Question for TMobile users... - X 2014 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I'm seriously thinking about dumping Verizon for T-Mobile with the 2 lines for $100 for unlimited everything. I want to get rid of Comcast and use T-Mobile as my internet connection for my home use also. The question that I have is can root bypass the 5gb hotspot connection so I can use the hot spot for more data?

Yes ... you can even do it without root by adding dun to your APN type in settings.

That is a bit of tricky question as we truly (or at least I haven't seen a definitive answer) don't know as how T-Mobile determines if someone is using their hotspot beyond whatever software might be installed on a branded handset which alerts T-Mobile to the use of the feature.
If T-Mobile can determine that you are using your hotspot feature regardless of whatever you do on your handset (like bypassing) than it wouldn't make a difference what you do.
I have seen multiple conflicting reports over the years and there doesn't seem to be anything close to a consensus.
Dan

I left Verizon for T-Mobile last month for the same deal. I was grandfathered into unlimited data for Verizon and 700 minutes, but no text. My wife texts like crazy so I was paying way more than I should have each month. Regardless, $100 for us both with unlimited everything was the catch. Texts for her, data for me. I tether a lot in my job, and I've been known to download heavy files from time-to-time. So far, T-Mobile has been great. Data speeds are a bit slower, but coverage where I am most of the time is just as good or even a bit better than Verizon.
The problem was the phone. I couldn't use my old Verizon Galaxy Nexus on T-Mobile (well, I could, just HSPA+ instead of LTE). I got an unlocked Nexus 5 that worked great. Earpiece was busted, I swapped it, still didn't work, sold it and got a Moto X 2014 Pure Edition instead. So far, so good. Tethering works once rooted. I've not come close to the usually 2-3GB of tethering that I do each month. But no warnings or caps or throttle as best I can tell.
All I can say, keep away from the branded phones. Go and get a Google Play edition phone. You'll be thankful you did. My wife's T-Mobile branded LG G2 is great for her, but it drives me nuts. I had one too (before the Google Play Edition Nexus 5) for like 2 days before I sold it.

Related

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

I'm currently in a AT&T Family Plan and my line has the old unlimited data plan. While my wife was in the local AT&T store buying a new Blackberry Torch, I was checking out the Captivate and really loved what I saw.
So I started talking to the AT&T guy, asking about data plans and such if I was to update my phone now. He stated that if I bought the Captivate I wouldn't be able to keep my old unlimited data plan, and that I'd have to either change to the 200MB or 2GB data plan. Is this really true, or is the rep just trying to get me into one of the new plans?
Also, I'm curious about the Captivate's GPS - the box states it's aGPS. Now I know this can mean a few things, but I'm curious if the Captivate has a "real" GPS chip in it, or does the Captivate's aGPS just use cell tower triangulation for navigation purposes?
I thought I'd get other's opinions before actually getting the phone - which I really do want!
Rambler358 said:
I'm currently in a AT&T Family Plan and my line has the old unlimited data plan. While my wife was in the local AT&T store buying a new Blackberry Torch, I was checking out the Captivate and really loved what I saw.
So I started talking to the AT&T guy, asking about data plans and such if I was to update my phone now. He stated that if I bought the Captivate I wouldn't be able to keep my old unlimited data plan, and that I'd have to either change to the 200MB or 2GB data plan. Is this really true, or is the rep just trying to get me into one of the new plans?
Also, I'm curious about the Captivate's GPS - the box states it's aGPS. Now I know this can mean a few things, but I'm curious if the Captivate has a "real" GPS chip in it, or does the Captivate's aGPS just use cell tower triangulation for navigation purposes?
I thought I'd get other's opinions before actually getting the phone - which I really do want!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think either the rep is trying to trick you, or he may just not know. When I bought my Captivate I was able to keep my existing unlimited plan, so I'd assume it'd apply to you as well. And yes the GPS receiver is actual GPS, however there are some issues with it at the moment (problems with holding a lock and tracking, etc.), and Samsung is trying to fix them.
KCutrer1 said:
I think either the rep is trying to trick you, or he may just not know. When I bought my Captivate I was able to keep my existing unlimited plan, so I'd assume it'd apply to you as well. And yes the GPS receiver is actual GPS, however there are some issues with it at the moment (problems with holding a lock and tracking, etc.), and Samsung is trying to fix them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - maybe I can just go to another AT&T store, as there's a few around me and see if the reps give me the same "you must change data plan" story.
I've read about the GPS issues, and it seems some have them and some don't. I also see there's a couple fixes for the Captivate's GPS issue, but do they really work? The GPS feature is something I really want/need, as I'm not planning on buying a standalone GPS as well.
That's a lie. When i purchased my Captivate on my renewal, i ended up having to call AT&T directly as they wouldn't give me the deal price in the store and when the representative on the phone tried to sell me on one of their new plans, i immediately said, "No.. i want the unlimited plan transferred to the Captivate from my iPhone." It took him a few minutes of putting on hold to talk to his supervisor to come back and tell me it was done. So don't believe the AT&T rep in the store, they're probably told to tell you it's not possible. I'm telling you it is.
Remember.. once the unlimited plan is gone.. you can't get it back.
terrigan said:
That's a lie. When i purchased my Captivate on my renewal, i ended up having to call AT&T directly as they wouldn't give me the deal price in the store and when the representative on the phone tried to sell me on one of their new plans, i immediately said, "No.. i want the unlimited plan transferred to the Captivate from my iPhone."
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.

