Total plan confusion...

[SecretNY]

Okay, I have had an iPhone starting with the 3G with Unlimited data. I've always upgraded to the new phone every year since I like getting the latest tech. Now that ATT won't give upgrades early I decided to buy a phone for my mother (5s) and swap sims.

So my question (which I couldn't find the answer to searching) is how can I do this? And, I don't want to give up my unlimited data?

Do I add a line? Individual or Family plan? (ATT makes this so confusing).

Does a added line use the same data or do I purchase a separate data plan?

Finally, does the new line essentially get it's own 2 year contract (so in a sense I will always have a line getting an upgrade since next year my line is due?)

Thanks. Sorry if this was answered in one of the hundreds of posts...

 

[sydia21]

You can add a line and do a cross upgrade. If you are ordering at an AT&T store they can swap the sims for you.
It'll probably be easier if you do a family plan. The second line will need a data plan but that doesn't affect your unlimited data unless you move to a mobile share plan which you don't want to do.
And the new line does start it's own two year contract.
I do the same thing with my Mother in laws line that is on my plan and I upgrade yearly.

Hope this helps!

 

[karmatourer]

Add a dummy line for $10 and upgrade every year.No phone needed for dummy line.

 

[SecretNY]

So to clarify, when ordering the 5s, it will allow me to add a line to my existing account? Sorry for being slow, this is new to me.

If I switch to a family plan, does that screw with my Unlimited data plan? As I'm terrified to lose it, I don't want to click the wrong button.

Thanks.

Also, I don't want to add a dummy phone since my mother does need a cell phone for limited use and Facetime with the grand kids.

 

[nostresshere]

Okay, I have had an iPhone starting with the 3G with Unlimited data. I've always upgraded to the new phone every year since I like getting the latest tech. Now that ATT won't give upgrades early I decided to buy a phone for my mother (5s) and swap sims....

No need for a dummy line as you made it clear you were buying your Mother a phone.

Buy her a new phone and line. Then swap sims. People do this all the time. The 2 year contract is actually tied to the phone number. If your throw the 5s in the trash next week, you still have 2 years on the contract.

 

[SecretNY]

No need for a dummy line as you made it clear you were buying your Mother a phone.

Buy her a new phone and line. Then swap sims. People do this all the time. The 2 year contract is actually tied to the phone number. If your throw the 5s in the trash next week, you still have 2 years on the contract.

nostress, do you add a line as an individual or family? How does that affect the data plan? Is it shared or separate?

Thx