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Hi,
I am currently residing in India, using the Euro frequency (i.e. T-mobile) N1. My N1 was bought from Europe.
I will soon be moving to USA for studying. The problem is, most people, including students, in and around my area use ATnT. So I will be forced to use ATnT, not T-Mobile. I do not intend to buy a new phone, I would really like to keep using this same phone in the US. I had a few questions regarding this:
1. Will my phone work? I am not interested in 3G on the phone, I will have wifi. But I heard that ATnT issues new sim card which work on 3G frequencies only. Is that true? Will I at least have EDGE on my phone?
2. My cousin there can get me into her family plan. However, ATnT says that if they detect a smartphoe, they will add data plan without asking, for ALL the people in the family plan. Now my phone is bought from Europe, so will ATnT be able to detect it as a smartphone? Would they forcibly activate data even if my phone frequencies are not compatible?
3. Supposing they can detect it, and hence I can't get into the family plan. What other option do I have? Should I go for ATnT prepaid? But prepaid is VERY costly, and I would like to try and avoid it.
4. I will not have any credit history, at least initially. How do I go about buying an ATnT connection then?
5. Will I be able to use Google Voice on the phone, if I don't have a data plan or continuous internet on the phone? Can other people having ATnT call Google Voice numbers for free, or is the airtime charged?
6. What would my WORST case scenario be? Get another phone under contract from ATnT and keep my N1 as a paperweight? (I would really like to avoid this)
That's a lot of questions, and diverging quite a bit from my topic. However, I would appreciate any help, since I will be going to a new country. If any of these questions are n00b type, I would request pointers to a place where I can research on it
Thanks.
rohandhruva said:
Hi,
I am currently residing in India, using the Euro frequency (i.e. T-mobile) N1. My N1 was bought from Europe.
I will soon be moving to USA for studying. The problem is, most people, including students, in and around my area use ATnT. So I will be forced to use ATnT, not T-Mobile. I do not intend to buy a new phone, I would really like to keep using this same phone in the US. I had a few questions regarding this:
1. Will my phone work? I am not interested in 3G on the phone, I will have wifi. But I heard that ATnT issues new sim card which work on 3G frequencies only. Is that true? Will I at least have EDGE on my phone?
2. My cousin there can get me into her family plan. However, ATnT says that if they detect a smartphoe, they will add data plan without asking, for ALL the people in the family plan. Now my phone is bought from Europe, so will ATnT be able to detect it as a smartphone? Would they forcibly activate data even if my phone frequencies are not compatible?
3. Supposing they can detect it, and hence I can't get into the family plan. What other option do I have? Should I go for ATnT prepaid? But prepaid is VERY costly, and I would like to try and avoid it.
4. I will not have any credit history, at least initially. How do I go about buying an ATnT connection then?
5. Will I be able to use Google Voice on the phone, if I don't have a data plan or continuous internet on the phone? Can other people having ATnT call Google Voice numbers for free, or is the airtime charged?
6. What would my WORST case scenario be? Get another phone under contract from ATnT and keep my N1 as a paperweight? (I would really like to avoid this)
That's a lot of questions, and diverging quite a bit from my topic. However, I would appreciate any help, since I will be going to a new country. If any of these questions are n00b type, I would request pointers to a place where I can research on it
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will still be able to add the phone to the family line. When they add a line they ask for your imei and they will know that it is a smart phone then att will add data to just that phone line. Att will not force 3g I think they can't cover enough places with it so don't worry about that. I would look on Craig's list to are if anyone wants to trade.
miketlo said:
You will still be able to add the phone to the family line. When they add a line they ask for your imei and they will know that it is a smart phone then att will add data to just that phone line. Att will not force 3g I think they can't cover enough places with it so don't worry about that. I would look on Craig's list to are if anyone wants to trade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, miketlo. My cousin was told by ATnT that they will add data to all the 3 lines in the family. I will confirm again. But in any case my phone should work on EDGE right? Even if I have their new "orange" sim card?
