AT&T Upgrade Eligibility Questions Raised Ahead of Next iPhone

[RalfTheDog]

...

Also, upgrade eligibility is based on many factors, NOT on the date a phone will be coming out. Your upgrade eligibility is based on how good of a customer you are. If you have the most basic of plans and always pay late, your upgrade is at a later date. If you have a more advanced plan (multiple lines, iPhone plans, Smartphone data plans, etc.) and you pay on time, that allows your upgrade eligibility to become earlier and earlier. AT&T rewards good customers with early upgrades. Customers who constantly make payments late, constantly have their phone turned off due to late payments, constantly call in to get credits, etc. are all examples of behaviors that will ultimately keep them from getting an early upgrade.

What if you have a very advanced plan, have never missed a payment, but they cut off your account because they had the wrong mailing address and the mail they sent you bounced (Not that it is a big deal, my payments are automatically taken out of my account).

Note: They did try to call me before they cut off my account. They tried to call the phone number for my data card. Unfortunately for some reason my data card does not have a ringer.

 

[fleshman03]

It says I'm not eligible until 02/2011 and I got a 3GS. I've got 2. I pre-ordered the 3GS as soon as it was available. ...

I'm in the same boat as you. I bought my phone on June 19, 2009. I'm not supposed to be able to get the low, low priced iPhone until June 19, 2011. Being eligible on 02/11 is still earlier...

By any chance, are you on a corporate account? (A discount through a school or employer.)

Plus - we are still eligible for a lower, renew contract price. (i.e., $499 /$399 / $299 ) That is cheaper than a non-contract phone. Anyone want to take a guess if that price will hold up when the new iPhone comes out?

we're paying > $99/month for our contract

arn

I'm still holding out that mine will be moved up to an awesome date like you. I've had success calling ATT and asking nicely for a upgrade. (Pre-iPhone days) They have always been accommodating, as long as you are on a corporate account. The customer service reps are actually a different group of people.

 

[brdnboy]

I found this on AT&T's site: http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/why/upgrade-advantage.jsp

This seems to give you an extra discount on upgrades and not an accelerated upgrade time. Is there also something different than "Upgrade Advantage" that is speeding up upgrade times for iPhone customers?

 

[Eddyisgreat]

No need to trip ladies and gents. If ATT doesn't give everybody (and I do mean everyone) the fully subsidized price, there will be another 99 page thread over on ATT's own boards about how they are "ripping off customers" and "milking customers by not going by Apple's own yearly release schedule" and if there is enough complaining ATT will cave again. Seriously I was surprised when it happened last time, but the entitlement mentality was rampant on those boards.

 

[rikers_mailbox]

get a free phone before upgrading?

So tell me if this is legit...

I'm using an original 1st Gen iPhone (aka 2G, or whatever), original voice + $30 data/1500 txt service plan. I fulfilled my original 2-yr contract almost a year ago now. I'm completely eligible to upgrade to some other device for free, $0. (Sony-Ericsson is my preference)

So I get the freebie from an AT&T store, and surely have to sign a voice-only, non-iPhone (no data) 2-yr deal ... okay ...
... and then walk into my nearest Apple store to buy a new iPhone. Do I still pay the same price as I would had I not gotten the free phone? I don't currently have the 3G/3GS data plan, and I must agree to it at some point, right?

What's stopping me from picking out a nice new backup phone before getting the 4G? (not that I need another phone, I have an unlocked W995)


Paying attention, AT&T? For my next iPhone, I would rather pay MORE and not have to sign a new 2-yr deal. Let me keep my current iPhone data/text plan. Reward me for being a long-time customer.

edit: or give me something that doesn't waste your money ... a microcell

 

[john3478]

No need to trip ladies and gents. If ATT doesn't give everybody (and I do mean everyone) the fully subsidized price, there will be another 99 page thread over on ATT's own boards about how they are "ripping off customers" and "milking customers by not going by Apple's own yearly release schedule" and if there is enough complaining ATT will cave again. Seriously I was surprised when it happened last time, but the entitlement mentality was rampant on those boards.

I think the upgrade only available for select view. I am eligible for upgrade on 11/19/2010.(I preorder 3GS).

AT&T please reset my date to 05/05/2010. I will buy new iPhone.

 

[chatin]

Everyone should be eligible based on competitors.

Competitiors, like Verizon, are upgrading customers early to Android. Walk into a Verizon store Droidless and all upgrade dates reset to right now!

 

[phineas]

iPhone 4G

AT&T = Dropped calls, coverage is horrible and slow, there network cant handle it, all they do is promise the world and upgrade in the MAJOR metro area's and squat on the other area's

VZW = better coverage, never had a dropped call.

Could switch to another device also.

 

[phineas]

So tell me if this is legit...

