Costco ATT program

[emeryjre]

I'm not going to do that.

My point is that the Costco product review group has over 700K members on Facebook. You came here asking for feedback on their AT&T program and I did a search in that Facebook group and there are many, many, many negative posts and comments.

I'm in the camp of previous comments here - I buy unlocked phones so I don't have to be tethered to a carrier. That way I can shop around a move plans.

Thanks for your information about the complaints on Facebook

 

[WorldT]

Actually, US Mobile offers Verizon, ATT, and T-Mobile. You choose. What’s cool about this is that you can even switch between the networks (depending on your plan, switching is either included or a $2 charge). I don’t know any other vendor that offers this feature.

I switched to US Mobile from Mint a few months ago. It’s been great so far. I don’t care which network I use since all three have good coverage in my area, so I am on ATT as that offered the best deal when I signed up. Unlimited data for ~$22 per month for a year (they’re offering a better deal today of just $195 for a year for their premium plan, which includes a watch sim, unlimited hotspot data, free network transfers (ATT to Verizon, etc) and more international data).

I promised myself years ago I wouldn’t commit myself to a provider by having them subsidize my phones. I also keep my phone for 4-5 years so it pays to just buy it outright (or at 0% interest over time, if offered at time of purchase) and choose my carrier. I absolutely want the ability to switch providers whenever I want without having to buy out a phone and deal with unlocking it, should service quality change, etc.

These carriers, like airlines and hotel/timeshare programs, have no loyalty to me. I see no reason why I should have loyalty to them.

Thanks for this info. The promotion is good price. I just wish they will give more internal data on the lower tiers. I don't need unlimited highspeed local data.

 

[Ken555]

my wife and I share a 2GB data plan on US Mobile.

Glad you mentioned this. I meant to, and then forgot. I got this plan for my folks. They were on Mint at ~$17.50 per month after taxes for their least expensive line with 5GB of data, but the US Mobile plan with 2GB of data is just $8 per month after taxes ($96 per year), with unlimited calling and texting. For them, their home currently gets better service from Verizon, so that’s what I selected for them. They’re still in my account so that I can manage them. This is yet another advantage of the US Mobile plan: you can have one account with multiple phones and select which network you want on a per-line basis.

As for phones… not everyone needs the latest model. Last week, I bought an “eBay Refurbished” iPhone 14 Plus for a family member who needed a newer phone, but not necessarily a new phone, and wanted a larger screen. The 14 Plus is perfect for them, and it cost ~$340 plus tax. I don’t care if it’s out of factory warranty (though did include a one year “eBay” warranty)…or if it only lasts a year or two before needing a new battery. It’s cheaper to self-insure in this instance, and I’m reasonably sure it will last at least two years before needing replacement, if not longer. The OP has a special deal with a discount not everyone qualifies for with a net cost is $3 per month for phone and service. My nephew bought the iPhone 17 Pro and told me he didn’t notice much difference, aside from the camera, compared to his previous iPhone 12. For most of us, is it really that important to have the latest model gadget? But please don’t take my advice; someone needs to keep buying those phones and pushing the AAPL stock price higher.

 

[Ken555]

Thanks for this info. The promotion is good price. I just wish they will give more internal data on the lower tiers. I don't need unlimited highspeed local data.

Mint is great at 5GB though about $17.50 per month after taxes. There is more competition at this level these days for the US market. For example, look at SmartLess Mobile - as of just a few months ago they offer 10GB of data for $10 per month (not sure if that's before or after tax, so expect tax not to be included) for the first year and then $15 per month thereafter. If they gain a lot of traction, I'd expect Mint and others to adjust. Both SmartLess and Mint use the T-Mobile network. But depending on how you value your time, you can always go with SmartLess for one year then switch to another carrier - and it is getting easier to switch as they use eSIMs.

 

[TolmiePeak]

These carriers, like airlines and hotel/timeshare programs, have no loyalty to me. I see no reason why I should have loyalty to them.

Exactly correct. Not sure why some people continue to cling to the belief that they will get treated better by a large corporation if they show loyalty.

 

[Cornell]

As for phones… not everyone needs the latest model.

