process. Request for service credit must be made at www.sprint.com/switchoffer within 72 hours from the port in activation date or credit will be declined. New line must remain active with Sprint for 61 days to receive service credit. Smartphones are Blackberry, Android, Windows Mobile, Palm and Instinct Family of devices. All other phones are considered feature phones. Smartphones require activation on an Everything Plan with data with Premium Data add-on charge. Upgrades, replacements, and ports made between Sprint entities or providers associated with Sprint are excluded (i.e. Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, Common Cents Mobile and Assurance). Offers not available in all markets/retail locations. Other restrictions apply.
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Sooooo $400 for 2 Arrive's, minus $250 - $150 for 2.
Hope this further helps you.
Wow.... That's awesome.... Now I'm going to have to look and see if I can combine the everything plus with the port credit, and double check to make sure we can receive two $100 rebates if we buy two phones. Thanks!
hopmedic said:
Wow.... That's awesome.... Now I'm going to have to look and see if I can combine the everything plus with the port credit, and double check to make sure we can receive two $100 rebates if we buy two phones. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The port credit information was posted on the Everything Plus referral page after you logged in with the email and pin number. And the $100 refund credit is definately per phone regardless of how many you purchase.
The only thing you need to make sure of is that Sprint services your area well.
Hope I was able to help you save some money no matter what you decide, let me know what you finally end up doing. I am picking up 2 Arrives on Sunday (for wife and I).
Credit Union Discounts
For those who go/have gone through wirefly for the 50 dollar deal (which I did), since we can't sign up for the Referral Program, the next best option to still get 10% knocked off your bill is to get a discount through any affiliated credit union (of which, there are TONS). Long-term, for 1 phone, Getting the port credit and Referral discount probably works out better, but I couldn't justify spending 300 up front for the phone, waiting x number of weeks for the rebate etc..
cusaver dot com
you can always....swap esns if your willing to get your hands dirty *cough* It works great *cough*
Halabeaster, I've never put a non-standard rom on a phone, but if it's safe, I'm willing to try. For the moment, I'm on Sprint, but not sure I'm happy with the coverage... Got 3 1/2 weeks left or so to decide. I am a developer, but not very experienced. How difficult is it?
cyclical said:
Sprint unlimited really is unlimited, but if you read the fine print they reserve the right to terminate you if you get retarded on it, just like any other carrier. Check with a local Sprint store about the coverage/roaming issue. Most plans on Sprint now include free roaming nationwide, and I can't think of what other major carrier in the US has CDMA other than Verizon.
Don't! sign up for a plan through the store, you need to do it online through the Everythign Plus referral, and get the plan for $10 less than doing it in store. So you can bet a HTC Arrive and pay $59.99+$10 premium data = $69.99 for 500 anytime minutes to landlines, and unlimited any mobile any time, unlimited data, pictures, text, nights starting at 7pm, etc. etc. etc.
You will need a Sprint employee email address/pin. This is where Russ McGuire comes into play, he is Vice President of Strategy for Sprint. On his blog he invites everyone for the sprint offer.
(under about on the right hand side he has his email address and pin for everyone to use freely/Legitimately)
Addendum: their fine print says they can terminate/stop service if you use too much data outside their network etc, so the roaming thing would apply here. Wouldn't hurt to check out if their coverage has improved in your area.
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Click to collapse
Question, can you jump on this if you're an existing customer?
I just got my HTC Arrive on the Verizon Wireless network via Page Plus Cellular thanks to this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=13205205&postcount=9
I replaced my well used Touch Pro 2 with an Arrive because I was waiting for Windows Phone 7 and Netflix capabilty. I'm not a heavy phone data user because I have Wi-Fi everywhere I go.
So far I was able to get the talk and text working for my unlimited plan but haven't hammered out the rest of the data settings. Might have to wait for a Verizon Trophy to come out so that I can try to mirror the settings. This method is technically on Verizon so 95% of the service is the same at a much better price. I need mainly lots and lots of Talk/Text with NO data plan fees.
