ATT strikes again...

[dave420]

The same thing happened to me when I added my most recent line. Added to line with an iPhoone I owned already and when it was time to upgrade, I wasn't showing eligible online.

All it took was a quick phone call to AT&T explaining that that I did not get a subsidy when I activated the new line & I had used my own phone. They manually fixed my upgrade & I had no problems picking up a new iPhone in store the next day.

I'm glad you had luck, it seems to depend on the representative. I had the same issue and multiple customer service representatives said that I was no eligible for an upgrade. Only after I canceled the line and added a new one did they tell me that I should have been eligible for an upgrade. All three of my lines were out of contract and I was very close to switching to Verizon at the time.

 

[grantsdale]

There is a huge difference between a verbal exchange and the contract all carriers use. They only vary slightly. You may very well find you are locked in.

If you wish to be released, there is a provision. Smartphone early termination begins at $350.00. They will take payments with interest if you cannot pay in full at time of cancellation.

Good luck.

But here's the rub: He didn't buy a subsidized phone, and thus there should be no ETF. While he may be under contract, he should be allowed an upgrade without penalty.

 

[megsalias]

I switched back to AT&T with my already owned iPhone 4 yesterday, and I didn't have any issues. I didn't activate it myself though. I brought it in-store and had the sales rep take care of everything. I checked online today just to be sure, and I can upgrade for the 2-year price anytime.

 

[drummingcraig]

I switched back to AT&T with my already owned iPhone 4 yesterday, and I didn't have any issues. I didn't activate it myself though. I brought it in-store and had the sales rep take care of everything. I checked online today just to be sure, and I can upgrade for the 2-year price anytime.

Apparently this is only an issue with the 1st gen. iPhones as they can only be activated thru Apple via iTunes. Thats how the OP got hosed.

 

[treyjustice]

Just cancel and go up to AT&T and get them to set line up and activate. I did this with an old 3G and wasn't on contract.