Carrier New ATT Plans Feb 2, 2014

[jwc6160]

Selling a 1 year old iphone on Craigslist usually gets $450-550. Selling a 2 year old iphone on Craigslist gets about $250-300. The bottom is about $150 on craiglist for an old but working 3G. Gazelle is significantly less than these figures, and there is a risk they can under-evaluate you.

If your phone breaks Apple will usually replace it for about $270. If the phone is older you can then choose to upgrade through Craigslist. Best choice is to have them meet you at your ATT store and verify that it will switch. Also make sure 'Find my iphone' is off, and check all the functions to include wifi. Also look at the water sensors. I prefer Craigslist for this because you can fully inspect before buying. Plan to pay the prices I quoted above, meaning a 2 year old phone on craigslist will cost you as much as a replacement from ATT. HOWEVER. Even your broken phone will sell well. For that put it on Ebay as craigslist is too small of a market.

Where is the water sensor?

When buying on CL or EBay, what is required to be able to add to my Att plan.

It appears that if others on my plan don't upgrade as often and if I sell at the right times, I would prob save some money per month. It also appears that it's kind of a pain to "time" the market, not get ripped off, etc.

Still have no idea if I should do it or not. Wish it wasn't so difficult.

 

[PNutts]

Don't get fooled by the high phone price. Its still cheaper to buy full price than to take subsidies, which are essentially a high interest loan on $450.

Thank you for posting such a clear breakdown of costs. (I'd quote your entire post but it's just above this one). I appreciate the folks trying to warn others about these new plans, but the smoke and mirrors was before these plans, not after. The rates are now determined by if we own our phone or if AT&T is financing it for us. My mom was paying AT&T the same rate on her iPhone 4 as I was for a subsidized iPhone 5S.

 

[phr0ze]

Thank you for posting such a clear breakdown of costs. (I'd quote your entire post but it's just above this one). I appreciate the folks trying to warn others about these new plans, but the smoke and mirrors was before these plans, not after. The rates are now determined by if we own our phone or if AT&T is financing it for us. My mom was paying AT&T the same rate on her iPhone 4 as I was for a subsidized iPhone 5S.

Yes absolutely true. The old plans were a forced subsidy and you would have been a fool not to take them. In fact on the old plan if you didn't upgrade (whether you need to or not) you were giving ATT free money.

The new plans are good for just about everyone. There are a few who don't know that spending $650 up front is actually cheaper than the old subsidy plans. They just get scared by the $650.

 

[Zo6]

Finally a couple people are spelling this out, we've been paying $18.75 per month on phones that are off contract. The new plan relieves of of that, but if you do the "Next" plan they get you to pay the $18.75 again per month plus 33.3% interest on it!!! I'd guess they're hoping a lot get on the "Next" plan so they can make more than they did before on the phones. Buy the phones outright and use their services at the lower prices

 

[phr0ze]

Where is the water sensor?

When buying on CL or EBay, what is required to be able to add to my Att plan.

It appears that if others on my plan don't upgrade as often and if I sell at the right times, I would prob save some money per month. It also appears that it's kind of a pain to "time" the market, not get ripped off, etc.

Still have no idea if I should do it or not. Wish it wasn't so difficult.

There are usually 2-3. One is shine a light down the headphone hole. In there you should see something white. If its pink/red then it got wet. Second is usually a bit of white in the dock connector. It would turn pink too. The iphone 5 has one in the SIM slot.

Timing the market will get you some extra money but its not huge. Just sell when you are ready. Highest value would be Jan-July, after July old models may dip due to announcements. Then in September they will dip again. In september the newest model will spike for a while because demand > supply. Also the older models will dip quite a bit while supply > demand. Once everyone has upgraded by december the newer model will come down to normal price and the older models will come up slightly as supply has leveled off.

 

[aneftp]

Those who benefit most from these plans RIGHT now are the ones who recently did full subsidy $199/299 upgrades in the past 8-12 month.

If you are full upgrade eligble right now and waiting for iphone 6 and have at least 2 lines available, than it may not be worth it to switch

 

[Apple Trees]

Looks like AT&T has cleverly found a way to move around the numbers to make their customers feel like they are getting a deal. Verizon will likely follow soon. I'll be sticking to my unlimited data plan no matter what they try to offer.

