[VZW] Early Upgrade Transfer Loophole? - Moto X Q&A

Okay, I know that as of the 24th of August, Verizon closed a loophole which allowed people to transfer a device upgrade from a non-smartphone line to one with an existing smartphone data plan. Some people did this to keep an unlimited data plan, but since I lost my unlimited data over a year ago, I have been using it to upgrade my device every year.
Some people have cited success by purchasing a divide on Best Buy's website, having the device shipped, and then activating it with a swapped-out SIM card from another device, thus never activating a smart phone data plan on the dumb-phone's line. What I'm wondering is if this is possible through the MotoMaker website.
I've got an upgrade available on a dumb-phone's line on my account. If I make use of that upgrade through MotoMaker, can I activate the device using my current Moto X's SIM card once the new device arrives, and keep the $10/month dumb phone plan without upping it to a $30/month smartphone plan?
Any advice/success stories would be most appreciated! Thanks in advance.

I tried to do this with my new moto x through the moto website and the droid RAZR m's Sim card was bigger than the moto x rendering the swap incompatible. I'd say look into which phones uses the Sim card in terms of size and compatibility. Good luck!

I speak from experience that the size isn't an issue. It may sound crazy but you can literally cut your larger SIM to fit these either with a cutter like the noosy or you can even print out a template. I will caution that the smaller Sims are thinner so you also have to sand down your cut SIM to reduce risk of damaging the phone's SIM cradle.
With that said, you can also take a phone into a corporate Verizon store at any time and get a new SIM for free. Just tell them you bought this phone outright. I used each of these methods to keep unlimited data on my two lines while getting a subsidized moto x and htc one m8.
This is slightly different, however, in that both of mine already had data plans so I was able to select "keep my current plan" through the bb. In the end I don't know how crucial that was in keeping my old lines on the same plan simply by not activating the provided SIM. You might have more trouble because the website may see that you don't even have a data plan and require that you select one in a way that sticks with Verizon.
Sorry for the long post, I'm thorough.

GreenMunky said:
Okay, I know that as of the 24th of August, Verizon closed a loophole which allowed people to transfer a device upgrade from a non-smartphone line to one with an existing smartphone data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not the loophole that was closed. Actually, it wasn't a loophole at all.
What happened on the 25th are these 2 things:
1) If you use a basic phone's upgrade to buy a smartphone and you are on a legacy plan, you will be required to pay for a minimum $30/mo tiered data plan on the basic line for 2 years regardless of what phone is actually on the line (i.e., putting a basic phone on the line will no longer drop the data plan off of the line); and
2) You no longer can transfer your UDP line's upgrades to another line, either basic phone or TDP lines, without losing your UDP.
Wrt #2 - the reason you are no longer able to do this is b/c when you transfer a UDP line's upgrade to another non-UDP line, it is the donor line (i.e., the UDP line) whose contract is extended and will be required to move to a minimum $30/mo tiered data plan for 2 years. Note that UDPs are $29.99/mo.
GreenMunky said:
Some people have cited success by purchasing a divide on Best Buy's website, having the device shipped, and then activating it with a swapped-out SIM card from another device, thus never activating a smart phone data plan on the dumb-phone's line. What I'm wondering is if this is possible through the MotoMaker website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is b/c moto maker uses the best buy check out system, although you haven't described it accurately.
All you have to do is upgrade on your UDP line and when the new phone arrives, do not turn it on. Remove the sim card the phone ships with and replace it with the 4G LTE sim card that is currently active on your UDP line. Then turn the new phone on.
GreenMunky said:
I've got an upgrade available on a dumb-phone's line on my account. If I make use of that upgrade through MotoMaker, can I activate the device using my current Moto X's SIM card once the new device arrives, and keep the $10/month dumb phone plan without upping it to a $30/month smartphone plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This may very well work, but again, I don't think you have described it correctly. To do it what you would do is order a Moto X on moto maker using your basic phone's upgrade on your basic phone line and when the new phone arrives, do not turn it on. Remove the sim card the phone ships with and replace it with a 4G LTE sim card that is currently active on one of your lines on your account. Then turn the phone on.
If you try it, please report back if it works, thanks.
hackeruti said:
I tried to do this with my new moto x through the moto website and the droid RAZR m's Sim card was bigger than the moto x rendering the swap incompatible. I'd say look into which phones uses the Sim card in terms of size and compatibility. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy a sim cutter off of ebay for dirt cheap. Or read up on how to cut down a sim card by hand.
cntryby429 said:
I will caution that the smaller Sims are thinner so you also have to sand down your cut SIM to reduce risk of damaging the phone's SIM cradle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
cntryby429 said:
With that said, you can also take a phone into a corporate Verizon store at any time and get a new SIM for free. Just tell them you bought this phone outright. I used each of these methods to keep unlimited data on my two lines while getting a subsidized moto x and htc one m8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you are not left with a pending activation on your line, yes. They will also mail them to you if you call or you can order them here as long as the phone is active on your account.
cntryby429 said:
This is slightly different, however, in that both of mine already had data plans so I was able to select "keep my current plan" through the bb. In the end I don't know how crucial that was in keeping my old lines on the same plan simply by not activating the provided SIM. You might have more trouble because the website may see that you don't even have a data plan and require that you select one in a way that sticks with Verizon.
Sorry for the long post, I'm thorough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The method works with any 3rd party retailer and you can read my explanation of why it works here.

