How to purchase no contract? AT&T

**patmur2010** · 12-20-2012, 11:52 PM

I am with AT&T and I plan to purchase a bb10 without a contract but I think ATT uses a different type of signal than some companies. So what do I need to know in order to purchase the correct bb10 phone? Thanks for the help.

**raino** · 12-21-2012, 12:53 AM

You would want to make sure it has the following bands:

3G/"4G": 850/900/1900/2100 (I think the deployed bands are 850 and 1900 MHz)
LTE: 700/1700 MHz

**FlashFlare11** · 12-21-2012, 09:54 AM

I'm planning to do the exact same thing and I'm also with AT&T. I was just planning on buying the device from them with no contract. It's the best way to ensure that the device is fully compatible with their network. I've also heard that you can buy online with a month-to-month plan and just cancel the plan once you get the device and use your current SIM.

My question, though, is will AT&T charge me to switch to LTE data the current data plan I have with my Torch?

**raino** · 12-21-2012, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by FlashFlare11

My question, though, is will AT&T charge me to switch to LTE data the current data plan I have with my Torch?

You might want to look into the AT&T sub-forum for a definitive answer, but I haven't heard anything about them charging extra for a LTE plan if you're grandfathered in. Can you imagine the outcry if they pulled one like that?

Instead of buying a phone on a month to month plan, have you thought about buying one outright from a third party seller like Best Buy, Amazon, etc. (assuming AT&T doesn't sell phones without a plan?) It may be worth looking into how much the phone+month of service cost versus just the phone. If AT&T doesn't subsidize much for one month of service, you might be better off just buying the phone w/o a plan and then using the SIM from your Torch.

**FlashFlare11** · 12-21-2012, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by raino

You might want to look into the AT&T sub-forum for a definitive answer, but I haven't heard anything about them charging extra for a LTE plan if you're grandfathered in. Can you imagine the outcry if they pulled one like that?

Instead of buying a phone on a month to month plan, have you thought about buying one outright from a third party seller like Best Buy, Amazon, etc. (assuming AT&T doesn't sell phones without a plan?) It may be worth looking into how much the phone+month of service cost versus just the phone. If AT&T doesn't subsidize much for one month of service, you might be better off just buying the phone w/o a plan and then using the SIM from your Torch.

I asked an AT&T rep and wasn't given a definitive answer. I need to look into that more closely before BB10 comes out (because nothing is stopping me from getting a Z10 on launch day!). I'd need a new SIM anyway so perhaps I can get an LTE micro-SIM from AT&T when I purchase the device.

I don't think AT&T subsidizes on month-to-month plans because I don't think commitments are involved with month-to-month plans. I also wasn't aware that Best Buy was authorized to sell devices w/o contracts (because they sell for the carriers) but if they can, I certainly will look into it. Thanks for the heads up!

**raino** · 12-21-2012, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by FlashFlare11

I asked an AT&T rep and wasn't given a definitive answer. I need to look into that more closely before BB10 comes out (because nothing is stopping me from getting a Z10 on launch day!). I'd need a new SIM anyway so perhaps I can get an LTE micro-SIM from AT&T when I purchase the device.

I don't think AT&T subsidizes on month-to-month plans because I don't think commitments are involved with month-to-month plans. I also wasn't aware that Best Buy was authorized to sell devices w/o contracts (because they sell for the carriers) but if they can, I certainly will look into it. Thanks for the heads up!

Yeah..that's what I thought initially: no subsidy for a month of full data. But then, I figured since month-month plans are essentially contract rates without the contract, there might be a subsidy involved. AT&T, I give you too much credit

Re: micro SIM, yes you'll have to get one. I got a S3 recently, and getting a micro SIM through my carrier's store cost me $20. I felt like it was an excessive charge, but since I was in a time bind, I ate it. Anyway, moral of story: carriers may charge for micro SIMs, especially if you're not buying the phone through them.

**pantlesspenguin** · 12-23-2012, 08:02 AM

I'm not on at&t but I've never had any difficulty going into my carrier and just buying a phone outright.

**giper54** · 12-23-2012, 10:04 AM

I have bought off contract from both AT&T and best buy. Best buy is cryptically more expensive. Sometimes Best Buy won't sell off contract the first week. I bought the 9810 and 9900 the first day it was available at an AT&T corporate store.

**joeldf** · 12-23-2012, 11:06 PM

Originally Posted by raino

You might want to look into the AT&T sub-forum for a definitive answer, but I haven't heard anything about them charging extra for a LTE plan if you're grandfathered in. Can you imagine the outcry if they pulled one like that?

Well, so far they haven't done that for the LTE phones they have now with grandfathered plans. I doubt they would treat the BB10 differently.

**eve6er69** · 12-24-2012, 12:08 AM

one of the mods here had a verizon unlimited plan. went from a 9900 to a thunderbolt lte and he just had to get the new lte codes put on his acct and he was good. didnt need to change his plan.

**torrado Williams** · 12-24-2012, 09:13 AM

I was also finding a place to buy no contract phone, i purchased from amazon

**Xinstaller** · 12-27-2012, 12:37 PM

I have AT&T and this summer I went from the Torch to a Motorola Atrix HD. They carried over my grandfathered unlimited plan onto the Atrix HD which is 4G lte and micro sim. I too am wanting to or have to buy a BB10 device without contract as I am not happy with the Atrix (Android OS). Maybe RIM could offer a trade in program for customers that have a non BB phone to soften the blow in coming back to the BB platform again. Imagine a trade in program for an unlocked BB device right from the manufacturer????

**jimpilot** · 12-27-2012, 02:55 PM

When the Bold 9000 came out I went to an AT&T store to purchase outright. They would not sell it without a plan. So be careful. If you're going that route might want to work it out with store in advance.

**Dim-Ize** · 12-31-2012, 11:02 PM

I have a corporate issued 9900 on AT&T. Isn't it 4G?

If I get the new Z10 out of my own pocket, swap SIM - would I be okay? Or, would they have to add LTE to my contract?

**lnichols** · 01-01-2013, 04:02 PM

Go into the AT&T store, say you want BB10 phone, pay full price, then walk out with phone.

**FlashFlare11** · 01-08-2013, 12:21 AM

Originally Posted by lnichols

Go into the AT&T store, say you want BB10 phone, pay full price, then walk out with phone.

I honestly hope it turns out to be that simple. I've heard varying stories from people who've had no problems to others who weren't permitted to walk out without signing a contract (or at the very least, purchasing a plan).

Please make it easy for us to get our long-awaited BB10, AT&T!

**qbnkelt** · 01-08-2013, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by FlashFlare11

I honestly hope it turns out to be that simple. I've heard varying stories from people who've had no problems to others who weren't permitted to walk out without signing a contract (or at the very least, purchasing a plan).

Please make it easy for us to get our long-awaited BB10, AT&T!

Go to Best Buy if they give you troubles.

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