Buy iphone 3g, cancel, and don't give phone back to at&T?

[pufftissue]

Hi,

I bought an iphone 3g 16 gb black from AT&T with the intention of giving it as a gift overseas when I go back.

I have every intention of canceling the plan and keeping the phone.

Can you tell me if they will make me physically give the phone back? If I don't, what's the final price that I'm looking at?

Has anyone actually done this as opposed to speculating?

My calculations: $300 + $35 (activation) + $70 (one month plan) + $175 (early termination fee)...that's about $575, which is what I'd pay on ebay anyway.

Do I need to wait 30 days before canceling the phone line or can I just be honest with them?

[DEAN616]

you prolly about right. you dont have to give it back. you paid for it. the penalty is the early cancellation fee. thats it. cheaper than paying for it outright.

[eplchamps0304]

Hi,

I bought an iphone 3g 16 gb black from AT&T with the intention of giving it as a gift overseas when I go back.

I have every intention of canceling the plan and keeping the phone.

Can you tell me if they will make me physically give the phone back? If I don't, what's the final price that I'm looking at?

Has anyone actually done this as opposed to speculating?

My calculations: $300 + $35 (activation) + $70 (one month plan) + $175 (early termination fee)...that's about $575, which is what I'd pay on ebay anyway.

Do I need to wait 30 days before canceling the phone line or can I just be honest with them?

Yes you have t wait 30 days, or you will have to return it. Plus you will pay one month + partial month, so you ar looking at a $120+ first bill.

[GetAudiHere]

^^^ yes he is correct. You have to keep the phone for 30 days or else you have to give it back, but hey its cheaper than buying a non-contract phone which is $700 for the 16g.

[Tallest Skil]

you prolly about right. you dont have to give it back. you paid for it.

Meaningless. You DO have to give it back if you cancel within 30 days.

[dukebound85]

you prolly about right. you dont have to give it back. you paid for it. the penalty is the early cancellation fee. thats it. cheaper than paying for it outright.

paid for it partially. theres a reason why the phone was cheap up front...it was subsidized by the plan they expected you to follow through on.

with that said, you keep the phone if you cancel after 30 days and pay the etf

[Theaser]

Here's a more easy answer, go to a 3rd party cell phone retailer which sells unlock phones, buy the 16 gb iPhone unlocked for approx. 500-600 bucks. You're done!

[CocoaPuffs]

Here's a more easy answer, go to a 3rd party cell phone retailer which sells unlock phones, buy the 16 gb iPhone unlocked for approx. 500-600 bucks. You're done!

Obviously you're not from US.

[acfusion29]

Can't you cancel on the 31st day and then just pay the cancellation fee of $175.00 + first bill?

[mkrishnan]

So I've read a number of these threads, and I still don't completely understand... how exactly do they make you give it back? Do they just refuse to stop charging you until they have the phone back, or....

[Theaser]

Obviously you're not from US.

Canadian. Thank God we aren't slaves to phone carriers like you guys are ;).

[Tallest Skil]

Canadian.

Cool. Anyway, there just aren't shops that do that down here.

[CocoaPuffs]

So I've read a number of these threads, and I still don't completely understand... how exactly do they make you give it back? Do they just refuse to stop charging you until they have the phone back, or....
Invoice you for the $599 or $699 amount. If you don't pay, say hello to collection then ruined credit.

[bruinsrme]

Invoice you for the $599 or $699 amount. If you don't pay, say hello to collection then ruined credit.

That is what the ATT rep said when I was in the store.
Didn't think that was true tho

[CocoaPuffs]

That is what the ATT rep said when I was in the store.
Didn't think that was true tho

Why not? If they want to enforce it, that's how they would do it. Don't sign the contract if you don't want to pay the bill.

[acfusion29]

Canadian. Thank God we aren't slaves to phone carriers like you guys are ;).

What????????

I'm from Canada okay and the US has it better off than us.

Better plans, cheaper cancellation fee, NO SAF, 2 year contracts (as opposed to 3 here) etc...

$400 to cancel here in Canada..

change your mind?

[daflake]

The grass is always greener... ;)

[pufftissue]

Well, I'm going to keep it for 31 days and then cancel.
I will let you know the total cost, from someone who is doing it for real.

Phone arrives tomorrow and I'll unlock it then.