Yes my daughter wanted a 2nd phone to use for work (versus having her work life and personal life commingled on the same phone). She bought a used iPhone for $150 and uses Mint Mobile for that phone for $15/month. All works A-OK. She has told me that she gets a ton of spam texts and calls on the Mint phone.

Cell phone service is one thing that has drastically gone down in price over time. I still see people say things like "I got a free iPhone w/this carrier". No one is getting a free iPhone.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

I was with ATT for many years but the cost kept rising to the point where I ended up switching to Consumer Cellular. Service has been no different than ATT but it is a lot cheaper. You also get a discount with an AARP membership (the discount exceeds the cost of membership).

This was my experience plus terrible cust service.

Switched to T-Mobile and very happy. We are grandfathered on a $25/ month per line plus $15 for each additional line. Unlimited talk text and data.

If your business has T-Mobile you also get 40% discount on employee personal lines.

Net we spend $60/month for four lines or $15/line. We also got a deal on a new iphone

 

[n42]

I'm paying less than $20 a month total with US Mobile, which uses the Verizon network.

US Mobile is essentially a Pakistani company. The CEO is Pakistani, and almost all of their staff is based in Pakistan.

 

[geist1223]

About 15 months ago we switched from TMobile to Xfinity. We were assured we would have the same great International Service we had with TMobile. Last Winter we were in Australia. We had a Flat Tire in Melbourne. Melbourne had 3 or 4 Cell Fone Providers. Our Xfinity (Verison) Fone would not connect to anyone. Several locals helped us. The only time we were able to make calls was when we were connected to a WIFI System, had WIFI Calling on, and Fone in Airport Mode.

When we got back we raised Holy He** with the local Xfinity Office. We were let out and switched back to TMobile.

 

[Ken555]

US Mobile is essentially a Pakistani company. The CEO is Pakistani, and almost all of their staff is based in Pakistan.

Isn't it a shame that a US based company can't compete on price and service? US Mobile has provided great service for me in the years I've used them. I switched my personal phone to them just a few months ago, but I used them for a project a few years ago for 100+ iPads plus some phones and it worked great.

 

[Ken555]

She has told me that she gets a ton of spam texts and calls on the Mint phone.

It's very rare to find an actual “new” phone number these days. It's much more likely that your daughters phone is using a number that was in service before she had it assigned.

You may want to check out services such as youmail.com. I'm not endorsing this one in particular (I've had both good and poor service with them), but their spam prevention service does work.

 

[Ken555]

About 15 months ago we switched from TMobile to Xfinity. We were assured we would have the same great International Service we had with TMobile. Last Winter we were in Australia. We had a Flat Tire in Melbourne. Melbourne had 3 or 4 Cell Fone Providers. Our Xfinity (Verison) Fone would not connect to anyone. Several locals helped us. The only time we were able to make calls was when we were connected to a WIFI System, had WIFI Calling on, and Fone in Airport Mode.

When we got back we raised Holy He** with the local Xfinity Office. We were let out and switched back to TMobile.

Xfinity requires manual activation of the international data roaming feature before a trip. This seems to be a common complaint about their service.

FWIW, when I travel internationally, I always test my phone the night I arrive. I suggest doing that for future trips.

 

[easyrider]

I'm not going to do that.

My point is that the Costco product review group has over 700K members on Facebook. You came here asking for feedback on their AT&T program and I did a search in that Facebook group and there are many, many, many negative posts and comments.

I'm in the camp of previous comments here - I buy unlocked phones so I don't have to be tethered to a carrier. That way I can shop around for better plans.

We buy unlocked phones through Amazon but we are grandfathered in to an old plan with tmobile we like.

Bill

 

[ScoopKona]

US Mobile is essentially a Pakistani company. The CEO is Pakistani, and almost all of their staff is based in Pakistan.

And?

 

[geist1223]

Xfinity requires manual activation of the international data roaming feature before a trip. This seems to be a common complaint about their service.

FWIW, when I travel internationally, I always test my phone the night I arrive. I suggest doing that for future trips.

Then the Xfinity Representative should have told us and not simply said we would have the same International Service we had with TMobile.

