Put in another SIM card, bring your own phone, what happens to your existing discounts and phone numbers, etc, etc. Whether your ideas are viable or not must surely depend on your existing "plan" or account status with AT&T. I'd go to a local store (a company store, not an "authorized dealer") and let them give you the options available and answer your questions. No one here has access to the information needed to do so.

Most phones from the big carriers are unlocked. But to buy unlocked phones that aren't part of a contract/committment with a carrier can be very expensive.

Good luck.

If anyone's interested: Taking the SIM card out of an old phone and putting into the new phone doesn't work in many instances.

Older phones likely use a regular SIM card size... the new(er) phones typically have smaller SIMs: Micro SIM and Nano SIM. So, you need to check on the SIM sizes for both phones to see if they are compatible. If not then you'll need a new SIM from your cell service provider or have the larger SIM cut down to fit the new phone.

You can check your phone's SIM size here. (It already looks to be outdated (and not comprehensive):

https://www.wirelesstraveler.com/device-models-and-sim-cards/

Tia, yes, you can buy unlocked phones, but they are generally at retail prices which can be upwards of $1,000 depending on what model without the payment plan option. Both of the previous posts bring up good points, check with your carrier to see if they have a better or comparable plan that allows you to get the payment plan (if you want). If not, you can still buy at retail and not have to change plans. You will likely have to upgrade your SIM card as your phone is likely using a micro SIM and current phones use a nano SIM, so you'll probably have to work with your carrier anyways. If they do have new comparable plans, just make sure to list your requirements out and make sure they cover each one, and get it writing before signing a new contract.

TIA is an abbreviation for Thanks In Advance.

Steve J, I like the flexibility that an unlocked phone provides and not being under contract. Also, you can buy a phone without the carrier adware "bloat".

Third party purchases are sometimes reasonably priced, but sometimes much too expensive.

Unwanted apps of any kind or source are easily disabled. When that's done, even for some that refuse to be deleted, they are as if deleted. You won't see or hear from them again.

Come to conclusion here that I'm too old to need a cell phone bill. No-one carried around a phone everywhere they went a few years back. Now we can carry around a phone that can make calls for free on free WiFi from our banks, restaurants and grocery stores and homes. Why would we want to pay to have someone bother us while shopping or shaking hands with our bankers - While we are eating lunch is it ok for some friend or telephone solicitor to call us while our hands are finger licking good ? Makes no sense to me to carry around a phone.

Doh, thanks Elmer. Guess I was multitasking too hard at the moment.

jrb, the contracts are on the phones now rather than the plan for most carriers. So as soon as the phone is paid off, your contract is fulfilled. There is sometimes a minimum requirement like 6 months. And to be honest, there is very little bloatware anymore, and as Elmer said, what is there can generally be uninstalled or disabled with little trouble. I honestly wouldnt factor that into your decision unless you want a purely vanilla OS with zero carrier apps like an iPhone or Pixel. The two main reasons to buy an unlocked phone are: easily use it with any carrier or internationally out of the box, and higher resale value when selling. One small note is that you sometimes get added perks from buying direct from the manufacturer, but that is mainly around a launch date. The rest is personal preference.

Verizon’s LTE phones are all unlocked out of the box, AT&T’s and Sprint’s are not. Unsure of T-Mobile. All carriers are required to unlock per your request once paid off (unless Trump reverses that too).

Out of curiosity, who is your carrier? And did you have a new phone in mind?

I'm currently with AT&T and looking at the LG G6 and/or LG V30. AT&T is offering deals on either of these but both require I step up my monthly plan outlay. (Which seems to be the case whenever I've wanted to upgrade a phone. My current data plan is just fine.) I've found both phones, unlocked, available elsewhere for $50 - $100 less than AT&T's deal but still more than I'm willing to pay. Costs will continue to drop and I can wait.

