AT&T will increase monthly bill for standard upgrades vs Next

[tb12]

I bet most of you also don't know that with ATT Next you can pay off the phone early (for example after 1 year when the next new comes out) and the phone is yours to do whatever you want (i.e. sell).

Next is the way to go.

No contract and ATT is basically financing the phone to you for free, and in the long run you might actually be saving depending on your exact plan.

 

[pragmatous]

Ya you're essentially paying for the phone at 25 dollars a month. Might as well just get edge or pay for the phone at full price. That's what carriers are pushing for.

If you bring your own device you still get the edge pricing.

So upgrading will increase my monthly bill 25.00 a month? That is insanity, where does it say this in writing?

 

[ZipZap]

I did the standard two year agreement. I just wanna know if my regular bill is going up 20 something dollars just for upgrading? Cause if so wtf?

Only those on share plans see that increase. Its funny, all of you that switched to mobile share knew that the $15 per line was temporary unless you never again upgraded.

 

[xcrunner]

Only those on share plans see that increase. Its funny, all of you that switched to mobile share knew that the $15 per line was temporary unless you never again upgraded.

This is why I would go insane working customer service. Users don't pay attention or know, but then try to con their way out of what they've already been told. Ugh.

 

[caruso81]

They just don't get it. The answer keeps slapping them in the face yet they just can't see it. I think part of the reason is that these mobile value share plans are new and were not around for the last phone launch. The other thing they can't grasp is that every line went from $40/month to $15/month on mobile share (over 10gb). So the dude with 6 phone is saving $$150/month now. He doesn't get that if he used subsidies on each line they would go back up to $40/month to pay for the subsidy. It must be so complex and beyond comprehension that we need Einstein to explain it. In addition the fact that next is a free loan for the phone is making brains explode.

Actually, some of the confusion may the idea of changing from separate data plans to a shared plan vs. going from a shared plan to NEXT vs. going from separate plans all the way to NEXT. Three different scenarios, each with different math.

 

[pauliedc]

AT&T Has Been Decent In the Past; This Next Plan Isn't

I haven't read every post in this thread but I got tired of the confusion and went to the local store and got the scoop. It isn't good.

Here's the breakdown using my plan as an example:

We have three iPhone 5's in a 2-year since Early 2013.

We pay $100 for 10GB data, plus $40 per line. THEN we get $25 per line discount. Essentially, $15 per line.

At the store they've been given a song and dance to tell customers, but here's the scoop:

If I upgrade to a 6 Plus 128GB on Next for 24 month interest-free financing, I will pay $39.58 per month for the iPhone 6 Plus, and NO activation fee, no interest and NO 2-year contract. My bill stays the same other than the added phone cost, I don't lose the $25 discount on the line because we signed up before 2/2/2014. I can upgrade in 12 months, just need to pay off the iPhone 6 and it's mine to keep or sell.

Sounds awesome, right? Whoops, one problem: I fully expect my service bill amount to remain the same regardless if I change equipment. That's a given. So adding the phone to my plan, it's $39.58 X 24 months = $950. I'm not, in any way shape or form, paying $950 for my iPhone.

Look at what should be Scenario #2: I wait until Feb 2, 2015 and get that same phone for $499 (and only pay tax on that, not $950). Then I can renew my 2 year contract and get the break, right??

WRONG: AT&T pulls your $25 per line discount, which means $600 extra in service over 24 months. Activation fee is irrelevant, I save $36 in sales tax getting the $499 phone. So being loyal and waiting and then recommitting to 2 year contact is of no value. My bill for SERVICE should not change, regardless of the phone I pick. yes they subsidize but I guarantee two years of income.

Either way is not great and methinks all carriers are heading this way. The guy in the AT&T store was trying to tell me that Next saves me money. Yeah, 200 bucks over two years ONLY because they are pulling my $25 discount and hitting me with activation fees if I wait. It's dirty pool and not good business. I'm checking Verizon next but aren't much more hopeful. The problem with that is that AT&T GSM iPhones sell big on ebay when it's upgrade time.

OK, gripe over. I'm sure I'll get some arrows slung my way, have at it, lol!

