Develop Bugs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Q] 4G, Prepaid?

So I had a Droid 3 on Verizon on a prepaid line ($95 for 450 talk, unlimited text, and unlimited data) but that was 3G.
With the gNexi coming out, I was wondering if I would even be able to use it's 4g capabilities on my prepaid line? I'm obviously going to buy it at full-retail price but will the 4G even work or will I be stuck on 3G all the time?
I can't do contracts...
Should I wait for T-Mobile to get it and use their 4G prepaid instead?

I'm unsure if VZW has a LTE prepay service. That's something you have to look into separately. My guess is they don't. Unless they explicitly say that your prepay covers LTE I would expect to only get 3G.
As far as switching to a different carrier no one can tell you which is better. Its all about where you will use the phone and its your call.

I just did an online chat with a VZW rep, here it is:
Please hold for a Verizon Wireless sales representative to assist you with your order. Thank you for your patience.
You are now chatting with 'Kiara'
Kiara: Hello. Thank you for visiting our chat service. May I help you with your order today?
You: I was wondering if 4G phones like the Droid Bionic are eligible for the Prepaid Smartphone plans???
Kiara: I do apologize for the inconvenience, although the Bionic is not able to be pre paid
You: Are their any 4G phones available for the Prepaid plans?
You: And/or can you tell me if there are any plans to offer any???
Kiara: I do apologize although at this time there are not
You: Ok, thank you for your help
So, looks like you can't, at this time, use a 4G phone on their prepaid plans.
I currently have a Nexus S on T-mobile's $30 month prepaid plan (100 mins, unl. text, unl. data*throttled after 5GB), and I love it but I don't use my phone much for calls... I plan on getting the Galaxy Nexus and using it on this plan once it's available.

Yeah it looks like I'll have to wait for the galaxy nexus to drop on TMobile
WoW this sucksss.... It probably won't even come out until late December...
Maybe I should just import? No idea how it works but I want my nexus asap
Sent from the parietal lobe of your cerebral cortex.

Dmw017 said:
Yeah it looks like I'll have to wait for the galaxy nexus to drop on TMobile
WoW this sucksss.... It probably won't even come out until late December...
Maybe I should just import? No idea how it works but I want my nexus asap
Sent from the parietal lobe of your cerebral cortex.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look on the bright side... t-mo plans are cheaper than Verizon. So you'll save money if you switch. But then again tmo reception around your area would play a big role too.

ruthlesset said:
Look on the bright side... t-mo plans are cheaper than Verizon. So you'll save money if you switch. But then again tmo reception around your area would play a big role too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I looked into it and Tmobile is way better than Verizon. I live in NYC so reception shouldnt be a problem at all. Now I'm just trying to figure out if I should import the 16GB model or wait for the 32GB US model :/ bleh ... I wonder when Tmobile will be getting it

Dmw017 said:
Yeah it looks like I'll have to wait for the galaxy nexus to drop on TMobile
WoW this sucksss.... It probably won't even come out until late December...
Maybe I should just import? No idea how it works but I want my nexus asap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have T-mo service in the area then its sooo much better. Just wait, don't import. You'll probably have to buy it unlocked (probably best buy, just like Nexus S) but you'll be better off for it. You don't want to sign a 2year for a Nexus on VZW and get blocked tethering and crap on it.
---------- Post added at 07:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:12 PM ----------
Dmw017 said:
Yeah I looked into it and Tmobile is way better than Verizon. I live in NYC so reception shouldnt be a problem at all. Now I'm just trying to figure out if I should import the 16GB model or wait for the 32GB US model :/ bleh ... I wonder when Tmobile will be getting it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its all up in the air. As I said above ^, they might not "get it" officially at all. Might have to buy unlocked from Google/Best Buy.
But the winner is that the T-mo plans can be as low as 1/2 the price of VZW.