Sounds good jrb, having patience is always the best way to score deals. The G6 is a nice phone. I’d have one myself but I get free Samsung Phones because of my job and its hard to pay for something you get for free . If your current phone is fairly new, you could sell it and put that towards the new one.

The G2 was released in 2013 I think. If it's an older phone in high demand you could have a bidding war on eBay, never know. I usually keep 1 or 2 old working phones for spare in case something happens to the new one. I have no home phone to rely on. Mary

I don't see the advantage of a no-contract plan. Once you are satisfied with your carrier, why change it? Like acraftylady does, I have a couple of my older out-of-contract iPhones which still work on WiFi, so I can use them for music streaming without tying up my main phone.

I don't understand why they have to step up their monthly plan to get this phone. I am on Verizon so never used At&t. Mary

AT&T's offer for the no contract phones I'm looking at require the purchaser have a "qualified service plan". The cheapest q s plan they're offering is currently $20 more than I'm paying. I've found the phones $50 - $100 cheaper elsewhere. That's my reasoning for going this route.

Oh I see. Verizon doesn't do the 2yr thing anymore so once your phone is paid off you are done and can go where ever. I usually leave it for a few months then pay it off. Mary

mtvhike, because it's cheaper. That's why.

You can always buy a sim-free iPhone from Apple. That's what I did, and I can use it with any carrier. I simply pulled out the sim from my old phone and put it into the new one.

"the SIM free version of the iPhone sold by Apple are essentially the same iPhones as the ones you get when you get an iPhone 7 for the Sprint or the Verizon networks (they just come without a SIM card and are not pre-configured to work on a specific network). In other words, it is an iPhone that comes with a Qualcomm CDMA modem. CDMA is a cellular technology that is used by Verizon and Sprint, while AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM. So if you buy an iPhone 7 to specifically use on AT&T or T-Mobile it comes with an Intel modem that uses GSM technology.

So what does buying a SIM free iPhone mean if you want to use it on AT&T, T-Mobile or over seas? An iPhone bought specifically for AT&T or T-Mobile (which means is has the Intel modem and only supports GSM) will NOT work on other U.S. cell carrier networks. But a SIM free iPhone (which has the Qualcomm CDMA modem) will work on all the major U.S. cell carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon) because the Qualcomm modem (while primarily a CDMA modem) will also support GSM. "

Good catch Chess, forgot about the gsm to cdma incompatibilities. Its even worse on Androids as the OS software is tied to the original carrier for its updates. If you get an AT&T Android device, and get it unlocked and switch to VZ, it still gets its updates from AT&T, and might even require you to have an AT&T sim in the device to get the update. Quite stupid, one of the few things (IMO) does a much better job than Android with.

" If you get an AT&T Android device, and get it unlocked and switch to VZ"

I don't think this is possible unless an AT+T phone has CDMA capability.

Google-branded phones will also work on both CDMA and GSM.

Also the Moto G4 Plus, Motorola Droid Turbo 2, and Moto X Pure.

jrb451-

"I'm just fine with my current data plan and am afraid I might lose some discounts..."

AT&T has never been my favorite for service or price. When is the last time you checked out what you can get from another carrier? For example, I have had T-mobile for a number of years because their customer service reps are friendly, answer calls quickly, and actually know what they are talking about, and because their plans keep getting increasingly affordable. I have no connection with them...just think they provide superior value.

Right now I have T-Mobile's Senior Plan (over 55) and pay about $60 total for two lines with: unlimited data, unlimited minutes, unlimited texting, free calls between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada; 20 cents per minute calls to the U.S. from about 150 other countries, free Internet when I am travelling in most countries; an hour's free Internet per flight on all GoGo-enabled planes; and unlimited video streaming and Free Netflix.

And no contract.

