Is a dummy line with AT&T the cheapest way to upgrade?

[Slicktype]

If you're on the Value Shared Plan, like me (10GB), the cost of my line will increase $25/mo to get the subsidized price. $25 x 24 = $600. Plus $10 x 24 = $240 for the extra line. Plus $300 for the phone each year.

So I currently am on the 10 GB Mobile share value plan. So by your calculations, I will be paying $600 (upgrading on current line, not getting a new #) for an early upgrade ?

 

[AdonisSMU]

A dummy line?....I guess ATT calls it that for a reason.

 

[Rob9874]

So I currently am on the 10 GB Mobile share value plan. So by your calculations, I will be paying $600 (upgrading on current line, not getting a new #) for an early upgrade ?

It's not really an early upgrade, if you're on the Value Shared Plan. You shouldn't be on a contract now, so you can upgrade at any time. But yes, to get the discounted price, you'll need to sign up for a 2-yr agreement, at $25 more per month. That's $600 over 24 months. In addition to paying $300 up front for the phone. That's why I'm doing Next.

 

[karmatourer]

The AT&T rep suggested it as an option.I had never heard of it prior to that conversation. I simply asked what my options were to upgrade to a new phone every year and not get hosed.

Can you tell me what you said to the AT&T rep when you wanted to have this done? I feel like I would royally screw up the process and they would realize how I'm trying to cheat them or something

 

[dpdefo]

Let me ask...I have an iPhone 5 and my contract doesn't expire until 3/15, if something was to happen catastrophically or it got lost and I have insurance would I then be able to get an iPhone 6 at the introductory offer?

 

[Blueline29]

OK...I hate to be another one of those people asking for advice on my specific situation, but...that's exactly what I'm going to do. Every time I think I've made up my mind which way I'm going to go, I read something else and flipflop again. Ugh.

Here's what I have now:

- iPhone 5S on main line. Not upgradeable until Oct. 2015. 6 GB data plan so I can have the mobile hotspot.
- dumbphone on dummy line for $9.99/month. Upgradeable on contract now.
- iPad mini on next with minimum data plan
- FAN discount of 20%

What I'd considered doing was upgrading via NEXT on my main line, then dropping the dummy line, and switching to a mobile share plan for my new iPhone and iPad mini. I normally upgrade every year. In the past, I've done it using the dummy line, but I'm starting to wonder if NEXT is the way to go.

Any advice, anyone? My brain hurts.