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I'm sure there's been plenty of posts regarding this (and I'll probably get some flack from moderators), but I thought I should revisit this issue and get everyone's thoughts before I jump on the bandwagon.
Anyone here got the dreaded text, automatically switched, or loss data services altogether simply because you were using the AT&T $15 MediaNet plan? Or better yet, the $10 family plan?
I'm on the $15 plan that was originally used by a lowly 3G featurephone, and have never upgraded to a branded smartphone with AT&T. Just wondering if there are folks with my same situation who've taken the plunge into Nexus One waters. So...are you still swimming?
I've had the $4.99 T-Zones plan since 2008 and it still is going strong. I've never bought a subsidized phone. Not one single complaint. Not on AT&T obviously. Oops.
jacka$$1 said:
I'm sure there's been plenty of posts regarding this (and I'll probably get some flack from moderators), but I thought I should revisit this issue and get everyone's thoughts before I jump on the bandwagon.
Anyone here got the dreaded text, automatically switched, or loss data services altogether simply because you were using the AT&T $15 MediaNet plan? Or better yet, the $10 family plan?
I'm on the $15 plan that was originally used by a lowly 3G featurephone, and have never upgraded to a branded smartphone with AT&T. Just wondering if there are folks with my same situation who've taken the plunge into Nexus One waters. So...are you still swimming?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In short, your account needs to have smartphone exclusion on it to prevent your data plan from jumping to the $30 smartphone data plan. If it doesn't have this rare SOC code, it's difficult to get, and you won't be able to do much of anything to stop the change from happening.
j.bruha said:
In short, your account needs to have smartphone exclusion on it to prevent your data plan from jumping to the $30 smartphone data plan. If it doesn't have this rare SOC code, it's difficult to get, and you won't be able to do much of anything to stop the change from happening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm aware of the smartphone exclusion status. But no one seems to have a clear answer as to "how" to get that status. Multiple stories abound: I've heard that you have to have had a smartphone with no data prior to Sept '09. I've also heard that folks who have a dumbphone (featurephone) with a 3G data plan ($15) are also excluded because they've never upgraded to a branded smartphone thru ATT. I'm on the latter situation. Does anyone here used to be on the $15 MediaNet+dumbphone combo and are now using a Nexus One?
jacka$$1 said:
I'm aware of the smartphone exclusion status. But no one seems to have a clear answer as to "how" to get that status. Multiple stories abound: I've heard that you have to have had a smartphone with no data prior to Sept '09. I've also heard that folks who have a dumbphone (featurephone) with a 3G data plan ($15) are also excluded because they've never upgraded to a branded smartphone thru ATT. I'm on the latter situation. Does anyone here used to be on the $15 MediaNet+dumbphone combo and are now using a Nexus One?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it helps, I never purchased ANY phone through AT&T since I started service with them in mid-2008 since I always used unlocked phones and I still got hit with the text. The only reason I have the smartphone exclusion is because I called AT&T when they switched my data plan automatically and pitched a huge fit. I still can't get them to add it to the other line on my account.
So I guess try to talk to the customer "solutions" team about canceling your service and see if they'll add it for you?
I am using AT&T Nexus One from the day they were out (about 3 weeks now), I am still on $10 family MediaNet plan.
I have never bought smartphone from AT&T, perhaps that is the reason, or they haven't done their sweep yet.
j.bruha said:
If it helps, I never purchased ANY phone through AT&T since I started service with them in mid-2008 since I always used unlocked phones and I still got hit with the text. The only reason I have the smartphone exclusion is because I called AT&T when they switched my data plan automatically and pitched a huge fit. I still can't get them to add it to the other line on my account.
So I guess try to talk to the customer "solutions" team about canceling your service and see if they'll add it for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes sense. But have you, or ever, upgraded your plan from a $15 to a $30 plan, and then back down to $15? (Or something to that effect.) I'm just wondering that since you never bought a device from them, a change in your data plan might also trigger the auto-switch? Just covering all bases how an auto-switch (or change in the smartphone exclusion status) can be triggered by either device upgrade or data plan upgrade thru AT&T.
rome425 said:
I am using AT&T Nexus One from the day they were out (about 3 weeks now), I am still on $10 family MediaNet plan.
I have never bought smartphone from AT&T, perhaps that is the reason, or they haven't done their sweep yet.
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Click to collapse
Excellent! Good luck on that. Please keep us posted if the status on your data ever changes. I'm gonna try using the N1 under the $15 MediaNet and see how much mileage I can get out of it.
Well; I have some bad news for you guys that think your getting lucky by tricking them.
At&t does not have this phone registered in their system. So if you call them and have them change the IMEI number to reflect this phone, it will come up as unknown. So the only option they have for a data plan is the $15 plan ($10 if you have a family plan).
The only reason why I know this: I came from an iPhone to this, so I had to call them and change the IMEI number.
Sorry to rain on your parade, but as long as At&t does not register this in their system, we will get the cheaper plan.
And usually, unless they sell it, they won't register it. So we are good to go for the life of this phone.
Squeaky369 said:
Well; I have some bad news for you guys that think your getting lucky by tricking them.
At&t does not have this phone registered in their system. So if you call them and have them change the IMEI number to reflect this phone, it will come up as unknown. So the only option they have for a data plan is the $15 plan ($10 if you have a family plan).
The only reason why I know this: I came from an iPhone to this, so I had to call them and change the IMEI number.
Sorry to rain on your parade, but as long as At&t does not register this in their system, we will get the cheaper plan.
And usually, unless they sell it, they won't register it. So we are good to go for the life of this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should have a look at: AT&T automatically addining $30 Smartphone Data plan to the unbranded Nexus 1!?
jacka$$1 said:
That makes sense. But have you, or ever, upgraded your plan from a $15 to a $30 plan, and then back down to $15? (Or something to that effect.) I'm just wondering that since you never bought a device from them, a change in your data plan might also trigger the auto-switch? Just covering all bases how an auto-switch (or change in the smartphone exclusion status) can be triggered by either device upgrade or data plan upgrade thru AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad you asked because I did buy two 3GS's from them and flipped them on eBay for a ridiculous profit. I had to call AT&T right after I bought them to have them remove the smartphone data plan since I wasn't using the iPhones anymore.
