Develop Bugs

SGSII and T-Zones - Help!

So my T-Mobile account uses T-Zones for data, and it's only $5.99 a month unlimited on the grandfathered plan. I had an iPhone 4 unlocked to Tmo, and it worked great. I just bought a T-Mo Galaxy SII, and using the SIM in that phone gets me no data. Voice works great, but no data at all. When putting a different active SIM in the SII it gets data fine. And I'm using a brand new 4G SIM so I know that's not the issue.
The question is - how can I continue on my current plan and use the SII with T-zones for my data? Will a custom ROM work? Do they use EIN to determine if you need the Android data plan? I'm rooted but on stock right now. I really really want to keep my current data plan because it's unlimited and cheapo.
Anyone know the answer to this one? Thanks so much for any help you can provide.

They told me I had to upgrade from my 19.99 unlimted Internet plan to use 4G on my old HTC Sensation. I can only imagine what they woudl say if you inquired about the 5.99 plan on your SG2.
Contact 611 & please keep us posted on the outcome

It looks like you need to manually enter the APNs.
http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/5381...ed-data-for-5-99-works-wiphone-and-nexus-one/
Hope it helps.

fbueller said:
So my T-Mobile account uses T-Zones for data, and it's only $5.99 a month unlimited on the grandfathered plan. I had an iPhone 4 unlocked to Tmo, and it worked great. I just bought a T-Mo Galaxy SII, and using the SIM in that phone gets me no data. Voice works great, but no data at all. When putting a different active SIM in the SII it gets data fine. And I'm using a brand new 4G SIM so I know that's not the issue.
The question is - how can I continue on my current plan and use the SII with T-zones for my data? Will a custom ROM work? Do they use EIN to determine if you need the Android data plan? I'm rooted but on stock right now. I really really want to keep my current data plan because it's unlimited and cheapo.
Anyone know the answer to this one? Thanks so much for any help you can provide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same plan as you on my Nokia N82 and after upgrading to Samsung Vibrant, I found out there is no way to use tzones with android phones except Nexus one. Now I pay for the android data plan, hopefully you have better luck.

mastapsi said:
It looks like you need to manually enter the APNs.
http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/5381...ed-data-for-5-99-works-wiphone-and-nexus-one/
Hope it helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried all the APNs out there for Tmo and none work. I'll call retentions tomorrow (I'm out of contract so they should take good care of me) and let you know what happens.

T-Zones is a grandfathered plan and it only works with phones that uses 2G, which are only the basic phones. The SGS2 requires the Android data plan/Smartphone data plan which if you call retention, they should offer you for 20$.

DyingBlade said:
T-Zones is a grandfathered plan and it only works with phones that uses 2G, which are only the basic phones. The SGS2 requires the Android data plan/Smartphone data plan which if you call retention, they should offer you for 20$.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, but that'd be 2GB before throttle, correct? And 5GB for $30? Sucky.

fbueller said:
Yeah, but that'd be 2GB before throttle, correct? And 5GB for $30? Sucky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ask for the 5gb $20 plan.
Deebo took your bike too?

The_Biz said:
Ask for the 5gb $20 plan.
Deebo took your bike too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, if you've been a long time customer with T-Mobile, they should be able to offer you the 5GB 20$ plan.

DyingBlade said:
Yeah, if you've been a long time customer with T-Mobile, they should be able to offer you the 5GB 20$ plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's pretty much what I got. 5GB plan for $20 and $10 off each month for two years. It's basically $2 more a month than I was paying before, I can live with that. 2 year contract required.
Thanks for all the help!

on a side note, tzone won't work with phones that have tmobile logo on them because tmo scan the
imei #, a phone id.
it should work with phones that have international versions..check sensation, o3d ( make sure tmo version because they also have att version with same model p920)

The only Android phone I ever go to work on $5 and $10 unlimited internet was my HD2 which wasn't technically an Android phone . Was pretty pissed when I had to switch to the EM+ $20 5GB plan.

