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Hi all,
If my question is not in the appropriate forum please move it. I can also see this question in the general section.
Situation & Question below:
Today AT&T just changed my unlimited media net data plan ($15) to the 2gb capped data pro2 plan ($25). When I first signed up for AT&T over a year ago I got the unlimited medianet plan with a normal 3g flip phone. I quickly took the 3g sim from the flip phone and began using my medianet dataplan with an Xperia x1 smartphone. Last March I replaced the Xperia x1 with an AT&T branded Backflip I purchased off of ebay. Since the beginning of my plan I have had no problems with using the medianet dataplan with my smartphones. Even when AT&T changed their data plans this summer I assumed I would be "grandfathered" in with my current plan.
Since AT&T changed my plan am I able to leave AT&T without suffering an ETF or is it within my contract that AT&T can make a change and not allow me to opt out if they notice a "mistake" on my account?
Also, how exactly would you suggest going about it if I can use this as an excuse to break my contract. I've read several articles online about it, but I would appreciate any extra experience.
1. I know I was kind of abusing a loop hole, so please spare me the lecture.
2. The 2gb plan won't work for me because I tether my netbook to my phone at least twice a day on a 1 hour train ride. (I usually use 1.5-3GB a month)
Thanks in advanced.
You might be able to get your unlimited plan back if you complain to an AT&T rep about the change of terms of service. But I suspect they finally caught on to your tethering
Dropped from my smoking fast Captivate (Darky's Raw Steel v3.0)
I got that text msg also on the 21st. It looks like tethering has nothing to do with it since I didn't even bother to tether. I see some folks are able to get their grandfathered plans back and some can't. It is up to the service rep. As soon as I find a couple of hours to call ATT service, I will be trying to get my grandfathered data plan back.
Good luck on your try.
I was a QA Supervisor in a call center with Cingular and then AT&T for years.
First thing, anytime you change phones you need to call AT&T and change the IMEI number on that line number. If you do not do this, you can have problems with your service and it CAN cause problems with billing some of the time. Not saying that has ANYTHING to do with your current issue, I'm just sharing that information with you. People think they can just jump the SIM card from one phone to the next without an issue but it CAN cause a problem. AGAIN, not saying that has ANYTHING to do with your problem and this is just a SIDE NOTE.
As far as you trying to get out of your contract without an ETF, it is not going to happen. AT&T reserves the right to change your service at anytime. This is the policy with 98% of companies these days. NOW, depending on where you are in your contract, you could be subject to a lower ETF here. I know that AT&T raised the ETF a few months ago but as it has always been, the farther along you are in your contract, the lower the fee will be. I would call them and ask how much the ETF would be right now. Also get the ETF for each month for the next say, 6 months. (just looked back at your post again and noticed that you have had service for over a year now). Since you are over one year into your contract, you MIGHT be able to get something out of this if you do not want to cancel and just pay the lower fee. Get a supervisor on the phone and BE NICE. Do NOT try to quote any laws, policies or TOS to the person you speak to. You do not work for AT&T, THEY DO. Just let them know that you are not happy with the new data plan and have been looking into changing to a different company so that you can use the unlimited data. I myself have the unlimited data plan and it is still on $15 a month. I've had it for over 3 years and have upgraded within that time. All of the phones on my account have the unlimited data @ $15 a month and all have been upgraded while using the plan. I have a feeling that they got you because of the tethering OR you have somehow allowed this change to happen while on the phone with one of the CSRs. I've seen where plans have been changed on accounts and the customer was on the phone when it happened and agreed to it. I've also seen these same customers call back later and claim they never agreed to anything. It is VERY easy to get lost in the conversation with some of these CSRs and have things changed on your account, not saying it is right for them to do , just saying it happens.
Talk to a supervisor and go from there with it. Make sure you let him know you have had the UDP for the life of the account and without it, you will be looking at a different company. He will check your account and see when, why and how the plan was changed and he MIGHT allow you to have it back. AT&T is not in the business of losing customers, use that to get what you want. Just remember, BE NICE and do not try to act like you know more than the person you are talking to (i don't care if you're talking to one of the idiots on the call floor)
You cancel your service, you are going to pay an ETF. There is no way around that. Like I said, you are far along in your contract so it will not cost you as much. I believe there is at least one company out there right now that will pay your ETF with AT&T if you switch service and use them. I can't remember which company it is but you can google search or call the different companies and ask just ask well as I can.
thanks for the great reply. I myself don't want to leave, I am going to call them to get my grandfathered data plan back if I can. I usually do call them to change the IMEI but just plum forgot to with this phone.
