Database Develop

[Q] Caught Red Handed - Data Plan

Was there a way around this: Didn't have a smartphone before so I had a fifteen dollar "unlimited" plan. Then bought the captivate sans contract off ebay. Received a text this morning that I was switched to an appropriate limited smartphone data plan.
What really irks me is I haven't been using AT&T's data! I've been strictly wi-fi at the house since putting the SIM in.
Was that the sound of inevitability since they know the IMEIs of all Captivates? Or would rooting / custom mod helped? I hate being forced into the age of data caps.

AT&T's policy is if it's a smartphone you have to have a data plan.. period..
And yes, they know if you are using one by the IMEI.
Sucks yes.. and not much you can do. I had a Tilt for a long time without a plan and lived quite nicely by just using wifi.. ahh.. those were the days..!!

You may be eligible to be grandfathered in and keep your plan. Call 611 and ask for the cancellation department (I think they refer to themselves as "Customer Relations/Care/whatever") and let them know you aren't happy and why. Can't hurt to try, right?

I doubt seriously that you'll be able to keep your MediaNet plan. Most of us think that data is data is data, but not where AT&T is concerned. They tend to place this magical premium on smartphone data in the name of maximizing revenue.
If you don't use more than 200 mb a month then the $15 plan should be fine. If you think you'll use more, which is very likely with these phones, you'll want to get the 2gb plan.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

I won a Samsung Epix a year ago and signed up for the MediaNet plan on my old feature phone. I swapped in the SIM, and I have been on $15 unlimited data ever since. This is a WinMo smartphone, and they have never caught on.

You have a pretty good argument if you bought the phone from e-bay. AT&T didn't subsidize your phone and you didn't agree to any plan changes. You just have to call them on their BS be firm but polite and see where you get. You should also check your account and see if they actually changed it. I received one of those text messages too but still have my mediamax plan.
Charging different $$ amounts for the same thing simply because you MIGHT use more is absurd. Hopefully one day they'll be called out on price fixing along with the other cellular carriers. Data IS data, just because you consume it using a smartphone instead of a dumbphone or a laptop doesn't make it any different or more costly for them. Data plan prices are a subject that will instantly send me into a frenzy.

Yeah, I might just let them win this one. Was using a Nokia E71 on the MediaMax and they were never the wiser. I guess this will end my long run with AT&T.
I absolutely love this Captivate and will hate to part with it...but because of their "smartphone" logic I'll be switching carriers within 6 months (as soon as T-mo has a good android HSPA+ or Metro has a good LTE). In the meantime I'll be wary of the 200 MB limit and use lots of wifi.
Thanks for the input! I love discussing corporate cents (non-sense)

ScottyNuttz said:
I won a Samsung Epix a year ago and signed up for the MediaNet plan on my old feature phone. I swapped in the SIM, and I have been on $15 unlimited data ever since. This is a WinMo smartphone, and they have never caught on.
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Click to collapse
You were grandfathered in. Before september 09 you could easily switch plans. They restricted this and customers who had already done it now have a smart phone exclusion soc code on their account.
Essentially if you had already cheated the system your grandfathered. If you hadn't then youre screwed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

ag4vr said:
Most of us think that data is data is data, but not where AT&T is concerned. They tend to place this magical premium on smartphone data in the name of maximizing revenue.
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Click to collapse
Isn't it obvious? Bits and bytes and packets that go to a smartphone device are inherently more expensive to produce and transmit than bits and bytes and packets that go to a "feature" phone!

nbohmer said:
Essentially if you had already cheated the system your grandfathered. If you hadn't then youre screwed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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Damn... maybe I should buy w/o a new contract then...

ScottyNuttz said:
Damn... maybe I should buy w/o a new contract then...
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Click to collapse
Won't matter. If you use the captivate on ATT at all they will add the $15 plan to your account.

dontshakepandas said:
Won't matter. If you use the captivate on ATT at all they will add the $15 plan to your account.
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This is true. But once you're on a smartphone plan, it doesn't really matter which one. FWIW, I am running my Captivate on my Blackberry Enterprise Plan. They insisted it wouldn't work but it does. I often switch between a Bold 9700, 3GS and the Captivate for testing purposes on the same SIM. All work on the same account.

You can call em and they may credit you back the money and take the plan off your account, but next month it will just go right back on...its a completely automatic system and they don't currently have a way to override that from happening.

they are doing this with all smartphones now. Once I got my captivate, I gave my old Fuze to my little brother. Within a day, AT&T had signed him up for a data plan. I had bought my phone subsidized from AT&T and had it with them up until the release date of the captivate without a problem, but as soon as my brother put his SIM card in the phone, AT&T decided it was a smartphone... They also charged the $18 upgrade fee too, which I thought was f***ing obnoxious...

ag4vr said:
I doubt seriously that you'll be able to keep your MediaNet plan. Most of us think that data is data is data, but not where AT&T is concerned. They tend to place this magical premium on smartphone data in the name of maximizing revenue.
If you don't use more than 200 mb a month then the $15 plan should be fine. If you think you'll use more, which is very likely with these phones, you'll want to get the 2gb plan.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget the 30 dollar surcharge for the "privilege" to tether your computer to your phone and use "your" data.

