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Ok im almost ready to sue AT&T for how long this is taking. I have spent 5 hr on the phone trying to get my data plan back...
Here is what happened. my 8125 with a 2 year old cingular unlimuted data plan (40$) included tethering and there access to isp.cingular. well my phone died so i went out and got a tilt. i bring it home and i look online and find that the (trying my best not to sware) horable sales men switched my plan to a 10$ more expensive one with out asking me. So then i have to spend time getting my plan back. so they revert it to a 40$ plan but i cant connect to the isp.cingular. i call back, go to there head it person and he says you can get it back. you need to spend 60$ on a plan that supports this. (im thinking you people messed this up, un mess it up) so i kall more times and i get nowhere. all them dont understand me and think im having a problem with wap.cingular even tho i say wap works. i mean i have been using the isp all through out the time i had my 8125 and loved it. now i get a diled isp.cingular. unable to connect.
so what do you think i should do. i have spent too much time on this but i want my old plan back. does anyone have any ideas or advice. (and yes i have gone to the manager wice... they were less helpfull then the others)
brianmay27 said:
Ok im almost ready to sue AT&T for how long this is taking. I have spent 5 hr on the phone trying to get my data plan back...
Here is what happened. my 8125 with a 2 year old cingular unlimuted data plan (40$) included tethering and there access to isp.cingular. well my phone died so i went out and got a tilt. i bring it home and i look online and find that the (trying my best not to sware) horable sales men switched my plan to a 10$ more expensive one with out asking me. So then i have to spend time getting my plan back. so they revert it to a 40$ plan but i cant connect to the isp.cingular. i call back, go to there head it person and he says you can get it back. you need to spend 60$ on a plan that supports this. (im thinking you people messed this up, un mess it up) so i kall more times and i get nowhere. all them dont understand me and think im having a problem with wap.cingular even tho i say wap works. i mean i have been using the isp all through out the time i had my 8125 and loved it. now i get a diled isp.cingular. unable to connect.
so what do you think i should do. i have spent too much time on this but i want my old plan back. does anyone have any ideas or advice. (and yes i have gone to the manager wice... they were less helpfull then the others)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you got your tilt, did you sign up for a new contract? If not then you should still have your old plan. They are grandfathered in. They CANNOT take it away unless YOU switch your plan. Just be aware that you cannot access 3G with the SIM card from your 8125, you will need a 3G SIM for that.
well i think i did sign up for the 2 year aggrement... but i did get a new sim card. but can they really change your plan with out telling you and make it 10$ more expensive?
Are you sure about that statement? There are no contracts for data plans like there are for voice plans to my knowledge anymore except for a few specialized data plans (most of those like some international data plans are 1yr commitments). Thats why you can add and cancel your data plan at any time without having to pay an Early Termination Fee.
I've gone thru some of my contracts for the past few years and I don't see anything stating any data plans have a commitment form either party. Only Voice.
well i mean i got the two year contract to keep the price of the phone low. (the 100$ off with 2 year contract) so yes it is for voice but the guy changed my data plan for some reason
Yeah this happened to me as well. When I got my tilt they chopped my old plan to hell and back and to get it working right I ended up having to pay more money than on my old plan. Sucked and for some reason it's a hit or miss whether or not I get pictures messages now.
Ok, well i guess i will try my best to have them give me the 60$ plan for 40$... just have to make them feel horable for it
they do it cuz they make commision off u
its in the contract u signed. they lie, cheat.
thats how corporate is though.
just ask them to switch you to a media net unlimited plan $15
tell them u have a regular phone not pda, and ask for the $15 media net unlimited
and teather, but i hear they put a cap on it.
i cant believe any of u guys would pay more than 20 bux for unlimited internet,
stealthj said:
just ask them to switch you to a media net unlimited plan $15
tell them u have a regular phone not pda, and ask for the $15 media net unlimited
and teather, but i hear they put a cap on it.
i cant believe any of u guys would pay more than 20 bux for unlimited internet,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about the fact that they are now monitoring the IMEI of the phone you are using and if it is in their database (AT&T Branded) then they'll know he should at least have the $30 plan. (Which is still a lot better than $50)
Anybody know what happens if AT&T figures out you are on the wrong plan? Do they switch you to the $30 plan or try to charge you outrageous fees?
I don't want to tether, and I'm offended that I should have to pay 2x for the same service just because I bought the wrong phone! Maybe somebody will come up with a way to repair our IMEI soon.
This post talks about the automatic device detection at AT&T: http://www.howardforums.com/showpost.php?p=10576027&postcount=28
imeihunter said:
Anybody know what happens if AT&T figures out you are on the wrong plan? Do they switch you to the $30 plan or try to charge you outrageous fees?
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Click to collapse
One time when i was in the At&t store talking to a rep making adjustments to my plan, he noticed the HIGH data usage and saw that i had a medianet plan and not pda connect on my 8525 (this was about 6 months ago).
