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AT&T Moves Away From Unlimited-Data Pricing - WSJ.com
I read this on Wall Street Journal...
AT&T Inc. is abandoning unlimited-pricing plans for new wireless subscribers to email and Internet services on smartphones, kicking off an important and long-awaited shift in how carriers bill their customers.
The change, which takes effect next week, could lower the cost of service for the vast majority of AT&T's users but potentially raise rates significantly for heavy data consumers.
With the move, AT&T's second price cut for wireless plans in six months, the company appears to be trading a hit to short-term revenue for greater control of its network and more power to price accordingly as wireless-data usage grows.
AT&T said Wednesday it will eliminate its $30 unlimited data plan for new smartphone subscribers starting June 7, when Apple Inc. is expected to announce its latest iPhone. The plan will be replaced by new offerings costing $15 an month for 200 megabytes of data traffic or $25 a month for 2 gigabytes. AT&T says 98% of its customers use less than those amounts. Users who exceed 2 gigabytes of usage will pay $10 a month for each additional gigabyte.
The new plans will lower the cost of an entry-level voice and data plan for smartphones by $15, to $54.99. Existing users will have the option of sticking with their current plans indefinitely, even if they switch phones, AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel said.
AT&T is also dropping the $30 unlimited-data option for new buyers of Apple's wireless-enabled iPad and replacing it with the $25 a month 2-gigabyte plan. IPad users currently paying for unlimited data will be able to keep doing so.
"The new plans appear well designed to reduce undue network stresses, as they will sweep AT&T's heaviest users into higher priced plans, or, perhaps more likely, will curtail their profligate usage," said Craig Moffett, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein.
Executives at AT&T and Verizon Wireless, a joint venture of Verizon Communications Inc. and Vodafone Group PLC, have said this year that consumers are going to have to start paying for the amount of data they use as devices become more sophisticated and traffic explodes.
The question now is whether other carriers will follow suit. A spokesman for Verizon Wireless declined to comment, but Verizon Wireless Chief Executive Lowell McAdam indicated in an interview with The Wall Street Journal last month that he, too, is looking at pricing based on use.
"The old model of one price plan per device is going to fall away," Mr. McAdam said, adding that he expects carriers to take an approach that targets a "bucket of megabytes."
Sprint Nextel Corp. wasn't immediately available to comment.
AT&T is scrambling to improve its network in New York and San Francisco, two cities where the crush of data use from the iPhone has hurt call quality. The company believes heavy data use by a small number of subscribers is hurting network quality. Ralph de la Vega, chief executive of AT&T's wireless and consumer units, has said 3% of the company's subscribers account for 40% of its data traffic.
The difficulties are a key concern for Apple, an important partner for AT&T, still the exclusive carrier for the iPhone in the Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs, speaking at the All Things Digital conference Tuesday evening, said the carrier has made progress but has more to do.
"They're doing pretty good in some ways, and in others they could do better," Mr. Jobs said. "I wish they were improving faster... [but] I'm convinced that any other network, had you put the iPhone on it, would have had the same problems."
In January, AT&T and Verizon cut the price of their unlimited voice plans by 30% in part to pull more subscribers into data plans. Growing data revenue at AT&T has offset the erosion of voice plans. The company said the new data plans would only have a minor impact on revenue and said they don't affect its announced financial projections for the year.
Analyst Philip Cusick at Macquarie Securities says AT&T may see lower growth in data revenue in the short term as a result of the new changes, but will gain leverage over the heaviest data users, improving its ability to manage its network and charge for capacity. Tiered plans may also pull more customers into data plans, he said.
Separately, AT&T said it would allow iPhone users to use their devices as modems beginning June 7, a practice called tethering, for an extra $20 a month.
—Roger Cheng contributed to this article.
This is exactly why Tmobile is looking better and better to me. I don't want to have to worry about going over a limit of my usage
I hope all carriers don't jump on board this.. I'm planing on getting an Evo with Sprint and would be pissed of they did a bait and switch on me..
Wow I feel bad for all the people who bought ipad 3gs.
Talk about bait and switch, $10 a month over 2 gigs.
