Returning phones when no ETF? - General Questions and Answers

Hi,
I am exploring my options with Sprint to end my contract because their data service in my area and in most of the places that I travel just sucks. I am trying to figure out whether it's reasonable for them to ask for the phones if they waive the ETF.
Assuming that their data service isn't what they advertised (3G between 600K and 1.3M), I feel like I shouldn't have to return the phones even if they waive the ETF because I paid $300 (iPhone) and $199 (Galaxy S2) when I upgraded, and it is really their service that's lacking. Whichever service provider I go to next I will incur the same cost once again, which wouldn't have been the case if their service was up to par. If I keep the phones then I can sell them on craigslist/ebay and recover most of what I would have to pay to the next provider.
So, if they waive the ETF, what's reasonable for me to ask/expect as far as the phones are concerned?

I asked the same question on the Epic 4G Touch forum. Take a look if you are interested
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1812650

600k - 1.3mb on 3g is average to good, full blown 3g maxed out is 3.1mb tops, Verizon won't be any better than 2mb. And with speeds in that range sprints not gonna let you out etf free regardless if you give them the phones or not cuz you really don't have an issue other than fast isn't fast enough for you. You gotta remember its a cell phone not computer with broadband internet. If you really want out flash a Verizon PrL and stream a lot of video and eat up all the data u can, they will kick your ass to the curb etf free and you can keep your phones,.just make sure you force roaming and stay roaming on the vzw PrL, then you can wait for the letter saying GTFO or you can call after a month and tell them you're always roaming and they will prob release your contract
We are legion, for we are many.
Sent from the DarkSide of the GalaXy with a MEK device

My goal with the last post was not to move the flame war from the other thread to this one It was just so everyone knew where/how this thread ended.
FYI, I have been patiently and reasonably working with Sprint to troubleshoot my issue and they have finally decided to waive the ETF and let me go. I do like their customer service, but, unfortunately, their speeds aren't up to par (generally <200k), especially when considering that Verizon has 4G in my area.

Vzw customer service sucks ass, and the prices might as well come with a gun to the head. So be prepared for that, your single line plan is gonna be around 150 + tax if you want 10gb of data and that's the biggest data block you can buy. Its $100 for 10gb data and unlimited SMS and voice plus a $40 per line access charge
We are legion, for we are many.
Sent from the DarkSide of the GalaXy with a MEK device

Most carriers will force an etf if they don't get the equipment back.

Related

[Q] HTC Arrive on Verizon?