 

[Prise]

Those who benefit most from these plans RIGHT now are the ones who recently did full subsidy $199/299 upgrades in the past 8-12 month.

If you are full upgrade eligble right now and waiting for iphone 6 and have at least 2 lines available, than it may not be worth it to switch

Right, and as has been the custom the past several years, decisions are made based on a new iPhone launch, especially since this will be a generational upgrade. Everything else aside, while Android comprises of a larger aggregate market, Apple's iPhone is "THE" phone. There is no single phone in the entire industry that comes even close to the excitement and anticipation of a new generation iPhone.

If there's a phone worth paying or accepting a 2 year contract, it's this one, in my view.

 

[aneftp]

Looks like AT&T has cleverly found a way to move around the numbers to make their customers feel like they are getting a deal. Verizon will likely follow soon. I'll be sticking to my unlimited data plan no matter what they try to offer.

Yes, I agree.

Whoever came up with this business strategy deserves a big time bonus....except the CEO will probably take all the credit.

I've never owned a cell phone, let alone a smartphone for more than 18 months using it day in an day out.

Cell phones wear down over time, especially smartphones. Batteries degrade. Speakers stop worker. Receiver stops working (on top of the accidental screen or water damage).

 

[ugcop]

I have looked at the numbers in my case and watched the numbers others are posting. It appears to me that those who are already on a share plan will probably benefit while those on the old plan with roll over minutes and unlimited data will probably benefit by staying on the old plan.

While I would like no contract, no subsidy and having hot-spot I just can't justify switching.

Is this the general consensus?

 

[scorpio1973]

I have looked at the numbers in my case and watched the numbers others are posting. It appears to me that those who are already on a share plan will probably benefit while those on the old plan with roll over minutes and unlimited data will probably benefit by staying on the old plan.

While I would like no contract, no subsidy and having hot-spot I just can't justify switching.

Is this the general consensus?

I have also looked at my numbers and the new plan will cost me more than keeping my old unlimited plan. Granted it's not much more (just about $5), but I don't think it's worth it for me to switch. Guess I'll keep what I have until they kick me off. LOL.

Current Plan: $39.99 (minutes) + $30.00 (Unlimited Data) + 20.00 (Unlimited Texting) +
$46.50 (iPad Next) + $30.00 (3GB of Data) = $166.49

New Plan: $15.00 (1 phone) + $10.00 (1 tablet) + $100 (10GB of data) +
$46.50 (iPad Next) = $171.50

 

[Prise]

While I would like no contract, no subsidy and having hot-spot I just can't justify switching.

Is this the general consensus?

For me, it's purely a quantitative decision.

I will chose whatever costs less based on my needs, and nothing else. Let's look at two scenarios as it relates to me:

1) 2 lines - 450 rollover shared (7K rollover minutes), 3GB data each for $100, give or take. 24 months with new iPhones = $2,800 [$2,400 (service) + $400 (2 new iPhones subsidized price)].

2) 2 lines - $130 (for a lot more data, which I don't need, and don't particularly wish to pay for, until I do need it). 24 months with new iPhones = $4,420 [$3,120 (service) + $1,300 (full retail price for 2 iPhones)]

I fully understand option 2 is better for those who need and use 10GBs of data, require unlimited talk & text. But, for those who don't, I see no compelling reason to pay for data, minutes or text we'd never use.

In the end, the *ONLY* thing that matters is the bottom line. Naturally, each person should calculate how he uses the phones, how important it's to have a new iPhone, and how much he's willing to pay.

 

[aneftp]

I have looked at the numbers in my case and watched the numbers others are posting. It appears to me that those who are already on a share plan will probably benefit while those on the old plan with roll over minutes and unlimited data will probably benefit by staying on the old plan.

While I would like no contract, no subsidy and having hot-spot I just can't justify switching.

Is this the general consensus?

That's the conclusion I have come through (for now). Especially since I have 2 full subsidy upgrades immediately available also.

If I had just used all 4 of my full subsidy upgrades before Feb 1st 2014. Than I may have justified into switching.

