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- 07-31-2005, 08:41 PM #1ChesterGuest
Hi there,
I'm in a situation where I need to switch TO Cingular in my area. My problem
is, I really need to functionality of the upcoming WM5 devices.
So, here's my question:
Would I be able to buy a phone like the SMT5600, (on ebay for instance)
bring it to Cingular, and sign up for service with no contract? Then, when
the device I want is released (rumor has it sometime in October), would I be
able to buy that device for the promo price by signing a two year contract
at that point, keeping my same number?
I'm just not sure if Cingular would let me do that.
Thanks!
Chester
› See More: Cingular contract restraints?
- 08-01-2005, 12:08 AM #2John NavasGuest
Re: Cingular contract restraints?
[POSTED TO alt.cellular.cingular - REPLY ON USENET PLEASE]
In <[email protected]> on Sun, 31 Jul 2005
23:18:38 -0400, "Elmo P. Shagnasty" <[email protected]> wrote:
>In article <[email protected]>,
> "Chester" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> Hi there,
>> I'm in a situation where I need to switch TO Cingular in my area. My problem
>> is, I really need to functionality of the upcoming WM5 devices.
>>
>> So, here's my question:
>>
>> Would I be able to buy a phone like the SMT5600, (on ebay for instance)
>> bring it to Cingular,
Yes, if it's unlocked.
>> and sign up for service with no contract?
No, postpaid is a minimum 1-year contract.
>> Then, when
>> the device I want is released (rumor has it sometime in October), would I be
>> able to buy that device for the promo price by signing a two year contract
>> at that point, keeping my same number?
Kinda -- you can "bank" the credit when you sign up and apply it later.
--
Best regards, HELP FOR CINGULAR GSM & SONY ERICSSON PHONES:
John Navas <http://navasgrp.home.att.net/#Cingular>
- 08-01-2005, 06:35 AM #3ChesterGuest
Re: Cingular contract restraints?
>>> and sign up for service with no contract?
>
> No, postpaid is a minimum 1-year contract.
>
>>> Then, when
>>> the device I want is released (rumor has it sometime in October), would
>>> I be
>>> able to buy that device for the promo price by signing a two year
>>> contract
>>> at that point, keeping my same number?
>
> Kinda -- you can "bank" the credit when you sign up and apply it later.
>
What does that mean? Do you mean that I would have to sing a one year
contract today, and in October, when the device I really want is released, I
could extend my contract for two years, but I wouldn't get the discounted
price on the device until the end of my first year contract was up?
Something like that?
THanks for the help!
Chester
> Best regards, HELP FOR CINGULAR GSM & SONY ERICSSON PHONES:
> John Navas <http://navasgrp.home.att.net/#Cingular>
- 08-01-2005, 12:09 PM #4John NavasGuest
Re: Cingular contract restraints?
[POSTED TO alt.cellular.cingular - REPLY ON USENET PLEASE]
In <[email protected]> on Mon, 01 Aug 2005
12:35:04 GMT, "Chester" <[email protected]> wrote:
>>>> and sign up for service with no contract?
>>
>> No, postpaid is a minimum 1-year contract.
>>
>>>> Then, when
>>>> the device I want is released (rumor has it sometime in October), would
>>>> I be
>>>> able to buy that device for the promo price by signing a two year
>>>> contract
>>>> at that point, keeping my same number?
>>
>> Kinda -- you can "bank" the credit when you sign up and apply it later.
>
>What does that mean? Do you mean that I would have to sing a one year
>contract today, and in October, when the device I really want is released, I
>could extend my contract for two years, but I wouldn't get the discounted
>price on the device until the end of my first year contract was up?
>Something like that?
It means you sign up for SIM-only service and bank the credit toward a later
purchase phone, $50 for a 1-year contract or $100 for a 2-year contract. This
is of course only practical if you have/get a suitable handset to use in the
meantime.
In my case I did this and continued to use my unlocked Sony Ericsson Z600.
I bought a Motorola V551 with my credit when it came out, but it wasn't enough
better than my Z600, so I returned it and re-banked the credit. I'm now
waiting for the V360, which will hopefully become available later this year.
