I just signed a contract for Verizon last Saturday for my Nexus coming from Sprint. Since I was coming from a budget carrier I choose my plan in consideration. So I got the 450 minutes/1000 texts/4gb data. Unfortunately the only that gets discounted is the minutes. So I am considering just porting my number to GV and save myself the $10 and have unlimited texting. I wouldn't have considered this route on Sprint as there was plenty of times I didn't have data while roaming. Don't think I will have that problem with VZW. I was wondering if anyone has tried this. I am still within my 14 days to return the phone, although I don't want to, but I figured it would be the best time to do it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Most people note that porting your number to GV does break your contract.
I've been informed by some people who say that if you pay for the porting yourself, it won't break your contract.
I'd figure out the costs up front if you plan on going this route.
Also remember, you do not get MMS with Google Voice texting. And there are a lot of other niggles about Google Voice I'd look into if I were you before going all-in with it. I've been dealing with it a lot right now and it can get frustrating. But once you get it all set up it really does work well and have so much more functionality than a regular dumb number with a carrier.
From what I have read is that you can do a loop hole by getting a plan with friends and family, then have your number as one of those so it ends up being a free call. I don't text much. Maybe 300ish/month. So MMS isn't a deal breaker. Doing the math before all the fees I am paying $7 more if I go with GV, but with that I am upping minutes from 450 to 900.
Edit: After reading more forums, it appears that doesn't happen anymore. The number is rerouted multiple times before it gets to end caller.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
My contract ends in July and im on my parents family plan still. Upon moving out and all that good stuff, they wont let me stay on their plan.
So now I would be in the search of what to do when the time comes.
What do you guys suggest? The cheaper the better as a college student, supporting girlfriend and I on one income- makes it tougher. (currently paying $55 on my parents plan, split up amongst family members).
Advice would be appreciated.
Edit: One idea I thought up of, is get a month to month plan with unlimited text and get a simple phone.. and let the GF use the evo (that has no service) and use with google voice to text each other. As shes around places with wifi, except in the car.
my first idea would be to see if your employer offers any discounts, cell phone service discount. They usually range from 15 to 20% by my experience. Otherwise call sprint up talk to a saleman maybe you can get info on a promotion they got going.
I'm all for sprint as you can tell. Just never cared to try others by myself since I tried them with my friends phones. Cricket sucks in my experience. I don't think it would do your evo any just to switch to them, would have to get their crap phones from them.
Will check into that, thanks
You can flash your evo to Boost and pay about the same as you are paying now for unlimited service, no 4g. You will have to do some internet searching to learn how to do it, but it is another option.
Not sure but would I be able to use any ROM if I am on boost?
Well, I just switched my plan over to prepaid 100 minutes a month and unlimited text/data for $30/mo. I thought I would mention how I did it in case people were curious. Actually this is not the way I did it, but the way I should have done it. T-mobile reps don't seem to have a very good flowchart for figuring this one out, unfortunately.
Starting Point: In a contract on an unlimited plan.
1. Order a $2 prepaid simcard from t-mobile.com. Buying this sim card is the only way to be eligible for the "Wal*Mart Deal."
2. Once you have it, call up and explain that you have purchased a prepaid simcard online and that you want to cancel your contract and switch over to prepaid.
3. Once this is done, immediately call back (do not pay anything yet) and when you talk to someone tell them you have the sim card and that you want to activate the $30/mo plan with unlimited data. They should be able to get your sim card number from you and based on that, switch you over.
Note: You may experience some disruption in service doing this. However, in my case I am saving around $65/mo. from the previous plan, and I am using GrooveIP with Google Voice to make up the difference. This app is free with Wi-Fi calling, and costs $5 to enable 4G calling via a google voice number.
Alternatively, you can transfer your number to Google Voice for a fee of $20, and set everything up that way. If you do this, once the number transfers all you have to do is do a web activation with the new sim card on your phone. However, from what I can tell there are some downsides to using google voice now:
1. Your [Phone] button will dial out on the "wrong" number, as opposed to GrooveIP dialing out on the "wrong" number.
2. Your [Message] button will send texts from the "wrong" number as well, so you will have to send texts through Google Voice and will need data to do so.