I did over 3 gigs (3.4ish) just a couple months ago on my HTC touch pro 2, so it seems I'm done with ATT.
Gives me a reason to finally switch to verizon anyway.
im glad the 10$ family data plan is still here
th3b055 said:
I hope all carriers don't jump on board this.. I'm planing on getting an Evo with Sprint and would be pissed of they did a bait and switch on me..
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They can't.
If you're ALREADY in your contract on the previous plans they can't change them on you without your consent, if they do you get a instant out on your contract..but they wont. Just get's annoying because now if you want to add tethering after the 7th they WILL switch you to the new plans.
Heh with T-Mobile's "Unlimited Plan" (which I use) it's actually 10gb which isn't bad and I've only gone over it once because I was tethering and doing instant play on Netflix. This will probably move people from AT&T to dying Sprint because of this and Sprint is getting the Evo 4G.
ohwut said:
Just get's annoying because now if you want to add tethering after the 7th they WILL switch you to the new plans.
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You're on XDA and you think you need to add tethering to your plan to tether?
/boggle
hello guys,
i am planning to order the captivate through the premier website
when i check out, i didn't have to add data plan to my account, but if i add the iphone, i have to add the data plan.
does this mean at&t will not add the data plan even after i activate my phone?
anyone ordered through premier and able to use it without at&t forcing a data plan into your account?
no, eventually you'll get a text saying they've added a data plan so you can avoid large charges.
their system got smart, if they have you imei, they know what model phone you have and they can dole things out accordingly
V DidDy 210 said:
no, eventually you'll get a text saying they've added a data plan so you can avoid large charges.
their system got smart, if they have you imei, they know what model phone you have and they can dole things out accordingly
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i switched from touch pro to pure last year in november( not upgrade, got it somewhere else), and i didn't get any text nor any data plan even though they recognize my phone in the system
It was just made mandatory sometime in November or December of 2009. I believe people that had smart phones before then are still allowed to stay on the pay per use(.02 per kb). Although when they upgrade their phone they will be forced into a data plan.
fsrkewd said:
hello guys,
i am planning to order the captivate through the premier website
when i check out, i didn't have to add data plan to my account, but if i add the iphone, i have to add the data plan.
does this mean at&t will not add the data plan even after i activate my phone?
anyone ordered through premier and able to use it without at&t forcing a data plan into your account?
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Click to collapse
Did you order from Premier without data plan? I am in the same boat and would like to know about this as well. I am eligible for an upgrade in Sep and would like to get a Captivate (or any other Smartphone) to replace my Fuze (no data plan currently). Thanks.
As I said in the post before you, the data plan is added for you automatically. I went round and round with at&t when they added it to one of my lines(in december). I was even able to get the data plan turned off, just to be enabled again only an hour later. Moral of the story is if you want the phone you have to have data (with at&t atleast). Even if you have a phone that currently does not have data and you upgrade. The primary account holder will receive an email addressing this once a smart phone is detected.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I think they can override it if they want to. I lost my SIM during an overseas travel and got a new one for the same old number last month from AT&T.
After I put that in my Fuze and activated it, I got a text saying an "appropriate" data plan has been added for this smartphone.
I didn't contact them, just waited to see what happens in the bill, it still came just for the voice. No data plan. So it might be possible if one can convince them. $15 plan is not a biggie but I work from home so even that would be a waste.
Does anyone know if you have the $30 data and text plan, will that be changed if I order through the premeir website? I tried to upgrade at a corporate store and was told since my phone of record was a Samsung Eternity, I did not have a smartphone plan and would therefore have to upgrade to the new data plans. I refused the upgrade. When I first got the Eternity, I had a $35 data plan. A couple of months before the change to the data plans, I changed the data plan to the $30 a month smartphone plan, saving $5 a month. Does anyone know how this would go? Thanks.
specularius said:
Does anyone know if you have the $30 data and text plan, will that be changed if I order through the premeir website? I tried to upgrade at a corporate store and was told since my phone of record was a Samsung Eternity, I did not have a smartphone plan and would therefore have to upgrade to the new data plans. I refused the upgrade. When I first got the Eternity, I had a $35 data plan. A couple of months before the change to the data plans, I changed the data plan to the $30 a month smartphone plan, saving $5 a month. Does anyone know how this would go? Thanks.
