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I recently acquired an HTC Vision from overseas. Since the change AT&T's website is giving me the option to add an unlimited data plan for non-smartphones for $10 (I don't currently have any data plan because my prior smartphone was grandfathered into an excemption). I know that the reason they are offering the cheap plan is because they don't sell the phone so they can't detect the model I'm using from the IMEI - but...
* does anyone have experience doing this?
* Do they ever catch you and force you to change?
* Is there an unwritten cap to the unlimited non-smartphone data plan that I should be mindful of not exceeding or an amount that you think would raise flags?
* Is there anything I can do to make myself more under the radar - I was thinking maybe changing my device on the AT&T website to a non-smartphone made by another manufacturer so my old smart phone is no longer listed?
Well first off, make sure that the Desire Z you have has the proper frequencies for AT&T.
As far as running the unlimited featurephone data plan, I'm not sure. They might be able to not tell what type of phone you're using, but they will be able to tell that it isn't one of their list of featurephones the plans work for. I think this is the biggest hurdle, they will more than likely find out that you're using a phone that isn't an AT&T featurephone and kick you off of it.
As far as data usage goes, I'm assuming it will throw up a flag when your first month you use 4gb-5gb of data on your "featurephone" that isn't even supposed to have a full browser lol.
If this was that easy to do, don't you think there would be more people getting a free featurephone with a $10 unlimited data plan and buying their phones unsubsidized? lol. Dunno just never heard of anyone doing this before.
I don't get 3G but the phone works fine on the EDGE network. Since it isn't a phone from the US I'm thinking that it might be able to escape detection a lot easier than say, a phone from T-Mobile.
jessicax said:
I don't get 3G but the phone works fine on the EDGE network. Since it isn't a phone from the US I'm thinking that it might be able to escape detection a lot easier than say, a phone from T-Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it doesn't work on 3G then it has the same bands as a T-mobile G2 (or similar, either way it doesn't work on 850/1900 3G that AT&T uses) and you'd end up with the same result. If you're not even gonna use 3G, then why are you paying for a data plan at all?
The real question is, is there a specific reason why you're using AT&T? If you're just going to be using the phone on EDGE with AT&T, you might as well just pay for a data plan on T-mobile and get 3G/4G... maybe just my personal opinion but I have no idea why someone would choose to pay for a smartphone and use it on the EDGE network. I wanna gouge my eyes out when I'm on EDGE lol.
martonikaj said:
If it doesn't work on 3G then it has the same bands as a T-mobile G2 (or similar, either way it doesn't work on 850/1900 3G that AT&T uses) and you'd end up with the same result. If you're not even gonna use 3G, then why are you paying for a data plan at all?
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Click to collapse
Right now I'm not paying for a data plan. However, if I did pay for one, I'd only be using it to do things like check my e-mail, use voice dial, or play ad-supported games - nothing that would be crippled by the slower data transfer. Basically stuff that is worth $10/month to me but not $30.
jessicax said:
Right now I'm not paying for a data plan. However, if I did pay for one, I'd only be using it to do things like check my e-mail, use voice dial, or play ad-supported games - nothing that would be crippled by the slower data transfer. Basically stuff that is worth $10/month to me but not $30.
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Click to collapse
I see... But what I'm saying is why would you pay for an AT&T plan, are you somehow obligated to stay there? If you're bringing your own phone to T-mobile, their no contract plans are as low as $59.99/mo. Maybe AT&T has good service in your area, I'm not sure. But if you have no reason to stay on AT&T and service is comparable on T-mobile, I doubt you'll be paying more for 3G service on T-mo than you would for only 2G on AT&T.
T-mobile no contract (youre bringing your own phone) = $59.99 for 500min, unlim texts, and "unlimited" data.
AT&T phone plans = $39.99 450minutes, + $20 unlim texts + $10 for "featurephone data" = $69.99 and that doesn't get you 3G.
Not trying to convert, just trying to make sense of your situation.
martonikaj said:
I see... But what I'm saying is why would you pay for an AT&T plan, are you somehow obligated to stay there?
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Click to collapse
I am obligated to stay with AT&T for various reasons. :-\
jessicax said:
I am obligated to stay with AT&T for various reasons. :-\
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that would explain a lot. As far as your original plan goes, I'm not sure how it works. They have to identify between their featurephones and smartphones somehow, and that means they may easily be able to identify that you're using a smartphone. Not sure.
From my understanding when i was about to try this smartphones have there own data set....and regular unlimited browsing is something else. But i can be wrong. Get back to me about this, very interested to see if this works.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
This does work.
I am using an unbranded/unlocked Desire Z on ATT with the $10/month basic data plan. Years ago, I purchased a 'dumb phone' from them and have had this data plan on my account since then.
I have used this data plan with a Touch Pro, Blackberry Bold and Nokia E71, all without any problems. All of them were ATT branded and they could see the device I was using. Only thing that didn't work was the Blackberry branded data apps.
With a phone that is not from ATT they cannot tell what device you are using. I've had the DZ since November and haven't heard anything from there. My data usage each month has ranged from 400-700 MB. Not sure what the cap is, but I don't tether or anything and use wifi when I'm at home as well.
