Value Plans Vs. Classic

[Choy Li Fut]

I just signed up for tmobile on the 4th and got my new phone as of the 9th. I've been looking into this issue for the past week or so now and so I just talked with a Tmobile employee (online chat) today to try to clear this up. This is my chat log:

You have been connected to ~Holly B.
QUESTION: Difference between value plan and classic plan
~Holly B: Welcome to T-Mobile Chat service. My name is Holly B for your reference my rep ID is 13-20138. First, please allow me one moment to review the information you have provided.
~Holly B: Thank you for your patience. I certainly can help you with your issue.
~Holly B: Hi [Me], I will get that information for you.
~Holly B: Okay, here are the differences:

Classic Plans:
- These are the plans we have always offered
- Still eligible for discounts on phone upgrades
- No equipment installment plans are available

Value Plans:
- Best rate plan pricing available
- A migration fee may apply if you are under contract
- Not eligible for discounts on new phones although you can take advantage of a 21-month phone payment plan (with no interest) so even the most expensive phones are more affordable.
- Once converted to a Value plan, it is not possible to convert to a Classic plan.

[me]: I'm currently on the classic plan. If I switched to the value I know there would be the migration fee but would there also be another activation fee?
~Holly B: No there would be no activation fee.
[me]: Ok, 3 more questions:
~Holly B: Sure, Go ahead [me].
[me]: 1. Can I switch between plans on the value plans later on
[me]: 2. Does the 21-month payment plan work for upgrades or just the initial phone for signing up for the value plan
[me]: 3. If I may ask, What is the reason for not being able to switch back to the classic plans?
~Holly B: Yes once there are certain amount of days that you were on the classic plan for example you would need about 18 months to switch without a migration fee.
~Holly B: Okay the Ecl you would have to pay half of the phone up front, Then the rest would go on your monthly bill for 22 months.
~Holly B: Can't go back to classic plan because of the Equipment credit line.
[me]: As far as my first question, I meant if I was on a value plan would I be able to switch to a different value plan later on?
~Holly B: Yes you may.
~Holly B: It would require a new two year agreement for the switch to a different Value plan
~Holly B: Cannot go back to the classic plan because of the Equipment credit plan.
[me]: Ok. So other than discounts for upgrades, The Classic plan has no advantages, secret bonuses or extra nick nacks that you wouldn't get with the value plan?
~Holly B: No just that you can upgrade your phone. And get a discount for the phone after 22 months since the last upgrade.
~Holly B: Or you can have a early upgrade at 12 months with a partial discount.
[me]: I see. With the value plan you get no discount of any kind on any phone at any point, correct? The amount of years spent with tmobile on the value plan will not earn you any savings or discounts?
~Holly B: You are saving throught the price of the rate plan and the data features as it is cheaper on the Value plan.
[me]: One last thing, How much does the migration fee drop over how much time?
~Holly B: It goes like the contract fees get cheaper closer to the contract end dates. I will give you that information for you.
~Holly B: If you have more than 180 days left in the contract, the Early Termination Fee (ETF) is $200. When you reach 91-180 days left, the ETF is $100 and when there is 30-90 days left the ETF is $50. If there is less than 30 days the ETF is $50 or the amount of the monthly recurring charges, whichever is less.
[me]: Perfect, that's what I was wondering. Then it drops to free a when there is 0 days left correct?
~Holly B: Yes that is correct.
[me]: That's all i wanted to ask. Thank you very much!

[JadedNYer]

Another reason for not being able to switch to a classic plan. The EIP. I have an EMP plan and am unable to switch to a classic plan. Any EIPs have been paid in full. I am so glad that the original contracts are long expired as I am disgusted with their new policies that result in contract extensions for minor changes. Especially when you are paying full price for a phone and they can change things again, reduce credit lines, or not offer credit lines at all.

I have not be even able to get a straight answer about why one can't go from value to classic. Phones can be purchased in full or paid off early.

[Pearl9100]

All these plans give me a big headache. Tmo should really streamline this. Less is more sometimes.

[Miz.Michele]

I switched to the value. Had 3 phones on loyalty with grandfather bb plan and 9.99 family texting ...my bill was 200/mo. Most of my data is on wifi. Now I am on the value plan with 4 phone, 3 unlimited minutes, one has 500 minutes (my super secret phone number), 3 have 2Gig/unlimited data/text and my bill with tax and corporate discount averages $146 a month so I am way happy.

[chrischoi]

Originally Posted by Chaviv

Do they still offer those, or is it just the classic and the value plans...?

They if you have the plan you can keep paying for service. If you want a new phone, you'll have to convert. They can be grandfathered. But you can't pay the phone off in installments.
T-Mobile only offers the Classic and Value plan.