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Let's Talk has The Fuze!!!

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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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[Q] Way to buy: Buy Tmo then cancel the contract or buy $520 directly?

Way to buy: Buy Tmo then cancel the contract or buy $520 directly?

ljwnow said:
Way to buy: Buy Tmo then cancel the contract or buy $520 directly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I remember people were trying this with the Nexus-1 when it first came out but Google would always end up charging you the full amount if you cancel

ljwnow said:
Way to buy: Buy Tmo then cancel the contract or buy $520 directly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much is the ETF for T-Mobile? I never really tried, then again I have been out of contract for a long time now, I always pay retail for my phones, ends up cheaper, atleast the way Tmobile does it

I saw it in Tmo's policy, it should be $200 ETF but I don't know if there is a catch in the policy for NEXUS S.

slowz3r said:
How much is the ETF for T-Mobile?
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Click to collapse
$200 for T-mobiles etf, but I remember something like if you bought the Nexus One subsidized and cancelled (in order to get it cheaper), you would end up paying the $200 termination fee PLUS the difference in price for the Nexus One ($329) for a total of $729
200 (original subsidized price)
+
200 (etf)
+
329 (full price for Nexus One)

ap3604 said:
$200 for T-mobiles etf, but I remember something like if you bought the Nexus One subsidized and cancelled (in order to get it cheaper), you would end up paying the $200 termination fee PLUS the difference in price for the Nexus One ($329)
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That sucks. I've already bought several handsets this year. It seems that I will pay another some $500....BROKE!!!!!!!!!

ap3604 said:
$200 for T-mobiles etf, but I remember something like if you bought the Nexus One subsidized and cancelled (in order to get it cheaper), you would end up paying the $200 termination fee PLUS the difference in price for the Nexus One ($329) for a total of $729
200 (original subsidized price)
+
200 (etf)
+
329 (full price for Nexus One)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldnt test it if i where you, but if you do you can let the people know how it worked out for you
But i will be there with my 575 dollars

ap3604 said:
$200 for T-mobiles etf, but I remember something like if you bought the Nexus One subsidized and cancelled (in order to get it cheaper), you would end up paying the $200 termination fee PLUS the difference in price for the Nexus One ($329) for a total of $729
200 (original subsidized price)
+
200 (etf)
+
329 (full price for Nexus One)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is definately a disaster!

slowz3r said:
I wouldnt test it if i where you, but if you do you can let the people know how it worked out for you
But i will be there with my 575 dollars
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Click to collapse
Tax in KY is 6%. But a good thing is there are not so many people in my city! So I am not worrying about "Sold Out".

ljwnow said:
Tax in KY is 6%. But a good thing is there are not so many people in my city! So I am not worrying about "Sold Out".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just posted a thread about what you think the supply/demand will be..im thinking the demand will be low for the "normal" user but the supply scares me

slowz3r said:
I just posted a thread about what you think the supply/demand will be..im thinking the demand will be low for the "normal" user but the supply scares me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol I just wrote something under your thread...

ljwnow said:
Lol I just wrote something under your thread...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just replied to what your wrote under my thread.
okay ill stop

Well ive been thinking about this too because i got my nexus one for $212 no contract!
199 + tax
Cancelled t mobile during 14 day grace period $0
Google never set up the etf to charge people, $0
And the most they could have charged was $150 for the etf, so it only equals around $350
BUT is it set up for the nexus S?
Either way im sure you could save a few hundred, im adding a line to my plan i think and doing this!

Best Buy doesn't have their own ETF so why not add a line, then cancel it?

hah2110 said:
Best Buy doesn't have their own ETF so why not add a line, then cancel it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adding a line would be done through Tmobile. So once you add a line, canceling it would require you to do it by going through Tmobile. In a sense, Best Buy can be thought of as a Tmobile retailer, if that makes it easier. They aren't the actually phone service themselves that can create/cancel lines.
@Sassyness, if you canceled your contract during the remorse period, how was it that they didn't ask for the Nexus One back?

