Ultimately, no. You are repaying a subsidy (that you didn’t get) both ways. And I think both will keep you out of contract, so there is that.
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For Most People, Contract Upgrade is Bad, Next is good, Buy it: Why? (AT&T)
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Ultimately, no. You are repaying a subsidy (that you didn’t get) both ways. And I think both will keep you out of contract, so there is that.
The FAN discount also isn't factored in to the $175. I've got a 20% FAN discount and I pay ~$165-170 inclusive of all taxes and fees per month for 4 iPhones and 1 iPad.
Another thing, the $215 estimate ($200 if you take out estimated taxes) is only because you still have a 2-year contract on one of the lines on the account. That line wouldn't be eligible for NEXT unless the contract started before February 2014. I'm guessing the $3,360 is total for 5 phones on NEXT but you're only eligible for 4 phones right now since one is still on contract so that should be just $2,600 ($650 * 4). If the 5th line is also eligible for NEXT, then you would receive the $25 discount on that line too and will only need to pay $175/mo for service (minus FAN discount, plus taxes and fees).
Mind, I seem to recall reading somewhere that you can only have 4 maximum NEXT installment plans on an account.
I was not aware of the 4 NEXT installment plans on an account... and not sure its true or germane. According to the rep that I was working with, you can have a total of 10 devices on the MSP, so having a limit of 40% line participation, seems strange.
But I do see your point with the "extra" phone.
I believe this is true. I read it in the fine print somewhere on AT&T's site.
Still doesnt matter your still paying the same as anyone else that has your same plan
That's fine if you like the subsidy. But you're kidding yourself if you think it's saving you money (granted you have a greater than 10GB plan).
And the thing about getting a new phone every year being cheaper on contract is a blatant lie as well.
For Most People, Contract Upgrade is BAD, Next is good, Buy it: Why? (ATT)
That's exactly what I said.
That's exactly what I said.
Jesus the misinformation is astounding.
1) You don't own your phone on a contract until the contract term is fulfilled (this is why ETF's exist people, christ). With NEXT, you own it AS SOON AS YOU PAY IT OFF, which is up to your discretion as to whether you make the minimum payment or pay it off early.
2) You do NOT NEED to turn in your phone after 12 months, 18 months if deciding to upgrade your phone. Just pay it off. If you DO turn it in, you get some $$ towards the down payment of your new device.
3) The device access discounts are nice and worth it.
Please, for the love of god if you don't know how things work, just don't post anything. Misinformation spreads as fact and this is why people get confused.
1) You don't own your phone on a contract until the contract term is fulfilled (this is why ETF's exist people, christ). With NEXT, you own it AS SOON AS YOU PAY IT OFF, which is up to your discretion as to whether you make the minimum payment or pay it off early.
2) You do NOT NEED to turn in your phone after 12 months, 18 months if deciding to upgrade your phone. Just pay it off. If you DO turn it in, you get some $$ towards the down payment of your new device.
3) The device access discounts are nice and worth it.
Please, for the love of god if you don't know how things work, just don't post anything. Misinformation spreads as fact and this is why people get confused.
I am on NEXT and I can pay off my phone at any time. It is not a 24 month program. There are two programs Next 12 and Next 18. I went with NEXT 12 because I wanted to try Android and wasn't sure about giving up the iPhone.
I can pay off the Android Phone at any time I wish without penalty. I was able to pay off the phone should I have chosen in Month 1. I chose not to as the payments are interest free. I will likely trade next May for an iPhone and get back into the Apple ecosystem as it is just easier for me owning a Mac, iPad, etc.
For Damage I carry a simple SquareTrade warranty in which I would receive a check to pay for a new phone. Some of that money would have to be used to pay off the previous phone but assuming I didn't break it in month one, I can then get a new one from ATT no problem.
There is a caveat however, all things being equal, yes NEXT is no more expensive that the contract. However, bear in mind that usually by January you start to see specials on the iPhone at retailers for $149 on contract. To the original poster, I would wait until after next Tuesday to buy a new iPhone to get the latest at this point.
