Is it true about the wireless? - Xoom General

Is it really true that in order to use wifi on the xoom you have to have some kind of plan with verizon?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab

Unless Motorola or Verizon officially say it was a misprint... yeah.

magicdroid said:
Unless Motorola or Verizon officially say it was a misprint... yeah.
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It's not true. Best Buy will not sell the device without activating it with month to month data before you leave the store. There isn't a way for VZW or BB to lock out the WiFi if 3G data isn't activated, they just won't sell the device unactivated. You can cancel month to month data at any time, since there's no contract. There are a lot of misconceptions and misunderstanding around data plans. Since there's no subsidy on the device (if the leaked BB ad pricing is true) there's no contract.

dwboston said:
It's not true. Best Buy will not sell the device without activating it with month to month data before you leave the store. There isn't a way for VZW or BB to lock out the WiFi if 3G data isn't activated, they just won't sell the device unactivated. You can cancel month to month data at any time, since there's no contract. There are a lot of misconceptions and misunderstanding around data plans. Since there's no subsidy on the device (if the leaked BB ad pricing is true) there's no contract.
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I really wish that Motorola would actually come out and refute this information, if it is, in fact, misinformation gone viral. I think that Best Buy ad has done a great deal of damage to the potential success of this tablet.

Xevilious said:
I really wish that Motorola would actually come out and refute this information, if it is, in fact, misinformation gone viral. I think that Best Buy ad has done a great deal of damage to the potential success of this tablet.
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It makes me think that even if I somehow magically get the money that I may or may not get one... also is anyone else surprised that Verizon of all places is getting such an awesome tablet.

"Confirmed"
http://www.droid-life.com/2011/02/1...1-month-data-package-required-to-unlock-wifi/
Note I still think this isn't the right ad.

So sad!
It's like castrating your horse the morning before the big race.

We’re assuming that you can cancel immediately after and enjoy the device with just WiFi, but you’ll shell out an extra $20 on day 1
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I wish someone could confirm this bc if it is true then it might be put back on my Christmas wishlist.

vamp6x6x6x said:
I wish someone could confirm this bc if it is true then it might be put back on my Christmas wishlist.
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I don't see why this wouldn't be true. Its the same way with the Verizon Galaxy Tab at Best Buy. As I was purchasing mines back in November the Sales rep told me I could cancel the plan as soon as I walked out the store.
Hell, now that I think about it I purchased another Verizon Galaxy Tab for my brother for his Christmas gift (also from Best Buy) and didn't have to activate it.

I say the activation is NOT required. There's a post somewhere in this Xoom forum where a "self claimed" MOTO tester said that they skip activation all the time and have no issues with WiFi.
I personally think that the activation "fine print" is there for the 3G/4G tethering option they are advertising with the Xoom... basically, no activation, no tethering...
You were never required to activate the Galaxy Tab on purchase, but you couldn't bypass the activation without doing a Google search and doing the "Up/Down, Up/Down, ... " method to bypass the activation screen.
I call BS on the activation requirement, but I do think the $799 cost is true... <sigh>

Christmas wishlist? Do you mean Christmas December 2011?
By then, there will be a whole lot more Android Honeycomb devices.
Maybe Android Ice Cream Sandwich!
Wifi only ... and for sure the price will go down a lot.
To be honest, I don't think it is the right time to buy gadget during Christmas, because it is way too close to "CES" on January. Which you will droll on the new product announcement.
vamp6x6x6x said:
I wish someone could confirm this bc if it is true then it might be put back on my Christmas wishlist.
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Here is my question about the activation. Assuming it's not something on the tablet, and just that they wont let you out of the door without activating it. If you cancel it 20 minutes later when you get home, without using any data.. will you get charged? 2 Year contracts have a grace period IIRC.. why not month to month.

Yay! You can find the cached versions of BestBuy.com's Xoom launch site on Google.
Assuming the price was temporary and it really is $799, I found 2 things interesting.
For one, the main Xoom intro site (found here) says:
Compatible with Wi-Fi networks*
*1 month data activation required.
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Confirming a data plan is required.
However, on the actual device page (found here) it doesn't say that, it simply says :
Built-in 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n)
Connect to the Internet without wires.
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And for a contract/internet it says:
Embedded 3G mobile broadband technology with EVDO Rev A
Keeps you connected. Upgradeable to 4G LTE. (Wireless service contract required; sold separately. Check with carrier for coverage area and availability in your area.)
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Anyhow, it likely just neglects mentioning the required plan on the product page, but I'm still holding out hope that it's not required, we'll see though.

If you already have a Verizon Wireless account can you just add it to that?

If I had to put money on the table, I’d bet on what many have explained as Bestbuy simply not selling the device without the customer “also” buying a month of data.
However, if that’s true, then I’ll pose this scenario:
Guy walks into a BestBuy… He has cash in hand for the device (off contract), tax, and activation fee. Walks through the process and finds via the credit check that for some reason, Verizon cannot approve him. What happens next?
Does BestBuy sell him the tablet? Has BestBuy “already” sold him the tablet (depending upon when data plan enrollment takes place in the process)?
Is there some sort of blood pack promise to simply not use WiFi? Self-destruct sequence activated on the 802.11 radio?

setite said:
Here is my question about the activation. Assuming it's not something on the tablet, and just that they wont let you out of the door without activating it. If you cancel it 20 minutes later when you get home, without using any data.. will you get charged? 2 Year contracts have a grace period IIRC.. why not month to month.
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I canceled my Verizon Galaxy Tab within 24 hours and was refunded the activation fee just fine, however they made me pay a pro-rated $1.03
IIRC, with Verizon you have up to 72 hours to cancel and reclaim your activation fee and beyond that you just pay a pro-rated amount of your usage.
With my Samsung Focus Windows Phone 7 on AT&T, I canceled on day 16 of the first 30 days and they gave me back my activation fee and didn't make me pay any pro-rated, they just zero'd it out.
For my Sprint Galaxy Tab I was month to month, but you pay 2 months bills initially, so when you cancel you aren't charged "more", but it doesn't deactivate until the end of the month you already paid for.
Hope that helps.