 

[caruso81]

So I did the math is this is what I got:

Mobile Share with Next and 10GB data (25% discount applied):
$15 - 1st line
$15 - 2nd line
$15 - 3rd line
$75 - 10GB data (discounted)
$6.99 - insurance, 1st line
$6.99 - insurance, 2nd line
$6.99 - insurance, 3rd line
------------------------------
$140.97 - total plan price

$42.50 - iPhone 6 128GB on 20 month Next plan
$37.50 - iPhone 6 64GB on 20 month Next plan
$26.50 - iPhone 5c 32GB on 20 month Next plan
-------------------------------------------------
$106.50 - total phones price

$247.47 - total Mobile Share plan and Next phones

700min family plan with unlimited data and free A-List (25% discount applies)
$45 - plan and 1st line and 200 additional bonus minutes (discounted)
$9.99 - 2nd line with 200 additional bonus minutes
$9.99 - 3rd line with 200 additional bonus minutes
$20 - unlimited texts with any mobile to anymobile calling (AT&T save plan)
$6.99 - insurance, 1st line
$6.99 - insurance, 2nd line
$6.99 - insurance, 3rd line
$22.50 - unlimited data, 1st line (discounted)
$22.50 - unlimited data, 2nd line (discounted)
$22.50 - unlimited data, 3rd line (discounted)
------------------------------------------------------------
$173.45 - total plan price

$19.95 - iPhone 6 128GB (399.99 price split 20 months)
$14.95 - iPhone 6 64GB (299.99 price split 20 months)
$4.00 - iPhone 5c 32GB (79.99 price split 20 months)
$1.67 - activation fee (40 split 24 months)
$1.67 - activation fee (40 split 24 months)
$1.67 - activation fee (40 split 24 months)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
$43.91 - total phones price

$217.36 - total family plan price with phones


$30.11 - difference monthly

For me, it would be cheaper for me to stay on my old plan and get a subsidized phone and upgrade every 2 years. I do lose out on yearly upgrades, free international texts and tethering (mobile hotspot). What I do get is piece of mind though. I have a teenager and she uses 10GB's a month (even throttled she still uses alot of data) so I probably would have to spend more and get a 15 GB plan and that would be another $22.50 more, making my monthly increase $52.61 to switch over to Next and Mobile Share.

Superb summary for those of us on separate data plans. NEXT is NOT the answer. If you're already on Shared Mobile and going to NEXT, then it makes good sense.

 

[vitacura]

If I upgrade to a 6 Plus 128GB on Next for 24 month interest-free financing, I will pay $39.58 per month for the iPhone 6 Plus, and NO activation fee, no interest and NO 2-year contract. My bill stays the same other than the added phone cost, I don't lose the $25 discount on the line because we signed up before 2/2/2014. I can upgrade in 12 months, just need to pay off the iPhone 6 and it's mine to keep or sell.

Bolding mine.
I am a tad confused, for those that got NEXT after 2/2/14, do they lose the $25 discount if they get a new phone via next, after paying off their current one?

I thought you lose the discount if you do a 2 year contract, but I thought if you go via the Next route (while on a >10GB plan) you keep the discount of $25.

 

[Blorzoga]

Just spoke with At&t to confirm my upgrade eligibility for tonight's preorder. The rep was really pushing the Next program, which I have not been interested in since I have been able to toggle my upgrades yearly between my different lines (keeping some with older models longer), plus I've been able to sell my old iphone on the open market for at least the cost of my new phone.

This year is different. Firstly, I have to pay the $40 upgrade fee, but I also found out today that if you do not choose the Next option, your bill will automatically increase an additional $25/month per line that you upgrade.

That is total B.S.

 

[ZackVLion]

Either way is not great and methinks all carriers are heading this way. The guy in the AT&T store was trying to tell me that Next saves me money. Yeah, 200 bucks over two years ONLY because they are pulling my $25 discount and hitting me with activation fees if I wait. It's dirty pool and not good business. I'm checking Verizon next but aren't much more hopeful. The problem with that is that AT&T GSM iPhones sell big on ebay when it's upgrade time.

Last year when there were only subsided plans, everyones bill was ~$25/month higher. There was no mobile value share plans. Now you have a choice of subsidizing the phone like before and paying the extra $25 just like before or financing/buying the phone and getting the $25/month savings

Basically, you were paying for the phone subsidies in your bill before, now you can keep doing that or separate them from your rate and pay them separately with no contract.

 

[pauliedc]

You're right

I thought you lose the discount if you do a 2 year contract, but I thought if you go via the Next route (while on a >10GB plan) you keep the discount of $25.

AFAIK, you do keep it. You lose the existing $25 if you are on an older plan that's a 2-year contract (and I get that discount now) and I decide to skip Next and wait for contract and so I can renew another 2-year contract and get the 6+ 128 for $499. I CAN do that, but they yank the $25 discount. So either way you are paying full price for the phone. MORE actually, with next I would pay $950 "Interest-Free". Hmmmm, I can buy it with no contract for $849. Something ain't right here.

----------

Basically, you were paying for the phone subsidies in your bill before, now you can keep doing that or separate them from your rate and pay them separately with no contract.

