Phone and service advice - AT&T, Rogers, Bell, Telus Samsung Galaxy S III

Okay guys I have a dilemma that I've been thinking over. I currently have a Galaxy S3 with AT&T and im looking to buy a Galaxy Note 2. The thing is my wife has a iPhone 4(yes...I know...-.-) with Verizon and is looking to get a new phone and i also wanted us to be on the same plan and carrier.
Well I've been on AT&T since July of 2012 and she's been on Verizon since June of 2010. So of course the ETF for her would be way cheaper. But I'm really looking to switch back to Verizon. The issue is if I go to Verizon, I would pay my ETF for at&t and her ETF since she's on a plan with her mom. I would pay...say $270 for at&t ETF and $170 verizon ETF plus the new phone fees for a note 2 and iPhone 5 for the wife.....depending on what phone she wants. So an extra $500 with the ETFs. That makes it $940 to go to Verizon.
Now to stay with AT&T I'd pay $170 for Verizon ETF on my wife plus new phone fees. AT&T Note 2 would be about $580 - $650 on craigslist/swappa and say $200 for wife's new phone. That makes it around $1000 to stay with AT&T.
Now....a few REALLY important questions that I have for you guys. If I move my wife's secondary Verizon plan that has unlimited data BTW....to another Verizon new customer plan with two lines total.....do you think they wouldn't charge me an ETF for moving her from plan to plan? I mean its kinda making them more money. One by taking her off unlimited data and two by starting a new plan and adding two lines with new phones.
Another question....I know its kinda long guys....my apologies. If I stay with AT&T and buy a note 2 off swappa/craigslist/eBay....how do I place the phone under phone insurance? I currently have my at&t galaxy s3 under best buy mobile insurance. I don't think its possible to swap the insurance to another phone especially if its not bought brand new. I also did some research on adding at&t insurance but it seems that you can only add it 30 days after buying the phone new. I'd hate to have an awesome phone with no insurance on it. So any suggestions on what to do about that would help a lot.
I know its a lot to answer but I would appreciate as much information you guys can give me. Thanks
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Bump
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Related

Currently have a Galaxy Nexus pre-ordered on Bell on a 3 yr contract should i switch?

Hey Everyone,
I currently have a Galaxy Nexus pre-ordered on Bell on a three year contract ($185 and $50/month for 500mb of data + 150 minutes). I found out that Mobilicity is also a GSM network that will work with the Galaxy Nexus and the price per month is only $17.50/month (for unlimited data, unlimited local calling and caller ID!) but the only downside is that many people report that the network drops often and there is no HSPA+ speeds. I know this may seem like a REALLY stupid question to ask, but do you guys think I should cancel the order, and then re-order the Galaxy Nexus unlocked for $800? (Taxes + cancellation fee). I mean with the network not supporting HSPA+ and the network itself not being supported in some areas in Canada (although I don't travel much and according to the coverage map I'm fully supported), is it really worth it from switching from my current order with Bell on a 3 year contract to Mobilicity?
Note: I realize its a fairly stupid question, but I haven't been thinking straight for the past few days and your comments will be extremely appreciated.
I go through 500MB of data in a week. That plan would never work for me. I have a T-Moble/Wal-Mart $30/month unlimited data (5GB at H+), unlimited text, 100 talk mins (I never talk on the phone) and bought an unlocked GN for $850. The closest plan would cost me $99/month with Verizon.
I don't get why people can't realize that buying a good phone and then getting a cheap plan is cheaper in the long run.
Taggard said:
I go through 500MB of data in a week. That plan would never work for me. I have a T-Moble/Wal-Mart $30/month unlimited data (5GB at H+), unlimited text, 100 talk mins (I never talk on the phone) and bought an unlocked GN for $850. The closest plan would cost me $99/month with Verizon.
I don't get why people can't realize that buying a good phone and then getting a cheap plan is cheaper in the long run.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I pay $60 after taxes and fees per month on Tmobile USA with 1000 minutes, unlimited texts, and 5GB of H+ speeds. I got the Galaxy S II for $149 with a 2 year contract. Over 2 years I will pay a total of about $1400 after all taxes and fees, including the price of the phone. Over 2 years you will pay about $1,600 including the price of your phone... Who's saving money?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Towle said:
I pay $60 after taxes and fees per month on Tmobile USA with 1000 minutes, unlimited texts, and 5GB of H+ speeds. I got the Galaxy S II for $149 with a 2 year contract. Over 2 years I will pay a total of about $1400 after all taxes and fees, including the price of the phone. Over 2 years you will pay about $1,600 including the price of your phone... Who's saving money?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Huh?
