Cancel service after $120 days?

[jpotter]

I have looked at all the options for this phone and I think the best deal is to buy it subsidized on a 2 year contract and cancel after 120 days of continuous service.

Here is the break down...

Unlocked phone = $529
Even More Plus = $60, or $1440 for two years
Two year total package = $1969

Contract phone = $179
Monthly plan = $80, or $1920 for two years
Two year total package = $2099

Contract phone = $179
Monthly plan = $80 for 4 months (120 days to escape Google's ERF) and $60 for 20 months (contract free), $1550 for 2 years
ETF to cancel T-Mobile contract after 120 days = $200 (maybe less?)
Two year total package = $1899

It seems like after 120 days of continuous t-mobile service you escape Google's Equipment Recover Fee (ERF) of $350. You can then cancel/change out of your 2 year contract with t-mobile and get into the $60 a month plan.

Anything to stop this?

 

[3rd-Geer]

I have looked at all the options for this phone and I think the best deal is to buy it subsidized on a 2 year contract and cancel after 120 days of continuous service.

Here is the break down...

Unlocked phone = $529
Even More Plus = $60, or $1440 for two years
Two year total package = $1969

Contract phone = $179
Monthly plan = $80, or $1920 for two years
Two year total package = $2099

Contract phone = $179
Monthly plan = $80 for 4 months (120 days to escape Google's ERF) and $60 for 20 months (contract free), $1550 for 2 years
ETF to cancel T-Mobile contract after 120 days = $200 (maybe less?)
Two year total package = $1899

It seems like after 120 days of continuous t-mobile service you escape Google's Equipment Recover Fee (ERF) of $350. You can then cancel/change out of your 2 year contract with t-mobile and get into the $60 a month plan.

Anything to stop this?

Damn dude, you're really thinking this sh-t out huh, lol.

 

[cedars1974]

How would you keep your same number?

 

[lionelhuts]

How would you keep your same number?

You wouldn't. You can begin to use Google Voice though so from that point out, you'll never have to worry about number porting.

As for the topic, this is an interesting idea. However, I must note that this plan is ignoring the time value of money. Should one actually calculate the net present value of each plan, the savings is likely to be even less (it's only $69 as it is).

 

[jpotter]

I guess the goal is to get out of the t-mobile contract in case you don't use text messaging or need a voice line anymore (GV, Gizmo5 over 3G or WiFI).

The result is a little savings and maybe headaches dealing with t-mobile.

 

[MattG]

I don't think you can re-up a contract with T-Mobile after cancelling for 6 months, so you'd have to either go without cell service or to another provider, and end up paying an ETF there as well.

I may be wrong though.

 

[cm40]

So from your first option, you would pay $1,969.

Unlocked phone = $529
Even More Plus = $60, or $1440 for two years
Two year total package = $1969

In your last option you would pay $1,899

Contract phone = $179
Monthly plan = $80 for 4 months (120 days to escape Google's ERF) and $60 for 20 months (contract free), $1550 for 2 years
ETF to cancel T-Mobile contract after 120 days = $200 (maybe less?)
Two year total package = $1899

So you would save $70 over a two year period.
That's $2.9166666666666666666666666666667 rounded to nearest tenth
($2.92 per month.)
Per day cost would be $0.097333333333333333333333333333333.
($0.10 per day)

= You should stop worrying about this so much and stick to a prepaid phone.

 

[sooper_droid12]

You would only be able to use Google Voice if you were near WiFi. And for what? $35 a year? Dude, you're an el cheapo. You don't have a significant other huh?

 

[lionelhuts]

You would only be able to use Google Voice if you were near WiFi. And for what? $35 a year? Dude, you're an el cheapo. You don't have a significant other huh?

Wrong. You can use Google Voice with any data connection - even EDGE.

And you don't even need that if you get a contact's 406 number.

 

[Chip.Deon]

Wrong. You can use Google Voice with any data connection - even EDGE.

And you don't even need that if you get a contacts's 406 number.

whats a contacts's 406 number?

 

[lionelhuts]

whats a contacts's 406 number?

This thread should help:
The Power of 406 - Google Voice Help

 

[sooper_droid12]

Wrong. You can use Google Voice with any data connection - even EDGE.

And you don't even need that if you get a contact's 406 number.

How will he be able to use Edge if he doesn't have a provider? That was the point of my post. It may not be likely for him to re-enlist another TMo contract after terminating it after six months of use. So, likely, he will end up without a contract (and service) unless he chooses another carrier. In that way, he will not have 3G, EDGE, or any voice calling connection other than WiFi. And if he did use the 406 method, he would have to make sure he had enough 406 numbers to cover all his contacts. That's terribly tedious and unlikely anyone has gone through all that trouble. Even so, he would still need his GV to connect to data SOME how. The phone needs to connect. See what I mean?