So that's the question. If you had multiple upgrades immediately available now...would you switch to the mobile share plan?

How many of those that have switched gave up their upgrades that were immediately available?

 

[Prise]

If I had just used all 4 of my full subsidy upgrades before Feb 1st 2014. Than I may have justified into switching.

Right, for the person who bought new phones 6 months prior to 2/1/14 (earliest eligibility date for those on contract), I'd migrate, since the iPhone 6 subsidized price won't be an option.

For those out of or near contract expiration, it may be worth it (if the old plan is sufficient) to upgrade to iPhone 6 for $199, assuming ATT will still offer it at that price point.

 

[jcmeyer5]

I did my cost cutting a couple months back... went from my grandfathered "unlimited" plan to a mobile share plan. Just me and the Mrs. We have 4S that are off contract, so we went from $155 down to $130 and retained the 6GB useable data (when compared to the 6GB that we were effectively limited to on the "unlimited" plan). Now, upped it to 10GB without changing the amount we pay. Once I get a new iPad and ditch Verizon, I'll save another $20 a month ($30 there now vs. the $10 tablet access price here).

No, we don't always use it, but its good to have it there.

 

[ugcop]

For me, it's purely a quantitative decision.

I will chose whatever costs less based on my needs, and nothing else. Let's look at two scenarios as it relates to me:

1) 2 lines - 450 rollover shared (7K rollover minutes), 3GB data each for $100, give or take. 24 months with new iPhones = $2,800 [$2,400 (service) + $400 (2 new iPhones subsidized price)].

2) 2 lines - $130 (for a lot more data, which I don't need, and don't particularly wish to pay for, until I do need it). 24 months with new iPhones = $4,420 [$3,120 (service) + $1,300 (full retail price for 2 iPhones)]

I fully understand option 2 is better for those who need and use 10GBs of data, require unlimited talk & text. But, for those who don't, I see no compelling reason to pay for data, minutes or text we'd never use.

In the end, the *ONLY* thing that matters is the bottom line. Naturally, each person should calculate how he uses the phones, how important it's to have a new iPhone, and how much he's willing to pay.

My numbers are similar to yours.
I think there will be far fewer switching from the old plan until ATT sees the way to push them off is by increasing the amount of up front money you will need to pay for the new phone thus reducing your subsidy.

Until then the other things you gain on the new plan while they would be nice to have, aren't enough by themselves to make this frog hop.

 

[jwc6160]

I have looked at the numbers in my case and watched the numbers others are posting. It appears to me that those who are already on a share plan will probably benefit while those on the old plan with roll over minutes and unlimited data will probably benefit by staying on the old plan.

While I would like no contract, no subsidy and having hot-spot I just can't justify switching.

Is this the general consensus?

It all depends on your upgrade preference and timing I guess. I am still unlimited, the other 3 lines I have are not. We would fit well under the 10gb. Changing would save me about 50-60 a month. I think I may do it, but still not sure. I usually upgrade every 2 years and don't know if I want to go through the trouble of juggling buying and selling 4 phones to optimize value enough to make the new plans worth while.

 

[kevroc]

Can someone give their ideas/experiences with selling and or purchasing iPhones? As I said above, this is a good deal for me with my family's normal usage. I am pretty much the only one that upgrades every 2 years. I usually just sell on Gazelle for 200 and pay 200 for a subsidized phone.

Are their better options to sell? What prices do you normally get for a "good to great" condition iphone?

I'm not really interested in risking Craigslist to buy a "new"phone so I would prob pay full retail to be covered. Is there a better option?

What is the best option if say one of my phones break and I need to replace? eBay, Craigslist? Will ATT allow it to be added?

I know....lots of questions, but I currently still have unlimited and I'm not giving it up unless it will work out in my favor.

Thanks.

I think selling on Gazelle is the way to get the lowest amount for your phone. I'd at least try craigslist, ebay or swappa for selling your phone. Or wait for one of the promotions to come up that they usually do before a new iPhone release. It's also good to have an old iPhone around that you can use for a few weeks between the time you sell your old phone before the new phone is released and waiting for stock in the new phone to come in.