I'm using an original 1st Gen iPhone (aka 2G, or whatever), original voice + $30 data/1500 txt service plan. I fulfilled my original 2-yr contract almost a year ago now. I'm completely eligible to upgrade to some other device for free, $0. (Sony-Ericsson is my preference)

So I get the freebie from an AT&T store, and surely have to sign a voice-only, non-iPhone (no data) 2-yr deal ... okay ...
... and then walk into my nearest Apple store to buy a new iPhone. Do I still pay the same price as I would had I not gotten the free phone? I don't currently have the 3G/3GS data plan, and I must agree to it at some point, right?

What's stopping me from picking out a nice new backup phone before getting the 4G? (not that I need another phone, I have an unlocked W995)


Paying attention, AT&T? For my next iPhone, I would rather pay MORE and not have to sign a new 2-yr deal. Let me keep my current iPhone data/text plan. Reward me for being a long-time customer.

edit: or give me something that doesn't waste your money ... a microcell

When you pick up that new NON iPhone and sign a contract, your locked in and I believe you will not get a discount on the iPhone either.

The other day I walked into the corp store here in Albany and said I'll take the 3GS 16gig they asked for my number I gave it too them and they said your eligible for the discount they went and got the phone and than said how many years are you renewing for , I said NONE, I'll buy it out right, they said you cant do that, I said call a manager, they did we / they argued and I walked out with out a new device because there system would NOT let them do it with out a contract.

I emailed my rep at the AT&T email address on there business card asking about what I did and why it cant be done, along with tethering, bundle plans like Sprint and others for 70.00 a month unlimited txt, voice, data ?
Can your network handle all of this. The reply was they monitor our email stop by the store and I'll explain everything. I emailed back and said I'd like it in writing , still have not gotten a reply.

More bar's in more places my butt

 

[mpeterson78]

clarify please

I don't quite understand how the upgrade thing works and how it affects your contract, so can someone be nice enough to help me clarify this?

I bought a 3GS on launch day (and started a 2 yr contract) and right now AT&T says I'm not eligible for an upgrade until 11/2011. So if I want the iPhone HD on launch day, can I get it and just pay the full unsubsidized price? And if I do this, how does that affect my 2 yr contract, which isn't due to expire until 6/2011? By buying the full unsubsidized version, does my 2 yr contract reset or does it just continue my original 2 yr contract from the 3GS?

What are my options here?

 

[bergmef]

I don't quite understand how the upgrade thing works and how it affects your contract, so can someone be nice enough to help me clarify this?

I bought a 3GS on launch day (and started a 2 yr contract) and right now AT&T says I'm not eligible for an upgrade until 11/2011. So if I want the iPhone HD on launch day, can I get it and just pay the full unsubsidized price? And if I do this, how does that affect my 2 yr contract, which isn't due to expire until 6/2011? By buying the full unsubsidized version, does my 2 yr contract reset or does it just continue my original 2 yr contract from the 3GS?

What are my options here?

I'm on the other company that starts with a V ... if you buy a phone full price, your contract end date does not change. I can't see how ATT would be any different. You're paying for the phone yourself, no help from them.

 

[oHai]

I don't quite understand how the upgrade thing works and how it affects your contract, so can someone be nice enough to help me clarify this?

I bought a 3GS on launch day (and started a 2 yr contract) and right now AT&T says I'm not eligible for an upgrade until 11/2011. So if I want the iPhone HD on launch day, can I get it and just pay the full unsubsidized price? And if I do this, how does that affect my 2 yr contract, which isn't due to expire until 6/2011? By buying the full unsubsidized version, does my 2 yr contract reset or does it just continue my original 2 yr contract from the 3GS?

What are my options here?

I think the default timeframe is 18 months after you buy your phone and sign a 2-year contract, at which point you're eligible to upgrade at the lowest price and sign a new 2-year. If it's before that date, you can either get a higher upgrade price (i.e. $399/$499) if you sign another 2-year, which renews on that day. If you pay FULL retail, you have the option of not locking into a contract.

If I can get AT&T to bump my date to this summer, I'll get a new iPhone (I have a 3GS), but I can't see paying $399 for it.

 

[LagunaSol]

Let me keep my current iPhone data/text plan. Reward me for being a long-time customer.

Unfortunately your original data/text plan is no longer valid with a 3G phone. The original iPhone had a $20 data plan (with 500 text messages included). The 3G plan bumps that up to $30 (with no text messages included). Add the 500 text messages you got for free before and you're at $35.

So the price has almost doubled ($20 to $35) to go to 3G.

Yeah, lame.

 

[aneftp]

thank you for your words of wisdom! That solved all my problems! Now I'm happy about that the extra $200 I paid knowing that people that paid less last year will yet again pay far less this year while I watch my eligibility get pushed out to next November again making it impossible to ever buy a subsidized iPhone on release date again. Wow! So glad you chimed in! Life is skittels and beer!

I think you get ATT's policies but are very angry: But that's just business.

You did receive a $200 subsidy for your 3GS model last June 2009. That was a "partial subsidy price". While others received a "full subsidy price which accounts to $400 of the retail price"

Your main complaint is not being able to upgrade every year (ever 12 months on release date again).