burningembers said:
I canceled my Verizon Galaxy Tab within 24 hours and was refunded the activation fee just fine, however they made me pay a pro-rated $1.03
IIRC, with Verizon you have up to 72 hours to cancel and reclaim your activation fee and beyond that you just pay a pro-rated amount of your usage.
With my Samsung Focus Windows Phone 7 on AT&T, I canceled on day 16 of the first 30 days and they gave me back my activation fee and didn't make me pay any pro-rated, they just zero'd it out.
For my Sprint Galaxy Tab I was month to month, but you pay 2 months bills initially, so when you cancel you aren't charged "more", but it doesn't deactivate until the end of the month you already paid for.
Hope that helps.
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You're correct. It's on Verizon's website under their Return Policy
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/globalText?textName=RETURN_POLICY&jspName=footer/returnPolicy.jsp said:
You may terminate service for any reason within 14 days of activation. If you purchased a wireless device at a promotional price at the time of activation, you must return it within the device return period to avoid being assessed an Early Termination Fee of $175, or $350 if you purchased an Advanced Device. You will remain responsible for your Activation Fee unless you terminate service within three days of activation. You will also be responsible for all applicable usage fees, prorated access charges, taxes, surcharges or other charges that accrued to your account through the termination date. If you paid a security deposit, it may take between 30 and 60 days to process the return of your security deposit. The charges for any service used on the account before the service termination date may be applied against your security deposit.
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burningembers said:
I canceled my Verizon Galaxy Tab within 24 hours and was refunded the activation fee just fine, however they made me pay a pro-rated $1.03
IIRC, with Verizon you have up to 72 hours to cancel and reclaim your activation fee and beyond that you just pay a pro-rated amount of your usage.
With my Samsung Focus Windows Phone 7 on AT&T, I canceled on day 16 of the first 30 days and they gave me back my activation fee and didn't make me pay any pro-rated, they just zero'd it out.
For my Sprint Galaxy Tab I was month to month, but you pay 2 months bills initially, so when you cancel you aren't charged "more", but it doesn't deactivate until the end of the month you already paid for.
Hope that helps.
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Were you an existing customer? As far as I can tell, even existing customers are subjected to the whole credit check process. I asked VZ via online chat last night and they said yes, new line and credit check are required. She hinted that could all be avoided by calling customer care. Also, I tried to start an order for a Galaxy Tab to see how it worked and you can only upgrade or add a new line.
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In the Wirefly unboxing the unit boots up to configuring your account. At that point it says if you do not have cellular access to click and setup your wifi settings. Seems to me that BB is just forcing everyone to get 1month of Verizon service as a policy and not cause of technical limitations.
Plus, since the device is basically a Google Experience device, seems a little "ungoogle" to make you sign up for cellular service. At least from the software side.
Unboxing video - http://goo.gl/P0jSc
Go to 7m03s and see what I'm talking about.

atoy74 said:
In the Wirefly unboxing the unit boots up to configuring your account. At that point it says if you do not have cellular access to click and setup your wifi settings. Seems to me that BB is just forcing everyone to get 1month of Verizon service as a policy and not cause of technical limitations.
Plus, since the device is basically a Google Experience device, seems a little "ungoogle" to make you sign up for cellular service. At least from the software side.
Unboxing video - http://goo.gl/P0jSc
Go to 7m03s and see what I'm talking about.
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I think it only proves he didn't get his device through normal retail channels Obviously, Verizon is making it a requirement. They are also making it a requirement on the Galaxy Tab.

Related

Cheaper places to orderfrom?