Yeah, basically. I suppose I'm going to concede and just go with Next because AT&T is pushing that model heavily, so it's coming whether we like it or not.

Guess we should call it NextCare, lol.

 

[AppleKash]

I have nation 450 with roll over(39.99) and grandfathered data plan (30) also have some unlimited messages (20) and I am a premier customer..

Will I be paying an additional 25 a month? On top of the upgrade fee of $40?

 

[pauliedc]

I have nation 450 with roll over(39.99) and grandfathered data plan (30) also have some unlimited messages (20) and I am a premier customer..

Will I be paying an additional 25 a month? On top of the upgrade fee of $40?

No. Others keep repeating that there's $25 ADDED, there's not. I have a 2013 2-year contract where I buy the data for $100 per month (unlimited talk and text), then $40 for each phone I add into that plan. BUT I get a $25 discount per phone. I lose that if I avoid NEXT and wait and just renew my 2-year plan. AT&T removes my discount. Your plan is very old so that doesn't affect you. Hope that makes sense!

 

[SpankWare]

So either way you are paying full price for the phone. MORE actually, with next I would pay $950 "Interest-Free". Hmmmm, I can buy it with no contract for $849. Something ain't right here.

How are you getting a 6 Plus 128gig for 849? The phone retails for $949. As you noted, you're paying full price for the phone.

 

[nostresshere]

...I'm not, in any way shape or form, paying $950 for my iPhone.
...

Maybe not $950, but you have been paying $$ for that phone all along. Why can people not figure this out?

You switch plans and now pay $100 less per month. Why? Cause you no longer paying for a subsidized phone.

Of course you paid for a phone in the past. You just were too freakin stupid to realize it.

 

[Rob9874]

If I upgrade to a 6 Plus 128GB on Next for 24 month interest-free financing, I will pay $39.58 per month for the iPhone 6 Plus, and NO activation fee, no interest and NO 2-year contract. My bill stays the same other than the added phone cost, I don't lose the $25 discount on the line because we signed up before 2/2/2014. I can upgrade in 12 months, just need to pay off the iPhone 6 and it's mine to keep or sell.

Sounds awesome, right? Whoops, one problem: I fully expect my service bill amount to remain the same regardless if I change equipment. That's a given. So adding the phone to my plan, it's $39.58 X 24 months = $950. I'm not, in any way shape or form, paying $950 for my iPhone.

Look at what should be Scenario #2: I wait until Feb 2, 2015 and get that same phone for $499 (and only pay tax on that, not $950). Then I can renew my 2 year contract and get the break, right??

WRONG: AT&T pulls your $25 per line discount, which means $600 extra in service over 24 months. Activation fee is irrelevant, I save $36 in sales tax getting the $499 phone. So being loyal and waiting and then recommitting to 2 year contact is of no value. My bill for SERVICE should not change, regardless of the phone I pick. yes they subsidize but I guarantee two years of income.

Either way is not great and methinks all carriers are heading this way. The guy in the AT&T store was trying to tell me that Next saves me money. Yeah, 200 bucks over two years ONLY because they are pulling my $25 discount and hitting me with activation fees if I wait. It's dirty pool and not good business. I'm checking Verizon next but aren't much more hopeful. The problem with that is that AT&T GSM iPhones sell big on ebay when it's upgrade time.

OK, gripe over. I'm sure I'll get some arrows slung my way, have at it, lol!

I'm very confused by your post. If you have the Value Shared Plan @ $15/line, you absolutely save money with Next. Yes, you will pay $950 for your phone, if you intend to keep it the full 24 months. The alternative is to pay $499 up front, sign a 2-yr agreement, and pay an additional $600 ($25x24) over the next 24 months. That's $1100. I'm no genius, but I would rather pay $950 than $1100. Actually, $1140 because you have to pay the $40 activation fee. I'm not sure why people are so against Next.

 

[AppleKash]

No. Others keep repeating that there's $25 ADDED, there's not. I have a 2013 2-year contract where I buy the data for $100 per month (unlimited talk and text), then $40 for each phone I add into that plan. BUT I get a $25 discount per phone. I lose that if I avoid NEXT and wait and just renew my 2-year plan. AT&T removes my discount. Your plan is very old so that doesn't affect you. Hope that makes sense!

What you're saying makes sense. However, in my email it says:

 

[pauliedc]

What you're saying makes sense. However, in my email it says:

You're right, I quoted the 64GB price. See?? I'm so aggravated I can't even read straight!!

 

[AppleKash]

You're right, I quoted the 64GB price. See?? I'm so aggravated I can't even read straight!!