I actually bought my 2 phones from Amazon Wireless. Both were upgrades for non-primary lines on a family plan (Everything Data 3000) and AW had the best deal on the devices I could find anywhere, $150. The deal got even better now though, $99 for upgraders and free for new users.
dtrush said:
I just got my HTC Arrive on the Verizon Wireless network via Page Plus Cellular thanks to this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=13205205&postcount=9
I replaced my well used Touch Pro 2 with an Arrive because I was waiting for Windows Phone 7 and Netflix capabilty. I'm not a heavy phone data user because I have Wi-Fi everywhere I go.
So far I was able to get the talk and text working for my unlimited plan but haven't hammered out the rest of the data settings. Might have to wait for a Verizon Trophy to come out so that I can try to mirror the settings. This method is technically on Verizon so 95% of the service is the same at a much better price. I need mainly lots and lots of Talk/Text with NO data plan fees.
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Click to collapse
What does or does not work? Do apps go to your bill?
No one else has made progress with the Arrive on Verizon. I was looking for a replacement for my TP2, and I really do not want to change carriers.
Hello All,
I am one of the people that do more reading on xda than post, so sorry for my low post count. This question is to get more feedback and also allow to me vent a bit.
Like mostly everyone that is on XDA loves their phone or tablet and wants to get the most out of it and/or make it their own. Many of us are gadget lovers and really enjoy the evolution of technology as it comes out. I am sure many of us would love to or have been to CES in Las Vegas (or any electronics show). All and all, when the day is over we are all sophisticated geeks (to others or in our own mind).
Myself, I am in a daily battle to stay on-top of technology as much as I can. What is the problem with that? Money. (can I get a Amen?). We will not even go into the social life talk in this post, because after all it is just a question. I find myself always seeing what service provider will release next. I have once worked for Sprint in the corporate side and know a lot that goes on behind the curtain. Providers are shown many new and current handsets that have and have not launched in the market yet. There is a team that looks at all angles of the phone before giving a thumbs up to it. It all comes down to what the customer will buy.
SO... allow me to get to the point and question....
- Do you find yourself migrating from service provider to service provider based on what type of handset(s) they have new and existing?
- Do you sit there and joggle the pros and cons of dealing with a service provider you know you are not going to want to be with and/or deal with, but they have a handset you want (so badly)?
- Do you try to find ways out of your contract so you can switch providers just to get into that phone?
- Do you put yourself on a pay as you go plan, and just buy the phone out-right just so you are not held down to a contract?
- Are you on the look out for new mobile providers to see what they offer as for phones Vs rate plans? (Example: ting.com in the USA)
Being honest, other than Cicket, and TrackPhone in the USA... I have been on EVERY service provider (in the USA). If I could get frequent flyer miles for my mobile number, I would be PRIME GOLD ELITE by now.
Alright, your turn... what SAY YOU?
I take it for most this is too much or two hard to answer?
Hello there! I always have been on pay as you go, the reason in $, I would get a contract but don't want to be tied down for 2 years, virgin mobile dosent have many Android phones so I just wait till they come out with new ones, I'm patient , service providers to me isn't that great of a deal, as long as service is good and the price is right, service is an opinion, some people think tmobile is better and some think at&t is better, ive been on boost mobile, virgin mobile, at&t and sprint, service seemed the same to me, so I don't research and debate to see what's best, to me I think contract phone bills can be a little to over priced, but this is only my opinion
Sent from my HTC_A510c using XDA App
Android311 said:
Hello there! I always have been on pay as you go, the reason in $, I would get a contract but don't want to be tied down for 2 years, virgin mobile dosent have many Android phones so I just wait till they come out with new ones, I'm patient , service providers to me isn't that great of a deal, as long as service is good and the price is right, service is an opinion, some people think tmobile is better and some think at&t is better, ive been on boost mobile, virgin mobile, at&t and sprint, service seemed the same to me, so I don't research and debate to see what's best, to me I think contract phone bills can be a little to over priced, but this is only my opinion
Sent from my HTC_A510c using XDA App
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Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply I agree with you. Looking at T-Mobile for example, their non-contract plans are lower cost then their normal plans. I was lost as to why this is and did not want to go into it with why this is.
