Here's my thinking - expecting to be forced onto tiered data, I had been dead set on buying the phone outright to keep my unlimited data.
Now that AT&T announced we can keep "unlimited" data it takes that unlimited data concern out of the window. After taxes, I was expecting to pay about $811 total for the 32gb model. However, with the "early upgrade" pricing I can get a 64gb model for $70 less than I was planning to spend to buy the 32gb outright.
It then boils down to a contract preference. I live in Dallas where AT&T has fantastic service. I've been with AT&T (formerly Cingular) since I was a teenager 10+ years ago. I've never had any service issues (I realize this isn't the experience of several AT&T markets around the country). Being realistic, I'm really not going anywhere and really wouldn't mind extending my contract.
But here's the thought that occured to me this afternoon - extending my contract might actually afford me more data "protection" than I would have if I let my contract run out and go month to month. With no contract, AT&T can do whatever they want. Extending the contract gives me at least 2 more years of "unlimited" data. Additionally, I also get 2 more years of cheap text plan "protection", assuming I can grandfather in my now defunct $5 texting plan.
I realize AT&T can pretty much do what they want to my plan either way, but pragmatically I would think you have more "rights" while in contract that while out of contract. Guaranteeing 2 more years of "unlimited" data and my cheap texting plan (and my $72 total cell bill per month AFTER taxes and fees) are really appealing. And getting more phone for $70 cheaper ain't bad either.
Thoughts?
Now that AT&T announced we can keep "unlimited" data it takes that unlimited data concern out of the window. After taxes, I was expecting to pay about $811 total for the 32gb model. However, with the "early upgrade" pricing I can get a 64gb model for $70 less than I was planning to spend to buy the 32gb outright.
It then boils down to a contract preference. I live in Dallas where AT&T has fantastic service. I've been with AT&T (formerly Cingular) since I was a teenager 10+ years ago. I've never had any service issues (I realize this isn't the experience of several AT&T markets around the country). Being realistic, I'm really not going anywhere and really wouldn't mind extending my contract.
But here's the thought that occured to me this afternoon - extending my contract might actually afford me more data "protection" than I would have if I let my contract run out and go month to month. With no contract, AT&T can do whatever they want. Extending the contract gives me at least 2 more years of "unlimited" data. Additionally, I also get 2 more years of cheap text plan "protection", assuming I can grandfather in my now defunct $5 texting plan.
I realize AT&T can pretty much do what they want to my plan either way, but pragmatically I would think you have more "rights" while in contract that while out of contract. Guaranteeing 2 more years of "unlimited" data and my cheap texting plan (and my $72 total cell bill per month AFTER taxes and fees) are really appealing. And getting more phone for $70 cheaper ain't bad either.
Thoughts?