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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)
Hi, I've recently heard that AT&T has a way of now detecting if you're using a smartphone and will automatically bill you with a data plan if you dont already have one. I was wondering if rooting the phone would help bypass this cause my brother is using a jailbroken iphone without a data plan. Thanks guys!
illegit said:
Hi, I've recently heard that AT&T has a way of now detecting if you're using a smartphone and will automatically bill you with a data plan if you dont already have one. I was wondering if rooting the phone would help bypass this cause my brother is using a jailbroken iphone without a data plan. Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to accomplish this you would have to get involved in much more complicated and nefarious things than just rooting your phone.
This forum is not the place for it, so for you the answer is no.
It is not so much they can detect a smartphone, but they can detect the type of phone, iPhone, Captivate, etc. If these are on the smartphone list, they will add a dataplan if you don't have one - or if you have the wrong type.
You can't change this -when the phone is on the network, it broadcasts information about itself - rooting doesn't change this.
AT&T has millions of subscribers and this information probably has to be mined out of a data base - pull list of all smarthpones seen on the network in the past X days; check all accounts related for data plans, etc. They probably have a bunch of older unconnected systems too. So, it may not happen the first day you connect or even 3 months later, but at some point they will figure it out.
Its true. Before I got my fiance her iphone 3gs, she had a blackberry pearl without data and a few months before she switched they added data to our bill unexpectedly and wouldn't let us drop it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
i dont get why someone buys a 500 dollar phone if they are too cheap to get the datra plan with it.
I could understand if you got a blackjack, but come on now....
iamamp3pimp said:
i dont get why someone buys a 500 dollar phone if they are too cheap to get the datra plan with it.
I could understand if you got a blackjack, but come on now....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think some people are convinced they are near wifi all day and don't want to waste the money on data they won't use.. But they do have that 200MB plan for $15 - i think it is overpriced - should be $5 - but if you buy a smartphone you should be ready to add a data plan.
If you don't want to add data, get a dumb phone and ipod Touch.
I work for AT&T so I'll give you some inside info. The phones have a sim registration program that talks to the local server through the towers. Within 60 seconds of your phone being turned on it tells the network what kind of phone it is. It can tell the network the make/model but not the IMEI. If it could detect the IMEI then stolen phones would pretty much be useless. The only way around the forced data plan is to have a tag on your account for "smartphone exclusion". Everyone got this tag in September 2009 so we could all be grandfathered with no data plans. When you upgrade to a new phone with a 2yr agreement it removes the tage automatically. But if you buy your own smartphone, this tag allows you to keep data removed if you dont want it. Or in my case it allows me to have a samsung captivate with the $10 family data unlimited plan for dumbphones. The network knows I have a captivate but it cant force the data plan because I have "smartphone exclusion". You can go to a local AT&T store and see if someone is willing to tell you if you have this tag. If you don't have it then it is pretty much impossible to get it. And no I can't add it for you. Hope that helps.
Actually the IMEI is reported when the phone talks to the network. It is part of the GSM protocol. Europe enforces a ban on stolen phones via IMEI. American carriers just dont seem interested in banning stolen phones as they would rather have the revenue and not turn off the ebay buyer.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
alphadog00 said:
Actually the IMEI is reported when the phone talks to the network. It is part of the GSM protocol. Europe enforces a ban on stolen phones via IMEI. American carriers just dont seem interested in banning stolen phones as they would rather have the revenue and not turn off the ebay buyer.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
while this is true at&t actually uses the IMSI on the SIM to do its dirty work. Also the captivates ONLY transmit the IMSI while on 3G (reduces over head for more throughput on EDGE) which is why the option to force 2G is hidden on the captivate.
captivatesuperuser said:
The only way around the forced data plan is to have a tag on your account for "smartphone exclusion". Everyone got this tag in September 2009 so we could all be grandfathered with no data plans.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been with AT&T since before 2009, does this mean I'll automatically have the tag? And how would I know if my account has this tag or not?
