Question about T-mobile service - G2 and Desire Z Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello, I'm going to have a T-mobile G2 soon that I'm going to use on T-mobile's prepaid monthly 4g plan. But I do have one question before I do it, and this might be a dumb question but do I technically have to carrier unlock the G2 to use it on prepaid versus contract?

nope...
Not to my knowledge and I used prepaid tmobile for years until last month they stoped doing prepaid and now am running regular contract...but no unlock needed for prepay as its already a tmobile phone..

No, there's no need to unlock for prepaid unless you're going to use a phone sold thru a different carrier. Like the Evo on T-Mobile, for instance.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

If you mean the simple plan it has a apn option built in. Just watch the data cap. Its like being crippled when it comes to data speed.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

Have you looked at theyre no contract plans? They are much cheaper then the contract plans. If you have been a customer for a while they are even cheaper! I have a family plan but if i were on it myself i think its only around 50 a month. Unlimited data and whatever minutes...i dont talk much
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk

I couldn't get them to give me a no contract plan (2 weeks ago), but I got unlimited everything for 50 a month. Saving me some big money right now compared to my old no contract plan (cause it only gave me 500 mins a month), and I kept going over talking with someone.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App

Karakoram2 said:
I couldn't get them to give me a no contract plan (2 weeks ago), but I got unlimited everything for 50 a month. Saving me some big money right now compared to my old no contract plan (cause it only gave me 500 mins a month), and I kept going over talking with someone.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me, the main difference between prepaid (no contract) and contract is the discount on devices. I like to upgrade once a year, and with out my contract I wouldn't not qualify for a significant discount on a new device. So while non contract plans are cheaper, you do give up that annual discount on a new device. Basically, in the States, we're being ripped off no matter which way you look at it.
I also agree with the previous user who posted about watching you data consumption on prepay. A friend of mine was throttled to a point where his phone was almost unusable after using only 300 MB! (on a 50 USD Unlimited prepaid plan).

shortlived said:
Have you looked at theyre no contract plans? They are much cheaper then the contract plans. If you have been a customer for a while they are even cheaper! I have a family plan but if i were on it myself i think its only around 50 a month. Unlimited data and whatever minutes...i dont talk much
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I'm doing, the monthly pre paid plans.
What I was asking is if I could take a G2 that's carrier locked to T-mobile to T-mobile prepaid without having to unlock it, basically if there was a difference in the phone seeing it as a supported carrier being locked.

vbetts said:
That's what I'm doing, the monthly pre paid plans.
What I was asking is if I could take a G2 that's carrier locked to T-mobile to T-mobile prepaid without having to unlock it, basically if there was a difference in the phone seeing it as a supported carrier being locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know T-Mobile carried the G2, right? There is no reason to carrier-unlock a phone for it to work on it's intended carrier's network -- regardless of whether you're on a contract or prepay. Unless I'm completely misunderstanding you... which is entirely possible as I am sleep-typing...

vbetts said:
That's what I'm doing, the monthly pre paid plans.
What I was asking is if I could take a G2 that's carrier locked to T-mobile to T-mobile prepaid without having to unlock it, basically if there was a difference in the phone seeing it as a supported carrier being locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to reiterate what others have said, you're good dude. I just did the same thing, bought a used G2 off ebay and got the $30 100min, unlimited text/4G prepaid plan. No problemos. Just make sure you get a prepaid sim card, like this:
http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phone/T-Mobile-Prepaid-SIM-Activation-Kit
(Tmobile has two separate sites for contract and prepaid, so as long as you go through above site, you're all good.)
P.S. If you buy your sim-card at a Tmobile store, they'll probably try to activate you there, but don't do it if you want that $30 plan mentioned above, which is only available online.

voltaic said:
Just to reiterate what others have said, you're good dude. I just did the same thing, bought a used G2 off ebay and got the $30 100min, unlimited text/4G prepaid plan. No problemos. Just make sure you get a prepaid sim card, like this:
http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phone/T-Mobile-Prepaid-SIM-Activation-Kit
(Tmobile has two separate sites for contract and prepaid, so as long as you go through above site, you're all good.)
P.S. If you buy your sim-card at a Tmobile store, they'll probably try to activate you there, but don't do it if you want that $30 plan mentioned above, which is only available online.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't aware of this... I have a friend (who I gave a store bought prepaid SIM card to) who is paying 50 USD a month and they keep throttling him at like 300 MB. I'm wondering if this plan you're talking about would have the same issue... also, if he wanted to switch to this plan, he'd have to purchase a new SIM card from the link you posted above, right? But then would he have to change his number, or could he transfer it to the new SIM? I've always been under contract, so I only know the basics when it comes to prepay...

Ditamae said:
I wasn't aware of this... I have a friend (who I gave a store bought prepaid SIM card to) who is paying 50 USD a month and they keep throttling him at like 300 MB. I'm wondering if this plan you're talking about would have the same issue... also, if he wanted to switch to this plan, he'd have to purchase a new SIM card from the link you posted above, right? But then would he have to change his number, or could he transfer it to the new SIM? I've always been under contract, so I only know the basics when it comes to prepay...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The prepaid plan I'm talking about is $30 a month for 100 minutes talk (.10 cents a minute if you go over, which is reasonable), unlimited texts, unlimited 4g web (speed is throttled when you pass 5gb in a month, but there are ways* around that, but still, that's MUCH better than 300mb) and it's only available online. So it does sound much better than what your friend has, specially if you get the GrooveIP app and use that to make calls through Google Voice over wifi/4g for free without using your minutes.
It's my understanding that they only let new accounts get this plan, so your friend would most likely need to get a new sim card AND either get a new number or port in a non-Tmobile number. (I ported in a landline number) You *might* be able to pull a fast one, and port the existing Tmobile number to Google Voice, then port it back to Tmobile under the new account, but I have no idea how doable that is.
As for porting in a number, since there was no option for it when activating the sim-card online, I completed the registration up to the point where they tell you your new number, but before I put any money in the account, I called Tmobile support line, and had them initiate the port. Once that was in motion, I funded the account.
* - Check out this thread for the unthrottle solution:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1318460&page=2

voltaic said:
The prepaid plan I'm talking about is $30 a month for 100 minutes talk (.10 cents a minute if you go over, which is reasonable), unlimited texts, unlimited 4g web (speed is throttled when you pass 5gb in a month, but there are ways* around that, but still, that's MUCH better than 300mb) and it's only available online. So it does sound much better than what your friend has, specially if you get the GrooveIP app and use that to make calls through Google Voice over wifi/4g for free without using your minutes.
It's my understanding that they only let new accounts get this plan, so your friend would most likely need to get a new sim card AND either get a new number or port in a non-Tmobile number. (I ported in a landline number) You *might* be able to pull a fast one, and port the existing Tmobile number to Google Voice, then port it back to Tmobile under the new account, but I have no idea how doable that is.
As for porting in a number, since there was no option for it when activating the sim-card online, I completed the registration up to the point where they tell you your new number, but before I put any money in the account, I called Tmobile support line, and had them initiate the port. Once that was in motion, I funded the account.
* - Check out this thread for the unthrottle solution:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1318460&page=2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for all the info. I'll defintely pass this along to my friend.
As for the "unthrottle" method, I did read that thread a while back and explained the procedure to my friend, but he never got back to me about it... he was actually out of town at the time. And unfortunately that method doesn't work for everyone (or so I've read). He does use wifi at home, so this shouldn't be a problem too often. But, the plan you've described sounds 100% better than what he's working with... he's not a big talker either, so 100 minutes would likely suit him, especially with all the different ways to make voice calls these days. He could also probably port his landline number and get rid of it once and for all.
Thanks so much.

