Leaving AT&T behind

[dancewithml]

I have been a loyal customer to AT&T for over ten years and how have I been repaid for such loyalty. I get to pay for unlimited service but have my speeds slowed down if I use it. I get to buy an expensive phone with all these great features that use my data, such as tethering and Hot Spotting, but I have to change my contract and get a worse plan that cost more in order to use such features. I get virtually no tech support from the company unless I go to the warranty center. I can only get my phone replaced or fixed though assurion, and to do that I have to pay a deductible that is higher than what I paid for the phone in the first place. Did I mention that paying this deductible gets me a used phone that was already beaten up by someone else and then rephurbished.  Currently I have a broken phone and for what it would cost to get it replaced I can get a new one with another provider and a better plan with better insurance!
 When there are companies with better plans, better prices, better insurance, better service, and better customer loyalty WHY ARE ANY OF US STAYING WITH AT&T? This is no longer a question I need to ask my self, my days as an At&t customer are numbered, and that number is very low.

[sgt50]

BECAUSE THE DEATH STAR DOES NOT CARE ABOUT ITS CUSTOMERS, ONLY THAT THEY PAY ON TIME!

[JFizDaWiz]

The problems with the phone itself being broke and paying a deductible through insurance exists will all carriers. If you're eligible for an upgrade that is obviously the better choice. Insurance is meant for broken phones when an upgrade is not available to you

The unlimited data plan issues exists with everyone as well except Sprint, but in my recent trial with Sprint, speeds on their network matched my throttled speeds so no contest there.

The issues you are having are not att problems but mobile services in general

[BadBadLeroyBrown ACE - Warrior]

You do realize that the 4 largest carriers go through Asurion for their device insurance, don't you? I have always maintained that Asurion's products were a ripoff, and that you could get better insurance through a company like SquareTrade or through your renter's/homeowner's insurance provider.

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dancewithml wrote:

I have been a loyal customer to AT&T for over ten years and how have I been repaid for such loyalty. I get to pay for unlimited service but have my speeds slowed down if I use it. I get to buy an expensive phone with all these great features that use my data, such as tethering and Hot Spotting, but I have to change my contract and get a worse plan that cost more in order to use such features. I get virtually no tech support from the company unless I go to the warranty center. I can only get my phone replaced or fixed though assurion, and to do that I have to pay a deductible that is higher than what I paid for the phone in the first place. Did I mention that paying this deductible gets me a used phone that was already beaten up by someone else and then rephurbished.  Currently I have a broken phone and for what it would cost to get it replaced I can get a new one with another provider and a better plan with better insurance!
 When there are companies with better plans, better prices, better insurance, better service, and better customer loyalty WHY ARE ANY OF US STAYING WITH AT&T? This is no longer a question I need to ask my self, my days as an At&t customer are numbered, and that number is very low.

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[dancewithml]

 if it wasn't obvious that JfizDaWiz is speaking on behalf of Att to make them look better I will reveal to you how I know 

He first states that the deductible exist with all carriers. What he didn't mention is that att is the highest and that there are insurance plans that have NO DEDUCTIBLE. He also says that the insurance is for a broken phone but my question is this, Why pay for insurance when the deductible more than it would cost to just take the phone to a technician and have it repaired yourself. My phone Damage is probably as bad as it gets and the deductible is still about $50 higher that if I take it to a repair shop and what about for ppl who merely crack a screen or have a mechanical issue. Are you to tell me that I should pay a $200 deductible to replace a $70 screen so I can get a used phone that was probably repaired in the same way and thus my phone can be sold in the same way. Thats a $260 profit made on two phones and it doesn't include the insurance fee! Also I know classmates that work for other carriers and they do in-store repair with no deductible. 

About the unlimited data: He stated himself that Sprint doesn't have this problem. What I would ask is, who cares what every other company has? I pay for "unlimited data" so I should get unlimited data, and as an employee Im sure that he really doesn't expect us to believe that he is going to be truthful about the speed of his internet or if his speeds are even tampered with being that he is an employee.

The issues Im having are not with "service in general" because I don't pay for service in general. I pay for service through att and I have for years and consistently through those years I have noticed a drop in the value of the long-term customer. In fact it seems as though they would rather be rid of the long term customers to make room for new customers who they will ultimately make more money of off.

