AT&T Launches Lower-Cost Mobile Share Value Plans for Families

[GizmoDVD]

No go out an att store after updating to the new plan. They kept telling me it was $40 a month for a phone in contract. I'll wait for it to be posted to my account.

 

[theonekcrow]

So every two years you will pay $650*3=$1950 to get new phones out of contract, whereas previously you'd be paying $199*3=$597 for such a 3 phone upgrade? I am just not seeing the appeal here, or I am missing something.

Well, my wife and sister in law don't care about updating, so they will probably do it every 2 or 3 years at minimum. I'm going to buy the new model this year, with AppleCare + and defer my upgrades for two years. I figure all we have to save is $50 per month for me and my wife to get new phones contract free every two years. And since we are saving $80 on our total bill, we will be fine.

 

[GadgetGeek407]

Okay thank you for also getting the same number I did; so for the base iPhones (16GB), with the contract we are paying an EXTRA $150, right?! Because if I'm correct, the phones by themselves are $650.



Now, I'm seeing a lot of hate for Next, but my question is why? Don't you only pay the device's price with this? Aka, you pay $650, and not $800? I'm having trouble understanding why people would want to do the contract...

I think because before weather you sign a contract or not it wouldn't change your bill it was irrelevant. Whereas now it directly effects your bill every month.

 

[mrjr101]

Yep. It is absolutely ridiculous that they don't include personal hot spot with their individual plans. I wanted to add personal hot spot to my plan as I occasionally have a situation where it would be pretty handy and found out it would cost me an extra $25-$40 a month with either having to move to a shared plan or add on extra data I don't need. And if I switched I would not be able to switch back. I'm really kicking myself for not switching back a few months ago.

AT&T has only sweetened deals with family plans over the years. They've never helped out the individual plan users. This alone is why I'm jumping ship for t-mobile or straight talk.

That's exactly right, and still, how is it that $160 for 4 smartphone lines is better than 4 lines of $100 in TMobile? That's nowhere close to be a good deal.

 

[scapegoat81]

Ok gang signing off for now. Thanks to everyone who helped me see this new plan clearly. Much appreciated.
Super Bowl time. Go Broncos

 

[koa]

This stuff is brand new. I think your odds of having been misinformed are extremely high. I myself was flat-out misinformed on this by an AT&T rep earlier today. What you're suggesting doesn't pass the common sense test. If you were on AT&T Next, that would be different.

I agree with you and what I have been saying and being quoted as saying is most likely wrong info based on what I was told repeatedly by AT&T reps.

The supervisor I spoke with today said the problem is AT&T keeps releasing new details and possible tweaks to the plan. He was very confused himself. He said he would makes sure the notes in my file reflected what I was told. I had calls into yesterday when I could have purchased a new phone and today confirming I didn't need to purchase a phone. The supervisor advised me to get the phone today (which I did) and call them back in a few days to sort it all out. The Feb 2 is mention as purchasing needing to be before to be grandfathered in and purchases after not qualifying. I think I have a decent chance of getting the deal I spoke about here and was led to believe was accurate by AT&T. But who knows at the moment.

If this deal ends up costing AT&T loyal customers more I think I could backfire on them with bad publicity etc.

I have supposedly 30 days in which to go back to my old plan, but that was confirmed by the same reps.

 

[samcraig]

att is just a money hungry company...

As opposed to which company that is NOT?

 

[vartanarsen]