This could be part of the reason why my account triggered the change.
I have been on a grandfathered-in mediaworks package for ~8 years now ($20 for unlimited data, 1500sms and 200mms). AT&T has never once changed my plan on me and they never will. I'm out of contact
I had the T-Mobile version on ATT shortly after the tmobile versions launch. I was using the 10$ medianet plan for about a week until I got the dreaded text. I thought it was a glitch so I went online and changed it back. A few minutes later, I got the text again. I sold my nexus and bought a milestone until the ATT version came out. I came to the conclusion that I would pay for the 30$ smartphone plan if I was using the ATT version because I would be getting 3G. I just got the ATT version in today and havnt switched plans yet. My buddy works for ATT and asked for my IMEI number to get credit for the switch from medianet to smartphone plan. He called me back saying that my new ATT nexus' IMEI number wasn't registering meaning I could use the media net plan. There have been some rumors that ATT put a cap on the speeds of the media net plan, so he asked me to run a speed test. My speeds show that I was getting normal 3g speeds for my area(786 dl). Ill post again if ATT gets ahold of this batch of IMEI numbers and auto adds the smartphone plan.
nephroid said:
I've had the $4.99 T-Zones plan since 2008 and it still is going strong. I've never bought a subsidized phone. Not one single complaint. Not on AT&T obviously. Oops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you get 3G with t-zones?
superninjaquan said:
I had the T-Mobile version on ATT shortly after the tmobile versions launch. I was using the 10$ medianet plan for about a week until I got the dreaded text. I thought it was a glitch so I went online and changed it back. A few minutes later, I got the text again. I sold my nexus and bought a milestone until the ATT version came out. I came to the conclusion that I would pay for the 30$ smartphone plan if I was using the ATT version because I would be getting 3G. I just got the ATT version in today and havnt switched plans yet. My buddy works for ATT and asked for my IMEI number to get credit for the switch from medianet to smartphone plan. He called me back saying that my new ATT nexus' IMEI number wasn't registering meaning I could use the media net plan. There have been some rumors that ATT put a cap on the speeds of the media net plan, so he asked me to run a speed test. My speeds show that I was getting normal 3g speeds for my area(786 dl). Ill post again if ATT gets ahold of this batch of IMEI numbers and auto adds the smartphone plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent! That definitely got me on the bandwagon. Just ordered the N1 and should be getting it Wednesday. I'll keep ya'll posted with the hopes that the IMEI batch for these new N1's will be kept hidden from ATT. Good luck to all!
GldRush98 said:
I have been on a grandfathered-in mediaworks package for ~8 years now ($20 for unlimited data, 1500sms and 200mms). AT&T has never once changed my plan on me and they never will. I'm out of contact
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incredible! Grandfathered plans are always the best. How long have you had your N1?
I'm confused... Why were you guys giving att the imei #s? I bought my tmobile version unlocked through google and never had to let tmo know... I just dropped my SIM card in from my G1 and went on my way.
So how much data do you guys get for $15?
liam.lah said:
So how much data do you guys get for $15?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UNLIMITED*
Spoiler
*5 gigs
liam.lah said:
So how much data do you guys get for $15?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tons. Lotsa lotsa tons.
I'm currently in a AT&T Family Plan and my line has the old unlimited data plan. While my wife was in the local AT&T store buying a new Blackberry Torch, I was checking out the Captivate and really loved what I saw.
So I started talking to the AT&T guy, asking about data plans and such if I was to update my phone now. He stated that if I bought the Captivate I wouldn't be able to keep my old unlimited data plan, and that I'd have to either change to the 200MB or 2GB data plan. Is this really true, or is the rep just trying to get me into one of the new plans?
Also, I'm curious about the Captivate's GPS - the box states it's aGPS. Now I know this can mean a few things, but I'm curious if the Captivate has a "real" GPS chip in it, or does the Captivate's aGPS just use cell tower triangulation for navigation purposes?
I thought I'd get other's opinions before actually getting the phone - which I really do want!
Rambler358 said:
I'm currently in a AT&T Family Plan and my line has the old unlimited data plan. While my wife was in the local AT&T store buying a new Blackberry Torch, I was checking out the Captivate and really loved what I saw.
So I started talking to the AT&T guy, asking about data plans and such if I was to update my phone now. He stated that if I bought the Captivate I wouldn't be able to keep my old unlimited data plan, and that I'd have to either change to the 200MB or 2GB data plan. Is this really true, or is the rep just trying to get me into one of the new plans?
Also, I'm curious about the Captivate's GPS - the box states it's aGPS. Now I know this can mean a few things, but I'm curious if the Captivate has a "real" GPS chip in it, or does the Captivate's aGPS just use cell tower triangulation for navigation purposes?
I thought I'd get other's opinions before actually getting the phone - which I really do want!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think either the rep is trying to trick you, or he may just not know. When I bought my Captivate I was able to keep my existing unlimited plan, so I'd assume it'd apply to you as well. And yes the GPS receiver is actual GPS, however there are some issues with it at the moment (problems with holding a lock and tracking, etc.), and Samsung is trying to fix them.
KCutrer1 said:
I think either the rep is trying to trick you, or he may just not know. When I bought my Captivate I was able to keep my existing unlimited plan, so I'd assume it'd apply to you as well. And yes the GPS receiver is actual GPS, however there are some issues with it at the moment (problems with holding a lock and tracking, etc.), and Samsung is trying to fix them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - maybe I can just go to another AT&T store, as there's a few around me and see if the reps give me the same "you must change data plan" story.
