How can I cancel my data plan? ATT won't let me. - AT&T, Rogers, Bell, Telus Samsung Galaxy S III

I've called and they tell me that I have to have it or the phone won't work or I have to cancel the entire service ...I've tried the website and it doesn't have that option.
Any help?
Sent from my Galaxy S3 using XDA HD

VeryCoolAlan said:
I've called and they tell me that I have to have it or the phone won't work or I have to cancel the entire service ...I've tried the website and it doesn't have that option.
Any help?
Sent from my Galaxy S3 using XDA HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you REALLY want to get rid of the data plan, (and your not in contract), then get an OLD flip phone and drop your sim in it. Wait a couple hours after making a few calls & texts with it so that it updates in their system.
Then call AT&T support and tell them that you have this old flip phone and you no longer need a data plan. They should at that time cancel the data plan from your account. Once done, take your sim and put it back into the S III.
NOTE : If you are on contract they won't acknowledge the phone change out and will continue with the data plan, as that was part of the contract that you signed up for when you subsidized the phone. ALSO TO NOTE, if your not on contract and they "see" that you are using the S III, they can at will reinstate the data plan, as it is a "requirement" for devices of this type.

I think a data plan is required on any smartphone. One option is to cancel with AT&T and then sign up on an AT&T prepay plan. The prepay plan doesn't seem to require a data plan, or else they don't seem to be as vigilant at enforcing it. One of my daughters has been using an iPhone and the other has been using a Moto Atrix on an AT&T prepay plan for over a year now without a data plan and no issues.

You can call and demand they take out off. They can't tell you no as long as you have minutes on your plan they can't charge you anything. Just keep demanding they take it off
Samsung Galaxy S3

I know a data plan is required. If you read your contract, it is most likely stated there also. And online. Any official new phone retailer. In the store. Just about everywhere you may have looked at this phone, with the exception of a current s3 users left or right hand, states you have to have a qualifying data plan with all post paid accounts. Pre paid is different.

I'm an AT&T employee. As stated, you can request the plan be removed only if you're switching to a non-smartphone. You can't just go back to using the smartphone, though. If the billing system sees a smartphone in use (your device broadcasts its IMEI on every call) without an appropriate data plan, one will get automatically added to the account, and contract status doesn't matter. An SMS will be sent notifying of the change.

aricept said:
I'm an AT&T employee. As stated, you can request the plan be removed only if you're switching to a non-smartphone. You can't just go back to using the smartphone, though. If the billing system sees a smartphone in use (your device broadcasts its IMEI on every call) without an appropriate data plan, one will get automatically added to the account, and contract status doesn't matter. An SMS will be sent notifying of the change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the only workaround that I've found that works is to stick your sim in another phone (basic) use that and go to a store and have them update that. turn on your smartphone without sim in it and then go to mobile section and turn off data or remove APN altogether. Once that is done, put sim card back in and just never turn that back on. Did a test with a personal phone and it never registered with the system, ran it for like 4 months that way (on a personal plan) before I decided being restricted to Wi-Fi was easier said than done. Don't know if they've patched that or not, this was about a year ago, but hopefully it helps

DISTRAUGHTKLOWNZ said:
also an employee, the only workaround that I've found that works is to stick your sim in another phone (basic) use that and go to a store and have them update that. turn on your smartphone without sim in it and then go to mobile section and turn off data or remove APN altogether. Once that is done, put sim card back in and just never turn that back on. Did a test with a personal phone and it never registered with the system, ran it for like 4 months that way (on a personal plan) before I decided being restricted to Wi-Fi was easier said than done. Don't know if they've patched that or not, this was about a year ago, but hopefully it helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello fellow employee!
That's an interesting trick, but I don't think it would work anymore. I've seen the system add packages to suspended lines, which clearly aren't accessing data, just based on the last phone in use.

Thanks! Had to switch sim to a small flip phone...now I use my gs3 as a "tablet"
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium HD app

aricept said:
I'm an AT&T employee. As stated, you can request the plan be removed only if you're switching to a non-smartphone. You can't just go back to using the smartphone, though. If the billing system sees a smartphone in use (your device broadcasts its IMEI on every call) without an appropriate data plan, one will get automatically added to the account, and contract status doesn't matter. An SMS will be sent notifying of the change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I remember I did it on my old g1 on tmobile...but that was years ago
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium HD app

