Related
Just a thought I had today, but since the $10 fee did seem to come out of no where, but sometime after they said the 4G would be free at CITA, and since they haven't expressly said it was for the 4G data...
Perhaps, they knew the first batch of phones were going to have the screen problem, as well as other problems, but they found out after they had several thousand/hundred thousand made, thus knowing they were going to have to replace a hell of a lot of phones within a month or two and with this so-called "Prem Data Fee" they could regain some of the money for replacing all the early adopters phones.
I don't have the screen problem...yet, but I'm going to be exchanging mine because the speaker is half blown or something in the earpiece.
Any takers on the idea?
Doubt it, but it's definitely an excuse to pad their pockets a bit more, since Sprint has the lowest margins across all post-paid providers.
I was thinking more along the lines of the stupid amount of data we are going to be using on these phones with 4g. on 3g alone i've used 350mb in 3 1/2 days (i love it) Honestly this 3g is really fast, faster than verizon and t-mobile thus far (speed test prove it). I get better signal is area that my verizon phone does, but that might because its a storm 2 ()
Interesting theory, but I think it's a bit far fetched. I truly think the $10 is for unrestricted data usage, which I am thoroughly enjoying.
I for one hope they plan to use the extra money to strengthen and expand the 4G coverage.
It is a little bit far-fetched, but you never know. Last minuet stuff always happens and companies might make drastic measures to compensate themselves.
It was just a thought, especially since they've never actually said the fee was for the data, it's for the phone experience, which directly links it to the phone, if you go by what they say the fee is for.
why is everybody obsessed with this fee
the reason the fee exists is because the market will bear it.
whether that makes you happy or sad is on you
strung said:
the reason the fee exists is because the market will bear it.
whether that makes you happy or sad is on you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strung you are boosting the IQ of the forum with answers like these
Lord knows we need all the help we can get since I'm on here bringing us down
Probably the same ideology as to why AT&T ditched the unlimited data plan right before or when the iPhone 4 was announced.
Sprint needs customers and since the EVO is going to be one major source of income and/or data usage...they probably decided to implement a fee for unlimited 3G/4G data usage while keeping the unlimited plan available. When you think of Sprint, you immediately think "SIMPLY UNLIMITED EVERYTHING!"
What I say or think really doesn't matter...the $10 fee is mandatory so there is no use in trying to fight it or be sneaky about trying to get out of paying it.
I am glad I have this fee and no soft cap. I have used 1GB+ in the last 6 days. I get to laugh at ATTs new customers about their 2GB cap hahahaha.
engagedtosmile said:
I am glad I have this fee and no soft cap. I have used 1GB+ in the last 6 days. I get to laugh at ATTs new customers about their 2GB cap hahahaha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But why? According to AT&T, a majority of its customers wouldn't even come close to the 2GB cap and do not need unlimited data
I was always under the assumption for the charge that you can hook the evo up to any computer via usb and use it for internet access.
eck0728 said:
I was thinking more along the lines of the stupid amount of data we are going to be using on these phones with 4g. on 3g alone i've used 350mb in 3 1/2 days (i love it)...QUOTE]
That's exactly what Dan Hesse said the fee was for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, just an update...
The Sprint store said that my speaker was wacko for sure, and when I checked the other two phones we have tonight, both of their screens are raising up. What find strange is, mine got 10x the usage over the last week than the other two did and mine doesn't have the screen problem...yet.
Anyhow, I guess Sprint will be sending us 3 new phones.
i am rooted using wifi tether and i dont feel the least bit bad for it.. they are going to screw me for an extra 10 bucs a month im going to get my monies worth..... take that sprint.
I plan on returning my Evo tomorrow. I don't care how much data you use, they shouldn't offer a unlimited data plan if they don't like you using unlimited data. I have filed a complaint through the FCC and encourage everyone here to do so as well. This is deceptive advertising, and an unlawful fee. The name of the fee is "premium data plan" but other than the 6 people that live in a 4g network, it is a "right to own the Evo fee". You DON'T have to pay it, you SHOULDN'T be paying it. I am never passionate about anything ever, but this one really puts me over the edge. http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm.
Thank goodness I don't pay it... well not really. 10$ off from the IO conference.
bigough13 said:
I plan on returning my Evo tomorrow. I don't care how much data you use, they shouldn't offer a unlimited data plan if they don't like you using unlimited data. I have filed a complaint through the FCC and encourage everyone here to do so as well. This is deceptive advertising, and an unlawful fee. The name of the fee is "premium data plan" but other than the 6 people that live in a 4g network, it is a "right to own the Evo fee". You DON'T have to pay it, you SHOULDN'T be paying it. I am never passionate about anything ever, but this one really puts me over the edge. http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why did you buy a 4g phone if you don't live in a 4g area?
rutter9 said:
Why did you buy a 4g phone if you don't live in a 4g area?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the phone for the hardware, and android. I want to go to T-Mobile for the HD2, but it lacks the 8mp camera, no WiFi tether, and WinMo, yuck. I understand the fee in 4g areas, but they can't justify the fee for any other area. Call/email them, they sound like idiots trying to explain why we're being charged $10. "Rich data experience" (3g network?), "1ghz processor", "YouTube hd", "android operating system" are all the reasons I have gotten. I can provide email proof. The fee is a scam, not premium data.
