Related
I currently have the following cellular plan with Verizon.:
NATIONWIDE EMAIL & MSG 450 MINS UNL PDA + N&W + IN + MSG $99.99
Monthly access charge: $99.99
Monthly allowance minutes: 450 general
Per minute rate after allowance: $0.45 peak , $0.45 off-peak
I just found out Sprint has the following cellular plan:
Simply Everything $99.99
Monthly access charge: $99.99
Monthly allowance minutes: Unlimited
Unlimited mobile internet and messaging: Web surfing, email, GPS Navi, txt, BIS, pictures, video, Sprint Music and Sprint TV
I called Verizon and they offered me a more expensive $130 plan. They really didn't care about Sprint's pricing and pretty much told me to bite it and offered to transfer me to their cancellations department. I can't see why I should stay with Verizon when Sprint has hands down a better deal.
So I am asking you out there whether you're a Sprint or Verizon customer to sound off. What do you think -stay or go? What are your experiences with either or both companies?
Pros: I never have to worry about going over my minutes (which has happened many times). One monthly fee for the whole enchilada.
Cons: $145 Cancellation Fee & $299.99 Total One-Time Charge (including $100.00 mail-in rebate)
Thanks!
I have been down that road a couple times. First let me say that I am a Verizon customer with the XV6800, Ive got some $79 plan and $50 for internet and even more for insurance and text messaging- plus another 20 a month for a family deal...
Most recently, I shopped around because, after having my 6800 for 1 month, the sliding hinge failed and spread open. I took it into the store and they said that it looked as though I had scratched the casing- which meant that I damaged the unit and thus the hinge broke because of it. I knew this wasn't the case but they didn't care. They offered to have me cancel my service, I talked to the cancellation department and I reminded them that I pay over 2000 a year just in service, buy my phones and accessories from them, and have brought them over 15 people to Verizon from other companies because I thought they were the better company with the best customer service- Cancellations didn't care. The lady even asked if I was going to keep the same number because if I was- then I didn't have to cancel through her. Whatever phone provider I did sign up through would cancel it for me!!! I couldn't believe they had the audacity. Ive been with them for 11 years and they could care less...
I ended up paying the $50 to have asuran send me another phone- I told them I lost it so I could keep the old phone for parts if I need it...
The reason I didn't switch? Well, it didn't make sense... I would still have to spring for a phone, startup fees, cancellation fees from my current contract through verizon, All my friends/family would stay verizon and I would be something else, plus- mainly what it came down to is that their are no good phone providers out there... just less evil ones. In my case- Verizon just happens to be the less evil one. All depends what you want...
Verizon does have the best network across the nation, usually their customer service is helpful, phones are usually outdated when they do finally arrive- but I think it's because they wait for the technology to be tested and true before they carry it. Annoying, but at least your almost always going to get a freakin rock solid phone....
I feel better by pimping the crap out of my phone and using Internet Sharing as much as I can. I even used my cell to connect to the internet for Halo - XBox to laptop and laptop to PDA to verizon data network...
You may want to first find out whether or not some of those Sprint features are available in your area. For example, Verizon has their own tv service but its not available everywhere.
Plus, do you need certain phones to use some of their features? Is switching to access those features going to cost you more due to the need to purchase a new phone?
Third, do you really need those features? Who cares about Spring music and Sprint TV? Do get sucked into the marketing of their services unless you feel like you truly are going to need it.
As for the cancellation fee - the courts have already ruled that Sprint's cancellation fees are illegal - you may be able to convince Verizon of the same if you get a naive cancellation CS person. Maybe be persuasive enough for them to waive it. (though I wouldnt count on it). You could try to hand in there long enough for the cancellation thing to make its way to the other carriers and then switch.
Also, when is your contract up?
If its the minutes that are the main thing, just get a new plan with Verizon, especially if most of your friends, family, colleagues, etc have Verizon - talking to them is free!
Everything Plus
You might also want to look into Sprint Everything Plus Referral program. It replaced sprint's SERO plan, and one of Sprint's execs has his info on his blog http://mcguireslaw.com/ (on the right).
From the Sprint's Everything Plus Refferal website:
This plan includes
* Unlimited data and messages: Web surfing, email, GPS Navigation, Sprint Music, Sprint TV®, BlackBerry® Internet Services (BIS), text, pictures, video
* Nationwide long distance and no roaming charges.
* Unlimited mobile to mobile, night calling starting at 7 p.m. and weekends.
for $79.99, you get 1000 anytime minutes. ($59.99 for 500)
I'm on the now gone SERO plan, and made the switch from Verizon. Verizon just couldn't compete with the price.
jmquinn said:
You might also want to look into Sprint Everything Plus Referral program. It replaced sprint's SERO plan, and one of Sprint's execs has his info on his blog http://mcguireslaw.com/ (on the right).
From the Sprint's Everything Plus Refferal website:
This plan includes
* Unlimited data and messages: Web surfing, email, GPS Navigation, Sprint Music, Sprint TV®, BlackBerry® Internet Services (BIS), text, pictures, video
* Nationwide long distance and no roaming charges.
* Unlimited mobile to mobile, night calling starting at 7 p.m. and weekends.
for $79.99, you get 1000 anytime minutes. ($59.99 for 500)
I'm on the now gone SERO plan, and made the switch from Verizon. Verizon just couldn't compete with the price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that sprint has the best prices and some of the better phones. My problem is the service. Most everybody I know cries about how Sprint's service sucks. In areas that I get service, they do not. I would talk to as many people that live in your calling area that have both services and compare before just going for price. I would rather pay a little more and be able to make calls whenever and wherever I want.
My $0.02 worth.
Don't mean to bolster the debate here...but can I ask why you posted this in Titan Upgrading?
The xda forums are designed with sub forums for a reason. This really belongs in the Titan forum.
My opinion is, find out who has better service where you are, and take a look at the carriers of the people you talk to most. Stick with the carrier that serves these purposes. That's the only reason I'm still with Verizon.
nitro66215 said:
I agree that sprint has the best prices and some of the better phones. My problem is the service. Most everybody I know cries about how Sprint's service sucks. In areas that I get service, they do not. I would talk to as many people that live in your calling area that have both services and compare before just going for price. I would rather pay a little more and be able to make calls whenever and wherever I want.
My $0.02 worth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
x2
While spring and verizon share many towers, sprint's coverage is a little lax compared to Verizon's.
There is a reason why nobody has a valid lawsuit against Verizon for claiming "Most Reliable Network"...
My fiance's family had sprint for the longest time and only recently switched to Verizon a few months ago due to poor service.
Whats the benefit to paying less when you cant use it as often?
(and no, I'm not a Verizon fanboy - just a CDMA fanboy Whatever you decide, just stay away from t-mobile and cingular)
deeznuts2 said:
x2
While spring and verizon share many towers, sprint's coverage is a little lax compared to Verizon's.