We are back to TMobile. No activation required. It works Worldwide. Also in Mexico and Canada (our 2 most common travel locations) it is just like being in the USA.

 

[Ken555]

Then the Xfinity Representative should have told us and not simply said we would have the same Internarional Service we had with TMobile.

My guess is that the rep wasn't even aware it was required. Always, always, always ask questions.

 

[geist1223]

We did. But if the Representative does not know asking questions does not help.

 

[Ken555]

We did. But if the Representative does not know asking questions does not help.

And yet I discovered the answer in 20 seconds searching online.

 

[RX8]

Based on this thread I starting looking around as I need a new phone as mine is starting to act its age (iPhone XR).

I am with Consumer Cellular and pay roughly $88 plus fees for 4 lines and 10G of data. Looked at T-Mobile and can get 4 iPhone 17s, 4 lines with 20G of data for $100/mo plus fees. You receive a billing credit for the phones monthly over a rather short period of 24 months. Our local Costco has a T-Mobile kiosk (different Costcos may have either ATT or T-Mobile) and I plan to ask them some questions. This would be $3200 worth of phones so seems like a good deal.

Anyone else know of any deals like T-Mobile? Feedback on T-Mobile in general? @CalGalTraveler you have a fantastic deal with T-Mobile.

 

[geist1223]

Also ask about discounts due to age and othe groupings.

 

[jp10558]

Don't forget to check the prepaid plans (and data amounts), especially the annual ones with SIMs etc from ebay. RedPocket on eBay gets you 12GB data (including hotspot) and unlimited everything else for $18.40 per line per month if bought annually via the ebay PIN renewal codes. If you need less data, you can get the prices lower. Or for $19 on their direct site annually you get 20GB of mobile data (but no hotspot data) and unlimited everything else and some international roaming.

 

[RX8]

RedPocket on eBay gets you 12GB data (including hotspot) and unlimited everything else for $18.40 per line per month if bought annually via the ebay PIN renewal codes.

Good suggestions but since Timeshare exit scammer Chuck McDowell is doing the radio ads for Red Pocket I will never give them any of my money.

 

[Ken555]

Based on this thread I starting looking around as I need a new phone as mine is starting to act its age (iPhone XR).

I am with Consumer Cellular and pay roughly $88 plus fees for 4 lines and 10G of data. Looked at T-Mobile and can get 4 iPhone 17s, 4 lines with 20G of data for $100/mo plus fees. You receive a billing credit for the phones monthly over a rather short period of 24 months. Our local Costco has a T-Mobile kiosk (different Costcos may have either ATT or T-Mobile) and I plan to ask them some questions. This would be $3200 worth of phones so seems like a good deal.

Anyone else know of any deals like T-Mobile? Feedback on T-Mobile in general? @CalGalTraveler you have a fantastic deal with T-Mobile.

If you need four phones, locked into a two year commitment, 20GB, and the 17 meets your needs, this is a great deal. T-Mobile offers good service in most areas of the US - check their coverage map for your area.

The only question I have is to find out exactly how much the taxes and fees are before you commit.

 

[emeryjre]

Based on this thread I starting looking around as I need a new phone as mine is starting to act its age (iPhone XR).

I am with Consumer Cellular and pay roughly $88 plus fees for 4 lines and 10G of data. Looked at T-Mobile and can get 4 iPhone 17s, 4 lines with 20G of data for $100/mo plus fees. You receive a billing credit for the phones monthly over a rather short period of 24 months. Our local Costco has a T-Mobile kiosk (different Costcos may have either ATT or T-Mobile) and I plan to ask them some questions. This would be $3200 worth of phones so seems like a good deal.

Anyone else know of any deals like T-Mobile? Feedback on T-Mobile in general? @CalGalTraveler you have a fantastic deal with T-Mobile.

Costco does act as a third party reseller for T-Mobile
If you search for Costco T-Mobile, it brings up the Costco pages for their T-Mobile "extras" as a Costco member acquiring T-Mobile service and phones through Costco

Beyond that
I've have nothing

 

[easyrider]

Some tmobile phones have starlink. I think this would be a good idea for me because there are times we are in no service areas.

Bill