Related

att forced data plan

I plan on giving this phone to my dad and was wondering if att will detect it. I am running cm9 and will be blocking all data before giving it to him.
raytraceme said:
I plan on giving this phone to my dad and was wondering if att will detect it. I am running cm9 and will be blocking all data before giving it to him.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, they will detect it. If your dad is on a very old plan (maybe 3+ years since renewing the contract), he might be grandfathered in (meaning that he wouldn't be required to get a data plan for a smartphone, and they won't automatically assign one to him). This doesn't apply to most people though.
lol nope i have used his upgrades for myself. So i guess he is not grandfathered.
Might I ask what phone you are switching to?
either the one x or the galaxy s3. The nitro gets too hot, still has color banding issues, and the battery life is humbug.
raytraceme said:
either the one x or the galaxy s3. The nitro gets too hot, still has color banding issues, and the battery life is humbug.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All those things will be addressed once a stable version of CM9 is out with an undervolting kernel, but suit yourself. ;p
why would you want to give your dad a phone that overheats, has graphics issues and ****ty battery life?
He bought himself a HTC vivid, so I don't have to worry about giving him one that sucks...
Because in just about every metric, the HTC vivid is worse (comming as a person who does not like non fridge related LG products, here).
Sent from my LG-P930 using Tapatalk 2
Edit, however, as long as no data used, normally, att will not bother you.
scott0 said:
why would you want to give your dad a phone that overheats, has graphics issues and ****ty battery life?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^ so are you saying that I should warranty it?
jeremyshaw said:
Edit, however, as long as no data used, normally, att will not bother you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, if they detect a smartphone on the network at all, they will attempt to put you on a data plan. Sometimes it's not immediate but it WILL happen.
drumist said:
Not true, if they detect a smartphone on the network at all, they will attempt to put you on a data plan. Sometimes it's not immediate but it WILL happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah Thank you. I guess I got lucky with my TW GSII (or does AT&T only have IMEI of its own branded phones?).
raytraceme said:
^ so are you saying that I should warranty it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, i was attempting to make it funny.......................but yeah, i'd replace it 1st.
jeremyshaw said:
Ah Thank you. I guess I got lucky with my TW GSII (or does AT&T only have IMEI of its own branded phones?).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that might be the reason -- I don't have any idea which devices are in their list but it's very possible that T-Mobile phones will bypass the detection. The other possible reason is the one I mentioned earlier in this thread: if you are on a very old plan that didn't have the data requirement listed in the contract.
raytraceme said:
I plan on giving this phone to my dad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you really hate your dad that much?
My mom had exact same situation when I gave her a HTC Inspire 4G, she went to another carrier simply because ATT would not allow her use a smart phone without data plan. Well, they tried to rip her off with $30 a month and at the end they simply lost a customer who payed $45 a month.
Good job ATT.
Someone is giving my wife an LG Nitro HD after she lost her Samsung Captivate. We currently have the $15/mo 200MB data plan, but when I was shopping for upgrades and looking at newer phones online it seemed like we had to switch to a newer, more expensive 4G data plan. If we get a new sim card from AT&T for my wife will it work in this phone? Will we be able to use it without changing her data plan?
no driver said:
Someone is giving my wife an LG Nitro HD after she lost her Samsung Captivate. We currently have the $15/mo 200MB data plan, but when I was shopping for upgrades and looking at newer phones online it seemed like we had to switch to a newer, more expensive 4G data plan. If we get a new sim card from AT&T for my wife will it work in this phone? Will we be able to use it without changing her data plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd suggest calling up AT&T support or going into a local AT&T store to see if they can move your wife from the 200MB 3G data plan to the 200MB LTE data plan (same price - $15/mo). I think they will do it without any problem, but I'm not sure. It's worth a try at least.
I have taken a sim card out of a regular phone and put it into a smart phone and att never added a data plan to it. I had that for maybe a year. If you don't want to pay for data anymore take out your sim card and put it into an old phone and tell att that you sold the smartphone and are using the older phone now, then switch the sim card back without telling att, I've done that too. I can't say they won't force a data plan but this is just what i experienced
Sent from my LG-P930 using xda premium
airicd22 said:
I have taken a sim card out of a regular phone and put it into a smart phone and att never added a data plan to it. I had that for maybe a year. If you don't want to pay for data anymore take out your sim card and put it into an old phone and tell att that you sold the smartphone and are using the older phone now, then switch the sim card back without telling att, I've done that too. I can't say they won't force a data plan but this is just what i experienced
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on how recently you've signed a contract with AT&T. If you've signed a contract since they implemented the requirement for data plans on all smartphones, then they will automatically switch you to a data plan if you use a smartphone. If you haven't, they won't.
This was with an iPhone 4 when it first came out. I sold it and then but an old razor and they took the data plan off per my request. And did the same thing with my wife's phone but she got an older smart phone but they never turned a data LAN on for it automatically.
Sent from my LG-P930 using xda premium

Sprint GS3 to Ting?