martonikaj said:
its all up in the air. As I said above ^, they might not "get it" officially at all. Might have to buy unlocked from Google/Best Buy.
But the winner is that the T-mo plans can be as low as 1/2 the price of VZW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually they have a $30 Prepaid plan with 100talk/unlimited text/ and unlimited data (5gb of 4G) -- available only on new line activation.
Btw can you clarify the "unlocked from google/best buy" part? Would I still have to use a sim card if Tmobile wont officially sell it

Dmw017 said:
Actually they have a $30 Prepaid plan with 100talk/unlimited text/ and unlimited data (5gb of 4G) -- available only on new line activation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea their prepay options are pretty epic. 100min is a bit low for most though. I was just referring to their postpay options that are pretty cheap too. I've looked into moving from my EM+ no-contract plan to a prepay lately actually.
Btw can you clarify the "unlocked from google/best buy" part? Would I still have to use a sim card if Tmobile wont officially sell it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you want my opinion I think they'll end up just selling it exactly like they did with the Nexus S. They sold it online, and they offered it via Best Buy unlocked. You'd buy the phone, then buy your service and get a SIM card from AT&T or T-mobile (or Simple Mobile, or whatever) separately and plug it in. The GN is pentaband HSPA+ and will work with pretty much any SIM in the world.

Dmw017 said:
Yeah I looked into it and Tmobile is way better than Verizon. I live in NYC so reception shouldnt be a problem at all. Now I'm just trying to figure out if I should import the 16GB model or wait for the 32GB US model :/ bleh ... I wonder when Tmobile will be getting it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Speaking from personal experience, the problem with T-Mobile in NYC is that as soon as you are a few feet below ground level, you lose signal. When you can get 5 bars, it's great, T-Mobile probably has the least congested network of anyone, and you enjoy superb 3/4G speeds. But you will be frustrated by how spotty the coverage is. Go 20 miles North to Westchester or 20 miles east to LI and you'll often find yourself exiting buildings to get a signal.

Chirality said:
Speaking from personal experience, the problem with T-Mobile in NYC is that as soon as you are a few feet below ground level, you lose signal. When you can get 5 bars, it's great, T-Mobile probably has the least congested network of anyone, and you enjoy superb 3/4G speeds. But you will be frustrated by how spotty the coverage is. Go 20 miles North to Westchester or 20 miles east to LI and you'll often find yourself exiting buildings to get a signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol that's alright I don't leave the city anyways. What I am wondering is what happens when you deplete your limited use of the 4g data (I'll get 5gb). Someone told me that you get bumped down to EDGE(2G) speeds, but I thought you only go down to 3G.
Sent from the parietal lobe of your cerebral cortex.

Dmw017 said:
Lol that's alright I don't leave the city anyways. What I am wondering is what happens when you deplete your limited use of the 4g data (I'll get 5gb). Someone told me that you get bumped down to EDGE(2G) speeds, but I thought you only go down to 3G.
Sent from the parietal lobe of your cerebral cortex.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I (and many others) explained in the other thread about T-mobile:
- You get 5GB of data, that's 4g/3g/2g.
- Once you use all 5GB in a month, you get throttled.
- Throttled speeds are in the range of what EDGE is, even though your phone still says "3G" up in the status bar.
- Once your billing period ends, you get a new 5GB batch of data.
There's no discerning between 4G and 3G by T-mobile. HSPA+ is just a fast version of T-mobile's 3G network. Its not separate.

Just curious has any one looked into metroPCS they say they allow any cdma phone on their network and they have lte. There speeds may not be the greatest and not the best coverage but the price is spot on and unlimited!

robertlawson225 said:
Just curious has any one looked into metroPCS they say they allow any cdma phone on their network and they have lte. There speeds may not be the greatest and not the best coverage but the price is spot on and unlimited!
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Don't think it'll work. You'd have to unlock it somehow, and even then I think theres going to be inconsistencies with the LTE frequencies they use, etc.

