Develop Bugs

Should I go for Verizon touch pro 2 or something else??

Hi
I'm new to the US, and I'm not familiar with the wireless companies system here..
I have some question:
1. Which service provider is better? I'll be living in Berkeley, CA?? I keep hearing that At&T has bad reception.. which one should I go for??
2. The 30$ data plan: all companies say that this plan is unlimited, but I keep reading (at least for Verizon) it's 5 GB/month.. is this true?? and are there any companies that offer real unlimited data plan...
Because I was thinking of using my phone as a modem for my PC, I don't want to pay more 30-40$ for DSL if I already have a true unlimited data plan
3. Roll over minutes: does this apply only to AT&t, or all carriers?
Thanks in advance guys

duke911 said:
Hi
I'm new to the US, and I'm not familiar with the wireless companies system here..
I have some question:
1. Which service provider is better? I'll be living in Berkeley, CA?? I keep hearing that At&T has bad reception.. which one should I go for??
2. The 30$ data plan: all companies say that this plan is unlimited, but I keep reading (at least for Verizon) it's 5 GB/month.. is this true?? and are there any companies that offer real unlimited data plan...
Because I was thinking of using my phone as a modem for my PC, I don't want to pay more 30-40$ for DSL if I already have a true unlimited data plan
3. Roll over minutes: does this apply only to AT&t, or all carriers?
Thanks in advance guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just left AT&T due to extremely poor customer service. AT&T is the only carrier that offers rollover minutes, but their 3G coverage is spotty, and when switching from 3G to Edge or vise versa, you will experience a lot of dropped calls. If you want to use your phone as a modem with AT&T you have to get a tethering plan which will run you $60/month. Verizon has a much larger 3G coverage area, and you don't have to worry about the network being burdened by iPhone users. Sprint has rolled out 4G coverage in some areas with plans to expand. Sprint has cheaper calling plans, but their subsidized phone prices are higher. All in all, do your research, and check online for reviews of coverage, network speed, and customer service.

1. reception obviously varies by location. VZW probably has the best claim to the best nationwide coverage--their business model has very much focused on network building, and up until very recently, their phone selection sucked because they didn't invest as much in securing great smartphones. Alternatively, ATT has focused investment heavily on having great phones, and haven't focused investment as much on building any of their networks.
That said, ATT has great phone reception in a lots of metropolitan areas. There might even be some areas where they have better coverage. And while their 3G data coverage isn't nearly as broad, where it exists, it has been tested as being the fastest (especially when you're not using an iPhone).
2. No, all wireless carriers have a cap of some kind. Further most will charge an extra $30ish a month on top of the $30ish a month for smartphone data for tethering (using your phone as a modem), and they'll still have a data cap.
3. I don't know VZW's plans.

ive been with ATT for YEARS and their costumer service can kiss my ass because i never use it. why? because they offer best reception where im at. why would i want to find out how good t-mobiles costumer service is? i just want a reliable network. all carriers have crappy prices and conditions here. just find the one that works for you and dont listen to what anyone else says. why would you care if verizon has 3g in montana and att doesnt if you live in LA?? its irrelevant. find the least crappy one for you and stick with it.

Do some research on the difference between CDMA and GSM networks. One may work better than another in certain situations.
T-Mobile has cheap rate plans and free tethering.
Sprint has a WiMax network rolling out, although all of the carriers are working on LTE or some other standard of 4G- Not really a concern at this point, since few phones support it.
Verizon has the best customer satisfaction ratings, but their phones are often locked down with software.
AT&T has a history of dropping calls, but has the fastest recorded data speeds.
No matter whom you may chose, you will end up disappointed over some facet or another. You will need to get DSL or some other form of land-based internet, unless you can keep yourself constrained to the 5GB data caps that ALL of the carriers have.

I guess I'm gonna go with verizon then..
I asked a Veizon representative today about the Touch Pro 2, and he said it's only CDMA ... although on their websitethey say it's GSM Quad Band!!! Is there anything that I'm missing?
Will I be able to use out side the US if travel home?
cheers

duke911 said:
I guess I'm gonna go with verizon then..
I asked a Veizon representative today about the Touch Pro 2, and he said it's only CDMA ... although on their websitethey say it's GSM Quad Band!!! Is there anything that I'm missing?
Will I be able to use out side the US if travel home?
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it's kind of misleading. The Verizon Touch Pro2 is actually a CDMA/GSM hybrid device, which works on Verizon's CDMA network or any GSM network. In theory, you should be able to use it on any GSM network in any country as long as you have a valid SIM card.

you cant trust advertising. it makes it appear that all options are shiney. verizon claims all of its wireless technologies as 3g no matter what they are, whether they have speeds slower than atts 2g or worse. the verizon touch pro will not actually work in the us or canada on gsm. you also need to pay for vodofone service separately to get international coverage. you can flash a radio that will let you use atts network but youll loose the cdma network verizon uses. sprints 4g network is not as promising as i hoped. its slower than atts 3g network and to use it you have to buy a $10 1-day pass that will let you use 4g in about 10 or so cities. its also not on any phones. in terms of data or unlimited plans, i would probably have to recommend t-mobile. even though i think they have the ugliest version of the touch pro 2. verizon does limit there unlimited plans to 4gb a month i think. and yes att is the only one with roll over. i never use my minutes so i up to about 10000 minutes rolled over. i will never be charged overage as long as i live.

