ATT Next Savings?

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@nathaniel.byers wrote:

Not even 6 gigs, I'd have to pay 40 dollars more for a SINGLE line than I currently do under the NEXT plan plus the price of the phone.  That's for 4gb of data rather than my unlimited plan I have now.  Yes if you split the cost over 2 people you'll break even, maybe even save money.  But I'll save money if I get a roommate too.  Anything is cheaper when split by two over paying for it alone.  Doesn't mean its a better idea

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I've mentioned a few times in past post that having unlimited data is the better option over 2 Years or Next Plan. 

You're correct in the aspect of that you'll save money by cutting costs by having more people on your line. But look at it like this if you were to have a single line on your account: 

Two Year Contract

Data Plan of 2GB = $40 / Access Charge = $40 / Phone Costs: $240 with activation

2 Year Costs: ($40 + $40) * 24 + $240 = $2160

Next Plan

Data Plan of 2GB = $40 / Access Charge = $25 / Phone Costs: $27.09 on 24 month payments

2 Year Costs: ($40 + $25 + $27.09) * 24 = $2210.16 

As you can see, even on a single line for your account you will save ($50 x how many people on your plan) over 2 Years if you do the Two Year Contract instead of the Next Plan. As I stated before:

If your Data Plan is 10GB or more: Next Plan

If your Data Plan is 6GB or less: 2 Year Contract

I see what you are saying, and I agree.

In my head I keep comparing these plans to my grandfathered unlimited plan. I'm always keeping my eyes open when new plans come out to see if they are a better deal than my unlimited plan. So far nothing.

My wife and I both have grandfathered unlimited plans, and by my numbers we doing a little bit better than Next-18 @10GB after 2 years.

Is it not that case, if that one can take advantage of the Next promos that the outcomes tilts in favor of Next? For example, one can get $200 for turning in an iP4 - $300 for iP5s - and save $200 on the purchase of an iPad.

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@simonelias wrote:
So what happened after you pay the full price of the iPhone on Next? Do we have to return it or we owe it out right at that time?

Regards,
Simon Elias

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Hi Simon,

While on the Next Plan, you have the option of 12/18 months and returning it for a new phone. However, doing the 20/24 month payment option, respectively, will let you own the phone after the payments are completed. 

So to answer your question, paying for the iPhone upfront on the Next Plan will let you keep the iPhone and lower your bill by $32 or $27 dollars depending on the Next Plan you chose since now you will not have the monthly installment for the iPhone. 

Super PJ - so you need to use $650 in your spreadsheet for the smart phone costs.  Doesnt this negate most of the savings?

as long as the phone is paid in full its your no matter if your on next 12/18/24  you can pay for the phone in full and keep it.

What it comes down to, is that we are used to ATT subsidizing the phone purchase, by us signing a 2 year contract.  Now you must buy the phone and agree to the 2 year contract (or 2+ year) installment plan to get the phone. 

If the consumer has to pay full price for the phone, then they shouldnt be required to be in a contract. 

And with AT&T poor customer service, it really doesnt make sense to pay the premium for AT&T contracts.

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@torrent wrote:

we are used to ATT subsidizing the phone purchase, by us signing a 2 year contract.  Now you must buy the phone and agree to the 2 year contract (or 2+ year) installment plan to get the phone.  

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AT&T still subsidizes two-year agreements and there is no "must."  A customer can freely choose a traditional or Next agreement.

I'm not a fan of Next agreements, but for those who want to upgrade more frequently than bi-annually and/or do not receive a material Premier discount, Next can be appealing.