Does anyonoe know if you have to get a data plan with the Nexus S if you purchase it with a contract?
If so, can that data plan ever be canceled later on by calling Tmobile? For example, let's say I wanted to get the Nexus S as a gift, but wanted to save some money. I have a line on my family plan eligible for upgrade, and say I upgrade it with that line, get a data plan, but I give the Nexus S as a gift to someone who will use their own data plan... can I cancel the data plan that I had to purchase on my line which I upgraded with?

onthecouchagain said:
Does anyonoe know if you have to get a data plan with the Nexus S if you purchase it with a contract?
If so, can that data plan ever be canceled later on by calling Tmobile? For example, let's say I wanted to get the Nexus S as a gift, but wanted to save some money. I have a line on my family plan eligible for upgrade, and say I upgrade it with that line, get a data plan, but I give the Nexus S as a gift to someone who will use their own data plan... can I cancel the data plan that I had to purchase on my line which I upgraded with?
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Click to collapse
I believe so yes. Tmobile is really friendly with account changes

onthecouchagain said:
Adding a line would be done through Tmobile. So once you add a line, canceling it would require you to do it by going through Tmobile. In a sense, Best Buy can be thought of as a Tmobile retailer, if that makes it easier. They aren't the actually phone service themselves that can create/cancel lines.
@Sassyness, if you canceled your contract during the remorse period, how was it that they didn't ask for the Nexus One back?
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Click to collapse
Well t mobile CANT ask for it back, its not their device.
Leaving google themselves responsible for getting the phone back or charging a fee.
But does bestbuy have a fee or an equipment recovery fee with the NexS? Or is it on googles shoulders again? I need to know

sassyness77 said:
Well t mobile CANT ask for it back, its not their device.
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Click to collapse
Right, you are.

sassyness77 said:
Well ive been thinking about this too because i got my nexus one for $212 no contract!
199 + tax
Cancelled t mobile during 14 day grace period $0
Google never set up the etf to charge people, $0
And the most they could have charged was $150 for the etf, so it only equals around $350
BUT is it set up for the nexus S?
Either way im sure you could save a few hundred, im adding a line to my plan i think and doing this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was wondering about all the people scamming earlier last years. Wow, I'm surprised google didn't charge you the difference.

[Q] Early Termination Fee at&t

What would be the Early Termination Fee for a Skyrocket if canceled in the first 30 days. Per at&t policy i read it would be 0. I plan on buying a White Skyrocket and cancel the contract on the first week of purchase. But most importantly to Keep the Phone.
Will at&t allow me to keep the phone? I would like to keep the phone,unlock it and finally use it in my main country. I was thinking of buying a Galaxy Nexus but it is still expensive and the Skyrocket strategy plan B would be a cheaper solution if possible.
Feel free to comment. Thanks

less then 30 days you pay a restocking fee at most unless you damaged the phone, then not sure.
you have to return the phone or pay for it outright.
handheld google device

No, AT&T or any other US carrier for that matter will not let you keep the phone if you plan to cancel within 30 days. You will have to bring the phone back to the store to cancel if still within the 30 day period. They will issue a refund for the phone first, then will they cancel the contract.

Is there anyway i can keep the phone without paying the full off-contract price?
In 2007 i brought a couple of iPhones to my country. They were not activated in store and i could keep them. I dont remember much, but i did get to keep my iPhones and then unlocked them myself

Only way I know how is to look on craigslist and find someone selling theirs. That is what I did. I was able to get a skyrocket for $300. It is not as good as as paying $150, but I did not have to sign a contract.

mvtm said:
Is there anyway i can keep the phone without paying the full off-contract price?
In 2007 i brought a couple of iPhones to my country. They were not activated in store and i could keep them. I dont remember much, but i did get to keep my iPhones and then unlocked them myself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you want to cancel the 2 year contract you signed, keep the $600 phone that you only payed $150-$250 for as incentive for signing the contract, and pay no termination fee?
Good luck with that!