I've read about the GPS issues, and it seems some have them and some don't. I also see there's a couple fixes for the Captivate's GPS issue, but do they really work? The GPS feature is something I really want/need, as I'm not planning on buying a standalone GPS as well.
That's a lie. When i purchased my Captivate on my renewal, i ended up having to call AT&T directly as they wouldn't give me the deal price in the store and when the representative on the phone tried to sell me on one of their new plans, i immediately said, "No.. i want the unlimited plan transferred to the Captivate from my iPhone." It took him a few minutes of putting on hold to talk to his supervisor to come back and tell me it was done. So don't believe the AT&T rep in the store, they're probably told to tell you it's not possible. I'm telling you it is.
Remember.. once the unlimited plan is gone.. you can't get it back.
terrigan said:
That's a lie. When i purchased my Captivate on my renewal, i ended up having to call AT&T directly as they wouldn't give me the deal price in the store and when the representative on the phone tried to sell me on one of their new plans, i immediately said, "No.. i want the unlimited plan transferred to the Captivate from my iPhone."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, this jogs my memory a bit now. The rep did say that if I was coming from an iPhone that I could keep my unlimited plan, otherwise I'd need to get one of the new plans. I currently have a HTC Advantage, but a Motorola Razr is showing up on my account as my current phone - which I was using until I got the Advantage, but obviously not from AT&T.
So even with the above would I still be able to retain my current unlimited data plan? I just want to have my ducks in a row before going back to the AT&T store.
I would call AT&T on the phone and inquire. I don't know about that, I had an iPhone and they didn't give me a hard time at all.
terrigan said:
I would call AT&T on the phone and inquire. I don't know about that, I had an iPhone and they didn't give me a hard time at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, just got off the phone with AT&T. According to the rep, if I previously had a "smartphone" with the unlimited data plan then I could keep that plan. But unfortunately my old Motorola Razr was not classified as a smartphone, and I'd need to choose one of the 2 new data plans available if I got the Captivate. And they're not able to back-date the IMEI number of the HTC Advantage.
So do you guys with the 2GB data plans come close to exceeding that at all? I'm now beginning to wonder if I should drop AT&T and go with another carrier for unlimited data.
Depends on how you use the phone
If you are jumping ship for a different carrier do it soon. I know for a fact Verizon will be doing that soon from a friend that works there. T-Mobile doesn't have a "cap" but they may as well, you get throttled after you use so much bandwidth. I don't know about Sprint, but if you are in a 4G Sprint area, that may be your best bet. The Epic is supposed to be the best Galaxy S phone.
Over the past 10 months, I have only had one month less than 2GB, at 1.4GB. My max was 4.8GB, and it appears I average about 3GB. My wife on the other hand, ranged from 90MB to 550MB, with most months at around 250MB. We both use our phones a lot. We both had iPhones until the Captivate came out. Once we switched to the Captivate both our data usages spiked. The difference is HOW we use our phones. We both use the web, a lot. But I stream Pandora almost daily for hours at work, and I download a lot of Podcasts. Sometimes I download podcasts on my phone when I am home even though I have WiFi just so I feel like I am getting my $$ from AT&T.
Sure you can survive on the new $15 data plan, but I wouldn't do it.
quarlow said:
Sure you can survive on the new $15 data plan, but I wouldn't do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I was to stick with AT&T I'd definately get the $25 2GB data plan. Unfortunately AT&T isn't offering any higher data plans - even for business users!
If I did drop AT&T, I was thinking about Sprint and the HTC EVO (for the larger screen). But I just checked Sprint's 4G coverage for the west coast, and it's very slim. So Verizon would be my other option. I'll talk to the wife and see what she thinks. I'd definately be paying more for service by leaving my current AT&T Family Plan though, so that's something I need to consider as well.
Rambler358 said:
Okay, just got off the phone with AT&T. According to the rep, if I previously had a "smartphone" with the unlimited data plan then I could keep that plan. But unfortunately my old Motorola Razr was not classified as a smartphone, and I'd need to choose one of the 2 new data plans available if I got the Captivate. And they're not able to back-date the IMEI number of the HTC Advantage.
So do you guys with the 2GB data plans come close to exceeding that at all? I'm now beginning to wonder if I should drop AT&T and go with another carrier for unlimited data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in a similar predicament as I have an unlimited non-smartphone data plan that I am still using. Recently I put my sim into my friends Captivate to see if it would still work. I lose internet on some programs will retain it on others. For example, Google Maps works and connects fine, but FriendsStream does not, and most if not all widgets. The Android browser also doesnt work, but there is a workaround (Opera Mini). I'm always surfing the web, and like someone said earlier I stream music from Pandora about 6 hours a day, and I feel bad for my friends who have the capped plan when I see them run like roaches when we are at a WiFi available restaurant. I dont know if the 2GB plan will be enough for me.
I currently have my non-smartphone plan on my blackberry, and although I cant use BB apps like BBM, or the BB Browser... Opera Mini does the job, and 3rd Party apps including Google maps and Pandora work fine. I miss out on not being able to use some cool apps because of this, but the Captivate for sure is an internet-friendly phone.
quarlow said:
If you are jumping ship for a different carrier do it soon. I know for a fact Verizon will be doing that soon from a friend that works there. T-Mobile doesn't have a "cap" but they may as well, you get throttled after you use so much bandwidth. I don't know about Sprint, but if you are in a 4G Sprint area, that may be your best bet. The Epic is supposed to be the best Galaxy S phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny part is, AT&T is the only carrier with a truly unlimited data plan. (If you still have the unlimited data plan that is) Verizon, T-mobile, Sprint, all of their "unlimited" data plans are capped at 5gb.
I just got my captivate a week ago. They never said i had to change my data plan if upgrading. My unlimited plan just carried over. I switched from the htc pure.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
nuwayman said:
I just got my captivate a week ago. They never said i had to change my data plan if upgrading. My unlimited plan just carried over. I switched from the htc pure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If AT&T had your HTC Pure indicated on your account previously, then you're good to go. Unfortunately when I got my HTC Advantage, I never called in to get the IMEI switched over. Now that's hurting me because I want to upgrade and keep the unlimited plan.