There is a reason why nobody has a valid lawsuit against Verizon for claiming "Most Reliable Network"...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol, yea and that reason has nothing to do with the fact that verizons network is any better....it has to do with how vague and subjective the claim is....if their motto was "Never have a Dropped Call Again on VZW", they would get sued to oblivion.....have you ever seen the show "The Best Damn Sports Show."?.....is it the best damn sports show?....hell no!....why don't you try to sue them.....lol....
in reality, it depends on where u are....i have been a sprint customer for 7 years and in my case, all over New Jersey/NYC/Philly, in the last 2 years i have had 0 dropped calls due to my sprint service. i cannot say the same for my friends with verizon, who also pay at least twice what i do monthly.....
yerp said:
in reality, it depends on where u are....i have been a sprint customer for 7 years and in my case, all over New Jersey/NYC/Philly, in the last 2 years i have had 0 dropped calls due to my sprint service. i cannot say the same for my friends with verizon, who also pay at least twice what i do monthly.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Sprint may be perfect in some areas, but Verizon rules in my area.
Go for the better service overall. Would sprint activate you Vzw 6800? If not there's some additional up front cost.
Also depending upon you location you may have EVDO rev. A speeds. It wouldn't make a difference if you use DCD's (or No2Chem's) ROMs but you're still using the stock. If you stick with stock on sprint you'll have GPS and EVDO rev. A
Sprint has better prices. Thats about it. Also note that this phones picture mail (mms) feature is blocked by sprint.
I am not a fan of Verizion and I have plenty of issues with Verizion, but they have better service, and better coverage. That ends up being the bottom line for me.
I have been with verizon for about 10 years. Before they had the name verizon in my area. I pay 50% more than a similar SPRINT plan.
For me it boils down to having coverage in the remote areas around where I live and roaming in alaska. I even get data roaming in alaska, no charge. Sprint phones just quit working as soon as you get out of anchorage. Verizons roams with ACS and service fades, as there are no cell towers.
Verizon works better where I go and I pay for it.
Plus no MMS on sprint (mogul) would kill me.
I'm not a Verizon fanboy either- hate the phone selection and how long it takes to get new ones but I have way better coverage and have never had an issue getting my problems solved the first time out.
1) There was a recent article on MSN that was titled "Hate Sprint". It mentioned how Verizon is at a 72 rating while Sprint is rated at 56 in consumer satisfaction. The CEO of Sprint was quoted as saying "Verizon and AT&T are eating our lunch". The main problem according to the article is that Sprint lets everyone sign up and people can't pay thier bills when times are hard, poor customer service etc.
2) Sprint is now leasing all thier towers - meaning they sold thier towers to someone else in order to raise capital since they are in financial hot water. How can they build a better network when they don't even own thier own towers?
3) A friend of mine was with Verizon a long time ago and thought it was too expensive, he switched to Sprint and hated the service. He then switched to Nextel only to wind up with Sprint after thier merger and over the course of a couple of years his service has dropped considerably. He used to drop 2 calls in certain areas on his way home from work and it increased to 5 dropped calls over the last couple of months. He's now back with Verizon and much more happy.
Seriously, it boils down to how is the service in the areas where you normally travel and how often you need to talk to a customer service rep.
Good luck in your choice.
gc14 said:
Don't mean to bolster the debate here...but can I ask why you posted this in Titan Upgrading?
The xda forums are designed with sub forums for a reason. This really belongs in the Titan forum.
My opinion is, find out who has better service where you are, and take a look at the carriers of the people you talk to most. Stick with the carrier that serves these purposes. That's the only reason I'm still with Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because this could be considered an upgrade in service...
deeznuts2 said:
x2
(Whatever you decide, just stay away from t-mobile and cingular)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahaha, been there, done that. I agree!
Thank you everyone! I appreciate the feed back and will ask around my neighborhood to see what they think and what their experiences have been like. For some reason none of my carriers ever work in my house, yet everybody else's do...
It would seem the overall consensus here is that Sprint is cheaper (in price), but Verizon has better service (both customer and coverage).
I have a grandfathered SERO account on Sprint, and I mainly switched from Verizon for the price. Sprint was about half as much as an equal Verizon plan.
In my area, the Sprint coverage is good. I also have an ATT phone for work which kinda sucks at home for me.
If I am in an area where Sprint signal is low, I just force the phone to Roam, and then I'm on Verizon's network (free roaming). Bam!
indagroove said:
I have a grandfathered SERO account on Sprint, and I mainly switched from Verizon for the price. Sprint was about half as much as an equal Verizon plan.
In my area, the Sprint coverage is good. I also have an ATT phone for work which kinda sucks at home for me.
If I am in an area where Sprint signal is low, I just force the phone to Roam, and then I'm on Verizon's network (free roaming). Bam!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was going to mention that too, that sprint has FREE roaming!!! so even if you are not on a "sprint tower" you can still make calls, so don't worry about the coverage!! if you go on sprint network, it will show you the roaming areas that are covered and its covered under your plan. The roaming area resembles allot like VZN... hhhmmmm!!!
So go for the better phones better price. And believe me, their customer service has done a 180 degree turn from where they were before. its actually pleasant to talk to them and they help you out!!!
I have thought about this rather heavily... here are some of the pro's and cons I came up with which generally coincide with what I've read in this thread... these are related to me going from Verizon (currently have) to Sprint
Pro (for sprint):
More frequent updates for PDA's (irrelevant i guess if u flash custom)
cheaper plans (money is money... high motivation)
quicker to get new models of phones
Instant lock GPS
Con (against sprint):
Service sucks compared to Verizon.. (cheaper is only better when u can use it)
No MMS
Worse customer service (only what I heard)
Honestly, what it comes down to is service... I can't speak from experience, but everyone in central ohio (where I live) who has had Sprint say they can be driving on the outerbelt and lose a call... that's just ridiculous for a larger city such as this to not have proper coverage in a radius around the city... cheaper is always a motivating factor but seriously, what's the point of paying less if you're going to be frustrated with loss of signal? that's my take... however, when/if sprint comes out with touch/pro before verizon i might be singing a different tune.
Coming from WinMO 6.5 HD2, I'm nervous about these 500mb tarrifs for data.
T-Mobile has a 500mb limit, with unlimited browsing.
However the 2 are not seperate, so once you have used 500mb in total, you are restricted to browsing only.
No RRS
No Podcasts
No POP3 email
No Twitter (some apps only)
No Google Maps
No Internet radio (!)
Push mail seems to work, as does Opera for browsing.
The HTC RSS app has no download mananger, so my weekly podcast download is about 80mb, but by the 11th of the month I've already over 500mb, as any minor failure during dowload deletes the file and starts again.
What's your SGS2/Android experience in terms of data usage?
En_croute
i easily rack up 3GB a month
but if you disable data completely, and only do WiFi you should be safe
Apparantly we are in the 5% of users
We are called abusers by TMobile
Asked why a we couldn't buy more data time, I was met with :
a) Ohh, difficult to set up to set that up
b) The masts the masts, think of the masts
c) Abusers spoil the t-mobile experience for everyone else
PAC code here we come.
Hello THREE
I have my phone set up to use Wifi when I am at home and WiFi when I am at work. Obviously I set all my podcasts and High Usage apps to Download during those times (Using Tasker)
Outside of that I generally use about 50MB to 100MB on Google Maps, Email, other general background syncing stuff.