This of course is not in line with their 'smartphone policy' so don't walk into a store and expect them to do this for you. You'll have to do it online... Not sure how closely they watch new additions on the basic plans but I would give it a shot and see if they let you keep going... My guess is that unless you're sucking up data at 2-3GB a month, it won't be a problem...
Let me know how it goes for you!
I have an Australian HTC Desire as my personal line, and I pay the $10 data. AT&T employee line plans suck pretty bad...
martonikaj said:
If it doesn't work on 3G then it has the same bands as a T-mobile G2 (or similar, either way it doesn't work on 850/1900 3G that AT&T uses) and you'd end up with the same result. If you're not even gonna use 3G, then why are you paying for a data plan at all?
The real question is, is there a specific reason why you're using AT&T? If you're just going to be using the phone on EDGE with AT&T, you might as well just pay for a data plan on T-mobile and get 3G/4G... maybe just my personal opinion but I have no idea why someone would choose to pay for a smartphone and use it on the EDGE network. I wanna gouge my eyes out when I'm on EDGE lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Iirc you need data for mms
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
You are good to go.
I used a G2 on AT&T for a few months before switching to T-Mobile. I do not remember how much data I used but I know that AT&T had no clue what I was doing/using. I was on the $15 unlimited messaging data plan though, not sure about the $10 one. As long as the phone is not branded or specifically made for AT&T bands (like the AT&T N1) they have no clue what you have, that is the main reason I only use GSM networks.
Protip: You can suspend your line if you are on a family plan and switch to T-mobile which is what I am currently doing until my wife's iPhone contract runs out. They will still charge you $10/month though. $25 for 2GB is WAY overpriced.
For those of you who were interested in hearing if this worked: I've been on the data plan for about two weeks and have used about 200mb thus far. So far, so good. The EDGE network speeds can be a little slow but it is better than nothing.
I'm curious if I'll be detected now that AT&T has acquired T-Mobile, since the G2 is in T-Mobile's lineup, which is based on the HTC Vision just like the Desire Z that I am using.
my question is...
Why cant you use 3g if you have a DZ from overseas? the G2 is the phone with the weird 3g bands. the overseas phone should work like a charm on att.
jessicax said:
For those of you who were interested in hearing if this worked: I've been on the data plan for about two weeks and have used about 200mb thus far. So far, so good. The EDGE network speeds can be a little slow but it is better than nothing.
I'm curious if I'll be detected now that AT&T has acquired T-Mobile, since the G2 is in T-Mobile's lineup, which is based on the HTC Vision just like the Desire Z that I am using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
babyfacedkayos said:
Why cant you use 3g if you have a DZ from overseas? the G2 is the phone with the weird 3g bands. the overseas phone should work like a charm on att.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately it does not have the 3G bands that ATT uses.
[email protected] 30/month for data I'm at 15 or 20 for unlimited data and texts with tmobile
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Lots of people do this. I have a Nokia E71 currently on this plan (and a Desire Z on the way). My only concern is with AT&T's new crackdown on tethering.
Can someone tell me if ATT can make the difference between the type of data transfer someone uses (like web browsing vs Market android download or google syncing)?
Yes they can catch you. Yes they can tell the differance between mms and web browsing....yes they can see every site and bit of information, every call made, every text sent, every minute of every day..... the questions is do they care? The simple answer is no. I have used my own phones on att for 8+ years. I not even sure if its agaisnt any policy they have anyway? Anyway if they ever did "catch" you the worst they would do is say stop that, pay more, or cancel your account. Then maybe you will be free to join tmo lol.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA Premium App
Hi there,
So I am currently using an unlocked G1 on AT&T without having to pay any data plan (because they dont recognize it as a smart phone). However I can upgrade to an unlimited plan for $10 but because of the phone's band it would only get 2G.
So my G1 is dying and is super slow and one phone I would love would be a G2. Thus do you think I would be able to get an unlocked G2 for AT&T and still avoid having to get a data plan ?? Also as an added bonus, when AT&T fuses with Tmobile (assuming FCC approval) perhaps then the G2 would get 4g/3g speeds??
what do you guys think of this master plan to avoid data charges but then get high speed downloads when at&t buys tmobile ??
Thanks.
Look in the dev section there is a way to unlock, and the G2 has HSPA+ which pretty much is 4G
Sent From My G2
austriker27 said:
Hi there,
So I am currently using an unlocked G1 on AT&T without having to pay any data plan (because they dont recognize it as a smart phone). However I can upgrade to an unlimited plan for $10 but because of the phone's band it would only get 2G.
So my G1 is dying and is super slow and one phone I would love would be a G2. Thus do you think I would be able to get an unlocked G2 for AT&T and still avoid having to get a data plan ?? Also as an added bonus, when AT&T fuses with Tmobile (assuming FCC approval) perhaps then the G2 would get 4g/3g speeds??
what do you guys think of this master plan to avoid data charges but then get high speed downloads when at&t buys tmobile ??
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's believed that all tmobile phones will still be limited to edge after the merger. Remember the frequencies it uses are based on hardware, they can never be changed. Unless they have a period where at&t will use both sets of frequencies, a g2 will never get 3g or 4g speeds on at&t.
That's why people were excited when the g2x was supposed to use both sets of bands, but it was not to be...
