AT&T wants to attract T-Mobile customers by offering them up to $450 to switch

We wrote a while back that Sprint had plans of buying T-Mobile which would mean that the balance of power would be somewhat restored within the United States. AT&T also had plans of buying T-Mobile back in 2011 when they made a bid of $39 billion that led to the United States Department of Justice suing in order to prevent the merger from happening. At that time there were also indications that the FCC would not agree with such a merger because it would affect competition substantially. Because of these, the acquisition never did take place. But now, with Sprint, things seem to be taking a different turn. There are chances that the merger will actually happen and the amount of cash is significantly smaller, $19 billion for a majority at T-Mobile. This would explain AT&T's recent course of action: they are offering up to $450 to people who are willing to switch carriers, as in move to AT&T from T-Mobile. Still everyone from any other carrier is welcomed by AT&T but they will not be eligible for the $450.How does this work? Well there are two ways you can make the switch. The first includes you switching your phone and has the following steps:

1. Buy a phone and a plan from AT&T
2. Transfer your phone number
3. Trade in your phone for a Promotion Card that can be worth up to $250
4. You will receive your $200 Switcher's Bill Credit by the time of your third bill

If you do not wish to trade in your phone that's okay too. This is the second way you can make the switch. You will not receive the Promotion Card but you will still get the $200. The steps would be just as before but without you buying a new phone and then trading in your old one. Now we cannot say of this will actually help you save more money in the future. It depends on what T-Mobile plan you own. And there is also the fact that you have to trade in your phone after you buy a new one. In other words, you cannot know for sure how they will evaluate your phone, despite the fact that they say it depends on age, model and make.But if you are a T-Mobile customer and you are thinking of switching carriers, more exactly going with AT&T, then this might be the time to do it. It is a limited-time offer so there is no telling for how long it will be out there. But meanwhile you can tell us your opinions about this by leaving a comment in the comment section below.