I was with ATT when they were known as Cingular for three years. One day I got a call and they said I was using it off their network too much and I had to stop it or they would cancel me. Since I was not even living in their area, it was not going to happen.
So I signed up with Verizon, which did not even sell phones within a hundred miles of where I would be using it. That was in March of 2007. I went to Alaska for 16 months where it roamed constantly. Not a peep from Verizon about not being on their network. When going to a remote village for more than a month where no cell phone would work, I would just call them and they would suspend my phone for the time I was there. No bill at all and no charge for turning it off. So I have to say the customer support from Verizon is the best there is and ATT is the absolute worst.

texascbx said:
I was with ATT when they were known as Cingular for three years. One day I got a call and they said I was using it off their network too much and I had to stop it or they would cancel me. Since I was not even living in their area, it was not going to happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they wouldnt say something like that. the entire gsm network is theirs.
btw att, verizon, and sprint all have horrible customer service. youre going to always loose with any provider.

The Jack of Clubs said:
they wouldnt say something like that. the entire gsm network is theirs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last I checked, Tmobile's network isn't owned by ATT.

thanks a lot for your help guys, I really appreciae that.
I have one final question: Is there a way I can buy verizon touch pro 2 without a contract, and use it with verizon prepaid service (if that is possible in te first place)?
I'm new here and I don't have many people to speak with, and since I'm a student, I could use any some extra money
Cheers

duke911 said:
thanks a lot for your help guys, I really appreciae that. I have one final question: Is there a way I can buy verizon touch pro 2 without a contract, and use it with verizon prepaid service (if that is possible in te first place)? I'm new here and I don't have many people to speak with, and since I'm a student, I could use any some extra money
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I purchased my VZW off contract. Unsubsidized is probably about $500.
Different carriers have different rules for their prepaid services. With GSM carriers, TMo and ATT, it's easy to pop a prepaid sim into any phone. With CDMA (Sprint and VZW), I'm not sure. Best bet is to call and ask.

well i had sprint for ever...I switched to tmobile.. to get that tp2 free through wmdeals.com even though coverage sucks at my house im happy.. I have wifi for data when im home.. when i leave my home i have edge service everwhere.. til i start getting close to mesquite ( texas ) it goes to 3g.. but edge works great with opera mini.. and for updating certain things.. but so far tmobile rocks..

The Jack of Clubs said:
they wouldnt say something like that. the entire gsm network is theirs.
btw att, verizon, and sprint all have horrible customer service. youre going to always loose with any provider.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's where you are wrong. They did cancel me and one of my brothers living in another town shortly after I got the call and letter. The explanation was they had contracts with other providers to cover you when your were roaming. And roaming was fine, as long as you did not do it too much. I roamed all the time, for about three years.

I called Verizon today, and the representative said that I can't use their prepaid service on a smart phone... although I'm not really sure about, as she sounded clueless, and I had to do lots of explanation until she got the basic idea..
anyway... I like really the verizon version of the Touch Pro 2..
If I go for month-to-month and get it for full retail (490$).. can I cancel with Verizon after that, and unlock my phone, then use it with some other network like T-mobile or At&T????
I never used CDMA before, and after reading some info, I think GSM is better for me, at least for now...

duke911 said:
I called Verizon today, and the representative said that I can't use their prepaid service on a smart phone... although I'm not really sure about, as she sounded clueless, and I had to do lots of explanation until she got the basic idea..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You never know with reps. I seem to recall that VZW's prepaid might have some unlimited data intended for dumbphones, which of course they wouldn't want you to use with a smartphone.
There are MVNOs, like Page Plus, that use VZW's network, but have prepaid plans where they probably wouldn't be concerned about smartphone usage (pay per kb instead of unlimited).
If I go for month-to-month and get it for full retail (490$).. can I cancel with Verizon after that, and unlock my phone, then use it with some other network like T-mobile or At&T????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get it unlocked here and use it on ATT or TMo (minus 3g, 2g data still works), and as to whether you can cancel after the fact without penalty, it depends on exactly what you signed up for at VZW.

texascbx said:
That's where you are wrong. They did cancel me and one of my brothers living in another town shortly after I got the call and letter. The explanation was they had contracts with other providers to cover you when your were roaming. And roaming was fine, as long as you did not do it too much. I roamed all the time, for about three years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fortunz said:
Last I checked, Tmobile's network isn't owned by ATT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well then double check because att hardware can not utilize tmobile 1700 band. if you in the country you are never going to use another carriers network. and roaming only applies to out of country. even if you stand anywhere on the canadian or mexican borders, you wont be charged roaming. the system isnt that fd up.