Thanks again
jumpdawg said:
thanks for the great reply. I myself don't want to leave, I am going to call them to get my grandfathered data plan back if I can. I usually do call them to change the IMEI but just plum forgot to with this phone.
Thanks again
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You could have told me you also worked for them before I typed all of that to you as if I was talking to a rookie..lmfaooooooo I got your PM
Hope you get everything worked up man...but again..lmfaooooooo. You got me good on that one
jagpoag
Your info is on the spot for anyone reading this. I followed it to a tee and I now have my old dataplan back. So your post was not wasted on me. It had all the info I needed to get my plan back. It took no where near two hours (actually only about 20 minutes). CSR was pleasent and knew exactly what to do.
Thanks again
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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.
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Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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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Click to collapse
Hey man, if you want your old number back, it is possible. I'd call the store you went to or just go up there and have the rep request your old number back. It migrates over in 36 hours or so. But yeah, it's totally possible if you would like it back.
With the Arrive coming out on Sprint soon, and the Trophy coming to Verizon, allegedly on the 24th, I'm wondering if it will be possible to get an Arrive to work on Verizon? Verizon's coverage in my area is far better than Sprint's, but I don't want the bottom of the barrel WP7 device, as I've heard the Trophy called. I have used the Mogul, the Touch Pro, and now the Touch Pro 2, and really like having that slide-out keyboard.
Any idea if getting Arrive to work on Verizon, or am I doomed to deal with Trophy?
Thanks,
Rich
No idea. The only WP7 device I've heard of for Verizon is the Trophy, like you stated.
You can get the Arrive on Sprint and roam on Verizon!
I am hoping that a few more WP7 devices are announced for both carriers at CTIA (March 22-24).
Musicman247 said:
No idea. The only WP7 device I've heard of for Verizon is the Trophy, like you stated.
You can get the Arrive on Sprint and roam on Verizon!
I am hoping that a few more WP7 devices are announced for both carriers at CTIA (March 22-24).
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truth...
Sprint has agreements with Verizon, when you roam on Sprint it is through Verizon's network and there is no extra charge.
You could get on the Sprint Everything Plus Data plan for $59.99, and pay another $10 for the premium data plan, and pay $69.99 for a new HTC Arrive.
Really.... :/
I had a Sprint Mogul when I moved to GA two years ago. The reception was PATHETIC. You used to see the commercials where someone would say something then drop the call, and it was totally awkward? Well, that happened to me. I was talking to a dear friend, and said, "I love you, Patty", and the call dropped, and I WOULD have continued, "you're one of the dearest friends I have." Of course she didn't hear the last part. I drove up and down the road desperately seeking a bar. JUST ONE BAR! I switched to Verizon and that problem went away.
So, I guess the question I have now is whether the switch to CDMA on Sprint is that recent? I wasn't aware that I could use a Sprint phone on a Verizon network, and due to my past experience I didn't check. If the answer is yes, then I believe I will be cancelling my Verizon contract when the Arrive arrives!
Hmmm... Only issue is that my VZW plan is unlimited data - TRULY unlimited - because I had it on an employee plan when I got it (and I'm not an employee of that company anymore). Is Sprint's plan TRULY unlimited?
hopmedic said:
Really.... :/
I had a Sprint Mogul when I moved to GA two years ago. The reception was PATHETIC. You used to see the commercials where someone would say something then drop the call, and it was totally awkward? Well, that happened to me. I was talking to a dear friend, and said, "I love you, Patty", and the call dropped, and I WOULD have continued, "you're one of the dearest friends I have." Of course she didn't hear the last part. I drove up and down the road desperately seeking a bar. JUST ONE BAR! I switched to Verizon and that problem went away.
So, I guess the question I have now is whether the switch to CDMA on Sprint is that recent? I wasn't aware that I could use a Sprint phone on a Verizon network, and due to my past experience I didn't check. If the answer is yes, then I believe I will be cancelling my Verizon contract when the Arrive arrives!
Hmmm... Only issue is that my VZW plan is unlimited data - TRULY unlimited - because I had it on an employee plan when I got it (and I'm not an employee of that company anymore). Is Sprint's plan TRULY unlimited?