So this has been coming up a lot and I want to make something VERY clear to a few members on here who wish to back up Sprint/Evo whenever possible without looking at the facts.
Most of the members on here flame other people who complain about the extra $10 a month charge. I have been here, I have seen it and from day one I have been against the extra fee. Members have been so harsh and irrational as to say "Idiot you signed up without reading the contract?" or "Obviously said an extra $10 you don't HAVE to get this phone" etc etc etc.
Fine. You win. We didn't have to get this phone nor Sprint etc.
But let me make something VERY f*****g clear.
Sprint outlined that we pay an extra $10 for a "richer data experience" and "truly unlimited bandwidth". Now, the same logic applies to Sprint. So when I see users such as fachadick going off on how WE are stupid for downloading whatever we want yet he criticizes people for not wanting to pay the extra $10 a month it makes me question his line of thought. Clearly we pay an EXTRA amount for nothing other than Sprint to capitalize on their 'new iPhone killer'.
Lets face the facts:
Sprint clearly outlined our Evos to have unlimited bandwidth usage and that is the bottom line on the deal. A lot of members need to get off Sprints nuts and realize they are a mega corporation just like anyone else. If they had the iPhone they would be hijacking their prices and capping their bandwidth just to make extra cash too. This is how companies work.
If you need more evidence look into computer hardware. Currently, AMD is considered the best price/performance valued CPU on the market. There are a TON of AMD fanbois going around saying "we support AMD because they are an amazing corporation that does not cheat their customers like Intel does"
Bull****. When AMD was on top they were selling their native quad cores @ 1,000 when Intel was selling theirs for ~ 400. These server markets were untapped and AMD had the performance advantage. Now the tides have turned and people support AMD for the other reason.
The point I'm trying to make is there is a lot of FANBOISM going on in these forums. I have accepted it with phones but when people start to do it with carriers it just pisses me off. Carriers don't care just like any other corporation. Members here have to understand there is no difference between Sprint/ATT/Verizon/Criket/Metro etc besides their prices and the phones they offer. In the end, ALL of us are being f****d by their ridiculous prices and horrible customer support. Other industrialized countries have far better speeds and much cheaper prices than we do.
All in all, if Sprint cant back up their 'truly unlimited extra $10 a month b***hit' then let them fail - that is how capitalism works. The consumers get shafted with ****ty prices but we also get the best that the producers are willing to offer at the time.
Viva la download.
Dude, most of the people that don't agree live in the UK and frequent these boards.
What came first, the fanboi or the anti-fanboi?
nebenezer said:
What came first, the fanboi or the anti-fanboi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.. same goes for religion.. .. LAFF
I did argue with the sales man about why should I pay extra for 4g because I'm a two hour drive from the nearest 4g coverage.
Oh Noooo! I never realized I was paying an extra $10/mo.
My goodness, that's almost 34 cents a day!!
I'm gonna have to give up 2 trips to Starbucks every month.
werxen said:
Carriers don't care just like any other corporation. Members here have to understand there is no difference between Sprint/ATT/Verizon/Criket/Metro etc besides their prices and the phones they offer. In the end, ALL of us are being ****ed by their ridiculous prices and horrible customer support. Other industrialized countries have far better speeds and much cheaper prices than we do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the service is much different. CDMA is much stronger here than GSM. I have, many times, seen ATT/T-Mobile phones drop coverage completely while I wouldn't even loose data on my EVO. Metro isn't in my area, but Cricket is sh!t and not just in my area, everywhere. Dropped calls everywhere, hidden charges, ect. Also, I have had FANTASTIC customer service with Sprint and terrible customer service with ATT. I have not used Verizon or T-Mobile in a long time so I cannot comment on their customer service.
Honestly, yes we are paying MORE than the service costs, otherwise why would they provide that service? It costs about $6/month to provide service to a customer for the major carriers, possibly less. The point of ANY business is to convince the consumer that what they are buying is worth more that it actually is, which they have successfully done. It is worse in the wireless industry because there is much less government regulation, which is slowly changing. Other countries DO NOT have far better speeds on wireless networks, the US has the most robust 4G network in the world, though it is still weak. Wired connections are a different story, but we are not talking about that.