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).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
truth...
Sprint has agreements with Verizon, when you roam on Sprint it is through Verizon's network and there is no extra charge.
You could get on the Sprint Everything Plus Data plan for $59.99, and pay another $10 for the premium data plan, and pay $69.99 for a new HTC Arrive.
Really.... :/
I had a Sprint Mogul when I moved to GA two years ago. The reception was PATHETIC. You used to see the commercials where someone would say something then drop the call, and it was totally awkward? Well, that happened to me. I was talking to a dear friend, and said, "I love you, Patty", and the call dropped, and I WOULD have continued, "you're one of the dearest friends I have." Of course she didn't hear the last part. I drove up and down the road desperately seeking a bar. JUST ONE BAR! I switched to Verizon and that problem went away.
So, I guess the question I have now is whether the switch to CDMA on Sprint is that recent? I wasn't aware that I could use a Sprint phone on a Verizon network, and due to my past experience I didn't check. If the answer is yes, then I believe I will be cancelling my Verizon contract when the Arrive arrives!
Hmmm... Only issue is that my VZW plan is unlimited data - TRULY unlimited - because I had it on an employee plan when I got it (and I'm not an employee of that company anymore). Is Sprint's plan TRULY unlimited?
hopmedic said:
Really.... :/
I had a Sprint Mogul when I moved to GA two years ago. The reception was PATHETIC. You used to see the commercials where someone would say something then drop the call, and it was totally awkward? Well, that happened to me. I was talking to a dear friend, and said, "I love you, Patty", and the call dropped, and I WOULD have continued, "you're one of the dearest friends I have." Of course she didn't hear the last part. I drove up and down the road desperately seeking a bar. JUST ONE BAR! I switched to Verizon and that problem went away.
So, I guess the question I have now is whether the switch to CDMA on Sprint is that recent? I wasn't aware that I could use a Sprint phone on a Verizon network, and due to my past experience I didn't check. If the answer is yes, then I believe I will be cancelling my Verizon contract when the Arrive arrives!
Hmmm... Only issue is that my VZW plan is unlimited data - TRULY unlimited - because I had it on an employee plan when I got it (and I'm not an employee of that company anymore). Is Sprint's plan TRULY unlimited?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint unlimited really is unlimited, but if you read the fine print they reserve the right to terminate you if you get retarded on it, just like any other carrier. Check with a local Sprint store about the coverage/roaming issue. Most plans on Sprint now include free roaming nationwide, and I can't think of what other major carrier in the US has CDMA other than Verizon.
Don't! sign up for a plan through the store, you need to do it online through the Everythign Plus referral, and get the plan for $10 less than doing it in store. So you can bet a HTC Arrive and pay $59.99+$10 premium data = $69.99 for 500 anytime minutes to landlines, and unlimited any mobile any time, unlimited data, pictures, text, nights starting at 7pm, etc. etc. etc.
http://www.sprint.com/everythingplus
You will need a Sprint employee email address/pin. This is where Russ McGuire comes into play, he is Vice President of Strategy for Sprint. On his blog he invites everyone for the sprint offer.
http://mcguireslaw.com/
(under about on the right hand side he has his email address and pin for everyone to use freely/Legitimately)
Addendum: their fine print says they can terminate/stop service if you use too much data outside their network etc, so the roaming thing would apply here. Wouldn't hurt to check out if their coverage has improved in your area.
Very interesting - thanks so much for the info! I guess now I'm tossing up the pros and cons of going with that or going through wirefly and getting the phone for $50 - especially since my wife will get an arrive if it is $50, but she wont' get it if we have to pay $200 (after rebate). I'm looking at it like this:
From Wirefly:
2 phones $100
monthly rate $149
From Sprint:
1 phone $200 (plus whatever phone my wife ends up getting)
monthly rate $129
So, for $20 a month over 2 years, I would save a total of $480. At a $150 savings for each Arrive buying through wirefly, that takes the comparable savings down to 180. Given that my wife won't get an Arrive if we have to pay full price now (since we'll also have to pay early term fee for our current Verizon contract), She would probably go with a free phone, and I'd save more money, but she wouldn't have WP7 (which I want her to have).
You've given me much food for thought. Right now I'd say we're probably going to end up going with Wirefly, but I'm going to sit on the decision for a couple days to decide. Thank you.
hopmedic said:
Very interesting - thanks so much for the info! I guess now I'm tossing up the pros and cons of going with that or going through wirefly and getting the phone for $50 - especially since my wife will get an arrive if it is $50, but she wont' get it if we have to pay $200 (after rebate). I'm looking at it like this:
From Wirefly:
2 phones $100
monthly rate $149
From Sprint:
1 phone $200 (plus whatever phone my wife ends up getting)
monthly rate $129