He tried to force me to switch to the $49.99 pda connect plan but i just persisted that i bought the 8525 from them with that plan so he let it slide (although it was an imate jasjam and not att's branded 8525 )
BUT he warned me that if i get "Caught", and he said i will, they will charge me per KB which will have the bill break through the roof! But i know if this happens i can just go to the store with my bill and add the pda plan and have them cancel the charges. (i've done this before when i went over my minutes, messages, and kb when i was on a 5mb plan, not unlimitted)
I haven't been caught yet and last week i switched to the unlimited pda data plan for $30 so i'm playing it safe now (but still tethering )
ALso i can not connect to isp.cingular, i thought that was the point of the pda plan. Do i have to call and ask them to allow me to access isp.cingular?
From my experience, wap.cingular is faster than isp.cingular.
I have the $45/mo PDA Unlimited Plan (includes 500 any-type messages), and I tether using wap.cingular. I get 50-100kb/sec download speeds on my laptop when tethered.
imeihunter said:
What about the fact that they are now monitoring the IMEI of the phone you are using and if it is in their database (AT&T Branded) then they'll know he should at least have the $30 plan. (Which is still a lot better than $50)
Anybody know what happens if AT&T figures out you are on the wrong plan? Do they switch you to the $30 plan or try to charge you outrageous fees?
I don't want to tether, and I'm offended that I should have to pay 2x for the same service just because I bought the wrong phone! Maybe somebody will come up with a way to repair our IMEI soon.
This post talks about the automatic device detection at AT&T: http://www.howardforums.com/showpost.php?p=10576027&postcount=28
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Click to collapse
I just keep changing my phone on AT&T Billing and everything works okay thus far
brianmay27 said:
well i mean i got the two year contract to keep the price of the phone low. (the 100$ off with 2 year contract) so yes it is for voice but the guy changed my data plan for some reason
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Click to collapse
oh I do believe that is with their data plan. Your paying $10 more a month for $100 off in 6 months or something.
PDA Connect Unlimited still available, AFAIK
brianmay27 said:
. . . i want my old plan back. does anyone have any ideas or advice. (and yes i have gone to the manager wice... they were less helpfull then the others)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Speak to an AT&T rep that knows about this, and cares, and knows the tricks. I suggest Gyngabread Man here on this forum - send him a PM. He got me fixed up properly with the PDA Connect Unlimited plan for $39.95/mo. and I have access to isp.cingular as well as wap.cingular.
Good luck!
brianmay27 said:
Ok im almost ready to sue AT&T for how long this is taking. I have spent 5 hr on the phone trying to get my data plan back...
Here is what happened. my 8125 with a 2 year old cingular unlimuted data plan (40$) included tethering and there access to isp.cingular. well my phone died so i went out and got a tilt. i bring it home and i look online and find that the (trying my best not to sware) horable sales men switched my plan to a 10$ more expensive one with out asking me. So then i have to spend time getting my plan back. so they revert it to a 40$ plan but i cant connect to the isp.cingular. i call back, go to there head it person and he says you can get it back. you need to spend 60$ on a plan that supports this. (im thinking you people messed this up, un mess it up) so i kall more times and i get nowhere. all them dont understand me and think im having a problem with wap.cingular even tho i say wap works. i mean i have been using the isp all through out the time i had my 8125 and loved it. now i get a diled isp.cingular. unable to connect.
so what do you think i should do. i have spent too much time on this but i want my old plan back. does anyone have any ideas or advice. (and yes i have gone to the manager wice... they were less helpfull then the others)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Typically if you read the two year agreements or rebate agreements they will say that it's only valid with a specific data and voice plan of at least $X value. That's not uncommon.
As for getting back a grandfathered plan. I know at Sprint, depending on how old the plan was, once it was deprovisioned the system just was no longer capable of reprovisioning it. No matter how much you wanted it to.
My guess is though that you did in fact agree to have your plan changed. They just didn't make it any more clear than they legally have to.
cushcalc said:
Speak to an AT&T rep that knows about this, and cares, and knows the tricks. I suggest Gyngabread Man here on this forum - send him a PM. He got me fixed up properly with the PDA Connect Unlimited plan for $39.95/mo. and I have access to isp.cingular as well as wap.cingular.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My mistake... I am on the $39.99 PDA Unlimited plan. I was on a strange combination of Data and Messaging plans until I went into an AT&T store to buy a pair bluetooth headphones, and the rep looked at my account and pointed out that I could save money by combining my 2 options into this 1 plan.
this wut i did....i got a crappy phone ( real crappy) not a pda or smartphone and got the data plan 25 bucks i think unlimited internet and text now its 30 cuz i added 5 to get unlimited text and they asked me y do u want unlimited for my phone and said cuz i like it and then i changed to the tilt on craigslist bout mine for 250 and just put my sim with all my data plan and no problems
rico002 said:
this wut i did....i got a crappy phone ( real crappy) not a pda or smartphone and got the data plan 25 bucks i think unlimited internet and text now its 30 cuz i added 5 to get unlimited text and they asked me y do u want unlimited for my phone and said cuz i like it and then i changed to the tilt on craigslist bout mine for 250 and just put my sim with all my data plan and no problems
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a cute trick, but you are not the first to think of it. AT&T can tell that your are on the tilt. The browser requests contain information about what OS you are using. You probably are not using ridiculous amounts of data, so they have no reason to look. If they ever do look tho, they will see you are on WM, and they will switch you to the correct plan without warning.