anyone found any cheaper places to orderfrom? I just reserved through cellulardeals.com No tax and they are selling it for 240. But going to be an aweful B*tch to return if there is a problem. anyone ordered through them? every other place seems to want to charge tax and activation so I'm taking it twice. And this place is slightly cheaper as well.
I'm not expecting preordering, but I do expect Wirefly or more likely Amazon.com to have the Epic 4g at a discounted price. They are who I am counting on. Amazon had the captivate and vibrant for $50 off the new contract price on release day and $100 off the new contract price the very next day. I am hoping the Epic 4G follows a similar pricing pattern so I can order it for $150 on September 1st. This is all hopeful speculation though.
if you order from a place like this, and you port the number, what happens during shipping, are you without a phone for a few days?
And i assume if you don't like the service or whatever, you have to ship back to this place?
I'm debating on whether its worth it or I should just buy from best buy.
Also, amazon charges tax, wirefly i believe doesn't. wouldn't mind getting it from them but they don't have it on the site yet.
robl45 said:
if you order from a place like this, and you port the number, what happens during shipping, are you without a phone for a few days?
And i assume if you don't like the service or whatever, you have to ship back to this place?
I'm debating on whether its worth it or I should just buy from best buy.
Also, amazon charges tax, wirefly i believe doesn't. wouldn't mind getting it from them but they don't have it on the site yet.
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Well from Amazon.com, they don't have their sprint phones on amazonwireless, since it is in beta. I inquired yesterday about porting numbers and it looks like you have to call the provider when you get the phone to activate it and handle number porting stuff then. I am not fully sure about it, but here is the email I got and the link they gave me. Hope it helps.
"Depending on the carrier, local number portability may allow you to move your number from your current provider to a new service provider.
With Sprint PCS phones and plans, you will need to call the provider to start your service after you receive your phone. You will have the option at that point to port your number from your previous provider.
We recommend you consult with both your current provider and the potential new provider to determine any fees.
For more information on how Amazon.com supports local number portability, visit:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/?docId=1000452751
I hope this information is helpful, and thank you for your interest in Amazon.com's Cell Phones & Service Store."
I believe it's the same as if you were to order from Sprint through the mail. It will ship unactivated and when you get it, you'll be walked through the process of activating and porting the number (possibly over the phone?). It may take a couple hours for the port to move over, but I think it usually happens pretty quickly.
radar5 said:
I believe it's the same as if you were to order from Sprint through the mail. It will ship unactivated and when you get it, you'll be walked through the process of activating and porting the number (possibly over the phone?). It may take a couple hours for the port to move over, but I think it usually happens pretty quickly.
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when i preordered this morning through cellular deals, they asked for the account number and phone numbers for porting, thats why I think they activate it, free standard shipping means I could be without a phone for 3 days, thats not going to fly. But best buy is 50 dollars more, I don't have the money to begin with so 50 dollars more is 50 dollars more I'd rather not spend.
well call up cellular deals and ask them, but i don't think that's the case.
has anyone ever ordered from cellular dealers or wirefly, what happens if you don't like sprint, do you just send it back and they give you all the money back?
robl45 said:
has anyone ever ordered from cellular dealers or wirefly, what happens if you don't like sprint, do you just send it back and they give you all the money back?
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With Amazon.com you return the phone to them within the return period and call sprint to cancel ur service and get any refunds they offer. that's how it works.
ben7337 said:
I'm not expecting preordering, but I do expect Wirefly or more likely Amazon.com to have the Epic 4g at a discounted price. They are who I am counting on. Amazon had the captivate and vibrant for $50 off the new contract price on release day and $100 off the new contract price the very next day. I am hoping the Epic 4G follows a similar pricing pattern so I can order it for $150 on September 1st. This is all hopeful speculation though.
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Just talked 2 reps at Amazon Wireless, they both said, they are not authorized by Sprint to do upgrade, only new contract. Find the other Sprint phone, EVO, there and it's true. It's $200 with a new contract, $500 for existing Sprint customers, phone only, no contract upgrade. So, I guess Amazon is not the way to go for me unless I cancel my existing account (it's month-to-month right now) and establish a new contract again. The reps said, unlike other carriers, Sprint doesn't let them do upgrade ... wonder why.
EVO has been out for a while now and Amazon is still selling it at $200 with a new contract (same as Sprint). Judging from this, there may not be any discount for the Epic either.
FrankCummings said:
Just talked 2 reps at Amazon Wireless, they both said, they are not authorized by Sprint to do upgrade, only new contract. Find the other Sprint phone, EVO, there and it's true. It's $200 with a new contract, $500 for existing Sprint customers, phone only, no contract upgrade. So, I guess Amazon is not the way to go for me unless I cancel my existing account (it's month-to-month right now) and establish a new contract again. The reps said, unlike other carriers, Sprint doesn't let them do upgrade ... wonder why.
EVO has been out for a while now and Amazon is still selling it at $200 with a new contract (same as Sprint). Judging from this, there may not be any discount for the Epic either.
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You can always try newegg. They have the phone for $240 like wirefly or whoever is doing $240 preorders and they are a bit more reputable and can do upgrades. One thing anyone who is upgrading should keep in mind though, is that upgrade prices tend not to get as discounted as brand new contract prices. Even for the captivate and vibrant you will pay more if you are upgrading than if you are starting a new contract. Makes me glad to be coming from verizon, or actually tmobile since I need to get a temporary 1 month phone and tmobile has the $15 prepaid txting only plan.
ben7337 said:
You can always try newegg. They have the phone for $240 like wirefly or whoever is doing $240 preorders and they are a bit more reputable and can do upgrades. One thing anyone who is upgrading should keep in mind though, is that upgrade prices tend not to get as discounted as brand new contract prices. Even for the captivate and vibrant you will pay more if you are upgrading than if you are starting a new contract. Makes me glad to be coming from verizon, or actually tmobile since I need to get a temporary 1 month phone and tmobile has the $15 prepaid txting only plan.
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When you buy contract cellphones from NewEgg you are not buying them drectly from them, you're buying from a 3rd party that has a contract to show their service on their page so please do not confuse NewEgg's reputation with some mail order cellphone vendor, fact is I know someone who's ordered from there and had some problems.
The cellphone section of newegg is actually operated by:
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They ans WireFly have a pretty bad rep search for reviews online.
ForrelZ said:
When you buy contract cellphones from NewEgg you are not buying them drectly from them, you're buying from a 3rd party that has a contract to show their service on their page so please do not confuse NewEgg's reputation with some mail order cellphone vendor, fact is I know someone who's ordered from there and had some problems.
The cellphone section of newegg is actually operated by:
They ans WireFly have a pretty bad rep search for reviews online.
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Good to know, though I imagine it is irrelevant given that all they need to do is set up your account properly and give you a phone, working or otherwise. So long as you are smart enough to pay for sprint's TEP plan, replacing the phone due to any issues other than damaging it or losing it are covered for free at the sprint stores, where things are once again reputable and safe. right?
ben7337 said:
Good to know, though I imagine it is irrelevant given that all they need to do is set up your account properly and give you a phone, working or otherwise. So long as you are smart enough to pay for sprint's TEP plan, replacing the phone due to any issues other than damaging it or losing it are covered for free at the sprint stores, where things are once again reputable and safe. right?