Sent from my T-mobile G2
Att does use tmo compatible 3g bands in certain areas. I occasionally get 3g with my vibrant (unlocked tmo phone that I use sometimes with att) but I do have to admit that it is rare that I get 3g service in my area.
I also would be surprised if they just up and d4op all that tmo infrastructure overnight.
I would bet that all the tmo sprect4um came (will come) with the purchase.
Sent from my Apple IIe
rickyiswhite said:
Look in the dev section there is a way to unlock, and the G2 has HSPA+ which pretty much is 4G
Sent From My G2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet so once I unlock a g2 I can get at least 3g speeds on at&T network?
Right now I get 2g speeds on my g1 and its pretty painful.
Although it sounds like tmo phones might be limited to edge which just be like the ultimate jerk move on att's part..
I'm not sure about that one after the other comments, also I remember after my G1 I got an iphone 3G(bad mistake) and I unlocked it so I could use it for tmobile and I couldn't get 3G, only edge, so my best advice would be either switch to tmobile if you really want the G2 or just get an android for at&t
Sent From My G2
rickyiswhite said:
I'm not sure about that one after the other comments, also I remember after my G1 I got an iphone 3G(bad mistake) and I unlocked it so I could use it for tmobile and I couldn't get 3G, only edge, so my best advice would be either switch to tmobile if you really want the G2 or just get an android for at&t
Sent From My G2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sooo why hasn't anyone mentioned the A7275 Desire Z version that will get AT&T users 3G? Just look it up. The Desire Z is the same as the G2 except for a few bands. The DZ A7275 model works perfectly with AT&T network, no reason to suffer and get the G2 without 3G. It is also known as the Bell Desire Z.
slapshot30 said:
Sooo why hasn't anyone mentioned the A7275 Desire Z version that will get AT&T users 3G? Just look it up. The Desire Z is the same as the G2 except for a few bands. The DZ A7275 model works perfectly with AT&T network, no reason to suffer and get the G2 without 3G. It is also known as the Bell Desire Z.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, well that solves everything.
Sent From My G2 using XDA app
rickyiswhite said:
Oh, well that solves everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except for the fact that the OP will not have 3G on T-Mob with the Canada Bell Desire Z (A7275), if he in fact wants 3G now.
Plus the huge difference in price between the G2 and the Bell DZ, especially if the OP is qualified for an upgrade (which he probably is, if still on a G1). The Bell Canada DZ typically goes for around $600 new.
If you want an Android phone with keyboard on ATT, the Bell DZ is the way to go. But since the AT&T-Mobile merger won't even start to become a reality for almost a year (and maybe longer), I'd think hard about getting a good phone for NOW. And then plan to get a new device later, when the merger actually takes place.
EDIT: I misunderstood the part where the OP was saying he was using an unlocked G1 on ATT. I thought he was still on T-Mobile, and waiting for the merger. Never mind my comments above along those lines.
Gosh, well thanks for the info guys. That is most helpful- so right now I am thinking of staying with my at&t plan and maybe getting the bell canada g2 unlocked so I can still beat the system and not have to pay for data but if I do need it I can get the 10$ unlimited plan and get 3g speeds with at &T with a sick android phone..
I am also contemplating getting a bb bold 9700 as an upgrade (I get it free as a discount for work) for my phone.. BUT thats a whole 'nother discussion =)
Thats unbelievable! 10 bucks for unlimited data? 2g or not....thats a good deal...personally id rather pay 10 a month and sleep well knowing its there. But at the same time you cant beat free....win freakin win baby!
austriker27 said:
Gosh, well thanks for the info guys. That is most helpful- so right now I am thinking of staying with my at&t plan and maybe getting the bell canada g2 unlocked so I can still beat the system and not have to pay for data but if I do need it I can get the 10$ unlimited plan and get 3g speeds with at &T with a sick android phone..
I am also contemplating getting a bb bold 9700 as an upgrade (I get it free as a discount for work) for my phone.. BUT thats a whole 'nother discussion =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like the Blackberry is from AT&T? If you put your SIM in any AT&T branded smartphone, they will read the IMEI off the phone, know its a smartphone, and add a smartphone data plan to your account (as per their policy). But if you buy a phone what is not AT&T branded (like the Bell Canada Desire Z), the IMEI will not be in their database.
Not sure about connecting to 3G with the Bell Canada Z on the $10 data plan. They might see that you are connecting on 3G , and take away that plan.
redpoint73 said:
Sounds like the Blackberry is from AT&T? If you put your SIM in any AT&T branded smartphone, they will read the IMEI off the phone, know its a smartphone, and add a smartphone data plan to your account (as per their policy). But if you buy a phone what is not AT&T branded (like the Bell Canada Desire Z), the IMEI will not be in their database.
Not sure about connecting to 3G with the Bell Canada Z on the $10 data plan. They might see that you are connecting on 3G , and take away that plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using a Bell Desire Z on ATT and they are not able to identify my IMEI. I have had the $10 Unlimited Data plan on my account for years and despite using much more data than a typical 'dumbphone', I have not been charged or contacted regarding my data package. I get solid 3G coverage in my area and average about 500-900MB a month of data. (I don't tether and use Wifi at home)
On another note, I have used an ATT Branded Blackberry Bold 9000 with the same data plan. I did not buy it from ATT but they were able to identify the IMEI per the ATT branding. They didn't 'force' the smartphone plan on me and my data worked just fine. Please note though, that the BB push services will NOT work without a BB plan.