Thanks for you input, AT&T Loyal Employee, but no one is going to fall for what you're trying to sell us. Just enjoy the fact that because you work for them they choose to not treat you like crap as they do the rest of us.

{edited to comply with guidelines, please keep it courteous}

[BadBadLeroyBrown ACE - Warrior]

Have you actually looked at the insurance program? Verizon has slightly lower deductibles on SOME models (the iPhone 4 or the 16GB 4S), but their deductibles for the 32 & 64GB iPhones are the same as AT&T's, and at a cost of higher premiums. Verizon's plan comes bundled with the Device Locator service, which is an option on AT&T's version of the plan. Sprint's deductibles appear to be lower, but they don't provide coverage for the iPhone. 

Sprint 3G speeds can be downright awful. I have a Clear (formerly ClearWire) 3G/4G dongle that uses Sprint's 3G network when Clear's 4G is unavailable. In New Orleans, it was downright terrible. In Washington, DC, it's marginally usable.

Not an AT&T employee here...

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dancewithml wrote:

 if it wasn't obvious that JfizDaWiz is speaking on behalf of Att to make them look better I will reveal to you how I know 

He first states that the deductible exist with all carriers. What he didn't mention is that att is the highest and that there are insurance plans that have NO DEDUCTIBLE. He also says that the insurance is for a broken phone but my question is this, Why pay for insurance when the deductible more than it would cost to just take the phone to a technician and have it repaired yourself. My phone Damage is probably as bad as it gets and the deductible is still about $50 higher that if I take it to a repair shop and what about for ppl who merely crack a screen or have a mechanical issue. Are you to tell me that I should pay a $200 deductible to replace a $70 screen so I can get a used phone that was probably repaired in the same way and thus my phone can be sold in the same way. Thats a $260 profit made on two phones and it doesn't include the insurance fee! Also I know classmates that work for other carriers and they do in-store repair with no deductible. 

About the unlimited data: He stated himself that Sprint doesn't have this problem. What I would ask is, who cares what every other company has? I pay for "unlimited data" so I should get unlimited data, and as an employee Im sure that he really doesn't expect us to believe that he is going to be truthful about the speed of his internet or if his speeds are even tampered with being that he is an employee.

The issues Im having are not with "service in general" because I don't pay for service in general. I pay for service through att and I have for years and consistently through those years I have noticed a drop in the value of the long-term customer. In fact it seems as though they would rather be rid of the long term customers to make room for new customers who they will ultimately make more money of off.

Thanks for you input, AT&T Loyal Employee, but no one is going to fall for what you're trying to sell us. Just enjoy the fact that because you work for them they choose to not treat you like crap as they do the rest of us.

{edited to comply with guidelines, please keep it courteous}

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[dancewithml]

and still somehow att has a higher deductible than other providers, and a higher monthly fee!

[BadBadLeroyBrown ACE - Warrior]

What part of "Verizon's premium is higher" didn't register? And Sprint's premiums are higher than either AT&T or Verizon's. Might want to do your homework before you get schooled.

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dancewithml wrote:
and still somehow att has a higher deductible than other providers, and a higher monthly fee!

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[JFizDaWiz]

Trust me I could care less about att but you haven't raised a point yet that is specific to att being a problem. Mobile services in general are a rip off. You still gave unlimited data just slower, your phone broke and its not att responsibility to fix it for you.

[123456789abc]

how can it be Unlimited if they limits the amount of data you Can download by reducing your speed? is this even legal? Isn't there some goverMent office or agency that should protect us from these kind of Scam?

[dancewithml]

I said they have a higher deductible than "OTHER" providers not "ALL" providers.

[dancewithml]

Here's two points for you. One I pay for At&t service and I am not happy with that service for the reasons I named. Should one company be able to give crappy service and customer service just because another company does? Two, what concern is it of yours! If your position at att is not one that can resolve or change the issue then why do your care what I say or think. Unless of course you are paid to go into peoples post and try to defend the company your work for???

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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dancewithml wrote:
Here's two points for you. One I pay for At&t service and I am not happy with that service for the reasons I named. Should one company be able to give crappy service and customer service just because another company does? Two, what concern is it of yours! If your position at att is not one that can resolve or change the issue then why do your care what I say or think. Unless of course you are paid to go into peoples post and try to defend the company your work for???

