Ok att you win. Take my unlimited plan this is a better deal.

[bradl]

Okay.. just came back from ATT Corporate again. I definitely wasn't taking into account the upgrade for the phones. To recap, my current plan:

2 Smartphones (iPhone 4S for both)
$70.00 - FamilyTalk 700 with Rollover
$30.00 - Unlimited texts with mobile to any mobile calling
$60.00 - Unlimited Data ($30 * 2)
$7.00 - Insurance on 2nd iPhone

Subtotal: $167.

Total for us per month, after taxes and 12% FAN applied, is roughly $159 - 160.

If I go to the 15GB plan (doubling to 30), my price drops down to $140, saving me roughly $20...

... with the caveat that that the deal is the BYOD price, or after upgrading via NEXT, and paying off the phones.

With going to this price and upgrading, with getting 1 iPhone 6 and 1 iPhone 6+, my price goes up to $214 with 2 64GBs, $218 with one 64GB and 1 128GB, and $222 with two 128GBs.

After paying off the full cost of the phones, I'm down to $140.

If I went 2-year, I'm having to pay nearly $900 up front, and still cop the $160/month. So doing the math, and assuming we get a 6 and 6+ in the 128GB model:

$399+$499+$40+$40 = 980 (cost of subsidized phones and upgrade fees) + (160/month * 24 months) = $4820 for current plan with unlimited data, before tax; $5157 after tax (7%).

With NEXT, and at the highest: $222 * 24 = $5328; in which the faster we pay it off, the faster the bill will go down, which at the lowest, would be $3360 throughout the duration of a 24-month period, which I would still come out ahead versus the subsidized price of the plan, which would be $3840.

So doing the upgrade with BYOD would be cheapest, while upgrading with NEXT will have me paying more throughout the 24-month cycle of the bill, while staying put will have me paying more upfront, but less throughout the 24-month cycle.

BL.

 

[NewVZcustomer]

I called and they said I couldn't do this. I will check online and call tomorrow, because this is what's holding me back.

Don't listen to them. Go into vzwireless account. Change features on the left hand side, then click on the and then it should say something like save money or something. I can't see it anymore because it's already on my line, but it was an option as of a couple days ago.

 

[Ender17]

has anyone converted from a 2 year contract to next program?

I just got an iPhone 6 and I was on the old family talk plan but now we are switching to mobile share and in the long run, it would be cheaper to pay full price for the phone either upfront or via next

 

[ZipZap]

Why would you have to pay 15 for messaging? Mobile share plans include unlimited talk and text. And if you're on the mobile share plan, cancel your iPad and just tether or hotspot with your phone. That knocks another 25 dollars off bringing you down to 145 a month. And also if you signed your contract before Feb of this year it's only 15 dollars for your phone not 40.

This is my situation. I have no share plan.

----------

Check you math. You're currently spending $145, not $135.

The new plan is a lot closer to what you're currently spending than you think. Plus you'll have 30GB of "for sure" LTE speed, hotspot tethering, and bring more phones to your account for $15.

Better than the a'la carte menu of services you are paying for now.

You're right my math was short. That said you cannot justify things with some old deal. Further, Its not closer than I think. $145 is not close to $195

 

[tonyintn]

My question was what happens when your 2 yr contracts end? If you decide to buy a new phone, you have to use the Next program, according to the terms of the double data deal:

From ATT site: Upgrade: If upgrade to a new phone discount is only available via AT&T NextSM or if you bring your own phone or pay full price. If you upgrade to a new 2-year agreement, the access charge discount is lost.

That means you have to pay full price for the phones. This was the deciding factor in me not giving up my unlimited data plan.

This only hold true if you do not bring your own phone or do a 2yr plan. Its not gone for good. You will always get the discount back if you bring back your own phone for do next.

 

[bradl]

This only hold true if you do not bring your own phone or do a 2yr plan. Its not gone for good. You will always get the discount back if you bring back your own phone for do next.

Specifically, if you get the phone via NEXT and pay it off (either all at once or throughout the course of the 2 years).

BL.

 

[redboxcar]

Please help! I’m tossing the idea of switching around… I have 8 lines across 2 family plans — 5 unlimited data & 3 basic phones... for the sake of comparison, I’m just not going to include tax.

