UK HOX being used in USA - HTC One X

Evening folks,
I've got an unlocked HOX on 3's network and will be travelling to the USA next month on holiday. Rather than pay the horrific roaming charges they want, I'd like to just insert a US prepay micro SIM and use it while I'm there. I'm not so much interested in the amount of talk time or texts I get, but I'd like to be able to use some data while I'm there (perhaps 100Mb?).
Have any of you had experience with taking your unlocked HOX to the US and using data on a prepaid SIM? If so, what would you recommend?
TIA,
10x...

10xOXR said:
Evening folks,
I've got an unlocked HOX on 3's network and will be travelling to the USA next month on holiday. Rather than pay the horrific roaming charges they want, I'd like to just insert a US prepay micro SIM and use it while I'm there. I'm not so much interested in the amount of talk time or texts I get, but I'd like to be able to use some data while I'm there (perhaps 100Mb?).
Have any of you had experience with taking your unlocked HOX to the US and using data on a prepaid SIM? If so, what would you recommend?
TIA,
10x...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In us you have 1 choice for a pre paid micro sim. 2 depending on where your gonna be. If you headed south you might me able to get cricket. they are a prepaid company that just started to sell the 4S. You also might be able to use H20 but I'm not sure if they support micro SD or not. But AT&T will not give you a pre paid micro SD card. I tried they will give you a prepaid standard size sim card you can use a sim cutter the put it in your HOX. assuming the one x will accept in. They us the same 1900mhz band so i don't see why not. Yor last hope will be t-mobile they will sell you a prepaid micro SD card and you can use them just about anywhere in use. Only down side is T-mobile use the 1700mhz band for 4G. So your gonna be stuck on slow 2G(Edge) data speeds because thats the network that use the 1900mhz band. they have only a hand full of cites that use the 1900mhz band for 4G so depending on where you are you might get lucky. Hope this helped you.

VIIRU§ said:
In us you have 1 choice for a pre paid micro sim. 2 depending on where your gonna be. If you headed south you might me able to get cricket. they are a prepaid company that just started to sell the 4S. You also might be able to use H20 but I'm not sure if they support micro SD or not. But AT&T will not give you a pre paid micro SD card. I tried thy will wive you a prepaid standard size sim card you can use a sim cutter the but is your HOX. assuming the one x will accept in. They us the same 1900mhz band so i don't see why not. Yor last hope will be t-mobile they will sell you a prepaid micro SD card and you can use them just about anywhere in use. Only down side is T-mobile use the 1700mhz band for 4G. So your gonna be stuck on slow 2G(Edge) data speeds because thats the network that use the 1900mhz band. they have only a hand full of cites that use the 1900mhz band for 4G so depending on where you are you might get lucky. Hope this helped you.
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Click to collapse
Should I just be able to pick up an AT&T SIM here in the UK, activate it just before I go, then add credit when I'm there? Would I have to buy some sort of expensive data plan?

10xOXR said:
Should I just be able to pick up an AT&T SIM here in the UK, activate it just before I go, then add credit when I'm there? Would I have to buy some sort of expensive data plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't recommend it cause the S/N # will still be from the UK
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

Resolved! I spoke at length with an AT&T advisor and was told that all I had to do was go to any of their stores, ask for a $50 Unlimited Plan prepaid micro-SIM, and use that. Unlimited calls, texts, and data for the month that I'll be in the US. I made absolutely certain that she understood I'd be using my unlocked HOX bought in the UK and she stated that'd be fine. Most excellent!

10xOXR said:
Resolved! I spoke at length with an AT&T advisor and was told that all I had to do was go to any of their stores, ask for a $50 Unlimited Plan prepaid micro-SIM, and use that. Unlimited calls, texts, and data for the month that I'll be in the US. I made absolutely certain that she understood I'd be using my unlocked HOX bought in the UK and she stated that'd be fine. Most excellent!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice. Good luck with everything bro.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