I think if you do all of your major syncing over a WiFi connection (Either yours or your neighbours ) then you will be hard pushed to use 500MB whilst "on the go"
En_croute said:
Apparantly we are in the 5% of users
We are called abusers by TMobile
Asked why a we couldn't buy more data time, I was met with :
a) Ohh, difficult to set up to set that up
b) The masts the masts, think of the masts
c) Abusers spoil the t-mobile experience for everyone else
PAC code here we come.
Hello THREE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm assuming you're in the UK as you mentioned 3...
T-Mobile would never say any of the above answers, you're either
a. Trolling
or
b. Making it up
Claiming T-Mobile weren't willing to take more money off you is borderline laughable.
Have fun with Three, quite possibly the most inept customer serviced network i've ever had the displeasure of dealing with.
Edit, just thought i'd add this, if you want details on how to sort out a proper unlimited data package on T-Mobile, PM me.
Actually he really did infer these things!
1. He claimed it would be difficult to set up (programme). I pointed out that as I was on 1gb currently, and the FUP (Browsing only) kicks in after that, it should not be too hard to allow 500mb boosters to be bought ad hoc, or as part of a regular package.
2. He claimed the 5% of users were "ruining the experience" for other customers, hence the 500mb limit. I pointed out that a) if we were all going into FUP, the service would still be "ruined" for the first 1/2 of the month, and b) Why sell media phones when the network is not fit for purpose.
3. And as Orage are selling 750mb & 500mb bolt ons, why can't T-Mobile. He said 5oomb for new customers and 1gb is the maximum, on older tarrifs, and the 3gb tarrif was not available (since Feb 2011).
I was spitting feathers, hence the PAC code comment.
I did consider Three, but went with 1gb data & Flext 35, and will use the first 7 days to asess my data usage under Android during the 7 day cooling off period.
Handset due tomorrow.
I'll PM you, as I have those 7 days....
En_croute
I'll reply here as well so others can see this. If you take out a t-mobile contract with a data booster (those apparently unlimited 5quid ones) call them straight away and say you want to upgrade your data package to web and walk plus for the ENTIRE length of your contract.
They should offer to simply replace your 5 booster with web n walk plus, if they don't, tell them that someone in the t-mobile shop told you it can be done as long as you take it out for the contract duration.
This also will work if you have no data package as well, they'll just charge you the 5 quid a month.
The benefit? HSDPA is not enabled on the standard unlimited boosters, but is on web n walk plus
Hopefully some people can make use of this.
Burko
Even better is WebNWalk Max as the plus is also capped.
All of the above is the reason why I'm also jumping ship to three.
I currently pay T-mobile £40pcm and they want more off me just because I don't think it's fair that they cap my data at 350Kb max.
T-Mob in UK is a joke for data speeds (unless you pay extra on top of your normal tariff price)
So when working out where to go. Make sure you take the extra cost into account and check not only data caps on download amounts but also data caps on speed.
Plus is capped in volume of downloads, not speed. Obviously different people have different data needs, but for me, web n walk plus is more than enough. (with the benefit of not being charged if you go over the limit) there is no"one size fits all" data package, I just thought I'd highlight one option that's available.
Burko
According to O2 I've used 1.99GB As of 23:28 on 12 May 2011 so far this month. Good thing I have unlimited data allowance.
(Reference: Data cap = the amount of bytes you can d/l on the network.)
First AT&T capped at 2GB,
then Verizon capped at 2GB.
Do you think Sprint is next to put a data cap?
Just curious if anyone's heard anything. Cuz I'm switching to Revol if so. Lol.
Also:
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Haven't heard anything but it's only a matter of time I think.
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I also think it will happen eventually, especially if Sprint ever gets the iPhone and we get a huge influx of users.
They will since people insist on using tethering for free.
lol reddit
Where I live, they won't need to. St a standard 3G rate of 47kbps, you can't exceed a few gigs a month...
Via my HTC
I dont think they should, plus if they did we could protest it and get granfathered in.
At this time it wouldn't make much sense for Sprint to have a data cap. They are a distant third as far as customer base here in the U.S. Placing a data cap would only hinder their ability to woo new customers away from the competition.
Will they eventually place data caps on their mobile networks? That depends on several factors
1) If they get the iPhone and even then it will would occur at least minimum of year after the T-mo merger with AT&T is finalized. Why? Because they will need more money to provide these data services and the iPhone will surely add more customers to Sprint as long as they can offer something the other carriers cannot. Such as unlimited data plans.
2) If the demand for alternative home & business Internet increases with their recent acquisition of LTE bandwidth. LTE provides faster speeds and it is the new promising wireless data technology. It could be used to encourage more customers to enter contract with Sprint by bundling their cell customers with home or business Internet services. The encouragement to bundle could be
A) greater caps than the competition at a similar market competitive price
B) one internet plan that cover data between mobile products and home/business Internet
Right now sprint is actively trying to get businesses to switch from their T1 to sprints business class wimax Internet. I believe this to be an experiment for sprint to workout problems before trying to implement something on a larger scale with LTE.
In any case data caps will come, but given sprints current business model it will be affordable and existing data plans will be grandfathered with unlimited data. Grandfathered until the consumer makes a plan change motivated by cost, additional services or technology (like a new phone) that requires data delivery (LTE for e.g.) not defined in their current aggreement.
Since Sprint is touting how they don't have caps in advertising right now, I don't see it happening in the immediate future. As someone mentioned, when the iPhone comes to Sprint that may change.
Maybe when the lightsquared thing kicks in with LTE sprint might. I use data non stop, netflix once or twice a week, and stream music sometimes and I'm no where near 2gb. I hope sprint keeps it like this though.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA Premium App
Ya..... I don't think sprint really has to worry about capping it. Their 3g speeds in many area's aren't good at all. Mine in NYC is only 510k down and 460k up.
splat matt said:
At this time it wouldn't make much sense for Sprint to have a data cap. They are a distant third as far as customer base here in the U.S. Placing a data cap would only hinder their ability to woo new customers away from the competition.
Will they eventually place data caps on their mobile networks? That depends on several factors
1) If they get the iPhone and even then it will would occur at least minimum of year after the T-mo merger with AT&T is finalized. Why? Because they will need more money to provide these data services and the iPhone will surely add more customers to Sprint as long as they can offer something the other carriers cannot. Such as unlimited data plans.
2) If the demand for alternative home & business Internet increases with their recent acquisition of LTE bandwidth. LTE provides faster speeds and it is the new promising wireless data technology. It could be used to encourage more customers to enter contract with Sprint by bundling their cell customers with home or business Internet services. The encouragement to bundle could be
A) greater caps than the competition at a similar market competitive price
B) one internet plan that cover data between mobile products and home/business Internet
Right now sprint is actively trying to get businesses to switch from their T1 to sprints business class wimax Internet. I believe this to be an experiment for sprint to workout problems before trying to implement something on a larger scale with LTE.
In any case data caps will come, but given sprints current business model it will be affordable and existing data plans will be grandfathered with unlimited data. Grandfathered until the consumer makes a plan change motivated by cost, additional services or technology (like a new phone) that requires data delivery (LTE for e.g.) not defined in their current aggreement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn. Thanks for taking time to give a detailed explanation. All that makes sense (3.0, haha).
Much appreciated.
Anyway, well I hope they don;t cap it anytime soon because I really dont wanna have to switch to a carrier like Revol.
arozer said:
Damn. Thanks for taking time to give a detailed explanation. All that makes sense (3.0, haha).