Chat Window 2/2/14, 8:35 PM
https://sales.liveperson.net/hc/655...71&sessionid=3975142&template=modern_chatText Page 1 of 3
AT&T sales representatives are happy to assist you with your questions.
AT&T sales representatives will not have access to your personal account. This service is provided to you
under AT&Ts Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
You are now chatting with Angelo, an AT&T sales representative.
Angelo: Welcome to AT&T online Sales support. How may I help you with placing your order today?
Angelo: I haven't heard from you for a while. Would you like to continue chatting?
vartan: hello
vartan: sorry
Angelo: It's ok, take your time!
vartan: I am trying to sign up for Mobile Share Value Plan for 2 people
Angelo: I can help you with that!
vartan: its for 2 Bring your own phones
Angelo: What would you like me to help you with?
vartan: My wife's bringing her unlocked iPhone 5S, and I am bring my unlocked iPhone 4S
vartan: we want the 2 Gigabte plane for $55
vartan: and then add 2 lines for $50
vartan: for goal of $105
Angelo: We actually have a new plan available where you can get 10 GB of data for only $130 a month.
vartan: yeah i know about that one too, but we don't use more than a gig each
vartan: but we can always go up to that in the future if we need more data
vartan: so the issue is with the checkout
Angelo: What issue are you having?
vartan: the website is tacking on $72 in activation fees which is ridiculous in my opinion, for bringing our own outright
phones to ATT
Angelo: If you could hang on for just a moment, I will try and get to the bottom of that added fee.
vartan: thank you
vartan: also if we order now, can i wait to the 16th or 17th to activate?
vartan: Also about porting our numbers will that be done on the website?
Angelo: The activation fees are based on you being on a month to month plan with the option of upgrading anytime.
Also, you can port your numbers in step two of the checkout process.
Angelo: Also, you have 14 days from the purchase date to activate the devices.
vartan: ok, is there anything you ccan do for the cart promotional code or something to waive the fee, I don't want to
pay $72
Angelo: I will check and see what I can do about that!
vartan: Thank you
Angelo: That is something that cannot be waived. Those fees are put into place to allow us to give the discount
options on new devices and to help us with updating our network as much as possible to give our customers the best
service possible.
vartan: But we are bringing our own devices
vartan: what discount on new devices are you talking about?
Angelo: That discount was in reference to customers purchasing new devices under two year contracts.
vartan: so i understand those people getting activation fee, but we should not
Angelo: Also, the activation fee is a one time fee, not a monthly expense.
vartan: i understand, but ATT should be happy an outsider is bringing their outright device to their network, not
hitting them with an Activation fee..im saying people bringing their own devices should be waived the fee
Angelo: You actually are getting a discount for bringing your own devices. Normally a customer with two devices
would be paying more than $105 a month for those devices.
vartan: ok, so you are turning me away for that Activation fee, is that correct? Maybe i will print this chat and put it
on ATT Facebook?
Angelo: I am not turning you away at all. I am actually encouraging you to join our world-class service. I am sorry
Chat Window 2/2/14, 8:35 PM
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that you feel this activation fee is a deterrent.
vartan: well it is
vartan: do you have a supervisor or someone else i can speak to?
Angelo: I will check and see. Thank you for your patience, and I'm sorry I couldn't be more help.
Please wait while I re-assign the chat to the proper team who will be glad to assist you with your needs.
You are now chatting with Paul H., an AT&T sales representative.
Paul H.: Welcome to AT&T online Feature Sales. How may I assist you with your features today?
vartan: Hello Paul
vartan: I was speaking with Angelo
vartan: And I was about to check out on a Mobile Share Value Plan for 2 bring your own phone SIMs and 2 Gig shared
data for a total of $105
Paul H.: Hi Vartan! Happy Sunday! It is my pleasure to assist you tonight!
vartan: But then in the cart, it was trying to tack on $72 for activatiion fees, which I think should be waived because
we are bringing our own outright devices
vartan: i don't want to pay $72
Paul H.: That is totally understandable!
Paul H.: Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to remove that Online, as Online Chat Agents do not have direct