$30 x 24mo + $850 phone = $1570
$60 x 24mo + $150 phone = $1590
And he overpaid for the phone considering most are getting it for around ~$700 shipped. So for most in his situation it'd be more like ~$1420 for 2 years + phone. And you got a good deal on your SGSII, as T-mo advertises it for $229. So we can say most people's annual cost in your situation is ~$1670.
So if we go with real-world math its ~$1420 vs. ~$1670....
Not to mention that you're on a contract, and he isn't. Some people don't like being in a contract and that's worth it for them.
Yea I'm a heavy data user.... so I thought. But looking at several past invoices I realized I only use about 200 minutes and about 1.5-2gb a month data. I utilize wifi at work, work, and hotels when I can.
I pay $60 a month on T-Mobile for 1000 minutes and 5gb cap.
Buying the phone outright and using the Nexus on a cheap plan (Simple Mobile or Walmart special) is the way to go.
I also have a Verizon blackberry through work. I'm ditching my personal line, buying the Nexus on a new contract price on the corporate account and saving my money.
500mb of data would kill me... especially if there are overages and penalties.
G2x - 2.3.7 CM7
Transformer - 3.2 Revolver OC/UV
Towle said:
I pay $60 after taxes and fees per month on Tmobile USA with 1000 minutes, unlimited texts, and 5GB of H+ speeds. I got the Galaxy S II for $149 with a 2 year contract. Over 2 years I will pay a total of about $1400 after all taxes and fees, including the price of the phone. Over 2 years you will pay about $1,600 including the price of your phone... Who's saving money?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
$149 up front but you pay full price for the phone over the 2 years which is $15 a month or more extra on top of the 59.99 a month
martonikaj said:
Huh?
$30 x 24mo + $850 phone = $1570
$60 x 24mo + $150 phone = $1590
And he overpaid for the phone considering most are getting it for around $700 shipped.
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Click to collapse
Correct 30x24+850=1570, which would work if there were no taxes and fees. And I did mine wrong I was going off of the time until I can upgrade again, my bad.
I'm still paying less than him after taxes and fees, and getting 10x the minutes.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
b1337 said:
$149 up front but you pay full price for the phone over the 2 years which is $15 a month or more extra on top of the 59.99 a month
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Click to collapse
What? No. I pay $149 total for the phone, I'm not on a value plan.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Towle said:
Correct 30x24+850=1570, which would work if there were no taxes and fees. And I did mine wrong I was going off of the time until I can upgrade again, my bad.
I'm still paying less than him after taxes and fees, and getting 10x the minutes.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
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Look at my post again for a better breakdown... And even if he's paying 10% sales tax on his monthly purchases (there's no carrier fees involved with a pre-pay plan), that's only another $72 over 2 years.
That walmart/T-mo prepay play is an amazing deal. I'm looking to switch to it myself from my EM+ plan.
Towle said:
What? No. I pay $149 total for the phone, I'm not on a value plan.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
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pinky up i need that plan!!
The point I'm trying to make is that there is no savings in buying a phone outright and going on an off contract plan (when comparing apples to apples with the plans). The only difference is one has a contract and one doesn't. Which I don't plan on leaving Tmobile anytime soon, or ever, because everyone else is more expensive.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Towle said:
The point I'm trying to make is that there is no savings in buying a phone outright and going on an off contract plan. The only difference is one has a contract and one doesn't. Which I don't plan on leaving Tmobile anytime soon, or ever, because everyone else is more expensive.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
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Well there is considering that this phone isn't offered on T-mobile... If you're going to be buying a phone full price to get one not available on the carrier, then you're saving money by going pre-pay or some form of off-contract service. And like I said, people see value in being off contract.
I wasn't trying to say you're doing the wrong thing (everyone makes their own choice for service that works for them), but I have to point out blatant math errors when you're trying to prove your point. He really is spending less money over 2 years.
martonikaj said:
Well there is considering that this phone isn't offered on T-mobile... If you're going to be buying a phone full price to get one not available on the carrier, then you're saving money by going pre-pay or some form of off-contract service. And like I said, people see value in being off contract.
I wasn't trying to say you're doing the wrong thing (everyone makes their own choice for service that works for them), but I have to point out blatant math errors when you're trying to prove your point. He really is spending less money over 2 years.
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I'm not saying anyone is doing anything wrong by going that route either, it's all personal preference. I just didn't like the statement "I don't get why people don't realize" when it's not true.