mvtm said:
What would be the Early Termination Fee for a Skyrocket if canceled in the first 30 days. Per at&t policy i read it would be 0. I plan on buying a White Skyrocket and cancel the contract on the first week of purchase. But most importantly to Keep the Phone.
Will at&t allow me to keep the phone? I would like to keep the phone,unlock it and finally use it in my main country. I was thinking of buying a Galaxy Nexus but it is still expensive and the Skyrocket strategy plan B would be a cheaper solution if possible.
Feel free to comment. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
per at&t policy u must give the phone back during the 30 days if u cancel or change mind trust me if this was not the case people would do this all the time and i would have about 10 new devices right now
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

AT&T will bill your account the $325 Early Termination Fee, and will only remove it once you return the device. If you don't return it. I imagine they'll continue to add late fees to the bill, or eventually send you to collections if it remains unpaid. You're better off trying to find a used one on CL or eBay. Otherwise save yourself the hassle and buy it outright.

Here in Cincinnati, Cincinnati Bell will buy out your current contract with competitors, maybe you can do the same with a carrier near you. It will require a contract signed with the next carrier, with termination fees probably including the cost to buy out original contract. CBell is GSM, it might work here dependent of frequencies. Thats the only way out as I see it and keeping the device.

"Sticking it to the man" threads are not looked too good upon here.

new AT&T upgrade plan (AT&T "Next")

http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/16/att-next-upgrade-program/
AT&T:
http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/next.html?sf15024656=1#fbid=PD71HEOU89k
Interesting...
Also... top comment on Engadget:
OK, so I work for ATT I'll just clarify this for you guys a little. This is what we reps have been told. Basically whatever the normal price plan is for the phone you add 1/20th of the phones price to that normal plan pricing. After 12 months minimum but before 20 months you can choose to trade in your old phone and get a new one. There are no down payments for either phone so there is that, you can get an iphone 5 64GB for no money down if you have good credit XD. BUT you would then pay an extra 40 some per month to make up for it. The average installments would be $20 with smartphones usually costing about 400 or more so after 12 months you would have paid $280 or more and if you sold your old phone you could buy a new one.
POINT: This is a blatant rip off, save up your money those months and sell the phone you save money, the price you pay for this simply gives ATT a larger profit, they will then resell the old phones you turn in which by the way have to be in perfect shape or there will be an additional charge for repairs. Anyone with sense will no do this.
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Oh and how this effect the unlock policy, currently any non iphone can be unlocked after 90 days of service in good standing. On this ATT NEXT plan you cannot unlock it until after the full 20 months.
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Click to collapse
FAQ
What is AT&T Next?
AT&T offers you another choice for smartphone and tablet pricing. AT&T Next is a new way for you to get a new device every year. You have the choice after 12 monthly payments to trade it in for a new device or choose to keep it, and after 20 months, there are no more installment payments. No down payment, activation, upgrade, or financing fees are required — only sales tax on the device is due at time of purchase.
How can I take advantage of AT&T Next?
Visit att.com or a participating AT&T Company Owned Retail location to learn more about AT&T Next and to find out if you are eligible.
Are there additional charges?
Sales tax is charged on your new phone or tablet at the time of sale. There's no down payment and no activation fee.
Is a contract required with AT&T Next?
AT&T Next requires that you sign an installment agreement to pay for the device over 20 monthly payments. If you cancel your wireless service, the remaining unpaid balance on the device is due. A Wireless Customer Service Agreement (voice and data service) is required.
How many AT&T Next installment plans may I have on my account?
There's a limit of two per account.
What devices are eligible for AT&T Next?
At this time, customers can buy a smartphone or tablet with AT&T Next.
Do I own the device? Or is this a leasing offer?
The device is yours and you’re responsible for 20 monthly payments. You’re also responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to the device — both during the installment agreement period and after. We recommend you purchase the optional Mobile Insurance to protect your investment.
How do I get a new device every year with the program?
After your twelfth (12) installment payment, but before your twentieth (20) installment payment, if your wireless account is in good standing you may trade in the device. The device must be fully functional and in good physical condition. Select a new smartphone or tablet and a new 20-month agreement will start.
When I trade in my device after 12 months and get a new one, what is the length of my new installment plan?
When you trade in your device, no further installments are billed for the original device. You will start over with a new 20-month installment plan on your new device.
Will I be able to pay off this device early?
Yes, you have the option to pay off your installment agreement, but the full outstanding balance will be due immediately.
What payments are due if I cancel AT&T Next?
The full outstanding balance on your installment agreement becomes due.
What if I don't want to trade in my device after 12 months and I want to keep it?
You have the choice to either trade your phone in or keep your phone. If you keep it, after 20 months, it’s yours and no more installment payments are required.
What if my phone is damaged (e.g. cracked screen)? Can I still trade it in after 12 months?
Yes. However, we reserve the right to charge a fee to repair the device and return it to fully functional and good physical condition.
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Click to collapse