10xOXR said:
Resolved! I spoke at length with an AT&T advisor and was told that all I had to do was go to any of their stores, ask for a $50 Unlimited Plan prepaid micro-SIM, and use that. Unlimited calls, texts, and data for the month that I'll be in the US. I made absolutely certain that she understood I'd be using my unlocked HOX bought in the UK and she stated that'd be fine. Most excellent!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With one possible exception. The $50 plan isn't for smartphones. People trying to use the i9300 in the U.S. on that plan have been consistanly flagged and told via text message that they need to buy a smartphone data add-on.
Here's the info from AT&T's website...
Data Packages
Access the Web, email, Facebook, social networks, and more! Data packages are available with the $50 Unlimited Monthly Plan and the $25 Monthly Plan. Smartphone users must purchase a data package with an eligible plan to use data/Web services.
$25 for 1 GB
$15 for 200 MB
$5 for 50 MB
http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/plans/prepaidplans.html

BarryH_GEG said:
With one possible exception. The $50 plan isn't for smartphones. People trying to use the i9300 in the U.S. on that plan have been consistanly flagged and told via text message that they need to buy a smartphone data add-on.
Here's the info from AT&T's website...
Data Packages
Access the Web, email, Facebook, social networks, and more! Data packages are available with the $50 Unlimited Monthly Plan and the $25 Monthly Plan. Smartphone users must purchase a data package with an eligible plan to use data/Web services.
$25 for 1 GB
$15 for 200 MB
$5 for 50 MB
http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/plans/prepaidplans.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See bro AT&T is sneaky go with the t-mobile. Att customer care will tell u one thing but not all store go by those rules trust me I know
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

Related

[Q] Data plans in the US

I will be touring the US this summer and i'd like to find out which US carrier offers a decent data plan so i could roam the country using google maps & navigation. i would need around 1 or 2 GB dataplan for a month time.
I don't want to buy another phone or make two-year contracts. Anyone knows which carrier i should turn to ? I will traveling in the north east (NY-Mass-Maine-Vermont)
many thanks
The US isn't like Europe when it comes to things like this. You generally can't just go buy a SIM card to use for a short period of time, at least not if you want a data connection. You can get a cheap prepaid phone from AT&T or T-Mobile, remove the SIM card and put it in your phone, but unless things have changed recently, you'll be paying quite a bit for data, depending on how much you use. AT&T and T-Mobile are going to be your only two options when it comes to prepaid GSM here.
AT&T is in the process of buying out T-Mobile right now as well, so probably by the time you are here, you might only have the AT&T option anyway.
AT&T has a prepaid SIM for $2/day (only on days you use it) unlimited talk and text with a data add-on option of 100mb/month for $20. I have one but switch off background data and use wifi whenever I can. I don't know if you can purchase additional 100mb data blocks within the same month. Check out https://www.paygonline.com/websc/index.jsp
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
AT&t ask for a sim. with a line under no contract, since you will not need equipment. Get a number unlimited minutes and unlimited web and text is 90$ a month and less if you need less.
Go to a corporate owned store and walk out with an activated sim for free. Call 611 and tweak your plan with a Rep.
Now the important part is never tell them you are using a smart phone. Tell them its made in Antarctica or something. If they need an imei make one up, as no company has a list other than their branded equipment.
Also if your staying a while message me and route customer relations for a 25$ credit a month for 3 mos. Its simple. Like butter.
Happy trails.
Need to know if a8181, a8182, or a8183. Or specific umts frq. You are using for 3g speeds. Ex. A8183 is 850mhz and 2100 MHz umts.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
thank you for the info, i'll try it out
cheers

Question about T-mobile service

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
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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.
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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
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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

Android app for calls internationally?