Paying the ETF is not going to ruin your credit. Because it's a deal that you can get out of your contract if you pay $175. It won't ruin credit b/c you didn't break any deal. The deal is either/or. Either pay $70 a month OR at anytime, pay $175 to be released from your contract.

[daflake]

Well, I'm going to keep it for 31 days and then cancel.
I will let you know the total cost, from someone who is doing it for real.

Phone arrives tomorrow and I'll unlock it then.

Paying the ETF is not going to ruin your credit. Because it's a deal that you can get out of your contract if you pay $175. It won't ruin credit b/c you didn't break any deal. The deal is either/or. Either pay $70 a month OR at anytime, pay $175 to be released from your contract.

I would imagine that they will want the ETF for the contract and then the full cost of the phone since it is subsidized. Either way I don't think that it will be cheap. On the credit front, no, it will not hurt your credit unless you don't pay the bill. ;)

[Bambeezer]

Does ATT refund the unused service costs on the first bill if you cancel after 30 days?

[Rayfire]

Does ATT refund the unused service costs on the first bill if you cancel after 30 days?

That never happened to my friend.

[RexTraverse]

Well, I'm going to keep it for 31 days and then cancel.
I will let you know the total cost, from someone who is doing it for real.

I did this exact thing at launch, and it's exactly as you said in your first post with one caveat. The ETF is $170. They pro-rate it by $5 for every month you're with AT&T up to 18 months, so even though you can't cancel it in the first month, they do count that first month towards the ETF.

Also, don't forget to add in all the taxes.

[GetAudiHere]

I was going to do this but seems kinda messy. How does your phone number work? Is your phone # just attached to your sim card or how would that work if I wanted to use it on tmobile after the 30 days and unlock it?

[ajnicho]

Would it not be better to keep the contract going to use the free minutes/texts?

[dave006]

Invoice you for the $599 or $699 amount. If you don't pay, say hello to collection then ruined credit.You will not receive an invoice for the "Retail" price of the phone from AT&T. This is just another internet rumor.

From AT&T:

Terms Applicable to iPhone Customers on AT&T Nation/FamilyTalk® GSM Plans: Credit approval required. Subscriber must live and have a mailing address within AT&T's owned network coverage area. An early termination fee of $175 applies if service is terminated before the end of the contract term. For service activated on or after May 25, 2008 the Early Termination Fee will be reduced by $5.00 for each full month toward your minimum term that you complete. If phone is returned within 3 days, activation fee will be refunded. If phone is returned within 30 days in like-new condition with all components, early termination fee will be waived. All other charges apply. Some dealers impose additional fees.

Some individuals have been able to cancel before day 31 while others have had to wait, your individual experience may vary depending on how firm you are and the rep you are dealing with on the contract cancellation.

Dave.

[CocoaPuffs]

You will not receive an invoice for the "Retail" price of the phone from AT&T. This is just another internet rumor.

I am stating an obvious and logical course of action that AT&T would use to pursuit someone to return the phone.

Whether or not they will actually invoice you for the cost of the phone in accordance to the contract, is up to AT&T.

Your comment is indeed a "rumor".

[mkrishnan]

Your comment is indeed a "rumor".

In other words, to my question, no one really knows how they "force" you to return your phone, correct? As, from dave006's version, nothing special happens -- if you terminate before the end of the first month, you just get the ETF, you lose your initial payment and your activation fee, and you keep the phone. Your theory that they invoice you for the $599-699 is interesting, but no one seems to have any evidence of it actually having happened. It also sounds somewhat suspect, considering that you would be charged significantly more than if you had kept the contract active for a month, without being provided any additional services, although perhaps they can get away with it if that's what the contract stipulates.

So has anyone actually gone through this process (trying to terminate before the conclusion of the first month and refusing to return the phone), and if so, what actually happened?

[CocoaPuffs]

In other words, to my question, no one really knows how they "force" you to return your phone, correct? As, from dave006's version, nothing special happens -- if you terminate before the end of the first month, you just get the ETF, you lose your initial payment and your activation fee, and you keep the phone. Your theory that they invoice you for the $599-699 is interesting, but no one seems to have any evidence of it actually having happened. It also sounds somewhat suspect, considering that you would be charged significantly more than if you had kept the contract active for a month, without being provided any additional services, although perhaps they can get away with it if that's what the contract stipulates.