So, for $20 a month over 2 years, I would save a total of $480. At a $150 savings for each Arrive buying through wirefly, that takes the comparable savings down to 180. Given that my wife won't get an Arrive if we have to pay full price now (since we'll also have to pay early term fee for our current Verizon contract), She would probably go with a free phone, and I'd save more money, but she wouldn't have WP7 (which I want her to have).
You've given me much food for thought. Right now I'd say we're probably going to end up going with Wirefly, but I'm going to sit on the decision for a couple days to decide. Thank you.
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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!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The port credit information was posted on the Everything Plus referral page after you logged in with the email and pin number. And the $100 refund credit is definately per phone regardless of how many you purchase.
The only thing you need to make sure of is that Sprint services your area well.
Hope I was able to help you save some money no matter what you decide, let me know what you finally end up doing. I am picking up 2 Arrives on Sunday (for wife and I).
Credit Union Discounts
For those who go/have gone through wirefly for the 50 dollar deal (which I did), since we can't sign up for the Referral Program, the next best option to still get 10% knocked off your bill is to get a discount through any affiliated credit union (of which, there are TONS). Long-term, for 1 phone, Getting the port credit and Referral discount probably works out better, but I couldn't justify spending 300 up front for the phone, waiting x number of weeks for the rebate etc..
cusaver dot com
you can always....swap esns if your willing to get your hands dirty *cough* It works great *cough*
Halabeaster, I've never put a non-standard rom on a phone, but if it's safe, I'm willing to try. For the moment, I'm on Sprint, but not sure I'm happy with the coverage... Got 3 1/2 weeks left or so to decide. I am a developer, but not very experienced. How difficult is it?
cyclical said:
Sprint unlimited really is unlimited, but if you read the fine print they reserve the right to terminate you if you get retarded on it, just like any other carrier. Check with a local Sprint store about the coverage/roaming issue. Most plans on Sprint now include free roaming nationwide, and I can't think of what other major carrier in the US has CDMA other than Verizon.
Don't! sign up for a plan through the store, you need to do it online through the Everythign Plus referral, and get the plan for $10 less than doing it in store. So you can bet a HTC Arrive and pay $59.99+$10 premium data = $69.99 for 500 anytime minutes to landlines, and unlimited any mobile any time, unlimited data, pictures, text, nights starting at 7pm, etc. etc. etc.
You will need a Sprint employee email address/pin. This is where Russ McGuire comes into play, he is Vice President of Strategy for Sprint. On his blog he invites everyone for the sprint offer.
(under about on the right hand side he has his email address and pin for everyone to use freely/Legitimately)
Addendum: their fine print says they can terminate/stop service if you use too much data outside their network etc, so the roaming thing would apply here. Wouldn't hurt to check out if their coverage has improved in your area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question, can you jump on this if you're an existing customer?
I just got my HTC Arrive on the Verizon Wireless network via Page Plus Cellular thanks to this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=13205205&postcount=9
I replaced my well used Touch Pro 2 with an Arrive because I was waiting for Windows Phone 7 and Netflix capabilty. I'm not a heavy phone data user because I have Wi-Fi everywhere I go.
So far I was able to get the talk and text working for my unlimited plan but haven't hammered out the rest of the data settings. Might have to wait for a Verizon Trophy to come out so that I can try to mirror the settings. This method is technically on Verizon so 95% of the service is the same at a much better price. I need mainly lots and lots of Talk/Text with NO data plan fees.
I actually bought my 2 phones from Amazon Wireless. Both were upgrades for non-primary lines on a family plan (Everything Data 3000) and AW had the best deal on the devices I could find anywhere, $150. The deal got even better now though, $99 for upgraders and free for new users.
dtrush said:
I just got my HTC Arrive on the Verizon Wireless network via Page Plus Cellular thanks to this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=13205205&postcount=9
I replaced my well used Touch Pro 2 with an Arrive because I was waiting for Windows Phone 7 and Netflix capabilty. I'm not a heavy phone data user because I have Wi-Fi everywhere I go.
So far I was able to get the talk and text working for my unlimited plan but haven't hammered out the rest of the data settings. Might have to wait for a Verizon Trophy to come out so that I can try to mirror the settings. This method is technically on Verizon so 95% of the service is the same at a much better price. I need mainly lots and lots of Talk/Text with NO data plan fees.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does or does not work? Do apps go to your bill?
No one else has made progress with the Arrive on Verizon. I was looking for a replacement for my TP2, and I really do not want to change carriers.