I am going to Israel and need a app that can provide me with a International number (obviously using the web -- sorta like google voice but i need to accept phone calls also and the whole thing needs to be thru the web as any calls i make would be considered roaming ) obviously I'd like something that is cheap and would also allow for txt messages.
I dont know why it would matter but I have a verizon plan. I'll be using WIFI mostly but will be purchasing the 100 mb international plan
Thank You
Shalom man u should go into any cellstore there buy a unlimited orange gsm card for internet then get skype international and ur in business mamish like 25 the whole thing unlimit u can't go wrong..good luck dude lshana habo biyrshlyim.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
worldpants said:
Shalom man u should go into any cellstore there buy a unlimited orange gsm card for internet then get skype international and ur in business mamish like 25 the whole thing unlimit u can't go wrong..good luck dude lshana habo biyrshlyim.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He has a Verizon (CDMA) phone. He can't simply pop in a standard SIM.
galaxy nexus - in israel
patruns said:
He has a Verizon (CDMA) phone. He can't simply pop in a standard SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so what would you recommend to get the galaxy nexus to work in israel?
or should i just rent another cell phone?
and if so, go with one of the many places that rent phones (amigo?) or rent one at a store once there?
thanks
kingsfan33 said:
so what would you recommend to get the galaxy nexus to work in israel?
or should i just rent another cell phone?
and if so, go with one of the many places that rent phones (amigo?) or rent one at a store once there?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would just buy a cheap unlocked gsm phone here in the states and buy a sim card once I get to my destination. I would imagine international roaming is quite pricey, both for data and voice, and its cheaper and less complex to just switch to a gsm phone for the duration of the stay.
mendezj666 said:
I would just buy a cheap unlocked gsm phone here in the states and buy a sim card once I get to my destination. I would imagine international roaming is quite pricey, both for data and voice, and its cheaper and less complex to just switch to a gsm phone for the duration of the stay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any recommendation for a place to pickup a sim in israel?
thx
kingsfan33 said:
any recommendation for a place to pickup a sim in israel?
thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, the Minister of Communications really shook up the market here, and now there are like 5 new cell companies, and all are offering unlimited Calls, SMS and data (3GB) for 99 NIS a month (~$25) and the Sim cards usually cost a one-time fee of 40 NIS, no contracts, you can disconnect any time you want without fees by law here.
I just moved over to Golan Telecom, which are great, but you can only receive a sim card by ordering one off the Internet, and it takes about 4 days to arrive.
If you don't want to, or can't, go with Rami Levy (yup, the supermarket chain). I was very happy with them before I moved to golan telecom, and they now also offer an unlimited plan, with 1GB data plan, for 88 NIS a month, and the sim card costs the same, but you can pick it up in-store.
And as far as bringing the Gnex here, I'm pretty sure you can't use a CDMA phone here yet... I'll post the frequencies doc here when I find it and you can figure out if your phone will work here and on what provider.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
-Psycho- said:
Honestly, the Minister of Communications really shook up the market here, and now there are like 5 new cell companies, and all are offering unlimited Calls, SMS and data (3GB) for 99 NIS a month (~$25) and the Sim cards usually cost a one-time fee of 40 NIS, no contracts, you can disconnect any time you want without fees by law here.
I just moved over to Golan Telecom, which are great, but you can only receive a sim card by ordering one off the Internet, and it takes about 4 days to arrive.
If you don't want to, or can't, go with Rami Levy (yup, the supermarket chain). I was very happy with them before I moved to golan telecom, and they now also offer an unlimited plan, with 1GB data plan, for 88 NIS a month, and the sim card costs the same, but you can pick it up in-store.
And as far as bringing the Gnex here, I'm pretty sure you can't use a CDMA phone here yet... I'll post the frequencies doc here when I find it and you can figure out if your phone will work here and on what provider.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx a lot, lots of useful info...
If i google israel sim card there is so much out there
Can you recommend a site to get the sim youre referring to?
