Verizon to kill unlimited plans for existing customers - Motorola Droid 4

Have you guys seen this? Doesn't totally surprise me. I figured it would happen sooner or later. Still makes me sad though.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57...plans-for-existing-subscribers/?tag=cnetRiver

as soon as it happens, I'm cancelling my contract (since they violated the TOS), and jumping ship to an MNVO.
I don't mind not having unlimited data so as far as my bill reflects that.

xredjokerx said:
as soon as it happens, I'm cancelling my contract (since they violated the TOS), and jumping ship to an MNVO.
I don't mind not having unlimited data so as far as my bill reflects that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please forgive my ignorance, but what is an MNVO?

I don't know if they would be violating the TOS. I'm pretty sure the contracts that we all signed gave them the right to change any damn thing they want, whenever they want to.
This move has probably been planne for since 4g was a but a twinkle in their eye.
I'm pretty sure we'll have to wait out our "upgraded" contracts until the original end dates. And they're betting that by then, we'll have gotten used to the "upgrades."
I just love that have the nuts to call this an upgrade. Freaking hilarious.

well from what ive read, it's for customers with a 3G phone going to a 4G phone. I think if you don't upgrade from them you should be able to keep it. Looks like if the Nexus line expands and is sold through the google play store, im buying my phones straight from google

dewhashish said:
well from what ive read, it's for customers with a 3G phone going to a 4G phone. I think if you don't upgrade from them you should be able to keep it. Looks like if the Nexus line expands and is sold through the google play store, im buying my phones straight from google
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Click to collapse
that how i'm reading it too, it doesn't sound like i will be required to change my data plan until i upgrade again.
The way it will likely work is that as 3G unlimited contracts expire, Verizon will push subscribers to upgrade their devices to smartphones on company's 4G LTE network. These customers will then have to sign up for the data share plans.
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Click to collapse

standard101 said:
that how i'm reading it too, it doesn't sound like i will be required to change my data plan until i upgrade again.
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Click to collapse
Probably. But that's the velvet glove. Do we know anything about the iron hand inside? If Verizon's spiel is "Upgrade to 4G LTE" and the customer's response is "No thanks", will Verizon counter with "Upgrade to LTE or else find another provider"?
The mindset I'm sensing behind killing off grandfathered unlimited is that they want all of their customers capped, and if you won't be capped, you won't be their customer. They're playing chicken, and most of their affected customer base will be the first to flinch.

They updated their plan...
http://m.cnet.com/news/57436642
Sent from my DROID4 using XDA

When does this take into effect

sirrdeezy said:
When does this take into effect
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Click to collapse
Verizon hasn't said anything more exact than "this summer".

Class action lawsuit.
Tappin' and talkin' with Tapatalk.

theeStig said:
They updated their plan...
http://m.cnet.com/news/57436642
Sent from my DROID4 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, looks like they've opened a loophole in their plan. You lose your grandfathered unlimited if you buy a subsidized new phone (i.e., renew contract). So, if you craigslist or ebay a phone, and convince Verizon to activate it, you'll keep the unlimited data. (Or, if you like giving money to Verizon, buy the phone new from them.)
Interesting. I wonder how many upgrading customers who want the new-new shiny and don't pay much attention to contract plan dynamics will miss that distinction and lose their unlimited access without fully realizing it?

Yup im switching to tmobile! This is such bs!! Tmobile will b the only carrier left with "unlimited" data, after verizon pulls this stunt!!! Oh well, tmobile @ least has the one series phones. Suck it verizon!!
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Xparent ICS Blue Tapatalk 2

kwyrt said:
Please forgive my ignorance, but what is an MNVO?
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Click to collapse
Its fake cellphone company, Basically the mvno just runs a billing system but "borrows" the cellphone network from someone like Att.
virgin mobile is an example of an mvno as they run off of the sprint network
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator

Just upgrade now, or get a new one off cl like someone already stated
...
Sent from my DROID4 using XDA

Wow, ridiculous. Does your greed know no bounds, Verizon?
Sent from my DROID4 using XDA