I tried T-mobile prepaid a few years ago and ended up going back to Verizon. I think I was paying $60 for just my phone with unlimited internet and no data cap and such. Places I normally traveled and got good 4G internet on verizon I had trouble getting internet on T-mobile in those same spots. Also a few of my games that require an internet connection to play I thought great with truely unlimited and no data cap I could play on car trips. Well that worked for a few weeks then suddenly couldn't play those games on T-mobile internet. Went to them and no one had a solution so went back to Verizon and those games worked on their 4G, was weird. Mary

I don't use an extreme amount of data, so Total Wireless is my plan of choice right now. $33 (with auto pay) for 5 GB data and unlimited voice/text. Even better deal if you buy the card at Walmart - 6gb for $35. Verizon coverage (which is what works best for me). I am halfway through the month and have 4.5 GB left. :-)

Chess, you missed my question. You said an AT+T Android phone can work on a CDMA system and I think that's incorrect.

Yes, better and unlocked CDMA phones, often called "Global", will work with a GSM system. That's what happens with my Verizon Android phone when I'm abroad. But going the other way, an Android GSM setup phone (as from AT+T) using CDMA, I think doesn't work.

Correct. Yes I was not talking about a GSM android phone. Clearly the GSM models do not work on CDMA. But there are android models that work on both, that was my point. Sorry that was not clear.

kudzu9 - I started out with T-Mobile but could not get a descent signal in my home and much of the surrounding area. I'd use Wi-Fi for calling which worked OK until the Internet went down. (I've got a crappy ISP but that's another story.) AT&T buys DirecTV so we get an offer to come over to AT&T, save money on a phone and by combining our bills. That worked out part way and that's another story. My goal is to never darken the AT&T store's doors again; hence going about this the way I am.

jrb451-

Something to bear in mind is that the coverage and reliability of various cell phone companies is not static. I know that T-Mobile used to be considered less reliable than some, but it has greatly expanded its network in the last couple of years by acquiring a bunch of other companies and is now superior in a number of geographic areas. However, no company is the best everywhere... It's still a function of where you live. This article has some interesting info about the current situation:

https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhones/Guides/who-has-the-best-coverage

I have never had a problem with my T-mobile coverage in the 15 years I've had it, but a friend of mine did because his house was in a weird geographic blindspot. T-Mobile gave him a gizmo that connected to his modem and solved the problem.

Elmer, I think a gsm phone will work on a cdma carrier, but only while on LTE. I certainly wouldnt consider that as an option, but technically it would work depending on the band support of your phone. And while not the best choice of carriers for my topic, the main point there is that using one carriers android phone on a different carrier is not the best experience. Replace with using a T-mobile phone on AT&T if you like.

I checked with Verizon and they said for their "bring your own phone" plan the other carrier's phone needs to have CDMA functionality. This I believe is lacking in Android phones offered by GSM-based carriers. There is a compatibility tool on the Verizon website. If you have a GSM Android, try using it and see what it says.

kudzu, you're right, coverage isn't static but neither is it geographically consistent. I'm sure T-Mobile is getting better and they're certainly trying hard to improve. Arguably there's nowhere for them to go but up. As your link shows, there's no state in the US where their coverage is better than Verizon or ATT.

Similarly while ATT has improved a lot in the last 5+ years, they still trail Verizon in most locations. I use Verizon for my primary cell phone and have for decades (including accounts with its predecessors in my area). It's always been better in California. I also have had ATT phones off and on over the years as a second phone - I have one now and the signal strength and coverage compared to my primary Verizon phone isn't much of a competition, it's not as good.

I purchase a new, unlocked LG G6 from B&H Photo for $529.99, free shipping and no sales tax. AT&T offered the same phone for $585, plus tax, plus $25 upgrade fee bringing the cost of the new phone to $671.43. Then, there would be $15 more per month more for a "qualified service plan" plus taxes.

AT&T cut my SIM card down for me and transferred my contacts over to my new phone for free.

So, I saved $141.44 on the price of the phone and approximately $20 per month in additional plan costs going this route. That's a $380+ savings in year 1.