Account access, however Customer Care would be able to do that for you right over the phone!
Paul H.: While our online sales chat agents do not have access to your protected account information, our Customer
Care department is equipped to answer your question. Just call 800-331-0500 or 611 from your wireless device, and a
representative will be happy to help you.
Paul H.: Are you able to give them a call now?
vartan: i feel better with online--isnt there some kind of proportional code i can fill in the cart
Paul H.: It is my absolute pleasure to get you over to our Online Customer Care Team, who may be able to assist you
further with that. Would you mind if I did so now?
vartan: sure
Paul H.: One moment please!
Paul H.: Thank you for choosing AT&T. Have a great day!
Please wait while I transfer you to an operator at AT&T Wireless Customer Care.
Welcome! You are now chatting with 'Jason Reed'.
vartan: Hi Jason
vartan: I was referred from Angelo then Paul
Jason Reed: Hi Vartan, I can definitely help you with your concern and it's my goal to have all your concern resolved
today.
Jason Reed: Tell me more about it and I'll make sure to provide you answers and resolutions
vartan: I was about to check out on a Mobile Share Value Plan for 2 bring your own phone SIMs and 2 Gig shared
data for a total of $105 But then in the cart, it was trying to tack on $72 for activatiion fees, which I think should be
waived because we are bringing our own outright devicesi don't want to pay $72
Jason Reed: I would love to check and confirm the information for you.
vartan: thanks
Jason Reed: By the way, can you provide me the wireless number, last four digit of your SSN number and the account
name
vartan: Im not a customer yet
vartan: i was in checkout for a new customer for 2 Bring your own Sim Cards and Mobile Value Share plan for 2 gigs,
for total of $105/month
Jason Reed: Let me check
Jason Reed: Yes that is correct. See details of charges associated for the $105MRC plan. $55 for the 2GB and $25
each smartphone
Jason Reed: Total of $105 for unlimited talk and text to any mobile and landline plus 2GB sharwed data
vartan: But I don't want to pay $72 Activation Fee because we are bringing our own phones
Jason Reed: I understand but it is the the requirements in order for us to activate your line with AT&T.
Chat Window 2/2/14, 8:35 PM
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vartan: So you are turning a potential customer away for the Activation fees? is that what I am understanding?
vartan: What if i print out this chat and email it to cel?
vartan: ceo?
Jason Reed: Here is what we can do Vartan, if you have a discount we'll try to remove your activation fee.
Jason Reed: It's okay, you can print this out and send it to them I'm only providing you the information and we are
not yet on the recommendation and resolution part.
Jason Reed: Do you have a discount?
vartan: i dont understand what that means Jason?
Jason Reed: Are you an active employee? If yes we can enroll you for a discount and grant you the removal of your
activation fee.
vartan: active employee? where?
Jason Reed: Are you working?
vartan: oh yes i am
Jason Reed: Perfect. We can use it to apply you for a discount
vartan: ok
Jason Reed: So I would like to welcome you now and make sure that you'll enjoy the service AT&T is providing.
Jason Reed: There are many ways to remove activation fee. Okay
vartan: ok thank you Jason
Jason Reed: Please joins us and assisatnce will be provided to you
Jason Reed:
Jason Reed: I hope I was able to provide you the best information and assistance you needed today. What else can I
assist you with today?
vartan: my cart is still open
vartan: and I am about to check out
vartan: the $72 is still there
Jason Reed: Thank you for your patience Vartan, It is my pleasure assisting you today. Have a great day and enjoy
the rest of your weekend. Take care always.
Jason Reed: Port your line and we'll do what we can do on your activation fee.
Jason Reed: can you provide me your wireless number
Jason Reed: I will create a note on your account regarding this discussion. This will help us assist you in your
activation fee.
vartan: i don't like this...I just want the $72 to disappear from the cart!!
vartan: why can't you do that???
Jason Reed: How can I do that if you are not yet part of AT&T.
Jason Reed: We are just providning information yet and once you are with us that's the time we can make
arrangement on your account.
vartan: how about you make arrangement now, or I don't sign up!!
Jason Reed: I suggest we call this number 800-331-0500
vartan: What is your cep's email?
vartan: ceo
Your AT&T representative has closed the chat session.

