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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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn... maybe I should buy w/o a new contract then...
ScottyNuttz said:
Damn... maybe I should buy w/o a new contract then...
Click to expand...
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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Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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."
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
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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.
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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!
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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
Sorry if this is old news(I didnt see a thread about it), but finally the govt does a little something right. And its kinda nice to see greedy Verizon get slapped in the face. :/
hxxp://gizmodo.com/5930610/verizon-officially-cant-force-you-to-pay-20-for-tethering-anymore?tag=verizon
sorry im a new user cant post links
Unless I missed something it doesn't necessarily mean that tethering will be free. What the govt. did was slap them on the wrist for blocking tethering apps in the app store, forcing customers to use their paid app. I could be wrong, though. Anyhow I've heard that a number of people were already tethering anyhow. Just don't go overboard on the data usage even if you have an unlimited plan.
Drunkula said:
Unless I missed something it doesn't necessarily mean that tethering will be free. What the govt. did was slap them on the wrist for blocking tethering apps in the app store, forcing customers to use their paid app. I could be wrong, though. Anyhow I've heard that a number of people were already tethering anyhow. Just don't go overboard on the data usage even if you have an unlimited plan.
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Click to collapse
this.
It wasn't just for blocking users from using third party programs, it was for charging LTE subscribers to tether, period (especially users on limited tiered pricing). That is why the share everything plans all include free hotspot now.
Now I'm tempted to get a share everything plan. Can anyone recommend any apps to wifi tether on the market?
Foxfi
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Would you even need a 3rd party app on a shared plan if hotspot is included? Wouldn't that use the built-in app?
If you are on share everything, then you can just use the built-in hotspot.
Here is an interesting article regarding FCC's ruling:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57...eans-to-you-faq/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=title
People definitely need to read that CNET article. Anyone on an older unlimited plan still has to pay to tether. It's only existing customers with a fixed amount of data per month who can tether for free.
This ruling makes no sense at all. Why would it allow wifi tether on tiered plans but not unlimited?
im goingto guess because the deal was for the 4g range not the 3g range.... unliited plans werent for 4g only 3g.
mtbrgeek said:
im goingto guess because the deal was for the 4g range not the 3g range.... unliited plans werent for 4g only 3g.
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Click to collapse
Not entirely true... there was a period of a few months, I believe, where you could get 4G and still be unlimited. I'm pretty sure I fall in that bucket
mossholderm said:
Not entirely true... there was a period of a few months, I believe, where you could get 4G and still be unlimited. I'm pretty sure I fall in that bucket
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Me too! I got my Bionic for free, since it was 100 bucks with a 2 year contract minus some discount I got for using more than 1 GB of data a month. Still unlimited data, no unlimited talk. Still 91 dollars a month for basic service.
5thAgent said:
Me too! I got my Bionic for free, since it was 100 bucks with a 2 year contract minus some discount I got for using more than 1 GB of data a month. Still unlimited data, no unlimited talk. Still 91 dollars a month for basic service.
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How did you get a bionic early? They didn't release it until after they stopped offering the unlimited plan. I signed up the last weekend unlimited was available and the only 4g phones that were out were the Tbolt, Revolution, and Charge.
Sent from my Bionic on leaked ICS!
KaneOfMars said:
How did you get a bionic early? They didn't release it until after they stopped offering the unlimited plan. I signed up the last weekend unlimited was available and the only 4g phones that were out were the Tbolt, Revolution, and Charge.
Sent from my Bionic on leaked ICS!
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I didn't get mine early... I was just allowed to go to the Bionic w/o giving up my unlimited plan.
KaneOfMars said:
How did you get a bionic early? They didn't release it until after they stopped offering the unlimited plan. I signed up the last weekend unlimited was available and the only 4g phones that were out were the Tbolt, Revolution, and Charge.
Sent from my Bionic on leaked ICS!
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I got my bionic in December, then called in February and got switched to unlimited data. They had a loophole for a while where unlimited hotspot was listed in the features section of the website, but it failed if you tried to add it to your plan. You just had to call and many reps would tell you you needed to be on unlimited data to get that, so you just asked then to switch you to unlimited data. The unlimited data was even 29.99 instead of 30 for 2 or 4GB. Plus, if you had any kind of group service discount it applied to the unlimited data but not the tiered plan.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2
fozzir said:
This ruling makes no sense at all. Why would it allow wifi tether on tiered plans but not unlimited?
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It actually makes COMPLETE sense (for Verizon's sake) - since you will run through your allotted 2GB or whatever plan you have. If you have unlimited, then you can just power your home WiFi or whatever you want, which is not what you're paying for when you have unlimited data for your cell phone.
Anyway, this is XDA, so this shouldn't really matter to anyone here...turn that 1 to a 0 with an SQL editor and enjoy your free tethering.
I have a stock charge and am using foxfi free tethering on unlimited plan. I will have a bionic in 3 days
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda app-developers app
KaneOfMars said:
How did you get a bionic early? They didn't release it until after they stopped offering the unlimited plan. I signed up the last weekend unlimited was available and the only 4g phones that were out were the Tbolt, Revolution, and Charge.
Sent from my Bionic on leaked ICS!
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Seconded. I bought mine release day with an upgrade and the only question I asked the sales rep was that I make sure I stay on unlimited data, which I have. In theory, the ruling should support free tethering on all 4G service, including 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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.