Develop Bugs

Anyone on prepaid? Need to figure out what's best. Please comment.

I have a R800at from ATT and I want to use it on prepaid for the wife, but data is important to me. Speed is important but so is the amount that's available. I cam get the phone unlocked and get a tmo aim for 1.99 and use there 50 unlimited plan bit I'm afraid of being condemned to a life of edge data speeds. I am trying to get the most data possible. Preferably 2 plus gigs with talk and text for 50 or less a month. I just haven't decided to go with ATT or unlock and tmobile.
Any input would be awesome and maybe your average speeds on tmo and ATT.
Thanks everyone.
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk

Unlock, 15$ a pop for sim cards from straight talk, 45$ a month, 3g speeds.
Edit: That unlimted talk/text and "unlimited data" which is 7gb defined by howard forums.

That with att or tmo? If att I Sony need an unlock just a sum to pop in and go right.
Sent from my R800at using XDA App

Its an AT&T phone, dont even need an unlock, just need to edit an apn.
Check step 4 here; http://straighttalksim.com/support.php

Ok wife went to the store. Att Guy goes ahead and activates the 50 dollar monthly unlimited. Here they have a bucket of "dummy" phones. Salesman said yes your Sony experia play will work fine just add this fifty bucks. Well it needed an apn setting change and I knew it. Unfourtunatly with the "what's xda" types. Words such as " apn imei exploit" make people ignore you. No one listens to me and long story short and a call to "tech support" and were told its not possible to use 3g on a hspa+ phone that they don't even have the same bands on the hspa+ phones at the prepaid ATT bands. I start to comment with words like "850/900/1800/1900 gsm bands tri band" and boom dirty looks. After trying to point this out I finally gave up. Now she's stuck on the 25 dollar 250 min talk and text with 500mb for 25 more.
Still no data working. There's that apn issue again I've been trying to make you assholes understand. Now were stuck with a phone that has notes on the account about how we have the experia play and they blocked all data from the phone and refuse to give the money back on the data plan. Hey now people are actually read to let me talk. I said politley to the salesman thanks for wasting my time you should get a new job. And took my wife home.
With me still or did you give up on reading the big post?
I need to keep the number cause she's using it for a month to use the balance up so I can get it fixed. My next move now to salvage the number is to get a cheap gophone and activate it with a 50 unlimited plan and port the number over to a new account. Or should I get straight talk and port the number to a new account. What's gonna be better off here guys?
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk

Tech support guy there is an idiot.
If you have the blue xperia play you have the two HSPDA(3g) bands (800/1900) that AT&T uses.
It seems you arent going to use straight talk but the AT&T prepaid.
The only AT&T prepaid I know is GoPhone.
If you are going with GoPhone and still want to try on xperia play;
1. Put the xperia play on wifi, get into the market and search "apn backup and restore"
2. Install, backup then Delete current APNs
3. On your play go to; Settings; Wireless and Networks; Mobile Networks;
4. Should be empty, press the menu button to make a new APN
5. Make your apn look like this; http://androidforums.com/htc-tattoo/61434-gophone-sim-card-apn-address-t.html
6. Reboot with your AT&T sim card inserted, should work after that.
If not let me know what service it is, and i'll try to find you the APN. I know it works on 3g/4g ATT bands, I have 4g data from straight talk.
If that doesnt work, id say do the straight talk port. Just order the sim card, activate it online, change the APN, done.
So whichever you decide to do, i'll try to help

Oh I have the apn and currently have the data working. I had it day working right away. Well as soon as the salesman was done inturupting me and being a tard.
The problem now is that it's a smartphone and now they know about it and wont give us the 50 unlimited plan. Were stuck on the 250 mins and unlt. Texts for 25 bucks with an extra 25 for 500mbs of data. Only cause we already added money to the account.
Now I'm interested in swithcing to straightalk after her 50 balance is used. Just need to attempt to port the number. I'd actually be happy doing a new att sim and porting the number across Sims but I doubt that's a good idea or even possible.
Any pointers on the SEP on straight talk 45 dollar unlimited plan?
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk

Okay, first order a straight talk simcard, from StraightTalkSim.com
Head to https://www.straighttalk.com/Activate and select "Activate my Straight Talk phone with a number transferred from another company.". You'll need your account number and what not. (you should do this with at least 6-7 days left on the AT&T service plan, just in case)
After your number is ported (shouldnt take too long) you'll have to delete your APN's from the xperia play again, and make them look like the one shown in step 4 on this page; http://straighttalksim.com/support.php (AT&T compatible tab)
Now then, if you configure your play this way, you will be very limited in your data, like, no "browser" app browsing, no downloads. I'd assume this is because straight talk doesnt want you going over their Data Limit(yes they lie about unlimited, but most people say its around 7gb, and its hard to hit that even with your android unless you NEVER use wifi. Its common sense really, if your downloading the 1gb SD data for Modern Combat, just use wifi)
If you'd like to remove this limit on the data usage, just delete the PROXY and PORT fields in your APN for straight talk. Then you should have full data access in all your apps. And you even get H+ on your play, which is defined as 4g data. Not too bad for 45$ a month.

[Q] GoPhone... Will a Glide work?

It seems that the Glide is only an AT&T-branded phone. Has anyone used one with GoPhone? Thought about picking up an unlocked one on eBay but I don't want to encounter the same "Invalid SIM card" issue I encounter when I put my GoPhone SIM card into my unlocked AT&T-sourced Skyrocket. Thanks for any info!

I can't say for certain, but I don't see why not. I use my phone with the T-Mobile monthly 4g plan and everything works fine. I do however, only have an EDGE/2g speed data wise due to the frequencies, but the phone was designed for AT&T so that wouldn't be a problem for you.

narume said:
I can't say for certain, but I don't see why not. I use my phone with the T-Mobile monthly 4g plan and everything works fine. I do however, only have an EDGE/2g speed data wise due to the frequencies, but the phone was designed for AT&T so that wouldn't be a problem for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciate the reply, narume. I think that the issue arises from this:
trinikartel said:
Let me know if you ever get that working.
What i THINK is that any phone that comes out of AT&T's clutches are in their system (both imei and with carrier iq) so once it you pop a sim into it and the information is matched to a device in their system they know what can and can't be allowed for the device. With international devices they don't have those IMEIs (which is why they always want the imei from you so they can match it in their system)
Your note is international...they can't "match or track it" so to their system it's just another random dumb phone
Your skyrocket is a known LTE/HSPA+ device to the system so it says no cheap data for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So...assuming that this reasoning is correct, if AT&T knows that it's their phone they will have blocked its IMEI from being able to access data through GoPhone. And I would need 3G access in order to use it on my MicroCell. Anybody...?

Any at&t phones will work on go phone, and you can use a microcell as well, your phone still uses the 3/4G signal to connect for calls and texts. Also to get data to work for pictures, and mms you just need to call them and they will send you the apns, my nephew in law has an atrix 2 on a microcell with pic messaging working great. They also have a solstice 2 (dump phone) on the microcell, both go phones.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

If you're getting Invalid SIM, you may have a locked SIM card, something AT&T started doing with their prepaid a while back. New prepaid accounts have the SIM locked to the phone it was purchased with for ~3 months, after that I believe you have to either call or visit a store to have the lock removed.
Other than that, there's no reason it shouldn't work, but do remember that AT&T will see it as a smartphone. This means with their new prepaid plans, if you're using the 10 cents a minute plan you'll be unable to use data at all. If you're using one of the flat amounts per month, like the $25 or $50 plans, you'll need to purchase a data package (even though the $50 is SUPPOSED to include unlimited internet, smartphones aren't eligible).
I previously used a Motorola Flipside on AT&T's prepaid, before this change I was using the 10 cents a minute plan, with 1000 texts a month and buying a 500mb data package, then rolling over unused data each month with the 10mb package, and everything worked the same as if I was on postpaid - text, mms, internet, etc.