I just wanted to add that you can get no contract plans that are not prepaid. You do not get deals on phones but they do have an interest free loan option depending on vyour credit. I payed cash for my phone but the contract plan was a solid 50 dollars more a month and they would have approved me for an interest free phoneloan that would have cost 40 a month for what 10 months or so.... So either way it was cheaper monthly even if i got a new phone every year. However maybe my circumstances and unique? Either way i avoid term contracts at all costs! There is nothing like being able to call a company up and saying "hey fix X or i will cancel" you would be amazed at the deals you can get.
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk

Related

[Q] G2 Upgrade Data Plan Question

Does anyone know how this is going to work? I'm an old G1 user, and it's come to my attention that T-Mobile USA has discontinued those talk+text+web data plans for $25 (or $35 for unlimited text). From what I see now, in order to get talk, text, and web, we'll be forced to pay the $30 for the web and $10 for unlimited text, with no other options. If I'm currently on a G1 data plan, can I just switch the device and keep my current plan? I'm guessing the answer is probably not...but I was wondering if you guys knew anything different.
I go the $25 web+400 txt.
And when i got my family plan they said they couldnt change that because if they did i would have to pay more for the web so they left that part alone. But on the switching from g1 to g2 idk if they will try to force an upgraded data on the line or not. I know if they try to do that to me i will raise hell. And they dont even have a 400 txt plan no more its only 1000, 1500 and unlim..
On their website, all I see is the "upgraded" $30 unlimited web. The only option for text is also the $10 unlimited text. I also have the $25 unlimited web+400 texts, and would like to keep that if I can. $40 per month is way too much to pay for what I had before.
I would just swap out my sim when the g2 comes and keep an eye on your bill. if they give you some bs about chaing your data plan, then fuse at them. Tell them you been with them for a long time and you want the rate you been getting. Even tell them your go to a different company. They will more or less change it back if they even change it.
Also its better to do this kinda stuff over tmobile.com so you have a recorded of what they said.
You will most likely have to update to the new $30 web and separate $10 text. Some accounts are able to keep the old data plan ($25 or $35), but most of the time you will have to switch to the current data plan or the order will not process.
It is possible that you will be able to stay on the old plan from the G1, and your best bet is to go in to the store or call customer care to order.
atlp99 said:
You will most likely have to update to the new $30 web and separate $10 text.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:O sounds like their pricing might be getting closer to AT&T. though its still cheaper.
atlp99 said:
You will most likely have to update to the new $30 web and separate $10 text. Some accounts are able to keep the old data plan ($25 or $35), but most of the time you will have to switch to the current data plan or the order will not process.
It is possible that you will be able to stay on the old plan from the G1, and your best bet is to go in to the store or call customer care to order.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ordered mines last night and didn't ask or tell me I would have to switch plans but we will see what happens when I get the phone and put in my g1 sim.
Sent from my T-Mobile G1 using XDA App
I actually changed my minutes when I pre-ordered and they thought they might not be able to without changing my data plan, which they didn't have to do.
So, the regular one should be fine
I work at t mobile, if your getting an upgrade or buying outright your do not have to switch anything if your getting a whole new contract all together, then your forced to get the new rate plans
Indeed, as long as you're already on an Android plan, you won't be forced to the $30 plan.
-bZj
_____
-sent from my Samsung Vibrant via XDApp
The store put me on Android Unlimited B2B for $19.99... They said it would work for all their Android phones and fulfill contract obligations, but had to call customer care and have it added.
Not sure what is so special about it, or who qualifies, but it might be an option. To me it still sucks. I had granfathered $5.99 T-Zones on the Nexus One.
Bbe1367 said:
I work at t mobile, if your getting an upgrade or buying outright your do not have to switch anything if your getting a whole new contract all together, then your forced to get the new rate plans
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. Now to "upgrade" and get a decent price (150-200), that requires signing a new 2 year contract. In this case, will I still be able to keep the current plan?
I know that if you have about six months of perfect on-time payments that that you can call loyalty and get a $20 per month unlimited data. Its called pref android unlimited web req. on my bill.
You will have to upgrade from $19.99 to $24.99 but don't let them give you the $30.00 plan. If they try threaten to leave. That's what I'm paying.
Sent from my OC844 Stock R00T3D Mytouch 3G Slide
There's a $20 android data plan? No fair. I had to upgrade my grandfathered $20 "Total Internet Plan" to the $25 loyalty android plan when I swapped out my old iPhone. I was told that was the cheapest 3G data plan now, even with grandfathered ones.
chewy106 said:
There's a $20 android data plan? No fair. I had to upgrade my grandfathered $20 "Total Internet Plan" to the $25 loyalty android plan when I swapped out my old iPhone. I was told that was the cheapest 3G data plan now, even with grandfathered ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A was I. Now I am considering calling them back.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
zephirus said:
The store put me on Android Unlimited B2B for $19.99... They said it would work for all their Android phones and fulfill contract obligations, but had to call customer care and have it added.
Not sure what is so special about it, or who qualifies, but it might be an option. To me it still sucks. I had granfathered $5.99 T-Zones on the Nexus One.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too. Tmobile actually removed the tzones plan from my line before I bought the phone and all that. Actually ordered it today but they removed it last night when I was just getting pricing info. Really pissed me off. I'm going to see I I can't finagle it back.
They told me the same thing but I called them a couple days ago and they gave it to me so... the $20 dollar data plan. But only on one of our phones (we have two lines). The other still is on the 24 dollar plan. Boo.
chewy106 said:
There's a $20 android data plan? No fair. I had to upgrade my grandfathered $20 "Total Internet Plan" to the $25 loyalty android plan when I swapped out my old iPhone. I was told that was the cheapest 3G data plan now, even with grandfathered ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm obviously no expert since I started this thread, but my guess is that the $20 dollar plan you're talking about does not include text (you'll have to pay $10 more for unlimited text, there is no other option). The $25 dollar android plan should include 400 texts, I'm assuming that's the old G1 data plan (which I currently have on my G1).
rohit275 said:
I'm obviously no expert since I started this thread, but my guess is that the $20 dollar plan you're talking about does not include text (you'll have to pay $10 more for unlimited text, there is no other option). The $25 dollar android plan should include 400 texts, I'm assuming that's the old G1 data plan (which I currently have on my G1).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know for me, the 19.99 was unlimited internet and text. When I upgraded to more than one smartphone on my account, I paid the 19.99 for unlimited text for all the lines on my account.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

[Q] IMEI dependance???

