Main Menu

[Tom]

Anyone have a problem getting a replacement phone for use on the ATT network, under contract, from ATT/Cin?

My daughter just extended her contract for two years, is having a problem with her phone and called CS. They told her no more ATT phones, that she would have to migrate and lose her promotional minutes.

It feels like a breach of contract AND false advertising to me... any comments?

[krelvinaz]

Why did she extend her contract for 2 years. Was it with a new phone that is now not working? If this is the case, then I think you have a beef to pick.

Or did she just extend her contract without a new phone. If this is the case, you can always get a phone from else where to use it under the existing contract without any issues.

If the latter is the case, I don't see you having much of a case unless in your existing contract with AT&T it states it includes obtaining replacement equipment from AT&T with no modifications of your exisiting contract. I don't think they had such a contract.

Normally, you need to extend or renew your contract when you get new equipment and that is modifying the contract.... and the new contract is with Cingular which is understandable and I don't think a breach of contract.

Cingular is going to have to migrate all AT&T customers over within 2 years in any case so it is not surprising they are saying any new phone purchased by them, must be on a new Cingular contract and network.

[Tom]

We all extended our contracts for two years to preserve our bonus minutes, AND got new phones. I agree that Cingular will cause, one way or another, everyone to migrate to their system, although I think it would be easier to merge the systems (as it appears that they did with their accounting systems).

Bottom line, there is a level of support necessary to fulfill the contracts, from the carriers' side, and it appears that they are trying to circumvent that support. There can be no complaints regarding breach of contract if you have a new contract.

Cingular's advertising says effectively, that a customer need make no changes unless the customer wants roll over minutes... that is proving to not be the case.

[krelvinaz]

If you got a new phone with the extended contract, and it is on the AT&T Blue network, they are then obligated to fix the broken phone without forcing migration.

[Tom]

I agree, but unfortunately, ATT/Cin CS doesn't. I shipped her my MPX 200 to use while she waits for Moto to ship her a new/exchange phone.

ATT/Cin CS told her, in effect, tough luck, and I'm fuming. Looking at the ATT forums, it appears that this is company policy (I was told the same thing in and ex ATT company store today).