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Sprint unlimited really is unlimited, but if you read the fine print they reserve the right to terminate you if you get retarded on it, just like any other carrier. Check with a local Sprint store about the coverage/roaming issue. Most plans on Sprint now include free roaming nationwide, and I can't think of what other major carrier in the US has CDMA other than Verizon.
Don't! sign up for a plan through the store, you need to do it online through the Everythign Plus referral, and get the plan for $10 less than doing it in store. So you can bet a HTC Arrive and pay $59.99+$10 premium data = $69.99 for 500 anytime minutes to landlines, and unlimited any mobile any time, unlimited data, pictures, text, nights starting at 7pm, etc. etc. etc.
http://www.sprint.com/everythingplus
You will need a Sprint employee email address/pin. This is where Russ McGuire comes into play, he is Vice President of Strategy for Sprint. On his blog he invites everyone for the sprint offer.
http://mcguireslaw.com/
(under about on the right hand side he has his email address and pin for everyone to use freely/Legitimately)
Addendum: their fine print says they can terminate/stop service if you use too much data outside their network etc, so the roaming thing would apply here. Wouldn't hurt to check out if their coverage has improved in your area.
Very interesting - thanks so much for the info! I guess now I'm tossing up the pros and cons of going with that or going through wirefly and getting the phone for $50 - especially since my wife will get an arrive if it is $50, but she wont' get it if we have to pay $200 (after rebate). I'm looking at it like this:
From Wirefly:
2 phones $100
monthly rate $149
From Sprint:
1 phone $200 (plus whatever phone my wife ends up getting)
monthly rate $129
So, for $20 a month over 2 years, I would save a total of $480. At a $150 savings for each Arrive buying through wirefly, that takes the comparable savings down to 180. Given that my wife won't get an Arrive if we have to pay full price now (since we'll also have to pay early term fee for our current Verizon contract), She would probably go with a free phone, and I'd save more money, but she wouldn't have WP7 (which I want her to have).
You've given me much food for thought. Right now I'd say we're probably going to end up going with Wirefly, but I'm going to sit on the decision for a couple days to decide. Thank you.
hopmedic said:
Very interesting - thanks so much for the info! I guess now I'm tossing up the pros and cons of going with that or going through wirefly and getting the phone for $50 - especially since my wife will get an arrive if it is $50, but she wont' get it if we have to pay $200 (after rebate). I'm looking at it like this:
From Wirefly:
2 phones $100
monthly rate $149
From Sprint:
1 phone $200 (plus whatever phone my wife ends up getting)
monthly rate $129
So, for $20 a month over 2 years, I would save a total of $480. At a $150 savings for each Arrive buying through wirefly, that takes the comparable savings down to 180. Given that my wife won't get an Arrive if we have to pay full price now (since we'll also have to pay early term fee for our current Verizon contract), She would probably go with a free phone, and I'd save more money, but she wouldn't have WP7 (which I want her to have).
You've given me much food for thought. Right now I'd say we're probably going to end up going with Wirefly, but I'm going to sit on the decision for a couple days to decide. Thank you.
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Let me further add to your thoughts, wirefly still may not be the best option.
If you sign up with Sprint and port your current number over to them from another carrier they will give you $125 credit for each smartphone.
http://www.sprint.com/landings/portcredit/
sprint said:
Move your number to Sprint. Get $125.For a limited time only, activate a new Sprint smartphone and save.Just bring your number from another carrier to Sprint and activate a smartphone, like the Samsung Epic™ 4G, on a new line and we'll give you a $125 service credit. Not ready for a smartphone? We'll give you a $50 service credit when you port your number from another carrier and activate one of our other fabulous phones. Either way, you win.
$125 service credit per line for each smartphone
$50 service credit per line for other phones
How to get your service credit:
Find the perfect phone. Shop online now.
Transfer your eligible number to Sprint by 4/16/2011. Doing this online is easy – we'll ask you for your number when you checkout.
Within 72 hours of activating your phone and transferring your number from another carrier, register for the credit.
That's it! You can expect to see your service credit as a lump sum within the adjustment section of your invoice. The service credit will show up on the first or second invoice after you have been a Sprint customer for 60 days. It will be labeled as "Valued Customer Service Credit."
Visit this page if you have any questions about the status of your service credit and select “Where’s my credit?” Remember, the credit will not appear on your invoice until at least 60 days after activation.
Requires two-year Agreement.
