Upgrading an AT&T phone online -- how does the transition occur?

[deckeda]

Same phone number and plan but they're gonna ship a new iPhone to my dad (the $100-off promo mentioned earlier here from slickdeals ...).

At what point does his old iPhone stop working and the new one work?

Obviously I've never upgraded a phone in this way. Thanks.

[rich in distress]

Wen the new phone arrives, I would call 611 from the old phone.
Don't know if they will already be aware of the SIM ID# on the new phone or not, but I would have a clip handy, just in case.
The switch would be within a minute, I think.

I went to a Tmobile store, and the rep took the SIM out, transcribed the number into a computer, and that was it... but I got it from the applestore, not the provider.

[deckeda]

So if I understand you correctly you make the call from the old phone and punch in a number? I'd have to already removed and written the number down .. presumably when we make it through the process there will be instructions ...

[rich in distress]

If good instructions are included, I would expect for the SIM ID to be already noted.
Or they will ask to call 611 and speak with a rep.

[$tevie]

I can't even remember what I had to do when my upgraded iPhone arrived last winter. It was just that simple. Don't sweat it.

[GGD]

My experience with iPhones ordered from the Apple Online Store and replacing a phone on my family plan (with phone number entered at time of orders), was that the new phone was fully configured for the switch, and the switch occurred as soon as you turned on the new phone. No need to contact AT&T.

When purchasing a new phone at the Apple retail store, it was different, they do the activation and transfer before you can leave the store. This can be a problem if you're buying the new phone as a gift for a family member, since their existing phone will deactivate when you purchase the new one. Buying online is better if it's a gift.

[deckeda]

Thanks everyone. Seems it's all for naught in this case. My dad was wanting to take advantage of the $100 5S promo online, but the site is partially broken and when it was suggested he call Customer Care, they told him the only option was to pay the regular $200 and they'd credit him $100 on his bill, which he declined due to the overall stupidity of the situation.

He just signed up with PureTalk and will keep his old iPhone 4 for now, and AT&T will lose about $60/month of revenue.

[decay]

I think I'm going to get the 5s now that it's only $100.