I'm considering something like this, and want to know if it's possible. I just joined with VZW, love the service and would like to stay with them long-term. My ultimate goal is to end up with the Passion/Bravo/something with Android 2.0/2.1 and Snapdragon. But since it might not be here until Feb/Mar/April, I need to figure something out in the meantime. Here's what I'm thinking of doing (if it's possible). I bought the Eris during the holiday return period, so I have it til Jan 13th or so. I do like the phone, but the recent update brought a few problems. That, plus the hold hardware makes me think twice about sticking with it for 2 years. So, there's a good chance I'll return it, get all my money back, and bid VZW adieu. So, I was thinking of going with another phone company for 30 days (we'll say Sprint, and I'd go with the Hero). I'd use that phone for 30 days (which takes me to mid-Feb), and return it/get my money back. Then, I'd go to another phone company (probably T-Mobile, hopefully the Nexus One will be out on their network by then, if not, a mytouch3g, etc). Use their service for 30 days, then return/get my money back). If I need to, I can do the same with ATT. If I use these 3 phone companies, I can make it to mid-April with no long-term contracts binding me down, while still having phone service with above average smartphones. Then, best case scenario, news of the Passion/Bravo/something better will be about ready to release on VZW, and I come back and sign the dotted line for good. If not, I'd probably go with the Eris which will be updated to 2.1 and rid of any glitches. Is this scheme possible? Would VZW let me come back to them 3-4 months later after I left them? Would I have to pay a $35 restocking fee for every company I left (since I'm not doing an exchange with them, maybe not?)? Any other problems with this plan besides the inconvenience of the continuous switching? Any input would be greatly appreciated.......thanks!
IMO, I dont think that is the most ethical way to do business, but other than that it seems possible. They might see that you recently opened accounts with the other carriers when they pull your credit to set up your account. Why not get a cheap flip off ebay or something until the phone you want comes out. I assume that if you bring your own phone to the table you would be eligible for the upgrade at anytime.
You will take a hit on your credit score since each carrier will run your credit when you apply for service. This could negatively impact your credit score. You will most likely have to pay activation fees with each carrier which will not be refunded. Additionally, you will have to pay for services used and since all except TMO bill in advance, it could take a while to get it all sorted out. You will want to verify the return period for all prior to signing the contract. TMO is only 14 days except in California where it is 30 days. If you cut it short with any of the carriers, you will end up paying ETF. I don't think this is a great idea and as already pointed out, not highly ethical.
I think I read on some/most sites that the activation fees get refunded as well with everything else. Just not sure if I'll have to pay restocking fees since I won't be doing "exchanges." Credit score I'm not worried about. And you're right, I think TMo is the only one where it's not 30 days. As far as paying for my services, that's a given, and would rather pay for services on a smartphone than switch back to a flip. And as long as I return the phone/end services during their return policy, I won't have to worry about ETF's. I know it's not very "ethical", but I'm not supporting other people to do this, it's just something I'm thinking about doing. Thank you for you advice/suggestions though. Keep 'em coming guys, I need all the info I can get!
Get a pre-paid phone and be done with it. Way too much freaking work with what you're proposing, too many variables, and too many headaches.
Yeah seriously? Prepaid is so cheap right now... Plus no more than likely they will not let you re-open your acct. Most carriers if not all have a cool-down period.
T-mobile has plans right now that you can actually purchase without a contract....all you have to do is purchase the phone...which all you gotta do is find the cheapest one out there or find one on ebay etc....if you go this route without the contract, you do have to pay full price for the phones but you will not be tied down
Im not sure what VZWs exact policies are, but the carriers are smart enough to put safegaurds into place to avoid that sort of thing. I think wont let you subsidize more than one phone every 6 months or longer. Dont quote me on this, but I have heard of instances where people tried to do that and got flat out denied the second time around.
Hey, if what he described is thwarted by the carriers we should ALL be PISSED! If I was in an area and/or had a lifestyle where coverage was pretty similar (and maybe marginal) among all the carriers I should be able to try them (all) without entering into a long contract. In fact I really would have no way of knowing about a carrier's claims without a trial period of some sort. The same goes for the various phones; some phones that the carriers like you to buy aren't very good. Of course he should expect to pay for his use, and $100 for a 1-month trial period is about how much he should expect for a smartphone that uses "a lot of data". As far as phone # goes, he should get VoxOx or a skype or landline or some phone number that he can set up call-forwarding on so he can use that as his contact number and not have to change his phone number with everybody every few weeks.
Of course, there is always the easier way of having friends / family who all have cellphones now, come to your area and try out their phones. But that's far too easy than signing up for contracts at every single carrier, right?