This offer is available online, via Telesales and in participating Sprint Stores. Purchases from other retailers are not eligible for this credit.
Offer ends 4/16/2011. Available for consumer and individual-liable lines only. Requires port in from an active wireless line and mobile number that comes through the port process. Request for service credit must be made at www.sprint.com/switchoffer within 72 hours from the port in activation date or credit will be declined. New line must remain active with Sprint for 61 days to receive service credit. Smartphones are Blackberry, Android, Windows Mobile, Palm and Instinct Family of devices. All other phones are considered feature phones. Smartphones require activation on an Everything Plan with data with Premium Data add-on charge. Upgrades, replacements, and ports made between Sprint entities or providers associated with Sprint are excluded (i.e. Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, Common Cents Mobile and Assurance). Offers not available in all markets/retail locations. Other restrictions apply.
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Sooooo $400 for 2 Arrive's, minus $250 - $150 for 2.
Hope this further helps you.
Wow.... That's awesome.... Now I'm going to have to look and see if I can combine the everything plus with the port credit, and double check to make sure we can receive two $100 rebates if we buy two phones. Thanks!
hopmedic said:
Wow.... That's awesome.... Now I'm going to have to look and see if I can combine the everything plus with the port credit, and double check to make sure we can receive two $100 rebates if we buy two phones. Thanks!
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The port credit information was posted on the Everything Plus referral page after you logged in with the email and pin number. And the $100 refund credit is definately per phone regardless of how many you purchase.
The only thing you need to make sure of is that Sprint services your area well.
Hope I was able to help you save some money no matter what you decide, let me know what you finally end up doing. I am picking up 2 Arrives on Sunday (for wife and I).
Credit Union Discounts
For those who go/have gone through wirefly for the 50 dollar deal (which I did), since we can't sign up for the Referral Program, the next best option to still get 10% knocked off your bill is to get a discount through any affiliated credit union (of which, there are TONS). Long-term, for 1 phone, Getting the port credit and Referral discount probably works out better, but I couldn't justify spending 300 up front for the phone, waiting x number of weeks for the rebate etc..
cusaver dot com
you can always....swap esns if your willing to get your hands dirty *cough* It works great *cough*
Halabeaster, I've never put a non-standard rom on a phone, but if it's safe, I'm willing to try. For the moment, I'm on Sprint, but not sure I'm happy with the coverage... Got 3 1/2 weeks left or so to decide. I am a developer, but not very experienced. How difficult is it?
cyclical said:
Sprint unlimited really is unlimited, but if you read the fine print they reserve the right to terminate you if you get retarded on it, just like any other carrier. Check with a local Sprint store about the coverage/roaming issue. Most plans on Sprint now include free roaming nationwide, and I can't think of what other major carrier in the US has CDMA other than Verizon.
Don't! sign up for a plan through the store, you need to do it online through the Everythign Plus referral, and get the plan for $10 less than doing it in store. So you can bet a HTC Arrive and pay $59.99+$10 premium data = $69.99 for 500 anytime minutes to landlines, and unlimited any mobile any time, unlimited data, pictures, text, nights starting at 7pm, etc. etc. etc.
You will need a Sprint employee email address/pin. This is where Russ McGuire comes into play, he is Vice President of Strategy for Sprint. On his blog he invites everyone for the sprint offer.
(under about on the right hand side he has his email address and pin for everyone to use freely/Legitimately)
Addendum: their fine print says they can terminate/stop service if you use too much data outside their network etc, so the roaming thing would apply here. Wouldn't hurt to check out if their coverage has improved in your area.
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Question, can you jump on this if you're an existing customer?
I just got my HTC Arrive on the Verizon Wireless network via Page Plus Cellular thanks to this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=13205205&postcount=9
I replaced my well used Touch Pro 2 with an Arrive because I was waiting for Windows Phone 7 and Netflix capabilty. I'm not a heavy phone data user because I have Wi-Fi everywhere I go.
So far I was able to get the talk and text working for my unlimited plan but haven't hammered out the rest of the data settings. Might have to wait for a Verizon Trophy to come out so that I can try to mirror the settings. This method is technically on Verizon so 95% of the service is the same at a much better price. I need mainly lots and lots of Talk/Text with NO data plan fees.
