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On migrating from AT&T to Verizon

by Dave Caolo Jan 11th 2011 at 2:30PM

Now that the Verizon iPhone is really, truly, officially official, some AT&T customers may consider migration. But at what cost? If you're mid-contract, it won't be free. Of course, the cost depends on when you signed up. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Like most smartphones, iPhones are sold with a 2-year contract here in the States, the cost of which is used, in part, as a subsidy to reduce the initial price of the phone. Those wishing to escape their ongoing contract must pay an early termination fee, which starts at a certain price and decreases monthly. AT&T's starts $325 and drops by $10 per month.

Dislike math? Me, too. Fortunately, there's a great Wolfram Alpha widget that works it out for you. Still, here are some quick numbers for reference. Those who received a shiny iPhone 4 for Christmas ought to keep it, as they'll pay $315 at this point. If you stood in line last June as I did, you'll pay around $256 to switch.

Those of you still using an iPhone 3GS can switch for just $85. Not too bad.

Is it time to switch? Hold your horses, Texas Pete. This announcement is only a few hours old. Let's wait and see how AT&T responds. Remember, they haven't had to compete for sales of the super-popular iPhone within the U.S. before, and many geeks are beside themselves at the thought of their Precious on Big Red. AT&T may offer incentives to stay on its network. In the meantime, your termination fee is only going to go down, and you'll give case manufacturers time to design something that will fit your Verizon phone. Unless your local AT&T coverage is absolutely abysmal, we say exercise a little patience.

Finally, try to cover the cost. In this case, a new carrier also means a new iPhone (and probably a new case). Consider selling your current model to help offset the dollars flying from you wallet. Sell Your Mac and NextWorth are two good resources. At the very least, you might make up for that pesky termination fee. For our complete guide on how to sell your iPhone, look here.

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Now that the Verizon iPhone is really, truly, officially official, some AT&T customers may consider migration. But at what cost? If...
 

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makproz

I would like to say that Verizon could use GSM networks however that could compromise all of their current phones and prevent them from being able to use their software across all the different phones that people would want to use on their network.
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January 14 2011 at 2:27 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
MTC73

Don't forget to factor in that you can sell off your AT&T iPhone for hundreds of dollars, most likely negating any early termination fee you may have.

January 12 2011 at 5:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
BosToad

AT&T has a 30 day return policy. If your iPhone was purchased closer to Christmas, then you have time to return it. There might be a re-stock fee, but not a cancellation fee. That's what I'm contemplating right now.

January 11 2011 at 8:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Gopal Shenoy

Another site to consider for trade-ins is gazelle.com. We accept cell phones and other 21 categories of electronic gadgets (about 250,000 items) - we either pay cash (other payment types such as paypal, amazon gift cards also available) if the item still has value or offer to recycle it for you. We have been in business since 2006 and have served over 100,000 customers. We were recently named Inc #24 fastest growing private company in the US by the Inc. Magazine. Please check us out at gazelle.com.

Full disclosure - I work at gazelle.com.

January 11 2011 at 6:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tdowling

I wonder if it would be worth it for Verizon to (at least as a promotion) cover the ETFs for AT&T defectors. Definitely wouldn't hurt them PR-wise...

January 11 2011 at 6:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to tdowling's comment
Roberto

Sell your iPhone 4 to somebody in Craigslist for $100 less than the average CL price and they (who might be a hottie) will have no trouble meeting you at Verizon Wireless with money to pay the ETF and the activation fee.

January 11 2011 at 8:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Adrian vG

I pity you, Americans, who have to resort to AT&T or Verizon....

January 11 2011 at 5:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
BKWatch

I (hope) suspect that we'll see a few changes from AT&T:

1. Less onerous costs for replacing iphones within contract periods (after a year, it makes sense to break the contract when faced with 500 for a replacement phone)

2. Unlocking of GSM radio to use overseas (something Verizon can't offer)

3.incentives -- AT&T used to offer about $100 a year to stay with them.

January 11 2011 at 4:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to BKWatch's comment
Le Big Mac

+1.

If they're legitimately concerned about the subsidy earnback, then raise the contract termination fee to $500 and have a faster monthly decline on it. The lock is ridiculous and insulting.

January 11 2011 at 9:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Nick

#1. Have you owned/Do you own an iPhone 4 by any chance?

#2. I do and, for the most part, the antenna issue is not a "major" issue. People just overreact when they see their phone drop one or two bars in the "death grip."

#3. The vast majority of people put their iPhone 4's in a case since, you know, it's GLASS. Cases remove the antenna issue.

#4. They changed the antenna on the CDMA version, actually...

January 11 2011 at 4:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
email

Same here. Very minor, infrequent problems with iPhone 4. ATT fine most places I travel. I'd wait to see how the Verizon network handles the influx of millions seeking 3G connections. I'd also wait to see whether ATT network speeds improve because of the exodus to Verizon...

January 11 2011 at 3:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Laura

Anyone know how I can figure out how much it would cost to go from Verizon to ATT before my contract is up? Verizon isn't offering early upgrades anyway, so I'd like to know what my options are...

January 11 2011 at 3:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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