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Your Eternity is not a smartphone. And smartphone data plan does not include any texting. $30/m is for data only. Texting is extra.
So, whatever your current plan is, it won't carry over to a smartphone. And since you don't have any unlimited smartphone data plan, you will only get the 2GB data plan if you buy a smartphone now.
i have the medianet unlimited data for $10 (with family txting), and i bought my captivate from ebay..is ATT gonna figure out that i need to change data plans?
SiL3nTKiLL said:
i have the medianet unlimited data for $10 (with family txting), and i bought my captivate from ebay..is ATT gonna figure out that i need to change data plans?
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Yes it is highly likely. I called AT&T a while back when I got my Nexus and told them I got a "new generic phone" and that I wanted Media Net. They asked me for the IMEI and said "Thats a Nexus One, thats not a generic phone!" and forced me to get the $30/mo plan. Basically they have the IMEI ranges for nearly every device out there and if its a smartphone they will charge you for the smartphone data package.
I would say yes, because it is a ATT branded phone. I had G1 and used their $10 data package without a problem. I did have a pantech matrix when I got the data package though, just didn't tell them about the G1.
sent from a 42 node T.I. 89 cluster
You guys are all asking the same exact question. No one, but AT&T knows.
I have had a Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 on my AT&T account with the $30 unlimited data/txt package from Nov 2008 - January 2010. I wasn't switched over at all. But this was an unbranded unlocked smartphone.
Then I had a AT&T branded Motorola Q9h smartphone on the same $30 plan from January until I got my Captivate on the 18th. I wasn't switched over at all while using the Q9h even though, the online account manager recognized by phone.
It's going to be hit or miss. Just use your phone and if you aren't caught, well congrats. If you are, just pay or switch carriers.
I put my old tilt on my wife's line and she used it for about 5 months without a data plan. AT&T says in their ToS they have the right to add a data plan to your line if they find you are using a smartphone without one, but they never added it to her account.
Most likely because she had 0 data usage. When I upgraded through At&T to the captivate I was forced to add it.
AT&T only recently started adding the data plans automatically for smartphones. The system can now detect and add the service to your plan without your approval or interaction. The data service CAN be removed and blocked from ever being added to your plan again by a manager, but if you have a new phone that you bought at the subsidy price (read: with contract) then you will probably have to either pony up for the non-contract price or keep the data plan.
If you already had a data plan your service will remain unchanged if you upgrade your phone wether a data plan is required or not.
In 07-08 my wife and I both had Blackberry Pearl 8110's, hers was just the standard was AT&T locked and had been given to her by her mother, mine was purchased unlocked and unbranded. I dropped mine and the screen broke, but I kept it around. In April her phone started to act up ... so I took her phone apart and put the screen on my old unlocked BB inserted her SIM and she was back in business like nothing ever happened. 2 days later she recieved a text that an "appropriate" data plan had been added. She never wanted a dataAT&T only recently started adding the data plans automatically for smartphones. The system can now detect and add the service to your plan without your approval or interaction. The data service CAN be removed and blocked from ever being added to your plan again by a manager, but if you have a new phone that you bought at the subsidy price (read: with contract) then you will probably have to either pony up for the non-contract price or keep the data plan.
I have a Premier account with unlimited talk, text and data on my and my son's lines and unlimited talk and text on my wife and daughters lines.
When I contacted AT&T they informed me that unless the service has a block put on it by a manager that the data plan will indeed re-add itself.
EDIT: IDK WTH happened here .... it was like 3 posts in one, hopefully fixed!!!
have been using the phone for two days
no message about the data plan
i will keep you guys posted
2) WIRELESS DATA SERVICE TERMS AND CONDITIONS (applies to all customers)
I. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO AT&T'S WIRELESS DATA SERVICES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, FEATURES THAT MAY BE USED WITH WIRELESS DATA SERVICES AND WIRELESS CONTENT.