I work for AT&T Tech Support. For the sake of keeping my job i'll call my self BoB.
Anyway you can still tether with wap.cingular as mentioned before. The only way we'd catch you is if you were downloading torrent or excessive amounts of data. We recently changed our data features which I think is retarded.
One thing they don't tell you is that the new Tethering plans which cost money out the ass have a 5GB soft limit.
What this means is that after 5GB of data you have used, AT&T will monitor any usage past the 5gb. The reason for this is so that they could price their data plans accordingly, hopefully for the better but in this world probably will be for the worse.
If you are casually browsing just use internet sharing in your phone to tether. Go to File Explorer-Windows-Scroll down about halfway to Internet Sharing then hit connect.
YOu could also go to wmwifirouter.com and download the app straight from the phone, it turns your phone into a router and you can just tether like that. I think it's ridiculous to charge so much for data. Sprint (even though I would never switch) Has their unlimited everything for 99 dollars, data, gps, voice, tv, etc. That just goes to show you how much unlimited data is actually worth.
Get a 19.99 Medianet Unlimited Plan, 19.99 Unl Messaging and you are set
Just get a RaZR and switch your sim card out, place a couple of test calls, and boom call in to have it changed or go online to make the change. After you have both features on put SIM back into TILT and you're done. I feel so bad when I tell a customer that in order to tether they need a 60 dollar feature. I'd feel insulted if that were me.
Thanks everyone for this help... after reading i guess my new question is what is so different between isp and wap... i thought it was like wap goes through a proxy and is not "THE internet" where as isp is "THE internet". is that right? also i would run a speed test too but well i cant.
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.
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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.
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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
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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?
Click to expand...
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.
Was there a way around this: Didn't have a smartphone before so I had a fifteen dollar "unlimited" plan. Then bought the captivate sans contract off ebay. Received a text this morning that I was switched to an appropriate limited smartphone data plan.
What really irks me is I haven't been using AT&T's data! I've been strictly wi-fi at the house since putting the SIM in.
Was that the sound of inevitability since they know the IMEIs of all Captivates? Or would rooting / custom mod helped? I hate being forced into the age of data caps.
AT&T's policy is if it's a smartphone you have to have a data plan.. period..
And yes, they know if you are using one by the IMEI.
Sucks yes.. and not much you can do. I had a Tilt for a long time without a plan and lived quite nicely by just using wifi.. ahh.. those were the days..!!
You may be eligible to be grandfathered in and keep your plan. Call 611 and ask for the cancellation department (I think they refer to themselves as "Customer Relations/Care/whatever") and let them know you aren't happy and why. Can't hurt to try, right?
I doubt seriously that you'll be able to keep your MediaNet plan. Most of us think that data is data is data, but not where AT&T is concerned. They tend to place this magical premium on smartphone data in the name of maximizing revenue.
If you don't use more than 200 mb a month then the $15 plan should be fine. If you think you'll use more, which is very likely with these phones, you'll want to get the 2gb plan.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I won a Samsung Epix a year ago and signed up for the MediaNet plan on my old feature phone. I swapped in the SIM, and I have been on $15 unlimited data ever since. This is a WinMo smartphone, and they have never caught on.
You have a pretty good argument if you bought the phone from e-bay. AT&T didn't subsidize your phone and you didn't agree to any plan changes. You just have to call them on their BS be firm but polite and see where you get. You should also check your account and see if they actually changed it. I received one of those text messages too but still have my mediamax plan.
Charging different $$ amounts for the same thing simply because you MIGHT use more is absurd. Hopefully one day they'll be called out on price fixing along with the other cellular carriers. Data IS data, just because you consume it using a smartphone instead of a dumbphone or a laptop doesn't make it any different or more costly for them. Data plan prices are a subject that will instantly send me into a frenzy.
Yeah, I might just let them win this one. Was using a Nokia E71 on the MediaMax and they were never the wiser. I guess this will end my long run with AT&T.
I absolutely love this Captivate and will hate to part with it...but because of their "smartphone" logic I'll be switching carriers within 6 months (as soon as T-mo has a good android HSPA+ or Metro has a good LTE). In the meantime I'll be wary of the 200 MB limit and use lots of wifi.
Thanks for the input! I love discussing corporate cents (non-sense)
ScottyNuttz said:
I won a Samsung Epix a year ago and signed up for the MediaNet plan on my old feature phone. I swapped in the SIM, and I have been on $15 unlimited data ever since. This is a WinMo smartphone, and they have never caught on.
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Click to collapse
You were grandfathered in. Before september 09 you could easily switch plans. They restricted this and customers who had already done it now have a smart phone exclusion soc code on their account.