The Jack of Clubs said:
well then double check because att hardware can not utilize tmobile 1700 band. if you in the country you are never going to use another carriers network. and roaming only applies to out of country. even if you stand anywhere on the canadian or mexican borders, you wont be charged roaming. the system isnt that fd up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that's not entirely true. AT&T devices can use T-Mobile's network, just not HSPA (3G), and vice versa. Before I got my 8925, my main phone was an old T-Mobile Blackberry 7200 which I unlocked to use on AT&T. It could make phone calls and browse at EDGE speeds just fine. The 3G bands are f*cked up internationally since they often differ by country and carrier, but the EDGE and basic GSM bands are pretty much compatible with any GSM phone (since most GSM phones are Tri-band or Quad-band capable).
In addition, it's perfectly possible to use another network in the same country. If a company like AT&T doesn't have infrastructure in a remote area and wants to add service there, they'll often strike a deal with a local carrier who does. It's usually a seamless transition for the user, and it doesn't generally cost the user a cent. Rather, AT&T is the one paying the local cellular operator for allowing the AT&T customers use the local carrier's network as opposed to the alternative of having no coverage in that area. AT&T got mad at texascbx because he was costing AT&T money by roaming on these local carriers, which AT&T had to pay.
Lastly, I know people who live near the borders and they always are careful to see which operator they are using. One of them lives near the Mexican border, and has to make sure he's on AT&T's network before he makes a call. If he doesn't check, he might be roaming on the TelMex network and will get billed outrageous fees for a simple call, even though he's in the US.

I was at the mall today, and I talked to a T-Mobile guy, and he said I can get the T-mobile version of touch pro 2 for full retail, and I can use it with their prepaid plan without any porblems.
Then I spoke with a Verizon representative, and he said that I can't do that on their network, however I can buy the device with out a contract and without any plan...
So my Final question (and I guess fortunz answered before,but I still feel like asking coz I don't want to through 500$ away)... If I get the Verizon Touch Pro 2, and get it unlocked here
http://rhodiumw.htc-unlocks.com/
or here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=578642
will I be able to use it with any carrier?? prepaid or plan??
I don't really mind about the data, as I'll be using WiFi mainly
Thanks a lot

[Q] AT&T Non-smart phone plan...hmm?

I recently acquired an HTC Vision from overseas. Since the change AT&T's website is giving me the option to add an unlimited data plan for non-smartphones for $10 (I don't currently have any data plan because my prior smartphone was grandfathered into an excemption). I know that the reason they are offering the cheap plan is because they don't sell the phone so they can't detect the model I'm using from the IMEI - but...
* does anyone have experience doing this?
* Do they ever catch you and force you to change?
* Is there an unwritten cap to the unlimited non-smartphone data plan that I should be mindful of not exceeding or an amount that you think would raise flags?
* Is there anything I can do to make myself more under the radar - I was thinking maybe changing my device on the AT&T website to a non-smartphone made by another manufacturer so my old smart phone is no longer listed?

Well first off, make sure that the Desire Z you have has the proper frequencies for AT&T.
As far as running the unlimited featurephone data plan, I'm not sure. They might be able to not tell what type of phone you're using, but they will be able to tell that it isn't one of their list of featurephones the plans work for. I think this is the biggest hurdle, they will more than likely find out that you're using a phone that isn't an AT&T featurephone and kick you off of it.
As far as data usage goes, I'm assuming it will throw up a flag when your first month you use 4gb-5gb of data on your "featurephone" that isn't even supposed to have a full browser lol.
If this was that easy to do, don't you think there would be more people getting a free featurephone with a $10 unlimited data plan and buying their phones unsubsidized? lol. Dunno just never heard of anyone doing this before.

I don't get 3G but the phone works fine on the EDGE network. Since it isn't a phone from the US I'm thinking that it might be able to escape detection a lot easier than say, a phone from T-Mobile.

jessicax said:
I don't get 3G but the phone works fine on the EDGE network. Since it isn't a phone from the US I'm thinking that it might be able to escape detection a lot easier than say, a phone from T-Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it doesn't work on 3G then it has the same bands as a T-mobile G2 (or similar, either way it doesn't work on 850/1900 3G that AT&T uses) and you'd end up with the same result. If you're not even gonna use 3G, then why are you paying for a data plan at all?
The real question is, is there a specific reason why you're using AT&T? If you're just going to be using the phone on EDGE with AT&T, you might as well just pay for a data plan on T-mobile and get 3G/4G... maybe just my personal opinion but I have no idea why someone would choose to pay for a smartphone and use it on the EDGE network. I wanna gouge my eyes out when I'm on EDGE lol.

martonikaj said:
If it doesn't work on 3G then it has the same bands as a T-mobile G2 (or similar, either way it doesn't work on 850/1900 3G that AT&T uses) and you'd end up with the same result. If you're not even gonna use 3G, then why are you paying for a data plan at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now I'm not paying for a data plan. However, if I did pay for one, I'd only be using it to do things like check my e-mail, use voice dial, or play ad-supported games - nothing that would be crippled by the slower data transfer. Basically stuff that is worth $10/month to me but not $30.

jessicax said:
Right now I'm not paying for a data plan. However, if I did pay for one, I'd only be using it to do things like check my e-mail, use voice dial, or play ad-supported games - nothing that would be crippled by the slower data transfer. Basically stuff that is worth $10/month to me but not $30.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see... But what I'm saying is why would you pay for an AT&T plan, are you somehow obligated to stay there? If you're bringing your own phone to T-mobile, their no contract plans are as low as $59.99/mo. Maybe AT&T has good service in your area, I'm not sure. But if you have no reason to stay on AT&T and service is comparable on T-mobile, I doubt you'll be paying more for 3G service on T-mo than you would for only 2G on AT&T.
T-mobile no contract (youre bringing your own phone) = $59.99 for 500min, unlim texts, and "unlimited" data.
AT&T phone plans = $39.99 450minutes, + $20 unlim texts + $10 for "featurephone data" = $69.99 and that doesn't get you 3G.
Not trying to convert, just trying to make sense of your situation.

martonikaj said:
I see... But what I'm saying is why would you pay for an AT&T plan, are you somehow obligated to stay there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am obligated to stay with AT&T for various reasons. :-\

jessicax said:
I am obligated to stay with AT&T for various reasons. :-\
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that would explain a lot. As far as your original plan goes, I'm not sure how it works. They have to identify between their featurephones and smartphones somehow, and that means they may easily be able to identify that you're using a smartphone. Not sure.