I've had the $10 unlimited data for about 3 years now and have used a handful of phones: HTC Fuze, Nokia E71, Blackberry Pearl, Bold and now the Desire Z. No issues from ATT, plus I love not being on a contract!
*Edit*: If you 'upgrade' your device through ATT and go with the Bold 9700, you MUST purchase a BB data plan and once you leave that $10 unlimited data, there is no going back so be weary before you sign anything.
I'm coming from a g1 on att.
I'm still on att but now have a g2 with their $10 data plan.
although it's still only 2g you feel notice that even internet is much faster on the g2 then it ever was on the g1. I'm only catching 2g, so that can't be why, but you will notice that it's much faster.
I have actually read quite a bit from here and the AT&T forums concerning whether att will read the IMEI number or not; basically it seems like for some people they do read it and force a smartphone data plan and others they dont. So its kinda like playing the lottery. But yes I absolutely adore my unlimited data for $10 (although I only recently added it for GPS because I moved; otherwise I normally just wifi with no data because wifi is everywhere). That being said I looove my g1 for allowing me to beat the system like that!!!
And actually after doing some more research I would want to the latest bb bold (like a 9780; I think i just mistyped earlier) and now after hearing about the 9900 (which actually sounds like a pretty decent BB, albeit RIM still about 2 years behind the trends) I am very interested in holding out for it as it should come out in Sept if they dont delay anymore..
I also like not being tied down as our family plan's commitment expired at least one year ago, so upgrading is pretty much out of the question unless I open up my own plan.. And just to make it all even more complicated, I get a 20% discount through work and also can get a BB for free if I sign a 2 year agreement.. Aww the options..
Either way I am sick of having to reflash my g1 monthly so and its soooo bloody slow. So I am debating G2, BB Bold 9780 or wait for the Bold 9900.. But thats another bucket of worms I need to figure out..
Att and tmobile have a while to go before or if they ever actually merge. Its up to the government to approve it after all. And remember att had to be split years back for having a monopoly over home phones which makes it even harder for the gov to get on board...
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
i work for att.
yes they can catch your and put a data plan ($25) by default on your account..
yes they also don't catch EVERYONE and add one.
yes people do get away with it for years.
yes att can read your IMEI and tell if its a PDA or not. just shows as "unknown manufac" so att cannot tell what make\model, but most the time can see its a smart phone..
but alot of people get away with 10$ non smart phone unlimited data plan that have smartphones..
my vote... take all the damn money you can from att. =D haha
if you can get away with it then do it.
p.s. heres a tip for anyone on At&t that wants the unlimited data they don't offer anymore. get an iphone, HAS to be an original. well just the imei number, call att and tell them to update the imei and move to the unlimited data plan. they only have unlimited data for the original iphone.. then use it on the account for a few days, then move to another smart phone of choice.. and you will be "grandfathered in" with the unlimited data for smartphone. =]
no way!! Thanks for the info, thats awesome.. How much was the original iphone's unlimited data plan? And will that work if I do decide to get a BB? I heard you might need a special bb plan to use their push features..
Yeah it'll work with a bb.. once your on the unlimited data plan you always have it no matter what phone you use..
The original data plan for iphone is $20 I think.. but you'll have to move to the data plan avainable which is 30
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
My ep4gt is rooted and CWM, but where do I find the rom for straight talk? I assume I need a rom to make this work on the ST unlimited plan.
Once flashed, how do I activate on ST?
Sorry searched couldn't find this answered.
You can't. Straight Talk uses T-Mobile's network which is GSM/AWS, and requires a sim card. This phone is CDMA only.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
Straight Talk is CDMA (through Verizon) And no it hasn't been/ cannot be done as far as I know.
ST uses ATT, Verizon, and t mobile afaik.
There are mulitiple services on ebay offering to flash your cdma phone over to ST on the verizon network.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/130619122331?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
a member on this forum pitchristian has had this done also.
"Originally Posted by pitchristian View Post
I couldnt update my profile or Prl as of a week ago, I did some digging and...
It looks like sprint changed some 3g passwords after the iphone release. thats why my speeds reverted to 1X. You can update the passwords but if you didnt flash the phone yourself then you need to get it back to whomever did it and they can update it. I actually just took my eg4t and flashed it to straight talk wireless instead. $45 unlimited everything(although they are supposedly cutting people off that use more than 3-5g per month) It runs off Verizons towers so my speeds quadrupled over sprints crappy 3g speeds."
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=19443407&highlight=straight+talk#post19443407
Post #29
I PM'ed him,no reply yet as to if there is a way to do this without paying to have this done.
Id save over a 100 a month if I could switch my lines to straight talk. Im kind of interested in this also, but its something ill want to do myself and not through ebay.
For Android phones, Straight Talk uses Sprint. They signed a contract back some months ago. They are not ties to a specific provider and will use what makes sense for them, so it could change over time.
Well these phones when flashed use the verizon network. There are lots of youtube videos where they call some number and it tells you the provider.
