2 Year Contracts

[number34]

I understand the concept of 2 year contracts and the need to subsidize the cost of phones...

I have an account with T-mobile that I've had for many years, and I have another un-used and unlocked phone. I wanted to activate it as a second line, but they are requiring me to sign a 2 year contract with a $200 cancellation charge. Anyone know of any way around this? A few years ago, I was able to add a line if I provided the phone without a 2 year contract... this really irritates me now. Are all phone companies like this or is AT&T/Verizon/Sprint different?

[DDar]

Ouch. $200 cancellation charge? Why are they so cruel?

I'm pretty sure all other phone companies are like this though... After all, they ARE businesses...

[Nismotic]

when i unlocked one of my phones and opened a line with AT&T, i was given no contract. I thought they gave out contracts with phones only...

[he11fire]

You can sometimes pay a premium ($5/10 a month) to go month to month. Try asking the CS rep about that kind of deal.

I never really thought about it, but it does make sense that since they're not providing you anything in exchange for the contract that you wouldn't actually have to sign it. It's a very valid point.

[SwitchediPhone-to-Storm]

Call and ask to speak to someone in the retention department and politely threaten to cancel, I'm sure this will work. Tmobile customer service (for me at least) has always been very good.

[oakindustries]

Originally Posted by number34

I understand the concept of 2 year contracts and the need to subsidize the cost of phones...

I have an account with T-mobile that I've had for many years, and I have another un-used and unlocked phone. I wanted to activate it as a second line, but they are requiring me to sign a 2 year contract with a $200 cancellation charge. Anyone know of any way around this? A few years ago, I was able to add a line if I provided the phone without a 2 year contract... this really irritates me now. Are all phone companies like this or is AT&T/Verizon/Sprint different?

VZW will sign you up month to month as long as you either provide your own phone or buy one at retail. If they don't want you business I do. PM me and I'll set you up on VZW.

[Armando175]

I don't see why anyone should sign a two year contract or any type of contract if you're bringing your own phone. That's just ridiculous to me. These companies are making far more money off the phone when you sign a one or two year contract.

[number34]

Thanks guys, I'm going to look into it further over the weekend, and I'll get back and report on my findings.

[clitrenta]

Originally Posted by number34

I understand the concept of 2 year contracts and the need to subsidize the cost of phones...

I have an account with T-mobile that I've had for many years, and I have another un-used and unlocked phone. I wanted to activate it as a second line, but they are requiring me to sign a 2 year contract with a $200 cancellation charge. Anyone know of any way around this? A few years ago, I was able to add a line if I provided the phone without a 2 year contract... this really irritates me now. Are all phone companies like this or is AT&T/Verizon/Sprint different?

I feel your pain. Just tell them you want to sign up for a flex pay account. Those are month to month. No contract. Did they even bother to mention that?

[scion9]

I think Tmo also has no contract versions of their regular postpaid plans. Sounds like you got a rep that either wasnt aware or was gunning for the commission. T-Mobile Says “No Contract for You!” | AndroidGuys

[cliffr39]

I never understood 2-year (or 3-year in Canada) contracts period. If you only get 1-year warranty with the phone why would they lock you in to double that... just silly.

But, yes T-mobile *should* be able to do that for you.

[shado]

Flexpay is probably your best option; back when I started with t-mobile I had my own phone but had to get a 1 year contract.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[EmployeeForG1]

Whoever you we're talking to topic creator is total Bull. All you need to do is go into a store (I just like being formal FWIW) and add a NO contract line. Its easily available and its the same per month as a contract account. Plus if you ever do need a new phone for that line you can easily get a contract discount.

Flexpay = Avoid at all cost. PLEASE