This is a ripoff. Why is everyone trying to follow TMobile's BS? There's a reason why offer crap service.
I'm going to stick with my normal 2 year upgrades. AT&T has always offered me an early upgrade from 6 months-1year at the 2 year price. If that goes away and I have to put up with this BS, I'll be pissed.

mr_blanket said:
http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/16/att-next-upgrade-program/
Interesting...
Also... top comment on Engadget:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting... I called this when T-mobile started this. It is almost better to pay full price for phones now... If you sell your current phone 300-450 and put the rest on a credit card you will still be saving money or just pay it up front. But the cancel at any time is pretty cool idea
But this may lead us to buy unlocked devices and not deal with locked bootloaders....
AutoUnion said:
This is a ripoff. Why is everyone trying to follow TMobile's BS? There's a reason why offer crap service.
I'm going to stick with my normal 2 year upgrades. AT&T has always offered me an early upgrade from 6 months-1year at the 2 year price. If that goes away and I have to put up with this BS, I'll be pissed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am willing to bet that soon that will go away... Not sure how soon but eventually

joshuadjohnson22 said:
I am willing to bet that soon that will go away... Not sure how soon but eventually
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Click to collapse
Yeah, this sucks. I might just start paying full price and sell the old phone. Much easier.
some quick calculations
S4 is $32/month. Would have paid $384 in a year.
If I just bought a Galaxy S4 for $629. I could sell it in a year for ~$400, so $229.
or
use your upgrade. $149 is what I spent on my Galaxy S4. Sell it for $450 in the Fall, pick up GNote3 on CL, etc. $500-550. Only out about ~$100-150. Sell GNote3 in the Spring for $450-500 for GS5.

AutoUnion said:
Yeah, this sucks. I might just start paying full price and sell the old phone. Much easier.
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Click to collapse
same here, as I posted above... why not get the international unlocked version and be able to flash out of the box? Now with international phone having LTE I don't see a need to get carrier phones if it will cost us so much

joshuadjohnson22 said:
same here, as I posted above... why not get the international unlocked version and be able to flash out of the box? Now with international phone having LTE I don't see a need to get carrier phones if it will cost us so much
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I wonder if this also means that those early upgrades they used to give to iPhone owners are gone to. I have iPhones on the other lines on my family plan, so if I don't have an upgrade, I could bank on using one of those

AutoUnion said:
I wonder if this also means that those early upgrades they used to give to iPhone owners are gone to. I have iPhones on the other lines on my family plan, so if I don't have an upgrade, I could bank on using one of those
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think those things will die off slowly. But I doubt it will be right away

I'm curious to see what else they talk about at their keynote.
I would really like them to do what US Cellular did. They brought back Unlimited Data, but it's ONLY valid for the 2 year contract length. After that, it's gone. If you try to break your contract, the ETF is $$$$. Let them charge $40/month for it. Still worth it over Sprint/TMobile, IMO