Essentially if you had already cheated the system your grandfathered. If you hadn't then youre screwed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
ag4vr said:
Most of us think that data is data is data, but not where AT&T is concerned. They tend to place this magical premium on smartphone data in the name of maximizing revenue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't it obvious? Bits and bytes and packets that go to a smartphone device are inherently more expensive to produce and transmit than bits and bytes and packets that go to a "feature" phone!
nbohmer said:
Essentially if you had already cheated the system your grandfathered. If you hadn't then youre screwed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn... maybe I should buy w/o a new contract then...
ScottyNuttz said:
Damn... maybe I should buy w/o a new contract then...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Won't matter. If you use the captivate on ATT at all they will add the $15 plan to your account.
dontshakepandas said:
Won't matter. If you use the captivate on ATT at all they will add the $15 plan to your account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true. But once you're on a smartphone plan, it doesn't really matter which one. FWIW, I am running my Captivate on my Blackberry Enterprise Plan. They insisted it wouldn't work but it does. I often switch between a Bold 9700, 3GS and the Captivate for testing purposes on the same SIM. All work on the same account.
You can call em and they may credit you back the money and take the plan off your account, but next month it will just go right back on...its a completely automatic system and they don't currently have a way to override that from happening.
they are doing this with all smartphones now. Once I got my captivate, I gave my old Fuze to my little brother. Within a day, AT&T had signed him up for a data plan. I had bought my phone subsidized from AT&T and had it with them up until the release date of the captivate without a problem, but as soon as my brother put his SIM card in the phone, AT&T decided it was a smartphone... They also charged the $18 upgrade fee too, which I thought was f***ing obnoxious...
ag4vr said:
I doubt seriously that you'll be able to keep your MediaNet plan. Most of us think that data is data is data, but not where AT&T is concerned. They tend to place this magical premium on smartphone data in the name of maximizing revenue.
If you don't use more than 200 mb a month then the $15 plan should be fine. If you think you'll use more, which is very likely with these phones, you'll want to get the 2gb plan.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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Click to collapse
Don't forget the 30 dollar surcharge for the "privilege" to tether your computer to your phone and use "your" data.
I've been kicked back and forth through various AT&T departments for the past month over this...
According to AT&T's official line, if you were using a smartphone on a non-smartphone data plan before November of last year, you have a 'smartphone exclusion' added to your account. This will keep you from automatically getting 'upgraded' to a smartphone data plan as long as you don't change to a different smartphone.
Actually, it's a bit more complex than that. The above is true... as long as you're talking about AT&T smartphones. They have a database with the IMEI number for all of the smartphones they offer... but it does not include smartphones that they don't offer. As a result, if you plugged your SIM into a Nexus One, AT&T would be perfectly happy letting you continue on a 'featurephone data plan'. Same goes if you picked up a sim-unlocked HTC Desire from Telus.
Anyway, if you get stuck that way, just move your sim back to your featurephone and give customer support a call. They can get you back on the cheap data plan.
Actually, there's been reports of people trying to add a smartphone data plan to an account using a Nexus One and having AT&T refuse because 'it's not a smartphone' - or rather it's not in their list of smartphones. AT&T insisted on putting them on a featurephone data plane instead.
Now what's really nasty (and what happened with me) is that if you had ben running on an ancient data plan (like a $20 per month plan that provided unlimited data, unlimited text, and 200 mms), and you stuck your sim in a Captivate, you're screwed. Actually it was the AT&T rep who stuck my sim in and tried to process the upgrade. And before the upgrade had even completed, my old data plan was gone and a 2gb smartphone plan was stuck in it's place. What's worse, when told to cancel the upgrade if I can't keep my old data plan, it was too late. Once that data plan is gone, it's gone for good. I tried to get it back for the next month, going through about 9 support cases and hitting multiple levels of support in 3 different divisions. About the best they could do was to give me a heavy discount on the Captivate and put me on the old smartphone unlimited plan.
With the amount of jerking around I was given before anybody could give me a straight answer, I'm seriously considering returning my Captivate anyway and giving Verizon a shot. Except that they're going to cost the same amount I'm paying now, and they don't (yet) have any good android phones that work international.
mesasone said:
Don't forget the 30 dollar surcharge for the "privilege" to tether your computer to your phone and use "your" data.
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Click to collapse
Or the $20 "privelege" of connecting to an "enterprise" email system
ag4vr said:
I doubt seriously that you'll be able to keep your MediaNet plan. Most of us think that data is data is data, but not where AT&T is concerned. They tend to place this magical premium on smartphone data in the name of maximizing revenue.
If you don't use more than 200 mb a month then the $15 plan should be fine. If you think you'll use more, which is very likely with these phones, you'll want to get the 2gb plan.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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Click to collapse
I'm on this plan and it's not too bad. Only things I don't really do with my phone while I'm on data: browse the web, use google navigation, or use pandora radio. those things seem to eat up bandwith more than anything else.
