[PETITION] Make unlocking cell phones LEGAL. - T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S II SGH-T989

The Librarian of Congress decided in October 2012 that unlocking of cell phones would be removed from the exceptions to the DMCA.
As of January 26, consumers will no longer be able unlock their phones for use on a different network without carrier permission, even after their contract has expired.
Consumers will be forced to pay exorbitant roaming fees to make calls while traveling abroad. It reduces consumer choice, and decreases the resale value of devices that consumers have paid for in full.
The Librarian noted that carriers are offering more unlocked phones at present, but the great majority of phones sold are still locked.
We ask that the White House ask the Librarian of Congress to rescind this decision, and failing that, champion a bill that makes unlocking permanently legal.
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/make-unlocking-cell-phones-legal/1g9KhZG7

I believe this only applies to new phones.. and you have 90 days from the date of the law to unlock your phone without any penalties.
page 16 of the docket: https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2012-26308.pdf
so most of us are okay. but it sucks for people buying new phones. Might be okay on used phones, but I haven't gotten to that part yet.
chances are they'll revise the law in 2 years.

Seeing as T-Mobile is doing away with subsidized phones and the other carriers will probably follow suit much the same as international markets then one would no longer have a need to lock into a2 year contract unless of course there are to be plan discounts. That said there should be no reason for a carrier to refuse to unlock a phone that a consumer is now paying full price for, which is pushing $600 to $700 for the newest high end models.
I certainly don't agree that we should be paying upwards of $700 for something that has a realistic life span of 2 years, i would expect a laptop of the same price to last 5+. However i do agree that if you purchased a phone at a lower subsidized price and signed a two year contract then no you should not be able to Sim unlock it. Now if you pay your early term fees and are clear of your contact them there should be no reason for a carrier to deny unlocking said device.
If you are a person that travels abroad and need an unlocked phone them you should take that into consideration at time of purchase or contact the carrier to deal with it then.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

I'm not sure but can this be posted in other threads without getting in trouble so we can make everyone know about this situation?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium

blakdrew said:
I'm not sure but can this be posted in other threads without getting in trouble so we can make everyone know about this situation?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium
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I don't see why not...but whats the point? Everyone should know about this by now, its been mentioned on various websites all over the internet.
Also, no offense to the OP but this petition is pretty useless, I mean, we all know how good petitions (ones pertaining to mobile phones) have worked before. Companies don't pay attention to it, so I doubt Congress will. The whole issue is redundant seeing as whoever wants to unlock their phone, will end up unlocking it, whatever the law may be. Its not like the government will set up random checkpoints to take your phone and make sure its not unlocked. People are just over reacting like they usually do. Its been illegal to download music and movies for a few years now and that doesn't seem to stop the people doing it. The only thing I see the this law harming are the various websites and ebay auctions that make money from unlocking phones. The truth is compared to the old Nokia days, smart phones(some, not all) are pretty easy to unlock.

One of the provisions is if you buy a phone from a 3rd party youre exempt.
My opinion? Its a sad day in this country when you dont have complete ownership of some you purchase.
Today its phones, tomorrow its......?

blackangst said:
My opinion? Its a sad day in this country when you dont have complete ownership of some you purchase.
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I know. Even the cell phone industry (CTIA) basically admitted in its arguments to the Library of Congress that the reason they want this is purely in order to protect their business model (based on subsidies) and has nothing to do with copyright. It's bizarre to claim that it can possibly be a violation of copyright to use a physical device that you fully own the way you want. And it's pathetic that the U.S. is so far behind the rest of the world in terms of having a rational competitive wireless market.

Again the last two posts even though they stated the point they missed it. The carriers offer phones at a subsidised price to get subscribers to sign two year contracts not because they want to give you a good deal but because they want you to use and pay for their services fort that time. Prior to this law anyone could go and purchase a phone at a lower price and a month later decide to jump ship, sim unlock their phone and go to another carrier or worse stay with said carrier and sell the new phone for a profit. I could feasibly add a line to my account for an extra $5 a month which comes to $120 over two years, get a $600 phone for around $200 sim unlock it and sell it on eBay at the $600 price. That's a $280 profit in my pocket.
So the carriers shouldn't protect themselves from this type of activity.
Don't get me wrong i think all the carriers rape their customers every chance they get and i don't agree with 95% percent of what they do but trying to petition Congress over this is totally dumb. Maybe petition Congress to get reasonable cell phone pricing. Or how about the fact that i pay the same rate in an area with sketchy service as a person that live in Seattle and had great service.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

yeah, but all carriers have ETF's (Early Termination Fees) that you have to pay if you jump ship before fulfilling your contract. That should take care of the subsidized cost of the phone.

mike-y said:
yeah, but all carriers have ETF's (Early Termination Fees) that you have to pay if you jump ship before fulfilling your contract. That should take care of the subsidized cost of the phone.
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Yes if those fees actually get paid. Or most likely someone who is being shady in the first place will just let those fees go to collection and later written off in bankruptcy or simply forgotten about for years and years.
Take me for example, i got my phone for $99 (2 of them actually) and i am very unhappy with T-Mobile but still have 18 months on my contract well my thought is to unlock the phone, jump ship, and worry about the early term fees at a later date which by the way wouldn't be in my name anyway. So really if i break up with my girlfriend then I'm not responsible and i just made a $400 profit. Now i have two reasons not to do all that 1I'm not a shady person and 2 its now illegal.
My point is that all one needs to do is ask the carrier to unlock the phone and if there are no contact obligations then the carrier has no reason not to. The only ones that should have issue are those trying to be shady.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

explodingboy70 said:
Again the last two posts even though they stated the point they missed it. The carriers offer phones at a subsidised price to get subscribers to sign two year contracts not because they want to give you a good deal but because they want you to use and pay for their services fort that time. Prior to this law anyone could go and purchase a phone at a lower price and a month later decide to jump ship, sim unlock their phone and go to another carrier or worse stay with said carrier and sell the new phone for a profit. I could feasibly add a line to my account for an extra $5 a month which comes to $120 over two years, get a $600 phone for around $200 sim unlock it and sell it on eBay at the $600 price. That's a $280 profit in my pocket.
So the carriers shouldn't protect themselves from this type of activity.
Don't get me wrong i think all the carriers rape their customers every chance they get and i don't agree with 95% percent of what they do but trying to petition Congress over this is totally dumb. Maybe petition Congress to get reasonable cell phone pricing. Or how about the fact that i pay the same rate in an area with sketchy service as a person that live in Seattle and had great service.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
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explodingboy70 said:
Yes if those fees actually get paid. Or most likely someone who is being shady in the first place will just let those fees go to collection and later written off in bankruptcy or simply forgotten about for years and years.
Take me for example, i got my phone for $99 (2 of them actually) and i am very unhappy with T-Mobile but still have 18 months on my contract well my thought is to unlock the phone, jump ship, and worry about the early term fees at a later date which by the way wouldn't be in my name anyway. So really if i break up with my girlfriend then I'm not responsible and i just made a $400 profit. Now i have two reasons not to do all that 1I'm not a shady person and 2 its now illegal.
My point is that all one needs to do is ask the carrier to unlock the phone and if there are no contact obligations then the carrier has no reason not to. The only ones that should have issue are those trying to be shady.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
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No, sir, I believe YOU are missing the point if you honestly believe this is about carriers trying to recoup their $$$ from subsidized phones. Seriously? NOTHING in the bill states carriers can unlock phones after a contract is fulfilled, or that they have to. Therefore, after said contract is fulfilled, you STILL own a device you dont have control over.
Do you own a house? Do you have a mortgage? If so, you know that just by paying off the mortgage it doesnt give you any more property ownership rights that you didnt have when you signed the mortgage. Once you've signed it, you legally own it, even though you still owe money on it. Until this overreaching law took effect, it was that way for phones (for the most part).