 

[ledzeppelin]

Thanks for taking the time to share your chat with them…..it is maddening at times isn't it?
I have called AT&T recently and several of the reps are a disgrace to the company and I do not know how they keep their job.

Some of them are good. More bad.
I've been hammering them on making their plans simple to understand.
=========

AT&T sales representatives are happy to assist you with your questions.

AT&T sales representatives will not have access to your personal account. This service is provided to you under AT&Ts Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
You are now chatting with Angelo, an AT&T sales representative.
Angelo: Welcome to AT&T online Sales support. How may I help you with placing your order today?
Angelo: I haven't heard from you for a while. Would you like to continue chatting?
vartan: hello
vartan: sorry
vartan: I am trying to sign up for Mobile Share Value Plan for 2 people
Angelo: It's ok, take your time!
Angelo: I can help you with that!
vartan: its for 2 Bring your own phones
Angelo: What would you like me to help you with?
vartan: My wife's bringing her unlocked iPhone 5S, and I am bring my unlocked iPhone 4S
vartan: we want the 2 Gigabte plane for $55
vartan: and then add 2 lines for $50
vartan: for goal of $105
Angelo: We actually have a new plan available where you can get 10 GB of data for only $130 a month.
vartan: yeah i know about that one too, but we don't use more than a gig each
vartan: but we can always go up to that in the future if we need more data
vartan: so the issue is with the checkout
Angelo: What issue are you having?
vartan: the website is tacking on $72 in activation fees which is ridiculous in my opinion, for bringing our own outright phones to ATT
Angelo: If you could hang on for just a moment, I will try and get to the bottom of that added fee.
vartan: thank you
vartan: also if we order now, can i wait to the 16th or 17th to activate?
vartan: Also about porting our numbers will that be done on the website?
Angelo: The activation fees are based on you being on a month to month plan with the option of upgrading anytime. Also, you can port your numbers in step two of the checkout process.
Angelo: Also, you have 14 days from the purchase date to activate the devices.
vartan: ok, is there anything you ccan do for the cart promotional code or something to waive the fee, I don't want to pay $72
Angelo: I will check and see what I can do about that!
vartan: Thank you
Angelo: That is something that cannot be waived. Those fees are put into place to allow us to give the discount options on new devices and to help us with updating our network as much as possible to give our customers the best service possible.
vartan: But we are bringing our own devices
vartan: what discount on new devices are you talking about?
Angelo: That discount was in reference to customers purchasing new devices under two year contracts.
vartan: so i understand those people getting activation fee, but we should not
Angelo: Also, the activation fee is a one time fee, not a monthly expense.
vartan: i understand, but ATT should be happy an outsider is bringing their outright device to their network, not hitting them with an Activation fee..im saying people bringing their own devices should be waived the fee
Angelo: You actually are getting a discount for bringing your own devices. Normally a customer with two devices would be paying more than $105 a month for those devices.
vartan: ok, so you are turning me away for that Activation fee, is that correct? Maybe i will print this chat and put it on ATT Facebook?
Angelo: I am not turning you away at all. I am actually encouraging you to join our world-class service. I am sorry that you feel this activation fee is a deterrent.
vartan: well it is
vartan: do you have a supervisor or someone else i can speak to?

 

[wikiverse]

Holy crap... Americans.

As an outsider, it is crazy to see people getting excited about such a crappy deal.

It's like US customers have been down so long, they don't know which way is up.

 

[Plutonius]

Holy crap... Americans.

As an outsider, it is crazy to see people getting excited about such a crappy deal.

It's like US customers have been down so long, they don't know which way is up.

Perhaps we should discuss what you are probably paying for fuel ? All countries have their own crazy prices.

 

[macintologist]

Anyone who pays more than $30/person for a smart phone family plan is a fool. I have Consumer Cellular. 3 iPhones all sharing 500 minutes, 10k texts and 2GB data cost $75/mo, or around $25 per person. People paying $150++ for iPhone family plans are crazy.

 

[alent1234]

Anyone who pays more than $30/person for a smart phone family plan is a fool. I have Consumer Cellular. 3 iPhones all sharing 500 minutes, 10k texts and 2GB data cost $75/mo, or around $25 per person. People paying $150++ for iPhone family plans are crazy.

2GB of data for 3 iphones?

 

[zqj]

Switched to T-Mobile mostly because of those 65% warning messages and overage charges.
Got an unlimited data plan with pretty decent speed (~20 megabits), which was very surprising.
Hopefully the new plans won't make AT&T profits to drop and its stock to tank very badly - you guys are now in charge of keeping it afloat!

 

[ob81]

I just signed up for it. Saved $30 and gained an extra 6gb a month. Thanks AT&T.

 

[aristobrat]

2GB of data for 3 iphones?

I hope he typed that wrong. I wouldn't want a smartphone if I could only use it for .66 GB of data per month.

 

[GadgetGeek407]

Anyone who pays more than $30/person for a smart phone family plan is a fool. I have Consumer Cellular. 3 iPhones all sharing 500 minutes, 10k texts and 2GB data cost $75/mo, or around $25 per person. People paying $150++ for iPhone family plans are crazy.