--
Best regards, HELP FOR CINGULAR GSM & SONY ERICSSON PHONES:
John Navas <http://navasgrp.home.att.net/#Cingular>
- 08-01-2005, 02:32 PM #5ChesterGuest
Re: Cingular contract restraints?
John,
Thanks for the answers, that helps a lot.
Follow-up question about phones. Will a GSM phone that works on, or is
locked to, the AT&T network work on Cingular?
I'm looking at buying a Audiovox SMT5600, but it says it's for AT&T. Even
though the phone is a GSM phone, 850/1800/1900 model.
I am just not positive how the buyout affects devices like this.
Thanks a lot for the help!
Chester
- 08-01-2005, 03:07 PM #6John NavasGuest
Re: Cingular contract restraints?
[POSTED TO alt.cellular.cingular - REPLY ON USENET PLEASE]
In <[email protected]> on Mon, 01 Aug 2005
20:32:05 GMT, "Chester" <[email protected]> wrote:
>Follow-up question about phones. Will a GSM phone that works on, or is
>locked to, the AT&T network work on Cingular?
It will work on Cingular only if unlocked.
>I'm looking at buying a Audiovox SMT5600, but it says it's for AT&T. Even
>though the phone is a GSM phone, 850/1800/1900 model.
>
>I am just not positive how the buyout affects devices like this.
Look for an unlocking service on the Internet.
--
Best regards, HELP FOR CINGULAR GSM & SONY ERICSSON PHONES:
John Navas <http://navasgrp.home.att.net/#Cingular>
- 08-02-2005, 09:18 PM #7Tropical HavenGuest
Re: Cingular contract restraints?
> >> and sign up for service with no contract?
>
> No, postpaid is a minimum 1-year contract.
Actually, if you call Cingular, you will most likely find that they offer post-paid
accounts with no contract if you provide your own compatible equipment. I checked
last year or earlier this year (don't remember) and I could choose from any current
Cingular plan advertised, but I would not get mobile-to-mobile minutes unless I
signed a contract. That's better than most carriers.
TH
- 08-03-2005, 09:15 AM #8John NavasGuest
Re: Cingular contract restraints?
[POSTED TO alt.cellular.cingular - REPLY ON USENET PLEASE]
In <[email protected]> on Tue, 02 Aug 2005 23:18:31 -0400,
Tropical Haven <[email protected]> wrote:
>> >> and sign up for service with no contract?
>>
>> No, postpaid is a minimum 1-year contract.
>
>Actually, if you call Cingular, you will most likely find that they offer post-paid
>accounts with no contract if you provide your own compatible equipment. I checked
>last year or earlier this year (don't remember) and I could choose from any current
>Cingular plan advertised, but I would not get mobile-to-mobile minutes unless I
>signed a contract. That's better than most carriers.
Cingular used to allow new post-paid with no commitment (month-to-month), but
started requiring a minimum one-year contract at least a year ago.
--
Best regards, HELP FOR CINGULAR GSM & SONY ERICSSON PHONES:
John Navas <http://navasgrp.home.att.net/#Cingular>
- 08-03-2005, 02:43 PM #9Tropical HavenGuest
Re: Cingular contract restraints?
John Navas wrote:
> [POSTED TO alt.cellular.cingular - REPLY ON USENET PLEASE]
>
> In <[email protected]> on Tue, 02 Aug 2005 23:18:31 -0400,
> Tropical Haven <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >> >> and sign up for service with no contract?
> >>
> >> No, postpaid is a minimum 1-year contract.
> >
> >Actually, if you call Cingular, you will most likely find that they offer post-paid
> >accounts with no contract if you provide your own compatible equipment. I checked
> >last year or earlier this year (don't remember) and I could choose from any current
> >Cingular plan advertised, but I would not get mobile-to-mobile minutes unless I
> >signed a contract. That's better than most carriers.
>
> Cingular used to allow new post-paid with no commitment (month-to-month), but
> started requiring a minimum one-year contract at least a year ago.
>
> --
> Best regards, HELP FOR CINGULAR GSM & SONY ERICSSON PHONES:
> John Navas <http://navasgrp.home.att.net/#Cingular>
I actually called Cingular today, using the 866-246-4852 number. I followed the options
to inquire about new service, and asked if Cingular still offered no-contract post-paid
plans. I was told they are still available if you are providing your own *compatible*
equipment, you can sign up for nation plans starting at 39.99 per month with 450 daytime
minutes, unlimited mobile-to-mobile, and unlimited night/weekend minutes starting at 9
pm, with a similar plan available for 59.99 with 900 daytime minutes instead of 450.
