For iPhone 4 early adopters, can we upgrade to iPhone 4S w/o $250 early upgrade fee?

[Brafly]

I bought my iPhone 4 on launch day (6-24-2010).  My account is on auto-pay, so it's never late.  I have a single iphone 4 with data and unlimited text resulting in a bill over $100 a month.  I have not changed my plan, number, market, or billing date in the last year.

Until April 5, 2011 my upgrade eligaibility date was 6-24-2011...1 year after my last activation...makes sense.  On April 5, 2011, AT&T without explanation changed mine and many other early adopter's upgrade eligability dates to 11-24-2011 (Thanksgiving)...AT&T has yet to be able to explain this.

Apple (and AT&T via website and *639#) both tell me that I have to pay $250 MORE for an iPhone 4S on launch day.  My Early Termination Fee (ETF) is only $175....now besides maintaining my unlimited data plan why wouldn't I just cancel my current line of service and get a new line with AT&T or go to another carrier?

AT&T has less than 3 days to tell the world if they are going to penalize early adopters or do right by them...its the same drama we had the last time an iPhone was announced and its beyond idiotic.

Looking for an OFFICIAL AT&T response, other than telling me they are sorry, or how to check my upgrade date, or that they have no idea how this happened.

[Wild Banchi ACE - Master]

---

Brafly wrote:
Looking for an OFFICIAL AT&T response, other than telling me they are sorry, or how to check my upgrade date, or that they have no idea how this happened.

---

The only official response you will get here is either from a moderator or the AT&T Community Manager here, jamileh. Other than that, we are all customers of AT&T like yourself. If you're looking for an "official response", then I suppose our responses are of no importance to you...

[Brafly]

I welcome all responses and opinions but I'm sick and tired of being given the run around by AT&T.  To say that someone from a place of power at AT&T doesn't in some way monitor what is being said on these message boards is foolhardy.

[Wild Banchi ACE - Master]

---

Brafly wrote:

I welcome all responses and opinions but I'm sick and tired of being given the run around by AT&T.  To say that someone from a place of power at AT&T doesn't in some way monitor what is being said on these message boards is foolhardy.

---

Alright. Now that's more like it.

If you'd like, send a private message to jamileh and she'll take you under her wing to answer your questions/issues. That is if she does not already respond to your thread sometime later on tonight, tomorrow, or the next day.

[mrpres1776]

I had the same question re: upgrading.

I, too, purchased the iPhone 4 on launch date in June 2010 - - now when I check my eligibility for upgrade on Apple's and AT&T's website, each says that I am only eligible for 'full retail' pricing on the iPhone 4S.  The 64GB iPhone 4S would cost me $649 to upgrade until 2/18/12, when I would then qualify for the $399 upgrade price for the same model.

I called AT&T Customer Service - - and was told by the Rep that this was accurate - - it would be $649 to get the 64GB iPhone 4S.  He even ran it up the food chain and asked his Manager for me, but they confirmed that I would not qualify for the reduced price ($399) until 2/18/12.

AT&T in the past has allowed existing iPhone owners to upgrade for the reduced/discounted price.  I feel failure to do so once again would result in a flight of AT&T customers heading to Verizon / Sprint.  Afterall, one could simply break the contract, sell the iPhone 4 to cover the cost of breaking the contract, and then head over to a competing provider for the discounted price.  AT&T would be silly to push loyal customers away - - but now the choice is up to the suits at AT&T...

[Brafly]

@mrpres1776 You are exactly right...either AT&T allows the early adopters to buy on launch day, that bought on launch day the last time to buy the 4S w/o the $250 extra fee (read pure profit) this will drive MORE customers away from ole Ma Bell. 

This issue has been tweeted about, emailed to AT&T customer service, as well as sent to The Consumerist, who helped customers persuade AT&T to do this the last time.

We shall see how it turns out.

[mrpres1776]

http://www.tipb.com/2011/10/04/att-allowing-upgrade-prices-early-iphone-4-adopters/

People are taking notice...  Let's wait and see how AT&T responds...

[wingrider01 ACE - Expert]

---

Brafly wrote:

@mrpres1776 You are exactly right...either AT&T allows the early adopters to buy on launch day, that bought on launch day the last time to buy the 4S w/o the $250 extra fee (read pure profit) this will drive MORE customers away from ole Ma Bell. 

This issue has been tweeted about, emailed to AT&T customer service, as well as sent to The Consumerist, who helped customers persuade AT&T to do this the last time.

