So my contract is up - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

essendoubleop · 10-06-2007, 07:25 AM

After about 4 years with Cingular, my contract has finally ran out. I have received two phones from them in the process. So as if I just broke up with my girlfriend, I want to know what else is out there. I have about 2000 rollover minutes racked up on my Cingular account, but they do expire after a year. I'd rather keep my phone bill around $60 a month so I have been getting the $40 rate plan which is just fine. I haven't had any problems with Cingular either. Should I sign another 2-year contract and get another new phone free, or is there something else out there that should be beckoning to me?

Halx · 10-06-2007, 07:34 AM

Ummm. Do you have a problem with them? I have them and I have no complaints whatsoever.

Then again, I am not a high maintenance customer.

Cynthetiq · 10-06-2007, 07:54 AM

mine will be up in April of next year, I'm able to upgrade my phone now which will automatically bind me to 2 more years.

The only reason for me to jump later will be becasue Skogafoss recently changed to Tmobile because she didn't like the last time she was at one of the stores and they were not attentive nor did they have any specials (free phone since she had the old CDMA phone) for resigning up.

I can take advantage of a family plan in the future. That's my only suggestion.

thingstodo · 10-06-2007, 08:10 AM

If the signal is good I'd stay with them. That's the only reason I'd change from my current carrier. It's a phone and I want it to work.

Manic_Skafe · 10-06-2007, 08:10 AM

If I were you, I wouldn't be so quick to renew my contract nor would I be so quick to jump ship either. I've managed to get a few hundred extra minutes and an expensive new phone for free simply because I waited a few months before renewing my contract.

Wait and see how much you can bleed out of them.

MSD · 10-06-2007, 10:15 AM

Does Cingular have a phone that you want at the discounted price? Does Cingular provide reliable service when and where you need it? Does any other carrier have better deals or work better in your area?

essendoubleop · 10-06-2007, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrSelfDestruct

Does Cingular have a phone that you want at the discounted price? Does Cingular provide reliable service when and where you need it? Does any other carrier have better deals or work better in your area?

Cingular has been just fine, I haven't had any problems with them. It's just that I'm always hearing advice to avoid long-term contracts with the Cell Phone carriers. I don't understand that since I've been with Cingular for 4 years and haven't had any problems. I'd certainly sign another 2 year contract for a sweet phone, unless someone can accurately point out any problems with signing a long contract. The rates haven't gone down any, it's always been around $60 a month for me. I don't have any reason to believe that will change in the next 2 years.

EDIT: This is the phone I was thinking about getting.

ShaniFaye · 10-06-2007, 06:26 PM

I hope how I say this makes sense.

Dave and I are both we cingular we love it. This summer when his account was eligible for an upgrade on the phone we did it thru Amazon. He had been wanting a Krazr forever, well since we upgraded thru Amazon (which will automatically give you a new two year contract) the phone was 1 penny....yes you didnt read that wrong, we got it for 1 cent, plus the 18 dollar upgrade charge that cingular charges. Going thru amazon you can pick the plan you want there is not one in particular you have to go thru and the phone is MUCH cheaper (and the same phones, they have a boat load to choose from) that upgrading it through Cingular themselves.

I was skeptical at first, but when all was said and done, getting the Krazr cost us a grand total of $18.01

Its worth checking them out. I just checked it out, and the phone you linked to is available for a penny too (as is the 580i) (not all phones are that low, there are MANY to choose from)

http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=amb_link...pf_rd_i=301185
that link should take you to the page you need to start on, if for some reason it doesnt, go to www.amazon.com then on the left click on Cell Phones and Service then, on the left again, click on At&t (since its not really cingular anymore) and you can look at where to go from there

(and for anyone not with cingular they handle the other services to, but since Im not with them Im not sure on the price deals, I've only ever looked at Verizon for a co-worker, and they were almost just as good for that carrier too)

essendoubleop · 10-06-2007, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShaniFaye

I hope how I say this makes sense.

Dave and I are both we cingular we love it. This summer when his account was eligible for an upgrade on the phone we did it thru Amazon. He had been wanting a Krazr forever, well since we upgraded thru Amazon (which will automatically give you a new two year contract) the phone was 1 penny....yes you didnt read that wrong, we got it for 1 cent, plus the 18 dollar upgrade charge that cingular charges. Going thru amazon you can pick the plan you want there is not one in particular you have to go thru and the phone is MUCH cheaper (and the same phones, they have a boat load to choose from) that upgrading it through Cingular themselves.