For me, I do mostly texting, so keeping my number with the phone made sense. It is too bad this isn't more seamless. Maybe one day the carriers will pull their head out of their butts and stop trying to segment our service in stupid ways e.g., voice/text/data. Probably not.
I am a bit curious if anyone else has gone to this plan, or if anyone else uses the GV/GrooveIP combo in creative ways. GrooveIP seems to work pretty well here, although I do notice a bit of a lag in conversation.
tablador said:
Well, I just switched my plan over to prepaid 100 minutes a month and unlimited text/data for $30/mo. I thought I would mention how I did it in case people were curious. Actually this is not the way I did it, but the way I should have done it. T-mobile reps don't seem to have a very good flowchart for figuring this one out, unfortunately.
Starting Point: In a contract on an unlimited plan.
1. Order a $2 prepaid simcard from t-mobile.com. Buying this sim card is the only way to be eligible for the "Wal*Mart Deal."
2. Once you have it, call up and explain that you have purchased a prepaid simcard online and that you want to cancel your contract and switch over to prepaid.
3. Once this is done, immediately call back (do not pay anything yet) and when you talk to someone tell them you have the sim card and that you want to activate the $30/mo plan with unlimited data. They should be able to get your sim card number from you and based on that, switch you over.
Note: You may experience some disruption in service doing this. However, in my case I am saving around $65/mo. from the previous plan, and I am using GrooveIP with Google Voice to make up the difference. This app is free with Wi-Fi calling, and costs $5 to enable 4G calling via a google voice number.
Alternatively, you can transfer your number to Google Voice for a fee of $20, and set everything up that way. If you do this, once the number transfers all you have to do is do a web activation with the new sim card on your phone. However, from what I can tell there are some downsides to using google voice now:
1. Your [Phone] button will dial out on the "wrong" number, as opposed to GrooveIP dialing out on the "wrong" number.
2. Your [Message] button will send texts from the "wrong" number as well, so you will have to send texts through Google Voice and will need data to do so.
For me, I do mostly texting, so keeping my number with the phone made sense. It is too bad this isn't more seamless. Maybe one day the carriers will pull their head out of their butts and stop trying to segment our service in stupid ways e.g., voice/text/data. Probably not.
I am a bit curious if anyone else has gone to this plan, or if anyone else uses the GV/GrooveIP combo in creative ways. GrooveIP seems to work pretty well here, although I do notice a bit of a lag in conversation.
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Click to collapse
I started my Walmart deal a different way...
Went and bought a g2x off Craigslist. Went to Walmart bought their cheapest prepaid phone ($30) then took it to the counter where the wireless rep (not the associate) asked how I wanted it setup. I pulled out the g2x and said I wanted that $30 unlimited data / 100min deal, he said good idea and did it all for me. Few days later I ported my number from sprint to T-Mobile, took about 5 hours.
I then setup a google voice with a new number and use my phone number on my phone and GV and groove IP with the google number. I use it way less for texting then my actual phone, so I chose not to port it to google. I use groove IP on wifi and 4g, does passable on 4g for quick calls or automated like pharmacy or something like that.
So that was about 6 months ago, going fine. Traded the g2x for a t989 and now I have water mic lol. I use groove IP at home and I only use minutes on incoming calls or if I can't get a decent 4g connection for groove IP.
Oh there's a 5 gig cap for 4g. I never broke 2 gb so far.
Tapatalked from my Galaxy S II.
Thanks for the rundown.
Where does the ETF figure into this? I'm planning to do this too soon, but I'm expecting to pay T-Mo $200 to do it.
rosemachinegun said:
Thanks for the rundown.
Where does the ETF figure into this? I'm planning to do this too soon, but I'm expecting to pay T-Mo $200 to do it.
