Looking for some advice

[johnnydakota]

Okay. Here's the deal. My contract with Verizon just ended. I got grandfathered into the unlimited data plan but the only time I ever have really needed it is the rare times when I'm on vacation and can't get to sleep so I watch Netflix til I pass out. Other than that, maybe a few gigs a month.

I currently pay anywhere from $107-113 a month for unlimited data, text, 450 minutes and insurance. I don't really talk much. In fact, it's the 19th of the month and I've only used 51 minutes, counting nights/weekends and mobile to mobile. Without that it's 37.

I've looked into renewing my contract and basically, if I want a new phone for a decent price, I'll have to spend at least $110 plus taxes for even less than what I'm getting now.

I have been reading around here and this unlimited text, data, and 100 minutes for $30 seems like a great deal. The thing is, I've had a phone since I was in junior high which was like almost 15 years ago. I had T-Mobile before they were T-Mobile. They were called Voice Stream.

I have had the same number since then and so I just have some questions about switching since I'm not incredibly experienced.

1. Since I had an account with T-Mobile back when they first came around, will I have a problem getting in on this deal? My mom had to put her name on the phone back then since I was only like 14 or 15 but I don't know if they'll be able to trace the number back as being one they created.

2. If I change from a contract to month-to-month, will I have to get a new phone number or can I transfer it? And if I happen to leave and go to a different company, can I transfer it to them?

3. I've decided on getting the Google Nexus 4 but obviously, they are having issues getting orders filled. If I get a temporary phone and then order when the phone is back in stock, will I have any issues?

4. Is there any insurance option on the phone through either Google or T-Mobile?

That's all that I can think of right now. I appreciate any help. I've been reading the threads and you guys are a hell of a lot more knowledgeable than me and I'm the kind of guy who does a lot of research before making a big purchase and $350 for an unlocked phone isn't that bad of a price when I'm seeing others for $600+

Thanks again.

 

[Crashdamage]

1. No problem.
2. It's transferable.
3. No problem.
4. AFAIK not through Google. Maybe not through T-Mobile either unless you buy a Nexus 4 from them at their inflated price rather than direct from Google. Ask to be sure.

I've been with T-Mobile since before they were Voicestream, when they were called Aerial.

Edit: If you have homeowners insurance you probably can add your phone as a 'rider' for a very reasonable rate.

 

[mogelijk]

Okay. Here's the deal. My contract with Verizon just ended. I got grandfathered into the unlimited data plan but the only time I ever have really needed it is the rare times when I'm on vacation and can't get to sleep so I watch Netflix til I pass out. Other than that, maybe a few gigs a month.

I currently pay anywhere from $107-113 a month for unlimited data, text, 450 minutes and insurance. I don't really talk much. In fact, it's the 19th of the month and I've only used 51 minutes, counting nights/weekends and mobile to mobile. Without that it's 37.

I've looked into renewing my contract and basically, if I want a new phone for a decent price, I'll have to spend at least $110 plus taxes for even less than what I'm getting now.

I have been reading around here and this unlimited text, data, and 100 minutes for $30 seems like a great deal. The thing is, I've had a phone since I was in junior high which was like almost 15 years ago. I had T-Mobile before they were T-Mobile. They were called Voice Stream.

I have had the same number since then and so I just have some questions about switching since I'm not incredibly experienced.

1. Since I had an account with T-Mobile back when they first came around, will I have a problem getting in on this deal? My mom had to put her name on the phone back then since I was only like 14 or 15 but I don't know if they'll be able to trace the number back as being one they created.

2. If I change from a contract to month-to-month, will I have to get a new phone number or can I transfer it? And if I happen to leave and go to a different company, can I transfer it to them?

3. I've decided on getting the Google Nexus 4 but obviously, they are having issues getting orders filled. If I get a temporary phone and then order when the phone is back in stock, will I have any issues?

4. Is there any insurance option on the phone through either Google or T-Mobile?

That's all that I can think of right now. I appreciate any help. I've been reading the threads and you guys are a hell of a lot more knowledgeable than me and I'm the kind of guy who does a lot of research before making a big purchase and $350 for an unlocked phone isn't that bad of a price when I'm seeing others for $600+

Thanks again.

From what I know about things:

1. You should not have any problems. When T-Mobile says "new customers", it appears to only mean that it requires a new SIM card (a new phone line). People who were T-Mobile post-paid customers claim to have activated the phone and then even had their old T-Mobile post-paid number moved to the $30 plan.

2. You can transfer your phone number, and transfer it back out if you leave T-Mobile.

3. No, you will have no issues -- other than possibly SIM card size. T-Mobile accounts are tied to the SIM, not the phone. So, when you move your SIM from one phone to another, your account/phone number is transferred to the new phone with the SIM card. From what I understand, T-Mobile doesn't care what phone you use the SIM on. Some people claim to use multiple phones they switch between based on what they are doing (such as having a work phone, a personal phone they use at night and weekends, and a "beater" phone they use while playing sports or doing physical labor).

