Samsung :: Captivate And FAN Discounts - Upgrade Eligibility
Aug 13, 2010
Yesterday I went on to my wireless at AT&T to look at my upgrade eligibility on the new Torch. I have Premier. I was not expecting much other then no commitment price since I got the iPhone 4 in June. The Blackberry Torch was $499.99 plus tax as I expected no commitment but under this it showed some phone I might like based on AT&T estimates of what I looked at. The Samsung Captivate which I also assumed was $499 no commitment(it says this on the AT&T site and at the stores) it was listed at $372.99 (with tax and 1 day shipping it was $412) The iPhone4 16GB was $399 with tax also.
The Aria was $399.99. I put in an order for the Captivate as it saves me $120 on the price of this phone when factoring taxes and cost. I don't really understand Premier or AT&T why is their twin flagship phones going for cheap on No-Commitment yet the Torch and Aria are so much more? Does it have to do with my Premier account? if so then why these phones and not the others? On the flip side I think I am going to like this phone the Apple screen is nice looking but the Captivate is also stunning. Is there any cons on the Captivate besides no flash and no side loading app?
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Apr 8, 2010
I'm trying to decide if I should up my monthly plan for the next few months in hopes that I'll be eligible for the next iPhone upgrade at the full discount. Last year, I was eligible for the full upgrade on launch day (after AT&T revised the dates). However, when I check my eligibility now by dialing *639#, it says I'm not eligible until 11/20/2010. I lowered my rate plan this past year and also now get a discount on the rate plan and data plan. So, I'm trying to determine if the lowered plan with discount is what's causing the 17-month upgrade eligibility instead of last year's 12-month.
So, what's your eligibility date? Does anyone have a 12-month eligibility and upgraded last year on launch day?
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Jul 1, 2010
I think I may be SOL... My brother had the iPhone 3GS and was eligible for the full upgrade pricing on the iPhone 4 - so he preordered his no problem. I wanted the white one so I was going to wait until it became available, but until then I was just going to use my brother's old 3GS temporarily until the white iPhone 4 became available. We wanted to open up a family plan cause it'd be cheaper, might as well save some cash asap, ya know?
I chatted online and in store with an ATT rep to make sure that if we went this route, I would still be able to get the white iPhone 4 at the full subsidy, when it became available. I didn't want to use his 3GS forever. Both responses were "Yes, 100%. You can get the best price on the iPhone 4 whenever you like, since you'll be bringing your own hardware." Which is what I figured, since that was the whole point of a 2 yr contract - subsidized phone for 2 yr service.
Just checked my upgrade eligibility online and says I'm not eligible until 06/2012! I called Customer Care and was told there was nothing they could do. I even saved my conversation with the ATT rep online in case something like this happened. I was instructed to go to the ATT store where we opened up the line and either "Return my handset" or just cancel my line completely. I was furious! Return my handset? WHY?! I already own it! Then I get the generic response of "I'm sorry sir, there's nothing else I can do."
Is there anything else I can do? I almost feel like I've been scammed out of $400?
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Jun 5, 2010
I am planning on switching to AT&T when the next-gen iPhone comes out and was wondering how does upgrading work on AT&T? Is it usually 12 months into the contract when you are eligible to upgrade or do you have to wait the entire 24 months before you are eligible for upgrade pricing?
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May 28, 2010
For future reference, please refer to the guide here at iPhone Upgrade Guide. This thread will still be updated for your convenience.
This is for those that have questions about the Upgrade Process for the iPhone on AT&T Wireless. Please put all questions and answers here.
1. Can I use someone else's upgrade?
Yes, AT&T will allow you to upgrade any line to receive a new phone. You can then activate that phone on any phone line you like. Apple is able to do this at their stores also, but will take a bit more time since they have to call AT&T first.
2. What about the eligibility dates for using someone else's upgrade? They renew the other person's contract (upgrade), but the iPhone will be activated on your line.
3. What is the pricing structure?
Those that are eligible for upgrade or new contracts can buy the iPhone 4 at 199/299 at capacities of 16GB and 32GB, respectively. Early upgrade, which is AT&T allowing you to upgrade at a higher price point because you are not eligible for the best pricing, can purchase the iPhone at 399/499. No-commitment price is 599/699, but a voice and data plan are still required. The entry level iPhone is the 8GB 3GS, which is 99 for upgrade eligible and new customers, 299 for early upgrade, and 499 for no commitment. The 16GB and 32GB 3GS will still be available in store while supplies last.
