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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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?
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Click to collapse
UNLIMITED*
Spoiler
*5 gigs

liam.lah said:
So how much data do you guys get for $15?
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Click to collapse
Tons. Lotsa lotsa tons.

Captivate WITHOUT Data Plan?

Hey everyone! Hopefully I will go to the at&t store to pick up my Captivate tomorrow. However, I have a problem.
You see, my family has 5 members who have phone line, 2 of which have data plans. My father has a data plan and is content with his iphone 3gs and is eligible for an upgrade. So, he plans to pay $250 for a new Samsung Captivate that will SUPPOSEDLY be for him and his line. However, he is going to give it to me instead, and I don't have a data plan.
Is there any way I could unlock my phone in the sense that I can use it without a data plan? Like can I have 3g turned off 24/7? I plan to get my phone rooted, does rooting automatically do this/allow me to do this?
Thanks in advance.

No as soon as you put an AT&T Sim in it it will register on their network and a data plan will be added...

Sadly AT&T requires smartphones to have Data plans. You're not going to have any choice. Hopefully your old man won't notice, eh?
$250?!? How long has he had the contract with them? I picked mine up for $99.

terrigan said:
Sadly AT&T requires smartphones to have Data plans. You're not going to have any choice. Hopefully your old man won't notice, eh?
$250?!? How long has he had the contract with them? I picked mine up for $99.
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Click to collapse
For a little less than a year, he didn't wait out his whole 2 years lol.

well thats not possible if you have att but if you pay like 250 more and buy a vibrant off contract and unlock then you only pay 10 dollars for unlimited data

You can have AT&T put a data block on your phone, but that blocks mms also. Then the system wont put you on a data plan. btw data block is free to do, we know how they like to charge for most of there features.

Gaidheil said:
You can have AT&T put a data block on your phone, but that blocks mms also. Then the system wont put you on a data plan.
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You better research this - AT&T won't put a datablock on a smarthphone that requires data. Phones transmit their IMEI numbers when on the network - AT&T will see it is a Captivate and force a data plan on the customer.
If you bought it off contract, you may have a chance, but if you buy it via the subsidized contract price you need to play by their rules.

no even if u buy the captivate off contract you still have to pay for data but if you buy a vibrant off contract unlock it then its up to you whether or not you want a data plan

If you have a GoPhone sim card in it, they won't charge you for data. I have a GoPhone sim in mine and I've never been required to purchase data for it. I'm not sure about monthly bills though...they may require data on those.

NeoXer0 said:
Hey everyone! Hopefully I will go to the at&t store to pick up my Captivate tomorrow. However, I have a problem.
You see, my family has 5 members who have phone line, 2 of which have data plans. My father has a data plan and is content with his iphone 3gs and is eligible for an upgrade. So, he plans to pay $250 for a new Samsung Captivate that will SUPPOSEDLY be for him and his line. However, he is going to give it to me instead, and I don't have a data plan.
Is there any way I could unlock my phone in the sense that I can use it without a data plan? Like can I have 3g turned off 24/7? I plan to get my phone rooted, does rooting automatically do this/allow me to do this?
Thanks in advance.
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Click to collapse
yeah i dont understand why people even want to try this.
if he is getting it for that price just unlock it and try to go to another provider....

alphadog00 said:
You better research this - AT&T won't put a datablock on a smarthphone that requires data. Phones transmit their IMEI numbers when on the network - AT&T will see it is a Captivate and force a data plan on the customer.
If you bought it off contract, you may have a chance, but if you buy it via the subsidized contract price you need to play by their rules.
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Click to collapse
i spoke with them about this yesterday, as i wanted to open a 3rd line w my old blackjack, and they told me that it would HAVE to have the min 15$ data plan on the phone, no way around it.
smartphone = smartphone plan. thats just how it is now.