explodingboy70 said:
Again the last two posts even though they stated the point they missed it. The carriers offer phones at a subsidised price to get subscribers to sign two year contracts not because they want to give you a good deal but because they want you to use and pay for their services fort that time. Prior to this law anyone could go and purchase a phone at a lower price and a month later decide to jump ship, sim unlock their phone and go to another carrier or worse stay with said carrier and sell the new phone for a profit. I could feasibly add a line to my account for an extra $5 a month which comes to $120 over two years, get a $600 phone for around $200 sim unlock it and sell it on eBay at the $600 price. That's a $280 profit in my pocket.
So the carriers shouldn't protect themselves from this type of activity.
Don't get me wrong i think all the carriers rape their customers every chance they get and i don't agree with 95% percent of what they do but trying to petition Congress over this is totally dumb. Maybe petition Congress to get reasonable cell phone pricing. Or how about the fact that i pay the same rate in an area with sketchy service as a person that live in Seattle and had great service.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
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You forgot an important point in your comment. YOU HAVE TO PAY 20-30USD PER MONTH FOR DATA! Therefore, your cost of adding a line is 120$+20x12=360$. So the profit is not as great as you mentioned.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app

What's next? Putting restrictions on oxygen?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium

Signed and reposted on Hackforums.
http://www.hackforums.net/showthread.php?tid=3226550
Hope you don't mind.
I linked this thread, and quoted the contents of the OP.
Figure it'd be good to get it out to a broader audience.

45,000 more signatures needed.

Go ahead and put my name on it. I'm too lazy to register, and I don't want a bunch of new e-mails trying to get me sign a bunch of other petitions.
And to the debate: Use an Obama phone, Save your money, and BUY a phone outright. The faster they see that this hurts the big TWO (AT&T, Verizon), it will change.
If you're impatient and want a phone NOW, understand the consequences. You are licensing that phone, and may never own it. And you'll also be advertising for whatever company you go with.
Yes, I know I'm advertising for T-Mobile in my signature. That's because I think they are honest, and very beneficial to the XDA community.

explodingboy70 said:
Again the last two posts even though they stated the point they missed it. The carriers offer phones at a subsidized price to get subscribers to sign two year contracts not because they want to give you a good deal but because they want you to use and pay for their services fort that time. Prior to this law anyone could go and purchase a phone at a lower price and a month later decide to jump ship, sim unlock their phone and go to another carrier or worse stay with said carrier and sell the new phone for a profit. I could feasibly add a line to my account for an extra $5 a month which comes to $120 over two years, get a $600 phone for around $200 sim unlock it and sell it on eBay at the $600 price. That's a $280 profit in my pocket.
So the carriers shouldn't protect themselves from this type of activity.
Don't get me wrong i think all the carriers rape their customers every chance they get and i don't agree with 95% percent of what they do but trying to petition Congress over this is totally dumb. Maybe petition Congress to get reasonable cell phone pricing. Or how about the fact that i pay the same rate in an area with sketchy service as a person that live in Seattle and had great service.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
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WELL SAID! BRAVO! This I would support as well as many others!
I have been on this side of things for a long time! I used to live in Seattle, had Sprint and Verizon because ATT and T-Mobile are both very sketchy up there, Verizon is top dawg and since Sprint uses Verizon's towers and is cheaper than anyone else, you get the best phones (imo) and best value, not to mention unlimited data.
That being said, I recently moved to Dallas, and Sprint/Verizon down here are really terrible! I mean Seattle, West Seattle I was pulling upwards of 70mb down and 50-60's up, ridiculous speeds, but made it a lot better when you paid your bill because you felt like you were getting something! Down in Dallas I never saw it go past 10-15mb. Not to mention my signal bars never reached full unless I was under a tower.
Tmobile, my current provider (only for another week or so) is just terrible everywhere. Best I have seen them anywhere is 6-10mb, and I'm sorry but they claim to have better call quality than ATT now, which is horse$hit! Dropped calls, taking over a minute just to start dialing, and when you do talk, lets just say its not good.
I just think that payment plans should be based on where you are at in their coverage area. (If you leave state/town for a trip that's on you). That's like car companies making you pay retail price for a used car same as a new one! Would you do it?

I hope you guys know they unlocking your device is legal. What's illegal is buying an unlock code from online sources. You can no longer just go online and pay a small fee (like $10) for the unlock code. You can call your service provider (T-Mobile as an example) and ask them for the code. (They shouldn't have a problem giving it to you.) Another way of legally unlocking your device is by doing a method like the one in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2024514
Or you could have someone that knows coding and have then do it for you. (As long as it is not through an online coding site you are good.)
Source: T-Mobile employee and target mobile employee.
----------------------------------------------
I'm full of great idea's, but don't have the time to create them or learn the coding to create them. If you want to make one of my ideas a reality just message me and I will give you my idea as specific as possible.
ideas:
Spoiler
-launcher/lock screen
-line rider type game where you control the character
-2d fighting game like art of fighting for the SNES
-multiplayer fps where you create your own map with a creative mode (minecraft style)
-roller coaster tycoon style game
-many more!
Just message me which idea you want info on and I'll tell you!
----------------------------------------------

Well said Ariana....

Service provider must ... unlock the device at any time and at no charge.
At least that's what the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is recommending.
It's warm day in February when I have something good to say about the CRTC but they do finally appear to cracking down on service provider fees, lengthy contracts, and cell phone locking.
I mention this because the title of this thread sounds like the opposite of ongoing discussions in Canada about how North American consumers are paying more than cell phone customers the world over.
More information by search for "Buyer's remorse" and CBC or go to the Canadian governments CRTC website to download a full pdf of current proposal.
(I'd give you the links, but I'm newly registered here

Related

[Q] New cunning plan for cheapest G2?