martonikaj said:
Don't think it'll work. You'd have to unlock it somehow, and even then I think theres going to be inconsistencies with the LTE frequencies they use, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought that all nexus devices where unlocked developer phones. also i just talked to metroPCS and they did say hardware wise any cdma ohone will work and so will the LTE but, there might be a problem with software incompatibilities. but if that is true i would think our fellow xda members would figure out how to fix any software problems

robertlawson225 said:
I thought that all nexus devices where unlocked developer phones. also i just talked to metroPCS and they did say hardware wise any cdma ohone will work and so will the LTE but, there might be a problem with software incompatibilities. but if that is true i would think our fellow xda members would figure out how to fix any software problems
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It won't be unlocked from the factory because 1) its CDMA/LTE with VZW specific bands, and 2) its being made to order for Verizon to subsidize it (which means they will SURELY dictate that its locked).
The Nexus devices have historically been sold full price without a carrier subsidy (and therefore are unlocked) because google wants them to be used anywhere in the world with any SIM card. This is different because there are carriers involved from the start (and the device is CDMA).
Also, I'm pretty sure the LTE won't be interoperable between the two carriers. Verizon will have their own proprietary network stack for use with their LTE service, and it uses slightly different frequencies from other carriers for LTE, specifically so that their devices won't be interoperable with other networks. They want you to buy a VZW phone and stay on VZW (dirty play, but that's how they roll).
Hope that clarifies things a little bit. Now no one knows for sure how much of the issues can be fixed with new firmware flashes, so I guess we'll see when it comes out. For example I know a lot of people use Sprint and Verizon phones with different custom firmware to run on networks like Virgin, Boost, and Cricket in order to cut down the monthly bill.

martonikaj said:
It won't be unlocked from the factory because 1) its CDMA/LTE with VZW specific bands, and 2) its being made to order for Verizon to subsidize it (which means they will SURELY dictate that its locked).
The Nexus devices have historically been sold full price without a carrier subsidy (and therefore are unlocked) because google wants them to be used anywhere in the world with any SIM card. This is different because there are carriers involved from the start (and the device is CDMA).
Also, I'm pretty sure the LTE won't be interoperable between the two carriers. Verizon will have their own proprietary network stack for use with their LTE service, and it uses slightly different frequencies from other carriers for LTE, specifically so that their devices won't be interoperable with other networks. They want you to buy a VZW phone and stay on VZW (dirty play, but that's how they roll).
Hope that clarifies things a little bit. Now no one knows for sure how much of the issues can be fixed with new firmware flashes, so I guess we'll see when it comes out. For example I know a lot of people use Sprint and Verizon phones with different custom firmware to run on networks like Virgin, Boost, and Cricket in order to cut down the monthly bill.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well lets just hope some one out there can figure out how to make a phone like this run on a reasonabale priced carrier well other than t-mobile

AT&T's Windows Phones will be compatible with T-Mobile's HSPA+, LTE

It's official: T-Mobile will rolling out HSPA+ on 1900MHz PCS band and LTE on 1700Mhz AWS band.
What does this mean? All of AT&T current Windows Phones will be compatible with T-Mobile HSPA+ network. What's more, the Nokia Lumia 900 and HTC Titan II will be compatible with T-Mobile's LTE network in addition to HSPA+.
For those of you waiting for high end Windows Phones on T-Mobile and don't want to be stuck with EDGE/GRPS network, the wait is (almost) over.

illegaloperation said:
It's official: T-Mobile will rolling out HSPA+ on 1900MHz PCS band and LTE on 1700Mhz AWS band.
What does this mean? All of AT&T current Windows Phones will be compatible with T-Mobile HSPA+ network. What's more, the Nokia Lumia 900 and HTC Titan II will be compatible with T-Mobile's LTE network in addition to HSPA+.
For those of you waiting for high end Windows Phones on T-Mobile and don't want to be stuck with EDGE/GRPS network, the wait is (almost) over.
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Llink please.
I can't believe phone carriers would allow this in the US. Maybe someone got drunk and forgot about vender lock in ?
Swee !

ohgood said:
Llink please.
I can't believe phone carriers would allow this in the US. Maybe someone got drunk and forgot about vender lock in ?
Swee !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go: Engadget
The phones will still require carrier unlocking to work.