And your comparison isn't even valid. I'm pretty sure neither of us live in fake worlds and I paid $149 for my phone and he paid $850 for his. Even if they come out to be the same price over 2 years, I'm getting 10x the minutes, and don't have to fork over $600+ at one shot. Like I said, I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the other plans whatsoever, I just don't want people saying that everyone else is stupid for not going that route, when it's all personal preference.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
I'm on someones employee t-mobile plan : ) 2k minutes my faves unlimited txt web tethering and insurance for $10 a month : )
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
Towle said:
I'm not saying anyone is doing anything wrong by going that route either, it's all personal preference. I just didn't like the statement "I don't get why people don't realize" when it's not true.
And your comparison isn't even valid. I'm pretty sure neither of us live in fake worlds and I paid $149 for my phone and he paid $850 for his. Even if they come out to be the same price over 2 years, I'm getting 10x the minutes, and don't have to fork over $600+ at one shot. Like I said, I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the other plans whatsoever, I just don't want people saying that everyone else is stupid for not going that route, when it's all personal preference.
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I simply covered the fact that most people are buying their Nexus' for ~$700, and T-mobile advertises the SGSII for $229.
That aside, I think his statement still holds strong. You've obviously crunched the numbers but most don't. Most people don't realize that there are fantastic off contract or pre-pay options that can save them $100's per year. Especially if they're coming from Verizon or AT&T, we're talking about moving from ~$100 per month to ~$30.
Thanks so much for the replies guys I think what I'll be doing is buying it on a three year contract, buying another phone unlocked after a year or so when it becomes TRULY obsoleted in terms of software + hardware and using the sim on that. (I also had a question: would the galaxy nexus be considered "unlocked" after I remove the sim? Or is it still locked to the carrier? Also, if it is locked to the carrier, could I just get it unlocked from an external source?) Also, I have 14 days to return the phone (as long as I don't use 15 minutes or 1.5 mb) Finally, I'm not on a two year contract, but a 3 year one. The best plan I could get is $70/month and I get 6GB of data + 200 minutes. I see how I'm losing money, but I'm in Canada and the plans here are MUCH worse than in the US.
mohitrocks said:
Thanks so much for the replies guys I think what I'll be doing is buying it on a three year contract, buying another phone unlocked after a year or so when it becomes TRULY obsoleted in terms of software + hardware and using the sim on that. (I also had a question: would the galaxy nexus be considered "unlocked" after I remove the sim? Or is it still locked to the carrier? Also, if it is locked to the carrier, could I just get it unlocked from an external source?) Also, I have 14 days to return the phone (as long as I don't use 15 minutes or 1.5 mb) Finally, I'm not on a two year contract, but a 3 year one. The best plan I could get is $70/month and I get 6GB of data + 200 minutes. I see how I'm losing money, but I'm in Canada and the plans here are MUCH worse than in the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully it will be unlocked from Bell. The Nexus S was, and some people have reported Bell reps saying the Galaxy Nexus will be as well.
You should ask Bell for 6 GB though. I talked to a rep and told him that Rogers was offering me 6 GB for the 500 MB price (unadvertised, but it was all over mobile sites a week or two ago), and asked if Bell could do the same for me if I was signing a 3-year contract. He said they would. It's common for Bell and Rogers to offer the 6 GB at times... ask for it, and if you're signing a 3-year contract you might just get it. Why have only 500 MB if you can get 6 GB for the same price?
Wait, what? A THREE YEAR CONTRACT? I thought 24 months was hard enough!
momagic said:
Wait, what? A THREE YEAR CONTRACT? I thought 24 months was hard enough!
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It's the unfortunate standard for Canada. The two-year contract price for the GN is $599.99. That's F***ing ridiculous. This is why I decided to let my current contract run out in 15 months and not sign another. It's unlocked phones and the negotiating ability of switching for me now.
I'm also hoping the GN is carrier unlocked, as it should be, from Bell. Since I'm buying it outright anyways, I'll just drop my Telus SIM in and be a happy camper. Otherwise I have to wait until January when Telus and Rogers release it.
Prof-KOS said:
It's the unfortunate standard for Canada. The two-year contract price for the GN is $599.99. That's F***ing ridiculous. This is why I decided to let my current contract run out in 15 months and not sign another. It's unlocked phones and the negotiating ability of switching for me now.
I'm also hoping the GN is carrier unlocked, as it should be, from Bell. Since I'm buying it outright anyways, I'll just drop my Telus SIM in and be a happy camper. Otherwise I have to wait until January when Telus and Rogers release it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that the Bell GN is unlocked. Just popped a Telus sim in and it worked.

[Q] Getting Rid of Account

I've had my Inc2 for 10 months, and have 2 other phones on the account.
Can anyone tell me how you go about selling off your VZW contract.
Wait 14 more months, or pay a 350$ canceling fee.... I think
Sent from my Incredible 2 using XDA
plupien79 said:
I've had my Inc2 for 10 months, and have 2 other phones on the account.