General Requirements: AT&T provides wireless data services, including but not limited to, features that may be used with wireless data services and wireless content and applications ("Services"). The absolute capacity of the wireless data network is limited. Accordingly, service is only provided for prescribed purposes and pricing for Data Services is device dependent and based on the transmit and receive capacity of each device. A pricing plan designated for one type of device may not be used with another device. Some devices or plans may require you to subscribe to data plan. If AT&T determines that you are not subscribed to the required plan(s), AT&T reserves the right to switch you to the required plan or plans and bill you the appropriate monthly fee. The Services may be subject to credit approval. An activation fee of up to $36 may apply to each new data line. Compatible data-enabled wireless device required.
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Source: AT&T TOS
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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Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
T-Mobile.com Manage Your Account Support
Important Notice about Domestic Data Use While Off the T-Mobile Network
Beginning on April 5, 2012 there will be a limit on the amount of data that can be used while a T-Mobile customer's device is connected to another provider's network ("off network" or "domestic romaing"). Customers that are domestically roaming will receive free text message usage alerts for data. If the roaming data limit is exceeded for a Rate Plan, then data service will be suspended from off-network roaming until the start of the next bill cycle or a qualifying change is made to the Rate Plan. This will not impact: (1) voice usage, and (2) data usage on the T-Mobile network.
To determine domestic roaming areas, see the T-Mobile data coverage map by visiting www.T-Mobile.com/Coverage. The domestic roaming data allowance for each Rate Plan is outlined in the chart below. To use this chart, review the Current Rate Plan Full Speed Data Allotment column to identify the megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB) included in your Rate Plan, and then see the domestic roaming data usage limit that applies on the right. The megabytes of gigabytes for a Rate Plan can often be found by reviewing the Available Service section on page 1 of the bill (ex: Classic Simple 200MB Data Promo) or by dialing #WEB# send from your mobile phone.
Current Rate Plan Full Speed Data Allotment New Domestic Off Network (Romaing) Data Limit
1MB to 199MB 5MB
200MB to 1.99GB 10MB
2GB to 4.99GB 50MB
5GB to 9.99GB 100MB
10GB and above 200MB
Mobile Web Pay Per Use 10MB
Off-network data use may occur even when you are within the T-Mobile coverage area. See T-Mobile.com for directions on how to update device settings to avoid domestic roaming and for more information about this notice. Review Sections 3-5 of T-Mobile's Terms and Conditions available at T-Mobile.com for information on your rights (which may include early service cancellation) as a T-Mobile customer. Please retain a copy of this notice for your records. © 2012 T-Mobile USA, Inc.
©2002-2012 T-Mobile USA, Inc. | Terms of Use | Terms & Conditions | Return Policy | Privacy Policy
I just got this email.
I do not accept the terms of this change to my contract.
I will be voicing my problem with this with t-mobile on monday morning.
I enrolled in this plan with them specifically for data and do not use voice or text, and am frequently out of t-mobile tower range.
This is a breach of contract and I expect I will need to talk to a lawyer, looks like my contract with them for service has been voided. I have no doubt that they will try to charge me a termination fee, and I also have no doubt I will see them in court.
Lets hope it doesn't come to that.
Blue6IX said:
I just got this email.
I do not accept the terms of this change to my contract.
I will be voicing my problem with this with t-mobile on monday morning.
I enrolled in this plan with them specifically for data and do not use voice or text, and am frequently out of t-mobile tower range.
This is a breach of contract and I expect I will need to talk to a lawyer, looks like my contract with them for service has been voided. I have no doubt that they will try to charge me a termination fee, and I also have no doubt I will see them in court.
Lets hope it doesn't come to that.
Click to expand...
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All you have to do is basically make them aware you know its breech of contract and tell them to let you off contract etf free because of that
Sent from my HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio using Tapatalk
Blue6IX said:
I just got this email.
I do not accept the terms of this change to my contract.
I will be voicing my problem with this with t-mobile on monday morning.
I enrolled in this plan with them specifically for data and do not use voice or text, and am frequently out of t-mobile tower range.
This is a breach of contract and I expect I will need to talk to a lawyer, looks like my contract with them for service has been voided. I have no doubt that they will try to charge me a termination fee, and I also have no doubt I will see them in court.