I can pay off the Android Phone at any time I wish without penalty. I was able to pay off the phone should I have chosen in Month 1. I chose not to as the payments are interest free. I will likely trade next May for an iPhone and get back into the Apple ecosystem as it is just easier for me owning a Mac, iPad, etc.
For Damage I carry a simple SquareTrade warranty in which I would receive a check to pay for a new phone. Some of that money would have to be used to pay off the previous phone but assuming I didn't break it in month one, I can then get a new one from ATT no problem.
There is a caveat however, all things being equal, yes NEXT is no more expensive that the contract. However, bear in mind that usually by January you start to see specials on the iPhone at retailers for $149 on contract. To the original poster, I would wait until after next Tuesday to buy a new iPhone to get the latest at this point.
I reckon the 10-device limit is counting on you adding tablets, etc that you purchase outright.
Here's AT&T's fine print:
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Not always. This only applies if you have a Mobile Share Plan with 10GB or higher. If you have less than 10GB or are grandfathered in to the older Family Share plans, 2-year contract is cheaper if you're the type to use the subsidy upgrade whenever it becomes available.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you essentially paying the subsidy twice by getting NEXT with an unlimited package?
Next isn't always cheaper, if you are not with multiple users. I pay $105 a month for my 3 gigs of data, 450 minutes and messaging unlimited, rollover I have over 5000 minutes now. IF I did $70 share package with 4 gigs data, then added a smartphone that is $25, then going on the 5s 32 gig model for the 12 month upgrade that is another $37.50 a month, then finally take off the $15 discount. So $70 + $25 + $37.50 - $15 = $117.50 a month, NOT including taxes and mobile insurance . So mobile insurnace is $6, and that is $123.50 and still not have taxes and fees. SO $105 a month vs $125 or probably close to $130 I would be paying $20 to $25 each month more to upgrade each 12 months. Is that worth it? I don't know, so if you are on your own Next isn't always a deal UNLESS the increase like in my example is worth it and the upgrade each year is so attractive.
Your math is off for your case. I have a better suggestion though.
It would be 70+$25+$37.50= $132.50..... but there is no additional $15 discount .. It is from $40 that goes to $25
The other part you aren't calculating is the $300 for the device on day one plus tax and now $40 upgrade fee
My suggestion would be if 3 GB has been enough... Go for the $40 a month 2 GB plan. If you go over then they only charge you $15 per GB.. So $40 on months that you use 2GB and $15 more for 3 and $15 more for 4 if needed.
$40+$25+37.50= $102.50 plus the extra $15 per GM if needed.
No $300 up front and no $40 upgrade fee
Yes there is $15 off a month: http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/next.html
Anything under 10 gig a month plus on next gets the savings.
Yes.. $15 off $40 making it $25 for under 10GB
$25 off $40 making it $15 for over 10GB
I did the math a couple months ago comparing NEXT to 2-year (and an off-contract model). at the time NEXT was cheaper.
I did it again last week and 2-year CONTRACT price was cheaper.
I talked with an Agent and FOR ME...2-year contract is cheaper.
I have:
2Gb/Mo plan = $40
one NEXT phone = $25
one BYOD phone = $25
TOTAL BASE = $90
*I have a FAN discount and then taxes, but the base price will still be the same*
NEXT is the same $90 PLUS my month phone price "fee/charge" of $31.25 on mid-tier phone.
THIS EQUATES TO $750 over 2 years ...the price of iPhone flat-out.
2-YEAR contract is $15 higher each month ($40/mo instead of $25/mo)
AND add in $300 phone price, PLUS $40 activation fee.
THIS EQUATES TO $700 over 2 years...$50 cheaper
when you go over $10 GB plans, it is cheaper but less than that it doesn't matter.
plus 10GB is cheaper than 6GB plans (for me, could be the FAN part included)
I did it again last week and 2-year CONTRACT price was cheaper.
I talked with an Agent and FOR ME...2-year contract is cheaper.
I have:
2Gb/Mo plan = $40
one NEXT phone = $25
one BYOD phone = $25
TOTAL BASE = $90
*I have a FAN discount and then taxes, but the base price will still be the same*
NEXT is the same $90 PLUS my month phone price "fee/charge" of $31.25 on mid-tier phone.