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Click to collapse
What is ETF? Yeah I paid the $200 because I had almost 2 years left on my contract. But at a savings of $65/mo that paid off pretty fast. I tried to find a sim card at walmart and the cheapest phone they had was in the $140 range. Much better for me at least to get the sim card online.
This is much easier coming from another carrier. Then you can do what pio did basically and just web-activate the sim (or get a phone at walmart if you need to get a GSM phone). Once activated you just call tmobile and transfer the number. Doing it within T-mobile is harder because (1) there is a wall between the contract and prepaid business (2) the prepaid customer service is poor, and (3) you have to jump through some hoops to be eligible for the promo.
Here's the sim card link, which can be found if you know where to look, or just search for "sim card": http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phone/T-Mobile-Prepaid-SIM-Activation-Kit
Also, a bit off topic but just noticed that Virgin USA is apparently getting an iPhone and has an HTC EVO option as well. Not bad for their plans, which start at $35/mo with unlimited data. I ruled this out because I already had a GSM phone I liked. And because I think tmobile has a better network (could be wrong about this).
tablador said:
What is ETF? Yeah I paid the $200 because I had almost 2 years left on my contract. But at a savings of $65/mo that paid off pretty fast. I tried to find a sim card at walmart and the cheapest phone they had was in the $140 range. Much better for me at least to get the sim card online.
This is much easier coming from another carrier.
Here's the sim card link, which can be found if you know where to look, or just search for "sim card": http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phone/T-Mobile-Prepaid-SIM-Activation-Kit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Early Termination Fee
Tapatalked from my Galaxy S II.
pio_masaki said:
Early Termination Fee
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Click to collapse
Oh yeah. Duh.
I have 5 lines on my account that would be $1000 in ETF lol
Btw where did you find they offer unlimited data?
shankar10 said:
I have 5 lines on my account that would be $1000 in ETF lol
Btw where did you find they offer unlimited data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The plan is a Walmart exclusive prepaid plan. $30 you get unlimited data with 5gb 4g Iimit, unlimited text 100 minutes. Have to be done at walmart or at least through them.
Just saw the addition a few posts back, yes its a lot easier to switch from another carrier. I had to pay a pro rated $90 ETF to sprint when I ported the number it cancelled my service with them. I just got a phone off Craigslist then bought a cheapy prepaid phone at Walmart to get the sim, I was getting stuff from T-Mobile getting just a sim and they wanted me to buy a new phone, and only a limited few for pre paid. I saved about $350 in sprint service cancelling when I did and changing over. Plus sprint changed to LTE which made my evo worthless and I only got some 3g and mostly edge data where I normally go everyday. Now I pay a third for service and get 4g in most locations. I wouldn't have switched if sprint had EVER gave me 4g in my state considering I paid for it every month, then switched to LTE and left every wimax phone owner having to buy a new phone. /rant
Tapatalked from my A100 - Flex Reaper RF1.
pio_masaki said:
The plan is a Walmart exclusive prepaid plan. $30 you get unlimited data with 5gb 4g Iimit, unlimited text 100 minutes. Have to be done at walmart or at least through them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or on the tmobile website.
http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-plans
tablador said:
Or on the tmobile website.
http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-plans
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I tried they didn't give me the option for the Walmart plan, I guess they added it or you have to be a current client. I had to get it done at Walmart.
Tapatalked from my A100 - Flex Reaper RF1.
pio_masaki said:
When I tried they didn't give me the option for the Walmart plan, I guess they added it or you have to be a current client. I had to get it done at Walmart.
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Click to collapse
Strange, for me it was difficult to get, but the key was that I had to either have bought a phone from wal mart or bought the prepaid activation kit from the website. I am pretty certain it should work, because in part of my drama of switching over, they told me to activate my new sim card via the web and I was able to select the plan, even though it wasn't tied to my other account at that point. (Turns out this was the WRONG thing to do, as I discovered after I had done it, and they had to go switch credits around between the accounts to fix it.)
tablador said:
Strange, for me it was difficult to get, but the key was that I had to either have bought a phone from wal mart or bought the prepaid activation kit from the website. I am pretty certain it should work, because in part of my drama of switching over, they told me to activate my new sim card via the web and I was able to select the plan, even though it wasn't tied to my other account at that point. (Turns out this was the WRONG thing to do, as I discovered after I had done it, and they had to go switch credits around between the accounts to fix it.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well like I said I did it months ago, they probably just didn't have it up at the time. Point is, it is now so go rock that website lol not every wireless rep is as cool as mine was.
