iPhone 6 on ATT

[filmbufs]

I could use a little advice from those knowledgeable here.

This will be my first smartphone, as I work from home and haven't the need until now. We have settled on getting an iPhone 6 with 16GB and squeezing by on ATT's 1G data plan. All of this will be manageable for me. I would, however, like to use this phone in Europe should the need arise.

Is there anything in particular, either a specific model number for the phone to work overseas or any other advice about ATT that would make my first experience a decent one? What about sim cards? Does the phone come with a sim card or is that an additional expense?

Thanks in advance!

 

[wongster]

I could use a little advice from those knowledgeable here.

This will be my first smartphone, as I work from home and haven't the need until now. We have settled on getting an iPhone 6 with 16GB and squeezing by on ATT's 1G data plan. All of this will be manageable for me. I would, however, like to use this phone in Europe should the need arise.

Is there anything in particular, either a specific model number for the phone to work overseas or any other advice about ATT that would make my first experience a decent one? What about sim cards? Does the phone come with a sim card or is that an additional expense?

Thanks in advance!

you should of just bought the unlocked version at the apple store. when buying the phone at att, it is locked to only att. you can try to get it unlocked by submitting a unlock request on the att site. luckily i was able to get mine unlocked as others had also. if you can't get it unlocked, and your on next, you can pay off the phone and then put the request to unlock.

 

[filmbufs]

you should of just bought the unlocked version at the apple store. when buying the phone at att, it is locked to only att...

Awesome advice. I haven't yet purchased the phone so I'll look into the deal we are getting and see if I can purchase the phone at apple instead. Thanks!

Anyone else have suggestions?

 

[cmichaelb]

I could use a little advice from those knowledgeable here.

This will be my first smartphone, as I work from home and haven't the need until now. We have settled on getting an iPhone 6 with 16GB and squeezing by on ATT's 1G data plan. All of this will be manageable for me. I would, however, like to use this phone in Europe should the need arise.

Is there anything in particular, either a specific model number for the phone to work overseas or any other advice about ATT that would make my first experience a decent one? What about sim cards? Does the phone come with a sim card or is that an additional expense?

Thanks in advance!

Get an unlocked one direct from Apple.

One question I have is why 16GB? How do you plan on using the phone- what features/apps/etc. are you interested in?

The reason I ask is 16GB is VERY restricted- if you can afford to, jump to the 64GB. A 16GB phone will only have what, maybe 11-12GB usable. My 128GB only has 114GB available.

 

[filmbufs]

...One question I have is why 16GB? How do you plan on using the phone- what features/apps/etc. are you interested in?...

The reason I ask is 16GB is VERY restricted- if you can afford to, jump to the 64GB. A 16GB phone will only have what, maybe 11-12GB usable. My 128GB only has 114GB available.

Thanks for the question because it is a good point. It is mainly an affordability issue and, even though 16GB is a bit restrictive, we've managed our 16GB iPad without any issues. We won't be into heavy usage, primarily calls, texts, occasional photos and website, and all of that mostly for business. I realize I'll have to restrict some usage and be mindful of available space though.

 

[Newtons Apple]

You must me a expert at managing your data too as the 1GB plan for ATT would restrict my use for sure. I assume that you will be on WiFi most of the time.

 

[HDFan]

If you are going to use the phone overseas, depending upon the countries needed, the Sprint Phone (model 1524 or 1586) supports the most frequencies. They also work on AT&T and T-Mobile. China is a special case. Sprint's phones are now unlocked if you purchase them outright from Apple as I did.

AT&T rates overseas are prohibitive unless you are on an expense account. I use AT&T when in the U.S. When I travel I change to a T-Mobile account to get unlimited (but slow) data and 20 cent a minute calls. I activate the T-Mobile account only when I'm overseas.

Since I have some times when both my AT&T and T-Mobile accounts are active I have tested T-Mobile and the places where i use it the most there's not much difference in coverage. I'm considering switching to a T-Mobile Unlimited Plan (I'm on AT&T Unlimited Data) just to avoid the hassle.

 

[cmichaelb]

Thanks for the question because it is a good point. It is mainly an affordability issue and, even though 16GB is a bit restrictive, we've managed our 16GB iPad without any issues. We won't be into heavy usage, primarily calls, texts, occasional photos and website, and all of that mostly for business. I realize I'll have to restrict some usage and be mindful of available space though.

Okay, thanks. I was curious. Totally understand.

 

[filmbufs]

You must me a expert at managing your data too as the 1GB plan for ATT would restrict my use for sure. I assume that you will be on WiFi most of the time.

Yeah, I'm definitely not thrilled about the 1GB option and maybe we can talk to the ATT rep and get that bumped up. If not, yeah, I'll have to manage the 1GB capacity as well, using wifi whenever possible. I know an iPad is different but we have been using it that way so at least I have a bit of practice.