Thanks all! I'm 1½ months into my prepaid service. I'll check with AT&T after 3 months have passed and see if they can remove the SIM lock.

You might go ahead and call customer service anyway, who knows, you may get lucky. 3 months was what a rep told my friend a year or so ago, but that may have changed or may not have been the rule at all. Alternatively, you can go into a local store and purchase a new sim (or purchase one on ebay) and have them transfer your account over to it, just make sure they give you a regular sim and not a go-phone sim.
I just tested my captivate glide with the sim I was using in my flipside. It seems to read the sim just fine, though obviously I'm not still a prepaid customer so I can't make any real calls with it. I've also used it on a T-Mobile MyTouch 3G that was unlocked, briefly, when I was working on the flipside. Once you have the sim lock removed I expect you'll have no problems using it in any unlocked or AT&T locked phone.

If you use the 50 dollar plan and use the wap.cingular apn it will use data just set that up before you put in your sim, and do call they should unlock it for you, if not tell them you will be going to straight Talk at&t phones work locked on them since it's a part of at&t just ran by walmart.
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda premium

I have two Glides that I activated in June. NEITHER WAS SIM-LOCKED, ever.
Both are the newer 4G SIM, not the older one that says 3G on it. Got em from eBay for about $2.75 each. Both were activated online, about 3 weeks apart.
The first one, I activated with an IMEI of a Glide that broke and was able to use the SIM on a different Glide and other phones, even the Pantech Burst and got 4G. I activated it as 10c plan, then moved it to the $50 unlimited.
The second one was activated with 0000... generic IMEI with the 10c plan, and just like the first one, I was able to use the SIM on any GSM phone I have in the house (and that's quite a few).
APN: wap.cingular - only the name is needed, no userid, etc.

Nokia Lumia 900 Hack from ATT network

Hello All: I am sorry for making new thread but I was unable to find what I am looking for.
Is there any way that I can hack my Lomia 900 so that ATT does not know what I am using smart phone. I love Windows Phone OS but I hate paying ATT $30 for a data plan that I don't use.

Nothing you said made any sense, you sound 12. The $30 data was part of your contract with at&t, have fun with it for the two years. Even if you could 'mask' your phones identity, at&t would still charge you.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Only way that would happen is if you had a sim card that somehow was hacked to send a IMEI number that doesn't match your smartphone
Sent from a satellite

chrisz5z said:
Only way that would happen is if you had a sim card that somehow was hacked to send a IMEI number that doesn't match your smartphone
Sent from a satellite
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are ways to change your phone's IMEI, not sure if its possible on WP7 though. It is also highly, HIGHLY, illegal.
If you didn't want to pay the $30 a month, buy the phone off-contract from like Amazon, Best Buy, or even AT&T and then get a pre-paid plan.

gangsta.mostwanted said:
Hello All: I am sorry for making new thread but I was unable to find what I am looking for.
Is there any way that I can hack my Lomia 900 so that ATT does not know what I am using smart phone. I love Windows Phone OS but I hate paying ATT $30 for a data plan that I don't use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are not using data over the cellular network, can't you just cancel the 'data' portion of your plan with AT&T? Or does the 'plan' come with the type of phone you bought?
Even if you could 'mask' the phone so that AT&T thought you were using a feature phone instead of a smart phone, you would still be charged the $30/mo, cuz that's what's attached to your account. It isn't the phone that ttells the network what to charge, it's what the account says the services attached to it are.
One legit way to play the game would be to turn in your AT&T Lumia and tell them you want to downgrade to a feature phone. Once that is complete and you have your replacement phone (make sure it has a micro-SIM card), buy an AT&T Lumia off eBay, then install the SIM into the bought phone. It should work just fine, except that because the SIM has been registered to a no-data account, you won't be able to get any data services.