ya im not sure why that is, perhaps maybe services use "pre-paid" as a marketing strategy to get new customers to try there service out and experiment how they like and feel about the company, if a customer has been on there prepaid for a while and likes them they might say hey, i like this service provider...maybe i should get a contract with them. Now that customer is with them for 2 years (or what ever the contract is). As price for pre paid and why its sometimes cheaper im not sure, im still trying to figure that out
I have gone back and forth between post paid and prepaid. As for me, the cost on prepaid is much better. However, the customer service is horrible in prepaid. I am with ATT, and recently had switched from postpaid to prepaid, then had an issue with the phone i bought on postpaid and had to pay the etf to get out of contract. Needless to say, I couldn't get any where with customer service, and had to switch back to postpaid to resolve my issue, and then back to postpaid. Why. Because i had so much into the phone. Anyway, customer service is a big difference, even between different service providers.
chrism.brunner said:
I have gone back and forth between post paid and prepaid. As for me, the cost on prepaid is much better. However, the customer service is horrible in prepaid. I am with ATT, and recently had switched from postpaid to prepaid, then had an issue with the phone i bought on postpaid and had to pay the etf to get out of contract. Needless to say, I couldn't get any where with customer service, and had to switch back to postpaid to resolve my issue, and then back to postpaid. Why. Because i had so much into the phone. Anyway, customer service is a big difference, even between different service providers.
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I agree, I have noticed that if you move into Pre-Paid service you fall into the ol' "You get what you pay for" type of deal. I have head through out the roomer mill that some companies may go 100% full automated for all pre-paid accounts. Thus, if the automation service can not fix your problem, then there is no one live that can help you. I can just think how awful that would be if you are trying to port your number over and you run in to issues.
Have any of you guys/gals noticed this? I have seen this time and time again. The quality of phone used in pre-paid Vs. that of Post-Paid. I think the core reason is that people just have issues paying 300.00 or more for a phone. They seem to love only paying 200.00 or less for a smartphone.
Even the same make and model between Pre and post... it just feels cheaper on a Pre-paid device.
Any takers on this?
I wouldn't say it feels cheaper on a prepaid device, maybe its some people mind that they feel there phone is cheap or themselves are cheap because they are on pay as you go, there is nothing wrong with prepaid...just don't have much of a phone selection, in this economy I'm sure alot of people are switching to prepaid due to they pay to much and fear if they can't pay the bills and ruin there credit
Sent from my HTC Wildfire S using xda premium
I just switched to straight talk today. $45 per month. With Att I paid $75 a months,with 500 MB. That was prepaid. So I like saving $30.
im with ATT now, i left sprint because of the prices, they've gotten higher since getting 4g (charging $10 a month per line) and with 5 lines that was to much for me, i went to tmobile next but ever single month they over charged me and then in a 3 month span charged me 4 times, so i left them and now im with ATT no problems so far. i think all carriers have great phones and everyone will find one they like from anywhere its mainly a budget issue with me
So I called up T-Mobile yesterday(day the One S was released) and immediately asked for the Retention department. I was forwarded over and spoke to a sweet young woman. I explained that I was still on contract for a few months but I was thinking of canceling. I explained that I have no service the moment I walk into my apartment and randomly where I sit at work. Which is true but I went on to say that I've been using WiFi calling successfully. Although, having to resort to that is frustrating.
I told her I was offered a free phone(Samsung Galaxy Nexus), no activation fee, and $35 less in charges per month if I were to switch to a work plan with Sprint(That last part being a fabrication). She quickly responded that she could offer me a better deal. I could tell that while I was explaining the situation, she was looking through my account and saw that I have been a customer of T-Mobile for just about 7 years. She took a moment to gather approval.
