Database Develop

Data Plan questions...

So, AT&T kills you on a monthly data plan, unlimited for $40 a month are there any alternatives for getting a monthly data plan or do I specifically need to go through AT$T for that service?
Also, I use the "No Data" feature which is awesome by the way to essentially turn off the data to and from my phone, I use WIFI. Someone sent me a text message the other day that I did not receive I assume because I have the data turned off on my phone, as planned.
Is there a way to get around this, t receive messages when connected via WIFI or is that specific to the data plan associated with AT$T?
TW,

u do not need to turn off your connection when using wifi. when you have wifi turned on and properly connected, all data usage will be through wifi so no charges. your phone calls and txt will still come through normally. you can call/email att to confirm, i did. plus you can also check your usage online and it will show no charges for anytime you are using the internet through wifi.

all data usage will be through wifi so no charges
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I can get sms through my web connection? I thought SMS came directly from my provider?
Is there a way to use another provider for data service?
TW,

I use Unlimited MediaNet for only $19.95.
That would be the best choice if you want to have data wherever you go for less then the DataConnect plan.
Well if you're without an access point that is.
I've been using it for a while now, and I use quite a bit of bandwidth a month, (IMplus / Tethering pretty much all the time) and it works great.

Slayer6234 said:
I use Unlimited MediaNet for only $19.95.
That would be the best choice if you want to have data wherever you go for less then the DataConnect plan.
Well if you're without an access point that is.
I've been using it for a while now, and I use quite a bit of bandwidth a month, (IMplus / Tethering pretty much all the time) and it works great.
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I've heard this before, I pay $39.99 for MediaNet unlimilted...so how do you get it so cheaply? The tethering can be done with ease but getting caught could encurr the wrath of ATT $$$$$ !

I'm sorry about that.
I'm using MediaMax unlimited.
Its unlimited Data /w only 200 texts a month.
I shoulda mentioned that. =/

Slayer6234,
I know I have the option of downgrading to MediaMax Unlimited online (account access) but I've contacted AT&T and they told me this is not supported so I'm a little leary to change it and have it cost me in the end. How long have you been using this? If it works fine I'll just downgrade and see what happens.
Thanks.

I've been using it for about 2 years now since I got a flip phone with a browser.
I've talked to AT&T about it and they do "frown" upon not using a dataconnect plan with a PDA but I've been using it with the HTC for 3 months and nothing has happened, plus I would just say that I have a flip phone that I can only use medianet on, and that I switch my sim to that from time to time.

The tilt will automatically connect/work with MediaNet.
The PDAconnect / Dataconnect plans will still get you on edge/3g, its just a fancy, more costly way of getting you there.
MediaNet will do the same... and you dont need a tethering plan with the tilt because, well, you have a tilt.

Slayer6234,
Thanks for the info. I'll give it a whirl.

I think I might no longer be confused ... MediaMax is still a service offered through AT&T (https://www.wireless.att.com/media/cingular_video_purchase) at a reduced rate...
So, you can't get an external data plan from another vendor for your phone although @ $20 bones I think that falls in line with everyone else's plans.
TW,

MEdiaNet Unlimited

I see all these posts about MEdiaMax and the HTC phones, but what about MediaNet Unlimited? Are you legally allowed to use it with a PDA?
In the Terms/Conditions it says that the Media bundles are not to be used with a PDA, but MEdiaNet Unlimited is only MEdiaNet, no messaging, so it's not a bundle, right? As long as I don't tether the device, I'm legal, correct? (I don't have a laptop and my home is not in a 3G area, so what's the point?)