----------

If you are going to use the phone overseas, depending upon the countries needed, the Sprint Phone (model 1524 or 1586) supports the most frequencies. They also work on AT&T and T-Mobile. China is a special case. Sprint's phones are now unlocked if you purchase them outright from Apple as I did.

AT&T rates overseas are prohibitive unless you are on an expense account. I use AT&T when in the U.S. When I travel I change to a T-Mobile account to get unlimited (but slow) data and 20 cent a minute calls. I activate the T-Mobile account only when I'm overseas.

Since I have some times when both my AT&T and T-Mobile accounts are active I have tested T-Mobile and the places where i use it the most there's not much difference in coverage. I'm considering switching to a T-Mobile Unlimited Plan (I'm on AT&T Unlimited Data) just to avoid the hassle.

Thanks for this information! I definitely won't be on an expense account so, yet again, I'll have to watch the dang budget if I'm using the phone in Europe. Isn't there a way to purchase a local sim card in a specific country (like Ireland, for example) and make the calling rates more reasonable?

 

[filmbufs]

All of the information provided so far has been great. My wife and I discussed it and we'll go for the 64GB iPhone 6. Yay! We'll ask about bumping up the data plan higher than 1GB and, if we don't get a deal, we'll try the 1GB and do our best to manage it.

We called the Apple store about purchasing an unlocked phone but that will cost full price instead of the more reasonable subsidized price ($299 for the 64GB model.) According to the ATT rep, they will unlock the phone for us after 6 months of service. That will work.

It looks like we will request model number A1549 (GSM networks) so we can use it in Europe at some point and hopefully with a localized sim card.

 

[whatos]

All of the information provided so far has been great. My wife and I discussed it and we'll go for the 64GB iPhone 6. Yay! We'll ask about bumping up the data plan higher than 1GB and, if we don't get a deal, we'll try the 1GB and do our best to manage it.

We called the Apple store about purchasing an unlocked phone but that will cost full price instead of the more reasonable subsidized price ($299 for the 64GB model.) According to the ATT rep, they will unlock the phone for us after 6 months of service. That will work.

It looks like we will request model number A1549 (GSM networks) so we can use it in Europe at some point and hopefully with a localized sim card.

Soon AT&T will stop subsidizing phones.

Once the true cost of an iPhone is revealed it could have a very negative impact on its sales.

 

[C DM]

Soon AT&T will stop subsidizing phones.

Once the true cost of an iPhone is revealed it could have a very negative impact on its sales.

It's been revealed for a long time. And with programs like Next not that much will change for those that don't want to pay the full price upfront (at least not those who are on current plans or would be fine with switching to current plans).

 

[cousintim]

Soon AT&T will stop subsidizing phones.

It's been revealed for a long time.

Rumor, not fact.

 

[CEmajr]

Rumor, not fact.

Actually it has. Programs like NEXT, JUMP, EDGE etc. have revealed the full retail price of the iPhone to the masses. As evidenced by the 6/6 Plus sales, people don't care if it's $650 overall as long as they can have it for $0 upfront.

 

[cousintim]

Actually it has. Programs like NEXT, JUMP, EDGE etc. have revealed the full retail price of the iPhone to the masses. As evidenced by the 6/6 Plus sales, people don't care if it's $650 overall as long as they can have it for $0 upfront.

The quotes and my refutation regard the end to subsidies.

As to your generalization, many people do care about the net price of a phone.

 

[C DM]

Rumor, not fact.

The contracts part, sure. The part I was responding it, as far as the actual (full) cost of the iPhone being known for some time, surely that's not a rumor as it has been reality for some time now.

 

[whatos]

Rumor, not fact.

But this time it has a timeframe attached to the rumor of May 2015. It's inevitable and closing in fast. There's too much money to be had.

----------

The contracts part, sure. The part I was responding it, as far as the actual (full) cost of the iPhone being known for some time, surely that's not a rumor as it has been reality for some time now.

Only to those who pay attention. The casual buyer deep in debt is a vast part of the market thinking iPhones are only $199. The ignorance would amaze you.

 

[C DM]

But this time it has a timeframe attached to the rumor of May 2015. It's inevitable and closing in fast. There's too much money to be had.

----------



Only to those who pay attention. The casual buyer deep in debt is a vast part of the market thinking iPhones are only $199. The ignorance would amaze you.

The ignorance of course is there, and applies to many aspects of life, and has been for ages and for too much of the population overall. However, that doesn't change the fact that the real cost has been known. Just because many people don't get it or don't care about it or just overlook it is a somewhat different piece of it.

 

[cousintim]

But this time it has a timeframe attached to the rumor of May 2015. It's inevitable and closing in fast.

You're half right.

 

[Paco II]

At worst you can use an unlocking service. I think the going rate is about $30.