I've been kicked back and forth through various AT&T departments for the past month over this...
According to AT&T's official line, if you were using a smartphone on a non-smartphone data plan before November of last year, you have a 'smartphone exclusion' added to your account. This will keep you from automatically getting 'upgraded' to a smartphone data plan as long as you don't change to a different smartphone.
Actually, it's a bit more complex than that. The above is true... as long as you're talking about AT&T smartphones. They have a database with the IMEI number for all of the smartphones they offer... but it does not include smartphones that they don't offer. As a result, if you plugged your SIM into a Nexus One, AT&T would be perfectly happy letting you continue on a 'featurephone data plan'. Same goes if you picked up a sim-unlocked HTC Desire from Telus.
Anyway, if you get stuck that way, just move your sim back to your featurephone and give customer support a call. They can get you back on the cheap data plan.
Actually, there's been reports of people trying to add a smartphone data plan to an account using a Nexus One and having AT&T refuse because 'it's not a smartphone' - or rather it's not in their list of smartphones. AT&T insisted on putting them on a featurephone data plane instead.
Now what's really nasty (and what happened with me) is that if you had ben running on an ancient data plan (like a $20 per month plan that provided unlimited data, unlimited text, and 200 mms), and you stuck your sim in a Captivate, you're screwed. Actually it was the AT&T rep who stuck my sim in and tried to process the upgrade. And before the upgrade had even completed, my old data plan was gone and a 2gb smartphone plan was stuck in it's place. What's worse, when told to cancel the upgrade if I can't keep my old data plan, it was too late. Once that data plan is gone, it's gone for good. I tried to get it back for the next month, going through about 9 support cases and hitting multiple levels of support in 3 different divisions. About the best they could do was to give me a heavy discount on the Captivate and put me on the old smartphone unlimited plan.
With the amount of jerking around I was given before anybody could give me a straight answer, I'm seriously considering returning my Captivate anyway and giving Verizon a shot. Except that they're going to cost the same amount I'm paying now, and they don't (yet) have any good android phones that work international.

mesasone said:
Don't forget the 30 dollar surcharge for the "privilege" to tether your computer to your phone and use "your" data.
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Click to collapse
Or the $20 "privelege" of connecting to an "enterprise" email system

ag4vr said:
I doubt seriously that you'll be able to keep your MediaNet plan. Most of us think that data is data is data, but not where AT&T is concerned. They tend to place this magical premium on smartphone data in the name of maximizing revenue.
If you don't use more than 200 mb a month then the $15 plan should be fine. If you think you'll use more, which is very likely with these phones, you'll want to get the 2gb plan.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on this plan and it's not too bad. Only things I don't really do with my phone while I'm on data: browse the web, use google navigation, or use pandora radio. those things seem to eat up bandwith more than anything else.
Also, use a program like NetMeter, it'll let you know how much data you're using via data plan and wifi, very handy. It let's me monitor my use so I can be sure I won't go over.
And last thing to consider: The way AT&T's billing plan is that you're paying 15$ a month for the first 200mb of data that you use. If you go over that 200mb, they're going to charge you another 15$ for the next 200mb of data, and so on..
It really sucks they've done it like that, but they definitely had a lot of leaks in their network as far as data goes, which is why they've cracked down on it so much. I used to have the same 15$ unlimited data plan for the longest time ever and enjoyed it with my various HTC phones (Wizard, 8515, tilt), but ultimately, I hurt myself in the end since I didn't bother to get on an unlimited smart phone data plan back then, which would have cost me more at the time, but would more than make up for it as far as being grandfathered in goes.

The best way around it is getting a Tmobile phone because you dont need 3g and ATT usually doesnt mess aorund with there imei numbers. But Att has made data plan very cheap $15 and if u usually use wifi then u will never go over. I have never gone over 200 in the past year and its basically i download apps on wifi using other features in moderations u should be good.

First off, this is my first post on these forums.. second. I had the unlimited data plan on a dumbphone, switched to the smartphone. Was told I couldn't keep my plan. Called customer support. Explained I had been with ATT since 1998 and I don't understand why I couldn't keep my plan. They said I couldn't, agent was rather rude IMHO, I said, well I can change carriers, can I speak to a manager. She put me on hold. Came back rather quickly and said in a nice voice. Sir, I spoke to my manager and they agree to give you your plan back, since you have been with us for so long. But you know, it will cost you 5 dollars more a month. I laughed and said, that's not the point."

[Q] Ready to buy a Captivate but...

I'm currently in a AT&T Family Plan and my line has the old unlimited data plan. While my wife was in the local AT&T store buying a new Blackberry Torch, I was checking out the Captivate and really loved what I saw.
So I started talking to the AT&T guy, asking about data plans and such if I was to update my phone now. He stated that if I bought the Captivate I wouldn't be able to keep my old unlimited data plan, and that I'd have to either change to the 200MB or 2GB data plan. Is this really true, or is the rep just trying to get me into one of the new plans?
Also, I'm curious about the Captivate's GPS - the box states it's aGPS. Now I know this can mean a few things, but I'm curious if the Captivate has a "real" GPS chip in it, or does the Captivate's aGPS just use cell tower triangulation for navigation purposes?
I thought I'd get other's opinions before actually getting the phone - which I really do want!

Rambler358 said:
I'm currently in a AT&T Family Plan and my line has the old unlimited data plan. While my wife was in the local AT&T store buying a new Blackberry Torch, I was checking out the Captivate and really loved what I saw.
So I started talking to the AT&T guy, asking about data plans and such if I was to update my phone now. He stated that if I bought the Captivate I wouldn't be able to keep my old unlimited data plan, and that I'd have to either change to the 200MB or 2GB data plan. Is this really true, or is the rep just trying to get me into one of the new plans?
Also, I'm curious about the Captivate's GPS - the box states it's aGPS. Now I know this can mean a few things, but I'm curious if the Captivate has a "real" GPS chip in it, or does the Captivate's aGPS just use cell tower triangulation for navigation purposes?
I thought I'd get other's opinions before actually getting the phone - which I really do want!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think either the rep is trying to trick you, or he may just not know. When I bought my Captivate I was able to keep my existing unlimited plan, so I'd assume it'd apply to you as well. And yes the GPS receiver is actual GPS, however there are some issues with it at the moment (problems with holding a lock and tracking, etc.), and Samsung is trying to fix them.

