Best Buy/Sprint My Way Student Promotion - Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

My plan with VZW is about to expire and I'm ready to upgrade my GNex to a N5. I was just going to buy it from Google and go with the $30 T-Mobile Walmart plan. Then I heard about the promotion Sprint and Best Buy are doing. Basically you overpay for a phone and get unlimited T&T and 1GB of data for free or unlimited data for $10 a month. The N5 is one of the only phones it works out ahead for. Can somebody check my math? After the first year, you can just leave.
Original Plan: $350 for N5 + $30 a month for TMobile plan = $710 for first year
Sprint Plan: $450 for N5 + $10 a month for unlimited data = $570 for first year
The promo is only available in store at Best Buy, but at least I don't have to wait for my phone to ship.

Your math is correct but it all depends on what model nexus you get. The deal sounds a little too good to be true but I could be wrong. 1GB of data isn't crap. If you are looking for the cheap route I would look into straight talk.
edit: either way tell verizon to have a nice life

mistahseller said:
Your math is correct but it all depends on what model nexus you get. The deal sounds a little too good to be true but I could be wrong. 1GB of data isn't crap. If you are looking for the cheap route I would look into straight talk.
edit: either way tell verizon to have a nice life
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I have had my sim card for one day. I already used .76 gigs running a few speed tests and updating a few apps. 1gb is mega crap.

Don't just take the first year into consideration. The deal is for a 2 year contract. How much will that second year cost you per month?

lowandbehold said:
Don't just take the first year into consideration. The deal is for a 2 year contract. How much will that second year cost you per month?
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It's not for a two year contract. You get one year free (or $10) and can leave anytime. There is no ETF.
"Sprint will send the account holder a text message 30 days before the completion of free service on the student's line. Upon completion of free service, the student line will be charged regular price for service for Unlimited, My Way ($70/month for unlimited talk, text and 1GB of data on smartphones ($50/month on basic phones with blocked data); additional $10/month for unlimited data, if applicable). To avoid charges, the account holder can terminate the student line by calling Sprint or dialing *2 from their mobile phone before the end of 12 months."

ari6126 said:
It's not for a two year contract. You get one year free (or $10) and can leave anytime. There is no ETF.
"Sprint will send the account holder a text message 30 days before the completion of free service on the student's line. Upon completion of free service, the student line will be charged regular price for service for Unlimited, My Way ($70/month for unlimited talk, text and 1GB of data on smartphones ($50/month on basic phones with blocked data); additional $10/month for unlimited data, if applicable). To avoid charges, the account holder can terminate the student line by calling Sprint or dialing *2 from their mobile phone before the end of 12 months."
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Touche. Just read the whole agreement and there is no ETF after 12 months. Well at least add in the $36 activation fee in your calculation! That does apply.

lowandbehold said:
Touche. Just read the whole agreement and there is no ETF after 12 months. Well at least add in the $36 activation fee in your calculation! That does apply.
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If I buy the Nexus 5 from Best Buy for this promotion, is it unlocked? I currently have AT&T, so could I switch Sim cards between AT&T and Sprint with the Nexus 5 whenever I want?

yeee707 said:
If I buy the Nexus 5 from Best Buy for this promotion, is it unlocked? I currently have AT&T, so could I switch Sim cards between AT&T and Sprint with the Nexus 5 whenever I want?
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Yes. It is completely unlocked.

I've been doing the same calculation and am leaning toward making the jump, too. Here's the calculation I did (let me know if i'm missing something other than sales tax on the phone...):
Tmo $30 plan:
Phone: $350 (via google play)
Plan: ~33 (includes fees)
Per mo cost in 1st year (amortizing phone up front cost over 12 months): $62
Per mo cost in 2nd year (for just the service since phone was amortized above): $33
Sprint Free Student:
Phone: $450+$36 activation = $486 (via BB)
Plan: ~$15 (assuming i would need the $10 unlimited data. Also includes line fees/taxes)
Per mo cost in 1st year: $55
2nd year: $70, though I'm not really comparing this for the time being.
----------------
For the first year, this nets out to a savings of about $74 when you amortize the phone cost. For this vs Tmo you get: unlimited talk, >5GB data, and a phone in your hand via best buy instead of waiting 4-5 weeks; at a cost of needing to swap lines at the end of the contract if you aren't cool with paying full price for Sprint.
Assuming all of my numbers are right, the two deals are shockingly close to being equal for the first year. For me, I'd probably end up with some overages with the Tmo 100 minute cap, so I think I'm going to go for the Sprint deal for now, but this is hardly the no brainer I was expecting before I ran the numbers. The game changer is the Nexus 5 itself: dual compatibility with CDMA and GSM make it possible to swap between these two services without taking another device hit to the wallet. That flexibility is really nice.

