Question about adding a smart phone?

Question

Hello.  I am currently on a family plan with three basic phones and I am interested in adding a smart phone to the plan.  Our contract expired some time ago and I am curious to know if the account holder would have to sign another two year contract to get service on the device.

Anonymous · Answer

The contract will only be on the line on which you add the smartphone and only if you get the smartphone subsidized. If you buy the smartphone outright, bring your own, or buy the smartphone under the NEXT plan, you are not under the typical two year contract. However, if you get the smartphone through the NEXT plan, you are required to pay for the smartphone in full if you want to leave AT&T.

loganic · Answer

If you're not paying full price, you gotta promise/sign something.

AT&T offers 2 options

A) the typical 2 year contract

B) AT&T Next, (the full price of the phone, split over time on the bill)

The new plans give customers discounts for option B. With option B, you can pay it off an any time. You can leave at any time as long as you pay off the phone.

-Alex