She came back on the line to ask which phone I wanted. I humbly spoke of the One S and she puts me on hold again. She comes back to offer me a lower rate plan than what I pay now, with a higher data limit. She continues to say that the cost of the phone for me would be close to $300 but she had applied a $250 credit on the account so that I will only have to pay $29.18. She even applied that charge to next months bill, and if that wasn't enough, she backdated the rate plan to save me just about that amount on this months bill. So I'm basically getting the HTC One S for mere dollars added to my next months bill.
So essentially, this is just another example of how far T-Mobile will go to satisfy their loyal customers and is further proof that they deserve all those J.D. Power & Associates awards for excellence in customer service.
Android Enthusiast first, T-Mobile Spokesperson second,
Want a cookie?
Sent from my HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio Z715e using XDA Premium App
good price.
i have been with TMo for over 12 years. they didn't want to give me a full early upgrade (I had 3 months left). I told them that I was ready to cancel and move to AT&T. She forwarded me to customer care and they worked out a price on the HTC One S. I'm not too thrilled with it, but it's not too bad.
$249+activation+tax+shipping = $290. That's what they wanted. I told them that Walmart had it for $198. WTH. They applied a $100 credit and now the total is $190. With the $50 rebate, comes out to $140.
Still TMo could have done better. I have two lines and a data plan. Was hoping TMo would take customer loyalty into consideration even more. Oh well, I am ready to jump ship next time. screw loyalty.
Sometime those hard to believe. I was once on a VERY thin line of canceling Tmobile and moving to Verizon (wife gets 20% discount there and her Tmo doesnt work at work due to ****ty building penetration). I have 2 lines and have been a customer for 6 years. Retension department wouldn't give me ANY deal on anything, they just forwarded my call to cancellations department.
On top of this when I was trying to order One S yesterday (I am ONLY 10 days away from my full upgrade by the way) 3 different customer service reps told me 3 different things. I ended up paying $260 with tax + activation fee + shipping and no rebate (or had a choice to pay $300 + get $50 rebate). I have to mention that I did get a line credit for $80 bucks few days ago for roaming mix up where I had to pay Tmobile extra $150 < I still dont know if it was my fault or Tmobile...basically I used Wifi-calling in France to call USA and somehow all my calls were charged roaming fees (And I do know how to use Wifi-calling)
I hate Tmobile reps, their lies, and their new stupid automatic answering service
HTCMario said:
good price.
i have been with TMo for over 12 years. they didn't want to give me a full early upgrade (I had 3 months left). I told them that I was ready to cancel and move to AT&T. She forwarded me to customer care and they worked out a price on the HTC One S. I'm not too thrilled with it, but it's not too bad.
$249+activation+tax+shipping = $290. That's what they wanted. I told them that Walmart had it for $198. WTH. They applied a $100 credit and now the total is $190. With the $50 rebate, comes out to $140.
Still TMo could have done better. I have two lines and a data plan. Was hoping TMo would take customer loyalty into consideration even more. Oh well, I am ready to jump ship next time. screw loyalty.
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I kinda of disagree with you here. You signed a 2yr contract, and despite being a longtime customer, you're fully aware you're not due for an upgrade. As such, they SHOULDNT offer you a full upgrade. However, they typically will offer you a discounted upgrade. So you were ready to cancel and pay an Early Termination Fee? I don't see how you're upset, since they were nice enough to offer you something. The other carriers would've told you to pay full price or hit the road with the ETF.
It sounds like you're not having a case of "screw loyalty", but instead, "screw signing 2 year contracts". Were you really surprised at the result?