Related

veteran's discount

Got my MT4G yesterday and then spent 2 hours on the phone with TMO trying to find out why my bill wasn't what was promised. We got that straightened out (by the way I got the 3000 min, unlimited text, 200 mb data family plan and the data costs $10 per phone, not the $20 they tried to stick me with).
There is an 18% veteran's discount if you ask for it and give them the numbers off your DD-214
Originally, last Sunday, they offered me a 15% law enforcement discount and said my wife could get the same discount as a teacher. Then when I had them on the phone straightening out the bill, I found out they had lied to me (again) and that discount was only good for 2 other counties in NM (two different people at Migration looked it up and informed me of the discount on Sunday)... so I didn't quality anymore. I was going to drop TMO like a hot potato when I asked for a supervisor and he helped me find something I could qualify for. Also a PTA registered member can get a discount! Go figure.
No military/govt/other discounts on the Even More+ (no contract) plans, though. I gave up my discount to move to one but still pay less each month.
Genocaust said:
No military/govt/other discounts on the Even More+ (no contract) plans, though. I gave up my discount to move to one but still pay less each month.
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The no contract plans are a thing of the past for new customers. Look at their website... it's gone! And the contract plans are just as cheap (3000 minutes, unlimited text, 200 mb data). No contract price used to be $139.99 (unlimited data because there was no 200 mb data) and the contract price now is the same (with 200 mb data or $10 more for unlimited data) and the discount on the phones makes the contract price a LOT cheaper than going no-contract.
Wish I knew about the DD214 discount earlier. Do you think they would do it going forward on existing plans and services?
They did it for me a few years back on an existing contract, so it shouldn't be a problem. Just give them a call.
Just got off the phone with TMo. The 18% veterans discount is there, but they want to extend all lines on my account for two years (with the $200 cancellation fee one each line).
Since I may be dropping one line soon, I did not accept it. Do not like the way they want to do this at all.
If you just have one line with a promo for the phone with a two year commitment already - no problem,
gaww said:
Wish I knew about the DD214 discount earlier. Do you think they would do it going forward on existing plans and services?
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Yes, they will do military/govt at any time.
@lonlawrence -- Did not know they ditched the no contract plans; glad I got mine! It is like $120/mo for 1500min unlimited txt across all 5 lines (we only use like 800min ever) and unlim data on 2 lines. So...I'm happy with it! It also only costs me $5/mo per add a line past the first 2, so I have my inlaws on my account. They pay me $180/yr and get full phone and text service! Hard to beat helping family for a price that cheap!
lonlawrence said:
The no contract plans are a thing of the past for new customers. Look at their website... it's gone! And the contract plans are just as cheap (3000 minutes, unlimited text, 200 mb data). No contract price used to be $139.99 (unlimited data because there was no 200 mb data) and the contract price now is the same (with 200 mb data or $10 more for unlimited data) and the discount on the phones makes the contract price a LOT cheaper than going no-contract.
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They don't do them online but they will over the phone or in store. Check the tmonews.com article
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
Genocaust said:
No military/govt/other discounts on the Even More+ (no contract) plans, though. I gave up my discount to move to one but still pay less each month.
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I'm on the Even More + and still get my Freelancers discount. It doesn't apply to the phone plan but all the add ons. ie: I went with the Talk + text, and added 2 webs at $20/ea (instead of T + T + W for $40 for both) so I could get the discount off each web feature. It helps saving ~$3 off of web, making it like $17
Genocaust said:
Yes, they will do military/govt at any time.
@lonlawrence -- Did not know they ditched the no contract plans; glad I got mine! It is like $120/mo for 1500min unlimited txt across all 5 lines (we only use like 800min ever) and unlim data on 2 lines. So...I'm happy with it! It also only costs me $5/mo per add a line past the first 2, so I have my inlaws on my account. They pay me $180/yr and get full phone and text service! Hard to beat helping family for a price that cheap!
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@Genocaust, yes, I mentioned that in an earlier post about doing away with the no-contract plans. And "for now" you can talk one of the sales reps into selling you a no-contract price on the phone, but they told me that was going to go away. However, why would you want one? It's the same price as a contract plan with the new pricing, but you get the phones a lot cheaper with a contract. Just like ATT and Sprint, there's now no advantage to buying the phones outright unless you are willing to pay $500 a phone just to get out of a contract. In that case, it's cheaper to pay $150 for the phone with a contract and pay $200 to break the contract.
lonlawrence said:
@Genocaust, yes, I mentioned that in an earlier post about doing away with the no-contract plans. And "for now" you can talk one of the sales reps into selling you a no-contract price on the phone, but they told me that was going to go away. However, why would you want one? It's the same price as a contract plan with the new pricing, but you get the phones a lot cheaper with a contract. Just like ATT and Sprint, there's now no advantage to buying the phones outright unless you are willing to pay $500 a phone just to get out of a contract. In that case, it's cheaper to pay $150 for the phone with a contract and pay $200 to break the contract.
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Click to collapse
With the plans I can see online it's still cheaper than a contract plan at this point. Show me 1500min + text + 2 unlim web for < $120 and $5/mo add a lines.
Just got off the phone with migrations, and had my discount changed from my work corp disc 12-13% to the veteran 18%disc. I wish I had known about it sooner, I've been with tmobile for like 6 or 7 years. I have been a vet for almost 10 years and only been getting my corp disc for the last 3 years. I wish they had mentioned sooner. Thanks for the heads up. There was an article about the no contract plans on tmonews and tmobile said that stores and tele-sales would continue to carry plans.
Genocaust said:
With the plans I can see online it's still cheaper than a contract plan at this point. Show me 1500min + text + 2 unlim web for < $120 and $5/mo add a lines.
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Click to collapse
That's the same price with the contract, but it's 200 mb now. They lowered the data rate so if you don't need more than 200mb a month per phone, you can buy the contract at the same price as the no contract unlimited... then you save $300 per phone and just do the math... it's cheaper to go with the contract, plus you only get your discounts like veterans 18% per month if you take the contract. Then you can pay off the $200 per line to cancel early if you want to, and you still make money. Reality, MOST people can't begin to use 200 mb of data a month... maybe not you... but most people. Also it's the same price ($5 per line) to add a line with the contract and only $10 per phone for data for the 3rd line. Keep trying... you haven't convinced me no-contract is cheaper! LOL
I'm paying $140/mo no contract with unlimited everything. Same deal with contract is $30 more a month. 30x24= $720; my phone was $450 outright, still saving money no contract.
lonlawrence said:
The no contract plans are a thing of the past for new customers. Look at their website... it's gone! And the contract plans are just as cheap (3000 minutes, unlimited text, 200 mb data). No contract price used to be $139.99 (unlimited data because there was no 200 mb data) and the contract price now is the same (with 200 mb data or $10 more for unlimited data) and the discount on the phones makes the contract price a LOT cheaper than going no-contract.
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Click to collapse
They didn't ditch it, they only took it off there site. If you want the no contact plans then you have to call and ask for it. Reason being is that they wanted their site to be "user friendly"
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
mlockman said:
I'm paying $140/mo no contract with unlimited everything. Same deal with contract is $30 more a month. 30x24= $720; my phone was $450 outright, still saving money no contract.
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Click to collapse
You guys are missing the point. If you don't need unlimited data, you can get the same rate with a contract as without a contract. Most people could never use over 200 mb a month of data, so why pay $460 for your phone? With a contract and 200 mb of data, you get the same rate, but pay $150 for the MT4G. If you bought your phone outright and are without a contract, yes, you can get unlimited data for the same price, but look what you paid for your phone! It's a no-brainer to go with a contract. If you don't want a contract, cancel and pay the $200 early cancellation fee and you still saved $150 on the price of your phone! Geez, I don't understand why you guys don't understand that! Unlimited everything is $140 no contract. Same price as unlimited talk, text and 200 mb of data with a contract... but you save $300 per phone and give up unlimited data. It's really a simple choice if you don't need unlimited data.
Who said I didn't need the unlimited data? That is why it's cheaper for me to go the route I did.