inneyeseakay said:
I see all these posts about MEdiaMax and the HTC phones, but what about MediaNet Unlimited? Are you legally allowed to use it with a PDA?
In the Terms/Conditions it says that the Media bundles are not to be used with a PDA, but MEdiaNet Unlimited is only MEdiaNet, no messaging, so it's not a bundle, right? As long as I don't tether the device, I'm legal, correct? (I don't have a laptop and my home is not in a 3G area, so what's the point?)
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You dont want MediaNet Unlimited. What a bunch of marketing doublespeak!! I quote from the AT and T website:
"For full details on Messaging or MEdia Net, see the AT&T MEdia brochure, att.com/mediaterms. Pay-Per-Use Charges: Text/Instant Messaging 15¢/message; Picture/Video Messages 25¢/message; MEdia Net Browsing 1¢/KB. MEdia Net and MEdia Bundles are not available on PDAs/Pocket PCs, RIM® devices or LaptopConnect cards. If your usage of the Services (including unlimited data plans) on other carriers' wireless networks ("offnet usage") during any two consecutive months exceeds your offnet usage allowance, AT&T may at its option terminate your wireless service or access to data Services, deny your continued use of other carriers' coverage, or change your plan to one imposing usage charges for offnet usage. Your offnet usage allowance is equal to the lesser of 6 megabytes or 20% of the kilobytes included with your plan and for messaging plans the lesser of 3000 messages or 50% of the messages included with your plan. AT&T will provide notice that it intends to take any of the above actions and you may terminate your agreement."
To me that says you have unlimited use as long as you pay for usage at thier highest rate. Also, it specifies it does it is not for pocket PC's.
This plan is NOT intended for Pocket PC's (like yours) and since you only pay for the data you use (no free data at all) you pay top dollar for all the data you DO use. That means things like the weather plugins etc on yer phone that want to grab data off of the network on a regular basis you will pay for every kilobyte at the most expensive rate.
Technically its not legal, and even if it was, it is probably not in your best interest.

Its the same thing. Unlimited MediaNet was changed to Media Max 200. it was unlimited media net and 200 texts. They decided not to combine them anymore, so its media net again.
pdas can be used on media net, technically. its the same ip address and settings, but siince PDAs use more data, at&t charges a premium on PDA Max. I dont know what at&t will do if they audit your line.
I use media max 200 btw

so which is the maximum-unlimited and economical plan worth your recommendation other than the 200?

I don't have a reason to get the SMS bundles because I already have the Family Messaging Unlimited. I called and told the CRS I wanted Unlimited Internet usage added to my line, didn't specify which package, and that's what he told me I needed and he added it. If they overcharge me, you can better believe that they will have a phone call.

Just change it yourself on the extranet. Easy as pie.

Why would I change it? If they put me on the $15 plan, I'm going to use it, if they charge me then it's their CSR's fault, not mine.
Why pay more if that's what they gave me?

Carl G35c said:
Its the same thing. Unlimited MediaNet was changed to Media Max 200. it was unlimited media net and 200 texts. They decided not to combine them anymore, so its media net again.
pdas can be used on media net, technically. its the same ip address and settings, but siince PDAs use more data, at&t charges a premium on PDA Max. I dont know what at&t will do if they audit your line.
I use media max 200 btw
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mostly correct, however...
They didn't really "change" them, the Unlimited MediaNet w/o text was designed for peolpe whom have an old texting plan, family texting, or otherwise a seperate texting plan and did not want to change it (or couldnt, for family unlimited)...
So they created MediaNet unlimited for the same price, without texting, to allow people to keep these plans..
I have 1000 texts for $10 (retired feature), so I went with MediaNet Unlimited seperatly

i'm on MM200 w/ tilt.... Icalled in and they did it for me so how was I supposd to know?

Do you have any idea how spoiled you all are in the US with those plans and offers. I envy you
Living in Taiwan , the kingdom of technology, I paid +700 USD for my Tytn II as we do not have combined offers at that level.
And as for Media... there is Emome from Chunghwa. 10 USD games from 5 years ago platforms.
And a monhtly minimal fee is here around 20-25 US without any Freebies.

ceevee369, why should you complain, too? Visit Myanmar to see how much it costs!!!

I have had MediaNet Unlimited @ $20/month for close to 2 years now (on a Treo 650, 680, 750 and now Tilt). It truely is unlimited, never had any issues.

ive had $20/unlimited since the 8125 and never had any issues either.. with the lovely 3g i do 300-400mb a day with mobitv+xm radio+google maps its great to have full 3g @ work and mostly everywhere.. granted i only pull 1 bar @ home of 3g/H outside of the house is 3-4 bars no issue.. never had a problem paying.. never been late so maybe that helps? who knows.