As bad as it may sound, our economy is based on deception of the consumer to maximize profits, that is just how capitalism works. Also, I really don't mind paying the $10 surcharge, 5 EVOs on Sprint (or EPICs) would cost $240/month while Verizon would cost $300/month and ATT would cost you $245/month (note that is for 2GB per phone and not unlimited) and T-Mobile costs you $250/month. And those prices are for the lowest minutes possible, while on Sprint we get any mobile. Now, I'm not going to say Sprint is the end all for all carriers, it is possible for any of the carriers to change their policies and prices. I have changed carriers 3 times, Verizon to T-Mobile, to ATT, to Sprint and have never been more satisfied with my service. That is partly due to the increased footprint of all networks, not just Sprint, but not only reception, full service.
@OP,
While this is a good topic for discussion, please try to keep the tone of your language down a bit. Thanks.
Is this argument still going on? It's a service. The company offering the service puts a price on it. If you find the service worth the price then you should buy it. If you think it is overpriced for the value you will gain out of it, then you should not buy it.
I personally find it worth $10 to have access to any city-wide Wimax hotspot as well as uncapped 3G data. That's why I bought the phone and the associated plan. Either way it is cheaper than similar Wimax-less and capped plans on Verizon or AT&T.
If you don't use a ton of data or Wimax then maybe you should buy one off contract and then activate it or maybe pick another phone/plan.
The world isn't perfect. Most things are a compromise. Ultimately the minutiae of high end wireless data plans and devices is a first world problem and I prefer to save my energy for other things.
Your mileage may vary.
egzthunder1 said:
@OP,
While this is a good topic for discussion, please try to keep the tone of your language down a bit. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree. OP starts threads looking for emotional reaction far too often for me to take this thread seriously.
Ha, dude, get over it. If you think other countries have better service and cheaper prices, then GO THERE...and to another forum.
One less winy, self-righteous individual clouding up the forums with their worthless rants.
dont feed the troll people...
werxen said:
So when I see users such as fachadick going off on how WE are stupid for downloading whatever we want yet he criticizes people for not wanting to pay the extra $10 a month it makes me question his line of thought.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should I reply or shouldn't I? Ok, I'll bite.
werxen said:
So this has been coming up a lot and I want to make something VERY clear to a few members on here who wish to back up Sprint/Evo whenever possible without looking at the facts....
snip
But let me make something VERY f*****g clear.
Sprint outlined that we pay an extra $10 for a "richer data experience" and "truly unlimited bandwidth". Now, the same logic applies to Sprint. So when I see users such as fachadick going off on how WE are stupid for downloading whatever we want yet he criticizes people for not wanting to pay the extra $10 a month it makes me question his line of thought. Clearly we pay an EXTRA amount for nothing other than Sprint to capitalize on their 'new iPhone killer'.
Lets face the facts:
Sprint clearly outlined our Evos to have unlimited bandwidth usage and that is the bottom line on the deal. A lot of members need to get off Sprints nuts and realize they are a mega corporation just like anyone else. If they had the iPhone they would be hijacking their prices and capping their bandwidth just to make extra cash too. This is how companies work...
snip
The point I'm trying to make is there is a lot of FANBOISM going on in these forums. I have accepted it with phones but when people start to do it with carriers it just pisses me off. Carriers don't care just like any other corporation. Members here have to understand there is no difference between Sprint/ATT/Verizon/Criket/Metro etc besides their prices and the phones they offer. In the end, ALL of us are being f****d by their ridiculous prices and horrible customer support. Other industrialized countries have far better speeds and much cheaper prices than we do.
All in all, if Sprint cant back up their 'truly unlimited extra $10 a month b***hit' then let them fail - that is how capitalism works. The consumers get shafted with ****ty prices but we also get the best that the producers are willing to offer at the time.
Viva la download.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a fanboi because I think the $10 charge is legitamate? OK, let's go over it again. Devices that have the premium data fee do give you a richer experience. If you just want unlimited data, get yourself a Hero or Moment, and avoid that extra $10 fee. What does the $10 get you? Well, Sprint charges $29.99 for the hotspot feature on the evo and epic, but without the EVO or Epic, you would need the Overdrive from Sprint to acheive the same functionality, which would cost you $60/month. The extra $10/month on the Evo/Epic gives you access to this same functionality for half the price.
The $10 also gives you access to devices with a front facing camera, which gives a much better experience with video chat applications, and lets not forget the access to nationwide wimax access (which just opened up where my office is, and I'm consistently pulling 7mb down. Again, if you don't feel that those items are any type of enhancement, or worth $10, go with a hero or moment, or hell, even the i1 - those are all android devices on sprint where you can get unlimited data without the $10 fee or access to what that $10 gets you.
As far as abusing the unlimited data goes, it's not that people are using the unlimited data that is causing the issue - by all means, use that data, after all, it's included in the plan. What will eventually screw us all over is the fact that people are using the unlimited data, and abusing the prohibited network usage clause in their contracts while doing so.