Contract vs. No contract

As the title says, on no contract right now $79 unlimited everything plan with a G2, and want to get a G2x.
Amazon is selling it for $509 outright (no tax and shipping included).
Or sign a contract on the same $79 plan and get it for $149 and port my # over to the contract line and cancel the no contract one.
Now here's my theory. I looked it up and Tmo's ETF is $200. $149+200=$349. Much cheaper than $509 and the same plan I have now. Yes, I know 2gb data before throttling but I checked my history and I havent used more than 6-700mb at the most, so its a non-issue.
Any thoughts if going contract is the best way since the ETF + on contract phone price is cheaper and getting the same plan for the same price anyways? BTW, no plans to cancel Tmo anytime soon (not trying any sing contract and cancel gimmick), I just mean as an insurance policy down the road to get out if need be.
ive thought about signing a 2 year contract, keeping my unlimited data (3g, dont care for 4g) then canceling.
I don't know if your in the united stated but I got mine at a Radioshack for $499.99 plus tax. Also they have a trade and save program so i traded in my hd2 and got $95 for it so that helped a bit.
If you are not signing the contract, you can get Even More Plus unlimited plan for 59.99 and save 20$ per month.
1 yr in the off-contract, you would have saved 240$. Cheaper compared to the contract price. I got mine directly from tmo store for full price.
It's $80 a month for unlimited talk, text, and data. $60 is for talk only. Thing is if you use Google Voice for texting you don't need a text plan.
The 59.99 unlimited everything plan existed, but only for about a day before Tmo shut it down.
Its the same on or off contract right now $79.99.
The question really is $509 from Amazon or $149 with a contract (if the tmo ETF is $200 as I believe it still is).
Seems like off contract and pay $500 for a phone isnt cheaper anymore now that they dropped the contract plan to $79.99 also and the discount on the phone is more than the ETF.
I bought mine from amazon because tmobile refused to sell it to me w/o upgrading my plan. Im on an old g1 plan @ $59. So i ponied up the $509, and recieved a g2x a few days later. Unfortunately the one i got has screen bleed pretty badly so called amazon and they are sending out a replacement and labels to ship old one back for free. They also said i could wait up to 30 days to ship back the old one...pretty nice. So the one thing i can say about going with amazon is they have great customer service...at least for me.
I just refuse to pay 80 a month for phone service. Its just too rich for my blood.
At T-Mobile store I got no contract family plan for 2 lines for 110 750 minutes unlimited text and data. Also they offered 500 bucks credit with no apr which I used to get my g2x. So um paying 130 a month for unlimited without contract
Sent from my G2x
I bought mine Saturday from a T-Mobile store without a contract and use my Simple Mobile SIM in it, which does not require you to SIM unlock the phone since its still tied to T-Mobiles infrastructure. $60/month for unlimited talk,text and internet.
You do have to set a custom APN in order to get proper service.
klmsu19 said:
As the title says, on no contract right now $79 unlimited everything plan with a G2, and want to get a G2x.
Amazon is selling it for $509 outright (no tax and shipping included).
Or sign a contract on the same $79 plan and get it for $149 and port my # over to the contract line and cancel the no contract one.
Now here's my theory. I looked it up and Tmo's ETF is $200. $149+200=$349. Much cheaper than $509 and the same plan I have now. Yes, I know 2gb data before throttling but I checked my history and I havent used more than 6-700mb at the most, so its a non-issue.
Any thoughts if going contract is the best way since the ETF + on contract phone price is cheaper and getting the same plan for the same price anyways? BTW, no plans to cancel Tmo anytime soon (not trying any sing contract and cancel gimmick), I just mean as an insurance policy down the road to get out if need be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you cancel your plan, don't you also have to pay the difference between the full retail price of the phone and what you originally paid for it?
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
Do you really think T-Mobile and its sellers are not smart enough to do the math on this?
Read the contracts....here is what Amazon Wireless says:
$150.00 for phone
$ 35.00 for activation
$ 1.50 for taxes
$200.00 for T-Mobile early termination
$250.00 for Amazon wireless early termination
$636.50 vs $509 for just buying the phone without a contact....
yukkerz said:
I don't know if your in the united stated but I got mine at a Radioshack for $499.99 plus tax. Also they have a trade and save program so i traded in my hd2 and got $95 for it so that helped a bit.
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Click to collapse
HD2's are selling for 200+ on Craigslist. Why not sell it there?
rotohammer said:
You do have to set a custom APN in order to get proper service.
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Click to collapse
And what would that be? (Mine works fine, just asking for those that choose to go this route.)
rotohammer said:
I bought mine Saturday from a T-Mobile store without a contract and use my Simple Mobile SIM in it, which does not require you to SIM unlock the phone since its still tied to T-Mobiles infrastructure. $60/month for unlimited talk,text and internet.
You do have to set a custom APN in order to get proper service.
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Click to collapse
Never heard of Simple Mobile until now. It seems like a great deal from looking at the website. So it's basically just like having T-Mobile service? What's the catch?
If you sign a contract with t-mobile and cancel, I know they make you either return the phone or pay the difference between what you bought it for and the full price of the phone. I'm not sure how long you have to be on the contract so they won't charge you that difference.
There is an even more plus plan that is $60/month with 500 min, m2m, unlimited text and web. Unless you need more minutes, that's a pretty good deal.
TurboTsi said:
There is an even more plus plan that is $60/month with 500 min, m2m, unlimited text and web. Unless you need more minutes, that's a pretty good deal.
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Not anymore, unfortunately. They axed the EM+ plans a couple weeks ago.
That sucks. I'm on EM+ $79 (1000 min, unlimited SMS/Data, 5gb cap).
Guess I better not change it any time soon.
I sold my Nexus One for $250. Bought the G2x outright. So $250 out of pocket.
karnovaran said:
Never heard of Simple Mobile until now. It seems like a great deal from looking at the website. So it's basically just like having T-Mobile service? What's the catch?
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Click to collapse
Simple Mobile sounds amazing on the surface. The catch is that they lie about their "unlimited" plans. After 1 GB they throttle you. I've heard this in multiple places, but a quick Google search brings up many results:
- http://www.phonenews.com/simple-mob...b-accounts-terminated-when-cap-reached-11989/
- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=909359
- etc
TurboTsi said:
There is an even more plus plan that is $60/month with 500 min, m2m, unlimited text and web. Unless you need more minutes, that's a pretty good deal.
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Click to collapse
That is the plan i am using now.
karnovaran said:
Not anymore, unfortunately. They axed the EM+ plans a couple weeks ago.
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Click to collapse
Nah.
They just removed them from the website.
They did this to "reduce confusion". Iin reality, they just wanted to make people think that they're gone (and succeeded for the most part), so that people sign up for higher rate plans and 2 year contracts.
Check out the FlexPay page:
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/plans/flexpayplans.aspx
Even More Plus™ 500 Talk + Unlimited Text + Unlimited Web w/FlexPay®
$59.99​

