Anyway around the Next Plan with AT&T

[ski_mom]

We are needing to get new phones in our family - the batteries are not staying charged like the should. We are on a family plan with AT&T. For my phone, I'm planning on just finding a "like new" phone on our facebook trader page where I seem to see good phones posted quite a bit.

Our kids though, want the newest and we are planning on getting them for Christmas for them (I know, not the most budget friendly). If I'm understanding it, the only reasonable choice if you are going to get your phone through AT&T is to go on the Next Plan.

I know everyone here is always finding creative ways to save money, so I just thought I'd see if there is anything I'm not thinking of.

 

[ajwolfe]

When we upgraded the last time it was cheaper to do the next plan than to buy the phone out right. Hopefully someone has some good tips for you because we will be needing to add a line soon and I'm curious as well.

 

[havaneselover]

I bought an iPhone 6 on eBay from a reputable seller last month. I used gift cards to help keep the cost down but my net cost was about $350 for a 64 gb 6. New it's $650. I figure it should last three years do it's about $10:month.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

I bought an iPhone 6 on eBay from a reputable seller last month. I used gift cards to help keep the cost down but my net cost was about $350 for a 64 gb 6. New it's $650. I figure it should last three years do it's about $10:month.

My phone was stolen and I went the eBay route for my new phone as well. I bought what was listed as "Very Good Condition" and it appeared mint to me. My Samsung Galaxy S6 was about $340 after I used gift cards. I would do it again.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

I hate the next plan, but they basically force you into it. Good luck!

 

[gopher101]

Get a prepaid att phone. Put in your sim. Call to get it switched over. That is what I did. Windows phone for 60 after tax.

 

[brennicksmom]

I'm curious too. My youngest son is ready for an upgrade and I don't want my monthly bill to go up with the monthly phone payments. I'm considering getting him a plan from one of the unlimited talk/text/data plans from some company other than AT&T and dropping him from our current plan. Does anyone recommend somewhere else? TMobile still sells iphones at a discounted price with a 2 year plan.

 

[PlaneJoy1]

I think we are going to buy a refurbished iPhone from Groupon for my youngest daughter for Christmas. We've bought refurbished Apple products before and have never had any issues. I hate all the AT&T charges for upgrades!

 

[havaneselover]

Also, have you considered switching to Cricket? Their prices are pretty good.

 

[captainjen]

We are needing to get new phones in our family - the batteries are not staying charged like the should. We are on a family plan with AT&T. For my phone, I'm planning on just finding a "like new" phone on our facebook trader page where I seem to see good phones posted quite a bit.

Our kids though, want the newest and we are planning on getting them for Christmas for them (I know, not the most budget friendly). If I'm understanding it, the only reasonable choice if you are going to get your phone through AT&T is to go on the Next Plan.

I know everyone here is always finding creative ways to save money, so I just thought I'd see if there is anything I'm not thinking of.

 

[captainjen]

I have AT&T and I wanted to keep my family plan but upgrade 3 phones to iphone 6 and iphone 6 plus. I went to the AT&T website and bought them on line. I did the math and found that buying it online and keeping my family plan was cheaper than changing plans. Do the math before you change plans. I paid with my disney visa card and will use the disney rewards when I go back to disney world in Aug

 

[1tripandIfell]

The last two phones we purchased through AT&T, we did so with our upgrade. They try to talk you into the Next plan but my husband and I both are grandfathered into the unlimited plan and don't want to give it up. So we just purchased our phones when it was time for our upgrades like normal. I think we had a 50.00 one time activation fee but we were able to purchase the phone for the "contract price" like always.

 

[Golf4food]

Lifehacker.com has some good articles about ATT Next and other upgrade plans, when it is most cost effective to use them or avoid them, how often to upgrade to avoid being ripped off, etc.

 

[Albort]

It really depends on how your plan is structured. theres also the option to do 2 yr contract as well.

 

[Disneylover03]

I also bought mine on Ebay and got a very good deal for iPhone 6plus and would do it again. I don't like ATT plans and this was cheaper going through Ebay. Good luck to you on your decision.

 

[DawnM]

Also, have you considered switching to Cricket? Their prices are pretty good.

I am not seeing the savings there. She still needs to buy the phones.

 

[havaneselover]

I am not seeing the savings there. She still needs to buy the phones.

My point is the monthly rate for service may be cheaper so the savings may be in having a lower monthly bill. 4 phones on cricket with 2.5 gb of data each are $100. It looks like the AT&T family plan runs $160.

 

[Mickeyluver37]

We didn't see any reason not to switch to the NEXT plans. If you are under contract the line is $40/month. If you buy your own phone, it's $15. DD got an iPhone 6plus with a 30 month payment plan at $25/month. The only thing you pay up front is the tax on the phone- nothing for the phone (as opposed to the $199 or whatever), and you are not charged an activation fee either. DS and I are on 24 month plans because 30 wasn't intially offered, so our payments are a little higher, but once I hit month 25 if I don't get a new phone, I'm done paying it off, and I still only pay $15 for the line.

 

[DawnM]

My point is the monthly rate for service may be cheaper so the savings may be in having a lower monthly bill. 4 phones on cricket with 2.5 gb of data each are $100. It looks like the AT&T family plan runs $160.

I see. Yeah, it really depends on your needs and what will work. There are loads of pre-paid cheaper plans out there.

For us, ATT works well. DH's work gives a hefty discount and pays his share. We also love the 15gb per month shared and the ability to use the phone as a hotspot. We also have a tablet on the plan. We pay $100 out of pocket after Dh's discounts, so we are happy with that.

On our recent trip to Florida, we used 7gb on the tablet but only 2 on my phone.

But it definitely could be an option if it works for you.

 

[madge]

I have AT&T and I wanted to keep my family plan but upgrade 3 phones to iphone 6 and iphone 6 plus. I went to the AT&T website and bought them on line. I did the math and found that buying it online and keeping my family plan was cheaper than changing plans. Do the math before you change plans. I paid with my disney visa card and will use the disney rewards when I go back to disney world in Aug

that's what I did. the only way to keep the old family/rollover plan with ATT is to do the upgrade online & possibly in store. I have unlimited data gradnfathered in on my iPhone ... no way I'm dropping that, especially after doing the math. It was cheaper for us to stay on the family plan.