This is my current setup:

Family Plan #1 - 4 lines
700min + unlimited texting = $110
3 unlimited data plans @ $30/ea = $90
1 basic phone @ $10 = $10
——
$210

Family Plan #2 - 4 lines
700min + unlimited texting = $100
2 unlimited data plans @ $30/ea = $60
2 basic phones @ $10/ea = $20
——
$180

Verizon Mifi Hotspot, 5GB = $50
——
$50

TOTAL SPENT MONTHLY: $440

Our average usage for the past 3 months, according to AT&T is 34 GB (as a group), with our peak in the last 3 months at 39 GB. They’re trying to get me to move to a 40 GB plan, but I just don’t think that’s smart, considering if we were to add unthrottled data speeds + tethering, we would for sure go over. Plus, we use the 5 GB on our mifi every month, so our real usage is somewhere around 40-45 GB per month, consistently.

So now I'm considering the 60 GB plan w/ our 8 lines, 6 of which are eligible for $15/mo and 2 for $40/mo, based on contract end dates and such:

60 GB mobile share = $225
5 lines @ $15/ea = $75
3 lines @ $40/ea = $120
1 hotspot @ $10 = $10
——
$430/mo

TOTAL SPENT MONTHLY: $430

HOWEVER, this doesn't consider the cost of phone upgrades, which if doing the NEXT plan, will raise our bill significantly. Is that something to even consider when doing comparisons? I think it is, but still trying to wrap my head around it.

So for $10 less, we’d be losing our 5 unlimited plans, but we would gain unthrottled data and tethering — sounds sorta like a no brainer, but I’m most worried about hitting the 60 GB data limit bc we obviously use our data a lot, and given the extra benefits, I’m concerned we may use even more. Thoughts??

 

[maflynn]

For someone who uses a lot of data that's a good deal, though its a but out of budget for me. I may regret that, once my daughters get on the plan

 

[mellofello]

I think what we can really glean from this thread is the smart money is on either buying a used phone, or purchasing something like a 1+1 android phone for $300 and going on this plan.

Up until this point everything was equal going for Android or iPhone. Now you see that it really is a luxury to purchase a new iPhone.

A 1+1 would save you hundreds of dollars over a 2 year plan vs iPhone

 

[mashinhead]

Don't listen to them. Go into vzwireless account. Change features on the left hand side, then click on the and then it should say something like save money or something. I can't see it anymore because it's already on my line, but it was an option as of a couple days ago.

Glad you replied. So I called and they do not show the $15 option on their site but they do offer it if you call them or walk instore. I don't know why the don't show it on their site though, it makes them look like they are at a disadvantage. It's $25 off for data plans over 10GB and $15 off for data plans below 10GB if you bring your own phone off contract.

Anyway just wanted to say thanks for posting. I'll make the switch sometime this week.

 

[NewVZcustomer]

Glad you replied. So I called and they do not show the $15 option on their site but they do offer it if you call them or walk instore. I don't know why the don't show it on their site though, it makes them look like they are at a disadvantage. It's $25 off for data plans over 10GB and $15 off for data plans below 10GB if you bring your own phone off contract.

Anyway just wanted to say thanks for posting. I'll make the switch sometime this week.

It's not on the 'change features' section anymore? Interesting, I wonder if they're trying to phase it out. It was just there a few days ago

 

[mashinhead]

It's not on the 'change features' section anymore? Interesting, I wonder if they're trying to phase it out. It was just there a few days ago

I doubt they would phase it out. They have to keep competitive with At&t, it's just strange they keep it so hidden.

 

[NewVZcustomer]

I doubt they would phase it out. They have to keep competitive with At&t, it's just strange they keep it so hidden.

That's what I'm thinking. Hell, I was all set to change to AT&T myself. Here are more people talking about it http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r29610174-Pricing-Verizon-is-paying-me-10-month-to-buy-an-iPhone-6-plus-64GB

 

[bradl]

Okay.. Went to ATT again. And this just may be a better deal than staying with the grandfathered plan. Again, from my plan above (and I was wrong about the FAN; 15% instead of 12%):

2 Smartphones (iPhone 4S for both)
$70.00 - FamilyTalk 700 with Rollover
$30.00 - Unlimited texts with mobile to any mobile calling
$60.00 - Unlimited Data ($30 * 2)
$7.00 - Insurance on 2nd iPhone

Subtotal: $167.

Total for us per month, after taxes and 15% FAN applied, is roughly $159 - 160.

For me to upgrade:

399.99 - iPhone 6, 128GB
499.99 - iPhone 6+, 128GB
80.00 - Upgrade Fees (2 * $40)
70.00 - Sales Tax (7%)
--------
$1049.98 up front for both phones.

160 * 24 = $3840 (current unlimited plan for 24 months)

1049.98 + 3840 = $4889.98 for the upgrade + phones.

Nearly $4000 over 24 months, with $1050 due up front, and throttled. Ouch.