what's the data speed you can get with t-zone?

As some guys pointed out that web2go and t-zone are still working on G2x. I am having a 5.99 t-zone data plan as well and I am out of contract already.
I am hesitating if I should
1) buy a G2x from costco with full price and keep my t-zone;
or
2) sign a new contract to take advantage of the discounted unit price.
If I go with option #1, I will probably end up paying $500+ at front. But the benefit is I gotta keep my lower rate data plan (although I understand T-mobile may or may not force upgrading the data plan to $30/mo)
If I opt for option #2, the until will only costs about $180 after tax. But the lowest 4g unlimited data plan will cost about $20 each month.
I highly doubt if I could keep the t-zone plan and buy a G2x from costco store with contract price...
A simple math may suggest option #2 money wise ( (530-180)/(20-6)=25mon > 2yrs). But I would like to hear others' opinion.
some considerations:
1) If the t-zone can only give a 2.5g internet and performs much slower than the current HSPA+ you can get from the 4g data plan, that could be a deal breaker.
2) Once t-zone is cancelled, probably we will never get it back (well, who know how long t-mobile will stand before merged by ATT?)
3) anything else worth to think about??
I was in your shoes as well... I needed a new sim card when I got my phone to be compatible with the 4G network...
I opted to get the cheaper phone price because there is no way that ATT will let us keep our tzones... if and when the merger happens, ATT will honor CONTRACTS that are currently in place and they will not accommodate our old grandfathered plans... remember how ATT phased out their unlimited data plans?
That's just me putting two and two together...
I am mainly curious what's the speed you can get from t-zone on your G2x. Could it be 3g?
tangyoulei said:
I am mainly curious what's the speed you can get from t-zone on your G2x. Could it be 3g?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
speed wise, there is no difference from the $30 data plan
You won't get to keep the T-Zones plan. You'll soon start getting the "upgrade" message when connecting to the web.
However, if you buy the phone outright, the data plan is $25/month and not $30.
I bought the G2X on Tuesday, and starting getting the upgrade message today. So, I went to the tmo store and got my wife a G2X. And I upgraded us to the family 750/unlimited text&web for $110/month. Not a bad deal.
The speed was about the same as 4G web on the main line but the latency was horrible.
Now you can forget it because the phone is flagged.