You have several options: The easiest is this:
1. Make sure your line is the primary line and spend at least $100 on your line alone (that's voice/data). Your particular line will be eligible for the full subsidy every 12 months. Note: other family lines 2-5 will not be eligible for upgrades every 12 months (it's usually 18-21 months for lines 2-5).

2. Wait an additional 6-9 months to get that "full subsidy" price.

3. The other option is to just resell your current 3GS phone. You should be able to get $300-500 for it depending on 16/32GB model and it's condition. Use that money to "subsidize" your next generation iPhone.

I purchased an iphone 3g (July 2008 at full subsidy price).
I purchased an iphone 3GS(partial subsidy price of $399 in June 2009) because I wasn't eligible for the full subsidy price of $199 until Dec 2009. So I am in the same boat as you.

Of course I sold my iphone 3G model for $400 so it really didn't cost me anything to upgrade. I won't be eligible for another full subsidy upgrade pricing until 02/2011. But I'm going to resell my iphone 3GS for around $400 again next month. I'll just use that money to rebuy another "partially subsidized iphone 4th generation for $399). It's that simple.

My primarily line always gets an upgrade every 12 months. So I got full subsidy $199/299 pricing in July 2008 (iphone 3g), full subsidy pricing $199/299 for iPhone 3GS. And I will get a full subsidy upgrade in June 2010 ($199/299) again assuming ATT keeps the pricing the same.

There's no need to be angry. Either spend more money but still save over the full retail price ($599/699) and ATT will let you get a partial $200 off for the $399/499 pricing, resell your old iPhone, or pay full price and wait for your full subsidy.

It's not rocket science.

 

[wolfenkraft]

Heh, I'm on the excellent Spousal Upgrade Plan too. I got the original, my wife got mine two years later when I got the 3GS, now I get the new one and she gets the 3GS. I'll be eligible for the new model every year. Beauty.

Hope she doesn't mind my sloppy seconds.

I am also on this plan... I wonder how many of us are? Hmmm....

 

[Sky Blue]

Apple Iphone 4G 720p Video Test - LEAKED

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0482saAeCw

get outta here with that nonsense.

 

[deannnnn]

I used my grandpa's upgrade to get the 3GS (because he's never letting go of his 2001 Nokia) so my contract has expired, and I'm ready to either get the next iPhone subsidized with AT&T or even better, jump ship and head to Verizon!

 

[noneother]

ATT is all hosed up, bought two 3gs last year.. one family plan, ONE phone (the wrong one, the wife’s, is upgradeable june 20th) the other one, MINE, is not upgradeable until Feb 2011… spent an HOUR on the phone with ATT they cannot change or swap the dates, and claim that on family plans, only 1 phone can be upgraded ‘early’. they recommended ordering with HER number, and then upgrading MY phone account. which I know will end in tragedy, some how..

so no release date upgrade for me.. too bad for ATT, I will hold through the year hoping for a verizon announcement… god please… ATT drops quite a few calls, they have apple to thank for my $$$

 

[hexonxonx]

Last month, I was paying about $90 a month and had an eligibility date of 11/20. I then changed my rate plan to the 900 minutes so that I am now paying $120 and this month, my upgrade date changed to 6/20.

Yes, it is about how much you are willing to pay.

 

[derek1984]

I am paying under $100 with an eligibility date of 11/10.

I just added more minutes to my plan so I am now over $100.

Hopefully next month my eligibility date changes to 6/10. If not, I'll just go back and change it to what I was paying. I figure it's worth a shot.

 

[hexonxonx]

I am paying under $100 with an eligibility date of 11/10.

I just added more minutes to my plan so I am now over $100.

Hopefully next month my eligibility date changes to 6/10. If not, I'll just go back and change it to what I was paying. I figure it's worth a shot.

Your upgrade date will change one week after you pay your next payment under the new plan. Mine changed a week after I made the first payment.

 

[diamond.g]

Mine changed last month to 6/20. I wonder if everyone who had got a 3GS on release day has had theirs changed to the same date.

 

[deepen03]

I SO HOPE THIS IS TRUE! i bought an iphone 3G last march (yea i know a couple months more, i would have had a 3GS, how dumb of me).. my upgrade eligibility date is 11/10/2010. but if this is true, they might modify it last minute and let me do it in june or july.

 

[deepen03]

I found this on AT&T's site: http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/why/upgrade-advantage.jsp

This seems to give you an extra discount on upgrades and not an accelerated upgrade time. Is there also something different than "Upgrade Advantage" that is speeding up upgrade times for iPhone customers?

it says "Additional discounts do not apply to iPhone."
so there's that.

 

[derek1984]

Your upgrade date will change one week after you pay your next payment under the new plan. Mine changed a week after I made the first payment.

Interesting. Thanks. My next payment is due 5/22. So maybe by June 1st I will be all set.