I'll skip my other bills...

[Khaetra]

An article in the WSJ this morning talks about T-Mobile lowering the credit requirement to finance a new phone, because not all customers qualify for financing.  This line in the article though makes me want to facepunch someone, or something:

"T-Mobile contends that wireless service is essential so customers would skip payments on other bills before risking being disconnected".

So, in other words, I may not have water or electric, but by gum I'm gonna have my phone!  SMFH!

[robotclown]

That's not so bad.  I've known people who skipped making their mortgage payments to keep the cable on.

[benjenn]

What amuses me most are the people who pay the cable bill but don't pay the electric bill - since they'll need electricity to watch cable.  :)

[space]

I think "lowering the credit requirement" is somewhat of a misinterpretation of the new program. They're not changing credit requirements at all for new customers. Rather, if you have paid your T-Mobile bill on time for the last 12 months, you automatically qualify for their best/advertised promotions - the ones with $0 down.

[AH013]

What amuses me most are the people who pay the cable bill but don't pay the electric bill - since they'll need electricity to watch cable.  :)

When the electric company threatens to shut you off, just claim you use electricity to heat your house.  You'll be able to continue watching your favorite basketball team on your $100 extra ESPN everything package until the whole season is over with your "free" electricity.  Crisis averted.

[benjenn]

In Oklahoma, they can disconnect you if the day time temperatures are above 32 degrees.  We've got a run of 60 degree temps this week (way above normal) so I imagine a lot of people are getting disconnected this week!

[Future Lazy]

If I was unemployed, I would be much more likely to skip other bills over my phone bill. Often times getting a job in a competitive market relies on being one of the first to email/call and being highly accessible to potential employers.

OFC, that's a pretty specific situation.

[jinga nation]

Before: Sub-prime Mortgages
Now: Sub-prime auto loans
Coming soon: Sub-prime cellphone loans

Time to buy VZW, AT&T, Sprint, & T-Mobile shares.

[MrsPete]

Sounds like my no-good cousin.  He returned to work after a period of unemployment, and what did he do with his first paycheck?  He caught up the cable TV bill.  It was the service he cared most to have reconnected.