I wish it were the otherway around, I'd love to use my HD2 with 3G. Very good news for T-Mobile customers though. Lumia 900's for all!

illegaloperation said:
Here you go: Engadget
The phones will still require carrier unlocking to work.
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good job.
still can't believe att and tmo will share a radio. maybe they already know something we don't about using one phone on the other's towers ?
hmm, i smell a rat ! (att, tmo, both of them ;-)

This is because of the T-Mobile/AT&T Merger break up. AT&T had to pay T-Mobile $4 billion. This & the drop in 2G usage has allowed T-Mobile to use some of their 1900 band 2G bandwidth for 3G HSDPA+ & that will free up the some of the 1700's bandwidth for LTE. All hardware is pretty much in place, they just need to patch it with a firmware update. At least this is what I understand from an articled posted in another thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=23516268&postcount=2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=23518941&postcount=3

drkfngthdragnlrd said:
This is because of the T-Mobile/AT&T Merger break up. AT&T had to pay T-Mobile $4 billion. This & the drop in 2G usage has allowed T-Mobile to use some of their 1900 band 2G bandwidth for 3G HSDPA+ & that will free up the some of the 1700's bandwidth for LTE. All hardware is pretty much in place, they just need to patch it with a firmware update. At least this is what I understand from an articled posted in another thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=23516268&postcount=2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=23518941&postcount=3
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i have been thinking the same thing... since the GSM System for 2G is dropping quite fast.
The band for 1900 is definitely supported by AT&T / World Phone right now.
Well, i don't really now, i have just moved to AT&T for about half of a year and may come back with T-Mobile with 2-years contract... who knows...

Strike_Eagle said:
i have been thinking the same thing... since the GSM System for 2G is dropping quite fast.
The band for 1900 is definitely supported by AT&T / World Phone right now.
Well, i don't really now, i have just moved to AT&T for about half of a year and may come back with T-Mobile with 2-years contract... who knows...
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Click to collapse
I can't wait for this. I've always wanted the HTC Titan or Titan 2, but neither were available for T-Mobile's 3G. Now I'll be able to just get an AT&T one. Still contemplating on waiting though to see what WP8 device show up. Hopefully a Titan 3 with SD Card slot, Dual Core, etc. I love my T-Mobile service & price. We have 4 lines with unlimited Talk & Text + Unlimited 2G High Speed Data on 3 lines for about $250 a month after taxes & fees. AT&T would almost twice that & their data isn't unlimited.

drkfngthdragnlrd said:
I can't wait for this. I've always wanted the HTC Titan or Titan 2, but neither were available for T-Mobile's 3G. Now I'll be able to just get an AT&T one. Still contemplating on waiting though to see what WP8 device show up. Hopefully a Titan 3 with SD Card slot, Dual Core, etc. I love my T-Mobile service & price. We have 4 lines with unlimited Talk & Text + Unlimited 2G High Speed Data on 3 lines for about $250 a month after taxes & fees. AT&T would almost twice that & their data isn't unlimited.
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Click to collapse
Well, yeah... hope so...
The HTC Titan doesn't seem to be hot anymore... It made the quiet withdraw from UK market... i don't know how it is doing at Us market, AT&T said it has 100% Pos reports.

A good smack in the face to those who love to bash T-mobile.

Not to rain on everyone's parade, but isn't this old news? Has been making the rounds for weeks if not months. The "refarming" started in the NW and is expected to roll out by year-end, if I recall.

I'm in the NW (Seattle, near T-Mo's USA HQ) and it hasn't started here yet.

Since Tmobile doesn't have the iPhone they should be getting the exclusivity and high end windows phones
Sent from my Venue Pro using XDA Windows Phone 7 App

ohgood said:
good job.
still can't believe att and tmo will share a radio. maybe they already know something we don't about using one phone on the other's towers ?
hmm, i smell a rat ! (att, tmo, both of them ;-)
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Don't see why not, in the UK there are 4/5 big players and all the phones work on all of them. It's a great system, we have proper freedom of choice.

