I Don't Get Unlocking

[DrumApple]

I am currently using Verizon, not on a contract, month-to-month, I can cancel at any time. I really want an iPhone 3g but can't really afford the monthly price to have one with ATT (and I don't really like being locked in contracts for so long). My friends tell me I can get an unlocked iPhone 3g and not have to pay the full monthly fee's. I don't really get what they're talking about- I don't get the setup.

So if I get an unlocked iPhone 3g (which I see plenty of locally on craigslist for sale) what else do I have to do to get it working normally and how much will I have to pay a month? I don't mind using ATT. Thanks.

 

[tylertech]

I'm using AT&T and I recommend to not use it if your wanting an iPhone, the fees are crazy!

I have heard that T-Mobile is best to use, but I don't know the exact rates.

 

[DrumApple]

Yea, what I basically want to know is how much I will have to pay total a month on ATT, and how much total a month for T-Mobile.

 

[KingHuds]

Then go look at plans for T-Mobile or the iPhone..... we can't tell you what you will pay, it depends on the different features you want.

On ATT you have to have the data plan, which is an extra $30 a month. Where with T Mobile you would just pay for your text/voice plan.

 

[megamanbnmaster]

If I remember right, T-Mobile has cheapest calling plans for 30 buks and unlimited data + 400 text for 25. Thats 55 Total, Edge speed only.

AT&T has cheapest calling plans at 40 buks, 30 buks for unlimited data and 200 messages for 5 buks. That's a total of 75 buks a month, with 3G speed.

It's all up to you I guess. the extra $20 buks for speed.

 

[DrumApple]

Okay so getting an unlocked iPhone doesn't change what you pay each month for ATT? Why wouldn't I just buy a normal iPhone if I have to sign the contract still?

 

[tylertech]

Okay so getting an unlocked iPhone doesn't change what you pay each month for ATT? Why wouldn't I just buy a normal iPhone if I have to sign the contract still?

If you want ATT, then you might as well just sign a contract with them and get the iPhone from them.
Unlocking is only for people who want to use an iPhone with other services, instead of ATT, like T-Mobile.

 

[bytethese]

Okay so getting an unlocked iPhone doesn't change what you pay each month for ATT? Why wouldn't I just buy a normal iPhone if I have to sign the contract still?

Nope. When someone hacks their device and unlocks it, it allows you to insert SIM cards from other service providers. So if I wanted to use T-Mobile with my iPhone, i'd have to unlock it. Problem is, you can't go to the store, you'd be signed up for a 2yr contract with AT&T. This is why you see unlocked iPhone's on Craig's List. You buy an unlocked device, and insert SIM of your provider of choice. AT&T has one plan for the iPhone, so you wouldn't pay less unless you used another provider that had a cheaper plan. Which in the US is only T-Mobile. I also cannot attest to whether you can use Pay-As-You-Go from AT&T. Hope that clears it up a little.

 

[KingHuds]

With an unlocked iPhone you can use a pay as you go plan with it, or different other plans that aren't offered with the iPhone, and you don't the data. Also you aren't locked into the two year contract that you would have with a new iPhone,

 

[DrumApple]

With an unlocked iPhone you can use a pay as you go plan with it, or different other plans that aren't offered with the iPhone, and you don't the data. Also you aren't locked into the two year contract that you would have with a new iPhone,

This is what I don't get, could you explain a little more? Thank you.

 

[tylertech]

This is what I don't get, could you explain a little more? Thank you.

Lets say you want a Pay As You Go plan, so that you can add minutes to your account, and don't have a contract. You can stop my an ATT store and signup for a Prepaid account. Just tell them that you already have a phone (that you would get from another source like Craigslist). They will give you a SIM card. With your unlocked iPhone, you just slip in the prepaid SIM card ATT gives you into your iPhone, and now you have cheaper service without a contract!

If you want a contract and want to get your iPhone from ATT, here are the rates: http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/specials/iphone-info.jsp

If you want to get an unlocked iPhone and use it on ATT without a contract, you need to get an iPhone from somewhere like Craigslist and you can use a prepaid plan. You can either have a "Pay As You Go" plan or "Pick Your Plan". Find more info on these at http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/go-phones/index.jsp .

 

[DrumApple]

Lets say you want a Pay As You Go plan, so that you can add minutes to your account, and don't have a contract. You can stop my an ATT store and signup for a Prepaid account. Just tell them that you already have a phone (that you would get from another source like Craigslist). They will give you a SIM card. With your unlocked iPhone, you just slip in the prepaid SIM card ATT gives you into your iPhone, and now you have cheaper service without a contract!

If you want a contract and want to get your iPhone from ATT, here are the rates: http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/specials/iphone-info.jsp

If you want to get an unlocked iPhone and use it on ATT without a contract, you need to get an iPhone from somewhere like Craigslist and you can use a prepaid plan. You can either have a "Pay As You Go" plan or "Pick Your Plan". Find more info on these at http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/go-phones/index.jsp .

I see, this is starting to become more clear- but if I go with the unlocked iPhone on the prepaid plans, does this mean I won't be able to use ATT Data (and will it be 3g)?And I will only be able to use WiFi? And what about SMS text messages? Thanks again.

 

[alphaod]

This is what I don't get, could you explain a little more? Thank you.

Say you travel to Europe; would you rather spend $5/min in calls when you're roaming or buy a local prepaid SIM card and pay like 10¢/min? You can only pop the non-AT&T SIM card in when you have an unlocked phone. Also say you don't want Data on your account. You can't just justify paying $30/month for internet on your phone? Easy with an unlocked phone, you just pay for the regular plan with data. Already have no contract and don't want another one? Unlocked phone means insert your SIM and no contract to worry about.

 

[tylertech]

I see, this is starting to become more clear- but if I go with the unlocked iPhone on the prepaid plans, does this mean I won't be able to use ATT Data (and will it be 3g)?And I will only be able to use WiFi? And what about SMS text messages? Thanks again.

This page compares the two prepaid plans: http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-ph...?wtSlotClick=1-001OG0-0-2&WT.svl=calltoaction

As you can see on the chart, for both plans they have a list of addon services.
They're the same for both.

Available Feature Packages:
[B]Messaging[/B]
200 - $4.99
1000 - $9.99
Unlimited Messaging - $19.99
[B]Data[/B]
1 MB - $4.99
100 MB - $19.99

However I think there is a way to upgrade to unlimited Data. Though I'm not sure if you get to use 2G or 3G internet.

 

[DrumApple]

Ahh okay I think I get it now. For example the cheapest you could make out using the once a month prepaid would be:

$29.99/month for 200 minutes
$4.99/month 200 SMS
$19.99/month 100 mb data, you could do the $4.99 but 1 MB isn't enough,I actually would want unlimited.

=$55/month (plus the unlocked iPhone itself)

I don't think an unlocked iPhone would be best for me. Plus I'm going to be waiting for the new one coming this summer, so maybe I will be able to just afford one by then! Thanks for all the help