T-Mobile new plans

New plans coming to T-Mobile. Check it out
http://m.cnet.com/Article.rbml?nid=20080486&cid=null&bcid=&bid=-94
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
are we gonna be able to switch to this plan if we are existing customers? I just got my phone 2 months ago and im paying 79.99
corrupt05 said:
are we gonna be able to switch to this plan if we are existing customers? I just got my phone 2 months ago and im paying 79.99
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Click to collapse
You can switch plans whenever you want, the only thing is you'll get a new 2 yr. Contract each time.
....
corrupt05 said:
are we gonna be able to switch to this plan if we are existing customers? I just got my phone 2 months ago and im paying 79.99
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Click to collapse
The new price plans are equivalent to the old "even more plus" plan. Except with a 2yr contract now. Existing customers that had service for @ least 90 days can switch to these plans..the big difference is you lose out your discounted upgrade when eligible..phones are purchased at full retail price with the option to finance the phone by adding $10-$15 a month on your bill..same goes for new activations.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
htc2364 said:
You can switch plans whenever you want, the only thing is you'll get a new 2 yr. Contract each time.
....
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Click to collapse
You can change plans anytime you want, and it won't affect your 2 year contract or upgrade eligibility. You do need to keep a data plan if you are on contract with a smart phone, otherwise the lowest cost plan available will hold up your end of a contract.
I know where I am going on monday. I just got my phone in the middle of June so there should not be an issue with me getting this plan.
Actually, this is my plan, just 20 bucks cheaper now.
Yeh, thanks for posting this. I just signed up on the 13th of June, and this new plan offers me the same that I have now for $20 less. Unlimited talk, text, and data, throttled after 2GB/month. I will be looking for customer service next week.
I could switch, but my 5GB before throttle would go down to 2GB, not that it matters now because I'm stuck on 2G, but if I move... I might miss that extra 3GB, but is it worth $20 more?
T-Mobile is set to announce Wednesday that it plans to cut the price of its smartphone plans. Most significantly, its mid-tier plan--which includes unlimited phone calls, text messages, and data--drops by $20 to $59.99 a month. In comparison, Sprint's comparable plan--which includes unlimited data, text, and calls to other cell phones--costs $69.99 a month.
For heavier data users, T-Mobile offers a $74.99 plan with an allotment of 5 gigabytes of data before throttling, which is $15 less than before. It also offers a lower-end, data-less plan for $49.99 with unlimited phone calls and text messages. That plan was previously $65. If you choose to pay for the phone through monthly installments, you can sign up for a 200-megabyte data option for $5 a month. Traditional contract customers can get the same option for $10 a month. The plans will be available on July 24.
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Click to collapse
Ah let's see. I'm paying $80 now for 1500 minutes, unlimited texts, 5 GB of data
With the new plan:
unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, 2GB data for $60
unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, 5GB data for $75
Wow, even switching to the new plan at 5GB is cheaper! I might as well switch to 2GB until my city gets 3G then up to 5GB later...
Is there any catch to these new plans?
so basically if we bought our phones on the $79.99 deal and did not have to pay full price, we will have to pay for the phone in full but will get $20 less per month in monthly bill?
jblah said:
so basically if we bought our phones on the $79.99 deal and did not have to pay full price, we will have to pay for the phone in full but will get $20 less per month in monthly bill?
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Click to collapse
U will not have to pay for your current phone at full price if u change to the new plan, There just won't be any discount The next time u want to upgrade your phone
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
No problem, I signed up about a month ago, is this going to work in family plans?
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
i'm hoping that i am allowed to switch this Monday. i got my phone in late May so it hasn't been a full 2 months yet.
I am on the 5gig plan but check it, prepaid. 70 bucks. Have been on this plan since i bought my phone used online back in june. prepaid plans are comin up in the world. no more pay by the minute. I get unlimited everything with 5gig 4g cap. beautiful. been on tmo prepaid for about 3 years now starting way back with flexpay. its worked out great for me
so in all actuallity you can go and just buy a prepaid sim card and hop on the plan right now if you wanted to.
deadeye0908 said:
U will not have to pay for your current phone at full price if u change to the new plan, There just won't be any discount The next time u want to upgrade your phone
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not correct. I just finished dealing with the retentions department on the phone (and this can be confirmed if you go online and try to change your plan to the Value Unlimited Plan). If you change to the Value plan, you are charged $200 migration fee on your next bill, which accounts for the difference in price for the phone.