4. How do I check my upgrade status?
Press *639# (*NEW#) on your phone and send it. Your upgrade status will show shortly. Call AT&T Customer Service and ask. Login to your account online and click "Check Upgrade Options."
5. Do I need to bring in my old phone or my sim card to the store? No, the new iPhone will come with a sim card pre-installed. You just need yourself, ID, and payment (preferably a credit/debit card).
6. What about this new microsim that is in the new iPhone?
It is basically the same sim you have right now, just smaller. You keep the same number you have currently, unless you are opening a new line. The new microsim will have your current account information updated when the iPhone is activated.
7. Does my name need to be on the contract if I plan on going without the account holder to upgrade?
No, you just need the account holder to add you as an authorized user. You also have to be over 18 because you will have to sign the new contract from the upgrade since it is legally-binding. In the past, some Apple stores have not allowed Authorized Contacts to perform the upgrade. But in other cases, they were able to perform the upgrade by providing the last 4 digits of the SSN of the primary account holder. But, it seems like it is different from store to store. However, if you go to an AT&T Corporate Store, you'll be fine as the authorized user.
8. How about corporate discounts?
It would be best to head into an AT&T Corporate Store to do this. They have the resources and information to correctly process your discounts. Apple stores do not have the resources to do this. Many users have experienced the problem of having their discounts removed last year, myself included. While it is possible to have the discount re-added after upgrading at Apple, it would be much more convenient to not go through this and just head to an AT&T store.
9. When should I cancel my FAN discount to ensure a smooth process at Apple stores?
You can do it anytime up until you purchase the iPhone.
10. What is the iPhone process at AT&T versus Apple Stores?
There is relatively little difference between both buying experiences. However, for preorders, AT&T guarantees your phone with your name reserved for it. Apple, on the other hand, just guarantees you a phone for that day only, the day after, the iPhone is up for grabs again. The only difference that is clear is that Apple generally has much much more stock of iPhones than AT&T.
It is known that in the past, AT&T has offered freebies like accessories and even the waiver of activation fees compared to nothing, but maybe T-Shirts or free coffee/food at Apple lines.
11.What is a FAN?
Foundation Account Number. Think of it like a group discount for organizations that subscribe to the service.
I have an Individual Responsible FAN - meaning I pay for my own line, but I get a 15% discount on the service. There are also Corporate Responsible FANs, where the company pays for the phones.
12. My upgrade date, sent to me in a message from *639# on my device, is XX/XX/XXXX, can I qualify for an upgrade?
AT&T has given its customers a special upgrade option to those that are eligible for up to six months (up to December 2010) from the launch date of June 24. These customers are automatically bumped up and are given the option to upgrade at the 199/299 price. Those that are not eligible can purchase iPhone 4 at the early upgrade price of 399/499.
13. A full discount on a standard handset or iPhone upgrade is not available at this time but you may qualify on XX/XX/XXXX. We can offer you a discounted iPhone upgrade at a higher price with a 2-yr commitment and an $18 upgrade fee. Please visit a participating iPhone sales location for pricing on this offer. What does this mean?
That's an early upgrade, which means you pay a bit more than the new customer/eligible people, but less than unsubsidized. That price is 399/499 for the 16GB and 32GB models, respectively. If XXXX is 2010, then you can pay the 199/299 price.
14. How will the new data plans affect me?
The new plans will lower the cost of an entry-level voice and data plan for smartphones by $15, to $54.99. Existing users will have the option of sticking with their current plans indefinitely, even if they switch phones.
15. When I upgrade, does it add 2 years to my contract or reset? When you upgrade, your account will reset to two years from that date, not add another two years in addition to what you are left with currently.
16. When can I purchase iPhone 4?
Preorders begin June 15. The release of the iPhone will take place on June 24. Those that preorder online have the option of either picking it up in store or having the device shipped to your home or business as early as June 24. Store opening times will be released as the launch date approaches.
17. How many devices can I preorder?
AT&T and Apple stores will sell one iPhone 4 per person for new customers, and one device per household for new orders placed online. Existing customers may purchase one per eligible telephone number online or through our stores.
18. How do I activate my device?
Customers who order their device through AT&T or Apple and have it shipped directly to their home should follow the instructions included with the shipment. If you’re picking up your device in an AT&T or Apple store, we’ll help you activate it before you leave. Customers performing an exchange for iPhone 4 must activate in an AT&T store.
19. Will my credit card be charged if I preorder?
At the point your order is placed, we will authorize the funds to cover your purchase. However, your credit card will not be charged until the order is shipped. Remember to use a credit card as debit cards cannot be used to preorder.