I can say you are a fool for having a smartphone when 3 lines only use 2gb in a month lol I go through that in like a week on one one, we have 15gb on 8 lines which is barely enough so what is your answer to that on a regional carrier nevertheless? and we use like 10k text a month minimum and unlimited voice, sounds like you have a pretty crappy plan, my speeds on LTE are 30gb what are yours?

to each their own, I don't appreciate people coming in here claiming their way is how everything should be, freedom of choice my friend, thanks to what tmobile started is WHY we are able to see this day and better ahead to begin with.

Simple economics, supply and demand can lead to better competition which ultimately benefits ME the consumer.

 

[flatfoot99]

How do I compare my plan to this new one on att's site? I see a few people doing it, but I just cant seem to find the option?

 

[JLemm]

Switched 3 hours ago, and will be canceling tomorrow after reading all this. Luckily I clicked, start next billing period. I don't want the NEXT service. Is rather pay the few extra dollars I am now and stay on 2 year contracts.

 

[GadgetGeek407]

How do I compare my plan to this new one on att's site? I see a few people doing it, but I just cant seem to find the option?

under my att once logged in click wireless services than change plans and you will see the new plans on the left select it and it will give you side by side with your current one, than click next and you can backdate to first day of billing cycle (which is best option if your current bill is more than new plan cause you will get credit back) you can pro rate and start today which is the worse option cause you bill will be nearly double and a mess, or you can start at next bill cycle which is the simplest method but does not get you any money back

----------

Switched 3 hours ago, and will be canceling tomorrow after reading all this. Luckily I clicked, start next billing period. I don't want the NEXT service. Is rather pay the few extra dollars I am now and stay on 2 year contracts.

why are people SO confused about this when it is so simple? You can save the money on the new plan NOW and when you DO want to upgrade later you can still use the two year contract option but whatever line you decide to upgrade using the traditional method will than be charged $40 per line rather than 15. which in reality its CHEAPER for you to buy the phone outright unlocked than to pay $40 now or even 30, pay $200 for a subsidy phone that is locked and still have a higher bill for 24 months. Its simple math, let me know if you need me to help you clarify it more for you would be my pleasure

 

[applerocks]

Switched 3 hours ago, and will be canceling tomorrow after reading all this. Luckily I clicked, start next billing period. I don't want the NEXT service. Is rather pay the few extra dollars I am now and stay on 2 year contracts.

I don't think anyone in this thread has shared a single reason NOT to do this plan. If you have multiple lines and the plan is cheaper, there is no catch.

 

[john123]

Has anyone gotten a definitive answer on whether FAN discounts apply to these plans? I asked a rep who said yes, but when I go to the web site to change the plan, the FAN discount isn't reflected on them. That's a scary sign...

 

[GadgetGeek407]

Has anyone gotten a definitive answer on whether FAN discounts apply to these plans? I asked a rep who said yes, but when I go to the web site to change the plan, the FAN discount isn't reflected on them. That's a scary sign...

Fan discount is 100% available on these plans just as it was on the ones before it, but remember only applies to the main data charge, I can verify this having just changed mine this evening, I will vouch for it

 

[john123]

I don't think anyone in this thread has shared a single reason NOT to do this plan. If you have multiple lines and the plan is cheaper, there is no catch.

One reason would be abandoning a plan that you have right now that could be cheaper with the subsidized model. For example, a FamilyTalk plan right now with, say, 3 smart phones could have a lower long-term cost of ownership (for a person who resells their phones) by continuing to upgrade every 2 years with the subsidies.

 

[GadgetGeek407]

Taxes

here is a question I want you multi line folks to chime in on.

I had for a long time set my vegas address on my bill for billing purposes cause taxes are cheaper there and my bill on all 8 lines even the main line would still charge me $7.85 per line times 8 lines. and than I changed them all to florida address and it still charges the same, this does not make any sense, can anyone chime in?

----------

One reason would be abandoning a plan that you have right now that could be cheaper with the subsidized model. For example, a FamilyTalk plan right now with, say, 3 smart phones could have a lower long-term cost of ownership (for a person who resells their phones) by continuing to upgrade every 2 years with the subsidies.

But you pay more up front monthly.