I just found out this network provider named Ting, that works on the Sprint network but prepaid (way less money), they have the exact same phones as Sprint, does anyone knows how to activate a Sprint device (SG3) to Ting?
Thanks.
Ting just announced a BYOD beta yesterday, but the SGS3 isn't supported officially. Check their blog for details.
If you're feeling adventurous, keep an eye on Ting's forums, since people are always looking for better ways to bring SGS3s over, even without official support (Ting is awesome about letting users do stuff like this). There are already a few methods that mostly work, but hopefully the BYOD program will make porting phones easier and cheaper (no donor phone, no pricey software).
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
I'm on these Sprint S3 forums because the S3 phone that I got from Ting is totally Sprint branded. So, it just doesn't make since why the S3 isn't on the porting list, along with the Ting newly announced Note II. Bummer.
However, you will enoy paying for what you actually use on Ting. My Sprint bill was $82 per month, but my last Ting bill was just $17 for using the same Sprint service the same way I always use my phone. So, I haven't change how I use my phone, and I get to pocket $65 per month. It's like I'm back on the old Sprint Premier plan since my monthly savings pays for a phone upgrade every eight months or so.
Sent from my GT-P7310 using Tapatalk
DaWeav said:
I'm on these Sprint S3 forums because the S3 phone that I got from Ting is totally Sprint branded. So, it just doesn't make since why the S3 isn't on the porting list, along with the Ting newly announced Note II. Bummer.
However, you will enoy paying for what you actually use on Ting. My Sprint bill was $82 per month, but my last Ting bill was just $17 for using the same Sprint service the same way I always use my phone. So, I haven't change how I use my phone, and I get to pocket $65 per month. It's like I'm back on the old Sprint Premier plan since my monthly savings pays for a phone upgrade every eight months or so.
Sent from my GT-P7310 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats my point, I am paying ~90 dollars a month for plan that I barely use, my reception is awful and the data plan is worst. so I cannot flash this phone to att or t-mobile (those work better on my area), Ting will be the best possible solution, paying 30-40 dollars for what I am actually getting right now.
I also love Ting. I used to pay $225 for a family plan. I now pay ~$80 for the same thing. 4 phones all sharing the account. Can't beat that price with a stick!
I have figured out how to fix MMS on CM10 for Ting.
1. Use Voice Dailer and say "Edit APN's" apns is a single word. Or use Nova Launcher and create a shortcut to edit APN's. To do that hold down on an empty spot on a homescreen. Then choose "shortcuts", then activities, scroll to settings, choose APNs. That will give you an Icon that goes directly to edit the APNs settings.
2. Click on the icon you created and look at the APN2 settings. Click on each and find the item MMSC. Change the server to be http://mms.plspictures.com
and press OK, then click the menu hard key on the phone and select save. Do this for both APN2 items.
3. Reboot and your MMS should work fine.
I have not figured out how to edit the string for LTE data yet but I am working on it.
Ouch. just ran myself on TING. $119.50 for my average month (currently paying $35) I guess I use too much data even just the MINUTES would be $46 a month (I guessed 1500 since you don't get N&W from what I see on ting)
I currently with with 500 anytime minutes BUT that includes 7-7 N&W as well as any mobile mobile to mobile. so I only really use 200-300 minutes a month that are not mobile or 7-7 N&W
so when you figure out if ting works for you or not BE SURE to account for this very critical difference.
Fixed 4G!
Ok, if you have a SGS3 and you port it over to Ting it is very easy to get it running right.
If you are running a TW based ROM then you simply update PRL and profile and it will pick up the correct settings.
If you are running a CM10 based rom there is an extra step. In the attached file (apns-conf.zip) there is a file named apns-conf.zml
Extract it to you phone somewhere easy to get to. (I put it in the root of the CD Card). Then go into the phone and use any file util that allows root operations and move that file to /system/etc/apns-conf.xml overwriting the file that exists with that name.
Reboot the phone and you are good to go. 4G LTE will now work.
By way of explanation I flashed a TW rom, used an app to extract the APN settings. Then changed the default APN settings in the file attached so that CM10 would have the same APN settings as the TW rom and it worked.
Noob forever
Master K said:
Ok, if you have a SGS3 and you port it over to Ting it is very easy to get it running right.
If you are running a TW based ROM then you simply update PRL and profile and it will pick up the correct settings.
If you are running a CM10 based rom there is an extra step. In the attached file (apns-conf.zip) there is a file named apns-conf.zml
Extract it to you phone somewhere easy to get to. (I put it in the root of the CD Card). Then go into the phone and use any file util that allows root operations and move that file to /system/etc/apns-conf.xml overwriting the file that exists with that name.
Reboot the phone and you are good to go. 4G LTE will now work.
By way of explanation I flashed a TW rom, used an app to extract the APN settings. Then changed the default APN settings in the file attached so that CM10 would have the same APN settings as the TW rom and it worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All this is amazing, I'm trying to get my family on Ting, and my mom has a Sprint Gnex. I've looked everywhere, read the via programming thread, but you managed to get 4g working on a Sprint Galaxy SIII on Ting?! I assume you also used a donor phone and dragon magic?
You would be my forever hero if you pointed me in the direction of what you did, and hopefully I can apply it to the Gnex.
Basically he just went to stock, saw what file was changed when he got 4G working (by updating profile and PRL) and pulled that file so you could replace it while on a CM rom
would this work for metropcs to ting? Or is this only a sprint thing?
I mean if i wanted to switch from metropcs to ting, how would i go about doing so? Get a ting SIM card and than edit the APN?
With ting. One phone with 500 mins and 10gbs of data (amount i use) would come out to $200+ wtf Lol
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
ting is utterly USELESS for mobile data users.
its really designed for those people who only use minutes and text and not very much who are massively overpaying with the unlimited and high minute and data plans most of us use.
for those people its fantastic and very cheap.
for us Boost is one of the best. you can get down to $35 to $40 a month for unlimited everything.
nerys71 said:
ting is utterly USELESS for mobile data users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's 2013. If you can't find an open WiFi, you're doing it wrong.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Its 2013 if you can find an unsecured free wifi without restricted ports you live in a strange place indeed
nerys71 said:
Its 2013 if you can find an unsecured free wifi without restricted ports you live in a strange place indeed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed. Many smaller retail businesses here have an open network. I guess it's supposed to motivate customers or something. I'd imagine some ports are usually blocked, but I rarely need anything except 20-22 and 80 anyway.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
wow around here EVERYTHING is locked up tight. its very rare to find an open access point anywhere.
xfinity is around a lot of places (I have comcast so I can access those) but its largely useless as only the web browser works. none of the apps or gmail or any push notifications of anything like that works (port restrictions??)
the rare time I see an open access point pop up its usually too far away to get a reliable connection too and don't have time to go walking around with the phone in the air to try and find it
Master K said:
Ok, if you have a SGS3 and you port it over to Ting it is very easy to get it running right.
If you are running a TW based ROM then you simply update PRL and profile and it will pick up the correct settings.
If you are running a CM10 based rom there is an extra step. In the attached file (apns-conf.zip) there is a file named apns-conf.zml
Extract it to you phone somewhere easy to get to. (I put it in the root of the CD Card). Then go into the phone and use any file util that allows root operations and move that file to /system/etc/apns-conf.xml overwriting the file that exists with that name.
Reboot the phone and you are good to go. 4G LTE will now work.
By way of explanation I flashed a TW rom, used an app to extract the APN settings. Then changed the default APN settings in the file attached so that CM10 would have the same APN settings as the TW rom and it worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks i'm going to get a used S3 and use it on ting.
Looks like ill be cancelling Sprint n jumping to Ting, seems like its a really good deal. I pay $80 a month for 450 minutes which I used about 15 minutes of, unlimited texts which I sent about 4000 last month n my data I rarely use now, bc I either use Wifi or my tablet. Sucks Ill have to pay the cancellation fee, but Ill be saving more in the long run.
before you cancel see about putting another handset on the account first and see if you can "sell" the account to someone else (for free) ie do a TOL a transfer of liability. someone else gets the account they may want or need and you don't have to pay termination.
how far are you into your contract? might be cheaper to "buy out" your contract and then terminate out of contract (not usually viable till near the end though)
nerys71 said:
before you cancel see about putting another handset on the account first and see if you can "sell" the account to someone else (for free) ie do a TOL a transfer of liability. someone else gets the account they may want or need and you don't have to pay termination.
how far are you into your contract? might be cheaper to "buy out" your contract and then terminate out of contract (not usually viable till near the end though)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm Im not familar with either of those options lol, but it does sound like something I should look into. Im in my 8th month of my 2 year contract which sucks. They just told me it would $320 to cancel my contract.

[Q] Nexus 7 LTE - which US carrier do you recommend?

I am debating between the N7 Wifi or N7 LTE. I had the N7 2012 and although I can tether to my phone, it was not very convenience to use it because:
1). Affect my phone battery tremendously
2). In my S4 Active, activating tethering through ES Explorer cause "Unfortunately, setting has stopped", which add about 1 minute total before I can browse the net. It's not that long, but imagine you need to check something quickly on your tablet and you have to:
- Open ES Explorer
- Start tethering
- Wait for the error to pops up
- Click "Home" on the S4 Active
- Start browsing.
This starts getting too old for me... and no, I can't leave tethering ON on my phone all the time because the battery will be dead in just 3 hours.
However, I am looking for a PAY-AS-YOU-GO tablet data plan. AT&T requires a contract and/or buying a device from them. Tried it on AT&T website AND visited 2 different AT&T store.
T-Mobile seems to have it, but when I try to order just the SIM card, I don't see anything for tablet, only for phones. I believe I cannot use phone SIM card in the Nexus 7 since the IMEI is blacklisted.
Anyone use N7 LTE version?
T-Mobile should allow you to use pay-as-you-go on a tablet. You may need to go into the store if you're having trouble purchasing it online.. However, they did just announce 200MB of data monthly for free:
http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/23/4947704/t-mobile-makes-free-ipad-data-offer-official
If you buy it from the Play Store you can select to receive a T-Mobile SIM and that should get you the free 200MB of data.
Edit: I also wanted to mention that your tethering problems may be related to trying to use ES File Explorer to tether your phone. Try using FoxFi, it's much more reliable.
raptir said:
T-Mobile should allow you to use pay-as-you-go on a tablet. You may need to go into the store if you're having trouble purchasing it online.. However, they did just announce 200MB of data monthly for free:
http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/23/4947704/t-mobile-makes-free-ipad-data-offer-official
If you buy it from the Play Store you can select to receive a T-Mobile SIM and that should get you the free 200MB of data.
Edit: I also wanted to mention that your tethering problems may be related to trying to use ES File Explorer to tether your phone. Try using FoxFi, it's much more reliable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info!
I am buying from Best Buy because I have a $50 coupon and also it's easier to return the tablet if there is issue (multitouch, etc.).
I did try to go to T-Mobile website to buy just the SIM card but it force me to select a device, which I don't want to. I stopped by the T-Mobile store and they said the SIM card is only for smartphone, not tablet. But the bigger problem is that the 200Mb of free data is only when you consistently pay for the service every month (no contract though). I want pay-as-you go, meaning: January - use it, February and March: don't use it, etc.
On the tethering, I had issue with FoxFi and based on the S4 Active forums, the best solution seems to be with ES File Explorer. It's probably have to do with the ROM in S4 Active, which is different than the regular S4.
lanwarrior said:
But the bigger problem is that the 200Mb of free data is only when you consistently pay for the service every month (no contract though).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought I had replied to this, so sorry if it becomes a double post.
How is T-Mobile going to make you "consistently pay for the service every month" when it's offered for free? You don't have to be a T-Mobile customer to take advantage of that, just have a tablet with a T-Mobile SIM.
lanwarrior said:
Thanks for the info!
I am buying from Best Buy because I have a $50 coupon and also it's easier to return the tablet if there is issue (multitouch, etc.).
I did try to go to T-Mobile website to buy just the SIM card but it force me to select a device, which I don't want to. I stopped by the T-Mobile store and they said the SIM card is only for smartphone, not tablet. But the bigger problem is that the 200Mb of free data is only when you consistently pay for the service every month (no contract though). I want pay-as-you go, meaning: January - use it, February and March: don't use it, etc.
On the tethering, I had issue with FoxFi and based on the S4 Active forums, the best solution seems to be with ES File Explorer. It's probably have to do with the ROM in S4 Active, which is different than the regular S4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered the T-mobile Sim for my LTE Nexus 7. I just skipped over the device selection. I think the primary purpose of that step was to make sure you ordered the correct sim card size. I can't remember the screen exactly as I did this a couple days ago. I happened to catch the free sim card.
If you type in "Sim Card" in the search box, you'll pull up several options. I think the one you want is Mobile Broadband Only Micro Sim. If you select it you should be able to add it to the cart and check out.
As far as other options go, AIO wireless has tablet plans starting at $15 with $10 for 1Gb more. I don't know if Verizon is allowing activations yet. I don't think you'll be able to access 3G with their sim. They have a $20 2Gb plan. I was able to use the Verizon sim from my GS3 phone to access their LTE network.
raptir said:
I thought I had replied to this, so sorry if it becomes a double post.
How is T-Mobile going to make you "consistently pay for the service every month" when it's offered for free? You don't have to be a T-Mobile customer to take advantage of that, just have a tablet with a T-Mobile SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought in order to get the 200mb free, you have to pay for the pre-paid plan on monthly basis? I think I am just curious how will T-Mobile KNOW and TRACK who will get the 200Mb free on monthly basis and how much left on a given date.
... or I just plug in the SIM card..don't pay anything (other than the SIM card) and...that's it?
Wrngway said:
I ordered the T-mobile Sim for my LTE Nexus 7. I just skipped over the device selection. I think the primary purpose of that step was to make sure you ordered the correct sim card size. I can't remember the screen exactly as I did this a couple days ago. I happened to catch the free sim card.
If you type in "Sim Card" in the search box, you'll pull up several options. I think the one you want is Mobile Broadband Only Micro Sim. If you select it you should be able to add it to the cart and check out.
As far as other options go, AIO wireless has tablet plans starting at $15 with $10 for 1Gb more. I don't know if Verizon is allowing activations yet. I don't think you'll be able to access 3G with their sim. They have a $20 2Gb plan. I was able to use the Verizon sim from my GS3 phone to access their LTE network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm.. interesting. This is what I found out after reading various sites on T-Mobile prepaid plan:
"T-Mobile (Micro) SIM Card Activation kit" ($0.99 or $1.99 depending on promotions) works with iPads, with T-Mobile Monthly4G No Annual Contract (prepaid) cellphone plans. I have heard that T-Mobile check the IMEI and if it is a tablet, it won't work.
"T-Mobile Mobile Broadband SIM ONLY KIT" ($6.99) can not be activated without T-Mobile-branded mobile data devices.
"T-Mobile (Micro) SIM Card Activation kit" ($0.99 or $1.99) can not be used with T-Mobile-branded mobile data devices. (I believe this is what you have)
"T-Mobile (Micro) SIM Card Activation kit" and "T-Mobile Mobile Broadband SIM ONLY KIT" have different SKUs and possibly different IMSI codes.
I bought the Unlocked Nexus 7 LTE from Best Buy last week. I then stopped by my local T-mobile store and had them put a Data Only micro SIM in it for me. I already had a data only plan for my mobile hot spot that this tablet is being used with, so my replacement SIM was free. You should be able to pick a micro SIM up for use with the free 200mb plan for less then $10.
Paten said:
I bought the Unlocked Nexus 7 LTE from Best Buy last week. I then stopped by my local T-mobile store and had them put a Data Only micro SIM in it for me. I already had a data only plan for my mobile hot spot that this tablet is being used with, so my replacement SIM was free. You should be able to pick a micro SIM up for use with the free 200mb plan for less then $10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, that's interesting! I also have a T-Mobile branded Mobile Hotspot with full-size SIM card.
So did you just ask for a swap to Micro SIM card? Beside the cost of the SIM card, I take it you do NOT have to pay the monthly plan but will automatically receive 200mb?
EDIT: Shot! I don't know what happen but I can't no longer access my.tmobile.com. Keep getting pop-up about updating the security profile but it won't go away!
lanwarrior said:
Oh, that's interesting! I also have a T-Mobile branded Mobile Hotspot with full-size SIM card.
So did you just ask for a swap to Micro SIM card? Beside the cost of the SIM card, I take it you do NOT have to pay the monthly plan but will automatically receive 200mb?
EDIT: Shot! I don't know what happen but I can't no longer access my.tmobile.com. Keep getting pop-up about updating the security profile but it won't go away!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2507266
I just switched to the 200MB free plan on T-mobile and in my last post I explain how and why. You won't be able to access the my.tmobile.com site at this time. They are switching over to a new system which causes some confusion on their end and online.
Hope it helps.
200MB free on T-Mobile works. You get set up for monthly billing and the charges are then credited so get billed $0 each month.
They ran a credit check in order to get set up, if not already a T-Mobile customer.
Interestingly, the built-in Mobile Hotspot on totally stock ROM works. It didn't say anything about signing up for hotspot or anything of that nature.
I wonder if that will turn on hotspot feature and try to bill at the end of the month?
If it works without issues that would be pretty slick.
xdadevnube said:
200MB free on T-Mobile works. You get set up for monthly billing and the charges are then credited so get billed $0 each month.
They ran a credit check in order to get set up, if not already a T-Mobile customer.
Interestingly, the built-in Mobile Hotspot on totally stock ROM works. It didn't say anything about signing up for hotspot or anything of that nature.
I wonder if that will turn on hotspot feature and try to bill at the end of the month?
If it works without issues that would be pretty slick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What would they need to run a credit check for pre-paid plan?
lanwarrior said:
What would they need to run a credit check for pre-paid plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think your drivers license and maybe your social security number would be enough.
I tried it in store like 2 months ago and I don't remember bringing anything special
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
moeinyoho said:
I think your drivers license and maybe your social security number would be enough.
I tried it in store like 2 months ago and I don't remember bringing anything special
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't mins showing these to confirm my identity, but don't want a credit inquiry in my report.
I ordered the Sim card. Will let you know if they'll run credit when I activate it.
lanwarrior said:
I don't mins showing these to confirm my identity, but don't want a credit inquiry in my report.
I ordered the Sim card. Will let you know if they'll run credit when I activate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that I think about it, I don't think a credit check would be necessary at all for the free data. Since you don't need any existing plans you should be fine.
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
moeinyoho said:
Now that I think about it, I don't think a credit check would be necessary at all for the free data. Since you don't need any existing plans you should be fine.
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They did a credit check. Dude one tried to the tell dude two it wasn't necessary when dude two started doing credit check. Then dude three told dude one and dude two that it was absolutely necessary, and that he just got out of meeting regarding this information. Then dude three busted out his notes. Dude two tried to set up account without it, then realized that the option wasn't in his system.
In the end, they did it.
xdadevnube said:
They did a credit check. Dude one tried to the tell dude two it wasn't necessary when dude two started doing credit check. Then dude three told dude one and dude two that it was absolutely necessary, and that he just got out of meeting regarding this information. Then dude three busted out his notes. Dude two tried to set up account without it, then realized that the option wasn't in his system.
In the end, they did it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And this is all for the SIM card, no device purchased from T-Mobile with the payment plan?
I understand if one purchase the device from T-mobile, since they want to make sure the customer can pay the 24 months payment plan, but I am still confused the purpose of checking credit for just the SIM card with no contract.
For those who actually ordered the SIM card, when you activate it from the website, did it ask for your SSN?
lanwarrior said:
And this is all for the SIM card, no device purchased from T-Mobile with the payment plan?
I understand if one purchase the device from T-mobile, since they want to make sure the customer can pay the 24 months payment plan, but I am still confused the purpose of checking credit for just the SIM card with no contract.
For those who actually ordered the SIM card, when you activate it from the website, did it ask for your SSN?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it was only for SIM, brought own device. I thought it was obnoxious, but it I did it anyway. I later verified the credit inquiry actually occurred with transunion.
T mobile
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk

Keeping my Phone, but Dropping My Data Plan

I've recently decided that I'm going to be dropping my data plan, as it is rather expensive. I've done some research, and as far as I can tell, my current device will be rendered useless if I drop my plan. I need my phone do be able to receive texts and calls at anytime, not just over WiFi, and I don't want to get a hotspot. With all this in mind I ask two questions:
1.)
Is there away to continue using my phone the way it is, with full functionality excluding mobile data? I've heard some people say that unlocking it and switching the SIM cards with a non-smartphone works, but then others say that AT&T can check for what kind of phone you are using, and that if detects a smartphone it will automatically charge you for data. Is any of this true? If I can switch out the SIM cards, and AT&T can scan my phone, is there a way that I can get around that? Are there any other methods to do this at all?
2.)
If I have to get rid of my phone, are there any android enable cellular devices that I can get that don't require data e.g. a prepaid android phone where I simply choose not to buy any data.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Phaildroid said:
I've recently decided that I'm going to be dropping my data plan, as it is rather expensive. I've done some research, and as far as I can tell, my current device will be rendered useless if I drop my plan. I need my phone do be able to receive texts and calls at anytime, not just over WiFi, and I don't want to get a hotspot. With all this in mind I ask two questions:
1.)
Is there away to continue using my phone the way it is, with full functionality excluding mobile data? I've heard some people say that unlocking it and switching the SIM cards with a non-smartphone works, but then others say that AT&T can check for what kind of phone you are using, and that if detects a smartphone it will automatically charge you for data. Is any of this true? If I can switch out the SIM cards, and AT&T can scan my phone, is there a way that I can get around that? Are there any other methods to do this at all?
2.)
If I have to get rid of my phone, are there any android enable cellular devices that I can get that don't require data e.g. a prepaid android phone where I simply choose not to buy any data.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not possible, if you change your IMEI to to a non-smartphone then remove the data plan then put that SIM back into a smartphone it will automatically charge the 3 gig data plan. The only way I know if you can get a data plan exclusion but that's rare if not impossible.
Phaildroid said:
I've recently decided that I'm going to be dropping my data plan, as it is rather expensive. I've done some research, and as far as I can tell, my current device will be rendered useless if I drop my plan. I need my phone do be able to receive texts and calls at anytime, not just over WiFi, and I don't want to get a hotspot. With all this in mind I ask two questions:
1.)
Is there away to continue using my phone the way it is, with full functionality excluding mobile data? I've heard some people say that unlocking it and switching the SIM cards with a non-smartphone works, but then others say that AT&T can check for what kind of phone you are using, and that if detects a smartphone it will automatically charge you for data. Is any of this true? If I can switch out the SIM cards, and AT&T can scan my phone, is there a way that I can get around that? Are there any other methods to do this at all?
2.)
If I have to get rid of my phone, are there any android enable cellular devices that I can get that don't require data e.g. a prepaid android phone where I simply choose not to buy any data.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not switch to Straight Talk? 45 bucks a month for wireless data..
SimmIsengard said:
The only way I know if you can get a data plan exclusion but that's rare if not impossible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes as stated from Simmlsengard the ONLY way is to have ATT make it so that Sim does NOT allow data to work. ATT probably will not let you do this though.
My sons phone My Old Galaxy S2 does NOT have a data plan and he can receive SMS and calls but NO MMS since that uses data to send/receive. The ONLY way I got it to work this way though was originally my older son had a dumb phone and NO data plan, though the phone could use some data built in to some apps on the phone. He accidently used data and the bill was about $60 for the data he used downloading some games. I talked to ATT and had data turned OFF and NOT ALLOWED on that line. So once my older son got a new phone I had passed down my Galaxy S1 and put the same Sim card in it that had NO DATA ALLOWED. So I have kept using that dumb phones Sim card into smart phones for my younger son (He is 10 and I don't want him to have Data yet). So these are just some THOUGHTS on what you might TRY and convince ATT to do on your account. Good luck
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337
If you are no longer on a service ontract, they cannot make you have data contract can they?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Yes they can terms of service .
Call them up and ask. If they say no, tell them you'll quit and go to another carrier (provided you're not under contract). Don't know if it will work, but it's worth a shot.
Or just get the $30 plan from tmobile/Walmart, it's probably cheaper than most voice plans anyways.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Had my wife's SGS3AT&T for months with a cut sim from her dumb phone and it worked fine.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
I know this discussion has been kicked around before. I'll just have to read their contract. If you have fulfilled your service agreement I don't see how they can make you buy a data plan contract.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