20. When and where can I pickup my preordered device?
As always, a pick up date depends on when you preorder and on our available inventory. That said, this year we’re encouraging customers to have devices shipped directly to their home or business – the fastest and most convenient delivery option. Customers can also opt to pick up their preorder at an AT&T or Apple store. Customers performing an exchange for iPhone 4 must have their device shipped to an AT&T store.
21. Can I use a debit card at AT&T to preorder?
According to AT&T's press release, customers who want to preorder should use a credit card as debit cards are not allowed to preorder.
AT&T Upgrade Policy Path
First of all, it's not your TOTAL bill that counts to ATT (so many people have family lines...that's why people complain their bills are over $200 but their lines don't qualify).
It's YOUR PRIMARY line that gets you the early 12 month upgrades if you spend more than $100 on voice/data (they exclude text). The secondary lines won't be eligible for upgrades until around month 18, or 21 depending on how much revenue the secondary lines generate (most people have to wait till Feb 2011, assuming they purchased the 3GS in June 2009. I believe you have to spend more than $60 each on your secondary lines if you want it eligible for an upgrade every 18 months. But most people are $10 for extra line plus $30 for data=$40= waiting till Feb 2011 for upgrade.
If you are a single plan only and meet certain plan requirement, ATT is doing you a big favor by moving up your upgrades by up to 6 months earlier.
Here are some examples:
Family Plan 89.99 ($80 for first line plus 9.99 for second line) Plus $30 data for each line
Line 1. Purchased iPhone 3GS June 2009=eligible for full subsidy upgrade June 2010
Line 2. Purchased iPhone 3GS June 2009=not eligible for full subsidy upgrade until Feb 2011
Line 3. Purchased iPhone 3GS June 2009=not eligible for full subsidy upgrade until Feb 2011
Single line plan (59.99) plan plus $30 data= Purchased iPhone 3GS in June 2009. Normally you would be eligible for full upgrade in Dec 2010 (18 months) but ATT has been kind to let you upgrade 6 months early so now you are fully eligible.
Single line Plan 39.99 plus $30 for data. Purchased iPhone 3GS in June 2009. You won't be eligible until Feb 2011
Single Line Plan 39.99 plus $30 data. Purchased iPhone 3G in April 2009. Normally they won't be eligible for full subidy upgrade till Dec 2010 but ATT is being kind and moving your full subsidy upgrade to NOW for the new iPhone 4.
So those who are within that 6 months of becoming eligible (eligibility up till Dec 2010) are getting benefits of ATT's early full subsidy they made just for the iPhone.
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Jun 14, 2010
I have searched and I see plenty of threads on checking eligibility online via AT&T.com but I can't seem to find on the site where to get detailed info.
For example, I log in, select the line I want to check eligibility for, then it brings me to phone selections. On the line that is eligible the phones are discounted, on the line that isn't they show full retail price. However that's NOT what I am after. I want detailed info on my upgrade status, not just to base it on if a phone is discounted.
I can't call 639 because I no longer have my iphone.
I'm already planning on using another users upgrade eligibility but I wanted specific dates and info on my upgrade status for future reference (new Iphone next year)
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Jul 22, 2010
Can anyone who has returned their iphone tell me how long it too them to get their upgrade eligibility back? also, could you tell me whether you called att to do it.
Apple received my iphone yesterday morning, and att refuses to give me my upgrade back for 72 hours, and I keep getting different answers on whether everything is right or not. My contract date is back to normal and my upgrade fee has been given back to me.
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Jun 18, 2010
Bought new 3gs last xmas and have an eligibility date of may of 2011. If I early upgrade, do I get the full subsidized price next May or does the K start all over?
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Jun 28, 2010
I was wondering what people thought about this phone, and do you think it's worth getting ? I think it might be better than the few Android phones that at&t has so far ( backflip,HTC Aria ) .
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Aug 28, 2010
Does ORB work with the Samsung Captivate ? I was at the AT&T store today and i tried the test.orb.com test link and none of them was able to stream video. I then installed the free ORB app from the marketplace but then i realized my PC at home was not running ORB at the time so i couldn't test it. Also when using BING for navigation, does it have turn by turn voice like it does for Windows Mobile ?
