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New Guy here. First post.
OK, so here's my issue. I've been a Nextel customer(moved over to Sprint awhile back) for about 10 years. My contract is about up and I'm going to get a Smartphone finally after all these years of using my Axim and cell phone separate.
I've kinda nearly decided on the Touch Pro 2 and they are both available from Sprint and Verizon. Sprint only offers the TP2 with the older OS and can't give me any idea of when they will update it if ever. Also, they want $350 for it. Verizon has it with the newest OS for $200.
Is there any reason I should stay with Sprint or should I be looking at Verizon? Other than if you have a bias for or against a particular carrier, is there a benefit of one over the other?
Thanks
JTMcD.
The new verizon OS has been a real pain for me so far.
I may be looking to switch to a cooked rom if I can't get e few things working.
I do NOT use the TF3D (or Sensui) interface, I use the normal today screen. If you use the TF3D interface, the new rom looks like it may be better for you.
If that doesn't matter, then it has more to do with the cost and coverage. Where I need my phone to work, VZW has better coverage.
I would consider these things (in no particular order):
1. Which carrier has the best coverage in my area?
2. What plans are available, and which plan suits my needs best?
3. Which carrier has the best customer service?
4. How much will equipment and accessories cost?
5. Which carrier has the most up to date software (for PDA's)?
I had AT&T for 5 years, and just recently switched to Verizon. I was considering Sprint, but when I considered the things listed above, Verizon was a better choice for me. I'm not telling you to switch to Verizon by any means. I'm just giving you some things to think about. Switching carriers can be a hassle up front, so don't expect the transition to be smooth if you do switch.
I've been reading a lot about the Touch Pro2, and it sounds to me like the Sprint and Verizon versions are pretty similar. Personally, I'm sticking with Sprint, but one advantage to the Verizon version is that, although it comes locked, apparently if you can get Vz to unlock the GSM portion of the phone, it will work with US carrier SIM cards. Not so with the Sprint version, which is unlocked by default for overseas carriers but will not work on GSM bands in the US at all (unless you hack the thing).
In terms of phone cost, I think it would be helpful to just compare your overall two year cost of ownership (e.g., including monthly plan payments) rather than just the out-the-door phone price. Also, I think it's basically a certainty that Sprint will be upgrading their Touch Pro2 to WM6.5, by the way.
That's where I'm at right now. I can say that I've had great coverage and utility from Nextel/Sprint over the past years. Talking to others though I am the minority and not the majority. My wife says it was the first carrier she had that allowed her to get a signal in class at the local college.
At the same time, People here who have Verizon swear by them.
I am leaning more toward Verizon at this point since. I figure, we have 30 days in order to switch back if we find we don't get as good of coverage.
I just wonder if Sprint is actually faster than Verizon as far as 3G/4G goes. I find it odd though that Sprint seems to be on again, off again when advertising a 4G network.
eh.... i wouldn't base your decision on what the stock rom is.... there are several good cooked roms, i have sprint and i managed to use the stock rom for about a week before i started flashing roms over... and i haven't looked back since
and sprint has some good things going for their service plans... any mobile any time. and i dont have any roaming charges, so i really dont care if sprint has good service as i get service anywhere anyone else does now....
I'm not comfortable enough to use a cooked ROM on a device I rely on. After I make the switch over to a smartphone I'll start playing with those on my Axim x51v and then maybe eventually start hacking my phone. Right now, I don't want to run the risk of bricking my new phone. I need the PDA for work as I am a trauma Nurse and use alot of different programs and if I loose my PDA, it could very well cost a life. Not just an inconvenience, it kinda is a necessity on my part.
If it wasn't for that, I'd hack it in a heartbeat.
then i would go with the one with the most stable os. personally i am sprint and have been for years but with the great rates and coverage i haven't really had a need to look elsewhere. from the above post it sounds like there are some issues to sort out with the vzw 6.5 rom and i can tell you first hand that the sprint 6.1 is very solid, fast, and stable. thus far it's been the best stock rom that i have come across. personally i just don't like 6.1 anymore or i would probably be running stock. it is a little higher in price (ok a lot higher), but it bsaically pays for itself with the cheaper plans compared to vzw.