Much appreciated.
Anyway, well I hope they don;t cap it anytime soon because I really dont wanna have to switch to a carrier like Revol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why would you have to worry about switching? I mean you are already locked in, and probably be unlimited as long as you have your account and dont try to change your rate plan to save money.
If verizon let people grandfathered in, even their 3g customers, and then ATT did it even after people renewed their contract. I really dont think sprint will do any different.
Do I think so? Yeah. DO I see it happening in the next 5 years? NOPE! It's a major selling point for them now. MAJOR selling point. If/When they get the iPhone it'll be even bigger. as of right now I see that and their line up of phones being the thing that keeps them in this provider fight and keeps them alive. Once they have their LTE up and running, and we have even faster 4G with iPhone, and the top line of android phones they are going to be hard to say no too, for every other iphone and android operator out there. Sure their service sucks in spots, and their customer service at times is terrible, BUT I honestly think I can over look that. for everything else they are offering. But once they have a bigger share of the market and start making big boy money. Yeah of course they'll cap it. It's industry standard now.
What most people don't understand is that Sprint DOES have a data cap of 2gb on 3G. It's only 4G that is unlimited.
However, I'm guessing most people are like me and have very limited access to 4G or they prefer not sucking their battery dry by running 4G all day.
Do I think they will eventually cap 4G... Probably, once they either get larger or all other carriers do it. Otherwise they might offer an "unlimited data" plan for a insane price like $80-100 a month.
ExploreMN said:
What most people don't understand is that Sprint DOES have a data cap of 2gb on 3G. It's only 4G that is unlimited.
However, I'm guessing most people are like me and have very limited access to 4G or they prefer not sucking their battery dry by running 4G all day.
Do I think they will eventually cap 4G... Probably, once they either get larger or all other carriers do it. Otherwise they might offer an "unlimited data" plan for a insane price like $80-100 a month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As was discussed a lot prior to the Evo4G's release and after and I have clarified it over the phone with tech support and in person with multiple people both "with it" and "way the **** out of it" that part of that $10 enhanced data service fee or whatever the hell its called will also enable us to have 'unlimited 3G' use.
Now, even though I am defending it and have asked many people at all levels and been told "yes that's true" I still don't believe it.....I believe there is that invisible 5g cap still....it was never 2gb...that's everyone else's tierd plans upper-mid-tier beyond which gets insanely pricey.
that said, I have also obliterated that cap before. Def done over 20gb a month on many many occasions...never heard a word.
Oh yeah, and we already are on an $80-$100 unlimited plan...
daneurysm said:
As was discussed a lot prior to the Evo4G's release and after and I have clarified it over the phone with tech support and in person with multiple people both "with it" and "way the **** out of it" that part of that $10 enhanced data service fee or whatever the hell its called will also enable us to have 'unlimited 3G' use.
Now, even though I am defending it and have asked many people at all levels and been told "yes that's true" I still don't believe it.....I believe there is that invisible 5gb cap still....it was never 2gb...that's everyone else's tierd plans upper-mid-tier beyond which gets insanely pricey.
that said, I have also obliterated that cap before. Def done over 20gb a month on many many occasions...never heard a word.
Oh yeah, and we already are on an $80-$100 unlimited plan...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe it was 5g, but I was told by multiple reps on the phone and at the store that the 3g is capped. I was told the $10 addition WAS for 4G phones only, then they made it for all smartphones.
When I was saying they might increase the price for unlimited, I didn't mean with data/voice/text. I'm talking JUST data...like Verizon's $80 for 10gb data crap.
Don't worry, Sprint will get the money every other carrier gets...one way or another the customers will suffer. I remember a time when technology improved it got cheaper. It seems the cell industry is one of the few that doesn't buy into that concept. LOL
ExploreMN said:
What most people don't understand is that Sprint DOES have a data cap of 2gb on 3G. It's only 4G that is unlimited.
However, I'm guessing most people are like me and have very limited access to 4G or they prefer not sucking their battery dry by running 4G all day.
Do I think they will eventually cap 4G... Probably, once they either get larger or all other carriers do it. Otherwise they might offer an "unlimited data" plan for a insane price like $80-100 a month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source?
Dan Hesse says otherwise:
http://newsroom.sprint.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1818
But I honestly don't think they will cap their data. I think that by the time Sprint's market share gets big enough that they could risk alienating their customers, technology will be advanced enough to not need data to be throttled or limited. I could see them only offering truly unlimited data if, say, you bundled it with home wimax or something similar. But the cost of data continues to go down, in the near future a data cap will be as antiquated as dial-up.
I sure hope they don't. Feels like we are moving backward, by having caps...
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ExploreMN said:
Maybe it was 5g, but I was told by multiple reps on the phone and at the store that the 3g is capped. I was told the $10 addition WAS for 4G phones only, then they made it for all smartphones.
When I was saying they might increase the price for unlimited, I didn't mean with data/voice/text. I'm talking JUST data...like Verizon's $80 for 10gb data crap.
Don't worry, Sprint will get the money every other carrier gets...one way or another the customers will suffer. I remember a time when technology improved it got cheaper. It seems the cell industry is one of the few that doesn't buy into that concept. LOL
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See: AT&T 30 years ago
While it is slightly different situation back then as Bell Labs certainly developed and spread technology far and wide and it was typically rather affordable--they shut everyone else out of the market. They weren't destroying technology through their monopoly, they were destroying a market for anyone else. Want a different brand phone in your house? No. Want a different color phone? No problem, as long as it's black. Want to use a fax or modem? Pay a $30 fee for no reason and buy our acoustic coupler. Modular wall plug? No, hardwired.
Now we have 4 companies--soon to be 3...and if Sprint doesn't get bought by Google soon Verizon is going to take them over--that's Sprints main beef with the Tmobile deal so far as I see it. No theft, but, they will be bought out of the market out of their own control.
As much as this sucks Sprint is the underdog in all of this, thus the closest thing we have to a "good guy"...and unfortunately while the other companies are trying to squeeze us for all they can while ignoring their infrastructure and failing to advise humanity who wants 'more bandwidth' that there ISN'T more bandwidth and without a tremendous technological and/or bureaucratic breakthrough is impossible to 'create'...
Europe really has us beat on that front. Buy a phone, sure it costs full price--but it's yours. You negotiate a deal, plop in your sim and off you go. Want a new phone? They aren't on 'carriers', the SIM is...pop it in and go. Sure, you can get a subsidized phone on a contract but that's about at classy as getting a GOphone so far as I understand it...sure, it gets the job done and is some people's only option, but, eww....and that's to mention nothing of them being united on a GSM standard....I don't give a **** what standard we unify on, but, it'd be nice if we did and perhaps, maybe--JUST MAYBE--we should do what the rest of the ****ing world is doing for the simple matter of, oh, I don't know, THE REST OF THE ****ING WORLD IS DOING IT?
/rant
Sorry...
Hi everyone, first thread and first post on this forum, i was really thinking about getting the new lumia .. but what i thought is... Contract or pay as you go??