I wanted to run this by people before I attempted to pull it off. I've been reading several stories of how others found ways to save at least $100 dollars on new phones.
Costco is offering the G2 for $49.99 on a 2 year contract. Apparently, the Wireless Advocates don't implement their own ETF correct? So the only ETF is T-Mobile's $200! and since I'm in California, I'd hafta wait 30 days to surpass the "Buyer's Remorse" period, supposedly right?
I have one question first. Is it really mandatory to exercise "Buyer's Remorse" if you terminated your contract before the 30 day time period? You couldn't refuse to exercise that (for lack of a better word) "right"? So I can try to avoid paying the first month's bill...
Either way, here is my plan. I order the phone (with texting service removed lol)
Once it arrives, I call to ask the phone unlocked because I plan on visiting Mexico a week for thanksgiving (that's my story). I return with phone stolen or lost. Now, at this point, 30 days will have not passed. So I call T-mo n tell them my sad story. I'll "try" to plead for a replacement but I obviously expect them to say that I'll need to pay full price to replace the phone. I'll furiously refuse n have the plan and everything else cancelled, of course leaving me to pay the ETF
What does anyone think or have to say about this? If I can avoid paying the first month's bill, awesome. That'll be $250 for a brand new, unlocked G2! if not, that's $104 more. Still cheaper. Opinions please?
...or you could just be an honest customer and, you know, pay for the phone like us non-scammers do. Seriously. It's people like you that cause businesses to be so restrictive in their policies. If you were selling a product and people were scamming you out of said products, would you just shrug it off?
*end slight rage*
Perhaps a plan for an even cheaper g2?
1) Buy Mercedes, with insurance.
2) Have friend "borrow" Mercedes.
3) Report Mercedes stolen.
4) With insurance money, buy g2.
Net cost = $-49500, plus a free Mercedes for your friend.
Also options: buy house for heavily inflated price, burn down house, collect money.
Well, if the phone were only offered to buy for about... let's say... $250, and able to be used on at&t, I'd have nothing to complain about... but thanks for your input...
Really, i mean REALLY??? Agree with the "why not be honest". Many of us work for what we have and if we cant afford it.... well, we DON'T get it. Why is it so easy for people to steal nowadays?
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Dream Reality Syndrome said:
Well, if the phone were only offered to buy for about... let's say... $250, and able to be used on at&t, I'd have nothing to complain about... but thanks for your input...
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Okay. So if I want an iPhone 4, instead of paying full price for the phone, I'll just commit illegal(?) acts and scam AT&T out of one and get it unlocked.
That's the point of exclusivity; not everyone has access to it. And that's also the point of... you know... unsubsidized costs. So manufacturers can profit.
yes, ok. i apologize for my misconceptions...
i'm sorry everyone. i won't go through with it
lol i say go for it
Dream Reality Syndrome said:
yes, ok. i apologize for my misconceptions...
i'm sorry everyone. i won't go through with it
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That a boy! Plus I don't think you can unlock the phone for the first 30-some days anyhow. Tried unlocking a new blackberry through T-Mobile once and instead of getting the unlock code I got an email saying I have to wait x amount of days first.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
The only dishonest thing the OP wanted to do was avoid paying for the first month's service. Otherwise he is just canceling a contract while adhering to the terms of that contract.
The reason this allows him to get the phone cheaper is because he can get it at a deeply discounted price and that price + penalties don't add up to the cost of buying the phone unlocked. Can't blame him for finding a chink in their armor.
You don't have to lie about anything, just get the phone then cancel the contract after a month.
Anomaly said:
The only dishonest thing the OP wanted to do was avoid paying for the first month's service. Otherwise he is just canceling a contract while adhering to the terms of that contract.
The reason this allows him to get the phone cheaper is because he can get it at a deeply discounted price and that price + penalties don't add up to the cost of buying the phone unlocked. Can't blame him for finding a chink in their armor.
You don't have to lie about anything, just get the phone then cancel the contract after a month.
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Unfortunately when you cancel from buyers remorse you have to return the device.... he said he would lie and say it got stolen which is stealing..... sorry try again....
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Isn't that what I just said? That the only dishonest thing about it was trying to get out of the contract before the one month was up so that he could avoid paying for one month's service?
After the buyer's remorse period, he doesn't have to return the device, he just pays the early termination fee. He wanted to trick them out of getting the device back during that period so that he could avoid paying for one month service and still keep the device, which is precisely what I said was dishonest about the whole scenario.

Sprint now requires credit card payment for new phones?