Any phone thats not branded tmobile will work. I would never get rid of that plan. If you get the galaxy s2 from telus it will work fine. For some reason the htc tmobile mytouch slide will work also just popped my sim in one and it's been working for over a month and other android phones on tmobile stop working right away. Data is data that android plan stuff from tmobile is a scam if they dont have your imei listed in there logs the phone will work.

Yep.... It's IMEI locked and not according to some fallacies that some people threw out there (only works with 2g/3g, older phones). It WILL work with new smartphones just not ones purchased from T-mobile. The European Sensation works with T-zones. The Telus SGS2 will work with T-Zones. The upcoming Galaxy Nexus will work with T-zones (if bought elsewhere BUT t-mobile) Do your own research before listening to other people's advice.
Never get rid of that plan. It's truly 100% unlimited and unthrottled. If you got rid of it because of people here, i feel sorry for you man. If I were you, I would return the phone, get the T-zone option back and purchase the Telus SGS2. It's more expensive but worth it in the long run ($15 savings every month). Alternatively, just wait for the penta-band GSM HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus from ATT, Sprint and directly from google.

goonx said:
Yep.... It's IMEI locked and not according to some fallacies that some people threw out there (only works with 2g/3g, older phones). It WILL work with new smartphones just not ones purchased from T-mobile. The European Sensation works with T-zones. The Telus SGS2 will work with T-Zones. The upcoming Galaxy Nexus will work with T-zones (if bought elsewhere BUT t-mobile) Do your own research before listening to other people's advice.
Never get rid of that plan. It's truly 100% unlimited and unthrottled. If you got rid of it because of people here, i feel sorry for you man. If I were you, I would return the phone, get the T-zone option back and purchase the Telus SGS2. It's more expensive but worth it in the long run ($15 savings every month). Alternatively, just wait for the penta-band GSM HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus from ATT, Sprint and directly from google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only set back with keeping the tzone plan and with the phones that would work on the plan are the download speed. With this phone, I can get 10mb easy, but with my N1, using tzone, the max I ever got was 3mb (average of around 1.6-2.0). If you get a unsubsidized phone for say $500, you'll need 2 years or so just to break even (assuming you get the tmobile version for $200. you can get it for way less now).
The only good thing about tzones are the real unlimited usuage, but not many ppl uses 5gb every month. I know cause I was using the N1.

safeplayer22 said:
The only set back with keeping the tzone plan and with the phones that would work on the plan are the download speed. With this phone, I can get 10mb easy, but with my N1, using tzone, the max I ever got was 3mb (average of around 1.6-2.0). If you get a unsubsidized phone for say $500, you'll need 2 years or so just to break even (assuming you get the tmobile version for $200. you can get it for way less now).
The only good thing about tzones are the real unlimited usuage, but not many ppl uses 5gb every month. I know cause I was using the N1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure about the speeds.. but i don't know enough/read enough to see if they put you on a different speed profile. They talked a lot of T-zones on Howardforums and that's where i picked up the IMEI restriction. Probably a lot more info there if people want to check it out.
But the N1 vs. the GSG2 radios are way different. Perhaps it's just the phone. A fair comparison would be the telus vs. t-mo version. But i doubt anyone has both to compare.
Up to the OP, depends on his/her usage and what they're willing to pay.

from my understanding as far as speeds are concern, sg2 and htc amaze are the only fist ones that have 42mb data chipset build in. most other ones are either 14.4 or 21mb chip.

anduios said:
from my understanding as far as speeds are concern, sg2 and htc amaze are the only fist ones that have 42mb data chipset build in. most other ones are either 14.4 or 21mb chip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. I got the telus sgs2x.... amazing. The highest I ever got was only 10mbps though. But that might change with tmobile getting free crap from AT&T .

The T-Mobile SGS2 is definitely IMEI locked on the APNs, as i've learned the hard way. There is also a number of other limitations being imposed that i've only come across on this handset:
Tethering - Instead of stock Android tethering, there is a tethering manager app that checks for tethering subscriptions and prevents data on the phone from working while tethering. Easily frozen or removed with titanium backup to work.
Wifi Calling - claims to need a new sim card, but according to rep requires a newer data plan (currently on one of the legacy plans). my plan seems to work with the g2 and it's wifi calling app, however i haven't looked for a work around yet
There were some other things i noticed that were software enforced on the handset, but didn't make notes as I went along

@fg I was told by customer service that I don't need to change my data plan. I was told I can keep my 200mb data plan but I would need to go to tmobile store to pick up a new sim card for free to enable wifi calling.