Good deal. I keep watching best buy because I want to upgrade my husband from his dumb phone but no big sale like when I got mine. Mine was a little over $400 on Verizon. I am in NY and am charged tax for online purchases. If I am not charged the tax then I am responsible to report it at tax time. There are very few places now that don't add in the tax so makes it much easier now to pay it directly when I buy something. Mary

I don't recommend buying anything at Best Buy. Its return policy for technology (restocking fees) isn't customer friendly. They also sell a lot of rip-off products (a quick example is HDMI cables at $30-$40 easily found for $5 or $6 elsewhere) and I won't personally give any business to companies that operate like that.

I think using Amazon and Costco are better choices for phones, when not buying from a carrier directly. Maybe not with ones for the big guys but with phones for cheapo services like Tracfone et al, buying the same phone from Best Buy can be more expensive than from the carrier directly.

Been using best buy for quite a few years to buy my Verizon phones and never an issue and always get a very good price. My last phone from them was an LG on sale for $300 and it came with a free LG 32 inch TV which I use in my kitchen. Couldn't get that kind of deal on Amazon. The one before that was $200 and came with $100 best buy gift card. I looked at the receipt for my G6 and it was on sale for $18 a month for 2yrs. Left it 4 months then paid the remainder off. I wish I had talked him into it then. Will keep watching the phone deal they do every Friday and hope it comes up or if a deal comes up on the V30 might get me that and give him my 6.

Just bought myself a new high end Lenovo all in one desktop and laptop from them for Christmas and no issues. Never had to return electronics but stores here in NY have had the restocking fee for years if you change your mind. If it's defective out of the box they will take it right back no fee. Too many people years ago were buying big screen TV's for super bowl then trying to return them after. I pretty much research what I want good before buying so never have to return stuff because I change my mind.

If Best Buy carries it, I prefer to buy it there (obviously not cables though!) Much easier to return. I have never been charged a restocking fee, but if I were then I would shop elsewhere.

It was about 10 years ago, I had to pay Best Buy a chicken sh++ restocking fee of $100 (that they hadn't told me about when I bought the thing) to return a PC my wife decided she didn't like. Both Costco and Walmart (who sell a lot of electronics) have 90 day return periods for things like PCs, compared to Best Buy's 15 days, and no restocking fees.

That was the last time I've gone into one of their stores. I've checked prices a few times from the website and find they're usually not competitive with the many retailers we all have to choose from. Two family members, each more than capable of doing price research, independently bought new phones in the past 6 months. One found the best price for the model they wanted from Amazon, the other the same for a different model from Costco.

I like Lenovo products too. I typically buy them directly from the company, I can get employee pricing that usually beats what retailers can offer.

Maybe it depends on the phone. My phone was around $430. I admit I didn't research but I didn't feel I could find it cheaper online that day and if it had problems out of the box I know I could go back to them so works for me. Ran over and they were almost sold out in store. Granted that was a Friday deal last August at $18 a month you don't see every day for the G6 but I had been checking the phone deal every Friday. Love their rewards program. I have bought quite a few big ticket items just before Christmas so had a ton of reward points that added up to $$$ to spend. Bought a nice pair of rechargeable wireless ear buds on sale for good price and boy do I love them. Wish I had gotten these a long time ago. I always ask about a stores return policy before I buy. Mary

I wouldn't buy a phone there - I use an iPhone and if I am buying a new one, I would rather just deal with the Apple store.

Well thats because Apple doesnt discount their phones or let their rsellers do it either unless they have new ones releasing soon. You’re paying the same price regardless. Other manufacturers have sales periodically, and let their resellers do so, and they may differ by store. Not quite apples to apples.

I have bought a number of refurbished Apple products from their online store, and they look like new, come packaged like that, have new batteries, are thoroughly tested before being sent out, and come with the same warranty as new. The savings aren't huge, but you can typically save at least 10%. I have had no problems or failures with any of these purchases. Apple Store

I was referring to NIB phones, not refurbed. But yes, factory refurbed phones, especially apple can be had at good prices. Their refurb phones are every bit as good functionally as new phones of the same model.