Also, use a program like NetMeter, it'll let you know how much data you're using via data plan and wifi, very handy. It let's me monitor my use so I can be sure I won't go over.
And last thing to consider: The way AT&T's billing plan is that you're paying 15$ a month for the first 200mb of data that you use. If you go over that 200mb, they're going to charge you another 15$ for the next 200mb of data, and so on..
It really sucks they've done it like that, but they definitely had a lot of leaks in their network as far as data goes, which is why they've cracked down on it so much. I used to have the same 15$ unlimited data plan for the longest time ever and enjoyed it with my various HTC phones (Wizard, 8515, tilt), but ultimately, I hurt myself in the end since I didn't bother to get on an unlimited smart phone data plan back then, which would have cost me more at the time, but would more than make up for it as far as being grandfathered in goes.
The best way around it is getting a Tmobile phone because you dont need 3g and ATT usually doesnt mess aorund with there imei numbers. But Att has made data plan very cheap $15 and if u usually use wifi then u will never go over. I have never gone over 200 in the past year and its basically i download apps on wifi using other features in moderations u should be good.
First off, this is my first post on these forums.. second. I had the unlimited data plan on a dumbphone, switched to the smartphone. Was told I couldn't keep my plan. Called customer support. Explained I had been with ATT since 1998 and I don't understand why I couldn't keep my plan. They said I couldn't, agent was rather rude IMHO, I said, well I can change carriers, can I speak to a manager. She put me on hold. Came back rather quickly and said in a nice voice. Sir, I spoke to my manager and they agree to give you your plan back, since you have been with us for so long. But you know, it will cost you 5 dollars more a month. I laughed and said, that's not the point."
I'm currently in a AT&T Family Plan and my line has the old unlimited data plan. While my wife was in the local AT&T store buying a new Blackberry Torch, I was checking out the Captivate and really loved what I saw.
So I started talking to the AT&T guy, asking about data plans and such if I was to update my phone now. He stated that if I bought the Captivate I wouldn't be able to keep my old unlimited data plan, and that I'd have to either change to the 200MB or 2GB data plan. Is this really true, or is the rep just trying to get me into one of the new plans?
Also, I'm curious about the Captivate's GPS - the box states it's aGPS. Now I know this can mean a few things, but I'm curious if the Captivate has a "real" GPS chip in it, or does the Captivate's aGPS just use cell tower triangulation for navigation purposes?
I thought I'd get other's opinions before actually getting the phone - which I really do want!
Rambler358 said:
I'm currently in a AT&T Family Plan and my line has the old unlimited data plan. While my wife was in the local AT&T store buying a new Blackberry Torch, I was checking out the Captivate and really loved what I saw.
So I started talking to the AT&T guy, asking about data plans and such if I was to update my phone now. He stated that if I bought the Captivate I wouldn't be able to keep my old unlimited data plan, and that I'd have to either change to the 200MB or 2GB data plan. Is this really true, or is the rep just trying to get me into one of the new plans?
Also, I'm curious about the Captivate's GPS - the box states it's aGPS. Now I know this can mean a few things, but I'm curious if the Captivate has a "real" GPS chip in it, or does the Captivate's aGPS just use cell tower triangulation for navigation purposes?
I thought I'd get other's opinions before actually getting the phone - which I really do want!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think either the rep is trying to trick you, or he may just not know. When I bought my Captivate I was able to keep my existing unlimited plan, so I'd assume it'd apply to you as well. And yes the GPS receiver is actual GPS, however there are some issues with it at the moment (problems with holding a lock and tracking, etc.), and Samsung is trying to fix them.
KCutrer1 said:
I think either the rep is trying to trick you, or he may just not know. When I bought my Captivate I was able to keep my existing unlimited plan, so I'd assume it'd apply to you as well. And yes the GPS receiver is actual GPS, however there are some issues with it at the moment (problems with holding a lock and tracking, etc.), and Samsung is trying to fix them.
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Click to collapse
Thanks - maybe I can just go to another AT&T store, as there's a few around me and see if the reps give me the same "you must change data plan" story.
I've read about the GPS issues, and it seems some have them and some don't. I also see there's a couple fixes for the Captivate's GPS issue, but do they really work? The GPS feature is something I really want/need, as I'm not planning on buying a standalone GPS as well.
That's a lie. When i purchased my Captivate on my renewal, i ended up having to call AT&T directly as they wouldn't give me the deal price in the store and when the representative on the phone tried to sell me on one of their new plans, i immediately said, "No.. i want the unlimited plan transferred to the Captivate from my iPhone." It took him a few minutes of putting on hold to talk to his supervisor to come back and tell me it was done. So don't believe the AT&T rep in the store, they're probably told to tell you it's not possible. I'm telling you it is.
Remember.. once the unlimited plan is gone.. you can't get it back.
terrigan said:
That's a lie. When i purchased my Captivate on my renewal, i ended up having to call AT&T directly as they wouldn't give me the deal price in the store and when the representative on the phone tried to sell me on one of their new plans, i immediately said, "No.. i want the unlimited plan transferred to the Captivate from my iPhone."
