Hello,
My question is to know whether Wi-fi is free using MY wireless connection from MY router?
I have AT&T with no data plan on my Xperia X1a. But a no data plan does not necessarily mean that I won't get charged for it. I use 'NoData' program to disable 'AT&T ISP GPRS' and 'MEdia Net'.
I went to the 'Comm Manager' on the top taskbar and made sure 'Data Connection' was OFF..
The reason why I ask this is because I came across a post on Yahoo Answers that kept me skeptical
"Basically, all wi-fi enabled phones require a data plan."??
There is no reason or even sense that wifi phones would require data plans. But in pratice phones have the tendency to try to connect via data plans if they want to access the net and you'll have to figure settings that prevent that. As long as your data connection stays offline there should be no issue.
I spoke with a AT&T phone operator and was told it was $2 per MB even if I was using Wi-Fi.
I checked my data usage on 'SPB Wireless Monitor' and it states I owe $0.00 using 'AT&T ISP GPRS', 'MEdia Net' and 'Wi-fi', but that AT&T phone operator
glostix said:
I spoke with a AT&T phone operator and was told it was $2 per MB even if I was using Wi-Fi.
I checked my data usage on 'SPB Wireless Monitor' and it states I owe $0.00 using 'AT&T ISP GPRS', 'MEdia Net' and 'Wi-fi', but that AT&T phone operator
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Rule number one with all types of phone operator: call again if you don't like the answer. He either had no clue or didn't understand what you're talking about. Your mobile phone provider has nothing to do with any traffic you do via wlan, unless your wlan router itself uses UMTS (which means it would have a sim card on it's own) - but I'm certain you use dsl or cable.
Btw. using any smartphone with only wlan is only half the fun. You should really looking into getting a plan so you can use the net even outside your home.
wifi means free data.
let me explain it a bit better.
you have a laptop...
your traveling.
you check into a hotel that offers wifi.
does that mean you then call the cable company to run a line?
but like the other poster said, your phone may say it wants 3g preferred over wifi.
that would be a rom issue i believe.
hell i have a touch pro that the keyboard (slide out) broke.
so now its my Garmin GPS unit. and wifi sniffer.
cant do anything else with it.
wifi, gps, bluetooth are all free.
in fact, thats why they have made a vonage app for blackberry and iphone. so that you can have internet phone without cellular
hope that helps.
Yes, thank you for the clarification nhvolt.
The telephone operator was very vague cause I needed authorization of the biller (my parents last 4 digits of their SSN, of which I did not have access to) to log-in and have a convo with them.
Anyways, I will continue to use Wi-Fi been said it is free. I trust you guys. Thanks!
Actually, since September 06, 2009, a $30 data plan was automatically added to users with smartphones by AT&T from tracking IMEI.
So technically, you do have to pay, since AT&T automatically bills you $30 for being a smartphone user, whether you use it or not.
Considering if wi-fi is free using my own home network, will the bill rise even more if I were to use it?
glostix said:
Actually, since September 06, 2009, a $30 data plan was automatically added to users with smartphones by AT&T from tracking IMEI.
So technically, you do have to pay, since AT&T automatically bills you $30 for being a smartphone user, whether you use it or not.
Considering if wi-fi is free using my own home network, will the bill rise even more if I were to use it?
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NO! Wi-Fi has NOTHING to do with your provider (AT&T)
As long as you have your connections disabled in NODATA, all your internet via WiFi is free.
@Hannigan: AT&T has been charging users a "smartphone fee" if they detect you're using a smartphone (via IMEI, I guess). Even if you're not on a data plan.
@glostix: there's a thread here on how to get your phone exempted from the stupid fee, I just can't remember where (I found it via the XDA front page so there's a big chance it's not on the X1 boards)
glostix said:
Actually, since September 06, 2009, a $30 data plan was automatically added to users with smartphones by AT&T from tracking IMEI.
So technically, you do have to pay, since AT&T automatically bills you $30 for being a smartphone user, whether you use it or not.
Considering if wi-fi is free using my own home network, will the bill rise even more if I were to use it?
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bud, its like asking if your laptop will incure cellular rates if it uses your wifi.
wifi is completely free.
Ipods have wifi
laptops
desktops
skype phones
all wifi is free.
the only time you would ever need to pay for it is to access a wireless router. such as a hotel or starbucks.
but home network all free. Promise.
LoL, nothing is free, but I can assure you using WiFi on your phone will cause NO extra billing thru your wireless phone provider. it WILL however tie up bandwidth from your internet connection slowing anyone else down who tries to use it
Wi-Fi has nothing to do with the cellular data conenction, bro. Some apps MAY try to connect via the data connection and the wi-fi one and that will cost you.
1 - Download "No Data" and disable your data connection with the operator.
2 - Use wi-fi only.
3 - ...
Related
When I first got my kaiser, I could use the Google Maps "My Location" (location via tower position) while connected to WIFI with the 3G logo in the top bar.
Now, I have upgraded to the HTC ROM (so much better), and if I turn off HSDPA (so 3G is showing on top bar), I cannot use the "My Location" feature. As soon as I enable HSDPA and soft reboot, the "My Location" feature works.
Now... the question. Since I am on WIFI, my in house network, am I using the HSDPA to transfer data? I know that the map data comes via my 802.11 network, but why the heck does HSDPA have to be enable? If so, am I being charged for it? I just switched to ATT and have not received a bill, so I am hoping every time I use the HSDPA and google maps on my WIFI, I am not getting charged?
I do not have a data plan, but it still lets me open a data session (which I assume costs a ton). When HSDPA is on an H icon is at the top bar. When its off it goes back to 3G. When I click on the H is says "No Data Sessions Active", so I'm safe right, even though it has to be on for Google Maps?
Also, I cant seem enable GPS with Google Maps. It searches for a satellite forever and never gets anywhere. Does using GPS cost money with ATT? Is there a good program for GPS usage?
My main concern is NOT getting charged cause I do not have a data plan. I only use the WIFI. Thanks for you help.
You need to go to your ATT rep and tell them to turn off the pay per use data package. If not, they usually leave this on, you will be charged. Google Maps uses a data plan. It will not work without one as the maps are loaded as you and your phone are moving. To use GPS without a data plan, you will need to purchase software, ie: Tom Tom 6. around $100 to $150. Hope this helps.
wchildress said:
You need to go to your ATT rep and tell them to turn off the pay per use data package. If not, they usually leave this on, you will be charged. Google Maps uses a data plan. It will not work without one as the maps are loaded as you and your phone are moving. To use GPS without a data plan, you will need to purchase software, ie: Tom Tom 6. around $100 to $150. Hope this helps.
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Cool. To clarify... as long as I am using WIFI (say, to get directions from a cafe with free WIFI with Google Maps) I will NOT be charged? Even though the HSDPA is enable but it NOT my source for data because WIFI is?
Also, there is no way to disable ATT data connection locally on the phone?
Ok, I think I figured it out. I used KaiserTweak to disable data, but I can still use wifi and the "My Location" in Google maps work.
Now when I am off WIFI and a program calls for data, the phone it tells me that I can't do it because of my settings, which is exatly what I wanted. The H icon remians, but it seems that it can't connect so the H is just telling me it's available, from what I understand. I hope so, cause I dont want it to connect and run up my bill!
Thanks KaiserTweak!
xconradx said:
Ok, I think I figured it out. I used KaiserTweak to disable data, but I can still use wifi and the "My Location" in Google maps work.
Now when I am off WIFI and a program calls for data, the phone it tells me that I can't do it because of my settings, which is exatly what I wanted. The H icon remians, but it seems that it can't connect so the H is just telling me it's available, from what I understand. I hope so, cause I dont want it to connect and run up my bill!
Thanks KaiserTweak!
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if you're worried about data bills running up the bill, call AT&T to block data service.