So has anyone actually gone through this process (trying to terminate before the conclusion of the first month and refusing to return the phone), and if so, what actually happened?
It's not a theory when it falls in line with standard business practice to enforce the term of the contract...

What are we talking about anyway?

[dave006]

I am stating an obvious and logical course of action that AT&T would use to pursuit someone to return the phone.

Whether or not they will actually invoice you for the cost of the phone in accordance to the contract, is up to AT&T.

Your comment is indeed a "rumor".No, my comments are factual and based on 3 specific iPhone 3G transactions. AT&T does not really want the phone back, they just want for you to pay what you argreed to in your contract. There is no hidden fee or fees. The only variable is the service fees for voice and data services: One month or two depending on when you cancel your contract before or after day 30. If you can post a specific link to AT&T Policy that provides a different answer, please post.

There is nothing in the AT&T contract concerning "invoicing you" the "cost of the phone". AT&T treats all handsets the same from a contract termination prospective, all have the same consistent ETF terms and conditions.

AT&T can't charge you the difference between the subsidized price and the "retail" price since they will not allow you to purchase the iPhone 3G at retail. Here is a link with the standard AT&T Plan Terms including the iPhone 3G.

http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/legal/plan-terms.jsp

Dave

[CocoaPuffs]

AT&T can't charge you the difference between the subsidized price and the "retail" price since they will not allow you to purchase the iPhone 3G at retail. Here is a link with the standard AT&T Plan Terms including the iPhone 3G.

http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/legal/plan-terms.jsp

Dave
So which law school did you go to? There's no point arguing. The consensus is that you are required to wait 30 days or pay retail for the phone. Of course just like everything else in life, there are always exceptions to anything.

[GetAudiHere]

how would this work if you have no credit or put a restriction on them looking at your credit and got the pre-paid for the iphone? also could someone answer my phone # question on the first page? Sorry dont mean to thread jack.

[revildab]

Obviously you're not from US.
I bought a new 16gb iphone 3g from a family owned cell phone retail store in San Diego for $510 (haggled a bit) right before yellowsn0w was released.

What was your point again?

[Rayfire]

I bought a new 16gb iphone 3g from a family owned cell phone retail store in San Diego for $510 (haggled a bit) right before yellowsn0w was released.

What was your point again?

His point was there are no legit unlocked iPhone 3Gs being sold here in the US unlike in Canada, that's why he quoted Theaser's post.

[revildab]

If OP is going overseas anyways, why doesn't he just wait til he gets there and buy a phone then? It'd make more sense than having the hassle of dealing with AT&T in the interim.

[aristobrat]

AT&T can't charge you the difference between the subsidized price and the "retail" price since they will not allow you to purchase the iPhone 3G at retail.
I agree about them not being able to charge you the difference.

I did find this snipet over at the Boy Genius site. If true, then they simply won't let you cancel your account before 30 days unless you also return the phone.

New Activation Process and BRE:

The iPhone 3G will be activated at point of sale when the device is purchased, in store. The BRE period will change from 14 days to 30 days and will require the device to be returned to place of purchase before service is canceled.
http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2008/06/09/iphone-3g-the-details-you-never-wanted-to-know/

[mkrishnan]

It's all relevant to the OP because it goes into figuring out what an accurate estimate of the cost is for buying an iPhone, canceling it, and keeping it without the AT&T contract....

[bryanc28]

Hi,

I bought an iphone 3g 16 gb black from AT&T with the intention of giving it as a gift overseas when I go back.

I have every intention of canceling the plan and keeping the phone.

Can you tell me if they will make me physically give the phone back? If I don't, what's the final price that I'm looking at?

Has anyone actually done this as opposed to speculating?

My calculations: $300 + $35 (activation) + $70 (one month plan) + $175 (early termination fee)...that's about $575, which is what I'd pay on ebay anyway.

Do I need to wait 30 days before canceling the phone line or can I just be honest with them?

Why don't you just call AT&T and tell them your phone was stolen.

[Tallest Skil]

Why don't you just call AT&T and tell them your phone was stolen.

Because that's lying and they'll catch him and put the data plan back on? Or they'll just make him pay the unsubsidized price.

[daflake]

Because that's lying and they'll catch him and put the data plan back on? Or they'll just make him pay the unsubsidized price.

and to reiterate...