We've seen so far that new phones with new hardware and new features are getting released pretty much every 6months, (iphone 5s? upcoming nexus?)..
so my question is, do you guys feel confident about being "stuck" 24 months with nokia lumia 920, or you will not risk and go for a pay as you go deal? :good:
Hi, end of 2008, I bought the HTC Touch HD because I thought it was quiet well competing with the iPhone 2, even though the iPhone 3 was already coming (but I hate so much the iTunes environment!).
Today, 4 years later, I'm still using my old Touch HD everyday, and I'm very happy of it even though it is getting quiet old now and I'm thinking of moving to the Lumia 920.
Anyway, just to say that the Lumia 920 will most probably no longer be the best one in 6 months of course, and probably no longer the Nokia's best one in one year when an upgrade of the Lumia series comes out with thinner, lighter, faster, stronger phones...
But what is sure is that you will be able to have a lot of fun with it even maybe in 2 or 4 years when it is no longer the newest phone on the market.
Better example, the HTC Touch HD2 which is really know as a killer phone even though it is no longer that great compared to the new devices.
So the real question is if you are used to change your phone often or not.
Keep in mind you can always sell your Lumia 920 next year, probably at half of its current price... especially if Windows Phone 8 rocks .
Personnally, as my company is paying for my SIM card, I will for sure just buy the Lumia 920 as is, without any carrier contract or so.
hey finally a reply, well im not really changing phone so often, since i have no money ahah but yeah, just wanted to see what other people think about getting it in contract..i think i will anyway thanks for your reply
any other thoughts people?
bellasahbella said:
hey finally a reply, well im not really changing phone so often, since i have no money ahah but yeah, just wanted to see what other people think about getting it in contract..i think i will anyway thanks for your reply
any other thoughts people?
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With a data heavy device like a smartphone, it would be wiser (and cheaper) to go with contract. AT&T's prepaid options are rather expensive when it comes to using data on a smartphone. Windows Phone being such a connected device would not be very fun to use on a very limited data plan or on no data plan at all (or any phone really).
At the end of the day, you have to pay for service anyway. You may as well spend a little extra money for a little more convenience, a smaller upfront cost (phone wise), and better overall data options.
I could never go prepaid, no matter how cheap it is. There is little value in it, in my opinion.
prjkthack, you are right for the US market, but for instance, here, in Belgium, you can have much data with a prepaid offer with Mobile Vikings (€15 per month, so around $20 per month, for 2GB of non-restricted data + 1H phone calls + 1000 SMS + 1H phone calls per day to other Mobile Vikings phone numbers).
And as far as I'm concerned, I cannot go for a contract as my company is paying for my contract, so if I want another phone, I can just buy a new one...
That being said, I think it really depends on each person, case and country .
michoob said:
prjkthack, you are right for the US market, but for instance, here, in Belgium, you can have much data with a prepaid offer with Mobile Vikings (€15 per month, so around $20 per month, for 2GB of non-restricted data + 1H phone calls + 1000 SMS + 1H phone calls per day to other Mobile Vikings phone numbers).
And as far as I'm concerned, I cannot go for a contract as my company is paying for my contract, so if I want another phone, I can just buy a new one...
That being said, I think it really depends on each person, case and country .
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Oh yeah, I'm totally speaking from the perspective of purchasing a phone/plan in the US. I know little about other areas of the world, except that its far more common to purchase phones for full price and without a contract than it is here in the US. I wish the US were that way as well, as it certainly has more benefits than downsides (I try to purchase un-subsidized whenever I can), but sadly the market here and the overall mentality of how to purchase phones has been muddled with contracts and subsidization.
prjkthack said:
With a data heavy device like a smartphone, it would be wiser (and cheaper) to go with contract. AT&T's prepaid options are rather expensive when it comes to using data on a smartphone. Windows Phone being such a connected device would not be very fun to use on a very limited data plan or on no data plan at all (or any phone really).
At the end of the day, you have to pay for service anyway. You may as well spend a little extra money for a little more convenience, a smaller upfront cost (phone wise), and better overall data options.
I could never go prepaid, no matter how cheap it is. There is little value in it, in my opinion.
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You need to do the math. Buying on contract is a HUGE waste of money.
AnyMal said:
You need to do the math. Buying on contract is a HUGE waste of money.
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I never said it wasn't a waste of money.
Its definitely more expensive, but there is a tradeoff between using a prepaid service versus a contract.
There is value in both, and I'm looking for the best phones with the best coverage, services, and convenience. Contract is the only option that gives that.
Prepaid gives you low prices (on certain things) and flexibility.
More expensive? Yes, but you get more for your money on contract, versus the bare minimum on prepaid. There is a reason why you pay less on prepaid, and its simply because you get less. You don't need math to know that. For some people, that's enough, but I don't want enough, I want my money's worth, and I'm willing to spend a little more to get all the extras. Prepaid data is also commonly more expensive on prepaid services, and with all the data these smartphones use, the cost of it can easily meet or exceed the cost of contract-based smartphone/data plans. Prepaid is totally the way to go if all you want is a basic phone, but for quality smartphone hardware and service, only contract can provide that (with few exceptions).
prjkthack said:
I never said it wasn't a waste of money.
Its definitely more expensive, but there is a tradeoff between using a prepaid service versus a contract.
There is value in both, and I'm looking for the best phones with the best coverage, services, and convenience. Contract is the only option that gives that.
Prepaid gives you low prices (on certain things) and flexibility.
More expensive? Yes, but you get more for your money on contract, versus the bare minimum on prepaid. There is a reason why you pay less on prepaid, and its simply because you get less. You don't need math to know that. For some people, that's enough, but I don't want enough, I want my money's worth, and I'm willing to spend a little more to get all the extras. Prepaid data is also commonly more expensive on prepaid services, and with all the data these smartphones use, the cost of it can easily meet or exceed the cost of contract-based smartphone/data plans. Prepaid is totally the way to go if all you want is a basic phone, but for quality smartphone hardware and service, only contract can provide that (with few exceptions).
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Huh? With Straight Talk I am getting exactly same service I was getting with AT&T, all for a measly $45 per month. What am I missing?
AnyMal said:
Huh? With Straight Talk I am getting exactly same service I was getting with AT&T, all for a measly $45 per month. What am I missing?
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StraightTalk (TracFone) is nice, and is probably one of the better prepaid services out there, but there are still some downsides:
4G LTE - Currently, no access to AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint's 4G LTE network.
Customer Service - there is none. robots upon robots on the phone, then if you can get to someone, they are foreign people who are difficult to understand, and who ultimately have a toolset that does not allow many changes or much flexibility for them unless they speak to someone higher up. If you don't want to deal with someone on the phone, then you can go to Walmart, where you can... oh wait, there's no customer service there either. -_-'
Coverage and roaming - Exactly the same as TracFone (since it is TracFone). Depending on your phone, you get AT&T and/or T-Mobile, or Verizon and/or Sprint. You don't get access to these carrier's extended roaming agreements, which means that roaming is limited to non-existent. Not to mention
Online support - Abysmal. Nowhere near the amount of tools and options for managing your account as any contract carrier can provide you.
Devices - StraightTalk's selection of phones is typical of a prepaid carrier. Poor choices for basic phones and older/slower hardware for whatever small amount of smartphones they offer. To get a real phone, you need to BYOD and that costs a pretty penny (that most people are unwilling to pay).