Is access to marketplace and zune pass on the device dependant on the IMEI of the phone?
I had an unlocked TP2 with a $15 unlimited data plan from ATT, when I bought the focus, ATT input this new IMEI into their system and my data plan is now $15 for 200mb. If access to these features is not IMEI dependant I would like to get my unlimited plan back...
Thanks in advance for the help.
chizzwhizz said:
Is access to marketplace and zune pass on the device dependant on the IMEI of the phone?
I had an unlocked TP2 with a $15 unlimited data plan from ATT, when I bought the focus, ATT input this new IMEI into their system and my data plan is now $15 for 200mb. If access to these features is not IMEI dependant I would like to get my unlimited plan back...
Thanks in advance for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it only looks at your email (your phone is connected to your email,xboxlive )
it doesn't look at your imei
AT&T shafted you. This has nothing to do with Microsoft or even Windows Phone 7. Unless you gave them permission to change your plan, you should call back and get your old plan back.
chizzwhizz said:
Is access to marketplace and zune pass on the device dependant on the IMEI of the phone?
I had an unlocked TP2 with a $15 unlimited data plan from ATT, when I bought the focus, ATT input this new IMEI into their system and my data plan is now $15 for 200mb. If access to these features is not IMEI dependant I would like to get my unlimited plan back...
Thanks in advance for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$15 Unlimited Data Plans are for Feature Phones, not Smartphones.
You phone sends off your IMEI to AT&T whenever it connects to the network. Since you put a SIM Card from a Feature Phone into a Smartphone, they automatically upgraded you to a 200MB Smartphone data plan.
Call AT&T. If you're on a contract you HAVE to have a Smartphone data plan if you put that SIM in a Smartphone. There's no way to get around it. If you get them to change it back (i.e. tell them you're going to just use you feature phone), the minute your phone connects to the network again, it will check the IMEI and if the SIM is in the smartphone it will simply upgrade you to a smartphone data plan again.
I made a huge post about this in another thread talking about getting a WP7 device without a data plan in that forum. My mom did that and wondered why her bill went from $80 to $120 in less than a month a while back
RustyGrom said:
AT&T shafted you. This has nothing to do with Microsoft or even Windows Phone 7. Unless you gave them permission to change your plan, you should call back and get your old plan back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incorrect. It's common knowledge that Feature Phone Data Plans are incompatible with smartphones and that a smartphone data plan is required if you use a smartphone on contract. It's in the contract. It's in you contract too. Might want to read it.
They reserve the right to change you service if you use an incompatible device with you contract (i.e. alter you contract to compliance), and they reserve the right to add services onto you contract if you use them (i.e. if you tether without a tethering plan, they will add the tethering plan to you contract).
AT&T didn't shaft him, he just got himself kapwnd trying to shaft AT&T.
Nice try, but no cigar.
T-Mobile would do the same thing, and CDMA carriers would require you to upgrade you plan if you try to swap out a feature phone for a smart phone. Call Sprint, smarty, and see what they tell you about this (I've had all 4 carriers ).
Do you seriously think carriers are so dumb as to leave such an odd profit-killing loophole in their systems?
N8ter said:
$15 Unlimited Data Plans are for Feature Phones, not Smartphones.
You phone sends off your IMEI to AT&T whenever it connects to the network. Since you put a SIM Card from a Feature Phone into a Smartphone, they automatically upgraded you to a 200MB Smartphone data plan.
Call AT&T. If you're on a contract you HAVE to have a Smartphone data plan if you put that SIM in a Smartphone. There's no way to get around it. If you get them to change it back (i.e. tell them you're going to just use you feature phone), the minute your phone connects to the network again, it will check the IMEI and if the SIM is in the smartphone it will simply upgrade you to a smartphone data plan again.
I made a huge post about this in another thread talking about getting a WP7 device without a data plan in that forum. My mom did that and wondered why her bill went from $80 to $120 in less than a month a while back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it still amazes me how cheap people are with this. You will spend 600 bucks on a device but expect not to pay for the plan.
Y'all have been getting around the data for quite a while now and it finally looks like the cellular companies are catching up to you.
nrfitchett4 said:
it still amazes me how cheap people are with this. You will spend 600 bucks on a device but expect not to pay for the plan.
Y'all have been getting around the data for quite a while now and it finally looks like the cellular companies are catching up to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The carriers have been doing that for years. I think it's too late to even consider ignorance a valid excuse, especially when you have other people sprouting around invalid information and posters are allergic to forum search (the thread I posted in probably would have popped up in the results).
The truth and the matter is, someone with an Unlimited Feature Phone plan probably never uses more than 200MB data a month anyways, and a smartphone can do 10x that easily. Can probably do over 200MB just with passive Syncing if you have busy email/facebook/twitter accounts. In that case, marketing the data plans for feature phones as "Unlimited" is nice from a strategic standpoint once the person is locked into a contract they either have to pay AT&T/Verizon's enourmous ETF Fee (which they increased from $200 to $325 or 350, one of the two) to move to another carrier, or simply upgrade to the smartphone data plans (and for anyone who even moderately uses their device - 200MB is NOT going to cut it on a fairly recent smartphone).
200MB smartphone data plans are for people who have smartphones but use them like feature phones - you know, the people who think the phone is pretty but don't even have an email/facebook/twitter/etc. acocunt linked up with it (except maybe a google or live account, but they never use it and just make and recieve calls on the phone, and maybe some texts).
Well i'm not on contract with att anymore, my two years ended about 4 months ago...didnt upgrade or anything. I bought my phone out of contract. But i got my unlimited plan for feature phones back so i'm happy. It's not about being cheap...i make more than enough money in a year. It just doesnt make sense to charge $15 for 200mb knowing full well that anyone with a smartphone will use over 200mb in a month and then charge $10 for every mb over...
chizzwhizz said:
Well i'm not on contract with att anymore, my two years ended about 4 months ago...didnt upgrade or anything. I bought my phone out of contract. But i got my unlimited plan for feature phones back so i'm happy. It's not about being cheap...i make more than enough money in a year. It just doesnt make sense to charge $15 for 200mb knowing full well that anyone with a smartphone will use over 200mb in a month and then charge $10 for every mb over...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
isn't that why they offer a 2gb plan???
what are y'all gonna due when sim cards become unremovable???
http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/17/gsm-association-proposes-embedded-sim-cards-with-remote-activati/
I am worried about the same thing.
I presently use HP Ipaq 614C and have 30USD a month unlimited data plan.. I want to buy unlocked HTC Surround since its almost the same price if I buy locked one from AtnT (I dont qualify for contract upgrade as I just renewed a two year contract with them 2 months back).
I am worried once I get unlocked HTC Surround from expansys-usa.. and put my SIM card in their.. wether they will change my 30USD per month unlimited data plan to 30USD per month 2GB LIMITED data plan..
I have read one more poster writing about it, about how once he put his sim, his data plan was changed from unlimited to 2GB limited data plan..
Purple11 said:
I am worried about the same thing.
I presently use HP Ipaq 614C and have 30USD a month unlimited data plan.. I want to buy unlocked HTC Surround since its almost the same price if I buy locked one from AtnT (I dont qualify for contract upgrade as I just renewed a two year contract with them 2 months back).
I am worried once I get unlocked HTC Surround from expansys-usa.. and put my SIM card in their.. wether they will change my 30USD per month unlimited data plan to 30USD per month 2GB LIMITED data plan..
I have read one more poster writing about it, about how once he put his sim, his data plan was changed from unlimited to 2GB limited data plan..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you already have a smartphone unlimited data plan, they shouldn't change it and if they do, I would call and make them change it back. The other poster had a featurephone data plan that was not compatible with the new phone.
Purple11 said:
I am worried about the same thing.
I presently use HP Ipaq 614C and have 30USD a month unlimited data plan.. I want to buy unlocked HTC Surround since its almost the same price if I buy locked one from AtnT (I dont qualify for contract upgrade as I just renewed a two year contract with them 2 months back).
I am worried once I get unlocked HTC Surround from expansys-usa.. and put my SIM card in their.. wether they will change my 30USD per month unlimited data plan to 30USD per month 2GB LIMITED data plan..
I have read one more poster writing about it, about how once he put his sim, his data plan was changed from unlimited to 2GB limited data plan..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Different situation, buddy.
AT&T used to have $30 unlimited Data Plans before they changed it. If you upgrade your phone, you get to keep your $30 unlimited Data Plan.
They call this being "Grandfathered in." Sprint did the same with SERO plans, and other carriers do the same with older plans that they have phased out.
You don't have to do anything. You just put your SIM card in the new phone and you'll still have $30 unlimited data plan, until you cancel your contract/service, then for a new line you won't have that option.
We aren't even talking about what you're talking about.
We're talking about someone trying to use a cheap feature phone plan with a smartphone, not someone who thinks he's going to lose his grandfathered unlimited data plan if he switches phones.
To the OP, it doesn't matter if your contract is out. The AT&T system sees that you have x Minutes, x SMS/MMS, and Unlimited Feature Phone data plan. When you turn your phone on with your SIM card in it, it checks the phone's IMEI to make sure it's a feature phone or dumb phone (basically the same, feature phones just have bigger screans and oftentimes QWERTY keyboards or touchscreens). If you don't, they change it to the Smartphone plan.
Since a Smartphone cannot be used with that plan, they are potentially saving you money by automatically switching you over to a smartphone data plan, because otherwise all the data you use on the smartphone would count as overages. Fortunately for you, they have tiered data plans, and it's $15 instead of 30.
If they had just let you get all the overages, you'd be paying a lot more than $15 for it and since it's explicitely written in your contract/terms that you cannot use that phone with that data plan, you'd have no choice but to pay up. That is Cell Phone Service 101. Most people who pay attention know there is a distinct difference between feature phone and smartphone plans. They aren't even called the same thing on the AT&T website, or on your bill.
nrfitchett4 said:
isn't that why they offer a 2gb plan???
what are y'all gonna due when sim cards become unremovable???
http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/17/gsm-association-proposes-embedded-sim-cards-with-remote-activati/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rejoice that when someone steals a GSM smartphone it will no longer be equivalent to them hitting eBay lottery? They should have started doing this a long time ago, IMO.
i understand what you guys are saying but why was it that when i went from my razr to an unlocked touch pro 2 (feature phone to smartphone), my data plan didnt change? even when att introduced the tiered plans, my data plan didnt change.
chizzwhizz said:
i understand what you guys are saying but why was it that when i went from my razr to an unlocked touch pro 2 (feature phone to smartphone), my data plan didnt change? even when att introduced the tiered plans, my data plan didnt change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you were lucky???
I really don't know. Carriers are getting better at being able to tell what phone you are using these days. Used to be that they couldn't tell at all. Now, a lot of phones can transmit the imei number back to the carrier that they can now check against a database to see what type of phone it is.
More like "every phone."
nrfitchett4 said:
you were lucky???
I really don't know. Carriers are getting better at being able to tell what phone you are using these days. Used to be that they couldn't tell at all. Now, a lot of phones can transmit the imei number back to the carrier that they can now check against a database to see what type of phone it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
ceesheim said:
it only looks at your email (your phone is connected to your email,xboxlive )
it doesn't look at your imei
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It checks a serial code stored in the device's rom for market, zune, xbl,.etc.
Live account is used to access services, ofc. Microsoft can ban phonea by serial though, which is exactly what will happen to every phone using a ported rom (i.e. Hd2s running wp7).
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
N8ter said:
It checks a serial code stored in the device's rom for market, zune, xbl,.etc.
Live account is used to access services, ofc. Microsoft can ban phonea by serial though, which is exactly what will happen to every phone using a ported rom (i.e. Hd2s running wp7).
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
we don't know that for sure , I have 2 hd7 (direct from O2 online) and one of them couldn't be activated (email) so I called O2 for the code ( 5 times 5 numbers) but they couldn't help me .
they told me that the phone wasn't activated for some reason at Microsoft.
I called Microsoft and tolled the story and they say " gif us a email and wait 2 min , we are generating an code for you " LOL phone was unlocked and I could use the email.
I called again to activate that same phone with an different email and I got a different code and that one worked to
I think that if you have a hd2 with a ported rom you just have to call Microsoft and ask them to unlock your email for it and after that you can do the same as a real wp7 phone.
ceesheim said:
we don't know that for sure , I have 2 hd7 (direct from O2 online) and one of them couldn't be activated (email) so I called O2 for the code ( 5 times 5 numbers) but they couldn't help me .
they told me that the phone wasn't activated for some reason at Microsoft.
I called Microsoft and tolled the story and they say " gif us a email and wait 2 min , we are generating an code for you " LOL phone was unlocked and I could use the email.
I called again to activate that same phone with an different email and I got a different code and that one worked to
I think that if you have a hd2 with a ported rom you just have to call Microsoft and ask them to unlock your email for it and after that you can do the same as a real wp7 phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes we do.
That HD7 incident you're talking about has nothing to do with what I'm talking about.
Microsoft doesn't do that by eMail address.
It uses a serial in the device's ROM. It does the same for XBox 360s and they can ban a device by serial number. They can probably do it for Zune HDs as well. It has nothing to do with you email address, otherwise you can unban yourself simply by creating a new Live ID, master resetting the phone, and putting that Windows Live ID when setting the phone up. Obviously that's an elementary loophole. It would be embarassing if they left the system that easy to circumvent...
Think through these things a bit before you make such sweeping conclusions.
Microsoft already has the infrastructure up for this. These are known facts.
An HD2 with a ported WP7 ROM won't be useful at all, except as a feature phone with a cute UI, because the system would probably ban it the minute it checked in with Microsoft's servers and sent that phony certificate (or no certificate at all in the worse case).
WP7 phones send this serial (certificate, etc.) to Microsoft's servers whenever they connect to check for updates, etc. It's like a Windows Genuine Advantage for phones, except much stronger. Apple can also block iPhones/iTouches from iTunes via the Serial number if unsupported changes are made to the firmware or the firmware is ported to an unsupported device, so it's not like this has never been done or implemented before...
The Serial/Certificate and the IMEI is pretty much all Microsoft needs to ban a phone from all their cloud services automatically. The IMEI itself is enough to tell them that you're running WP7 on a non-WP7 device (i.e. HD2), which can result in an auto-ban on the first connection attempt.
N8ter said:
Different situation, buddy.
AT&T used to have $30 unlimited Data Plans before they changed it. If you upgrade your phone, you get to keep your $30 unlimited Data Plan.
They call this being "Grandfathered in." Sprint did the same with SERO plans, and other carriers do the same with older plans that they have phased out.
You don't have to do anything. You just put your SIM card in the new phone and you'll still have $30 unlimited data plan, until you cancel your contract/service, then for a new line you won't have that option.
We aren't even talking about what you're talking about.
We're talking about someone trying to use a cheap feature phone plan with a smartphone, not someone who thinks he's going to lose his grandfathered unlimited data plan if he switches phones.
To the OP, it doesn't matter if your contract is out. The AT&T system sees that you have x Minutes, x SMS/MMS, and Unlimited Feature Phone data plan. When you turn your phone on with your SIM card in it, it checks the phone's IMEI to make sure it's a feature phone or dumb phone (basically the same, feature phones just have bigger screans and oftentimes QWERTY keyboards or touchscreens). If you don't, they change it to the Smartphone plan.
Since a Smartphone cannot be used with that plan, they are potentially saving you money by automatically switching you over to a smartphone data plan, because otherwise all the data you use on the smartphone would count as overages. Fortunately for you, they have tiered data plans, and it's $15 instead of 30.
If they had just let you get all the overages, you'd be paying a lot more than $15 for it and since it's explicitely written in your contract/terms that you cannot use that phone with that data plan, you'd have no choice but to pay up. That is Cell Phone Service 101. Most people who pay attention know there is a distinct difference between feature phone and smartphone plans. They aren't even called the same thing on the AT&T website, or on your bill.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply..
I have paid Atnt for last 4 months 30USD a month just to keep this unlimited data plan.. my battery at Ipaq died and I have been using this cheap flip phone and absolutly no data.. but I know this December I will be getting WP7 back.. so I am just paying 30USD a month every month, just to keep the plan.. and zero use of data.. one cannot even stop it 'temporarily'.. once you get it off.. you can only get 2GB limited data plan max... which I usually finish in first 10-12 days when I used my HP Ipaq614c... I play a lot of streaming music.. and heck of a data intensive financial softwares on my phone..