I have had both Sprint and Verizon. I went with Verizon because everybody I know has VZW and I could basically call/text anybody I know without using any minutes or texts so it allowed me to put a super low minutes/text plan on my phone. As far as service Sprint and VZW have been pretty much equal in my book. They both kick the crap out of ATT that's for sure.
One thing NOT to worry about is the up-front cost of the phone. Considering the difference in cost for the plan over a 2 year contract, the phone's price is minor.
I just switched from Sprint to Verizon. I had two branded TP2's with Sprint and I have two branded TP2's with Verizon. I was with Sprint for 8 years prior to the switch and have had the Mogul, TP, and TP2. I've been flashing ROM's on all my Sprint phones since the Mogul.
For me personally, Verizon has the best coverage for the area where I work and live. The Verizon TP2 just "feels" better and more solid in my hand than Sprints.
As far as coverage, I was on 1x or Roaming with Sprint inside my workplace. With Verizon I have 3G. The Sprint battery would last about 12 hours at best, since my phone was constantly looking for a tower. With Verizon I get 20.5 hours of average use. Plus Verizon has Rhodium500 which is newer.
I've found the Verizon phone is faster out of the box. I just finished upgrading the phone to the newest official 6.5 build and I'm mildly impressed. But I will be on a custom rom by the end of the week.
The newest build has some touchflo GUI enhancements which is pretty slick, plus visual voicemail.
htcfan78 is right, check on coverage. I live in Florida. Verizon built backup generators at all their towers. So if another hurricane comes thru and knocks out power, I'll still have cell coverage. Can't say the same for Sprint.
Having been with Sprint for 8 years, I'm really impressed with Verizon, both the phone and customer service. But in the end its all relative to your own individual experience.
sprint would be cheaper monthly just upfront is where verizon wins.
Verizon or Sprint
Here are a few things to consider
A while back Sprint and Verizon got into bed together
Verizon wanted a fast dependable data network without paying to develop it so they actually pay sprint to use there data network, part of the agreement was that Sprint would get to use all of verizon's voice service for sprint roaming at no cost to there customers. So as far as usage they are the same network.
Verizon charges there customers for every little thing they do., and until the other day did not have a affordable everything plan. also sprint and HTC have an accord that (even though most carriers have released the final version of the phone) all the other cariers would be beta testers for the touch pro 2 .
other than that the phones are virtually identical.
oh btw sprint customer care sucks.
thanks for all the input. Keep it coming.
I'm beginning to lean a little toward the Sprint again now. I discovered that a friend of mine via a totally different website is a Sprint Tech who works on the infrastructure and tech side of things. He's provided me a little more insight on the overall costs and benefits compared to Verizon and even AT&T.
I went through the Hurricanes a few years back and remember our EMS services here in Polk swithing over to Verizon, from Sprint, after and most have more issues now than before. One of the Captians says he can be sitting in his office with a tower within visual sight and still not have a signal. I know, doesn't mean it's a Verizon tower but still....
Everyone I know on the civilian side that has Verizon has nothing but good to say about it. I think my wife and I are about the only people who have Nextel/Sprint that doesn't have a problem with cell service. From what I've read and what I've been told by some in the know, there will be a update on the Sprint Phone, just not until it is stable and as bug free as possible. This weekend, the wife and I will be out shopping and going to some of the service centers to see what kind of deals we can get. I onlt just learned about the Premiere customer service from Sprint adn apparently I more than qualify for it. Also, I think I may even get a small discount for working at the Hospital. I know Verizon has a 18 or 19% discount. Why not 20%, I don't know. ALso, I'll call and speak to Customer care at Sprint to see what they are willing to offer to keep me a a customer. Then it ultimately comes down to what Sprints plan and price is compared to Verizons plan and price and how much it costs with any addons. I read a coupld of sites over the last couple days that show where Sprint is $20 cheaper at minimum for the same services. That alone would make up the difference in phone cost. Especially over the lifetime of the phone as I don't upgrade often.
Heck, I'm still using the same Axim x51v that I bought back in 2005 and the same ic902 that I got back in 2006-7 and have been hapy with both ever since. I'm just tired of carrying both around all the time.
Thanks for all the input. Please keep it coming.