Wansanta said:
This may very well work, but again, I don't think you have described it correctly. To do it what you would do is order a Moto X on moto maker using your basic phone's upgrade on your basic phone line and when the new phone arrives, do not turn it on. Remove the sim card the phone ships with and replace it with a 4G LTE sim card that is currently active on one of your lines on your account. Then turn the phone on.
If you try it, please report back if it works, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, the line with the upgrade available is a $9.99/mo, non-LTE line. If I follow these steps, how likely is it that I'll be stuck with a $30/mo data plan on that non-LTE line?

cntryby429 said:
This is slightly different, however, in that both of mine already had data plans so I was able to select "keep my current plan" through the bb. In the end I don't know how crucial that was in keeping my old lines on the same plan simply by not activating the provided SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, just so I understand, you're saying that the 'workaround' is that you can use the upgrade on a line that currently has unlimited data and then as long as you don't activate w/ the new SIM that vzw won't actually remove the unlimited from the line?

I wonder how long this will be available?

KidJoe said:
I wonder how long this will be available?
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Click to collapse
Hopefully until the new Moto X is available on MotoMaker

piccit said:
So, just so I understand, you're saying that the 'workaround' is that you can use the upgrade on a line that currently has unlimited data and then as long as you don't activate w/ the new SIM that vzw won't actually remove the unlimited from the line?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what I'm saying. I used it for a One m8 from htc.com (powered by BB) and for a Moto X from BB.com. both times there were early statements that unlimited data plans are no longer offered and blah blah blah. When you go through the menus you can still select "keep my existing plan". Once I got my new phones, I promptly threw away the sim that came pre-installed and used my own.
Still have 2 UDPs with contact end dates in 2016. Amusingly, I never even paid the $30 fee (transfer, upgrade, maintenance, whatever they call it) and my m8 was upgraded back when it came out.

GreenMunky said:
Okay, the line with the upgrade available is a $9.99/mo, non-LTE line. If I follow these steps, how likely is it that I'll be stuck with a $30/mo data plan on that non-LTE line?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No one has tried it but based on everything we know, it should work. If it doesn't work then it is because we don't understand how the switch orders work on basic lines.
If you return the phone within 14 days, you are let out of both your 2yr contract and your 2yr data plan requirement so I don't see the harm in trying. Please report back if you do.
piccit said:
So, just so I understand, you're saying that the 'workaround' is that you can use the upgrade on a line that currently has unlimited data and then as long as you don't activate w/ the new SIM that vzw won't actually remove the unlimited from the line?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct as long as you are ordering from a 3rd party retailer and ship to your home. Please see these threads at AC and SD
http://forums.androidcentral.com/verizon/351917-verizon-how-keep-unlimited-data-get-phone-subsidized-price.html
http://slickdeals.net/f/6964624-upgrade-and-keep-your-unlimited-data-with-verizon?v=1&page=205
Also, I believe the Best Buy Method has been posted on this forum before.
KidJoe said:
I wonder how long this will be available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon is actively working to close this loophole but it will require them to completely revamp how they handle orders from all 3rd party retailers - i.e., the switch order will have to be implemented by some mechanism other than the sim card the phone ships with.
cntryby429 said:
That's exactly what I'm saying. I used it for a One m8 from htc.com (powered by BB) and for a Moto X from BB.com. both times there were early statements that unlimited data plans are no longer offered and blah blah blah. When you go through the menus you can still select "keep my existing plan". Once I got my new phones, I promptly threw away the sim that came pre-installed and used my own.
Still have 2 UDPs with contact end dates in 2016. Amusingly, I never even paid the $30 fee (transfer, upgrade, maintenance, whatever they call it) and my m8 was upgraded back when it came out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best part is getting out of the upgrade fee!
Keep in mind that only BB and others who use BB's check out system like MM do not require you to pick a new plan and the customer agreement says keep existing plan. With any other 3rd party retailers you are required to pick a new plan and the customer agreement reflects that. However, you do not lose your UDP.
Could Verizon audit accounts? Sure. Have they ever? No.
The other thing to be aware of is that only BB (and presumably those retailers who use BB's check out system) and Costco don't have secondary etfs. Amazon and all of the other 3rd party retailers have them so you need to be aware of their terms and make sure you don't violate them and trigger their secondary etf - i.e., canceling the line b/f 181 days, dropping the data plan (which of course you wouldn't do since it is a UDP line), etc.

Wansanta said:
No one has tried it but based on everything we know, it should work. If it doesn't work then it is because we don't understand how the switch orders work on basic lines.
If you return the phone within 14 days, you are let out of both your 2yr contract and your 2yr data plan requirement so I don't see the harm in trying. Please report back if you do.
That is correct as long as you are ordering from a 3rd party retailer and ship to your home. Please see these threads at AC and SD
http://forums.androidcentral.com/ve...nlimited-data-get-phone-subsidized-price.html
http://slickdeals.net/f/6964624-upgrade-and-keep-your-unlimited-data-with-verizon?v=1&page=205
Also, I believe the Best Buy Method has been posted on this forum before.
Verizon is actively working to close this loophole but it will require them to completely revamp how they handle orders from all 3rd party retailers - i.e., the switch order will have to be implemented by some mechanism other than the sim card the phone ships with.
The best part is getting out of the upgrade fee!
Keep in mind that only BB and others who use BB's check out system like MM do not require you to pick a new plan and the customer agreement says keep existing plan. With any other 3rd party retailers you are required to pick a new plan and the customer agreement reflects that. However, you do not lose your UDP.
Could Verizon audit accounts? Sure. Have they ever? No.
The other thing to be aware of is that only BB (and presumably those retailers who use BB's check out system) and Costco don't have secondary etfs. Amazon and all of the other 3rd party retailers have them so you need to be aware of their terms and make sure you don't violate them and trigger their secondary etf - i.e., canceling the line b/f 181 days, dropping the data plan (which of course you wouldn't do since it is a UDP line), etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MotoMaker goes live for VZW on Friday! I'll keep you guys posted on what happens. Has anyone tried this recently? It's been almost a month since Big Red's policy changes.

Ordered this afternoon. Chose the feature phone line with the upgrade available, chose the option to keep my existing plan, and completed checkout. Phone should arrive in a few weeks (hopefully less) so we'll see what happens then.