Wonder if this means that someday "E" will disappear and "3G" will pop up on my Lumia 800?

Rusty! said:
Don't see why not, in the UK there are 4/5 big players and all the phones work on all of them. It's a great system, we have proper freedom of choice.
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Yeah, that doesn't exist here. The only real 'freedom' we have is to be exploited. I digress.
I like the idea of being able to move my Lumia 800 to TMO. It's a shame my data plan is so damn good.

apollo15rover said:
Wonder if this means that someday "E" will disappear and "3G" will pop up on my Lumia 800?
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Click to collapse
not sure but who knows, it might soon according to this.

this would be ridiculous. If I could straight up bet a 900, and take it t-mo, i'd bust a nut on the At&t counter! their plans are straight up rape!
my t-mo plan 500 min, unlim msg'ing, and 5gb @ 4g = $59
at&t 450 min, unlim msg'ing and 3gb @ 4g = $89
Plus, t-mo is the only carrier that removes the increased cost of them subziding the phone when you buy the phone straight up. so if you buy the phone at full price, your plans are about $20 cheaper!
genius.
I really hope is right cause i really want a 900, but I refuse to be raped by at&t

apollo15rover said:
Wonder if this means that someday "E" will disappear and "3G" will pop up on my Lumia 800?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The answer is yes.

Krissrock said:
this would be ridiculous. If I could straight up bet a 900, and take it t-mo, i'd bust a nut on the At&t counter! their plans are straight up rape!
my t-mo plan 500 min, unlim msg'ing, and 5gb @ 4g = $59
at&t 450 min, unlim msg'ing and 3gb @ 4g = $89
Plus, t-mo is the only carrier that removes the increased cost of them subziding the phone when you buy the phone straight up. so if you buy the phone at full price, your plans are about $20 cheaper!
genius.
I really hope is right cause i really want a 900, but I refuse to be raped by at&t
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Click to collapse
a funny as hell tongue-in-cheek take on the truth.

Can't get LTE to work on Bell

I got the SIM card replaced this weekend ... APN settings are OK ... LTE enabled in Settings --> More --> Mobile networks --> Network mode.
It's not a question of coverage as my GF's iPhone 5 gets full LTE whereas mine says H+ when placed next to one another.
Only thing I did to the phone is to root it via the "No tripping flash counter" method and have TWRP recovery installed.
Any hint ??

do you have a LTE sim card?

HiKsFiles said:
I got the SIM card replaced this weekend
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Yes!
I had one, the tech at the Bell store replaced it with a new one just in case it was defective... still no LTE.

I know may be silly, but my two cents, is your plan LTE enabled? certain plans with data are note "LTE" ready.. at least that goes for my Fido network.

True that I'm on some grandfathered plan... I'll probably have to check this out.
I'll wait for JB to come out first as I want to return the phone to a totally stock state first.
I'll do some further testing on a stock ROM.
When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth!

bobo89 said:
I know may be silly, but my two cents, is your plan LTE enabled? certain plans with data are note "LTE" ready.. at least that goes for my Fido network.
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^^^this. if your plan is a bit older it is more than likley not LTE ready. I had to change my plan on rogers when I got my S3, update to LTE..didnt cost me anything extra but I upgraded the plan anyway.
how old is your grandfathered plan? anything more than a couple years and that is more than likely your issue.

Wasn't silly at all after all!
Just got off the phone with, first a tech and then retention...
The tech confirmed to me that my good ol' unlimited data plan is, as expected, not LTE ready. héhéhé
She proposed to transfer me to customer service, which I denied and asked to be transfered to retention instead.
The retention guy gave me the 6Go/month for 30$ promo that's not available anymore without having to argue with him.
All in all, good service ... too bad I lost my unlimited data plan, but 6Go/month is more than enough for me.