Queston for people using GN on AT&T

If you are using a Galaxy Nexus from Europe on AT&T, does AT&T recognize the phone as a smartphone and force you into a smartphone data plan or can you go for the cheaper "dumbphone" plan?

Bump
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk

It shows up at a unknown gms phone
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
*got to love spell check on the phone lol*

theorginazation said:
If you are using a Galaxy Nexus from Europe on AT&T, does AT&T recognize the phone as a smartphone and force you into a smartphone data plan or can you go for the cheaper "dumbphone" plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont tell 'em. If they ask tell them its an unlocked nokia n75 or something. They consider that a dumbphone and it was a great smartphone for it's time.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

I had an Atrix previously, and they told me, when I called to update my IMEI, that they had to switch my plan to a non-smartphone plan - unlimited for $10 month. I went for it to try it out. Same speeds as with my Atrix.
Then reading another thread about how ATT throttles the non smartphone plan, and you have to call and pester them into hooking you up to a 4G smartphone plan to pump up the speed, I did that. Now it's up another $35 a month, and guess what. NO SPEED DIFFERENCE. I called and asked to be switched back, and they tried a bunch of different settings to keep pulling that $35 out of my wallet, but they just couldn't produce.
Long story short, take the non-smartphone unlimited.

Alright, thanks guys. I guess I am going to get the Galaxy Nexus instead of the SGS 2 now

I guess the question is, how do you go about it?
I'm on tmo right now, need to move to ATT for signal reasons....how do I get this dumbphone plan? I mean I don't wanna enter into a contract so I'll have to go into the store to order it...won't I have to show them my phone and then they'll just be like "uh...that's not a dumbphone?"

I'm using a dumbphone plan with my Vibrant right now. All you have to do is go into the store with a non-smartphone, get a sim, and then put it in your smartphone.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk

no data plan att

can i use the unlocked gnexus without having a data plan on att?

Don't let them know.
let it be.

Why?

martonikaj said:
Why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my dad wants a smartphone but does not want to pay for data (useless for him gets wifi at work and then uses wifi at home).
Also would the nexus s be ok too?

If you already have sims it should work. Do not let at&t know. They might try twisting your arm into getting nut you are not required to if you are not under contract.
Sent from my GT-P3113 using xda premium

@rbiter said:
If you already have sims it should work. Do not let at&t know. They might try twisting your arm into getting nut you are not required to if you are not under contract.
Sent from my GT-P3113 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lmao is truth tho you can make it happen my wife's dad hates paying extra money and he made att take data off his blackberry a few years ago when he got it lol but yeah he can use it without att knowing
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

raytraceme said:
my dad wants a smartphone but does not want to pay for data (useless for him gets wifi at work and then uses wifi at home).
Also would the nexus s be ok too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean it just defeats the purpose to jump through the hoops and use AT&T w/ no data when you can put him on a prepaid plan with data for less (even if you go with a ripoff GoPhone plan its still makes more sense).
As the others have said if you really want to do this then I'm sure you could get away with it, but AT&T doesn't want you to do it and will add a data plan if they can.

martonikaj said:
I mean it just defeats the purpose to jump through the hoops and use AT&T w/ no data when you can put him on a prepaid plan with data for less (even if you go with a ripoff GoPhone plan its still makes more sense).
As the others have said if you really want to do this then I'm sure you could get away with it, but AT&T doesn't want you to do it and will add a data plan if they can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They can't force him if he doesn't have any phones subsidized for his line. I was saying not to let them know because they will solicit the hell out of you if they know that you do have a smartphone. Heck they keep soliciting me to save money by adding an unlimited text plan which costs more than the plan I am on. Doesn't sound like I'm saving money. And man if I had wifi at work all day long I would drop data or got to the $15 plan.
let it be.

raytraceme said:
my dad wants a smartphone but does not want to pay for data (useless for him gets wifi at work and then uses wifi at home).
Also would the nexus s be ok too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's the case then he can just use certain apps for WiFi calling and text. Fully working device running straight off WiFi. I do it right now with all my devices with a portable WiFi device. I was actually looking into getting a galaxy nexus.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA

Well we have a family plan so he can't go prepaid. He is the primary account holder.