KCutrer1 said:
I think either the rep is trying to trick you, or he may just not know. When I bought my Captivate I was able to keep my existing unlimited plan, so I'd assume it'd apply to you as well. And yes the GPS receiver is actual GPS, however there are some issues with it at the moment (problems with holding a lock and tracking, etc.), and Samsung is trying to fix them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - maybe I can just go to another AT&T store, as there's a few around me and see if the reps give me the same "you must change data plan" story.
I've read about the GPS issues, and it seems some have them and some don't. I also see there's a couple fixes for the Captivate's GPS issue, but do they really work? The GPS feature is something I really want/need, as I'm not planning on buying a standalone GPS as well.

That's a lie. When i purchased my Captivate on my renewal, i ended up having to call AT&T directly as they wouldn't give me the deal price in the store and when the representative on the phone tried to sell me on one of their new plans, i immediately said, "No.. i want the unlimited plan transferred to the Captivate from my iPhone." It took him a few minutes of putting on hold to talk to his supervisor to come back and tell me it was done. So don't believe the AT&T rep in the store, they're probably told to tell you it's not possible. I'm telling you it is.
Remember.. once the unlimited plan is gone.. you can't get it back.

terrigan said:
That's a lie. When i purchased my Captivate on my renewal, i ended up having to call AT&T directly as they wouldn't give me the deal price in the store and when the representative on the phone tried to sell me on one of their new plans, i immediately said, "No.. i want the unlimited plan transferred to the Captivate from my iPhone."
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Click to collapse
Okay, this jogs my memory a bit now. The rep did say that if I was coming from an iPhone that I could keep my unlimited plan, otherwise I'd need to get one of the new plans. I currently have a HTC Advantage, but a Motorola Razr is showing up on my account as my current phone - which I was using until I got the Advantage, but obviously not from AT&T.
So even with the above would I still be able to retain my current unlimited data plan? I just want to have my ducks in a row before going back to the AT&T store.

I would call AT&T on the phone and inquire. I don't know about that, I had an iPhone and they didn't give me a hard time at all.

terrigan said:
I would call AT&T on the phone and inquire. I don't know about that, I had an iPhone and they didn't give me a hard time at all.
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Okay, just got off the phone with AT&T. According to the rep, if I previously had a "smartphone" with the unlimited data plan then I could keep that plan. But unfortunately my old Motorola Razr was not classified as a smartphone, and I'd need to choose one of the 2 new data plans available if I got the Captivate. And they're not able to back-date the IMEI number of the HTC Advantage.
So do you guys with the 2GB data plans come close to exceeding that at all? I'm now beginning to wonder if I should drop AT&T and go with another carrier for unlimited data.

Depends on how you use the phone
If you are jumping ship for a different carrier do it soon. I know for a fact Verizon will be doing that soon from a friend that works there. T-Mobile doesn't have a "cap" but they may as well, you get throttled after you use so much bandwidth. I don't know about Sprint, but if you are in a 4G Sprint area, that may be your best bet. The Epic is supposed to be the best Galaxy S phone.
Over the past 10 months, I have only had one month less than 2GB, at 1.4GB. My max was 4.8GB, and it appears I average about 3GB. My wife on the other hand, ranged from 90MB to 550MB, with most months at around 250MB. We both use our phones a lot. We both had iPhones until the Captivate came out. Once we switched to the Captivate both our data usages spiked. The difference is HOW we use our phones. We both use the web, a lot. But I stream Pandora almost daily for hours at work, and I download a lot of Podcasts. Sometimes I download podcasts on my phone when I am home even though I have WiFi just so I feel like I am getting my $$ from AT&T.
Sure you can survive on the new $15 data plan, but I wouldn't do it.

quarlow said:
Sure you can survive on the new $15 data plan, but I wouldn't do it.
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Click to collapse
If I was to stick with AT&T I'd definately get the $25 2GB data plan. Unfortunately AT&T isn't offering any higher data plans - even for business users!
If I did drop AT&T, I was thinking about Sprint and the HTC EVO (for the larger screen). But I just checked Sprint's 4G coverage for the west coast, and it's very slim. So Verizon would be my other option. I'll talk to the wife and see what she thinks. I'd definately be paying more for service by leaving my current AT&T Family Plan though, so that's something I need to consider as well.

Rambler358 said:
Okay, just got off the phone with AT&T. According to the rep, if I previously had a "smartphone" with the unlimited data plan then I could keep that plan. But unfortunately my old Motorola Razr was not classified as a smartphone, and I'd need to choose one of the 2 new data plans available if I got the Captivate. And they're not able to back-date the IMEI number of the HTC Advantage.
So do you guys with the 2GB data plans come close to exceeding that at all? I'm now beginning to wonder if I should drop AT&T and go with another carrier for unlimited data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in a similar predicament as I have an unlimited non-smartphone data plan that I am still using. Recently I put my sim into my friends Captivate to see if it would still work. I lose internet on some programs will retain it on others. For example, Google Maps works and connects fine, but FriendsStream does not, and most if not all widgets. The Android browser also doesnt work, but there is a workaround (Opera Mini). I'm always surfing the web, and like someone said earlier I stream music from Pandora about 6 hours a day, and I feel bad for my friends who have the capped plan when I see them run like roaches when we are at a WiFi available restaurant. I dont know if the 2GB plan will be enough for me.
I currently have my non-smartphone plan on my blackberry, and although I cant use BB apps like BBM, or the BB Browser... Opera Mini does the job, and 3rd Party apps including Google maps and Pandora work fine. I miss out on not being able to use some cool apps because of this, but the Captivate for sure is an internet-friendly phone.

quarlow said:
If you are jumping ship for a different carrier do it soon. I know for a fact Verizon will be doing that soon from a friend that works there. T-Mobile doesn't have a "cap" but they may as well, you get throttled after you use so much bandwidth. I don't know about Sprint, but if you are in a 4G Sprint area, that may be your best bet. The Epic is supposed to be the best Galaxy S phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny part is, AT&T is the only carrier with a truly unlimited data plan. (If you still have the unlimited data plan that is) Verizon, T-mobile, Sprint, all of their "unlimited" data plans are capped at 5gb.