Can anyone tell me how you go about selling off your VZW contract.
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how long do you have left on each phone contract wise? are the other 2 smartphones? what was the etf on each phone?
unless you have a documented history of issues with verizon over multiple phones/lines on ur account in regards to service, they wont let you out w/ etf or until you are off contract
id do the math on ur etf and decide what to do then
We've got 2 smartphones and one dummy phone. At $210 a month it's a bit steep.
The current ETF is $625 to end the contract.
Replacement phone plan is only $90 a month.
So $120 a month would pay off that ETF pretty quickly.
I've heard about some sites that would let users trade off thier plans and phones a while ago, I just can't remember anything else.
plupien79 said:
We've got 2 smartphones and one dummy phone. At $210 a month it's a bit steep.
The current ETF is $625 to end the contract.
Replacement phone plan is only $90 a month.
So $120 a month would pay off that ETF pretty quickly.
I've heard about some sites that would let users trade off thier plans and phones a while ago, I just can't remember anything else.
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Click to collapse
in the past sprint and tmobile have had promotions where they would give you a certain $ credit for leaving another major carrier and porting your number, but i havent heard of any recently (last 6 months anyway)
Good to hear. But I'm not in Sprint territory, and T-mobile coverage where I live is a joke.
plupien79 said:
Good to hear. But I'm not in Sprint territory, and T-mobile coverage where I live is a joke.
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switching to att then? or regional carrier
Indeed, going with a regional carrier with prepaid service. More minutes, same texting, same data.
Found Cellswapper.com That's the gist of what I was looking for.
Also Praying for Verizon to change something that gets me a get out of jail free card.
plupien79 said:
I've had my Inc2 for 10 months, and have 2 other phones on the account.
Can anyone tell me how you go about selling off your VZW contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We certainly don't want you leave us. Is there anything we can do to change your mind about canceling the service?
You do have the option of having someone take over the line by completing an Assumption of Liability (AOL) You would have to agree to release the line to them and after a credit check, they can take over the line and put it in their name.
TH
VZWSupport
VZWSupport said:
We certainly don't want you leave us. Is there anything we can do to change your mind about canceling the service?
You do have the option of having someone take over the line by completing an Assumption of Liability (AOL) You would have to agree to release the line to them and after a credit check, they can take over the line and put it in their name.
TH
VZWSupport
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I
I read since verizon changed pricing there is a way to get out of contract for free. Only haveso many days from the 1st of july. I can find the link.
I
And sorry verizon does not care to loose buisness. I have been with verizon for 10 years 3 phones. I called to see if i could upgrade 3 months early to 4g to keep unlimited and they said no. I let them know i will pull my family off and they do not care! I will find the link to get out if contract for free. Let your supervisor anothef family will be leaving after 10 years. You guys are doing a great job lol sprint here comes everyone from verizon. Verizon is a joke they only rely on their service.
http://www.droidmatters.com/news/wa...-break-free-without-an-early-termination-fee/
This is a older one i seen a recent one i will find it
Verizon cares about breaking root more than taking care of long time customers!
---------- Post added at 12:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:07 AM ----------
Why is verizon even on xda
A: to figure oit how to break root and screw us more
B: Damage control since they know they are loosing customers.
Why doesnt verizon worry about putting out uodates to fix issues instead of trying to break root all the time.
Though I have been happy with Verizon for the past 8 years or so, I too may look elsewhere when my contract is up.
Getting too expensive. Baby takes up all my monies. :beer:
Sent from my ADR6350 using xda app-developers app
I've only been satisfied with Verizon coverage. However, I've been sick of their constant price changes and lack of software updates (significant ones anyways). Gonna go to Sprint after my contract ends and awaiting the end of the Verizon contract.
Sent from my Galaxified ICS phone! Don't be hating bro!
Where is the verizon rep? Keep reading and get the hint this is not going to help your buisness. But i am sure the other carriers are loving you for sending all your customers away. Verizon has good coverage but everything else is a joke!
I too am looking to give up my 13 year relationship with vzw! The service is good in my area. But the magnitude of corporate greed, slow release of OTAs, and all the other bs is enough to turn my gaze elsewhere! Not that they care!
Sent from my vivow using Tapatalk 2
For me it's really just about the money, the phone bill is getting out of hand, and I can switch to prepaid phones, with data for a lot less money each month.
and yes, babies do take up a lot of money.
I also want out of my VZW contract. If it were just me I wouldn't care about the price changes... The price difference isn't anything too extreme for me. However, I have my father and my grandmother on my plan -- both of them have basic phones and I only charge them $30 each month TOTAL. Their payment would basically double.