Tapatalked from my Galaxy S II.
I ported my number to Google voice. Paid the $20 fee and use Talkatone. Started with Groove IP but lagged even on wifi. Talkatone voice quality is impressive; the only con is the dialer integration.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
I use grooveIP as well and the only major downside is that I now have 2 different numbers. I have never heard of porting my number to GV, but to make it clear, porting my number to GV will make it so I have to text using data? But Does this mean I don't have to use grooveIP for making calls?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
Laazyboy said:
I use grooveIP as well and the only major downside is that I now have 2 different numbers. I have never heard of porting my number to GV, but to make it clear, porting my number to GV will make it so I have to text using data? But Does this mean I don't have to use grooveIP for making calls?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree talkatone is a one of kind.. tried groove IP but have few issues..as for porting your number.. Google is willing to port your number if you want to use your carrier given number as your Google voice number.. it is possible for a fee of $20 and in return cancel your contract..so carrier may charge you on that am not sure...yes in order to use anything Google be it voice for calls or text or Gmail you need a source of data connection either wifi or mobile data connection to be able to use Google effectively..yes you need an app like groove IP or talkatone in conjunction with Google voice to make calls...its not complicated as stated..
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
I've been on this plan for a couple of months and have tried out both talkatone and groove ip. When I make calls from those apps, I am not charged any minutes. But whenever someone calls my Google voice number, I am charged minutes. Does anybody now why?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks given for bringing talkatone to my attention, it does seem better then groove ip so far.
Tapatalked from my Galaxy S II.
T-Mobile $30 Plan in Houston, TX
I've just finished my first month of the T-Mobile $30 plan and I am very happy. I am in the northwest part of Houston and I get great data speeds (generally 3Mbit-15Mbit download speeds). At my work location, I've gotten up to 17Mbit download. (see attached) I expect to be using 80-200 minutes per month, so I should always save $30-$40 per month compared to my old Sprint plan (Sprint data reliability for me was terrible.)
Here is what I'm using:
Samsung Galaxy S2 T989
ROM: DARKSIDE.UCLE2_BETA06_TDJ
Radio: Tmo_SGH-T989_VK1_ICS_Radio_MOD
I've been using the T-Mobile $30 prepaid plan with groove IP & Google voice for about 4 months now. I ported my number to Google voice & there is an option to have your native dialer to use that number on out going calls. All texts are handled through the Google voice app (witch doesn't handle mms) so that's a bummer.
But here is a tip, there is an app called auto ap in the play store that automatically puts your phone in air plane mode & starts groove ip whenever you connect to a wifi network. So in my case when ever I'm home or at work all my incoming calls are free. It also really helps my battery life.
jcrip said:
I've been using the T-Mobile $30 prepaid plan with groove IP & Google voice for about 4 months now. I ported my number to Google voice & there is an option to have your native dialer to use that number on out going calls. All texts are handled through the Google voice app (witch doesn't handle mms) so that's a bummer.
But here is a tip, there is an app called auto ap in the play store that automatically puts your phone in air plane mode & starts groove ip whenever you connect to a wifi network. So in my case when ever I'm home or at work all my incoming calls are free. It also really helps my battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice tip.
Tapatalked from my Galaxy S II.
I am leaving for Cozumel, Mexico on January 3rd through the 7th. I am taking my kids too. I know I should just unplug from the world but that isn't that easy for me. We are bringing our kids so I shouldn't have to call anyone much. The resort is all inclusive with the exception of wifi. These jokers want 80 bucks for the week and it is only good in parts of the building.
