All,
I currently own a T-Mobile Tab, and I just bought an AT&T Tab (outright, with no activated data service) with the intentions of selling the T-Mobile version because:
1. I am already an AT&T Customer for voice.
2. The T-Mobile network coverage in my market stinks.
My questions are along these lines:
1. I know I can put a ROM on the AT&T version which will enable phone use. But, if I install that ROM, will it also allow me to use the wap.cingular APN for internet access? I currently have the $45.00/mo "unlimited" BB plan on the SIM I would like to use in the AT&T Tab. With the stock ROM, it will not accept wap.cingular for the APN (believe me, I tried).
2. If #1 is entirely possible, is AT&T going to send me nastygrams via text because they know the IMEI of the TAB (it is theirs) and see the SIM mismatch? My whole point in doing this is having ONE device for phone and data. I am really not trying to cheat AT&T (although I don't think they deserve fair treatment) and if they offered a plan that would allow me voice on a tablet, I would consider it.
If this isn't possible, I will just abandon my efforts. It isn't worth the hassle if it isn't possible or realistic. I just would like to hear from someone who has done what I asked about above and if so, how is it working out for you?
Thanks, please advise.
-Rob
Yes, if you load the Euro ROM you will then be able to use wap.cingular. In fact, when I did so it already had the APN loaded and ready to select.
Regarding he second half, you are likely to get a nasty text from AT&T. I logged into my account and it showed that my currently active device was the Tab. The system spots it immediately, and if you are still under contract they'll probably nab you for it.
Try switching to the $45 4gb tethering plan. I am 2 weeks into the switch with no nastygrams.
I use my Tab as a phone and switch back and forth between my Captivate.
Not happy with the extra cost (was $30 unlimited data) however, after a long conversation with AT&T, they became very accommodating... helping make the cost easier to swallow.
I think that since the plan is for tethering, it IS IMEI agnostic, thus allowing you to use your data on any device.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App
Thank you
Thank you both for your insights. Could I possibly ask one more favor?
I am a veteran of about a dozen android devices, and I have flashed and tinkered with all of them. So I am far from a newb when it comes to the command line, etc. I rooted my T-Mobile Tab, but that is as far as that went because that was last fall, and things were still very fragile at that point as far as I could tell. I didn't want a brick on my hands.
I have looked around the Tab forums, and I can't seem to find a concise guide on how to approach our AT&T Tab in terms of the exact ROM to use and how to flash it, etc.
- Is there a good and updated guide to this that is AT&T specific? If so, could you please direct me to it or explain to me the steps you took?
- What are you running today? Is there a proven path to go back to stock? Can I get some sort of a good nandroid backup from a recovery before I flash the Euro ROM so I can revert it? I found a link to a "stock" ROM from Rotohammer and downloaded it this afternoon, but that is as far as I took it thus far.
Once done, I am going to roll with my current $45 BB "unlimited" plan until I get a nastygram. I will switch then if my hand is forced. I would prefer to keep the BB plan on the off chance I someday decide to retreat to a BB phone in a moment of weakness...
Thanks, any info you can direct me to would be greatly appreciated.
-Rob
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=929479
This is the thread that I used as my guide when flashing the Euro ROM. Pics and all, it's very helpful, and the flash went through rather fluidly and upon reboot, I could make calls and send text messages.
It felt a bit cumbersome using it as a phone, and the Euro ROM puts the home screen on the far left rather than centered (page 3) like the AT&T version, which irks my OCD need for symmetry. So I flashed back to stock per the instructions provided by Rotohammer several pages into the above referenced thread.
HOWEVER:
The provided stock firmware is a bit ****ed. When first powered on, there is no longer an AT&T splash screen, only the Galaxy Tab Samsung logo appears very briefly before the screen goes black, and remains black. There's no boot animation (though the boot music does play, and when it's fully booted you need to hit the power button twice to actually see your screen! After that point it's business as usual, but the lack of boot animation pisses me off and makes me wish I hadn't touched Odin. So be warned...you can go back to stock, but probably not back to former glory. I should have just stuck with my Tab as a tablet and my Aria as a phone. I'm hoping when the Gingerbread update comes out, it will fix the bootup issue.
I just flashed my ATT SGT to Overcome 2 Beta2 (Gingerbread) and it rocks. I'd go that route with the JK3 modem. No worries about missing splash screens, etc.
