Buying a new cell phone, from the same carrier, only online

[irisblue]

It is time for me to consider, seriously, a newer cell phone.
Has anyone done an online only online purchase? Any tips? I want to keep my carrier. Thx

[chomper]

1. Yes I have

I do all my phone purchase online. I got the One plus 7T for me and the new iphone SE for my wife.

https://www.oneplus.com
https://apple.com

After receiving the phone at home I just remove the sim card from the old phone and insert into the new phone. Work right away without any problem.

[Chainfire]

2. I have an opposite problem

Verizon keeps pushing me to dump my flip phone. I will part with it when they pry my cold dead fingers off of it.

[blaze]

4. Your hand *might* be forced...

I recently read this in a newsletter from Consumer Cellular:

"As wireless network providers move toward implementing 5G technology, third-generation, or 3G technology, is coming to an end. Providers have been upgrading cellular towers to make this transition since 2019, and expect to have the work completed within the next one to two years.


3G service was introduced in 2001, and its shutdown will allow network providers to repurpose the limited amount of spectrum available for sending signals on wireless networks. By “sunsetting” 3G, bandwidth is made available to provide the greater coverage and faster performance the new technologies deliver.

The impact of this change will be felt by many who still use older phones, especially devices purchased in 2012 or earlier. Once the network upgrades are completed, 3G cellphones will become obsolete, and unable to receive service. If you’re in this group, that means it’s time to start planning to replace your phone. If you aren’t sure if your phone is 3G, there are a few ways to check.

Check in your phone’s settings by going to Settings, then Mobile Networks, then Network Mode. This will show a list of the network types enabled for your phone.
You can also check for the phone’s “Specifications” in the manual that came with your phone, if you still have it. If you don’t, you can often find manuals online at the manufacturer’s website, and can even find them for most Consumer Cellular phones here."

https://www.consumercellular.com/WhyUs/Social/Newsletter/2020/September#2

[Chainfire]

6. I understand that

In my case, by choice, I only use a mobile device for voice communication, it will be like forcing me to buy an 18 wheeler to bring my single bag of groceries home from the store two blocks away. Of course, that is progress.

[blaze]

8. You can still get a pretty basic flip phone

(Just posting CC phones 'cause that's who I use...)

https://www.consumercellular.com/shopping/details/link/details

[hunter]

9. My old phone was forced into obsolescence.

But my new "smart" flip phone has grown on me.

The feature I miss most was the always-on exterior LCD screen my old phone had. It was easy to read in bright sunlight.

[Sedona]

3. Read and understand the fine print

I fell for buy one get one free on AT&T's web site. Come to find out it was only on thier unlimited plan. I got the highest 9GB plan and ended up buying another phone I didn't really didn't need but treated my daughter to.

No good deed goes unpunished

[Sherman A1]

5. We just went into the T-Mobile store

and picked out her new iPhone 11. The gentleman even transferred all her information to the new phone from the old one for us along with taking care of the needed updates. It was very simple and painless, took less than an hour total.

[irisblue]

10. That is what stopping me from online only.

Transferring all my stuff.

[SheltieLover]

7. If you know the type of phone you want

You can often get great deals on ebay, even on brand new phones. If you do this, make sure the seller has a return policy and a great customer satisfaction rating. I did this a couple of years ago & got what I wanted for a fraction of the price.

[hlthe2b]

11. I largely did so last night, but ended up calling (AT&T) to ensure I had no unintended

changes/charges to my plan and that all current (employer-related discounts) were in effect. Let me just say, I have twice dealt with AT&T via phone calls in the past month. Each time, a highly responsive woman representative that LISTENED to me and actually followed up. This in contrast to the 8x I have had to deal with Comcast and Xcel energy--both who have been among the most disgusting and fruitless waste of time I've ever spent on issues. So, I was pleased at the difference with AT&T. And yeah, i recognize I probably pay too much with At&T, but reliability is important to me.

I already knew what phone I wanted as I'd done my research elsewhere (just another iphone).

BTW, I have purchased (online) refurbished (usually just open box) phones online before--usually from AT&T, and they have been a really good deal.