I just got my captivate a week ago. They never said i had to change my data plan if upgrading. My unlimited plan just carried over. I switched from the htc pure.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

nuwayman said:
I just got my captivate a week ago. They never said i had to change my data plan if upgrading. My unlimited plan just carried over. I switched from the htc pure.
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Click to collapse
If AT&T had your HTC Pure indicated on your account previously, then you're good to go. Unfortunately when I got my HTC Advantage, I never called in to get the IMEI switched over. Now that's hurting me because I want to upgrade and keep the unlimited plan.

I had a Samsung A-737 (not a smart phone) and the $15 unlimited data plan. When I upgraded at an AT&T store, I was not allowed to keep that plan; I decided to go with the 2 gb, $25 plan. Additional usage is charged at $10/gb.
Though I'm sure I went over in the first month, for some reason AT&T was not able to track my usage. This second month, I'm approaching my limit; I've downloaded a lot of apps and other files, watched quite a number of youtube videos, surfed a lot, but I never stream audio, preferring to play from my own collection.
Regardless of whether 2gb is enough, having to watch data usage is a hassle... If, somehow, you can keep your unlimited plan as others have, that would be preferable. My counsel is to not give in so easy as I did. Perhaps, try upgrading by phone, direct to AT&T.

gary_lankford said:
I decided to go with the 2 gb, $25 plan. Additional usage is charged at $10/gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bad part is anything over 2GB is charged the extra $10, even a byte over will be charged extra.
Perhaps, try upgrading by phone, direct to AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I tried this as well to no avail.
Though what's interesting is that I've been using my phone's SIM card in my Alienware M11x laptop (with the Gobi WWAN card) for data when WiFi isn't available. And it doesn't seem like the laptop's data usage is being recorded by AT&T for some reason. If that's the case, then maybe the 2GB plan just for the Captivate won't be an issue.

This is my second month with the Captivate on the 2gig plan. The first billing cycle was only 2 weeks and I totaled 465mb. Not bad, I though; I figured I could keep it under 2 gigs. However, two weeks into this billing cycle I got a warning message from att that I was nearly at my limit. I have no idea how I could have used 2000mb in two weeks. I don't stream anything and I kill tasks that might use background data. Even so, 2gigs is a lot.
This was my first smartphone. I truly regret signing on with ATT for two years. If I could do it again, I'd go with T-Mobile for the Vibrant or Sprint with the Epic (which wasn't out yet when I got my phone).
ATT's plan is a rip-off.

DemonWav said:
Funny part is, AT&T is the only carrier with a truly unlimited data plan. (If you still have the unlimited data plan that is) Verizon, T-mobile, Sprint, all of their "unlimited" data plans are capped at 5gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still better than AT&T's 2GB data plan, for not much more money.

Ordered ours over the phone (after lots of hassle to get them to cave and allow an early upgrade from the 3GS) and it seems our unlimited data carried over. However, I didn't put in the new SIM they sent or "activate" it as they say to do... was worried it would require changing the data plan.
A couple months ago my iPhone 3gs got stolen and I had to use a razr as a backup phone for a couple weeks. They removed my unlimited data and changed me to unlimited Media Net... When I called to inquire and be sure I could change back over to unlimited smart phone data with no problem, they assured me there would be no hassle and they'd note the account. When I did get another iPhone, it actually ended up taking me about an hour on the phone with several reps that went through a few managers to get them to put my unlimited smart phone data package back on. They argued over whether they should be allowed to do it or not :-/ So I'm worried about losing it again, even though I actually don't even use much data at all in reality (I don't have 3g in my area, just EDGE, and I'm often around wifi... but just never know when I may need that unlimited )

Keeping Your Unlimited Data Plan
I was able to keep my unlimited data plan on AT&T. I had an iPhone which i gave to my wife when her Blackberry broke. I acquired an old Blackberry Bold 8800 from work to use until I got ready to upgrade. I moved jobs and had to return the phone. Stuck my SIM card in an old LG flip phone for the weekend until i was able to get to a store to upgrade. The rep switched me over to a 200 MB plan without saying anything. When I checked my features online the next day as I never trust the sells reps, I found the change. I immediately called AT&T. The cust. serv. rep began to explain that since I had switched from a smartphone to a non-smartphone I was no longer eligible to continue my Unlimited Data plan. I immediately asked for a manager. Within a few short mins I had my Unlimited Data Plan restored. I believe if you press them hard enough they will give in. It may take a call to AT&T customer service waiting for a manager and making your case, but he seemed ready to help and didn't want to lose a customer.

natedog75 said:
I was able to keep my unlimited data plan on AT&T. I had an iPhone which i gave to my wife when her Blackberry broke. I acquired an old Blackberry Bold 8800 from work to use until I got ready to upgrade. I moved jobs and had to return the phone. Stuck my SIM card in an old LG flip phone for the weekend until i was able to get to a store to upgrade. The rep switched me over to a 200 MB plan without saying anything. When I checked my features online the next day as I never trust the sells reps, I found the change. I immediately called AT&T. The cust. serv. rep began to explain that since I had switched from a smartphone to a non-smartphone I was no longer eligible to continue my Unlimited Data plan. I immediately asked for a manager. Within a few short mins I had my Unlimited Data Plan restored. I believe if you press them hard enough they will give in. It may take a call to AT&T customer service waiting for a manager and making your case, but he seemed ready to help and didn't want to lose a customer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've spoke to 2 different reps and each time they spoke to their managers. Unless your unlimited data plan was previously on a iPhone, then they won't (they specifically said can't) switch you over.
This is the main reason I think I'm going over to Sprint, as well as moving the wife over once her contract is up this December. Oh well, it's AT&T's loss not mine.