You're right, Sprint is just another big corporation. That's the whole point. Now that people are abusing the probited network usage clause, and not only using wireless tething for free and using it their main connection to the internet at home, but are also using it for things like torrents, and just to see how much they can actually download for the hell of it, there becmes a point where it no longer makes financial sense for them to offer unlimited data so cheap (compared to the other carriers) - and then we all lose out.
edit - and I never called anyone stupid, either.
dmc971989 said:
dont feed the troll people...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really just can't help myself sometimes.
fachadick said:
I really just can't help myself sometimes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
except for you, you can feed the troll...
dmc971989 said:
dont feed the troll people...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Why do people even complain? Don't like the pricing or how the company is setup, pick up your crap and go to the next carrier. I don't pay for anything I don't find value in
/thread
If you weren't aware of the $10 charge or didnt pay attention cuz you were too excited about getting your new phone, THATS YOUR FAULT! Not Sprint's. Just like what's been said before, Sprint offers other Android phones that don't come with an extra $10 fee. If it bothers you that much, sell your EVO on Craigslist or eBay and buy one of them.
fachadick said:
I'm a fanboi because I think the $10 charge is legitamate? OK, let's go over it again. Devices that have the premium data fee do give you a richer experience. If you just want unlimited data, get yourself a Hero or Moment, and avoid that extra $10 fee.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know...I don't "like" paying an extra $10, but I feel it is fully worth it.
As of a week ago, I have an add a line with a hero. First android phone for my gf, and she has been on the thing constantly. Guess what? Light usage for me and I have used three times the data in an identical time frame. The two ROMS I downloaded were on 4G so they don't add to the total.
dglowe343 said:
If you weren't aware of the $10 charge or didnt pay attention cuz you were too excited about getting your new phone, THATS YOUR FAULT! Not Sprint's. Just like what's been said before, Sprint offers other Android phones that don't come with an extra $10 fee. If it bothers you that much, sell your EVO on Craigslist or eBay and buy one of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah ok... I was never told about it when I purchased. Also.. signing the contract was digital so I saw nothing on any fees or pricing. Hell I didn't even know about it when I went on this forum. Again. I'm not really mad about paying for it.. not at all... but not everyone was told about it.. I gave him my info. Was told to sign twice on the electric pad and picked the 69.99 package. Turned my phone on and activated, printed out the contract form and told me thanks for joining sprint.. so you tell me when I was told about it. The package says unlimited data. I asked a Rep at the store and its for 4g service and owning a premium smartphone. Nothing about unlimited data? I was told I could go to blackerry and have same plan and have "unlimited 3g" so again its for 4g and owning the already paid for phone. I rather pay 10 bucks even if not here if it helps get it faster in Wisconsin. But don't say its for the unlimited data crap.. or they told you.. because not everyone was told about it.
Edit: the printed contract was stuff in the bag with the evolution box as soon as it printed and handed to me thanking for choosing sprint. So again never seen a contract.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
martyzidek said:
Yeah ok... I was never told about it when I purchased. Also.. signing the contract was digital so I saw nothing on any fees or pricing. Hell I didn't even know about it when I went on this forum. Again. I'm not really mad about paying for it.. not at all... but not everyone was told about it.. I gave him my info. Was told to sign twice on the electric pad and picked the 69.99 package. Turned my phone on and activated, printed out the contract form and told me thanks for joining sprint.. so you tell me when I was told about it. The package says unlimited data. I asked a Rep at the store and its for 4g service and owning a premium smartphone. Nothing about unlimited data? I was told I could go to blackerry and have same plan and have "unlimited 3g" so again its for 4g and owning the already paid for phone. I rather pay 10 bucks even if not here if it helps get it faster in Wisconsin. But don't say its for the unlimited data crap.. or they told you.. because not everyone was told about it.
Edit: the printed contract was stuff in the bag with the evolution box as soon as it printed and handed to me thanking for choosing sprint. So again never seen a contract.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never mentioned anything in post about "contract". I'm not trying to argue or call you out, I'm simply saying the tiniest bit of research of the phone prior to purchase would've revealed the extra $10 charge. It was displayed on Sprint and BB's websites. I never saw a contact or was ever told by the Sprint rep that sold me the phone either.
Sent from my SUPERSONIC
WTF is this all about ?
http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/sprint-increasing-new-3g-data-plan-contract-pricing-by-10-call/
The nation's third-largest carrier just announced that it's tacking on an extra monthly $10 "premium data" charge to its 3G Everything data plans.
Now only if my Evo could operate at 3g speeds that would be freaking awesome.
FYI: 70Kbps is not acceptable for 3g speeds, wtf.