AutoUnion said:
I'm curious to see what else they talk about at their keynote.
I would really like them to do what US Cellular did. They brought back Unlimited Data, but it's ONLY valid for the 2 year contract length. After that, it's gone. If you try to break your contract, the ETF is $$$$. Let them charge $40/month for it. Still worth it over Sprint/TMobile, IMO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will be "Blah Blah Blah we want more of your money... Blah .... we will take it with force if we have to.... Blah .... what are you going to do about it... Blah Blah.... bend over and take it.... Blah I will be charging you a fee for listening to this keynote it will appear on your bill as a $10 Keynote charge... This will be added to your monthly bill to pay for future keynotes"

I think it's nice for it to be an option. Myself, I just buy out of contract if given a choice. It's nice to offer this and the traditional plan so some people who cant afford a phone outright can get one.
All the carriers new deals are all including trading in smartphones as of late. Usually you get ripped off as you can sell it yourself for more $. Selling my year and a half old iPhone 4S almost paid for my S4 in full out of contract..

20 month = same as unlocked upfront
12 month and upgrade to newer phone = 60% of cost one year lease... what a ripoff
Well it is AT&T

AT&T users better read the fine print before rejoicing. You’re still paying the same high monthly contract price for your no-contract plan. AT&T is double dipping into your wallet when those contract monthly plans has a subsidized phone calculated into them but you’re paying full price for the phone.
AT&T Mobile No Contract.
$70/m unlimited talk.
$20/m unlimted text.
$30/m 3GB data plan.
$32/m Samsung S4 monthly payment Next program.
+$10/m device insurance.
——————————-
$162
Compare with T-Mobile, and the price you pay for unlimited talk, text, and true unlimited, you’re just paying for the talk unlimited portion on AT&T. Not to mention, the insurance is built into the Tmo Jump program.
T-Mobile
$50/m unlimited talk/text.
$20/m unlimited data plan.
$20/m Samsung S4 monthly payment.
$10/m Jump program (includes premium device insurance).
——————————-
$100/m

I guess Att thinks we can't do simple math.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

This is the most telling story I've seen about it so far...
http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/16/4528404/att-next-phone-upgrade-plans-a-huge-ripoff

mr_blanket said:
This is the most telling story I've seen about it so far...
http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/16/4528404/att-next-phone-upgrade-plans-a-huge-ripoff
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We all needs to repost this. Att needs to know we are not going for this crap.
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nthknd said:
We all needs to repost this. Att needs to know we are not going for this crap.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
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Absolutely. Repost, Facebook, Tweet, Link, +1, etc. Maybe this will cause a Xbox One-like backlash.
What I hate the most is that the majority of the people on this forum are stuck with AT&T until 2015 :crying:

You guys do realize this is an OPTION right? They are not forcing you to take this deal. Verizon also has a deal starting like this one as well. At least att is not forcing those with unlimited data to lose it when they want an upgrade like big red does. Att has always given OPTIONS unlike other carriers who force things down your throat. Remember that when you start typing your rant about how att sucks.
Also when was anything perfect at launch? I'm sure as time goes on and voices are heard, this plan will get made to make more sense.
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While it is an option, for now at least, so many people will fall for this scheme. People like my iPhone loving mother who is persuaded by "as seen on TV" adds will probably fall for this no matter what I say. Or teenage girls who beg their parents for the latest and greatest.
All they have to say is "NEW DEVICE EVERY YEAR". That's it. People will be overjoyed and they will make billions. Only our small subset of users will actually do the math.

Yeah att is simply bartering...if your selling something at a garage sale you always start with a high price and slowly lower until you reach an agrrement...att wants to make as much money as possible so they will start high and hopefully lower to find a price they still make profit and that people will go for...and as stated this plan is only a choice, we arent being forced to use the next plan
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

I have a $285 etf right now
Say I early upgrade to a s3 mini at $12/mo ($250 full price) with the next promo. I can just pay off the $250 and leave with no penalty? Cheaper than paying my etf and I can sell those phones as new because I wouldn't keep them.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

$145 Essential Phone on Sprint!