I'll chime in for Sprint. It depends on how much you talk and who you talk to, but Sprint's plans are pretty cheap. My wife and I pay ~$120 a month for unlimited messaging and data for both of us, meaning even extra premium services like GPS, TV, radio, etc. We admittedly don't have the most minutes, but Sprint lets you call any cell phone, regardless of carrier, without using minutes. We mostly just call people on their cells and call parents and the like on weekends, so the small number of minutes we get is never even closed to being exhausted. They also don't roll-over, but if we never come close to going over, who cares? I've found Sprint's coverage to be excellent where I live in Utah, and quite comparable to Verizon in the high Rockies in Colorado when we visit my parents.
There will always be good and bad stories of customer service, but I like the reps at our local Sprint store and they actually know quite a bit about the hardware they're selling (I will never forget when I was exchanging a bad Tilt (Kaiser, not the Rhodium) and I asked the AT&T rep if he had any suggestions for ROM's or software. He told me he didn't really know about any of that, but he had watched a movie on his once and thought that was cool, haha).
I have sprint.. I have the everything data plan which comes with ANY CELL ANY TIME so I can call my friends on any cell service.. I also get UNLIMITED DATA and UNLIMITED TEXT/MMS.. also 1500 minutes...
the stock rom is not good at all.. I use mighty rom and its made my phone 10000000 times better
Well, I stayed with Sprint. Took the TP2 and the wife opted for a Blackberry 8350 or something like that. She got it becasue it was Purple.....
To make things even better, Since I'm an RN and with teh Trauma team for my local hospital(probably employee discount they all get), I got an additional 23% discount on my plan so my $129 plan is closer to $100. Verizon was only giving 18% off their price so it was even a greater savings for me. So I'll more than make up the difference in price of the phone over the next year.
Thanks for all the input. As you can probably already see, I'm playing with the new phone and already have questioins.
I have been searching all of the forums for the last two weeks regarding the TP2 and Sprint service, which on the surface sounded good. I purchased a brand new (in the box advertised as not requiring a contract) TP2 and called Sprint to port my number and was informed that even providing my own (paid for) hardware, they will not activate service without a 2 year contract. I'm stunned! Even Verizon will allow activation of your own handset without a contract. I called the CS line and was told that they will not activate without a contract. I guess I will sell this one and go with Verizon. No wonder Sprint has been loosing customers!
IIRC its actually illegal to do that, there was a big class action suit several years ago that forced all cellular providers to allow users to buy the phones and activate without contract
FWIW i activated my TP2 without a contract, i already had sprint (my previous 2 year contract was up and i have the 30 dollar SERO plan so i didnt want to change)
bs. all of my phones have been activated without 2 year. ive been with sprint 8 years.
You can activate the phone online.
I, too, recently activated my TP2 w/Sprint after being out of contract for just over a year. You probably fell on bad luck talking to people who were out of the loop. There are some corporate Sprint stores in malls (not kiosks) that will hook you up.
I actually started with a Sprint store ( 2 hour drive) as I intended to port my number. The Sprint employee at the store is the one that first informed me of the 2 year contract requirement. I then tried CS on their toll free number. The CS person was very polite, and did put me on hold while she supposedly spoke with a supervisor, but the answer was still 'no contreact, no service'. Considering that we do not have GSM service in our area, my only option is to get rid of this phone and go with Verizon. At least I know they will activate my equipment without a contract. It will be interesting to see if the legislation currently being considered by Congress will also include regulation over some of the policies of the cell carriers...
defaultdotxbe said:
IIRC its actually illegal to do that, there was a big class action suit several years ago that forced all cellular providers to allow users to buy the phones and activate without contract
FWIW i activated my TP2 without a contract, i already had sprint (my previous 2 year contract was up and i have the 30 dollar SERO plan so i didnt want to change)
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Do you have a link to that legal decision? I have been searching all morning looking for the case, and court ruling. Thanks!
timm9 said:
Do you have a link to that legal decision? I have been searching all morning looking for the case, and court ruling. Thanks!