From my understanding when i was about to try this smartphones have there own data set....and regular unlimited browsing is something else. But i can be wrong. Get back to me about this, very interested to see if this works.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

This does work.
I am using an unbranded/unlocked Desire Z on ATT with the $10/month basic data plan. Years ago, I purchased a 'dumb phone' from them and have had this data plan on my account since then.
I have used this data plan with a Touch Pro, Blackberry Bold and Nokia E71, all without any problems. All of them were ATT branded and they could see the device I was using. Only thing that didn't work was the Blackberry branded data apps.
With a phone that is not from ATT they cannot tell what device you are using. I've had the DZ since November and haven't heard anything from there. My data usage each month has ranged from 400-700 MB. Not sure what the cap is, but I don't tether or anything and use wifi when I'm at home as well.
This of course is not in line with their 'smartphone policy' so don't walk into a store and expect them to do this for you. You'll have to do it online... Not sure how closely they watch new additions on the basic plans but I would give it a shot and see if they let you keep going... My guess is that unless you're sucking up data at 2-3GB a month, it won't be a problem...
Let me know how it goes for you!

I have an Australian HTC Desire as my personal line, and I pay the $10 data. AT&T employee line plans suck pretty bad...

martonikaj said:
If it doesn't work on 3G then it has the same bands as a T-mobile G2 (or similar, either way it doesn't work on 850/1900 3G that AT&T uses) and you'd end up with the same result. If you're not even gonna use 3G, then why are you paying for a data plan at all?
The real question is, is there a specific reason why you're using AT&T? If you're just going to be using the phone on EDGE with AT&T, you might as well just pay for a data plan on T-mobile and get 3G/4G... maybe just my personal opinion but I have no idea why someone would choose to pay for a smartphone and use it on the EDGE network. I wanna gouge my eyes out when I'm on EDGE lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Iirc you need data for mms
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App

You are good to go.
I used a G2 on AT&T for a few months before switching to T-Mobile. I do not remember how much data I used but I know that AT&T had no clue what I was doing/using. I was on the $15 unlimited messaging data plan though, not sure about the $10 one. As long as the phone is not branded or specifically made for AT&T bands (like the AT&T N1) they have no clue what you have, that is the main reason I only use GSM networks.
Protip: You can suspend your line if you are on a family plan and switch to T-mobile which is what I am currently doing until my wife's iPhone contract runs out. They will still charge you $10/month though. $25 for 2GB is WAY overpriced.

For those of you who were interested in hearing if this worked: I've been on the data plan for about two weeks and have used about 200mb thus far. So far, so good. The EDGE network speeds can be a little slow but it is better than nothing.
I'm curious if I'll be detected now that AT&T has acquired T-Mobile, since the G2 is in T-Mobile's lineup, which is based on the HTC Vision just like the Desire Z that I am using.

my question is...
Why cant you use 3g if you have a DZ from overseas? the G2 is the phone with the weird 3g bands. the overseas phone should work like a charm on att.
jessicax said:
For those of you who were interested in hearing if this worked: I've been on the data plan for about two weeks and have used about 200mb thus far. So far, so good. The EDGE network speeds can be a little slow but it is better than nothing.
I'm curious if I'll be detected now that AT&T has acquired T-Mobile, since the G2 is in T-Mobile's lineup, which is based on the HTC Vision just like the Desire Z that I am using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

babyfacedkayos said:
Why cant you use 3g if you have a DZ from overseas? the G2 is the phone with the weird 3g bands. the overseas phone should work like a charm on att.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately it does not have the 3G bands that ATT uses.

[email protected] 30/month for data I'm at 15 or 20 for unlimited data and texts with tmobile
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

Lots of people do this. I have a Nokia E71 currently on this plan (and a Desire Z on the way). My only concern is with AT&T's new crackdown on tethering.

Can someone tell me if ATT can make the difference between the type of data transfer someone uses (like web browsing vs Market android download or google syncing)?

Yes they can catch you. Yes they can tell the differance between mms and web browsing....yes they can see every site and bit of information, every call made, every text sent, every minute of every day..... the questions is do they care? The simple answer is no. I have used my own phones on att for 8+ years. I not even sure if its agaisnt any policy they have anyway? Anyway if they ever did "catch" you the worst they would do is say stop that, pay more, or cancel your account. Then maybe you will be free to join tmo lol.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA Premium App

[Q] Looking to 'grandfather' my way into 4g speeds with at&t

Hi there,
So I am currently using an unlocked G1 on AT&T without having to pay any data plan (because they dont recognize it as a smart phone). However I can upgrade to an unlimited plan for $10 but because of the phone's band it would only get 2G.
So my G1 is dying and is super slow and one phone I would love would be a G2. Thus do you think I would be able to get an unlocked G2 for AT&T and still avoid having to get a data plan ?? Also as an added bonus, when AT&T fuses with Tmobile (assuming FCC approval) perhaps then the G2 would get 4g/3g speeds??
what do you guys think of this master plan to avoid data charges but then get high speed downloads when at&t buys tmobile ??
Thanks.