I had a Samsung A-737 (not a smart phone) and the $15 unlimited data plan. When I upgraded at an AT&T store, I was not allowed to keep that plan; I decided to go with the 2 gb, $25 plan. Additional usage is charged at $10/gb.
Though I'm sure I went over in the first month, for some reason AT&T was not able to track my usage. This second month, I'm approaching my limit; I've downloaded a lot of apps and other files, watched quite a number of youtube videos, surfed a lot, but I never stream audio, preferring to play from my own collection.
Regardless of whether 2gb is enough, having to watch data usage is a hassle... If, somehow, you can keep your unlimited plan as others have, that would be preferable. My counsel is to not give in so easy as I did. Perhaps, try upgrading by phone, direct to AT&T.
gary_lankford said:
I decided to go with the 2 gb, $25 plan. Additional usage is charged at $10/gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bad part is anything over 2GB is charged the extra $10, even a byte over will be charged extra.
Perhaps, try upgrading by phone, direct to AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I tried this as well to no avail.
Though what's interesting is that I've been using my phone's SIM card in my Alienware M11x laptop (with the Gobi WWAN card) for data when WiFi isn't available. And it doesn't seem like the laptop's data usage is being recorded by AT&T for some reason. If that's the case, then maybe the 2GB plan just for the Captivate won't be an issue.
This is my second month with the Captivate on the 2gig plan. The first billing cycle was only 2 weeks and I totaled 465mb. Not bad, I though; I figured I could keep it under 2 gigs. However, two weeks into this billing cycle I got a warning message from att that I was nearly at my limit. I have no idea how I could have used 2000mb in two weeks. I don't stream anything and I kill tasks that might use background data. Even so, 2gigs is a lot.
This was my first smartphone. I truly regret signing on with ATT for two years. If I could do it again, I'd go with T-Mobile for the Vibrant or Sprint with the Epic (which wasn't out yet when I got my phone).
ATT's plan is a rip-off.
DemonWav said:
Funny part is, AT&T is the only carrier with a truly unlimited data plan. (If you still have the unlimited data plan that is) Verizon, T-mobile, Sprint, all of their "unlimited" data plans are capped at 5gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still better than AT&T's 2GB data plan, for not much more money.
Ordered ours over the phone (after lots of hassle to get them to cave and allow an early upgrade from the 3GS) and it seems our unlimited data carried over. However, I didn't put in the new SIM they sent or "activate" it as they say to do... was worried it would require changing the data plan.
A couple months ago my iPhone 3gs got stolen and I had to use a razr as a backup phone for a couple weeks. They removed my unlimited data and changed me to unlimited Media Net... When I called to inquire and be sure I could change back over to unlimited smart phone data with no problem, they assured me there would be no hassle and they'd note the account. When I did get another iPhone, it actually ended up taking me about an hour on the phone with several reps that went through a few managers to get them to put my unlimited smart phone data package back on. They argued over whether they should be allowed to do it or not :-/ So I'm worried about losing it again, even though I actually don't even use much data at all in reality (I don't have 3g in my area, just EDGE, and I'm often around wifi... but just never know when I may need that unlimited )
Keeping Your Unlimited Data Plan
I was able to keep my unlimited data plan on AT&T. I had an iPhone which i gave to my wife when her Blackberry broke. I acquired an old Blackberry Bold 8800 from work to use until I got ready to upgrade. I moved jobs and had to return the phone. Stuck my SIM card in an old LG flip phone for the weekend until i was able to get to a store to upgrade. The rep switched me over to a 200 MB plan without saying anything. When I checked my features online the next day as I never trust the sells reps, I found the change. I immediately called AT&T. The cust. serv. rep began to explain that since I had switched from a smartphone to a non-smartphone I was no longer eligible to continue my Unlimited Data plan. I immediately asked for a manager. Within a few short mins I had my Unlimited Data Plan restored. I believe if you press them hard enough they will give in. It may take a call to AT&T customer service waiting for a manager and making your case, but he seemed ready to help and didn't want to lose a customer.
natedog75 said:
I was able to keep my unlimited data plan on AT&T. I had an iPhone which i gave to my wife when her Blackberry broke. I acquired an old Blackberry Bold 8800 from work to use until I got ready to upgrade. I moved jobs and had to return the phone. Stuck my SIM card in an old LG flip phone for the weekend until i was able to get to a store to upgrade. The rep switched me over to a 200 MB plan without saying anything. When I checked my features online the next day as I never trust the sells reps, I found the change. I immediately called AT&T. The cust. serv. rep began to explain that since I had switched from a smartphone to a non-smartphone I was no longer eligible to continue my Unlimited Data plan. I immediately asked for a manager. Within a few short mins I had my Unlimited Data Plan restored. I believe if you press them hard enough they will give in. It may take a call to AT&T customer service waiting for a manager and making your case, but he seemed ready to help and didn't want to lose a customer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've spoke to 2 different reps and each time they spoke to their managers. Unless your unlimited data plan was previously on a iPhone, then they won't (they specifically said can't) switch you over.
This is the main reason I think I'm going over to Sprint, as well as moving the wife over once her contract is up this December. Oh well, it's AT&T's loss not mine.
Hey guys,
I'm thinking about getting the Captivate and I was wondering if I can get it without the $15/$30 per month data plan because 90% of the time I'm surrounded with wifi. I did some research and it says that AT&T will be able to track what phone your using with the IMEI number. I was wondering if I can bypass that if I get the Samsung Vibrant and then unlock it so I can use it with AT&T.
I also heard that data block might work is that true? Thanks for all the advice.
Seems kinda silly to get a smartphone and then cripple most of its functionality by not getting at least a minimal data plan. Even if you have ready access to wifi, there are situations where a little data access comes in handy.