The best scenario is to buy a new iPhone on ebay that is still covered under warranty. Anything released in the last year will still be under factory warranty. Just buy from a good seller so you don't run the risk of the phone being IMEI banned. The best thing is to find a seller that purchased applecare+ so you are covered for 2 years and get to swap it out for a small fee if need be.

I just sold an iPhone 4S for 340 and bought a like new 5S for 640. So for $300 (net cost) I have the latest and greatest. When the 6 comes out (well, about 4-5 months after it comes out), I should be able to sell for 5S for maybe $400 and get the 6 for $700. So my upgrade cost every year is about $300 between selling the old phone and buying the new phone. That's $25/month which is cheaper than the AT&T subsidized pricing or AT&T Next.

The 5s is a good phone to buy used as an "investment". I think it will hold it's value well. Whatever they do with the 6 may not go over so well to where the 5s will still be a viable product much like the 4s is today even though the 5s is out. The days of the new iPhone eliminating the old iPhone are over, now you have 2-3 models co-existing which helps maintain the value.

 

[linkgx1]

Hm... Mine just went from $210 to $145. DAMN. I thought businesses were supposed to MAKE money! Plus I get a $30/mo loyalty discount for 6 mos.

 

[MacManTexas56]

Hm... Mine just went from $210 to $145. DAMN. I thought businesses were supposed to MAKE money! Plus I get a $30/mo loyalty discount for 6 mos.

you'll be singing a different tune come next time you want to buy a new iphone

 

[linkgx1]

you'll be singing a different tune come next time you want to buy a new iphone

Uh oh. Spadoodios.

Would I have to pay for NEXT, right?

I also get a 21% discount on my bill.

 

[phr0ze]

That's the conclusion I have come through (for now). Especially since I have 2 full subsidy upgrades immediately available also.

If I had just used all 4 of my full subsidy upgrades before Feb 1st 2014. Than I may have justified into switching.

So that's the question. If you had multiple upgrades immediately available now...would you switch to the mobile share plan?

How many of those that have switched gave up their upgrades that were immediately available?

I would switch. You pay for the upgrades in the future, you did not earn them from the past. Its easily shown a dozen times in this thread that the new 10GB plan is cheaper than the old 10gb plan even with the subsidies.

 

[phr0ze]

Uh oh. Spadoodios.

Would I have to pay for NEXT, right?

I also get a 21% discount on my bill.

No you don't have to pay for next. And over all you save money.

You can buy a new phone from Apple or ATT for full price.
You can buy used from CL
You can buy referb

Most expensive option is to pay full price from apple or ATT. A new model iphone will cost you about $650 every 2 years.

The old plan used subsidies to 'hide' this in your bill. Along with a little extra to ATT. So a iphone would cost $199 + $15x24 extra + $10x24 extra for the same data over 2 years = $800

The new plan on Month 25 you don't have to choose to upgrade your phone and every month you don't upgrade your savings become greater. The old plan on month 25 you instantly just lost $25 and the losses continue to pile up if you don't upgrade.

 

[maximus96]

Right now I have two smart phones (3gb data each) and two dumb phones (voice only) on a Family talk 700 for $150 a month (not including FAN discount, tax/fees)

If I switch to the new plan, its $160 for everything with 10gb of data that I won’t need (again not including FAN/tax/fees).

My smart phone and dumb phone lines are at alternating upgrade cycles so I upgrade every year. When it’s the dumb phones turn, like this year in Sept, I upgrade at the $199 or $299 price and use the new phones on the my other lines (removing the two $30/month data plans associated with the upgrade). Selling the old phones covers the costs of the upgrades and I pocket the difference. Next year I upgrade the smart phone lines like normal, rinse and repeat.

Will I be forced to use this “value” plan come September? I’ll be paying more plus I lose the upgrade pricing…

thanks

 

[aneftp]

I would switch. You pay for the upgrades in the future, you did not earn them from the past. Its easily shown a dozen times in this thread that the new 10GB plan is cheaper than the old 10gb plan even with the subsidies.

Yes for those on mobile share. It's a wash to switch over.

But for those of us on the older plans it may not be worth while.