[Q] Verizon???

I currently have AT&T but need to switch to Verizon since AT&T has no coverage in an area I travel to frequently. What's the likelihood of the Note coming to Verizon?
With the recent announcement of the LTE Korean version the likelihood is much better, no? If not I may have to settle for the Nexus, which is not something I really want to do...
I highly doubt it.
Thanks for the response. Why do you doubt it?
He's probably just being sarcastic, I imagine this question gets asked a fair bit. I only chanced on this thread from a google search for any new news about the Note coming to the US on Verizon.
...And the latest is still "maybe"...Maybe now that they've released a Note with LTE, in South Korea, that a US release is forthcoming. Nothing is confirmed though and neither Samsung or Verizon are saying anything further.
I was incredibly close myself to getting the GSM/HSPA version of the Note, figuring on getting whatever the cheapest service from AT&T is...But AT&T just started "turning on" their LTE service in NYC area and the Note isn't capable of using it.
...And so I too am waiting to see what the story is/will-be with Verizon.
Plus it looks like the LTE 7003 will only have the single core cpu and older gpu... I wonder why?
Verizon or TMobile or bust...
I mean that seriously, I will use AT&T over my cold dead rotting corpse...
There is NOTHING you could do besides give me everything (phone/plan/yearsofservice) FREE to get me to use AT&T... been there, done that, have to suffer with them for home phone/dsl (and no, no-one else services my area, not even SAT), dont plan on making it any worse then I have to...
I mean, hell, they yet again managed to get ranked WORST in customer satisfaction for the last 2 years solid... and more even before that...
At this point, I am willing to suffer with no 3G on TMo then not... WiFi FTW!
I have mine at Tmobile. I get 15kb down on edge. Its fine for gps and stuff, big stuff on wifi tho but i pay 50 bucks only.
I have had a great experience with AT&T. I am currently using a iPad SIM in my Note. I get 6 down and 1.5 up, which is no better then my iPhone 4 got...but it's more then adequate for surfing. Google Voice for text, GroovIP for voice. $30 a month(grandfather iPad Unlimited) Though $25 a month for 2 gigs is still reasonable I think.
bloodsilent said:
I have mine at Tmobile. I get 15kb down on edge. Its fine for gps and stuff, big stuff on wifi tho but i pay 50 bucks only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats not bad actually, and if you use google maps/navigation you can use the labs "preload" and not require all that much anyway!...
the scale keeps tipping towards GNote-ON-TMo... Voice+EDGE wont be so bad since I use WiFi 95% of the time anyway...
Oh and I could switch to the "off" carrier for TMobile, ergo SimpleMobile and pay even less!

getting ATT to give you service?

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.
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.