The Smartphone user Revolt! My story

So I've been browsing the internet looking for what people thought about going voip instead of buying expensive cell phone minutes.
After thoroughly researching the subject I decided to go all in and make my Nexus data only (Verizon). Verizon, however, were onto me and apparently they don't even offer data only phones anymore.
After that little set back I went back to my research. Lo and behold I found that one could switch 4G Sim cards on devices and receive an internet connection. So I canceled my expensive voice/text/data plan for my nexus ($120ish/mo) and went and got a mifi 4510L which was free with 2 yr. contract.
After doing this I simply removed the 4G Sim to try and put into my nexus and ran into yet another problem. IT WAS TOO BIG! After doing some more research I found i could simply cut the Sim to fit into my phone and walaa I was in business.
I had a deactivated phone pulling down an internet connection from a mifi plan, so essentially I've gone data only which is what I wanted in the first place.
After this I simply got myself a Skype calling plan ($2.99/mo) unlimited US calling, and purchased a Skype number ($30 for full year with the new subscription discount). The quality on Skype is impeccable I've used many different VOIP services (voip.ms/callcentric/groove ip/etc.) and Skype is the closest to sounding like an actual cell phone. I can even use it while driving down the freeway at 70+ mph and no problems. The last company I used I wouldn't even try to make a call while driving even 10mph. The audio would lag out and turn into garble.
Since everyone already has my google voice number I tied it to my newly obtained Skype number, made my Skype callerID show my Google Voice number when I call out, and haven't looked back. I've even set it up on my gf's phone. Using the same method above with the mifi SIM switchout.
So at the end of the day I have a data only phone that I can make and receive calls from and text (through google voice app) and I'm only spending ~$55/mo.
Big improvement over the $120+ I was spending. Just wanted to hear if anyone else out there had some similar stories or was thinking about doing the same thing. :cyclops:

Sounds like a deal, straight talk is $45 a month though. I did notice that Skype has better call quality than sprint voice.

Smart.
Sent from my htc_jewel using xda premium

Hmm, VZW sucks, $120/mo. I pay $138 for 4 lines with Tmo...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

phatmanxxl said:
Sounds like a deal, straight talk is $45 a month though. I did notice that Skype has better call quality than sprint voice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does straight talk offer 4G? The bulk of my cost is the $50 for 5 GB I have on the data plan. I don't use much data anyways with all the free wifis everywhere and at home.

SoljNex said:
Does straight talk offer 4G? The bulk of my cost is the $50 for 5 GB I have on the data plan. I don't use much data anyways with all the free wifis everywhere and at home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, and good point with the free wifi everywhere.

SoljNex said:
So I've been browsing the internet looking for what people thought about going voip instead of buying expensive cell phone minutes.
After thoroughly researching the subject I decided to go all in and make my Nexus data only (Verizon). Verizon, however, were onto me and apparently they don't even offer data only phones anymore.
After that little set back I went back to my research. Lo and behold I found that one could switch 4G Sim cards on devices and receive an internet connection. So I canceled my expensive voice/text/data plan for my nexus ($120ish/mo) and went and got a mifi 4510L which was free with 2 yr. contract.
After doing this I simply removed the 4G Sim to try and put into my nexus and ran into yet another problem. IT WAS TOO BIG! After doing some more research I found i could simply cut the Sim to fit into my phone and walaa I was in business.
I had a deactivated phone pulling down an internet connection from a mifi plan, so essentially I've gone data only which is what I wanted in the first place.
After this I simply got myself a Skype calling plan ($2.99/mo) unlimited US calling, and purchased a Skype number ($30 for full year with the new subscription discount). The quality on Skype is impeccable I've used many different VOIP services (voip.ms/callcentric/groove ip/etc.) and Skype is the closest to sounding like an actual cell phone. I can even use it while driving down the freeway at 70+ mph and no problems. The last company I used I wouldn't even try to make a call while driving even 10mph. The audio would lag out and turn into garble.
Since everyone already has my google voice number I tied it to my newly obtained Skype number, made my Skype callerID show my Google Voice number when I call out, and haven't looked back. I've even set it up on my gf's phone. Using the same method above with the mifi SIM switchout.
So at the end of the day I have a data only phone that I can make and receive calls from and text (through google voice app) and I'm only spending ~$55/mo.
Big improvement over the $120+ I was spending. Just wanted to hear if anyone else out there had some similar stories or was thinking about doing the same thing. :cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this a GSM or VZW Nexus?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