Forgive me if this is already a known quantity around here, but I only just found out this evening that orders placed through Sprint for new devices can no longer be billed to your account. Apparently we now have to pay by credit or debit card up front when we want a new device.
dead78 said:
Forgive me if this is already a known quantity around here, but I only just found out this evening that orders placed through Sprint for new devices can no longer be billed to your account. Apparently we now have to pay by credit or debit card up front when we want a new device.
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yup found out a couple of months ...........i believe there should b a couple of threads on it
lballer69 said:
yup found out a couple of months ...........i believe there should b a couple of threads on it
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they're saying it changed it on October 5. yet another way we're taking it in the pants as a result of Sprint getting the iPhone and another reason to never bother ordering a phone from Sprint.
yep blame that on the iphone
apple started this a few years ago, so no cash at all, even in person at the apple stores for iphones, as people were buying them stateside, and selling them overseas for huge markups, since they were not available at the time
gotta love Apple lol
Amd4life said:
yep blame that on the iphone
apple started this a few years ago, so no cash at all, even in person at the apple stores for iphones, as people were buying them stateside, and selling them overseas for huge markups, since they were not available at the time
gotta love Apple lol
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yep, you're 100% right.
man, I was on the fence before about upgrading my Epic...there's no way in hell I'll do it now. when you look at everything that's gone lately, Sprint's shown they're willing to screw over their entire customer base for the sake of luring in new customers with this gimmick Apple crap. now they've got their big sales figures and they can all pat each other on the backs for a job well done.
do the other carriers require up front payment for their devices?
Just so you guys know, sprint is actually the last of all the big 4 carriers to get rid of bill to account for new phones. Its a fight against fraud. Cutting costs is necessary to keep providing the unlimited data plans. Saving money by reducing fraudulent purchases is one of the best ways to do this. There is a reason behind every choice the company makes. It may not always sound like the best when you first hear it but the reasons why typically justify the changes. Sprint tries really hard to provide what other carriers no longer do but there at reasons that other carriers have cut things, and with sprints new high end world phone lineup we are running into the same things.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
lookout4theyeti said:
Just so you guys know, sprint is actually the last of all the big 4 carriers to get rid of bill to account for new phones. Its a fight against fraud. Cutting costs is necessary to keep providing the unlimited data plans. Saving money by reducing fraudulent purchases is one of the best ways to do this. There is a reason behind every choice the company makes. It may not always sound like the best when you first hear it but the reasons why typically justify the changes. Sprint tries really hard to provide what other carriers no longer do but there at reasons that other carriers have cut things, and with sprints new high end world phone lineup we are running into the same things.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
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frankly, the "we need to do this to keep unlimited data" excuse has lost its appeal. all I'm seeing is a fledgling company pulling back on service in order to accommodate the iPhone and keep itself in business. as it stands now, I live in an area where my data service is horrendous. calls to Sprint are essentially pointless since I'm given an endless string of excuses as to why I can't download faster than .2 Mbps on 3G and why I can't stay connected to 4G for more than a couple of minutes. I've been with Sprint for over 10 years and I've seen all aspects of quality within the company deteriorate considerably in that time. The simple fact is that they're network couldn't accommodate the demand of all the Android devices on it; I can't even imagine what the surge of new iPhones is going to do to service.
meanwhile, we're told that every courtesy we received is being taken away in order to assure a high level of service. that would be fine except there is no longer a high level of service to maintain. I've actually had Sprint tell me that their changes aren't so bad because they're simply doing what all the other carriers do; therein lies the crux of why having 3.5 carriers dominate a nation of roughly 400 million people isn't good for anyone. a struggling company in that setting has no incentive to do anything but keep its doors open. they've lost the will to differentiate because they no longer have to; their sole concern is to avoid being subsumed by one of their competitors. most investors (myself included) doubt Sprint's ability to sustain itself beyond the next couple of years because they're a poorly managed company who've become notorious for making extremely poor decisions - this recent backpedaling from WiMax is one of the worst.
so yeah, great we get unlimited data. we'll see how well that unlimited data that Sprint's stripped away all incentives for holds up when an already super-saturated capacity is unable to withstand the demand from this gadget they've bet the farm on.
I am usually on the side of the consumer but, this time, I think if you don't have the money to pay for it, why are you upgrading? Wait a month and get it when you have the money. I don't see why it was ever an option to begin with.
The only reason I am still on Sprint is becaue they have the number one best plan for my situation. If I didn't want unlimited data, or the best cutomer service, or the coolest new phones, I would go with MetroPCS. They have the best plan for someone like that. Shop around. Get what is best for you. I'm not preaching. I just want every customer out there to be as happy as can be.
It is probably better this way. When you charge to credit card, they don't add the weird few dollars here and there taxes in the taxes and surcharges sections (this is in addition to the tax they charged on the phone purchase itself) I probably got another $5-$6 in random taxes I had to complain about to get back.
I agree that data speeds on Sprints unlimited plan sucks. I will contest to that. Sprint's network simply is being overwhelmed from all the traffic they get from all the smartphones out there. So Sprint came up with a plan. The plan is going to cost $10b over time I think it was. To come up with the money Sprint has to cut cost and create more revenue. To cut cost Sprint got rid of certain luxuries we were receiving as consumers. To create more revenue Sprint fought to get the Iphone on board (Sprint announce this was their biggest sales day ever). Simple economics. Remember Sprint is a far 3rd behind the top two cash cows we know as AT&T and Verizon. Sprint is not financially stable right now but, making these necessary moves will help us as consumer in the long run. I know you pay now, and, you want it now, but, all we can really do is wait till Sprint finish's with their $10B project in your area.
Seriously? You all look at this as "exploiting the customer"? What they got rid of was effectively an interest free credit card that people were abusing. No, doesn't make any business sense at all, certainly not.
True exploitation would be them deciding to charge interest on your balance.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
buggerritt said:
I am usually on the side of the consumer but, this time, I think if you don't have the money to pay for it, why are you upgrading? Wait a month and get it when you have the money. I don't see why it was ever an option to begin with.
The only reason I am still on Sprint is becaue they have the number one best plan for my situation. If I didn't want unlimited data, or the best cutomer service, or the coolest new phones, I would go with MetroPCS. They have the best plan for someone like that. Shop around. Get what is best for you. I'm not preaching. I just want every customer out there to be as happy as can be.
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Ive been doing bta for years without problems from sprint. The problem was me, with the subject the post is about. Im pretty impulsive at times. More that once ive had financial department calling me wanting money because im past due. I couldnt pay the price of the phone (usually full price because i was in mid contract) and my bill up to date in a month or less. I kept telling myself, after i would get my account completely paid up to date, that i wouldnt do this again and would only get another phone if i had the money in hand to pay for the phone. Sometimes financial emergencies happen that are unforseen and they can really put a person behind for awhile and its a struggle to get caught up. Thats one of my character defects, i admit it (for the first time). Its not sprint's fault for this, its mine for being impulsive and irresponsible when it comes to finances.
I dont know why i felt the need to say this, but it had something to do with the subject and i shared my experience (and foolishness) with you guys.
Shame on me, i know!
I'm right there with you man! I sold a Dell Venue Pro so I could get my Epic Touch and I still have an Atrix on At&t and am looking at over $500 if I leave At&t. All that so I could get a 1/2 inch bigger screen and a slightly faster phone. Oh well at least I got a good one, no Los or any other issues thus far.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
I just paid my Sprint bill the other day. With activation, the phone, and my normal bill, it was $578.06. No more bta? Who cares. If you don't have the money, you probably shouldn't buy the phone anyway.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
Verizon still allows billing to your account. This last carrier nonsense isn't true
heygrl said:
Verizon still allows billing to your account. This last carrier nonsense isn't true
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that's what I thought. quite frankly, this argument that deadbeats have ruined the bta is a bunch of b.s. because that would be a punitive major and not something supposedly introduced to insure a high level of future service. the reason why bta is a solid option is that it means not having to rely on Sprint to refund your money in the event you decide to return a recently purchased phone. what this new move does is allow Sprint access to the customer's money immediately, which is actually a better move from an accounting standpoint since funds collected can be immediately invested. however, my biggest beef with this change of policy is that like all the other changes we've endured in recent weeks, they're all being done to accommodate the iPhone. like many others, I'm not remotely convinced of Sprint's able to even stay in business long enough to see all these supposed service improvements take place, so right now (and for the immediate future) all that's happening is Sprint is pulling back on customer services to pander to the iPhone.
Like another poster said this is to accommodate fraud. I work for another big name phone company and this is a way to keep people from calling in and ordering multiple phones on an account and having them shipped and once you see that these phones were ordered and you did not order them you call sprint and they have to foot that bill. If there is a credit card used it is tied to the person who used it and fraud is dealt with easier through the CC companies because they have more info. The FCC are coming up with all these rules to help us as consumers. It kinda makes it harder but safer. Anyone who knows your information can order on your account and that is scary. We see people on this forum who call in and tell lies all the time. Fruad is no joke. If it makes it safer why not?
Sent from my hand crippling Epic 4g Touch
Thanks for sharing this. I think you hit the nail on the head and I wish more people were willing to look at their own situation objectively and take some personal responsibility.
Sprint is a business, making business decisions. If they need to make changes to stay viable, then they should make them. If I decide at some point I don't like them, I can go somewhere else. It's the beauty of free enterprise and consumer choice.
oscarthegrouch said:
Ive been doing bta for years without problems from sprint. The problem was me, with the subject the post is about. Im pretty impulsive at times. More that once ive had financial department calling me wanting money because im past due. I couldnt pay the price of the phone (usually full price because i was in mid contract) and my bill up to date in a month or less. I kept telling myself, after i would get my account completely paid up to date, that i wouldnt do this again and would only get another phone if i had the money in hand to pay for the phone. Sometimes financial emergencies happen that are unforseen and they can really put a person behind for awhile and its a struggle to get caught up. Thats one of my character defects, i admit it (for the first time). Its not sprint's fault for this, its mine for being impulsive and irresponsible when it comes to finances.
I dont know why i felt the need to say this, but it had something to do with the subject and i shared my experience (and foolishness) with you guys.
Shame on me, i know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who orders from Sprint anyway? There's always some place cheaper to get the phone of you're eligible for an upgrade. Ordering from places like Amazon or Wirefly at the very least saves you tax.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
My local Best Buy is great about returns and will price match any other vendor that has a unit in stock. I've never ordered from Sprint.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

Help! Bell is trying to take my GNex pre-order away!