BTW, the BB data can be used on the SGT just fine. I was doing that until my company said to stop doing that
Question for OP re switch from T-Mo t AT&T
robroy90 said:
All,
I currently own a T-Mobile Tab, and I just bought an AT&T Tab (outright, with no activated data service) with the intentions of selling the T-Mobile version because:
1. I am already an AT&T Customer for voice.
2. The T-Mobile network coverage in my market stinks.
-Rob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rob -
Have you now set this up, and are you getting voice and 3G data on the AT&T device without a "modem switch"?
I have a T-Mo Tab running OC Icarus, and I love it, but I only want one device. Don't use phone much, but need to have it available, and while I know many are using the Modem switch on T-Mo devices, it is just way too kludgy IMHO in this day and age to have to go thru reboot iterations to make calls.
I am thinking of buying a non-contract AT&T as you did, and getting a SIM from another carrier (Tru SIM) so I can use internationally and domestically. Since my "real" number is sitting on a depricated VZ winmo gadget now out of contract, Tru SIM will port numbers on new activation, and since I will be overseas in a month, I am trying for the "Holy Grail" - phone, 3G, int'l and Tab all on one device.
Any insight you can provide since making the "switch" to the AT&T Tab is most appreciated.
like the OP, want to have just one device instead of 2 (phone and tablet).
have the iphone4 on ATT with the $15 200MB data plan.
if i get the ATT SGT and use my iphone simcard on it for calls/txts/data, will ATT allow it? if not what would they want me to do? upgrade my plan?
You can use at&t iphone sim in your tab. At&t will force you to change your unlimited plan for a 4 gig data tethering plan.
rangercaptain said:
You can use at&t iphone sim in your tab. At&t will force you to change your unlimited plan for a 4 gig data tethering plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont have an unlimited data plan. have the 200MB $15/month data plan. can the 2GB $25/month data plan work on the GalTab for voice/sms/data?
dont really wanna upgrade to the 4GB $45/month plan. its way too much for my occasional use.
there a way to use the ATT GalTab for voice/sms/data with just the 200MB $15/month data plan?
TIA
jeraldyne
Yes, just put your sim card in the tab and reboot. But you will rip through the data allowance quickly. Overage charges will follow. I use a voice + 2gig data plan.
I have been using the 2gb/month data plan since Jan. No problems. There is a long thread about data plans on at&t. Go read it if you want. My summary: att doesn't like sim-swapping from an umlimited data plan that was started with purchase of some phones (I.e. iPhones bought with an unlimited plans). Any tiered data plan + SGT will probably be fine.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App
thanks!! c",)
super valuable info!!
fwelland said:
I have been using the 2gb/month data plan since Jan. No problems. There is a long thread about data plans on at&t. Go read it if you want. My summary: att doesn't like sim-swapping from an umlimited data plan that was started with purchase of some phones (I.e. iPhones bought with an unlimited plans). Any tiered data plan + SGT will probably be fine.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
possible to point me to that thread? my search skills are kinda messed up today! c",)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1000921
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App
Related
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.
Click to expand...
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."
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Hey guys,
I'm thinking about getting the Captivate and I was wondering if I can get it without the $15/$30 per month data plan because 90% of the time I'm surrounded with wifi. I did some research and it says that AT&T will be able to track what phone your using with the IMEI number. I was wondering if I can bypass that if I get the Samsung Vibrant and then unlock it so I can use it with AT&T.
I also heard that data block might work is that true? Thanks for all the advice.
Seems kinda silly to get a smartphone and then cripple most of its functionality by not getting at least a minimal data plan. Even if you have ready access to wifi, there are situations where a little data access comes in handy.
I've got around att's data plan by taking a free dumbphone which i got with the "Add-a-line" option, and I swapped it out with an unlocked, not att branded device. Its been over 1.5 years, and I haven't had any data charge.
Just be careful the phone doesn't get any push email or anything like that. I once got charged for getting an email, because when you dont have a data plan, its pay per mb used
Its weird though, my friend did the same exact thing as me, but he bought a different phone, and he gets charged a data plan
EDIT: Actually, I think I got "grandfathered" in. You're most likely going to end up being forced into a data plan. Look at this article
It may sound silly but I am literally surrounded with free wifi wherever I go. Is there no way around this? What happens if I get a different smartphone instead?
If you use wifi there is no data plan utilized. AT&T has no idea what you do when you use wifi. Turn on wifi and enjoy email, the market, surfing...whatever you want.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I'm using edge on mine. I have tmobile and just unlocked the captivate so that i could bypass the data plan. You could probably do it the other way around
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
just get the phone, you will have to add the data plan to be able to buy it, but a few days later, tell them you lost it and you want to cancel the data, but tell them not only to cancel it, but to block it, because if they do not block it and you go online, they will charge you per MB of usage, but if they block it, there is no way to get any traffic if it isn't thru wifi
is that possible? wont they still be able to detect thatI'm using the Captivate?
A data plan is now required for any smartphone sold by AT$T or one of its authorized agents. So long as the SIM card is in it (it will show what phone it is in on the system and online in your account) they will not cancel the data plan for you. What some people do is put the SIM in a dumb phone, call and cancel their data plan, and then reinstall the SIM to their smartphone. Better be sure you don't use any data, though.
I found a couple of things that absolutely require a data plan and can not be done over wifi. For one, I have Market setup to bill to my AT$T account. When I buy an app this way I have to be on data connection, not wifi, or the charge does not go through. I'm guessing my account info needed to approve the purchase is not accessible via wifi. I also had a program tell me to turn off wifi so it could connect. Can't remember what it was, but it could not work over wifi, only the data connection. aGPS needs a data connection, as well, so you'd be rendering all your GPS apps useless without a data plan.
Process of putting a sim into a dumb phone used to work but it no longer does. Only customers that are grandfathered in can use a smartphone without a data plan provided they did not sign a new 2 year contract agreeing to the new terms and conditions. With a recent upgrade to their system they can detect what type of device the sim is in resulting in a text :data will be automatically added your account.
so nothing can be done?
kenwarez said:
so nothing can be done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only way is purchasing an unlocked smartphone from a different country. At&t system goes by imei and if it can't recognize the serial it will not classify it as a smartphone. I'm sure there is another way with all the custom options out there but not sure about that one.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
I'm not from USA and I don't know much about your carriers, but coudn't you alegate that the data service drains your battery till the.point you find your phone unusable and ask for at&t to block it threatening of changing your provider? The last part works for almost anything in my country. Also with a good excuse you can build up a consumers defense case asking to be removed from the plan. Like phone racism, all phones should be able to access all plans, and if for example you are on a no data area they are charging you more for the same service.
Just a few ideas... not sure if any of them could work
rastanthology said:
I'm not from USA and I don't know much about your carriers, but coudn't you alegate that the data service drains your battery till the.point you find your phone unusable and ask for at&t to block it threatening of changing your provider? The last part works for almost anything in my country. Also with a good excuse you can build up a consumers defense case asking to be removed from the plan. Like phone racism, all phones should be able to access all plans, and if for example you are on a no data area they are charging you more for the same service.
Just a few ideas... not sure if any of them could work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i thought the iphone was the only ATT phone they could force you to have a data plan on even when purchased off contract? I know they may try to turn on your data plan if you are using an off contract but in my past experience when you raise a fuss they take it back off and say it was a mistake (this was on my last phone...a TILT 2). I had purchased it off contract and after a about 1.5 years use without data plan one day i got a text saying it was required and had been added. Logged onto my account and couldn't disable. Called them and told them i did not want the plan added, that i had purchased the phone off contract, and had been completely happy using it for the past 1.5 years without a data plan. They said it was a mistake and removed it. Continued to use it for another 6 to 7 months without data plan then finally decided to add an unlimited plan before they disappeared.
Unless something has changed (which it may have) the iphone was the only phone that they forced the data plan on even when you purchased it without any discount or part of a 2 year agreement to have a plan.
alaimar said:
Process of putting a sim into a dumb phone used to work but it no longer does. Only customers that are grandfathered in can use a smartphone without a data plan provided they did not sign a new 2 year contract agreeing to the new terms and conditions. With a recent upgrade to their system they can detect what type of device the sim is in resulting in a text :data will be automatically added your account.
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ah..sounds like it has changed this use to only apply to iphone...didn't matter how or when you purchased them once the system saw it you were getting a data plan like it or not.
Look at any smartphone on the AT$T site. All have an asterisk stating that a data plan is required. You used to be able to request a data block, but their thinking now is that if you buy a smartphone on contract, you are doing so knowing that some level of data plan is required. AT$T has no obligation to customers that buy phones from other sources like eBay and Craig's List. I had a grandfathered $15 unlimited data plan since February 2009 that I used with my LG Incite. Last July I bought an HTC Tilt 2 off eBay. Almost as soon as I put my SIM into it AT$T tried to upgrade my data plan (since it was not a smartphone plan) I told them I did not want them to change anything as I would not be using the Tilt 2 for long and would probably be using my upgrade (new contract) in December. They weren't happy about it, but they left me alone until I did just that and got the Captivate a couple weeks ago. They are trying to close the loopholes and move people to one of the current data plans they offer. What does piss me off is that they still have the true unlimited data plans (no caps) available just for iPhone customers.
alaimar said:
Only way is purchasing an unlocked smartphone from a different country. At&t system goes by imei and if it can't recognize the serial it will not classify it as a smartphone. I'm sure there is another way with all the custom options out there but not sure about that one.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
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Sorry but no. If AT&T decides to carry that phone later, it will be sweep into the AT&T data plans. It happened to my Rogers X10a. Once AT&T decided carrying it, I got a text message that they were switching me to the proper data plan. So hope that whatever unlocked phone you want to buy will never be sold by AT&T.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Like I said before, are you sure you can't just unlock the Vibrant from T mobile and use that without the data plan? Sure, it isn't the captivate, but it is basically the same thing and could work. I purchased my captivate from some guy off contract and all I had to do was unlock it and it works perfectly without a data plan on T-mobile.
does the sim card affect anything because I have a Cingular SIM card.
I bought a locked at&t captivate on ebay for my girlfriend and she's been using it for almost 3 months now with no data plan and at&t has not added one to her line yet. the asterisk on the at&t website saying a data plan is required is only to get that discounted price on the phone itself. ($200 instead of $500 or whatever)
For AT&T Branded SGT's - if you are a customer that has voice and data, what plan have you chosen, and how does it work for you.
2nd Question;
If you were to newly enroll with AT&T with your AT&T Branded SGT, what would you tell them you want for a plan, to allow for voice and data.
I know what is happening to some of the users, as far as data plan and voice, but I wanted to hear from those that are actually having a good experience.
My ATT SGT is just part of my Family Plan as an additional line ($10/mo). And then I added the $25/mo 2GB Smartphone Data (lost my unlimited ). I had to use a phone IMEI to activate the additional line, but then I moved the SIM into my Tab.
If you're trying to use the Tab as a primary phone on the account it won't work; it isn't supposed to have calling features, even if you enable the functionality. If you really only want the Tab and no other phone lines you could easily pick up a crappy 2G/3G phone unlocked on eBay, use that to activate new service with ATT, and then swap the SIM into your Tab. Also, if you're looking to recoup some cash, you could take advantage of some of the new customer specials and get a smartphone like the Atrix or Inspire, active with those and then use the SIM in your Tab. SIM unlock the phone and throw it on eBay, in which case you'll most likely make some coin.
I might want to move to ATT in the future, I tried a friends ATT sim from his droid, and I got voice+3G+H - that is a big difference over TMOUS EDGE.
Ok looking for some more input.
Once I moved to the $45 (4GB) tethered plan, the nastygrams ended and I am able to use my gTab as a phone, or switch back and use my Captivate.
I think the tethered plan is IMEI agnostic...
I am att customer for several years. After several phones and plan switches, I landed on a 2gb smart phone plan that i was using with my n1 for several months before i got my sgt in jan '11.
After flashing for voice, I dropped in my sim from my n1. Works great for voice, txt and data. No nasty txt to upgrade/change my plan. Att seems ok with people using a tiered/limited plan with sgt. They didn't much care for peeps who had some sort of unlimited plan aquired with a different device and putting that sim into sgt.
There is a long thread about this in the gt general forum.
How does it work for me? Quite well! I stay under the 2gb limit with few problems. I do use wifi allot. If i didn't, i would bump into the limit more often. I do use wifi tethering, but rarely. I am a software and it guy; and characterize my internet usage as pretty high. I send lots of texts, and the sgt works well for that - i have unlimited texting.
Oh, I pay 25/month for 2gb.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App
Excellent info, thanks team.
Seems the trick is to have a 2GB tether plan with your voice plan.