I argued for 15 minutes that I HAD a brand new phone, but that since it was so problematic, the retentions department rep sent me a replacement phone...never said it was a refurbished model. And that when I went to update it the other day, it refused to update...so I called LG and it was confirmed that my DWP model is a factory refurbished model. I argued that I should not have to pay $200 for the difference in price for a brand new phone, since I have a refurb. She came back after several minutes and offered to put me on the new value plan starting next month if I meet them halfway and agree to pay $100 instead of the $200. I was tired of arguing and went ahead and agreed. I figured $20 less per month for 24 months is worth a lot more than $100 today. She was telling me that the biggest problem with them agreeing to move me over for free was that I'm such a new customer...I haven't built up any "tenure". So if you have been with T-mobile for much longer, I suppose it's possible for you to argue your way to a free migration.
Anyway, I'm satisfied with the deal.
So, being I signed up for a new plan on June 21st, I will have to pay 200 dollars to switch from paying 80 a month for unlimited talk, text, and 2GB data to the 60 plan that is the exact same thing, just 20 bucks less?
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk
aowendoff said:
So, being I signed up for a new plan on June 21st, I will have to pay 200 dollars to switch from paying 80 a month for unlimited talk, text, and 2GB data to the 60 plan that is the exact same thing, just 20 bucks less?
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I just signed up June 13th for the same plan you did. But since I took the discounted price for the phone and signed the 2 year contract, when I wanted to switch to this cheaper version of the same plan today, they asked me for the difference of the cost of the phone...$200. I feel fortunate to have gotten the deal for $100 instead. It's still a great savings overall.
I agree. I will still do it, that is for sure.
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Well called T-mobile about this plan and this is what they told me i could do. Since im a new customer i can do either these options:
Pay 59.99 Unlimited everything, BUT charged extra 5-15 dollars(depending on phone) and pay full price of phone in monthly installments over 20 month period.
Buy a phone off ebay, CL, or Pay full price in store of any phone and then i just get charged just 59.99
Or sign up for a "Regular contract" and pay 79.99 and buy phone of choice(discounted 2yr agreement price) And they run credit check to see if their is a deposit.
So many choices idk which one i should do? lol
Ok. I see uncertainty so I will try to address them all in this post. The new plans are great.. No matter how you look at them you are always going to come out in the positive in the long run. Unlimited Talk, Text, and Unlimited web with 2 GB of high speed data is $59.99. You will have to sign a new 2 Year contract. If you are on the Even More Plus plan you CANNOT come over onto the new plan (I know a loop hole). If you currently are on T-mobile and are in contract you will have to pay a migration fee that ranges from $200-0 depending on your current tenure. 18+ months will not have to pay a migration fee. On the new plans you must purchase your phone at the full retail but many will have EIP (Equipment Installment Plan) which will allow them to break the payments over a period of 21 months (If done at the store first payment will be at the store so that will make it 20 months).
For a family plan for 2 Lines Unlimited Talk, Text, and 2 GB of high speed web it will cost 99.99!!! That is super cheap. The same applies to a family plan as an individual. On the Even more plans it used to cost $179.99 ($80 savings) and compared to the classic plans $139.99, you save $40. Think about it..
Compared to the classic plan it is cheaper to be on the value plan on the long run. If you purchased 2 sensations (I chose this because its the most expensive phone I have) that makes is $550 x 2 = $1,100. If you take $40 savings x 24 months = $960 in rate plan. On the classic plan you still have to purchase the phones at $200 x 2 = $400. So for the value plan over 2 years take 99.99 x 24 (months) + $1,100 for phones = $3,500. While the classic plan will cost you 139.99 x 24 (months) + $400 (for the phone with MIR applied) = $3,760.
For 5 Lines Unlimited Talk Text and web 2 GB high speed on the value plan cost $205. Compared to the classic it will cost $290. 5 sensation on the value plan will cost $2750 while on the Classic it will cost $1000.
Value plan: $205 x 24 + $2750 = $7670.
Classic plan: $290 x 24 + $1000 = $7960.
903tex said:
Well called T-mobile about this plan and this is what they told me i could do. Since im a new customer i can do either these options:
Pay 59.99 Unlimited everything, BUT charged extra 5-15 dollars(depending on phone) and pay full price of phone in monthly installments over 20 month period.
Buy a phone off ebay, CL, or Pay full price in store of any phone and then i just get charged just 59.99
Or sign up for a "Regular contract" and pay 79.99 and buy phone of choice(discounted 2yr agreement price) And they run credit check to see if their is a deposit.
So many choices idk which one i should do? lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't not see this on their website? also do you know if you already have a plan with them for 2 months, do you still have to pay the full price for the phone? for me they did a price match.