I posted the thread about Bell and Virgin taking pre-orders the other day and I'm the one that is supposed to receive the phone for $235. But Bell called me 36 hours after the deal had been made to try and tell me they couldn't do it.
I've spoken with a few reps and 2 supervisors and now I'm waiting for a manager call back.
A little background:
I called early, was offered a data discount of $415. The rep checked and double checked just to be sure and the order was put through.
Then later on in the day, the option to get the phone off contract had disappeared along with the option to get it on a 1 or 2 year term. So I entered into a chat with a live online rep, and he also double checked and reassured me I was eligible for the discount and able to get the phone. All systems go.
Now yesterday, after work they called me. Telling me they couldn't authorize it. So now, like I said, I'm waiting for a call from a manager.
My main argument is that they entered into a verbal contract with me. I understand their employees made a mistake, but that isn't my fault. I was just there to capitalize. Help me!
Verbal contracts are as binding as written, only harder to prove, if you have a logg over your online chat, copy it and keep it!
Sent from my X10i using xda premium
Tjotte said:
Verbal contracts are as binding as written, only harder to prove, if you have a logg over your online chat, copy it and keep it!
Sent from my X10i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I decided not to save the online chat I really really should of. But I have another one stating my ability to get the phone on no contract on the day of release.
Did you not receive confirmation of the pre-order? Surely they have to honour it, after checking three times and saying it was OK?
Neville.Holland said:
Did you not receive confirmation of the pre-order? Surely they have to honour it, after checking three times and saying it was OK?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would hope so. But no, I didn't receive an email or anything because the phone was set to go on my bill. But as I stated, there are several notes on my account confirming that I was to get the phone for the discounted price.
This doesn't really surprise me. I've heard people say a lot of bad things about Rogers, but I'm starting to reconsider switching to Bell for the Nexus. As I mentioned in your other thread on Monday, they actually refused to sign me up as a new Bell customer... and now you're having these problems... maybe I should just wait for Rogers to get the Nexus in January...
I just called a Bell store yesterday and asked if I could reserve a handset. They said that wasn't a problem and they just require my name and number. I told them clearly i was going to buy if off of contract and he said that is fine. I proceeded to ask him how many devices I can buy and he said they do not have a per client cap on device sales.
Needless to say I will be at the bell store at 10am on the 8th and buying a few Galaxy Nexuseseses =)
Goat_For_Sale said:
Needless to say I will be at the bell store at 10am on the 8th and buying a few Galaxy Nexuseseses =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and selling it to people in the US for a since profit
Goat_For_Sale said:
I just called a Bell store yesterday and asked if I could reserve a handset. They said that wasn't a problem and they just require my name and number. I told them clearly i was going to buy if off of contract and he said that is fine. I proceeded to ask him how many devices I can buy and he said they do not have a per client cap on device sales.
Needless to say I will be at the bell store at 10am on the 8th and buying a few Galaxy Nexuseseses =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats all lovely, I just really want them to honor the price they offered. Fingers are crossed.
Tjotte said:
Verbal contracts are as binding as written, only harder to prove, if you have a logg over your online chat, copy it and keep it!
Sent from my X10i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a massive misconception. Verbal contracts are *NOT* binding in the same way that written contracts are. Don't believe everything you hear on television.
Secondly, verbal contracts, irrelevant of their legality, can be broken very easily, when it comes to commerce. If the party providing the service (Bell, in this case) decides they don't want to provide the service for the price agreed upon, they can cancel the entire contract. What this means is you would have the right to cancel the transaction (assuming the price has actually changed from the time you agreed upon it) and walk away without penalty.
Now, do you have no assurance at all, in writing, that you were purchasing the phone for that price? Don't you have a pay stub, credit card transaction, or anything? They can't "force" you to buy the phone for the full price if you agreed upon a lower price. Legally, they *do* have to give you the option of cancelling the transaction (once again, if the final price was different from the agreed-upon price).
Now, on to the "verbal contract" misconception. There are 3 parts of a contract, both verbal and written (let's see if I remember their names). Offer, Acceptance, and Consideration.
Offer: Someone offers something. In this case, Bell offers you service for a certain price.
Acceptance: The offer is accepted. In this case, you accepted the offer by agreeing to purchase the item.
Consideration: Something must be exchanged. In this case, it was most likely a charge placed on your credit card. Usually it's a downpayment of some kind, or sometimes just a promise/contract that it'll be paid.
Sounds like only 2 of those have been met...which makes this *not* a verbal contract. Even if the third had been, when the contract terms change (the price), the accepting party has the right to opt out.
hotleadsingerguy said:
That is a massive misconception. Verbal contracts are *NOT* binding in the same way that written contracts are. Don't believe everything you hear on television.
Secondly, verbal contracts, irrelevant of their legality, can be broken very easily, when it comes to commerce. If the party providing the service (Bell, in this case) decides they don't want to provide the service for the price agreed upon, they can cancel the entire contract. What this means is you would have the right to cancel the transaction (assuming the price has actually changed from the time you agreed upon it) and walk away without penalty.
Now, do you have no assurance at all, in writing, that you were purchasing the phone for that price? Don't you have a pay stub, credit card transaction, or anything? They can't "force" you to buy the phone for the full price if you agreed upon a lower price. Legally, they *do* have to give you the option of cancelling the transaction (once again, if the final price was different from the agreed-upon price).
Now, on to the "verbal contract" misconception. There are 3 parts of a contract, both verbal and written (let's see if I remember their names). Offer, Acceptance, and Consideration.
Offer: Someone offers something. In this case, Bell offers you service for a certain price.
Acceptance: The offer is accepted. In this case, you accepted the offer by agreeing to purchase the item.
Consideration: Something must be exchanged. In this case, it was most likely a charge placed on your credit card. Usually it's a downpayment of some kind, or sometimes just a promise/contract that it'll be paid.
Sounds like only 2 of those have been met...which makes this *not* a verbal contract. Even if the third had been, when the contract terms change (the price), the accepting party has the right to opt out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, you're most likely correct. I just have to bank on the good will of the manager I'm going to talk to. I will report back once I've spoken with them.
HideYoKids said:
Unfortunately, you're most likely correct. I just have to bank on the good will of the manager I'm going to talk to. I will report back once I've spoken with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol not to be self-indulgent, but I'm not just *most likely* correct
Unfortunately, all they were willing to give me was $100 bill credit and 2 free months of my voice plan, for a total of $150. Instead of the $415 I was originally offered.