[Q] Data Plan

Not sure if anyone know's but let's say I get two of these phones one for me and one for the wife and Only one needs Data considering I am home all day with wi-fi access. Is there a way to get it so I can call in and drop one of the data plans after getting the phone?

The only way you could do that is if you buy it off contract. The carrier will force you to have a data plan.
Sent from my LG Thrill 3D using XDA Premium

Well what if I buy it and say I sold the phone and plug in My OLD Motorola Rokr to the Sim when I call them. I mean they can't prove that I didn't sell it.

But the network knows your imei and att will know what kind of phone it is.
Would your plan work? Probably. Would it be surprising for att to surprise you with automatically adding a data plan later? No.
If you look online at your account it will show you what phone you have. I once tested their system with a few phones I got from friends. One was an att branded flip phone, one was a unlocked HTC WinMo phone with a custom ROM, and another was a TMo blackberry. Each time within a day or two the website updated itself with my phone.
Sent from my Captivate running Continuum 5.6

you'll be able to switch to another data plan when you change device
or outright remove it
but when you switch back to the thrill it will detect it and automatically add the $15mb 200 meg data plan
just do the iphone or unlocked smartphone idea to get her unlimited data. that way at least she can listen to pandora, stream videos, and use gps when she's out.

againareku said:
you'll be able to switch to another data plan when you change device
or outright remove it
but when you switch back to the thrill it will detect it and automatically add the $15mb 200 meg data plan
just do the iphone or unlocked smartphone idea to get her unlimited data. that way at least she can listen to pandora, stream videos, and use gps when she's out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have heard of the iPhone idea but what's the unlocked Smartphone idea. I mean I have an unlocked T-Mobile Mytouch 4G (That Work?)

plenty of other ways, port out number to another carrier.....port it back in, dont have to use same rate plan when you come back, dif phone now, no data needed...

Any time you put your Sim card in a smartphone, the phone will update the IMEI on your account and send you a text saying it added the plan within about two days of use. Pretty much no way around it that I know of.
Sent from my LG-P925 using xda premium

The price of your phone is subsidized by the contracted data plan. As far as I know they would leave it on your account no matter what actual phone you are using, since they gave you a $550 phone and will be getting their money back one way or another.

Not actually. You can start a contract with a smartphone but later change your IMEI to a regular phone and drop the data altogether. They get their money back from your monthly rate plan.
Sent from my LG-P925 using xda premium

TylDurden said:
The price of your phone is subsidized by the contracted data plan. As far as I know they would leave it on your account no matter what actual phone you are using, since they gave you a $550 phone and will be getting their money back one way or another.
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Click to collapse
If you got the phone for a reduced price then switched to a non smart phone you could drop the data, but if you use any smartphone with att they add a data plan.
Sent from my LG-P925 using xda premium

AzraelsVoice said:
Not actually. You can start a contract with a smartphone but later change your IMEI to a regular phone and drop the data altogether. They get their money back from your monthly rate plan.
Sent from my LG-P925 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
So why are data plans contracted and required on some (smart) phones and not others?

Data plans aren't contracted. smartphones require data plans because of the large amounts of
data they consume due to the full html browser, app downloading, and app data use.
Sent from my LG-P925 using xda premium

Interesting. I don't have too much experience with ATT but on TMobile when I got a BB and sold it, I attached a different phone and tried to remove the Data plan and it gave me a disconnection fee. I had to get a sales rep friend work some magic, when ATT says that a phone "requires data and a 2 year contract" I just put 2 and 2 together. Glad to hear I'm not locked into a data plan.

That's crazy that t mobile contracts plans. No wonder they're going out of business lol. with AT&T, pretty much the only thing that is contracted is your service. You can change any rate plan or data plan anytime as long as it's within the guidelines for your device.
Sent from my LG-P925 using xda premium

AzraelsVoice said:
That's crazy that t mobile contracts plans. No wonder they're going out of business lol. with AT&T, pretty much the only thing that is contracted is your service. You can change any rate plan or data plan anytime as long as it's within the guidelines for your device.
Sent from my LG-P925 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Makes sense to me. Data usage of a phone has nothing to do with a required data plan. You can always turn it off (the data) from the phone. Getting money back for a more expensive phone is a much better excuse to require data. I'm still doubting that I can just change to a flip phone and turn off my data plan on ATT. I liked tmobile (and still do) better than ATT. I just wanted a Thrill and I joined my Dads plan so I pay less, but I almost payed the same with my own plan on Tmobile without splitting the bill with anyone. ATT is way more expensive.

TylDurden said:
ATT is way more expensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I keep hearing this. I shopped around and couldn't find another carrier that had a significantly reduced rate from what I pay.
5 lines
2 smart phones w/unlimited data
2 non-smart phones w/unlimited data
1 non-smart phone not on any data plan
1500 minutes
unlimited text
Total monthly=~$230
We had 2100 minutes but since AT&T went free mobile to mobile calling and up 10 non-cell lines free to and from calling, we had a ton of rollover minutes.
US Cellular was like $250
Verizon was $160 before you even threw in data plans and insurance
Sprint is terrible in my area for reception
T-mobile was ~$240
Granted I get 15% off my bill so it'd be a bit more expensive. But when price comparing, all the companies are about the same when it comes to family packages.

I have 4 lines
3 smartphones w/ $25 data
1 regular Joe
Insurance on all 4
Unlimited texting for all
Around $225 before my discount
Sent from my LG-P925 using xda premium

Mobile to Mobile is sweet

Clearing things up
Ok ok ok, so I work for ATT Customer Care, and I have to deal with this every darn day. ATT's systems are smarter than you, sorry, it's true. They do random sweeps and see what IMEI (id for phone) the sim card is attached to. They also look at the calls, and every call has an IMEI attached to it. I promise you, even if you buy the phone outright, or say you have a different phone, it will catch you. It will also notify you saying your busted, and it will put on the $25 2gb with $10/1gb overage on it. You cannot get around it, sorry. The only way was to have a smartphone exclusion on the acct, and that is not possible because you are changing IMEI's. Sorry, deal with it.
On a side now, if you want unlim data, then buy an ORIGINAL iPhone, put it on your acct for a few days, call back in and have the imei changed to the thrill, and you get to keep the data package.
Have a great day!