The essential phone is currently $145 on sprint!! Not a promo. This is the new normal pricing. This is basically a steal!!

Is there a way to buy it, pay off the contract and unlock? What would be the total cost? I am going to visit US in December and that might be a deal I am looking for, if possible.

hellot1M said:
The essential phone is currently $145 on sprint!! Not a promo. This is the new normal pricing. This is basically a steal!!
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You might want to go to the Sprint website and do a little more reading. The $5 x 18 months is a lease price. If you want to purchase it after your lease ends you still have to pay the difference between retail $699.99 and what you've paid in on the lease. The full retail price is listed as $699.99 as of a few minutes ago.

foopy said:
You might want to go to the Sprint website and do a little more reading. The $5 x 18 months is a lease price. If you want to purchase it after your lease ends you still have to pay the difference between retail $699.99 and what you've paid in on the lease. The full retail price is listed as $699.99 as of a few minutes ago.
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The buy out is 30.00(written on contract) for this phone as I did the lease (5.00X18) = STEAL:good:

To unlock the device if going this route you have to have the phone activated on their Network for 50 days

foopy said:
You might want to go to the Sprint website and do a little more reading. The $5 x 18 months is a lease price. If you want to purchase it after your lease ends you still have to pay the difference between retail $699.99 and what you've paid in on the lease. The full retail price is listed as $699.99 as of a few minutes ago.
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Nope, it's actually $145 (plus taxes) Activation can be waived through purchasing online, otherwise I believe it is $30 instore. $25 down, $5/month (flexlease) then a $30 payoff after the lease payments are complete. Yes you can pay the lease off early then payoff the phone. Getting it unlocked immediately after is a little more complicated/"hit or miss". Many people are able to unlock right after paying it off, others have been told they have to stay on Sprint for 50 days. You do have to upgrade/add a line or open an account.
But the price is confirmed and there is many accounts of this in the https://www.reddit.com/r/essential/ subreddit.

Warlord721 said:
Nope, it's actually $145 (plus taxes) Activation can be waived through purchasing online, otherwise I believe it is $30 instore. $25 down, $5/month (flexlease) then a $30 payoff after the lease payments are complete. Yes you can pay the lease off early then payoff the phone. Getting it unlocked immediately after is a little more complicated/"hit or miss". Many people are able to unlock right after paying it off, others have been told they have to stay on Sprint for 50 days. You do have to upgrade/add a line or open an account.
But the price is confirmed and there is many accounts of this in the https://www.reddit.com/r/essential/ subreddit.
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I just got this price on it last night, buying the phone through Best Buy.
I thought the buyout price was still $175 at Sprint stores or sprint.com, rather than the $30 that's showing up at Best Buy... but maybe not?

I had my phone paid for and unlocked within 12 hours of receiving.
25 down + 90 + 30 + taxes
I can verify first hand this is legit. View my post history where I went into more detail in another thread.

Okay I stand corrected. Online it still shows that info on the site. I guess they have a special "pay off" price.

Just signed up for this one. Phone should be here Tuesday. Contract shows $25 down, $5 a month for 18 months with buyout of $30. With taxes my total is $157.
I'll report back when I pay it off and any issues with it.

JoRocker said:
I had my phone paid for and unlocked within 12 hours of receiving.
25 down + 90 + 30 + taxes
I can verify first hand this is legit. View my post history where I went into more detail in another thread.
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How did you get the phone unlocked? Chat on website or call support?

bricky23 said:
How did you get the phone unlocked? Chat on website or call support?
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I didn't even have to deal with customer support. Paid off the phone, next day went to UICC unlock in the phone menu, it unlocked fine. Put in an AT&T sim to test out calls and data work just fine.

im0rtalz said:
I didn't even have to deal with customer support. Paid off the phone, next day went to UICC unlock in the phone menu, it unlocked fine. Put in an AT&T sim to test out calls and data work just fine.
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Can't seem to find UICC unlock. I have undated to Oreo. Don't know if that makes a difference. Any help would be appreciated.
Edit: never mind. Found it. Under about phone/ omadm updates. Mine still says locked, will try again tomorrow. Just paid it off today. New account.

