Prepaid iPhone on AT&T - Keep #?

[GWestphal]

I see that it's possible to use a GoPhone sim in an iPhone and make a prepaid iPhone. My 2 year contract is done soon and I'm interested in this option. Can I keep my current phone number doing this?

 

[ViRGE]

Did I miss something? As far as I know, AT&T is still not allowing this.

 

[GWestphal]

They don't condone it, but it has apparently been possible since release.

 

[manly]

Take your bill to the AT&T Store and ask them to change your post-paid account to GoPhone. Usually they'll give you a free SIM card and you buy some airtime ($25 is fine), and any feature packages you want such as texting. Don't bring your iPhone with you or they'll likely refuse to do this. If the person asks, just say you have a feature phone at home that you'll be using.

Since the GoPhone data plan is pricey, you can disable cellular data in iOS 4 or install a dummy APN setting in iOS 3.

CallingMart is a decent way to buy refills, they run 10% off about once a month. Some people hunt eBay for discounted refill cards but I didn't have much luck last time I looked.

 

[Bman123]

Can't you use it on simple mobile, t mobile

 

[GWestphal]

It doesn't seem like there are any good prepaid data plans. I hate that there is almost no competition between carriers.

 

[GWestphal]

Does anyone know if you can get 3G coverage with simple mobile on an iPhone?

 

[manly]

It doesn't seem like there are any good prepaid data plans. I hate that there is almost no competition between carriers.

It's not that bad, you have a range of options from GoPhone plans to some other carriers if you're unlocking your phone. I don't talk on the phone a whole lot so it turns out minutes on AT&Ts post-paid plan was VERY expensive for me, even compared to pre-paid's typical 10c/minute.

Simple Mobile is a T-Mobile MVNO, so you'll get 3G only for iPhone voice calls. EDGE for iPhone data. h2o wireless is an AT&T MVNO where you will get 3G mobile data. $40/mo for unlimited calling on either of these carriers, compelling if you're constantly on the phone. (The bundled data @ $50 is very minimal.)

Since AT&T is buying T-Mo, your statement about lack of competition may be a self-fulfilling prophesy. If it wasn't for this announcement, I would believe there's just enough competition out there for the smaller carriers/MVNOs to drive smartphone plan prices downward over the next year or two.