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Hey guys, I am running on Tmobile and was wondering if I purchased a Rhodium from AT&T when they are released, would I be able to flash the Tmobile Radio onto it to enable the 1700 3G band? Is there a hardware difference between these two phone radios? I don't want to get the Tmobile one because they would then force me to purchase their data plan like what happened with the G1 and I didn't agree even though I bought the phone from someone else so I had to sell it. I am currently using a Touch Pro and the inability to use Tmobile 3G makes me really sad. I currently pay $6 for their unlimited internet.
That would be an exercise in futility. No amount of radio flashing would automagically enable a non-existent hardware. I don't think the ATT version TP2 does 1700mhz. This has nothing to do with software but hardware. It's T-mo's fault for going 1700mhz in the first place and making things more complicated. Unless you want to buy subsidized (upgrade), you can pay full price for the T-mo version and just pop in your sim card.
Well, unless I am wrong. People currently with the Touch Pro 2 right now even though the one made for Tmobile isn't out yet are able to flash the Tmobile Radio onto their unbranded Touch Pro 2 and able to use Tmobile's 1700MHZ 3G Band. A lot of these phones use antenna's that are able to tune into a broad range of frequencies and I am sure we just need the radio rom that allows for the usage of those bands. The reason why I don't want to buy it without contract because Tmobile phones have their IMEI logged on Tmobile's end and they could not allow for me to use a certain phone with certain plans. I had 3 different G1's and they were all tracked by Tmobile and didn't allow me to use my data plan with that phone specifically.
johnny13oi said:
Well, unless I am wrong. People currently with the Touch Pro 2 right now even though the one made for Tmobile isn't out yet are able to flash the Tmobile Radio onto their unbranded Touch Pro 2 and able to use Tmobile's 1700MHZ 3G Band. A lot of these phones use antenna's that are able to tune into a broad range of frequencies and I am sure we just need the radio rom that allows for the usage of those bands. The reason why I don't want to buy it without contract because Tmobile phones have their IMEI logged on Tmobile's end and they could not allow for me to use a certain phone with certain plans. I had 3 different G1's and they were all tracked by Tmobile and didn't allow me to use my data plan with that phone specifically.
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Keep in mind that the G1 is a different sort of phone. G1 is a feature phone and T-mo exclusive in the states. T-mobile doesn't log imei of regular win mobile phones. I have folks with MDA's/Wings/Tytn and even unlocked iPhones using T-mo and they just popped in their sims and set the APN properly using the cheapo data you're using too..
Could you point to where folks are flashing Touch Pro's (that don't have 1700mhz) and somehow unlocking them to use 1700mhz like you indicate?
LordLugard said:
Keep in mind that the G1 is a different sort of phone. G1 is a feature phone and T-mo exclusive in the states. T-mobile doesn't log imei of regular win mobile phones. I have folks with MDA's/Wings/Tytn and even unlocked iPhones using T-mo and they just popped in their sims and set the APN properly using the cheapo data you're using too..
Could you point to where folks are flashing Touch Pro's (that don't have 1700mhz) and somehow unlocking them to use 1700mhz like you indicate?
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the G1 is a feature phone?
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
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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.
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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.
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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
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I purchased my VZW off contract. Unsubsidized is probably about $500.
Different carriers have different rules for their prepaid services. With GSM carriers, TMo and ATT, it's easy to pop a prepaid sim into any phone. With CDMA (Sprint and VZW), I'm not sure. Best bet is to call and ask.
well i had sprint for ever...I switched to tmobile.. to get that tp2 free through wmdeals.com even though coverage sucks at my house im happy.. I have wifi for data when im home.. when i leave my home i have edge service everwhere.. til i start getting close to mesquite ( texas ) it goes to 3g.. but edge works great with opera mini.. and for updating certain things.. but so far tmobile rocks..
The Jack of Clubs said:
they wouldnt say something like that. the entire gsm network is theirs.
btw att, verizon, and sprint all have horrible customer service. youre going to always loose with any provider.
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That's where you are wrong. They did cancel me and one of my brothers living in another town shortly after I got the call and letter. The explanation was they had contracts with other providers to cover you when your were roaming. And roaming was fine, as long as you did not do it too much. I roamed all the time, for about three years.