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this is interesting information, do u mind sharing the actual court ruling document?
i dont remember the details, it was between when i got my first and second cell phone, my first you couldnt just buy a phone, they would only sell you a phone if you got a contract, and when i got my second you could buy the phones (for like $200 more) and activate without a contract, and i was told it was because of a lawsuit
this all like 10 years ago though, so i dont know if that was even the case
http://forums.precentral.net/palm-p...-if-they-buy-phone-full-cost.html#post2231359
Sometimes to get a good deal or something usually requires a 2year contract. No big deal IMO since I have no interest in leaving Sprint anytime soon. Another plus was I was able to get ahold of the department that does discounts and such. (2 years ago I got called for a survey in exchange for a 10% discount). It disapeared from my bill and since I didn't know it was a 2 year only discount (thus the reason for the 2 year contract renewal when they first asked) I asked if there was any way to get another discount. The woman on the phone was really helpful and hooked me up with a $10 off discount for another 2 year contract. HELL YA! So now I have a 1250 Sero plan + $7 insurance - $10. On the bill for April my total after tax, fees, etc was exactly $50.00 on the dot. Love Sprint, Love their service, and their phones are getting better and better. (TP2 has been sweet and the EVO looks ever sweeter. As long as they hook it up with some dang good WM7 phones this summer I can see they have learned a lot about getting into the market with a damn good device to keep competitive.
you need a contract with sprint to get service. They dont do month to month plans.
THATS THE BIG PROBLEM WITH SPRINT THEY HIRE SOME OF THE DUMBEST CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE,but when i have problems i go into the store BECOUSE I KNOW THE PEOPLE THERE HAVE THEIR BRAIN CELLS AND THEY TAKE GOOD CARE OF ME.Sprint has its drawbacks but what company doesnt overall im very satisfied with the company i mean verizon may have better service in my area but they cost more and i have free roaming so now i have better service and im content
At this point I have returned the TP2, and have gone with Verizon without a contract. On this site a post indicated that the 'contract required' is no longer legal based on litigation, but it's not worth my time and energy to fight over it. Like my wife said, "After all this, why would you want to do business with Sprint"?
That about sums it up...
Thank you all for the responses!
Existing Customer - New Customer
I read through some of the posts. I have activated several phones with Sprint, out of contract. I have 4 lines with Sprint, and I've not been on contract with them for maybe 3 years now. During this time I have activated maybe 6-8 different phones that I have bought on my own (usually on ebay), and never once been required to enter a contract.
The difference with me (and most other respondents) and yourself is we are existing Sprint customers; we have gone through our 1yr or 2yr contract with Sprint.
Verizon is obviously different in that, if you don't get a free or discounted phone from them, then you can obtain service without a contract.
Those of you sharing experiences of not signing a contract when swapping ESn's are off track here.
O.P is NOT an existing customer (*mentions porting his number to Sprint) and was wanting to join Sprint as a new customer but with his own Sprint handset. Sprint does not do month to month service (anymore, though they use to for an additional $10/month yrs ago).
Any current Sprint customer can change out hardware as much as they want and they're not required to modify their contracts. But a new customer joining Sprint whether he/she is bringing their handset is being required to sign a contract, it seems.
LordLugard said:
Those of you sharing experiences of not signing a contract when swapping ESn's are off track here.
O.P is NOT an existing customer (*mentions porting his number to Sprint) and was wanting to join Sprint as a new customer but with his own Sprint handset. Sprint does not do month to month service (anymore, though they use to for an additional $10/month yrs ago).
Any current Sprint customer can change out hardware as much as they want and they're not required to modify their contracts. But a new customer joining Sprint whether he/she is bringing their handset is being required to sign a contract, it seems.
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this is true to a certain extent....if you bring a line from a shared account into a separate (new) line but have bad credit, you only have to sign a 6 month contract and go month to month from there. (trust me, i know )
timm9 said:
I guess I will sell this one and go with Verizon. No wonder Sprint has been loosing customers!
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timm9 said:
At this point I have returned the TP2/QUOTE]
:| why didnt u just flash it to verizon..
well if u lost no money doing this then w/e.....
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This is really on how you play it out man. You can't give up like that homie. Really someone gave you bad info in the first call. You have to be in a contract to get service. But you can get out your contract really easy down the road. If you sign up you have 30 days to kill your service no questions. So if you were going to leave them someone might fix it for you spri-nt is dumb like that. But you have to keep calling you might get someone who is like F&*k my job I'm doing what ever today I'm going to quit. Talk to a female, guys their be tryin to mr tough I know everything you know.
