Comparing the cost of prepaid and post-paid iPhone plans

#1 Macworld

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Posted 08 June 2012 - 08:16 AM

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#2 the_guy

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Posted 08 June 2012 - 09:08 AM

Will Virgin Mobile unlock the GSM SIM slot, though? They haven't been big on unlocking SIM slots on their other branded phones. We already know that if you buy a branded CDMA iPhone (Verizon, Sprint) it cannot be used on any other CDMA vendor's network.
It might be a deal if you intend to stick with Virgin for the lifetime of the phone and don't need access to the SIM slot for other GSM providers (domestic or international), but this is an important consideration.

#3 n4hhe

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Posted 08 June 2012 - 09:58 AM

Does AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint discount the 25th+ month? If you keep the phone 3 years then buying it up front is even better of a deal.

#4 Hawaiian717

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Posted 08 June 2012 - 10:12 AM

the_guy, on 08 June 2012 - 09:08 AM, said:

I've wondered about that too. My first question is does Virgin Mobile offer any other phones that are dual CDMA/GSM? On the two VM Android smartphones I've used (Samsung Intercept and LG Optimus V), there is no GSM SIM slot to unlock. From what I recall hearing, Verizon and Sprint are fairly willing to unlock the GSM SIM slot on their phones to allow foreign SIM cards since the only thing they really lose out on is their excessive foreign roaming charges -- you're still a Verizon/Sprint customer domestically. Virgin Mobile doesn't offer international roaming at all, so they have nothing to lose by shipping the iPhone with an unlocked GSM SIM slot. Unlike Cricket, they don't appear to be subsidizing the cost of the phone at all.

#5 Gary

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Posted 08 June 2012 - 10:24 AM

One also has to consider if you can get a plan discount through an employer group or other entity/affinity group with ATT, Verizon, or Sprint.

#6 MacTechAspen

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Posted 08 June 2012 - 10:54 AM

the_guy, on 08 June 2012 - 09:08 AM, said:

Or similarly, can you buy the card from Virgin and put it in an unlocked phone you get directly from Apple, especially given the phones cost the same.

Life, like wine, is all about balance.

#7 chrishutcheson

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Posted 08 June 2012 - 11:14 AM

Why not just phone Virgin and ask?

#8 Hawaiian717

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Posted 08 June 2012 - 11:29 AM

MacTechAspen, on 08 June 2012 - 10:54 AM, said:

Or similarly, can you buy the card from Virgin and put it in an unlocked phone you get directly from Apple, especially given the phones cost the same.

No SIM card to buy. Sprint owns Virgin Mobile USA, thus VM uses Sprint's CDMA network.

#9 flowney

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Posted 08 June 2012 - 11:35 AM

What we really need is competition among carriers. The only way that's going to happen is that:
1) Apple adopts the "software SIM" allowing customers to switch carriers at will.
2) Apple offers a true "world phone" that isn't limited (one radio to rule them all)
3) Consumers insist on PAYG instead of contracts.
4) Apple offers an attractive finance plan where customers make monthly payments on an unlocked device.

Dr. Frank Lowney Georgia College & State University
Senior Director for External Projects
and Assistant to the Director, Digital Innovation Group @ Georgia College

#10 MacTechAspen

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Posted 08 June 2012 - 11:45 AM

chrishutcheson, on 08 June 2012 - 11:14 AM, said:

Why not just phone Virgin and ask?

I myself am currently living in Argentina, so It is idle speculation on my part. For the others I hope someone follows your sage advice and reports back to us.

Life, like wine, is all about balance.

#11 CharlesCates

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Posted 08 June 2012 - 04:18 PM

From the Virgin Mobile site:
iPhone?

"http://virginmobile.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/155/~/unlocking-your-apple-iphone
We are only able to unlock an Apple iPhone purchased through Virgin Mobile.
You can continue to use your Virgin Mobile SIM in an unlocked iPhone."

I sent them an email (I've got a Blackberry Curve with them) but haven't heard back yet.

#12 CharlesCates

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Posted 08 June 2012 - 04:25 PM

GRRR! I just noticed that was the AUSTRALIAN Virgin Mobile site. My bad!

CharlesCates, on 08 June 2012 - 04:18 PM, said:

#13 JayScottyJacksonJr

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Posted 08 June 2012 - 11:26 PM

The reporting isn't realistic. I haven't checked the other carriers but comparing the AT&T plan with Virgin isn't telling the entire truth. He quoted the Senior plan at $60 a month, well most will be getting at least the $70 plan because that is what is required. So add another $240 to the AT&T side. Virgin has unlimited texting and AT&T doesn't so you need to add another $20 on the AT&T side, which you need to add another $580. Over it brings the AT&T bill to $2459. On Virgin you saved $1090. The better deal is Virgin.

#14 DuaneLyke1

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Posted 09 June 2012 - 04:52 AM

How is it that AT&T is still an expensive company to get an Iphone and plans. Is Sprint still offering an unlimited plan on everything? Also will there be a big promotion for Cricket and Virgin mobile at the end of the month?