I've got around att's data plan by taking a free dumbphone which i got with the "Add-a-line" option, and I swapped it out with an unlocked, not att branded device. Its been over 1.5 years, and I haven't had any data charge.
Just be careful the phone doesn't get any push email or anything like that. I once got charged for getting an email, because when you dont have a data plan, its pay per mb used
Its weird though, my friend did the same exact thing as me, but he bought a different phone, and he gets charged a data plan
EDIT: Actually, I think I got "grandfathered" in. You're most likely going to end up being forced into a data plan. Look at this article
It may sound silly but I am literally surrounded with free wifi wherever I go. Is there no way around this? What happens if I get a different smartphone instead?
If you use wifi there is no data plan utilized. AT&T has no idea what you do when you use wifi. Turn on wifi and enjoy email, the market, surfing...whatever you want.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I'm using edge on mine. I have tmobile and just unlocked the captivate so that i could bypass the data plan. You could probably do it the other way around
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
just get the phone, you will have to add the data plan to be able to buy it, but a few days later, tell them you lost it and you want to cancel the data, but tell them not only to cancel it, but to block it, because if they do not block it and you go online, they will charge you per MB of usage, but if they block it, there is no way to get any traffic if it isn't thru wifi
is that possible? wont they still be able to detect thatI'm using the Captivate?
A data plan is now required for any smartphone sold by AT$T or one of its authorized agents. So long as the SIM card is in it (it will show what phone it is in on the system and online in your account) they will not cancel the data plan for you. What some people do is put the SIM in a dumb phone, call and cancel their data plan, and then reinstall the SIM to their smartphone. Better be sure you don't use any data, though.
I found a couple of things that absolutely require a data plan and can not be done over wifi. For one, I have Market setup to bill to my AT$T account. When I buy an app this way I have to be on data connection, not wifi, or the charge does not go through. I'm guessing my account info needed to approve the purchase is not accessible via wifi. I also had a program tell me to turn off wifi so it could connect. Can't remember what it was, but it could not work over wifi, only the data connection. aGPS needs a data connection, as well, so you'd be rendering all your GPS apps useless without a data plan.
Process of putting a sim into a dumb phone used to work but it no longer does. Only customers that are grandfathered in can use a smartphone without a data plan provided they did not sign a new 2 year contract agreeing to the new terms and conditions. With a recent upgrade to their system they can detect what type of device the sim is in resulting in a text :data will be automatically added your account.
so nothing can be done?
kenwarez said:
so nothing can be done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only way is purchasing an unlocked smartphone from a different country. At&t system goes by imei and if it can't recognize the serial it will not classify it as a smartphone. I'm sure there is another way with all the custom options out there but not sure about that one.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
I'm not from USA and I don't know much about your carriers, but coudn't you alegate that the data service drains your battery till the.point you find your phone unusable and ask for at&t to block it threatening of changing your provider? The last part works for almost anything in my country. Also with a good excuse you can build up a consumers defense case asking to be removed from the plan. Like phone racism, all phones should be able to access all plans, and if for example you are on a no data area they are charging you more for the same service.
Just a few ideas... not sure if any of them could work
rastanthology said:
I'm not from USA and I don't know much about your carriers, but coudn't you alegate that the data service drains your battery till the.point you find your phone unusable and ask for at&t to block it threatening of changing your provider? The last part works for almost anything in my country. Also with a good excuse you can build up a consumers defense case asking to be removed from the plan. Like phone racism, all phones should be able to access all plans, and if for example you are on a no data area they are charging you more for the same service.
Just a few ideas... not sure if any of them could work
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Click to collapse
i thought the iphone was the only ATT phone they could force you to have a data plan on even when purchased off contract? I know they may try to turn on your data plan if you are using an off contract but in my past experience when you raise a fuss they take it back off and say it was a mistake (this was on my last phone...a TILT 2). I had purchased it off contract and after a about 1.5 years use without data plan one day i got a text saying it was required and had been added. Logged onto my account and couldn't disable. Called them and told them i did not want the plan added, that i had purchased the phone off contract, and had been completely happy using it for the past 1.5 years without a data plan. They said it was a mistake and removed it. Continued to use it for another 6 to 7 months without data plan then finally decided to add an unlimited plan before they disappeared.
Unless something has changed (which it may have) the iphone was the only phone that they forced the data plan on even when you purchased it without any discount or part of a 2 year agreement to have a plan.
alaimar said:
Process of putting a sim into a dumb phone used to work but it no longer does. Only customers that are grandfathered in can use a smartphone without a data plan provided they did not sign a new 2 year contract agreeing to the new terms and conditions. With a recent upgrade to their system they can detect what type of device the sim is in resulting in a text :data will be automatically added your account.
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Click to collapse
ah..sounds like it has changed this use to only apply to iphone...didn't matter how or when you purchased them once the system saw it you were getting a data plan like it or not.
Look at any smartphone on the AT$T site. All have an asterisk stating that a data plan is required. You used to be able to request a data block, but their thinking now is that if you buy a smartphone on contract, you are doing so knowing that some level of data plan is required. AT$T has no obligation to customers that buy phones from other sources like eBay and Craig's List. I had a grandfathered $15 unlimited data plan since February 2009 that I used with my LG Incite. Last July I bought an HTC Tilt 2 off eBay. Almost as soon as I put my SIM into it AT$T tried to upgrade my data plan (since it was not a smartphone plan) I told them I did not want them to change anything as I would not be using the Tilt 2 for long and would probably be using my upgrade (new contract) in December. They weren't happy about it, but they left me alone until I did just that and got the Captivate a couple weeks ago. They are trying to close the loopholes and move people to one of the current data plans they offer. What does piss me off is that they still have the true unlimited data plans (no caps) available just for iPhone customers.
alaimar said:
Only way is purchasing an unlocked smartphone from a different country. At&t system goes by imei and if it can't recognize the serial it will not classify it as a smartphone. I'm sure there is another way with all the custom options out there but not sure about that one.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Sorry but no. If AT&T decides to carry that phone later, it will be sweep into the AT&T data plans. It happened to my Rogers X10a. Once AT&T decided carrying it, I got a text message that they were switching me to the proper data plan. So hope that whatever unlocked phone you want to buy will never be sold by AT&T.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Like I said before, are you sure you can't just unlock the Vibrant from T mobile and use that without the data plan? Sure, it isn't the captivate, but it is basically the same thing and could work. I purchased my captivate from some guy off contract and all I had to do was unlock it and it works perfectly without a data plan on T-mobile.
does the sim card affect anything because I have a Cingular SIM card.