Nexus 4: Straight Talk T-Mobile USA Thread

Sorry if there is an post like this but I didn't see one already.
I was a Verizon customer for years before smart phones and got my first smart phone through them (Droid X). I've had to keep buy used phones to keep my grandfathered in unlimited data plan (Thunderbolt and Samsung Galaxy Nexus). My monthly bill was about $80 with government discount, Unlimited data, 1500 text, 450 talk. Their customer service went south imo and my 4G speeds were only getting slower (was about 20 mbps now around 10 mbps). I grew tired of paying so much money and worrying about my mins and text.
I just recently bought a Nexus 4 and switched to Straight Talk (t-mobile). I did my homework a lot on where to go so I started porting my Google Voice over from Verizon yesterday and waiting for that to complete. I was going to got to Solavei or the $30 month t-mobile plan but I figured I'd try out Straight Talk.
So far I'm impressed with the service I get. T-mobile has really matured over the years and I see them becoming the new Verizon but I hope they don't follow their path of locking all their phones and trying to control everything they can. I literally don't notice a difference in my area (Chicago) as the places I don't get signal my Verizon phone gets and the places the Verizon phone doesn't get ST gets.
I'm going to stay with ST for as long as I can and keep an eye on the data cap limit rumors although I don't think I'll see any with my usage being under 3 gigs per month (at the very most), won't even risk tethering, and if the coverage stays this good.
I love seeing unlimited everything and only paying $45, I can't believe it as it seemed it was too good to be true but after trying it and seeing it myself I'm sold.
What made you guys pick Straight Talk?
What do you like about it?
What don't you like about it?
Would you rather switch providers for this phone and enable 4G?
Should I post the steps I took to help others out interested in doing this?
FYI I get no points or a cheaper bill for making this post or anything. I'm just excited and surprised that something usually like this is to good to be true.
Not sure how they are with tmobile sims, my girl has the at&t one and never got a complaint but she I'd no days hog.
I'm about to try out metro pcs they launched byop in the Phillie area so sixty for unlimited, gotta check if there's no catch. Also how plans stack
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
I have a Google Nexus 4 with a T-Mobile micro sim with an account that allow me 3G. I would like to know how you were able to get a ST micro sim as they told me there were none yet. How did you get you T-mobile micro sim to work and does the sim restrict the speed or the network. I am a noob on the subject.
BertSP said:
I have a Google Nexus 4 with a T-Mobile micro sim with an account that allow me 3G. I would like to know how you were able to get a ST micro sim as they told me there were none yet. How did you get you T-mobile micro sim to work and does the sim restrict the speed or the network. I am a noob on the subject.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can buy a sim cutter on ebay for less than $5 or look for a template on google and cut it with scissors on there. Either way it functions the same after being cut as it would a regular sim.
Sent from my Nexus 4

Verizon Nexus 5 Kickstarter [We Need a Developer!]