Plus I don't want to lose my unlimited data (even though I don't think I have EVER used over 2GB).
My husband is on AT&T (he desperately wanted the iPhone and didn't want to wait for VZW to get it) so I will probably end up switching unless Verizon changes their new pricing before next September.
The new Share Everything is DUMB. Plain and simple.
jessicahll said:
I also want out of my VZW contract. If it were just me I wouldn't care about the price changes... The price difference isn't anything too extreme for me. However, I have my father and my grandmother on my plan -- both of them have basic phones and I only charge them $30 each month TOTAL. Their payment would basically double.
Plus I don't want to lose my unlimited data (even though I don't think I have EVER used over 2GB).
My husband is on AT&T (he desperately wanted the iPhone and didn't want to wait for VZW to get it) so I will probably end up switching unless Verizon changes their new pricing before next September.
The new Share Everything is DUMB. Plain and simple.
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Are you saying you may switch to at&t to join your husband? If so keep in mind that they don't have unlimited data either.
Sent from my ICS Dinc2
Are you saying you may switch to at&t to join your husband? If so keep in mind that they don't have unlimited data either.
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No, I know that. It would just be cheaper for us to be on the same plan by about $20. Since DH is ADAMANT about being able to use talk & data at the same time, I'll end up on his plan. Not my first choice, trust me. My very first cell phone in HS was a prepaid VZW plan. I've been with them now for 10 years with GREAT customer service. I'll be sad to leave.

T-mobile newbie feeling a bit confused

Ok today I decided to take T-mobile for a 14 day ride, thanks to it's new truly unlimited plan and test out the service at my home and at work.
I sign up for something called a value plan where I put down $149.99 for the GS3 and im being charged in installments of $20 for the remainder balance of the phone, which was $549.99. I'm fine with that cause my total bill will be at or around the same I paid over at sprint.
Now this is where I get confused. If I go to the other carriers I would normally just pay the 149 dollars and pick a plan and I'll be committed for the 2 years.
Why is it that Tmobile goes about it this way? My other option was to pay something like $300 for the phone and sign up for a more expensive plan.
The way they lay out their plans are confusing. Did I go about it the best way? Am I getting the better deal?
I figure buy now ask questions later. After all I have 14 days to figure it all out.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
The value plan is for those customers that already own a phone outright or those that are willing to pay full retail for the phone. They are nice enough to allow you to make payments on the phone instead of having to pay nearly 700 outright. They reward you for this by offering their plans at a cheaper price. If you want to take advantage of the cheaper phone because of the subsidy then you can not get the value plan and you pay a higher monthly fee for service. I hope you are understanding this.
For me I always buy my phone outright so I use the value plan. Can't beat $70 a month for unlimited everything.
Well said. Also, if you happen upon some extra cash while on the value plan, you can pay for your phone in full and knock off the extra $20 every month like I did.
Once i sell my Sprint GS3, I'll pay off the phone.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
shook187 said:
Once i sell my Sprint GS3, I'll pay off the phone.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
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Best way of doing it. And welcome to the Tmobile family!
How's the service in your area btw? Were you getting LTE with Sprint?
I love this plan I only pay 78$ @ month once the 20$payments are done I'll be paying 58$ at month, 5$ less with truly unlimited,
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
shook187 said:
Ok today I decided to take T-mobile for a 14 day ride, thanks to it's new truly unlimited plan and test out the service at my home and at work.
I sign up for something called a value plan where I put down $149.99 for the GS3 and im being charged in installments of $20 for the remainder balance of the phone, which was $549.99. I'm fine with that cause my total bill will be at or around the same I paid over at sprint.
Now this is where I get confused. If I go to the other carriers I would normally just pay the 149 dollars and pick a plan and I'll be committed for the 2 years.
Why is it that Tmobile goes about it this way? My other option was to pay something like $300 for the phone and sign up for a more expensive plan.
The way they lay out their plans are confusing. Did I go about it the best way? Am I getting the better deal?
I figure buy now ask questions later. After all I have 14 days to figure it all out.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
I came from sprint too and have had tmo for 2 months. Depending on where you get the phone but value plans are usually the better plan not only because your monthly is cheaper compared to classic plans ($20 more a month) but value plans have the benefit of having additional options such as when you add data to your plan. For example the unlimited plan is $20 for value members but I believe its $30 for classic members. So as long as youre sure you got the value plan then you've made the right choice...on that part anyway.
Here's where you couldve saved more. If you bought your phone from Costco, the phone retails for $389 so you pay for that out right and stay with value plans. Classic plans you pay $20 more a month ($84.99/month) but you get the phone cheaper. Kinda weird though but it seems you got it the other way around.
babymatteo said:
Best way of doing it. And welcome to the Tmobile family!