I see people arguing about contractual obligations and how the carrier can screw you over, but what about YOUR obligation to follow the terms and the period length?
nickmv said:
I kinda of disagree with you here. You signed a 2yr contract, and despite being a longtime customer, you're fully aware you're not due for an upgrade. As such, they SHOULDNT offer you a full upgrade. However, they typically will offer you a discounted upgrade. So you were ready to cancel and pay an Early Termination Fee? I don't see how you're upset, since they were nice enough to offer you something. The other carriers would've told you to pay full price or hit the road with the ETF.
It sounds like you're not having a case of "screw loyalty", but instead, "screw signing 2 year contracts". Were you really surprised at the result?
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can i piss and moan without having logic thrown at me?
HTCMario said:
can i piss and moan without having logic thrown at me?
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Hey, it's better than the guy below your post who couldn't wait TEN days. Yes, 10 days. Let's count them: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9.....TEN, bingo eligible for upgrade. Jeez
nickmv said:
Hey, it's better than the guy below your post who couldn't wait TEN days. Yes, 10 days. Let's count them: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9.....TEN, bingo eligible for upgrade. Jeez
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Click to collapse
I should be more clear, I WAS eligible for an upgrade. When I got $80 account credit few days ago, rep noted on my account that I will be eligible for full discount upgrade on 25th instead of May 5th.
One of the reps from retensions then lied to me that I was not, and he doesnt see it noted on my account, rep before that said that I do have a full discount. In total I made 4 calls and got 4 different results (1 rep just had no idea what to do and transferred my call to some private voice mail)
I just renewed my contract with a grandfathered plan and Corp discount. I was able to get 3 phones, all HTC One S for a total of $200. They basically offered the phones for $199 each with no rebates, then offered initially a $250 total discount which I was able to get them to add another $150 discount. So it's $600 for the 3 phones - $400 credit. The credit shows up already on my account.
I thought about waiting for the S3 but I liked the One S in stores.
Now I am thinking of using the trade-in offer to send a couple of old phones. I am not sure if I am still eligible or not.
The upgrade, activation and shipping fees were waived. I had the $20 preferred android plan on one line. It is supposed to be ulimited but in relaity it has a "soft" limit of 5 GB.
My other 2 lines had the $5 web2go data plan offered by retention 2 years ago and it worked great with iPhones. The 2 lines were switched to the same $20 5GB plan.
Just a note, I called retention twice . My first offer was to pay $350 for 3 phones which I didn't accept and the second time the CSR was more willing to get a better deal and upped the credit.
I also got $10 off my monthly plan for 24 months.
Can't complain.
here's T-Mobile's link to get $100 trade-in for any smartphone or $200 for any iphone.
mytradeins dot com
Not bad. I pulled off something very similar last year to get the G2x on full upgrade pricing despite being only a year into my contract, using the AT&T merger and a threat to move to Sprint as bargaining chips. Got that, and got the One S for full upgrade pricing this year by helping them get some conquest customers from Verizon.
I just got my One S today and came from an SGS2 on T-Mo, all I have to say is wow. Everything about the phone is wonderful. What a well crafted piece of tech. Love this phone. Sense 4.0 is so much nicer than TWiz. My 2 cents.
Does this really work?
dangabob13 said:
So I called up T-Mobile yesterday(day the One S was released) and immediately asked for the Retention department. I was forwarded over and spoke to a sweet young woman. I explained that I was still on contract for a few months but I was thinking of canceling. I explained that I have no service the moment I walk into my apartment and randomly where I sit at work. Which is true but I went on to say that I've been using WiFi calling successfully. Although, having to resort to that is frustrating.
I told her I was offered a free phone(Samsung Galaxy Nexus), no activation fee, and $35 less in charges per month if I were to switch to a work plan with Sprint(That last part being a fabrication). She quickly responded that she could offer me a better deal. I could tell that while I was explaining the situation, she was looking through my account and saw that I have been a customer of T-Mobile for just about 7 years. She took a moment to gather approval.