I use AT&T MediaNET unlimited with Tilt.
I downloaded the internet sharing tool (AT&T deleted it from the Tilt). Disabled proxy in the network connection - and voila, I have a wireless modem for my laptop with unlimited traffic. Speeds with enabled HSDPA go up to 80 KB/s where I'm using it. It's probably different in other areas.
I play BF 2142 through it (it's not bad, around 120 ping), download files, do all my regular stuff. I talked to the supervisor in AT&T and I'm pretty much sure that they will never impose "too much traffic" or find out that it tethers to the laptop.
I pay $20/mo for it for one phone.
Just my $.02

DarkDvr said:
I use AT&T MediaNET unlimited with Tilt.
I downloaded the internet sharing tool (AT&T deleted it from the Tilt). Disabled proxy in the network connection - and voila, I have a wireless modem for my laptop with unlimited traffic. Speeds with enabled HSDPA go up to 80 KB/s where I'm using it. It's probably different in other areas.
I play BF 2142 through it (it's not bad, around 120 ping), download files, do all my regular stuff. I talked to the supervisor in AT&T and I'm pretty much sure that they will never impose "too much traffic" or find out that it tethers to the laptop.
I pay $20/mo for it for one phone.
Just my $.02
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Same here.
Went from a sony ericsson in 2002-3 which the plan was originally signed up for to a ipaq 6515 then to kaiser.
Still paying $19.99/mo for unlimited HSDPA speeds here in DC.

i get unlimted medianet/ internet and 1500 text (unlimited m to m) for $20

well, hopefully ill be fine. I have been with cingular/att for almost 5 years with a perfect record and now running four lines on my family plan with unlmtd texts and now medianet unlimited on one line. plus I just extended my contract to pick up a tilt for 150 dolars... whaaaat?

inneyeseakay said:
well, hopefully ill be fine. I have been with cingular/att for almost 5 years with a perfect record and now running four lines on my family plan with unlmtd texts and now medianet unlimited on one line. plus I just extended my contract to pick up a tilt for 150 dolars... whaaaat?
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Tell them the Tilt is for one of the other lines, not the one with medianet unlimited. As we've seen above it probably doesn't matter but I figure it's one less way to draw attention to your account. I got my Tilt as an upgrade on my daughter's line. I "upgraded" to a RAZR that my wife uses on her work-provided line and that's the phone with the medianet plan (I've got the MediaMax 200) assigned to it.

rico002 said:
i get unlimted medianet/ internet and 1500 text (unlimited m to m) for $20
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I have the exact same plan, i just went online and changed my plan, been this way for almost 2 years now. Never had an issue, I also run agile mobile and sync with 2 email accounts that are pretty active. On the website it doesn't say what plans you can or can't use, so thats my arguement if it ever comes up.

inneyeseakay: what has led you to believe that there is some kind of law that prevents you from using a data plan with your PDA phone? Certainly you are "legally" allowed to do so.
DarkDvr: when I had the stock AT&T Tilt ROM, I did find out that Internet Sharing was in the Windows folder, AT&T had just deleted the shortcut in your start menu. It should be called IntShrUI.exe. I believe someone on the forum here brought that to my attention. I just wanted to let you know in case you do a hard reset that you do not have to go through the trouble of downloading the Internet Sharing application again.
iPhone users only pay $20 a month for their unlimited data. The iPhone's browser displays far more data than Windows Mobile's default browser. Not only that, but Youtube is built in to the iPhone's interface, and videos certainly require a lot of data transfer. I have had Medianet unlimited for almost 2 years with PDA phones. If it is somehow against their terms, it is up to them to take action. I certainly do not feel as if I am "ripping off" AT&T somehow by continuing to use the plan I have had for quite a while. Last month I only used 5 MB of data, so I am not abusing it either.
AT&T has had a history of bias against PDA phones and smartphones. They let me pay $5 a month for 6 months for insurance for my phone which they did not even cover. I did not even know how to get to the page which showed the excluded phones, someone posted it on a forum. Regardless they didn't even refund my money.

Recommend me a phone provider in the UK

Hi Everyone,
I'm moving to the UK at the end of the month. And would like to know who would be the best phone provider to go with.
I don't want to go on a contract (prefer pay-as-you-go)...
I would like to use my handset as a mobile broadband modem as well...
I will only need about 300 minutes per month for calls.
Let me know if you need anymore info.
Thanks,
Dave

o2 is the least worst IMO

On the assumption you are only planning on getting a new SIM then check out all of the operators SIM only 30 day tariffs.
In all cases you get inclusive minutes and SMS, the ability to add extras, a data tariff being the biggie, and all for a fixed monthly fee but with no long term commitment.
As for which operator, ask the people in the area you will be moving to as to which has the best coverage. Don't trust the operator's web site for this info.

deedee's spot on with finding out someone in area to see about signal..
The 2 i would recommend if you was going "pay as you go" would be:
o2 £15 p/m unlimited data and unlimited texts, really it's 1000's of texts and 500MB data per month, who i currently use, one prob is taht they cut down certain features on pay as go internet so i have set up full internet email but no MMS, imagine wouldn't allow tethering?
T-Mobile £10 p/m Unlimited Data & Internet, can't find any terms regards texts but the internet is 40MB per day, i will be moving to T-Mobile very soon as it runs out in 31 January the offer.
Hope that helps.

thanks guys.. looks like the included internet (500mb / month) won't cut it for me...
i might have to get a mobile broadband usb dongle + SIM for my mobile

T-mobile's policy is "Fair Usage" they won't and I'm pretty sure Can't do anything if you go over the limit.
They'll just continuously hassle you to upgrade to the next package, blacklist 150 or something

Londoners, can u give me an advice? :)

As I'll to go to London to spend my xmas holidays, I was thinking to get a new PAYG SIM card to stay in touch easily w my friends. Besides text messagging and voice calls, I'll need a flat 3G data plan to be able to connect to the web (IM, Mail, basic web browsing, GMaps) and to use my phone as a modem (same use as before, plus hopefully to be able to download HSPL for HD2 and some customized ROMs lol).
I tried to check the T-Mo, O2 and Vodafone UK websites, but it seems that by using PAYG I can only get any kind of free internet a month after my first refill.
Does anyone knows if there's some carrier which has an offering that will allow me to use my PAYG account for my data needs?

on vodafone you only pay £1 A day for unlimited internet

Can you please give me a reference on their website? Becaused based on the info I found on the PAYG page, I discovered that the basic £1 data pack is for 15MB in a day, and then I get charged £2 for every additional MB.
On Vodafone UK, the only alternate offer I was able to find is a plan called Data Plus pack which allow me to have full internet usage (including voip and P2P) and it costs £10 a week plus a daily browsing charge of 50p a day for 25MB of data. I was hoping to find something cheaper and not as strict about data usage.
Like for example my current data plan on VodafoneIT, which is 3€ a week for 3GB of data, always on PAYG

O2 payg, top up £15 and get unlimited texts and 500mb internet for the month....

Thanks mate, I'll check out again the O2 payg page to see if there are any kind of limits when using that data pack

Just a 500mb cap

Thanks a lot, it sounds like a very good plan. I'll go for it

G1 with Blackberry data plan? (currently working)

Hopefully someone may know the answer to my question. My wife has a POS Blackberry Flip 8220. It's on its last legs so I got her a G1 on eBay. Everything I read said I would have to switch to an Android data plan but when I put her SIM in the G1 everything was working with a 3G signal.
Is that something that will only work until they catch on? Or should it continue to work?

MrBigFeathers said:
Hopefully someone may know the answer to my question. My wife has a POS Blackberry Flip 8220. It's on its last legs so I got her a G1 on eBay. Everything I read said I would have to switch to an Android data plan but when I put her SIM in the G1 everything was working with a 3G signal.
Is that something that will only work until they catch on? Or should it continue to work?
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Do tell... WHAT is an "android" data plan?
Android phones do NOT require any special data provisions. ANY GENERIC DATA PLAN is fine.