Got audited by AT$T data sweep system on nexus 4 for $10 data unlimited

Annoyed. Got the dreaded ATT text that I wasn't using the correct data plan for the nexus 4. Was using it on $10 non smart data plan.
AT&T Free Msg: Did you know a data plan is required for your Smartphone? We have added an appropriate data plan. Learn more at www.att.com/dataplans.
Online management shows phone as being unrecognized but they apparently know the phone is a smartphone.
Even the email I got from ATT says
"For whatever reason, our records indicate your Smartphone does not have an eligible data plan. We have added an appropriate Smartphone data plan for your device"
So unlike the Galaxy nexus, ATT does force the $30 data plan. I guess the LG Optimus G is so similar to the Nexus 4 ATT can see it as a smartphone.
It's weird cause the international Galaxy S3 was never recognized on my account when I had it on the $10 data plan.

aneftp said:
Annoyed. Got the dreaded ATT text that I wasn't using the correct data plan for the nexus 4. Was using it on $10 non smart data plan.
AT&T Free Msg: Did you know a data plan is required for your Smartphone? We have added an appropriate data plan. Learn more at www.att.com/dataplans.
Online management shows phone as being unrecognized but they apparently know the phone is a smartphone.
Even the email I got from ATT says
"For whatever reason, our records indicate your Smartphone does not have an eligible data plan. We have added an appropriate Smartphone data plan for your device"
So unlike the Galaxy nexus, ATT does force the $30 data plan. I guess the LG Optimus G is so similar to the Nexus 4 ATT can see it as a smartphone.
It's weird cause the international Galaxy S3 was never recognized on my account when I had it on the $10 data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that legal for them to change your Data package and charge you more money without a notice period first?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

altimax98 said:
Is that legal for them to change your Data package and charge you more money without a notice period first?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it's in the contract that they can do whatever they want, up to and including selling you into slavery for bitcoins to pay your overdue bill. This is AT&T. They have no morals.
Ordered my Nexus 4 on the 13th. Still waiting.

aneftp said:
Annoyed. Got the dreaded ATT text that I wasn't using the correct data plan for the nexus 4. Was using it on $10 non smart data plan.
AT&T Free Msg: Did you know a data plan is required for your Smartphone? We have added an appropriate data plan. Learn more at www.att.com/dataplans.
Online management shows phone as being unrecognized but they apparently know the phone is a smartphone.
Even the email I got from ATT says
"For whatever reason, our records indicate your Smartphone does not have an eligible data plan. We have added an appropriate Smartphone data plan for your device"
So unlike the Galaxy nexus, ATT does force the $30 data plan. I guess the LG Optimus G is so similar to the Nexus 4 ATT can see it as a smartphone.
It's weird cause the international Galaxy S3 was never recognized on my account when I had it on the $10 data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the same text message from them yesterday. I promptly called them back and had them put me back on the $10 data plan. The CSR I spoke to said their system periodically reviews activity on your sim card. If they detect "smartphone type" activity they will switch your plan. I told them nothing about my phone has changed( I've been on MediaNet since getting my N4) and told them its a basic phone(thats what the N4 IMEI comes up as in their system). They had no problem putting me back on MediaNet plan.
I would call them and tell them to put you back on $10 data plan

What is crap about at&t is their is no benefit to owning your own phone. Honestly we shouldn't have to pay as much for data because they aren't subsidizing our phones, but on at&t there isn't much benefit in buying your own phone because you pay the same regardless.
IMO if you subsidized your phone after 2 years and don't bite on early upgrading you should get a discount. And early termination should just be the remaining cost of your subsidized phone. Thats how it should work and fwiw smartphone /dumb phone data plans are stupid too, because it like your ISP deciding to charge you more because you use Firefox instead of ie.
But what can you do really? The only carrier that does it right is T mobile, and they are the bottom of the barrel in coverage. At&t makes way more money on subsidizing phones, only way for things to improve is to kill subsidizing, then carriers will be forced to use the same bands and have to compete on pricing. I think subsidizing is long outdated personally and it time to sell phones like every other consumer electronic.
I mean with the nexus 4 wait for instance I've found I am kind of forced to deal with it because every other comparable phone is like $550, and every sale on has an asterix that states "after 2 year commitment".
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

estallings15 said:
I think it's in the contract that they can do whatever they want, up to and including selling you into slavery for bitcoins to pay your overdue bill. This is AT&T. They have no morals.
Ordered my Nexus 4 on the 13th. Still waiting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They may have NO morals, but another thing they DON'T have is the N4 IMEI #

Cor-master said:
What is crap about at&t is their is no benefit to owning your own phone. Honestly we shouldn't have to pay as much for data because they aren't subsidizing our phones, but on at&t there isn't much benefit in buying your own phone because you pay the same regardless.
IMO if you subsidized your phone after 2 years and don't bite on early upgrading you should get a discount. And early termination should just be the remaining cost of your subsidized phone. Thats how it should work and fwiw smartphone /dumb phone data plans are stupid too, because it like your ISP deciding to charge you more because you use Firefox instead of ie.
But what can you do really? The only carrier that does it right is T mobile, and they are the bottom of the barrel in coverage. At&t makes way more money on subsidizing phones, only way for things to improve is to kill subsidizing, then carriers will be forced to use the same bands and have to compete on pricing. I think subsidizing is long outdated personally and it time to sell phones like every other consumer electronic.
I mean with the nexus 4 wait for instance I've found I am kind of forced to deal with it because every other comparable phone is like $550, and every sale on has an asterix that states "after 2 year commitment".
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile's coverage isn't THAT bad, especially if you stick to more populated areas.
You're right on the subsidy, if I was on AT&T I would buy the most popular high end smartphone every time I was eligible for an upgrade and then sell it on ebay.

OP Just call back your company and say what post number 4 says

se1000 said:
T-Mobile's coverage isn't THAT bad, especially if you stick to more populated areas.
You're right on the subsidy, if I was on AT&T I would buy the most popular high end smartphone every time I was eligible for an upgrade and then sell it on ebay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After I get my n4 I might grab a prepaid Tmobile sim just to try it out for a month or so. I can grab the same deal I have on at&t and get unlimited data too for only a $100 a month, nearly $70 leas than what I pay from at&t now so worth a try
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2

aneftp said:
Annoyed. Got the dreaded ATT text that I wasn't using the correct data plan for the nexus 4. Was using it on $10 non smart data plan.
AT&T Free Msg: Did you know a data plan is required for your Smartphone? We have added an appropriate data plan. Learn more at www.att.com/dataplans.
Online management shows phone as being unrecognized but they apparently know the phone is a smartphone.
Even the email I got from ATT says
"For whatever reason, our records indicate your Smartphone does not have an eligible data plan. We have added an appropriate Smartphone data plan for your device"
So unlike the Galaxy nexus, ATT does force the $30 data plan. I guess the LG Optimus G is so similar to the Nexus 4 ATT can see it as a smartphone.
It's weird cause the international Galaxy S3 was never recognized on my account when I had it on the $10 data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They can see your user agent when you are browsing using a mobile data connection. That's how they used try to catch people using tethering. It's mostly idiotic because requesting desktop versions of sites causes mobile browsers to fake the UA. They can probably also see traffic from other Google apps such as play store since they use specific ports. My guess is this would have eventually happened on your GNex as well.

[hfm] said:
They can see your user agent when you are browsing using a mobile data connection. That's how they used try to catch people using tethering. It's mostly idiotic because requesting desktop versions of sites causes mobile browsers to fake the UA. They can probably also see traffic from other Google apps such as play store since they use specific ports. My guess is this would have eventually happened on your GNex as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, this is wrong. Tmo DOES look at user agent to block tethering, Att sweeps imeis. Samsung phones are nice because you can " fake" a generic imei by simply erasing (after backup) the efs folder.
FWIW, my solution was a bit different. When I got on their network my goal was basically to grandfather and future proof the hell out of my account. I activated an edge iPhone first (back before they shut down the loop hole), then the same day called in with an atrix imei, then a few months later with a skyrocket imei to go from edge unlimited, to 4g hspa+ unlimited, finally to lte unlimited plan. All genuine smartphone plans and thus subject to grandfathering. In addition anytime I use the wap.cingular apn on my lte plan it doesn't count against my 5gb throttle limit giving me TRUE unlimited (though wap.cingular tops out at a very usable 7.4mbps vs 21 on " phone"). I intentionally skipped the media net plan just for the better "guarantee" of keeping my plan down the road since I KNOW att is a bunch of douchebags.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

I just got placed on the Data Pro plan as well and called up customer service. Our phones get recognized as LG E960, which is in fact the model number for the Nexus 4.
I asked them to switch me back and that I'm using a dumb phone, but they kept me on hold for 10 min and I just hung up. I'm not sure if my plan will revert to MEdia Net.
Is anyone else getting their connection dropped within the first few seconds of data use? It happens to me when I start a speed test or try to listen to NPR. It doesn't always happen, but it does very frequently and I have to wait to reestablish network connectivity. Usually I have to reboot the phone because the app won't reestablish connection even though the phone status states that it has.

Hung0702 said:
I just got placed on the Data Pro plan as well and called up customer service. Our phones get recognized as LG E960, which is in fact the model number for the Nexus 4.
I asked them to switch me back and that I'm using a dumb phone, but they kept me on hold for 10 min and I just hung up. I'm not sure if my plan will revert to MEdia Net.
Is anyone else getting their connection dropped within the first few seconds of data use? It happens to me when I start a speed test or try to listen to NPR. It doesn't always happen, but it does very frequently and I have to wait to reestablish network connectivity. Usually I have to reboot the phone because the app won't reestablish connection even though the phone status states that it has.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Connection problems are the proxy in your apn, just remove it and you'll be good.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

estallings15 said:
I think it's in the contract that they can do whatever they want, up to and including selling you into slavery for bitcoins to pay your overdue bill. This is AT&T. They have no morals.
Ordered my Nexus 4 on the 13th. Still waiting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think AT&T moral is the only one being questioned here, regardless of what AT&T decides to charge, last I check, regardless of AT&T having its IMEI or not, the N4 is technically and practically a smartphone. Not that I have a problem with it, its ATT after all, they are charging my dad for land phone services they didn't install correctly which we canceled. I do have a problem with having a separate tethering plan above the data plan, still do not understand why the FCC and European Commission are fine with this. It's would be similar to Evian selling you water bottles to drink from, but its illegal to use it to water your plants or anything else unless you pay them extra.

estallings15 said:
I think it's in the contract that they can do whatever they want, up to and including selling you into slavery for bitcoins to pay your overdue bill. This is AT&T. They have no morals.
Ordered my Nexus 4 on the 13th. Still waiting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can you lie to AT&T about what kind of phone you have yet accuse them of having no morals ? Getting something without paying for it is called theft. Yes I think they are charging too much but, I have a choice on who I use for service.

eksasol said:
I don't think AT&T moral is the only one being questioned here, regardless of what AT&T decides to charge, last I check, regardless of AT&T having its IMEI or not, the N4 is technically and practically a smartphone. Not that I have a problem with it, its ATT after all, they are charging my dad for land phone services they didn't install correctly which we canceled. I do have a problem with having a separate tethering plan above the data plan, still do not understand why the FCC and European Commission are fine with this. It's would be similar to Evian selling you water bottles to drink from, but its illegal to use it to water your plants or anything else unless you pay them extra.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL So True!

amcplus5 said:
How can you lie to AT&T about what kind of phone you have yet accuse them of having no morals ? Getting something without paying for it is called theft. Yes I think they are charging too much but, I have a choice on who I use for service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, I wasn't referring to that. I was thinking about the way they've treated every single person I know who has service with them over the last few years. I do agree that trying to break the rules is no bueno. Doesn't remove any of their slime, though.
Ordered my Nexus 4 on the 13th. Still waiting.

