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

[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.

 

[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.

....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.....

 

[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.