Thx again
kingsfan33 said:
Thx a lot, lots of useful info...
If i google israel sim card there is so much out there
Can you recommend a site to get the sim youre referring to?
Thx again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, here it is - Golan Telecom
Oh, btw, forgot to mention, Golan Telecom also offers free international calls to 30 something countries (landlines), and to the USA and Canada for free also to cell phones (and the International numbers that aren't for free are for a ridiculously low price, you can look around at the site.
In any case other companies offer very similar deals as well, with free international calls, I can just tell you from my experience that it's pretty hassle free and the costumer service is good (in comparison to other companies where I've waited for over an hour on the phone, they usually answer right away, 3 mins tops).
No matter what company you choose, if you encounter trouble with the internet connection, some companies (like mine) require you set up the APNs manually. Highly recommend APN Israel app, just one click and your set.
Finally, as promised, here's the frequency list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtSH6N4JBcwrdGdEaXRwaU0zczRnS1dOTW1EQTNsZGc
Good luck!
PS. I am not an employee of Golan Telecom or anything of the sort, just a really happy customer. I can just as well recommend Rami Levy, and Orange, all of which I was happy with, but for my own needs Golan Telecom was best for me
Psycho has a lot of useful information in his post and you have a few options. Anytime I travel internationally, I buy a sim card on ebay and get it sent to me from the US. Then, depending if they allow it, activate it here in the US or wait until I arrive in the country Im going to. I always buy prepaid and most sim cards already have credit on them. This way will be more expensive than if you were to just buy the sim card when you are in the country you are visiting but I have found it worth the extra cost. Once activated in the US, I will already have my international number for my family/friends to call me and just give them that number before I leave. Its all a matter of preference and convenience so just have to find out what works for you. GL and wish I could provide more info specific to Israel.
mendezj666 said:
Psycho has a lot of useful information in his post and you have a few options. Anytime I travel internationally, I buy a sim card on ebay and get it sent to me from the US. Then, depending if they allow it, activate it here in the US or wait until I arrive in the country Im going to. I always buy prepaid and most sim cards already have credit on them. This way will be more expensive than if you were to just buy the sim card when you are in the country you are visiting but I have found it worth the extra cost. Once activated in the US, I will already have my international number for my family/friends to call me and just give them that number before I leave. Its all a matter of preference and convenience so just have to find out what works for you. GL and wish I could provide more info specific to Israel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was told that unless you have an Israeli ID/passport that you cannot just go into any super market and buy a sim card.
Of course the person telling me this was a company similar to talknsave that wants $7 a day per phone + $1 for US #. (for 2 phones it really adds up).
I am leaving this Sunday 9/23, so any help asap would be appreciated.
Thanks!
p.s. I did get the Galaxy Nexus International gsm version that is unlocked for this trip.
kingsfan33 said:
I was told that unless you have an Israeli ID/passport that you cannot just go into any super market and buy a sim card.
Of course the person telling me this was a company similar to talknsave that wants $7 a day per phone + $1 for US #. (for 2 phones it really adds up).
I am leaving this Sunday 9/23, so any help asap would be appreciated.
Thanks!
p.s. I did get the Galaxy Nexus International gsm version that is unlocked for this trip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just talked to my companies customer service, and you're right. I wasn't aware of that. You do need an Israeli ID number and address.
After discussing it with the rep, if you have someone in Israel who you can purchase the card just under his name and address, then you're good to go.
You won't be able to (at least with Golan Telecom, I'm assuming it's the same with all the companies) freeze the account completely for future use, but rather lower the bill to the basic 10 NIS (~$2.5) a month plan. But unless you're really traveling every couple of months you're better off just canceling the account and buying a new sim card next time you come for 40 NIS...
Thanks a lot lot!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