It's odd, I've had mine for about a week now, and I still don't have a data plan. Hasn't been added, I've checked data usage, it says "information not available"...
I have a text and data block on it... but I'm not completely sure on that. Prick of a sister did that.

pokedoke said:
It's odd, I've had mine for about a week now, and I still don't have a data plan. Hasn't been added, I've checked data usage, it says "information not available"...
I have a text and data block on it... but I'm not completely sure on that. Prick of a sister did that.
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Click to collapse
LOL! dude! I am also in the same boat. I had a data block put on my line about a year ago. I bought my captivate one week ago and no data plan yet. Its not on my bill and I can't connect.
I really have no need of a data plan. Everywhere I go, there is WiFi available.
I am loving it so far, lets hope they dont get wise to it.

xtremekilla09 said:
LOL! dude! I am also in the same boat. I had a data block put on my line about a year ago. I bought my captivate one week ago and no data plan yet. Its not on my bill and I can't connect.
I really have no need of a data plan. Everywhere I go, there is WiFi available.
I am loving it so far, lets hope they dont get wise to it.
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Click to collapse
Indeed...but I was kinda looking forward to a data plan... living in the city = real time traffic updates are pure bliss. But I suppose the areas with traffic are areas with wifi anyway...haha.
What differs from yours is that my block started when I got the phone. You'd think somebody would catch on...

For some reason they allowed me to use the unlimited family data plan (non-smartphone) for my Tilt2 in the beginning of the year even though it clearly showed in my account that I was using a Tilt2 (bought off eBay). I did have a data block on my phone prior to the Tilt2. Picked up the Captivate off contract and still enjoying unlimited data since launch.

hey guys. i work at att as a sales rep and there is a way to get it without data...
lmk if interested.

People who have blocks on data plans are being grandfathered in.
You can no longer block data on smartphones.

again. im telling you i know how to do it

I didn't see your post, but I can already tell it's not available to just anyone.

lol ive been working with att for over a year. im tellinmg you i can do it. for Blackberry, iphone, any smart phone

[Q] Data Plan

Hi, I've recently heard that AT&T has a way of now detecting if you're using a smartphone and will automatically bill you with a data plan if you dont already have one. I was wondering if rooting the phone would help bypass this cause my brother is using a jailbroken iphone without a data plan. Thanks guys!

illegit said:
Hi, I've recently heard that AT&T has a way of now detecting if you're using a smartphone and will automatically bill you with a data plan if you dont already have one. I was wondering if rooting the phone would help bypass this cause my brother is using a jailbroken iphone without a data plan. Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to accomplish this you would have to get involved in much more complicated and nefarious things than just rooting your phone.
This forum is not the place for it, so for you the answer is no.

It is not so much they can detect a smartphone, but they can detect the type of phone, iPhone, Captivate, etc. If these are on the smartphone list, they will add a dataplan if you don't have one - or if you have the wrong type.
You can't change this -when the phone is on the network, it broadcasts information about itself - rooting doesn't change this.
AT&T has millions of subscribers and this information probably has to be mined out of a data base - pull list of all smarthpones seen on the network in the past X days; check all accounts related for data plans, etc. They probably have a bunch of older unconnected systems too. So, it may not happen the first day you connect or even 3 months later, but at some point they will figure it out.

Its true. Before I got my fiance her iphone 3gs, she had a blackberry pearl without data and a few months before she switched they added data to our bill unexpectedly and wouldn't let us drop it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

i dont get why someone buys a 500 dollar phone if they are too cheap to get the datra plan with it.
I could understand if you got a blackjack, but come on now....

iamamp3pimp said:
i dont get why someone buys a 500 dollar phone if they are too cheap to get the datra plan with it.
I could understand if you got a blackjack, but come on now....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think some people are convinced they are near wifi all day and don't want to waste the money on data they won't use.. But they do have that 200MB plan for $15 - i think it is overpriced - should be $5 - but if you buy a smartphone you should be ready to add a data plan.
If you don't want to add data, get a dumb phone and ipod Touch.

I work for AT&T so I'll give you some inside info. The phones have a sim registration program that talks to the local server through the towers. Within 60 seconds of your phone being turned on it tells the network what kind of phone it is. It can tell the network the make/model but not the IMEI. If it could detect the IMEI then stolen phones would pretty much be useless. The only way around the forced data plan is to have a tag on your account for "smartphone exclusion". Everyone got this tag in September 2009 so we could all be grandfathered with no data plans. When you upgrade to a new phone with a 2yr agreement it removes the tage automatically. But if you buy your own smartphone, this tag allows you to keep data removed if you dont want it. Or in my case it allows me to have a samsung captivate with the $10 family data unlimited plan for dumbphones. The network knows I have a captivate but it cant force the data plan because I have "smartphone exclusion". You can go to a local AT&T store and see if someone is willing to tell you if you have this tag. If you don't have it then it is pretty much impossible to get it. And no I can't add it for you. Hope that helps.

