Is the ETf waived when data caps are implemented.

[TanisHalfElven]

I remember a while back when tmobile changed text message rates a lot of people were able to end their contract without paying ETF.

Considering verizon and att are implementing data caps, (att has already but i am on verizon) would we able to end out contracts without paying ETF.

I am thinking i might go to sprint if verizon does implement caps.

 

[pm]

AT&T are grandfathering everyone under contract - probably to avoid the ETF/cancelation issue that you are referring to. So in the case of AT&T, the answer is no.

In the case of Verizon, all that I have heard is that several executives have mused that they will eventually need to do a tiered system but not any specifics beyond this. So the answer is likely "maybe" but it's probably going to be a while and even then they will likely emulate AT&T to grandfather everyone in.

 

[TheWart]

AT&T are grandfathering everyone under contract - probably to avoid the ETF/cancelation issue that you are referring to. So in the case of AT&T, the answer is no.

In the case of Verizon, all that I have heard is that several executives have mused that they will eventually need to do a tiered system but not any specifics beyond this. So the answer is likely "maybe" but it's probably going to be a while and even then they will likely emulate AT&T to grandfather everyone in.

The only caveat I would throw out there is that Verizon's execs almost always associate tiered pricing with the rollout of 4G, so I think that while they may grandfather people in on 3G, when it comes to getting a 4G phone they might force you to get on one of the new plans.

 

[Bateluer]

Verizon also seems to be waiting to see how people respond to AT&T's data caps and how sales are effected. Unfortunately, all the iPhone users are like sheep and will sign whatever contract AT&T/Apple put in front of them to get the iPhone, so it doesn't seem like sales are being effected.

 

[TheWart]

Verizon also seems to be waiting to see how people respond to AT&T's data caps and how sales are effected. Unfortunately, all the iPhone users are like sheep and will sign whatever contract AT&T/Apple put in front of them to get the iPhone, so it doesn't seem like sales are being effected.

Or people could be deciding not to get their underwear in a twist because they can grandfather their plan in. Of course something that simple slips by a tool like you.

In fact, as long as AT&T continues to let people grandafather their plans, this move could actually be a win-win for them as it will spur more people to move from their dumbphone to a smartphone since they can now do it for $55.

 

[thescreensavers]

I wonder how many people with the iphone will go over there 2gb plan lol. or even people buying the 500mb and not knowing how small that is.

 

[Bateluer]

Or people could be deciding not to get their underwear in a twist because they can grandfather their plan in. Of course something that simple slips by a tool like you.

In fact, as long as AT&T continues to let people grandafather their plans, this move could actually be a win-win for them as it will spur more people to move from their dumbphone to a smartphone since they can now do it for $55.

You do know that you'll have to pay full price for any future phones in order to remain grand fathered in?

 

[TheWart]

You do know that you'll have to pay full price for any future phones in order to remain grand fathered in?

Link?

Even if true, I won't worry about that for another 18 mos at a minimum, and by then AT&T and Verizon will be moving towards LTE and you can bet they will make everyone move to a tiered system at that point regardless.

 

[Bateluer]

Link?

Even if true, I won't worry about that for another 18 mos at a minimum, and by then AT&T and Verizon will be moving towards LTE and you can bet they will make everyone move to a tiered system at that point regardless.

This has always been the case when plans change, standard fare. My dad is still using a Nextel plan under his Sprint account from years ago, which bars him from getting pretty much any smart phone above a BB Curve.

Sadly, you're right on the second account, VZW will probably move to a tiered pricing scheme for LTE as well, hampering the Internet as a result. Hopefully, they will separate 3G from LTE though, if an individual doesn't live in an area with LTE coverage, they shouldn't be made to pay for it.

 

[mosco]

I wonder how many people with the iphone will go over there 2gb plan lol. or even people buying the 500mb and not knowing how small that is.

I only use like ~500-600 MB a month on my phone.

 

[TheWart]

This has always been the case when plans change, standard fare. My dad is still using a Nextel plan under his Sprint account from years ago, which bars him from getting pretty much any smart phone above a BB Curve.

Sadly, you're right on the second account, VZW will probably move to a tiered pricing scheme for LTE as well, hampering the Internet as a result. Hopefully, they will separate 3G from LTE though, if an individual doesn't live in an area with LTE coverage, they shouldn't be made to pay for it.

If Sprint can get away with it for the EVO, I can only imagine how AT&T and Verizon execs are drooling at the prospect of a $10/subscriber surcharge each month to get to take advantage of the "enhanced" experience of 4G.

 

[lupi]

This has always been the case when plans change, standard fare. My dad is still using a Nextel plan under his Sprint account from years ago, which bars him from getting pretty much any smart phone above a BB Curve.

Sadly, you're right on the second account, VZW will probably move to a tiered pricing scheme for LTE as well, hampering the Internet as a result. Hopefully, they will separate 3G from LTE though, if an individual doesn't live in an area with LTE coverage, they shouldn't be made to pay for it.

I've been on the same tmobile plan for around 5 years on so with several phone upgrades done.

 

[sswingle]

Or people could be deciding not to get their underwear in a twist because they can grandfather their plan in. Of course something that simple slips by a tool like you.

In fact, as long as AT&T continues to let people grandafather their plans, this move could actually be a win-win for them as it will spur more people to move from their dumbphone to a smartphone since they can now do it for $55.

You are forced to get a new plan if you get a new phone. Of course something that simple slips by a tool like you.

 

[mosco]

You are forced to get a new plan if you get a new phone. Of course something that simple slips by a tool like you.

Not according to ATT:

Thank you for taking the time to post your inquiry here at the AT&T Wireless Community. There has been much discussion concerning the New Smartphone Data Plans and as Planet-Ed has explained, current Smartphone customers with an unlimited data plan are not required to switch to the new data plans. So, if you choose to renew your contract with AT&T or switch to another Smartphone, you will continue to have your unlimited data plan. However, if you choose to change to one of the new lower-priced plans, you will not be able to go back to your unlimited plan in the future.