We shall see how it turns out.

---

"drive more customers away"? Remember the etf to switch to another carrier for IPhone started at 325.00 - (10.00 * number of months in contract), suspect that will deter a number of people from switching to another carrier,

If I  recall correctly it was near the end of June 2010, figure obtaining the original phone in July, your etf would be 325 - 150 or 175.00, or 75.00 less then the surcharge.

If they do, great, if they don;t not a big deal, just a month longer before the new toy is available.

[Brafly]

If you bought the iPhone 4 on launch day, your ETF is $175.  Why should a carry penalize you (by making you wait 42 more days) for being an early adopter?

It defies logic.

[dwill05]

Wow! Only in today's me-me world would AT&T not allowing early upgrades and making everyone one with a contract play by the same rules be considered a "penalty". IF someone's upgrade date was moved farther out without explanation, then that's an issue for sure, but getting all balled up because they won't move someone's upgrade date up is just sour grapes.

For all the talk and threats, the vast number of people aren't going to walk just because AT&T won't move up their upgrade date a couple of months. They will either wait until their upgrade date, or pay the extra bucks to get it early. That's what will really happen, and AT&T knows it.

[browski]

---

Brafly wrote:

If you bought the iPhone 4 on launch day, your ETF is $175.  Why should a carry penalize you (by making you wait 42 more days) for being an early adopter?

It defies logic.

---

Unfortunately sir or madam, logic is not the strong suit of many corporations these days. I really don't understand the upgrade policy of AT&T. When I signed my contract, I was told 2 years, but like many others, my upgrade date was moved up for the i4 release and then moved again after the phone had been out for about a month. I can only assume AT&T was willing to move my date up to lock me into another contract, which I certainly can't blame them for. I would have gotten the discounted price if I had bought the phone anyway, so it would have worked out for the both of us. The fact that they moved the date after a month back to the original date is what I found strange.

Another of your posts posits that people will flee AT&T en masse, but I think you will find this flight to be just like the flight that occured when Verizon got the iPhone. Sure, a few might leave. But not enough to cause AT&T execs. to lose any sleep. The only reason this might be different, and this applies to very few people, is if you live in an area that has good data speeds and call coverage from Sprint. Since they are the only company to offer truly unlimited plans (at least for now), the addition of the iPhone to their lineup would make them a very smart switch. Again, this only applies to those who live/work/play in an area where Sprint service is on par with AT&T or Verizon. Let me state, I have never used Sprint and I have very little knowledge of their network. I am simply talking about the services offered, not their respective quality.

[satchev]

One thing to keep in mind... will the next iPhone (after the 4S) be released in late spring/early summer or fall of next year.

There is nothing and no one forcing any individual to have the latest and "greatest" iPhone.

Instead of throwing a tantrum because your upgrade date is not being moved up to coincide with launch, maybe it would make more logical sense to take a wait and see attitude.  You may actually benefit in the log run by skipping one generation.

That and you come across as a sensible adult as opposed to a toddler throwing a temper tantrum when you do not get your way.

[browski]

---

satchev wrote: 

You may actually benefit in the log run by skipping one generation.

---

I don't know about a benefit, but I have not had any real issues with iOS upgrades slowing my 3GS. I have had the ability to upgrade since February, but I was waiting to see what the next phone would be like. It appears I have found myself on the 'S' release timeline (3GS, 4S) but after it's all said and done, it's a phone.

With all the rumors about phones on the horizon and with the pace that these chips advance (Moore's Law), quad-core phones are just around the bend and this 4S will be just as outdated as the 4, 3GS or 3. The best bet for people is to figure out what they want their phone to do and find one that best suits those needs.

[Brafly]

@dwill05 -- Upgrade dates were pushed out for ALL early adopters that bought the iPhone4 at launch...so it's not just me.

@browski -- I disagree.  With now 2 competitors to AT&T execs are concerned now more than ever about maintaining subscribers.  People will flee en masse, just wait for the subscriber numbers for the next 2 quarters.

This also does not bode well for AT&T trying to persuade the DOJ to allow them to purchase T-Mobile...when you put customers last or stop doing something you have done for the last seveal years, people take notice. 

It doesn't really matter if you think this is a me-me-me thing...I am entitled.  I pay my bill every month, and I WANT to continue to do business with AT&T and extend my contract...but if they are going to make me wait 42 more days, and not explain WHY they changed my upgrade date, then I (and many others) will vote with our feet. 