Lets hope it doesn't come to that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
let us know what happens im sure i will be calling after you do on Monday, oh id use a call recorder app just to be on the safe side for your end you never know when you might need part of the conversation you have with one of them.......hey they do it to us why not reverse it on them. It just seems like they just keep making their loyal customers want to leave from all these sneaky moves. somebody does not know how to operate a company very well
strapped365 said:
All you have to do is basically make them aware you know its breech of contract and tell them to let you off contract etf free because of that
Sent from my HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, that's basically what I assume will happen - I was sold on it because of mobile data off-tower advantages.
Sent from my Bulletproof_Doubleshot using xda premium
any news on this? Anyone call ?
Sent from my HTC myTouch_4G_Slide using Tapatalk
I just woke up a little bit ago, and by the time I get my head about me it'll be too late to call today.
I have work at 7 a.m. tomorrow, so if I get done early enough i'll call then. I wok day and night shifts so sometimes it's hard for me to be available during business hours.
Customer care is open 24/7. I don't understand how it is ever to late to call.
I would love to get out of contract ETF free, I want to move to AT&T, that Galaxy Note is amazing, but AT&T sucks on stale nutsack.
I tried to cancel three times. No luck
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using XDA App
sabeard said:
Customer care is open 24/7. I don't understand how it is ever to late to call.
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Click to collapse
I have a half dozen issues to take up in the call beyond this, so I just figured i'd have to call during normal business hours to be able to interact with billing and retentions during the course of the call - wasn't aware they were available around the clock as i've tried before off-hours and was unable to get my issues resolved.
I definitely have to get this all resolved before this billing cycle is up because t-mo is trying to fleece me pretty good and i'm not impressed at all.
Any update on this?
Sent from my HTC myTouch_4G_Slide using xda premium
Can someone ex plane this in laymans terms please.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Madblaster6 said:
Can someone ex plane this in laymans terms please.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically tmobile is changing how much data you are allowed to use while roaming. More like decrease it by cutting you off once you reach your limit. The amount you get depends on your current data plan. People are arguing that this is a breach of contract and are trying to get out of their contract ETF free so they can move to a provider who basically have better coverage which would mean no roaming data. Tmobile is playing hardball and letting some people out but not others based on past roaming behavior. Basically the new plan ducks
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using XDA
smockonallama said:
Off-network data use may occur even when you are within the T-Mobile coverage area.
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Click to collapse
How is this even possible. If you are in the tmobile coverage area...wouldn't you be connected to tmobile? Are they saying "oh sorry, the device you have (that we sold you) didn't pick up our signal, and it thought it was roaming, so pay us money for all the data you used."
Really!?
liht said:
How is this even possible. If you are in the tmobile coverage area...wouldn't you be connected to tmobile? Are they saying "oh sorry, the device you have (that we sold you) didn't pick up our signal, and it thought it was roaming, so pay us money for all the data you used."
Really!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UPDATE: Today - 15 March 2012 - at 1:27 I phoned T-Mobile {611} to talk about this new "Domestic Data Roaming" Plan and explained to them that I have been w/ T-Mobile for 12 years but that I am not happy that they have changed the existing plan and would like to opt out of the contract w/ out paying an ETF {Early Termination Fee} and this is what I was told:
"This plan will only affect 1% of T-Mobile customers. Through extensive research it was determined that YOU are not in that 1% and therefor you will not be effected at all."
I spoke w/ two different people - one just a regular customer service rep and secondly a lady w/ the T-Mobile Customer Loyalty Center. Both were nice, but both told me, essentially, the same thing.
My comeback to them was that they have only viewed past data usage and are not taking into account FUTURE data usage and explained that this summer I will be doing a lot of traveling, which I am, as I will be seeing several shows of Roger Waters - The Wall Live, and I feel that this may affect me at that time.
