Getting a new line of service

[Gl1tched]

I'm on a family plan with under my dads name, I'm allowed to make changes and I am under the authorized users.

so I have a phone number and my contract expires in January 2013. I have an android which is having problems connecting to the AT&T network. So it's time to upgrade.

for me to Upgrade right now to the iPhone 5 it would be $449

if I cancel my line it would be $170 fee, then get a new line with iPhone 5 for $199, costing me a total of $369

so I don't care if I loose my number, option 2 is cheaper. But since the iPhone is sold out I would have to wait for it in the mail for 28 days the guy at the att store said. I can't go without a phone for 28 days, so my question is, can I order the iPhone but they give me a sim to use .until the iPhone comes in? So I can use my new line of service in my old android for the meantime? Thank you!

[wilcre ACE - Expert]

yes you can activate with your existing phone and them give you a new simcard, however you will have to have a credit check done and pay the deposit if 1 is required plus the activation fee and a full month bill plus a prorated bill plus pay the early termination fee for the original line of service as well, so the $369 you stated is going to be much higher than that not including the potential deposit requirement. It will be cheaper to buy the iPhone 5 under the existing line of service that you have.

[Gl1tched]

I've never had to pay a deposit or get a credit check done for adding a line

[wilcre ACE - Expert]

all new lines of service get a credit check run before activation.

[Gl1tched]

So do you think I should just start a new line or go through with an upgrade?

[wilcre ACE - Expert]

i would go through with the upgrade, cheaper in the long run and less hassle over all.

[richfray]

---

wilcre wrote:
yes you can activate with your existing phone and them give you a new simcard, however you will have to have a credit check done and pay the deposit if 1 is required plus the activation fee and a full month bill plus a prorated bill plus pay the early termination fee for the original line of service as well, so the $369 you stated is going to be much higher than that not including the potential deposit requirement. It will be cheaper to buy the iPhone 5 under the existing line of service that you have.

---

Also, I'm pretty sure that Authorized Users cannot add or cancel lines of service. The Account Holder needs to be present for those transactions.

[richfray]

---

Gl1tched wrote:

I've never had to pay a deposit or get a credit check done for adding a line

---

The credit check is done automatically a screen or two after the Add Mobile (line) option is selected in the computer. It takes seconds for the check unless there is a problem requiring analyst review (human intervention in the form of the in store rep having to call in to provide more info or answer questions on behalf of the customer) You apparently have good enough credit to trigger a zero deposit required. Congrats!