Actually the IMEI is reported when the phone talks to the network. It is part of the GSM protocol. Europe enforces a ban on stolen phones via IMEI. American carriers just dont seem interested in banning stolen phones as they would rather have the revenue and not turn off the ebay buyer.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

alphadog00 said:
Actually the IMEI is reported when the phone talks to the network. It is part of the GSM protocol. Europe enforces a ban on stolen phones via IMEI. American carriers just dont seem interested in banning stolen phones as they would rather have the revenue and not turn off the ebay buyer.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
while this is true at&t actually uses the IMSI on the SIM to do its dirty work. Also the captivates ONLY transmit the IMSI while on 3G (reduces over head for more throughput on EDGE) which is why the option to force 2G is hidden on the captivate.

captivatesuperuser said:
The only way around the forced data plan is to have a tag on your account for "smartphone exclusion". Everyone got this tag in September 2009 so we could all be grandfathered with no data plans.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been with AT&T since before 2009, does this mean I'll automatically have the tag? And how would I know if my account has this tag or not?
When you upgrade to a new phone with a 2yr agreement it removes the tage automatically. But if you buy your own smartphone, this tag allows you to keep data removed if you dont want it. Or in my case it allows me to have a samsung captivate with the $10 family data unlimited plan for dumbphones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean buying your own smartphone outside of AT&T? I currently have the $10 unlimited data plan for my "dumbphone". Talking to AT&T indicated there was no way to keep the existing data plan and I've have to move to one of the 2 new plans if I got the Captivate.

iamamp3pimp said:
i dont get why someone buys a 500 dollar phone if they are too cheap to get the datra plan with it.
I could understand if you got a blackjack, but come on now....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would be interested in this simply because i want unlimited data. Hell i would pay the extra 5 bucks if they would let me in on the unlimited smartphone plan but it seems like fooling their network would be an easier task lol. Also i have had my sim for over 2 years now and they still were able to change me from the dumbphone plan to the smartphone one.

Can you use this phone w/o dataplan?

i have wifi everywhere. no need for dataplan.
are there parts of the droid OS that absolutely requires buying a 3g data plan for some strange reason or another? everywhere i am there is already wifi.

JediFonger said:
i have wifi everywhere. no need for dataplan.
are there parts of the droid OS that absolutely requires buying a 3g data plan for some strange reason or another? everywhere i am there is already wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think a data plan is required... perhaps at first. My parents recently bought a phone from T-mo & they needed to sign up for a data plan, but only for the first month- then they complained that they don't even know how to use it to a CS agent in a phone conversation & the plan was removed. However, being that it's 4g, I'm not certain if there's a mandatory charge (like Sprint does w/ its 4g Evo).
Edit: Another option is if this was a retail purchase & not via a contract w/ the provider. Simply slip the sim card in the 2x & your minute plan moves into your new phone (assuming there was no prior data plan)... am I correct?

JediFonger said:
i have wifi everywhere. no need for dataplan.
are there parts of the droid OS that absolutely requires buying a 3g data plan for some strange reason or another? everywhere i am there is already wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dataplan is not required, wifi is enough.

juhar1 said:
Dataplan is not required, wifi is enough.
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I wish it were always up to the consumer but that's not true. You are by contract (if you purchase the phone via contract) to have a data plan. Most of us will be forced to do this, very few can get away with it.

fen_nyc said:
I wish it were always up to the consumer but that's not true. You are by contract (if you purchase the phone via contract) to have a data plan. Most of us will be forced to do this, very few can get away with it.
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Yeah but that was not the case here? Question was that if you can use O2X without data plan or not.
e: And I understand from the OP's post that it's not required to take data plan with phone.

juhar1 said:
Yeah but that was not the case here? Question was that if you can use O2X without data plan or not.
e: And I understand from the OP's post that it's not required to take data plan with phone.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, you're right.
OP, the Android OS has an wifi adapter integrated & you can use your phone w/ out a data plan.
But apart from buying this phone off contract, you'll be obligated to have a monthly data plan.