S4 on Tmobile prepaid plan

I'm on the $30 prepaid plan. Can I just walk into a Tmobile store, give them my current number, pay cash for the phone, and start using it with the prepaid plan, or do I have to go through the "get a new plan and cancel" routine?
productivity ighlking
I never succeeded in buying the phone outright, not even from their website. Got mine from Newegg, shipped to my door in less than 24 hours.
$695.99 + $9.99 next day shipping, didn't even charge me tax in CA.
Yup, I know from experience.
Ugh, that doesn't sound good. The models listed on Newegg do NOT sound like they support Tmobile 4g.
Maybe I'll get the Google version. Sigh....
RobertR3750 said:
I'm on the $30 prepaid plan. Can I just walk into a Tmobile store, give them my current number, pay cash for the phone, and start using it with the prepaid plan, or do I have to go through the "get a new plan and cancel" routine?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile, as of now, won't sell an S4 unless you get a new plan.
The only way to get an S4 from a T-Mobile store is as follows:
Get the $50 plan and pay for the phone fully up front.
A day or two after, cancel the plan.
Go to a T-Mobile store and buy a new SIM activation kit for $10.
Activate the new SIM card on their website and select the $30 plan.
IMMEDIATELY, call T-Mobile and get them to combine your old account(the one with your phone #, not the one you just canceled) with the new one and make sure they keep your old number, the new plan, and change nothing else.
If you port your # to Google Voice, or don't care about losing your old number, then you don't need to do the last step.
thehelios said:
T-Mobile, as of now, won't sell an S4 unless you get a new plan.
.
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I'm on prepaid - not even the $30/month prepaid but the 10 cents/minute prepaid. Of course, I don't get data but wifi is avail. most of the places I go - and if I really need data I pony up for the $3/day plan. Then switch back to 10 cents/minute plan before midnight. I really enjoy paying only ~$150/year for service. Anyway.
I Walked into the local T-Mobile store on May 15th, told them I was prepaid and wanted to buy it outright. They first rung it up for $659, but I reminded them they quoted me a price of $629 a few weeks before. They also went over to the display model - and sure enough it says $629 - so they changed it. I bought a D30 screen protector and case. They said I could get any other accessory of equal or or less value for free. They transferred my account to the micro-sim card for free and I was out the door. No hassles.
I had a similar experience buying the S3 last year in another local T-Mobile store. They both seemed happy to take my money and help me with a sim transfer even though I was prepaid.
I don't see why they wouldn't allow you to buy the GS4 full price and put it on prepaid. that is what I am planning on doing
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
bthurber said:
I'm on prepaid - not even the $30/month prepaid but the 10 cents/minute prepaid. Of course, I don't get data but wifi is avail. most of the places I go - and if I really need data I pony up for the $3/day plan. Then switch back to 10 cents/minute plan before midnight. I really enjoy paying only ~$150/year for service. Anyway.
I Walked into the local T-Mobile store on May 15th, told them I was prepaid and wanted to buy it outright. They first rung it up for $659, but I reminded them they quoted me a price of $629 a few weeks before. They also went over to the display model - and sure enough it says $629 - so they changed it. I bought a D30 screen protector and case. They said I could get any other accessory of equal or or less value for free. They transferred my account to the micro-sim card for free and I was out the door. No hassles.
I had a similar experience buying the S3 last year in another local T-Mobile store. They both seemed happy to take my money and help me with a sim transfer even though I was prepaid.
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Thanks for sharing your experience. It seems the best strategy will be to attempt what you did (perhaps at more than one store) and resort to getting a new line as a backup plan.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda app-developers app
RobertR3750 said:
Ugh, that doesn't sound good. The models listed on Newegg do NOT sound like they support Tmobile 4g.
Maybe I'll get the Google version. Sigh....
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Yea, they do, I just bought one days ago. You select T-Mobile and pick your phone.
jkuczy16 said:
I don't see why they wouldn't allow you to buy the GS4 full price and put it on prepaid. that is what I am planning on doing
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
