[samuelmorgan]

Does ATT allow people who do not have contracts with them purchase phones outright?

[greggebhardt]

I think you have to have an acount even if you buy at the no commit price.

[pilsbury]

You can always go on eBay and purchase from a reputable dealer there.

[cmsdock]

i just got off the phone today and she said confirmed saying that you can buy the phone out right as long as your account with them.

[mark_rivers19]

Nope.
you can't unless you have an existing account.
But you can at BestBuy.
or any store online.

[K Bear]

Honestly, I think that's just really crappy customer service. To not let a consumer buy a product out right at full cost because they do not have an account is ridiculous.

[mark_rivers19]

marketing strategy.
they know you want it ( whether it's a Torch or an iphone 4)
and they want you to sign a contract with them.
and get a mandatory data plan..
and pay the ETF of $325.
the list goes on..
even for Verizon, Sprint etc

[mab4285]

marketing strategy.
they know you want it ( whether it's a Torch or an iphone 4)
and they want you to sign a contract with them.
and get a mandatory data plan..
and pay the ETF of $325.
the list goes on..
even for Verizon, Sprint etc

If you buy it out right, there is no contract and no ETF.

[jcp007]

Honestly, I think that's just really crappy customer service. To not let a consumer buy a product out right at full cost because they do not have an account is ridiculous.

Rules and policies are such an obstacle and provide order to chaos. What a PITB.

On a more serious note, since the Torch is initially going to be released and may have the same exclusivity as the i4, would it not be necessary to have an AT&T account? Otherwise, it would be an expensive paperweight.

[Average Joe]

Rules and policies are such an obstacle and provide order to chaos. What a PITB.

On a more serious note, since the Torch is initially going to be released and may have the same exclusivity as the i4, would it not be necessary to have an AT&T account? Otherwise, it would be an expensive paperweight.

Nope. Some might want to buy it, unlock it, and use it on their current contract with a different carrier.

[jcp007]

If it is not compatible with another network, what is the point? Just asking.

[mab4285]

If it is not compatible with another network, what is the point? Just asking.

You can unlock it to work with other GSM networks, like T-Mobile. YOu may not be able to use the 3G bands, but at least you've got the newest phone on the block.

[acwyau]

If it is not compatible with another network, what is the point? Just asking.

It would work with 2G on T-Mobile and all 3 of the major Canadian carriers. I can see a bunch of Canadians buying it ahead of it being released in Canada.

[ibcop]

marketing strategy.
they know you want it ( whether it's a Torch or an iphone 4)
and they want you to sign a contract with them.
and get a mandatory data plan..
and pay the ETF of $325.
the list goes on..
even for Verizon, Sprint etc

EFT with AT&T is $175.....at least it is with me.

[Fnord]

I was able to get an 2S without an account from Verizon. Seems like a pointless AT&T policy.

[mab4285]

EFT with AT&T is $175.....at least it is with me.

They just started their new ETFs and raised the prices on them for smartphones.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[rockyroad55]

My ETF is $95 haha. But, I might get sucked into a Torch.

[mark_rivers19]

EFT with AT&T is $175.....at least it is with me.

we actually have the same ETF of $175, but i'm pretty sure it's less than $30 by now unless you're still in contract.
they changed the ETF when they released the iphone 4.
of course, nobody read the fineprint.. and the apple geniuses or the AT&T employees won't start their sales ptich by saying.. "oh one more thing! we increased your ETF to $325.."
i bet most people don't know that.
it gets lower though, as you continue with your contract.. $10/month..
meaning if you decide to cancel on the 23rd month of your 24 months commitment.. you still need to pay them $95/line
Don't you just love AT&T? they solved the problem of drop calls.. by.. raising the ETF for consumers.. clap clap clap!