110.50 - plan
40.00 - service charge, phone #1
40.00 - service charge, phone #2
15.00 - insurance for both phones
--------
$205.50 per month

205.50 * 24 = $4932.00 for 24 months

1049.98 + 4932.00 = $5981.98 for 24 months, with $1050 due up front.

This hurts more. Yes, I'd get more data, but I'm putting out the cost of the subsidized phones per month over 24 months to get it, and still have to pay the $1050 up front. If I was stuck with this, I'd keep unlimited data.

110.50 - plan
15.00 - service charge, phone #1
15.00 - service charge, phone #2
31.25 - monthly payment, iPhone 6
39.59 - monthly payment, iPhone 6+
14.50 - insurance
-------
225.84 per month

225.84 * 24 months = $5420.16 for 24 months.
170.00 - down payment (70 + 170 for both phones due up front)

5420.16 + 170 = $5590.16 If I pay it off in 24 months.

This is a bit better.. I'd still pay more per month, but not as painful as the subsidized price to get the phones. And this is if I want to take my time with paying it off. This doesn't help me to save anything over the Grandfathered plan, so meh.

110.50 - plan
15.00 - service charge, phone #1
15.00 - service charge, phone #2
31.25 - monthly payment, iPhone 6
39.59 - monthly payment, iPhone 6+
14.50 - insurance
-------
225.84 per month

225.84 * 18 months = $4065.12 for 18 months (Next - 18 month plan)

170.00 - down payment (70 + 170 for both phones due up front)

4065.12 + 170 = $4235.12 total if I pay it off in 18 months.

Much much better. Still paying more per month, but if I pay off the phones in 18 months, I'm saving anywhere from 600 to 1800 over the cycle of the contract. That may be worth it.

So to recap:

4899.98 for the grandfathered unlimited data plan,
5981.98 for 30GB plan buying phones at subsidized price,
5590.16 for NEXT-18, paying phones off or trading in at 24 months, or
4235.12 for NEXT-18, paying phones off or trading in at 18 months.

NEXT-18, paying off in 18 months looks best overall, by $1750 over 30GB subsidized, $1355 over NEXT-18 paying off in 24 months, and $655 over grandfathered, and that isn't including having to pay $1050 up front for the grandfathered and 30GB subsidized plans.

The other thing about NEXT-18 is that after paying the phones off, the 70.84 per month drops off, putting me at 155. The 15% FAN drops that to $140 - $20 cheaper than grandfathered.

Oh.. and finally, NEXT-18 w/BYOD for me is $140.

The TL;DR of this: you may pay more per month with NEXT, but you aren't paying the upfront cost of buying the phones at the subsidized price, and the price drops significantly after the phone is paid off.

NEXT is actually looking really good. an iPhone 6 and 6+ out the door for $170 is tempting. But I think we may just jump plans first.. ATT may just win and take my unlimited data.

BL.

 

[Dontazemebro]

Verizon is doing the same special. I upped my 20GB plan to 40GB for no extra cost. Still capped at $150

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

Okay.. Went to ATT again. And this just may be a better deal than staying with the grandfathered plan. Again, from my plan above (and I was wrong about the FAN; 15% instead of 12%):



For me to upgrade:



Nearly $4000 over 24 months, with $1050 due up front, and throttled. Ouch.



This hurts more. Yes, I'd get more data, but I'm putting out the cost of the subsidized phones per month over 24 months to get it, and still have to pay the $1050 up front. If I was stuck with this, I'd keep unlimited data.



This is a bit better.. I'd still pay more per month, but not as painful as the subsidized price to get the phones. And this is if I want to take my time with paying it off. This doesn't help me to save anything over the Grandfathered plan, so meh.



Much much better. Still paying more per month, but if I pay off the phones in 18 months, I'm saving anywhere from 600 to 1800 over the cycle of the contract. That may be worth it.

So to recap:

4899.98 for the grandfathered unlimited data plan,
5981.98 for 30GB plan buying phones at subsidized price,
5590.16 for NEXT-18, paying phones off or trading in at 24 months, or
4235.12 for NEXT-18, paying phones off or trading in at 18 months.

NEXT-18, paying off in 18 months looks best overall, by $1750 over 30GB subsidized, $1355 over NEXT-18 paying off in 24 months, and $655 over grandfathered, and that isn't including having to pay $1050 up front for the grandfathered and 30GB subsidized plans.

The other thing about NEXT-18 is that after paying the phones off, the 70.84 per month drops off, putting me at 155. The 15% FAN drops that to $140 - $20 cheaper than grandfathered.

Oh.. and finally, NEXT-18 w/BYOD for me is $140.