As a Verizon User, I was so ready for the Nexus 5 to come out on Verizon and when it didn't, yet the hardware supported it, I knew there had to be a way to get this device to run on Verizon's Network. So, naturally I looked around on Forums and such and here is what we know right now:
- The WTR1625L Built by Qualcomm (The Same chip in the G2) Does in fact have hardware support for Verizon
- The Nexus 5 DOES recognize Verizon as a network and has even allowed some users to browse on Band 4 LTE Shown here
(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2505847&page=32)
- CDMA Voice and Band 13 Currently do not work (As Expected)
- A User named Ken GS4 over on the Google Forums here, was in fact able to have his Nexus 5's IMEI registered and active inside of Verizon's Database, and then theoretically, should "Activate". Now, Ken has stated that the phone would not work on CDMA or Band 13 however he does not live in a band 4 area and was unable to check on that
(http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!msg/nexus/Jv9FAwucMWM/7pIfTKxY5yUJ)
- Additionally, Ken had stated that the Verizon Wireless employees told him that on their end everything checked out and so, it had to be something in the Firmware that would be blocking it
- Some users on this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2505847 have attempted flashing the LG G2 Radios at no avail, so unless those files are heavily modded in order to allow the Nexus 5 to turn on without a boot loop, that solution is out.
So, It looks as though all of us Verizon Users need a developer to look deep into the code, find what is blocking the Verizon network, and create a flashable zip which could remedy the solution and allow the WTR1625L to work as it does in the G2 but without any blockage. Now, developers, as we know, are busy and need to put food on the table. So, I propose we start a kickstarter/IndieGogo Campaign, along with a WILLING DEVELOPER, and have all of us Verizon users put our money where our mouths are. We would need to raise enough money to get a Developer a Nexus 5, and enough for a Verizon plan for at least a month, along with some extra cash to allow him/her to have payment for completing this incredibly large task. So, We are calling out to you, THE DEVELOPERS, to contact me so I can create a kickstarter/indiegogo campaign in your name, so that you can raise enough money to help all of us Get This Phone working on Big Red!!!
Screw Verizon. I left them after 5 years of sh!tty droid phones. I even had grandfathered unlimited data.
N5->VZW=Headache
Solution :
Sell N5 + Buy VZW G2=No Headache
Just sayin....
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium HD app
Nexus will never "officially" be on Verizon again
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
As much as I HATE to say this, I don't think it will ever work.
It will probably never happen I was with VZW for 10 years and I just switched to att and its been so much better just get out if u can.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
If Verizon wanted the phone on their network they would have made a deal with LG/Google to do so legally. It seems to me an attempt to hack software to allow a phone to operate on a private company's bandwidth smacks of being illegal. If they wanted it, it would already be there. If you love the phone, take it where it works. If you live VZW, then pick something in their product line.
- - - - - - -
1stx2 said:
As much as I HATE to say this, I don't think it will ever work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And THIS is the reason I am switching to T-Mo next month after 15 years with VZW. The GNex debacle was the straw that broke the camel's back for me. Can't wait to have a REAL Nexus.
sorry verizon people, your just going to have to accept that verizon will not ever get a nexus device, due to how they handled the galaxy nexus. And they shouldnt after that.(
I left verizon & unlimited data about a month & a half ago. Sure, I hated to lose unlimited data. But, I wanted the N5. Sometimes you have to make hard decisions. Give up the good fight with verizon, you will not prevail. Leave as soon as you can if you can have good service with another provider.
um, WTR1625L is the transceiver. there are other components that need to be compatible (modem which is inside the snapdragon 800 chip, antennas)
you probably need to modify modem as well.... good luck finding the source code (FCC regulates the baseband) or hacking it
I'm gone from Verizon too. Have only found one place where I get no signal on tmo and in fact have a better signal in my office than I ever did on vzw. To the poster above, why would you lose unlimited? I'm on prepaid unlimited everything. Don't miss vzw too much. They won't legally allow a true nexus on their network any time soon so if you want a nexus you better be prepared to leave big red...
sent from my hammerhead
A lot of people don't seem to understand that Verizon throttles people's bandwith once they hit a certain limit on their data. It's still unlimited, but you'll be getting it a lot slower eventually if you use a lot of data. The same goes with any "unlimited" data plan from prepaid carriers these days, you typically pay for a certain amount of data at "full 4G/LTE speeds" and then once you hit that limit, you get throttled down to a slower download and upload rate.
I'm on Aio Wireless and get 8+/- mbps on LTE (They cap you at 8mbps on LTE), but once I hit my limit, I go to 256kbps which is still plenty fast enough to surf the web. You're not going to stream netflix in HD off of that little bandwith, but for many people it'll do the job just fine for facebook, surfing the web, checking emails, etc.
I left Verizon a year ago, and I'll never go back to them ever. Even if they lowered their prices to be competitive with T-Mobile or other prepaid carriers, it's not worth their bloatware loaded phones, cdma network, or software update timeline.
Verizon will never get a nexus. Nor do they deserve one. They hold off updates etc. And that's not what a nexus is about. I had unlimited data on Verizon. And was with then for 10+ years. Sold my **** and left. Got straight talk using att towers. It's been a month and I'm much better off.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
A bit of an analogous story, I bought an HP touchpad during the firesale and the community back then was so hellbent on getting android to work on the HP tablet because the native webos was a dying ecosystem. Lo and behold a bunch of developers actually managed to get Android onto the HP touchpad but it didn't run very well because the touchpad's hardware wasn't optimized for android to begin with. It was a crappy, unstable experience.
Alot of credit and Kudos go to the developers who made this possible, however. Those guys were amazing but the long and short of it is that you're going to be making a huge effort to get a subpar experience. If you can't break from the Verizon network, you might as well just get something which is officially supported or naively runs on the Verizon network.
TLR you're putting a bunch of effort in achieving a subpar experience at best.
Just leave Verizon. They charge way too much and have crap phones. Jump ship to T-Mobile or att
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Jesus people just don't understand. it's technically just not feasible to use it on Verizon.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I left verizon for ATT and am not looking back. I used to love verizon becuase of the great service but ATT has the same if not better service. I even left with a corporate discount and unlimited data. The Nexus 5 was just worth it.
Another one here that left a corporate discount and grandfathered unlimited data just to have an unadulterated Android experience with the Nexus 5. I miss the unlimited 4G and that there were more LTE towers for verizon in my area but it was a sacrifice I had to make. Saves me some $$ in the long run and I have a much better phone because of it.
why do people insist that this is possible? it's not going to work, just move on to another carrier.

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