While you're on the phone with them, figure out how much data you used this month and get a MediaNet package to cover data use already used this month (they can backdate it) -- if you used over 4-5 MB you want at least the $5 medianet package, will save you money -- Please don't let your data usage for the first month go unchecked.... otherwise it could be a really big first bill shocker :-/
BBM-Lee said:
if you're worried about data bills running up the bill, call AT&T to block data service.
While you're on the phone with them, figure out how much data you used this month and get a MediaNet package to cover data use already used this month (they can backdate it) -- if you used over 4-5 MB you want at least the $5 medianet package, will save you money -- Please don't let your data usage for the first month go unchecked.... otherwise it could be a really big first bill shocker :-/
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Ok, I am going to call them. Although I've only used WIFI so far and was accidentally connected to their service only once and didn't use any data-required programs.
We will see when I call them.
WTF... seriously, ATT call centers are closed?
I'm used to tmobiles 24/7 service centers.
Oh well, tomorrow I'll find out. I'm already expecting a big bill. It's my fist one, so prorated plus activation fees.
My rebates have come in and I'm ready to drop the data plan on my bill.
I'm trying to prep to keep the majority of the functionality that I have been use to through the Tilt's wireless connection. I hope that I can learn from others that have dropped their data plan.
My first concern revolves around dropping the data plan and making sure that I don't pile up per-kb charges. I know that I can call AT&T and request a stop data, but that also stops my text messages. I've read that KaiserTweak works as well and will probably be the route that I use, unless there are other suggestions.
Furthermore, I need to find a way to make the device look to the wireless connection as the primary connection. For instance, how can I change it so that Outlook and even HTC Home Weather uses wireless connection. Is there a menu or registry setting I can use for that?
For those of you that have gone through this process, I would appreciate in suggestions.
Thanks!
Would also like to know, never got a data plan...
tyeo098 said:
Would also like to know, never got a data plan...
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It's so freaking easy. I don't know why nobody uses this method.
Create an empty Network setting and that's it. No APN, no "modem" settings, nothing. Just create a new one, name it something like NoData, set it as the default network for "The Internet" and "Work", and that's it.
It will never get online except what you feed it through WiFi.
It was great traveling through Japan for few weeks and no data billed, no worries if I needed Modaco NoData or KaiserTweak to setup something shady that might heal itself and nail me with charges.
Lol, its called stop being cheap.
People get stuff and don't want to pay to maintain it. IE, get a car, drive it 4 years, and never want to put new tires on it, but as soon as it doesn't pass inspection, you're ready to snap.
What was the purpose of getting a PDA phone without the data plan...?? Shoulda got a regular phone if that was the case, or perhaps a palm pilot.
Why pay your provider $40+ if you are not using it? I myself have an unlimited data plan, but I rarely use it. I have WiFi at work and at home and I am on WiFi network most of the time. It is critical for me to access my email at all times and I need to pay for the data plan. But for most people, it is not that important and they can still get access 80% of the time. Don't judge people because they don't live by your rules.
I currently have no internet access on my tmobile plan but if I use the Wi-FI will it be charging on my phone bill?
Nah; My phones not even actiev yet and I'm able to use it via wifi
if you're concerned about it just disable your phone,
i work in one of t-mobs call centers atm and i havn't seen that come acrossed as an issue yet so i'd say you'r good,
Wifi is completely seperate from your phones radio which connects to the phone company. So you can use it anywhere it is offered freely, free of charge.
only reason you would be charged is if the wifi signals weak enough that it drops and your phone connects to GPRS or EDGE
..... this question is really .......
KingBowser said:
I currently have no internet access on my tmobile plan but if I use the Wi-FI will it be charging on my phone bill?
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Yes it won't charge you on the phone bill, but you may have to pay for WIFI access, depends on which hot-spot you're connecting to
So I've been tethering my Tilt at work for over a year; it's been great to bypass the filters my employer has in place, and I only used it when I had to so I wouldn't get "flagged" by AT&T for too much data usage. Honestly, I have no idea how they enforce their tethering policies.