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I wish I knew. I called 6 of the nearest T-Mobile stores in my area and called in to customer service and they all said they couldn't sell me an S4 unless I got it with one of their post-paid plans. For y'all who were able to do it w/o getting a post-paid plan, you lucky dogs! It makes the process of getting an S4 so much easier.
thehelios said:
I wish I knew. I called 6 of the nearest T-Mobile stores in my area and called in to customer service and they all said they couldn't sell me an S4 unless I got it with one of their post-paid plans. For y'all who were able to do it w/o getting a post-paid plan, you lucky dogs! It makes the process of getting an S4 so much easier.
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You get one here: http://wireless.newegg.com/eCommerce/SpecialOffer.aspx?cid=35159_80ed17d885e9458f9c935fbee930efc4 and select "replacement device" or buy one on ebay. Then you grab a t-mobile micro sim from their prepaid website for $10 and activate it on the $30 plan boom you got a GS4 on T-Mobile's Prepaid $30.
jrccomputer said:
You get one here: http://wireless.newegg.com/eCommerce/SpecialOffer.aspx?cid=35159_80ed17d885e9458f9c935fbee930efc4 and select "replacement device" or buy one on ebay. Then you grab a t-mobile micro sim from their prepaid website for $10 and activate it on the $30 plan boom you got a GS4 on T-Mobile's Prepaid $30.
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Thanks, that certainly sounds hassle-free. Since I'm already on the $30 plan, can I safely assume I could simply put my current sim in the phone and be good to go?
RobertR3750 said:
Thanks, that certainly sounds hassle-free. Since I'm already on the $30 plan, can I safely assume I could simply put my current sim in the phone and be good to go?
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What phone do you have now? The gs4 uses a micro sim which might be different then your current sim. If you have a micro sim your good to go.
Sent from my SPH-L300 using Tapatalk 2
jrccomputer said:
What phone do you have now? The gs4 uses a micro sim which might be different then your current sim. If you have a micro sim your good to go.
Sent from my SPH-L300 using Tapatalk 2
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I was thinking I could use a micro sim cutter to cut my current sim down to micro size, but maybe it would be easier and safer to just get a new micro sim. Only cumbersome part would be having to call Tmobile to cancel the old sim and transfer my current number to the new sim, presumably.
RobertR3750 said:
I was thinking I could use a micro sim cutter to cut my current sim down to micro size, but maybe it would be easier and safer to just get a new micro sim. Only cumbersome part would be having to call Tmobile to cancel the old sim and transfer my current number to the new sim, presumably.
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Yeah, thats a good idea just pick a sim cutter up off amazon. They are safe and work very well.
Sent from my SPH-L300 using Tapatalk 2
This one looks nice and sturdy.
http://dx.com/p/micro-sim-card-cutter-black-126906
Yes. I would grab that one. Should work just fine.
Sent from my SPH-L300 using Tapatalk 2
ive bought the phone outright the day the order page went up. i even choose one of the new plans on the site. got it next day, threw out the sim card that came with it and put in my prepaid sim. ive been on the prepaid 30$ plan since i go the phone and have had absolutely no problems.
the best way to get it onto the prepaid plan is to do it all online, because the service reps have no clue what they are talking about 90 percent of the time
At one of T-Mo stores in my area they said I could get it for $690 + tax without a postpaid plan. At another store, they didn't have it in stock but told me it would be around $660.00 + tax. So I just went to Walmart and purchased the one they sell for the Family Mobile Plan for $629.99 + tax. Since that Family Mobile Walmart plan is powered by T-Mobile, my prepaid microsim worked right away. I did have to buy the $25.00 starter kit buy I returned it the next day.
pilot_xphile said:
At one of T-Mo stores in my area they said I could get it for $690 + tax without a postpaid plan. At another store, they didn't have it in stock but told me it would be around $660.00 + tax. So I just went to Walmart and purchased the one they sell for the Family Mobile Plan for $629.99 + tax. Since that Family Mobile Walmart plan is powered by T-Mobile, my prepaid microsim worked right away. I did have to buy the $25.00 starter kit buy I returned it the next day.
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Fascinating way to get around the Tmobile nonsense! Thanks! BTW, can you check to see if LTE works?