Let me know if there are any off contract deals.. i wouldn't mind picking up 2 more
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

bricky23 said:
Can't seem to find UICC unlock. I have undated to Oreo. Don't know if that makes a difference. Any help would be appreciated.
Edit: never mind. Found it. Under about phone/ omadm updates. Mine still says locked, will try again tomorrow. Just paid it off today. New account.
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Don't worry if it isn't unlocked yet tomorrow either. Took mine two days after paying it off before I could do the UICC unlock, but it's been working great ever since.

I'm new in the US and i dont know how the contract works, i went to Sprint store to buy this and they told me that i'll have to get a plan with the phone which was 45$ a month. I wanna know if there's a way to get just the phone and not the plan. And if i have a friend who uses sprint, can i get the phone showing his plan and not getting any new plan?

Manish54 said:
I'm new in the US and i dont know how the contract works, i went to Sprint store to buy this and they told me that i'll have to get a plan with the phone which was 45$ a month. I wanna know if there's a way to get just the phone and not the plan. And if i have a friend who uses sprint, can i get the phone showing his plan and not getting any new plan?
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You have to get the plan, but you can transfer it or cancel it anytime. What I did (as recommended by the internet) is the following: Get the phone and the $45 plan, pay off the lease, wait +-2 days until the phone is unlocked, then get this simcard off of amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B013OUS19E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You then transfer your sprint line to that simcard. Because it is a pay as you go sim you don't have to pay anything for it and can just let the number die, at the same time it will disappear from your sprint account and because the month wasn't over yet you won't be charged for it.
The only problem if you're new to the us might be your credit score. If you don't have one or it's low then I don't think they'll approve you for the lease.

Gambler_BE said:
You have to get the plan, but you can transfer it or cancel it anytime. What I did (as recommended by the internet) is the following: Get the phone and the $45 plan, pay off the lease, wait +-2 days until the phone is unlocked, then get this simcard off of amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B013OUS19E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You then transfer your sprint line to that simcard. Because it is a pay as you go sim you don't have to pay anything for it and can just let the number die, at the same time it will disappear from your sprint account and because the month wasn't over yet you won't be charged for it.
The only problem if you're new to the us might be your credit score. If you don't have one or it's low then I don't think they'll approve you for the lease.
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Great post! You da man. Thanks

Manish54 said:
I'm new in the US and i dont know how the contract works, i went to Sprint store to buy this and they told me that i'll have to get a plan with the phone which was 45$ a month. I wanna know if there's a way to get just the phone and not the plan. And if i have a friend who uses sprint, can i get the phone showing his plan and not getting any new plan?
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You can buy the phone directly from essential website with no contracts. You can buy it from Amazon with no contracts. And you can buy it from Best Buy with no contracts. The price is $499.09 from essential and Amazon, and sometimes it's $449.00 at Best Buy.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

NavySpark said:
Just signed up for this one. Phone should be here Tuesday. Contract shows $25 down, $5 a month for 18 months with buyout of $30. With taxes my total is $157.
I'll report back when I pay it off and any issues with it.
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Phone was locked right off the bat, online order. I popped in the Cricket sim before the Sprint with no luck. Popped the Sprint sim back in, let it register on the network and then called customer service. Pay off was $120 on top of the $37 i had already paid, so $157 total. Amount matched the lease with purchase price option (buyout)
Requested the phone unlocked for international travel and the agent put in the request and I have the confirmation #'s for ending the lease and the request for phone unlock. Told 3-5 business days for unlock. We will see how it goes. Plan to check the UICC button over holiday weekend.