Originally Posted by dan1431

The truth is that I kind of fell into it, originally I had called into to have my DATA changed from Unlimited 3G DATA to Unlimited "4G" (really 3.5G HSPA+) DATA and during the conversation the at&t employee noticed that my account was eligible for an upgrade, in fact I have not been under contract since approximately the merger between the legacy AT&T Wireless Service and Cingular (really long story, but I have had unlocked phone for a very long time).

I said, no thanks as I had just purchased a brand new Nexus 4 directly from Google and had no interest in any of the handsets at&t was offering.

She countered with getting a new phone on contract (even a free one) and then selling that new phone on ebay or what have you and simply pocketing the change.

I said that was too much work and just wanted the DATA changed, she said well what about a bill credit? At this point, my interest was peeked and I asked about what kind of bill credit.

At first she offered $150, I did some simple math based off of T-Mobile plans at the time which were tiered those needing subsidies and those not needing subsidies. Those not needing subsidies T-Mobile basically knocked off $20 a month, I did the math, came up with $240 and said to the at&t what about $300?

She said she could not do that but what about $200, I said hmm maybe, but I would be sold with something a little higher, she put me on-hold, came back and said that her supervisor said to name a number and if he could do it, would I sign a contract for another 2 years. I said yes and offered $240, she put me on-hold (for at least 5-10 minutes), finally came back and said that her supervisor was able to authorize the $240 bill credit and she was going to process the new 2 year contract now.

In truth as I said earlier, I never imagined at&t would cough up a bill credit in lieu of a handset subsidy, but I guess it is an option, though just not a very publicized option.

Dan