GreenMunky said:
Ordered this afternoon. Chose the feature phone line with the upgrade available, chose the option to keep my existing plan, and completed checkout. Phone should arrive in a few weeks (hopefully less) so we'll see what happens then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Waiting to hear if it works for you. I really don't wanna loose my unlimited

Got a call from Motorola activations today saying there was a problem with my order and that they have to contact Verizon directly about the upgrade on my account. Hopefully the switch order is still tied to the SIM card and the phone will be activated on my account without changing my Basic phone line's plan. Anyone know what might happen at this point?

Well, I let the Motorola Rep talk with Verizon and they had me choose a data plan to apply to my basic phone line once the phone is activated. I was assured by VZW that no changes would be made to my account until I've activated the phone. If I do the SIM swap before turning on the device, will the switch order still be tied to the SIM I plan on destroying? Does anyone have any idea what may happen at this point?

Well, got the email letting me know that my new Moto X has shipped. Should be here Friday. I'll keep you guys posted as you what happens with my account when I do the SIM swap.

Phone arrived today. Took out the preinstalled SIM card and used the mine for the initial boot and everything's great. Verizon account still shows my feature phone active with the no-4G plan! I'll keep an eye on it for the next week or so just to make sure, but I think everything's all good.

GreenMunky said:
Phone arrived today. Took out the preinstalled SIM card and used the mine for the initial boot and everything's great. Verizon account still shows my feature phone active with the no-4G plan! I'll keep an eye on it for the next week or so just to make sure, but I think everything's all good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's awesome!!! BTW that is called the Jaycemiskel method and it works as long as you never activate the new smartphone on the basic line.

This is awesome to see because my X should be here Tuesday and I am doing the same thing! OP did you already have a nano sim or did you cut yours?

gtoninn said:
This is awesome to see because my X should be here Tuesday and I am doing the same thing! OP did you already have a nano sim or did you cut yours?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the nano SIM from my 2013 Moto X.

Related

N1 owners! How long have you gotten away with the $15 data plan?