When you upgrade to a new phone with a 2yr agreement it removes the tage automatically. But if you buy your own smartphone, this tag allows you to keep data removed if you dont want it. Or in my case it allows me to have a samsung captivate with the $10 family data unlimited plan for dumbphones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean buying your own smartphone outside of AT&T? I currently have the $10 unlimited data plan for my "dumbphone". Talking to AT&T indicated there was no way to keep the existing data plan and I've have to move to one of the 2 new plans if I got the Captivate.
iamamp3pimp said:
i dont get why someone buys a 500 dollar phone if they are too cheap to get the datra plan with it.
I could understand if you got a blackjack, but come on now....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would be interested in this simply because i want unlimited data. Hell i would pay the extra 5 bucks if they would let me in on the unlimited smartphone plan but it seems like fooling their network would be an easier task lol. Also i have had my sim for over 2 years now and they still were able to change me from the dumbphone plan to the smartphone one.
Walmart's Straight Talk cellular service now offers two GSM phones, the Nokia E71 and something else. I'm pretty sure they're on AT&T's network (Data specs say 3G - 850/1900 bands). So if I got one of them and their $45 unlimited plan, would that sim card work in my captivate?
My bill is $95/month and thats with only 450 mins, 1500 texts, and the iphone grandfathered data plan. Straight talk offers unlimited data, texts, and minutes for $45/month.
Has anybody tried this?
----BUMP----
I thought that straight talk was through Verizon.. maybe it was called something else.
I know that the phones are on the "low-end" range of devices - and I doubt you could move your current phone to use this service.
I'd suggest searching the ol' intarwebs and see what the reviews are of it's service/availability.
It'd be nice to have all that in a 50$ package - but if you don't get service as soon as you walk out the store what would be the point?
avgjoegeek said:
I thought that straight talk was through Verizon.. maybe it was called something else.
I know that the phones are on the "low-end" range of devices - and I doubt you could move your current phone to use this service.
I'd suggest searching the ol' intarwebs and see what the reviews are of it's service/availability.
It'd be nice to have all that in a 50$ package - but if you don't get service as soon as you walk out the store what would be the point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is, with the exception of these 2 new "smart" phones. These run off the at&t network. Evidently wal-mart is big enough to pull this off.
I'd be willing to bet that ATT will be paying close attention to the IMEI, I don't think we would get away with using the straight talk unlimited plans with our captivates
rootnik said:
It is, with the exception of these 2 new "smart" phones. These run off the at&t network. Evidently wal-mart is big enough to pull this off.
I'd be willing to bet that ATT will be paying close attention to the IMEI, I don't think we would get away with using the straight talk unlimited plans with our captivates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
10 char
rootnik said:
It is, with the exception of these 2 new "smart" phones. These run off the at&t network. Evidently wal-mart is big enough to pull this off.
I'd be willing to bet that ATT will be paying close attention to the IMEI, I don't think we would get away with using the straight talk unlimited plans with our captivates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was hoping that somebody on here would have tried it already. I personally dont know anybody that has one, otherwise I'd put their sim card in my phone and see what happens.
The two phones on straight talk are legit smart phones and could burn through some serious data, same as we an do with our captivates.
derek4484 said:
I was hoping that somebody on here would have tried it already. I personally dont know anybody that has one, otherwise I'd put their sim card in my phone and see what happens.
The two phones on straight talk are legit smart phones and could burn through some serious data, same as we an do with our captivates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is AT&T.
Currently they do IMEI sweeps to make sure you are paying for a data plan if you have a smart phone. I found this out the hard way last week when they automatically added a data plan to my wife's iphone even though she did not use a single byte of data.
How does this relate? While those straight talk phones are smart phones capable of using allot of data, they are not near as nice or as comfortable to use as our captivates. You are more likely to use more data with a captivate, and they know this.
I wouldn't be surprised if they already have measure in place to periodically check the imei to make sure it matches one of the "acceptable" smart phones. Acceptable meaning not very fun to use
I think you would get away with it for a few weeks, but eventually would be shot down.
Actually several people have used the the sim card out of straight talks nokia e71 and used it in there Iphone for sometime now. I have an old AT&T Fuze and everything works but MMS.
derek4484 said:
Walmart's Straight Talk cellular service now offers two GSM phones, the Nokia E71 and something else. I'm pretty sure they're on AT&T's network (Data specs say 3G - 850/1900 bands). So if I got one of them and their $45 unlimited plan, would that sim card work in my captivate?
My bill is $95/month and thats with only 450 mins, 1500 texts, and the iphone grandfathered data plan. Straight talk offers unlimited data, texts, and minutes for $45/month.
Has anybody tried this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To directly answer your question, I placed the Sim from my sons StraightTalk Samsung slider phone into my Captivate and the message "Sim Card Crashed" appeared on the captivates's display. This did not actually crash the sim card, but I think that it just appeared crashed to the Captivate. If somebody out there was able to get a Captivate working in this manner, it would be nice if they posted detailed step by step instructions on it.
[RUMOR] Verizon was handling Straight Talk, but someone got their panties in a wad and more its att. They are slowly changing thing over. My brother has ST, and was fed up with lack of vzw service on his ST phone. He called raising h*#$ and they offered to send him a sim card for a gsm phone (his old att leftover), and things have been good for him ever since.
FYI: Straight Talk is the monthly service branch of TracPhone.
Sent from a place my wife doesn't know about (yet)
Basically yes it is possible to get your captivate working on straight talk. Technically there's a bunch of bs you have to go through to get it to work though.
US Note users on AT&T - how are you dealing with the accusatory "tablet" text?
I ordered a Galaxy Note, will be here Monday. Quick background: I've been with AT&t since 2007 and have grandfathered unlimited data (from the original iPhone days). My current phone (was) the Galaxy Nexus until I sold it today to pay for the Note. I have used many imported (non-ATT) phones over the years - at least 15 - absolutely no issues.
Of course, I've been reading the threads about AT&T flagging the Note smartphone as a tablet (lol) and eventually shutting down data on these devices. I clearly don't want this to happen and take a serious issue with AT&T forcing their opinion that this smartphone is a tablet when it is absolutely not a tablet.
The poll covers several scenarios. Please vote and add comments to this thread so we can get an idea of how aggressive AT&T is with this smartphone. If there is a poll choice that needs to be changed/added, let me know.
Also, include how long have you used your Note on AT&T before getting a threatening text (or if you never got one, how is it set up? EFS wipe? APN settings, etc).
I have no issue taking this issue to the highest at AT&T. I like to stir the pot and AT&T calling this phone a tablet is totally unacceptable.
Thanks.
I have been with ATT sense 1994 when they toke over Cingular who I was with.
I have the PDA unlimited plan.
I put my sim card in.
Set APNs
Received text about 30 days later. (called them and thought all was good)
They turn off my data 14 days after that.
They turn data back on the next day after 2 hours on the phone with them.
If you can edit the poll, it would be good to have an option for no dreaded SMS received yet.
I haven't received the SMS yet, despite how vocal I am against AT&T.
SMS date: none yet
Start date: 11/11 (36 days)
Plan: 2GB smartphone data
Mods: no /efs folder nor IMEI modifications
Location/market: Austin, TX
APN settings: the "phone" one for 4g smartphones
My vote would have to be "other", if that were a choice. I have never been with at&t for wireless, and when I took my Note in to get a sim card, they would not even set me up with a voice plan at all. I have just data on it now. The manager claims they were told in a managers' meeting not to activate the note as a phone. They don't/won't support it, according to him. (he as a total d**k, by the way)
Sorry guys, I can't edit the survey.
If you never received a text, list how long you have been using it without hearing from AT&T (1 day, 1 month, etc). It seems the texts arrive anywhere between instantly to over a month after use.
Also, if your situation doesn't apply to any of the choices (other) list your experience in the comments.
Thanks.
kdel said:
My vote would have to be "other", if that were a choice. I have never been with at&t for wireless, and when I took my Note in to get a sim card, they would not even set me up with a voice plan at all. I have just data on it now. The manager claims they were told in a managers' meeting not to activate the note as a phone. They don't/won't support it, according to him. (he as a total d**k, by the way)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where are you located?
Why would managers be told not to activate a smartphone they plan on bringing to their own network in the first quarter of 2012?? This clearly goes against the GSM "open" standards and I'd be happy to get in touch with Ralph de la Vega about this local manager decision...
I've been on medianet for 7 years and I've never got the text. Currently 4 days of note usage with no issues here.
ericshmerick said:
Why would managers be told not to activate a smartphone they plan on bringing to their own network in the first quarter of 2012??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably because they haven't crippled/screwed over the phone to work on their network yet. As with most carrier subsidized phones, they want to remove features, fill it with bloatware etc...
I've had 3 non branded phones, and they always work better than the bloated ones. My favorite complaint, back in the pre-smartphone day was the stupid button placement that would almost always guarantee you that you would easily hit the button to take you to the internet, incurring a data charge. Oh, I'm sure they didn't do that one on purpose LOL.
I've been using this phone since November 2. No text message from ATT. APN settings: name ATT, APN phone, MCC 310, MNC 410, APN type internet + mms and everything else not set. Works fine with edge, 3g and HSPA.
couldnt you just go down to an at&t store and have someone who works there check out your phone and call at&T themselves to confirm you do have a cell phone and not a tablet?
seeking said:
couldnt you just go down to an at&t store and have someone who works there check out your phone and call at&T themselves to confirm you do have a cell phone and not a tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People have tried that. It may work sometimes, but some have said they go home and the next day they get the message again. It's a computer doing the flagging. Even if a manager overrides the system at the store, they can't change the system, so chances are it'll happen again.
maxh said:
People have tried that. It may work sometimes, but some have said they go home and the next day they get the message again. It's a computer doing the flagging. Even if a manager overrides the system at the store, they can't change the system, so chances are it'll happen again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why I'm strongly considering renaming the EFS folder or spoofing the IMEI.
I'm not interested in going round and round with AT&T every few weeks fighting their automated computers with attempts to prove my device is not a tablet.
At this point, I don't care if it's allowed to do that. I paid a ton of cash for this smartphone and am an AT&T Premier customer with multiple lines. Not putting all of this in jeopardy because they just don't know what this device is.
With any luck, I will snag an Atrix IMEI, flash it to the device and be on my merry way.
seeking said:
couldnt you just go down to an at&t store and have someone who works there check out your phone and call at&T themselves to confirm you do have a cell phone and not a tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All their systems are centralized and corporate makes the policies. Some rep at a b&m at&t store doesn't have the power to make any changes. They can just update your profile to reflect a new IMEI but if the system keeps flagging the phone as a tablet they can't change make any changes to prevent the system from recognizing your note and blocking you again.
inurb said:
All their systems are centralized and corporate makes the policies. Some rep at a b&m at&t store doesn't have the power to make any changes. They can just update your profile to reflect a new IMEI but if the system keeps flagging the phone as a tablet they can't change make any changes to prevent the system from recognizing your note and blocking you again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I'm prepared to fight AT&T at the corporate level to get them to change their system to recognize the IMEI as a smartphone.
I've already contacted Samsung UK outlining the issue and asking them to send the IMEI's to AT&T in the US.
I will be relentless in my quest!
ericshmerick said:
That's why I'm prepared to fight AT&T at the corporate level to get them to change their system to recognize the IMEI as a smartphone.
I've already contacted Samsung UK outlining the issue and asking them to send the IMEI's to AT&T in the US.