Look in the dev section there is a way to unlock, and the G2 has HSPA+ which pretty much is 4G
Sent From My G2

austriker27 said:
Hi there,
So I am currently using an unlocked G1 on AT&T without having to pay any data plan (because they dont recognize it as a smart phone). However I can upgrade to an unlimited plan for $10 but because of the phone's band it would only get 2G.
So my G1 is dying and is super slow and one phone I would love would be a G2. Thus do you think I would be able to get an unlocked G2 for AT&T and still avoid having to get a data plan ?? Also as an added bonus, when AT&T fuses with Tmobile (assuming FCC approval) perhaps then the G2 would get 4g/3g speeds??
what do you guys think of this master plan to avoid data charges but then get high speed downloads when at&t buys tmobile ??
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's believed that all tmobile phones will still be limited to edge after the merger. Remember the frequencies it uses are based on hardware, they can never be changed. Unless they have a period where at&t will use both sets of frequencies, a g2 will never get 3g or 4g speeds on at&t.
That's why people were excited when the g2x was supposed to use both sets of bands, but it was not to be...
Sent from my T-mobile G2

Att does use tmo compatible 3g bands in certain areas. I occasionally get 3g with my vibrant (unlocked tmo phone that I use sometimes with att) but I do have to admit that it is rare that I get 3g service in my area.
I also would be surprised if they just up and d4op all that tmo infrastructure overnight.
I would bet that all the tmo sprect4um came (will come) with the purchase.
Sent from my Apple IIe

rickyiswhite said:
Look in the dev section there is a way to unlock, and the G2 has HSPA+ which pretty much is 4G
Sent From My G2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet so once I unlock a g2 I can get at least 3g speeds on at&T network?
Right now I get 2g speeds on my g1 and its pretty painful.
Although it sounds like tmo phones might be limited to edge which just be like the ultimate jerk move on att's part..

I'm not sure about that one after the other comments, also I remember after my G1 I got an iphone 3G(bad mistake) and I unlocked it so I could use it for tmobile and I couldn't get 3G, only edge, so my best advice would be either switch to tmobile if you really want the G2 or just get an android for at&t
Sent From My G2

rickyiswhite said:
I'm not sure about that one after the other comments, also I remember after my G1 I got an iphone 3G(bad mistake) and I unlocked it so I could use it for tmobile and I couldn't get 3G, only edge, so my best advice would be either switch to tmobile if you really want the G2 or just get an android for at&t
Sent From My G2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sooo why hasn't anyone mentioned the A7275 Desire Z version that will get AT&T users 3G? Just look it up. The Desire Z is the same as the G2 except for a few bands. The DZ A7275 model works perfectly with AT&T network, no reason to suffer and get the G2 without 3G. It is also known as the Bell Desire Z.

slapshot30 said:
Sooo why hasn't anyone mentioned the A7275 Desire Z version that will get AT&T users 3G? Just look it up. The Desire Z is the same as the G2 except for a few bands. The DZ A7275 model works perfectly with AT&T network, no reason to suffer and get the G2 without 3G. It is also known as the Bell Desire Z.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, well that solves everything.
Sent From My G2 using XDA app

rickyiswhite said:
Oh, well that solves everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except for the fact that the OP will not have 3G on T-Mob with the Canada Bell Desire Z (A7275), if he in fact wants 3G now.
Plus the huge difference in price between the G2 and the Bell DZ, especially if the OP is qualified for an upgrade (which he probably is, if still on a G1). The Bell Canada DZ typically goes for around $600 new.
If you want an Android phone with keyboard on ATT, the Bell DZ is the way to go. But since the AT&T-Mobile merger won't even start to become a reality for almost a year (and maybe longer), I'd think hard about getting a good phone for NOW. And then plan to get a new device later, when the merger actually takes place.
EDIT: I misunderstood the part where the OP was saying he was using an unlocked G1 on ATT. I thought he was still on T-Mobile, and waiting for the merger. Never mind my comments above along those lines.