I bought a locked at&t captivate on ebay for my girlfriend and she's been using it for almost 3 months now with no data plan and at&t has not added one to her line yet. the asterisk on the at&t website saying a data plan is required is only to get that discounted price on the phone itself. ($200 instead of $500 or whatever)
Walmart's Straight Talk cellular service now offers two GSM phones, the Nokia E71 and something else. I'm pretty sure they're on AT&T's network (Data specs say 3G - 850/1900 bands). So if I got one of them and their $45 unlimited plan, would that sim card work in my captivate?
My bill is $95/month and thats with only 450 mins, 1500 texts, and the iphone grandfathered data plan. Straight talk offers unlimited data, texts, and minutes for $45/month.
Has anybody tried this?
----BUMP----
I thought that straight talk was through Verizon.. maybe it was called something else.
I know that the phones are on the "low-end" range of devices - and I doubt you could move your current phone to use this service.
I'd suggest searching the ol' intarwebs and see what the reviews are of it's service/availability.
It'd be nice to have all that in a 50$ package - but if you don't get service as soon as you walk out the store what would be the point?
avgjoegeek said:
I thought that straight talk was through Verizon.. maybe it was called something else.
I know that the phones are on the "low-end" range of devices - and I doubt you could move your current phone to use this service.
I'd suggest searching the ol' intarwebs and see what the reviews are of it's service/availability.
It'd be nice to have all that in a 50$ package - but if you don't get service as soon as you walk out the store what would be the point?
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Click to collapse
It is, with the exception of these 2 new "smart" phones. These run off the at&t network. Evidently wal-mart is big enough to pull this off.
I'd be willing to bet that ATT will be paying close attention to the IMEI, I don't think we would get away with using the straight talk unlimited plans with our captivates
rootnik said:
It is, with the exception of these 2 new "smart" phones. These run off the at&t network. Evidently wal-mart is big enough to pull this off.
I'd be willing to bet that ATT will be paying close attention to the IMEI, I don't think we would get away with using the straight talk unlimited plans with our captivates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
10 char
rootnik said:
It is, with the exception of these 2 new "smart" phones. These run off the at&t network. Evidently wal-mart is big enough to pull this off.
I'd be willing to bet that ATT will be paying close attention to the IMEI, I don't think we would get away with using the straight talk unlimited plans with our captivates
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Click to collapse
I was hoping that somebody on here would have tried it already. I personally dont know anybody that has one, otherwise I'd put their sim card in my phone and see what happens.
The two phones on straight talk are legit smart phones and could burn through some serious data, same as we an do with our captivates.
derek4484 said:
I was hoping that somebody on here would have tried it already. I personally dont know anybody that has one, otherwise I'd put their sim card in my phone and see what happens.
The two phones on straight talk are legit smart phones and could burn through some serious data, same as we an do with our captivates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is AT&T.
Currently they do IMEI sweeps to make sure you are paying for a data plan if you have a smart phone. I found this out the hard way last week when they automatically added a data plan to my wife's iphone even though she did not use a single byte of data.
How does this relate? While those straight talk phones are smart phones capable of using allot of data, they are not near as nice or as comfortable to use as our captivates. You are more likely to use more data with a captivate, and they know this.
I wouldn't be surprised if they already have measure in place to periodically check the imei to make sure it matches one of the "acceptable" smart phones. Acceptable meaning not very fun to use
I think you would get away with it for a few weeks, but eventually would be shot down.
Actually several people have used the the sim card out of straight talks nokia e71 and used it in there Iphone for sometime now. I have an old AT&T Fuze and everything works but MMS.
derek4484 said:
Walmart's Straight Talk cellular service now offers two GSM phones, the Nokia E71 and something else. I'm pretty sure they're on AT&T's network (Data specs say 3G - 850/1900 bands). So if I got one of them and their $45 unlimited plan, would that sim card work in my captivate?
My bill is $95/month and thats with only 450 mins, 1500 texts, and the iphone grandfathered data plan. Straight talk offers unlimited data, texts, and minutes for $45/month.
Has anybody tried this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To directly answer your question, I placed the Sim from my sons StraightTalk Samsung slider phone into my Captivate and the message "Sim Card Crashed" appeared on the captivates's display. This did not actually crash the sim card, but I think that it just appeared crashed to the Captivate. If somebody out there was able to get a Captivate working in this manner, it would be nice if they posted detailed step by step instructions on it.
[RUMOR] Verizon was handling Straight Talk, but someone got their panties in a wad and more its att. They are slowly changing thing over. My brother has ST, and was fed up with lack of vzw service on his ST phone. He called raising h*#$ and they offered to send him a sim card for a gsm phone (his old att leftover), and things have been good for him ever since.
FYI: Straight Talk is the monthly service branch of TracPhone.
Sent from a place my wife doesn't know about (yet)
Basically yes it is possible to get your captivate working on straight talk. Technically there's a bunch of bs you have to go through to get it to work though.
Now that I know my Droid 3 will work, I tested it with a ATT gophone SIM after doing the radio flash and such but now I'm trying to get real service with a dataplan and it is hell.
They say I need a certain sim card (W7 sim card) and they seem to think it is a micro sim which the droid 3 doesn't have that. the phone support told me they could not mail me this type of card and the store people can't seem to bring up my information from the phone order and keep saying I need something else.