To them, this did not matter. I asked when my "30-day window" would close as in their own Term & Conditions, rule 6, it states:
6. Our Rights to Make Changes. This provision, which describes how changes may be made to your Agreement, is subject to requirements and limitations imposed by applicable law, and will not be enforced to the extent prohibited by law. Your Service is subject to our business policies, practices, and procedures, which we can change without notice. WE CAN CHANGE ANY TERMS IN THE AGREEMENT AT ANY TIME. YOU MAY CANCEL THE AFFECTED LINE OF SERVICE WITHOUT AN EARLY TERMINATION FEE (if applicable) IF: (A) WE CHANGE YOUR PRICING IN A MANNER THAT MATERIALLY INCREASES YOUR MONTHLY RECURRING CHARGE(S) (the amount you agreed to pay each month for voice, data and messaging, which does not include overage, pay-per-use or optional services (such as 411, or downloads), or taxes and fees); (B) WE MATERIALLY DECREASE THE SERVICE ALLOTMENTS WE AGREED TO PROVIDE TO YOU FOR YOUR MONTHLY RECURRING CHARGE; OR (C) WE MATERIALLY CHANGE A TERM IN THESE T&Cs OTHER THAN PRICING IN A MANNER THAT IS MATERIALLY ADVERSE TO YOU. WE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH AT LEAST 30 DAYS' NOTICE OF ANY CHANGE WARRANTING CANCELLATION OF THE AFFECTED LINE OF SERVICE WITHOUT AN EARLY TERMINATION FEE (WHICH IS YOUR ONLY REMEDY), AND YOU MUST NOTIFY US WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE THE NOTICE, OR AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THE NOTICE. IF YOU FAIL TO TERMINATE WITHIN THE RELEVANT TIMEFRAME, YOU ACCEPT THE CHANGES.
The lady told me - and I quote - "There is no 30-day window for you since this plan will not have any effect on your account."
So, to summarize, they are claiming that 1% - I was even told twice that it's actually LESS than 1% - of their customer's will be affected by this new "Data Usage Change" and that they claim that they only looked at past data usage and did not take into account future usage and since I don't fall into that 1% or less category, I have NO RIGHT TO TERMINATE EARLY W/ OUT PAYING A PENALTY.
I thought I would share this as - to me - this seems like a load of horse crap. They have a contract that I agreed to - they are changing the contract and are changing it based on PAST DATA USAGE w/ NO consideration of future usage and also are adamant that I have no window to vacate the current contract.
Sorry for the lengthy response, but I feel this will be useful to some - or all - of you, and I am also curious about how they can "get away" w/ this crap of saying "since it doesn't affect you based on your past, there is nothing you can do to void the contract in the future."
Thanks for reading, I welcome any and all input.
PS: I know that this is in the My Touch 4G Slide forum and I have a Galaxy S-II, but when I Googled this "contract" stuff, this is what came up. If a MOD feels this should be moved, feel free to do so. I don't believe that a difference in phones will matter when it comes to "contracts" so I went ahead and posted it here. Forgive me if I have made an error.
InTheFlesh? said:
their own Term & Conditions, rule 6, it states:
6. Our Rights to Make Changes. This provision, which describes how changes may be made to your Agreement, is subject to requirements and limitations imposed by applicable law, and will not be enforced to the extent prohibited by law. Your Service is subject to our business policies, practices, and procedures, which we can change without notice. WE CAN CHANGE ANY TERMS IN THE AGREEMENT AT ANY TIME. YOU MAY CANCEL THE AFFECTED LINE OF SERVICE WITHOUT AN EARLY TERMINATION FEE (if applicable) IF: (A) WE CHANGE YOUR PRICING IN A MANNER THAT MATERIALLY INCREASES YOUR MONTHLY RECURRING CHARGE(S) (the amount you agreed to pay each month for voice, data and messaging, which does not include overage, pay-per-use or optional services (such as 411, or downloads), or taxes and fees); (B) WE MATERIALLY DECREASE THE SERVICE ALLOTMENTS WE AGREED TO PROVIDE TO YOU FOR YOUR MONTHLY RECURRING CHARGE; OR (C) WE MATERIALLY CHANGE A TERM IN THESE T&Cs OTHER THAN PRICING IN A MANNER THAT IS MATERIALLY ADVERSE TO YOU. WE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH AT LEAST 30 DAYS' NOTICE OF ANY CHANGE WARRANTING CANCELLATION OF THE AFFECTED LINE OF SERVICE WITHOUT AN EARLY TERMINATION FEE (WHICH IS YOUR ONLY REMEDY), AND YOU MUST NOTIFY US WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE THE NOTICE, OR AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THE NOTICE. IF YOU FAIL TO TERMINATE WITHIN THE RELEVANT TIMEFRAME, YOU ACCEPT THE CHANGES.
