I need a deal to get a new phone for me and my wife. We've got the older Nokia 5190 phones and we're currently on a family plan with Cingular in the Sacramento area. Right now we pay only $30.00/month for only 100 shared anytime minutes. All of the other family plans seem to start at $50.00/month - but you get more minutes.

Has anyone gotten a free phone upgrade from their carrier by threatening to switch to another company?

Ive heard of it being done... free phone upgrade by complaining. Couple guys at my old work did it. They didn't threaten to leave, just called up (AT&T) and said yeah my phones a year old, i want the newest free phone everyones getting, and it worked. Give it a shot. Part of it will depend how long you've been with them.... if you were only with them 2 months and threatened theyll tell you to hit the road and pay the termination fee if you are so inclined.

I would not recommend ATT at all. I have a Cingular family plan; 39.99 for the first line which i get 600 anytime and 5,000 nights and weekend; 9.99 for any other lines up to 4 lines max; deal has expired and ATT is currently having the same promotion except u get 1,000 anytime; unlimited nights & Weekend; and free mobile-to-mobile and with this plan; you can get very good phones either for free or very cheap. However, do not go to the actual ATT store; but it from Amazon or one of them small cell phone shops; you should be able to get very nice phones for free. i.e. the Panasonic Gu-87 is free also the NEC camera phone is free in the LA area but it depends on where you shop also. Sacramento should have similar deals; hope this HELPS!!!