Database Develop

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.

Trade T-mobile Nexus One for ATnT

Hi,
I am looking to trade my T-mobile Nexus One for one which works on ATnT frequencies. I will be arriving in the US in 15 days, and will be residing in Troy, New York (zip 12180).
The bootloader has been unlocked, but otherwise there is no modification/damage whatsoever. The phone is around 20 days old. I've been using a screen protector on it from day 0, so no scratches at all.
Would anyone be interested in a switch?
Note: I am looking for a switch only, please; not interested in selling. I'd prefer that the switch happens in-person. I'll post photos of the phone if anyone is interested, but really, it's brand new, no damage at all
Cheers.
---
Cross post of this on market: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7247948
---
Alternatively, if someone from India has that ATnT Nexus One and is willing to exchange in the next few days, that works out perfectly for me too. Note that in India, 3G will work on either ATT or T-Mobile Nexus One.

Just FYI, if you come to the states and don't have any credit history or SSN for the US, AT&T is going to charge you a HUGE "deposit" in order to open an account.
Whereas, T-Mobile will offer you a Contract Free plan without deposits, but no discounts on phones. This won't be an issue as you already have an N1.
You can get an Unlimited Everything plan (Minutes, Text and Data) for $79.99/mo.

Talderon said:
Just FYI, if you come to the states and don't have any credit history or SSN for the US, AT&T is going to charge you a HUGE "deposit" in order to open an account.
Whereas, T-Mobile will offer you a Contract Free plan without deposits, but no discounts on phones. This won't be an issue as you already have an N1.
You can get an Unlimited Everything plan (Minutes, Text and Data) for $79.99/mo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would very much want to go for T-mobile. But the problem is, most students in my area will be using ATT. Then if I have tmo, no one will call me, or vice-versa
Also, ATT has some sort of agreement with my university (RPI) where they don't charge a steep deposit for students without SSN.
I did a lot of research, and found that tmo is perfect for me, but due to, let's say, "peer pressure", I'll have to go for ATT

just so you know, ATT does not have no contract plans like Tmo does, you will be stuck in a contract if you go the ATT route, unless ATT has changed their tactics recently.

I would definitely want to avoid ATnT, fervently. But, unlike here in India, in USA even incoming calls are charged, so if most people around me are on ATT, I will have to use that, right?

also, isnt there a student (college) discount for tmobile? Im pretty sure there is.

Blueman101 said:
also, isnt there a student (college) discount for tmobile? Im pretty sure there is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not the real issue.. The problem is the majority. Is there any way to get around it?
Also, my cousin who is already staying there will add me to a family plan of ATT, which will bring down my cost a bit.
Actually, I don't really need 3G at all.. But problem is, ATT will force it on to me

What is the reasoning behind wanting to change to ATT in the first place?

Blueman101 said:
What is the reasoning behind wanting to change to ATT in the first place?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm currently in India, I will be coming to the US in 15 days. Because most of my seniors and students around my area are on ATnT, won't I have to use ATT? Otherwise no one would be able to call me without both of us incurring charge, except for nights and weekends.

Well if you are on tmo and call someone on att then you will be wasting minutes, but thats normal. My advise if you are still unsure what to do is use tmobile for a month(off contract) then if you needs are not set, either by using all your minutes or what have you, then trade your nexus one in for an att version. Why make a long term 2 year contract without testing the non contract option first.

Thank you Blueman101, nice idea By "off-contract", are you suggesting I go for prepaid? Or "Even More Plus" with Flexpay?
Blueman101 said:
Well if you are on tmo and call someone on att then you will be wasting minutes, but thats normal. My advise if you are still unsure what to do is use tmobile for a month(off contract) then if you needs are not set, either by using all your minutes or what have you, then trade your nexus one in for an att version. Why make a long term 2 year contract without testing the non contract option first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think I'll be able to trade via the official HTC return channel.. I'll have to find a person who is willing to swap with me, right?

rohandhruva said:
Hi,
I am looking to trade my T-mobile Nexus One for one which works on ATnT frequencies. I will be arriving in the US in 15 days, and will be residing in Troy, New York (zip 12180).
The bootloader has been unlocked, but otherwise there is no modification/damage whatsoever. The phone is around 20 days old. I've been using a screen protector on it from day 0, so no scratches at all.
Would anyone be interested in a switch?
Note: I am looking for a switch only, please; not interested in selling. I'd prefer that the switch happens in-person. I'll post photos of the phone if anyone is interested, but really, it's brand new, no damage at all
Cheers.
---
Cross post of this on market: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7247948
---
Alternatively, if someone from India has that ATnT Nexus One and is willing to exchange in the next few days, that works out perfectly for me too. Note that in India, 3G will work on either ATT or T-Mobile Nexus One.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i may be interested, or rather a friend of mine has at ATT N1 and needs a TMO N1. Send me a PM if interested!

rohandhruva said:
Thank you Blueman101, nice idea By "off-contract", are you suggesting I go for prepaid? Or "Even More Plus" with Flexpay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was suggest the Even More Plus, whether you use flexpay or not is your choice.
rohandhruva said:
I don't think I'll be able to trade via the official HTC return channel.. I'll have to find a person who is willing to swap with me, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, trading with another person is probably what you will end up doing.
Glad I could help and welcome (in 15 days) to The States.

mcgoo99 said:
i may be interested, or rather a friend of mine has at ATT N1 and needs a TMO N1. Send me a PM if interested!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Sent you a PM.
Blueman101 said:
I was suggest the Even More Plus, whether you use flexpay or not is your choice.
Yeah, trading with another person is probably what you will end up doing.
Glad I could help and welcome (in 15 days) to The States.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much, for both the welcome and the help

Before you do so, consider this in your decision.
- T-Mobile has unlimited data plan and free tethering atm while Att doesn't.
- T-Mobile has cheaper plans that att. Although ATT to T-Mobile phone calls aren't free, there is a certain amount of minutes in your plan you can use during peak hours or calling other phones from another carrier. I don't think you'll go over 500-700 minutes chit chatting with your pals that's what text msgs are for.
- T-Mobile HSDPA (if theres coverage) so depending on your location is faster than att 3G.
rohandhruva said:
Hi,
I am looking to trade my T-mobile Nexus One for one which works on ATnT frequencies. I will be arriving in the US in 15 days, and will be residing in Troy, New York (zip 12180).
The bootloader has been unlocked, but otherwise there is no modification/damage whatsoever. The phone is around 20 days old. I've been using a screen protector on it from day 0, so no scratches at all.
Would anyone be interested in a switch?
Note: I am looking for a switch only, please; not interested in selling. I'd prefer that the switch happens in-person. I'll post photos of the phone if anyone is interested, but really, it's brand new, no damage at all
Cheers.
---
Cross post of this on market: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7247948
---
Alternatively, if someone from India has that ATnT Nexus One and is willing to exchange in the next few days, that works out perfectly for me too. Note that in India, 3G will work on either ATT or T-Mobile Nexus One.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

rjhay22 said:
Before you do so, consider this in your decision.
- T-Mobile has unlimited data plan and free tethering atm while Att doesn't.
- T-Mobile has cheaper plans that att. Although ATT to T-Mobile phone calls aren't free, there is a certain amount of minutes in your plan you can use during peak hours or calling other phones from another carrier. I don't think you'll go over 500-700 minutes chit chatting with your pals that's what text msgs are for.
- T-Mobile HSDPA (if theres coverage) so depending on your location is faster than att 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. As a student, I don't think I'll be able to afford data/3G on my phone at all, and neither do I really need it. My only intention in switching to ATnT Nexus One is that if ATnT forces a data plan onto me, I'll be able to utilise it. But if there was a way to avoid a data plan altogether, I'd much rather prefer that!
Hmm yes you do have a point that 500 minutes won't be depleted, and I can talk during the off-peak hours. I think I need to re-evaluate my decision. Sigh, this is confusing!

rohandhruva said:
Thank you. As a student, I don't think I'll be able to afford data/3G on my phone at all, and neither do I really need it. My only intention in switching to ATnT Nexus One is that if ATnT forces a data plan onto me, I'll be able to utilise it. But if there was a way to avoid a data plan altogether, I'd much rather prefer that!
Hmm yes you do have a point that 500 minutes won't be depleted, and I can talk during the off-peak hours. I think I need to re-evaluate my decision. Sigh, this is confusing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reading this thread, I think your best bet is:
1. If you cannot find someone to trade before you get here, fly in here, post on Craig's List LOCALLY and trade face to face, it will be faster and no costs to do so.
2. Since you are going to be added to a family plan, then your costs will be MUCH lower and since you are not getting a subsidized phone, they really can't force a data plan on you either way.
3. IF you decide on T-Mobile, see if your friends have the A-List option on their plans. If they do, they add your number and poof, no minutes to call anytime.
Regardless of what you decide, you really don't have to rush to trade your phone before you get here. It will work on AT&T or T-Mobile and it will be faster and easier to swap once you get here. Just keep it in good condition and make sure the one you get works.

Oh yah I remember... If you have the T-Mobile version of the nexus one then it will also work with att. You just can't have 3g on it, which you do not need in the first place. So you really don't need to trade after all.

rohandhruva said:
I would definitely want to avoid ATnT, fervently. But, unlike here in India, in USA even incoming calls are charged, so if most people around me are on ATT, I will have to use that, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can. Get Unlimited and youll still save money and it doesnt matter!
(Ex-Tmobile Employee)

Thank you all for your help! Coming from India, where the cellular system very different and very cheap, I really need some orientation
Talderon said:
Reading this thread, I think your best bet is:
1. If you cannot find someone to trade before you get here, fly in here, post on Craig's List LOCALLY and trade face to face, it will be faster and no costs to do so.
2. Since you are going to be added to a family plan, then your costs will be MUCH lower and since you are not getting a subsidized phone, they really can't force a data plan on you either way.
3. IF you decide on T-Mobile, see if your friends have the A-List option on their plans. If they do, they add your number and poof, no minutes to call anytime.
Regardless of what you decide, you really don't have to rush to trade your phone before you get here. It will work on AT&T or T-Mobile and it will be faster and easier to swap once you get here. Just keep it in good condition and make sure the one you get works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, I really don't want to swap (especially because this N1 has some sentimental value attached to it, too). My only reason behind doing is that ATT will force a data plan on me, and then I will be paying for a facility which I can't use anyway. However, I am relieved to hear that they can't force a data plan if I don't have a subsidized phone. Do I specifically need to request this, or spend hours with a customer support tech fighting over it?
rjhay22 said:
Oh yah I remember... If you have the T-Mobile version of the nexus one then it will also work with att. You just can't have 3g on it, which you do not need in the first place. So you really don't need to trade after all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, I am only worried because I heard that ATnT forces a data plan on you if they detect a smartphone. Is there any way to prevent that?
MANTISxB said:
You can. Get Unlimited and youll still save money and it doesnt matter!
(Ex-Tmobile Employee)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think I can afford an unlimited plan on Tmo either. And anyway people on ATT will still be charged, so others will be reluctant to call me/accept my calls. The concept of an A-list looks pretty good, though.
So, in the end it all boils down to whether (and how) I can avoid the unnecessary data plan they might add to my line in the family plan

[Q] Straight Talk

Walmart's Straight Talk cellular service now offers two GSM phones, the Nokia E71 and something else. I'm pretty sure they're on AT&T's network (Data specs say 3G - 850/1900 bands). So if I got one of them and their $45 unlimited plan, would that sim card work in my captivate?
My bill is $95/month and thats with only 450 mins, 1500 texts, and the iphone grandfathered data plan. Straight talk offers unlimited data, texts, and minutes for $45/month.
Has anybody tried this?

----BUMP----

I thought that straight talk was through Verizon.. maybe it was called something else.
I know that the phones are on the "low-end" range of devices - and I doubt you could move your current phone to use this service.
I'd suggest searching the ol' intarwebs and see what the reviews are of it's service/availability.
It'd be nice to have all that in a 50$ package - but if you don't get service as soon as you walk out the store what would be the point?

avgjoegeek said:
I thought that straight talk was through Verizon.. maybe it was called something else.
I know that the phones are on the "low-end" range of devices - and I doubt you could move your current phone to use this service.
I'd suggest searching the ol' intarwebs and see what the reviews are of it's service/availability.
It'd be nice to have all that in a 50$ package - but if you don't get service as soon as you walk out the store what would be the point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is, with the exception of these 2 new "smart" phones. These run off the at&t network. Evidently wal-mart is big enough to pull this off.
I'd be willing to bet that ATT will be paying close attention to the IMEI, I don't think we would get away with using the straight talk unlimited plans with our captivates

rootnik said:
It is, with the exception of these 2 new "smart" phones. These run off the at&t network. Evidently wal-mart is big enough to pull this off.
I'd be willing to bet that ATT will be paying close attention to the IMEI, I don't think we would get away with using the straight talk unlimited plans with our captivates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
10 char

rootnik said:
It is, with the exception of these 2 new "smart" phones. These run off the at&t network. Evidently wal-mart is big enough to pull this off.
I'd be willing to bet that ATT will be paying close attention to the IMEI, I don't think we would get away with using the straight talk unlimited plans with our captivates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was hoping that somebody on here would have tried it already. I personally dont know anybody that has one, otherwise I'd put their sim card in my phone and see what happens.
The two phones on straight talk are legit smart phones and could burn through some serious data, same as we an do with our captivates.

derek4484 said:
I was hoping that somebody on here would have tried it already. I personally dont know anybody that has one, otherwise I'd put their sim card in my phone and see what happens.
The two phones on straight talk are legit smart phones and could burn through some serious data, same as we an do with our captivates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is AT&T.
Currently they do IMEI sweeps to make sure you are paying for a data plan if you have a smart phone. I found this out the hard way last week when they automatically added a data plan to my wife's iphone even though she did not use a single byte of data.
How does this relate? While those straight talk phones are smart phones capable of using allot of data, they are not near as nice or as comfortable to use as our captivates. You are more likely to use more data with a captivate, and they know this.
I wouldn't be surprised if they already have measure in place to periodically check the imei to make sure it matches one of the "acceptable" smart phones. Acceptable meaning not very fun to use
I think you would get away with it for a few weeks, but eventually would be shot down.

Actually several people have used the the sim card out of straight talks nokia e71 and used it in there Iphone for sometime now. I have an old AT&T Fuze and everything works but MMS.

derek4484 said:
Walmart's Straight Talk cellular service now offers two GSM phones, the Nokia E71 and something else. I'm pretty sure they're on AT&T's network (Data specs say 3G - 850/1900 bands). So if I got one of them and their $45 unlimited plan, would that sim card work in my captivate?
My bill is $95/month and thats with only 450 mins, 1500 texts, and the iphone grandfathered data plan. Straight talk offers unlimited data, texts, and minutes for $45/month.
Has anybody tried this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To directly answer your question, I placed the Sim from my sons StraightTalk Samsung slider phone into my Captivate and the message "Sim Card Crashed" appeared on the captivates's display. This did not actually crash the sim card, but I think that it just appeared crashed to the Captivate. If somebody out there was able to get a Captivate working in this manner, it would be nice if they posted detailed step by step instructions on it.

[RUMOR] Verizon was handling Straight Talk, but someone got their panties in a wad and more its att. They are slowly changing thing over. My brother has ST, and was fed up with lack of vzw service on his ST phone. He called raising h*#$ and they offered to send him a sim card for a gsm phone (his old att leftover), and things have been good for him ever since.
FYI: Straight Talk is the monthly service branch of TracPhone.
Sent from a place my wife doesn't know about (yet)

Basically yes it is possible to get your captivate working on straight talk. Technically there's a bunch of bs you have to go through to get it to work though.

Straight Talk CS woes

So Straight Talk has been trying to get me to switch to a T-Mobile SIM for a while now, so I finally convinced them to send me one for free. I got it today and tried to activate it, and they're telling me that it's not available in my area (after nagging me for weeks to switch). I called in and they're trying to tell me that it's because the Nexus 4 is an AT&T phone and not a T-Mobile unlocked. I kept trying to tell her that the Nexus 4 is GSM unlocked, so it should work for anything GSM, but they disagreed and said it had to be either AT&T or T-Mobile. Then she got really mad and put me on hold while she talked to her boss.
She came back and wanted to charge me for a full month, I explained that I was only switching because they recommended it. She's now talking to her manager again to see if it's possible to switch my number without me paying again and forfeiting the rest of my month.
This service is awful. I wish they would have just stopped nagging me and let me keep AT&T.
EDIT
She also said that my birthday was incorrect and that I had the correct month and year, but the incorrect date. I said that I must have made a typo and that I could provide other information if that would work, she told me she'd hold while I logged in online and corrected my info. So she sat there in silence while I updated that info, then said that it wasn't coming through so I'd have to call back tomorrow. I asked her if she'd refreshed her page and she said no, then refreshed it and said it had updated and that she could continue helping me now, but I still had to confirm my birthday again. *sigh*. I've now been on the line with them for an hour.

T-Mobile service sucks in Kalamazoo (I'm a former customer so its from experience), very spotty coverage, and it pretty much sucks everywhere in Michigan as I travel a lot. So your a lot better off with AT&T. I just left StraightTalk AT&T as I hate their customer service, sitting an hour on hold is common, and at $50 it made more sense to just go with one of AT&T's own GoPhone plans for the same price (250 talk minutes, unlimited texts, 1 GB data). AT&T's customer service is far superior to StraightTalks.

thunder2132 said:
So Straight Talk has been trying to get me to switch to a T-Mobile SIM for a while now, so I finally convinced them to send me one for free. I got it today and tried to activate it, and they're telling me that it's not available in my area (after nagging me for weeks to switch). I called in and they're trying to tell me that it's because the Nexus 4 is an AT&T phone and not a T-Mobile unlocked. I kept trying to tell her that the Nexus 4 is GSM unlocked, so it should work for anything GSM, but they disagreed and said it had to be either AT&T or T-Mobile. Then she got really mad and put me on hold while she talked to her boss.
She came back and wanted to charge me for a full month, I explained that I was only switching because they recommended it. She's now talking to her manager again to see if it's possible to switch my number without me paying again and forfeiting the rest of my month.
This service is awful. I wish they would have just stopped nagging me and let me keep AT&T.
EDIT
She also said that my birthday was incorrect and that I had the correct month and year, but the incorrect date. I said that I must have made a typo and that I could provide other information if that would work, she told me she'd hold while I logged in online and corrected my info. So she sat there in silence while I updated that info, then said that it wasn't coming through so I'd have to call back tomorrow. I asked her if she'd refreshed her page and she said no, then refreshed it and said it had updated and that she could continue helping me now, but I still had to confirm my birthday again. *sigh*. I've now been on the line with them for an hour.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why did they want you to switch from ATT? Were you using heavy data? If they are proactively pushing people to TMo I'll take my business direct. MVNO not worth it.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

kzoodroid said:
T-Mobile service sucks in Kalamazoo (I'm a former customer so its from experience), very spotty coverage, and it pretty much sucks everywhere in Michigan as I travel a lot. So your a lot better off with AT&T. I just left StraightTalk AT&T as I hate their customer service, sitting an hour on hold is common, and at $50 it made more sense to just go with one of AT&T's own GoPhone plans for the same price (250 talk minutes, unlimited texts, 1 GB data). AT&T's customer service is far superior to StraightTalks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do ever head south? I am down in Sturgis and was curious about tmobile. Att has been pretty good, three rivers is only edge data speed.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Kinz1980 said:
Do ever head south? I am down in Sturgis and was curious about tmobile. Att has been pretty good, three rivers is only edge data speed.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I work in Three Rivers and barely got a signal outside with T-Mo and nothing indoors. In fact the entire drive down 131 from Kalamazoo I would get no signal. AT&T is Edge2 down here but at least I get a good signal and can use the phone most of the time. In Sturgis I doubt you would get any signal as you're too far away from I-80. I had T-Mo for 2 years, 2003-2005 and drove to Virginia every other month. Only had a signal on major interstates and once I got off had no service. I figured after 10 years their service should have gotten better but after 2 weeks on the $30 plan I gave up.

Kinz1980 said:
Do ever head south? I am down in Sturgis and was curious about tmobile. Att has been pretty good, three rivers is only edge data speed.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never did head very far south. I had the $30 t mobile plan for about 20 days before getting my ST SIM, the most traveling I did was up to Lansing. The signal in Lansing was a bit spotty, but good voice coverage.
I think that they were pushing it because I had asked a question about it earlier. I asked if getting a t mobile SIM would allow me to roam on at&t service if I went to a 0 service area. They told me that it wouldn't, but that I could easily switch between them if I wanted.

I have been happy with St att here in Sturgis and northern Indiana by Middlebury and Elkhart areas. Three rivers does have slow speeds. I guess I won't bother with getting another similar card then.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

[Q] Has anyone ditched Sprint mid contract and gone to TMobile (California)??

I am seriously considering ditching sprint in my area. Their network (Sacramento) has been the worse I've ever used.
I've heard about TMobile taking care of your ETF if you switch to them by offering customers what amounts to a credit card that you can use.
Has anyone done this?

I've moved from Sprint to T-Mobile about two months ago. I really wanted to stay with sprint but there mobile service sucked... As I see your experiencing the same thing. I've heard T-Mobile service can be spotty in places but in Seattle and Honolulu (where I'm usually at), it's really good.
The only impact negative impacts are the cost of the phone. You just plain have to pay the $500 - $900 uncontracted phone. I'm not use to that huge amount lingering over me.
And I could be the only one, be I found Sprint customer service significantly better than t-mobile.
Anyway, if you can muster the cost of the phone, I don't think you'll regret the way better data /phone service. I did the 5-day try the service out from t-mobile initially. You'll get an iPhone 5s and try it in your area. Good luck!
EDIT: did get the ETF reimbursement, and you can apply it towards your bill /phone, that's what I did. Lastly, don't expect you'll use the same data amount between Sprint and T-Mobile. The data service is much better and I found out my wife and I use about 2x to 3x. So go unlimited if you can.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app

puhiniho said:
I've moved from Sprint to T-Mobile about two months ago. I really wanted to stay with sprint but there mobile service sucked... As I see your experiencing the same thing. I've heard T-Mobile service can be spotty in places but in Seattle and Honolulu (where I'm usually at), it's really good.
The only impact negative impacts are the cost of the phone. You just plain have to pay the $500 - $900 uncontracted phone. I'm not use to that huge amount lingering over me.
And I could be the only one, be I found Sprint customer service significantly better than t-mobile.
Anyway, if you can muster the cost of the phone, I don't think you'll regret the way better data /phone service. I did the 5-day try the service out from t-mobile initially. You'll get an iPhone 5s and try it in your area. Good luck!
EDIT: did get the ETF reimbursement, and you can apply it towards your bill /phone, that's what I did. Lastly, don't expect you'll use the same data amount between Sprint and T-Mobile. The data service is much better and I found out my wife and I use about 2x to 3x. So go unlimited if you can.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good point regarding the use of the data once you actually get better service, I'm certain that it will increase. So, you're right, I may have to go with unlimited. Yeah, the coverage map for sprint is much worse than TMobile's. In fact TMobile's 3G is faster than Sprints 4LTE.

Tmobiel is going to have a server where you can stash your unused data if you are paying 30+ on your data (not counting unlimited) you can make use of that if you do not want unlimited as well.