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This right here is pretty much why contracts suck. You are stuck with what they give you and can't make your own contract.
That is what they told me too. BS if you ask me.
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using XDA
The 2 magical words to get a rep to actually listen to you are SUE and BBB. Just state to them that you spoke with your lawer and that there is with no doubt a breach of contract, and if they don't sucomb and cancel without etf that you WILL press charges and sue. Believe me I've worked overseas for sprint customer service, and the only way we were allowed to get off our asses and escalate the call to our supervisers and/or managers is by hearing those 2 words, especially anything that had to do with courtrooms...
Sent from my HTC myTouch_4G_Slide using Tapatalk
I used BBB and Ftc threat. I actually did file a complaint on the FTC website. Didn't seem to matter to the rep.
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using XDA
Does anyone know if you can do the trick of ordering the phone with another lines upgrade and swapping to your line while ordering through Amazon? And still keep unlimited? When I call Verizon they say I can do that, but not sure if the Amazon purchase will work this way.
2001400ex said:
Does anyone know if you can do the trick of ordering the phone with another lines upgrade and swapping to your line while ordering through Amazon? And still keep unlimited? When I call Verizon they say I can do that, but not sure if the Amazon purchase will work this way.
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Click to collapse
When I bought my GS3 I used an upgrade from another line, which happened to be a basic line. By doing this it added a 2gig data plan to that line. Once the purchase was complete and i left the Verizon store and put my SIM in the new GS3 and reactivated the old basic phone to the line that i took the upgrade from. I then called Verizon and had them remove the 2 gig data plan off the line. I kept my unlimited data, upgraded to a GS3 and the other phone stayed the same.
I did this with the verizon store, im assuming you could do it with amazon as well
Is this sort of what you are trying to do?
ilol'd said:
When I bought my GS3 I used an upgrade from another line, which happened to be a basic line. By doing this it added a 2gig data plan to that line. Once the purchase was complete and i left the Verizon store and put my SIM in the new GS3 and reactivated the old basic phone to the line that i took the upgrade from. I then called Verizon and had them remove the 2 gig data plan off the line. I kept my unlimited data, upgraded to a GS3 and the other phone stayed the same.
I did this with the verizon store, im assuming you could do it with amazon as well
Is this sort of what you are trying to do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's exactly what I am trying to do and Verizon is saying I can do it from them. Not sure if it works through Amazon so I can save $100. And I am irritated with Verizon for making me go through these hoops just to keep unlimited data.
Just called. Guess it's $250 to switch lines through Amazon. &@$&@ Verizon.
2001400ex said:
Just called. Guess it's $250 to switch lines through Amazon. &@$&@ Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh? That dont even sound right
Yup if you buy a phone from Amazon, you have to keep it on that same line for 6 months, or they charge $250.
Amazon doesn't care what you do with the phone as long as the line of service you registered it to stays active.
AmazonWireless Instant Discount Policy
When you purchase your device with service from AmazonWireless.com, we automatically pass along an instant discount based on a commission paid to AmazonWireless by your wireless service carrier. The commission depends upon your continued service, and if you don't maintain your service for 181 days from the service activation date, AmazonWireless must return the commission to the carrier. Thus, this discount has been provided to you in good faith based on your agreement to (a) activate a new or extend an existing line of service for the device(s) with the carrier, (b) maintain this line of service in good standing, and (c) not alter the line of service type other than adding an additional line of service to an individual account for at least 181 consecutive days.
The following are some scenarios where we may determine that you have not maintained your service and have not met the requirements listed above:
If your device with the carrier is not activated per Amazon’s activation instructions within 14 days
If your service is canceled / disconnected before 181 days and you do not return the device(s) to Amazon
If a new individual or new family account is merged with or replaces a pre-existing account
If you transfer this equipment to another carrier's service or to another line in your family account and deactivate the line that Amazon established for your device
By accepting this Instant Discount Policy, you agree to repay $250 per device if you do not maintain your carrier service for 181 consecutive days from the service activation date. You also authorize us to collect that amount using any credit card we have on record for you. Amazon can periodically check your account status with the carrier to confirm your line of service is active and in good standing and thereby confirm you are in compliance with this policy.
