Help
Post your comments for T-Mobile to carry iPhone, but without subsidies here
T-Mobile to carry iPhone, but without subsidies
#2
wardoggie 
- Veteran
-
- Group: Macworld Insiders
- Posts: 1,659
- Joined: 02-September 04
Posted 09 January 2013 - 10:45 AM
Quote
Another difference-maker for T-Mobile: It offers unlimited data plans—an option that, among its iPhone-carrying rivals, only Sprint has.
I wonder how long I will get to keep my grandfathered-in unlimited data plan with AT&T? One reason I haven't upgraded to an iPhone 5 is that I want to keep "flying under their radar." But if they yank that perk, which IMO, is a reward for being a loyal customer all of these years, I will definitely explore the unlimited data plan options from T-Mobile and Sprint. It's really nice to not have to worry about going over some cap.
#3
SockRolid
- Member
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 63
- Joined: 03-January 13
Posted 09 January 2013 - 02:44 PM
Re: "I wonder how long I will get to keep my grandfathered-in unlimited data plan with AT&T? One reason I haven't upgraded to an iPhone 5 is that I want to keep "flying under their radar."
You will stay "grandfathered" even with a new iPhone 5. Go get one.
You will stay "grandfathered" even with a new iPhone 5. Go get one.
#4
Diesel50
- Member
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 119
- Joined: 17-December 10
Posted 09 January 2013 - 05:51 PM
Just bought two iphone 5's as upgrades with grandfathered plans and you get to keep them grandfathered. The have stayed that way from the original 3g version I had till now. ATT cant changed that because it is in the original contract that as long as you stay with ATT you can keep unlimited. Believe me if they could force you to drop it they would.
#6
wardoggie
- Veteran
-
- Group: Macworld Insiders
- Posts: 1,659
- Joined: 02-September 04
Posted 09 January 2013 - 06:29 PM
SockRolid, on 09 January 2013 - 02:44 PM, said:
Re: "I wonder how long I will get to keep my grandfathered-in unlimited data plan with AT&T? One reason I haven't upgraded to an iPhone 5 is that I want to keep "flying under their radar."
You will stay "grandfathered" even with a new iPhone 5. Go get one.
You will stay "grandfathered" even with a new iPhone 5. Go get one.
It's only one reason
I'm also still quite happy with my iPhone 4 and would have to upgrade my car stereo integration system and some other accessories due to the Lightning connector.
#8
michaelant
- Member
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 278
- Joined: 08-January 05
Posted 09 January 2013 - 07:48 PM
I've paid for the *full* cost of the iPhone up front, yet T-Mobile still requires a contract, huh. Great deal.
#9
wesley96
- Member
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 141
- Joined: 18-August 05
Posted 09 January 2013 - 08:04 PM
Quote
I've paid for the full cost of the iPhone up front, yet T-Mobile still requires a contract, huh. Great deal.
The cost of the phone isn't hidden inside the price of the monthly bill.
As I see it, other carriers charge you the inflated monthly bill that includes the subsidized cost of a device even if you use a separately-bought, unlocked phone. T-Mobile is doing away with that, so the monthly bill itself would be lean.
The contract, then, can give you a discount compared to prepaid based simply on your commitment to staying with the carrier for the contract period.
At least, that's how a postpaid is supposedly cheaper than prepaid if you can fulfill the contract. You guarantee the company a stable revenue stream, and in return the company charges you slightly less. ETF is about the breach of contract, and the company hedging the loss.
If you don't like the contract, go prepaid. Nothing's changed there.
#10
CaptainJapan
- Member
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 37
- Joined: 15-December 06
Posted 10 January 2013 - 02:41 AM
Read the fine print. The unlimited plan is not truly unlimited. There is a 5GB cap in the fine print.
#11
redgeminipa
- Member
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 973
- Joined: 01-December 09
Posted 10 January 2013 - 07:54 AM
Considering I live in the largest city between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, and T-Mobile STILL doesn't offer even 3G here, let alone iPhone-compatible coverage, they're simply not an option. Looks like I'll be sticking with Straight Talk.
#12
michaelant
- Member
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 278
- Joined: 08-January 05
Posted 10 January 2013 - 09:10 PM
Quote
I've paid for the full cost of the iPhone up front, yet T-Mobile still requires a contract, huh. Great deal.
The contract, then, can give you a discount compared to prepaid based simply on your commitment to staying with the carrier for the contract period.
The contract, then, can give you a discount compared to prepaid based simply on your commitment to staying with the carrier for the contract period.
Those are good points. I'd be curious to know if T-Mobile actually *will* be less expensive than prepaid options, because you are giving them the stability of the contract. The *Holy Grail* for me would be for a carrier to let me bring my own iPhone, offer unlimited data, and let me pay by the minute for the voice minutes I never use - i.e. no voice plan.
#14
johnsfreitag
- Newbie
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 28-May 09
Posted 07 February 2013 - 07:22 PM
What will the situation be with the Hot Spot tethering situation? Tethering requires only a special App (it originally made an appearance early on before the carriers got the idea of charging an extra $20/Mo for it and Apple yanked it.) Hopefully T-Mobile will simply offer the App without an monthly charge.