HiKsFiles said:
Wasn't silly at all after all!
Just got off the phone with, first a tech and then retention...
The tech confirmed to me that my good ol' unlimited data plan is, as expected, not LTE ready. héhéhé
She proposed to transfer me to customer service, which I denied and asked to be transfered to retention instead.
The retention guy gave me the 6Go/month for 30$ promo that's not available anymore without having to argue with him.
All in all, good service ... too bad I lost my unlimited data plan, but 6Go/month is more than enough for me.
Click to expand...
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If you had any other data plan I was gonna say you could just ask the tech rep to add the lte provisioning code to your account and you'd be good to go.
The problem you actually would have encountered if you did that though is that no unlimited data plans (consumer or corporate) are able to be provisioned with lte. 6gb is the best plan out for you with lte though, hope its worth it. Personally I'd take unlimited.

Didn't know they could add the provisioning code to make the plan LTE enabled on an individual basis but, then again, I'm happy with the 6Gb plan.
By the contract terms, I couldn't tether the unlimited data plan whereas I can with the 6Gb one ... and I need to tether quite often!

You sure its not Telus, Bell sucky LTE Coverage? I live in Toronto, I just bought the Gs3 I get Lte downtown but as soon as i'm in the Weston rd and finch only 4g....at work in Dairy Rd and 427 only 4g I hardly ever see LTE icon....so disappointing as speeds are amazing on LTE but I never see them.

AT&T iPhone 4S ---> Note II, without changing data plan?

I want to switch from an iPhone 4S to the note II (international or at&t) by swapping sim cards. Can this be done with data working? I tried it with a galaxy sII skyrocket LTE, and data did not work at all. I expected at least 3G and HSDPA+.
Talked to AT&T and they said I have to change the data plan. But google searches have revealed that I should be able to switch without calling them and at least get 3G/HSDPA data.
Anyone have any insight?

okashira said:
I want to switch from an iPhone 4S to the note II (international or at&t) by swapping sim cards. Can this be done with data working? I tried it with a galaxy sII skyrocket LTE, and data did not work at all. I expected at least 3G and HSDPA+.
Talked to AT&T and they said I have to change the data plan. But google searches have revealed that I should be able to switch without calling them and at least get 3G/HSDPA data.
Anyone have any insight?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can get 3g but you won't get lte since the 4S isn't LTE. You just need the correct APNs. Try wap.cingular, or phone. I stopped changing my plan cause I switched too often and hated all the stupid prorations

okashira said:
I want to switch from an iPhone 4S to the note II (international or at&t) by swapping sim cards. Can this be done with data working? I tried it with a galaxy sII skyrocket LTE, and data did not work at all. I expected at least 3G and HSDPA+.
Talked to AT&T and they said I have to change the data plan. But google searches have revealed that I should be able to switch without calling them and at least get 3G/HSDPA data.
Anyone have any insight?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not understanding your goal. I had an unlimited data plan for my iPhone $30/mo. When I upgraded my phone to SGN2, I now have the data plan for LTE unlimited at $30/mo as a grandfathered data plan.
Of couse this plan is acually throttled now (after 5GB?), but it is, what it is. Same Family phone plan, same price, similar data plan, same price.

ZedZardoz said:
I'm not understanding your goal. I had an unlimited data plan for my iPhone $30/mo. When I upgraded my phone to SGN2, I now have the data plan for LTE unlimited at $30/mo as a grandfathered data plan.
Of couse this plan is acually throttled now (after 5GB?), but it is, what it is. Same Family phone plan, same price, similar data plan, same price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I need to do it without changing the plan. I think we have the answer though... change the APN. I will update when I get a chance to try it,

Changing the APN worked. Got HSDPA+. AT&T lied to me, not suprisingly.
Guess I might as well buy the international note II, since I wont be using LTE, unless there is some other advantage to the AT&T note II?

Not really. Just an fyi, if you switch off ios make sure to turn off I message or your friends will see blue before green
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2

also even though u are on an unlimited plan my understanding is they will throttle u after a certain ammount.