I actually bought my 2 phones from Amazon Wireless. Both were upgrades for non-primary lines on a family plan (Everything Data 3000) and AW had the best deal on the devices I could find anywhere, $150. The deal got even better now though, $99 for upgraders and free for new users.
dtrush said:
I just got my HTC Arrive on the Verizon Wireless network via Page Plus Cellular thanks to this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=13205205&postcount=9
I replaced my well used Touch Pro 2 with an Arrive because I was waiting for Windows Phone 7 and Netflix capabilty. I'm not a heavy phone data user because I have Wi-Fi everywhere I go.
So far I was able to get the talk and text working for my unlimited plan but haven't hammered out the rest of the data settings. Might have to wait for a Verizon Trophy to come out so that I can try to mirror the settings. This method is technically on Verizon so 95% of the service is the same at a much better price. I need mainly lots and lots of Talk/Text with NO data plan fees.
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What does or does not work? Do apps go to your bill?
No one else has made progress with the Arrive on Verizon. I was looking for a replacement for my TP2, and I really do not want to change carriers.
Any lawyers out there? (It's a joke)((unless you're a lawyer))
So the other day I moved to a new area. With that came dropped calls, data speeds of 42 KBs(dial up anyone), and the kicker for me getting ATTs network more often then my own. I've been on the phone a lot with CSR's and you guessed it my call was dropped.
So is there an easy way I can extract my call log to prove this? I just want what I paid for and this isn't it. Not a Tbolile hater as I've been with them for over seven years. Just really frustrated with there level of service in my new area.
And to all that follow with:
1) You signed a contract deal with it?
2) Tmobile rocks!
Leave the thread as is!
I for once just need some help(ie extracting call logs)
Are you just trying to terminate the contract, or are you trying to terminate it without paying the fee? I believe it's up to $200 per line... I forgot.
Maybe you can try talking to a customer representative and explain your situation? T-Mobile is very understanding most of the time.
Tmobile for the past six years has done well by me. No problem relating a problem to CSR. Now a huge problem just to get let out of a contract that they are not honoring(ie dropped calls and sloWWWW data speeds). Change in company policy or change in consumer demand?
I think with a merger coming they just don't give a ****.
So if you look at the OP and can help me isolate the call logs let me know
Thanks
hechoen said:
Tmobile for the past six years has done well by me. No problem relating a problem to CSR. Now a huge problem just to get let out of a contract that they are not honoring(ie dropped calls and sloWWWW data speeds). Change in company policy or change in consumer demand?
I think with a merger coming they just don't give a ****.
So if you look at the OP and can help me isolate the call logs let me know
Thanks
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Im sure does idiots wil make you pay honeatly!
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daxecutioner24 said:
Im sure does idiots wil make you pay honeatly!
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Not idiots more like automatons. Hours of costumer care = no ability to provide a signed contract. "Sorry sir we can't email you that signed copy of contract"
Me "Why?"
CSR "We have no ability to email"
Me "Why?"
CSR "You signed your contract in a store we have no record of it"
Me "Why?"
CSR "insert automaton response here"
Lol pathetic..yea most of them are program like that..as if they are getting paid six figures by Tmobile!
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If there's a local T-Mobile store, maybe you can go to them and prove the poor service that you're getting. I'm sure you'll get better responses and help with someone who's probably not a robot, lol. Try to have them help you with actually calling customer service and cancelling your contract without fees.
I can't really tell you about the call logs, but maybe you can prove the poor speeds by running speed tests. Be sure to run them at different times to show that it's not your phone, but your lack of service at your new location.
Of course, all of this can only work if there is actually a T-Mobile store really close by.
bkoon1218 said:
If there's a local T-Mobile store, maybe you can go to them and prove the poor service that you're getting. I'm sure you'll get better responses and help with someone who's probably not a robot, lol. Try to have them help you with actually calling customer service and cancelling your contract without fees.
I can't really tell you about the call logs, but maybe you can prove the poor speeds by running speed tests. Be sure to run them at different times to show that it's not your phone, but your lack of service at your new location.
Of course, all of this can only work if there is actually a T-Mobile store really close by.
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call tmobile from a landline not your cellphone
ask to be transfered to retention.. explain to them the issues you are having and tell them the phone does not work in your area. By tyhe way you dont need to icolate the call logs there system flags dropped calles for them.. So they can see how many dropped calls u have. Anyways there about the only ones that can let you out of your contract without paying the termintaion fee. Fyi it is possable to get out of your agreement without the termination fee if you can prove that the service they are providing does not work in your area.. THere is a clause for that..
raver thanks for the tip.