Just wondering and thinking out loud i guess but you could goto a sprint store or online get a crappy feature phone with the cheapest plan that meets your needs then go online and activate your TP2 or whatever smartphone you want. I mean you will be stuck with sprint for 2 years but there prices are really good and if you want to switch devices again say when WP7 comes out your going to have to buy it used or pay full price again anyway idk just my 2 cents
EDIT:
sorry to revive a dead thread
sprint fan
i am more than happy with sprint.
while sprint has always bent over backwards to help me out other providers with whom i dealt to help out friends and family seem to tun around with their heads so far up their ass they need a glass stomach to keep from running into things.
go sprint
As the title says, has anyone had success in getting AT&T to let them keep their mediamax plan? I have been using the mediamax 200 plan, unlimited data and 200 messages, since 2005 through several smartphones and have been using my captivate out of contract for over three months. Last night they decided to switch me to datapro and 200 messages, a $10/month increase and less service. I've already spoken to cs and one supervisor, another is supposed to call me. So far they're sticking to "it's AT&T policy...." even though I'm maintaining a family plan of five and have been a customer since the days of bell south and cingular.
Up until I got my Captivate, I was also a MediaMax customer. Absolutely loved it. But, I was forced to "upgrade" when I got the Captivate at the discounted rate. However, they don't have the authority to just change your plan unless you authorize it, AFAIK. Keep at it and force them to reinstate your original plan.
I have been two years now with the MediaMax plan with 200 msg's, whitout any problems!! I just upgrade my phone to a Captivate last month!! and I just leave the plan as It was! Thy don't touch it!! And for they touch the plan they need to be autorized by you first.
I got them to let me keep my plan -- Unlimited data with 1500 texts. And I think that my mms is unlimited through data plan.
Anyway, I got my Cappy through the AT&T website -- which may make a difference. I wanted to make sure I purchased it at the $150 rate, where I was comfortable enough that I'd be able to keep my plan, which was hugely important to me -- at the expense of the $100 I could have save through Amazon deal offered by AT&T. I did NOT pull the trigger at Amazon after going almost fully through the signup process, just to see what data plans and terms were offered. Amazon only offered a few "new" data plan choices -- all limited. NO unlimited data plan offer at all, and NO offer of keeping current data plan. So, over to AT&T I went, because I was just too anxious to get my new Cappy. Or course, it's all xda's fault.
AT&T website did have a keep your current plan option, but I couldn't select it for some reason -- software glitch on their end. In any case, it gave me a firm footing from which to make my demand to keep my unlimited data plan.
I bought the phone went through the entire process with AT&T checkout . . . Then made the call to AT&T almost immediately after getting my confirmation on the Cappuccino order and new 2 year contract setup. I came from the annoyed/angry angle, polite but with clear worry in my voice -- but always coming with assurance (never dropped the Lawyer Bomb, but acted like it).
No resistance at all. In fact, the guy could not accommodate me fast enough. He wad really nice, too, but I even made him stutter twice while adressing my specific annoyance with the AT&T website contract renewal process, and how alarmed I was that I could not select the lost valuable option to me in terms of my new Cappy purchase -- keeping my unlimited data plan.
Maybe it was partly due to the fact that their own website had the keep your current data plan option. But whatever. I got fairly lucky, though. Bottom line is that it's a new contract with new terms and a new 2 year term. The terms of the contract are all contained within the four corners of the document, and it is a take it or leave omit situation. It's essentially a contract of adhesion, where one party unilaterally sets the terms and no amendments from the purchasing party will be accepted.
They can and will force you to accept the limited data plan, IF IF IF it's in the contract. Not sure I kept mine.
Anyone got a link to the current fork contract, so I can give it the attorney review. I can then post a definitive answer and possibly more advice on a successful approach to AT&T.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
VICTORIA CONCORDIA CRESCIT
------------> Sent from my Froyolicious Cognitious Cappy . . . Smooth like Arsenal Football Club.
i have my unlimited data plan from when i rewnewed a 2 year contact for the captivate. unlimited text and data. on the family share plan too so its all good. so far no issues.
that sucks you had to go through that. The "unlimited" internet option was still available for me when I got my cappy from the AT&T site when it came out.
I still cringe at the thought that I almost got an iPhone 4.
Ew.