Sprint service discount plan changes

So I was just on my account and noticed a message about Sprint service dicount requiring proof of eligability. Apparently Sprint is checking to see if we are eligable for our discounts(if your receiving any). From what I understand, if you upgrade after 7/29, Sprint is making you proove that you are eligable for the discount. Check out the Sprint community thread for more info:
http://community.sprint.com/baw/thread/86317
:thumbdown:
Yep, luckily I got my upgrade on launch day(first upgrade in 4 years). I will have to switch the account owner to my wife or something in the future, she gets a 25% discount I think......
yeah i just saw this.
I have the studentrate discount that gave people 25% off. Although it shows up as an Employee discount (not sure why).
:
All they need to see is a your valid work ID. If you don't have a work ID I believe a current paystub works.
I don't see a big issue here. You upgrade and prove you still are eligible for the discount.
If you are no longer eligible then your sol. I'm willing to bet sprint will save a bit of money by catching the people who no longer work for a company that has a discount.
Or their list of preferred companies has changed.
Sent from My Epic Ice Cream Sandwich With Sprinkles!!!
I know I got one after I upgraded to my GS3..don't know why but I'll take it.:thumbup:
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
DroidBabe said:
:thumbdown:
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Click to collapse
How is this bad? I'm glad they're doing this. It's the liars that are forcing Sprint to raise their prices and remove other great features (TEP price hike, premium data, no more Premier memberships, etc). I don't want to pay for other's people BS.
akarol said:
How is this bad? I'm glad they're doing this. It's the liars that are forcing Sprint to raise their prices and remove other great features (TEP price hike, premium data, no more Premier memberships, etc). I don't want to pay for other's people BS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Liars? Im not lying. When I bought my Samsung Moment, the rep that sold it to me (store manager) added an employee discount to my account. A year or so later, a tech at the repair center changed the discount to a Sprint employee discount. Honestly, the discount has helped Sprint keep my business. If it comes down to having to activate a new account and cancel my current account in order to have my wife as the account holder, I might as well just say F it and go with ATT or Tmob and get me some freaking LTE. Although, I got my phone before they implemented the changes, so it doesnt effect me yet.
Speedin07si said:
All they need to see is a your valid work ID. If you don't have a work ID I believe a current paystub works.
I don't see a big issue here. You upgrade and prove you still are eligible for the discount.
If you are no longer eligible then your sol. I'm willing to bet sprint will save a bit of money by catching the people who no longer work for a company that has a discount.
Or their list of preferred companies has changed.
Sent from My Epic Ice Cream Sandwich With Sprinkles!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "issue" is that gobs of people have corporate discounts with Sprint that they shouldn't have because they have never worked for the company they claim for the discount and Sprint didn't require proof, so if Sprint starts requiring people to prove that they work for said company, then they'll lose their discount. Like you said, not a problem for people with legit discounts, but the ones who cheated the system will.
ydoucare said:
The "issue" is that gobs of people have corporate discounts with Sprint that they shouldn't have because they have never worked for the company they claim for the discount and Sprint didn't require proof, so if Sprint starts requiring people to prove that they work for said company, then they'll lose their discount. Like you said, not a problem for people with legit discounts, but the ones who cheated the system will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I got my discount over 4 years ago I had to bring in my employee ID to show the sales person. Who then authorized it.
And the ones who cheated the system well they can go off in a corner and cry about it, I'll throw a box of tissues at their head.
Sent from My Epic Ice Cream Sandwich With Sprinkles!!!
I work for yellow roadway and I get a 23% discount . The rep in store wouldn't verify my discount he said that they add it that day you upgrade or become a new customer and you have 14 days to FAX or email proof to sprint. Other than scanning and emailing my form and employee ID the new system is legit . You cheaters cause the prices to raise
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
akarol said:
How is this bad? I'm glad they're doing this. It's the liars that are forcing Sprint to raise their prices and remove other great features (TEP price hike, premium data, no more Premier memberships, etc). I don't want to pay for other's people BS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bad because what if Sprint tries to take away the discount for people who DO qualify. Seems like a hassle to me to send in paper work. Im not lying about where I work tho. Sucks a few ppl ruin it for the ones that are telling the truth.
I hope that I can just go into the store and show them my employee ID.
Check this page. It should tell you when your documents need renewal. Mine should be good through June 02 2013.
Speedin07si said:
When I got my discount over 4 years ago I had to bring in my employee ID to show the sales person. Who then authorized it.
And the ones who cheated the system well they can go off in a corner and cry about it, I'll throw a box of tissues at their head.
Sent from My Epic Ice Cream Sandwich With Sprinkles!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't have to do it in person like you did and the way it was setup you could get a discount without having real proof, but I agree with you 100% on the rest.
DroidBabe said:
Bad because what if Sprint tries to take away the discount for people who DO qualify. Seems like a hassle to me to send in paper work. Im not lying about where I work tho. Sucks a few ppl ruin it for the ones that are telling the truth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So then they show their ID and the discount is back on their account. It would take like a 5-10 minute trip to a Sprint store. If you cant handle that, then you dont deserve the discount.
I've been with Sprint through the ups and downs for over thirteen years now and I must say that while I agree that those who do not qualify for discounts do not deserve them, Sprint has taken a major step back in the level of appreciation and respect consumers can expect. A few years back it seemed like things were really turning around with the introduction of the Premier loyalty program. For the first time ever, it felt like the higher ups at Sprint understood that the consumer is the reason this company continues to exist and the long term clients were responsible for sustaining the company through the lean times to get to the profitable phases. But that program was yanked because it negatively affected the stock price due to the perception that it negatively affected profitability. However during that time I was so pleased with Sprint that I constantly sang their praises becoming essentially an ambassador for the organization. I wasn't alone in this as many other long time clients also geeked out about loving Sprint everywhere we went. I know several people who signed service agreements based on these testimonials. However in the past year I've gone from feeling like a valued customer to a series of metrics used to evaluate and drive up stock value. So while no business is operating without the expectation to turn a profit, the way Sprint is going about the process is repugnant in its dehumanizing treatment of consumers and edicts csr's have been sentenced to for implementation. After speaking with several CSR's leading up to upgrading my device this week, the stress mentioned in an earlier posting felt by Sprint staff is absolutely NOT IN ANY WAY customers feeling over-entitled, uppity, or just being mean. One CSR shared that the contact information or even the ability to escalate a concern to increasing levels of authority within Sprint has been written into the rules governing client interactions. WHAT!? In any situation of conflict the one thing that is essential to deescalation and eventual resolution (i.e. acceptance that undeserved discounts are being removed) is that the person feeling wronged feels that the concern was heard and understood. Then it can be explained within the context of that individual's experience and the humanizing shred of dignity and respect each and everyone of us seek and deserve can decompress the situation and no one goes home feeling abused or stressed. But if it's written in the csr guidelines to stick to a robotic answer without offering any path toward resolution (i.e. speaking to a manager or emailing someone up the chain) that chicken sh*t behavior is gonna give you pissed off people who should be relied upon to lash out, terminate their contracts, and make a bad day for whoever answered their call. So it might be easy to blame hot head customer for why Sprint employees are going through such a bad patch right now, but if you step back away from greedy glasses focused solely on profits and inject what anyone over the age of 20 knows about human behavior you'll see that Sprint has no one to blame for screwing this whole thing up other than Sprint.