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Click to collapse
Okay, this jogs my memory a bit now. The rep did say that if I was coming from an iPhone that I could keep my unlimited plan, otherwise I'd need to get one of the new plans. I currently have a HTC Advantage, but a Motorola Razr is showing up on my account as my current phone - which I was using until I got the Advantage, but obviously not from AT&T.
So even with the above would I still be able to retain my current unlimited data plan? I just want to have my ducks in a row before going back to the AT&T store.
I would call AT&T on the phone and inquire. I don't know about that, I had an iPhone and they didn't give me a hard time at all.
terrigan said:
I would call AT&T on the phone and inquire. I don't know about that, I had an iPhone and they didn't give me a hard time at all.
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Okay, just got off the phone with AT&T. According to the rep, if I previously had a "smartphone" with the unlimited data plan then I could keep that plan. But unfortunately my old Motorola Razr was not classified as a smartphone, and I'd need to choose one of the 2 new data plans available if I got the Captivate. And they're not able to back-date the IMEI number of the HTC Advantage.
So do you guys with the 2GB data plans come close to exceeding that at all? I'm now beginning to wonder if I should drop AT&T and go with another carrier for unlimited data.
Depends on how you use the phone
If you are jumping ship for a different carrier do it soon. I know for a fact Verizon will be doing that soon from a friend that works there. T-Mobile doesn't have a "cap" but they may as well, you get throttled after you use so much bandwidth. I don't know about Sprint, but if you are in a 4G Sprint area, that may be your best bet. The Epic is supposed to be the best Galaxy S phone.
Over the past 10 months, I have only had one month less than 2GB, at 1.4GB. My max was 4.8GB, and it appears I average about 3GB. My wife on the other hand, ranged from 90MB to 550MB, with most months at around 250MB. We both use our phones a lot. We both had iPhones until the Captivate came out. Once we switched to the Captivate both our data usages spiked. The difference is HOW we use our phones. We both use the web, a lot. But I stream Pandora almost daily for hours at work, and I download a lot of Podcasts. Sometimes I download podcasts on my phone when I am home even though I have WiFi just so I feel like I am getting my $$ from AT&T.
Sure you can survive on the new $15 data plan, but I wouldn't do it.
quarlow said:
Sure you can survive on the new $15 data plan, but I wouldn't do it.
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Click to collapse
If I was to stick with AT&T I'd definately get the $25 2GB data plan. Unfortunately AT&T isn't offering any higher data plans - even for business users!
If I did drop AT&T, I was thinking about Sprint and the HTC EVO (for the larger screen). But I just checked Sprint's 4G coverage for the west coast, and it's very slim. So Verizon would be my other option. I'll talk to the wife and see what she thinks. I'd definately be paying more for service by leaving my current AT&T Family Plan though, so that's something I need to consider as well.
Rambler358 said:
Okay, just got off the phone with AT&T. According to the rep, if I previously had a "smartphone" with the unlimited data plan then I could keep that plan. But unfortunately my old Motorola Razr was not classified as a smartphone, and I'd need to choose one of the 2 new data plans available if I got the Captivate. And they're not able to back-date the IMEI number of the HTC Advantage.
So do you guys with the 2GB data plans come close to exceeding that at all? I'm now beginning to wonder if I should drop AT&T and go with another carrier for unlimited data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in a similar predicament as I have an unlimited non-smartphone data plan that I am still using. Recently I put my sim into my friends Captivate to see if it would still work. I lose internet on some programs will retain it on others. For example, Google Maps works and connects fine, but FriendsStream does not, and most if not all widgets. The Android browser also doesnt work, but there is a workaround (Opera Mini). I'm always surfing the web, and like someone said earlier I stream music from Pandora about 6 hours a day, and I feel bad for my friends who have the capped plan when I see them run like roaches when we are at a WiFi available restaurant. I dont know if the 2GB plan will be enough for me.
I currently have my non-smartphone plan on my blackberry, and although I cant use BB apps like BBM, or the BB Browser... Opera Mini does the job, and 3rd Party apps including Google maps and Pandora work fine. I miss out on not being able to use some cool apps because of this, but the Captivate for sure is an internet-friendly phone.
quarlow said:
If you are jumping ship for a different carrier do it soon. I know for a fact Verizon will be doing that soon from a friend that works there. T-Mobile doesn't have a "cap" but they may as well, you get throttled after you use so much bandwidth. I don't know about Sprint, but if you are in a 4G Sprint area, that may be your best bet. The Epic is supposed to be the best Galaxy S phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny part is, AT&T is the only carrier with a truly unlimited data plan. (If you still have the unlimited data plan that is) Verizon, T-mobile, Sprint, all of their "unlimited" data plans are capped at 5gb.
I just got my captivate a week ago. They never said i had to change my data plan if upgrading. My unlimited plan just carried over. I switched from the htc pure.