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Aug 1, 2010
I've had my Captivate for a week and love it. I do need help please? I listen to about 4 hours of podcast every day. When I turn on the media player and start to listen to a podcast, the sound fades out after about a minute. This is the same headset that worked for almost 2 years on my at&t Fuze. It works great for phone calls. I tried the default media player and DoggCatcher, but that didn't work either, so I'm thinking it's a setting. I've played with any setting I can find in the Bluetooth area, there aren't many.Any help would be appreciated. I believe this is a failure of the A2DP? My work permits me to listen to music & podcasts, but doesn't let me use a corded headset, so this is a deal breaker for me and I love this phone. Even my hubby, who never notices phones, admires the vibrant display and actually asked to see the OS! I'm converting him
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Aug 3, 2010
I'm planning to purchase the captivate but im not a at&t customer,does anyone knows where I can get it unlock because I heard some of the guys saying nobody able to unlock it atm.
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Jul 18, 2010
Well my IP4 did not ship so I ran to AT&T and picked up a Captivate. I like it a lot and I'm still get used to it. A lot of good things about it. However there are things that maybe due to user ignorance that I have noticed would be a problem. Is there really no Exchange Server search? Am I unable to find it?No way to reorder folders in Exchange since there is a bar on top (which is very nice BTW).
So I noticed that default numbers and e-mails must be set up manually like in the old days of Nokia S60, and still if you go to the contact page and hit call it will ask you which number to use. iPhone automatically determines defaults and just uses them. Asking which number to use when calling after defaults have been set up negates the point of defaults.
What is up with the "history" bar? When I click on an e-mail it does not open the e-mail but rather says "message deleted". What is up with that? It does nothing useful.Again for e-mail even after I set the default address it seems to need me to tell it which address to use. Is there something wrong with my phone? Ok I guess I'm beginning to see that this works differently. If you want to use defaults you have to use the pop up shortcuts or the left/right gestures. Also in a contact card if you hit "send email" it will ask which address. If you select the actual address the only options are "messaging" or "gmail" my primary account is an exchange account and with that interface I can't use my primary account to send. It's a bit convoluted and not thought out well. Maybe its a matter of getting used to it, understanding its design decisions, and finding my own workflow with it.
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Jul 19, 2010
I'm on Rogers network in Canada so I decided to buy the AT&T Captivate. I LOVE this phone. Problem is that I can't get it unlocked. I tried calling AT&T but they said they couldn't unless I had a phone number associated to the phone. What eva. I've tried several 3rd party dealers on the internet including eBay.
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Aug 22, 2010
Has anyone been able to do it successfully with the instructions given here??: http://www.howardforums.com/showthre...nt-quot-NAM-3G
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Aug 23, 2010
I really want to ditch my iphone for a Captivate but i use the iphone for tethering occasionally. If i purchase a unlocked Captivate is there a way for me to get some kind of tethering ability?
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Aug 27, 2010
Got a Captivate which is working great except Im having problems with the email. Sometimes it won't show in my mailbox for several hours or the next day. Had AT&T look at it and they said the problem was the Android operating system. They tried downloading new software but when they sent an E-mail to me it still took over 10 minutes to show up. Wondering if I should just get an iPhone or has on-one else had this problem?
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Jul 21, 2010
Running live wallpaper and probably 20 open apps as well. Still does pretty good. Can't wait for 2.2 update.
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Jul 22, 2010
Vibrant, for example, has UMTS Band I and Band IV. I suppose Band I alone means 3G capable in Europe and Asia, right?
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Jul 25, 2010
Has anybody else had issues with streaming music using Bluetooth? The first 10-15 minutes I am streaming, the sound cuts out for about 1 or 2 seconds randomly. Calls work fine, seems to just be the A2DP profile. Thought it might have been Pandora at first with a weak signal, but it happens with music playing off of the internal memory as well.
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Jul 26, 2010
My Captivate has been having trouble getting a GPS lock with the factory settings, and with the updated 'quickfix' settings.More here:
http://androidforums.com/samsung-cap...-problems.html
Have any of you guys with this phone had similar problems? I'm just wondering what we can do to really *fix* it. - Or wait for a firmware update.The GPS is majorly unreliable and only works part of the time.
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Aug 15, 2010
Best place to buy a silicone/gel case for the captivate and a screen protector that doesn't mess up the sensitivity of the screen? Or if you have a better type of case protector option, I'm happy to hear about that as well, just don't want to add bulk to the phone since I carry it in my pocket.
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Jul 27, 2010
According to a thread over at XDA-Developers, the Samsung Vibrant for T-Mobile supports 1900mhz UMTS/3g. This would be the first phone sold by T-Mobile that supports ATT 3g as well as on its own AWS band.