Trading is a nice idea, I'll look into it after I get in the US. But I would like to avoid it, since it will cause me problems when I return to India (though most Indian providers work on both Tmo and ATT phones).
Answers below your questions
rohandhruva said:
Hi,
I am currently residing in India, using the Euro frequency (i.e. T-mobile) N1. My N1 was bought from Europe.
I will soon be moving to USA for studying. The problem is, most people, including students, in and around my area use ATnT. So I will be forced to use ATnT, not T-Mobile. I do not intend to buy a new phone, I would really like to keep using this same phone in the US. I had a few questions regarding this:
1. Will my phone work? I am not interested in 3G on the phone, I will have wifi. But I heard that ATnT issues new sim card which work on 3G frequencies only. Is that true? Will I at least have EDGE on my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone will work just fine for phone calls and only EDGE speeds for cell data.
2. My cousin there can get me into her family plan. However, ATnT says that if they detect a smartphoe, they will add data plan without asking, for ALL the people in the family plan. Now my phone is bought from Europe, so will ATnT be able to detect it as a smartphone? Would they forcibly activate data even if my phone frequencies are not compatible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
False. Data plan will be added to your line only. IMEI is sent to the provider and they can what type of phone it is. You can TRY to have them BLOCK all internet data from your line, but it's something they don't like to do (since they like having you PAY them).
3. Supposing they can detect it, and hence I can't get into the family plan. What other option do I have? Should I go for ATnT prepaid? But prepaid is VERY costly, and I would like to try and avoid it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Non issue, since they WILL NOT add data to the ENTIRE family plan, JUST your line.
4. I will not have any credit history, at least initially. How do I go about buying an ATnT connection then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're opening your OWN account, you'll have to put down a deposit, it will be SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS.
5. Will I be able to use Google Voice on the phone, if I don't have a data plan or continuous internet on the phone? Can other people having ATnT call Google Voice numbers for free, or is the airtime charged?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to get sms or voicemail (from the app), or MAKE calls AS your Google Voice number, you will need Data OR WIFI. You can get your voicemail by calling your GV number, and you can receive GV calls if someone calls your GV number, you can also make GV calls if you call your own number and go through the prompts (takes a while).
6. What would my WORST case scenario be? Get another phone under contract from ATnT and keep my N1 as a paperweight? (I would really like to avoid this)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You open your own account, put down HUNDREDS of dollars in deposit, get a crappy free phone, put SIM in your N1, pay AT&T stupid price for Data Plan which will only get you EDGE.
nxt said:
If you want to get sms or voicemail (from the app), or MAKE calls AS your Google Voice number, you will need Data OR WIFI. You can get your voicemail by calling your GV number, and you can receive GV calls if someone calls your GV number, you can also make GV calls if you call your own number and go through the prompts (takes a while).
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
i use that when i have no data or when i use someones phone with no app but its annoying when youre used to the convenience of using the data connection
Just so you know, if you were to trade for the ATT 3g version of the nexus, It will also work just fine in India, 3g and all.
Are you sure which version you currently have? Yes your nexus will work just fine on ATT using edge.
Or another Idea is to get away from that by stating that you need a sim card for now and that you will find a phone on your own. You don't have to tell them about your phone nor give your IMEI to them as well. Once you get your sim go online and add the 15 dollar unlimited non-smartphone data plan or if you are tagging on someone's family plan and they have an unlimited family msging plan then go add the 10 dollar non-smartphone data plan. I've been doing this for over 8 months and I am sure ill be caught some day...lolz
P.S if you provide your own equipment you do not need to sign a contract to get service, you'll just go month to month. Unfortunately, you'll still have to pay an activation fee.
Thanks a lot everyone, this certainly helps me
nxt said:
Answers below your questions
You open your own account, put down HUNDREDS of dollars in deposit, get a crappy free phone, put SIM in your N1, pay AT&T stupid price for Data Plan which will only get you EDGE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about I ask my cousin to take a phone + SIM, use *that* phone as paperweight, and put the SIM in my N1? That way I won't have to pay down the deposit myself. Or as woot_woot suggested, get a SIM card only?
RogerPodacter said:
Just so you know, if you were to trade for the ATT 3g version of the nexus, It will also work just fine in India, 3g and all.
Are you sure which version you currently have? Yes your nexus will work just fine on ATT using edge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I'll definitely try to trade once I get there, but anyway 3G will be too expensive, so I would like to try and avoid it altogether. How is EDGE usage charged? Is it subtracted from your voice minutes?
wOoT_WoOt said:
Or another Idea is to get away from that by stating that you need a sim card for now and that you will find a phone on your own. You don't have to tell them about your phone nor give your IMEI to them as well. Once you get your sim go online and add the 15 dollar unlimited non-smartphone data plan or if you are tagging on someone's family plan and they have an unlimited family msging plan then go add the 10 dollar non-smartphone data plan. I've been doing this for over 8 months and I am sure ill be caught some day...lolz
P.S if you provide your own equipment you do not need to sign a contract to get service, you'll just go month to month. Unfortunately, you'll still have to pay an activation fee.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it possible for my cousin to get a SIM card only for me, or do I need to buy it myself? Won't they be able to detect my phone as a "smartphone" once I put my SIM card in? Is it possible to avoid adding any data plan altogether? Also your note under 'P.S' applies in case of family plan, or in case I decide to take an account myself?
I think my best option would be to go for something like FlexPay which T-mobile has. Is there something similar in ATnT?
Bump
(10 char)
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.
Im currently thinking about switching to at&t from tmobile.
One reason is my work gets a 22% discount the at&t vrs 12% at Tmo.
Also with taxes and unlimited everything im paying about a hundred which is kind of rediculous. (Without my discount)
Has anyone switched before and have a little more insight about data and plans between the two networks. I already know tmobile has hspa+. But will i end up paying more at at&t?
I already have someone lined up to trade my tmo nexus for a att nexus. Im just skeptical. And yes im going to pay etf fee even though i dont want too.
Help me out here people.
Att generally is more money for the same service and their coverage is not much better at least where I live
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
First of all, don't sign a contract because you're providing your own phone so you don't need to go on contract. Secondly, have you checked to make sure that T-Mobile has 3G in your area? What's your zip code?
How much etf do you have to pay? I dont think its a smart move to switch from tmo to att because of the extra 10% savings. Im pretty sure atts prices are inflated above the 10% difference. If you really wanted to save money then you can just switch your tmobile plan from your unlimited everything. If you switch your texting to google voice you can save $20 a month just from that. You can lower your minutes and start using sipdroid for your calls and have virtually unlimited free calls as long as you have decent data connection or wifi, and you can use your tmobile minutes as a backup.
So if you really wanted to get creative and still have a virtually unlimited plan you can sign up for the 500 minute plan on tmobile for $29.99, and get on the $10 web2go plan (this is the reason alone why i wont upgrade my phone for a long long time). $40 a month, and no contract.
smachine said:
How much etf do you have to pay? I dont think its a smart move to switch from tmo to att because of the extra 10% savings. Im pretty sure atts prices are inflated above the 10% difference. If you really wanted to save money then you can just switch your tmobile plan from your unlimited everything. If you switch your texting to google voice you can save $20 a month just from that. You can lower your minutes and start using sipdroid for your calls and have virtually unlimited free calls as long as you have decent data connection or wifi, and you can use your tmobile minutes as a backup.
So if you really wanted to get creative and still have a virtually unlimited plan you can sign up for the 500 minute plan on tmobile for $29.99, and get on the $10 web2go plan (this is the reason alone why i wont upgrade my phone for a long long time). $40 a month, and no contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2 questions... how do I get on web2go plan. And how do I use gvoice for texting?
pretty sure web2go is one of the old grandfathered plans the only way you have it is if you stuck with your plan and never changed it.
T-mobile just like other carriers play dirty tricks with plans to get their money back from subsidized phones.
i for example recently went the route of buying a used N1 for more than a G2 would have cost me subsidized up front because i'm on a grandfathered G1 data plan so currently i pay 55 dollars a month for 300 min 400 texts and unlimited data. i dont talk or text enough on my phone to justify more so its the cheapest thing for me to do is stick with it. if its not enough for me at some point i can upgrade to the even more whatever base plan without contract because i'm out of contract on my G1 now and it will run me 60 a month for 500 anytime unlimited text and data. had i bought a subed G2 i would have had to pay 80 a month for the same exact plan that is 60 off contract.
from what i have seen ATT is about 20 dollars more a month for the base plan that you would want on a N1 or other similar phone and as i said before in my experience at least in the SF bay area coverage is equal between t-mobile and ATT for the most part, maybe a slight edge to ATT in some places but for the most part the same.
Sprint is the only carrier that i have seen that comes close to the cost of T-mo and even with a subed phone like a EVO 4G your only looking at 70ish a month for a comparable plan but its nice staying off contract because it gives me more options in the not so distance future
jm1999 said:
2 questions... how do I get on web2go plan. And how do I use gvoice for texting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I signed up just last week with tmobile and picked the $10 unlimited internet for phone option which is the same as web2go. Log into your tmobile account and go to add services, and there should be $10 unlimited mobile web for phones. Just make sure you do it before tmobile changes to the tiered plans, and set your device as being a dumbphone. Set your apn settings to internet2.voicestream.com and it will be good to go.
For google voice texting you just use the built in google voice application, or the normal contact list on your phone. It will send texts out from your google voice number. I sent one massive text out to all my contacts telling them my google voice number was my new main number. Might seem like a pain telling people a new number but after you do this it will help you out in the long run. You can setup sipdroid for free calls and all incoming and outgoing calls from your google voice number can be made without the use of any minutes if you have data/wifi. I made a step by step guide for that at this link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=8813244&postcount=18
I went the other way and am never going back to att!
My plan right now costs half of what att used to charge me
go tmo!
Ps: usually the discount only applies to the main line.
on both networks
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?
Got my SIM card yesterday from T-Mobile.com
Got my Nexus 7 GSM today.
Cut up my full sized sim to fix into micro sim slot. Worked fine.
Inserted SIM into tablet. Got signal. So far so good.
Nexus 7 doesn't have Phone.apk or MMS.apk on launcher.
Fired up Wi-Fi, went to go Play Store.
Installed Go SMS Pro.
Set up my sim card online. Activated with $30 100 minutes, UL txt, 5GB plan.
Had to retry "nearest city" options and zip codes, but eventually got it to work.
Got my SMS notification on my tablet saying account is good.
Refilled for a month.
Got my SMS notification of the refill.
Setup a T-Mobile account with my prepaid number. All good.
0KB used.
Reboot tablet. I get "Sign into network" which is a html redirect page.
Every page redirects to sign in page. Can never sign in.
Research online.
Turns out it's detected as a tablet. IMEIs are apparently flagged by T-Mobile.
BAH!
I'll root and mess around my /efs/nv_data.bin and reboot back, but so far :-/
Edit: No /efs folder
CLShortFuse said:
Got my SIM card yesterday from T-Mobile.com
Got my Nexus 7 GSM today.
Cut up my full sized sim to fix into micro sim slot. Worked fine.
Inserted SIM into tablet. Got signal. So far so good.
Nexus 7 doesn't have Phone.apk or MMS.apk on launcher.
Fired up Wi-Fi, went to go Play Store.
Installed Go SMS Pro.
Set up my sim card online. Activated with $30 100 minutes, UL txt, 5GB plan.
Had to retry "nearest city" options and zip codes, but eventually got it to work.
Got my SMS notification on my tablet saying account is good.
Refilled for a month.
Got my SMS notification of the refill.
Setup a T-Mobile account with my prepaid number. All good.
0KB used.
Reboot tablet. I get "Sign into network" which is a html redirect page.
Every page redirects to sign in page. Can never sign in.
Research online.
Turns out it's detected as a tablet. IMEIs are apparently flagged by T-Mobile.
BAH!
I'll root and mess around my /efs/nv_data.bin and reboot back, but so far :-/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That really sucks.
While I'm probably going to go with the $15 AT&T plan, the $30 TMO plan you referenced sounds like a perfect one for people who want a lot of data, SMS capabilities and some minutes for light talk usage. I was hoping it would work. Have you tried talking to T-Mobile about it?
Thanks for sharing. Hopefully there is a solution.
phonic said:
That really sucks.
While I'm probably going to go with the $15 AT&T plan, the $30 TMO plan you referenced sounds like a perfect one for people who want a lot of data, SMS capabilities and some minutes for light talk usage. I was hoping it would work. Have you tried talking to T-Mobile about it?
Thanks for sharing. Hopefully there is a solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the $15 AT&T plan (actually $10 unlimited) that I'm using for my Galaxy Note 10.1. I would try swapping around but the sim sizes are different. I'm pretty sure that TMobile will say that the Nexus 7 is a data-only device and won't let me do it.
Google has stripped WiFi tethering, MMS and Phone from the device and I'm sure it's no coincidence.
CLShortFuse said:
I have the $15 AT&T plan (actually $10 unlimited) that I'm using for my Galaxy Note 10.1. I would try swapping around but the sim sizes are different. I'm pretty sure that TMobile will say that the Nexus 7 is a data-only device and won't let me do it.
Google has stripped WiFi tethering, MMS and Phone from the device and I'm sure it's no coincidence.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Stripped" might be too strong a word.
The non-3G versions never had any of those functions. I think it's more likely that they simply chose not (or forgot) to include them in the 3G version.
SMS actually does work, but inbound only (according to rumors) by default. But you can apparently use an SMS app to do outbound fine. There is another thread discussing the phone mod. Apparently a framework change can enable it, but no one has been able to test whether it works or not yet to place calls.
I imagine it would be trivial for a developer to add tethering support, though I don't see the need personally. Most people only care about tethering a non-3G tablet to a phone, not the other way around.
What $10 AT&T plan? Is that the "share your data" plan or an independent pre-paid one?
I don't need a lot of data, but I want to be able to have some if necessary. I also don't want to pay too much for it. $15 seems reasonable, but $10 is better - assuming I don't already need to have a phone with them.
Did you register your sim to N7 IMEI or normal phone IMEI? Wonder if that makes a difference.
Did you ensure the APN was what phones use for data rather than tablets/modems? Tweakker on the market will set it for you if you are unsure.
isosunrise said:
Did you register your sim to N7 IMEI or normal phone IMEI? Wonder if that makes a difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did all 1s a couple of times but I when I successfully activated I used the N7 IMEI and changed the "nearest city" option. I strongly doubt that was the issue since other people who have this problem with the TMobile branded Springboard say the SIM works on other devices. I can't test this since I have no other device (tablet or smartphone) that takes microSIM.
jdsemler said:
Did you ensure the APN was what phones use for data rather than tablets/modems? Tweakker on the market will set it for you if you are unsure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I checked them all manually. They were a little different than standard APNs (had a masked password and server field), but I modified them. I was still redirected. I'm pretty sure it's IMEI detection. I'll try it anyway. Edit: Tweaker is not supported on Play Store. I'll have to search for the APK
CLShortFuse said:
I checked them all manually. They were a little different than standard APNs (had a masked password and server field), but I modified them. I was still redirected. I'm pretty sure it's IMEI detection. I'll try it anyway. Edit: Tweaker is not supported on Play Store. I'll have to search for the APK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow operators starting to b a-holes eh?
Look for Tweakker with two k's
When I try to install Tweakker from the store, Google Play reports that it is not compatible with my N7. (I did upgrade it to 4.2.)
phonic said:
"Stripped" might be too strong a word.
The non-3G versions never had any of those functions. I think it's more likely that they simply chose not (or forgot) to include them in the 3G version.
SMS actually does work, but inbound only (according to rumors) by default. But you can apparently use an SMS app to do outbound fine. There is another thread discussing the phone mod. Apparently a framework change can enable it, but no one has been able to test whether it works or not yet to place calls.
I imagine it would be trivial for a developer to add tethering support, though I don't see the need personally. Most people only care about tethering a non-3G tablet to a phone, not the other way around.
What $10 AT&T plan? Is that the "share your data" plan or an independent pre-paid one?
I don't need a lot of data, but I want to be able to have some if necessary. I also don't want to pay too much for it. $15 seems reasonable, but $10 is better - assuming I don't already need to have a phone with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On any AT&T family plan with shared unlimited messaging, you can add unlimited data for $10 on dumbphones. If you don't have shared unlimited texting then it's $15/mo per dumbphone
Also, TMobile will let you use your voice plan package if you accept to pay an additional $15/mo to use "Mobile Broadband" which is using it on data-only devices (laptops/tablets)
jdsemler said:
Look for Tweakker with two k's
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you download it from the app store and upload the apk?
I'm confused. You put your SIM card into the device after cutting it down and once you booted it up, you had signal? You saw the H and everything? But you could not access tmo's data network immediately? But then you logged into the play store with wifi?
adamhlj said:
I'm confused. You put your SIM card into the device after cutting it down and once you booted it up, you had signal? You saw the H and everything? But you could not access tmo's data network immediately? But then you logged into the play store with wifi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's correct. I've already been shuttling a cut-down T-Mobile SIM between devices. When I have the SIM in the Nexus 7, I get a 3G or an H, but then when I try to make any web requests, I get redirected to My T-Mobile. (In addition, Android prompts me with a "Sign into network" item in the notification area.) I can log back into My T-Mobile with any browser, but that doesn't accomplish anything.
I then connect to the Play Store over WiFi but it won't let me download Tweakker.
smerrill said:
That's correct. I've already been shuttling a cut-down T-Mobile SIM between devices. When I have the SIM in the Nexus 7, I get a 3G or an H, but then when I try to make any web requests, I get redirected to My T-Mobile. (In addition, Android prompts me with a "Sign into network" item in the notification area.) I can log back into My T-Mobile with any browser, but that doesn't accomplish anything.
I then connect to the Play Store over WiFi but it won't let me download Tweakker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had you activated that sim card before on another phone? I am curious if you can activate it first one a phone, say a One S because it uses the micro sim, maybe thats all it needs? Hmm...
adamhlj said:
Had you activated that sim card before on another phone? I am curious if you can activate it first one a phone, say a One S because it uses the micro sim, maybe thats all it needs? Hmm...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I've been using the SIM with an adapter in a Galaxy Nexus and an unlocked iPhone 4S just fine, and I have it happily getting data in my Galaxy Nexus as we speak.
smerrill said:
Yes. I've been using the SIM with an adapter in a Galaxy Nexus and an unlocked iPhone 4S just fine, and I have it happily getting data in my Galaxy Nexus as we speak.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys for letting us know that Tmobile has blocked this. I kind of expect this since they have been cracking down...on the switching SIMS between different devices types.
Specially with them in touch with google on Nexus 4 and also were preparing to partner with Google to sell the Nexus 7 3G with a Tmobile SIM (like Google is doing with ATT) according to some leaked Tmo news pictures..., We should have expected this already.
It was a few months back they blocked the opposite: using data broadband plans SIM in unlocked phones like Nexus. We used to be able to do that.
Still it's unfortunate. Thanks for saving me to try the same and be stucked with a SIM i can not use effectively. To the OP; you can still use the micro SIM in a regular device without an adapter. You just need to position it right and may be try a couple times. I did not this until I saw somebody do it. Since then if I have cut a sim, I can still use it without an adapter. Just make sure you position it right....by try and error...or by inserting a regular SIM and picking up where the metal needs to touch the phone.
For all if you really want Tmobile...you can use the Special Walmart plan...which gives 60 days if you buy the $35 or $50 plans. To a point it may be equal or better deal than the 5gig $30.....depends if you do not use too much data...you can use: $35 for 3.5 gig for 60 days....or $50 5 gig for 60 days.
That's the way I may go or I may go the way of Ultra Mobile MVNO which is coming up with pay as you go @ 4.9 cents per mb in January. This is expensive but it's 4g hspa+ pay as you go to use only while needing fast data in areas where no wifi is there or my freedom hotspot has reach is fast 500 mb limit or no Clear coverage is being picked up.
We should also try to see if Tmobile is doing the same blocking while using MVNO....plans. If that's the case then the above Ultra plan won't help. In order to get better data deals we would need Voice/data plans from mvno..But that in itself is not useful unless we're able to enable both voice...and data on 3g nexus. Ultra has plans with data or voice only while data costing 2 cents per mb. Or Straightalk/Net10 $45 plans if only the voice can also be enabled.
MVNO do not usually have good deals on data only plans.
On the other side ATT broadband plans are interesting for 3gb for $30. Not quite 5 gig but better coverage.
nashi20002003 said:
For all if you really want Tmobile...you can use the Special Walmart plan...which gives 60 days if you buy the $35 or $50 plans. To a point it may be equal or better deal than the 5gig $30.....depends if you do no use too much data...on your use: $35 for 3.5 gig for 60 days....or 5 gig for 60 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you share some more info on this plan?
I just signed up for the AT&T $15 30day/250MB plan. But this sounds a lot better!
I'm generally around Wi-Fi, so don't need a ton of data. But I'd rather pay (effectively) $15/month for 2-2.5GB then 250MB.
phonic said:
Can you share some more info on this plan?
I just signed up for the AT&T $15 30day/250MB plan. But this sounds a lot better!
I'm generally around Wi-Fi, so don't need a ton of data. But I'd rather pay (effectively) $15/month for 2-2.5GB then 250MB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well......doing some reading I got this from Walmart....Not good news. Now I understand why when I switched my SIM from a USB stick device bought at Walmart to a USB stick sent by Tmobile it kept blocking me and redirecting me as with the OP.... It took multiple support calls to Tmobile tech reps...to no avail. Until the recreated my account with free data posted to it and with the regular 30 days limit. They told me I could switch back to the Walmart special at the end of the month...but never was able to get it done....I ended up selling the USB stick....so it seems there's IMEI checking on SIM activated with the 60 days specials....so this won't help on Nexus 3G
Access 4G Internet on the go with the T-Mobile $35 Prepaid Mobile Broadband Pass. It offers 3.5GB of data usage and is good for 60 days only at Walmart. Pass is only eligible on broadband devices purchased at a Walmart after 6/1/2012. The pass includes no activation fee, no annual contract, no credit check and no overages. And it works with any new T-Mobile Laptop Stick or mobile hotspot purchased at Walmart. If you regularly surf the web, check email and update your social network, this card is a good choice.
T-Mobile $35 Prepaid Mobile Broadband Pass (Email Delivery):
Provides 3.5GB of data usage
*Good for 60 days
No activation fee, annual contract, credit check or overages
Works with any T-Mobile Internet device
*60 day pass is only eligible on broadband devices purchased at Walmart after 6/1/2012
THis pretty much sums up how I feel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYwWKEc8c88
Ironically, as soon as I posted this, I got the shipping notification at 3 AM CST. But Im still sad about the tmo thing not working
I had hoped that I could use my 3g Nexus 7 on the $30 tmobile plan. I was thinking of registering on the plan when I traveled. I guess the only hope is that someone figures out a work around or tmobile offers a decent data plan. At least, I was primarily planning to use 3g overseas.
It looks like I will be teathering my N7 for for data when away from wifi. This is a pain. In addition, I could have waited and ordered my 3g N7 from B&H Photo and avoided shipping and tax.