How's the service in your area btw? Were you getting LTE with Sprint?
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Click to collapse
Service (data speeds) so far been great at home. Getting 14 up and 2 down. The next test is at work tonight. Its only been a few hours and im happy so far. I intend to test drive T-Mobil the full 14 days before making my decision to keep it or not.
As far as sprint goes, I really couldn't complain about the voice service. 3G data on the other hand that's another issue. Being from the Boston market we are on Sprints initial LTE roll out. My phone actually picked up LTE for a few minutes while on the highway, but who knows when the actual roll out will take place. Im impatient so here I am.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
shook187 said:
Service (data speeds) so far been great at home. Getting 14 up and 2 down. The next test is at work tonight. Its only been a few hours and im happy so far. I intend to test drive T-Mobil the full 14 days before making my decision to keep it or not.
As far as sprint goes, I really couldn't complain about the voice service. 3G data on the other hand that's another issue. Being from the Boston market we are we are on Sprints initial LTE roll out. My phone actually picked up LTE for a few minutes while on the highway, but who knows when the actual roll out will take place. Im impatient so here I am.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
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Yeah voice on sprint is actually really good, Tmobile seems to have more dead spots for data then sprint but their service is much faster on data, I have downloaded roms and big apps not problems with Tmobile, watching netflix and YouTube hd is great, on sprint I wasn't able to do that after the end of last year
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Costco lets you buy phones outright?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
It depends on how long you keep your phones. With other carriers they assume you'll upgrade every x years so they build that subsidy into your price. The crappy part is that the subsidy never goes away. With the value plan you get a no interest loan or get to bring your own phone and get a killer price. The only downside is if you're a new customer and after a few months want to cancel you have to pay the ETF plus the balance you owe on your phone. It's a good way to make cancelling super expensive.
Bigjim1488 said:
Costco lets you buy phones outright?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
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Good question. I think initially you cant get walk out of Costco with the phone unless you sign up for a 2 yr plan even if you buy the phone for the retail $389. BUT....when I called after buying the phone and asked if I decided to cancel my plan would I have to return the phone. They said its up to me but I dont have to return it if I didnt want to.
This is the way I do my plan. Unlimited internet comes out cheaper. We can you find unlimited for $20 love t-mobile
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
aznmode said:
Good question. I think initially you cant get walk out of Costco with the phone unless you sign up for a 2 yr plan even if you buy the phone for the retail $389. BUT....when I called after buying the phone and asked if I decided to cancel my plan would I have to return the phone. They said its up to me but I dont have to return it if I didnt want to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm I should try this!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
aznmode said:
Good question. I think initially you cant get walk out of Costco with the phone unless you sign up for a 2 yr plan even if you buy the phone for the retail $389. BUT....when I called after buying the phone and asked if I decided to cancel my plan would I have to return the phone. They said its up to me but I dont have to return it if I didnt want to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you buy a phone on contract you just have to pay your ETF. You don't return the phone, you bought it. There is no way Costco is selling the phone for $389 retail. That's a contract price.
I just left sprint and bought the galaxy s3. My problem is i only had sprint for 2 months but to barely get 25kb on 3g im not waiting and paying 160 a month for possible lte. So now ill have them annoy me about the etf. Just gotta find someone to buy my sprint galaxy. Tmobile is awesome so far
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wellsey1126 said:
I just left sprint and bought the galaxy s3. My problem is i only had sprint for 2 months but to barely get 25kb on 3g im not waiting and paying 160 a month for possible lte. So now ill have them annoy me about the etf. Just gotta find someone to buy my sprint galaxy. Tmobile is awesome so far
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I sold my evo lte to pay etf, the phone was amazing I wish it was available on tmobile, I like my gs3 but the evo lte was really good as well
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joshnichols189 said:
If you buy a phone on contract you just have to pay your ETF. You don't return the phone, you bought it. There is no way Costco is selling the phone for $389 retail. That's a contract price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called about it while I was still under 14 days so there wouldn't have been an etf. I'm only going by What they told me. They never mentioned I had to pay extra for the phone if I dont return it.
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aznmode said:
I called about it while I was still under 14 days so there wouldn't have been an etf. I'm only going by What they told me. They never mentioned I had to pay extra for the phone if I dont return it.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't think they will let you walk away with a phone for 199 or what not.
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Bigjim1488 said:
Don't think they will let you walk away with a phone for 199 or what not.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought it for $389. Again whether they misinformed me or not im just simply stating What information they gave me.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

Was leaning toward GNEX but now considering SIII, need advice

I have been researching for the past couple of months and now something I just saw completely threw a wrench in my plans!