I was skeptical at first, but when all was said and done, getting the Krazr cost us a grand total of $18.01

Its worth checking them out. I just checked it out, and the phone you linked to is available for a penny too (as is the 580i) (not all phones are that low, there are MANY to choose from)

http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=amb_link...pf_rd_i=301185
that link should take you to the page you need to start on, if for some reason it doesnt, go to www.amazon.com then on the left click on Cell Phones and Service then, on the left again, click on At&t (since its not really cingular anymore) and you can look at where to go from there

(and for anyone not with cingular they handle the other services to, but since Im not with them Im not sure on the price deals, I've only ever looked at Verizon for a co-worker, and they were almost just as good for that carrier too)

Wow, thanks a lot. I'd spring $75 for a Blackberry Slider. Unfortunately it doesn't look like ANY of the phones are available where I live. I don't think there's a way around this either, so I can't take advantage of this deal.

oddtrend · 10-06-2007, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manic_Skafe

If I were you, I wouldn't be so quick to renew my contract nor would I be so quick to jump ship either. I've managed to get a few hundred extra minutes and an expensive new phone for free simply because I waited a few months before renewing my contract.

Wait and see how much you can bleed out of them.

I agree, I've always liked to think there are still some companys that belelive in customer loyality. If you've been with them for as long as you say and you haven't had any problems with the service perhaps you could renew. However perhaps you should still consider your opitions and see if there is a different service which may serve you better. Of course it's all a matter of personal taste and choice

essendoubleop · 10-06-2007, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oddtrend

I agree, I've always liked to think there are still some companys that belelive in customer loyality. If you've been with them for as long as you say and you haven't had any problems with the service perhaps you could renew. However perhaps you should still consider your opitions and see if there is a different service which may serve you better. Of course it's all a matter of personal taste and choice

Well, why should I jump ship to an unknown competitor who could be worse than them? The only thing that I could ask from Cingular is a lower rate, but that probably won't happen. What do you guys mean by making them bleed? It's not like they are going to give me more incentives to sign a contract the longer I stay month-to-month with them........right?

Craven Morehead · 10-06-2007, 10:42 PM

There's a lot of freedom not having a contract with a cell phone provider. If you need a new phone, check eBay. Plenty there to select from, but make sure its Cingular compatible. I've picked up two over the years and have been satisfied. Cingular uses SIM cards, pull it out of your old phone and pop it in your new one and you never have to even let Cingular know.

MSD · 10-06-2007, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by essendoubleop

Well, why should I jump ship to an unknown competitor who could be worse than them? The only thing that I could ask from Cingular is a lower rate, but that probably won't happen. What do you guys mean by making them bleed? It's not like they are going to give me more incentives to sign a contract the longer I stay month-to-month with them........right?

If you let them know you're thinking about switching, they'll bend over backwards to keep you.

essendoubleop · 10-07-2007, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrSelfDestruct

If you let them know you're thinking about switching, they'll bend over backwards to keep you.

You guys keep giving me these metaphorical, ambiguous phrases. What do you mean they'll bend over backwards to keep me? What could they possibly offer me besides a lower rate?

Manic_Skafe · 10-07-2007, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by essendoubleop

You guys keep giving me these metaphorical, ambiguous phrases. What do you mean they'll bend over backwards to keep me? What could they possibly offer me besides a lower rate?

Just like I said above, I got a few hundred minutes and a brand new phone for free simply because I waited a few months before renewing. And as Craven Morehead mentioned, when you're with a company that uses sim cards, there isn't much sense in locking yourself into another 2-3 year contract unless they're offering you an incredible deal to do so.

It's not just coincidental that the contract-free plans are always the most expense.

essendoubleop · 10-07-2007, 06:03 PM

Do you guys recommend shopping for plans at cellularchoices.net? It's very similar to what was earlier recommended on Amazon.com, but I actually have access to the deals here.

LadySin · 10-16-2007, 01:38 PM

Ok, I agree with the guys, bleed them. And by that, they mean to maybe put a bug in Cingulairs ear that you might switch (like said above) and they will offer you free minutes and all kinds of goodies to keep you. Especially if you have been a good customer, like paying your bills on time, and so on. Make a complaint of some sort, that usually works too (even if you really dont find anything wrong with the service). Blame your switch on some dropped calls, and theres some instant minutes. Text messages that refused to go through, and free text messaging service for a while comes along. I used to work for Verizon, and used to do this all the time.

Redlemon · 10-19-2007, 06:57 AM

Shani, that link is outstanding. I've been thinking about reupping to get a new phone, I'll have to use that!

10-06-2007, 07:25 AM	#1 (permalink)
essendoubleop Psycho	So my contract is up After about 4 years with Cingular, my contract has finally ran out. I have received two phones from them in the process. So as if I just broke up with my girlfriend, I want to know what else is out there. I have about 2000 rollover minutes racked up on my Cingular account, but they do expire after a year. I'd rather keep my phone bill around $60 a month so I have been getting the $40 rate plan which is just fine. I haven't had any problems with Cingular either. Should I sign another 2-year contract and get another new phone free, or is there something else out there that should be beckoning to me?