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personally have had att in some way shape or form since landlines where all party lines and you counted the number of consequtive rings to determine if the call was for you. Have wireless service with the top 3 carriers - ATT, Verizon, Sprint, a few international carriers and globalstar. Have had issues with all of them over the years - so no matter what you will never be happy no matte where you go.

The biggest issues that have been seen is the simple fact that people do not read and understand what they sign when they get a cell phone, especially a new toy like a iphone, they just want to get outof the store and play with it. The current throttling of unlimited data is well within the agreed to terms of service that you put either a physical or electronic signature to. ATT is not the only one that does it, verizon, sprint, t-mobile, even the lowly cricket all have over usage throttle clauses in the agreements.

Bottom line - not happy, serivce issues making you miserable - pay the etf and leave, go to another carrier but be sure that you read their requiremens closely or you will end up exactly in the dame situation. You always have a choice, although the choice may cost you money

Also - if you don;t want opposing views to your comments, a public forum is probably not a good place to discuss things

[dancewithml]

And all that still does not explain how my view concerns you. Before you go on your next AT&T defense mission, please explain to me how any of what I post matters or affects you in any way?
I'll wait...

[Bwolffdrums]

wingrider01 wrote:

Bottom line - not happy, serivce issues making you miserable - pay the etf and leave, go to another carrier but be sure that you read their requiremens closely or you will end up exactly in the dame situation. You always have a choice, although the choice may cost you money

Also - if you don;t want opposing views to your comments, a public forum is probably not a good place to discuss things

@dancewithml - The reality is this isn't the right forum to go to if you want to know what your options REALLY are.  The people here will tell you that your only options are to stay and deal, or leave and pay.  There's another option, which has been successful once already which can't be discussed here and could end in you leaving WITH your money.  I'd try some other forums that are actually open to discussion.

[dancewithml]

send me a private message?

[JFizDaWiz]

I'm nit defending nor does att pay me. The problems listed are not problems they are downsides to mobile services. You'll never get what you want

[BadBadLeroyBrown ACE - Warrior]

Keep in mind...private messages AREN'T really private. The mods/admins will crack down on people violating the guidelines.

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dancewithml wrote:
send me a private message?

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[BadBadLeroyBrown ACE - Warrior]

Ooooh, now we get the mysterious third "nuclear option", the one so devastating it can't be discussed here. This whole thread started with a half-baked rant complaining about:

1) data throttling - sorry, join the club

2) tethering/hot spot not being a) free or b) available on the unlimited plan - again, the line to join the club is long & growing

3) no tech support - I wouldn't expect a company that doesn't manufacture the phones to provide tech support for them. Does Microsoft support hardware issues on Dell computers on which Windows is installed?

4) the only way to get a phone replaced/fixed is through Asurion - which is decidedly not true. Virtually all new phones comes with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty, and defective phones can be replaced via AT&T's warranty replacement program without having to subscribe to Asurion. Between the first & second year (outside the manufacturer's warranty period), there are still options. SquareTrade offers phone insurance, many homeowner's/renter's insurance providers offer electronics riders, and iPhones may be eligible for AppleCare. I've said time and time and time again that Asurion is a fool's bargin. 

There's no "silver bullet" which is going to get the OP out of his ETF. There are various ways to try to "game the system" which MAY result in successfully getting him out of his contract, but if there were a magic get out of jail free card for AT&T (or any wireless carrier), you can bet your bottom dollar the tech blogs would be all over it like white on rice.

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Bwolffdrums wrote:

wingrider01 wrote:

Bottom line - not happy, serivce issues making you miserable - pay the etf and leave, go to another carrier but be sure that you read their requiremens closely or you will end up exactly in the dame situation. You always have a choice, although the choice may cost you money

Also - if you don;t want opposing views to your comments, a public forum is probably not a good place to discuss things

@dancewithml - The reality is this isn't the right forum to go to if you want to know what your options REALLY are.  The people here will tell you that your only options are to stay and deal, or leave and pay.  There's another option, which has been successful once already which can't be discussed here and could end in you leaving WITH your money.  I'd try some other forums that are actually open to discussion.