No more unlimited data :(

After having heard the news about Verizon getting rid of their unlimited data plan, I felt a chill run down my spine, thinking what if Tmobile did this. Then I googled "Verizon no data plan" and found out that AT&T was the first to get rid of their unlimited plans.
I pray to God, that the AT&T buy out of Tmobile will not go through. If it does and they get rid of our unlimited plan, then this G2x will be my last smart phone, because let's face it, there's a movement to destroy the U.S. economy, not only is the dollar losing it's value, but most people have less income and living expenses are increasing, and now the mobile carriers are getting into it and milking us till our nipples bleed.
What will yall do if Tmobile ceases to offer us unlimited data, or AT&T buy out goes through? Have you looked at the cost of their data plans? Ridiculous!
All current t-mobile subscribers would get grandfathered in, so we wouldn't have to worry.
I'm on the same boat as you. My plan has 5 smartphones in it and without unlimited data, my bill would go through the roof. It's gotten to the point where my laptop is a side gadget. Haha
Also, as a previous ATT customer, I can say that everything about that company is ****...
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
I would have a pace maker installed for my heart cause I can't live without my smartphone anymore.
Or get a third full time job to pay the extra cost of the bill. Luckily I have a lot of dumb people that live around me so I have lots of open Wifi to steal internet from too.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
I recently (2 months ago) switched to a carrier called Simple Mobile. UNLIMITED everything for $60.00 a month. Network is all on the same as the T-Mobile frequencies, I do get 4G just as fast as my buddy who is still on T-Mo.
In areas where coverage is limited it switches over to the T-Mo network.
jacob808 said:
After having heard the news about Verizon getting rid of their unlimited data plan, I felt a chill run down my spine, thinking what if Tmobile did this. Then I googled "Verizon no data plan" and found out that AT&T was the first to get rid of their unlimited plans.
I pray to God, that the AT&T buy out of Tmobile will not go through. If it does and they get rid of our unlimited plan, then this G2x will be my last smart phone, because let's face it, there's a movement to destroy the U.S. economy, not only is the dollar losing it's value, but most people have less income and living expenses are increasing, and now the mobile carriers are getting into it and milking us till our nipples bleed.
What will yall do if Tmobile ceases to offer us unlimited data, or AT&T buy out goes through? Have you looked at the cost of their data plans? Ridiculous!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um.....I thought they stopped a few months ago. With their more and even more plans...and soon with their Value/Classic plans. Unless we're talking about 2 different things here
Did you read this rumor? http://www.tmonews.com/2011/06/in-depth-with-t-mobiles-new-classic-and-value-rate-plans/
Let them take away unlimited plan cuz they will just recieve a bunch of disconnects cuz i for one know a smart phone requires way to much bandwidth to even try to pay as you go teir plans.
This is BS how U.S. cell companies get away with this highway robbery. We are about to default on the countries debt.. millions of people without jobs and they want to penny pinch some more out of us.
Secondly we dont even have real 4G speeds and Singapore has faster and cheaper cell plans then us... wow its just sad
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
They are doing it because with smart phones, unlimited data isn't a realistic option with current infrastructure and technology in mind. Its too costly to let people use 30 gigabytes of data a month with no additional penalty on the customers part. 95 percent of users fall within the tier limits of 2gb or less.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
Yes the unlimited data thing really blows, I use my wireless hotspot to connect my wifi iPad to and watch movies and work remotely. I average about 25GB a month, but now with all these caps its going to be like having Comcast. They call me up several times a year and threaten to d/c me because I'm always going over their 250GB cap. The thing is, almost 200GB come from the three TV's that are constantly streaming HULU and Netflix, and the rest is normal internet stuff.
This is going to really screw me up, I guess I'll have to ask for my work to contribute more towards my calling plan.
You don't have to worry about it. FTC regulations state that when a firm acquires another, it must honor any and all lingering agreements of the acquired firm. Meaning if AT&T does buy T-Mobile they are legally obligated to provide you with the service you were promised by TM.
Everything gets abused. What's the point of smart device that you cannot acess all of it's cool features?
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
LordButtersI said:
You don't have to worry about it. FTC regulations state that when a firm acquires another, it must honor any and all lingering agreements of the acquired firm. Meaning if AT&T does buy T-Mobile they are legally obligated to provide you with the service you were promised by TM.
Click to expand...
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All current t-mobile subscribers would get grandfathered in, so we wouldn't have to worry.
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Click to collapse