Keep getting the 'its not going to work' thing but obviously it will.
Did any one else in the states run into this trying to get your D3 on ATT with service other than gophone service? Trying get a 550 sharte plan and 3gb data plans for 2 phones, both are Droid 3s
bigbacon said:
Now that I know my Droid 3 will work, I tested it with a ATT gophone SIM after doing the radio flash and such but now I'm trying to get real service with a dataplan and it is hell.
They say I need a certain sim card (W7 sim card) and they seem to think it is a micro sim which the droid 3 doesn't have that. the phone support told me they could not mail me this type of card and the store people can't seem to bring up my information from the phone order and keep saying I need something else.
Keep getting the 'its not going to work' thing but obviously it will.
Did any one else in the states run into this trying to get your D3 on ATT with service other than gophone service? Trying get a 550 sharte plan and 3gb data plans for 2 phones, both are Droid 3s
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can buy sim adapters fairly cheap, if they sent you a micro sim, grab an adapter on ebay for a few bucks (usually comes in 3 packs for micro mini, and standard). Don't ask any customer service/corporate if it'll work, as by 'stock' the D3 does NOT support ATT (the mnc block Verizon has in the radio prevents this).
I have Straight Talk's BYOP service using AT&T's network on my Droid 3 and it works just fine (albeit hating ST ). If you want a go-phone plan, your cheapest option would be grabbing an ATT SIM from ebay (I bought one for a penny, trolol free shipping), and activated it on gophone awhile back when I was just first testing the radio swap, worked great, but I never tried doing much beyond a 10 dollar card for talk/text while away.
If you're trying to get on a contract, etc etc, I'd suggest you just don't tell them you have a verizon droid 3, tell them you just have an unlocked GSM phone, and if they bug you about it, tell them it's an XT860 4g or an XT883.
EDIT: You can also try just buying a SIM on ebay (make sure to get the newer orange ones) and just activating that on your AT&T account.
I had a free or discounted feature phone / dumb phone with them, with the 2 year contract, and I've used that SIM in subsequent phones with no problem... the SIM had 3G branding. Currently that same SIM and same account are working fine in my XT860 from Bell Canada (unlocked).
If you don't mind a contract, go with the simplest 3G feature phone you can get from them, and add Media.net Unlimited if they still offer it. Sell the feature phone or keep it as a backup.
I ran into the problem also with them saying I can't transfer my line because I now live in a different state. So I was give nthe option to go and sign up in that state OR send the sims to someone in that state....
what a pain. I never thought it was would be so difficult. If I'm going to get into a contract, I'll just get a new phone, I just fear that even though it seems to work with the ATT gophone SIM that once I pop a normal SIM in there, it won't work and I'll be switching to a contract and paying the 'upgrade' charge (which is really jut anoher way to make you pay the activation again)
That was my main fear.
I'm hoping they will let me just test a sim from another device at the store. I was going to show up with our phones radio flashed and ready to go for GSM and then see what they will do for me. I hope they;ll let me test it some how and/or let me sign up month to month and if it doesn't work, let me switch to contract and wave the upgrade BS.
thats the only thing I'm unsure of if I reflash to the GSM radio, take out my verizon SIM and show up with no sim. new build prop and it set to GSM before I show up if it will work or not.
bigbacon said:
I ran into the problem also with them saying I can't transfer my line because I now live in a different state. So I was give nthe option to go and sign up in that state OR send the sims to someone in that state....
what a pain. I never thought it was would be so difficult. If I'm going to get into a contract, I'll just get a new phone, I just fear that even though it seems to work with the ATT gophone SIM that once I pop a normal SIM in there, it won't work and I'll be switching to a contract and paying the 'upgrade' charge (which is really jut anoher way to make you pay the activation again)
That was my main fear.
I'm hoping they will let me just test a sim from another device at the store. I was going to show up with our phones radio flashed and ready to go for GSM and then see what they will do for me. I hope they;ll let me test it some how and/or let me sign up month to month and if it doesn't work, let me switch to contract and wave the upgrade BS.
thats the only thing I'm unsure of if I reflash to the GSM radio, take out my verizon SIM and show up with no sim. new build prop and it set to GSM before I show up if it will work or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to the world of AT&T! Where they win worst in customer satisfaction 3 years running by consumer reports.
"Each year, Consumer Reports ranks all manner of U.S. wireless carriers based on customer satisfaction in a number of different categories. AT&T ranked dead last in the customer satisfaction survey for the third year in a row. It was hit with the worst rankings for any major carrier in value, voice quality, and customer support."
I'd suggest you go with a prepaid like Page Plus. I've used them, good flexible plans, friendly customer support, free ESN changes via online chat, no bull. Any Verizon phone outside of 'new' inpulse and blackberries can be activated (I've got Page Plus on my CDMA side and a *shudder* Straight Talk AT&T SIM on GSM in my Droid 3)
If you call customer service, you can usually get it activated for free, or find a 3rd party page plus dealer (I have a couple that do free instant activations). They're an MVNO of Verizon, so same network, but very much lower price. Verizon prepaid smartphone plan; 70USD for unlim talk/text and 1GB data. PagePlus? 55USD For unlim talk/text and 2GBs data, or 69.95 for 5GB of data, and buying online, no taxes either.
Anyway, luck to you. If you decide to go in-store, make sure your phone is completely GSM ready, leave the Verizon/Vodafone sim at home. Tell them it's GSM unlocked and it works on AT&T's network (mention you tested it, or let you test a SIM. I've *yet* to find a store that lets me test a sim though.)
The Droid 3 supports up to HSPA 14.4 on AT&T's network, I can get ~5.5Mbps, but I have noticed it's not as stable as Verizon, and calls drop, due to CDMA having better hand-off than GSM (CDMA actually connects to multiple towers at once for seamless handoff, GSM has to toss between the towers). Been awhile since I've really read into it, and I'm likely getting a bit technical...
for me, I can't even use verizon at home or anywhere with in a 30 mile+ radius. The ONLY carrier that has coverage out here is ATT and oddly, they have 4g coverage. My neighbors use them and the signal strength and data speeds are superb. There isn't another carrier.