Gosh, well thanks for the info guys. That is most helpful- so right now I am thinking of staying with my at&t plan and maybe getting the bell canada g2 unlocked so I can still beat the system and not have to pay for data but if I do need it I can get the 10$ unlimited plan and get 3g speeds with at &T with a sick android phone..
I am also contemplating getting a bb bold 9700 as an upgrade (I get it free as a discount for work) for my phone.. BUT thats a whole 'nother discussion =)

Thats unbelievable! 10 bucks for unlimited data? 2g or not....thats a good deal...personally id rather pay 10 a month and sleep well knowing its there. But at the same time you cant beat free....win freakin win baby!

austriker27 said:
Gosh, well thanks for the info guys. That is most helpful- so right now I am thinking of staying with my at&t plan and maybe getting the bell canada g2 unlocked so I can still beat the system and not have to pay for data but if I do need it I can get the 10$ unlimited plan and get 3g speeds with at &T with a sick android phone..
I am also contemplating getting a bb bold 9700 as an upgrade (I get it free as a discount for work) for my phone.. BUT thats a whole 'nother discussion =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like the Blackberry is from AT&T? If you put your SIM in any AT&T branded smartphone, they will read the IMEI off the phone, know its a smartphone, and add a smartphone data plan to your account (as per their policy). But if you buy a phone what is not AT&T branded (like the Bell Canada Desire Z), the IMEI will not be in their database.
Not sure about connecting to 3G with the Bell Canada Z on the $10 data plan. They might see that you are connecting on 3G , and take away that plan.

redpoint73 said:
Sounds like the Blackberry is from AT&T? If you put your SIM in any AT&T branded smartphone, they will read the IMEI off the phone, know its a smartphone, and add a smartphone data plan to your account (as per their policy). But if you buy a phone what is not AT&T branded (like the Bell Canada Desire Z), the IMEI will not be in their database.
Not sure about connecting to 3G with the Bell Canada Z on the $10 data plan. They might see that you are connecting on 3G , and take away that plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using a Bell Desire Z on ATT and they are not able to identify my IMEI. I have had the $10 Unlimited Data plan on my account for years and despite using much more data than a typical 'dumbphone', I have not been charged or contacted regarding my data package. I get solid 3G coverage in my area and average about 500-900MB a month of data. (I don't tether and use Wifi at home)
On another note, I have used an ATT Branded Blackberry Bold 9000 with the same data plan. I did not buy it from ATT but they were able to identify the IMEI per the ATT branding. They didn't 'force' the smartphone plan on me and my data worked just fine. Please note though, that the BB push services will NOT work without a BB plan.
I've had the $10 unlimited data for about 3 years now and have used a handful of phones: HTC Fuze, Nokia E71, Blackberry Pearl, Bold and now the Desire Z. No issues from ATT, plus I love not being on a contract!
*Edit*: If you 'upgrade' your device through ATT and go with the Bold 9700, you MUST purchase a BB data plan and once you leave that $10 unlimited data, there is no going back so be weary before you sign anything.

I'm coming from a g1 on att.
I'm still on att but now have a g2 with their $10 data plan.
although it's still only 2g you feel notice that even internet is much faster on the g2 then it ever was on the g1. I'm only catching 2g, so that can't be why, but you will notice that it's much faster.

I have actually read quite a bit from here and the AT&T forums concerning whether att will read the IMEI number or not; basically it seems like for some people they do read it and force a smartphone data plan and others they dont. So its kinda like playing the lottery. But yes I absolutely adore my unlimited data for $10 (although I only recently added it for GPS because I moved; otherwise I normally just wifi with no data because wifi is everywhere). That being said I looove my g1 for allowing me to beat the system like that!!!
And actually after doing some more research I would want to the latest bb bold (like a 9780; I think i just mistyped earlier) and now after hearing about the 9900 (which actually sounds like a pretty decent BB, albeit RIM still about 2 years behind the trends) I am very interested in holding out for it as it should come out in Sept if they dont delay anymore..
I also like not being tied down as our family plan's commitment expired at least one year ago, so upgrading is pretty much out of the question unless I open up my own plan.. And just to make it all even more complicated, I get a 20% discount through work and also can get a BB for free if I sign a 2 year agreement.. Aww the options..
Either way I am sick of having to reflash my g1 monthly so and its soooo bloody slow. So I am debating G2, BB Bold 9780 or wait for the Bold 9900.. But thats another bucket of worms I need to figure out..

Att and tmobile have a while to go before or if they ever actually merge. Its up to the government to approve it after all. And remember att had to be split years back for having a monopoly over home phones which makes it even harder for the gov to get on board...
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App

i work for att.
yes they can catch your and put a data plan ($25) by default on your account..
yes they also don't catch EVERYONE and add one.
yes people do get away with it for years.
yes att can read your IMEI and tell if its a PDA or not. just shows as "unknown manufac" so att cannot tell what make\model, but most the time can see its a smart phone..
but alot of people get away with 10$ non smart phone unlimited data plan that have smartphones..
my vote... take all the damn money you can from att. =D haha
if you can get away with it then do it.
p.s. heres a tip for anyone on At&t that wants the unlimited data they don't offer anymore. get an iphone, HAS to be an original. well just the imei number, call att and tell them to update the imei and move to the unlimited data plan. they only have unlimited data for the original iphone.. then use it on the account for a few days, then move to another smart phone of choice.. and you will be "grandfathered in" with the unlimited data for smartphone. =]

no way!! Thanks for the info, thats awesome.. How much was the original iphone's unlimited data plan? And will that work if I do decide to get a BB? I heard you might need a special bb plan to use their push features..

Yeah it'll work with a bb.. once your on the unlimited data plan you always have it no matter what phone you use..
The original data plan for iphone is $20 I think.. but you'll have to move to the data plan avainable which is 30
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

[Q] Changing frequency

Hi for all
I have an unlocked HTC Desire Z (Spain).
I will go to live to Boston in a few days and I'm thinking in use that smartphone.
Can I use that smartphone with USA (at&t or T-mobile) 3G frequency?
I know, the first answer is NOT, but, cat I use it changing the radio with T-mobile G2 radio or any other? Are there any worldwide radio (like Iphone 4, with 4 UMTS bands)?