She came back on the line to ask which phone I wanted. I humbly spoke of the One S and she puts me on hold again. She comes back to offer me a lower rate plan than what I pay now, with a higher data limit. She continues to say that the cost of the phone for me would be close to $300 but she had applied a $250 credit on the account so that I will only have to pay $29.18. She even applied that charge to next months bill, and if that wasn't enough, she backdated the rate plan to save me just about that amount on this months bill. So I'm basically getting the HTC One S for mere dollars added to my next months bill.
So essentially, this is just another example of how far T-Mobile will go to satisfy their loyal customers and is further proof that they deserve all those J.D. Power & Associates awards for excellence in customer service.
Android Enthusiast first, T-Mobile Spokesperson second,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did the same thing a week ago to get my amaze for free. Gave me a 250 dollar credit on my bill. Im on value plan so 200 took care of the phone and taxes down payment, and the other 50 went towards my next month bill. I have a 27 dollar bill next month. I didnt even say I was leaving. I just said I wanted a new phone. She said I have been a customer for 5 years and she would be glad to help me out.
So now I have the amaze. Had a problem with my first one, and I am still in buyers remorse, so there sending me another one tomorrow. Now I have 20 more days to mess with these phone and if I dont like it, all I need to do is pay 50 bux and they will send me the S.
Win Win
This is interesting. I may call them tomorrow because I am eligible to upgrade my line as a part of my family plan. ATT also offers employees of my company a 20% discount on monthly plan. We have 4 lines on our tmobile family plan... 2 are not under contract, 1 is under contract until the 29th, and the other is under contract until September. Maybe I can argue with ATT tomorrow that two are still under contract, but we will pay the disconnect fees (really just one after this weekend) and see what kind of deal they can offer on 4 phones (2 htc one x, sgs2, and a stupid free phone), and then call tmobile to work something out.
I think the ideal situation would be ATT offers me a plan and the phones with a price, and I present it to tmobile as a deal, and receive free phone upgrades for each line. This is farfetched, but if they want to keep our service, what else could they do?
Sent from my HTC Desire Z using XDA
ITALIANNYC said:
Did the same thing a week ago to get my amaze for free. Gave me a 250 dollar credit on my bill. Im on value plan so 200 took care of the phone and taxes down payment, and the other 50 went towards my next month bill. I have a 27 dollar bill next month. I didnt even say I was leaving. I just said I wanted a new phone. She said I have been a customer for 5 years and she would be glad to help me out.
So now I have the amaze. Had a problem with my first one, and I am still in buyers remorse, so there sending me another one tomorrow. Now I have 20 more days to mess with these phone and if I dont like it, all I need to do is pay 50 bux and they will send me the S.
Win Win
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What a delay...you are clearly going to get the One S ...stop wasting time.........jeez. So when you call back on the 19th day and "decided" to go with the one S and the $50 doesnt apply you'll come back and bash t-mobile.............and to clarify. Its consumer to business...the.reps.discretion is.what makes.us.happy or dissatisfied.not."The Company"
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
bipoler said:
What a delay...you are clearly going to get the One S ...stop wasting time.........jeez. So when you call back on the 19th day and "decided" to go with the one S and the $50 doesnt apply you'll come back and bash t-mobile.............and to clarify. Its consumer to business...the.reps.discretion is.what makes.us.happy or dissatisfied.not."The Company"
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Of course the 50 applies. I had a credit of 250 posted to the account and 200 of it went towards the down payment of the amaze ( 149.99, 49.99 tax ). The other 50 went towards next month bill. For me to get the ONE s, I need to pay an extra 50 because the Down payment for the ONE s is 199.99, not 149.99. I been with T-Mobile for 5 years and just signed a new 2 year contract. I dont have any reason to bash them.
Is this Tmobile USA? If so, how did you get passed the automatic menu to a customer retention rep?
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA
I was also able to get enough credits to get the one s for free since they said I'm a valued customer for 5yrs
Just tried this and TMobile says that I'm on value plan so no discounts at all! I have to pay $599 retail price.
So much for being a "valued" customer for 7 years.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA