Develop Bugs

Should I buy new Tilt 2 or Used Tilt 2 if Already on AT&T?

I am an AT&T employee but don't quite understand the whole activation and SIM scenario. Here is my situation.
I have a company provided phone and data plan. I want to get the Tilt 2 but the company won't spring for it. I am eligible for an upgrade through my personal account, but then I have to sign a new 2 year contract and it makes me select a data plan. Well, I don't currently have a data plan on my personal account and I don't want one (because I use my company phone exclusively). So I realize that I need to simply buy a phone outside of the AT&T retail loop. And I want it to be AT&T branded because I definitely want it to be compatible with the ATT 3G network.
My question is, is there any difference between buying a used or new AT&T branded Tilt 2 off eBay or similar place in regards to it working with my company provided SIM? Meaning, does a new phone require some kind of activation or can I just slip my SIM card in and go? If I get a used Tilt 2 is there a possible issue with the phone being registered to someone else and not working with my SIM? I am trying to avoid dealing with the AT&T CSR's because I am afraid that they will somehow screw up my company account just because I bought the phone myself. And lastly, since I know I will be using it with the ATT network, is there any advantage to getting an unlocked version? Thanks for your time.

ChasDun said:
I am an AT&T employee but don't quite understand the whole activation and SIM scenario. Here is my situation.
I have a company provided phone and data plan. I want to get the Tilt 2 but the company won't spring for it. I am eligible for an upgrade through my personal account, but then I have to sign a new 2 year contract and it makes me select a data plan. Well, I don't currently have a data plan on my personal account and I don't want one (because I use my company phone exclusively). So I realize that I need to simply buy a phone outside of the AT&T retail loop. And I want it to be AT&T branded because I definitely want it to be compatible with the ATT 3G network.
My question is, is there any difference between buying a used or new AT&T branded Tilt 2 off eBay or similar place in regards to it working with my company provided SIM? Meaning, does a new phone require some kind of activation or can I just slip my SIM card in and go? If I get a used Tilt 2 is there a possible issue with the phone being registered to someone else and not working with my SIM? I am trying to avoid dealing with the AT&T CSR's because I am afraid that they will somehow screw up my company account just because I bought the phone myself. And lastly, since I know I will be using it with the ATT network, is there any advantage to getting an unlocked version? Thanks for your time.
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You *could* buy it straight-out from a store, if they give you any crap about it tell them it's a gift and you will do the activation when the person receives it. You'll be paying $500ish this way, however. But they won't touch your data service. In the long run, it's cheaper this way. For me it would have cost $15 extra month to upgrade to the Tilt 2 so I figure the $360 over the 2 year contract and forevermore it was worth paying more for the phone up-front.

Thanks Kha for the response. What is the advantage to getting it at the ATT store vs ebay or somewhere similar? New ATT TP2s seem to be going for around $400 on ebay from reputable dealers and slightly used ones for around $350. Either way, can I drop my SIM card in without having to do anything else?

If you buy a Tilt 2 from AT&T, you get the benefit of the 1-year warranty and the piece of mind of knowing that it's un-soiled. If you purchase from eBay or some other used device avenue, you could get it from a decent discount, compared to the store purchase, but the device won't have the warranty (unless it's from a eBay store seller who offers a non-AT&T warranty) or it could be stolen and there might be a flag on the IMEI number. This is probably not the case if you buy from a seller with excellent feedback. If you purchase from eBay, you might want to consider the OEM branded HTC Touch Pro2. It has the front-facing camera, it's unlocked and won't be tracked by AT&T, a lot of people prefer the OEM housing to the Tilt 2's, I think the tolerances on the battery cover are tighter so the device is slightly slimmer, and it looks different than all the other TP2's you'll see around the US.
And about your SIM question, yes you should be able to insert your SIM and start using your phone. If you don't get a Tilt 2, you might have to configure the connection settings for the AT&T network first.

Dramacydle said:
If you purchase from eBay, you might want to consider the OEM branded HTC Touch Pro2.
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The only problem with buying the European/International unlocked version is that there will be no AT&T 3G support. That was the dealbreaker for me when I wanted the unlocked Rhodium.
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OP: As long as the phone is sold from a reputable dealer (so it's likely not IMEI blacklisted) you should be able to pop in your SIM and be done. And most any firmware, whether cooked or stock AT&T, should be able to automatically configure all the data settings like apn, username & password, and data line type. There's no worry about the phone being registered to another person, unless it's blacklisted from the network because it was reported as stolen. A good reason to always buy from reputable people.
In my opinion, there's not a practical advantage to getting the unlocked version. The only thing I don't like about the Tilt2 versus the OEM Touch Pro2 would be the horrendous keyboard changes, but you get used to it eventually. Getting the unlocked version would cost more money, but be almost the same thing. The unlocked one also wouldn't support AT&T's 3G network, and AFAIK the front facing camera wouldn't work on AT&T's network regardless of 3G connection.
The only thing you might not like about the Tilt2 as opposed to the OEM Touch Pro2 would be the internal chipset; the Tilt2 uses the slightly weaker Qualcomm MSM7201A processor, which cannot record VGA video while the unlocked Touch Pro2 can because it uses the slightly more powerful MSM7200A. The screen on the Tilt2 is also said to be slightly less vibrant than the OEM version, but it's still a fantastic display and I didn't even notice it. If I were in your position, I would buy the Tilt2, as its benefits clearly outweigh its faults.

DaveTheTytnIIGuy said:
The only problem with buying the European/International unlocked version is that there will be no AT&T 3G support. That was the dealbreaker for me when I wanted the unlocked Rhodium.
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The OP mentioned that he has no intention of using the Tilt 2 for data, so I assumed that was a moot point. Good call about mentioning that though.

Hi All. Thanks for your replies. They have been very helpful. The Tilt 2 price just dropped in ATTs retail stores from $499 to $399. I was in 2 different stores today and saw the new price. I finally convinced them to sell me the phone at the no commitment price without trying to link my IMEI before I left (again, this is for my AT&T company provided phone (COU) and not my personal phone). Anyway, retail people cannot access ATT employees COU accounts even if they tried. So the gal at the store said I would have to call COU to get the IMEI linked to my COU account. Is this true? I thought I could just take the SIM out of my Treo 750 and pop it into my Tilt 2 and go.

ChasDun said:
Hi All. Thanks for your replies. They have been very helpful. The Tilt 2 price just dropped in ATTs retail stores from $499 to $399. I was in 2 different stores today and saw the new price. I finally convinced them to sell me the phone at the no commitment price without trying to link my IMEI before I left (again, this is for my AT&T company provided phone (COU) and not my personal phone). Anyway, retail people cannot access ATT employees COU accounts even if they tried. So the gal at the store said I would have to call COU to get the IMEI linked to my COU account. Is this true? I thought I could just take the SIM out of my Treo 750 and pop it into my Tilt 2 and go.
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You can just put the SIM in and it will work.
Do you not have a data plan of any kind? AT&T is now adding data plans to the accounts of purchasers of its new branded smartphones. Don't be surprised if you get a text message from AT&T within as day or two that the smartphone data plan has been added to your account. I had the $15 Media Net plan with an unlocked Palm Treo Pro and my wife had PPU data with her Moto V3xx. I bought a Tilt 2 for me and a Bold 9700 for her and as soon as the phones were activated we each got text messages that the appropriate data plans had been added to our accounts. There were loopholes in the past to get around it (call in with the IMEI of a dumbphone) but AT&T is now tracking the IMEI's of its branded smartphones and adding data plans. Users with older devices and the $15 Media Net plan seem to be grandfathered in for now (there was a "Smartphone Exclusion" feature that showed up on people's feature lists when the policy chaged recently).

Thanks DW. I do have a data and voice plan on my SIM. It is paid for by the company. So from what I understand I can just put my same SIM card in the new phone and be done.

Pros & Cons...? to buy direct from a network or not?

The Desire will be my first smartphone. I wanted to know whether it's recommended to buy direct from a network provider.
T-Mobile seem to have some reasonable deals for the Desire. Do I buy direct from them, or look to somewhere like mobilescouk or another reseller, where I think the phone is unlocked and comes with no network branding? (but the overall price is higher)
From what I've read so far, it looks like the main concerns with buying direct would be about network specific 'crapware', and potential delays in updates to firmware/ROM.
What are the Pros & Cons of either option? Any thoughts please?

My honest opinion is go for T-mobile... my handset will cost 24mths £330. But unlike just buying a handset from somewhere else, I get messages, minutes, internet included!
If want it unlocked I think it will cost £15. Regarding the updates not sure what the difference really is.. its my first Android phone and still learning (and not missing WinMo at all!)

I'm wondering about this myself. I have one on order from clove but my wallet is getting itchy. The 3G signal on t-mobile is dire round here.
[EDIT] SIM only from O2 will have to do I guess...

i ordered mine over telephone from tmobile and waiting for it probably till tuesday
tmobile has the best offers on their webiste, all the other retailers have worst deals, though tmobile has simlocked handsets and retailers dont. but for £15 you can get it unlocked. and service is quite good and no problem with returns if you see any faults.
if you dont want tmobile then dont look at other providers webistes such as vodafone cuz their offer is crap comparing to i.e. mobiles.co.uk
carphone warehouses offer is also really expensive comparing with others however you get your phone straight without waiting etc
retailers tend to mess up delivery times and might have some problems with returns.

I am currently sitting here banging my head against the wall trying to decide what to do aswell.
I'm with 3 on a £15 sim only and very happy with their coverage and i know they are releasing it in 2 weeks or so but i am getting the urge NOW !
It's so frustrating but i want to see what they're going to be offering contract wise.
Buying it unlocked now is going to cost me £400. 18 months with my current sim only on top would be £670.
A T mobile contract would be £434 over 18 months.
Every sensible bone in my body says don't buy it unlocked now but the evil bit inside me is shouting "don't get tied in, do it do it do it do it" 24 hours a day

GGG10 said:
Every sensible bone in my body says don't buy it unlocked now but the evil bit inside me is shouting "don't get tied in, do it do it do it do it" 24 hours a day
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I hear you with that. I've just been stuck with a SE C702 for 18 months and it's completely put me off contracts (and SE!). I'm probably going to wait for mine to come from clove just so I have the 7 day distance selling regs return period. Probably going with O2 PAYG as I hardly make any calls...
[EDIT] Also so I get the generic ROM without needing to do anything. I wouldn't want to kill my phone the first time I bought one SIM-free!

daverave999 said:
I hear you with that. I've just been stuck with a SE C702 for 18 months and it's completely put me off contracts (and SE!). I'm probably going to wait for mine to come from clove just so I have the 7 day distance selling regs return period. Probably going with O2 PAYG as I hardly make any calls...
[EDIT] Also so I get the generic ROM without needing to do anything. I wouldn't want to kill my phone the first time I bought one SIM-free!
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Yea the 7 day return period comes in handy.
Now looks like i will definitely be going unlocked because 3 have just released their contract price and it's not as good as T mobs.
Just have to decide if i keep the £15 sim only now.

Hi - thanks for the comments so far.
If you buy direct from T-Mobile, is the ROM somehow 'locked' - or can you download & install updated ROMs from HTC's website when they're made available?
And if the ROM is T-Mobile 'locked', can any previous T-Mobile HTC phone owners comment on what T-Mobile are like when it comes to updating ROMs?

inoffthepost said:
Hi - thanks for the comments so far.
If you buy direct from T-Mobile, is the ROM somehow 'locked' - or can you download & install updated ROMs from HTC's website when they're made available?
And if the ROM is T-Mobile 'locked', can any previous T-Mobile HTC phone owners comment on what T-Mobile are like when it comes to updating ROMs?
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t-mobile phones are simlocked but unbranded, you can unlock your phone from their webiste for £15 which takes about a month or for 25Euros if you need it next day(from some website the link i forgot)
and if you decide not to unlock your device you will have to wait for t-mobile to release their version of the software htc released before

GGG10 said:
I am currently sitting here banging my head against the wall trying to decide w o do aswell.
I'm with 3 on a £15 sim only and very happy with their coverage and i know they are releasing it in 2 weeks or so but i am getting the urge NOW !
It's so frustrating but i want to see w hey're going to be offering contract wise.
Buying it unlocked now is going to cost me £400. 18 months with my current sim only on top would be £670.
A T mobile contract would be £434 over 18 months.
Every sensible bone in my body says don't buy it unlocked now but the evil bit inside me is shouting "don't get tied in, do it do it do it do it" 24 hours a day
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if you dont like the idea of being trapped then put it this way, if you have the upfront cash put that into a bank account and use that to pay the monthly bills that way if something new comes out you will be no worse off just buy that and pay off the contract and its still less. just go for it.

cez10 said:
t-mobile phones are simlocked but unbranded, you can unlock your phone from their webiste for £15 which takes about a month or for 25Euros if you need it next day(from some website the link i forgot)
and if you decide not to unlock your device you will have to wait for t-mobile to release their version of the software htc released before
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Are you saying that if I pay T-Mobile to get the phone SIM unlocked, that this would also unlock any restriction that T-Mobile have over the ROM? Is anyone able to confirm this?
TBH, having a T-Mobile 'tweaked' ROM, instead of an up-to-date HTC ROM, is the one thing that's putting me off from buying from T-Mobile. Looking at the threads about today's OTA firmware update, it appears T-Mobile are already behind the game. Or am I just worrying about something that I don't really need to?

inoffthepost said:
Are you saying that if I pay T-Mobile to get the phone SIM unlocked, that this would also unlock any restriction that T-Mobile have over the ROM? Is anyone able to confirm this?
TBH, having a T-Mobile 'tweaked' ROM, instead of an up-to-date HTC ROM, is the one thing that's putting me off from buying from T-Mobile. Looking at the threads about today's OTA firmware update, it appears T-Mobile are already behind the game. Or am I just worrying about something that I don't really need to?
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I am not 100% sure if unlocking debrands the phone as well
De-branding basically means removing awful operator firmware, and replacing it with the manufacturers original firmware. Hence converting your phone to the full spec as it was intended by the manufacturer. (the way it should be)
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I think your worrying about something you dont need to t-mobile have the best offers on the market so far andI dont think it will change quickly, even if you choose to unlock your phone youre still saving money comparing to other retailers prices
ok

Any other ATT users getting the Tmobile one? Also what's the chance of unlocking?

Any other AT&T users who feel burned by the Note 3 Root fiasco going with a full price Tmobile Note 4 to use on AT&T? I know first question is why not switch to Tmobile, well in my area they don't have good coverage so it's not an option. I plan on signing up for their $40 plan, paying full price for the phone, trading in my old iPhone 4 for $50 and getting the remainder $150 rebate from Samsung then shutting off Tmobile service as soon as I get home.
The only issue with my plan is Tmobile requires 40 days of service before they unlock your phone. Anyone care to guess how long it will take an aftermarket company to have the ability to unlock the Tmobile Note 4 for a fee?

I am in the same boat. I will keep my T plan and just want to purchase the full price TMOB phone. I was unaware I needed to start service with TMOB to buy one. Perhaps my sister who is a TMOB customer will buy it for me. I am not sure the LTE frequencies are the same for TMOB and T. I see some threads that say for the Note that it will work but I am note sure if that is for 3G or LTE. I require LTE or I'll just look at other phones. I am still on a subsidized phone plan so I may just pre-order the T locked crapola phone and sell it discounted to recoupe the part of TMOB phone cost. But I too am looking for confirmation that the TMOB boot loader will be unlocked.
This locked boot loader is a bunch of BS!

Same here. I want to confirm it will be rootable.
I also didn't realize you have to go onto their plan to purchase. I'd think if paying full price it wouldn't be a requirement.
I'll be watching. I'm anxious, but need to be patient.

Well I'm not 100% sure you have to sign up for a plan, I'm just not sure how much resistance or BS you will encounter if you just walk in and say you want a full price phone without getting a plan, IE: without making the rep any money. Maybe it's possible to just buy it outright on the website, I think there is also an option to trade in your phone then because you need to prove a trade in to get the $200 Samsung rebate.
I think the issue is to get it unlocked you have to have it on a Tmobile plan for 40 days. So it's going to have to be an unlocking service that is aftermarket. Do these aftermarket unlocking service typically have access to unlock codes immediately when a new phone is released?

Att user here i will be getting the tmob.. as its official that att and verizon Will not sell devices with unlocked bootladers anymore..
So tmob here i come.. shouldnt take long for xda to come up with an unlock....
Sent from my Flashvetrin using Tapatalk

Funny ATT and VZW is not afraid to give more business to Tmo. Thats interesting and good for Tmo.

I plan on buying the t-mobile note 4 at full retail price than paying like 10 or less to unlock it from an online site. I then have a note 4 at a lower price than att outright and hopefully a modable phone

Last year I initially bought the Note 3 on ATT and then later bought the t mobile version off of ebay for full retail unlocked. Then returned my ATT version to best buy.
I tried to buy the t mobile version directly from T mobile, but they would not sell to me without my getting a plan. It was going to cost me quite a bit extra to do it that way so I just went to ebay. Swappa may be another option.

drmacrofish said:
Last year I initially bought the Note 3 on ATT and then later bought the t mobile version off of ebay for full retail unlocked. Then returned my ATT version to best buy.
I tried to buy the t mobile version directly from T mobile, but they would not sell to me without my getting a plan. It was going to cost me quite a bit extra to do it that way so I just went to ebay. Swappa may be another option.
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Best buy looks like the best option if they have the Tmobile version next week. They are giving a $200 gift card for any traded in phone, which is as good as the Samsung rebate if you like to spend money at BB. You can also just order it full price on the internet no questions asked, no pushy reps.
What do you guys think of warranty issues though? With a ATT phone I'd just go to the ATT warranty center. Since I won't have a Tmobile account I don't think Tmobile will help me with warranty issues. I guess I'm stuck with Samsung for warranty issues. Will a Samsung kiosk take the phone and replace it or send it in, or do I have to deal with Samsung directly?

spinedoc said:
Best buy looks like the best option if they have the Tmobile version next week. They are giving a $200 gift card for any traded in phone, which is as good as the Samsung rebate if you like to spend money at BB. You can also just order it full price on the internet no questions asked, no pushy reps.
What do you guys think of warranty issues though? With a ATT phone I'd just go to the ATT warranty center. Since I won't have a Tmobile account I don't think Tmobile will help me with warranty issues. I guess I'm stuck with Samsung for warranty issues. Will a Samsung kiosk take the phone and replace it or send it in, or do I have to deal with Samsung directly?
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Best Buy doesn't carry T-Mobile phones or plans other than the prepaid stuff. That's why T-Mobile is excluded from the Best Buy promotion. Amazon also doesn't carry T-Mobile phones/plans other than the prepaid stuff.
You'll need to send it in.