Or do I?
I got married earlier this year, and just last night we went into AT&T and put my wife on our family plan. She picked the Samsung Solstice, and the salesman and I chatted VERY briefly about the Tilt 2 (how expensive it is), and I mentioned that I had a Tilt.
That's IT!
This morning, I plugged my Tilt into my PC at work, and the connection looks good on my phone, but my PC says "acquiring network address" for far too long, and then says "limited or no connectivity." WHAT?!? This has NEVER happened before. This can't be coincidence that the morning after...did they look closely at the account or something? Can they disable tethering somehow?
Thanks.
i don't know for sure about data plans in the US but my provider enables unlimited internet usage (only EDGE/GPRS is available here, no 3G yet) for a per month flat rate of the equivalent of about $6.
to the best of my knowledge, the service provider can NOT tell if the phone is using the internet or a computer tethered to the phone is using the internet.
so if the internet is connecting and working fine when using apps on your phone, then the internet sharing should also work. i have noticed that the internet sharing can be finicky when trying to assign an IP to your computer when tethered...so try soft resetting your device. also, try different sequences of steps...for example, manually connect the data connection on your phone and THEN start internet sharing, or vice versa and so on.
http://www.wmwifirouter.com/
works great. can connect up to five pc's and/or cell phones.
software is 30, free trial
ASCIIker said:
i don't know for sure about data plans in the US but my provider enables unlimited internet usage (only EDGE/GPRS is available here, no 3G yet) for a per month flat rate of the equivalent of about $6.
to the best of my knowledge, the service provider can NOT tell if the phone is using the internet or a computer tethered to the phone is using the internet.
so if the internet is connecting and working fine when using apps on your phone, then the internet sharing should also work. i have noticed that the internet sharing can be finicky when trying to assign an IP to your computer when tethered...so try soft resetting your device. also, try different sequences of steps...for example, manually connect the data connection on your phone and THEN start internet sharing, or vice versa and so on.
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Click to collapse
Well, since it was working fine for two years and just happened to break the very next time after I added someone to my plan, I just figured that's what did it. I'd like to say I was right, but I can't prove it.
You were right, it wasn't able to aqcuire an IP address, but data worked fine on the rest of the phone.
In any case, I ended up just rerunning Connection Setup on a whim and I'm happily back on xda-developers via a tether.
Thanks!
[UPDATE] Right in the middle of typing this "it's fixed!" post, my connection flaked out again. This time my whole data connection, not just the tether. "The remote party has ended the connection" or some such. So I rebooted with the same result. So I'm back on my work connection. CRAP. Are we sure they're not onto me?
Hmmm
Later that same day (12/11, 2 days after we added the new phone to the family plan), I received this text message from 7535: Your Smartphone is active! A data plan is required & if omitted, will be added to your account. For more details, see your sales rep or att.com/smartphoneplans.
On the plus side, tethering seems to be working again. Might as well go check out my online account and make sure they didn't switch me to a tethering plan or something!
If you find they've changed you to a more expensive data plan I'd go in there and politely but firmly demand they change it back, as you did NOT authorize changes to YOUR line when adding a line. If necesssary, remind them you have 30 days in which to cancel the new line and take your business elsewhere.
If you previously had a $20 MEdia (w/ text messages included) you might find yourself paying $35 or more now.
I'm pretty sure they have the right to add data without your permission.
khaytsus said:
If you find they've changed you to a more expensive data plan I'd go in there and politely but firmly demand they change it back, as you did NOT authorize changes to YOUR line when adding a line. If necesssary, remind them you have 30 days in which to cancel the new line and take your business elsewhere.
If you previously had a $20 MEdia (w/ text messages included) you might find yourself paying $35 or more now.
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Strange. It looks like I'm still at the $30 data plan I was at before. I wonder if adding a line just "resets" all the other lines and makes them act wonky for a few days. So after a few hiccups tethering still works, and I'm still at the same data plan. Works for me.