On the right it says I pay 25 a month. Know anything about that?

 

[pauliedc]

I'm very confused by your post. If you have the Value Shared Plan @ $15/line, you absolutely save money with Next. Yes, you will pay $950 for your phone, if you intend to keep it the full 24 months. The alternative is to pay $499 up front, sign a 2-yr agreement, and pay an additional $600 ($25x24) over the next 24 months. That's $1100. I'm no genius, but I would rather pay $950 than $1100. Actually, $1140 because you have to pay the $40 activation fee. I'm not sure why people are so against Next.

Simple. The rotten egg part of this deal is that AT&T pulls the $25 discount if I wait and do another 2-year. Why should they?? If in Feb 2015 when my two years is up, my plan should stay the same, I get the 6+ 128 for $499, and I sign another two years. I'd rather pay 499 than 950. But I can't because some rocket surgeon in the AT&T bean counting room decided to pull the discount on us if we avoid next. Classic push marketing, no surprise really. Just stinks. Thanks why Next isn't great as it seems.

----------

On the right it says I pay 25 a month. Know anything about that?

No, what is that? Those amounts of $25.50 and $539.99 don't seem to correspond with phone and price plans we've seen. Is that a receipt for your purchase?

 

[AppleKash]

Simple. The rotten egg part of this deal is that AT&T pulls the $25 discount if I wait and do another 2-year. Why should they?? If in Feb 2015 when my two years is up, my plan should stay the same, I get the 6+ 128 for $499, and I sign another two years. I'd rather pay 499 than 950. But I can't because some rocket surgeon in the AT&T bean counting room decided to pull the discount on us if we avoid next. Classic push marketing, no surprise really. Just stinks. Thanks why Next isn't great as it seems.

----------



No, what is that? Those amounts of $25.50 and $539.99 don't seem to correspond with phone and price plans we've seen. Is that a receipt for your purchase?

The iPhone 6+ 128gb is 499.99 + 40.00 upgrade fee = 539.99 and the 25.50 is monthly charge.

 

[SpankWare]

Simple. The rotten egg part of this deal is that AT&T pulls the $25 discount if I wait and do another 2-year. Why should they?? If in Feb 2015 when my two years is up, my plan should stay the same, I get the 6+ 128 for $499, and I sign another two years. I'd rather pay 499 than 950. But I can't because some rocket surgeon in the AT&T bean counting room decided to pull the discount on us if we avoid next. Classic push marketing, no surprise really. Just stinks. Thanks why Next isn't great as it seems.

They pull the discount when you opt-in to the subsidy. Surely you don't expect AT&T to pay for your phone do you? The reason your plan changes is because you likely switched to Mobile Shared Value during the promotional period when people who were on contract by a specific date were allowed to switch to the new plan and take advantage of the non-subsidized pricing. You also seem to keep confusing NEXT with your rate plan. NEXT is not a requirement and you are free to finance your phone any way you see fit. AT&T is offering to finance it for you for free. You are not required to take that offer.

 

[pauliedc]

The iPhone 6+ 128gb is 499.99 + 40.00 upgrade fee = 539.99 and the 25.50 is monthly charge.

Yikes.

 

[AppleKash]

Yikes.

Do these numbers make sense now?

And also, it appears I will pay a monthly fee then? I don't think I was on mobile share nor am I changing any rates or plans..

 

[pauliedc]

They pull the discount when you opt-in to the subsidy. Surely you don't expect AT&T to pay for your phone do you? The reason your plan changes is because you likely switched to Mobile Shared Value during the promotional period when people who were on contract by a specific date were allowed to switch to the new plan and take advantage of the non-subsidized pricing. You also seem to keep confusing NEXT with your rate plan. NEXT is not a requirement and you are free to finance your phone any way you see fit. AT&T is offering to finance it for you for free. You are not required to take that offer.

Not confusing anything. My 10GB plan is $135 per month. I expect that to remain the same in Feb 2015 when I sign up for another 2 years of commitment and pay $499 for the subsidized phone, just like I have been doing for the last 6 years. However, that is now not the case.

As far as "Surely you don't expect AT&T to pay for your phone do you?", the answer is yes, I expect the same subsidized price that we've traded for a 2 year commitment that we all have been doing for the last 7 years. In Feb I should pay $499 with the plan remaining the same.



----------

Do these numbers make sense now?

And also, it appears I will pay a monthly fee then? I don't think I was on mobile share nor am I changing any rates or plans..

It DOES look like that. The guy in the store didn't reveal that, and believe me, I drilled him on every direction because I saw people talking about it.

I don't know what's truth and what to trust at this point.