drtolson said:
One legit way to play the game would be to turn in your AT&T Lumia and tell them you want to downgrade to a feature phone. Once that is complete and you have your replacement phone (make sure it has a micro-SIM card), buy an AT&T Lumia off eBay, then install the SIM into the bought phone. It should work just fine, except that because the SIM has been registered to a no-data account, you won't be able to get any data services.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually that won't work, the phone registers on the network everytime it is used. So within a couple of days AT&T will know it is one of their smartphones and tag on a Smartphone data plan.
About the only way around paying for Smartphone data but still use one is to get an unbranded phone that is not recognized by the system. It will show up in the system as "Unknown Device"
Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express

drtolson said:
If you are not using data over the cellular network, can't you just cancel the 'data' portion of your plan with AT&T? Or does the 'plan' come with the type of phone you bought?
Even if you could 'mask' the phone so that AT&T thought you were using a feature phone instead of a smart phone, you would still be charged the $30/mo, cuz that's what's attached to your account. It isn't the phone that ttells the network what to charge, it's what the account says the services attached to it are.
One legit way to play the game would be to turn in your AT&T Lumia and tell them you want to downgrade to a feature phone. Once that is complete and you have your replacement phone (make sure it has a micro-SIM card), buy an AT&T Lumia off eBay, then install the SIM into the bought phone. It should work just fine, except that because the SIM has been registered to a no-data account, you won't be able to get any data services.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually that won't work at all since AT&T actively polices their network and will detect smartphone IMEI regardless of what IMEI was associated with that SIM previously. The only "legal" way to have a branded smartphone without data plan on AT&T is to have a pre-paid account. AT&T does not require smartphone data plans for PAYGo customers.

gangsta.mostwanted said:
Hello All: I am sorry for making new thread but I was unable to find what I am looking for.
Is there any way that I can hack my Lomia 900 so that ATT does not know what I am using smart phone. I love Windows Phone OS but I hate paying ATT $30 for a data plan that I don't use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
at&t are not idiots. They know what they sold you. Changing the IMEI might work but it's not guaranteed. And I believe changing the IMEI is against the law. I doubt the forum owners will let anyone openly discuss that.
Why don't you get the $20 300mb plan if you don't use data? That is where I would start. In the future find out which smartphones are not detected by at&t and purchase one of them at full price if you want to avoid data charges or want to use the $10 unlimited plan. There are plenty of threads about that.

paid 399 for a new lumia 900 at at&t and threw it on net 10 50 unlimited everything plan. Nokia network setup app from marketplace to set apns and it's great. Getting 3-7 megs. for everyday phone usability and efficiency winmo is far superior than android. I did have to get a nexus 7 to retain android tho..

halfevildruid said:
paid 399 for a new lumia 900 at at&t and threw it on net 10 50 unlimited everything plan. Nokia network setup app from marketplace to set apns and it's great. Getting 3-7 megs. for everyday phone usability and efficiency winmo is far superior than android. I did have to get a nexus 7 to retain android tho..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get the Network Setup app to work? Mine just says "please wait while we find your network settings" but never finds anything.

halfevildruid said:
paid 399 for a new lumia 900 at at&t and threw it on net 10 50 unlimited everything plan. Nokia network setup app from marketplace to set apns and it's great. Getting 3-7 megs. for everyday phone usability and efficiency winmo is far superior than android. I did have to get a nexus 7 to retain android tho..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the L900 does work on other networks (that AT&T allows). Thanks for that.
Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express Pro

jimski said:
So the L900 does work on other networks (that AT&T allows). Thanks for that.
Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express Pro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is because NET10 is a MVNO and uses AT&T network. So techinically your phone is still on AT&T network (but LTE probably won't work) but billed to a different provider. There are also couple other MVNOs use the same AT&T network. Lumia 900 from AT&T can work on all of them with the need to unlock.