Learn to read. It's only for new customers and new smartphone activations via upgrades. If you don't upgrade then you don't get the charge.
cosine83 said:
Learn to read. It's only for new customers and new smartphone activations via upgrades. If you don't upgrade then you don't get the charge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But won't I get whacked for this new $10 charge when I upgrade to the EVO 2 this June ? So will EVO 2 charge me $10 for 4G + 10$ for 3G too ?
cosine83 said:
Learn to read. It's only for new customers and new smartphone activations via upgrades. If you don't upgrade then you don't get the charge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still a slap in the face. That means when your contract is up and you buy that new phone, you are also paying 10$ more (can anyone confirm if this is added onto the 10$ we pay for 4g?).
I'm pretty sure if you have a 4G phone that comes with a $10 charge anyway, you'll just keep paying the same additional $10. I think this extra $10 is only for people on 3G phones. So basically, everyone's paying that additional $10 now.
The "4g" fee now applies to all smartphones, that's all.
Sent from my HTC EVO
js2393 said:
I'm pretty sure if you have a 4G phone that comes with a $10 charge anyway, you'll just keep paying the same additional $10. I think this extra $10 is only for people on 3G phones. So basically, everyone's paying that additional $10 now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it can't get much clearer then this people, so no if you have a 4g phone you won't be paying $20, you only be paying the $10 that we already are, this additional fee is just for regular 3g phones.
Yeah. The are starting to see $ signs and possibly getting greedy. I'm going to follow this thread so I can see the same people claim that it's all lies.
The funny thing is I was talking to a rep yesterday about the new upgrade policy and brought up the $10 premium data. I asked her how come an HTC Hero doesn't have the charge and it accesses the same internet and it considered close to the Evo aside from 4G. I even told her that I would expect Sprint to make that charge mandatory on all phones being that they are seeing they can get away with it with current Evo owners.
That's the price you pay for a smartphone nowadays.
Wouldn't a better marketing strategy be to just incrrease the cost of the Everyting data plan to $79.99 and $139.99? Even with the increase Sprint's plans are the best out there. Extra charges piss me off though.
Ddt928 said:
Wouldn't a better marketing strategy be to just incrrease the cost of the Everyting data plan to $79.99 and $139.99? Even with the increase Sprint's plans are the best out there. Extra charges piss me off though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that would make more since honestly, but then what about the 4g phones then, lol, since a single line for the evo is already 79.99, that would be like tacking on another $10 on that so they could say it's a whatever fee, then someone ends up paying 89.99, cause they didn't realize they are getting screwed more then normal, though i would hope and think sprint would say the evo would only be 79.99 as any other smartphone would be.
So I guess its clear now that the David Blaine thing on the 7th is for making more of your money disappear along with premium status.
brownhornet said:
So I guess its clear now that the David Blaine thing on the 7th is for making more of your money disappear along with premium status.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same thing I was thinking.
Well all you "4g premium fee" complainers. Not so unfair you have to pay an extra 10 bucks anymore? LOL. Part of me is wondering if this is their way to make the 4g phone lineup more appealing..."you're gonna pay a premium anyways, why not have the ability to use 4g just in case we decide to roll it out in your city...as long as we don't go broke before then."
Welcome to the (give us money) NOW network!
my guess is that their announcement has to do with adding new cool phones that are 3G.
iphone could be a possibility, but maybe they'll say they allow any CDMA phone on their network.
illwafer said:
my guess is that their announcement has to do with adding new cool phones that are 3G.
iphone could be a possibility, but maybe they'll say they allow any CDMA phone on their network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://m.engadget.com/default/artic...-unlocking-phones/&category=mobile&postPage=1
Sprint already had a lawsuit over this. You "should" be able to put iPhone from Verizon on sprint. Quoting a Rep.
Sent from Evo powered by CM7
aray92 said:
http://m.engadget.com/default/artic...-unlocking-phones/&category=mobile&postPage=1
Sprint already had a lawsuit over this. You "should" be able to put iPhone from Verizon on sprint. Quoting a Rep.
Sent from Evo powered by CM7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny, when I was on the phone with a Sprint rep last month getting my unlocked EVO activated the lady said they can activate phone 'as long as its labeled with the Sprint logo'. I figured she was wrong or lying but I just wanted to get off the phone.
It's about to get worse. There are rumors that Sprint is going to drop the Premier Upgrade every 12 months program. That they will NOT give Sprint Premiere customers the rebates until their two year contract is up. IF this is the case I will be leaving Sprint as soon as they announce this. They just can't get out of their own way. One of the main reasons I stay with Sprint is because of their annual upgrades. It would not shock me to see Sprint file bankruptcy if they start to implement all these idiotic plans.
http://www.sprintusers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=216413
http://community.sprint.com/baw/thread/58531?start=0&tstart=0&reqsorting=dec
The thing that sucks about this and might be the reason why they just didn't add $10 to plans is that corporate or work discounts do not apply to these fees and only towards the base plan. I was mad when they took the discounts off the $19.99 additional lines.