So i'm seeing that this is a paid for service only (to have phone flashed to ST)
Interesting. 2 people I know with ST, and both phones have SIM cards. Granted, both are clamshells, but good to know.
bondosho said:
Interesting. 2 people I know with ST, and both phones have SIM cards. Granted, both are clamshells, but good to know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought two ST phones last year, the Samsung qwerty slider, and the one that looks like a blackberry. They were both cdma and ran off the Verizon network. They had bars where my sprint phone did not. I guess different regions use different carriers to piggy back on. There is no T-Mobile coverage in a 10 mile radius where I live.
Here you go:
http://www.fiercewireless.com/story...id-phones-will-use-sprints-network/2011-09-09
I'm sure Straight Talk is willing to use whatever makes the most sense for them so I wouldn't be surprised if they switch stuff around over time.
Maybe this process goes around that? But I have confirmed that these phones do work on the vrz network.
superhard1 said:
Maybe this process goes around that? But I have confirmed that these phones do work on the vrz network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed they do...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1267893
I switched mine to Alltel $45/month unlimited talk text and web but it roams does anybody else who flashed their epic touch always have a roaming indicator? Also my sprint 4g still works
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
snoopy1e11 said:
I switched mine to Alltel $45/month unlimited talk text and web but it roams does anybody else who flashed their epic touch always have a roaming indicator? Also my sprint 4g still works
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how did you flash yours?
I have my ET4G running on prepaid Platinumtel. You can take any Sprint (Android is easiest) phone and "hack" it to run on any Sprint MNVO network easy (with some diligent research on the web) such as Platinumtel, Virgin etc. I can't say how here, only that it can be done
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
Do all the Sprint prepaid spinoffs (Boost/Virgin et. al.) offer unlimited data, or is it capped/throttled?
Sent from an Android-powered HP Touchpad.
Update:
You have to start the port process 24 hours before the idiot starts the flash process. It's not really a flash though.
It uses the verizon towers, no question. You can change around your prl's to determine which towers you wish to use.
So far, very happy with this
Hey Guys,
I'm planning on buying the HTC One X International Version and I can't decide on which service provider to go with. I want to find the best provider with the best speeds and a decent "unlimited" data program. Any suggestions??
Definitely Straight Talk. Not unlimited data as advertised, more in the area of 2.5gb per month. People have claimed they've gone through a lot of data a month, but I would keep it reasonable when you're a new customer.
Only true unlimited mvno I can think of is
Boost Mobile, but not an option since they're cdma. Straight Talk has the best coverage and speeds.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
UnlockedNand said:
Definitely Straight Talk. Not unlimited data as advertised, more in the area of 2.5gb per month. People have claimed they've gone through a lot of data a month, but I would keep it reasonable when you're a new customer.
Only true unlimited mvno I can think of is
Boost Mobile, but not an option since they're cdma. Straight Talk has the best coverage and speeds.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see that you are using Straight Talk how well does your service do with the phone? Good speeds?? Does straight talk connect with AT&Ts Faux(4)G network HSPA?? Sorry for all the questions just want to find the best deal, had verizon but got fed up with the 103/month bill.
felicitygrad2010 said:
I see that you are using Straight Talk how well does your service do with the phone? Good speeds?? Does straight talk connect with AT&Ts Faux(4)G network HSPA?? Sorry for all the questions just want to find the best deal, had verizon but got fed up with the 103/month bill.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Coverage is good, I live outside of major cities. Haven't done a speedtest, but load webpages, email, and other miscellaneous content fast. 3g, no 4g. I'm on WiFi 85% of the time, so this unlimited plan is great. Also to note, Straight Talk has me under AT&T since the coverage was better than T-Mobile in my area.
The T-Mobile prepaid $30 unlimited plan (5gb 4g data - throttled, 100 minutes, unlimited text) really got me interested until I later learned their bands still aren't upgraded for 850/1900 mhz. If you're fine with fast edge speed and mediocre coverage, than that might be of interest to you.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
I just use my Verizon WiFi hotspot for data when not at home or work WiFi. Tmo for voice... Let's me use any intl gsm phone without worrying about bands.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
UnlockedNand said:
Coverage is good, I live outside of major cities. Haven't done a speedtest, but load webpages, email, and other miscellaneous content fast. 3g, no 4g. I'm on WiFi 85% of the time, so this unlimited plan is great. Also to note, Straight Talk has me under AT&T since the coverage was better than T-Mobile in my area.
The T-Mobile prepaid $30 unlimited plan (5gb 4g data - throttled, 100 minutes, unlimited text) really got me interested until I later learned their bands still aren't upgraded for 850/1900 mhz. If you're fine with fast edge speed and mediocre coverage, than that might be of interest to you.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
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Yeah T-Mobile coverage in my area sucks too. I live in a major city so speeds should be relatively good for me, I had ATT as a Go-Phone before and service coverage was awesome around here didn't ever drop a call but didn't have a data plan so can't speak on the speeds. Yeah, when I heard about T-mobile updating to the 890/1900 mhz band it made me think about going to them but I don't think I'd be able to deal with their edge network speeds.
