I'm not too happy with the new upgrade program...

[Bullfrog-99]

I went into a T-Mobile store today to see what my price would be on an E715. A couple months ago, the price was $329 (I've only been a customer since 11/03) and I thought it might have gone down a bit since I'd been a customer a little while longer. It turns out you now have to pay full retail ($379 for the E715) until after you've been a customer for 12 months, after which you can get the new activation price, and whatever mail-in rebates are going (best case scenario right now of $249 after rebates) I remember hearing about T-Mobile giving good discounts for new phones to their existing customers, but apparently those days are gone. I'm actually considering changing providers because of this...just needed to rant.

[daftgem]

Originally posted by Bullfrog-99
I went into a T-Mobile store today to see what my price would be on an E715. A couple months ago, the price was $329 (I've only been a customer since 11/03) and I thought it might have gone down a bit since I'd been a customer a little while longer. It turns out you now have to pay full retail ($379 for the E715) until after you've been a customer for 12 months, after which you can get the new activation price, and whatever mail-in rebates are going (best case scenario right now of $249 after rebates) I remember hearing about T-Mobile giving good discounts for new phones to their existing customers, but apparently those days are gone. I'm actually considering changing providers because of this...just needed to rant.

Are you smoking crack? You have been with T-Mobile for 5 months. You have no loyality accumulated, and are still under contract. They are good about giveing discounts to existing customers; those that have established a history of loyality and timely payments. How could any company afford to give you a subsidized handset to a customer every 6 months? This sort of mentality disturbs me greatly. Changing providers over this? Good riddance.

[Bullfrog-99]

I don't expect a fully-subsidized handset. However, when there was at least SOME discount after I'd been with them for 3 months, and now there is NONE until after you've been with them for 12 months. This reminds me of how Nextel started before their current upgrade program ("only" $35 activation if you extend your contract, $135 if you don't) Besides, as a Cingular cusomter, what interest is of yours if I think this isn't good business, and why are you defensive about it?

[Avironeur]

If you don't like the prices T-Mo offers you are in luck...using a GSM provider means you have a whole gamut of online dealers selling unlocked phones.....go take advantage of one of their deals....looking at their online stores will give you a realistic idea about phone prices -- evidently it is a lesson you have not yet learned.

[ZeroEffect]

uhhh it is good business on their part if they want to stay in business.

Giving you any sort of upgrade discount after ony 3 months of service with them is nuts.

They might as well throw their money away and forget contracts.

[JustinTime]

I see your point and agree. Bullfrog, your lenghty of service simply isn't enough for the curent program. I must point out that the current program doesn't appear to reward valued and long-term customers anymore than someone with a history of 12 months. I know a new phase of the program is coming soon, that will apparently reward long-term clients.

Avironeur, I agree. Do you know of any online e-tailers that sell unlocked phones with no contracts?

[daftgem]

Originally posted by Bullfrog-99
I don't expect a fully-subsidized handset. However, when there was at least SOME discount after I'd been with them for 3 months, and now there is NONE until after you've been with them for 12 months. This reminds me of how Nextel started before their current upgrade program ("only" $35 activation if you extend your contract, $135 if you don't) Besides, as a Cingular cusomter, what interest is of yours if I think this isn't good business, and why are you defensive about it?

Prices fluctuate, that explains the difference from a few months ago. Expecting any discount at 5 months is streching it. I am a customer of T-Mobile as well if that matters, and a former Nextel and Sprint customer. I am defensive because ignorance over actual phone cost is so rampant, and this is a prime example as Avironeur touched on.

[Bullfrog-99]

How do you know I haven't looked at online sellers? How do you know my experience in buying/researching this type of thing? Yes, if you're willing to $400 for every phone you buy, go right ahead, but under the old upgrade program, you almost never had to pay full retail, whereas now if you want to change phones anytime in a 12 month period, you do. If T-Mobile had never offerend any kind of discount (even 2 months ago) since I'd been a customer, I wouldn't care, but I dislike it when a company changes this type of thing out of the blue. If the handsets were so expensive to "subsidize" before, why offer ANY discount to anyone ever? Why only change this now? I don't particularly care what other providers, or even other people on this board, think things should be like, I'm simply stating my dissaproval.

[Enrique]

Cingular or not, daftgem makes a good point. Long before, T-Mobile wouldn't have even offered you an upgrade at new activation price. And also, 5 months? If you want an E715 so badly, try checking eBay. I'm sure you'll find a deal.

[daftgem]

Originally posted by JustinTime
Do you know of any online e-tailers that sell unlocked phones with no contracts?

GSMphonesource.com and Expansys.us are two that come to mind.

[nemik]

Originally posted by JustinTime

Avironeur, I agree. Do you know of any online e-tailers that sell unlocked phones with no contracts?

www.gsmphonesource.com www.globalmob.com www.just-talk.com

just talk is my favorite.

[Bullfrog-99]

Again, for reasons of brevity, I'll ask. If phones are SO expensive, and every phone you buy from a provider is partially, or almsot entirely subsidized, why did T-Mobile ever give discounts on phones? After 2 months, I was able to get a $50 discount off full retail, now there isn't a discount at all.

[andyhrn]

Originally posted by punkserb
www.gsmphonesource.com www.globalmob.com www.just-talk.com

just talk is my favorite.

Crazy!!! You may buy cheaper from direct or inderect.

[Gr8ful1]

Originally posted by andyhrn
Crazy!!! You may buy cheaper from direct or inderect.

No contract thats why.

[JustinTime]

daftgem & punkserb - thank you for the links.

Yes the prices are higher however I don't need a new service agreement. I was surprised to see the K700 at $799. I can't afford that, I can do 50% of that by a thin margin. So maybe I will have to wait. I hope it drops.