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[Bwolffdrums]

BadBadLeroyBrown wrote:
There's no "silver bullet" which is going to get the OP out of his ETF. There are various ways to try to "game the system" which MAY result in successfully getting him out of his contract, but if there were a magic get out of jail free card for AT&T (or any wireless carrier), you can bet your bottom dollar the tech blogs would be all over it like white on rice.

I didn't say it was a sure thing, I said it's been done successfully already, creating a precedent for more success for the future...and no, it can't be discussed here. If you consider it "gaming the system" that's fine, but the person who made the decision on the matter considered it legitimate, and he has more authority than you, no offense.

[dancewithml]

And yet U STILL HAVE NOT ANSWERED THE SIMPLE QUESTION..

How does it concern you. You are making all these efforts to downplay the the fact that AT&T service sucks while you have not yet once made any point other than "every one else is doing it". Is that the best defense you have for the company you seem to love so much? Do I have to give you the "if everyone jumped of a bridge..." speech? Why do you find that to be such an acceptable answer? Furthermore: Why does what I say or think matter so much? and though im sure you will inevitable defend bay saying, "Uh, it doesn't" "this is a public forum"
I would then simply ask why have you stopped what you were doing SEVERAL TIMES just to defend ,YES DEFEND, AT&T. I really do hope they are paying you, otherwise they are getting you worse that they get everyone else.


Side note: I find it very amusing that the one truly helpful comment somehow got deleted, while the ones that so valiantly defend AT&T'S terrible service are still here for everyone to see.

[JFizDaWiz]

They offer the best service where I go. If you don't like em, leave em. Find something that works for you. Just be mindful you'll never find a carrier that works exactly like you want them to.

[dancewithml]

WOW! You really can't answer it can you? More defense and still no answer. Just for laughs lets try one more time...

JFizDaWiz,

Why do you care at all what I say or think about AT&T's service?

[JFizDaWiz]

I'm just giving answers to your questions

[dancewithml]

OK. My "statement/opinion" is that AT&T sucks for all the various reasons that myself as well as many others have stated. My "question" is,

Why do you feel so compelled to try and debunk and dispute what I say if you stand to gain nothing from it?

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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dancewithml wrote:
OK. My "statement/opinion" is that AT&T sucks for all the various reasons that myself as well as many others have stated. My "question" is,

Why do you feel so compelled to try and debunk and dispute what I say if you stand to gain nothing from it?

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as always there are two sides to every discussion, if you post on a public forum expect to hear opposing views. It is that straight forward, no hidden agenda, you made your statement/opinion, others have made theirs - why do you feel so compelled to prove them wrong when nothing is gained?

 personally have never had any major "att sucks" issues with the carriers, and have been dealng with them since landlines where party lines and you counted the number of consequtive rings to determine if the call was for you - not saying I have never had problems with them becasue I have, same with verizon, sprint, rogers and globalstar.

[dancewithml]

Well I think at this I can easily rest my case. One direct question, directly asked, several times, and still no answer. It should be clear to everyone at this point that you are not speaking for yourself but on behalf of the company you work for. I just hope for your sake that they pay you handsomely for your time.

Good Day Sir...

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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dancewithml wrote:
Well I think at this I can easily rest my case. One direct question, directly asked, several times, and still no answer. It should be clear to everyone at this point that you are not speaking for yourself but on behalf of the company you work for. I just hope for your sake that they pay you handsomely for your time.

Good Day Sir...

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Sorry to disappoint you, I do not work for att, just a customer for them, you can identify att employees as those that have the opinion disclaimer at the bottom of the post. Might want ot have all your facts and ducks in a row before making your statements.

[dancewithml]

Lol. Two things, My last two comments were directed at someone else. In fact most of them were by name. {please keep it courteous}

[dancewithml]

I was already leaning toward canceling my contract. Imagine my surprise when I went to a competitor and found that with the same exact contract set up I get a lower deductible on insurance, true unlimited data, and in store repair for phone damage (with the same insurance company). Amazing what you find out by just doing a bit of research. Wouldn't be surprised if this post get deleted. Either way, my days with AT&T are running very short.  My advice, Do Your Homework before you resign a contract!