*Bump* Sorry just bumping so its not 3 pages into the forum.
have you checked on the recent at&t prepaid plan? it looks as though you still have to buy a data package on $50 unlimited with a smartphone. i'm on at&t prepaid: i picked the $2/day usage only option and bought a data package, but i've heard the data package portion will not be renewable. i have a mobile hotspot i could fall back on, so it may not be much of an issue for me. but it's something to think about.
i have a suspicion straight talk may be your best bet if you're a heavy user of talk/text as well as data. just check and make sure it runs off the att network where you live.
1earful said:
have you checked on the recent at&t prepaid plan? it looks as though you still have to buy a data package on $50 unlimited with a smartphone. i'm on at&t prepaid: i picked the $2/day usage only option and bought a data package, but i've heard the data package portion will not be renewable. i have a mobile hotspot i could fall back on, so it may not be much of an issue for me. but it's something to think about.
i have a suspicion straight talk may be your best bet if you're a heavy user of talk/text as well as data. just check and make sure it runs off the att network where you live.
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Yeah, I'm really confused with the new data plans, cause they have the new unlimited for $50 and it doesnt say anything against smart phones using it and now android are not allowed on the pay for what you use plans. As for straight talk here runs both AT&T and Tmobile they give they choice to us.
it does say smartphone users must purchase a data package. there a few people on the boards who say they have been able to fly under the radar and not have to do that with an unlimited plan. i only switched to att prepaid recently, so i wouldn't know for sure, but you should check around the boards to see what user experience is. in any case, my first fallback is my mobile hotspot, then i may eventually move to straight talk if att doesn't let me continue as is. i'm such a minimal user that i don't even want to pay $45/month if i don't have to.
1earful said:
it does say smartphone users must purchase a data package. there a few people on the boards who say they have been able to fly under the radar and not have to do that with an unlimited plan. i only switched to att prepaid recently, so i wouldn't know for sure, but you should check around the boards to see what user experience is. in any case, my first fallback is my mobile hotspot, then i may eventually move to straight talk if att doesn't let me continue as is. i'm such a minimal user that i don't even want to pay $45/month if i don't have to.
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Yeah, thats what I'll most like do is use WiFi most of the time, since straight talk is capped at around 2.5gb I a huge data user but I barely use talk, and text i have upwards of 5,000 a month xD
i wouldn't count on ATT GoPhone. they will probably start checking what phones are used and telling you to update your sim and plan. if you can afford it, 499/year at Straight Talk is the best plan i've seen. i'm waiting for college loans and switching.
Straight Talk may be capped/throttled after 2.5 GB like ATT does, but you are getting everything cheaper. i pay 70 AFTER a 7% discount for 450 mins, 2 GB, and no text/mms. i'm taking 42-45/month to Straight Talk when i get out of contract.
brent8577 said:
i wouldn't count on ATT GoPhone. they will probably start checking what phones are used and telling you to update your sim and plan. if you can afford it, 499/year at Straight Talk is the best plan i've seen. i'm waiting for college loans and switching.
Straight Talk may be capped/throttled after 2.5 GB like ATT does, but you are getting everything cheaper. i pay 70 AFTER a 7% discount for 450 mins, 2 GB, and no text/mms. i'm taking 42-45/month to Straight Talk when i get out of contract.
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Yeah, thats most likely what I'll end up doing in the long after trying the service out first to see how it runs. Now if only the wireless companies could figure out that they are just hurting themselves by not offering unlimited data to customers xD
Go with ATT pay as you go, or goto a corporate not retail and have them activate a non contract line with 15 non smartphone data, which is the same BTW, and whatever messaging plan, one comes with unlimited any mobile and all this without showing your phone or call 18003310500 and they'll ship out a sim card. The imei is not a registered one with AT&T.
Guaranteed not bsing.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA
mayad79 said:
Go with ATT pay as you go, or goto a corporate not retail and have them activate a non contract line with 15 non smartphone data, which is the same BTW, and whatever messaging plan, one comes with unlimited any mobile and all this without showing your phone or call 18003310500 and they'll ship out a sim card. The imei is not a registered one with AT&T.
Guaranteed not bsing.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA
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So $15 unlimited data? What are the speeds like? And they have unlimited messaging? What about minutes?
I was able to fly under the radar for my AT&T go prepaid for unlimited data for about 4 months and then one day data was shut off. I was able to put my sim in my V3xx and data works. I guess I can go to straight talk or tmobile now lol
carangelover said:
I was able to fly under the radar for my AT&T go prepaid for unlimited data for about 4 months and then one day data was shut off. I was able to put my sim in my V3xx and data works. I guess I can go to straight talk or tmobile now lol
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What kind of phone were you using? Was it an AT&T branded smartphone?
Liking where this thread is going. Subbed.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Hi all I have a few questions I am hoping someone can answer. I currently have a At&T i717 Note I am using on Straight Talk with a AT&T sim card.
I am getting ok speeds with it and good indoor building coverage. It is unlocked and I had been using it on contract with T-mobile with much better speeds but I couldn't use it at work being in a concrete hospital low building permeability. I am now trying to decide which Note II to buy that will work for me best.
My questions are as follows:
1. Does the Note II use mini sim, or nano sim like the iphone or normal size like the Note i717. Currently Straight Talk only offers mini sim cards for At&t coverage map and not T-mobile (yet I am contacting them to see if they are planning on offering this).
