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AT&T Mobility Dumps Flat Early Termination Fees

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BUYER BEWARE

beeferjay

Oct 16, 2007, 10:07 AM
holy snikeys batman, ATT is letting people out of their contracts for cheaper.

It is long overdue.

It was long awaited by many cheapskates not willing to spend any money to recoup lost subsidy costs.

You get what you pay for. You dont do your homework, you will be unhappy or pay to get out of your contract.

Just 'cuz they're letting you off the hook easy doesnt mean you can just go sign up with anyone.

do your homework people

(this message was meant for the very very few who read these forums and are not hip to the ways of the game)
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sangyup81

Oct 16, 2007, 10:12 AM
Because it differentiates customers who have been around for a while from those who have just signed on. No it doesn't make a difference in anything of substance but the attitude towards existing customers matters. I'm glad at&t is learning.
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beeferjay

Oct 16, 2007, 10:23 AM
i concur.


im glad ATT is learning. I dont know how the CEO shake up is affecting normal business practices, if att all.

Too soon to tell, but they are taking baby steps.

ATT cares about their reputation. They want to be the most higly regarded wireless service provider in the world.

(geez i sound like an ATT training video)

you get what i mean

score a point for ATT's reputation
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Versed

Oct 16, 2007, 4:11 PM
Look. I pay my bills, I have good credit, and don't need some phone sales assistant manager cretin wanna be telling me who I can or can't sign up with its my choice.
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sangyup81

Oct 16, 2007, 6:44 PM
But you take a 2-year contract subsidy whenever you buy a phone, am I correct?
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Versed

Oct 16, 2007, 11:05 PM
That wasn't the question. I understand the concept of contracts on phone subsidy, but some of us, maybe no many would rather buy our own unlocked compatible gsm phones and just get service. I just don't understand why it is so hard to understand? Don't understand why people defend these companies when they want long term contracts just for service?

European providers offer this service, if they piss you off, you take yourself and your phone to another provider. That is if you don't take the subsidy.
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sangyup81

Oct 17, 2007, 12:32 AM
just get pre-paid

why would a company give you a plan at the best price if they can't reliably make money off you for a given period of time? if they can be somewhat sure you will stay, they can put a value on you for the money you will pay in the future

if you don't have a contract, they can't do that which is why pre-paid and no contract plans like goPhone Pick Your Plan are more expensive than the regular 2 year billed plans
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Versed

Oct 17, 2007, 10:05 AM
Because they will still be making money, it wouldn't make any difference? If I send them a check for $150 per month for service, where's the difference?

Pay as you go plans or fine, for low end users or with people with bad credit, it has nothing to do what features I want and yes willing to pay for. I just don't understand (outside of you guys working in the industry) why you don't understand this concept?

If the company keeps me happy and remains competitive they would have nothing to worry about.
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sangyup81

Oct 17, 2007, 11:05 AM
You seem to assume that if you send them $150, they just made $150. You're paying for their network upkeep, employee salaries, and the real big one, the advertisement.

If you sign a contract, your payments can be expected later. And it does make a does make a difference to the accountants. Fortunately, it's not been so long since I took accounting but the point is that companies really do think like that.
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Versed

Oct 17, 2007, 3:24 PM
I fully understand they have costs. Pay more to customer service and you won't have to worry about what their accounts say in this respect.

I don't have contracts with comcast, I don't have contracts with my home phone provider, they have costs as well.
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sangyup81

Oct 17, 2007, 12:34 AM
And just because you leave out an important point doesn't mean I can't bring it up. But glad you understand the subsidy problem and are willing to shell out the money for a non-subsidy price. 🙂
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Roadkill

Oct 17, 2007, 4:59 AM
You can already do that in the US if you use AT&T or T-Mobile. Just pay the full price for the phone and ask them to send you the unlock code.

They're not going to volunteer to do it - they would obviously rather get you under contract for 2 years - but if you're polite and firm they'll do it.

I just got the Tilt and got it unlocked. I went ahead and did the contract, though, to get the subsidy. But they still unlocked it for me when I asked. (I travel to Europe fairly frequently and need to be able to use local sims.)
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Versed

Oct 17, 2007, 10:12 AM
I know I can call AT&T and ask for the code, and yes I paid full price for my Tilt, and yes after having it a few weeks to make sure everything is fine, I will get it unlocked and add some touchflo stuff. Not the point.

Say I walk in off the street, with no service, I don't want a contract, but want full service, I'm willing to pay full for the phone, I'm willing (and able) to pay for my monthly plan and my initial 35bux or whatever fee Why a contract? You don't do that with home telephone service?
(yes I know I can ask for a one year contract but still)
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sangyup81

Oct 17, 2007, 11:07 AM
there really isn't the same risk of people churning from home telephone service since there isn't any competition (excluding the people who do VOIP of course)
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Versed

Oct 17, 2007, 3:28 PM
sangyup81 said:
there really isn't the same risk of people churning from home telephone service since there isn't any competition (excluding the people who do VOIP of course)


And the point is? Force people to help with their bottom line?

When it comes down to it, I happen to like AT&T, don't plan on leaving them, but outside of an agreement for a discounted phone(s) I don't wish to sign long term agreements to keep their accountants happy. In the end, with people bitching, there will be legislation, better off for all, if they make changes themselves.
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