Need strategy for wireless provider

[Magic Marker]

Ok,
My wireless contract with Verizon is about to end this March. I have no issues with Verizon and the phone works fine. The only reason I'd switch to AT&T is due to the fact that I get an 18% discount of the monthly bill whereas I only get 13% from Verizon. I also happen to prefer AT&T's Sim Technology so I can easily switch phones on the fly.

Now I feel I'm in a very strong position to switch carriers. Verizon wants to keep me (been with them for years) and I'm sure AT&T wants to sign me up.

I could care less which carrier I sign on with b/c I hardly use the phone anymore. It's more of convenience and I also use it for work from time to time.

What I need is some strategy when speaking to AT&T in order to get the best deal on the hardware. I'd appreciate any suggestions/ comments.

[snork]

Unless you have some sort of "in" with either Verizon or AT&T they don't seem to cut you any sort of special slack on a new phone w/ a new contract from my experience. By "in" I mean if you can get some sort of work related discount or are a volunteer fireman, police, etc. or have a family member that works for the telco company. My wife's cousin works for Verizon (as a installer/lineman) and he gets great deals, but only for his immediate family. My bro-in-law is a volunteer fireman and policeman, he also get some sort of deal for being a state worker. My wife and I are just normal folk...we don't get jack:p The only time they're really willing to work with you, is if you want to renew early and upgrade phones, otherwise they could really care less unfortunately.

I got my wife a new LG Voyager last november right when they came out we went to the store since she had been waiting for her renewal and I seriously wanted to punch the salesman right in the mouth! They sold out that morning in a matter of minutes apparently, but he said "Um yeah right, no, they're gone...we'll put ya on the waiting list." In a very condescending manner and basically laughing in our face. We gave our names, never even got called. Long story short, we went home, ordered online through "My Account" login and had the phone shipped overnight the next day. So F!ck that salesman:rolleyes:

[ninefourteener]

Do your research... please.

I hate AT+T with most bitter of all passions. I've been with them 3 years... my contract ends in march.

Put it this way.... I'm shutting them down whether I have another provider or not.

Did I say I hate them?

The WORST billing (they'll screw up that discount for at LEAST 6 months, so you'll have to call and spend an hour every month fixing your bill), the worst customer service, they screw with your contract, you name it.

yes.. their "talk" service is cheaper.... but if you have ANY other options (internet, gps, texting, anything), its much more that any other providers

oh yea.... and the internet... is useless it's so slow.

fewest dropped calls??

Yea.. per capita.... only because they are the largest provider. Honestly... I drop 2-3 per week.... no bs.

I hate att.