I know straight talk and such might use ATT towers but I worry about the so called unlimited data and everything that really isn't unlimited.
I guess if one of those carrier actually use ATT towers then I guess I'm ok but how would I know without trying them out some how?
looks like straight talk no longer does ATT
net10 seems like you can still get ATT sims
I'm in WV and, again, ATT is the only provider that has voice and data coverage out here.
bigbacon said:
looks like straight talk no longer does ATT
net10 seems like you can still get ATT sims
I'm in WV and, again, ATT is the only provider that has voice and data coverage out here.
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Click to collapse
Net10 at least came out and said there was a 1.5gb cap now on att. Albeit net10 and straighttalk are the exact same company. Outside of that, most any mvno of att is expensive, att itself is expensive, but you gotta use what you have to. Any that run on att will work on the d3 once modified to do so. Net10 and Red Pocket are the only two that come to mind at the moment, but do a bit of research and find a good one that fits your needs.
I have to search for a list since I'm reading now that some services like Net10 and such may use the ATT gohpone service area or they may use the normal service areas.
Can anyone confirm if Calls, SMS, MMS, and full Data and 3G coverage all work correctly on AT&T on the Droid 3 once unlocked?
think I'm going to try net10. $85 bucks a month to use the postpaid ATT network for 2 lines is alot better than 120 going with ATT and we don't use a lot of data. Looking back at our Verizon account over 6 months, we've never used even 1gb worth of data in a month. I can't find a chart or anything that shows which ones use the postpaid ATT network as I am up for other carriers other than net10 if they do.
seems like moving my number might be an issue though since I am no longer in PA.
braambo said:
Can anyone confirm if Calls, SMS, MMS, and full Data and 3G coverage all work correctly on AT&T on the Droid 3 once unlocked?
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Click to collapse
I have a Bell Canada XT860, unlocked, and I use all of those except MMS, which I'm pretty sure would work too... I have the APN settings for it.
I am using a Droid 3 on At&t with the Medianet plan that only costs $10(if you're on an unlimited text plan).I'm getting speeds of
up to 5.5mb down and 1.5mb up. The speeds are better at night though.
If you want to use a prepaid GSM,the cheapest I've seen is Red Pockect that uses AT&T's network.They have unlimited talk,text &MMS.
PassingThruLife said:
I am using a Droid 3 on At&t with the Medianet plan that only costs $10(if you're on an unlimited text plan).I'm getting speeds of
up to 5.5mb down and 1.5mb up. The speeds are better at night though.
If you want to use a prepaid GSM,the cheapest I've seen is Red Pockect that uses AT&T's network.They have unlimited talk,text &MMS.
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Click to collapse
Do you have the XT860 or XT862?
I would be all over the XT862 if Jellybean was available in a ROM (100% working)
redsrule2500 said:
Do you have the XT860 or XT862?
I would be all over the XT862 if Jellybean was available in a ROM (100% working)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have an xt862 that i flashed with the chinese radio. I love it honestly,especially since I can have a decent android phone with keyboard + a cheap data plan.
id love to see ICS on the droid 3 but i know it wont happen,the phone is going on 2 years into its lifespan and that kind of age means DEATH in the phone industry .
PassingThruLife said:
i have an xt862 that i flashed with the chinese radio. I love it honestly,especially since I can have a decent android phone with keyboard + a cheap data plan.
id love to see ICS on the droid 3 but i know it wont happen,the phone is going on 2 years into its lifespan and that kind of age means DEATH in the phone industry .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah, that's my goal here in looking for a replacement for my Milestone 1. I just know that I won't be able to take full advantage of the device without the newer Android OS versions available, and that's too bad because everything else is perfect with this phone. So I'm basically sticking w/ the Milestone 1 on CM7 until something better becomes available. (Weird part is even my Milestone 1 can run JB 4.1 100%...!)
I honestly have no phone to get that meets my upgrade specifications for AT&T (JB, keyboard, global phone), aside from attempting the PhotonQ SIM Card Mod, which is a huge risk since I don't know if it will work on AT&T. Blah.
redsrule2500 said:
Oh yeah, that's my goal here in looking for a replacement for my Milestone 1. I just know that I won't be able to take full advantage of the device without the newer Android OS versions available, and that's too bad because everything else is perfect with this phone. So I'm basically sticking w/ the Milestone 1 on CM7 until something better becomes available. (Weird part is even my Milestone 1 can run JB 4.1 100%...!)
I honestly have no phone to get that meets my upgrade specifications for AT&T (JB, keyboard, global phone), aside from attempting the PhotonQ SIM Card Mod, which is a huge risk since I don't know if it will work on AT&T. Blah.
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Click to collapse
LOL I have spent some time thinking about the Photon Q,you can buy one with a bad ESN for around $120... but I am not that handy and taking apart the phone kind of scares me.
I'd be happy with a Photon Q for a while tho.
PassingThruLife said:
LOL I have spent some time thinking about the Photon Q,you can buy one with a bad ESN for around $120... but I am not that handy and taking apart the phone kind of scares me.
I'd be happy with a Photon Q for a while tho.
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Wow, that's so tempting. Didn't realize they would be that cheap.
It could be a fun project, as long as I don't screw it up completely....but I also would feel bad about owning a device which was most likely stolen.
redsrule2500 said:
Wow, that's so tempting. Didn't realize they would be that cheap.
It could be a fun project, as long as I don't screw it up completely....but I also would feel bad about owning a device which was most likely stolen.
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Well "bad ESN" doesnt always mean stolen,could also mean the person owes money and the phone is blacklisted till they pay it.
My Droid 3 had a bad ESN but it was because I lost my job and couldn't afford to pay Verizon's ridiculous prices. My income was literally cut in half.