If the Sprint iPhone 4S is indeed unlocked, can't you pay the ETF and save $100?

[b24pgg]

I'm planning on taking an unlocked iPhone for my cousin living abroad in December and was going to buy an unlocked 16GB for $649 once it becomes available in November.

But now that we know the Sprint iPhone 4S is SIM unlocked out of the box, couldn't I legally buy the subsidized 16GB from Sprint for $199 then immediately cancel the contract and pay the $350 early termination fee to get the phone for $549?

Am I missing something here?

 

[dukebound85]

I'm planning on taking an unlocked iPhone for my cousin living abroad in December and was going to buy an unlocked 16GB for $649 once it becomes available in November.

But now that we know the Sprint iPhone 4S is SIM unlocked out of the box, couldn't I legally buy the subsidized 16GB from Sprint for $199 then immediately cancel the contract and pay the $350 early termination fee to get the phone for $549?

Am I missing something here?

sure can

 

[utl768]

I'm planning on taking an unlocked iPhone for my cousin living abroad in December and was going to buy an unlocked 16GB for $649 once it becomes available in November.

But now that we know the Sprint iPhone 4S is SIM unlocked out of the box, couldn't I legally buy the subsidized 16GB from Sprint for $199 then immediately cancel the contract and pay the $350 early termination fee to get the phone for $549?

Am I missing something here?

theres prolly some loophole that u need to have service for a certain portion before they let u pay the etf

 

[Geckotek]

Yeah, there is first month's service and activation fee.

 

[b24pgg]

theres prolly some loophole that u need to have service for a certain portion before they let u pay the etf

That's what I'm thinking too...just don't know what it is.

Yeah, there is first month's service and activation fee.

The Sprint Return Policy says they will refund the activation fee and you only pay for the service you use...which if I cancel before activating should be $0, right?

We love our products and services, and we think you will too. With the Sprint Satisfaction Guarantee, you can try your new product for 14 days. If you aren't 100% satisfied with your product you can bring it back to your original place of purchase within 14 days of activation and Sprint will:


*Refund the device purchase price (as long as device is complete and undamaged)

*Refund the activation/upgrade fee (if service is cancelled within 3 days of activation)

*Waive the Early Termination Fee (ETF) (as long as the device is returned)

Customers are responsible for all their usage charges (included but not limited to Monthly Rate Charges, add-ons, casual or out-of-plan usage and related taxes and Sprint surcharges).

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

I'm pretty sure you'll be forced to pay at least the first month bill which kill an chances of you saving $100.

 

[utl768]

That's what I'm thinking too...just don't know what it is.



The Sprint Return Policy says they will refund the activation fee and you only pay for the service you use...which if I cancel before activating should be $0, right?

until you activate i dont even think the contract starts

 

[F123D]

I'm pretty sure you'll be forced to pay at least the first month bill which kill an chances of you saving $100.

This is what I'm thinking too.. I don't think they'll refund all those items if you're keeping the device.

 

[b24pgg]

I'm pretty sure you'll be forced to pay at least the first month bill which kill an chances of you saving $100.

Upon further reading, I think you're right. Oh well.

 

[terraphantm]

Still, if the GSM side is truly unlocked and there's no catch, then you're probably better off paying full retail for a Sprint 4S than for an official unlocked 4S. Think of it this way:

Both retail for the same price. Both can be used on any GSM carrier. The Sprint model can also be used on Sprint. So when it comes time to resell, you actually have a bigger potential market.

Definitely the way to go if you're ineligible for an upgrade w/ AT&T

 

[verwon]

That's what I'm thinking too...just don't know what it is.



The Sprint Return Policy says they will refund the activation fee and you only pay for the service you use...which if I cancel before activating should be $0, right?

That's ONLY if you're returning the phone, with the cancellation!