Well at least I know some still have it. I was polite but firm and told them exactly what I wanted. Not even a nibble or a let me see what I can do though. The front line person tried to tell me that the plan wasn't compatible and I didn't even let her finish with that excuse. The second level stuck to "it's policy" and "the system won't let us" even after I pointed out that I could take my line and leave immediately with no penalty. I even asked what I would have to pay to take my other four lines as well. The only thing the supervisor offered was to have another supervisor call me back in 24 - 72 hours. I guess I'll wait for my callback. I'm just surprised that they didn't offer anything to keep a long time customer happy.
I don't even want to leave because I got the captivate working perfectly and customized for me but I can't stand the limits and price bumps that AT&T keeps pushing when other carriers are still offering "unlimited" packages.
I had my full unlimited everything plan for my old phone. I found walmart onlime had the cappy for $89 so I went for it. They called me 4 days later saying i had to change to ome of the lower plans. So I canceled.through the walmart online. Went down to walmart and payed $139 but I was able to keep my everything plan with with unlimited data, unlimited internet, unlimited text and mms. So Everything... I called ATT before doing so to confirm with them. Not sure I would have switched up without it
Sent my Cog'd 2.4.1 FroYo, Darkness Themed, Full of Speed yet Stable as can be Rom that is Snazzy
Uhg. I did this same dance a few months ago. I was promised by several AT&T reps that I could keep my old plan (unlimited data, unlimited text, 200 mms), but someone 'accidentally' deleted it from my account in the process of doing the upgrade. And nobody was able to get it back. After going back and forth for 3 months, they ended up offering to put me on a data unlimited plan and give me a $200 credit for my difficulties.
The _only_ reasons that I stayed with AT&T are that a) most of my friends and family (as well as my company) are on AT&T, and b) it wouldn't end up being any cheaper elsewhere.
If the Droid 2 world phone had been out, I might have very well jumped ship regardless.
I still have it.
When I upgraded to the Captivate, I found out they had left my MediaMax plan in place, even though I used a Samsung Impression for about a month. The AT&T sales rep said that since it was still on my account, I could keep it. I guess that's a rare case of their mistake working in my favor. I hope you get it worked out.
I bought from the store soon after it came out. I asked them if I could keep the unlimited plan and the lady who sold me the phone said yeah. After I paid I double checked with her and she told me some smack about the computer had automatically 'upgaded' me the crappier plan. I nicely reminded her that wanted my old plan and she said she needed her boss to okay it and she wasn't in the store. She said she'd fix it and call me.
She didn't call. After 2 days I called the store and they told me I needed to call the mothership to get it fixed. I was pretty pissed by then so I called the main ATT number and screamed at them until they fixed it.
If it wasn't for my wife wanting her iphone and our decent (old) family plan I'd ditch ATT over this tricky crap they tried to pull.
I ordered online, didn't activate and swapped my sim over.
Of course I had the iphone unlimited plan, not the one you are talking about.
just so you know man, you can get anything from ATT if you are persistent enough. BUT they will NEVER call you back. They're just too busy to call back. They only say that to appease you at the moment.
Ever since I got my first cell phone, I've been with ATT and they've NEVER called me back once. They've been accommodating and what not but you have to call them.
Denied for a second time. I suppose I'll give them one more try in a day or so before looking into jumping ship. Too bad as I just got the captivate to what I would call perfect. Oh well. I suppose I'll be jumping to the Droid X or Evo forum as it doesn't look like the facinate has the dev support that we do and I don't need the hardware keyboard on the epic. Anyone want a captivate?
I'm on a premier acct (Business FAN) and i've never once been hassled about my medianet 200 which I originally signed up on with the SE W810i (also on the 550min familytalk with 3 line limit that isn't offered anymore)
Since they started requiring smartphone specific plans i've upgraded to the blackjack, tilt, fuze, pure, tilt2, captivate. All through the premier online store, 1 year contracts (usually allow upgrading 6-8 months into it with a 1 year contract).
AT&T definitely recognizes the IMEIs properly as I sold the Fuze to a buddy of mine and as soon as he booted it up with his SIM inside, his plan got switched to smartphone data.
One of my other lines purchased the pure with a data block on the account (normally that phone would require data and not be allowed with a data block) 1 year contract for $0.01 shipped, no data plan required at purchase time. Captivate (refurb) was $49.99 shipped on 1 year contract, again no data plan requirements at purchase time.
Somewhere in the system there's a flag that turns on/off this automatic IMEI plan switching, i imagine. Something tied to business accounts/grandfathered accounts would be my guess.