Tmobile $60 4G prepaid plan

So I was browsing Expansys and I saw that I could have the $60 4G plan simcard without having to purchase a phone!! Did anybody try such a simcard and what are your thoughts?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
*cough*
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
You've been able to buy the SIM card activation kit here for $0.99 (w/ free shipping). And activate it here for free. With any of these plans. For a very very very long time.
We've discussed these plans for hundreds of pages here....
The $60 plan is a great value for people who are looking to buy phones unlocked and not have a contract that costs more every month. On the $60 plan, you get 2GB of full speed HSPA+ data, then are throttled to about 60kbps down / 150kbps up (although you can switch to EDGE and get faster speeds). The $70 plan is the same but has a 5GB throttle threshold. If you have good T-Mobile coverage in your area, you should definitely give the Monthly 4G plans a look.
martonikaj said:
You've been able to buy the SIM card activation kit here for $0.99 (w/ free shipping). And activate it here for free. With any of these plans. For a very very very long time.
We've discussed these plans for hundreds of pages here....
The $60 plan is a great value for people who are looking to buy phones unlocked and not have a contract that costs more every month. On the $60 plan, you get 2GB of full speed HSPA+ data, then are throttled to about 60kbps down / 150kbps up (although you can switch to EDGE and get faster speeds). The $70 plan is the same but has a 5GB throttle threshold. If you have good T-Mobile coverage in your area, you should definitely give the Monthly 4G plans a look.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am starting to think you love repeating yourself.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Alex8288 said:
I am starting to think you love repeating yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't love it, but unless people start learning how to search and find things out for themselves, I don't mind helping (that much) people out.
martonikaj said:
You've been able to buy the SIM card activation kit here for $0.99 (w/ free shipping). And activate it here for free. With any of these plans. For a very very very long time.
We've discussed these plans for hundreds of pages here....
The $60 plan is a great value for people who are looking to buy phones unlocked and not have a contract that costs more every month. On the $60 plan, you get 2GB of full speed HSPA+ data, then are throttled to about 60kbps down / 150kbps up (although you can switch to EDGE and get faster speeds). The $70 plan is the same but has a 5GB throttle threshold. If you have good T-Mobile coverage in your area, you should definitely give the Monthly 4G plans a look.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it says I need the IMEI of the phone from tmobile and activation code found with the phone. How am I suppose to get both? Is there a way to activate the sim without having to enter those 2 infos?
And let's say I buy it from Expansys, does Expansys give me the activation code and phone or what? how does it exactly work? Cause I have my prepaid AT&T number and I want to port it to T-mobile monthly 4g plan.
Thanks man I really appreciate you taking time to answer.
crazyalaa said:
But it says I need the IMEI of the phone from tmobile and activation code found with the phone. How am I suppose to get both? Is there a way to activate the sim without having to enter those 2 infos?
And let's say I buy it from Expansys, does Expansys give me the activation code and phone or what? how does it exactly work? Cause I have my prepaid AT&T number and I want to port it to T-mobile monthly 4g plan.
Thanks man I really appreciate you taking time to answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The IMEI is from YOUR phone that you want to use, and the activation code comes with the SIM card.
Obviously, since you can buy it from the T-mobile website (linked by martin's post earlier), it'll come with everything you need to activate. Why bother buying from a third party (Expansys) when you can get it direct for 99 cents?
Ah ok, I just bought T-mobile sim card. Thank you guys.