AT&T should be very afraid of a potential partnership between Verizon and Sprint....both have CDMA networks, and both could help cover the gaps in coverage for the other.  AT&T has no such partner available unless the DOJ lets the T-Mobile acquisition go forth...and that isn't looking like its going to happen.

[browski]

---

Brafly wrote:

@browski -- I disagree.  With now 2 competitors to AT&T execs are concerned now more than ever about maintaining subscribers.  People will flee en masse, just wait for the subscriber numbers for the next 2 quarters.

---

Maybe you are right. I really hope that there is a renewed focus on customers from many big companies. These days, the money that most people spend is much more limited than it used to be. A $120 cell phone bill becomes easier and easier to cancel as the customer service drops.

All that aside, I was simply stating that I saw many posts similar to yours when Verizon got their phones and I know the Verizon forums were filled with unhappy people saying how much they missed AT&T. Ultimately, it's your dollar to spend as you wish and I hope you find something that works out perfect for you. All I'm saying is that I have learned to do as much research as possible before making a move that will lock me into a 2 year contract, breakable only for a heafty fine. Best of luck.

[Ducati997]

Give them a couple weeks. Next month, the early iPhone 4 buyers ETF will be like $160 and so on.. Craigslist your 4 for enough to buy a 4S and pay ETF whenever Sprint starts selling. Go to Sprint for unlimited data.

[yukong]

If AT&T is smart they will move the upgrade date for early iphone 4 adapters to October 7.  If they require all of us to wait till November 25-30 then they are going to lose a lot of money.  Think about it...early adapters are a large number of iphone buyers.  We are impulsive.  We want to be the first to try out new gear.  Speaking for me, if I have to wait 45 more days, I will lose that impulsive mindset.  I will be more inclined to pass and just wait for the next generation.  I will have 45 days to hear reviews and tests comparing the 4s to the 4 and the real lack of differences between the two, making the decision to upgrade less likely.  The new will be worn off and I will be less inclined to buy.  There are just so many reasons that allowing the early 4 adapters move up their upgrade dates.  It is going to cost AT&T a lot more than they will lose. 

[jamileh]

Hey all....

I know this is a sensitive topic and everyone, myself included, wants the latest and greatest phone as soon as possible. 

It's hard to offer specific advice on what your eligibility dates are because they depend on a number of factors that are account specific. Generally speaking, the 20 month date that's been mentioned a few times is accurate (and part of the AT&T Upgrade Advantage program). The best way to check your eligibility is through logging into your att.com account or dialing *639# from your phone. 

If you have specific concerns about an unexplained change in your eligibility date, I can help by getting you in contact with someone who will review your account and explain the status and make any corrections if there is reason to do so.

I'm always happy and willing to talk with you about any concerns or questions you have and pass any feedback about all things AT&T on to the right group. My "virtual" door is always open.

~jam

[Ducati997]

I was transferred from person to person for 45min today. I was told, "there are about 150 factors.. We don't know why your upgrade eligibility date was changed." They said my line is worth more than my wife's, so mine is eligible and hers is not yet. I said I bought both iPhones at the same time and upgrade at the same time every year, I pay one bill (on time always for years), AT&T has established a pattern for allowing me to promise 2 years or ridiculous cost for lame service each year. Now they don't want to. Ok. Peace out, AT&T.

[satchev]

If it is truly "lame service" as you stated, why do you keep resigning contracts every time you upgrade?  <keep it courteous please>

[drumn_bass]

Some of the most common reasons why the upgrade data can change is if the user changes anything on their account, like removing a feature or if a user is late on their payment. But anyway...

What makes iPhone "early adaptors" so special? Why shout anyone be an exception from the general upgrade policy based on the fact that they have an iPhone? What about some guy or girl with a Blackberry or an Android of anything else? No one ever promised iPhone loyalist a new iPhone at the lowest price every time there is an upgrade. AT&T is already giving you guys a HUGE break by not making you wait full 2 years of the contract you signed to expire. Some of you only have to wait about a month, really, 4S is not even worth an upgrade IMO, but you can surely wait few weeks.

P.S. When Apple released an iPhone on Verizon there were hundreds of complains on their forum because VZ didn't let everyone upgrade on request and people talking about switching to AT&T. This is just how this industry works, if you switch to any carrier, you'll have the same exact situation whenever a next iPhone comes out. Verizon's upgrade policy is every 2 years, AT&T's is generally 18-20 months.