I'll try and see what happens. Is retention the same as costumer loyalty? cause those guys have not been that helpful about my issues.
It sucks cause I really like this phone just want a different carrier at this point.
no theres a retention department if u call and talk to cancellations.. there the last line of defense for them to try n keep you as a customer in your case since you dont have service were u live there the only ones that can let you out of your contract without etf..
No dice. Ten minutes on the phone and quote "It says in our terms and agreements that we don't provide coverage in all area so there is no way to release you from contract without ETF's"
Anyone wanna call them and tell them I'm dead?
Anyway thanks for the help and your roms do kick ass.
Just because there's a clause doesn't mean they will honor it..at the end of the day their contract are probably a thousand pages long..so they will find something to screw you over..kinda like college and the stupid fees they bring out of nowherr!
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At least stupid college fees get you some type of education all this is doing is pissing me off. There Terms and agreements are long and involved(not quite 1000 pages but close).
Actually maybe I did get some education out of this. NEVER sign a contract with a wireless carrier. It will only end up costing me the ETF. On that note let this thread die.
Your SOL regardless of coverage l.. or lack there of
NEW ATT-esque policies. They have your signed contract filed away somewhere
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ya with the att merger ya u are prob sol... id just pay the etf honestly if u can afford it...
Haha yea just pay the fee and dont deal with wireless carriers again!,good luck!
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Almost a month to the day of this post I am out of my tmobile contract. It only took being on the phone with 611 for about an hour every other day. So Fuc? You Tmobile. Sorry had to get that out. I hope the rest of you have an amazing experience with them. RANT OVER
hechoen said:
Almost a month to the day of this post I am out of my tmobile contract. It only took being on the phone with 611 for about an hour every other day. So Fuc? You Tmobile. Sorry had to get that out. I hope the rest of you have an amazing experience with them. RANT OVER
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Congrats on getting out of the contract! That was an exception to many rules and someone will probably get spoken to about it. No carrier (to my knowledge) will let you out of your contract without etf because you moved out of their coverage area, by policy. And on top of that, your contract generally includes mandatory arbitration (meaning its very difficult to take them to court, not that doing so would save you money...)
For anyone that may have a problem like this in the future, your best shot is to use your phone while roaming in one area, to make that look like the place you use it the most, more than you do while not roaming (check to make sure your carrier wont charge you roaming before doing this) for a couple of months. This costs your carrier and they will generally terminate your service without fees, or your consent for that matter, or at the very least gives you better ammo when you call. I know tmo and vzw do this, as do most other carriers that allow free domestic roaming.
On a side note, loyalty and retentions are the same department. Loyalty is the name used with customers because its a friendlier term, retentions is used internally because it a is more accurate description since you don't talk to them for being loyal. If you need to talk to them just call 611 and enter your phone number when asked to do so then say you want to cancel service, it'll take you right there (you learn some tricks when you work at a T-Mobile call center... lol)
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csstone
I'm in there coverage area which was how I was able to get out of contract. Bad tower bad signal and the kicker is I get ATT on MY phone. Service request twice. One trouble ticket and one good CSR. Bamn no more tmobile. I will be keeping the phone though. And they were nice enough to unlock it for me!
Wasn't there a lawsuit sometime ago where they can't force you to stay in a contract if you move to a new location that they don't cover?
I have a fun question. Me and my wife have decided that $160 a month and mediocre data speeds aren't worth it anymore, so we're thinking about making the jump to AT&T which seems to have pretty good coverage and speed here in Tampa Bay. I'm out of contract, she still has a year left, but we'll be breaking hers since it'll cost us like a month of service, which we'll get right back. Her parents are on an AT&T family plan and can add us on for like $20 bucks or something insignificant like that. Even with an upgrade in the data limits, it'll still save us like $100 a month.
Now that i've wasted your time with background, here's my question. I want to port my number, but my Sprint acct is in my name and they told me the name has to match the AT&T account (under her dad's name) in order for it to go thru. And in order for me to change the Sprint acct, he would essentially have to have a COFR done (which requires a credit check, which I'm not even going to ask him to do).
Does anyone have a creative idea on how to get my number over to AT&T? Perhaps porting it to some MVNO like Ting and then getting the account changed over to one of their names? Do MVNO's run credit checks? Is a name change simple? Can you port from an MVNO to another carrier without issue? Are these all stupid questions?
Help!
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