OP here. Ended up selling Nexus 4 with bumper for $400. Easy sell on Craigslist. Like I said, basically sold it for at cost. Really don't care about making a small profit in the phone.
I called earlier to get the $30 data pro off my account. The CSR said she could add the $10 data plan back on but if ATT see I am using a smartphone it will re add it again.
I am already paying $30 for my unlimited grandfathered LTE iPhone 5 (throttled at 5GB with ATT).
I also have a spare line on my brothers Verizon account that I pay him $45 total. I have a grandfathered unlimited LTE Verizon data plan. I don't even use the phone. I put it in my Verizon LTE iPad and Verizon cannot audit me cause of their FCC agreement. That's why Verizon is forcing people off their unlimited LTE data cause Verizon cannot throttle LTE devices and cannot stop people from moving LTE sims between tablet or cell phone devices.
So I just can't justify paying another $30 data plan on my spare ATT line for the nexus 4. It's a great phone (minus the camera). And I recommend the nexus 4 to all of my friends (who aren't obsessed with their iPhones).
I have been with Cingular /ATT for 9 years so know the ins and outs. Unfortunately we consumers are not getting the greatest value with post paid carriers. The big 3 all know there is close to zero profit in minutes anymore. That's why they essentially give minutes away for free these days.
Data is the only true money maker for carriers these days and they want to maximize profits.
I am not a data hogger by any means. I maybe used 300mb in 2 1/2 weeks with the nexus 4. I don't tether either. If ATT offered a sensible (say 500 mb/$10 data plan) I could reason to keep it. But we all know the game the carriers play. $20/300mb is quite ridiculous.
They know the "average" customer uses around 500-700mb data each month. That's why they set the teaser 300mb/$20. Only light users can be on the 300mb smartphone data plan.
On a bright note. My Verizon LTE data is truly unlimited. I let my 2 year old rack up 5-10GB data on the iPad each month without worries. I've heard some Verizon LTE data user go over 200GB a month cause the Verizon iPad can be used as its own hotspot with LTE.

compuw22c said:
Sorry, this is wrong. Tmo DOES look at user agent to block tethering, Att sweeps imeis. Samsung phones are nice because you can " fake" a generic imei by simply erasing (after backup) the efs folder.
FWIW, my solution was a bit different. When I got on their network my goal was basically to grandfather and future proof the hell out of my account. I activated an edge iPhone first (back before they shut down the loop hole), then the same day called in with an atrix imei, then a few months later with a skyrocket imei to go from edge unlimited, to 4g hspa+ unlimited, finally to lte unlimited plan. All genuine smartphone plans and thus subject to grandfathering. In addition anytime I use the wap.cingular apn on my lte plan it doesn't count against my 5gb throttle limit giving me TRUE unlimited (though wap.cingular tops out at a very usable 7.4mbps vs 21 on " phone"). I intentionally skipped the media net plan just for the better "guarantee" of keeping my plan down the road since I KNOW att is a bunch of douchebags.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny that they have the IMEI as it's not an att phone. Yeah tmo was doing the UA sniffing. I assumed att might as well. It seemed they stopped doing it as they have never stopped me from tethering. I pay for data what does it matter how just throttle me when I get to your limit.

I got the message too today morning. I went back to my original smartphone plan of 2 GB since I was never using more than 1 GB. Also the speeds and ping is better on the 'phone' APN of AT&T as compared to the 'cingular' APN.

Verizon's policty on tethering

I just moved and thanks to my Android powered Logitech Revue doubling as a bride from wifi to ethernet, I am powering my home network with my Droid 4's wifi tethering. I'm using Liquid Smooth and not paying for tethering and have unlimited data. Does Verizon freak out at some point when you use 20GB or something of tethering a month?
I am considering not getting cable internet as 20/10mbps seems sufficient.

Umm...probably not. Since the law passed making tethering fees illegal, they can't do much. However, what will likely happen is different. The last round of people able to get grandfathered into unlimited data will be seeing their contracts end in June. At that point, those of us with unlimited data will all be out of contract, thus giving verizon the option of turning it off for all of us in 1 big swoop. So while you can do this, I wouldn't suggest it. Don't really wanna bring attention to the loophole. That 20gb you used for $30....could have made them hundreds...
Sent from my DROID4 using xda app-developers app

If you buy the next phone off contract though, you still can keep your unlimited data right? I think the bigger issue is that Verizon is throttling data speeds. That will definitely leave a dent.

If you pay full retail cost for the phone and don't sign a new contract, you can keep your unlimited data, for now at least.

ChristianPreachr said:
Umm...probably not. Since the law passed making tethering fees illegal, they can't do much. However, what will likely happen is different. The last round of people able to get grandfathered into unlimited data will be seeing their contracts end in June. At that point, those of us with unlimited data will all be out of contract, thus giving verizon the option of turning it off for all of us in 1 big swoop. So while you can do this, I wouldn't suggest it. Don't really wanna bring attention to the loophole. That 20gb you used for $30....could have made them hundreds...
Sent from my DROID4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true about the June date for everyone. I renewed my contract last year on 2/29 for the leap day sale. On VZW's website it says I'll be eligible for a discounted upgrade on 11/1/13 and contract end date is 3/1/14.