AT&T Grandfathered Unlimited Data vs. T-Mobile Unlimited 4G LTE?

Hi Guys,
I'm a current AT&T customer. I have a grandfathered LTE unlimited data plan. And about 400 phone minutes + unlimited texting. I pay about $75 out the door including taxes & etc.
AT&T is irking me right now, so I'm considering moving over to T-Mobile and looking for advice on a few questions.
Just FYI, T-Mobile is getting LTE in my area this month (Austin, TX). And I'm interested in their top of the line, $70/month "Unlimited Nationwide 4G" data plan.
1) My AT&T throttles me pretty hard after 5GB of use. Does T-Mobile do this?
2) Will the $70/month plan T-Mobile offers apply to LTE or just the faux 4G (3G)?
3) Should I just stay where I am on AT&T since I'm grandfathered?
4) Is there a chance T-Mobile will revoke my "Unlimited" next year like Verizon has done in the past?
Thanks for any advice.
1) My AT&T throttles me pretty hard after 5GB of use. Does T-Mobile do this?
No. If you have Unlimited Nationwide 4G you will never be throttled.
2) Will the $70/month plan T-Mobile offers apply to LTE or just the faux 4G (3G)?
Both.
3) Should I just stay where I am on AT&T since I'm grandfathered?
That's up to you.
4) Is there a chance T-Mobile will revoke my "Unlimited" next year like Verizon has done in the past?
Not a chance, this is their main selling point.
CZ Eddie said:
Hi Guys,
I'm a current AT&T customer. I have a grandfathered LTE unlimited data plan. And about 400 phone minutes + unlimited texting. I pay about $75 out the door including taxes & etc.
AT&T is irking me right now, so I'm considering moving over to T-Mobile and looking for advice on a few questions.
Just FYI, T-Mobile is getting LTE in my area this month (Austin, TX). And I'm interested in their top of the line, $70/month "Unlimited Nationwide 4G" data plan.
1) My AT&T throttles me pretty hard after 5GB of use. Does T-Mobile do this?
2) Will the $70/month plan T-Mobile offers apply to LTE or just the faux 4G (3G)?
3) Should I just stay where I am on AT&T since I'm grandfathered?
4) Is there a chance T-Mobile will revoke my "Unlimited" next year like Verizon has done in the past?
Thanks for any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) With the unlimited nationwide 4g data plan, there is no throttling and its unlimited 4G data.
2) Yes it does apply to LTE but you need a LTE enabled device.
3)If you think that the 5 dollar difference is worth it. But in all reality its unlimited everything with no data caps when you get the 70 dollar plan, plus LTE is coming to your area soon so i'd go for it.
4)I highly doubt they would do something like that as they are trying to get ahead of Sprint, At&t, Verizon with the simple choice uncarrier plans.
lol someone answered while i was typing...oops.
Aww crud.
It looks like TMO does things a little differently.
Sure, the phone is only $149 up front. But then you have to pay $20/month for the next 24 months. Which effectively raises the $70/month plan to $90/month. Or a bunch more than what my AT&T plan would be if I get the $199 phone up front and stay with my current $70/month plan.
CZ Eddie said:
Aww crud.
It looks like TMO does things a little differently.
Sure, the phone is only $149 up front. But then you have to pay $20/month for the next 24 months. Which effectively raises the $70/month plan to $90/month. Or a bunch more than what my AT&T plan would be if I get the $199 phone up front and stay with my current $70/month plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep in mind - with AT&T you gotta contract for that $199 phone. Whereas with TMobile, you don't have a contract..
CZ Eddie said:
Hi Guys,
I'm a current AT&T customer. I have a grandfathered LTE unlimited data plan. And about 400 phone minutes + unlimited texting. I pay about $75 out the door including taxes & etc.
AT&T is irking me right now, so I'm considering moving over to T-Mobile and looking for advice on a few questions.
Just FYI, T-Mobile is getting LTE in my area this month (Austin, TX). And I'm interested in their top of the line, $70/month "Unlimited Nationwide 4G" data plan.
1) My AT&T throttles me pretty hard after 5GB of use. Does T-Mobile do this?
2) Will the $70/month plan T-Mobile offers apply to LTE or just the faux 4G (3G)?
3) Should I just stay where I am on AT&T since I'm grandfathered?
4) Is there a chance T-Mobile will revoke my "Unlimited" next year like Verizon has done in the past?
Thanks for any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) hell no
2) full LTE
3) hell no
4) hell no
coyttl said:
Keep in mind - with AT&T you gotta contract for that $199 phone. Whereas with TMobile, you don't have a contract..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhh, so I do have to pay $20/month for the phone for 24 months and that part is a "contract".
But the $70/month data plan is NOT a contract and I can quit that at any time.
Sounds nice I guess.
I wish T-Mobile website had a "chat" capability so I can talk to a salesperson. But they removed that feature.
CZ Eddie said:
Aww crud.
It looks like TMO does things a little differently.
Sure, the phone is only $149 up front. But then you have to pay $20/month for the next 24 months. Which effectively raises the $70/month plan to $90/month. Or a bunch more than what my AT&T plan would be if I get the $199 phone up front and stay with my current $70/month plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you dont have to pay $20 a month for 24 months if you pay the $149, and then make a $300 payment after you account is created. you'll only pay $20 a month for 9 months after.
this is what i did.
f*** ATT bro.
f*** em'
make the jump.
i was with ATT mobile for ~15 years and couldn't be happier ive left those f**ks
f*****g bit*es
CZ Eddie said:
Ahhh, so I do have to pay $20/month for the phone for 24 months and that part is a "contract".
But the $70/month data plan is NOT a contract and I can quit that at any time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think (however, I'm not sure, maybe someone else can tell me if I understand right or not..) If you terminate your plan with TMobil, you'll owe TMobile the rest of the price of the phone.
And if you don't have a contract with ATT, and don't owe them the rest of the money, then buy the phone for $199, cancel your plan the next month and sell the phone for $600. You'll make $400. DO it over and over, and you'll be rich.
The biggest selling point for me was the lack of contract. I plan on giving them an extra $100/month for a few months to get the phone paid off.
Regarding 2) Faux 4G/LTE:
I know quite a lot of ppl have issue with this as a matter of topic. But to be honest the "faux" 4G / LTE is pretty darn fast. It's HSPDA+ which at its worst runs at 4meg down and 1 meg up. I know plenty of ppl in Nyc that don't get that on their cable modems reliably. Also it's pretty challenging to really push the need for more unless you are downloading a rom.
I think it's a lot of media hype that ppl "need" 20 meg down and 10 meg up... It's like advertising a car that can do a 200+ mph top speed. Is it nice to have? Sure it is... Do you often have the opportunity to show it off I real life or day to day use? Not really... 100mph is plenty fast lol
Sent from my SCH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
coyttl said:
I think (however, I'm not sure, maybe someone else can tell me if I understand right or not..) If you terminate your plan with TMobil, you'll owe TMobile the rest of the price of the phone.
And if you don't have a contract with ATT, and don't owe them the rest of the money, then buy the phone for $199, cancel your plan the next month and sell the phone for $600. You'll make $400. DO it over and over, and you'll be rich.