Bleh, I guess I'm stuck with Tmobile and faking their cheapest plan then cancelling when I get home. Oh well, at least I can trade my old iPhone in for the Samsung promo. $549 is not a bad deal for the N4 at all.

Can anyone who has bought a TMOB phone please verify they actually get LTE service on T? Looking at the LTE bands, it appears T verse TMOB used different bands in the same frequency.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks

Flame Red said:
Can anyone who has bought a TMOB phone please verify they actually get LTE service on T? Looking at the LTE bands, it appears T verse TMOB used different bands in the same frequency.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks
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Yup, many people get ATT LTE with tmobile phones. Here is a very large thread in the note 3 section on everything you need to know.

See my signature.
I'll never buy another AT&T phone as long as they keep locking the bootloader and going out of their way to prevent root.
T-Mobile S5 got root (and recovery option) the first week it was released. First day maybe even?
AT&T S5 didn't get root until what, seven freaking weeks after release?
This year though, I'm seriously considering just leaving AT&T all together and going with both TMO phone AND plan.
Their coverage in my area is actually better than ATT in some places.
I'm not in a rush to leave my Note 3 behind though.
I'm running an AOSP/CM/Slim based ROM that is absolutely rock solid stable, fast and great battery life and has tons of customization options.
It would be several months before the Note 4 gets a really good AOSP ROM.

A relative of mine has a TMOB plan and I asked them to pre-order the phone for me. They said that TMOB requires you to have a the "jump" plan which they did not use so they would not let them pre-order it.
I assume someone on Flea-Bay will sell unlocked TMOB Note 4 eventually. I guess I'll just have to wait for those to show up. Unless there will eventually is another source without a plan?
Or are all of you preordering them here and then will just cancel the service after you receive it and pay the balance?

Flame Red said:
A relative of mine has a TMOB plan and I asked them to pre-order the phone for me. They said that TMOB requires you to have a the "jump" plan which they did not use so they would not let them pre-order it.
I assume someone on Flea-Bay will sell unlocked TMOB Note 4 eventually. I guess I'll just have to wait for those to show up. Unless there will eventually is another source without a plan?
Or are all of you preordering them here and then will just cancel the service after you receive it and pay the balance?
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Yeah I'm just grabbing it off the website, I'm assuming my plan won't start until I actually activate the phone. As soon as I get the phone delivered I'll cancel the plan and hopefully they don't charge me the first month. Only 2 things I'm not sure of are:
1) They are charging me a $50 deposit versus the first months service, will I get this back? It also says within 12 months!?!? Still I'm ok with it as it's cheaper than the ATT one.
2) What happens to the $22 credit they are giving me for my old phone trade in? I won't have a bill to apply it to, will this get lost?

I have the tmobile note 3 and the at&t note 3,I have at&t service as tmobile service sucks were I am.I bought the tmobile note 3 last year from tmobile full price from store got the cheapest plan then shut it off the next day.I got it unlocked when I got home for 15 bucks from unlock service out of the play store in about an hour.I will never buy a At&t phone again unless the bootloader is unlocked.It took forever just to get root access on the at&t model thats why I bought the tmobile note 3.I can live without the roms but not root.I can assure you I get the same at%t service on my tmobile note 3 as the at&t note 3 including lte on the tmobile note 3.I will be picking up the tmobile note 4 .I want the note edge but there no release date yet so the note 4 will do until I can get the note edge,which will also be picking up the tmobile model using it with at&t service.

Flame Red said:
A relative of mine has a TMOB plan and I asked them to pre-order the phone for me. They said that TMOB requires you to have a the "jump" plan which they did not use so they would not let them pre-order it.
I assume someone on Flea-Bay will sell unlocked TMOB Note 4 eventually. I guess I'll just have to wait for those to show up. Unless there will eventually is another source without a plan?
Or are all of you preordering them here and then will just cancel the service after you receive it and pay the balance?
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That's what I'll be doing.
I've been reading through the Note 3 TMobile-->AT&T thread and am hoping I don't screw up AT&T LTE service if they have my IMEI. (Or lose my grandfathered unlimited plan)
However, I probably just don't fully understand the process yet.

groovadelickun said:
That's what I'll be doing.
I've been reading through the Note 3 TMobile-->AT&T thread and am hoping I don't screw up AT&T LTE service if they have my IMEI. (Or lose my grandfathered unlimited plan)
However, I probably just don't fully understand the process yet.
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I have the grandfathered unlimited plan also, been using the tmobile note 3 on at&t and I haven't lost my lte or unlimited plan for about a year now.

gubbilo144 said:
I have the tmobile note 3 and the at&t note 3,I have at&t service as tmobile service sucks were I am.I bought the tmobile note 3 last year from tmobile full price from store got the cheapest plan then shut it off the next day.I got it unlocked when I got home for 15 bucks from unlock service out of the play store in about an hour.I will never buy a At&t phone again unless the bootloader is unlocked.It took forever just to get root access on the at&t model thats why I bought the tmobile note 3.I can live without the roms but not root.I can assure you I get the same at%t service on my tmobile note 3 as the at&t note 3 including lte on the tmobile note 3.I will be picking up the tmobile note 4 .I want the note edge but there no release date yet so the note 4 will do until I can get the note edge,which will also be picking up the tmobile model using it with at&t service.
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I am not sure how big a PITA it will be to cancel TMOB service the day I receive the phone. Will they hit me with charges other than the cost of the phone and the $10 for the SIM?
It does not sound like the day I receive it I could just stick in my T SIM and go since it comes locked (I assume). Folks with Note 3 experience, please chime in if I am wrong.
Plus, I assume the phone will be locked to TMOB. I was reading that they will unlock it after 45 days, but I wonder if you cancel the service if that is true. I guess someone will offer an unlock service for a nominal amount eventually.
Cancellation and Returns. Service Cancellation: You can cancel a new line of Service, and if applicable, not pay an Early Termination Fee, if you cancel WITHIN 14 DAYS of activating that new line of Service (some states may differ – ask your sales representative) (“Cancellation Period”). You remain responsible for all Charges incurred through the date of cancellation. To cancel Service during the Cancellation Period, you may be required to go to the place where you activated Service and return any T-Mobile Device you acquired at the time of activation. You must return your T-Mobile Device in its package with all original contents, undamaged and in good working condition with no material alterations to the Device’s hardware or software. If you do not return your T-Mobile Device or if you return your T-Mobile Device in a damaged, altered or destroyed condition, we may take one or more of the following actions: (a) prevent your T-Mobile Device from working on any network; (b) charge you the Early Termination Fee(if your line of Service is subject to an early termination fee); (c) elect not to process your Service cancellation; or (d) charge you the suggested retail price or the cost to repair a damaged, destroyed, or non-returned T-Mobile Device, (which may be greater than the price you paid), plus any shipping and handling charges. Device Refunds and Restocking Fees: For T-Mobile Device and accessory returns and exchanges, see the applicable return policy, which is available at your place of purchase. Some T-Mobile Devices and accessories may not be refunded or exchanged, and you may be required to pay a restocking fee.
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I am wondering if it just might be less hassle to wait a few days after the phone ship and buy it from Flea-Bay or Swappa or such, where the phone may come unlocked (to TMOB carrier) out of the box?

[Q] Getting an S6E on T-Mo (USA) Prepaid

Has anyone had any luck pre-ordering an S6 Edge from T-Mobile USA on a pre-paid plan?
There doesn't seem to be any way to do this on their website. I went to 2 different stores and they both said I would have to wait until a couple months (!) after launch before I could get one on a prepaid plan. I complained about this on twitter and a t-mo rep said that I should be able to get one on launch day so I guess we'll see about that.
I don't care about financing (I'd actually prefer to buy it outright) so I figured there must be a way to get one, but it doesn't look like it.
I put in a pre-order at gsmnation.com but I don't have a ton of faith anything will come of that.
Other options I've considered:
1. Signing up for a post-paid plan and then cancelling it right away. Kind of a pain, plus it means paying $50 for the first month of service and $15 for the sim card (I can't believe they actually charge you for the sim card when you're signing up for a plan. Total rip).
2. Buying one from AT&T and then getting them to unlock it immediately (they say they'll do it - https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/). The AT&T price is $35 more than T-Mo and it doesn't include the "free" year of Netflix that T-Mobile is offering.
I might end up doing one of those two but I just feel like I'm getting ripped off. Anyone have any better suggestions?

I went the tmobile route. Paid the 870 plus the 50 and the 15 and the 62 for tax. Bought it outright to use with cricket wireless. Just waiting on the unlock code to be delivered hopefully sometime soon. Will likely not be able to get a prepaid one unless you get the metro pcs or the cricket wireless s6
Sent from my SM-G925T using Tapatalk

I tried this very thing. I called TMO and they would not budge on it. The only option i can find is to do what @osmosizzz suggested.

smaskell said:
Has anyone had any luck pre-ordering an S6 Edge from T-Mobile USA on a pre-paid plan?
There doesn't seem to be any way to do this on their website. I went to 2 different stores and they both said I would have to wait until a couple months (!) after launch before I could get one on a prepaid plan. I complained about this on twitter and a t-mo rep said that I should be able to get one on launch day so I guess we'll see about that.
I don't care about financing (I'd actually prefer to buy it outright) so I figured there must be a way to get one, but it doesn't look like it.
I put in a pre-order at gsmnation.com but I don't have a ton of faith anything will come of that.
Other options I've considered:
1. Signing up for a post-paid plan and then cancelling it right away. Kind of a pain, plus it means paying $50 for the first month of service and $15 for the sim card (I can't believe they actually charge you for the sim card when you're signing up for a plan. Total rip).
2. Buying one from AT&T and then getting them to unlock it immediately (they say they'll do it - https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/). The AT&T price is $35 more than T-Mo and it doesn't include the "free" year of Netflix that T-Mobile is offering.
I might end up doing one of those two but I just feel like I'm getting ripped off. Anyone have any better suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will AT&T unlock it right away? What's with the part under prepaid that says it must be active for 60 days before unlocking? I'm also T-Mo prepaid ($30 plan) but am unable to buy it at full retail price without buying a simple choice plan. In the end the extra $35.00 would be cheaper than the $50.00 deposit plus $15.00 sim card with the simple choice contact-free plan. But I wouldn't want to use it for 2 months on AT&T lol.

DanRyb said:
Will AT&T unlock it right away? What's with the part under prepaid that says it must be active for 60 days before unlocking? I'm also T-Mo prepaid ($30 plan) but am unable to buy it at full retail price without buying a simple choice plan. In the end the extra $35.00 would be cheaper than the $50.00 deposit plus $15.00 sim card with the simple choice contact-free plan. But I wouldn't want to use it for 2 months on AT&T lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T's site says this
Non-AT&T Mobility Customers
You’ve never had an AT&T wireless account and you meet the General Requirements for unlock requests.
Not sure how that works if you previously had an account that you cancelled but that doesn't apply to me. You should be able to just buy the phone outright and then get it unlocked immediately. The 60 day thing only applies to current AT&T customers.

Oh I didn't even see that! I just tried to buy it for retail price but even AT&T's website won't let me purchase just the phone. They want me to select a plan. Did you try or are you just going the T-Mobile route?

DanRyb said:
Oh I didn't even see that! I just tried to buy it for retail price but even AT&T's website won't let me purchase just the phone. They want me to select a plan. Did you try or are you just going the T-Mobile route?
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Click to collapse
Ah, that sucks. I haven't decided what I want to do yet. Probably going to wait until the 10th and see if anything changes.

Mine came with an app called device unlock from tmobile and I just tapped unlock and it unlocked for my phone. No unlock codes needed.
Sent from my SM-G920T using XDA Free mobile app

iPathik said:
Mine came with an app called device unlock from tmobile and I just tapped unlock and it unlocked for my phone. No unlock codes needed.
Sent from my SM-G920T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tested it at&t sim card? and did you purchase it at full price as a t-mobile customer?

Be Careful with Unlocked Flagship Phones on Different Carriers
On Tmobile Flagships you will have VoLTE and WiFi calling.
IF you get an AT&T Device and unlock it - and use on Tmobile or another Carrier you may not have VoLTE so phone will drop to 3G on calls and may interrupt temporarily your Internet Data and Connection..
Your speed on a fast Network like Tmo may be slower with a non carrier optimized Device.
Your speed and performance on a Flagship Device on ANY Network is unlikely to be equal to a Device Software Optimized for that Network.
If you are buying a Powerhouse Phone for a specific Carrier - you need the Carrier Software to get ALL the features and speed.
The exceptions to this are rare.
All the info about BYOD and all the Internet Articles about Bands and Towers and etc. do NOT mention this.
For example is there ANY DEVICE that has VoLTE across multiple Carriers ?
Or even VoLTE on AT&T and Tmobile ?

robertkoa said:
On Tmobile Flagships you will have VoLTE and WiFi calling.
IF you get an AT&T Device and unlock it - and use on Tmobile or another Carrier you may not have VoLTE so phone will drop to 3G on calls and may interrupt temporarily your Internet Data and Connection..
Your speed on a fast Network like Tmo may be slower with a non carrier optimized Device.
Your speed and performance on a Flagship Device on ANY Network is unlikely to be equal to a Device Software Optimized for that Network.
If you are buying a Powerhouse Phone for a specific Carrier - you need the Carrier Software to get ALL the features and speed.
The exceptions to this are rare.
All the info about BYOD and all the Internet Articles about Bands and Towers and etc. do NOT mention this.
For example is there ANY DEVICE that has VoLTE across multiple Carriers ?
Or even VoLTE on AT&T and Tmobile ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good info, but I'm doubting most people who are doing this care about carrier optimizations. Most are buying T-mobile devices for the unlocked bootloader so they can run custom ROMs that likely wouldn't have this software anyways.

