iPhone 3G w/o ETF

[bhuh]

So I actually wanted to switch over to AT&T and get the 3G iPhone. I ported my T-Mobile number to the new AT&T account. After a week of use, I noticed I wasn't getting good coverage on campus so I called up T-Mobile and they were happy to have me back as a customer. What I noticed after T-Mobile ported my number BACK was the following:

1. T-Mobile Cancelled my AT&T account
2. AT&T only charged me for the minutes used
3. I wasn't charged an ETF
4. I kept my iPhone and unlocked it with the TurboSim

I searched to see how this was possible but from my understanding, number porting legally requires the carrier to cancel the account the number is originated from. If you wanted to cancel the AT&T account outright, than AT&T would have required you to return the iPhone first before they could cancel service.

Please let me know your thought. Thanks!

[jtesnani]

don't you worry. you will eventually get charged for the phone when your original billing cycle ends with AT&T