I'm sure there's been plenty of posts regarding this (and I'll probably get some flack from moderators), but I thought I should revisit this issue and get everyone's thoughts before I jump on the bandwagon.
Anyone here got the dreaded text, automatically switched, or loss data services altogether simply because you were using the AT&T $15 MediaNet plan? Or better yet, the $10 family plan?
I'm on the $15 plan that was originally used by a lowly 3G featurephone, and have never upgraded to a branded smartphone with AT&T. Just wondering if there are folks with my same situation who've taken the plunge into Nexus One waters. So...are you still swimming?
I've had the $4.99 T-Zones plan since 2008 and it still is going strong. I've never bought a subsidized phone. Not one single complaint. Not on AT&T obviously. Oops.
jacka$$1 said:
I'm sure there's been plenty of posts regarding this (and I'll probably get some flack from moderators), but I thought I should revisit this issue and get everyone's thoughts before I jump on the bandwagon.
Anyone here got the dreaded text, automatically switched, or loss data services altogether simply because you were using the AT&T $15 MediaNet plan? Or better yet, the $10 family plan?
I'm on the $15 plan that was originally used by a lowly 3G featurephone, and have never upgraded to a branded smartphone with AT&T. Just wondering if there are folks with my same situation who've taken the plunge into Nexus One waters. So...are you still swimming?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In short, your account needs to have smartphone exclusion on it to prevent your data plan from jumping to the $30 smartphone data plan. If it doesn't have this rare SOC code, it's difficult to get, and you won't be able to do much of anything to stop the change from happening.
j.bruha said:
In short, your account needs to have smartphone exclusion on it to prevent your data plan from jumping to the $30 smartphone data plan. If it doesn't have this rare SOC code, it's difficult to get, and you won't be able to do much of anything to stop the change from happening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm aware of the smartphone exclusion status. But no one seems to have a clear answer as to "how" to get that status. Multiple stories abound: I've heard that you have to have had a smartphone with no data prior to Sept '09. I've also heard that folks who have a dumbphone (featurephone) with a 3G data plan ($15) are also excluded because they've never upgraded to a branded smartphone thru ATT. I'm on the latter situation. Does anyone here used to be on the $15 MediaNet+dumbphone combo and are now using a Nexus One?
jacka$$1 said:
I'm aware of the smartphone exclusion status. But no one seems to have a clear answer as to "how" to get that status. Multiple stories abound: I've heard that you have to have had a smartphone with no data prior to Sept '09. I've also heard that folks who have a dumbphone (featurephone) with a 3G data plan ($15) are also excluded because they've never upgraded to a branded smartphone thru ATT. I'm on the latter situation. Does anyone here used to be on the $15 MediaNet+dumbphone combo and are now using a Nexus One?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it helps, I never purchased ANY phone through AT&T since I started service with them in mid-2008 since I always used unlocked phones and I still got hit with the text. The only reason I have the smartphone exclusion is because I called AT&T when they switched my data plan automatically and pitched a huge fit. I still can't get them to add it to the other line on my account.
So I guess try to talk to the customer "solutions" team about canceling your service and see if they'll add it for you?
I am using AT&T Nexus One from the day they were out (about 3 weeks now), I am still on $10 family MediaNet plan.
I have never bought smartphone from AT&T, perhaps that is the reason, or they haven't done their sweep yet.
j.bruha said:
If it helps, I never purchased ANY phone through AT&T since I started service with them in mid-2008 since I always used unlocked phones and I still got hit with the text. The only reason I have the smartphone exclusion is because I called AT&T when they switched my data plan automatically and pitched a huge fit. I still can't get them to add it to the other line on my account.
So I guess try to talk to the customer "solutions" team about canceling your service and see if they'll add it for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes sense. But have you, or ever, upgraded your plan from a $15 to a $30 plan, and then back down to $15? (Or something to that effect.) I'm just wondering that since you never bought a device from them, a change in your data plan might also trigger the auto-switch? Just covering all bases how an auto-switch (or change in the smartphone exclusion status) can be triggered by either device upgrade or data plan upgrade thru AT&T.
rome425 said:
I am using AT&T Nexus One from the day they were out (about 3 weeks now), I am still on $10 family MediaNet plan.
I have never bought smartphone from AT&T, perhaps that is the reason, or they haven't done their sweep yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent! Good luck on that. Please keep us posted if the status on your data ever changes. I'm gonna try using the N1 under the $15 MediaNet and see how much mileage I can get out of it.
Well; I have some bad news for you guys that think your getting lucky by tricking them.
At&t does not have this phone registered in their system. So if you call them and have them change the IMEI number to reflect this phone, it will come up as unknown. So the only option they have for a data plan is the $15 plan ($10 if you have a family plan).
The only reason why I know this: I came from an iPhone to this, so I had to call them and change the IMEI number.
Sorry to rain on your parade, but as long as At&t does not register this in their system, we will get the cheaper plan.
And usually, unless they sell it, they won't register it. So we are good to go for the life of this phone.
Squeaky369 said:
Well; I have some bad news for you guys that think your getting lucky by tricking them.
At&t does not have this phone registered in their system. So if you call them and have them change the IMEI number to reflect this phone, it will come up as unknown. So the only option they have for a data plan is the $15 plan ($10 if you have a family plan).
The only reason why I know this: I came from an iPhone to this, so I had to call them and change the IMEI number.
Sorry to rain on your parade, but as long as At&t does not register this in their system, we will get the cheaper plan.
And usually, unless they sell it, they won't register it. So we are good to go for the life of this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should have a look at: AT&T automatically addining $30 Smartphone Data plan to the unbranded Nexus 1!?
jacka$$1 said:
That makes sense. But have you, or ever, upgraded your plan from a $15 to a $30 plan, and then back down to $15? (Or something to that effect.) I'm just wondering that since you never bought a device from them, a change in your data plan might also trigger the auto-switch? Just covering all bases how an auto-switch (or change in the smartphone exclusion status) can be triggered by either device upgrade or data plan upgrade thru AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad you asked because I did buy two 3GS's from them and flipped them on eBay for a ridiculous profit. I had to call AT&T right after I bought them to have them remove the smartphone data plan since I wasn't using the iPhones anymore.
This could be part of the reason why my account triggered the change.
I have been on a grandfathered-in mediaworks package for ~8 years now ($20 for unlimited data, 1500sms and 200mms). AT&T has never once changed my plan on me and they never will. I'm out of contact
I had the T-Mobile version on ATT shortly after the tmobile versions launch. I was using the 10$ medianet plan for about a week until I got the dreaded text. I thought it was a glitch so I went online and changed it back. A few minutes later, I got the text again. I sold my nexus and bought a milestone until the ATT version came out. I came to the conclusion that I would pay for the 30$ smartphone plan if I was using the ATT version because I would be getting 3G. I just got the ATT version in today and havnt switched plans yet. My buddy works for ATT and asked for my IMEI number to get credit for the switch from medianet to smartphone plan. He called me back saying that my new ATT nexus' IMEI number wasn't registering meaning I could use the media net plan. There have been some rumors that ATT put a cap on the speeds of the media net plan, so he asked me to run a speed test. My speeds show that I was getting normal 3g speeds for my area(786 dl). Ill post again if ATT gets ahold of this batch of IMEI numbers and auto adds the smartphone plan.
nephroid said:
I've had the $4.99 T-Zones plan since 2008 and it still is going strong. I've never bought a subsidized phone. Not one single complaint. Not on AT&T obviously. Oops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you get 3G with t-zones?
superninjaquan said:
I had the T-Mobile version on ATT shortly after the tmobile versions launch. I was using the 10$ medianet plan for about a week until I got the dreaded text. I thought it was a glitch so I went online and changed it back. A few minutes later, I got the text again. I sold my nexus and bought a milestone until the ATT version came out. I came to the conclusion that I would pay for the 30$ smartphone plan if I was using the ATT version because I would be getting 3G. I just got the ATT version in today and havnt switched plans yet. My buddy works for ATT and asked for my IMEI number to get credit for the switch from medianet to smartphone plan. He called me back saying that my new ATT nexus' IMEI number wasn't registering meaning I could use the media net plan. There have been some rumors that ATT put a cap on the speeds of the media net plan, so he asked me to run a speed test. My speeds show that I was getting normal 3g speeds for my area(786 dl). Ill post again if ATT gets ahold of this batch of IMEI numbers and auto adds the smartphone plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent! That definitely got me on the bandwagon. Just ordered the N1 and should be getting it Wednesday. I'll keep ya'll posted with the hopes that the IMEI batch for these new N1's will be kept hidden from ATT. Good luck to all!
GldRush98 said:
I have been on a grandfathered-in mediaworks package for ~8 years now ($20 for unlimited data, 1500sms and 200mms). AT&T has never once changed my plan on me and they never will. I'm out of contact
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incredible! Grandfathered plans are always the best. How long have you had your N1?
I'm confused... Why were you guys giving att the imei #s? I bought my tmobile version unlocked through google and never had to let tmo know... I just dropped my SIM card in from my G1 and went on my way.
So how much data do you guys get for $15?
liam.lah said:
So how much data do you guys get for $15?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UNLIMITED*
Spoiler
*5 gigs
liam.lah said:
So how much data do you guys get for $15?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tons. Lotsa lotsa tons.

[Q] Upgrading to Captivate on ATT - No contract required?