Additional features - StraightTalk is, like most other prepaid carriers, barebones. Individual line service (no family plans), less international/roaming options, less extra features (stuff like FamilyMap, roadside assitance, AT&T Navigator, A-List, Insurance, etc.), little to not infrastructure to sort out issues coverage wise or technical issues with your cellular service, advanced billing/tracking/history functionality, no official support for wireless hotspot/tethering, and a long list of common data activities that are not supported by StraightTalk (violation of the terms can lead to the end of your service with StraightTalk), etc.
And really this goes for all prepaid carriers. None of them offer the depth and comprehensiveness as a contract carrier can. There is a reason why the prepaid carriers piggyback off of the big carriers, they simply don't have the infrastructure or support (or money) to really provide you a fleshed out mobile service. MVNOs also come and go very frequently, so while you can be pretty sure that AT&T and Verizon (and maybe Sprint and T-Mobile) will be around for a while, you can't say the same for prepaid carriers. So many pop-up every year and die off shortly (RIP Helio). Its a tough business.
prjkthack said:
StraightTalk (TracFone) is nice, and is probably one of the better prepaid services out there, but there are still some downsides:
4G LTE - Currently, no access to AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint's 4G LTE network.
Customer Service - there is none. robots upon robots on the phone, then if you can get to someone, they are foreign people who are difficult to understand, and who ultimately have a toolset that does not allow many changes or much flexibility for them unless they speak to someone higher up. If you don't want to deal with someone on the phone, then you can go to Walmart, where you can... oh wait, there's no customer service there either. -_-'
Coverage and roaming - Exactly the same as TracFone (since it is TracFone). Depending on your phone, you get AT&T and/or T-Mobile, or Verizon and/or Sprint. You don't get access to these carrier's extended roaming agreements, which means that roaming is limited to non-existent. Not to mention
Online support - Abysmal. Nowhere near the amount of tools and options for managing your account as any contract carrier can provide you.
Devices - StraightTalk's selection of phones is typical of a prepaid carrier. Poor choices for basic phones and older/slower hardware for whatever small amount of smartphones they offer. To get a real phone, you need to BYOD and that costs a pretty penny (that most people are unwilling to pay).
Additional features - StraightTalk is, like most other prepaid carriers, barebones. Individual line service (no family plans), less international/roaming options, less extra features (stuff like FamilyMap, roadside assitance, AT&T Navigator, A-List, Insurance, etc.), little to not infrastructure to sort out issues coverage wise or technical issues with your cellular service, advanced billing/tracking/history functionality, no official support for wireless hotspot/tethering, and a long list of common data activities that are not supported by StraightTalk (violation of the terms can lead to the end of your service with StraightTalk), etc.
And really this goes for all prepaid carriers. None of them offer the depth and comprehensiveness as a contract carrier can. There is a reason why the prepaid carriers piggyback off of the big carriers, they simply don't have the infrastructure or support (or money) to really provide you a fleshed out mobile service. MVNOs also come and go very frequently, so while you can be pretty sure that AT&T and Verizon (and maybe Sprint and T-Mobile) will be around for a while, you can't say the same for prepaid carriers. So many pop-up every year and die off shortly (RIP Helio). Its a tough business.
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None of your points are compelling or even valid to begin with.
4G LTE - even for AT&T customers it's only available in handful of locations. Heck, even if it was widely available, HSPA is plenty fast for all data applications.
Customer service - only used once. Filled out an online form and was contacted back in few hours. I also hear that you can get a hold of them even quicker through Facebook.
Coverage and Roaming - not an issue. I am covered no matter where I am as long as I am on AT&T. I travel extensively and my service is identical to what it was when I was paying to AT&T, but at the fraction of the cost.
Online support - covered above.
Devices - not an issue. Tons of smartphones are available on the secondary market for any budget.
Additional Features - Two all-you-can-eat lines with ST cost me exactly the same as a single line with AT&T. Nobody in their right mind should pay AT&T (or any other carriers) for "ripsurance". It's a rip off, plain and simple. All other services you mention should not be obtained from AT&T either; they can be obtained for free or for a lot less elsewhere. I do not know what "data activities" you're referring to, but I stream audio and video all the time, and use the hotspot frequently, but I am yet to run into any issues. Sure, you can get throttled or even cut off if you abuse your data plan, but the same goes for AT&T as well.
Bottom line, OP asked about the most economical way, and there is absolutely no denying that PAYGo IS the way to go, even if you have to pay full price of the device up front. There is no way of fooling the simple math.
AnyMal said:
None of your points are compelling or even valid to begin with.
4G LTE - even for AT&T customers it's only available in handful of locations. Heck, even if it was widely available, HSPA is plenty fast for all data applications.
Customer service - only used once. Filled out an online form and was contacted back in few hours. I also hear that you can get a hold of them even quicker through Facebook.
Coverage and Roaming - not an issue. I am covered no matter where I am as long as I am on AT&T. I travel extensively and my service is identical to what it was when I was paying to AT&T, but at the fraction of the cost.
Online support - covered above.
Devices - not an issue. Tons of smartphones are available on the secondary market for any budget.
Additional Features - Two all-you-can-eat lines with ST cost me exactly the same as a single line with AT&T. Nobody in their right mind should pay AT&T (or any other carriers) for "ripsurance". It's a rip off, plain and simple. All other services you mention should not be obtained from AT&T either; they can be obtained for free or for a lot less elsewhere. I do not know what "data activities" you're referring to, but I stream audio and video all the time, and use the hotspot frequently, but I am yet to run into any issues. Sure, you can get throttled or even cut off if you abuse your data plan, but the same goes for AT&T as well.
Bottom line, OP asked about the most economical way, and there is absolutely no denying that PAYGo IS the way to go, even if you have to pay full price of the device up front. There is no way of fooling the simple math.
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Read your Terms of Service. StraightTalk specifically prohibits many common data activities. Have you even used LTE before? A world of a difference. I do agree that AT&T's HSPA+ network can't be beat, but dropping from LTE to HSPA (or even worse) is just not fun. And when it comes to devices, I'm not talking about the hundreds of below-average smartphones that you can of course get for bargain basement prices. These are computers after all, you don't want to be caught with a below-average device. I'm talking about getting the best of the best (such as the Lumia 920, which is what the OP is talking about). Speaking about the average consumer, dropping $700 to $900 for a top of the line device is just not an option. A contract gives you the option to get great service and awesome devices. So while dropping a wad of cash for a phone may not be an issue for you, it is for most of the country. Facebook does not equal online support. It compliments it, but does not replace it. You can get your issue resolved in a few hours, I can take care of it in a few minutes. Be glad that you only had to use customer service once, because when you have any real issues, it won't be fun. And insurance can be a rip-off for some, and a life-saver for others. Really all depends on what's going on.
Bottom line, OP didn't ask for a math lesson. OP wanted our opinions of postpaid vs prepaid, and while we can all agree to disagree, there is no doubt that both sides have their advantages and disadvantages regardless of whether you pay a little more or a little less. Value is subjective. Its up to the OP to decide what is more valuable to him/herself.
I am with Rogers Canada with 2 years left on my contract. I do not want to renew my contract for another 3 years yet so that I can get the 920 for the subsidized price.