If it was my money, I wouldn't be using AT&T.

As you've already experienced, AT&T reps are under no obligation to tell you the truth, time and time again. I've swapped my sim between many 3g phones with nary a phone call over the years.
I think the only advantage to getting an AT&T Note 2 is when you migrate to an unlimited LTE plan, you get throttled at 5 gigs instead of 3.
Otherwise, stick with what ya got and stick it to the man!

okashira said:
I want to switch from an iPhone 4S to the note II (international or at&t) by swapping sim cards. Can this be done with data working? I tried it with a galaxy sII skyrocket LTE, and data did not work at all. I expected at least 3G and HSDPA+.
Talked to AT&T and they said I have to change the data plan. But google searches have revealed that I should be able to switch without calling them and at least get 3G/HSDPA data.
Anyone have any insight?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if my work around means much to you... but I had a iPhone 4S and got into a Note II and was able to keep my Grandfathered Data plan.
How I did it...
My phone being a 4S was not eligible for an upgrade but my wife's iPhone 4 was. So I used her upgrade to get the Note II and had AT&T do a crossover on the lines. So now my wife has my 4S and I have the Note 2 with the same data packages.
The downside at first was the swap caused our texting plans to dissolve, but in the end AT&T was able to offer me a better deal with unlimited texting and cell calls for $20 less a month. Not sure if it was just the tech guy who was able to swing the offer as they have a bit more power to make the customer happy over sales.
I had found out I had no texting after the fact and support hooked me up with all sorts of goodies and was the one who highlighted how I could save some cash.

Reps like to lie. They can't force you off the grandfathered data... I just upgraded again and kept my data No need to jump through hoops. Just double check after they are done .

I also was able to keep my unlimited data plan from my iPhone when I upgraded to the Note 2 (which will be here tomorrow, woot!).

Cheeze[iT] said:
Reps like to lie. They can't force you off the grandfathered data...
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Click to collapse
I don't understand why AT&T doesn't just declare an end to grandfathered unlimited data, rather than officially continuing to support it while often denying it unless the customer puts up a fight. Is AT&T legally forced for some reason to continue the grandfathered plans?

Gary02468 said:
I don't understand why AT&T doesn't just declare an end to grandfathered unlimited data, rather than officially continuing to support it while often denying it unless the customer puts up a fight. Is AT&T legally forced for some reason to continue the grandfathered plans?
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Click to collapse
Well once you sign a contract I don't think they can change your plan without giving you an early out option. When you aren't under contract anymore I guess they figure you may leave if they don't let you keep it so they grandfather you into another two years with unlimited data...just a guess and I could be wrong.

I have transferred my AT&T Unlimited Data Plan from several phones. Sometimes I was told I could not keep the unlimited plan if I wanted LTE, but I asked to speak with a supervisor and it always got resolved. Most recently I transferred my SIM card from an international Galaxy S3 to the Galaxy Note 2 (AT&T version) and beforehand checked to be sure I could keep my unlimited data plan. I was and the transfer was uneventful and everything continues to work great.

I did exactly what you want with no problems. You probably just talked to a bad representative.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317

Thank-you to all of you who shared your experience. I can hardly control my urge to dump my iPhone 4S in favor of the Note II. Obviously, I am in the same boat like many of you. I was thinking about the wife-phone-switcheroo but she got her phone just about a year ago... I'll keep an eye on this thread an share my experience whenever I made the move!

okashira said:
I want to switch from an iPhone 4S to the note II (international or at&t) by swapping sim cards. Can this be done with data working? I tried it with a galaxy sII skyrocket LTE, and data did not work at all. I expected at least 3G and HSDPA+.
Talked to AT&T and they said I have to change the data plan. But google searches have revealed that I should be able to switch without calling them and at least get 3G/HSDPA data.
Anyone have any insight?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made this exact switch, and had zero problems whatsoever. In fact, my eyes widened when the rep told me that I would keep my unlimited plan, and she laughed and told me that that is the policy. I thought for sure that I was going to lose it.