Frequency compatibility is set in hardware, and cannot be changed by flashing a new radio.
If its just a few days, I'd suggest just getting by with 2G/EDGE and WiFi. WiFi is usually available at hotels and other places, and 3G speeds suck in many places in Boston, anyway (at least on AT&T).

Ok, Ok.
Many Thanks!!!!
But I have an off-topic question:
I'm watching AT&T GoPhone Plans and I don't know if I need to pay a Data Package if I catch $50 Monthly Unlimited plan, because I can't use 3G/4G network.
www[dot]wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-plans/pyg-cell-phone-plans.jsp
Tanks!

D_ni said:
I'm watching AT&T GoPhone Plans and I don't know if I need to pay a Data Package if I catch $50 Monthly Unlimited plan, because I can't use 3G/4G network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The way I interpret it, it looks like you need to buy a data package if you have a smartphone, regardless of whether you can access 3G or not.
You can always contact AT&T customer service, and explain the situation. Tell them your phone will only be able to access 2G/EDGE, and they might let you get away with a "dumb phone" data rate.
In theory, since you didn't buy your phone from AT&T, they will not be able to read your IMEI, and find out that you have a smartphone. So you can try to say its not a smartphone, and go with the $50 unlimited plan. Not sure if it will work or not. They may force you to buy a data plan, which may or may not be okay with you.

For the same price you can have the t-mobile monthly plan and I think that they do not care if you have a smartphone or not (I use it with my G2 and they have not asked me to buy anything else), it is unlimited but it has only the 1st 100MB in 4g speed, but anyway you are not going to be able to use that speed.
I will have the same problem but in the opposite way when I go back to Spain in some months because I like too much my G2 to change it.

[Q] I am looking to get solavei and would love a few questions answered if possible

I had a few questions since I am tried of sprint and want to get a n7100 on soalvei (tmobile network):
1) how would I know my area is refarmed? ( I live in north miami, fl )
2) is there a site or thread of a large sample of speed tests I can look up for my area on the network compatible with the n7100? The reason i ask is that I am afraid that I won't get reliable high speed (anything over 5Mbit down consistently is my goal).
3) I am on the fence about solavei and was wondering if tmobile has any options to purchase that do not throttle your speeds? I plan to use 20-30gb a month
4) Is there a trusted site that I can purchase an unlocked gsm n7100 that is compatible with the high speed tmobile network? I don't want to spend more than $600 if possible.
5) should I invest in the n7105 (has lte radio) since tmobile merged with metropcs and is rolling out LTE? (or should I wait for the note 3?)
I am completely out of the loop on tmobile news and would appreciate any help on making the switch over.
Thank you all.

mitul2288 said:
I had a few questions since I am tried of sprint and want to get a n7100 on soalvei (tmobile network):
1) how would I know my area is refarmed? ( I live in north miami, fl )
2) is there a site or thread of a large sample of speed tests I can look up for my area on the network compatible with the n7100? The reason i ask is that I am afraid that I won't get reliable high speed (anything over 5Mbit down consistently is my goal).
3) I am on the fence about solavei and was wondering if tmobile has any options to purchase that do not throttle your speeds? I plan to use 20-30gb a month
4) Is there a trusted site that I can purchase an unlocked gsm n7100 that is compatible with the high speed tmobile network? I don't want to spend more than $600 if possible.
5) should I invest in the n7105 (has lte radio) since tmobile merged with metropcs and is rolling out LTE? (or should I wait for the note 3?)
I am completely out of the loop on tmobile news and would appreciate any help on making the switch over.
Thank you all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using Solavei since early September and I love it. Like you I came from Sprint (12 years!) and grew to hate them. I haven't really tried selling it much, was mostly interested in the price and plan. However just out of the occasional conversation I've already signed up 6 people which puts me at $40 a month, making my effective bill $9 a month. That's a bargain in my book!
There is a site with a map that is showing where the refarmed areas are www.airportal.de
As for throttling, I consider myself a very heavy user and rarely break 3GB's of data, I can't imagine using 20 to 30 and even any possible unthrottled plans you might find yourself having your account cancelled for that much data.
Unless you can confirm you are in a refarmed area I'd stick with the T-Mo branded Note 2.

mrchris1234 said:
I have been using Solavei since early September and I love it. Like you I came from Sprint (12 years!) and grew to hate them. I haven't really tried selling it much, was mostly interested in the price and plan. However just out of the occasional conversation I've already signed up 6 people which puts me at $40 a month, making my effective bill $9 a month. That's a bargain in my book!
There is a site with a map that is showing where the refarmed areas are www.airportal.de
As for throttling, I consider myself a very heavy user and rarely break 3GB's of data, I can't imagine using 20 to 30 and even any possible unthrottled plans you might find yourself having your account cancelled for that much data.
Unless you can confirm you are in a refarmed area I'd stick with the T-Mo branded Note 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I check my IMEI on solavei, it says "sorry! your phone isn't compatible with Solavei Mobile Service" I just unlocked it, does it take some time?