2. Is it difficult to cut down a sim to be the correct size for the Note II if I do want to buy the T-mobile Note II and use it on Straight Talk (faster speeds in my area).
3. Will the AT&T Note II have the ability to be unlocked and used on HSPA+ on Tmobile with flash of different modems like the Note I was modded to do (or without modding)? Or are the radios/modems already compatible on both At&T and Tmobile HSPA+ networks.
I am kinda confused and unsure of what I should do. I want to sell my Note i717 and use the money for Note II but don't want to make the wrong decision between the two options I have listed. I may end up going back on contract with Tmobile with a family member but I would like not to.
4. One more question not specific to the Note but does anyone have any input on credit checks and down payments for AT&T, I have poor credit from when I was younger and made some stupid financial decisions but my job offers 22% discount for AT&T plans which it would be nice for me to take advantage of being able to then use LTE. It would be a $50 on Straight Talk vs. $75 on AT&T (LTE). I probably would be willing to pay the extra $25 a month if I don't have some outrageous down payment. I will check with AT&T directly when I can but was looking for any input from fellow Note II lovers.
Thanks in advance for any help!
IMPIMMS (AMANDA)
I am currently using the unlocked note 2 on straight talk. I tried to cut down my regular sim ti micro but I failed. So I ordered a new micro sim from straight talk. Speeds are good as is coverage. Average about 6mbps+ Sadly I dont know the answers to your other questions.....hope this helped!
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 06:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:44 AM ----------
Also ypu can get a sim cutter on ebay pretty cheap.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Don't use T-Mobile
I recently signed up for Straight Talk. Since my phone was an unlocked T-Mobile phone, I ordered a Straight Talk SIM. My service is horrible. I rarely get 3G, mostly edge. Even the cell service is poor. I have put a non Straight Talk AT&T SIM in my phone and get a constant 3G. So I have ordered a Straight Talk AT&T SIM; will start using the first of November. Hopefully the bad service I have received is the T-Mobile SIM and not Straight Talk.
Just a heads up I was using my note on straight talk and I wanted to use the SIM in my note 2. The people at my local T-Mobile store were nice enough to cut the SIM for me even though I was not using their service. A lot of their stores have SIM cutters for people who are trying to run iPhones on their network.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Edge
purplepizza said:
I recently signed up for Straight Talk. Since my phone was an unlocked T-Mobile phone, I ordered a Straight Talk SIM. My service is horrible. I rarely get 3G, mostly edge. Even the cell service is poor. I have put a non Straight Talk AT&T SIM in my phone and get a constant 3G. So I have ordered a Straight Talk AT&T SIM; will start using the first of November. Hopefully the bad service I have received is the T-Mobile SIM and not Straight Talk.
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Thats because the unlocked international verion of the phone will only work on the HSPA+ that ATT and Stright talk both have. Consider yourself lucky to see a 3g Signal if your on Tmobile because from my understanding it only works on EDGE with Tmobile:highfive:
purplepizza said:
I recently signed up for Straight Talk. Since my phone was an unlocked T-Mobile phone, I ordered a Straight Talk SIM. My service is horrible. I rarely get 3G, mostly edge. Even the cell service is poor. I have put a non Straight Talk AT&T SIM in my phone and get a constant 3G. So I have ordered a Straight Talk AT&T SIM; will start using the first of November. Hopefully the bad service I have received is the T-Mobile SIM and not Straight Talk.
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It has been posted all over this forum that the international version of the Note 2, if used on T-Mo will only get Edge data in 99% of the nation. The only places where you will see 3G or H+ is in those areas where T-Mobile has already refarmed its 1900 MHz spectrum (because that's the band that the international Note 2 has). I have heard some parts of Washington state, Las Vegas, Chicago and NYC have it.
But if the OP buys the T-Mobile variant, he would be able to get H+ at very good speeds (depending on where he is).
I'm kinda in the same predicament as the OP... I'm using an original at&t note with an At&t straight talk sim card. I would love to go down to tmobile tomorrow and pick up a Note 2 .. unlock it and throw my sim in it.. but will it work? I can wait till Nov. 9th for the At&t version but if they will work the same I'd like to jump on it now.
Does LTE work
I heard it works with Att LTE is that true can anyone confirm?
Ive heard the note 2 for tmobile is the exact same hardware as the at&t. Not sure how accurate this is, i got that from tmonews. So the tmobile variant also has lte support but is disabled i believe.
That being said, if they are the same harfware with just different model#s to identify the carrier, i would think the at&t version should also have hspa compatible with tmobile, but might just be disabled. Again, this is based on what i read in tmonews.com regarding the tmobile version.
Hope this helps
Hey guys,
Not trying to hi-jack this thread but I have a similar question:
I had Windows Phone on the ATT network. I switched to Straight Talk a month ago by just switching out the sim cards. The phone & service worked great except straight talk does not support windows phone because you can't edit the APN setting in Windows Phone because they are automatic. It was time for a new phone anyways so I went on ebay and found a new phone unlocked on the T-mobile network. I put the straight talk sim in the new phone and now I am getting a lot of problems with sending & recieving text etc. The major problem I have is I keep getting a text message that says +1121611611 (2288 Error Invalid Number, Please resend using a valid 10 digit mobile number or valid short code. This is continuous day & night and will not stop and runs my battery down. Is it possible that I can't use a T-mobile phone with a AT&T version Straight Talk sim?