It is lying and unethical. :rolleyes: ;)

[dave006]

I was going to do this but seems kinda messy. How does your phone number work? Is your phone # just attached to your sim card or how would that work if I wanted to use it on tmobile after the 30 days and unlock it?You have a couple of options concerning the phone number with a new iPhone 3G activation.

1. Port in an existing number from another carrier
2. Migrate an existing AT&T number (some restrictions apply)
3. Get a new AT&T number and you have 30 days to complete the port. This allows you to test the AT&T service and determine if you want to port your number in from another carrirer.

BTW, your phone number is associated with your SIM Card and not the physical phone.

Dave

[bryanc28]

and to reiterate...

It is lying and unethical. :rolleyes: ;)

....and from of the things I've read lately AT&T practices the utmost of ethics!!


AT&T Slapped With $2 Million Lawsuit.. do a google search on the Dobson Debacle. AT&T lies and cheats, why can't we?

[dave006]

how would this work if you have no credit or put a restriction on them looking at your credit and got the pre-paid for the iphone? also could someone answer my phone # question on the first page? Sorry dont mean to thread jack.

In AT&T terms "no credit" = "deposit" required and the deposit is in usually in the range of $150-$750. AT&T does not offer the iPhone 3G as a pre-paid. That was an option on the original iPhone if you did not pass the credit check via iTunes.

Dave

[CocoaPuffs]

People like to post these "exceptions" or special circumstances on forums to contradict everything and anything.

Fact is, cancelling the plan after 30 days will essentially be the same cost as cancelling prior to 30 days. Whether or not the AT&T will go after you for the phone in the form of invoice or simply just ignore it, is up to AT&T on case by case (as it appears to be).

You can't buy phone "legitimately" from a non-Apple, AT&T, Best Buy or Walmart. But once again, someone posted an exception, which I guess means you can.

[Rayfire]

AT&T Slapped With $2 Million Lawsuit.. do a google search on the Dobson Debacle. AT&T lies and cheats, why can't we?

Everyone lies, heck I never knew anyone who hasn't lied their own life. (ie white lies)

But I don't see the logic of having to lie to entity A just because entity A lies to you. Shouldn't that be you doing corrective actions to entity A because they lied to you?

[bryanc28]

Everyone lies, heck I never knew anyone who hasn't lied their own life. (ie white lies)

But I don't see the logic of having to lie to entity A just because entity A lies to you. Shouldn't that be you doing corrective actions to entity A because they lied to you?

AT&T could give a rats a** about the individual consumer. They are out for the $$$. Now that I know they are an unethical company all cards are off the table!

[Rayfire]

AT&T could give a rats a** about the individual consumer. They are out for the $$$. Now that I know they are an unethical company all cards are off the table!

Well, I'm sorry that you had a bad experience with them.

[aaquib]

AT&T could give a rats a** about the individual consumer. They are out for the $$$. Now that I know they are an unethical company all cards are off the table!

Well they are a business...

[daflake]

....and from of the things I've read lately AT&T practices the utmost of ethics!!


AT&T Slapped With $2 Million Lawsuit.. do a google search on the Dobson Debacle. AT&T lies and cheats, why can't we?

Oh, so that justifies it for you eh? I pity you for thinking that way.....:rolleyes:

[SanRico]

Wow, I just read through this entire thread and the original question wasn't really answered. He asked "has anyone actually done this as opposed to speculating?"

I guess it will just take a call to AT&T to find out? (I hope)

I have an 8gb iPhone and hate AT&T's service so much, I would just like to pay the early termination fee, sell the phone to recup my costs ($175 EFT + original $199 I paid for the phone), and fire up my old phone on Verizon and wash my hands of the whole matter.

[haddman]

Well, I'm going to keep it for 31 days and then cancel.
I will let you know the total cost, from someone who is doing it for real.

Phone arrives tomorrow and I'll unlock it then.

Paying the ETF is not going to ruin your credit. Because it's a deal that you can get out of your contract if you pay $175. It won't ruin credit b/c you didn't break any deal. The deal is either/or. Either pay $70 a month OR at anytime, pay $175 to be released from your contract.

Tell them your job is moving you overseas and they should let you break the contract, and may even unlock the phone for you. It's worth a shot. I know people in the military who have done it.

[mkrishnan]

Wow, I just read through this entire thread and the original question wasn't really answered. He asked "has anyone actually done this as opposed to speculating?"

Yes, as you see, I re-asked it several times and I just don't think anyone really pushed it far enough to know.