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And you don't make any changes to that line within 6 months or they'll bill you a hefty fine, I know someone who swapped phones numbers after they got a mail order cellphone and got a 300 dollar charge on their credit card for violating their contract with the cell phone vendor which is separate from Sprint's. Other people have reported trying to return a cellphone to a mail order vendor and had their phone lost in the mail which meant they had to pay full price for a phone they actually returned. To me none of those prices are tempting enough since the level of customer service you get is the worst in the business and you really don't have anyone to talk to face to face if ever anything goes wrong, too many strings attached. These phones are much cheaper than in a store for a reason, always been a firm believer of you get what you pay for.
ForrelZ said:
And you don't make any changes to that line within 6 months or they'll bill you a hefty fine, I know someone who swapped phones numbers after they got a mail order cellphone and got a 300 dollar charge on their credit card for violating their contract with the cell phone vendor which is separate from Sprint's. Other people have reported trying to return a cellphone to a mail order vendor and had their phone lost in the mail which meant they had to pay full price for a phone they actually returned. To me none of those prices are tempting enough since the level of customer service you get is the worst in the business and you really don't have anyone to talk to face to face if ever anything goes wrong, too many strings attached. These phones are much cheaper than in a store for a reason, always been a firm believer of you get what you pay for.
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Why would you swap phone numbers after you buy the phone? At least with sprint, if I buy from amazon.com (who according to their page is the direct seller for sprint phones) I need to call in to activate the phone, and handle number porting there, so you only get one number, either a new one or your old one from another carrier. Now if this was on another carrier I'd understand. However knowing these terms and conditions is part of reading the contracts you agree to, and $100+ in savings is in my book, worth the risk, especially with amazon at least. I know they work in my situation, I trust them, and they are the direct seller.
ben7337 said:
Why would you swap phone numbers after you buy the phone? At least with sprint, if I buy from amazon.com (who according to their page is the direct seller for sprint phones) I need to call in to activate the phone, and handle number porting there, so you only get one number, either a new one or your old one from another carrier. Now if this was on another carrier I'd understand. However knowing these terms and conditions is part of reading the contracts you agree to, and $100+ in savings is in my book, worth the risk, especially with amazon at least. I know they work in my situation, I trust them, and they are the direct seller.
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Well there are a number of reasons you may want to swap a number with another on your account, say you don't like the phone and you give it to your daughter or significant other and you want to keep your number so you exchange numbers thats a direct violation of the 3rd party contract since Sprint will cancel the rebate the 3rd party was suppose to get from your sale, see the 3rd party will collect your rebate and make a commission certain changes will void their payment from Sprint and they will come directly at you. That was just a real world example I gave from a friend's experience but if you read reviews from sites like WireFly there are nightmare stories floating around of bad CS and unauthorized charges as well as missing returned phones that get lost in the mail.
ForrelZ said:
Well there are a number of reasons you may want to swap a number with another on your account, say you don't like the phone and you give it to your daughter or significant other and you want to keep your number so you exchange numbers thats a direct violation of the 3rd party contract since Sprint will cancel the rebate the 3rd party was suppose to get from your sale, see the 3rd party will collect your rebate and make a commission certain changes will void their payment from Sprint and they will come directly at you. That was just a real world example I gave from a friend's experience but if you read reviews from sites like WireFly there are nightmare stories floating around of bad CS and unauthorized charges as well as missing returned phones that get lost in the mail.
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How could you end up not liking a phone though, unless of course you didn't try it out beforehand, and/or didn't know about the potential or real problems discovered with it soon after release? I do see your explaining things, but these are all things that shouldn't happen. When you get a phone from these places you need to be 100% sure of a few things
1) You won't return the phone
2) You won't change the contract in any way for at least 6 months, not even swapping phone numbers.
3) Read all of the terms and conditions to make sure there is nothing else problematic.
They can't just add fees if you sign up, get a phone, and pay your monthly bill and change nothing. If they do you can call them up and ask about it, ask where in the contract you agreed to such fees were mentioned. If they can't offer proof, threaten legal action. Customers in America have a lot of power.
I do see what you are saying, I understand that there can be issues when dealing with these companies and that customer service sucks. However when buying a BRAND NEW PHONE, and knowing what you are doing, I don't think there is really anything to worry about other than the phone not making it to you in shipping.
ForrelZ said:
And you don't make any changes to that line within 6 months or they'll bill you a hefty fine, I know someone who swapped phones numbers after they got a mail order cellphone and got a 300 dollar charge on their credit card for violating their contract with the cell phone vendor which is separate from Sprint's. Other people have reported trying to return a cellphone to a mail order vendor and had their phone lost in the mail which meant they had to pay full price for a phone they actually returned. To me none of those prices are tempting enough since the level of customer service you get is the worst in the business and you really don't have anyone to talk to face to face if ever anything goes wrong, too many strings attached. These phones are much cheaper than in a store for a reason, always been a firm believer of you get what you pay for.
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I have already pre-ordered on Sprint and I think I am going to stick to it. Right now everyone is at the same price anyway. The chance that some resellers will sell it cheaper down the road may or may not come and I want it now. I agree w/ ForrelZ, the potential saving of $50 or even a $100 is not that tempting to me. Not that I am rich, but the peace of mind of knowing that I will be dealing w/ Sprint instead of some faceless, out of state 3rd party reseller outweigh the saving (I always get very good services and resolution from Sprint when there is any problem w/ my phone/account.)
FrankCummings said:
I have already pre-ordered on Sprint and I think I am going to stick to it. Right now everyone is at the same price anyway. The chance that some resellers will sell it cheaper down the road may or may not come and I want it now. I agree w/ ForrelZ, the potential saving of $50 or even a $100 is not that tempting to me. Not that I am rich, but the peace of mind of knowing that I will be dealing w/ Sprint instead of some faceless, out of state 3rd party reseller outweigh the saving (I always get very good services and resolution from Sprint when there is any problem w/ my phone/account.)
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True enough, different situations make it more convenient for different people. For me Sprint just chose to release the phone 4 days too late and so I will be at college in VT when it comes out, so I can't preorder in a physical best buy or radioshack, and sprint stores don't offer preorders in vt, there aren't any within the biggest city in vt that offer perorders. At that rate I know there is 0 chance of me getting the phone on launch day unless I walk into a best buy or radioshack and they happen to even carry sprint phones and have non reserved epic 4g's. Even if I do that, I won't be able to keep my current NJ cell phone number, which I am hoping at least MIGHT be possible if I order online from amazon. Given those low chances and the fact that amazon.com does seem to be a safe online retailer of phones, even if the others aren't, I think I don't really mind waiting til the day after launch, just to see if the phone does hit a lower price point. I really am just in the worst possible position here, even without mentioning my verizon contract being up on september 1st and needing to get a tmobile phone and prepaid plan for a month just to make sure I don't end up without service for a few days.
i ended up cancelling with cellular deals and buying through radioshack. no mail in rebates and I got 2 10 dollar off coupons from radio shack which I was assured I can use one on each of the 2 epics we are getting. So the net difference versus online or radio shack is 30 dollar for 2 phones, and radio shack is in walking distance if I need to return the phone and I get it on the actual release date.