Sure, you'll have service, and your data will be EDGE after they shut down the T-Mo 3/4G. I dont think anywhere in the contract does it say they are obligated to give you a certain throughput. So after you are fed up with slow data you will be force to buy a new phone.. BUT, will this mean that we can get a new "LTE 4G" ATT phone, unlock it and have our grandfathered plan from former T-Mo with new ATT network??
I imagine AT&T would offer something where we can upgrade to a GSM-compatible phone at minimal if any charge. Even if they don't advertise something like that, it would almost certainly be an option their customer service can push through.
Effectively ruining pretty much every smartphone customer's phone would be PR suicide, and possibly even grounds for a class-action lawsuit.
Yes AT& T will honor our plans, until you need to change a service or phone and then you will have to go to there plans!
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
jacob808 said:
After having heard the news about Verizon getting rid of their unlimited data plan, I felt a chill run down my spine, thinking what if Tmobile did this. Then I googled "Verizon no data plan" and found out that AT&T was the first to get rid of their unlimited plans.
I pray to God, that the AT&T buy out of Tmobile will not go through. If it does and they get rid of our unlimited plan, then this G2x will be my last smart phone, because let's face it, there's a movement to destroy the U.S. economy, not only is the dollar losing it's value, but most people have less income and living expenses are increasing, and now the mobile carriers are getting into it and milking us till our nipples bleed.
What will yall do if Tmobile ceases to offer us unlimited data, or AT&T buy out goes through? Have you looked at the cost of their data plans? Ridiculous!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-mobile still has unlimited data but you have caps now, once you hit your cap you get bumped down to Edge (2G) speeds.
McFroger3 said:
All current t-mobile subscribers would get grandfathered in, so we wouldn't have to worry.
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Click to collapse
All current t-mobile subscribers that are on contract when the buyout proceeds would get grandfathered in for the duration of their contract.
Then, they'll no longer grandfather your plan and will force you to "upgrade" to their current plans.
Black6spdZ said:
Sure, you'll have service, and your data will be EDGE after they shut down the T-Mo 3/4G. I dont think anywhere in the contract does it say they are obligated to give you a certain throughput. So after you are fed up with slow data you will be force to buy a new phone.. BUT, will this mean that we can get a new "LTE 4G" ATT phone, unlock it and have our grandfathered plan from former T-Mo with new ATT network??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This transition should be a few years in the making after the buyout proceeds. Every customer who bought a 3G/4G phone should be off-contract by the time the transition happens & then they'd offer you a new phone with a contract extension (like normal). This shouldn't be a big deal at all.
AT&T is under zero obligation to honor the TMO plans after the term of your contract is up (and even then, if it 'costs' them too much to honor it, they can cancel the contract and force you to either update or leave, but at least you'd be able to leave without an ETF). From what I've read, they didn't grandfather the Cingular plans for most people, so I don't see why they'll grandfather the TMO plans now (meaning after your contract is up, they have no reason to continue allowing you to use the TMO pricing).
Sigh, this really sucks. I hope the government disallows this merger. For people like me who only supports GSM tech, this is a freaking disaster and is obviously a monopoly. How can the government not see this. 1 GSM network is NOT a choice.
However, I'm guessing when AT&T was willing to say that they'd pay T-Mobile if the merger doesn't go through, they've probably paid off the right people with millions to make sure that they don't actually have to pay off that few billions since the merger will go through regardless. The so-called due-process currently occurring is likely to be a sham =(
tjhart85 said:
All current t-mobile subscribers that are on contract when the buyout proceeds would get grandfathered in for the duration of their contract.
Then, they'll no longer grandfather your plan and will force you to "upgrade" to their current plans.
This transition should be a few years in the making after the buyout proceeds. Every customer who bought a 3G/4G phone should be off-contract by the time the transition happens & then they'd offer you a new phone with a contract extension (like normal). This shouldn't be a big deal at all.
AT&T is under zero obligation to honor the TMO plans after the term of your contract is up (and even then, if it 'costs' them too much to honor it, they can cancel the contract and force you to either update or leave, but at least you'd be able to leave without an ETF). From what I've read, they didn't grandfather the Cingular plans for most people, so I don't see why they'll grandfather the TMO plans now (meaning after your contract is up, they have no reason to continue allowing you to use the TMO pricing).
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Click to collapse
hasn't this merger already passed? people keep saying that it will happen but still nothing.
it should pass by next year
Well as it stands right now I'm at 8.6 out of 5Gb of unlimited data on my G2X and its been throttled to 60Kbps. its throughput is roughly 7.1KB per second when downloading a file. so I might as well not even have a smart phone since I cant even check my damn email or use the FB/Google+ apps.