The biggest selling point for me was the lack of contract. I plan on giving them an extra $100/month for a few months to get the phone paid off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome idea except that when you get a subsidized priced phone from att you are committing to 2 more years under contract with them...
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
CZ Eddie said:
Ahhh, so I do have to pay $20/month for the phone for 24 months and that part is a "contract".
But the $70/month data plan is NOT a contract and I can quit that at any time.
Sounds nice I guess.
I wish T-Mobile website had a "chat" capability so I can talk to a salesperson. But they removed that feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the phone is not a contract. It's just T-Mobile financing the phone to you. Just like buying a car, you put so much down and you pay it off when you pay it off, but your MINIMUM monthly payment is 20 bucks.
If you put the down payment, then 200 down the first month, and another 200 down the next month, and another 80 or so down the third month then cancel your service you now own the phone completely and T-Mobile will give you an unlock code and be like "Alright bro, thanks for the business, hope you come back yo." No early termination fees, no nothing.
However, if you cancel your service while you still owe money on the phone, you still owe money on the phone. You either pay it off at a rate of at minimum 20 per month OR you don't and they sell the finance to a collection agency.
It's just simple financing rather than being put into actual contracts like the big guys.
coyttl said:
I think (however, I'm not sure, maybe someone else can tell me if I understand right or not..) If you terminate your plan with TMobil, you'll owe TMobile the rest of the price of the phone.
And if you don't have a contract with ATT, and don't owe them the rest of the money, then buy the phone for $199, cancel your plan the next month and sell the phone for $600. You'll make $400. DO it over and over, and you'll be rich.
The biggest selling point for me was the lack of contract. I plan on giving them an extra $100/month for a few months to get the phone paid off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...except the ETF for ATT is 325 dollars... plus tax... plus tax when you buy the phone for 199... So you're looking at 525 plus tax for a phone you can MAYBE sell for 600. Not to mention whatever the rediculous cost of the first month plus activation fees, plus hidden charges, plus whatever the **** ATT feels like adding to your first (only in this case) bill.
Plus I'm sure ATT has somewhere in fine print you will have to pay more if you try some stupid **** like this.
Great idea, you should try it and end up paying probably around 150 bucks for the lesson.
TeknoGodz said:
You either pay it off completely you don't and they sell the finance to a collection agency.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FTFY. If you end service before the end of the phone payment term, you owe the balance of the phone there. If it's $20, you pay $20, if it's $200, you pay $200.
k0nane said:
FTFY. If you end service before the end of the phone payment term, you owe the balance of the phone there. If it's $20, you pay $20, if it's $200, you pay $200.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh really, I thought you could still pay it monthly... Well that kinda sucks.
TeknoGodz said:
Oh really, I thought you could still pay it monthly... Well that kinda sucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I'm pretty sure you can still pay it off monthly even after you cancel the service according to one of the corporate T-Mobile agents I spoke to.
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xXchrizhurtyXx said:
No I'm pretty sure you can still pay it off monthly even after you cancel the service according to one of the corporate T-Mobile agents I spoke to.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then again I would NOT trust a word that comes out of their mouth. They no nothing. I asked 3 different people and they told me I could not use the 100 dollar cards that you can buy at walmart or target for my simple choice plan. They told me there was no way and there are no prepaid cards that allow you to do this. The next day I was at target and saw the card.... It clearly states "For use with prepaid or monthly plans". Bought it and used it no issues.
Haven't believed a word from their mouth since.
TeknoGodz said:
Then again I would NOT trust a word that comes out of their mouth. They no nothing. I asked 3 different people and they told me I could not use the 100 dollar cards that you can buy at walmart or target for my simple choice plan. They told me there was no way and there are no prepaid cards that allow you to do this. The next day I was at target and saw the card.... It clearly states "For use with prepaid or monthly plans". Bought it and used it no issues.
Haven't believed a word from their mouth since.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's bad luck lol. Usually the people I talk to are usually right but I do customer service over chat.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Yeah, it's really clever marketing by T-Mobile, this whole "un-carrier" thing. You end up paying $20/month for the privilege of not having a contract. I don't know about most of you, but I don't switch carriers THAT often. And even so, if your termination fee is pro-rated, then why not let the carrier eat the subsidy for as long as you were a customer? You're going to have service for a period of time anyway, you might as well get device subsidy credit for it. With T-Mobile you get nada. Assuming you're a T-Mobile customer for 2 years, you just paid full price for the phone AND $70/month for service. It's really genius and AT&T has to be pissed they didn't think of it first those livered lilly money grubers!
I have the AT&T Unlimited Data plan, but at 5gb and then throttled, they can s!#k it.
kevroc said:
Yeah, it's really clever marketing by T-Mobile, this whole "un-carrier" thing. You end up paying $20/month for the privilege of not having a contract. I don't know about most of you, but I don't switch carriers THAT often. And even so, if your termination fee is pro-rated, then why not let the carrier eat the subsidy for as long as you were a customer? You're going to have service for a period of time anyway, you might as well get device subsidy credit for it. With T-Mobile you get nada. Assuming you're a T-Mobile customer for 2 years, you just paid full price for the phone AND $70/month for service. It's really genius and AT&T has to be pissed they didn't think of it first those livered lilly money grubers!
I have the AT&T Unlimited Data plan, but at 5gb and then throttled, they can s!#k it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From each carrier's website, new contract, two lines, assuming purchase of two S4s:
Sprint: $249.99 per phone ($149.99 if transferring your number), $149.99 per month for 1500 shared minutes and unlimited text/data ($209 per month for unlimited everything)
AT&T: $199.99 per phone, $149.99 per month for 550 shared minutes, unlimited text, 3 GB data per phone (more per month for more minutes, 209.99 if you want unlimited; $20 extra per phone to upgrade to 5 GB, their max allowed)
Verizon: $199.99 per phone, $149.99 per month for unlimited talk/text and 4 GB of shared data ($160 for 6 GB, up to $190 for 12 GB)
T-Mobile: $149.99 per phone up front, $140 (includes phone payment) for unlimited talk/text and 2.5 GB of data per phone, $160 for unlimited data instead
*That* is the point of T-Mobile's plans, the no-contract thing is merely a nice convenience. Even including the phone cost it's $10/month cheaper than the other carriers for their cheapest useful plans (assuming you want more than a few hundred megs of data each month) and just $10 more per month than the fairly limited plans Verizon and AT&T offer at that price level gets you full unlimited.