All activation fees will still apply.
TH
- 08-03-2005, 06:18 PM #10John NavasGuest
Re: Cingular contract restraints?
[POSTED TO alt.cellular.cingular - REPLY ON USENET PLEASE]
In <[email protected]> on Wed, 03 Aug 2005 16:43:21 -0400,
Tropical Haven <[email protected]> wrote:
>John Navas wrote:
>> Cingular used to allow new post-paid with no commitment (month-to-month), but
>> started requiring a minimum one-year contract at least a year ago.
>I actually called Cingular today, using the 866-246-4852 number. I followed the options
>to inquire about new service, and asked if Cingular still offered no-contract post-paid
>plans. I was told they are still available if you are providing your own *compatible*
>equipment, you can sign up for nation plans starting at 39.99 per month with 450 daytime
>minutes, unlimited mobile-to-mobile, and unlimited night/weekend minutes starting at 9
>pm, with a similar plan available for 59.99 with 900 daytime minutes instead of 450.
>All activation fees will still apply.
I stand corrected. Thanks. I'm guessing the company went back to its prior
practice post-merger as a way to attract new subscribers; i.e., the market at
work.
--
Best regards, HELP FOR CINGULAR GSM & SONY ERICSSON PHONES:
John Navas <http://navasgrp.home.att.net/#Cingular>
- 08-03-2005, 07:20 PM #11David BGuest
Re: Cingular contract restraints?
Hi Guys, you are all way ahead of me technically but my questions are sort of
related to your to train of discussion so maybe one of you can help.
I am a total neophyte when it comes to cell phones. My wife and I are
retired and will be doing a lot of travelling in the southern tier of states
and into Mexico, so we have no fixed or billing address, therefore the best
option for us seems to be the Cingular Go-Phone program. But we don't want to
buy their phones when we can buy unlocked phones from e-bay for as little a
$1 per phone. Several questions...what brand and model of phone would be best
suited to the Cingular network and provide the strongest and best range of
service .....we don't want or give a rats a... about frilly bells and
whistles..as long as the thing rings and displays who is calling and tells me
how many minutes I have left, thats all we need. Once I purchase this/these
phones will Cingular activate them ( free of charge ) ? Do they sell me the
simms or do I buy them from an outside source and install them myself ? I
heard that you can get different simms for different geographical areas..true
? I assume all this would have to work with one of their prepay Go-Phone
plans, or do they offer post pay plans on the Go-Phone without a contract ?
I can't give a fixed billing address ....is this going to be a problem ? I
charge everything on my Visa card and then Visa gets an automatic full
balance payment from my bank each month, so I don't need to use snail mail at
all
Any answers to all or some of my questions would be appreciated
Dave
Tropical Haven wrote:
>> >> >> and sign up for service with no contract?
>> >>
>[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>> Best regards, HELP FOR CINGULAR GSM & SONY ERICSSON PHONES:
>> John Navas <http://navasgrp.home.att.net/#Cingular>
>
>I actually called Cingular today, using the 866-246-4852 number. I followed the options
>to inquire about new service, and asked if Cingular still offered no-contract post-paid
>plans. I was told they are still available if you are providing your own *compatible*
>equipment, you can sign up for nation plans starting at 39.99 per month with 450 daytime
>minutes, unlimited mobile-to-mobile, and unlimited night/weekend minutes starting at 9
>pm, with a similar plan available for 59.99 with 900 daytime minutes instead of 450.
>All activation fees will still apply.
>
>TH
- 08-04-2005, 03:13 PM #12Guest
Re: Cingular contract restraints?
"David wrote:
> My wife and I are retired and will be doing a lot of travelling in the
> southern tier of states and into Mexico, so we have no fixed or billing
> address.
What address do you use for your credit card? You can handle it all
online, but it must have an address associated with it. I'd use that one,
or get a "box" at a UPS-Store that appears to be a street address.
I don't get a paper bill for my regular cellphone, so there's no need to go
prepaid. I walked in to the Cingular store, bought a phone, walked out.