I didn't believe it when it was first posted, but it seems to hold up to scrutiny, as the user posted a screenshot of a speed test result which includes an ATT (Cingular) IP address for the device, as well as 3g speeds and ATT's trademark high 3g latency.
further proof: http://www.vimeo.com/13641477
So, now the question is: If the Vibrant and Captivate are practically identical hard-ware wise, is it possible that the Captivate is using the same radio, and itself supports T-Mobile 3g on the AWS(1700) band?
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Jul 31, 2010
I am really enjoying my Samsung Captivate. As a result I find myself running out of battery life during the course of a day. Beginning the day with a full battery, I only get about 2 hours of web browsing time, when doing browsing only. At that point I've only got about 20% battery left for making calls or sending email. Anyone care to comment on your Captivate Battery Run Times?
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Aug 18, 2010
I've been very happy with my captivate (except for the known GPS issue) but I've had a problem for a couple days with the stock alarm application. I don't have any mods such as root just the stock OS running LauncherPro and a few other apps. My problem is that when I wake up in the morning from the alarm, if I snooze or turn off the alarm, sometimes the phone becomes unresponsive or minimally responsive. If I wait it out or keep trying to push random buttons (I don't remember since I'm groggy in the morning), eventually it becomes responsive like normal again but it may take a minute before this happens. In case it makes a difference, I have it on the charger overnight and no time sensitive apps that I know of except for the alarm.
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Jul 21, 2010
It's rooted and side-load enabled.I have Beautiful Widgets and LauncherPro Plus installed to help out with some of the look and feel.
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Aug 14, 2010
I just got my new Captivate and it is a very nice phone. I have one issue with it and wanted to know if it is normal or do I have a defective phone. No matter where i am and what type of light I am in (i.e sunlight,darkness etc) the back light for the 4 buttons below the screen (Home, Menu,Search and back) turns off after about 2-3 seconds which is very quickly. It comes back on if I touch the buttons or if I touch the screen. I see a backlight timer for the screen but not for the touch sensitive buttons. Is it normal that the backlight for the buttons goes out in 2-3 seconds? Of do I have a defect?
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Jun 8, 2010
I want to sell my 3G S now, but I've checked everything and I'm still not comfortable with what ATT is telling me. When in dial *NEW# from the phone, the message says they can offer me an upgrade.
The website says I "may" qualify for an upgrade. Calling 611 in the automated system, it says they can offer me a discount. Can anyone clarify this for me?
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Nov 3, 2011
If you work for a government agency and enjoyed a discount on your Verizon bill well say goodby to it. I just saw where my automatic bill payment to Verizon jumped 18% and I called to ask why and was told that Verizon no longer gives discounts to gov employees. And as it is not part of your contract they tell me you have no recourse.
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Jun 13, 2010
Whos eligibility changed after they logged in to AT&T today?
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Jun 8, 2010
I have owned every iPhone to date and purchased the 3GS last year, DAY ONE. As of June 19th, my contract will be one year old. Yet, I am not eligible for even the early upgrade price. AT&T says I will be eligible 2/11. But Apple says I'm eligible in December 2010. That's one issue I'm having. Why the difference? And why are so many iPhone 3GS owners eligible when the majority of them renewed their contracts the same time I did, so most contracts are no older than mine. I don't understand why some people's dates have been pushed back and other haven't been. I understand that those eligible for upgrade in 2010 had their dates pushed ahead 6 months, but WHY were they eligible in 2010? If they renewed their 2 year contract for the 3GS, why were they eligible in 2010 to begin with? I don't understand why "Account Holder A" buys a 3GS in June of 2009 and is eligible for upgrade this month, but "Account Holder B" whom also bought a 3GS in June 2009, but can't upgrade to the iPhone 4. why?
Finally, I'm trying to figure out how to get around things. Please advise. If I cancel my contract and pay the ~$100 ETF ($175-5 per month), a few people have said AT&T will not let me open another account for 6-12 months. Is this always the case? Second option, what if I add another line and get the iPhone at a subsidized line, then cancel the first line and pay the ETF. This would work, right? I'd only lose my number? Third, most legitimate option. I was thinking about adding a line for my brother. He's dying to get an iPhone 4. If I added a line and selected a family plan, shouldn't this give me "VIP status?" I have read that those with VIP status have had their upgrade eligibility pushed forward. If I went to AT&T on preorder day and opened his line first and bought the subsidized iPhone 4, chose a family plan, would I immediately be upgrade eligible on the original line? This way I could buy my iPhone 4 at the discounted price as well?
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