I want to upgrade me phone to a Captivate [I'm eligible]. Question is, when I go for an upgrade, there is no mention of contract terms by the Captivate. It doesn't even allow me to select a data plan or any features. I am a premier member by the way. Is the price of $199 the price of the phone itself of they are just hiding the contract terms (as in which data plan they will give me and for how long)?
As you see in the screenshot, the iPhone states the contract terms and pricing, while the Captivate just shows the price of $199.
Its going to require a contact. Did you click through it a page or two? It will tell you.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Are you on a secondary or tertiary line? I was, too and AT&T's site wouldn't allow me to choose a data plan even for phones that required it. You either have to have the primary account holder make you an "authorized buyer" by calling 611 on their phone OR go through a third party vendor like Amazon Wireless or Wirefly who was just try to confirm you are a part of the plan by asking you questions about the owner of the account.
I am both an authorized buyer and proceeded until the checkout page. I guess it is automatically a 2year contract but doesn't upgrade to a data plan until you actually set the phone up?
So technically, if I were to want a Captivate and the next Android phone, I could upgrade my line and another line, yet never use the Android on the second upgraded line in order to not require a data plan? Hmm.
qwertyaas said:
I am both an authorized buyer and proceeded until the checkout page. I guess it is automatically a 2year contract but doesn't upgrade to a data plan until you actually set the phone up?
So technically, if I were to want a Captivate and the next Android phone, I could upgrade my line and another line, yet never use the Android on the second upgraded line in order to not require a data plan? Hmm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No matter what you do they will require a Data plan. Most of the smartphones they seel REQUIRE a data plan, its one of the stipluations they have. As soon as they see the phone on the network they will add one for you if you dont have one.
As far aas plans go, when you are a premire account holder it just carries over your current plan to the new phone. If you wanted to change your plan (Data\Voice) then you would need to call them up to do that.
For the rest of it yes you could upgrade one line and wait for the next Android to upgrade the second line. I beleive second lines though are not as discounted in family plans so you wont get the same pricing.
Data is discounted on all lines on my plan. Text and Voice are only on the main line.

Captivate without Data Plan

Hey guys,
I'm thinking about getting the Captivate and I was wondering if I can get it without the $15/$30 per month data plan because 90% of the time I'm surrounded with wifi. I did some research and it says that AT&T will be able to track what phone your using with the IMEI number. I was wondering if I can bypass that if I get the Samsung Vibrant and then unlock it so I can use it with AT&T.
I also heard that data block might work is that true? Thanks for all the advice.
Seems kinda silly to get a smartphone and then cripple most of its functionality by not getting at least a minimal data plan. Even if you have ready access to wifi, there are situations where a little data access comes in handy.
I've got around att's data plan by taking a free dumbphone which i got with the "Add-a-line" option, and I swapped it out with an unlocked, not att branded device. Its been over 1.5 years, and I haven't had any data charge.
Just be careful the phone doesn't get any push email or anything like that. I once got charged for getting an email, because when you dont have a data plan, its pay per mb used
Its weird though, my friend did the same exact thing as me, but he bought a different phone, and he gets charged a data plan
EDIT: Actually, I think I got "grandfathered" in. You're most likely going to end up being forced into a data plan. Look at this article
It may sound silly but I am literally surrounded with free wifi wherever I go. Is there no way around this? What happens if I get a different smartphone instead?
If you use wifi there is no data plan utilized. AT&T has no idea what you do when you use wifi. Turn on wifi and enjoy email, the market, surfing...whatever you want.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I'm using edge on mine. I have tmobile and just unlocked the captivate so that i could bypass the data plan. You could probably do it the other way around
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
just get the phone, you will have to add the data plan to be able to buy it, but a few days later, tell them you lost it and you want to cancel the data, but tell them not only to cancel it, but to block it, because if they do not block it and you go online, they will charge you per MB of usage, but if they block it, there is no way to get any traffic if it isn't thru wifi
is that possible? wont they still be able to detect thatI'm using the Captivate?
A data plan is now required for any smartphone sold by AT$T or one of its authorized agents. So long as the SIM card is in it (it will show what phone it is in on the system and online in your account) they will not cancel the data plan for you. What some people do is put the SIM in a dumb phone, call and cancel their data plan, and then reinstall the SIM to their smartphone. Better be sure you don't use any data, though.
I found a couple of things that absolutely require a data plan and can not be done over wifi. For one, I have Market setup to bill to my AT$T account. When I buy an app this way I have to be on data connection, not wifi, or the charge does not go through. I'm guessing my account info needed to approve the purchase is not accessible via wifi. I also had a program tell me to turn off wifi so it could connect. Can't remember what it was, but it could not work over wifi, only the data connection. aGPS needs a data connection, as well, so you'd be rendering all your GPS apps useless without a data plan.
Process of putting a sim into a dumb phone used to work but it no longer does. Only customers that are grandfathered in can use a smartphone without a data plan provided they did not sign a new 2 year contract agreeing to the new terms and conditions. With a recent upgrade to their system they can detect what type of device the sim is in resulting in a text :data will be automatically added your account.
so nothing can be done?
kenwarez said:
so nothing can be done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only way is purchasing an unlocked smartphone from a different country. At&t system goes by imei and if it can't recognize the serial it will not classify it as a smartphone. I'm sure there is another way with all the custom options out there but not sure about that one.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
I'm not from USA and I don't know much about your carriers, but coudn't you alegate that the data service drains your battery till the.point you find your phone unusable and ask for at&t to block it threatening of changing your provider? The last part works for almost anything in my country. Also with a good excuse you can build up a consumers defense case asking to be removed from the plan. Like phone racism, all phones should be able to access all plans, and if for example you are on a no data area they are charging you more for the same service.
Just a few ideas... not sure if any of them could work
rastanthology said:
I'm not from USA and I don't know much about your carriers, but coudn't you alegate that the data service drains your battery till the.point you find your phone unusable and ask for at&t to block it threatening of changing your provider? The last part works for almost anything in my country. Also with a good excuse you can build up a consumers defense case asking to be removed from the plan. Like phone racism, all phones should be able to access all plans, and if for example you are on a no data area they are charging you more for the same service.
Just a few ideas... not sure if any of them could work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i thought the iphone was the only ATT phone they could force you to have a data plan on even when purchased off contract? I know they may try to turn on your data plan if you are using an off contract but in my past experience when you raise a fuss they take it back off and say it was a mistake (this was on my last phone...a TILT 2). I had purchased it off contract and after a about 1.5 years use without data plan one day i got a text saying it was required and had been added. Logged onto my account and couldn't disable. Called them and told them i did not want the plan added, that i had purchased the phone off contract, and had been completely happy using it for the past 1.5 years without a data plan. They said it was a mistake and removed it. Continued to use it for another 6 to 7 months without data plan then finally decided to add an unlimited plan before they disappeared.
Unless something has changed (which it may have) the iphone was the only phone that they forced the data plan on even when you purchased it without any discount or part of a 2 year agreement to have a plan.
alaimar said:
Process of putting a sim into a dumb phone used to work but it no longer does. Only customers that are grandfathered in can use a smartphone without a data plan provided they did not sign a new 2 year contract agreeing to the new terms and conditions. With a recent upgrade to their system they can detect what type of device the sim is in resulting in a text :data will be automatically added your account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ah..sounds like it has changed this use to only apply to iphone...didn't matter how or when you purchased them once the system saw it you were getting a data plan like it or not.
Look at any smartphone on the AT$T site. All have an asterisk stating that a data plan is required. You used to be able to request a data block, but their thinking now is that if you buy a smartphone on contract, you are doing so knowing that some level of data plan is required. AT$T has no obligation to customers that buy phones from other sources like eBay and Craig's List. I had a grandfathered $15 unlimited data plan since February 2009 that I used with my LG Incite. Last July I bought an HTC Tilt 2 off eBay. Almost as soon as I put my SIM into it AT$T tried to upgrade my data plan (since it was not a smartphone plan) I told them I did not want them to change anything as I would not be using the Tilt 2 for long and would probably be using my upgrade (new contract) in December. They weren't happy about it, but they left me alone until I did just that and got the Captivate a couple weeks ago. They are trying to close the loopholes and move people to one of the current data plans they offer. What does piss me off is that they still have the true unlimited data plans (no caps) available just for iPhone customers.
alaimar said:
Only way is purchasing an unlocked smartphone from a different country. At&t system goes by imei and if it can't recognize the serial it will not classify it as a smartphone. I'm sure there is another way with all the custom options out there but not sure about that one.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry but no. If AT&T decides to carry that phone later, it will be sweep into the AT&T data plans. It happened to my Rogers X10a. Once AT&T decided carrying it, I got a text message that they were switching me to the proper data plan. So hope that whatever unlocked phone you want to buy will never be sold by AT&T.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Like I said before, are you sure you can't just unlock the Vibrant from T mobile and use that without the data plan? Sure, it isn't the captivate, but it is basically the same thing and could work. I purchased my captivate from some guy off contract and all I had to do was unlock it and it works perfectly without a data plan on T-mobile.
does the sim card affect anything because I have a Cingular SIM card.
I bought a locked at&t captivate on ebay for my girlfriend and she's been using it for almost 3 months now with no data plan and at&t has not added one to her line yet. the asterisk on the at&t website saying a data plan is required is only to get that discounted price on the phone itself. ($200 instead of $500 or whatever)