My wife and I have been on Sprint the past couple of years, both with OG Evo's. I decided to save up and buy our next phones outright and go with an MVNO plan. I narrowed that down to Straight Talk based on price and reviews and had decided to get a GNEX for $350 a pop since it was by far the cheapest badass phone on the market by a long shot. I've done a lot of lurking in the XDA GNEX forum to get ready for this switch, until...
Today, I saw that Wal-mart has an in-store promo for the AT&T SIII for $148, which has a $200 early termination fee. If I buy the phones and immediately cancel and pay the ETF, I'm paying exactly the same as I would the GNEX.
My question is, what holes can you poke in my reasoning or what haven't I thought of? The only concern I have now is whether AT&T will give me flak about any phone issues I have while under warranty that they may not want to deal with since I wouldn't be a current customer, although I'm thinking I might be able to run those through Wal-mart.
I think the only hole in youre reasoning is the fact that you think you could get your hands on a GS3 for 350$. Thats simply impossible. The GS2 is still 329$ and the GS3 is 599$. The early termination is is probably a fees you'd pay for breaking the contract, but you'll still have to pay off the balance of the phone, so in fact the phone would have ended up costing you 799$
(deleted, I misread your post)
My wife and I both had a GNexus, she just upgraded to the S3 on T-Mobile. You really can't go wrong with the GNex and development is good and updates first from Google.
If you wait another month or to, 2nd hand s3 might be available for 375 - 400.
As for myself, I'm waiting for the next GNexus.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
My wife has gnex and I have the s3 and imo the only thing the gnex has on the s3 is the official jb software which isn't going to last for long. I say go for the s3 you won't regret it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
polish_pat said:
I think the only hole in youre reasoning is the fact that you think you could get your hands on a GS3 for 350$. Thats simply impossible. The GS2 is still 329$ and the GS3 is 599$. The early termination is is probably a fees you'd pay for breaking the contract, but you'll still have to pay off the balance of the phone, so in fact the phone would have ended up costing you 799$
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In reading the AT&T contract directly, it appears that the ETF is actually $325 now. It does say that if you cancel w/in 30 days of starting the contract, you have to return the phone or pay the balance of the retail price of the phone, but it takes that stipulation off after 30 days. I'll have to confirm that with them directly, but it seems like they won't be able to go after me for that extra amount.
both of them.
wendellc said:
My wife and I both had a GNexus, she just upgraded to the S3 on T-Mobile. You really can't go wrong with the GNex and development is good and updates first from Google.
If you wait another month or to, 2nd hand s3 might be available for 375 - 400.
As for myself, I'm waiting for the next GNexus.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely don't think I'd be unhappy with the GNEX or that it'd be a bad decision to go with it, I just think that, if I can get an SIII for at least close to the GNEX price, I'd prefer the SIII.
Agreed. The s3 isn't double the price of a gnex but now since a bnib s3 is like $400 (clist) vs $300 gnex I'd definately get the s3 for a little more.... or you can upgrade to the next iphone sell it and use the money to get the phone you want with probably left over cash.
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bonillamktg said:
I have been researching for the past couple of months and now something I just saw completely threw a wrench in my plans!
My wife and I have been on Sprint the past couple of years, both with OG Evo's. I decided to save up and buy our next phones outright and go with an MVNO plan. I narrowed that down to Straight Talk based on price and reviews and had decided to get a GNEX for $350 a pop since it was by far the cheapest badass phone on the market by a long shot. I've done a lot of lurking in the XDA GNEX forum to get ready for this switch, until...
Today, I saw that Wal-mart has an in-store promo for the AT&T SIII for $148, which has a $200 early termination fee. If I buy the phones and immediately cancel and pay the ETF, I'm paying exactly the same as I would the GNEX.
My question is, what holes can you poke in my reasoning or what haven't I thought of? The only concern I have now is whether AT&T will give me flak about any phone issues I have while under warranty that they may not want to deal with since I wouldn't be a current customer, although I'm thinking I might be able to run those through Wal-mart.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The etf for smartphones on ATT is 350. And an additional 200 to walmart. Your plan won't work.
The carriers do this because if you did what you planned on doing the carrier would lose money.
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Thoughts from a GS3 Owner
Yaken said:
The etf for smartphones on ATT is 350. And an additional 200 to walmart. Your plan won't work.
The carriers do this because if you did what you planned on doing the carrier would lose money.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed,
But to compare phones by spec, the GNEX is not on par with the GS3.
The only thing they have in relative commonality is their screens.
As well, the GNEX is on schedule to be refreshed soon (so rumor has it).
Since you've waited this long, you might as well wait a little longer and get whatever else might be released in Q4 of 2012.