The Instant Discount Policy will not be applied if you cancel your order and return the device(s) within our 30-day return period. You must return your device(s) to Amazon within the carrier’s 14-day return period in order to avoid the carrier's Early Termination Fees (ETF). If your purchase was an upgrade, your upgrade eligibility will not be reset unless you return your device to Amazon within the carrier's 14-day return period.
Click to expand...
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Let's say you have two smartphone Lines A & B. So buy the phone on Line A. Activate on Line A. Then swap phones. Verizon will get paid the same regardless of what phone is on which line, and Amazon will continue to get their kickback.
mrf582 said:
Amazon doesn't care what you do with the phone as long as the line of service you registered it to stays active.
Let's say you have two smartphone Lines A & B. So buy the phone on Line A. Activate on Line A. Then swap phones. Verizon will get paid the same regardless of what phone is on which line, and Amazon will continue to get their kickback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except for where they explicitly state that the phone has to remain on the activated line:
I need a new phone, but my line isn't eligible for an upgrade. Another line in my family account is eligible. Can I get a new phone for my line by using the upgrade of the other line in my family account?
While carriers may offer the option to swap upgrades between different lines on the same family account, this option isn't available through AmazonWireless. Phones purchased from AmazonWireless must remain on the line upgraded for 181 days. If you move the device to an alternate line within the first 181 days, you'd be subject to additional charges by AmazonWireless of up to $250 (per phone), plus applicable taxes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some people say that if you just activate it through Verizon, not Amazon, then they won't notice, and you'll be fine. I'm pretty sure I did this with my Thunderbolt a year ago, but really can't remember the details. Has anyone tried this with the Razr Maxx HD yet?
tf144 said:
Except for where they explicitly state that the phone has to remain on the activated line:
Some people say that if you just activate it through Verizon, not Amazon, then they won't notice, and you'll be fine. I'm pretty sure I did this with my Thunderbolt a year ago, but really can't remember the details. Has anyone tried this with the Razr Maxx HD yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've activated my Amazon purchased RAZR HD MAXX through VZW. had it for 2 weeks now, no problem.
tf144 said:
Except for where they explicitly state that the phone has to remain on the activated line:
Some people say that if you just activate it through Verizon, not Amazon, then they won't notice, and you'll be fine. I'm pretty sure I did this with my Thunderbolt a year ago, but really can't remember the details. Has anyone tried this with the Razr Maxx HD yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, their Wireless Policy seems to contradict their FAQ, in my opinion. But damn it, looks like I'll be charged extra!
Except that that's not what their actual agreement says. Their faq contradicts their contract agreement. Fortunately, the contract, and not the faq is what is legally binding:
"If your device with the carrier is not activated per Amazon's activation instructions within 14 days
If your service is canceled/disconnected before 181 days and you do not return the device(s) to Amazon
If a new individual or new family account is merged with or replaces a pre-existing account
If you transfer this equipment to another carrier's service or to another line in your family account and deactivate the line that Amazon established for your device
By accepting this Instant Discount Policy, you agree to repay $400 per smart phone or tablet and $200 per other device if you do not maintain your carrier service for 181 consecutive days from the service activation date. You also authorize us to collect that amount using any credit card we have on record for you. Amazon can periodically check your account status with the carrier to confirm your line of service is active and in good standing and thereby confirm you are in compliance with this policy."
It says you must transfer the phone to another line *and* deactivate the line established by Verizon to incur the etf.
There is a difference between the phone and the line. It is cancelling the line that incurs the fee. I know because that's what I did with my razr HD.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app
I also purchased my phone outright from Amazon and just activated it on my current line. I had to use the Verizon website and manually enter my IMEI but other than that the process was painless (other than the severe b%tt pain from paying full price for the phone). Unlimited data rolled right over and the 4G service has been awesome. Rooting the phone was trivial and using the aShell/aSQLLiteManager hack to remove the entitlement check allows me to use tethering over 4G with the native tethering app...sweet