Using a free data sim from t-mobile for calls

I had a t-mobile 200 mb free data plan activated on a kindle hdx7 about a year ago. 2 months later I got an IpadAir2 and gave the kindle to my daughter and took out the t-mobile free data sim and she put in an att sim to use the data share family plan for $10. She is using most of the 20 gb bucket we have per month between her phone and tablet.
I activated a free sim from t-mobile for my ipad air2 and put the original free sim from the kindle on ice for a while. Tonite I found it and for the heck of it put it in the fire phone to see if the data plan would work in the phone. And it did! I chose the t-mo lte apn and rebooted the phone. And data started flowing. I was able to sign into Ooma mobile and make a successful call over data. The same with Time Warner's Phone2Go app. Was also able to make a successful call over data with this one. The only thing not working is using text messaging. It just won't work with the phone number assigned to the data sim Google voice worked too. Texting works thru google but mms does not work. The clarity of voice was best with Phone2Go, followed by Google, then Ooma. I heard well on all three, but was fuzzy and staticy to the receiver.
So if any of you have those free data sims from t-mo laying around, they will work on the fire phone for app calling. And anything else you want to use the data on.
[Disregard this post -- in post #3 I answer my own question]
Thanks, sashusmom. I tried this but I can't get it working. I can get to the TMO page where it tells me how much data I have remaining but when I try to browse anywhere else it takes me to the "upsell" URL to activate my device, get more data etc. I tried both unrooted and rooted and neither works. Another thought: I have a pre-paid TMO account that is tied to my unlimited 200MB SIM; is your unlimited TMO on a post-paid account, maybe?
I did some further research to see how this works and here is what I found:
Yes, you do need a post-paid T-Mobile account in order to have a SIM card that you can move from one device to another. Prepaid accounts with the 200 MB data plan, those SIM cards are married to the tablet they are activated on. Furthermore, if you do go the post-paid route in order to get this working, please note that you'll need a voice line on your post-paid account in order to get the 200 MB truly free; they give you a $10 bill credit every month as long as you have at least one voice line on the account. If you only have a data device, you will be charged $10 per month and you will not be eligible for the bill credit.
dustbinge said:
I did some further research to see how this works and here is what I found:
Yes, you do need a post-paid T-Mobile account in order to have a SIM card that you can move from one device to another. Prepaid accounts with the 200 MB data plan, those SIM cards are married to the tablet they are activated on. Furthermore, if you do go the post-paid route in order to get this working, please note that you'll need a voice line on your post-paid account in order to get the 200 MB truly free; they give you a $10 bill credit every month as long as you have at least one voice line on the account. If you only have a data device, you will be charged $10 per month and you will not be eligible for the bill credit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything I wrote in the opening post is true for me. Please note that the apn needs to be T-Mobile US LTE/fast.t-mobile.com I just checked and data is still flowing. It is a prepaid data sim also.
Thanks for your research, but apparently it doesn't apply to me. I don't have a post paid account. That sim that was initially activated on my kindle fire hdx7 for the free data for tablets with 200mb and is working on my fire phone- I know it is the same sim cause I marked it with an F designating free. So it is not married to the tablet. It is working on my firephone. It is a data only sim so voice and texting does not work.
Also it probably does not work in a tmobile device. My kindle was not a tmobile device and initially was not even officially supported for the free data for life plan. But it worked. The firephone is also not a tmobile device.
Another thought for you Dustbinge- does your free data sim- 200 mb for life- have any of the 200mb left on it? If not it will send you to the upsell page. On prepaid you can add more data when you use up the 200 free mb.
ok--thanks for the update. I envy that yours is working because I want the flexibility to use Waze in either the Fire Phone or my Samsung Tablet. In any case, yes, I just started a new monthly cycle and I have about 163MB left. I tried one more time and verified that I'm using the correct APN but I still get the same result. My prepaid SIM was indeed activated in a T-Mobile tablet so there's that. And mine was only done about a month ago so maybe something has changed over the last year.
Sorry to hear it I must be flying under their radar with 2 non t-mo devices. Maybe other peeps could try it and post. It would make it clear then that my case is different. It will be really nice since my main sim is att in an iphone.
If you're adventurous, ebay is selling simple mobile preloaded sims for about $5 each. It has 1 or 2 gigs of data and unl. talk and text. I got 6 of them when they were
$1/each and I have 1 left. They were all activated without a hitch following the directions enclosed with the sims. I would buy more but am too cheap to pay the going rate for them. Maybe $5/month would be worth it to you. You can always buy 1 just to see if it will be good for you. Simple runs on t-mobile.
Sashusmom, thanks for the tip on simple mobile--will def look into that. Another thought on the prepaid TMO SIM working on your Fire phone and not mine: could it be related to our ROM setups? I am stock rooted. What ROM if any are you running and are you using any special build prop strings?
dustbinge said:
Sashusmom, thanks for the tip on simple mobile--will def look into that. Another thought on the prepaid TMO SIM working on your Fire phone and not mine: could it be related to our ROM setups? I am stock rooted. What ROM if any are you running and are you using any special build prop strings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running CM-11 for safestrap by ggow. Rooted, no build prop changes. I never used safestrap before but it was very easy. I tend to re-read stuff 3-4 times before I attempt new things and read every post before making any rom changes. Maybe overly cautious, but I never bricked.
I installed safestrap and flashed CM11 for safestrap to try to match your environment. I also never used safestrap before and the good news is that it was surprisingly easy. The bad news is that it had no impact on my TMO prepaid card working. Thanks again for your suggestions.
dustbinge said:
I installed safestrap and flashed CM11 for safestrap to try to match your environment. I also never used safestrap before and the good news is that it was surprisingly easy. The bad news is that it had no impact on my TMO prepaid card working. Thanks again for your suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your very welcome and I'm sorry it was a bust for you Let me know how you like CM11.
I am about to do similar task. I have an old Verizon RazrHD with sim slot. Ordered a TMO phone sim (not tablet). It will arrive this Thrusday. I hope it will work. I don't think build prop will help because TMO has a thread about adding new devices to TMO DB, they use IMEI.

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