But this is all mostly my opinion.
On the flip side, the GSM GNEX by far has the most developer support/love.

From ATT Unilimieted data (BS throttling) to Tmobile unlimited..any feedback?

Unilimieted is german for Unlimited! LOL
Hi!
I have been on ATT for a long time and still have their unlimited data plan.
I was hoping for feedback on Tmobiles unlimted data plan.
I currently pay about $85 with taxes etc for my plan (and that is because of a $20 discount I get from work!) but as you may now, ATT BS Unlimited means that after 5GB my speed drops to about .5MB!
So I dont want to give any more money to such a BS Bullying company...so I was surprised to read about a $70 plan by Tmobile that offers NO speed drops.
Is this for real?
I was about to get a Note 3 by Tmobile to use on ATT (yeah because of another BS move by att locking the bootloader) and now I am thinking of just changing companies when my contract expires next year.
So any feedback is appreciated.
Thanks!
It's real.
There was a problem with speed some of us had, but they got it fixed. If you have good Tmobile coverage in your area, they are a good choice.
The only real reason to be on Att is if you don't get good coverage with t mobile. Other than that they are great. I am on their 2.5 gb plan because I am dirt poor
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I went by their store today and I really liked what they are offering so I am going to check at work what kind of coverage coworkers get (work sucks for ATT mostly) and I am dropping ATT. I dont care if I have to pay $205 as I was told today to cancel early. I rather do that then pay for their ****ty service tactics for a whole extra year!
My Note 2 is unlocked so I should be able to use it with TMobile as well.
Thanks guys!
During football season, my use skyrockets, due to sunday ticket. Over 8 gigs last month
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I used 24 gb so far this billing cycle. Still have another 5 days till it ends
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Oh yeah I am never close to that! My biggest was 12GB and I was in Puerto Rico on vacation so my phone was my internet at the time, but normally I am from 5 to 8GBs so yeah, I am for sure changing. Just need to decide if I end ATT early and pay the fee. Also if I keep the Note 2 I have and use it with Tmobile or sell it to try getting a Note 3..etc.
I ended att contract early due to their bs throttling and switched to tmob. Couldn't be happierr, just do it already .
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Just not sure if I should sell my Note 2 and get the Note 3 from them using their payment plan thing which of course ends up paying a lot more for the phone than buying it used i guess, or just keep the Note 2 and use it with them. Guess that is all I need to figure out
shaolin95 said:
Just not sure if I should sell my Note 2 and get the Note 3 from them using their payment plan thing which of course ends up paying a lot more for the phone than buying it used i guess, or just keep the Note 2 and use it with them. Guess that is all I need to figure out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sell your Note 2 and just buy a "like-new" or new T-Mobile Note 3 off of eBay. That's what I did when I made the switch from AT&T over to T-Mobile.
I just bought another brand new S4 off of eBay for $455 and no tax. T-Mobile's full price is $600 (I just checked) but a few weeks ago when I bought it, it would have been like $650 from T-Mobile directly. I don't get why people would finance through T-Mobile and end up paying extra when you can buy the exact same thing on eBay (brand new) and easily save $150 - $200. Then you don't have that higher bill either. This is what I do each time I get a new phone. I sell the old one, and then I just pitch in the $150 - $200 required to get the newer/latest and greatest model.
PowerMan572 said:
Sell your Note 2 and just buy a "like-new" or new T-Mobile Note 3 off of eBay. That's what I did when I made the switch from AT&T over to T-Mobile.
I just bought another brand new S4 off of eBay for $455 and no tax. T-Mobile's full price is $600 (I just checked) but a few weeks ago when I bought it, it would have been like $650 from T-Mobile directly. I don't get why people would finance through T-Mobile and end up paying extra when you can buy the exact same thing on eBay (brand new) and easily save $150 - $200. Then you don't have that higher bill either. This is what I do each time I get a new phone. I sell the old one, and then I just pitch in the $150 - $200 required to get the newer/latest and greatest model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buying a T-Mobile phone off ebay is a risky option. You could end up buying a phone that was on the EIP plan and ends up not being paid by the seller/owner of the phone you just bought.
I ended up buying a N3 off EIP and will sell my current iphone to pay some of it off . Then I will pay off the rest of the balance in a month or two.
I have read some horror stories about blacklisted T-Mo phones that were sold to unsuspecting buyers. I was not going to risk it.
Well I normally just check the IME. Like one local seller was doing one cheap, checked the IMEI and it has not been paid fully so...no go for me
Eghh, I just buy brand new sealed phones off eBay. Check the IMEI then when it comes in. I've never had problems buying from reputable sellers on eBay.

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