US Note users on AT&T - how are you dealing with the accusatory "tablet" text?

US Note users on AT&T - how are you dealing with the accusatory "tablet" text?
I ordered a Galaxy Note, will be here Monday. Quick background: I've been with AT&t since 2007 and have grandfathered unlimited data (from the original iPhone days). My current phone (was) the Galaxy Nexus until I sold it today to pay for the Note. I have used many imported (non-ATT) phones over the years - at least 15 - absolutely no issues.
Of course, I've been reading the threads about AT&T flagging the Note smartphone as a tablet (lol) and eventually shutting down data on these devices. I clearly don't want this to happen and take a serious issue with AT&T forcing their opinion that this smartphone is a tablet when it is absolutely not a tablet.
The poll covers several scenarios. Please vote and add comments to this thread so we can get an idea of how aggressive AT&T is with this smartphone. If there is a poll choice that needs to be changed/added, let me know.
Also, include how long have you used your Note on AT&T before getting a threatening text (or if you never got one, how is it set up? EFS wipe? APN settings, etc).
I have no issue taking this issue to the highest at AT&T. I like to stir the pot and AT&T calling this phone a tablet is totally unacceptable.
Thanks.
I have been with ATT sense 1994 when they toke over Cingular who I was with.
I have the PDA unlimited plan.
I put my sim card in.
Set APNs
Received text about 30 days later. (called them and thought all was good)
They turn off my data 14 days after that.
They turn data back on the next day after 2 hours on the phone with them.
If you can edit the poll, it would be good to have an option for no dreaded SMS received yet.
I haven't received the SMS yet, despite how vocal I am against AT&T.
SMS date: none yet
Start date: 11/11 (36 days)
Plan: 2GB smartphone data
Mods: no /efs folder nor IMEI modifications
Location/market: Austin, TX
APN settings: the "phone" one for 4g smartphones
My vote would have to be "other", if that were a choice. I have never been with at&t for wireless, and when I took my Note in to get a sim card, they would not even set me up with a voice plan at all. I have just data on it now. The manager claims they were told in a managers' meeting not to activate the note as a phone. They don't/won't support it, according to him. (he as a total d**k, by the way)
Sorry guys, I can't edit the survey.
If you never received a text, list how long you have been using it without hearing from AT&T (1 day, 1 month, etc). It seems the texts arrive anywhere between instantly to over a month after use.
Also, if your situation doesn't apply to any of the choices (other) list your experience in the comments.
Thanks.
kdel said:
My vote would have to be "other", if that were a choice. I have never been with at&t for wireless, and when I took my Note in to get a sim card, they would not even set me up with a voice plan at all. I have just data on it now. The manager claims they were told in a managers' meeting not to activate the note as a phone. They don't/won't support it, according to him. (he as a total d**k, by the way)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where are you located?
Why would managers be told not to activate a smartphone they plan on bringing to their own network in the first quarter of 2012?? This clearly goes against the GSM "open" standards and I'd be happy to get in touch with Ralph de la Vega about this local manager decision...
I've been on medianet for 7 years and I've never got the text. Currently 4 days of note usage with no issues here.
ericshmerick said:
Why would managers be told not to activate a smartphone they plan on bringing to their own network in the first quarter of 2012??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably because they haven't crippled/screwed over the phone to work on their network yet. As with most carrier subsidized phones, they want to remove features, fill it with bloatware etc...
I've had 3 non branded phones, and they always work better than the bloated ones. My favorite complaint, back in the pre-smartphone day was the stupid button placement that would almost always guarantee you that you would easily hit the button to take you to the internet, incurring a data charge. Oh, I'm sure they didn't do that one on purpose LOL.
I've been using this phone since November 2. No text message from ATT. APN settings: name ATT, APN phone, MCC 310, MNC 410, APN type internet + mms and everything else not set. Works fine with edge, 3g and HSPA.
couldnt you just go down to an at&t store and have someone who works there check out your phone and call at&T themselves to confirm you do have a cell phone and not a tablet?
seeking said:
couldnt you just go down to an at&t store and have someone who works there check out your phone and call at&T themselves to confirm you do have a cell phone and not a tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People have tried that. It may work sometimes, but some have said they go home and the next day they get the message again. It's a computer doing the flagging. Even if a manager overrides the system at the store, they can't change the system, so chances are it'll happen again.
maxh said:
People have tried that. It may work sometimes, but some have said they go home and the next day they get the message again. It's a computer doing the flagging. Even if a manager overrides the system at the store, they can't change the system, so chances are it'll happen again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why I'm strongly considering renaming the EFS folder or spoofing the IMEI.
I'm not interested in going round and round with AT&T every few weeks fighting their automated computers with attempts to prove my device is not a tablet.
At this point, I don't care if it's allowed to do that. I paid a ton of cash for this smartphone and am an AT&T Premier customer with multiple lines. Not putting all of this in jeopardy because they just don't know what this device is.
With any luck, I will snag an Atrix IMEI, flash it to the device and be on my merry way.
seeking said:
couldnt you just go down to an at&t store and have someone who works there check out your phone and call at&T themselves to confirm you do have a cell phone and not a tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All their systems are centralized and corporate makes the policies. Some rep at a b&m at&t store doesn't have the power to make any changes. They can just update your profile to reflect a new IMEI but if the system keeps flagging the phone as a tablet they can't change make any changes to prevent the system from recognizing your note and blocking you again.
inurb said:
All their systems are centralized and corporate makes the policies. Some rep at a b&m at&t store doesn't have the power to make any changes. They can just update your profile to reflect a new IMEI but if the system keeps flagging the phone as a tablet they can't change make any changes to prevent the system from recognizing your note and blocking you again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I'm prepared to fight AT&T at the corporate level to get them to change their system to recognize the IMEI as a smartphone.
I've already contacted Samsung UK outlining the issue and asking them to send the IMEI's to AT&T in the US.
I will be relentless in my quest!
ericshmerick said:
That's why I'm prepared to fight AT&T at the corporate level to get them to change their system to recognize the IMEI as a smartphone.
I've already contacted Samsung UK outlining the issue and asking them to send the IMEI's to AT&T in the US.
I will be relentless in my quest!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I think the deathstar is doing this on purpose. They are "suppose" to have the Note next year (crippled, different processor to handle LTE, no home button, bloated etc...)...can't have an international version over shadowing their version can they? LOL.
lol, bloody american carriers.
There would be outrage if they tried that sh!t here.. You're paying for a data service... who are they to dictate what device you use that data on!
I'm willing to bet that this issue is less about the Note itself and more about trying to get people off of their grandfathered data. How many people on tiered plans have received the text? I bet none.
---------- Post added at 11:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:16 PM ----------
ericshmerick said:
This is why I'm strongly considering renaming the EFS folder or spoofing the IMEI.
I'm not interested in going round and round with AT&T every few weeks fighting their automated computers with attempts to prove my device is not a tablet.
At this point, I don't care if it's allowed to do that. I paid a ton of cash for this smartphone and am an AT&T Premier customer with multiple lines. Not putting all of this in jeopardy because they just don't know what this device is.
With any luck, I will snag an Atrix IMEI, flash it to the device and be on my merry way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And how exactly will you do this? I wasn't aware such a thing was even possible...
Jade Eyed Wolf said:
I'm willing to bet that this issue is less about the Note itself and more about trying to get people off of their grandfathered data. How many people on tiered plans have received the text? I bet none.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What bearing, exactly, does this have on anything? As long as I don't tether (which I never do or plan on doing) that suddenly doesn't give AT&T the right to single out unlimited users while ignoring others.
Again, I'm sure the FCC would be interested to learn of this discrimination.
ericshmerick said:
What bearing, exactly, does this have on anything? As long as I don't tether (which I never do or plan on doing) that suddenly doesn't give AT&T the right to single out unlimited users while ignoring others.
Again, I'm sure the FCC would be interested to learn of this discrimination.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has a lot of bearing actually. Think about it. AT&T stopped offering unlimited data a year and a half ago now, and since then it has done as much as it can to try to get people off of those plans (like convincing the uneducated consumer that they need "new" tiered plans for their smartphone when they decide to upgrade etc).
I ran into this exact same problem early on this year with my original Galaxy Tab, and after much (fruitless) deliberation with a rep from the CEO's office, the argument basically came down to this:
AT&T: You're using a device on our network in ways we did not intend for it to be used. Cease and Desist!
Me: How exactly am I using my device on your network in ways which you didn't intend? As far as the hardware is concerned, my Galaxy Tab is basically identical to a smartphone with the exception of screen and battery size. I love using my Tab this way! It literally is my "do-everything-all-in-one" device! Tablet, phone, GPS, media player, e-reader, etc.
AT&T: That's just it. Your "do-everything-all-in-one" device is bad for business. We don't want you to be able to do "everything-all-in-one." We want you to buy a smartphone, and a subscription for that -AND- we want you to buy a separate piece of hardware for your tablet and pay a subscription for that too (or at least pay additional for the ability to tether to your smartphone). See, as you pointed out, the bigger screen allows you to do much more with that device than a "normal" smartphone, in much the same way as you can do more on a laptop. Basically, bigger screen generally equals more data usage and thus more strain on our network.
Me: OK. So what? I'm on unlimited data.
AT&T: Exactly. So we're not getting any more money out of you, where we would ordinarily be collecting overages from everyone else on tiered plans. So here are your options: 1. Stop using voice on your line, and use this as a data-only device. 2. Stop using data on your line, and use this as a voice-only device. 3. Use both data and voice, but only if you forgo your unlimited data and go onto a tiered plan instead, and pay for tethering. 4. Go somewhere else.
Me: Screw you AT&T! *deletes /efs folder and continues to use Tab as originally intended by Samsung. AT&T no longer see's Tab IMEI and see's "fake/generic" IMEI instead*
I've been with them for a while. I have the grandfathered plan but I have 5 lines and maybe that's why I never received a text from them. I tether as well.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