POLL: Do you think activation will be forced?

Just a simple poll to get what we all think will happen. I'm so tired of reading post saying "I'll pass, i'm not getting the Xoom because it requires activation."
I know there is a WiFi coming... I just want to know if you think there will be a forced activation on the 3G/4G model.
I SAY no way.
It's not a question of IF, it's confirmed.
I think Droid-life, Engadget, and Gizmodo all said it was confirmed, BestBuy's ad said it, More importantly though, BestBuy's website said it, Costco said it, and BestBuy's internal instructions say it has to be activated in store.
Where's the 'IF' here?
Edit:
Costco's ad regarding the activation fee:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=955814
BestBuy's internal system capture talking about the activation fee, not selling it without it, and the recurrence every time you want to re-enable the 3G:
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Sirchuk said:
It's not a question of IF, it's confirmed.
Engadget said it, Gizmodo said it, BestBuy's ad said it, BestBuy's website said it, Costco said it.
Where's the 'IF' here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think the BB website ever stated it (it did however sate DVD/CD not included). As for the other sites... they all referenced those leaked BB ads with the bad grammar.. did they not??
I haven't read the Costco ad though.
kenyu73 said:
I don't think the BB website ever stated it (it did however sate DVD/CD not included). As for the other sites... they all referenced those leaked BB ads with the bad grammar.. did they not??
I haven't read the Costco ad though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Originally they referenced the ad, but a lot more has been leaked since then. BestBuy's original Pre-Sale website said activation was required. They've since pulled the site, as well as pulled the cache's of the site. I'm sure they can still be found online somewhere. They were also only available for in-store purchase (likely due to the activation required can only be done in-store.)
The Costco ad that came out a few days ago and the internal bestbuy memo that was leaked a day or two ago are the most damning evidence of required activation.
Edit:
Yeah, google even removed the cache sites of bestbuy's ad.
I posted what it said regarding activation, keep in mind my speculation was before the leaked bestbuy memo and costco's ad:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=11379514#post11379514
Sirchuk said:
It's not a question of IF, it's confirmed.
BestBuy's internal system capture talking about the activation fee, not selling it without it, and the recurrence every time you want to re-enable the 3G:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I'm reading
"Originally the playbook stated that IF a customer signs up for Verizon...."
Doesn't IF mean optional?
"This is not true, every time they re-activate the service they must pay an activation fee"
This seems like clarification that users get charged an activation fee each time they cancel and reactivate the device; again not saying its required
kenyu73 said:
This is what I'm reading
"Originally the playbook stated that IF a customer signs up for Verizon...."
Doesn't IF mean optional?
"This is not true, every time they re-activate the service they must pay an activation fee"
This seems like clarification that users get charged an activation fee each time they cancel and reactivate the device; again not saying its required
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, talk about reading between the lines.
Did you miss the line that says
"Computer associates need to be activating these devices in Best Buy stores using the Beast system."
Honestly, I would love zero activation, especially if the wifi model isn't going to be out anytime soon. However, I think you're betting on something that's really really slim.
I also think we have a better chance of the WiFi model launching at the same time, since it was announced officially, as well as a US price was announced at the same time as the 3G model price was announced. Then they pushed back the pre-order, and now are delaying release (supposedly) to the 27th. This all screams simultaneous launch of WiFi model to me. Oh, and it's already passed through the FCC.
Sirchuk said:
Lol, talk about reading between the lines.
Did you miss the line that says
"Computer associates need to be activating these devices in Best Buy stores using the Beast system."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup read that too...
That's just telling the BB employees to use that specific system to activate the devices. BB doesn't get credit if users activate them on their own. I can only speculate those details of course.
If it was required, it would say so in a very obvious manner.
I bet you a beer it's not going to be required
I also think we have a better chance of the WiFi model launching at the same time, since it was announced officially, as well as a US price was announced at the same time as the 3G model price was announced. Then they pushed back the pre-order, and now are delaying release (supposedly) to the 27th. This all screams simultaneous launch of WiFi model to me. Oh, and it's already passed through the FCC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope its released at the same time too, but this thread is about the 3G. NO HIGHJACKING! lol
Costco gets incentives for activation. If they offer the $35 rebate and require activation (Costco required, not Verizon), then they may get the most benefit because customers aren't losing anything but the $20 data plan.
I still haven't seen anything from Verizon, MOTO or Best Buy that clearly says activation is required.
Costco.. well... it can't be anymore black and white there... hahah...
Ugh... this still pisses me off. I think I'm going to get a Xoom tablet, but this forced activation is the one requirement that is really making me reconsider.
After forced activation and the first month of service and Maryland sales tax, the thing will be far closer to $900 than $800.
Xevilious said:
Ugh... this still pisses me off. I think I'm going to get a Xoom tablet, but this forced activation is the one requirement that is really making me reconsider.
After forced activation and the first month of service and Maryland sales tax, the thing will be far closer to $900 than $800.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cancel the data plan as soon as you walk out the door. They can't charge you for a full month of data if you cancel, plus I don't think they can charge you the activation fee either.
I'm gonna buy mine. Activate it and when they hand it to me immediately call and cancel right there at the counter.
csseale said:
I'm gonna buy mine. Activate it and when they hand it to me immediately call and cancel right there at the counter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good idea. As a protest we should all say, "thank you, what is the number to cancel this?"
setite said:
Good idea. As a protest we should all say, "thank you, what is the number to cancel this?"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep.......
I still say it wont be required. Best Buy may push it on us (according to their playbook), but I don't see it being required.
But if I'm wrong, I will call to deactivate the data once I get home.
But if I'm wrong, I will call to deactivate the data once I get home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get home? How about when you walk out of the store?
kenyu73 said:
I still say it wont be required. Best Buy may push it on us (according to their playbook), but I don't see it being required.
But if I'm wrong, I will call to deactivate the data once I get home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its even required at COSTCO, so i don't think its is a best buy thing.
bwcorvus said:
Its even required at COSTCO, so i don't think its is a best buy thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Costco also is giving a rebate for the $35. To get the rebate you would need to activate. If you don't activate you don't get the rebate OR Costco specifically required activation. Basically, Costco may be trying to market themselves with Verizon and having more people activate the device makes them look better in Verizon's eyes.
Neither MOTO, Best Buy or Verizon released anything stating activation is required. The only exception is that leaked Best Buy ad from 10 days ago that had the weird typos. Isn't that Costco ad a leaked ad too?
We wont know until either the official Best Buy Sunday flyer (tomorrow hopefully) states it specifically.
kenyu73 said:
Costco also is giving a rebate for the $35. To get the rebate you would need to activate. If you don't activate you don't get the rebate OR Costco specifically required activation. Basically, Costco may be trying to market themselves with Verizon and having more people activate the device makes them look better in Verizon's eyes.
Neither MOTO, Best Buy or Verizon released anything stating activation is required. The only exception is that leaked Best Buy ad from 10 days ago that had the weird typos. Isn't that Costco ad a leaked ad too?
We wont know until either the official Best Buy Sunday flyer (tomorrow hopefully) states it specifically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea the costco one is a leak too, but I have read the email myself. It states wifi will not work unless the phone is activated. I don't see how they can do it, but we will see in a few days.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
I've been a pro no activation activist these last few weeks. I may have to change my xda username if I'm wrong, haha..