I know for a fact Mexico and specifically Cozumel has CDMA.
Through my research I have found that Sprint has Internation Roaming data and voice plan. I could pay $30 for 50MB, $75 for 175MB, or $125 for 325MB. All plans cost $4 for each additional MB.
I am planning on using google maps to get around the island and maybe look at reviews of places. I also will also need to access my email and to check XDA every 10 minutes when not snorkeling and drinking rum & cokes and tequila shots.
Voice cost $2.29 a minute. There is an Internation Voice plan at Sprint for 4.99 but it is pointless since it doesn't lower the rate in Mexico.
Here is a link: http://shop2.sprint.com/assets/pdfs/en/support/guides/services/worldwide/Worldwide_eflyer.pdf
So, the question is what can I do to get cheaper voice and data? I am asking this hear because I wasn't sure if this phone has capabilities I wasn't aware of. Also, if I am stuck using the data plan what tier should I use. And Specifically, what the heck can be done to use voice cheap. The hotel charges a $10 connection fee for calling home.
I love Sprint but sometimes I really wish I had a GSM phone. This would be so much easier. I could just swap the sim card when I got there and go prepaid. Anyways, sorry this was so long winded. I wanted to be clear of what my questions are. Thanks. I know you devs and hackers know how to beat the system.
You could of used a Motorola Photon 4G, it has a SIM card space, but it wouldn't save you much money now.
Honestly, do you really need to check XDA on vacation? I can understand voice mail and the occasional call, but data is really expensive.
Keep in mind that adds and services eat up data, so 30 mb might be used up in 10 minutes or less.
If you want a better deal, hit up some Americanized shops and stores. Turn on Wifi and turn on your international data and voice guard.
Look for any hot spots or unencrypted connections, and use Skype or another VoIP service.
I think the rates for Skype premium are way lower than international rates.
So to recap.. Use the Wifi, but don't pay for your hotels wifi.
Or if they use WEP security, use a WEP brute force cracker.
Sent from my LG Optimus Prime G
Hey guys, I've been following FreedomPop for a while, and they finally have support for using around 10 different Sprint phones. They are working to support more and maybe we'll be able to use the Optimus G with FreedomPop soon!
Just wanted to share my excitement for being able to literally paying nothing for basic phone usage (200 free min., 500 free texts, and 500 MB of free data)
If you guys ever go with with FreedomPop, just make sure to look through all your account options and read the small print
(They have to make money some ways)
Here's the link to their home page:
http://www.freedompop.com/home.htm
You can put in your phone's meid to find out if it's compatible at the moment.
How's your experience with them been so far?
They use Sprint's coverage. The 200 mins are all VoIP and some say it counts toward the 500mb data. Also, there's a $3.99/mth charge to get "fast" data.
I haven't worked with FreedomPop before, as I have been waiting for my phone to be supported.
My grandfather uses one of their hotspots (I don't remember which one) and when he came over, I tested it out.
When I used it, pages loaded faster than I would expect for a 3G connection. I would say the speed was comparable to the free wifi at a library/cafe or places like Barnes & Noble and Starbucks.
Of course, the last time I used it was months ago, so they probably improved some things.
As I said before, to use FreedomPop without paying anything, you will be running a very basic plan. (Not really a "plan", it's pay as you go)
The only thing that will cost the big bucks will be additional data, but both unlimited talk and unlimited text are much cheaper than any other service provider, aside from Republic Wireless, which is really bringing their A-game into the wireless world.
And once again, read everything! FreedomPop offers a bunch of paid services like rollover data. You may need to manually opt out of these things in order to not be charged.
Tried to sign up.
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda app-developers app
Yes, not every location is supported at the moment.
When they just launched, the service wasn't available in Princeton, but soon after it was.
As with the phones that can be brought over, they are are working on extending support to more areas.
Once using the service though, any area near a Sprint tower should have a signal.
I'm usually around wifi networks, so their minimalist free plan is definitely something I'm looking forward to on this phone.