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Help for those do not qualify for upgrade for iPhone 4

E

elephunkman

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Mar 27, 2010
1,171
0
Boston
Unfortunately, I will have to pay the no commit pricing based on my upgrade status. Now, can I cancel my current line on a family plan, pay the ETF, and then open a new line on iDay to get the iPhone?

I know about the $325 ETF, but that doesn't apply to me because I didn't open my original line after 6/1.

I do know that the $325 will apply to my new line though, since it will be after 6/1.
 
elephunkman said:
Unfortunately, I will have to pay the no commit pricing based on my upgrade status. Now, can I cancel my current line on a family plan, pay the ETF, and then open a new line on iDay to get the iPhone?

I know about the $325 ETF, but that doesn't apply to me because I didn't open my original line after 6/1.

I do know that the $325 will apply to my new line though, since it will be after 6/1.
Click to expand...

Yes, you can do this. Your ETF will be about $175... And they reduce it each month you pay on your bill.
 
Things to consider might be your phone number. I think once you cancel, it's up for grabs. Some people care, others don't.
 
Is there something in AT&T policy saying I have to wait a certain number of days before adding a new line?

I was just thinking of another option to just add a new line, pay the ETF of the new line after 30 days plus some charges, and then use the iPhone 4 on my current number. That allows me to not lose my number and saves hassle.
 
I'm missing something here, so please bear with me.

You're looking to cancel your contract (or add another line and then cancel it) so you can buy the iPhone 4G at a subsidized price?

Sounds terribly expensive, Why not just buy the non-subsidized iPhone. Yeah it may not be available on day one. Seems like you're taking some extreme actions just to buy a cellphone
 
maflynn said:
I'm missing something here, so please bear with me.

You're looking to cancel your contract (or add another line and then cancel it) so you can buy the iPhone 4G at a subsidized price?

Sounds terribly expensive, Why not just buy the non-subsidized iPhone. Yeah it may not be available on day one. Seems like you're taking some extreme actions just to buy a cellphone
Click to expand...

Because it actually costs less to pay his ETF and sign a new line.
 
elephunkman said:
Is there something in AT&T policy saying I have to wait a certain number of days before adding a new line?

I was just thinking of another option to just add a new line, pay the ETF of the new line after 30 days plus some charges, and then use the iPhone 4 on my current number. That allows me to not lose my number and saves hassle.
Click to expand...

Yup, that's what I did. You'll need to see if you can get them to swap the phone # to the new contract so you can pay the lower of the 2 ETFs.
 
And people wonder why ETF's and other fees keep going up. :rolleyes:
With everyone trying to game the system, it's a wonder AT&T doesn't do away with subsidies all together.
 
rjohnstone said:
And people wonder why ETF's and other fees keep going up. :rolleyes:
With everyone trying to game the system, it's a wonder AT&T doesn't do away with subsidies all together.
Click to expand...

The other half of the game is the service provider requiring a contract.
 
I've given it some thought, but trying to decide which route is better. Opening new line and paying ETF or just going unsubsidized.
 
elephunkman said:
I've given it some thought, but trying to decide which route is better. Opening new line and paying ETF or just going unsubsidized.
Click to expand...

A third option is to keep using what you already have and just wait until you are eligible for the fully subsidized price. Yeah, you have to wait, but by the time you get it any bugs should be fixed.
 
Crap! I just realized something I posted earlier. If I open the new contract with an iPhone4, can I change the phone to a dumbphone to pay the $150 ETF versus the $325 ETF?
 
elephunkman said:
Crap! I just realized something I posted earlier. If I open the new contract with an iPhone4, can I change the phone to a dumbphone to pay the $150 ETF versus the $325 ETF?
Click to expand...

No. The ETF is based on the phone you bought with the contract. The reason why the ETF on smartphones is higher is because the subsidy is higher.

If you buy the new iPhone and cancel that contract its going to be:

200 + 325 + 70 = probably above $600 with activation fees and what not.
 
I actually calculated the cost with the 325 ETF and taxes and such and guess what? It came out to extremely close to 599. Well I guess I'm going to buy it unsubsidized now.

Thank you everyone for the generous input. Mods can close this thread now if they wish.
 
I'm actually considering that, but can authorized users add a line at an Apple store? I called my local apple store and they said I could, but I'm weary about it.
 
Why not the early upgrade option? I assume it will be available with the new phone . . . likely for $200 more than the full subsidized price. You will have to up your contract but it is cheaper than buying unsubsidized and certainly easier than canceling/adding lines.
 
pcorrado said:
Why not the early upgrade option? I assume it will be available with the new phone . . . likely for $200 more than the full subsidized price. You will have to up your contract but it is cheaper than buying unsubsidized and certainly easier than canceling/adding lines.
Click to expand...

My current eligibility does not let me have anything, I get to get an early upgrade according to AT&T status.

I'm thinking this. If they won't allow unsubsidized pricing on iDay, will I just get the early upgrade option since I can't qualify for the full upgrade price? Because there's no other option available. Hmm.
 
pcorrado said:
Why not the early upgrade option? I assume it will be available with the new phone . . . likely for $200 more than the full subsidized price. You will have to up your contract but it is cheaper than buying unsubsidized and certainly easier than canceling/adding lines.
Click to expand...

Actually, if you pay the $175 ETF on an old line, it's $25 cheaper (not to mention the tax on the phone and the fact that the ETF will be prorated.)
 
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