Related

Double your data plan

Anyone on capped data may be interested to know that starting tomorrow you can double your data allowance for no extra cost through the month of November.
4GB - $30
10GB - $50
20GB - $100
You will be able to set it up through myverizon.com
This only applies to 4G smartphones
ONCE YOU GET IT YOU GET TO KEEP IT!
also applies to new lines and upgrades!
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium
If you like it, thank it.
Just to confirm that this offer is legit.
Verizon has confirmed this.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/...le-the-data-for-your-buck-tomorrow/#continued
Good to know!
I don't have issues with my amount of data... I'd rather pay less for the same amount of data I have now. Does anyone know if that would be possible? I'm guessing they'd rather not let me decrease my monthly bill though..
CC Lemon said:
Good to know!
I don't have issues with my amount of data... I'd rather pay less for the same amount of data I have now. Does anyone know if that would be possible? I'm guessing they'd rather not let me decrease my monthly bill though..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a $20 plan going to be available but its only for 300 MB.
I thought I would post it since once you get it you get to keep it, and you never know when you might use it
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium
Repeat post
I'm definitely doubling up tomorrow.
thanks for the heads up
Thanks a bunch for the heads up! Will definitely be taking advantage of this tomorrow to go from 2GB to 4GB
I got my 5GB. Site is live.
how do you go from 2 to 4 gigs if your an existing customer, their site says it's for new lines, or upgrades
I went to check if it was an available option and no luck... above the data plan selection area, it does say that you can do it for a limited time, but I only see the normal options and prices.
ROB281 said:
how do you go from 2 to 4 gigs if your an existing customer, their site says it's for new lines, or upgrades
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can set it up through myverizon.com or call customer care. It is open to exsisting customers.
It wasn't available to me... now it is.
I know I'm being lazy, but I'm in the middle of studying for an important exam so I don't really have the time to go searching around right this second...
How do alternative options for a hotspot compare to the official hotspot?
So I can I get double unlimited data lol
Sent from my DROID BIONIC
First attempt on the phone, and they shot me down. If you are an existing customer, and got this tell me how.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium
Android Central posted details about this with an indirect sales slide. One of the bullet points said:
"4G LTE Smartphone customers who make a price plan change or an ESN change during the promotional period will be asked to select one of the promotional options."
The way I'm reading that is, If you upgrade to any 4G phone during the promotion period you will be asked to choose one of these tired plans and lose unlimited data.
This wouldn't be the first time Verizon has done something like this. I wouldn't be surprised if they say that the RAZR, Nexus, and Rezound are not compatible with the unlimited data package.
I've never been on the "personal email" option -- always had work paying for it and had the corp email and hotspot. Can someone with a regular data account (i.e., personal email, not corporate) tell me whether there is any restriction on data activities with one of these "regular" plans? Other than tethering, I mean. Like, can I still use the regular email app and all my other good stuff?
Thanks, and sorry for the noob question. On ATT, I never worried about this stuff. (Turns out that was the only plus about ATT, but I digress.)
ROB281 said:
First attempt on the phone, and they shot me down. If you are an existing customer, and got this tell me how.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to VerizonWireless.com and log in. After login, go back to the splash page. Click on the link I highlighted in green on the first pic, below. It will show you the details.
Then, go to the link highlighted in pink in the second pic. That will show you everything on your account and allow you to change plans.
Hope this helps.
r0ckstar323 said:
Android Central posted details about this with an indirect sales slide. One of the bullet points said:
"4G LTE Smartphone customers who make a price plan change or an ESN change during the promotional period will be asked to select one of the promotional options."
The way I'm reading that is, If you upgrade to any 4G phone during the promotion period you will be asked to choose one of these tired plans and lose unlimited data.
This wouldn't be the first time Verizon has done something like this. I wouldn't be surprised if they say that the RAZR, Nexus, and Rezound are not compatible with the unlimited data package.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I think this is Verizon testing the waters and trying to find middle ground between unlimited and their current offers. Everyone and their mothers are flocking to Sprint because of their unlimited data, albeit they have issues of their own. If this experiment goes well this may end up being their new tiered plans or they may extend the promotional period. Verizon is not looking to stick their unlimited users, they've moved on. It's all about the next dollar. Now that at&t is deploying LTE they need to separate themselves from the pack.
Sent from my HTC Flyer P512 using Tapatalk
FYI Originally this was not supposed to apply to Mobile Hotspot users, but I checked today and the $50 plan (was 4GB w/ hotspot) is now 6GB w/ hotspot. Just in case anyone read the same flyer I did that said it wouldn't apply to us.

Verizon and Motorola

So Verizon will no longer offer unlimited data plans to customers, but you can keep yours. When getting a new phone however you must purchase it in full. THat means around 500dollars per phone usually.
Motorola is also releasing updates now to their unlocked devices and locking them.
**** Verizon and Motorola.
My next phone will be a HTC or Samsung on (insert network name here that offers best data plan). i wont be bullied anymore. This is beyond ridiculous.
Just buy phones locally then. Plus, off contract phones are better then being locked down.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Dri94 said:
So Verizon will no longer offer unlimited data plans to customers, but you can keep yours. When getting a new phone however you must purchase it in full. THat means around 500dollars per phone usually.
Motorola is also releasing updates now to their unlocked devices and locking them.
**** Verizon and Motorola.
My next phone will be a HTC or Samsung on (insert network name here that offers best data plan). i wont be bullied anymore. This is beyond ridiculous.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will it looks like after that happens if i need a new phone and have to buy it out right then i will just swich to straight talk because 45 a mouth unlimited talk text and web that beats ne paying the BIG V 400 mouth any ways so i think i will unlock my droid 3 now thanks for the info man
Sent from my DROID3 using XDA
KayxGee1 said:
Just buy phones locally then. Plus, off contract phones are better then being locked down.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea i know, i used to live in europe and thats the way my parents bought them for me. but im a college student, i dont have half a G to spend on a nice phone :/ i wish these big corporations would stop tryin to mess us over. They have all the coverage so they can do what they want now.
leerpsp said:
Will it looks like after that happens if i need a new phone and have to buy it out right then i will just swich to straight talk because 45 a mouth unlimited talk text and web that beats ne paying the BIG V 400 mouth any ways so i think i will unlock my droid 3 now thanks for the info man
Sent from my DROID3 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how is the coverage with straighttalk though? the plans seem to much of a great deal to not have some drawback somewhere. otherwise why are they not leading the market lol
Dri94 said:
So Verizon will no longer offer unlimited data plans to customers, but you can keep yours. When getting a new phone however you must purchase it in full. THat means around 500dollars per phone usually.
Motorola is also releasing updates now to their unlocked devices and locking them.
**** Verizon and Motorola.
My next phone will be a HTC or Samsung on (insert network name here that offers best data plan). i wont be bullied anymore. This is beyond ridiculous.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you have a couple of misconceptions going on there. You are confusing the brand of phone and the carrier. It's verizon billing you for data. Motorola has nothing to do with that. Buy an HTC or Samsung phone on Verizon and the price for data is the same as if you bought a Motorola phone. Buy a Motorola phone on a different carrier and the price for data on that phone will be the same as any other phone on that carrier.
Also how do you figure $500 per phone? Currently I'm one of the people grandfathered in on an unlimited data plan. That's $30 per month for unlimited data. So over the course of a 24 month contract, I'll actually pay $720 for data. People who are not grandfathered are still paying the same $720 over 24 months but are only getting 2 GB per month. Since 2 GB is plenty for me, it doesn't much matter.
The only difference with the new plans coming out this summer is that data is charged per account rather than per phone. If you add a tablet for example, you don't necessarily have to pay for any more data if both devices together stay within the cap. The thing is everyone is panicking and complaining before we even know what the caps will be and what the price will be for each tier.
For example if it were still $30 for two gigabytes I could actually save $30 per month. currently my wife has her $30 and I have my $30 for a total of $60 between us. But we each on our own have never exceeded 900 MB so we could switch to a pool of 2 GB total to share between us and end up paying half as much total. but we need to know the facts and figures to make those comparisons...
And right now, everyone complaining doesn't have any more idea than I do.
I'm just done with Verizon. I'm going with prepaid now. :|
Lol ratman you read my post wrong. Ill explain
Motorola sent a update locking an unlocked phone. Im assuming the trend dwill continue as they havent started unlocking phones they said they would. But instead doing the opposite and locking unlocked phones..
Seperately, verizon is getting rid of unlimited or 2gb data plan. You can keep it if you already have it but if you want to get a new phone (using it for your unlimited) you must buy it completely. Meaning around 500 dollars. Thats how much phones actually cost if you dont buy with a plan.
I believe you still can upgrade for free however on your plan
Dri94 said:
yea i know, i used to live in europe and thats the way my parents bought them for me. but im a college student, i dont have half a G to spend on a nice phone :/ i wish these big corporations would stop tryin to mess us over. They have all the coverage so they can do what they want now.
how is the coverage with straighttalk though? the plans seem to much of a great deal to not have some drawback somewhere. otherwise why are they not leading the market lol[/QUOTED
Straight talk has good coverage there is one drawback after you go over 2 gb of net they slow your speed down but its still fast as hell even when they do my bro has it and uses it for the net with his laptop with his droid 3 and same speed as me if not faster and so its a good deal but to get good phones like the razer droid 3 and iphone you have to buy them out right and also somthing cool you can have any att phone and you do not have to get it unlocked they have a sim that works with it!
Sent from my DROID3 using XDA
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Lol throttling is alot better than having a cap. Honestly that is not an issue to me. But thanks man your a god for that info, im going to look more into it and see if that is a good alternative. Sounds great so far :]
Sent from my XT862 using Tapatalk 2
Dri94 said:
yea i know, i used to live in europe and thats the way my parents bought them for me. but im a college student, i dont have half a G to spend on a nice phone :/ i wish these big corporations would stop tryin to mess us over. They have all the coverage so they can do what they want now.
how is the coverage with straighttalk though? the plans seem to much of a great deal to not have some drawback somewhere. otherwise why are they not leading the market lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I currently use straight talk service with my droid 3 and it is awesome. With the droid 3 you get the option to get an att or a tmobile based sim card and you get all their normal coverage.
Looks like straight talk just earned a new customer :] well once i get my job lmao
When the time comes, I'll probably pay full price for my next phone. I just won't purchase it from Verizon. I'll buy something that'll work on their network, but without the stupid locked bootloader or bloatware.

Bye bye grandfathered unlimited data

I just got done reading an article from USA Today that was talking about how users who have grandfathered data will be forced to select one of Verizon's shared family plans or tiered plans if or when they go to upgrade their device.
I really despise Verizon for this and will be heading to sprint if I have to give up unlimited data. If they think they will make more money from this move, I suggest everyone leave Verizon and show them the error in their ways.
And just wait, they are trying to eliminate unlimited data for home internet also and the head of the FCC supports limited data. Online gaming and video will suffer and our country will wonder why businesses will struggle. Who's going to let their kids play online games when they have to watch their data usage. Bad news for companies like Sony who have the PS3 and online gaming and bad news for online video streaming companies like Netflix.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using XDA
In the end though, I really can't see Verizon being too negatively affected by all of this. The heavy duty users will either pony up the extra cash (because of Sprint's shoddy coverage) or leave and bog down another carriers network.
I have unlimited data right now, and I rarely go over 2GB and I've never been over 4. I stream music pretty often, use fox-fi for thether, and spend a good bit of time on my phone.
Does it suck? Yea. Will it get me to switch? Probably not. I guess it depends on what the pricing structure looks like. I'm intrigued by the idea of the shared data plans too.
Cut off will be June 27th 1159pm to keep it for one last contract.
New plans are expensive! http://solutions.vzwshop.com/shareeverything/pdf/verizon_share_everything_plan_details.pdf
I love Verizon...I have 2 lines on my account (both Bionics) one has the 10GB plan and my wife has the 6GB + mobile hotspot and our monthly bill is around $215/month. Plenty of data for that price.
Peace.
Your on xda, and still paying for the hotspot service? We're the reason Verizon started offering the tethering service in the first place once they realized we were already doing it for free.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using XDA
Believe me I love FoxFi. My wife is a by the book type person.
She uses the hotspot feature for work as a necessity. No matter how many times I tell her that I'm 99% sure she wouldn't get caught using FoxFi she comes back and says that what if they do? I need this for work! I then just sigh.
I think if they are going to force limited data plans on us, at least give an exemption for apps such as Netflix. You will eat your plan up real fast just by streaming a couple movies.
Also include services such as slacker radio and Pandora into the exemption.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using XDA
So if we have grandfathered unlimited data (we been on verizon for years) do we keep it as long as we dont upgrade or buy phones off contract (like ebay)?
HorsexD said:
So if we have grandfathered unlimited data (we been on verizon for years) do we keep it as long as we dont upgrade or buy phones off contract (like ebay)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is precisely how to keep unlimited data.
If Verizon sells you a subsidized phone, that's where they get to force you into a new contract.
If you buy a phone at full retail price from Verizon, or buy a used phone from a place like eBay or Swappa your unlimited data is safe.
Even if you're sitting on something like a Samsung Fascinate, you can go on Craigslist and buy a Razr Maxx, head to a Verizon store, and get a free SIM card to continue service on the Razr Maxx. Nothing on your plan changes except a line item or two for $0.00 indicating that you have 4G Unlimited instead of 3G Unlimited.
projektorboy said:
This is precisely how to keep unlimited data.
If Verizon sells you a subsidized phone, that's where they get to force you into a new contract.
If you buy a phone at full retail price from Verizon, or buy a used phone from a place like eBay or Swappa your unlimited data is safe.
Even if you're sitting on something like a Samsung Fascinate, you can go on Craigslist and buy a Razr Maxx, head to a Verizon store, and get a free SIM card to continue service on the Razr Maxx. Nothing on your plan changes except a line item or two for $0.00 indicating that you have 4G Unlimited instead of 3G Unlimited.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is wrong. That is how it used to work before, now if you attempt to activate a new phone you will be forced to choose new plan options before they will activate it, regardless of where you got your phone. Welcome to the new Verizon.
I will probably be forced off of Verizon at some point. I am already paying $245 a month for 2 androids with unlimited talk, text, and data with insurance and a $3/month slacker radio subscription.
While the data limitations would be no concern to my girlfriend, I am at 5.341gb for the month, with another week left in the month. They are already getting enough money from us every month.
With the changes, I will be forced to cancel my slacker subscription because I use it mainly while driving and won't be able to do that anymore. I don't mind paying $3 a month for being able to listen to music I like while driving. This is an example of why limited data plans have an economic impact on other companies.
I don't know, but I think $245 a month is enough. Is business really that bad for them that they have to try to push for $300 a month? This is why corporate America is seen as greedy.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using XDA
Does this include prepaid also?
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using XDA
The shared data plans are a complete rip anyway. From what I read, they charge you for the pool, than the first device, than the second device. That means that I would pay the same I pay now for my plan's two devices and only get 4GB of data for the two of them to share. I know exactly what I am going to do when I get my next upgrade; I won't upgrade.
nobreak1970 said:
Believe me I love FoxFi. My wife is a by the book type person.
She uses the hotspot feature for work as a necessity. No matter how many times I tell her that I'm 99% sure she wouldn't get caught using FoxFi she comes back and says that what if they do? I need this for work! I then just sigh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand your point. Your wife sounds like someone who should be paying for it since its for work.
Its the average user whom I think its overpriced for. I don't use it myself too often, but I did pay $10 for easy tether so I can hook up through USB and share my data with my computer when I need to. Since I don't typically need other people using my data, I rarely use wifi tether since it kills your battery faster.
I don't just oppose limited data based on my data usage though. I look at the bigger picture. It will slow down technology growth and may put some businesses out of business. Any business that uses bandwidth will be impacted. Customers will be less willing to pay for services that they could be charged twice for using (the service and the data overage charges, Netflix, slacker radio, etc). Even app developers will be impacted because people will be less willing to download as many apps to try out.
Some flashers may impacted as well. Some of us download the roms directly on to our phones. Our data plans would be eaten up a lot just by keeping up to date with the roms.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using XDA
Sadly when I first found out about shared family plans I thought it would save me money but it seems to get an amount of data equivalent to what the three basic data packages on my account have i will have to pay a good bit more.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2
nullness said:
This is wrong. That is how it used to work before, now if you attempt to activate a new phone you will be forced to choose new plan options before they will activate it, regardless of where you got your phone. Welcome to the new Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay then. Debunk this article which contains an official statement from Verizon
http://www.droid-life.com/2012/05/1...d-data-says-exactly-what-we-already-told-you/
What to do.... I don't think Sprint is an option. Go to AT&T? Is it worth paying list price just to keep unlimited data? Since I am not upgrading soon, I will have the benefit of lots of examples.
ronaldheld said:
What to do.... I don't think Sprint is an option. Go to AT&T? Is it worth paying list price just to keep unlimited data? Since I am not upgrading soon, I will have the benefit of lots of examples.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T was the first to eliminate unlimited data. They are worse than Verizon. At one point in time, they had their phones locked to where you could only install apps from the android market. They stopped that when Amazon released their own app store and their users couldn't install the Amazon app store, or any of the apps from it.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using XDA
projektorboy said:
Okay then. Debunk this article which contains an official statement from Verizon
http://www.droid-life.com/2012/05/1...d-data-says-exactly-what-we-already-told-you/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That article is a month old...read more recent statements from them.
If you are in a Sprint 4G area, go for it.
I had to have an Airave device just to make a phone call.
Sprint changed their billing, I opted out with no etf's(a moto photon and a nexus s4g, about one month old), went to Verizon, signed on, came home, had full bars of 3G, and a week later they flipped the switch and I now have 4G.
I sent an open signal text to my old Sprint rep showing her the 4G and strength. WHat else could she do?

This will be my last carrier phone

I don't know if you guys saw the news but I was looking forward to AT&T adding family data plans in hopes I'd save some cash. Well they announced them today and it's a nightmare. Currently I'm paying $50 for 2 gigs per line, total 4. Under AT&Ts new plan I'd have to pay $85 a month for 1 gig! They aren't making you switch but still wtf?
I'm sick of carriers and carrier phones. I love my vivid but can't deny the fact that with the new features of ICS came new bugs, and it's looking like we're left for dead. The Vivid is hitting eol status on some carriers, and it came out after the Google flagship! And I hate seeing that ugly at&t logo. Freaking ruining the looks of my phone pasted dead center on the bottom of the front. And they lock these phones down so much that hacking them is getting harder to impossible! A couple years ago CyanogenMod was a safe bet but due to ril issues we sure don't have that option.
Updates are only going to get worse. I'm at the point now where if it doesn't have a Nexus in the brand name I can't recommend it. Android phones are slowly but surely becoming the new feature phones. And every device I've had, updates brought new issues with them and the carriers never released any updates to fix those issues. You shouldn't have to root your phone to take care of them!
So for the half assed treatment we get for buying the carrier phones what do we get in return from them? Higher rates with excuses. They claim "due to the high costs of today's smartphone" ah save it! My old Samsung Eternity dumb phone was $450 off contract, a Galaxy Nexus is $350 so how do smartphone costs have anything do do with their nickle and diming? Why does my insurance deductible cost $120 now when my old eternity was only $50 and costs the same amount?
But you know what? When your contract is up or if you own your own phone you don't save anything. So how do smartphone costs have anything to do then? I should get a discount if I choose to not subsidize my phone but nope that's not how they roll.
I don't plan on getting rid of this phone anytime but I may after the next Nexus is announced. I'll see how I like it then. At any rate I'll continue to be an AT&T customer until March of 2014 and then at that point I'll be taking whatever phone I have to a no contract low cost option. I'm sick of carriers and sick of their phones too.
/rant
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using XDA Premium HD app
I used a non-carrier phone for the last year, as well as a carrier-based phone. I had planned to switch to virgin mobile, and bought an LG smartphone. I set it up with Google Voice and Groove IP for calling, rooted it with no worries, loaded it up with free apps and the latest ROMs. It did a great job with email, texting, internet, all the same stuff we do on our Vivids. The only down side was the occasional lack of WiFi. If WiFi is e easy to get to, it is a nice way to go. I got a kick out of showing people my android phone running ice cream sandwich and telling them I paid 0 per month.
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda app-developers app
cmerlyn said:
I used a non-carrier phone for the last year, as well as a carrier-based phone. I had planned to switch to virgin mobile, and bought an LG smartphone. I set it up with Google Voice and Groove IP for calling, rooted it with no worries, loaded it up with free apps and the latest ROMs. It did a great job with email, texting, internet, all the same stuff we do on our Vivids. The only down side was the occasional lack of WiFi. If WiFi is e easy to get to, it is a nice way to go. I got a kick out of showing people my android phone running ice cream sandwich and telling them I paid 0 per month.
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha I know a guy that uses an old iphone 3g as a wifi only phone. What you do is get a portable wifi hotspot, it's what $25 a month? Keep that in your pocket and you can use wifi for everything! There was a write up on lifehacker back in the day about making a poor man's iphone with a portable wifi hotspot and an ipod touch lol.
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda app-developers app
BTW I'm not ripping on the vivid so much as the carrier. I like my phone but I almost regret it just because I'm financially obligated to at&t till 2015 now. I really feel like for a measly 4 gigs on 2 lines. I'm already paying too much and I was hoping with maybe a little relief with shared plans and they totally blow. I really don't get how it's "shared" with a per line fee. Total lunacy! You'd have to be insane to switch.
The phone I don't regret, the upgrade that required 2 more years of service I regret if that makes sense.
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda app-developers app
T Mobile. $60 dollars a month, no contract. Includes Unlimited talk and text with 2GB of data. $70 is unlimited talk, text and 5GB and its much better than AT&T. I made the switch and haven't had a dropped call since.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
I'm currently running H20 wireless 60$ dollars a month unlimited talk and text but just with 2g of data it connects on att towers.
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda premium
Yeah I think I'll look into straight Talk and t mobile. Hell without the contract, and an unlocked nexus that works on all gsm bands you can go wherever you want
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda app-developers app
Unlocked nexus I would get on T-Mobile.Ran it on the vivid just get edge other than that I would be on T-Mobile lol
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda premium
Mjones307 said:
Unlocked nexus I would get on T-Mobile.Ran it on the vivid just get edge other than that I would be on T-Mobile lol
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah the nexus has T-mobile and AT&T bands for fake 4G, thats what sucks about carrier phones lol. you really can't take them anywhere else. AT&T and T-mobile phones are interchangeable except for the 3G bands, thats pretty much the main difference. So if you get a T-mobile phone it won't work on AT&T's 3G network, and AT&T's 3G phones won't work on T-mobile's 3G network.
I remember the Nexus one Google actually made 2 versions of it because of the bands, but the Galaxy nexus has all GSM bands, which is nice
I work at a junior college with two campuses. One of them is kind of up in the hills, and the *only* signal they get is AT&T, so I am pretty much stuck with that until my job changes. I've been paying about $70/month for two dumb phones, just upped my bill by $30 (minus my discount) for the Vivid. I'm not complaining, but my daughter is moving out and wants to bail on AT&T entirely, probably go Virgin Mobile no contract. That is still the cheapest I have found.
I work at a junior college with two campuses. One of them is kind of up in the hills, and the *only* signal they get is AT&T, so I am pretty much stuck with that until my job changes. I've been paying about $70/month for two dumb phones, just upped my bill by $30 (minus my discount) for the Vivid. I'm not complaining, but my daughter is moving out and wants to bail on AT&T entirely, probably go Virgin Mobile no contract. That is still the cheapest I have found.
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Click to collapse
Yeah that's typical of college campuses. I remember my brother had to get Verizon when he went to ball state because no other carrier could get a signal there. My issue with virgin is they run on Sprints network which is cdma and with cdma you pretty much are buying a phone that only works on one network.
Straight Talk seems like the best deal from what I've seen because you basically can get any carriers service without going through the carrier. The Android phones they sell run on sprints network but many people on xda have bought unlocked nexuses and basically gotten service through AT&T without the at&t hassle
See only tmobile does it right in that if you own your phone you save money. If subsiding the phones really are costing at&t and Verizon that much then both should offer discounts or better plans for those who have their own phones and don't opt to bite on early upgrades etc.
Either way I'm stuck with at&t till March of 2014 so I went ahead and grabbed the 3 gig data plan before it goes away in August. Me and my wife were both on the 2 gigs for $25 each plan. In February they killed that plan off in favor of a 3 gig for $30 plan. I kept both our plans at the time as I hadn't yet discovered Google Music and had a hard time even using a gig but now with slacker and Google I'm having to constantly monitor my data and still find myself rationing the last few days of my billing cycle with only 250 megs remaining. The extra gig is just enough really to not have to worry about it. Figure get it now before they do away with it in august!
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda app-developers app
I'm selling my Vivid. I've only had it two months, but I need the cash to finance new Galaxy Nexus I got this week. The Nexus is wide open to development and has a thriving (mostly positive) community. AT&T really hobbled the Vivid, which could have been so much more. Whether that's the reason for the negativity surrounding this phone, I don't know, but I don't see myself going back to a carrier phone again.
I like HTC phones, though. I wish it was somehow possible to magically merge the Nexus guts with the Vivid's case and screen. Maybe someday HTC will make a Nexus for Google.
MondoMor said:
I'm selling my Vivid. I've only had it two months, but I need the cash to finance new Galaxy Nexus I got this week. The Nexus is wide open to development and has a thriving (mostly positive) community. AT&T really hobbled the Vivid, which could have been so much more. Whether that's the reason for the negativity surrounding this phone, I don't know, but I don't see myself going back to a carrier phone again.
I like HTC phones, though. I wish it was somehow possible to magically merge the Nexus guts with the Vivid's case and screen. Maybe someday HTC will make a Nexus for Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I do think all the security hurdles cause mysterious issues in roms, then the average xda member gets mad at the developers for not fixing the issues, then the developer snaps back, then mods get involved and the developer gets banned, then the members are like wtf, they get mad back and next thing you know the whole community is in disarray!
At least that's my thoughts.
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda app-developers app
I actually wanted a nexus. I was hoping at&t would announce it on contract and I got sick of waiting. Me and my wife were both tired of our lagtivates, and I talked to at&t about early upgrades and got me and my wife both Vivid's. And I swear right after my 30 days Google announced the nexus for 400 bucks on the play store. The word I said when I saw the article started with f and was 4 letters long.
That being said I don't hate the phone its fast, and has a kick ass camera but I also thought I wouldn't be interested in flashing custom roms if I had a nice enough phone. No other way to sum it up than saying this is not a developers phone and in those regards I do regret it a bit, however if I really wanted to get a nexus, well a vivid is worth more than a Captivate ebay anyway.
Other than battery life I got no complaints
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda app-developers app
I buy the phones and just use wifi. And I have a free phone for calls only. Bottom line you dont need data to use android. Just wondering how long that will last before they make it mandatory to have a data plan. To make people like me pay for service.?
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2
Lol carriers. Get a Straight Talk AT&T Sim. $45/month for unlimited talk, text, and 2gb data, no contract. Beats the piss out of AT&T, H2O, and every other carrier and MVNO out there. QFT
dfella30 said:
I buy the phones and just use wifi. And I have a free phone for calls only. Bottom line you dont need data to use android. Just wondering how long that will last before they make it mandatory to have a data plan. To make people like me pay for service.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must be on an olllld contract. On newer plans, if they discover you have a smartphone on a "dumb phone" plan, they'll "upgrade" you into the most expensive data plan. AT&T did that to my wife when I dropped her SIM into an old iPhone. She was happy to use it as Wi-Fi only, but got a text saying they discovered the change and were changing her plan.
I fought with all four carriers about this. None of them will sell you a smartphone anymore without forcing you into a data plan. They claim that people were buying smartphones without data plans, and then complaining when they got charged for using data. Jerks.
The only thing I like about buying phones on carrier is that they are piss cheap, and I have trouble justifying 4x the cost for a phone from overseas.
xxBrun0xx said:
Lol carriers. Get a Straight Talk AT&T Sim. $45/month for unlimited talk, text, and 2gb data, no contract. Beats the piss out of AT&T, H2O, and every other carrier and MVNO out there. QFT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, ST's data is unlimited, not 2GB, for that price.
Sent from my HTC Holiday using XDA Premium App
I think carriers subsiding days are numbered honestly, largely thanks to Google and the cheap tablet wars, as cell phone hardware is getting cheap and then Verizon wants to sell you a locked down Motorola that takes a year to get an update for $300 on contract, but you can get a nexus, have your updates instantly and only pay $50 more! It's not just the nexus that's cheap either, that new sexy Motorola Atrix HD is only $450 no commitment. I mean if you absolutely have to have a gs3 or one x yeah subsiding is your best bet but there are quickly becoming a alot of good phones for $350 to $500.
I'm ready for it to end. If subsiding ends and people start wanting to hold on to their phones, manufacturers will make less phones, and support them better. I can't fault any manufacturer right now for not having jelly bean as without source they can't do anything, but 6 months to a year is a bit much and to stop supporting a phone like ours when it's only been out like 8 months, but I'm tied to it for at least 18 months, well that's just lunacy!
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda app-developers app
Cor-master said:
to stop supporting a phone like ours when it's only been out like 8 months, but I'm tied to it for at least 18 months, well that's just lunacy!
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
I find it ridiculous how a lot of the phones are made to barely even last through 6 months of light use, and you end up having to 1) Cheat the company out of a replacement. or 2) Pay for another phone without the contract discount, and still be stuck with that company. Straight Talk looks really really appealing, I've been dying for a good enough reason to sell my Vivid, and go Galaxy Nexus and being able to switch from at&t to a cheaper/better alternative whenever I want without buying a new phone would be great.

Ha This Really Sucks for us Sprint and Verizon Users

Okay, I really want this device now. I used the Galaxy Nexus before, liked it, but wasn't a big fan of the camera/battery/slower processor comapred to my Evo 4G LTE. I'm impressed that for once a Nexus Device has cutting edge hardware. So I guess this means I'm going to have to drop Sprint to and switch to T-Mobile to get this lol.
Yuhfhrh said:
It's not fair :'(
My grandparents live in a rural area and its where I spend about 1/4 of the year. Tmobile and Att are GPRS, but Sprint and Verizon have 3g. Its the only internet there and I need reliable internet for work. I can't get the new Nexus.
I know I'm in a small boat of people but I'm still going to post my sob story. I just love the Nexus program.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That really sucks, but yeah, I think Google itself has said that it did not like how the Verizon Galaxy Nexus turned out. In the end, if anyone's been there through the Galaxy S, or S2, or S3, we do know that carrier's influence really does bring down phones, such as a slower processor or bloatware or lack of features. Still, they could have opted for some type of CDMA model but I'm not sure whether they need to work directly with Verizon/Sprint to make it happen.
filmaker said:
Okay, I really want this device now. I used the Galaxy Nexus before, liked it, but wasn't a big fan of the camera/battery/slower processor comapred to my Evo 4G LTE. I'm impressed that for once a Nexus Device has cutting edge hardware. So I guess this means I'm going to have to drop Sprint to and switch to T-Mobile to get this lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm kinda bummed about this as well. I'm on Ting, which rides Sprint's network (and occasionally Verizon's voice network), and this phone annihilates everything else in the price range. The best unsubsidized option at $300 at the moment is the Samsung Galaxy Victory, which while capable, isn't exactly a phone to get excited about--while the SGSIII clocks in starting at $530. The Nexus line has been really appealing as far as price/quality goes. I was really hoping this would end up on Sprint so I could send a well-built phone out to my mom in the sticks where LTE probably won't rear it's ugly head for another few years.
Oh well, I suppose I can take solace from the fact that I couldn't get this phone even if I'd stuck with Verizon.
I've been on Cingular then T-Mobile for 4 years. Ported to Verizon just for the Galaxy Nexus. Now I'm paying the ETF and porting over to at&t. No real problems with Verizon, its just their LTE network is abysmal on battery...and I work for at&t so I get a good discount on service. Just waiting for a good reason to switch.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
filmaker said:
I'm going to have to drop Sprint to and switch to T-Mobile to get this lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll be glad once you do too, unless you are living in some area where there is no access to T-Mobile 3G. Otherwise its so much better.
eksasol said:
You'll be glad once you do too, unless you are living in some area where there is no access to T-Mobile 3G. Otherwise its so much better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha yeah, Sprint has been getting better for me, however their speed still sucks when compared to AT&T and T-mobile in my area. Plus, my plan is nearly $100, when I seriously just want text and data lol, I don't care about talking. And also, I find it annoying being on a CDMA network because all these great phone come out, and I have to wait a pro-longed time period to get my hands on one.
filmaker said:
Okay, I really want this device now. I used the Galaxy Nexus before, liked it, but wasn't a big fan of the camera/battery/slower processor comapred to my Evo 4G LTE. I'm impressed that for once a Nexus Device has cutting edge hardware. So I guess this means I'm going to have to drop Sprint to and switch to T-Mobile to get this lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am switching from Sprint for this very reason. Tired of missing out on all the good phones aaaaaannnnnnnd Sprint service is horrible in centrel florida
drew_grant said:
I've been on Cingular then T-Mobile for 4 years. Ported to Verizon just for the Galaxy Nexus. Now I'm paying the ETF and porting over to at&t. No real problems with Verizon, its just their LTE network is abysmal on battery...and I work for at&t so I get a good discount on service. Just waiting for a good reason to switch.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're going to be using a Nexus, I'd suggest Straight Talk. AT&T's network without the massive subsidy penalty. (AT&T forces you to pay the subsidy penalty even if you don't have a subsidized device.)
I'm switching to them as soon as my contract is up... Actually I should do the math on the ETF now. Even with a 25% discount on service, ST still saves me $20-30/month.
Entropy512 said:
If you're going to be using a Nexus, I'd suggest Straight Talk. AT&T's network without the massive subsidy penalty. (AT&T forces you to pay the subsidy penalty even if you don't have a subsidized device.)
I'm switching to them as soon as my contract is up... Actually I should do the math on the ETF now. Even with a 25% discount on service, ST still saves me $20-30/month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been there done that. 2GB of data and I got warning calls. Don't expect them to be good at all!
Sent from my XT890 using Tapatalk 2
Entropy512 said:
If you're going to be using a Nexus, I'd suggest Straight Talk. AT&T's network without the massive subsidy penalty. (AT&T forces you to pay the subsidy penalty even if you don't have a subsidized device.)
I'm switching to them as soon as my contract is up... Actually I should do the math on the ETF now. Even with a 25% discount on service, ST still saves me $20-30/month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll be doing the same thing, but I may ride the T-Mobile side of the service for faster 3G.
mattlgroff said:
Been there done that. 2GB of data and I got warning calls. Don't expect them to be good at all!
Sent from my XT890 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have went over 5gb's a month on ST and never experienced slow down or ever had a warning message
Entropy512 said:
If you're going to be using a Nexus, I'd suggest Straight Talk. AT&T's network without the massive subsidy penalty. (AT&T forces you to pay the subsidy penalty even if you don't have a subsidized device.)
I'm switching to them as soon as my contract is up... Actually I should do the math on the ETF now. Even with a 25% discount on service, ST still saves me $20-30/month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm looking into ST as well. Only issue is I'm on a family plan and my wife just used her upgrade for the iPhone 5. I'm out of contract but she's obviously isn't. Not sure its possible to switch over to ST?
Sent from the Nodes of Ranvier
I am planning on leaving sprint to for this devices. Any ideas on what a good carrier to switch too? Without worrying about going over your data limits
eep2378 said:
I'm looking into ST as well. Only issue is I'm on a family plan and my wife just used her upgrade for the iPhone 5. I'm out of contract but she's obviously isn't. Not sure its possible to switch over to ST?
Sent from the Nodes of Ranvier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If T-Mobile coverage is a good option for you Solevei and Simple Mobile are 2 very good alternatives. Solevei doesnt throttle till 4gb and SM states it doesnt throttle at all as long as you play "nice" with the network.
eep2378 said:
I'm looking into ST as well. Only issue is I'm on a family plan and my wife just used her upgrade for the iPhone 5. I'm out of contract but she's obviously isn't. Not sure its possible to switch over to ST?
Sent from the Nodes of Ranvier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There would be (hefty) early termination fees. A nice thing is that even if she has the Verizon version, it can handle GSM.
eep2378 said:
I'm looking into ST as well. Only issue is I'm on a family plan and my wife just used her upgrade for the iPhone 5. I'm out of contract but she's obviously isn't. Not sure its possible to switch over to ST?
Sent from the Nodes of Ranvier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forewarning on those who want to jump to StraightTalk.
StraightTalk has occasional issues where you will lose Data connectivity and the only solution is to restart hoping it has returned. Happened a lot to my girlfriend and dropped them on September. Rumor has it AT&T is throttling mvno networks or some sort. I haven't heard them fixing the issue but
Reference:
http://www.prepaidphonenews.com/2012/08/persistent-data-problems-frustrating.html
There are links to various forums there with the same complaint. Try and see if the issue is fixed.
People think T-Mobile will be good and rosy until they actually make the switch to T-Mobile.
I say this... T-Mobile is a good carrier if they have good service where you live and you don't ever leave your area.
But, if you try doing ANY kind of traveling, good luck. I loved T-Mobile when I first got them. I didn't travel much. Then, I started traveling because I got a new job, and I was almost always roaming, had crap service, and tons of dropped calls.
That lasted about a week and then I paid the ETF and got the heck out of there.
No problems on Verizon. Love them, never a dropped call, LTE service almost everywhere I go... Just wish they would stop thinking they're making their users experiences better...THEY AREN'T!
Not sure where you travel, I have always had T-Mobile and travel all over. I cant think of a single time I didnt have good connectivity or service. Any good sized city probably already has "4G" and smaller ones have excellent coverage. I suppose if you find yourself outside of the city you may run into issues, I never have in 5+ years.
ctfrommn said:
Not sure where you travel, I have always had T-Mobile and travel all over. I cant think of a single time I didnt have good connectivity or service. Any good sized city probably already has "4G" and smaller ones have excellent coverage. I suppose if you find yourself outside of the city you may run into issues, I never have in 5+ years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-mobile works fine all over Califoronia, from SD to the norcal. Verizon has the best network service but then again they cost almost double of what t-mobile users are paying. T-mobile users also have unlimited data and up to 5GB of 4G.
Also with simcard base phone, they can be re-used all over the wordl and have higher resell value. You can only sell a verizon phone to verrizon customer.

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