What do think will happen if I cancel Verizon data plan within 3 days?

The reason I ask is because according the Verizon Return and Service Termination policy, you won't be responsible for the $35 activation and you will only have to pay Verizon for any data usage. Here is that statement from their policy:
You will remain responsible for your Activation Fee unless you terminate service within three days of activation. You will also be responsible for all applicable usage fees, prorated access charges, taxes, surcharges or other charges that accrued to your account through the termination date
I assume if the Xoom makes it out the store that it can go on wifi without anything from verizon.
unknown_owner said:
The reason I ask is because according the Verizon Return and Service Termination policy, you won't be responsible for the $35 activation and you will only have to pay Verizon for any data usage. Here is that statement from their policy:
You will remain responsible for your Activation Fee unless you terminate service within three days of activation. You will also be responsible for all applicable usage fees, prorated access charges, taxes, surcharges or other charges that accrued to your account through the termination date
I assume if the Xoom makes it out the store that it can go on wifi without anything from verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see how they can do anything to you. Probably just assuming most people don't know this and will keep it for the month period asked for. I'll be canceling data the same day, so I guess I'll find out for sure than.
Would be nice if word of this can get out to everyone buying the Xoom. Might make Verizon reconsider even doing this.
Agreed. I will have the number to call and cancel programmed into my phone and will start dialed before I even get out of the door to Best Buy. I'm going to look that number up now. We should have the number stickied
setite said:
Agreed. I will have the number to call and cancel programmed into my phone and will start dialed before I even get out of the door to Best Buy. I'm going to look that number up now. We should have the number stickied
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this would be a great idea
setite said:
Agreed. I will have the number to call and cancel programmed into my phone and will start dialed before I even get out of the door to Best Buy. I'm going to look that number up now. We should have the number stickied
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When we go to pick up our Xoom's, we should be telling people in the store that we are going to cancel the activation that same day. And tell them to tell others they meet to cancel before 3 days. I plan on telling the person selling it to me that I'm going to cancel the data plan as soon as I reach my car.
Here's the link to the VerizonWireless Return Policy. You'll find the quote under Return and Service Termination.
VerizonWireless Return Policy
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unknown_owner said:
When we go to pick up our Xoom's, we should be telling people in the store that we are going to cancel the activation that same day. And tell them to tell others they meet to cancel before 3 days. I plan on telling the person selling it to me that I'm going to cancel the data plan as soon as I reach my car.
Here's the link to the VerizonWireless Return Policy. You'll find the quote under Return and Service Termination.
VerizonWireless Return Policy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same, I'm gonna turn my WiFi tether on through my phone, make sure all is good than call and cancel.
So if I understand what you say, just go to BB, to pre-order, and the D-Day, 24th, by paying the full order, just call Verizon and cancel the subscription?
But what they ask for activation? does it have an address or phone number U.S.?
I always hesitate to go to Plattsburgh to pre-order ...
Just read some interesting words posted about the activation and data plan and it makes sense to me. Here are the excerpts from the posts:
It's not a contract if there is no way to "breach" the contract. Not only is this "agreement" wholly optional, but there is no commitment to it. You can cancel it THAT DAY and pay nothing. If you cancel within 3 days verizon doesn't even charge the activation fee. at most, you might get a small pro-rated bill that you'll be able to talk yourself out of since you never used the product over their data lines.
The Tab (also a tablet) had a "requirement" you activate it. The netbooks sold by carrier's also "required" activation before you could leave the store with it. Both devices function perfectly without activation. The tab required activation at best buy, it requires it at my store and most others I know, but I have a friend who works at another store that doesn't require it. It's not a software requirement, or a requirement from verizon, it's just good business sense on the part of the stores (if you want to know why, refer to my previous comments in this thread)
Yes, I am assuming, but I'm assuming based on factual history and 2+ years of working in the industry. You (and everyone else) are assuming based off of a SINGLE leaked ad for a product that has no official release date or pricing information yet.
Until we get official information, EVERYONE is speculating. I'm just making my assumptions based off of how things have always been instead of what-ifs that bear no similarity to reality.
...
Ok... Let me say this again:
this is a requirement of BEST BUY, NOT VERIZON.
Ok, that's why verizon doesn't just make the plan optional. The plan IS optional, but to buy one from best buy it's not. That's what I've been trying to say the whole time. That's why the argument of "contract" is bogus.
And you're right, it's only been viable for the past year, and for the past year, every tablet has been treated the EXACT same way. Every android device has been treated the EXACT same way. Best buy documentation also said that activation was required on the Tab when it wasn't. So even if the ad wasn't a fake, it's validity is questionable at best.
The purpose of forums is to speculate, which is why you don't write someone off by say "but you're just assuming" like you did earlier.
I've seen internal docs for every other tablet release. They ALL say "this device does not require activation to work" in one way or another. Internal documents do not exist for this device yet, but there is absolutely no reason a PURE GOOGLE tablet would have a lock like this, and there's no reason Verizon would treat this tablet any differently than any other device in their lineup.
No devices require activation, heck you don't even need to give a phone number. But most stores do because of business reasons, not software or rules.
It makes sense. Motorola set the price at $800. BB needs to make a little profit so they partner with Verizon and say we are going to get you activations and data plan signups, just kick us back some money for every one that we signup.
"Oh, no Verizon, we won't tell them that the Xoom really doesn't need any activation, but the consumer doesn't know that. We can tell them anything and they will believe it. Heck, we won't let them buy one without activating it in our stores", says BB to Verizon.
"You guys (BB and Verizon) are messing with the success of my product by trying to extort money from the customers. Our name is going to dragged in the mud for this", Motorola to BB and Verizon.
unknown_owner said:
Just read some interesting words posted about the activation and data plan and it makes sense to me. Here are the excerpts from the posts:
It's not a contract if there is no way to "breach" the contract. Not only is this "agreement" wholly optional, but there is no commitment to it. You can cancel it THAT DAY and pay nothing. If you cancel within 3 days verizon doesn't even charge the activation fee. at most, you might get a small pro-rated bill that you'll be able to talk yourself out of since you never used the product over their data lines.
The Tab (also a tablet) had a "requirement" you activate it. The netbooks sold by carrier's also "required" activation before you could leave the store with it. Both devices function perfectly without activation. The tab required activation at best buy, it requires it at my store and most others I know, but I have a friend who works at another store that doesn't require it. It's not a software requirement, or a requirement from verizon, it's just good business sense on the part of the stores (if you want to know why, refer to my previous comments in this thread)
Yes, I am assuming, but I'm assuming based on factual history and 2+ years of working in the industry. You (and everyone else) are assuming based off of a SINGLE leaked ad for a product that has no official release date or pricing information yet.
Until we get official information, EVERYONE is speculating. I'm just making my assumptions based off of how things have always been instead of what-ifs that bear no similarity to reality.
...
Ok... Let me say this again:
this is a requirement of BEST BUY, NOT VERIZON.
Ok, that's why verizon doesn't just make the plan optional. The plan IS optional, but to buy one from best buy it's not. That's what I've been trying to say the whole time. That's why the argument of "contract" is bogus.
And you're right, it's only been viable for the past year, and for the past year, every tablet has been treated the EXACT same way. Every android device has been treated the EXACT same way. Best buy documentation also said that activation was required on the Tab when it wasn't. So even if the ad wasn't a fake, it's validity is questionable at best.
The purpose of forums is to speculate, which is why you don't write someone off by say "but you're just assuming" like you did earlier.
I've seen internal docs for every other tablet release. They ALL say "this device does not require activation to work" in one way or another. Internal documents do not exist for this device yet, but there is absolutely no reason a PURE GOOGLE tablet would have a lock like this, and there's no reason Verizon would treat this tablet any differently than any other device in their lineup.
No devices require activation, heck you don't even need to give a phone number. But most stores do because of business reasons, not software or rules.
It makes sense. Motorola set the price at $800. BB needs to make a little profit so they partner with Verizon and say we are going to get you activations and data plan signups, just kick us back some money for every one that we signup.
"Oh, no Verizon, we won't tell them that the Xoom really doesn't need any activation, but the consumer doesn't know that. We can tell them anything and they will believe it. Heck, we won't let them buy one without activating it in our stores", says BB to Verizon.
"You guys (BB and Verizon) are messing with the success of my product by trying to extort money from the customers. Our name is going to dragged in the mud for this", Motorola to BB and Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe everyone forced to activate should contact their local Attorney General. One or two state attorney generals attacked Best Buy over forced bundling with the xbox360, and this is the same situation. Forcing you to buy a plan is illegal as far as I can tell by the "tying" provisions of the anti-trust acts. I think the lie that the wifi is disabled might make the situation for BB even worse.

I knew I should have waited....