Nxxx said:
Is this a GSM or VZW Nexus?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon Nexus

SoljNex said:
Does straight talk offer 4G? The bulk of my cost is the $50 for 5 GB I have on the data plan. I don't use much data anyways with all the free wifis everywhere and at home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah they offer H+ on T Mobile and AT&T. Unfortunately they don't support LTE yet.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

I was not aware that the Verizon GNex even had a SIM card slot.

SoljNex said:
Does straight talk offer 4G? The bulk of my cost is the $50 for 5 GB I have on the data plan. I don't use much data anyways with all the free wifis everywhere and at home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile is $30 for 5GB of "4G" plus unlimited texts and 100 mins voice, but you probably don't care about those

Archpope said:
I was not aware that the Verizon GNex even had a SIM card slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All Verizon LTE phones have a SIM.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Archpope said:
I was not aware that the Verizon GNex even had a SIM card slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes all verizon 4g lte devices use a sim card

Will you be able to call 911 god forbid if you have too.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

BrianDigital said:
Will you be able to call 911 god forbid if you have too.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Emergency calls should work without any Sim or plan at all.

BrianDigital said:
Will you be able to call 911 god forbid if you have too.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Calling 911 will work just by going to your normal dialer.

So the monthly rate cost issue has been basically solved.
Now I need to find a way to get the top of the line phones at a cheaper price.

does it pull in 3g data as well? otherwise it's not an option for me, since 4g isnt available unless i'm in town

Zax_Was_Here said:
does it pull in 3g data as well? otherwise it's not an option for me, since 4g isnt available unless i'm in town
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does pull 3g when not in 4g area. Also the call quality is also impeccable over 3G as well. I tested it today in an area with 1 3G bar.

SoljNex said:
Does straight talk offer 4G? The bulk of my cost is the $50 for 5 GB I have on the data plan. I don't use much data anyways with all the free wifis everywhere and at home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But the their faux 4g is super quick, on T-Mobile I get 4-6 Mbps everywhere I go
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[Off Topic] Prepaid plans, where are the services for people who don't talk?

After looking through some of the prepaid options, it kind of aggrivates me that I am required to pay for 700 mins a month (or whatever it is) when i think I use under 100 minutes. I barely ever talk on the phone, usually only to the bank or some other quick calls. I need text messaging and about 1GB of data, but I might be able to use 500MB since I use wifi all the time. I'm seriously thinking about buying out of Verizon or just waiting for my contract to end this summer and switch to prepaid. Are there any services that offer either no voice (I'll use VoIP) or like 50 mins a month, with a moderate data cap? I really want to stay in the Nexus crowd, and I've seen that it is possible to flash the VZW Galaxy Nexus to Straight Talk, but the way the "guide" is written, I feel as though I would seriously brick my phone, even though I have a competent knowledge of computers, I know nothing about programming or the internal workings and protocols of cellular systems.
Would it be worth it to try and switch my vzw nexus to straight talk or just sell it and buy a gsm nexus? I've seen some pretty promising looking VoIP apps on the play store and tried a few (better call quality than using the towers too), which one do you guys prefer?

Tmobile has a prepaid plan that is 100min ant 5gb of data
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Zepius said:
Tmobile has a prepaid plan that is 100min ant 5gb of data
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just saw that, i remember hearing about it like 6 months ago when i was thinking about this, but then it seemed to disappear and now its back. i think thats probably going to be the best option.