New AT&T site touts carrier's software, hardware freedom
Filed under: ATT
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
LordObento @ Mar 20th 2008 3:26PM
Thunder: Let's Steal Some
Andy B. @ Mar 20th 2008 4:23PM
So when are you guys (Engadget Mobile) going to hit up AT&T for why they charge the same rate plan for people who bring their own phone as for those that opt for a new one under contract?
Brandon @ Mar 20th 2008 4:44PM
Your rate plan has nothing to do with your phone, unless you have a Blackberry or something similar, that's why the prices are all the same. The phones you buy from AT&T are subsidized and locked, which is why you don't usually pay as much as for an unlocked, unbranded phone.
CB17 @ Mar 20th 2008 5:03PM
That's like asking why Cable and DSL charge the same for internet service regardless of whether you buy a modem or lease one or give you one for free as part of a contractual promotion (in the case of DSL).
What you use doesn't change. The only reason why you sign a 2 year contract is to get a discounted phone.
Andy B. @ Mar 20th 2008 5:11PM
Why do you think you get the discount?
The discount/cost is subsidized out over 1 to 2 years (depending on contract length).
Phones aren't free and neither are modems (someone has to pay for them). Companies don't just give them to you out of the kindness of their hearts.
The cost of the rate plan covers that discount. Which is why ending your contract early results in the termination fee (they recoup the loss on the phone).
CB17 @ Mar 20th 2008 6:01PM
I don't get it, are you disagreeing with yourself?
Kumar @ Mar 20th 2008 6:01PM
So, what's the deal? Can you now get your AT&T phone unlocked after a couple of months if you're thinking of taking it overseas and wanting to just pop in a different sim?
CB17 @ Mar 20th 2008 6:02PM
You've always been able to do that, it's called a "subsidary unlock" or something like that
Chris @ Mar 21st 2008 6:19PM
This is pretty straight-forward:
1. Call AT&T's international support group,
2. tell them that you'll be traveling overseas and want to use a local SIM in your handset,
3. give them your IMEI, and they'll give you the unlock code for your handset.
Chad @ Mar 20th 2008 7:27PM
"Just bring us your device and we'll connect it"? Gotta love PR who knew it was rocket science to pop in a sim card?