I just knew I should have waited to get my note 3 from att.....
http://www.sammobile.com/2013/10/30...-with-galaxy-s4-s4-active-note-ii-and-note-3/
The problem is you have to get a contract for the tablet too. If it was contract free then I'd be In there tomorrow since I got my note last sunday
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app
I should have waited too wonder if at&t will honor previous purchases
Yeah I don't see them honoring previous purchases lol I have only had mine a week but from what I understand you have to sign a2 year agreement and I am not under contract so I am good I just bought 2 of thethose tablets 3 days ago for my daughters for Christmas
My Galaxy Note 3 Is A Definite Go!!!!!
dreDrennon1 said:
Yeah I don't see them honoring previous purchases lol I have only had mine a week but from what I understand you have to sign a2 year agreement and I am not under contract so I am good I just bought 2 of thethose tablets 3 days ago for my daughters for Christmas
My Galaxy Note 3 Is A Definite Go!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you didn't buy the att note 3 out of contract. You would have been so much better off getting the t mobile version. I wish I would have done my research before opening the pre ordered att note 3 box. I would have sold it on Craigslist and got the t mobile version. This locked bootloader is depressing.
dreDrennon1 said:
Yeah I don't see them honoring previous purchases lol I have only had mine a week but from what I understand you have to sign a2 year agreement and I am not under contract so I am good I just bought 2 of thethose tablets 3 days ago for my daughters for Christmas
My Galaxy Note 3 Is A Definite Go!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I wouldn't TMobile is the worst service you can get in my area lol and I don't care about the bootloader issue because I just wanted to root myphone to theme it which I have done with the exception of the dialer and contacts I bought thru their Next program
My Galaxy Note 3 Is A Definite Go!!!!!
Too many stipulations/extra contract involved. Not free at all.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Theres always a catch.
Ryanscool said:
The problem is you have to get a contract for the tablet too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. The "free" tablet requires a $720 contract.
Gary02468 said:
Exactly. The "free" $179 tablet requires a $720 contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There, fixed
dreDrennon1 said:
No I wouldn't TMobile is the worst service you can get in my area lol and I don't care about the bootloader issue because I just wanted to root myphone to theme it which I have done with the exception of the dialer and contacts I bought thru their Next program
My Galaxy Note 3 Is A Definite Go!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me see if i understand this. You arent in a contract with them but you bought it on the NEXT program which in itself is a contract with them?
The next program is not a contract since you seen like you are trying to be a smartass the only real stipulation is if you terminate service you have to pay the remaining Balance due on the device itself instead of breaking it up into payments
My Galaxy Note 3 Is A Definite Go!!!!!
dreDrennon1 said:
The next program is not a contract [...] the only real stipulation is if you terminate service you have to pay the remaining Balance due on the device itself instead of breaking it up into payments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But that's all that happens if you terminate your two-year contract early, too. So is the two-year contract not a contract too?
Gary02468 said:
Exactly. The "free" tablet requires a $720 contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does a two year $10/mo contract for the tablet equal $720? That's the "free" part here they mention, you can't include the normal phone price...
dreDrennon1 said:
The next program is not a contract since you seen like you are trying to be a smartass the only real stipulation is if you terminate service you have to pay the remaining Balance due on the device itself instead of breaking it up into payments
My Galaxy Note 3 Is A Definite Go!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No when you break your contact you have to pay an early termination fee for breaking the contact you are not paying for your device we can argue all day long about it but I have worked for sprint and Verizon so I have a little inside PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE on the matter
My Galaxy Note 3 Is A Definite Go!!!!!
khaytsus said:
How does a two year $10/mo contract for the tablet equal $720?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, you're right. I misread it. So it's a $240 contract, not a $720 contract.
---------- Post added at 06:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:19 PM ----------
dreDrennon1 said:
No when you break your contact you have to pay an early termination fee for breaking the contact you are not paying for your device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh? The "early termination fee" is just the remaining cost of your device. It's the same concept and the same amount of money, merely described by a different name. Who cares what name is used?
dreDrennon1 said:
No when you break your contact you have to pay an early termination fee for breaking the contact you are not paying for your device we can argue all day long about it but I have worked for sprint and Verizon so I have a little inside PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE on the matter
My Galaxy Note 3 Is A Definite Go!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it isn't the early termination fee is a fee you agree to pay if you break your contact the type of device you have under contract does effect how much they charge you for the early term fee the Next program with AT&T , One Up with Sprint and the other deals like these are finance programs for people that want to upgrade every 12 months and do not want to be trapped in a contract so what happens is since you are not under a contract you don't get the contact price for the phone you pay full price for the phone but the price is split up into monthly payments on top of your regular monthly charges and you are not under contract you can leave at anytime without paying the 300.00 early termination fee but you still have to pay for your device
My Galaxy Note 3 Is A Definite Go!!!!!
dreDrennon1 said:
No it isn't the early termination fee is a fee you agree to pay if you break your contact the type of device you have under contract does effect how much they charge you for the early term fee the Next program with AT&T , One Up with Sprint and the other deals like these are finance programs for people that want to upgrade every 12 months and do not want to be trapped in a contract so what happens is since you are not under a contract you don't get the contact price for the phone you pay full price for the phone but the price is split up into monthly payments on top of your regular monthly charges and you are not under contract you can leave at anytime without paying the 300.00 early termination fee but you still have to pay for your device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see what your saying but yes, you are under a contract, just not a contract like what we are normally used to.
http://m.att.com/shopmobile/wireless/modals/next-faqs.html
Read this if you think me wrong.
ATT said:
Is a contract required with AT&T Next?
AT&T Next requires that you sign an installment agreement to pay for the device over 20 monthly payments. If you cancel your wireless service, the remaining unpaid balance on the device is due. A Wireless Customer Service Agreement (voice and data service) is required.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are entering into a formal and legally binding agreement (the actual definition of contract) with att to pay for the phone in full.
Now a normal cellular contract is saying I'll pay a subsidized price (in my case $299) in agreement to keep an account with att for however many years. (in my case 2) I'm not sure what my early termination fee is, and I'll find out tomorrow just out of curiosity but I doubt it'll be the rest of the price of the phone. You realize you can't trade the phone in for a new one if it's not pristine right? If the store doesn't think the device is returnable your stuck with continuing your contract agreement or paying the device off in full starting over.
Both options are contracts. You are required to pay for the device one way or another. I believe you save a good deal of money agreeing to a 2 year contract if you fulfill it. Your gonna have cell phone service anyways, you might as well choose a device that's as future proof as possible at the time and deal with having the phone for 2 years.
And I wasn't saying to get service with tmobile, just to buy a tmobile note 3 (your paying the full price of the phone anyways, you've just got a loan on it in a sense) and use it on att. You'll have root, unlocked bootloader and full dev support (which is why I'm here in the first place) I would love to have CWM so I could nandroid, flash mods, play with the kernel (faux123 is making a kernel that I'm envious over) and flash cyanogenmod.
Btw, friend if mine told me that the Tab 3 is a piece of **** and not worth it. I think I will get a note 3 but skip in changing my plan, 240 etc.
dreDrennon1 said:
No it isn't the early termination fee is a fee you agree to pay if you break your contact the type of device you have under contract does effect how much they charge you for the early term fee the Next program with AT&T , One Up with Sprint and the other deals like these are finance programs for people that want to upgrade every 12 months and do not want to be trapped in a contract so what happens is since you are not under a contract you don't get the contact price for the phone you pay full price for the phone but the price is split up into monthly payments on top of your regular monthly charges and you are not under contract you can leave at anytime without paying the 300.00 early termination fee but you still have to pay for your device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok just got off the phone with an AT&T representative. Yes you are under contract. So let's throw around some numbers. As of right now my ETF is $315. My note cost me $614.99 to get out of contract. You'll have to pony up $724.99. "oh but in a year I can get a newer phone!" Yea so can I. In a year you would have paid $420 (wonderful number BTW) and decide to go in and get a new phone. You'll have to trade yours in and you would have paid $420 for what? In a year my ETF will be $195. I'll end up paying 494.99 for my original 299 + ETF at that point but I get to keep my device and get a new one. So a year from now me and you both have new phones, only difference is I still have my old one and I wind up paying like $74 (plus the subsidized price of the next phone) more than you. The next program is a scam for people that don't want to pay up front for a phone.
Hopefully this will ease your pain
From ATT:
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From me:

Be careful with T-Mobile bogo

The BOGO is for qualified plans only (meaning T-Mobile One unlimited). So with the simple choice plan that I have with six lines if I were to switch, it would add at least $80 more each month. I had already ordered the two phones and added a line when I called customer service to find out why one phone was being shipped today and the other ship date was October 6 - 10. During my long discussion I discovered that my plan wasn't eligible for the BOGO (actually the customer representative voluntarily revealed this information - and even suggested that with the plan that I have that I not switch). Something similar happened to me before with T-Mobile you would think that I would learn my lesson.
Yes, most Simple Choice plans aren't included, but they don't tell which in the promo details. That's pretty much the reason they're giving you a $930 phone for free, they really want everyone to give up the good grandfathered plans. I have the 6GB $70 2 line Simple Choice plan and I'm not trading that in for a $120 2 line One plan
Purchase a qualifying Samsung Galaxy Note8 on EIP and activate at least one new voice line on T-Mobile ONE or select Simple Choice Unlimited with unlimited high speed data and get your choice of a Samsung Galaxy Note8, Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+ for free after rebate. If you cancel wireless service, remaining balance on phone becomes due.
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This should be a warning for any promo. Verizon did this all the time when they switched from the unlimited plans. None of the plan promos would ever apply to their grandfathered data plans.
harveydent said:
Yes, most Simple Choice plans aren't included, but they don't tell which in the promo details. That's pretty much the reason they're giving you a $930 phone for free, they really want everyone to give up the good grandfathered plans. I have the 6GB $70 2 line Simple Choice plan and I'm not trading that in for a $120 2 line One plan
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Yea the big problem is that it's after the return period has passed is when they tell you that you didn't qualify for the BOGO and now you're stuck with a $930 bill
I had the 2 for 100 simple choice unlimited plan. When they offered a free 3rd line to swap to the tmobile one plan, I jumped. 3 unlimited lines at 33 a pop. Can't say no to That!
That said, a 6gb plan would last me a week. I'm a heavy data user so that wouldn't work at all. I'd hate having to swap between wifi routers to stay under a limit
I have 150x150 home fiber but I still keep mobile data on unless I need to Chromecast YouTube for the kids ( requires me to be on my home network).
I LOVE the 10gb of hotspot included. My trucks head unit is a quad core android unit so I use YouTube music playlists while driving ( and iheart radio ). I couldn't live with a data limit!
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---------- Post added at 09:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:11 PM ----------
Lol literally 10 days into the billing cycle
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has anyone gotten approved for the BOGO yet?
chavist said:
has anyone gotten approved for the BOGO yet?
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I have and I also have the ORIGINAL TMobile unlimited plan. Not only did I not have to change, the in store rep lied to me telling me that I would have to upgrade. I didn't believe him and called a mobile rep. Glad I did. My Visa card will arrive within 8 weeks.
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chavist said:
has anyone gotten approved for the BOGO yet?
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Nope, I was told I was denied for the galaxy s8 bogo because one of the lines during activation did not get activated properly. Rep told me that it would be a simple fix for the rebate department to fix, hot diggity damn it was a 40 minute wait to disconnect. Spent 2 weeks trying to talk to the rebate team.
Now the note 8 is released and what do I do??? Paid half of both the lines and upgraded to the note 8...
Yeah it was a lot of money spent I could have hosted opened the extra line and gotten another BOGO but then to fuss later on to close the new line...
Regardless it was such a good idea to upgrade to the note, so much screen space just makes all then difference
chavist said:
has anyone gotten approved for the BOGO yet?
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I did but I refused it didn't want to fork over 700 bucks just to get 300 6 months later lol thanks but no thanks
I got a note 8 today, and am on the simple choice plan, and the "free" second phone is just costing me a $10 a month additional line that I'm gonna cancel as soon as I get the card and pay off the EIP.
They screwed me... I have to pay full price, for both devices.
DAD12345 said:
They screwed me... I have to pay full price, for both devices.
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What's the reason?
heldc said:
I got a note 8 today, and am on the simple choice plan, and the "free" second phone is just costing me a $10 a month additional line that I'm gonna cancel as soon as I get the card and pay off the EIP.
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I hope that your simple choice plan is considered as being a qualified plan. Mine wasn't despite having unlimited data (it was explained that the unlimited data that I have was due to a promotion therefore didn't qualify). They wanted me to move over to the One plan which would have basically doubled my bill (because I have 6 lines).
Everything worked fine here, I'm on the 4 lines for $150 Simple Choice Unlimited everything. Already received my 930 gift card too ?
GMAN1722 said:
I hope that your simple choice plan is considered as being a qualified plan. Mine wasn't despite having unlimited data (it was explained that the unlimited data that I have was due to a promotion therefore didn't qualify). They wanted me to move over to the One plan which would have basically doubled my bill (because I have 6 lines).
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You reminded me to actually submit the rebate, thanks! I ended up calling in to get the rebate, cos I didn't see how to put it in online. Turned out that the two associated lines had to have unlimited internet, which the store had *not* told me. So the nice woman on the phone added it to those two lines only, put in an adjustment so it wont cost me extra, and submitted the rebate for me. She said once I get the rebate, call in and there will be no problem removing the unlimited internet.
So the store almost screwed me over, but customer care sorted it out for me. Patience and being polite to CSRs is magic! This is why I stick with t-mobile. Their CSRs have consistently gone above and beyond for me. And I'm on the simple choice unlimited talk&text and 2.5GB data.
A somewhat old plan.
---------- Post added at 03:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:51 PM ----------
mickeycobra04 said:
Everything worked fine here, I'm on the 4 lines for $150 Simple Choice Unlimited everything. Already received my 930 gift card too
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Yeah? How long since you submitted for the rebate did it take to show up?
heldc said:
You reminded me to actually submit the rebate, thanks! I ended up calling in to get the rebate, cos I didn't see how to put it in online. Turned out that the two associated lines had to have unlimited internet, which the store had *not* told me. So the nice woman on the phone added it to those two lines only, put in an adjustment so it wont cost me extra, and submitted the rebate for me. She said once I get the rebate, call in and there will be no problem removing the unlimited internet.
So the store almost screwed me over, but customer care sorted it out for me. Patience and being polite to CSRs is magic! This is why I stick with t-mobile. Their CSRs have consistently gone above and beyond for me.
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That's good to hear that it's working out for you. However, I would like to suggest that if you don't already have some sort of written proof of this that you get it. I'm not trying to scare you but from experience one rep may have told you one thing and the next one would say that they have no record of it or that the rep gave you wrong information. Simply submitting the rebate does not automatically mean that it is approved (again speaking from personal experience). But I will also say that if you have a truly unlimited plan that you should be good.
P.S. I've been with t-mobile over a decade because of the same reason that you have mentioned - CSRs have consistently gone above and beyond for me - but you still want to be careful; especially it being due to it being a $1000 transaction.
GMAN1722 said:
However, I would like to suggest that if you don't already have some sort of written proof of this that you get it.
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I've got a text with a confirmation number.
heldc said:
I've got a text with a confirmation number.
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You should be good to go. I'm waiting for my note 8 to arrive this week. I did the trade in with Samsung for $400 off. I'm a little nervous based on others reporting that they got screwed over in the past. However, it went well when my wife did it in September for $425 off and a bunch of freebies.
GMAN1722 said:
You should be good to go. I'm waiting for my note 8 to arrive this week. I did the trade in with Samsung for $400 off. I'm a little nervous based on others reporting that they got screwed over in the past. However, it went well when my wife did it in September for $425 off and a bunch of freebies.
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I thought about doing the samsung deal, but I wanted the t-mobile financing, plus I wanted to walk into the store and walk out with my new toy same day.
heldc said:
I thought about doing the samsung deal, but I wanted the t-mobile financing, plus I wanted to walk into the store and walk out with my new toy same day.
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I got the samsung interest free financing which comes with the ability to upgrade to the next samsung galaxy if it is half way paid off (similar to T-Mobile Jump)

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