THIS EQUATES TO $750 over 2 years ...the price of iPhone flat-out.
2-YEAR contract is $15 higher each month ($40/mo instead of $25/mo)
AND add in $300 phone price, PLUS $40 activation fee.
THIS EQUATES TO $700 over 2 years...$50 cheaper
when you go over $10 GB plans, it is cheaper but less than that it doesn't matter.
plus 10GB is cheaper than 6GB plans (for me, could be the FAN part included)
ricktat, you don't pay for the phone up front, why you do next, its ONLY the tax, says that here http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/next.html#fbid=duS46yEi3Oo
Also look at the shots, I did a faux 5s 32 gigs, 12 month next, and $70 4 gig share plan. Look at the shots, just pay taxes. BUT you look again here http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/next.html#fbid=duS46yEi3Oo and read the fine print, you will see this "For plans 2GB to 6GB, customers with smartphones on 2-year agreements prior to March 9, 2014, are eligible for the $25 per month access charge. This discounted pricing is available as long as you keep your phone. If upgrading to a new phone, the discount is only available via AT&T Next, when you bring your own phone, or when you buy a new phone at full price.". So yes you are right on the $40 for the phone, but AT&T on that page clearly states $25 in the chart, but it is a good "gotcha" and only on certain people can the phone be $25 a month, which I was assuming $25 was it and this is fine print bs. So for me it is $140 a month, clearly not worth it but you don't pay for phone up front, just tax.
Also look at the shots, I did a faux 5s 32 gigs, 12 month next, and $70 4 gig share plan. Look at the shots, just pay taxes. BUT you look again here http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/next.html#fbid=duS46yEi3Oo and read the fine print, you will see this "For plans 2GB to 6GB, customers with smartphones on 2-year agreements prior to March 9, 2014, are eligible for the $25 per month access charge. This discounted pricing is available as long as you keep your phone. If upgrading to a new phone, the discount is only available via AT&T Next, when you bring your own phone, or when you buy a new phone at full price.". So yes you are right on the $40 for the phone, but AT&T on that page clearly states $25 in the chart, but it is a good "gotcha" and only on certain people can the phone be $25 a month, which I was assuming $25 was it and this is fine print bs. So for me it is $140 a month, clearly not worth it but you don't pay for phone up front, just tax.
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I'm not sure why either one of you quoted my post as it had nothing at all to do with the cost factor associated with NEXT. I was simply pointing out that an Unlimited data customer won't lose it by using NEXT to upgrade.
Buying outright means the phone is unlocked so you can use it on an overseas network.
However, with the new law Obama signed, they will all be unlocked sooner or later.
Other than that, if you'd rather pay up front and pay less per month it's all personal preference. One is not better than the other.
True. That latter however could be 20-24 months down the road depending on when you pay off the phone or your contract finished. One thing I like about NEXT, you can pay it off anytime so if you know you have an upcoming overseas trip, you can just pay it off a month or two in advance to make sure you can unlock it well before your travel date. When I called AT&T a year ago, they said I actually had to cancel the line (ergo risk losing my phone number) on a 2-year contract in order to incur the ETF so they can unlock the phone.
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Not really. The Verizon iPhone can be used on AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon so buying it outright gives you greater carrier flexibility than the AT&T or factory unlocked GSM version.
...given how hard AT&T is pushing NEXT and trying to dump as many contracts as they can?
For Most People, Contract Upgrade is BAD, Next is good, Buy it: Why? (ATT)
AT&T is banking on customer stupidity with Next. They want you to trade in your phone worth $450+ after 1 year when you only owe about $300 left on the device. Every time that happens, you've thrown away $150 bucks and they've now resold your phone as a refurb and the cycle repeats. And now you're back on a new Next plan.
AT&T is banking on customer stupidity with Next. They want you to trade in your phone worth $450+ after 1 year when you only owe about $300 left on the device. Every time that happens, you've thrown away $150 bucks and they've now resold your phone as a refurb and the cycle repeats. And now you're back on a new Next plan.