Cingular GoPhone Pick Your Plan

[Gamer03]

I haven't been a Cingular customer for two to three years (TDMA), so I have a few questions about this service.

I am still debating if I should get a plan without a contract, or get a monthly plan.

The advantages for the "Pick Your Plan" would be there isn't a contract, and I can cancel the service whenever I want. The disadvantage would be that even though there isn't a contract, I would be paying the same fees since they both include taxes.

Questions:

1. Is there an activation fee for this pick your plan?

2. Since the service automatically takes the total bill out of your debit or credit card, can you still view your bill online in case there are mistakes?

3. Is there an agreement where you have to remain a GoPhone customer for a certain length of time? Would I be able to cancel this pick your plan at anytime without a penalty?

4. Do I have to use Cingular's phones for this plan? Or can I buy a Razr online via Amazon without a plan, and use that (would this phone need to be unlocked)?

Thanks in advance for anyone's help. I appreciate it.

[Gamer03]

Cingular Plans:

I found out the following using the chat feature on Cingular's website (Here is my conversation):

Erik: Can I get a 1 year plan with a Cingular Nation plan?
Thank you for contacting Cingular Wireless. An Online Sales Representative will be with you momentarily.
[Audrey - A representative has joined the session.]

Audrey: Welcome to Cingular Wireless’ online web support. My name is Audrey. I am reading your question and will be right with you.

Audrey: Everything is with a 2yr contract

Erik: Ok. How does the Cingular Pick Your Plan work?

Erik: Can I have a plan without a contract?

Audrey: Please visit www.cingular.com/gophone

No annual contract. No credit check. No activation fee.No deposit. Unlimited calling to all 50 million Cingular customers on select plans.Free Night & Weekend minutes on select plans.

Erik: Can I bring any phone I want? Or do I need to buy a specific phone?

Audrey: You will need either a Cingular GSM or a unlocked GSM device

[Shizam76]

Originally Posted by Gamer03

Audrey: Everything is with a 2yr contract

Ugh maybe through the sales department on the website they only do 2 year stuff.

[Gamer03]

Originally Posted by Shizam76

Ugh maybe through the sales department on the website they only do 2 year stuff.

So, can you get Cingular for 1 year then?

If so, do you know what the activation fee is?

Thanks for your help Shizam.

[xikle]

Originally Posted by Gamer03

So, can you get Cingular for 1 year then?

If so, do you know what the activation fee is?

Thanks for your help Shizam.

Yes, I did. You have to go to a store or do it over the phone though. Activation fee is $36, or $18 for a family share plan.

[Gamer03]

Originally Posted by xikle

Yes, I did. You have to go to a store or do it over the phone though. Activation fee is $36, or $18 for a family share plan.

Ok.

Thanks for your help Xikle.

I appreciate it.

[xikle]

Glad to help. If you go with a 1 yr contract you could look at getting one of the cheap phones and use it as a backup if Cingular doesn't have the phone you want.

[Gamer03]

Originally Posted by xikle

Glad to help. If you go with a 1 yr contract you could look at getting one of the cheap phones and use it as a backup if Cingular doesn't have the phone you want.

Yeah, that is a good idea. But I think I will get a 2 year plan if I decide to get Cingular. I will have to look at my checking account and see how my finances are before I decide on anything.

Thanks for your help Xikle.

[Fire14]

Also remember, with the pre-paid plans your coverage area is smaller, since alot of the roaming agreements don't cover pre-paid phones. Check the maps at the store or online & you can see the difference, of course it's a big general map, but it could be something to think about.

[Gamer03]

Originally Posted by Fire14

Also remember, with the pre-paid plans your coverage area is smaller, since alot of the roaming agreements don't cover pre-paid phones. Check the maps at the store or online & you can see the difference, of course it's a big general map, but it could be something to think about.

Thanks Fire.

I am already considering of getting a 2 year plan with Cingular.

I see that you already responded to my other thread, so thanks for the information in this one and my other thread. I appreciate it.