As an employee, here's some tips on getting the best experience from AT&T

I probably won't be around much after the next few days (I get my phone tomorrow) until the note 3 boards open up, so feel free as well to ask any questions if I haven't mentioned something. Also, I got back to work today after having tomorrow off and the phone will go on sale in stores Saturday. In our training video they had a massive back to the future type reference in which someone came back in a phone booth talking about how futuristic the phone is. At least at&t is trying to make it entertaining
1) I realize in the past that some of you have probably called to waive upgrade/ activation fees and it may have worked. Unless it's a property of your discount with at&t, the chances of you having it waived are less than 1%. I would recommend trying to get credit back some other way, like complaining about service issues at the house or something. You may not get the full 36 back, but something is typically better than nothing. At&t has blocked this capability for all of us a few months ago.
2) CHECK TO SEE IF YOU HAVE A DISCOUNT. Depending on where you work or go to school, you get discounts. Sometimes these discounts get added benefits, like an extra 150$ back if you sign up for U-verse or waived upgrade/ activation fees. These discounts are applied in two ways. One, on a family talk/ individual plan the discount is applied to what the first line has to pay for minutes plus anyone on a five gig plan. For example, family talk plan with 700 minutes (60 dollars) plus one person on a five gig plan (50 dollars) with a 10% discount would save 11$ a month. On mobile share plans it goes off any number from the top row from the brochure. like a 10% discount on a 10 gig plan (120$) would save you 12 bucks a month. These discounts can be applied one of two ways and have to be done in store. One, through email. Which is faster and instant. If you're lucky, try a retail store to see if they'll email someone other than the account holder if they have a discount. The second is through fax if you don't have an email specific to your job. This method can only apply a discount to whatever it says on your paycheck. So, if you work at a franchise like Dunkin' Donuts or something, check to see if it actually says Dunkin' Donuts or if it says the name of the franchise. This method can take up to two billing cycles to go on your bill and requires a paystub and your I.D. These discounts also typically come with accessory discounts as well for in store.
3) If everyone on your plan has a smartphone and doesn't have unlimited data, Mobile Share plans are more cost efficient than family talk plans and give you truly unlimited talk and text within the U.S.. Call up customer service and see how much data you guys use on average and move to a mobile share from there. Example: Two lines on a family talk vs. mobile share. Family talk: (700 minutes 60$ + 1 10$ + unlimited text 30$ + 2 3 gig plans 60$ = 160). Mobile share (6 gigs 90$ + 2 lines 70$ = 160). Same price, but lets look at the difference. Mobile share has truly unlimited talk and text AND includes tethering. Also, if you have a discount it will apply to the 90$ for the 6 gigs vs. the 60$ for the 700 minutes under the family talk. You start to save money vs. family talk once you hit 3 lines and above.
4) If ever adding a new line/ or just changing around your plan, don't be afraid to start out high. We have a trial policy with plans. If you start out high, like a 10 gig mobile share, and the first/ second bill with that plan shows you haven't even exceeded 6 gigs, we'll move you down and credit the difference.
5) Try to upgrade at corporate stores. Retail stores have a different commission structure in which they can mess around with your plan to change the primary line resulting in prorated charges. This is called base hopping. If you do upgrade at a retail store, you can haggle with the price of accessories to an extent compared to corporate stores with upgrades/ new activations. Just let them know that there will be repercussions if they mess with your plan when you want to keep it the same.
6) There are notes added every time you call customer service. Let us call for you if you have a chance. Otherwise, I recommend calling only twice. The first time be extremely polite and nicely talk about your frustrations. If that doesn't work, the next time be aggressive. If both don't work, you're pretty much SOL.
Any questions? I uploaded pictures of the brochures to help you with plan searching.
Couldn't have explained it better myself. Now if only all the customers that come in Saturday will read this before coming in. :thumbup:
Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk 2
SPAM!!
Jk
Thanks for the tips, I knew most of them. My fan account gets my upgrade fee waivered almost always.
Here is my job's offer.
Receive a monthly service discount of 15%. Visit the premier website (click on the business name) for additional promos and discounts. You also receive a $25 credit when activating through the premier website.
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Click to collapse
My wife initially ordered the phones herself and not on the premier site. I can just apply the coupon later at https://www.wireless.att.com/business/enrollment/index.jsp correct? I tried to use our phone numbers(switching our numbers over) which did not work. Also tried the temporary numbers which did not work as well. I am guessing I cannot apply for the discounts until I activate the phones/phone numbers?
SysAdmNj said:
SPAM!!
Jk
Thanks for the tips, I knew most of them. My fan account gets my upgrade fee waivered almost always.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If its a property of the fan and it still appears on the bill, call 611 and customer service will waive it.
JustSaya said:
Here is my job's offer.
My wife initially ordered the phones herself and not on the premier site. I can just apply the coupon later at https://www.wireless.att.com/business/enrollment/index.jsp correct? I tried to use our phone numbers(switching our numbers over) which did not work. Also tried the temporary numbers which did not work as well. I am guessing I cannot apply for the discounts until I activate the phones/phone numbers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you go into more depth? It sounds like you're starting new service?
attbrandon said:
Can you go into more depth? It sounds like you're starting new service?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and transferring phone numbers.
attbrandon said:
3) If everyone on your plan has a smartphone and doesn't have unlimited data, Mobile Share plans are more cost efficient than family talk plans and give you truly unlimited talk and text within the U.S.. Call up customer service and see how much data you guys use on average and move to a mobile share from there. Example: Two lines on a family talk vs. mobile share. Family talk: (700 minutes 60$ + 1 10$ + unlimited text 30$ + 2 3 gig plans 60$ = 160). Mobile share (6 gigs 90$ + 2 lines 70$ = 160). Same price, but lets look at the difference. Mobile share has truly unlimited talk and text AND includes tethering. Also, if you have a discount it will apply to the 90$ for the 6 gigs vs. the 60$ for the 700 minutes under the family talk. You start to save money vs. family talk once you hit 3 lines and above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AttBrandon,
I have a fan accnt, 4 lines, three of which are smart phone lines, Currently pay 30$ a line for data on each of the smartphones, have unlimited texting and mobile to any mobile calling. for all lines. Bill comes out to roughly 210/month.
Will the mobile share plan save me money?
btw my 4th line is not used but still in contract.
Thanks!
I really want the 32GB version; but the lack of a release date has me thinking that it might be a few months before we see it in stores. So my question is: If I purchase the 16GB version and the 32GB is released in the next 30 days, can I return it to get the 32GB version and simply pay the extra $50?
darkodin14 said:
AttBrandon,
I have a fan accnt, 4 lines, three of which are smart phone lines, Currently pay 30$ a line for data on each of the smartphones, have unlimited texting and mobile to any mobile calling. for all lines. Bill comes out to roughly 210/month.
Will the mobile share plan save me money?
btw my 4th line is not used but still in contract.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on your FAN discount and data usage. It also sounds like you don't have any insurance for any of the lines. Be careful with that.
I'd really only recommend it if you were to get a fourth smartphone. 10 gig mobile is 120 + 120 = 240. Subtract 18 (for arguments sake, average fan discount is 15 percent) = 222 before tax. 6 gig would be 211.5 in this scenario.
It's the same price whether you have that fourth line as a basic or smart phone. Or it's a viable option if one of your lines is starving for data and it gives all the smartphones tethering.
Demodave said:
I really want the 32GB version; but the lack of a release date has me thinking that it might be a few months before we see it in stores. So my question is: If I purchase the 16GB version and the 32GB is released in the next 30 days, can I return it to get the 32GB version and simply pay the extra $50?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
50$ + 35$ restocking fee. If you're really nice about it maybe they'll waive the restocking fee. Just be 100% sure it's not a 14 day return policy instead of a 30. This can be store dependent.
attbrandon said:
Depends on your FAN discount and data usage. It also sounds like you don't have any insurance for any of the lines. Be careful with that.
I'd really only recommend it if you were to get a fourth smartphone. 10 gig mobile is 120 + 120 = 240. Subtract 18 (for arguments sake, average fan discount is 15 percent) = 222 before tax. 6 gig would be 211.5 in this scenario.
It's the same price whether you have that fourth line as a basic or smart phone. Or it's a viable option if one of your lines is starving for data and it gives all the smartphones tethering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mine right now is 210 with taxes included. So I guess it might not be worth it.
Thanks for the reply.
JustSaya said:
Yes and transferring phone numbers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not 100% sure to be honest. Ask your job for the FAN ID and I'll look up the properties of it tomorrow.
darkodin14 said:
mine right now is 210 with taxes included. So I guess it might not be worth it.
Thanks for the reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must have an amazing discount 0_o.
attbrandon said:
You must have an amazing discount 0_o.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
28% I think?
I want to thank you for taking the time to offer this - I have been wondering what to do with my Wife's phone (She is still on Sprint) - she doesn't use much data - doesn't get the benefit of either 4g or LTE anyway (Sprint doesn't have LTE in Milwaukee) and I sometimes find myself going over the 3gb limit on my plan. After reading your comments and checking out the plans you posted - I think it would be cheaper for me to buy a 6gb shared plan for our two phones - I would pay less collectively than I am paying now for the ATT and Sprint plans I am paying for - and I would double the available data I can use - as she really doesn't use any.
Thanks a lot - I appreciate the tips...
darkodin14 said:
28% I think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Math then silly. A mobile share 10 gig would cost you 206.4 before tax. I thinks that's worth it for the tethering.
I don't like the idea of sharing data....then you gotta worry about how much other people are using...like what if your brother decides to do something stupid and uses up 6gigs...leaving only 4gigs for everyone else (3 other people)...I'd rather pay the extra and not have to worry about others eating up my precious data...idk just seems like a data overage waiting to happen
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2
attbrandon said:
Any questions? I uploaded pictures of the brochures to help you with plan searching.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP, maybe you can help me make a decision. Here is what I have currently
26% Discount
5 Lines on the FamilyTalk Nation 700 with Rollover
Rollover for me is like having unlimited talk anyway. Whenever we go over 700 it kicks in and is enough to cover things.
2 - Smartphone lines with 2gb data plan (not even coming close to full utilization - always have wifi around)
2 - Smartphones lines with 200mb plan
1 - Regular phone
Total I am paying with taxes in NYC is about $215.
Is is worth going over to a shared use plan? I would like to add additional lines in the future and can't do that with my current plan.
AT&T says, "the more you use, the more you save." What crap!!! They have the network capacity to offer truly unlimited data. That's what they need to do. What's the point of having a brand new shiny new LTE device when you only can use it so much???
Families would rather have unlimited data instead of sharing. I will add, if they brought back unlimited to raise the price, say $40 or $50.

