Gimme gimme gimme an iPhone after midnight

July 2, 2008 8:19 PM

How simple is it for an at&t member switch to an iPhone if he's not the account holder?

So I want to get a 3G iPhone when they launch in a couple of weeks. Right now, I'm an AT&T subscriber but not under contract as two years have passed since I last upgraded my phone. The account, which I've had for 5 years now, is in my father's name even though I've always been the only person on the account. Whenever I first signed up when I was 18, they said it'd have to be under his name because I had no credit history at that point. When I go to buy an iPhone and switch to an iPhone service plan, will it cause any problem that I'm not the main account holder? I don't see why it'd matter as long as I'm paying, but I don't really trust cell providers to make things easy.

P.S. Is this something that should be done at an AT&T store or would an Apple Store be an option?

posted by fishmasta to technology (7 comments total)

I think a call to AT&T wireless would be a lot more helpful.

1-800-331-0500
posted by spec80 at 8:25 PM on July 2 [1 favorite]

Since you were able to upgrade the last time even with your account under your father's name, it shouldn't be any different this time. As far as AT&T is concerned, the 3G plan is just a plan upgrade and the iPhone is just a phone upgrade.
posted by junesix at 8:36 PM on July 2

You should probably call AT&T, they're the ones who make the rules.

My experience with Verizon may be similar:

The primary account holder has to OK any change in contract - this would include extending the contract two years which is required to get the discount on the iPhone. The primary account holder can designate other people with control over their own [secondary] line, but they cannot make any changes to the primary line. The primary account holder is verified via last four digits of SSN.
posted by meowzilla at 8:48 PM on July 2

Why not just cancel your dad's account and sign up for a new one in your own name? Build that credit score.
posted by designbot at 6:46 AM on July 3

I concur with meowzilla, however, your father can probably make you an authorized individual to make changes by contacting ATT himself (you can also do that with Verizon)... and, designbot has a very good point...time to cut that cord youngster!
posted by HuronBob at 7:01 AM on July 3

In order to change the plan, you just need the last four digits of the account holder's social security number. If you can call your dad and get that from him, you should be all set.
posted by booknerd at 8:51 AM on July 3

(I don't have a link, but I just did this myself last year with the first iphones)
posted by booknerd at 8:53 AM on July 3