I won't leave Sprint over this because they are still cheaper, especially with our work discount but I guess I have no reason not to get my wife a 4G phone. I was hoping to save some money since we get 4G at work but not at home and she wouldn't use 4G anyway.
However, if this happens in addition to the Sprint Premier changes, I am going to get really mad for getting screwed in two places.
As long as my data is still unlimited i'll be happy. I don't come anywhere near 2gb or 5gb but if they start screwing around i'll say screw it and buy a damn contract free phone. I like my mobile internet but what they're all doing now is getting a little silly.
They have to raise prices as needed but they should've just upped the whole plan without a $10 tack on. The whole point of Sprint's pricing scheme is to keep it simple for people. That was one of the biggest reasons I came to sprint this year. That and the EVO of course
So I'm interested in the Motorola Atrix 4G from AT&T but their plans are expensive. I can get the almost the same plan from T-Mobile for $15 less a month though I don't like their Android phones.
Nation 450 w/Rollover® Minutes - $39.99
DataPlus 200MB for HSPA+/4G Smartphones - $15.00
Unlimited Messaging with Mobile to Any Mobile Calling - $20.00
Comes out to $75 a month, T-Mobile has basically the same plan here for only $60 a month. I already have my home phone and my TV through AT&T and have been a customer with them for almost 5 years. Would AT&T discount me at all for having, home, cell, and TV with them? Also would they compete with Costco for the price of the phone ($200 at AT&T, $120 at Costco).
Thanks to everyone for the help!
from my experience with att that would be a no. however can always give it a shot. talk to sales not customer service though.
i had an at&t store tell me the other day they wldnt sell a smartphone off contract it really varies from one person to the next at at&t u can ask one person and they will say no move over 2 feet to the next person and they say yes so good luck just ask more than one person at at&t likely to get a yes
Don't get your hopes up. It isn't likely. I am a 20+ year customer, and the person on the other end just humphs at that. No, they don't care about customer loyalty at all. I went for a captivate in nov and wanted to stick with my unlimited plan. No way, forced me to take the plan( without telling me). I backed out, gave them the phone back, and reverted to my old plan. They would not give me the old unlimited plan back, and at that time only thing they were doing was the 2gb max + $10 for the next gig for overage. I told them to forget it, I was gonna switch to a competitor and they said ok. I thought that was real crappy. My phone was hurting and I needed to move, so I went with the Atrix last week. I regret my decision already, and can't give them the phone back without a 35% restock fee, per the in store salesrep.
Plus keep in mind that they deny throttling service on non-Iphone "4g". Liars.
It varies on who you talk to IMHO. You might get lucky with a CS rep if you tell them you already have service with AT&T. Like I said YMMV. Good luck
Hello. I just felt the need to respond to this. I am a market manager for an authorized retailer of AT&T. I have five stores under my guidance. Yes, you can receive a discount because you have your home services with AT&T. To be quite honest though, it is not a steep discount, but it is a discount. If you combine the wireless and home services on the same bill, you will get a discount of $5 off each service. Also, depending on who you work for, you may be eligible for a discount as well off your rate plan, data plan and texting. For example...Bank of America employees receive 15% off of the primary line's rate plan, texting and data.
As for the cost of the phone, unfortunately no, the store you are dealing with will not match the $120 price for the Atrix. What I will caution you on is when dealing with purchasing a device outside of an AT&T store or the att.com site, you may (and I say may) end up with some weird things happening to your account. Also, be careful there is no fine print. For example...if you buy an AT&T phone on amazon.com and it is only an individual line...if you decide later you need a second line and try to do a family plan, well that doesn't fly with amazon.com. They will charge you an early termination fee because you got the phone at a much lower price through amazon.com then you would have at a store. Strange I know, but that's why I always give people this anology...would you go to a cell phone store to buy a car??? Then why go to somewhere that does not specialize in cellphones to buy one??? Just experience talking in this matter.
I will chime in on this post as well. The person you dealt with that took away your unlimited data was dead wrong. All the reps that work for me will tell you and have done it...if someone has unlimited data prior to the change last year and does an upgrade, there is the option to keep it. I take that as poor training from that reps manager. When we are going through our system to complete the upgrade, it will automatically try to change the unlimited $30 data to the 2gb $25 data. However, the rep has to hit "modify features" button and it gives them all the data plans. If the current plan has unlimited data, the unlimited data option appears. If the current plan does not have unlimited data, the option will not be present.