I went to a T-mobile store this morning and they refused to sell me one. They said I could order one from Samsung but that's just not true. This is so annoying.

smaskell said:
I went to a T-mobile store this morning and they refused to sell me one. They said I could order one from Samsung but that's just not true. This is so annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Went to another store after work and they sold me one. I don't know what the deal is here but I'm happy I got one.

Question T-mobile unlock?

I am considering a T-mobile version of the Op9 pro because it would be substantially cheaper for me, but I like to have my phone rooted. How difficult would it be to unlock and root the tmob version of the phone?

I went through this exact questioning process when I bought my OP7Pro from T-Mobile 2 years ago. I did that because it was cheaper, but the only way to root is to first get T-Mobile to unlock the device, which they will not do if you're making payments on the phone. Luckily there was someone here at XDA who had a connection at T-Mobile and was able to have them unlock it for me.
So the choices seem to be:
1) Pay off the phone and then T-Mobile will unlock it.
2) Have a connection at T-Mobile (or good persuasion skills) and get them to unlock it against policy.
3) Buy from the manufacturer or another vendor so it's already unlocked.
This time I went with Option 3, even though it will cost me a bit more.

terlynn4 said:
I went through this exact questioning process when I bought my OP7Pro from T-Mobile 2 years ago. I did that because it was cheaper, but the only way to root is to first get T-Mobile to unlock the device, which they will not do if you're making payments on the phone. Luckily there was someone here at XDA who had a connection at T-Mobile and was able to have them unlock it for me.
So the choices seem to be:
1) Pay off the phone and then T-Mobile will unlock it.
2) Have a connection at T-Mobile (or good persuasion skills) and get them to unlock it against policy.
3) Buy from the manufacturer or another vendor so it's already unlocked.
This time I went with Option 3, even though it will cost me a bit more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha! Same exact position I was in with my OP7Pro. Hated myself for going the T-Mo purchase route as it took a long time to unlock and then eventually flash the International ROM to get rid of the T-Mo one it shipped with.
For those getting it from T-Mobile in installments (like I did with my OP7Pro), what worked for me was reaching out to T-Mo support on Twitter (@TMobileHelp). DM them and tell them you're traveling and need the phone unlocked before you travel. Took a couple of tries to get a nice enough rep to unlock it for me. YMMV.
Can't wait til I get my OP9Pro!

eddy g said:
Ha! Same exact position I was in with my OP7Pro. Hated myself for going the T-Mo purchase route as it took a long time to unlock and then eventually flash the International ROM to get rid of the T-Mo one it shipped with.
For those getting it from T-Mobile in installments (like I did with my OP7Pro), what worked for me was reaching out to T-Mo support on Twitter (@TMobileHelp). DM them and tell them you're traveling and need the phone unlocked before you travel. Took a couple of tries to get a nice enough rep to unlock it for me. YMMV.
Can't wait til I get my OP9Pro!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting, I'm surprised that worked. I do travel to a place without T-Mobile service to visit family once in awhile, and they only did a temporary unlock for me in the past (10-day? 30-day? I don't remember). I never tried telling them I was going on a longer trip. Good to know in case there's a next time!

T-Mobile, even when paying full price up front, will not unlock the phone for 40 days. The only advantages to buying the phone directly from T-Mobile is carrier bill financing (though their trade in offer is disappointing), and roaming on US Cellular/Nex-Tech (IMEI whitelist bull involved...).
If those aren't needed, then buying direct from OnePlus or a retailer like Best Buy (they are doing preorders now) is a better option.

I've done this on the three oneplus devices I bought from T-Mo; Got on twitter (at least one business day after purchase so the device is updated in their system) and tell them I need it unlocked so my company can install their security software. This time I went with a direct-buy from Oneplus for the 9 Pro though - just me not wanting to have to deal with that again. Of note, my account with T-Mobile has been active and in good standing for over 10 years, which may have affected their willingness to unlock so quickly while device was still on EIP. It may not work for you if you have a new account or have late/missed payments.

After 4 days all devices can be unlocked even if on a JOD or EIP
It's all about how nice & patient your willing to be towards the rep......