I called Verizon today, and the representative said that I can't use their prepaid service on a smart phone... although I'm not really sure about, as she sounded clueless, and I had to do lots of explanation until she got the basic idea..
anyway... I like really the verizon version of the Touch Pro 2..
If I go for month-to-month and get it for full retail (490$).. 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..
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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????
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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.
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fortunz said:
Last I checked, Tmobile's network isn't owned by ATT.
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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.
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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
Hey guys, new to Android and T-Mobile. I got a G2 last week, and I live and work in kind of a fringe area for T-Mo coverage. AT&T has good coverage out here, but the G2 doesn't roam over to ATT, I can't even register on their system when I select it in the mobile networks settings. My question is- how can I set the phone to roam onto their system when I lose T-Mo coverage? (I have heard that T-Mo can roam to ATT on EDGE). Thanks!
As far as I know, the only way to use AT&T on the G2 would be to SIM unlock the phone and use an AT&T SIM with an AT&T account. The TMO SIM won't just allow you to roam because they don't have a reciprocal billing agreement --- though I am no expert on this.
I believe, though I could be wrong, that the G2 does not have the ability for 3G (UMTS) data on AT&T. As you stated, if you could connect to the network, Edge should work.
One solution would be to switch to an AT&T SIM and use the Samsung Vibrant, which has the ability to connect to one of the two AT&T 3G bands. Of course, if you want to use AT&T regularly, getting an AT&T phone would be a better solution. So, for you, unless you want to switch to AT&T, wifi might be your only solution.
Ugh! That is exactly what I was hoping I wouldn't read lol. Well, I do really want to stick with tmo, just wish my phone would auto roam to att when I lose the tmo signal. Thanks for the reply!
Sent from my G2 using XDA app
I asked around at work a bit, and there are cases where you can roam on AT&T's network. These cases exist in areas where T-Mobile has not, cannot, or will not build out a network. In these cases, they contract with AT&T to provide their customers with network access. Some phones will show roaming, but I think the software, at this point, has made it a seamless experience, and you don't even know you are attached to AT&T's network. For billing, purposes, if you have a national plan, you are not roaming.
This doesn't help you, but I wanted to clarify my blanket statement above.
Check out the coverage map (Select NO for Are you a Rep, then go to the Data Coverage Map):
compass(DOT)t-mobile(DOT)com
Unfortunately in your area of CA, there is no roaming partner.
The only roaming in CA is in some parts of N. CA up Hwy 1 and 101, towards the Oregon border, and in the 395 corridor.
I'm thinking of upgrading from my HTC Rhodium on ATT to a Desire Z (also on ATT). Is there anything I should be looking for to make sure it will play nice with the 3G network?
Thanks
nnvpears
nnvpears said:
I'm thinking of upgrading from my HTC Rhodium on ATT to a Desire Z (also on ATT). Is there anything I should be looking for to make sure it will play nice with the 3G network?
Thanks
nnvpears
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll need to buy the Canadian version of the DZ (from Bell Mobility).
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.
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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.
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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
(Did a quick forum search on this and didn't see anything that answered my question, so if this is around somewhere, I apologize.)
Okay, I'm currently with Verizon Wireless, and generally happy with my service, but what I am unhappy with is my bill (I pay $220+ a month for 4 lines, only 2 of which are Smart Phones). I'm thinking of switching to T-Mobile's prepaid service when my contract is up, and my and my wife both like the Galaxy S3, but I'm leery about T-Mobile's service in my area (I live in a rather Rural area). Ideally, I'd buy an unlocked version of the phone to use with prepaid plans (so if I'm dissatisfied with one prepaid service, I just switch out SIM cards and port my number), BUT unfortunately, the unlocked versions of the S3 that I've found don't work with the T-Mobile HSPA+ band (1700 MHz). However, what I have found is that when comparing the T999 with the I747 (T-Mobile and AT&T versions, respectively), I've found that (LTE aside) the frequencies they operate on are exactly the same, with the difference being only that T-Mobile's can use the 1700 MHz frequency.