The TL;DR of this: you may pay more per month with NEXT, but you aren't paying the upfront cost of buying the phones at the subsidized price, and the price drops significantly after the phone is paid off.

NEXT is actually looking really good. an iPhone 6 and 6+ out the door for $170 is tempting. But I think we may just jump plans first.. ATT may just win and take my unlimited data.

BL.

This is what I have been saying over and over in this thread, that you can't get cheaper than no interest financing (NEXT) and $15/mo line access! Everyone is fixated on walking out the door with a new iPhone for $199, not realizing that at $40/mo they are spending more than doing NEXT.

The nice thing is, too, with this plan if you add more lines in the future, they are just $15 each. Buy used phones on CL or buy outright, either way, it's a cheap way to add more lines.

What is the $170 out the door on the iPhones? Is that some requirement of the NEXT plan?

 

[bradl]

This is what I have been saying over and over in this thread, that you can't get cheaper than no interest financing (NEXT) and $15/mo line access! Everyone is fixated on walking out the door with a new iPhone for $199, not realizing that at $40/mo they are spending more than doing NEXT.

The nice thing is, too, with this plan if you add more lines in the future, they are just $15 each. Buy used phones on CL or buy outright, either way, it's a cheap way to add more lines.

What is the $170 out the door on the iPhones? Is that some requirement of the NEXT plan?

Sales Tax on the phone. Here in CA, you'd still have to pay the sales tax; in this case, it would be for the full cost of the phone. So for the 6 at 128GB, the sales tax (8.25%) would be $70. For the 6+ at 128GB, the sales tax would be $100.00. I'd have to pay that to walk out the store with the phones.

BL.

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

Sales Tax on the phone. Here in CA, you'd still have to pay the sales tax; in this case, it would be for the full cost of the phone. So for the 6 at 128GB, the sales tax (8.25%) would be $70. For the 6+ at 128GB, the sales tax would be $100.00. I'd have to pay that to walk out the store with the phones.

BL.

Oh Duh.

I heard that if you get the phone at Costco, they only charge tax on the price you pay for the phone, not the retail cost.

 

[speekez]

Hi

Can you clarify how you arrived at 110.5 for a 30gb plan in your math examples below/in your original post? Thanks

Okay.. Went to ATT again. And this just may be a better deal than staying with the grandfathered plan. Again, from my plan above (and I was wrong about the FAN; 15% instead of 12%):



For me to upgrade:



Nearly $4000 over 24 months, with $1050 due up front, and throttled. Ouch.



This hurts more. Yes, I'd get more data, but I'm putting out the cost of the subsidized phones per month over 24 months to get it, and still have to pay the $1050 up front. If I was stuck with this, I'd keep unlimited data.



This is a bit better.. I'd still pay more per month, but not as painful as the subsidized price to get the phones. And this is if I want to take my time with paying it off. This doesn't help me to save anything over the Grandfathered plan, so meh.



Much much better. Still paying more per month, but if I pay off the phones in 18 months, I'm saving anywhere from 600 to 1800 over the cycle of the contract. That may be worth it.

So to recap:

4899.98 for the grandfathered unlimited data plan,
5981.98 for 30GB plan buying phones at subsidized price,
5590.16 for NEXT-18, paying phones off or trading in at 24 months, or
4235.12 for NEXT-18, paying phones off or trading in at 18 months.

NEXT-18, paying off in 18 months looks best overall, by $1750 over 30GB subsidized, $1355 over NEXT-18 paying off in 24 months, and $655 over grandfathered, and that isn't including having to pay $1050 up front for the grandfathered and 30GB subsidized plans.

The other thing about NEXT-18 is that after paying the phones off, the 70.84 per month drops off, putting me at 155. The 15% FAN drops that to $140 - $20 cheaper than grandfathered.

Oh.. and finally, NEXT-18 w/BYOD for me is $140.

The TL;DR of this: you may pay more per month with NEXT, but you aren't paying the upfront cost of buying the phones at the subsidized price, and the price drops significantly after the phone is paid off.

NEXT is actually looking really good. an iPhone 6 and 6+ out the door for $170 is tempting. But I think we may just jump plans first.. ATT may just win and take my unlimited data.

BL.

 

[bradl]

Hi

Can you clarify how you arrived at 110.5 for a 30gb plan in your math examples below/in your original post? Thanks

Sure.

Base cost for the 15GB plan (doubled to 30GB) is $130.

My work provides a 15% FAN discount for the plan. So doing the math:

130 * 15% = 19.50.

Subtract that from the base cost of the plan:

130 - 19.50 = 110.50.