Da_G said:
All through the premier online store
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Crap. I've a premier account as well. I almost went that route, but decided to do it in person instead. Result? I got screwed, and after 7 handoffs to different managers, they "couldn't put my old plan back on" and were "terribly sorry to loose me as a customer, but have no way to readd the plan". I guess I should have just done it on the web like I was first planning to.
yeah, I've done similarly. Also on a large FAN and I've been through a Cingular 3125 -> 8125 -> Tilt -> Fuze -> Captivate and only now has it been a problem. Kind of annoying to be honest as they stick to the party line of "That plan isn't compatible with your phone, no one can put it back." I'm always polite but maybe I shouldn't be. I've mentioned going to a competitor casually to both reps and got no offers either.
Premire here as well. They said I was grandfathered in to the old unlimited data plan
Premier customer for a decade. I've had the mediamax 200 for about 6-7 years. I never had a problem switching phones and keeping my plan (8125, fuze etc). I got the Captivate on Sep 20th. When it was activated (at BB) I got a txt saying a data plan is required with my smartphone and 1 would be added for me if I didn't. I didn't think much of it because the sales rep said I could keep my current plan and the terms for the phone only said that a min $15 data plan was required.
On Nov 9th, I got a txt saying "Did you know a data plan is required for your phone? We have added an appropriate data & msging plan".
Total crap. Currently waiting for my BBB complaint to go through.
Welcome to suck!
mediamax plan?
not sure what the "mediamax" plan is, but I am on the 1200 minutes, unlimited data, and unlimited text/MMS. it was originally the $100 iphone plan back in the day.
I was able to keep it because I was "grandfathered" in from my original iPhone 2G. I kept it through my upgrade to the "pure" (POS WinMo phone) last october. Then when I upgraded to the Cap I had to resign to another "new" contract and shortly realized after the first bill they switched me from the unlimited data to a limited plan. I then proceeded to throw a "****-fit" and called customer service.
I had to talk to quite a few "managers" and gripe at them about cancelling (been a customer for over 5 years) before they gave it back to me. I had the final "best luck" calling at 7am (CST).
When we merged my G/f's account with mine last july she had the plan also but the captivate upgrade actually ended up sticking to her since she didnt originally have the unlimited.
Crappy thing is we are going to probably have to go through it all over again when we upgrade her line...and I really doubt I will be that lucky as when I got it last time they said they are getting EVERYONE off the unlimited- even at&t employees...
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
Hello All,
I am one of the people that do more reading on xda than post, so sorry for my low post count. This question is to get more feedback and also allow to me vent a bit.
Like mostly everyone that is on XDA loves their phone or tablet and wants to get the most out of it and/or make it their own. Many of us are gadget lovers and really enjoy the evolution of technology as it comes out. I am sure many of us would love to or have been to CES in Las Vegas (or any electronics show). All and all, when the day is over we are all sophisticated geeks (to others or in our own mind).
Myself, I am in a daily battle to stay on-top of technology as much as I can. What is the problem with that? Money. (can I get a Amen?). We will not even go into the social life talk in this post, because after all it is just a question. I find myself always seeing what service provider will release next. I have once worked for Sprint in the corporate side and know a lot that goes on behind the curtain. Providers are shown many new and current handsets that have and have not launched in the market yet. There is a team that looks at all angles of the phone before giving a thumbs up to it. It all comes down to what the customer will buy.
SO... allow me to get to the point and question....
- Do you find yourself migrating from service provider to service provider based on what type of handset(s) they have new and existing?
- Do you sit there and joggle the pros and cons of dealing with a service provider you know you are not going to want to be with and/or deal with, but they have a handset you want (so badly)?
- Do you try to find ways out of your contract so you can switch providers just to get into that phone?
- Do you put yourself on a pay as you go plan, and just buy the phone out-right just so you are not held down to a contract?
- Are you on the look out for new mobile providers to see what they offer as for phones Vs rate plans? (Example: ting.com in the USA)
Being honest, other than Cicket, and TrackPhone in the USA... I have been on EVERY service provider (in the USA). If I could get frequent flyer miles for my mobile number, I would be PRIME GOLD ELITE by now.
Alright, your turn... what SAY YOU?
I take it for most this is too much or two hard to answer?