SO, my question is: If I went ahead and sprung for a couple of T999's and found that T-Mobile didn't work for me, could I just unlock the phone for use with AT&T and pop in an AT&T SIM, and enjoy AT&T's HSPA+ goodness? Or is there something I'm missing? I know that the other way around won't work (only in very, VERY isolated spots will T-Mobile customers with unlocked iPhones and Droids that operate on 1900 MHz frequencies actually get more than EDGE speeds with their devices), but this seems like the best option (barring buying a GSM Galaxy Nexus from the Google PLAY store, which I'm not sure will be available when my contract is up - I hear that there's a new Galaxy Device being cooked up, and I'm not holding my breath for Google to sell it alongside an older Nexus device).
Opinions?
FYI, I'm not worried about LTE right now. As I said, I live in a rural area that's lucky to have 3G. LTE might not EVER make it to my area (AT&T just added 3G to my area in the last year), so HSPA+ (whether 21 Mbps or T-Mobile's 42 Mbps) is plenty fast for me (my Verizon Wireless Xperia PLAY currently pulls down 1.5 Mbps on a good day).
Link to T999: htt p://ww w.gsmarena. com/samsung_galaxy_s_iii_t999-4804.php
Link to I747: htt p://ww w.gsmarena. com/samsung_galaxy_s_iii_i747-4803.php
(Remove spaces. Would have hyperlinked, but as I don't yet have ten posts, that's illegal.)
Wow. It's refreshing to see someone do research before asking a question.
Yes, that would probably be your best bet. You can use the T-999 on AT&T HSPA+ just fine. You can even use it on Medianet's $10 unlimited data I believe since it isn't an AT&T phone. I feel like you will likely end up doing this as T-Mobile prepaid has a smaller coverage footprint than postpaid (or so they claim).
So yes, if you don't care about LTE, this would work just fine for you.
At&t user here. Yeah hspa+ works fine on it. If losing lte isn't an issue for you then go for it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
I was on the same boat as the OP. I bought an unlocked T999 and I am currently using on ATT's network, but through Straight Talk. I still get HSPA speeds w/o the 5GB cap.
Another AT&T user here also using Medianet plan.. Works perfect on hspa+
sent from my AOKP powered s3
Bump. Is there any specific apn settings to get h+. As i have heard straightalk at&t with tmobile s3 only gets edge speeds? Please tell me i was told wrong lol. Thanks
1slow4G said:
Bump. Is there any specific apn settings to get h+. As i have heard straightalk at&t with tmobile s3 only gets edge speeds? Please tell me i was told wrong lol. Thanks
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Click to collapse
In a similar situation!
I have the T999 with T-mobile and am moving to Kauai, am there now and the service is worthless. I looked at AT&T's prices for shi*ts and giggles and ugh, no. I just ordered a straight talk AT&T compatible sim from walmart, will need to cut it because everywhere is out of micro sims, and would like to know how successful the T999 is on the AT&T compatible network of straight talk. I seriously feel lost without data to my phone, it hurts.
I have been researching and researching the band frequencies and everything points to that it should work. I just got this phone after my rooted/unlocked SGS4g went into a toilet and then sold on ebay.
lol
BTW long time viewer of XDA, has been successful in unlocking/rooting/flashing the SGS4g and the T999, with a mac I might add which always makes things complicated.
Thanks again
adelynn2006 said:
In a similar situation!
I have the T999 with T-mobile and am moving to Kauai, am there now and the service is worthless. I looked at AT&T's prices for shi*ts and giggles and ugh, no. I just ordered a straight talk AT&T compatible sim from walmart, will need to cut it because everywhere is out of micro sims, and would like to know how successful the T999 is on the AT&T compatible network of straight talk. I seriously feel lost without data to my phone, it hurts.
I have been researching and researching the band frequencies and everything points to that it should work. I just got this phone after my rooted/unlocked SGS4g went into a toilet and then sold on ebay.
lol
BTW long time viewer of XDA, has been successful in unlocking/rooting/flashing the SGS4g and the T999, with a mac I might add which always makes things complicated.
Thanks again
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Click to collapse
I have my t999 unlocked and with straighttalk at&t sim. I am getting 4g symbol which is hspa+ on at&t terms. Speed is great, loads up browser pages faster than my wifes tmobile and hers is on 4g aswell. Couldn't be happier. But at home and at work I have wifi so i try to avoid using too much data to avoid the infamous data cap
Sent from my Galaxy S3 using neighbors wifi