Use without Sim Card

Alright....I'm sold on this phone......It will be my new phone.
I'm currently finishing out my contract on Verizon (ugh, moving on). In the meantime, I'd like to purchase this one NOW just to get everything setup. I want to flash/tinker/optimize it to my liking. Will I run into any issues doing this with no Sim Card in the phone? Once my contract finishes out, I'll leave Verizon and pop a sim card from somewhere else (maybe T-Mobile).
Stupifier said:
Alright....I'm sold on this phone......It will be my new phone.
I'm currently finishing out my contract on Verizon (ugh, moving on). In the meantime, I'd like to purchase this one NOW just to get everything setup. I want to flash/tinker/optimize it to my liking. Will I run into any issues doing this with no Sim Card in the phone? Once my contract finishes out, I'll leave Verizon and pop a sim card from somewhere else (maybe T-Mobile).
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Click to collapse
No, you will not have any problem at all. Just connect to wifi during initial setup! Congrats for finally leaving VZN, glad I did. Who all are you considering. Right now I am using Straight Talk with AT&T's GSM sim; unlimited talk text, and 5 gigs of data (after that 2g) for 45$/month. I can up it to 10 gigs for just 55$/month. Data speeds are insane like 80MBPS down. Service has been great just seeing if there is any other prepaid or contract plans to consider.
Harry44 said:
No, you will not have any problem at all. Just connect to wifi during initial setup! Congrats for finally leaving VZN, glad I did. Who all are you considering. Right now I am using Straight Talk with AT&T's GSM sim; unlimited talk text, and 5 gigs of data (after that 2g) for 45$/month. I can up it to 10 gigs for just 55$/month. Data speeds are insane like 80MBPS down. Service has been great just seeing if there is any other prepaid or contract plans to consider.
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Woah! That Straight Talk deal sounds amazing........I want that! I can't beat that with what I've researched. Where you live? Wondering how good Straight Talk is (considering its a 2nd-tier Carrier)
Stupifier said:
Woah! That Straight Talk deal sounds amazing........I want that! I can't beat that with what I've researched. Where you live? Wondering how good Straight Talk is (considering its a 2nd-tier Carrier)
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Click to collapse
Yeah it really is a great deal from ST. I currently live in Northern VA in the suburbs outside of Washington, DC. Using the AT&T GSM sim your data is not throttled until you reach either the 5gig or 10gig mark according to your plan. ST also has SIMS for VZN (won't work with this phone, and DL speeds are capped at 5mbps), T-Mobile not sure if the speeds are capped, since we have the second sim tray I am going to throw a T-Mobile sim in it. These are no contract plans however you can setup autopay and get a discount. Most of us buy our phones unlocked or off contract now a days anyways so we are getting the same phones and coverage for a discount.
As a long time Verizon customer, then Fi for a year, I have seen no issues with Straight Talk with AT&T.
Harry44 said:
Yeah it really is a great deal from ST. I currently live in Northern VA in the suburbs outside of Washington, DC. Using the AT&T GSM sim your data is not throttled until you reach either the 5gig or 10gig mark according to your plan. ST also has SIMS for VZN (won't work with this phone, and DL speeds are capped at 5mbps), T-Mobile not sure if the speeds are capped, since we have the second sim tray I am going to throw a T-Mobile sim in it. These are no contract plans however you can setup autopay and get a discount. Most of us buy our phones unlocked or off contract now a days anyways so we are getting the same phones and coverage for a discount.
As a long time Verizon customer, then Fi for a year, I have seen no issues with Straight Talk with AT&T.
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Click to collapse
Wow....I live in Alexandria VA! So, your testimony would be exactly what I'm looking for! Small world. I'll definitely be getting this Straight Talk plan. FYI, just ordered my OnePlus 3.
Did you Order your Straight Talk nano sim card online or did you walk into a WalMart or something?
Stupifier said:
Wow....I live in Alexandria VA! So, your testimony would be exactly what I'm looking for! Small world. I'll definitely be getting this Straight Talk plan. FYI, just ordered my OnePlus 3.
Did you Order your Straight Talk nano sim card online or did you walk into a WalMart or something?
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Click to collapse
Always nice to meet a local XDA-er and android enthusiast. I picked up one from WalMart because I couldn't wait after I got my 1+. However the one at WalMart was ~$69.99. It came with Verizon sim cards, ATT sim cards, T-Mobile sim cards and a month of 45$ service. If you just ordered your OP3 i'd say just order your sim online its like 99 cents I think and you have some time to wait .
Any chance you were able to pick up a Dash Car Charger with your order? Still showing as out of stock for our area
Harry44 said:
Always nice to meet a local XDA-er and android enthusiast. I picked up one from WalMart because I couldn't wait after I got my 1+. However the one at WalMart was ~$69.99. It came with Verizon sim cards, ATT sim cards, T-Mobile sim cards and a month of 45$ service. If you just ordered your OP3 i'd say just order your sim online its like 99 cents I think and you have some time to wait .
Any chance you were able to pick up a Dash Car Charger with your order? Still showing as out of stock for our area
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Straight Talk sim online seems to require 1st month of service along with the 99 cent Sim Card order.......My contract with Verizon isn't up until October.
Stupifier said:
Straight Talk sim online seems to require 1st month of service along with the 99 cent Sim Card order.......My contract with Verizon isn't up until October.
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As far as I know the service won't be activated until you choose to do so. I mean it's either $55 now or $55 a month from now lol.
tmobile next month is $70 unlimited data with higher data speeds, if you want a lil faster dl speeds i would check that out plus look at the maps for the area you live in and hangout in.

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