Techngro said:
It has been posted all over this forum that the international version of the Note 2, if used on T-Mo will only get Edge data in 99% of the nation. The only places where you will see 3G or H+ is in those areas where T-Mobile has already refarmed its 1900 MHz spectrum (because that's the band that the international Note 2 has). I have heard some parts of Washington state, Las Vegas, Chicago and NYC have it.
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Well that explains why I see 3G in Seattle.
I plan on switching to straight talk in April I want to get a note 2 but I have 4 problems
1. Which company will offer the best service ATT or TM?
2. If I get ($$$) Phone is there a way to get insurance/Warranty that will cover me it in case ANYTHING happens? Would Square Trade Do it?
3. Will all the features work?
4. Which sim card should I get ATT, Straight talk or Tmobile?
spawn1980 said:
I plan on switching to straight talk in April I want to get a note 2 but I have 4 problems
1. Which company will offer the best service ATT or TM?
2. If I get ($$$) Phone is there a way to get insurance/Warranty that will cover me it in case ANYTHING happens? Would Square Trade Do it?
3. Will all the features work?
4. Which sim card should I get ATT, Straight talk or Tmobile?
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Click to collapse
First off, why dig up this old thread to post in, it's last post was in October. But I do have to thank you because you obviously did search first.
TMobile is out of the question if you are looking to buy an international Note2 (N7100). You will be only able to use 2G on it unless you are in one of a handful of cities. So if you want to use TMobile, your best option is to buy a TMobile version of the Note2.
As for if you should use TMobile or ATT, no one can answer that for you. You have to talk to people in your area about how their service is, dropped calls and data speeds. As a general rule ATT has better nationwide coverage but there are many places where TMobile has great service and data speeds too.
Insureance, how many times have you dropped your phone in the last year? I put a TPU case on my Note1 and dropped many times and never had it break but some people have them break on the first drop. Up to you, I think it's waste money.
Would love to know if the att note 2 will get lte if on straight talk
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
tmobile note 2 contract is up, can I go no contract with it?
I have a note 2 that I got when I was still under contract, im curious if I can go monthly no contract and still use it. Probably through t mobile still until something better comes along, so I don't have to be locked in a contract. Because it sucked.
I have Note 2 N7100. International unlocked version bought from Newegg in Nov of 2012. I have used Straighttalk (AT&T SIM) the whole time. I have had them cut off my data twice so far because of TOS. Says you cant stream music/video, use P2P, and other crap. Basicly they say you can only browse. But let me be clear, I was using 5GB+ each time they cut me off so yea, it was my fault, I know what unlimited means and it's unlimited. Each month they cut it off, I got it turned back on no issues. Now for the last month, my speed has bee HORRIBLE all month. I have used under 500MB thus far but its bad. My wife, who has Nexus 4 and uses a concistant 500MB - 1GB/month and has her ST account totally seperate has the same issue. So does my neighbor and two co-workers, we are getting horrible speeds for the past month or so. So I am seriously concidering AT&T thier ungoddly bounty for service starting next month. I get a discount at work so it equals out to about $70/month, same as the others. I loved ST but it's gotten really bad...
BTW, I bought a TM SIM from TM last week and it was 2G from work to home. I live in Birmingham AL. there is a few miles of good 3G on the interstate but thats it. Hope this helps
Straight Talk has lost out on AT&T for whatever reason(s). They don't offer the AT&T Sims on their site anymore. There are some left on eBay but the sellers have doubled the price or more. The day is supposedly coming that new AT&T Straight Talk Sims will no longer activate. ST has also downgraded the unlimited data on AT&T to 1.5 GB a month. Tmobile sucks in my area. I hope to never have to use it again.
sholsten said:
Straight Talk has lost out on AT&T for whatever reason(s). They don't offer the AT&T Sims on their site anymore. There are some left on eBay but the sellers have doubled the price or more. The day is supposedly coming that new AT&T Straight Talk Sims will no longer activate. ST has also downgraded the unlimited data on AT&T to 1.5 GB a month. Tmobile sucks in my area. I hope to never have to use it again.
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Where is your source that it is only 1.5 gigabytes with AT&T now
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Here's one
http://androidheadlines.com/2013/02/straight-talks-unlimited-data-not-so-unlimited-anymore.html
so i recently just moved from boston to ohio (44820 zip) while i was in boston i used tmobile. however when i came to ohio i noticed i was always using 2g via att. tmobile has no service in this town. so heres my dilemma...i signed up with sprint and to be honest im (no 4g lte and 3g sucks) wanting to dump them. honestly i will pay the etf for both phones (note 2 and optimus g). i just want out!
so im trying to decide what to do...is straight talk or net 10 the way to go? do they both use att or tmobile. i have searched but if i understand correctly att runs net 10 and straight talk runs tmobile. but do they roam on each other?
any help would be awesome! i truly would love prepaid with unlimited data.
look up my zip and you will see tmobile is a no go. so now its att but which mvno and i need unlimited 3 or 4g...
thanks!!!