That's where I start for that plan. I was hoping to drop into that 10/20GB plan, because with that starting at $100, 15% of that is $15. 100 - 15 = $85 for 2 phones sharing 20GB. couldn't beat that.

BL.

 

[Dmunjal]

Sure.

Base cost for the 15GB plan (doubled to 30GB) is $130.

My work provides a 15% FAN discount for the plan. So doing the math:

130 * 15% = 19.50.

Subtract that from the base cost of the plan:

130 - 19.50 = 110.50.

That's where I start for that plan. I was hoping to drop into that 10/20GB plan, because with that starting at $100, 15% of that is $15. 100 - 15 = $85 for 2 phones sharing 20GB. couldn't beat that.

BL.

AT&T is now offering 15GB for the price of 10GB. Not 20GB but close enough if you want to stay at the $100 price level for data.

 

[01silver4]

I agree with you being a single line myself however, I am purchasing my iPhone 6 Plus with NEXT 12 month while still keeping my Unlimited at same time.

My plan will be NEXT 12 Month Upgrade with Grandfathered Unlimited vs the Mobile Share

I am keeping my unlimited plan. After talking to CSR today I ask her to show me where I would be saving money going to the moble share plan. Because after compareing what I have now with my unlimited plan, I couldn't see where I would be saving money if I went with the moble share plan. Because my unlimited that I have now with 6/6+ And 5s for my daughter that's on a 3gb data plan. I am paying $198+ taxes=$230. If I was to switch to moble share I would be paying $170+ Taxes the next installment for 6/6+ And 5s bringing the total amount to $275. And is for a 15gb moble share plan. The CSR was like to be honest with u your plan that you have now is cheaper and its unlimited. If they could show me where it is cheaper justifying me changing to the moble share I woukd have no problem switching to moble share. I could see moble share being a good deal if the bill is split between each family member paying a part of the bill. Moble share plan is not a good deal when it's just one person paying the for 3lines.

 

[bushman4]

Keep in mind this is a 'promo plan'
Meaning that ATT has the right to cancel it at any time
Of course they would have to give you notice and it doesn't necessarily mean they will cancel but the word 'promo' gives them that capability. Read the fine print about the 'promo plans' then mske a decision

 

[McDaddio]

Keep in mind this is a 'promo plan'
Meaning that ATT has the right to cancel it at any time
Of course they would have to give you notice and it doesn't necessarily mean they will cancel but the word 'promo' gives them that capability. Read the fine print about the 'promo plans' then mske a decision

I read the fine print.
That is not the case.

The plan is a promo in that it is a "sale" and won't be offered forever.

If you are on the plan after the promo period, you stay on the plan.

 

[lordofthereef]

I read the fine print.

The following is the fine print. The meaningful portion has been bolded in red...

Promo Plan Details: If you have ordered a new device and have not received it, you may not be able to switch to this promotional plan until you receive and activate the device.
15GB Plan: Limited-time plan offer. Must sign up for or request to sign up for this promotional Mobile Share Value® plan by November 30, 2014. Select locations. Customers may remain on their promo plan after offer expires. Changes: After offer period ends, if you change your data amount, you will lose the promotional plan and standard Mobile Share Value data allotments and pricing will apply. Mobile Share Value Promotional Plan: $130 per month pricing is for service only and includes 15GB plan charge of $130 per month plus discounted access charge of $15 per month per smartphone on no annual service contract (AT&T NextSM, bring your own, pay full price, or month-to-month). Discounted access charge pricing also applies to customers with smartphones on 2-year agreements prior to February 2, 2014. This discount is available as long as you keep your phone. Other pricing options are available. Upgrade: If you upgrade to a new phone, discount is only available via AT&T Next, if you bring your own phone, or pay full price. If you upgrade to a new 2-year agreement, the access charge discount is lost. Data: $15 per GB for overage. Devices: sold separately. AT&T Next and other device purchase costs additional. Device Limits: 10 devices per plan may apply. Limit 4 financed devices per account. Device purchase limits may also apply. General Wireless Service Terms: Subject to Wireless Customer Agreement. Credit approval may apply. Activation and upgrade fee up to $40 per line and deposit may apply. Other monthly charges per line: May include taxes, federal and state universal service charges, Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge (up to $1.25), gross receipts surcharge, Administrative Fee, and other government assessments which are not government-required charges. Restrictions apply and may result in service termination. Offer, terms, and pricing subject to change and may be modified, discontinued, or terminated at any time without notice. Coverage and service not available everywhere. Other restrictions apply and may result in service termination.

They can can the deal at any time, even if you are already in it. You are not in any contract with them. Doubt they would get rid of it any time terribly soon if they haven't done so already with plans like unlimited data.