Given that Rogers will offer the 920 off-contract for $600+ and having to wait for them to release the updates, it seems my best option will be to buy the 920 factory unlocked from eBay or so and use it on the Rogers network.
When it gets old or when I want to change phones, I can easily sell it. That is a much better option than locking yourself up with your provider for longer if you don't have a hardware upgrade to use.
Hi Bella welcome to the forums,
As for your question there are both pluses and minuses to contract/prepaid. Personally I find it better for me to go the prepaid route. I will be purchasing this phone internationally unlocked (screw you AT&T and your branding also hoping international phone is pentaband like fcc papers state) for about ~$600 USD +/-.
I really like T-Mobo's monthly 4G thingy they have (100 mins/ultd text/ultd data (throttled after 5GB) for only 30.00/month. Lucky me T-mobile has refarmed my area so I'll be getting 3G speeds instead of 2G speeds b/c of lack of AWS band on L920. I'll be saving a bunch compared to contract in the long haul but initially will cost quite the penny b/c of phone purchase (but hey that's why I've been saving :laugh
I'm really not a big fan of Carriers and their plans Hope you make the right choice for you and enjoy your upcoming Lumia 920
prjkthack said:
Read your Terms of Service. StraightTalk specifically prohibits many common data activities. Have you even used LTE before? A world of a difference. I do agree that AT&T's HSPA+ network can't be beat, but dropping from LTE to HSPA (or even worse) is just not fun. And when it comes to devices, I'm not talking about the hundreds of below-average smartphones that you can of course get for bargain basement prices. These are computers after all, you don't want to be caught with a below-average device. I'm talking about getting the best of the best (such as the Lumia 920, which is what the OP is talking about). Speaking about the average consumer, dropping $700 to $900 for a top of the line device is just not an option. A contract gives you the option to get great service and awesome devices. So while dropping a wad of cash for a phone may not be an issue for you, it is for most of the country. Facebook does not equal online support. It compliments it, but does not replace it. You can get your issue resolved in a few hours, I can take care of it in a few minutes. Be glad that you only had to use customer service once, because when you have any real issues, it won't be fun. And insurance can be a rip-off for some, and a life-saver for others. Really all depends on what's going on.
Bottom line, OP didn't ask for a math lesson. OP wanted our opinions of postpaid vs prepaid, and while we can all agree to disagree, there is no doubt that both sides have their advantages and disadvantages regardless of whether you pay a little more or a little less. Value is subjective. Its up to the OP to decide what is more valuable to him/herself.
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Just my two cents, I get 4g LTE on straight talk using an ATT device... I pay $45 a month and bought an HTC One X brand new for 300 online. Over the course of two years that's $1380 as opposed to $2355 through ATT. With taxes and other applicable fees that difference increases even moreso making prepaid a pretty obvious choice.
Poecifer said:
Just my two cents, I get 4g LTE on straight talk using an ATT device... I pay $45 a month and bought an HTC One X brand new for 300 online. Over the course of two years that's $1380 as opposed to $2355 through ATT. With taxes and other applicable fees that difference increases even moreso making prepaid a pretty obvious choice.
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How did you get LTE on your device? You need a special SIM in order to do that, and right now, per AT&T's company policy, only AT&T has those special LTE SIM cards. StraightTalk only officially distributes regular AT&T 3G SIM cards rebranded for StraightTalk. I imagine sometime in the future they'll allow MVNOs to use the LTE network, but right now, they are not.
Not that I don't believe you, but are you sure you are getting 4G LTE? The One X (and any 4G LTE device really) specifically has a 4G LTE icon in the top tray when you are on it (at least on an official ROM, if you are on a custom ROM, then who knows what you are really on, lol). An icon that says 4G is not the same as 4G LTE, just so you know.
If you are getting 4G LTE, I'm sure sharing how is good because a lot of people would love to know how, as that is one of the big downsides of any MVNO at the moment.
I'm currently on a Prepaid deal, whereby I get $1000 talk and text + 2gb (or so) data, for $60 per month with Telstra in Australia.
Compare that to the $60 plan, which currently, in nokia terms, gets you a Lumia 800 $0 upfront and $0 extra per month, with $600 worth of bonuses and 1.5gb of data. There isn't that much between them.
In the end, $60 per month is still $60 per month, and it'd be nice to get a phone out of it too.
Sent from my LT26i using xda app-developers app
Prepay is a better alternative.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium
Well, look at this from the overall standpoint. $60 contract is $1440 over 24 months, phone included. Spending $60 per month prepaid plus a, for argument's sake, $500 outright phone is $1940 per 24 months.
I barely touch the $1000 talk&text, as most of my expenditure is mobile data, and what's 500MB less a month anyway?
In short, for me, with my usage, the Contract probably wouldn't be such a bad move.
In full, that's just me. Your choice of carrier, phone, plan/prepaid, etc. needs to be decided based on HOW you will use your phone, not what people say in a forum.
Sent from my LT26i using xda app-developers app
prjkthack said:
How did you get LTE on your device? You need a special SIM in order to do that, and right now, per AT&T's company policy, only AT&T has those special LTE SIM cards. StraightTalk only officially distributes regular AT&T 3G SIM cards rebranded for StraightTalk. I imagine sometime in the future they'll allow MVNOs to use the LTE network, but right now, they are not.
Not that I don't believe you, but are you sure you are getting 4G LTE? The One X (and any 4G LTE device really) specifically has a 4G LTE icon in the top tray when you are on it (at least on an official ROM, if you are on a custom ROM, then who knows what you are really on, lol). An icon that says 4G is not the same as 4G LTE, just so you know.
If you are getting 4G LTE, I'm sure sharing how is good because a lot of people would love to know how, as that is one of the big downsides of any MVNO at the moment.
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Not sure really, I used a sim card provided by StraightTalk allocated for ATT's phones. I specifically ordered the micro rather than cutting it like myself as I've done in the past and now I get the 4g LTE symbol and I regularly get about 38-43 mbps download speeds. This is much better than 4-9 I was getting prior.
This sucks...cant understand how they can break contract with them getting a penalty.
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/1521967
skillzo1 said:
This sucks...cant understand how they can break contract with them getting a penalty.
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/1521967
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This article is a bit outdated; look at the date stamp below:
Posted: 05/16/2012 3:06 pm Updated: 05/16/2012 5:59 pm
skillzo1 said:
This sucks...cant understand how they can break contract with them getting a penalty.
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/1521967
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And many of us PURCHASED a phone outright in order to keep unlimited. I wonder how they will handle that one. Is VZW going to refund us the difference? I highly doubt it... Nevermind: just saw the above simul posting and just noticed the time/date stamp.
Oh ****...good eye. Friend sent me that in a link...just read it and didnt see the posting date.
You gave me a heart attack.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Yeah that, I'm pretty sure, was just before they announced that when you renew your contract you also have to update your data plan. Last summer is when, if I remember correct, they announced the whole "All contract LTE devices will have to update their data plan" thing.
I think we will be able to keep our unlimited data until Verizon rolls out VoLTE. When phones no longer need CDMA voice plans we will have to change our plans and get booted from unlimited data.