---------- Post added at 12:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:33 AM ----------
...and as far as all the "beating the system" comments... when we all look at our bills at the taxes, surcharges, technology fees, infrastructure expansion $10/month fees, and any other costs of doing business that get tacked onto what we as subscribers pay each and every month, not to mention the overwhelming volume of privacy violations done behind our backs, it's worth asking a simple question. Who is really the party "beating the system"? So if Sprint has no problem taking these violating liberties with its customers, does it have any moral high ground to stand on to complain about some people shaving $10 a month off their bill? When you look at the infractions from each side it looks to me that the scales of offending behaviors tip unquestionably toward Sprint for gravity of offense.
Darkshneider said:
Check this page. It should tell you when your documents need renewal. Mine should be good through June 02 2013.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your interest in the Sprint Discount Program. No action is required for your account at this time.
The next time you upgrade a device on this account, we'll need you to provide current proof of eligibility.
If you upgraded your device within the last 24 hours, our systems may not be updated yet. Please watch for a text message reminding you to verify your discount eligibility.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I upgraded June 18...FWIW. I wont worry about it until they say something to me.
newalker91 said:
So you admit that you have a discount that you don't deserve? We all, even employees, deal with bull**** every day from Sprint. I've dealt with the same types (and often in larger quantities) of bull**** from AT&T and Verizon while I had them. It's obnoxious as hell and exhausting to hear every person and their sickening sense of self entitlement thinking they deserve more than the next person for their first world problems. You aren't eligible for a discount, you don't deserve it. If Sprint isn't right for you, move along. All you do is make it miserable for the rest by stressing out employees and exploiting the system to raise prices for others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My wife does qualify for the discount, so either way I will get one. Its just a PIA to change ****. Thanks!
mmcgrat6 said:
I've been with Sprint through the ups and downs for over thirteen years now and I must say that while I agree that those who do not qualify for discounts do not deserve them, Sprint has taken a major step back in the level of appreciation and respect consumers can expect. A few years back it seemed like things were really turning around with the introduction of the Premier loyalty program. For the first time ever, it felt like the higher ups at Sprint understood that the consumer is the reason this company continues to exist and the long term clients were responsible for sustaining the company through the lean times to get to the profitable phases. But that program was yanked because it negatively affected the stock price due to the perception that it negatively affected profitability. However during that time I was so pleased with Sprint that I constantly sang their praises becoming essentially an ambassador for the organization. I wasn't alone in this as many other long time clients also geeked out about loving Sprint everywhere we went. I know several people who signed service agreements based on these testimonials. However in the past year I've gone from feeling like a valued customer to a series of metrics used to evaluate and drive up stock value. So while no business is operating without the expectation to turn a profit, the way Sprint is going about the process is repugnant in its dehumanizing treatment of consumers and edicts csr's have been sentenced to for implementation. After speaking with several CSR's leading up to upgrading my device this week, the stress mentioned in an earlier posting felt by Sprint staff is absolutely NOT IN ANY WAY customers feeling over-entitled, uppity, or just being mean. One CSR shared that the contact information or even the ability to escalate a concern to increasing levels of authority within Sprint has been written into the rules governing client interactions. WHAT!? In any situation of conflict the one thing that is essential to deescalation and eventual resolution (i.e. acceptance that undeserved discounts are being removed) is that the person feeling wronged feels that the concern was heard and understood. Then it can be explained within the context of that individual's experience and the humanizing shred of dignity and respect each and everyone of us seek and deserve can decompress the situation and no one goes home feeling abused or stressed. But if it's written in the csr guidelines to stick to a robotic answer without offering any path toward resolution (i.e. speaking to a manager or emailing someone up the chain) that chicken sh*t behavior is gonna give you pissed off people who should be relied upon to lash out, terminate their contracts, and make a bad day for whoever answered their call. So it might be easy to blame hot head customer for why Sprint employees are going through such a bad patch right now, but if you step back away from greedy glasses focused solely on profits and inject what anyone over the age of 20 knows about human behavior you'll see that Sprint has no one to blame for screwing this whole thing up other than Sprint.
---------- Post added at 12:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:33 AM ----------
...and as far as all the "beating the system" comments... when we all look at our bills at the taxes, surcharges, technology fees, infrastructure expansion $10/month fees, and any other costs of doing business that get tacked onto what we as subscribers pay each and every month, not to mention the overwhelming volume of privacy violations done behind our backs, it's worth asking a simple question. Who is really the party "beating the system"? So if Sprint has no problem taking these violating liberties with its customers, does it have any moral high ground to stand on to complain about some people shaving $10 a month off their bill? When you look at the infractions from each side it looks to me that the scales of offending behaviors tip unquestionably toward Sprint for gravity of offense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't have said it better. I've been a longtime Nextel/Sprint customer, 14+ years between Nextel then Sprint, and their CS initially was what I would call poor but then increasingly got better. Now I'm looking to upgrade a family plan of 5 phones from everything msging to everything data and get 5 smartphones on the account, talk about Sprint making out on that one, but they refuse to do anything about the price, no credit for even the activation charges. I'm loyal to my local store, they're ALWAYS taken the greatest care of me and my family, so because of that I'm not going to take advantage of getting phones elsewhere (3rd party store, Sprint branded and the local repair techs) because the store gets such a huge credit for that kind of an upgrade, so I'm clearly not looking to screw anyone, yet the reps on the phone, even retentions, refuse to offer anything to entice you to stay. Even if you ask to speak to a manager it's like pulling teeth to reach one. Their CS has clearly gone downhill lately. Oh BTW, I am only getting the discount on what I'm eligible for, not trying to stiff the man.... And did you also notice that on family share plans, where the cost used to be for the first two phones and that's what the discount came off of, it's now only on the first phone however... that's the only line you get the discount on. Just another way for them to nickel and dime you. (steps off soapbox...)