Jinra321 said:
When I check my IMEI on solavei, it says "sorry! your phone isn't compatible with Solavei Mobile Service" I just unlocked it, does it take some time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Their IMEI checker doesn't check whether a phone is unlocked or not, it's just checking the number against a small database of known compatible phones. I have the TMO GN2 and it works fine with some caveats. Like everyone else with the TMO note2 I couldn't use the wifi hotspot without rooting and the APN settings for Solavei and the GN2 are slightly different than other Android phones and it took some experimentation on my part to get them correct so that MMS worked.
Beyond that if the phone has GSM and is unlocked it will work subject to potential speed issues for non TMO phones (except Blackberry).

mrchris1234 said:
Their IMEI checker doesn't check whether a phone is unlocked or not, it's just checking the number against a small database of known compatible phones. I have the TMO GN2 and it works fine with some caveats. Like everyone else with the TMO note2 I couldn't use the wifi hotspot without rooting and the APN settings for Solavei and the GN2 are slightly different than other Android phones and it took some experimentation on my part to get them correct so that MMS worked.
Beyond that if the phone has GSM and is unlocked it will work subject to potential speed issues for non TMO phones (except Blackberry).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, how am I suppose to get a SIM? Would I have to use a dummy phone to register with solavei?

Jinra321 said:
Hmm, how am I suppose to get a SIM? Would I have to use a dummy phone to register with solavei?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just grabbed the IMEI for a phone I knew would work and had the right sized SIM. The IMEI used to confirm the phone is not at all tied to the account and is only used to size the SIM and match to their database. Once you receive your SIM you can just activate and go.
For that matter I have bulk packs of Solavei SIM's and could just send you one and register you if you don't already have a sponsor, or find someone local who has SIM's in stock.

mrchris1234 said:
I just grabbed the IMEI for a phone I knew would work and had the right sized SIM. The IMEI used to confirm the phone is not at all tied to the account and is only used to size the SIM and match to their database. Once you receive your SIM you can just activate and go.
For that matter I have bulk packs of Solavei SIM's and could just send you one and register you if you don't already have a sponsor, or find someone local who has SIM's in stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did the same thing, my sponsor let me use his IMEI just to get the sim, and then once we liked the service, my wife used his sim for her own note 2.
As for question number 3, they do have a plan that doesn't have any cap, but I believe it's $89 per month.

mrchris1234 said:
I have been using Solavei since early September and I love it. Like you I came from Sprint (12 years!) and grew to hate them. I haven't really tried selling it much, was mostly interested in the price and plan. However just out of the occasional conversation I've already signed up 6 people which puts me at $40 a month, making my effective bill $9 a month. That's a bargain in my book!
There is a site with a map that is showing where the refarmed areas are www.airportal.de
As for throttling, I consider myself a very heavy user and rarely break 3GB's of data, I can't imagine using 20 to 30 and even any possible unthrottled plans you might find yourself having your account cancelled for that much data.
Unless you can confirm you are in a refarmed area I'd stick with the T-Mo branded Note 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, I am glad you like it. I was hoping to use my phone to download .nzb movies while on the go and use it as my main internet line via tethering. That is where I came up with the 20-30 gb figure.
Would solavei throttle me or block my account if I use that much data?

Solavei gives you 4gb 4g speed than throttle you to 2g
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

jacky37 said:
Solavei gives you 4gb 4g speed than throttle you to 2g
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dang. welp.. looks like I will be sticking with sprint

mitul2288 said:
dang. welp.. looks like I will be sticking with sprint
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't sprint throttle as well? In this part of TN sprint coverage is plain garbage. Then again, I don't think I have ever lived in a good sprint coverage area.
T-Mobile seems to have the only truly unlimited plan that isn't throttled. I just don't think it's worth $89 a month. But I also pay only $34 per month for a 10 mb fiber line to the house. Ymmv.
*Signature blocks shouldn't default to free advertising.*
Sent from my T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 2 via Solavei.

mdt73 said:
Doesn't sprint throttle as well? In this part of TN sprint coverage is plain garbage. Then again, I don't think I have ever lived in a good sprint coverage area.
T-Mobile seems to have the only truly unlimited plan that isn't throttled. I just don't think it's worth $89 a month. But I also pay only $34 per month for a 10 mb fiber line to the house. Ymmv.
*Signature blocks shouldn't default to free advertising.*
Sent from my T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 2 via Solavei.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, sprint doesn't throttle at all, although it's hard to find a place with LTE or WiMAX which means, you'll be stuck on their 3G at best.

mrchris1234 said:
Their IMEI checker doesn't check whether a phone is unlocked or not, it's just checking the number against a small database of known compatible phones. I have the TMO GN2 and it works fine with some caveats. Like everyone else with the TMO note2 I couldn't use the wifi hotspot without rooting and the APN settings for Solavei and the GN2 are slightly different than other Android phones and it took some experimentation on my part to get them correct so that MMS worked.
Beyond that if the phone has GSM and is unlocked it will work subject to potential speed issues for non TMO phones (except Blackberry).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chris, how did you get the MMS to send out on the Note 2? ...I've been trying different things, but I'm stuck...

djhvc said:
Chris, how did you get the MMS to send out on the Note 2? ...I've been trying different things, but I'm stuck...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got MMS working?