Went online, changed to paperless billing, and that was it.
> option for us seems to be the Cingular Go-Phone program. But we don't
> want to buy their phones when we can buy unlocked phones from e-bay for
http://www.cellularchoices.net/calli...reless/phones/
Free phones on prepaid plans.
http://www.internationalstudent.com/...cks/tips.shtml
sells just the pre-paid SIMs for T-Mobile, for use in your existing phone.
> suited to the Cingular network and provide the strongest and best range of
Why Cingular?
> heard that you can get different simms for different geographical areas.
SIMs are best used in their home region because that's where the plan has
its non-roaming minutes. A regional calling plan is cheaper, but
restricted to smaller areas. The national plans are a little more
expensive, and you would always be roaming when you went to Mexico, unless
you bought a Mexican SIM for use there.
> I can't give a fixed billing address ....is this going to be a problem ? I
What is the billing address for your credit card? Your bank account? Your
drivers license, insurance, auto registration, ...
You already have an address that's perfectly acceptable. Nothing is going
to be shipped there if you walk in to a store and buy a phone. I used a
former residence for quite a while, just because it was in an area that
would give me the proper plan for my typical usage. Where would you send
one of the free phones that you want to buy online?
---
Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley (Lake County) CA USA 38.8,-122.5
- 08-05-2005, 07:21 AM #13John NavasGuest
Re: Cingular contract restraints?
[POSTED TO alt.cellular.cingular - REPLY ON USENET PLEASE]
In <[email protected]> on Thu, 4 Aug 2005 21:13:02 +0000 (UTC),
[email protected] wrote:
>http://www.internationalstudent.com/...cks/tips.shtml
>sells just the pre-paid SIMs for T-Mobile, for use in your existing phone.
>
>> suited to the Cingular network and provide the strongest and best range of
>
>Why Cingular?
Better coverage than T-Mobile.
--
Best regards, HELP FOR CINGULAR GSM & SONY ERICSSON PHONES:
John Navas <http://navasgrp.home.att.net/#Cingular>
- 08-05-2005, 07:29 AM #14John NavasGuest
Re: Cingular contract restraints?
[POSTED TO alt.cellular.cingular - REPLY ON USENET PLEASE]
In <[email protected]> on Thu, 04 Aug 2005 01:20:38 GMT, "David B"
wrote:
>...what brand and model of phone would be best
>suited to the Cingular network and provide the strongest and best range of
>service .....we don't want or give a rats a... about frilly bells and
>whistles..
Any of the better phones from Nokia (e.g., 3120, 6010), Sony Ericsson (e.g.,
T637, Z500a), or Motorola (e.g., V400, V551). Be sure to get phone that's got
both GSM 850 and GSM 1900 bands, and not locked to some other carrier.
>Once I purchase this/these
>phones will Cingular activate them ( free of charge ) ?
The SIMM is activated, not the phone, and it's usually not free.
>Do they sell me the
>simms or do I buy them from an outside source and install them myself ?
Either way.
>I
>heard that you can get different simms for different geographical areas..true
>?
True, but you're probably better off with a national plan.
>I can't give a fixed billing address ....is this going to be a problem ?
It's best if you get at least a temporary address.
>I
>charge everything on my Visa card and then Visa gets an automatic full
>balance payment from my bank each month, so I don't need to use snail mail at
>all
You can do this with either prepaid or postpaid service as well.
--
Best regards, HELP FOR CINGULAR GSM & SONY ERICSSON PHONES:
John Navas <http://navasgrp.home.att.net/#Cingular>
- 08-05-2005, 12:34 PM #15Guest
Re: Cingular contract restraints?
John Navas <[email protected]> wrote:
> [email protected] wrote:
>>> suited to the Cingular network and provide the strongest and best range of
>>Why Cingular?
> Better coverage than T-Mobile.
I wondered if the OP had done that research, or just stumbled onto
Cingular. Liberty Wireless has free pre-paid phones, but don't say what
carrier they use, that I can see.
(I also see they have a lower-than-free Cingular Motorola V551 on a regular
plan, which seems like a better deal than the pre-paid for the OP.)
--
---
Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley (Lake County) CA USA 38.8,-122.5
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