I will be relentless in my quest!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I think the deathstar is doing this on purpose. They are "suppose" to have the Note next year (crippled, different processor to handle LTE, no home button, bloated etc...)...can't have an international version over shadowing their version can they? LOL.
lol, bloody american carriers.
There would be outrage if they tried that sh!t here.. You're paying for a data service... who are they to dictate what device you use that data on!
I'm willing to bet that this issue is less about the Note itself and more about trying to get people off of their grandfathered data. How many people on tiered plans have received the text? I bet none.
---------- Post added at 11:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:16 PM ----------
ericshmerick said:
This is why I'm strongly considering renaming the EFS folder or spoofing the IMEI.
I'm not interested in going round and round with AT&T every few weeks fighting their automated computers with attempts to prove my device is not a tablet.
At this point, I don't care if it's allowed to do that. I paid a ton of cash for this smartphone and am an AT&T Premier customer with multiple lines. Not putting all of this in jeopardy because they just don't know what this device is.
With any luck, I will snag an Atrix IMEI, flash it to the device and be on my merry way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And how exactly will you do this? I wasn't aware such a thing was even possible...
Jade Eyed Wolf said:
I'm willing to bet that this issue is less about the Note itself and more about trying to get people off of their grandfathered data. How many people on tiered plans have received the text? I bet none.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What bearing, exactly, does this have on anything? As long as I don't tether (which I never do or plan on doing) that suddenly doesn't give AT&T the right to single out unlimited users while ignoring others.
Again, I'm sure the FCC would be interested to learn of this discrimination.
ericshmerick said:
What bearing, exactly, does this have on anything? As long as I don't tether (which I never do or plan on doing) that suddenly doesn't give AT&T the right to single out unlimited users while ignoring others.
Again, I'm sure the FCC would be interested to learn of this discrimination.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has a lot of bearing actually. Think about it. AT&T stopped offering unlimited data a year and a half ago now, and since then it has done as much as it can to try to get people off of those plans (like convincing the uneducated consumer that they need "new" tiered plans for their smartphone when they decide to upgrade etc).
I ran into this exact same problem early on this year with my original Galaxy Tab, and after much (fruitless) deliberation with a rep from the CEO's office, the argument basically came down to this:
AT&T: You're using a device on our network in ways we did not intend for it to be used. Cease and Desist!
Me: How exactly am I using my device on your network in ways which you didn't intend? As far as the hardware is concerned, my Galaxy Tab is basically identical to a smartphone with the exception of screen and battery size. I love using my Tab this way! It literally is my "do-everything-all-in-one" device! Tablet, phone, GPS, media player, e-reader, etc.
AT&T: That's just it. Your "do-everything-all-in-one" device is bad for business. We don't want you to be able to do "everything-all-in-one." We want you to buy a smartphone, and a subscription for that -AND- we want you to buy a separate piece of hardware for your tablet and pay a subscription for that too (or at least pay additional for the ability to tether to your smartphone). See, as you pointed out, the bigger screen allows you to do much more with that device than a "normal" smartphone, in much the same way as you can do more on a laptop. Basically, bigger screen generally equals more data usage and thus more strain on our network.
Me: OK. So what? I'm on unlimited data.
AT&T: Exactly. So we're not getting any more money out of you, where we would ordinarily be collecting overages from everyone else on tiered plans. So here are your options: 1. Stop using voice on your line, and use this as a data-only device. 2. Stop using data on your line, and use this as a voice-only device. 3. Use both data and voice, but only if you forgo your unlimited data and go onto a tiered plan instead, and pay for tethering. 4. Go somewhere else.
Me: Screw you AT&T! *deletes /efs folder and continues to use Tab as originally intended by Samsung. AT&T no longer see's Tab IMEI and see's "fake/generic" IMEI instead*
I've been with them for a while. I have the grandfathered plan but I have 5 lines and maybe that's why I never received a text from them. I tether as well.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
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.