In other news, the wife's new Solstice stopped working for several hours yesterday. It had 4 bars, but wouldn't make or receive calls. It could receive texts, but couldn't send them. A few hours later it was back to normal. VERY WEIRD. Hopefully it isn't a regular thing, as she's a nurse and often on-call.
Having switched her from Verizon, it didn't leave a good first taste in her mouth...
Hi everyone. This is my first post in a long time. I just bought an SGT & I'm over the moon with it - what an incredible piece of tech!
However, I do have one problem/question that I need help with... Bear with me because although it's quite a simple problem, it's difficult to explain! When I configure my APN settings (Globe Philippines), it automatically connects & stays connected unless I lose signal (but then it reconnects automatically again). In almost every developed country in the world, this is not a problem because you would be on a data plan (post-paid) or you could buy a data allowance (pre-paid) so it doesn't matter that it automatically connects & stays connected... you wouldn't keep racking up the charges. But here it's different... The vast majority of people are on pre-paid (we can't qualify for post-paid contract) and the mobile networks charge per 15 minutes of data useage.
So, you see, if my Tab connects automatically without warning it can cost me a small fortune. I'm currently using an App called APNdroid to manually enable/disable my mobile data connection. Although this is better than nothing, it's not ideal. My other phones default to mobile data = off & pop up a warning when I'm about to connect to internet. They also allow me easily terminate the connection when I'm finished browsing.This is what I'm after for the Tab. Surely this is not too much to ask? Does anybody have any suggestions that may help me out?
It seems as though the SGT/Android has been designed with the assumption that everyone that wants to use mobile data will be on a post-paid data plan. I would if I could, but I (and millions of others in this backward country) can't.
Thanks in advance & sorry for the long, rambling post!
Sent from my GT-P1000T using XDA App
andychud said:
Hi everyone. This is my first post in a long time. I just bought an SGT & I'm over the moon with it - what an incredible piece of tech!
However, I do have one problem/question that I need help with... Bear with me because although it's quite a simple problem, it's difficult to explain! When I configure my APN settings (Globe Philippines), it automatically connects & stays connected unless I lose signal (but then it reconnects automatically again). In almost every developed country in the world, this is not a problem because you would be on a data plan (post-paid) or you could buy a data allowance (pre-paid) so it doesn't matter that it automatically connects & stays connected... you wouldn't keep racking up the charges. But here it's different... The vast majority of people are on pre-paid (we can't qualify for post-paid contract) and the mobile networks charge per 15 minutes of data useage.
So, you see, if my Tab connects automatically without warning it can cost me a small fortune. I'm currently using an App called APNdroid to manually enable/disable my mobile data connection. Although this is better than nothing, it's not ideal. My other phones default to mobile data = off & pop up a warning when I'm about to connect to internet. They also allow me easily terminate the connection when I'm finished browsing.This is what I'm after for the Tab. Surely this is not too much to ask? Does anybody have any suggestions that may help me out?
It seems as though the SGT/Android has been designed with the assumption that everyone that wants to use mobile data will be on a post-paid data plan. I would if I could, but I (and millions of others in this backward country) can't.
Thanks in advance & sorry for the long, rambling post!
Sent from my GT-P1000T using XDA App
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Click to collapse
This is a perfectly logical question. Its the same issue when you are roaming in a foreign country/network. Here is what I do Settings => Mobile Network Settings => Data Enabled == OFF when I don't want to use data.
@cnewsgrp... Thanks for the reply. What you are suggesting is pretty much what I'm doing except that instead of going into settings, I have an app on my home screen that does it for me in one click. However, this is not ideal. All I'm after is for my Galaxy Tab to ask me which of my configured APNs do I want to connect to when a data connection is needed (if not using wifi) & then automatically disconnect from it when it's not needed. I have this facility on my Nokia E71.
Sent from my GT-P1000T using XDA App
Yeah, I remember that with E71. I don't recollect having that option with Android
How about APN Lock App?