i've had a HTC hermes for 4 yrs now w/o dataplan. somehow i got ATT to pay for it AND still don't have to pay for dataplan. i know it's different now
my current phone is dying and when it does, i plan to go w/this X2 phone. i would have liked HTC to have had the tegra2 chipset... but ce la vie =P
http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/18/t-mobile-g-slate-and-g2x-dual-core-smartphone-coming-on-april-20/
^anyways, what i plan to do is either:
-do the contract, then pay early termination fee. if the phone was $200 and early term. fee is $300, that's still $500-600 range. i hear this phone will be $600-700 range.
-but if hte phone was $500-ish by itself w/o contract, then i'd probably just freakin' buy the phone.
either way will be better than paying dataplan for 2 years. $30/mo*24months=$720.
just wanted to know if i do get this, that the droid OS can turn off any 3g stuff. i'll also have tmo block it as well, no dataplan. thank.s

JediFonger, I recall hearing users buying this phone w/out a minute plan as well. Weird, I know. Why? Well, obviously for its surfing via wifi but, there is a app somewhere (I don't know too much about it) where you can use the 2x to broadcast as a wireless network. Pretty neat!

technically any wifi device can re-broadcast itself adhoc. one just needs the proper program >) hopefully i can get 1 minus dataplans.

just got G2x and 2GB plan... i have 3G Watchdog & apnthingy to turn it off if i hit certain limits. i'm still good with wifi, hardly using the 2GB

JediFonger said:
i have wifi everywhere. no need for dataplan.
are there parts of the droid OS that absolutely requires buying a 3g data plan for some strange reason or another? everywhere i am there is already wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course you can.
Android OS offers a simple menu with a check-box that lets you switch all data transfer off (2G/3G). This does not switch off WiFi data.
You then have a regular phone with calls, short messages and WiFi which does not cause any data transfer costs.
You only need a mobile phone contract without fix data fees.

Silly Americans
Most phones in the EU don't have sim lock on and we can buy then unlocked straight from the carrier. On the downside, we pay nearly 2.5 X more than you do for phones :/

[Q] Help: AT&T Wants to disconnect my Galaxy Note

I've had the galaxy note now for about 2 weeks on AT&T...Everything working really well...then:
I got a strange text today that said my phone does not match my data plan and service would be interrupted if I didnt call them.
I called AT&T and the rep said my IMEI matches a galaxy tab (ie. NOT a phone) and I cant keep my data plan. He said the only thing he could give me was a DATA ONLY PLAN and that I wouldnt be able to make calls!
What can I do? Did I just get a stupid rep?
Please help!
I love the Note, BTW and do NOT want to loose it!
EDIT: I did install the Samsung 2.3.6 OTA update about 4 days ago...in case that makes a difference
UPDATE:
I spoke to a different rep who went through all the same crap again. But after much wait time said that he opened a case number for support to address it and that it should be taken care of in 3 business days.
I do have my old unlimited data plan, so I wonder if that is causing the problem.
Just curious though are others having this issue on AT&T?

ATT does not give a **** about what you want. that's the problem. Do consider switching the hell away from them.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

The galaxy note is a cross between a phone and a tab. That's probably why they want to kick you out of your plan and put you in a new one. The irony is that it's going to probably be making an appearance eventually. Try talking to a nother rep.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

Danm I hope this doesn't happen to me.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

Let's guess - you are trying to use the dumbphone plan and got busted.
Usually this happens by:
1) Not using the dumbphone APN and using the smartphone/4g APN. (the dumbphone APN is the cingular 410 one in my FAQ)
2) Accidentally warning AT&T by telling the rep you have a smartphone, or asking for a 4g/smartphone sim card.
When either of the above happens, they generally block medianet to your phone and require you to get a smartphone.
You may be able to play dumb and say, 'oh, I didn't know I couldn't use that phone' then use a dumbphone till they reactivate your data. Then switch back.
But you'll need to figure out what you did wrong or you'll just get locked out in 2 weeks (or sooner) again.
Actually, I am guessing you are totally screwed - they apparently have the IMEI your note registered as a smartphone/tablet.
Even if they reactivate your data with another phone, as soon as you use your Note again, it's going to send its IMEI (which they now know about) and you'll get blocked again.
You're going to have to bite the bullet and get a regular smartphone data plan.
I have always thought it would be a matter of time before either:
1) AT&T starts looking up IMEI numbers differently so they recognize international smartphones. (it's shouldn't be that hard, to be honest)
2) They monitor data usage - dumbphones shouldn't be pulling massive amounts of data, although my friend with a featurephone says she can watch movies.
- Frank

