WEST U.S. -- Temporarily moving overseas, options? Switching from postpaid to prepaid?

[tommyxu]

Is it possible to switch from a postpaid iPhone 3G plan to a prepaid plan (even if my iPhone won't work)?

I signed up with AT&T (iPhone 3G) last September (2008), porting my number from T-Mobile. I am about to move overseas for about a year (maybe two). I have had my number for almost 8 years now and don't want to lose it or pay the full monthly bill while I'm gone.

What are my options? I know T-Mobile had the seasonal/vacation hold but only for 3 months, does AT&T have something similar. Even then, since I will be out of the country for an extended period of time, I'd rather switch to a prepaid plan, with AT&T or T-Mobile.

I don't mind paying the early termination fee as long as I get to keep my phone number.

On a side note, I was out of the country for about a year last year while I was with T-Mobile on a month to month basis. During which time I had requested a seasonal/vacation hold and got an extension for a total of 5 months. After the initial 5 months or so, I went back to paying the monthly bill until I got back to the US (about $40/month). I had no idea that I could've switch to a prepaid plan which would've saved me almost $300. Having been through this once before, I'm reluctant to pay the full monthly bill (now about $80/month) while I'm out of the country.

[Telekom]

Originally Posted by tommyxu

Is it possible to switch from a postpaid iPhone 3G plan to a prepaid plan (even if my iPhone won't work)?

I signed up with AT&T (iPhone 3G) last September (2008), porting my number from T-Mobile. I am about to move overseas for about a year (maybe two). I have had my number for almost 8 years now and don't want to lose it or pay the full monthly bill while I'm gone.

What are my options? I know T-Mobile had the seasonal/vacation hold but only for 3 months, does AT&T have something similar. Even then, since I will be out of the country for an extended period of time, I'd rather switch to a prepaid plan, with AT&T or T-Mobile.

I don't mind paying the early termination fee as long as I get to keep my phone number.

On a side note, I was out of the country for about a year last year while I was with T-Mobile on a month to month basis. During which time I had requested a seasonal/vacation hold and got an extension for a total of 5 months. After the initial 5 months or so, I went back to paying the monthly bill until I got back to the US (about $40/month). I had no idea that I could've switch to a prepaid plan which would've saved me almost $300. Having been through this once before, I'm reluctant to pay the full monthly bill (now about $80/month) while I'm out of the country.

I'm not familiar with AT&T's policies, but with T-Mobile prepaid you can get a $100 card with their PAYG program and it will last 365 days. Adding just $10 more before the 365 days are up will renew for another year. You can stock up on refill cards/PINs and call from overseas to refill as needed. Then when you return just use up the remaining time and port the number to the carrier of your choice or convert it back to monthly billed if that's your choice.

[PrepaidWirelessGuy]

I believe you should now be able to. Try giving them a call and definitely let us know what you learn!

[nathanprice]

Can someone help by providing more useful info here? I'm trying to do the same thing here...thx!

[hme83]

You can certainly pay the early termination fee and then have at&t convert your account to prepaid service while keeping your phone number. This probably needs to be done at a Corporate at&t store.

You won't be able to use your 3G iPhone on a prepaid plan - at least the data and visual voice mail will not function as at&t doesn't provide for the specialized iPhone data plan on a prepaid basis; but AFAIK the phone should work just for voice and SMS. As said earlier, you can purchase a one year "Pay As You Go" refill for $100.

For other possibilities, I'd call customer service (1-800-331-0500 or 611 from your phone). I know at&t did at one time have a reduced service rate, but I believe it was only available in certain markets, it may not be available any longer, and I'm pretty certain it was for a fairly short time frame - so it probably wouldn't be very effective to use that route for an extended absence.

[dallison]

with the old blue att you could do a temporary suspend for a certain amount of time. It all depends on the length of time. If it is less than a year they may still be able to do it.

If you have some time left on your contract, that will be carried over when the service is restored.

hope that helps