Questions for T-Mobile users.

Alright, so currently I have an S3 with T-Mobile and I'm paying around $100 for just my line that includes 500mins, unlimited data and text.
I rarely break the 150min mark each month so I would definitely like to change my plan to something that offers less minutes. Makes no sense on paying for something I don't use, right.
What would be my best option right now? Go on a prepaid plan and buy the Nexus 5 from the playstore? Is there a hassle from switching to a normal plan to a prepaid plan with T-Mobile?
I would be more than happy paying less to get 200mins, unlimited text, and data. 2.5 or 5gb before throttling is fine with me.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
The T-Mobile $30 plan.. 100 minutes, unlimited texts, 5GB of 4G LTE.
Just add like $50 every month and you'll have around , what.. 275-300 minutes you can use.
But if you're still on contract with T-Mobile, the ETF is $200.
And yes, you can buy the phone from the Play Store.
Wow that's crazy expensive. My T-Mobile plan is $120/month for 3 lines, unlimited everything. Data IS throttled after 500mb though. Not an issue for me since I'm always on wifi. I can bump it to unlimited for an extra $20
IXChicharitoXI said:
Alright, so currently I have an S3 with T-Mobile and I'm paying around $100 for just my line that includes 500mins, unlimited data and text.
I rarely break the 150min mark each month so I would definitely like to change my plan to something that offers less minutes. Makes no sense on paying for something I don't use, right.
What would be my best option right now? Go on a prepaid plan and buy the Nexus 5 from the playstore? Is there a hassle from switching to a normal plan to a prepaid plan with T-Mobile?
I would be more than happy paying less to get 200mins, unlimited text, and data. 2.5 or 5gb before throttling is fine with me.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure how you're paying so much for the classic 500min plan, maybe you got extra services along with it? Should only be $85/w tax. And if you said you don't use as much minutes then go with the prepaid $30/mo like that person said. Or you can go with straight talk for $45/mo unlimited talk text and web (might throttle 2.5gb). I'm not sure if they are still selling GSM sim cards because they kept being pulled off the shelves.
Synyster06Gates said:
Wow that's crazy expensive. My T-Mobile plan is $120/month for 3 lines, unlimited everything. Data IS throttled after 500mb though. Not an issue for me since I'm always on wifi. I can bump it to unlimited for an extra $20
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you're on the new simple/value plans that T-mobile has. 3 lines should cost you $90 ($50 first line $30 second $10 add a line) for unlimited talk text and unlimited web throttled at 500mb. You might be over paying as well unless you have the 2.5gb data plan or the jump plan services.
Deekayy said:
Well you're on the new simple/value plans that T-mobile has. 3 lines should cost you $90 ($50 first line $30 second $10 add a line) for unlimited talk text and unlimited web throttled at 500mb. You might be over paying as well unless you have the 2.5gb data plan or the jump plan services.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I am over paying by $30. I didn't get the simple value plan. I switched from AT&T right before they ended the classic unlimited contracts. What really sucks is the T-Mobile service went to **** in my area a few days after my "2 week trial period" (that was really maybe a week after getting the phones shipped and activated) and they refuse to help me out in any way. It's a story for another time, but I'm absolutely furious at T-Mobile.
I got the Ptel Paygo plan (on T-Mobile network), I don't really need data (on wifi almost everywhere, with T-Mobile 4G hotspot at $17.50/mo for 1.75gb). 5 cents per minute. Bought a $100 card with coupon for $78, so 2000 minutes for a year. Haven't got my sim yet, will run speed test once I get it.
Deekayy said:
Not sure how you're paying so much for the classic 500min plan, maybe you got extra services along with it? Should only be $85/w tax. And if you said you don't use as much minutes then go with the prepaid $30/mo like that person said. Or you can go with straight talk for $45/mo unlimited talk text and web (might throttle 2.5gb). I'm not sure if they are still selling GSM sim cards because they kept being pulled off the shelves.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I think I'm being charged $8 or $10 for insurance on the phone.
How exactly do pre paid plans work? I assume the bill won't arrive to my house anymore? Do I have to to to the T-Mobile store before the month ends to pay for the following month before it gets disconnected?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Also if I were to sign up for the pre paid plan. Could I bring the phone to a T-Mobile store and could they activate the new sim at the store or do I have to do it myself online?
Thank you for the responses everyone, i really appreciate it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Synyster06Gates said:
Unfortunately I am over paying by $30. I didn't get the simple value plan. I switched from AT&T right before they ended the classic unlimited contracts. What really sucks is the T-Mobile service went to **** in my area a few days after my "2 week trial period" (that was really maybe a week after getting the phones shipped and activated) and they refuse to help me out in any way. It's a story for another time, but I'm absolutely furious at T-Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's unfortunate, sorry to hear. So you're on a 2-year contract then I suppose? Did you get basic phones or smart phones when you signed up? If anything you can always try to call customer service (Dial 611) and ask to be switched to the new simple choice plan but they might charge you a $200 migration fee per line. In that situation, you can probably argue that your service has not been working well ever since you got it and hopefully they'll work something out.
IXChicharitoXI said:
Yeah, I think I'm being charged $8 or $10 for insurance on the phone.
How exactly do pre paid plans work? I assume the bill won't arrive to my house anymore? Do I have to to to the T-Mobile store before the month ends to pay for the following month before it gets disconnected?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only service that does that still bills to your house is T-Mobile Family Mobile (only in walmart) $39.88/mo unlimited talk text unlimited web 2.5 throttle (3G, some say 4G). That service is no contract and you can set auto pay with your debit/credit card or pay at any walmart location.
Other T-mobile pre-paid services is the "monthly 4G" which you will need to purchase a pre-paid card at any convenience store and refill your service at the end of each month. Or you can pay the balance of the bill online through T-Mobile prepaid website. If you don't pay your remaining balance by the end of the month it will get shut off and I believe T-Mobile will hold for 7-14 days before they release the number.
I can't give you a suggestion on which service you should use because I use both Verizon and T-Mobile services (note 2 and nexus 5) on a dealer line. Believe it or not, T-Mobile pulls off 21mb vs verizon 12mb in my home. If anything i'd start with the $30 pre-paid plan and test out the service to see whether or not it works in your area. If you feel that you get a lot of drop calls, you can try the actual T-Mobile service (Simple choice plan) because it's running on a primary network. Don't want to get too technical on why contracts vs pre-paid services are good or bad.
Replying to your second question:
You can purchase a Sim starter kit on the actual T-mobile site and you can activate it yourself, very easy. Follow the steps and select the plan that you desire.
t-mobile (dot) com/shop/plans/activatecodes (dot )aspx
Deekayy said:
That's unfortunate, sorry to hear. So you're on a 2-year contract then I suppose? Did you get basic phones or smart phones when you signed up? If anything you can always try to call customer service (Dial 611) and ask to be switched to the new simple choice plan but they might charge you a $200 migration fee per line. In that situation, you can probably argue that your service has not been working well ever since you got it and hopefully they'll work something out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will attempt to do this over the weekend. I am on a 2 year contract. When we signed up, I got a Galaxy S3, an LG F3, and an LG F6.
Since we started, none of the phones will reliably get phone calls or text messages. More often than not when people try to call us (even the T-Mobile reps calling me back) the phone will ring on their end, but I never get a ring or even missed call notification. A voice-mail will randomly pop up later in the day. Text messages will stop for hours on end then all of a sudden 10 or so will come to my phone at once. MMS won't reliably send or download. It's been a FRUSTRATING experience to say the least.

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