[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] Naturesretard:
Individual results may vary. I am not responsible for the device you gain/lose

Believe it or not, you may actually be able to swap your current S3 for the LTE Variant Right Now.

Let me give you some backstory:

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I called my salesrep and asked about coming in to swap my HSPA variant S3 for the LTE variant. I simply explained that when I originally switched to TMO from Sprint, I started with the S2 due to money issues, but later swapped to the S3. Upon swapping, I SPECIFICALLY asked about this device getting LTE once the towers launch. He told me yes, whether it's a firmware push or already there, he wasn't quite sure, but assured me I'd get it. The salesrep told me he understands my concern and talked to his manager, I was on hold for about 5 minutes being asked random questions about my device; How long I've been a customer, phone color, etc. When he finally returned, he told me that because I'm out of my 30 day trial period, he cannot swap my device. Even with a restocking fee, he sadly could not bypass the system to do it, otherwise he would right there on the spot.

He told me to try and call TMO customer support and get through to Loyalty. So after thanking him and discussing LTE things, I went on my way.

I got a hold of this woman whom I did not remember to take down her name, but I started off by saying how amazing TMO is compared to Sprint. Customer service, support, coverage, and speed; when she told me she actually came from Sprint herself as a Rep. We joked for a bit about how slow Sprint was at rolling out towers compared to TMO and how pitiful the speeds were, and she tried to discourage me about swapping since there are new phones out there, LTE may not be available in my area, speeds may be minimal, etc. But she did say she'd transfer me anyway if I desired. I said sure, I may not qualify, but couldn't hurt to try. Here's where it gets interesting.

I got pushed through to Loyalty, and spoke to a gentleman named AJ, but the system has him down as Andrew. I again expressed my concerns and issues, and he said he completely understood. He proceeded to tell me that at the time, the salesrep I originally asked about LTE was technically right, at the time. (You all know how reps know little to nothing until a week or two until it's released.... and he confirmed this.) But it turned out it wasn't the case as a separate device was released.

He continued to tell me that He would be glad to send me another device,

ALTHOUGH NOT GUARANTEEING

it would be the LTE variant, but most likely being the case. He said that there was a 6 day back order at the moment and said once it's available, he'd overnight ship for no extra charge; although there is a chance it might be a Refurb. There was a 5$ fee of swapping or something, but said he'd waive it, and if by chance the device I got wasn't the LTE variant, I might be able to get it waived again and send it back and start over. I had 7 days upon receiving the device to mail either one back or be charged around 500$, I'm assuming the rest of the money I owe on my current device. If I sent either back with water or other damage, be charge about 130$, which I assume is a slightly higher deductible for the protection plan. I was told that upon receiving the device, it would have instructions how to setup and activate, as well as how to ship either device back.

Bottom line, you may be able to have the same happen to you. as I said at the top, results may vary, and I cannot be held responsible for which device you get and/or not backing up data before switching. Give it a try, I got lucky on the first try, maybe it's because I'm a new customer, try what I did and let the rest of us know. Once I get my new device I will of course report back and tell my results.