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nuwayman said:
I just got my captivate a week ago. They never said i had to change my data plan if upgrading. My unlimited plan just carried over. I switched from the htc pure.
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Click to collapse
If AT&T had your HTC Pure indicated on your account previously, then you're good to go. Unfortunately when I got my HTC Advantage, I never called in to get the IMEI switched over. Now that's hurting me because I want to upgrade and keep the unlimited plan.
I had a Samsung A-737 (not a smart phone) and the $15 unlimited data plan. When I upgraded at an AT&T store, I was not allowed to keep that plan; I decided to go with the 2 gb, $25 plan. Additional usage is charged at $10/gb.
Though I'm sure I went over in the first month, for some reason AT&T was not able to track my usage. This second month, I'm approaching my limit; I've downloaded a lot of apps and other files, watched quite a number of youtube videos, surfed a lot, but I never stream audio, preferring to play from my own collection.
Regardless of whether 2gb is enough, having to watch data usage is a hassle... If, somehow, you can keep your unlimited plan as others have, that would be preferable. My counsel is to not give in so easy as I did. Perhaps, try upgrading by phone, direct to AT&T.
gary_lankford said:
I decided to go with the 2 gb, $25 plan. Additional usage is charged at $10/gb.
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The bad part is anything over 2GB is charged the extra $10, even a byte over will be charged extra.
Perhaps, try upgrading by phone, direct to AT&T.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, I tried this as well to no avail.
Though what's interesting is that I've been using my phone's SIM card in my Alienware M11x laptop (with the Gobi WWAN card) for data when WiFi isn't available. And it doesn't seem like the laptop's data usage is being recorded by AT&T for some reason. If that's the case, then maybe the 2GB plan just for the Captivate won't be an issue.
This is my second month with the Captivate on the 2gig plan. The first billing cycle was only 2 weeks and I totaled 465mb. Not bad, I though; I figured I could keep it under 2 gigs. However, two weeks into this billing cycle I got a warning message from att that I was nearly at my limit. I have no idea how I could have used 2000mb in two weeks. I don't stream anything and I kill tasks that might use background data. Even so, 2gigs is a lot.
This was my first smartphone. I truly regret signing on with ATT for two years. If I could do it again, I'd go with T-Mobile for the Vibrant or Sprint with the Epic (which wasn't out yet when I got my phone).
ATT's plan is a rip-off.
DemonWav said:
Funny part is, AT&T is the only carrier with a truly unlimited data plan. (If you still have the unlimited data plan that is) Verizon, T-mobile, Sprint, all of their "unlimited" data plans are capped at 5gb.
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Click to collapse
Still better than AT&T's 2GB data plan, for not much more money.
Ordered ours over the phone (after lots of hassle to get them to cave and allow an early upgrade from the 3GS) and it seems our unlimited data carried over. However, I didn't put in the new SIM they sent or "activate" it as they say to do... was worried it would require changing the data plan.
A couple months ago my iPhone 3gs got stolen and I had to use a razr as a backup phone for a couple weeks. They removed my unlimited data and changed me to unlimited Media Net... When I called to inquire and be sure I could change back over to unlimited smart phone data with no problem, they assured me there would be no hassle and they'd note the account. When I did get another iPhone, it actually ended up taking me about an hour on the phone with several reps that went through a few managers to get them to put my unlimited smart phone data package back on. They argued over whether they should be allowed to do it or not :-/ So I'm worried about losing it again, even though I actually don't even use much data at all in reality (I don't have 3g in my area, just EDGE, and I'm often around wifi... but just never know when I may need that unlimited )
Keeping Your Unlimited Data Plan
I was able to keep my unlimited data plan on AT&T. I had an iPhone which i gave to my wife when her Blackberry broke. I acquired an old Blackberry Bold 8800 from work to use until I got ready to upgrade. I moved jobs and had to return the phone. Stuck my SIM card in an old LG flip phone for the weekend until i was able to get to a store to upgrade. The rep switched me over to a 200 MB plan without saying anything. When I checked my features online the next day as I never trust the sells reps, I found the change. I immediately called AT&T. The cust. serv. rep began to explain that since I had switched from a smartphone to a non-smartphone I was no longer eligible to continue my Unlimited Data plan. I immediately asked for a manager. Within a few short mins I had my Unlimited Data Plan restored. I believe if you press them hard enough they will give in. It may take a call to AT&T customer service waiting for a manager and making your case, but he seemed ready to help and didn't want to lose a customer.
natedog75 said:
I was able to keep my unlimited data plan on AT&T. I had an iPhone which i gave to my wife when her Blackberry broke. I acquired an old Blackberry Bold 8800 from work to use until I got ready to upgrade. I moved jobs and had to return the phone. Stuck my SIM card in an old LG flip phone for the weekend until i was able to get to a store to upgrade. The rep switched me over to a 200 MB plan without saying anything. When I checked my features online the next day as I never trust the sells reps, I found the change. I immediately called AT&T. The cust. serv. rep began to explain that since I had switched from a smartphone to a non-smartphone I was no longer eligible to continue my Unlimited Data plan. I immediately asked for a manager. Within a few short mins I had my Unlimited Data Plan restored. I believe if you press them hard enough they will give in. It may take a call to AT&T customer service waiting for a manager and making your case, but he seemed ready to help and didn't want to lose a customer.