ChodTheWacko said:
Let's guess - you are trying to use the dumbphone plan and got busted.
Usually this happens by:
1) Not using the dumbphone APN and using the smartphone/4g APN. (the dumbphone APN is the cingular 410 one in my FAQ)
2) Accidentally warning AT&T by telling the rep you have a smartphone, or asking for a 4g/smartphone sim card.
When either of the above happens, they generally block medianet to your phone and require you to get a smartphone.
You may be able to play dumb and say, 'oh, I didn't know I couldn't use that phone' then use a dumbphone till they reactivate your data. Then switch back.
But you'll need to figure out what you did wrong or you'll just get locked out in 2 weeks (or sooner) again.
Actually, I am guessing you are totally screwed - they apparently have the IMEI your note registered as a smartphone/tablet.
Even if they reactivate your data with another phone, as soon as you use your Note again, it's going to send its IMEI (which they now know about) and you'll get blocked again.
You're going to have to bite the bullet and get a regular smartphone data plan.
I have always thought it would be a matter of time before either:
1) AT&T starts looking up IMEI numbers differently so they recognize international smartphones. (it's shouldn't be that hard, to be honest)
2) They monitor data usage - dumbphones shouldn't be pulling massive amounts of data, although my friend with a featurephone says she can watch movies.
- Frank
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what the official data plan name is called, but I dont think it's a "dumbphone" plan...It's unlimited data & text, and I've used it for years, lastly for 18 months with the dell streak 5 without issue (well, without issues beyond the usual with AT&T!)

I hate the fact that the force you to have a data plan. I'm on tmo and they offer a pay as you need plan. Cost me zero bucks unless I need data. I also have mifi from Vzon if im not by a wifi spot. This works great for me and my family.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

Go to an AT&T store, show them your phone & get a real smartphone plan.

I just got the same text and email today. I have had my phone for about 5 days now. I have the iPhone unlimited data plan. I'm wondering if it has to do with flash being on the note or maybe the h+ speeds I'm getting. Are there specific apn settings that I'm supposed to put in? I want to call them but I also don't want to give them my imei number. I paid to much for this phone not to be able to use it.

danteusel said:
I'm not sure what the official data plan name is called, but I dont think it's a "dumbphone" plan...It's unlimited data & text, and I've used it for years, lastly for 18 months with the dell streak 5 without issue (well, without issues beyond the usual with AT&T!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which one, though? how much are you paying for month?
- Frank

Funny, I also got this text/email from AT&T today. I opened a new thread at the Q&A forum. Didn't know there was a thread already.
Quote
I just received a text and email from AT&T today saying they disabled my data because they detected that I put my sim card into a data connect device. When I called to question them about it, they said their system detected my phone as the Samsung GT-P7501. I googled this model # and it's the new Germany version of the Samsung Tab 10.1. I really don't understand how or why their system detected this model. I don't think it's even possible to buy this tablet at the moment! Did any one else encounter a similar problem?
I was on the $10 unlimited data plan and used the wap.cingular APN setting.
Unquote
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1371969

This could be a huge problem.
They could be lumping the Galaxy Note with the Galaxy Tab 7.
I recall AT&T isn't allowing the Galaxy Tab 7 to receive phone calls, as they consider it a tablet even though it has a cellular antenna. They only offer a data plan for it.
If they try to pull the same stunt on the Galaxy note, this could be trouble.
This will have to be escalated somehow. Keep us informed.
- Frank

starbuck123 said:
Funny, I also got this text/email from AT&T today. I opened a new thread at the Q&A forum. Didn't know there was a thread already.
Quote
I just received a text and email from AT&T today saying they disabled my data because they detected that I put my sim card into a data connect device. When I called to question them about it, they said their system detected my phone as the Samsung GT-P7501. I googled this model # and it's the new Germany version of the Samsung Tab 10.1. I really don't understand how or why their system detected this model. I don't think it's even possible to buy this tablet at the moment! Did any one else encounter a similar problem?
I was on the $10 unlimited data plan and used the wap.cingular APN setting.
Unquote
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1371969
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's your problem. I bet if you had a legit 4G smartphone plan, you would of never gotten a call from AT&T.
ChodTheWacko said:
This could be a huge problem.
They could be lumping the Galaxy Note with the Galaxy Tab 7.
I recall AT&T isn't allowing the Galaxy Tab 7 to receive phone calls, as they consider it a tablet even though it has a cellular antenna. They only offer a data plan for it.
If they try to pull the same stunt on the Galaxy note, this could be trouble.
This will have to be escalated somehow. Keep us informed.
- Frank
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Galaxy Note on an unlimited 4G plan using the 4G APN & I have yet to get a call from AT&T. I'm sorry but if the OP was using a MediaNet plan & used the wrong APN, its his fault & not AT&T.