Well T-Mobile used to have a Blackberry unlimited data plan. with unlimited messages for $34.99 and an Android unlimited data plan with unlimited messages for $34.99. Those have been replaced with the Even More plans. But my wife still has the grandfathered Blackberry plan. Everyone I've asked said the data wouldn't work because of the APNs and even if it did T-Mobile would be able to tell I was using a G1 on a Blackberry data plan and they would shut it down.
I was just wondering if anyone had used a blackberry data plan successfully in the past or are still using one. If I have to change anything the plan will go up $10 ($30 for data and $15 for unlimited text)

I took my wife from a BB to a Nexus One. No calls to T Mobile and our bill started showing two Android Data Plans. Same thing.... no need to call unless her data suddenly acts funky.

That's good news. Of course when she tries to upgrade to the mytouch slide soon then we may have to deal with that.
Thanks

MrBigFeathers said:
Well T-Mobile used to have a Blackberry unlimited data plan. with unlimited messages for $34.99 and an Android unlimited data plan with unlimited messages for $34.99. Those have been replaced with the Even More plans. But my wife still has the grandfathered Blackberry plan. Everyone I've asked said the data wouldn't work because of the APNs and even if it did T-Mobile would be able to tell I was using a G1 on a Blackberry data plan and they would shut it down.
I was just wondering if anyone had used a blackberry data plan successfully in the past or are still using one. If I have to change anything the plan will go up $10 ($30 for data and $15 for unlimited text)
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Three things to say about this;
1) RIM phones require *extra* provisions, but still require the STANDARD provisions, therefore a RIM-compatible data plan will work with any phone, but a regular data plan won't work with a RIM phone. This is a matter of RIM phones being horribly crippled and VERY VERY poorly designed.
2) Anything between you and YOUR CARRIER has nothing to do with this forum. I suggest you consult your carrier for instructions on this.
3) You never even mentioned what carrier you were using, therefore NOBODY could possibly make any reasonable guess about what their responses will be.

few things to note...
1, if your using Tmobile, i know enough to answer your questions,
- blackberries have their own server farms for data (email especially, but all data for a blackberry goes through a "blackberry" channel.
- androids, also have their own seperate channels or farms that handle all of their data,
however, if you have any data plan, and simply pop your sim into any smartphone, it should work for a while, until your connection gets a time failure, or gets red flagged for requesting (or getting) too much bandwidth.
this is known as blackballing, and you can even trick the system sometimes, by putting your sim back in your old phone, calling tmo, and telling them to open mtas, (or something like that) and addressing that connection (tier 3 can do it in about 5 minutes if they know wtf is up).
but for this channelized crap to work, they are separating the non-tmobile brand phones, into a more simplified system for them...
this way, i guess, when blackberries have a massive outage (like when the Storm was released, and every storm on the planet had to get updated, and that killed all the servers, all the blackberries had no-connection at all, for about 3 days...)
my point, is if one system fails, at least other clients (with other phones) are not effected.
sofar, my g1 has been very reliable and fast with out any data plan at all.
screw their overpriced data, and run wifi.
older, sneaky people were using tzones to get full data plan for 10bucks, and just calling in every 2 weeks to get their MTAS updated, or unlocked...
thats been resolved by now, but hopefully you get the picture. and i havent confused anyone,

MrBigFeathers said:
Hopefully someone may know the answer to my question. My wife has a POS Blackberry Flip 8220. It's on its last legs so I got her a G1 on eBay. Everything I read said I would have to switch to an Android data plan but when I put her SIM in the G1 everything was working with a 3G signal.
Is that something that will only work until they catch on? Or should it continue to work?
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Click to collapse
it should fail at some point, and you don't want RIM or blackberry to handle android stuff anyways.
get the android plan, but before you do, go to www.google.com and search for " speedtest " and compare your actual speeds before and after the switch.
would be interesting if there was a huge diference.