I'm glad to be a college student. My bill is like 83 dollars with tax and all now with the student discount they have. Its basically 15% off of the monthly bill.
it's really swell that the reps say no it would not happen with them, I appreciate that you feel that way, so did the people I dealt as they really tried to put the unlimited plan back. It wasn't them, it was corporate crap. None of them could get it to come back up as an "option" when returning the phone and asking to be put back just like i was before the transaction. I talked to two reps online and then one at the B&M store. They were all miffed also, but the fact of the matter is AT&T burned me, and 20+ years didn't mean sqwat. I have to stop now, or I'll start with them crippling capabilities on the phone, or throttling data when you exceed their threshold, or...
I should have posted this two months ago when I found out, but got lazy. The now $30 fee reminded me and I decided I should pass the info along. I had a conversation with:
Handsets, Product Distribution, Business
Brenda Raney
908-559-7518
[email protected]
This conversation was about the NFC blocking but I baited her with a comment and she responded by saying something along the lines of "Unlimited Data would no longer be an option on "Advanced" handsets released later this year (2012). When you upgrade to one of these new "Advanced" (IE Smartphone) you will have to give up your unlimited data plan and pick a paid package."
She would not tell me when it would happen, but said that Verizon was not under any obligation to continue to grandfather people with unlimited data. I fully expect this to happen as soon as Quad Core phones hit the market.
Just one more drop in the bucket. Removing unlimited data packages for new subscribers, removing early upgrades, every two discounts, blocking Google from releasing direct updates for developer devices like the Galaxy Nexus, and now the $30 upgrade fee.
No, I did not record the phone conversation but the removal of grandfathered unlimited data will happen, and sooner then later. Feel free to chalk it up to a rumor if you don't believe me but when it happens, don't say I didn't warn you.
New Verizon devices use Sim cards, welcome to the world of buying off contract devices.
I wonder if this will let you break contract.
I Am Marino said:
I wonder if this will let you break contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like it would to me
It seems like something they would do. I think I know there "plan" to get every one off unlimited data.
I have herd some things, but not like this. I think this is about spot on.
Now I will hold on to both of my unlimited data for dear life.
Edit: yes they do throttle 4G and will be doing more and more intill the next iphone and then will pull an AT&T X2. They will likely force you out of unlimited when you upgrade or if you you are on a "old" 4G phone they will throttle you on 4GLTE. I know, becuase I was throttled on 4G and then I stoped using the phone for 3 days, now I am unthrottled and sit at 90+hours of uptime with 2GB of use.
Link to some one who got throttled on 4G:http://www.phonearena.com/news/Is-Verizon-throttling-4G-speeds-too_id22818
Now he did use a crap load of data and I think he got what was coming, but I know when the new iphone with LTE comes out, WE ARE DOOMED. I have a 2nd line with unlimited data on AT&T, thats my back up plan. If not oh well.
Once again Verizon showing how little they care about their customers. From a legal standpoint they could probably do this because when you get a new phone you are under a new contract. But what if you buy the phone from ebay, etc and just add it to your plan. You are still technically under the same contract but they could track ESNs and force your plan to switch.
I hope they don't do this. I just left att after months of looking to take over someones Verizon contract. I found a person with 2 unlimited lines hopefully its not short lived. I really don't want to go to sprint
Sent from my R800x using Tapatalk
Dark lord me said:
New Verizon devices use Sim cards, welcome to the world of buying off contract devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon is CDMA only. The SIM cards are used for LTE, not GSM (a few phones have SIM slots for international GSM, but they're useless while on the Verizon network). So no, there is no buying of unlocked phones from Verizon.
Speaking of this, in China and other Asian countries, CDMA devices have SIM cards called R-UIM cards that work exactly the same way as GSM SIM cards, but CDMA carriers here in the US want to be able to stranglehold you in terms of what kinds of phone you use.
Hopefully Sprint still has unlimited data and their act together when my current contract is up in two years. Verizon charges an arm and a leg for their services and it's not enough? They have to nickel and dime us every step of the way. Aside from decent service I can't say that I feel like I get a whole lot for my money with Verizon. I've just had enough bad experiences with AT&T, and Sprint that I've been afraid to go back to either of them. Maybe it's not so bad these days?
I hope so too, becuase I need a 3rd back up plan and for every one elses sake.
My experience with AT&T has been very good, but I don't think that would be true if I was locked in for 2 years. Sprint has really come up in the last year or so and they seem like they are upgrading fast. (NV and LTE)
Not surprising in the least. Sprint will have to soon end too and remove grandfathered unlimited. Aside from that though, thanks for this update.
I wouldn't read a ton into all this stuff. And I don't know how good of an idea it is to publish someones personal/professional contact info for them on any forum...
I worked with verizon for a while, and on a daily basis I was upgrading phones and allowing customers to keep these 5 or 6 year old alltel rate plans.
It is absolutely correct that verizon can remove unlimited from grandfathered accounts if it wants to, but verizon's course of action with old alltel plans and the like, suggest that it won't happen.