One last thought. . . I dont have any sort of tether option on my plan. I just have straight 2gb smart phone plan. I only tether about 10-20mb or so a month.
Perhaps this could be 'attracting' some attention from att sometime - but i think i am flying under the radar for now.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App
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
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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!)
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Just bought Int GNote, pros/cons of Straight Talk, Go Phone, or AT&T w/dumbphone data
Just bought a Galaxy Note and been reading all the topic posts on the different options for using my Note. Haven't figured out what's best so maybe I'll ask for people's experiences and get suggestions.
This will be a 2nd phone for me since my company already pays for a phone for me on Sprint, and I got tired of waiting for Sprint to come out (if ever) of their version of the Note. I already have an Epic 4G and we get WiMax here in the SF Bay Area, so I don't mind continuing using that since my company pays the bill.
What I would like to do on my Note would be mainly email, web browsing, texting and maybe a few phone calls, but since I have my other phone, phone calls are secondary. The one thing I really like doing THE MOST is watching YouTube videos and streaming songs from Google Music (Now called Play Music or whatever). On my Samsung Epic 4G with Sprint, I average between 3 and 4 GBs per month on data usage.
So in short my questions are:
1. Should I go with Straight Talk $45 Unlimited Plan, AT&T Unlimited $50 Go Phone Plan, or piggyback on my parent's AT&T postpaid plan ($10 to add a line, $30 for unlimited data + unlimited messaging for non-smartphone ie dumbphone plan)?
2. Which one of these would give the best possible data speeds? I know they all use AT&T's network but I've read that GoPhone plans are (possibly) throttled vs postpaid?
3. Which is more likely to raise red flags when using data? I know there is no such thing as truly unlimited data, but which plan is more "lenient" in your data use or will probably let you download a little more data than another option. I've read on Straight Talk, you should try not to go over 100 MB/day or 2 GB/month, but are those limits also similar on GoPhone unlimited or postpaid with dumbphone data.
Anything else I should know?
Thanks for the info!
i say try straighttalk since it no contract and if they ban u for useing to much fake unlimted data try at&t but i think its crap how these compony ban people f em lol almost like a scam
I'm currently using my old grand fathered unlimted Ipad sim in mine. Currently 3GB for $30 does not seem too bad, No contract. Just buy and Ipad 3g and activate and sell it. I've used that sim in an iPhone, mifi, my laptop and now the Gnote and ATT has never said anything. No phone calls or text, the work a rounds aren't great but they do work.
Once Sprint sees fit to let me out of my contract I was thinking of giving Straight talks a go
Edit
If you go with the Ipad sim, you will need an adapter to make the sim larger. I have a micro sim punch so I took an old full sized sim and punched out the sim and used the left over card board as the adapter. You may need to do some filing with a nail file but it seems to work the best compared to the plastic adapters you find. You will have be carful remove the aim sum and adapter from a device.
Using ST with my note for 4 full months now, very satisfied. I am not a heavy mobile data user though, I just do some browsing while out and about, read some news on pulse, and check e-mail a few times a day.
Thanks for some of the suggestions so far, but has anyone tried the AT&T post paid plan with the data for dumb phone plan or the old medianet plan lately? I assume it still works because AT&T does not have the IMEIs of the international version in their database? And they fixed the problem with it showing up as a Galaxy Tab? I read that you could delete out the /EFS directory and have it show up as a generic phone or use an IMEI from a loaner phone as well, but I haven't seen any posts regarding these strategies newer than January so not to sure if AT&T figured this out.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Had data working great on the GoPhone plan.. then downloaded some 600mb of files (don't really remember what, I think it was a few ROMs), and two days later my internet was shut off.. so the moral here is, don't be stupid with it if you get it to work on the gophone plan
joshnichols189 said:
Had data working great on the GoPhone plan.. then downloaded some 600mb of files (don't really remember what, I think it was a few ROMs), and two days later my internet was shut off.. so the moral here is, don't be stupid with it if you get it to work on the gophone plan
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Click to collapse
No way I would download that much at one time, I think I do maybe 100-200 MB/day on average at the most. The question with you (and thanks for answering btw), is what kind of download speeds were you getting on the GoPhone plan? Were you getting FauxG speeds (HSPA+) or was it throttled? And did you have to do anything special to make it work on the GoPhone plan or was it a matter of just putting the correct APNs?