T-Mobile Data Plan Free Upgrade

Hey everyone,
Thought I will pass along some good news, maybe someone else can benefit as well. This is related to the post paid service with t-mobile. I am not sure if it is a great deal, but passing it along either way.
Background:
I had recently purchased a T-mobile prepaid sim card via Walmart. This has unlimited data (5Gb limit) and unlimited text and 100 mins talk time for $30/month. So you do have to recharge it for $30 min per month to keep the unlimited part. Benefit is I can make all the calls I want through grooveip or any other ip services which uses the data and not the minutes. I called the customer service to ask if they have the tmobile to tmobile free calls on the pre-paid plan. This was their general customer service line and I asked them to transfer me to the prepaid department. Before they transferred me over, they asked if its ok to check my account. Usually this is when they pitch additional data or services to sign you up for more, either way I was stuck in traffic and I thought why not. I am glad that I said yes now.
Free part:
The rep checked and said since I have been a loyal customer (this was his words, been with them for 9+ years now) I am eligible for some upgrades on my account (i have 5 lines, 1000 min, unlimited text and 3 lines with data). I had 5Gb with tethering on my line for $30, this was upgraded to 9Gb with 9Gb tethering for the same price. Another line had 2Gb for $10, this was upgraded to truly unlimited for the same price. The third line had 200Mb for $5, this was upgraded to 5Gb for the same price. I didn't ask him why mine was $30 and not less because I didn't want to sound greedy and also assumed it was because I have tethering. Either way, I am happy camper. This along with the free 1.2 Gb data for tablet that i recently signed up for makes me more than happy.
Try your luck folks. I believe this offer is tied to the loyalty program and their "bridge to value" plan deals. :laugh::laugh::laugh:
DesperateScorpion said:
Hey everyone,
Thought I will pass along some good news, maybe someone else can benefit as well. This is related to the post paid service with t-mobile. I am not sure if it is a great deal, but passing it along either way.
Background:
I had recently purchased a T-mobile prepaid sim card via Walmart. This has unlimited data (5Gb limit) and unlimited text and 100 mins talk time for $30/month. So you do have to recharge it for $30 min per month to keep the unlimited part. Benefit is I can make all the calls I want through grooveip or any other ip services which uses the data and not the minutes. I called the customer service to ask if they have the tmobile to tmobile free calls on the pre-paid plan. This was their general customer service line and I asked them to transfer me to the prepaid department. Before they transferred me over, they asked if its ok to check my account. Usually this is when they pitch additional data or services to sign you up for more, either way I was stuck in traffic and I thought why not. I am glad that I said yes now.
Free part:
The rep checked and said since I have been a loyal customer (this was his words, been with them for 9+ years now) I am eligible for some upgrades on my account (i have 5 lines, 1000 min, unlimited text and 3 lines with data). I had 5Gb with tethering on my line for $30, this was upgraded to 9Gb with 9Gb tethering for the same price. Another line had 2Gb for $10, this was upgraded to truly unlimited for the same price. The third line had 200Mb for $5, this was upgraded to 5Gb for the same price. I didn't ask him why mine was $30 and not less because I didn't want to sound greedy and also assumed it was because I have tethering. Either way, I am happy camper. This along with the free 1.2 Gb data for tablet that i recently signed up for makes me more than happy.
Try your luck folks. I believe this offer is tied to the loyalty program and their "bridge to value" plan deals. :laugh::laugh::laugh:
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I'm confused, why did you buy a prepaid sim if you have 5 lines and what does one account have to do with the other? The only plains offered now are Simple Choice plans so I'm thinking that's what you have now.
tony yayo said:
I'm confused, why did you buy a prepaid sim if you have 5 lines and what does one account have to do with the other? The only plains offered now are Simple Choice plans so I'm thinking that's what you have now.
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Yes, I can explain. Like I said before, I am not sure if this is a big deal. It was for me and I am hoping others who are in the same page like me can maybe call and get the benefits. It gave me more data for no additional money. I constantly see posts regarding mods for tethering and removing tethering cap etc., thought this way they can just get the feature with no additional money and avoid all the hassle with bypassing the system.
Tmobile does not allow more than 5 lines on one account like other providers. This prevents me from adding another line to my account and get all the grandfathered benefits I am getting. I am paying about $140 including tax with 5 lines and all the features mentioned earlier. The cheapest plan I could find under post-paid is their simple choice for $50+tax with 1Gb data. Data and text is more important for me as I am giving this to my family member who doesn't need a lot of talk time (yes, teen). To get a 5Gb data plan, Ill be paying $70+tax. Now you know why I got the pre-paid option from Walmart. This will give 5Gb data and unlimited text and 100 min talk for just $30, this is final amount which includes tax. Almost $40+ cheaper than the equivalent.
I got the benefits because my plan is grandfathered and not the simple choice. Those who are grandfathered and not willing to move are categorized as "bridge to value" plan. This way I get the benefits from both.
You basically used to have either the value family plan with 1000 mins, or Classic 1000 min plan and with those plans it makes it cheaper for you to do upgrades on an equipment installment plan (EIP) and used your savings in switching plans to upgrade your services good deal for you because you pay the same, and good for him because he just got commission on the change over. As far as the 1.2 GB of free data on your tablet its free until January 2nd of 2015, and after that it's $10 after your $10 discount for having a post paid line with T-Mobile. If you want to stay free after January 2nd you would want to switch to the free 200mb plan.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
thanks for the info
ihidbehindmusic said:
You basically used to have either the value family plan with 1000 mins, or Classic 1000 min plan and with those plans it makes it cheaper for you to do upgrades on an equipment installment plan (EIP) and used your savings in switching plans to upgrade your services good deal for you because you pay the same, and good for him because he just got commission on the change over. As far as the 1.2 GB of free data on your tablet its free until January 2nd of 2015, and after that it's $10 after your $10 discount for having a post paid line with T-Mobile. If you want to stay free after January 2nd you would want to switch to the free 200mb plan.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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Thanks for the info

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