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I hate AT&T phone contract

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  • I hate AT&T phone contract

    Has anyone terminated their AT&T contract and switch Cricket Wireless. By switching i would pay about $450 termination fee for both iPhones. But then I would save $61 per month if we switch. The break even cost 7.2 months. After a year, our saving rate is $228.
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  • #2
    I was in a similar position with Verizon wireless. We were paying near $150 a month for unlimited everything and some GB of data.

    We are not heavy cell phone users. We only care about connectivity. I let the Verizon contract run its course and switched to page plus wireless. I bought one very light plan (only $12 - 250 mins, 250 texts, 10 MB data - basically it will be only used sparingly on the road) and one moderate plan ($30 - 1200 mins, 3000 messages, 500 MB data - more than enough for that line). Total bill is slashed to $45 with taxes.

    So far with Page Plus over a month, I have not noticed any difference with the coverage, so their claim of using the Verizon network has held true. In case of Cricket wireless, if you are OK paying upfront, go for it. Only problem is that their coverage might suck, and you would regret breaking the contract early - if you are over an year in your contract already, I suggest you wait.

    Cell phone bill was our biggest utility bill and when it's gone, I couldn't have been happier

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    • #3
      I wouldn't pay that high of a few to change service. How much time is left in your contract? Have you tried calling to get a lower price? I have AT&T, as well, they always offer something better when I call BUT contract is not increased.

      with AT&T I pay total: $64 a month, I have an employee discount but I have the feeling if you ask if your company participates, they just give you the discount.

      I am month to month

      unlimited talk and text (started using as my primary phone was going over limits of old plan, called and they gave me this better, cheaper deal

      3gb data, supposed to rollover but if you don't use them by following month, they are gone

      I seem to get good deals on phones if I wait longer than when they start telling you you can have a new one

      works for now but I'm always looking, lol

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      • #4
        We've been our current contract for 9 months. Each month the termination fee is reduced by 10 bucks for each phone (August $225, Sept $215, Oct $205, and so forth).

        We have AT&T 6 GB family sharing @ $151 a month. Apparently Cricket uses AT&T network so we have the same coverage areas now if we switch. Cricket plans gives will us 5 GB for each iPhones @ $90 a month tax included. There is no contract.
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        • #5
          How many are on your plan?

          We are on ATT but on the plan that doesn't require a contract. With Dh's discounts we can't find anything to match the price for what we get.

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          • #6
            Originally posted by dawnwes View Post
            How many are on your plan?
            2 people in the plan. I'd like to get the out the contract pretty soon.
            Last edited by tripods68; 08-06-2015, 05:10 PM.
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            • #7
              I wouldn't pay such a large early termination fee to switch to a carrier of unknown reliability. The risk/benefit ratio is too high.

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              • #8
                Originally posted by HappySaver View Post
                I wouldn't pay such a large early termination fee to switch to a carrier of unknown reliability. The risk/benefit ratio is too high.
                Cricket wireless leases and re-sells ATT's network.

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                • #9
                  I left Verizon wireless for cricket wireless about 6 months ago and it has definitely paid off. I went from a $82 bill to $35 a month. I paid an early termination fee but it was minimal as my contract was going to be up in July anyway. I calculated it out and with the purchase of my phone ($25 after rebate) and the $35 service per month for 6 months and the cancellation fee I saved almost $120 than if I didn't cancel and paid the $82 per month with Verizon. Now I am saving $564 a year on cell phone service. There are a lot of good prepaid plans out there now you just need to research your area and know which providers have the best service in your area.

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                  • #10
                    I'm currently with Verizon, because my brother previously worked for them & got a 50% discount on service. He has since left the company, but as I'm still under contract, I'm still with them. However, we still have a 20% discount, and by sharing the plan with 2 of my brothers, it's somewhat more affordable.

                    Big news, however -- Verizon is following T-Mobile's lead, and is eliminating annual contracts!!!! Under the new pricing, our per-person cost will go from $48/person to about $35/person! I think that's enough for me to actually stay with Verizon now over the long term, from which I was previously planning to run away at the very first opportunity.

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