Hello there! I always have been on pay as you go, the reason in $, I would get a contract but don't want to be tied down for 2 years, virgin mobile dosent have many Android phones so I just wait till they come out with new ones, I'm patient , service providers to me isn't that great of a deal, as long as service is good and the price is right, service is an opinion, some people think tmobile is better and some think at&t is better, ive been on boost mobile, virgin mobile, at&t and sprint, service seemed the same to me, so I don't research and debate to see what's best, to me I think contract phone bills can be a little to over priced, but this is only my opinion
Sent from my HTC_A510c using XDA App
Android311 said:
Hello there! I always have been on pay as you go, the reason in $, I would get a contract but don't want to be tied down for 2 years, virgin mobile dosent have many Android phones so I just wait till they come out with new ones, I'm patient , service providers to me isn't that great of a deal, as long as service is good and the price is right, service is an opinion, some people think tmobile is better and some think at&t is better, ive been on boost mobile, virgin mobile, at&t and sprint, service seemed the same to me, so I don't research and debate to see what's best, to me I think contract phone bills can be a little to over priced, but this is only my opinion
Sent from my HTC_A510c using XDA App
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Thank you for the reply I agree with you. Looking at T-Mobile for example, their non-contract plans are lower cost then their normal plans. I was lost as to why this is and did not want to go into it with why this is.
ya im not sure why that is, perhaps maybe services use "pre-paid" as a marketing strategy to get new customers to try there service out and experiment how they like and feel about the company, if a customer has been on there prepaid for a while and likes them they might say hey, i like this service provider...maybe i should get a contract with them. Now that customer is with them for 2 years (or what ever the contract is). As price for pre paid and why its sometimes cheaper im not sure, im still trying to figure that out
I have gone back and forth between post paid and prepaid. As for me, the cost on prepaid is much better. However, the customer service is horrible in prepaid. I am with ATT, and recently had switched from postpaid to prepaid, then had an issue with the phone i bought on postpaid and had to pay the etf to get out of contract. Needless to say, I couldn't get any where with customer service, and had to switch back to postpaid to resolve my issue, and then back to postpaid. Why. Because i had so much into the phone. Anyway, customer service is a big difference, even between different service providers.
chrism.brunner said:
I have gone back and forth between post paid and prepaid. As for me, the cost on prepaid is much better. However, the customer service is horrible in prepaid. I am with ATT, and recently had switched from postpaid to prepaid, then had an issue with the phone i bought on postpaid and had to pay the etf to get out of contract. Needless to say, I couldn't get any where with customer service, and had to switch back to postpaid to resolve my issue, and then back to postpaid. Why. Because i had so much into the phone. Anyway, customer service is a big difference, even between different service providers.
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I agree, I have noticed that if you move into Pre-Paid service you fall into the ol' "You get what you pay for" type of deal. I have head through out the roomer mill that some companies may go 100% full automated for all pre-paid accounts. Thus, if the automation service can not fix your problem, then there is no one live that can help you. I can just think how awful that would be if you are trying to port your number over and you run in to issues.
Have any of you guys/gals noticed this? I have seen this time and time again. The quality of phone used in pre-paid Vs. that of Post-Paid. I think the core reason is that people just have issues paying 300.00 or more for a phone. They seem to love only paying 200.00 or less for a smartphone.
Even the same make and model between Pre and post... it just feels cheaper on a Pre-paid device.
Any takers on this?
I wouldn't say it feels cheaper on a prepaid device, maybe its some people mind that they feel there phone is cheap or themselves are cheap because they are on pay as you go, there is nothing wrong with prepaid...just don't have much of a phone selection, in this economy I'm sure alot of people are switching to prepaid due to they pay to much and fear if they can't pay the bills and ruin there credit
Sent from my HTC Wildfire S using xda premium
I just switched to straight talk today. $45 per month. With Att I paid $75 a months,with 500 MB. That was prepaid. So I like saving $30.
im with ATT now, i left sprint because of the prices, they've gotten higher since getting 4g (charging $10 a month per line) and with 5 lines that was to much for me, i went to tmobile next but ever single month they over charged me and then in a 3 month span charged me 4 times, so i left them and now im with ATT no problems so far. i think all carriers have great phones and everyone will find one they like from anywhere its mainly a budget issue with me