[CocoaPuffs]

Yes, as you see, I re-asked it several times and I just don't think anyone really pushed it far enough to know.

I don't understand the question. I have done the opening of account and terminating after first 30 days and pay the ETF. But I don't understand the logic of terminating prior to 30 days when you are responsbile for paying the 1st month service and ETF on 2nd day or the 31st day.

So why won't you keep and use the service you have already paid for? Plus to terminate on the 31st day, you just have to call in customer service and ask them to cancel. Even if it is an international long distance call, it isn't more than few dollars and few minutes out of the way. So I don't understand the premise of this question, other than to avoid little inconvinience.

[daflake]

Tell them your job is moving you overseas and they should let you break the contract, and may even unlock the phone for you. It's worth a shot. I know people in the military who have done it.

Being that I was in and now work for the military, I can tell you that most of them require official orders to do this, and .... It is still lying. :rolleyes:

[juanster]

Canadian. Thank God we aren't slaves to phone carriers like you guys are ;).

ahha dude what are you talking about? we are slaves to rogers if you want an iPhone, for teh same service you pay a lot less in the states...

[mkrishnan]

I don't understand the question.

That's a fair point... (and FWIW it occurred to me also). The only thing I can think of is if there might be any kind of hassle with immediately re-selling it for someone else to use during the first month, while it would still technically be active on the original buyer's account (or worse, I guess, if AT&T were to blacklist the IMEI, but that seems unlikely). But since IMEIs aren't generally tracked and don't need to be provisioned, unlike for CDMA phones, I don't see exactly what harm waiting a month would do either.

I'm still curious. :o It's fairly well established Apple geek dogma that AT&T will "make you return it" if you cancel too quickly, but I was always curious what exactly that meant.... :)

[CocoaPuffs]

I'm still curious. :o It's fairly well established Apple geek dogma that AT&T will "make you return it" if you cancel too quickly, but I was always curious what exactly that meant.... :)
Perhaps it's a business tactic targeting the psych of most consumers, making it a hassle to cancel when the customer's intent is clearly to cancel. Similar to rebates, and those auto-renewal if you sign up with credit card as oppose to paying cash.

Most people wouldn't mark their calendar to close the account on the exact day past the initial 30 days, hence each additional day the person is on the account, they make more money.

[ex8886]

Since nobody actually answered the question the OP asked (at least nobody that's done it), then I'll do! I got my 16gb iPhone doing just that. I went to the Apple store, signed up for the iPhone for $299 up front. After a month or so of service I called in and just told the rep that I wanted to cancel the contract. The only question he asked was if I knew someone who would be willing to take the phone (and contract) so I don't get get charged the ETF. I even misplaced the ETF bill and paid it a month late (you can't pay it online) and wasn't even charged a late fee. So it's actually far more simple than people are making it out to be. The total was $299 + $125 (first month + activation + taxes) + $170 (ETF) = $594 total.

[dontwalkhand]

Obviously you're not from US.

I am, Mom & Pop shops that sells cell phones do this for a living. Plenty of first generation iPhones last I checked, but only a few 3Gs.

[CocoaPuffs]

Since nobody actually answered the question the OP asked (at least nobody that's done it), then I'll do!
Try reading harder.


I am, Mom & Pop shops that sells cell phones do this for a living. Plenty of first generation iPhones last I checked, but only a few 3Gs.
Again, scroll up to where I mentioned that these "exceptions" are not the norm.

[ex8886]

Try reading harder.

My bad if I missed it. Doesn't seem like anybody who actually did it wrote on here. It's been about 2 months since I canceled my contract and just wanted to let the OP know.

[bryanc28]

Since nobody actually answered the question the OP asked (at least nobody that's done it), then I'll do! I got my 16gb iPhone doing just that. I went to the Apple store, signed up for the iPhone for $299 up front. After a month or so of service I called in and just told the rep that I wanted to cancel the contract. The only question he asked was if I knew someone who would be willing to take the phone (and contract) so I don't get get charged the ETF. I even misplaced the ETF bill and paid it a month late (you can't pay it online) and wasn't even charged a late fee. So it's actually far more simple than people are making it out to be. The total was $299 + $125 (first month + activation + taxes) + $170 (ETF) = $594 total.

What do you do with the iPhone now? So basically you have an iPod Touch? What happens with future updates? Will you be risking bricking the iPhone when connecting to iTunes??