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Click to collapse
I've spoke to 2 different reps and each time they spoke to their managers. Unless your unlimited data plan was previously on a iPhone, then they won't (they specifically said can't) switch you over.
This is the main reason I think I'm going over to Sprint, as well as moving the wife over once her contract is up this December. Oh well, it's AT&T's loss not mine.
I've looked at a couple of threads in many forums (including this one) and was contemplating on this idea for a while before I came here. If this question was asked, then pardon me for posting a repeated question.
I've recently been testing Google Voice on both my phone and computer. I got a Google number and was able to make a call directly on my computer to so many people on Gmail and Google Voice website (no apps), so I assume that Google Voice uses voip technology. If that's the case, is it possible to get an unlimited data plan without talk and/or text for a good low price and use Google Voice over it to save a couple of $$$? And if so, what would be the best carrier to use in the US?
Not sure where you can get them from.. But something like an iPad plan sounds right Just internet
MacaronyMax said:
Not sure where you can get them from.. But something like an iPad plan sounds right Just internet
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Click to collapse
I'm looking for something closer to an android powered phone, or a wm6. If there's a good plan for one of those, then I'm all for it.
slicknessessity said:
I'm looking for something closer to an android powered phone, or a wm6. If there's a good plan for one of those, then I'm all for it.
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Click to collapse
He meant taking out an iPad plan, without the iPad.
Like use the SI-- Oh you can't.
Damn MicroSIMs. If you can get an adapter, then there you go.
Otherwise, keep looking.
DanWilson said:
He meant taking out an iPad plan, without the iPad.
Like use the SI-- Oh you can't.
Damn MicroSIMs. If you can get an adapter, then there you go.
Otherwise, keep looking.
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Click to collapse
I think that he really means....
Is there a App for Android or WP6+ (What I am looking for too) that will make calls with Google voice and not use any air time, only VOIP calls through google voice ?
Right now, in the US, Verizon still offers unlimited internet access, not like AT&T caps at 2gb...
DanWilson said:
He meant taking out an iPad plan, without the iPad.
Like use the SI-- Oh you can't.
Damn MicroSIMs. If you can get an adapter, then there you go.
Otherwise, keep looking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did some searching and found that there are micro sim to sim adatpors. But the service only caps at 2GB. It may work, but I am a heavy data user. If there's any other plans out there that offers unlimited data for a good price, then I may just go with that.
DavidinCT said:
I think that he really means....
Is there a App for Android or WP6+ (What I am looking for too) that will make calls with Google voice and not use any air time, only VOIP calls through google voice ?
Right now, in the US, Verizon still offers unlimited internet access, not like AT&T caps at 2gb...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If there is an app to do that, then that works too, but I'd rather still get rid of the air time service and go with an unlimited plan only to save a couple of bucks.
slicknessessity said:
If there is an app to do that, then that works too, but I'd rather still get rid of the air time service and go with an unlimited plan only to save a couple of bucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've looked into doing this same thing, but nobody in the US is eager to hand out data only plans. Additionally, Sprint is the only company (correct me if I'm wrong) that still has true, unlimited data, others have switched to a 5gig cap, which is still likely sufficient for your needs.
One way you might be able to get around it, and this may not be MORALLY sound, is to say you are hearing impaired and thus, aren't willing to pay for the voice portion of your plan.
booyakasha said:
One way you might be able to get around it, and this may not be MORALLY sound, is to say you are hearing impaired and thus, aren't willing to pay for the voice portion of your plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm. I could use this method for a family member of mine. He's hearing impaired, but he is on the internet a lot and he may be interested in that. I wonder if I can ask Sprint (or whom ever) if I can do that as well.
So many phone companies are getting rid of their unlimited data plan, so it's hard to find a good one. I heard that T-mobile has a reputation of having bad signal, but they have the no contract unlimited data plan for $50/mo, but given what I heard of their reputation, I'm not so sure it's worth it.
slicknessessity said:
Hmm. I could use this method for a family member of mine. He's hearing impaired, but he is on the internet a lot and he may be interested in that. I wonder if I can ask Sprint (or whom ever) if I can do that as well.
So many phone companies are getting rid of their unlimited data plan, so it's hard to find a good one. I heard that T-mobile has a reputation of having bad signal, but they have the no contract unlimited data plan for $50/mo, but given what I heard of their reputation, I'm not so sure it's worth it.
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Click to collapse
Tmobile's signal strength varies. I am in Jersey City, New Jersey and their signal and speed is very good. However, the fifty dollar plan is for internet cards or usb dongles. They do have a $40 data and unlimited texting plan for the galaxy tab... I have both tmobile and sprint and tmo's hspa+ kicks sprints wimax butt
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