The SIM size it a minor issue. Just that the Nexus 4 uses a Micro SIM and I suspect that the temporary phone you will use will be a Standard SIM. You can get an adapter to make the Micro SIM fit the Standard slot or cut down a Standard SIM to Micro size -- in fact, T-Mobile stores typically will cut down the SIM for you.

4. I've not seen a Google insurance plan and, as mentioned, T-Mobile only offers insurance on phones they sold (though you can double check on the Nexus 4). If you want insurance, you will need to go through a third party insurance carrier (such as SquareTrade).

 

[maxwelbd]

2. If I change from a contract to month-to-month, will I have to get a new phone number or can I transfer it? And if I happen to leave and go to a different company, can I transfer it to them?

Thanks again.

I have done / am doing almost the same thing as you. I was on Verizon contract forever (paying $100/month), then switched to the Tmo $30 no contract plan and it's great. The main thing to remember is DO NOT cancel your Verizon phone. Activate your Tmo plan online (you'll get a new phone number) then call Tmo and have your Verizon number ported over to the new phone. I did this about 6 months ago and it took 2 days for the number to port. So for a couple of days you'll have 2 phones and 2 numbers. Once the number ports, your Verizon account should get cancelled automatically (mine did).

I'm also wanting the Nexus 4 (When I can get one). Once I get it, it should be as easy as dropping in my current SIM card. Although the Nexus 4 takes a micro SIM, but I'm going to cut my current SIM to fit (already have a cutter).

 

[johnnydakota]

Thanks for the responses, guys.

Yeah, this looks like a no brainer.

I have a Droid X now and don't use a SIM card with it so I'll be starting from scratch so I shouldn't have any hang ups. But...

1. If I get a Nexus, should I just go ahead and order a micro SIM card or get a normal SIM and cut it later if I get a cheap phone in case the micro doesn't fit in it?

2. I've read about using GrooVe IP to make calls on wifi. Is this the go-to app for this kind of stuff or are there others that do a better/just as good job?

 

[eljefe0000]

Thanks for the responses, guys.

Yeah, this looks like a no brainer.

I have a Droid X now and don't use a SIM card with it so I'll be starting from scratch so I shouldn't have any hang ups. But...

1. If I get a Nexus, should I just go ahead and order a micro SIM card or get a normal SIM and cut it later if I get a cheap phone in case the micro doesn't fit in it?

2. I've read about using GrooVe IP to make calls on wifi. Is this the go-to app for this kind of stuff or are there others that do a better/just as good job?

1) i would just get a regular sim for the time being in case your gonna use a phone that uses the bigger size sim till you get the n4 besides after you cut it down you can always use the leftover plastic piece later in case you need it again for another phone. just squeeze that sucker back in ive done it with several phones myself just using the regular cut down to micro and then fitting it back into the plastic piece afterward.

2) i use groove ip paid version you can use the 4g data to make calls so in essence if your not a data hog you can get basically everything unlimited for 30 a month not bad but in case you need more minutes they are 10 cents after you go over your limit if you have money in your account. also if you wanna be a little slick like i am i get $50 dollar cards on ebay for 40 so after 3 months your getting a month for free im not good with math but you get something for free haha

 

[johnnydakota]

1) i would just get a regular sim for the time being in case your gonna use a phone that uses the bigger size sim till you get the n4 besides after you cut it down you can always use the leftover plastic piece later in case you need it again for another phone. just squeeze that sucker back in ive done it with several phones myself just using the regular cut down to micro and then fitting it back into the plastic piece afterward.

2) i use groove ip paid version you can use the 4g data to make calls so in essence if your not a data hog you can get basically everything unlimited for 30 a month not bad but in case you need more minutes they are 10 cents after you go over your limit if you have money in your account. also if you wanna be a little slick like i am i get $50 dollar cards on ebay for 40 so after 3 months your getting a month for free im not good with math but you get something for free haha

Yeah, I've read about getting the cards on eBay. Do they offer free minutes with other T-Mobile users or is that the catch with the month to month?

10 cents isn't an issue anyway. I figure I'm already spending over 100 bucks a month so even if I go over another 100 minutes, it's an extra 10 bucks. Still a hell of a lot better than what I'm doing now.

 

[eljefe0000]

no free minutes what u use will be deducted i just get that $50 card for cheap on ebay and if i ever need extra minutes i know ill have money on the account in case i do go over which is never for me i text and surf alot and when i do have to call i just use the groove keep in mind you also need to set up a google number for it though