I also just ditched Sprint, data speed is faster and more reliable for me.

puhiniho said:
I've moved from Sprint to T-Mobile about two months ago. I really wanted to stay with sprint but there mobile service sucked... As I see your experiencing the same thing. I've heard T-Mobile service can be spotty in places but in Seattle and Honolulu (where I'm usually at), it's really good.
The only impact negative impacts are the cost of the phone. You just plain have to pay the $500 - $900 uncontracted phone. I'm not use to that huge amount lingering over me.
And I could be the only one, be I found Sprint customer service significantly better than t-mobile.
Anyway, if you can muster the cost of the phone, I don't think you'll regret the way better data /phone service. I did the 5-day try the service out from t-mobile initially. You'll get an iPhone 5s and try it in your area. Good luck!
EDIT: did get the ETF reimbursement, and you can apply it towards your bill /phone, that's what I did. Lastly, don't expect you'll use the same data amount between Sprint and T-Mobile. The data service is much better and I found out my wife and I use about 2x to 3x. So go unlimited if you can.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mgbotoe said:
Tmobiel is going to have a server where you can stash your unused data if you are paying 30+ on your data (not counting unlimited) you can make use of that if you do not want unlimited as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? That is cool. I didn'tt know that.

heyjoojoo said:
I am seriously considering ditching sprint in my area. Their network (Sacramento) has been the worse I've ever used.
I've heard about TMobile taking care of your ETF if you switch to them by offering customers what amounts to a credit card that you can use.
Has anyone done this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just made the switch (in Mass.) after 10+ years with Sprint. Just got sick of their lousy LTE, and also wanted better international options. It's only been a few weeks, but I haven't been hit with the Sprint ETF yet. Anyone know how long it usually takes?

I left Sprint and did the ETF for the $350 from Tmobile. I was sick of hearing from Sprint..."We are in the process of working on our Towers today thats why your LTE is not there" and that was at 3am in the morning...ummm.ok..
Ever since I have left LTE has been lightning Fast...I even saw I was on AT&T this last week when I was in the Central Valley and not in T-mobile Coverage...I was able to make and Receive calls. The LTE on T-mobile as far as I'm concerned blows Sprint out of the water...I was tired of the False Promises and the 7+ years of service from Sprint to be treated like crap.
The Downfall as others have said T-mobile phones are not cheap but as I don't have a house phone I am connected all the time with my cell phone.
I have a friend in Carmichael...Not far from you and he Switched to T-mobile and has been very very happy...
OP...make the switch and you will be very happy..
I hope this helps you...
Brian

kg6bki said:
I left Sprint and did the ETF for the $350 from Tmobile. I was sick of hearing from Sprint..."We are in the process of working on our Towers today thats why your LTE is not there" and that was at 3am in the morning...ummm.ok..
Ever since I have left LTE has been lightning Fast...I even saw I was on AT&T this last week when I was in the Central Valley and not in T-mobile Coverage...I was able to make and Receive calls. The LTE on T-mobile as far as I'm concerned blows Sprint out of the water...I was tired of the False Promises and the 7+ years of service from Sprint to be treated like crap.
The Downfall as others have said T-mobile phones are not cheap but as I don't have a house phone I am connected all the time with my cell phone.
I have a friend in Carmichael...Not far from you and he Switched to T-mobile and has been very very happy...
OP...make the switch and you will be very happy..
I hope this helps you...
Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, exact same story for me. I was tired of their "promises to upgrade", it never happened. I left Sprint and never looked back. We had to use our credit card to pay Sprints ETF because they wanted full payment when we ended. It took us about 1 1/2 month to get our rebate card, but this was when T-Mobile started this deal so it might be quicker now. I have the 3GB of LTE data and never go over it since most of the place I am at have WiFi. And now with there rollover data plan, I am set! I live in Los Angeles county but I have had great service and speed from San Diego to Santa Cruz.

Just an FYI, sprint will let you out of the contract if you roam too much.
Right before we switched away from Sprint, we drove across the country and roamed practically the entire trip. The next month we called up and they offered to cancel our contract if we sent the phones back. Done and done.
The only real problem with t-mobile reimbursement system is it can 1-2 months for them to reimburse you. They did 2 of my 3 lines in just over a month, and it took almost 2 more months for the 3rd cuz they kept denying it despite it being legitimate.