RMXO said:
I have a Galaxy Note on an unlimited 4G plan using the 4G APN & I have yet to get a call from AT&T. I'm sorry but if the OP was using a MediaNet plan & used the wrong APN, its his fault & not AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem and I NEVER used the 4G APN setting. I know better, I always use the wap.cingular APN setting. The strange thing is, they didn't detect it as a smartphone, they detected as a tablet from another country that was just released a couple of weeks ago?
---------- Post added at 05:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:32 PM ----------
RMXO said:
That's your problem. I bet if you had a legit 4G smartphone plan, you would of never gotten a call from AT&T.
I have a Galaxy Note on an unlimited 4G plan using the 4G APN & I have yet to get a call from AT&T. I'm sorry but if the OP was using a MediaNet plan & used the wrong APN, its his fault & not AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would I be on a legit 4G plan when they shouldn't be able to detect it as a smartphone? This is part of the beauty of buying an international phone, AT&T can't detect (usually) what you're using so you can use the cheapest plan possible. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who does this. I been doing this since the original galaxy phone came out and never had a problem.

starbuck123 said:
I have the same problem and I NEVER used the 4G APN setting. I know better, I always use the wap.cingular APN setting. The strange thing is, they didn't detect it as a smartphone, they detected as a tablet from another country that was just released a couple of weeks ago?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T is getting smart & starting to crack down on ppl having an international phone & using a medianet plan. AT&T probably has people reading sites like this & know of the loophole.

So would it be better for us to go to an AT&T store or to just call customer service from our phone? I figured that if we went to the store then they could at least see that it's a phone and not a tablet.

Darrius777 said:
So would it be better for us to go to an AT&T store or to just call customer service from our phone? I figured that if we went to the store then they could at least see that it's a phone and not a tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to an AT&T store & have the rep see it's actually a phone & get a 4G smartphone plan. Don't deal with CS on the phone because they can't see the Note for themselves.
I brought my Note to an AT&T store & they initially asked me if it was a tablet. I told them, "nope, it's a phone". They said, cool & gave me a new sim card after I used my upgrade on an iP4s.

Darrius777 said:
So would it be better for us to go to an AT&T store or to just call customer service from our phone? I figured that if we went to the store then they could at least see that it's a phone and not a tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That depends on what kind of data plan you want to be on. Do you want to try to get the $10 unlimited non smartphone plan back (assuming you were on it) or just use the "smartphone data" plan? If you don't mind being on the 2gb smartphone data plan for $25, go to the store and show it to them.

RMXO said:
That's your problem. I bet if you had a legit 4G smartphone plan, you would of never gotten a call from AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please reread the original post.
The issue is not 'you should be on a more expensive unlimited data plan'.
The issue is AT&T Is saying 'your device can't have voice. Just data.'
This is similar to this:
www.groubal.com/att-is-price-gouging-by-disabling-device-features-must-read/
---------- Post added at 05:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:42 PM ----------
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starbuck123 said:
That depends on what kind of data plan you want to be on. Do you want to try to get the $10 unlimited non smartphone plan back (assuming you were on it) or just use the "smartphone data" plan? If you don't mind being on the 2gb smartphone data plan for $25, go to the store and show it to them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the OP's case, I don't think he has an option.
AT&T's lookup system thinks the IMEI is a tablet that doesn't get phone service.
The only way for him to disprove that is to go into a store and show them the note and point out it's running Gingerbread, and therefore it is a phone not a tablet. Once they do that, they will allow voice again, but he'll have to use a smartphone plan after that.
- Frank

starbuck123 said:
That depends on what kind of data plan you want to be on. Do you want to try to get the $10 unlimited non smartphone plan back (assuming you were on it) or just use the "smartphone data" plan? If you don't mind being on the 2gb smartphone data plan for $25, go to the store and show it to them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'm the the iPhone unlimited data plan and I don't want to lose it.