Way to Keep UDP with New Turbo?

I have one UDP line and one TDP line. The UDP line is upgrade eligible and the TDP is not, and I'm trying to get a subsidized Turbo via VZW.com before VZW kills 2 yr contracts but for the TDP line (not UDP line). When I transferred the UDP upgrade to the TDP and tried to select the Turbo, it told me I have to select a new data plan as UDP is no longer offered (makes sense).
Would I do the following steps:
1) Choose a 2 GB tiered plan on verizon's website
2) Have the Turbo shipped to my home
3) Take out included new Turbo SIM
4) Insert current TDP phone SIM into new Turbo
5) After few hrs, take out TDP phone SIM and insert my current UDP SIM into new Turbo
6) After few hrs take out UDP SIM from new Turbo and re insert TDP SIM
Is that all correct? I stopped when the Verizon website asked me to select a new plan for my UDP upgrade. Is that normal? Should I just use Best Buy instead of VZ online? Thanks
I think its good you stopped. If you had selected a new plan, you would have given up unlimited. I think you can either buy one for full price then activate it and keep unlimited, or you can wait until your limited is eligible for upgrade. Then upgrade and activate on the limited, then reactivate the old phone back on limited and finally reactivate the new phone on the unlimited. I'm not sure about the best buy thing.
6Binford said:
I think its good you stopped. If you had selected a new plan, you would have given up unlimited. I think you can either buy one for full price then activate it and keep unlimited, or you can wait until your limited is eligible for upgrade. Then upgrade and activate on the limited, then reactivate the old phone back on limited and finally reactivate the new phone on the unlimited. I'm not sure about the best buy thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah of course if I buy at full retail, I am guaranteed to keep unlimited. But I know there is a loophole many people have previously used and still currently use to be able to get a subsidized phone on their UDP line (just not directly).
jgowell said:
I have one UDP line and one TDP line. The UDP line is upgrade eligible and the TDP is not, and I'm trying to get a subsidized Turbo via VZW.com before VZW kills 2 yr contracts but for the TDP line (not UDP line). When I transferred the UDP upgrade to the TDP and tried to select the Turbo, it told me I have to select a new data plan as UDP is no longer offered (makes sense).
Would I do the following steps:
1) Choose a 2 GB tiered plan on verizon's website
2) Have the Turbo shipped to my home
3) Take out included new Turbo SIM
4) Insert current TDP phone SIM into new Turbo
5) After few hrs, take out TDP phone SIM and insert my current UDP SIM into new Turbo
6) After few hrs take out UDP SIM from new Turbo and re insert TDP SIM
Is that all correct? I stopped when the Verizon website asked me to select a new plan for my UDP upgrade. Is that normal? Should I just use Best Buy instead of VZ online? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually what you would do is transfer the upgrade to the tiered line and process it all through that line. When the pgone comes in activate it on the tiered data line not the unlimited line. The best way is to just take the sim card on the tiered line and pop it in, wait a few hours then just swap sims around and put your unlimited data sim into the new phone and you should be all set.
It has worked before and is one of the better known loopholes so to speak that still exist out there, look around in some of the forums and you should find even more detailed directions than this
The only way is to buy it outright, and if you don't want to drop that much, check out eBay or Swappa.
Tapped from my Motorola Droid Turbo using Tapatalk.
just move the upgrade to a non UDP I just did it last week. The guy in the store fought me right to the end on it. But he did it and it worked fine. I still have unlimited data on that line
There are at least 2 absolute ways I know you can because I did it.
1. Buy it outright.
2. Use an upgrade from a tiered line and just swap the device.
There are several more ways which I've read are quite reliable but I haven't tried. I recommend researching them to see if they still work.
1. Best Buy method. Upgrade through their site, never activate the sim they ship it with, put your old sim in. (Dunno how this works with the Turbo.) It's a very specific method so look it up if you want to try it.
2. Transferring an upgrade from an unlimited to a tiered line.
No matter which of these four methods you use, I recommend absolutely asking the employee/representative at every single step you take whether this affects any of your unlimited data plans. If you can, get it in writing. It's no guarantee, but it's something to fall back on if they **** you over. I've seen times where if you go back quickly enough when a "mistake" has been made, they can restore your UDP. Obviously this is easier to do if VZW reps have been assuring you that you can keep it.

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