Stay with Prepaid or go on Contract?

I currently have Tmobiles $60 monthly 4G prepaid plan. I have been using an HTC G2 I bought off of craigslist. I just sold a Galaxy S and my G2 on ebay and have enough money to get an HTC Sensation 4G.
Will it be better to open a contract with Tmobile and get the phone for $100, or buy the phone off of ebay or the BST here for around $300. I do not know if there are any hidden fees or anything, and don't want to stray to far from $60 a month. What would you guys do? Im leaning towards buying the Sensation 4G off of ebay.
Extra: What phones are like the Sensation 4G and work with Tmobile 4G?
Screw the contracts. I'm on Simple and pay on $40 a month.
Pay cash for all of my phones.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
Stay
Stay where you're at if you're happy with it - I pay about $180/month on contract with Verizon for just 2 phones....
I would stay on prepaid. My spouse was with US Cellular and the plan was supposed to be $79.99 a month for unlimited everything. It always came out to be about $140 with all the extra charges. Fees for this, fees for that. We're both on Simple Mobile now and pay $40 each... can't beat that!
if your on Prepaid Stay with it, one of the best things about T-mobile was the use of any phone on prepaid. Still kicking myself over going to a contract
Saito2185 said:
Still kicking myself over going to a contract
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Haha! Same...
pputhoo quoted
I vote for prepaid! No more unwanted bills, just pay and play each month
Especially if you get free extra bonus for extending your account balance with prepaid
Contract ends up cheaper in the long run.
I pay 29EUR a month. For me cheaper as prepaid... With prepaid i was at 60EUR or more a month... And i got a HTC Sensation XE but SGS 2 is better
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I vote prepaid. I was on their monthly plan and it felt good being able to go to Verizon without paying them anything.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium HD app
Depends on where you use it for. Contracts in my country are obvious cheaper when you call alot, but if you only use mobile internet like me and almost never use up my montly call & sms limit then you might as well stay with prepaid, unless you can score a new phone without having pay high contract costs.
WiFi and voip are the combo I use, I just pay € 10 exclusive tax and then I call for 120 days free with a fup ofcourse and after those 120 days I just start using my credit and pay € 0,02 per min.
But my contract was with a free new phone on that moment worth about € 500 so that;s reason I have a contract with mobile internet, because it just cost me about € 4 each month, so I don't mind that I don't call so much.
But next time I will just stick with WiFi and use no sim card or prepaid as I think in my country the contracts are not cheap any more.
Yeah
I definitely think you should stay with what you have if your happy with it. I'm paying about $155/month on Sprint for 2 phones.
Verizon does offer prepaid for smartphones too, you just need to bring your own device. But, it's gonna run you $80.
Now, you can stay on Tmobile prepaid and use any GSM phone that's locked to Tmobile, or unlocked for any GSM provider(Granted that the phone has the right bands to support Tmobiles HSPA+ connection for full data speeds), but like any prepaid service you're gonna get the bottom of the barrel service. You do pay more with contracts 9/10, but you get so much better service and support. Sprint is going to be the cheapest and most flexible contract service at about $75-$85 after taxes with the starting 450 data plan(unlimited mobile talk, text, and data, 450 land line minutes nights and weekends start at 7), and phone selection isn't too bad either. Now you will be limited on 4g, since Sprint's Wimax service is next to nothing. If you don't have credit, you're looking at $50-$100 for a deposit.
AT&T is known to be the more expensive one out of the 3 carriers, but AT&T is actually just as much as Verizon would be. If you have no credit, you're looking at maybe $200-$400 for a deposit. For $90 a month, you get 450 land line minutes plus any minutes you don't use roll over to the next month, 5000 night and weekend minutes with rollover, unlimited texting, and 3gb of data. For service, it's hit or miss. AT&T will claim they have service in one area, but how AT&T does it is if they can even pull a single bar of service and connect to their towers, it counts as having service. Their LTE network isn't so big right now, but it's growing. Device selection is actually pretty decent right now, about the same as Sprint with the SII, the GS, a dual core Motorola device, a single core HTC phone, a dual core HTC phone, and the Iphones.
Verizon hands down has had the best service, and if you don't have credit maybe $125-$200 for a deposit. Verizon does have the biggest LTE network, and has a deal right now where you can get 4gb for the price of 2gb until the 31st of March on any LTE phone(but it has to be an LTE phone). Their plans are kind of limited though, $90 for 450 minutes, unlimited texts, and assuming you're going for an LTE phone 4gb of data. You only get unlimited to verizon phones, and nights and weekends start off at 9pm instead of 7 like Sprint. You can go up to 900 minutes for $20 more and get 10 numbers to get free minutes to however. Device selection is pretty decent for Verizon, but expensive. The cheapest LTE device Verizon pretty much has that's worth anything is the Stratosphere, but there's hardly any development for it. I love the service I get with Verizon, they're the only company in the Toledo area that has any type of 4g service, but the only reason I have Verizon now is because of the dealer plan Verizon offers to Radioshack employees.
If you're looking for your first contract phone, I wouldn't recommend Tmobile right now, but after they get the spectrum they got from AT&T setup then I would probably consider them, but easily for first contract go Sprint. Flexible, requires almost nothing to be approved, and decent service for Sprint. EVO 3d right now through Radioshack is $50 as well as the Photon, which would be the 2 most cost effective phones on Sprint right now.
vbetts said:
You do pay more with contracts 9/10, but you get so much better service and support.
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If by "service" you mean connection, are there any stats for this? I'm about to switch to their $30 prepaid, and would love to know if there's a catch.
i pay about $100.00 a month with AT&T and i don't have unlimited data. i'm about thinking about switching to prepaid as well when my contract ends.
thebobp said:
If by "service" you mean connection, are there any stats for this? I'm about to switch to their $30 prepaid, and would love to know if there's a catch.
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Most prepaid services are only going to have access to certain towers, meaning you couldn't use a Boost mobile phone that uses Sprint towers and roam off of Verizon or Clearwire, or any CDMA towers.
vbetts said:
Most prepaid services are only going to have access to certain towers, meaning you couldn't use a Boost mobile phone that uses Sprint towers and roam off of Verizon or Clearwire, or any CDMA towers.
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Is this a limitation for GSM-only phones (like mine)?
Edit: or is there any other limitation that you know of?
^ no he's referring to CDMA. Death to contracts.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
Yeah... I regret going into a contract.. Paying around $100 a month just for 1 line and its not even unlimited data.
Luckily its up in July and I can hopefully go prepaid

