Cell phone advice needed...fulfilled contract obligation WWYD?

[Disney1fan2002]

We have had T-Mobile for a few years. When our two years was up, my DH did not want to lock into another contract, so we would have the option of shopping around and finding a better deal.

So as of right now, we are not locked into a contract. Our phones are from the ice age. We need (ok, we want) a new phone. To upgrade, we will need to sign another contract. It is nice to know that we can cancel our service anytime. So we don't want a contract. I kind of shopped around online, and so far T-Mobile has the best pricing for us. Not too sure we love the service though. DH and I are so tired of being places where we see people talking on their phones, yet, our ohones say 'NO SERVICE'. An example of this is the supermarket. I cannot call my Dh from an aisle, to see if we have a certain product (like I needed to yesterday) I have to walk out of the store to call him. Yet, the man standing next to me, has his wife on the phone, aisle to aisle. ( )

So, not sure what we should do. We can just go buy a new phone, and not have to lock in...but the contracts give us a good discount on phone prices. WWYD?

 

[mickeyboat]

What good is a cell phone if you can't use it when you need to? I would probably look into another provider, even if it means locking into a contract. I know some providers (Verizon) have the option of a one year or a two year contract. The price of phone is more if you sign up for only one year, but maybe it would be worth it if you really think you might want to get out of the contract.
Denae

 

[Aidensmom]

We are actually trying to make the exact same decision right now. DH really needs a new phone. But the way he goes through them, its not worth it to pay $250-$300 for one. But to be able to get one at a decent price ($50), we have to renew our contract for 2 years. The other choice T-Mobile gaves us was essentially to cancel our service, and sign up again new. This would give us 2 FREE phones and only a 1 year contract, but we would not be able to keep our same numbers.

I am not willing to give up my number, so we checked online yesterday for other companies' deals. Nothing was as good as T-Mobile. We will probably be taking the option of renewing and having a 2 year contract.

We really don't have issues with service in our area, the phone always has service except in a few select places.

 

[twoprincesses]

I probably would just buy new phones and not renew your contract. Since you know how to take care of your phone, considering yours is from the ice age, the extra money you dish out will be well spent. I renewed my contract with t-mobile last month and received 2 motorola razrs for $130, which was a great deal because my pink razr is usually over $100 alone. I needed this because I do not take care of phones! I broke mine last week.... You sound more responsible, so I suggest just buying the phone at regular price without enduring your contract!

 

[pozey]

We are actually trying to make the exact same decision right now. DH really needs a new phone. But the way he goes through them, its not worth it to pay $250-$300 for one. But to be able to get one at a decent price ($50), we have to renew our contract for 2 years. The other choice T-Mobile gaves us was essentially to cancel our service, and sign up again new. This would give us 2 FREE phones and only a 1 year contract, but we would not be able to keep our same numbers.

I am not willing to give up my number, so we checked online yesterday for other companies' deals. Nothing was as good as T-Mobile. We will probably be taking the option of renewing and having a 2 year contract.

We really don't have issues with service in our area, the phone always has service except in a few select places.

I'm curious......Why would you not be able to keep your same number? The portability law started about a year or so ago. You should be able to change carriers and still keep your number. I would check that our before making your choice.

I have had US Cellular for a couple of years now. It has served us well. My contract is up in May, and again, I will "shop around" for the best deals on both plans/rates/phones. I have a good friend who owns a couple of Cingular stores. I like certain things about Cingular, but some things I don't.

I believe I have read some things about some companies allowing you to "test" before buying.

 

[clm3]

Have you thought about a "pay as you go" plan. If you both get the same plan like Verizon or such you still get the "IN" plan where its free if you call each other or any Verizon user. I'm going to get that for my DS when he gets into High School. That way your not locked into a contact, but still talk to each other free. I think most Cell companies have that now.

 

[Marseeya]

If you're having problems, it could be the phones and not the service, especially since your phones are older.

 

[Aidensmom]

I'm curious......Why would you not be able to keep your same number? The portability law started about a year or so ago. You should be able to change carriers and still keep your number. I would check that our before making your choice.

This is if we cancelled with T-Mobile and then got a new T-Mobile account. We wouldn't be changing carriers. If we change carriers, yes, we could keep our numbers.

 

[diznygirl]

To have the best service possible, we are supposed to be dialing something like #23 to update the software on our phones. ?? I don't understand technology, just know what the customer service reps tell me when I call.

Also, call your cell phone company asap and ask if you are currently on a contract. Ours expired and after something like 30 days they automically renewed it for another 2 years! We were just like you - looking around for something better. Ask them straight out - you don't expect them to tell you something like this, right?

 

[lovemygoofy]

This is if we cancelled with T-Mobile and then got a new T-Mobile account. We wouldn't be changing carriers. If we change carriers, yes, we could keep our numbers.

I'm also confused on why you would need another #. Last year when our contract was up with T-Mobile, we went without a contract for a while and then they offered us more minutes for the same price if we signed another contract, which we did. Then Matt deployed and I asked to cancel that contract and create another one. We went from a family plan to a single plan. My phone number didn't change at anytime and will not change when we switch contracts again this year. If youhave another T-Mobile dealer in your area, I would talk with them about keeping your phone number.

 

[Disney1fan2002]

To have the best service possible, we are supposed to be dialing something like #23 to update the software on our phones. ?? I don't understand technology, just know what the customer service reps tell me when I call.

Also, call your cell phone company asap and ask if you are currently on a contract. Ours expired and after something like 30 days they automically renewed it for another 2 years! We were just like you - looking around for something better. Ask them straight out - you don't expect them to tell you something like this, right?

Oh we know for fact we are not locked into a contract.