I'm not saying it will or wont happen, all I'm saying is that its definitely possible that they will allow you to keep unlimited data, as long as you are playing nice and not DLing 100 gb's a month on their network.
I love all the misinformation, conjecture, an the posting of a professional email, signs of the derogation of society.
First: Yes VZW is charging an upgade fee. To say everyone is doing it is a cop out. To say that they are loosing money on equipment subsidies is true and the fee helps recap som of the cost while keeping prices competitive even with their own indirect partners.
Second, the only time you can loose a grandfathered plan per contractual agreement is a) older Altel devices that upgrade or change devices because there is no longer an Altel contract. b) you change to a basic (from smart) phone for over 30 days or c) you agree to it.
There are no exceptions to the three listed above. Don't believe me: 1800-922-0204 and ask for the loyalty department.
I love all the verizon fan boys who think they are the best and they would NEVER pull some thing over them like: taking away unlimited data, THROTTLING or the $30 "upgrade" fee.
The contract only lets you keep grandfathered plan's for the lenth of time you signed up for (AKA 2 years) and then They can make you sign a new contract with out unlimited data if you want to upgrade and if you don't upgrade, then they can just take it away.
Why is so easy for me to type this you may ask? Becuase they throttled me at 12Gb and now I can't go over about 10-15gb with out ricking this:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCbvDEewcJU&feature=channel&list=UL
P.S I sit at 65GB on AT&T and no throttling. Eat that verizon
I really came in under the wire on this one. I upgraded about three months ago; still have my unlimited data. I never really understood why providers are simply eliminating unlimited plans rather than charging exorbitant amounts of money which plenty of people would pay.
do you expect anything less of Verizon?
zero visual said:
do you expect anything less of Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, this is what I think they will do. They are thinking about razing the price up as well to get every one off of it, like AT&T did the $20 unlimited to 30, but with more kick. I have herd every thing from 30 going up to 50, all the way to it replacing the 20GB plan.
Any way: They are going to do some thing soon and well I will just say it's not likely going to be good.
boosterp said:
I love all the misinformation, conjecture, an the posting of a professional email, signs of the derogation of society.
First: Yes VZW is charging an upgade fee. To say everyone is doing it is a cop out. To say that they are loosing money on equipment subsidies is true and the fee helps recap som of the cost while keeping prices competitive even with their own indirect partners.
Second, the only time you can loose a grandfathered plan per contractual agreement is a) older Altel devices that upgrade or change devices because there is no longer an Altel contract. b) you change to a basic (from smart) phone for over 30 days or c) you agree to it.
There are no exceptions to the three listed above. Don't believe me: 1800-922-0204 and ask for the loyalty department.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much the exact thing I heard when I called them a few weeks ago. I've been out of a contract for almost 6 years now (just lucky that my phone breaks when they dont have any more and get a free upgrade). I currently have a HTC Trophy with Windows Phone 7 and dont have a newer one because they have not gotten newer WP7 devices, YET.
I called them up and was asking on new devices and presented them with the same question. According to Verizon, I can buy a new Smartphone today, sign a new 2 year agreement and I still will not lose my unlimited data plan according to them.
Of course the day I do it, that will be my first question and will ask for it in writing
As of this moment you are not forced off of your unlimited plan when upgrading phones or switching between current phones
Sent from my R800x using Tapatalk
jman42028 said:
I wouldn't read a ton into all this stuff. And I don't know how good of an idea it is to publish someones personal/professional contact info for them on any forum...
I worked with verizon for a while, and on a daily basis I was upgrading phones and allowing customers to keep these 5 or 6 year old alltel rate plans.
It is absolutely correct that verizon can remove unlimited from grandfathered accounts if it wants to, but verizon's course of action with old alltel plans and the like, suggest that it won't happen.
I'm not saying it will or wont happen, all I'm saying is that its definitely possible that they will allow you to keep unlimited data, as long as you are playing nice and not DLing 100 gb's a month on their network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it's ok for Verizon to publish her information on their public website, but not for me to copy and paste it from that site to this one? I will edit this post later to provid the direct link to Verizon's corporate PUBLIC website that lists this PUBLIC information. As a "former Verizon employee" you should know all about their public site and what's listed on it. Even if it wasn't Verizon does not respect its customers so I have no respect for their employees at the upper level management.
I will get you that link tomorrow (today really, but later). My nephew is having a bad night teething and is co sleeping next to me so this post is on my device not a pc or I would do it now.
Fyi I have never gone over 5gb on my cell. I don't abuse my unlimited. Oh and I am rooted and can tether for free. Not everyone deserves to be ppunished for the crimes of a few. Wish VZW would figure that out but in reality people abusing unlimited is just an excuse to increase profits, which gets their CEO a bigger bonus. It's all about the money. Corporate Greed.