[elnoseface]

It is called good customer service.  

Your question shouldn't be "What makes iphone users so special", but what does ATT gain by making thousands of it's customers wait 42 days before allowing them to spend more money and renew their contract?

Or another good quesiton is why is the early upgrade pricing more expensive than the ETF fee? It would be cheaper for me to pay the $175 ETF fee and then sign right back up with ATT, than to pay the $250 early discount plus the cost of the iphone.  

 Edited for spelling

[drumn_bass]

But those policies are the same for everybody... iPhone or not. If AT&T is going to let all iPhone users upgrade "42 days" early, than they'll have to let everybody else upgrade early, so in that case what is the point of the whole upgrade system at all? Or why not just make everybody wait 2 years (you guys did agree to 2 years didn't you?). You're able to upgrade 6 months before your contract expires, is it not good customer service?

[drumn_bass]

It is what it is guys, switch it if you feel like it but threats won't do anything for you. Doesn't work that way.

P.S. The same story every iPhone launch... weird, but nothing like this with any other major smartphone launch. What gives?

[elnoseface]

---

drumn_bass wrote:

But those policies are the same for everybody... iPhone or not. If AT&T is going to let all iPhone users upgrade "42 days" early, than they'll have to let everybody else upgrade early, so in that case what is the point of the whole upgrade system at all? Or why not just make everybody wait 2 years (you guys did agree to 2 years didn't you?). You're able to upgrade 6 months before your contract expires, is it not good customer service?

---

You are not in the customer service field are you?

Customer service is balancing the customer's wants/needs with the buisness' wants/needs. If you can satisfy the customer with minimal loss to the company than you are looking at a win. If you can satisfy tens of thousands of customers with minimal loss to the company then that is also a win.

Making customers wait 42 days it petty.  Making customers wait 42 days and attempt to buy a highly saught after piece of electronics on Black Friday is just plain inconsiderate, mean and in no way shape of form considered good customer service.  

[drumn_bass]

End of story man.

[DukeH]

Hello,

You know, it amazes me how people insist on crying on forums and so forth when they don't get their way.

You know what? My phone doesn't come up for renewal until 12/11/2011 and my wifes is already ready and I bought her phone on launch day. Her number was moved up from November 21st to October 21st then it's ready for upgrade now.

Do you see me complaining that mine isn't ready? No, because i'm smarter than that. I will use my wife's upgrade and sell my iPhone 4 32gb. See, I once added a new line to my account to get the iPhone 4.. $10/month? Ain't nothing..

You say you'll leave if AT&T doesn't give you the early upgrade you want? [Please be courteous[

Get used to it. This is the way things are, you cannot change it by sitting on the internet crying about it.

You chose to get the iPhone 4, because it was the latest and greatest. Did you get it in writing that they will GIVE you the early upgrade every year? I didn't, I'm sure you didn't either, but I tell you, I have gotten early upgrades every year, even the one when I added the line, they did it the day of launch.

Just quit complaining and wait like the other million people. Sheesh. Why cry about it? Is it that big of a deal to you? Cancel and go with Sprint, the Now Network since you want everything NOW NOW NOW. Then in like 6 or 8 months, when the true iPhone 5 comes out, you'll be wanting to switch to Verizon cause Sprint refuses to let customers upgrade early. Verizon is the same way. ONLY with AT&T will you beable to upgrade before your contract is up. NOWHERES ELSE.

Get it? Need a tissue? Or a baby wipe?

[dwill05]

Moving upgrade dates can ge unfair too.  If you say that anyone with an upgrade date of X can upgrade early, then there are always people who have dates a few dates afterwards that get left out and feel they are being treated unfairly.  Last time, when they let anyone who's upgrade date was by the end of the year upgrade early, the boards were filled with people who were saying "my upgrade date is in early January and it's unfair that I can't upgrade early."

People are going to complain and threaten to leave if they don't get their way no matter whether they allow early upgrades or not.  It's a no win situation, but at least not allowing early upgrades makes it uniform for everyone.

[Ducati997]

Satchev: to pay 199

[Ducati997]

You criticizers aren't even reading this. It's not that we want special consideration. They are changing upgrade dates and saying, "We don't know why." Thats a problem. Also this thread is about something other than your weak minded personal perceptions. There is a problem with AT&T's customer service. If you can't contribute something helpful, keep off.