[Q] Keeping grandfathered unlimited data

So I call AT&T before ordering on amazon, and the rep tells me that I'll be able to call back and switch my data plan to the "5GB Unlimited." I inquire as to how the plan works, she says that if I go over 5GB, I get charged, because it is not unlimited. But then she confirmed that I'll be keeping the grandfathered data plan.
Is this consistent with what other people are getting? Just want to make sure I'm not screwing myself over. Thanks!
It is not called 5GB unlimited. It is LTE unlimited and you will never be charged for overage. What happens is you will be throttled (300k to 500k speed) when you use over 5GB.
You will have to call AT&T to switch back to your unlimited plan after you received your phone from Amazon.
You will probably want to follow up with AT&T after you get your phone to make sure you are actually keeping your grandfathered unlimited plan and that you have not actually been switched over to the 5GB plan.
I had to convince the at&t rep when ordering over the phone that I should have unlimited grandfathered plan.
It is always worth checking to make sure they didn't take it away from you.
While on the phone and on web chat, I asked this specifically with radioshack rep several times that i want to keep my grandfathered unlimited data and they say yes it will be possible. I told them why on my receipt it shows mt dataplan got switched to the 5gb+tether for $50, they said this is only for initial processing, but after approval, everything will go back to the way it was. I made sure to get them to confirm this before I purchased and after i purchased haha.
We will see if this is still the case when I finally get my phone. If not, sucks I might have to cancel and return the phone. unlimited data is pretty valuable especially when you get to go all the way up to 5GB before being throttled in LTE.
When I placed my pre-order through AT&T, I specifically had the option to add the "LTE Unlimited Personal" data package. I was pretty tempted by RadioShack offering it at $50. But given all I read about them farqing things up for pretty much everybody they sell things to, I paid the whole $200 through AT&T. I am willing to pay extra to make sure nobody screws up my unlimited data plan. But that's just me.
I kept my smartphone unlimited plan. AT&T had no problem letting me keep my plan
Keeping my unlimited data plan is the sole reason I always upgrade through ATT. Sure the Radio Shack and Amazon prices are always lower but I never fully trust that ATT will put unlimited data back after I get the phone...
snvyas said:
Keeping my unlimited data plan is the sole reason I always upgrade through ATT. Sure the Radio Shack and Amazon prices are always lower but I never fully trust that ATT will put unlimited data back after I get the phone...
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Agreed. Spending more in the store is worth it to me rather than running the chance of losing the unlimited data plan.
SR4 said:
Agreed. Spending more in the store is worth it to me rather than running the chance of losing the unlimited data plan.
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Even if somehow they screw your data plan up. You can always get your unlimited data plan back. As long as you can:
-Prove that you've had it
-Say that it was changed without your knowledge / consent.
I cannot add them back in the store. You will have to call 611 to get it added back to your account if it was messed up by some other retailer. It's always worth checking your account online to make sure. Or dial *3282#. That will tell you what data plan you currently have.
The type of data connection doesn't matter either. If you are just now moving to your first LTE device, the amount of data you are allowed to transfer before the throttle increases to 5gb from 3gb. The cost is the same and it is still unlimited. Meaning no overage costs.
If you have any specific questions or if customer service gives you any trouble. Please message me and I can help resolve it.
My contract just ended and I have the $30 unlimited data grandfathered. I've always been able to keep it when upgrading by speaking to customer service. But this time I don't want to upgrade for another 2yr contract. I've been a customer forever and would like to have the freedom of no contract for a little bit. I'm currently using a 3g samsung captivate but want to get the s3. I found a really good deal on craigslist. Will at&t let me keep unlimited data without upgrading? I'm just worried that they tell me yes when I call, then after I buy the phone they say no you gotta upgrade. That would suck..
Just swap the sim card into the new phone.
Sent from my One X using xda premium
hugebulge said:
Just swap the sim card into the new phone.
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I believe the GS3 is a MicroSIM, and the Captivate is a "regular" SIM. So the person can get a MicroSIM from AT&T. If you call for one, I think they charge you $15. But in store, they will often give it to you for free to AT&T account holders.
You can also cut the SIM to make it work, using guides online. But its probably easier to just get a free new one from the store.
jsmizzle said:
My contract just ended and I have the $30 unlimited data grandfathered. I've always been able to keep it when upgrading by speaking to customer service. But this time I don't want to upgrade for another 2yr contract. I've been a customer forever and would like to have the freedom of no contract for a little bit. I'm currently using a 3g samsung captivate but want to get the s3. I found a really good deal on craigslist. Will at&t let me keep unlimited data without upgrading? I'm just worried that they tell me yes when I call, then after I buy the phone they say no you gotta upgrade. That would suck..
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Dont' worry, they can't make you upgrade, you can use whatever hardware you want (as long as its compatible with their network).
If you don't presently have LTE on your account, and the phone you are buying is compatible with AT&T's LTE bands, you can get it added to your account w/o an upgrade and w/o a new contract. But you have to go through AT&T to do it (either by phone or in an AT&T store). Simply tell them you want to keep unlimited data, and add LTE. They technically have to change you to a "new" data plan that is unlimited data with LTE, but its really just the same - unlimited data, but with LTE capability added and no extra fee (its just what they do to make it work in their system). Just make sure they do it right before you leave the store or hangup the phone. Its not completely straightforward, it took them about 15 minutes to get it right for me at my AT&T store, and the rep had to bring the manager into it, and they were really trying. But its worth the hassle, since if they screw it up and take unlimited data off your account, its a real pain to add it back.
And this is the only way to add LTE to your account, if the S3 you are buying has LTE.
Thanks guys for the replies. Apparently, the LTE microSIM is different from the 3g microSIM. Even though they're the same size the coding is different. So i'm gonna need to visit the store to get the LTE card. AT&T customer service did tell me that my unlimited data won't change and I won't need to upgrade. So that's cool.. Now it's about choosing which phone to get. I'm still thinking the S3 but I just looked at the demo models at best buy. Damn this is hard. The one x is a beauty and even the atrix hd looks great too. I might just wait until the iphone 5 release on the 12th so all the other phone prices will drop. But that's a whole different thread..

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