New Service with used phones, no contract?

Hello!

I want to get new service with a Family Plan, so postpaid service is what I need, not Go Phone.

My problem is I can't get service because of the credit check. I own a house, pay a car payment, have credit cards, etc., go figure...

I want to purchase a couple of used GSM phones with SIM cards off of eBay, or from others at work, and sign up on a new Family Plan with them.

Here are my questions:
-- Can I get new service without SIM cards? (Or will I be given new ones)
-- Can this service be activated without a credit check? (Or is the check more flexible since it is COAM)
-- If I fail a credit check, can I pay a deposit? (And what would it be)
-- Will I have to sign a contract? (I've heard mixed messages about this)

Thanks!

To answer your questions, I'll address them slightly different than you asked them (from most important to least important)

a). Cingular Wireless only processes a credit evaluation for two things: i). to minimize cell phone fraud (i.e., purchasing a device, using it locally or more expensively, overseas, and never pay the pay bill again), and ii). to ensure that you will pay your bill.

Credit evaluations are required for any post-paid service. Wireless phone companies attempt to be as available as humanly possible, so one cannot be rejected for wireless service based on your credit score alone (you can, however, for providing fraudulent information, being on a specific chapter of bankruptcy). Rather, Cingular Wireless (or any wireless company) will assess a deposit; the amount of the deposit is the weight of risk--the higher the deposit, the worse your credit may be, the more the company wants to safe-guard themselves. If you have a 0-score or no-file found, then the worst is assumed and the highest deposit is assessed.

As a note, however, Cingular Wireless does not report to credit agencies. Your monthly service is not monitored or reported. Only if you find your account sold to an outside collection agency will this be filed.

You would be surprised, however, at the ease of getting a wireless service. Cingular has become more lax regarding deposit requirements over the years, so if you want to take the few-point hit for having your profile looked at it, I'd say go for it.

b). You can activate service without a contract by using COAMs or purchasing equipment at a no-commitment pricing. The commitment exists for two reasons, one of which is to compensate for the high price of wireless devices (see also item d).

c). You are required to use SIM cards, and depending on the retail location, you may be expected to pay additional charges for the cards (up to $25.00+tax) in addition to any activation charges.

d). Any plan may be taken with no contract, but will lack free Mobile to Mobile. Mobile to mobile is a promotional feature and requires a commitment.

I have two quick follow up questions then.

One of the phones I am interested in already has a SIM card with it, that was once used, but no longer activated. Can this SIM be recycled for use with the new account?

You also say that any plan may be taken with no contract, but will lack MtM. Does this also apply with a Family Plan?

Thanks!

You're welcome. And to your follow up: Once a SIM card has been activated and de-activated, you cannot re-activate it; this again another fraud prevention tactic (people pulling cards out of the trash, &c.). And as I stated, any plan; this includes Family Talk and individual Cingular Nation.

New Service with used phones, no contract?

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