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can a us resident get a phone on a t-mobile uk contract? |
RightHere
Joined: Jun 01, 2002
Posts: 4
PM |
There are a lot of great deals online at UK-based stores for the T68i. They all have it for less than I can get it for in the US. $400 is the best from a reliable store...though others keep saying they can get it cheaper. $279 w/ activation on VS at J&R in NYC is not an option for me since they won't sell it over the phone.
$400US is approximately 273UKP (sorry, don't know how to do the graphic  ) I believe I've seen it as low as 199 at several places.
Anyway, I searched the t-mobile site extensively and I could find no limitation that someone that signs a contract need to live in the UK. SO, what I'm thinking is maybe ordering the phone from one of these stores, getting the cheapest plan and then paying T-mobile to unlock it.
Questions:
1) Anyone have a T-mobile service agreement that requires UK residence? I've seen the front of the form, but not the back. Probably all kinds of legal mumbo jumbo there 
2) Is the T-mobile "Shared" plan the same as a "pay as you go" plan (like SIM-only)? The phones seem to be more expensive on this plan, so I assume it's because there's no annual commitment.
3) Is there any reason why an unlocked t-mobile T68i won't work on a US network? I would think everything should be ok once it's unlocked, but I'm wondering if anyone has tried this.
4) Does t-mobile typically slap their own logo on the phone, or should it look exactly like the T68i I can see on SE.com?
5) Anyone seen it lower than 199UK?
6) Is this not really as good a deal as I think it is, maybe after taxes or something? |
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Xtreme!
Joined: Apr 13, 2002
Posts: 42
PM |
Someone correct me if i am wrong i think u have to be a uk resident to buy it on t-mobile uk, if you did get it on t-mobile uk and used it in america u would be making international calls on everycall as it would be using the uk server. Thats my thoughts! as for the price you can get the t68i for £99.99 on contract over here at the moment in shops where i live but that is on contract |
RightHere
Joined: Jun 01, 2002
Posts: 4
PM |
Well, 99.99 is even better! Can you post a link to that store?
I figure if I match it up with a prepaid sim that I can re-sell, it should work out well for me
I'd appreciate it if someone would scan in the T-mobile service agreement (or post a link to it on their site...I can't find it). |
ESTOR
Joined: Apr 20, 2002
Posts: > 500
From: Singapore
PM |
I know you can buy a subsidized "subscription" phone from some provider/shop, pre-pay a year's worth of line rental(or something like that), and the phone is unlocked and yours to keep. You don't have to be a UK resident. Sorry I don't know the exact providers/shops.
Try the uk.telecom.mobile newsgroup. |
Xtreme!
Joined: Apr 13, 2002
Posts: 42
PM |
I didnt find it on a website there in a store near where i live they havent got a website! which is useless for u i suppose everywhere else they are around 179.99 i think! i will check 4 u |
jamojdm
Joined: Jan 13, 2002
Posts: 290
From: Manchester - UK
PM |
Even if you get a phone on a contract, you still have to pay the contract off, even if you unlock and sell the phone on.
Your better off buying it Sim Free if your not going to use the calls on the contact
Jamo |
RightHere
Joined: Jun 01, 2002
Posts: 4
PM |
Thanks for the suggestions everyone.
I checked out the newsgroup as suggested, and even the associated adverts group. No luck there.
Do all UK providers automatically unlock their phones after you've fulfilled your contract, or do you always have to pay the fee?
I know I'd be better off getting an unlocked phone. But the good deals I'm looking at don't list the unlocked price (trying to get it). |
theone
Joined: May 28, 2002
Posts: 3
From: Sheffield, UK
PM |
The best thing to do in my opinion is to buy the phone on a subsidised tariff then change the tariff after one month to a cheaper one and pay off the remaining 11 months in one go.
For example, on UK Orange you could buy the T68 on Talk200 for approximately £60-70. The talk 200 tariff is £25pm so phone Orange up and change it to VirginOVP (line rental free tariff). Orange will likely put up a fight but say you are willing to pay the £10pm (the charge if you change to VirginOVP within a contract).
This means you have a T68 for £60+£25+(11*£10) = £195
Not as cheap as ebay but tempting nonetheless. |
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Posted: 2002-06-01 08:05
