Cell phone plan: Can I do this? (1 Viewer)

[Michael D. Bunting]

I currently have a T-Mobile plan. I have been a T-Mobile user for over 3 years now.

I need a new phone (mine is broken).

Amazon.com and other places (MSN) are actually offering deals now where you can MAKE $50-$100 by signing up with them (which includes a new phone and accessories).

My question is: Can I cancel my current T-Mobile account and then later that same day, sign up for a new T-Mobile account?

One thing that might be in my favor...I'm moving to a new apartment in about 10 days, so my address would be different...and I don't mind getting a new phone # either.

 

[Leila Dougan]

I did this same thing last year, but put it in my husband's name. I haven't done it with my own name again, but something tells me T-mobile won't go for it.

However, I DO know that T-mobile will pricematch and will let you take advantage of "new customer" deals simply by taking on another contract. So I'd call up T-mobile, tell them the special Amazon is running, and see what they can do for you. Act like you'll walk if they don't comply, their retention group will probably give it to you.

 

[Scott Merryfield]

I have used this same tactic with Sprint PCS on several occasions for my wife's phone. Once you have fulfilled your contract term, you have all kinds of leverage. It works every time.

 

[Michael D. Bunting]

I just called T-Mobile customer service and they didn't offer me jack!

I'm on the cheapest plan they offer ($39.99) and they said they couldn't do anything more on that price. I also asked...what about a new phone? The best they could do for the phone I'm interested in (Motorola V600) was $149.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate, which is what it sells for on T-Mobile's web site.

I had been happy with T-Mobile the past 3 years...now I'm really not so happy :frowning:

I'll never go back to Cingular...so I may have to try Sprint, NexTel or Verizon now.

 

[Leila Dougan]

Did you tell them about the Amazon deal? You can also try visiting a T-mobile store in person and show them a printout of the Amazon deal.

I believe T-mobile tracks people based on their SS# but I could be wrong. You acn always try activating as a new customer using your new address and variant of your name (use middle initial, or take it away if you are already using it). If they just track by name that may work. And if that doesn't and you really don't want to change providers, can you put the plan in someone else's name?

 

[Michael D. Bunting]

Yeah, I mentioned the Amazon deal as well as another deal with Sprint PCS (through mu Bank/Credit Union) that gives you a 5% discount each month on your bill.

I think I'll wait it out another couple weeks and once I'm moved into my new place and all.

I'll try T-Mobile retention again to see what they have to say. If I don't like it...I'll cancel....and perhaps or with another company, or try T-Mobile again to see how far I get with that

Thanks for all the help!

 

[DarrenHo]

since you can keep your number now, i'd just switch to the service with the best deal. not really out anything if t-mobile won't deal.

 

[ChrisHeflen]

If you've fulfilled your contract obligations then I agree with DarrenHo. If not you might have to pay a penalty.

With number portability you are out nothing and can take advantage of that. Find a carrier with good coverage, get a cool phone and your set. You'll probably have to give them two years, so make sure they have the coverage you need.

I work for the one that starts with an "N", but don't tell anybody.

 

[Craig Robertson]

Chris, pretty generous to call what you do "work"!

 

[Tom-G]

Verizon Wireless has the best network of all carriers and has excellent customer service. I highly recommend giving them a try. There is a 15 day guarantee as well, so you can terminate the contract with no penalty if things aren't to your satisfaction.

 

[Philip_G]

on sprint?
wow, my employer gets me a 25% discount on monthly charges, but sprint just sucks so bad I still ditched them for t mobil.