10-06-2007, 07:34 AM	#2 (permalink)
Halx Please touch this. Owner/Admin Location: Manhattan	Ummm. Do you have a problem with them? I have them and I have no complaints whatsoever. Then again, I am not a high maintenance customer. __________________ You have found this post informative. -The Administrator [Don't Feed The Animals]

10-06-2007, 07:54 AM	#3 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	mine will be up in April of next year, I'm able to upgrade my phone now which will automatically bind me to 2 more years. The only reason for me to jump later will be becasue Skogafoss recently changed to Tmobile because she didn't like the last time she was at one of the stores and they were not attentive nor did they have any specials (free phone since she had the old CDMA phone) for resigning up. I can take advantage of a family plan in the future. That's my only suggestion. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

10-06-2007, 08:10 AM	#4 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	If the signal is good I'd stay with them. That's the only reason I'd change from my current carrier. It's a phone and I want it to work. __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy.

10-06-2007, 08:10 AM	#5 (permalink)
Manic_Skafe More Than You Expect Location: Queens	If I were you, I wouldn't be so quick to renew my contract nor would I be so quick to jump ship either. I've managed to get a few hundred extra minutes and an expensive new phone for free simply because I waited a few months before renewing my contract. Wait and see how much you can bleed out of them. __________________ "Porn is a zoo of exotic animals that becomes boring upon ownership." -Nersesian

10-06-2007, 10:15 AM	#6 (permalink)
MSD The sky calls to us ... Super Moderator Location: CT	Does Cingular have a phone that you want at the discounted price? Does Cingular provide reliable service when and where you need it? Does any other carrier have better deals or work better in your area?

10-06-2007, 06:26 PM	#8 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	I hope how I say this makes sense. Dave and I are both we cingular we love it. This summer when his account was eligible for an upgrade on the phone we did it thru Amazon. He had been wanting a Krazr forever, well since we upgraded thru Amazon (which will automatically give you a new two year contract) the phone was 1 penny....yes you didnt read that wrong, we got it for 1 cent, plus the 18 dollar upgrade charge that cingular charges. Going thru amazon you can pick the plan you want there is not one in particular you have to go thru and the phone is MUCH cheaper (and the same phones, they have a boat load to choose from) that upgrading it through Cingular themselves. I was skeptical at first, but when all was said and done, getting the Krazr cost us a grand total of $18.01 Its worth checking them out. I just checked it out, and the phone you linked to is available for a penny too (as is the 580i) (not all phones are that low, there are MANY to choose from) http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=amb_link...pf_rd_i=301185 that link should take you to the page you need to start on, if for some reason it doesnt, go to www.amazon.com then on the left click on Cell Phones and Service then, on the left again, click on At&t (since its not really cingular anymore) and you can look at where to go from there (and for anyone not with cingular they handle the other services to, but since Im not with them Im not sure on the price deals, I've only ever looked at Verizon for a co-worker, and they were almost just as good for that carrier too) __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!* Last edited by ShaniFaye; 10-06-2007 at 06:31 PM.. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

10-06-2007, 10:42 PM	#12 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	There's a lot of freedom not having a contract with a cell phone provider. If you need a new phone, check eBay. Plenty there to select from, but make sure its Cingular compatible. I've picked up two over the years and have been satisfied. Cingular uses SIM cards, pull it out of your old phone and pop it in your new one and you never have to even let Cingular know.

10-07-2007, 06:03 PM	#16 (permalink)
essendoubleop Psycho	Do you guys recommend shopping for plans at cellularchoices.net? It's very similar to what was earlier recommended on Amazon.com, but I actually have access to the deals here.

10-16-2007, 01:38 PM	#17 (permalink)
LadySin Upright Location: Houston, Texas	Ok, I agree with the guys, bleed them. And by that, they mean to maybe put a bug in Cingulairs ear that you might switch (like said above) and they will offer you free minutes and all kinds of goodies to keep you. Especially if you have been a good customer, like paying your bills on time, and so on. Make a complaint of some sort, that usually works too (even if you really dont find anything wrong with the service). Blame your switch on some dropped calls, and theres some instant minutes. Text messages that refused to go through, and free text messaging service for a while comes along. I used to work for Verizon, and used to do this all the time.

10-19-2007, 06:57 AM	#18 (permalink)
Redlemon Devoted Donor Location: New England	Shani, that link is outstanding. I've been thinking about reupping to get a new phone, I'll have to use that! __________________ I can't read your signature. Sorry.