I have purchased used phones before and have had good experiences. My last two iPhones were new, one from eBay (new in the box - was perfect for 2 years but then developed an internal signal issue that Apple could not resolve) and my current (new) one was from Apple store - they gave me $60 off for my old phone, so at least I got something for it. I could not have sold it to anyone like it was. Sure hope this new one lasts more than 2 years.

Steve-

I wasn't trying to contradict you...just wanted to supplement your comment, which I agree with.

Big-ticket item retailers that charge competitive prices across their various inventory lines don't tend to have rewards programs. Because they don't need to.

Chess - you say a contract-free phone is cheaper. Do you mean the phone or the service? I an restricted to Verizon because that's the only carrier where I live. I used to have AT&T for when I lived somewhere else, but when I moved, I had to change to Verizon. An added note here: before I got a Verizon contract phone, I got a month-to-month phone and, although it worked at my new location, not very well. The contract phone worked much better. I also have friends who have services which claim to use Verizon, but they don't work as well. My conclusion is that Verizon has (or had) reduced functionality plans which they resell. I have bought my phones from Verizon, Best Buy, and Apple and find the phones equivalent in quality, but Apple's personal service is superior. Fortunately, I have access to all three stores within a mile of each other.

mtv, back in the day, it was generally cheaper to buy your phone outright rather than to subsidize the phone. When you subsidized, you paid the $100 or $200 up front, but the rest of the cost of your phone was built into your phone plan/contract. When you get to the end of your contract, the you've paid off the phone. The trouble with how that use to work, is that when you pay off your phone, your plan doesn't go down, so you were still paying more for that phone cost for no benefit. You would religiously need to update at the end of your contract to not throw money away.

But, now most contracts are on the phone, and not your plan. So when you pay off your phone cost, your monthly premiums reduce, also why you normally don't have to switch plans when to get a new phone subsidy anymore. Depending on that monthly cost, you're typically going to spend the same paying up front via monthly payments.

The difference maker is going to be device sales, and reduce priced phones (like older phones, or refurbished).

mtvhike, I am talking about the plan. I ditched Verizon's outrageously priced contract service about 5 years ago, and have never looked back. I chose a Verizon reseller as that is the coverage that works best for me. I used Straight Talk, then Page Plus for most of that time, and now use Total Wireless. No issues with the Verizon coverage at ALL. Pretty much everyone in my office uses prepay now. I don't know what plans your friends use, but I will tell you that if the service was not every bit as good as the contract plan, people would not choose it. The phones are the same as what you would buy under contract - it's just the plans that vary. I prefer to have the freedom to choose providers based on their plan offerings.

Years back I read an article titled "The Cell Phone Subsidy Game". It gave a list of 10 tactics US cellular carriers employed to get the most money from their customer. Things like charging both parties (dialer and receiver) for a single call. (Apparently, this was only done in the US.) Subsidizing the phone costs like Steve J writes above. You pay off your phone but your bill remained the same. So, you get a new phone but your old rate is no longer available. (rinse/repeat) Remember when the charge for a text was $.25 each then $.10? Cell companies were making a killing as the overhead for a text was not nearly as much as for a call. I had the phone company disable this feature on my flip phone as I wasn't going to use it. The next phone this was no longer an option; plan costs went up. And on, and on.

Chess, I don't remember my friends' plans (one might have been Consumer Cellular), but my experience with the prepaid plan definitely was an unsatisfactory one. I also was unable to get an iPhone as a prepaid service, although that was in the days of the iPhone3. Now a question: what sort of coverage should one expect? When I'm driving, and streaming to my phone, I get frequent dropouts. I just assume that coverage is not 100% (although I would think that Long Island would be better!).

mtv, things have changed significantly since the iphone 3 days, including the pre-paid/rider networks and should not be used to even remotely compare the services of today. While I suspect performance is likely given to their 1st party customers, rider carriers should be getting the same coverage as 1st party.