 

[afine1]

this would work. i already posted this in another thread. but the major issue is losing your phone number. is that really worth $70? in my case i ported a number to tmobile from metropcs. i have had my number for around 10 years and it is on my buisness cards, all of my companies i deal with have it, it is in my promo material (musician) and just about everywhere else. i only use a cell phone. someone like me cannot afford to have to change his phone number. and even if it is not a big deal for a minority of people good luck giving everyone who has your phone number a new one after you do this.

 

[garsh]

Don't forget $35 activation fees for starting the plus plans. I think that fee may be waived for the 2-year contract.

 

[lionelhuts]

How will he be able to use Edge if he doesn't have a provider? That was the point of my post. It may not be likely for him to re-enlist another TMo contract after terminating it after six months of use. So, likely, he will end up without a contract (and service) unless he chooses another carrier. In that way, he will not have 3G, EDGE, or any voice calling connection other than WiFi. And if he did use the 406 method, he would have to make sure he had enough 406 numbers to cover all his contacts. That's terribly tedious and unlikely anyone has gone through all that trouble. Even so, he would still need his GV to connect to data SOME how. The phone needs to connect. See what I mean?

Ah...I see what you mean.

I suppose he could always just go to AT&T for EDGE if T-Mobile won't take him back. And he could still use GV on a computer.

Aside, getting 406 numbers isn't terribly tedious. All you to do is send a mass SMS to everyone on your contact's list. This would also serve the purpose of letting your contacts know your new number. Something like, "Hey everyone, it's NAME. I just wanted to let you know this (XXX-XXX-XXXX) is my new number. Can you please text back to let me know you received this? Thanks."

Then when you receive their response, you'll get the 406 number as well as assurance that they have your new number.

 

[vikingisson]

Burn your bridges much?
Not at all cool no matter how ugly the company is or isn't.

You numbers assume that you'll only use service for two years. Keep adding up that $20/mth difference for unlocked freedom.
Is your sneaky contract phone unlocked after this mythical loop hole is complete? You have to think outside the fine print.

 

[lionelhuts]

Burn your bridges much?
Not at all cool no matter how ugly the company is or isn't.

You numbers assume that you'll only use service for two years. Keep adding up that $20/mth difference for unlocked freedom.
Is your sneaky contract phone unlocked after this mythical loop hole is complete? You have to think outside the fine print.

I'm pretty sure every N1 (whether purchased with or without a T-Mobile contract) is unlocked.

 

[illutionz]

I'm pretty sure every N1 (whether purchased with or without a T-Mobile contract) is unlocked.

I can vouch to this with a proof by Engadget interview with Erick Tseng (Android product manager)

The Engadget Interview: Erick Tseng, Senior Product Manager of Android -- Engadget

It's on the first video

 

[lionelhuts]

I can vouch to this with a proof by Engadget interview with Erick Tseng (Android product manager)

The Engadget Interview: Erick Tseng, Senior Product Manager of Android -- Engadget

It's on the first video

Thanks for the verification. +rep

 

[vikingisson]

I'm pretty sure every N1 (whether purchased with or without a T-Mobile contract) is unlocked.

So that makes it ok? Or even make sense?

 

[lionelhuts]

So that makes it ok? Or even make sense?

You asked, "Is your sneaky contract phone unlocked after this mythical loop hole is complete?" I answered that it was. I was never taking a stance - only answering a question with a non-opinionated answer.

I'm not taking a stance here, and please don't imply that I am.

EDIT - Ah, maybe you're upset that the Sabres won last night? jk, jk...

 

[vikingisson]

not implying anything. stating my opinion by asking a rhetorical question. don't get all snicky, be happy, Sabres won. The Leafs, oi what a mess. Actually the big news is that after so many decades of selling every seat for every game even with such a poor record there was an empty seat recently. Headline news. Somebody bought a ticket and didn't have to use a scalper. funny place this hockey town.

oh, topic... he should get the unlocked phone and be happy.

 

[lionelhuts]

not implying anything. stating my opinion by asking a rhetorical question. don't get all snicky, be happy, Sabres won. The Leafs, oi what a mess. Actually the big news is that after so many decades of selling every seat for every game even with such a poor record there was an empty seat recently. Headline news. Somebody bought a ticket and didn't have to use a scalper. funny place this hockey town.

oh, topic... he should get the unlocked phone and be happy.

That unfortunately reminds me of the Bills.

 

[illutionz]

That unfortunately reminds me of the Bills.

Damn you guys beating my Indy

Doesn't matter anyway but

 

[sooper_droid12]

And the thread is officially jacked! LOL!