hme83 wrote:
sitnsidewayz wrote:Not berating the OP, just pointing out that there really isn't much meat in his complaint. I don't like it myself, but there is a simple solution for him if doesn't really want to switch carriers.
I believe there is substance to his complaint.
Would it be "fine" for at&t to now require that the Pantech Matrix Pro that you already own requires the $10/month AT&T Navigator add on just because it is capable of using it? The way I see things is it would be "fine" (but not customer friendly) for at&t to make that a requirement of newly subsidized AT&T Navigator capable device purchases, but not retroactive to a device that you already own prior to the mandate. And if it would not be "fine" for them to mandate the requirement for your own use - is it really "fine" for them to mandate the requirement because you choose to give the device to someone else for their use instead? I don't think so - as I see it as a way for the carriers to potentially try to drive sales of unnecessary replacement devices, which the customer either pays for or they come with a new two year contract, and maybe both. Either way the carrier "wins" by telling the customer they cannot use a functioning device which they already own for it's most basic intended purpose without incurring additional "add-on" feature costs for unwanted services. That's a completely unethical practice in my opinion.
I do agree that there may be a simple solution if he really doesn't want to change carriers. As already stated, if we are talking about an original Blackjack model (circa 2005/2006 probably ?), I suspect the retentions department may waive the data plan requirement if the OP explains the situation when he calls to terminate his at&t service.
If you look closely at my post, you will see where I said "I don't like it myself", so no I don't think it would be fine, but I don't make the rules. If we choose to look at the situation in the context of what we want, then there is substance. However, when you look at the situation based on the TOS, there is no meat. The bottom line is he has added a smartphone to his line and he now requires a data plan. He has several options that he can take, none of which will allow him to keep the Blackjack without the data plan on AT&T, unless he goes prepaid as you mentioned. Otherwise, he just needs to choose the one that works best for him. If that means leaving AT&T, I wish him luck. I do believe he can still switch to T-Mobile and "bring" the Blackjack without being forced a contract and data plan.