Thinking of buying this phone from Wirefly.

I am with Sprint under my dads account. It is a family plan with my sister, my dad and I. Heres my question, I just want to know if I can order safely from Wirefly without any fuse, in other words, they will send me my phone without attempting to change our plan, rise our bill or anything like that. I just want to upgrade my phone to the Galaxy Nexus with the same plan intact, nothing change. The reason I am asking this is because I once tried to order a phone from Amazon (at the same price of a normal upgrade), and they wanted me to get a brand new number and plan.
Thanks for your help.
P.S. I cant believe they are selling this phone for 50 bucks. I am awed ._.
Anyone?
it is only that price with a contract. they will make you sign up for 2yr sprint contract before selling you the phone.
yup confirmed
$49.99
with a new Sprint account
look right under the price tag in small writing
Darunion said:
it is only that price with a contract. they will make you sign up for 2yr sprint contract before selling you the phone.
yup confirmed
$49.99
with a new Sprint account
look right under the price tag in small writing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, I dont know how I missed that. lol
Thank you.
DO NOT buy from wirefly. There are too many problems with that company to list them all here.
latindor17 said:
I am with Sprint under my dads account. It is a family plan with my sister, my dad and I. Heres my question, I just want to know if I can order safely from Wirefly without any fuse, in other words, they will send me my phone without attempting to change our plan, rise our bill or anything like that. I just want to upgrade my phone to the Galaxy Nexus with the same plan intact, nothing change. The reason I am asking this is because I once tried to order a phone from Amazon (at the same price of a normal upgrade), and they wanted me to get a brand new number and plan.
Thanks for your help.
P.S. I cant believe they are selling this phone for 50 bucks. I am awed ._.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello latindor17: Wirefly can certainly upgrade your phone without changing your plan or the amount you pay every month (provided you’re not on an old grandfathered rate plan the carrier no longer offers, in which case you may be asked to choose a current rate plan – but if that were the case, Wirefly would always contact you for approval before proceeding with your order). Darunion is correct that you will need you renew your contract for 2 years in order to be eligible for the price on the website, but you do not need to get a new number, you may keep your existing number without a problem. There are no other hidden fees or charges, as long as you maintain your account in good standing (and don’t downgrade your plan) within 6 months of your activation date. For more information on this, please see http://www.wirefly.com/about/low-phone-prices/?referringdomain=wirefly&oflag=specialoffer.
obsanity said:
DO NOT buy from wirefly. There are too many problems with that company to list them all here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What? I used Wirefly to get a Galaxy SIII as an upgrade on my T-Mobile account with absolutely no issues. They simply checked to see if I was eligible for an upgrade and once they verified that I was I purchased a Galaxy SIII as an upgrade for $200. They did not screw with my plan at all.
It was much cheaper than going through T-Mobile directly ($379 for the phone at the time) and they shipped the phone extremely fast. I'd use them again in a heartbeat.
** I should mention that I have since sold the Galaxy SIII and reverted back to the GNex because it just wasn't the same. But that's neither here nor there. :highfive:
Wirefly_Kim said:
Hello latindor17: Wirefly can certainly upgrade your phone without changing your plan or the amount you pay every month (provided you’re not on an old grandfathered rate plan the carrier no longer offers, in which case you may be asked to choose a current rate plan – but if that were the case, Wirefly would always contact you for approval before proceeding with your order). Darunion is correct that you will need you renew your contract for 2 years in order to be eligible for the price on the website, but you do not need to get a new number, you may keep your existing number without a problem. There are no other hidden fees or charges, as long as you maintain your account in good standing (and don’t downgrade your plan) within 6 months of your activation date. For more information on this, please see http://www.wirefly.com/about/low-phone-prices/?referringdomain=wirefly&oflag=specialoffer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What Ms. Kim said here is exactly why you SHOULDN'T go with wirefly or any other similar service. They make you sign an additional contract, apparently in this case for 6 months, that has NOTHING to do with Sprint. Well, technically it does since it stipulates you must stay with Sprint for 6 months, but this contract isn't with Sprint.
So, if you move, find a better deal, find a reason to terminate without an ETF, etc., you're still on the hook with this company for 6 months. If you like buying through a 3rd party, I think Best Buy and Radioshak both still don't require this anti-consumer tactic.
Wow. I didn't realize that when I did it. Luckily if you plan on sticking with your current contract for more than 6 months this won't effect you (like most people). But it would be quite annoying if you did need to switch carriers quicker than expected.
Good to know.
Morphling27 said:
What Ms. Kim said here is exactly why you SHOULDN'T go with wirefly or any other similar service. They make you sign an additional contract, apparently in this case for 6 months, that has NOTHING to do with Sprint. Well, technically it does since it stipulates you must stay with Sprint for 6 months, but this contract isn't with Sprint.
So, if you move, find a better deal, find a reason to terminate without an ETF, etc., you're still on the hook with this company for 6 months. If you like buying through a 3rd party, I think Best Buy and Radioshak both still don't require this anti-consumer tactic.
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Click to collapse
what reason could you find to terminate without an ETF though? as far as i know death is the only exception..and sometimes that doesnt even work
the stipulation (as i understand it) is that you just have to hold your end of the bargain for 6 months (something you already agreed to with your carrier by signing a 2 year anyway)...the reason for the 6 months is because thats the contract they have with the carriers..they recruit or keep customers for carriers and pass on the commission to us (which is why they can sell the phones cheaper)
its not like they are going to kill you if you break the wirefly contract..you just end up paying retail for the phone...as long as you are certain about the phone and plan that you are purchasing i dont see a problem...if you have buyers remorse or you don't do your homework and want to cut the cord..then yeah...you're gonna pay for it..thats kinda what happens when you break any contract (cell phone or otherwise)
i have been researching this company as well...reading customer comments and their fine print..im thinking about upgrading to the Note 2 through them...$300 as opposed to $420 with tmobile ($370 AFTER mail in rebate)
if kim from wirefly is still reading this...the phone is listed as $300 (for upgrades)...do you know what the end cost is gonna be? is it $300? or is there gonna be upgrade fees and tax and my first born?
jdiddy_ub said:
if kim from wirefly is still reading this...the phone is listed as $300 (for upgrades)...do you know what the end cost is gonna be? is it $300? or is there gonna be upgrade fees and tax and my first born?
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Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure no additional tax is charged on top of the listed price. I think T-Mobile charged me an upgrade fee but instantly credited it back to me on my next bill.
Morphling27 said:
What Ms. Kim said here is exactly why you SHOULDN'T go with wirefly or any other similar service. They make you sign an additional contract, apparently in this case for 6 months, that has NOTHING to do with Sprint. Well, technically it does since it stipulates you must stay with Sprint for 6 months, but this contract isn't with Sprint.
So, if you move, find a better deal, find a reason to terminate without an ETF, etc., you're still on the hook with this company for 6 months. If you like buying through a 3rd party, I think Best Buy and Radioshak both still don't require this anti-consumer tactic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello Morphling,
Our 181 day rule is based on a contractual agreement that we have with the carriers. We don't get compensated for a sale from the carrier until after this time frame has been met. All 3rd party dealers have a stipulation period that customers must abide by even though the terms and conditions can vary from company to company, this is an industry standard. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you.
---------- Post added at 02:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:16 AM ----------
jdiddy_ub said:
what reason could you find to terminate without an ETF though? as far as i know death is the only exception..and sometimes that doesnt even work
the stipulation (as i understand it) is that you just have to hold your end of the bargain for 6 months (something you already agreed to with your carrier by signing a 2 year anyway)...the reason for the 6 months is because thats the contract they have with the carriers..they recruit or keep customers for carriers and pass on the commission to us (which is why they can sell the phones cheaper)
its not like they are going to kill you if you break the wirefly contract..you just end up paying retail for the phone...as long as you are certain about the phone and plan that you are purchasing i dont see a problem...if you have buyers remorse or you don't do your homework and want to cut the cord..then yeah...you're gonna pay for it..thats kinda what happens when you break any contract (cell phone or otherwise)
i have been researching this company as well...reading customer comments and their fine print..im thinking about upgrading to the Note 2 through them...$300 as opposed to $420 with tmobile ($370 AFTER mail in rebate)
if kim from wirefly is still reading this...the phone is listed as $300 (for upgrades)...do you know what the end cost is gonna be? is it $300? or is there gonna be upgrade fees and tax and my first born?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello jdiddy_ub,
The carrier will charge you an upgrade fee but this is only paid once on the first billing cycle following the upgrade. The taxes for the service is assessed by the carrier and varies depending on where you live. If you are keeping the same rate plan then your taxes should not be any different then what you are currently paying now. Let me know if I can answer any further questions.
Wirefly_Kim said:
Hello Morphling,
Our 181 day rule is based on a contractual agreement that we have with the carriers. We don't get compensated for a sale from the carrier until after this time frame has been met. All 3rd party dealers have a stipulation period that customers must abide by even though the terms and conditions can vary from company to company, this is an industry standard. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you.
---------- Post added at 02:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:16 AM ----------
Hello jdiddy_ub,
The carrier will charge you an upgrade fee but this is only paid once on the first billing cycle following the upgrade. The taxes for the service is assessed by the carrier and varies depending on where you live. If you are keeping the same rate plan then your taxes should not be any different then what you are currently paying now. Let me know if I can answer any further questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not asking about the tax for service.. i am asking about tax from the cost of the phone
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Buy it from costco wireless. $39.99 upgrade. No extra etf and they refund the $36 upgrafe fee. 90 day exchange. Dont even think you have to be a member.

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