Personally, I'm convinced that VZW will be dropping unlimited data within the next year. My theory is that they had been waiting for most folks with unlimited data to complete their contracts (and at this point, it's pretty close). Anyone who paid full retail to keep unlimited data will be pissed, but Verizon won't owe them anything. The only folks Verizon would "owe" would be people still under contract, and really, all that VZW would have to do is allow them to leave without paying ETF.
Once most unlimited data customers are out of contract, VZW can drop it (or just stop grandfathering) without much penalty since if you're out of contract already, waving the ETF doesn't apply to you anyway (so it won't cost VZW anything but reputation). I believe we're approaching the point where the only folks that still have unlimited data and are on contract are just those who used the loophole of trading upgrades with a second line; I can't imagine that there's too many people like that. I'm sure someone at Verizon has done the calculation, and once the threshold is hit, they'll make the change.
sdnick484 said:
Once most unlimited data customers are out of contract, VZW can drop it (or just stop grandfathering) without much penalty since if you're out of contract already, waving the ETF doesn't apply to you anyway (so it won't cost VZW anything but reputation). I believe we're approaching the point where the only folks that still have unlimited data and are on contract are just those who used the loophole of trading upgrades with a second line; I can't imagine that there's too many people like that. I'm sure someone at Verizon has done the calculation, and once the threshold is hit, they'll make the change.
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Until the day comes where Verizon will shut off unlimited, I will continue to stream my Google Play Music at high quality with no caching and no wi-fi (so that I AM on the 4G network when I use my GBs a month, like a f---in' boss!)
When that day does come that unlimited is gone, I'll just go to either Sprint or T-Mobile, like a f'in boss! No reason for me to pay $30 for 2GB, 4GB, or even a whopping generous 6GB when I do 20GB-40GB a month like a (well....you get the point...lol.)
If verizon ever forces me to lose my unlimited data ....i am gone. Myself and im sure many others will leave verizon as the only thing holding on to us is the unlimited. They get new phones way too late. Some phones they dont even get. Att isnt much better on their rates but atleast they get every phone that comes out. There plans are pretty much comparable. Service wise...well for me verizon hasnt been its greatest lately ( might be the antenna is my last s3 and now this s4 [ samsung problem ])
They make far too much money off most unlimited data users. They would rather milk those customers until they attrit naturally.
Too much financial risk. Most people do not "abuse" unlimited plans, so Verizon has far more to lose than gain. Not to mention the families on plans would be lost as well, of which most are not unlimited.
Nobody with any common business sense would force people out unless absolutely abusing the system and the user profoundly compromises the profit margin for that account. I could see Verizon target people like that.
rushless said:
They make far too much money off most unlimited data users. They would rather milk those customers until they attrit naturally.
Too much financial risk. Most people do not "abuse" unlimited plans, so Verizon has far more to lose than gain. Not to mention the families on plans would be lost as well, of which most are not unlimited.
Nobody with any common business sense would force people out unless absolutely abusing the system and the user profoundly compromises the profit margin for that account. I could see Verizon target people like that.
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If they're not profitable, they'll get rid of them, and should.
How would they not be? Most do not abuse and the current rates are gouging level bad for caps. They would easily lose hundreds of millions if they cut unlimited, since most would leave. Human nature is very spiteful and very punitive to the perceived aggressor.
Counting family attached lines, home lines and entertainment packages they would hurt exponentially worse if not allowing natural attrition to reduce unlimited users.
rushless said:
How would they not be? Most do not abuse and the current rates are gouging level bad for caps. They would easily lose hundreds of millions if they cut unlimited, since most would leave. Human nature is very spiteful and very punitive to the perceived aggressor.
Counting family attached lines, home lines and entertainment packages they would hurt exponentially worse if not allowing natural attrition to reduce unlimited users.
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I think you are overestimating how many people are out there really have been clinging to unlimited data. Its a big echo chamber here and in other android discussions.
I doubt Verizon will forcefully get rid of unlimited unless they have to. It's not really a problem for them, so why upset a small subset of users for any reason? Especially when the costs of these unlimited users are being recouped by the unused device subsidies?
Unfortunately I believe that "have to" moment will come with VoLTE.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4
I miss my unlimited data I lost it when we switched to a share everything plan. Currently have 6gb of shared with I used most of it. But 6gb is just enough sometimes I need to watch my self at the end of the mouth.
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I'm gone if they ever forcibly take my unlimited. Not that they'd care...
sent from my Verizon Galaxy sIV
Metallice said:
I think you are overestimating how many people are out there really have been clinging to unlimited data. Its a big echo chamber here and in other android discussions.
I doubt Verizon will forcefully get rid of unlimited unless they have to. It's not really a problem for them, so why upset a small subset of users for any reason? Especially when the costs of these unlimited users are being recouped by the unused device subsidies?
Unfortunately I believe that "have to" moment will come with VoLTE.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4
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I work in the mobile department at Best Buy, and you'd be surprised at how many customers I get looking to upgrade, or find a solution to keeping their unlimited plan. Its at least 1 out of 10 customers (or at least it feels like that to me). Now granted most of those people are using megabytes instead of gigabytes on their "unlimited" plan, however it does seem like people are still trying to hold onto it. I know my plan would go up by $70/month. I certainly will be switching plans when i need my next phone, but thankfully I'm on the S4.
Metallice said:
I think you are overestimating how many people are out there really have been clinging to unlimited data. Its a big echo chamber here and in other android discussions.
I doubt Verizon will forcefully get rid of unlimited unless they have to. It's not really a problem for them, so why upset a small subset of users for any reason? Especially when the costs of these unlimited users are being recouped by the unused device subsidies?
Unfortunately I believe that "have to" moment will come with VoLTE.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4
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Click to collapse
There are millions still (local rep estimate). A key reason for all the newer plans and financing for full price phones that VZW does now. They were feeling pressure by the install base. Unlike At&t that screwed up with theirs.
Even though the article is outdated, they are still trying to get rid of the unlimited customers.
This applies to AT&T as well.
I really can't fathom the reasoning behind this, as the majority of unlimited customers never even come close to using the equivalent cost amount (based on regular plan pricing for 2 or 4 GB).
They also pick on those who "abuse" it by telling them they are within the top 5% or other things they use to threaten the customer and give "due cause" for removing the plan.
One has to wonder the legality of this, but does anyone actually know an attorney who not only has time to read the entire TOS/AUP, but also cares enough to review someone's individual contract?
I would say the best way to prevent them from the inevitable is just to leave when they do.
The problem with that method is that not only will it still happen, but I believe the user base may be too large for this to make a significant impact.
I also don't think Verizon cares that much about getting rid of us unlimited users.
Many of us pay full price for our phones. This will offset the small amount of extra data we use.
Also I read a ling time ago that 4g LTE data is cheaper for Verizon to provide than 3g.
Also when I went in and paid full retail for two S4's the salesgirl told us that not many do this. She tried to sell me a tiered plan but realized it would cost me $70 more per month for only the 2 gig shared plan. Obviously not a good deal. I have 5 lines and pay $10 per line for unlimited because of a $20 per line discount.
But if they ever did take it away from us I would go to a prepaid plan elsewhere. Unlimited and the good network are the only things keeping me with Verizon. I like to root and rom and Verizon is the most restrictive.
Someday I will have more fun elsewhere.