Carrier Is your wireless service on a 2 years contract or off-contract?

[juanrp]

I'm off contract - mainly because contracts are too expensive nowadays.

 

[blairh]

I was all about no contracts moving forward but if Verizon still offers the $60 2 GB plan next month I'll sign it for a new iPhone 6. Their iPhone's are SIM unlocked for Europe so I have no reason not to sign a contract in said scenario. I will never pay $600 or more upfront just so I can use my phone in Europe ever again.

 

[boomhower]

Both. I have two grandfathered unlimited lines, one off contract and one on contract. A third tiered line also on contract.

 

[mdlooker]

Unlimited data - no contract.

What makes you keep your phone off of contract and pay full price? I see that you're on unlimited data and if you end your service, you end your unlimited data.

Is it an unlocked status?

My contract ends next month and the ATT Rep told me that the only advantage is not having an early termination fee. I know that I can get the phone unlocked if I pay full price. I'm also unlimited in my data so just trying to get all of the pro's on being off contract.

BTW..I was told that all other associated costs will remain the same as they are now.

 

[Ffosse]

What makes you keep your phone off of contract and pay full price? I see that you're on unlimited data and if you end your service, you end your unlimited data.

Is it an unlocked status?

My contract ends next month and the ATT Rep told me that the only advantage is not having an early termination fee. I know that I can get the phone unlocked if I pay full price. I'm also unlimited in my data so just trying to get all of the pro's on being off contract.

BTW..I was told that all other associated costs will remain the same as they are now.

I'm in the UK - my phone was unlocked and I just go with a PAYG sim £15 a month for unlimited data, 300 minutes and 3000 texts.

Of course, I don't have to pay that £15 if I don't want to,and often skip a few months, just using wi-fi - can still receive calls and texts.

 

[From A Buick 8]

I think only on Verizon edge, but then you have to be on the more everything plan. IMO their plans suck compared to others. Meaning no real discount for being post paid customer.

I looked at the edge program, it does look like I would save about $90 a month and get an extra 2gb of data (go from 8 to 10), if I move to the edge . I will have to see how they handle making the switch to edge when I have 3 phones that are still on their 2 year contact.

You can try out their test drive program. Just go their website and they'll send out an iPhone 5s with unlimited everything for you to try for a week at no charge. At the end of the week, you return the test drive phone to a T-Mobile store. This way you can see if the network in your area has improved since your last go round.

Also, with iOS 8, T-Mobile will activate wi-fi calling for the iPhone. If you get a decent signal everywhere else, except at home, wi-fi calling negates the need for voice coverage at home (or anywhere else you have wi-fi).

Verizon definitely has broader network coverage, particularly in the outlying areas, where T-Mobile has coverage gaps galore. But, you pay more and have to put up with their plans and policies.

T-Mobile has more flexible and lower priced plan options, but you trade off the network coverage. It all boils down to what you prioritize.

I did not know they would loan you a phone for a week, might be worth doing.

 

[C DM]

We are using Verizon, I am off contract with my phone (have been for a year), but the wife and kids are part way through their 2 year agreement.

Just out of curiosity does Verizon offer a lower cost plan for folks who pay upfront for their phone? I looked around some but did not find any reason to not re-up for another 2 years when the 6 come out.

I could switch to T-Mobil I guess, but the last time we used them the coverage was poor, not even a signal in our house.

I think only on Verizon edge, but then you have to be on the more everything plan. IMO their plans suck compared to others. Meaning no real discount for being post paid customer.

Verizon has monthly discounts for each line that is either on Edge or is no longer under contract or never was on a contract (customer owned equipment). Makes their current plans, especially of 10 GB and higher variety a fairly good deal.

 

[maokh]

(AT&T) Most people on a 2 year contract with the iPhone 5 will still be on contract until Oct/Nov. Unless things change, there are going to be a lot of people who will not quality for the lowest price.

I hope that an exception is made, but the refresh cycle is 2 months too early in my personal case with iPhone 5's.

I will probably have to buy the phone outright, but this is because: 1) an unlocked phone is useful to me internationally 2) its a pay now or pay later scenario under contract 3) its only a couple hundred more than the early upgrade price