All of the information provided so far has been great. My wife and I discussed it and we'll go for the 64GB iPhone 6. Yay! We'll ask about bumping up the data plan higher than 1GB and, if we don't get a deal, we'll try the 1GB and do our best to manage it.



We called the Apple store about purchasing an unlocked phone but that will cost full price instead of the more reasonable subsidized price ($299 for the 64GB model.) According to the ATT rep, they will unlock the phone for us after 6 months of service. That will work.



It looks like we will request model number A1549 (GSM networks) so we can use it in Europe at some point and hopefully with a localized sim card.

 

[rui no onna]

Only to those who pay attention. The casual buyer deep in debt is a vast part of the market thinking iPhones are only $199. The ignorance would amaze you.

That same casual buyer deep in debt will also be the one looking at the Next/Edge programs seeing the $0+tax upfront and just $15-32/month installment (on Next 24).

I'm betting there are probably a lot more Americans who will now buy a $950 iPhone 6+ 128GB because it's only $6/month more than the iPhone 6+ 16GB or only $10/month more than the iPhone 6 16GB (on Next 24). That same person also will likely willingly give AT&T back his old iPhone (on which he has paid $760 worth of installments) after 2 years just so he can upgrade to the new version at the same "low" monthly installment rate.

To be honest, for those who aren't good with their financials, Next/Edge functions pretty much the same or worse than a 2-year contract.

 

[C DM]

That same casual buyer deep in debt will also be the one looking at the Next/Edge programs seeing the $0+tax upfront and just $15-32/month installment (on Next 24).

I'm betting there are probably a lot more Americans who will now buy a $950 iPhone 6+ 128GB because it's only $6/month more than the iPhone 6+ 16GB or only $10/month more than the iPhone 6 16GB (on Next 24). That same person also will likely willingly give AT&T back his old iPhone (on which he has paid $760 worth of installments) after 2 years just so he can upgrade to the new version at the same "low" monthly installment rate.

To be honest, for those who aren't good with their financials, Next/Edge functions pretty much the same or worse than a 2-year contract.

Why would people give a phone that they paid off back to the carrier? It's not so much about being good with financials, it's just about having enough common sense in life in general--and while there are plenty of those who apparently lack that to one degree or another, the rest of us shouldn't be changing to somehow accommodate or account for them.

 

[whatos]

That same person also will likely willingly give AT&T back his old iPhone (on which he has paid $760 worth of installments) after 2 years just so he can upgrade to the new version at the same "low" monthly installment rate.

That's not how the program works.

Once all the payments are made the phone is yours. You can then sell it and go into the new agreement starting fresh, plus pocketing the money you made selling the old phone. It works out very well.

 

[rui no onna]

Why would people give a phone that they paid off back to the carrier? It's not so much about being good with financials, it's just about having enough common sense in life in general--and while there are plenty of those who apparently lack that to one degree or another, the rest of us shouldn't be changing to somehow accommodate or account for them.

Because they haven't paid off the phone yet. That $760 is pretty much 24 months worth of payments on a $950 iPhone on Next 24.

AT&T has 3 levels of Next:

Next 12: upgrade in 12 months, pay off in 20 months (60% paid off to qualify for new installment)

Next 18: upgrade in 18 months, pay off in 24 months (75% paid off to qualify for new installment)

Next 24: upgrade in 24 months, pay off in 30 months (80% paid off to qualify for new installment)

I know how Next works, and don't get me wrong, I like the new Mobile Share Value plans. I definitely like that carriers have pretty much separated the cost of service and cost of device. However, I'm betting a lot of folks are likely to go for Next 24 because of lower monthly payments and will be surrendering their iPhones at the 2-year mark instead of paying off the tiny remaining balance on their installment plan.

 

[C DM]

Because they haven't paid off the phone yet. That $760 is pretty much 24 months worth of payments on a $950 iPhone on Next 24.

AT&T has 3 levels of Next:

Next 12: upgrade in 12 months, pay off in 20 months (60% paid off to qualify for new installment)

Next 18: upgrade in 18 months, pay off in 24 months (75% paid off to qualify for new installment)

Next 24: upgrade in 24 months, pay off in 30 months (80% paid off to qualify for new installment)

I know how Next works, and don't get me wrong, I like the new Mobile Share Value plans. I definitely like that carriers have pretty much separated the cost of service and cost of device. However, I'm betting a lot of folks are likely to go for Next 24 because of lower monthly payments and will be surrendering their iPhones at the 2-year mark instead of paying off the tiny remaining balance on their installment plan.

Well, that would be their decision to turn the phone in place of remaining payments (so it's not really surrendering it just like that, there's money that's being not spent because of that). In the example you provided, the balance is almost $200. And while they can potentially get more by selling the phone, for those who don't sell phones and just put them to the side or something like that, it might be a trade-off that would work better for them. If they decide to do that, that's on them--it's not set up to force them to do it or anything like that. I get that people might do it, but, still, that's their decision.