You have to pay $30.00 a month like the rest of us, because the At&t system will detect, via your imei, that your using a smartphone device.
I believe it is possible to buy a Galaxy Nexus GSM version from Google and add it to an already active $15 feature phone data plan, and continue to pay for the feature phone service, even after placing the sim into your unlocked Galaxy Nexus. That is because at the time I purchased my nexus, it's imei was not registered as a smartphone device within AT&T's database, although it may have been updated since the last time I checked.
But in the end do you think anyone likes to pay for the data package?.... Of course not, so why would an exception be made for your situation? The argument will always win with a simple "don't use a smartphone then" and there's really nothing you can say to that.
FWIW, that's just my 2 cents. I hope I didn't offend anyone with my opinions.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Well said, that type of "trick" is what forces the carrier to lock boot loaders throttle data and stuff like that because some abused the system.
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda premium

You CAN use a Smartphone on AT&T without paying the $30 fee; I've been doing it for years. It just cant be a model that AT&T sells and registers in their system. If there's a particular model you like on T-Mo or any other GSM carrier(Make sure it has AT&T Freq.) that AT&T does not use, their system may recognize the brand and model #, but it won't populate the automatic Data Plan like all AT&T Smart phones do.
Case in point, I now use a Nokia N8(Great phone for me). AT&T does not know what an N8 is(The best camera on any phone to date) and therefore can't charge me a data plan automatically. Since most of the Factory Direct Unbranded Nokia smarthones have their own GPS antenna, I can have all the maps, turn by turn directions, and POI's I need for free because it hits the GPS satellite directly, if it cant use the Cell sites. The trick is to make sure your DATA IS TURNED OFF on your phone. On my N8 you can set it to stay off in the settings menu. One slip up, and they'll charge you out the ying yang. However, I have always been able to call in and have it reversed. You can have them block ALL data, but then MMS won't work.
Now if your a Data kind of user, put up the $30 and use it. I myself, being an "Old School" Cellular guy in the Industry 19yrs, cant fathom paying for it when I don't need it. The WiFi on my N8 is really strong and there are plenty of places with free WiFi. In between them, I could care less; my GPS still works and I can wait. If you need to get your email right away, or know what Paris Hilton said today, pay the $30.

I work for AT&T, just so you guys know.
It doesnt matter where the phone came from. Let me give you an example of how it goes down. If you upgrade and get a Nokia Lumia 900, we'll go into the Equipment section of your account and change the SIM card number from your old to your new (basic phones and smartphones have two different types of SIM cards). When we do that, right next to the box to enter a new SIM card number is the box to enter a new IMEI number, to tell what kind of phone is on your account. When we do that and the phone is a smartphone, the next screen to pop up in our system is the Features screen and we can't bypass that screen without adding some sort of data package. The only way you can get around that is by simply NOT changing the IMEI in the account. If you bought that Lumia 900 at the discounted price, there's nothing you can do, really. You have to get a data plan.
The only way to get around the system is to get a smartphone (ANY smartphone) and ask your AT&T rep to just give you a new SIM card for it, but NOT to change the IMEI in your account from a basic phone. This way, the network will still find your phone, but the system wont recognize that you have a smartphone. Now you have a smartphone on your account without a data plan.
Another thing to consider is that AT&T offers a $50/month GoPhone plan with unlimited EVERYTHING and you can text other countries. Do the same process as above with that GoPhone plan and you'll save a **** ton of money in the long run. Hope this helps.

pluginxbabyy said:
Another thing to consider is that AT&T offers a $50/month GoPhone plan with unlimited EVERYTHING and you can text other countries. Do the same process as above with that GoPhone plan and you'll save a **** ton of money in the long run. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you work for AT&T you should know that the GoPhone servive doesn't offer a data plan for smartphones such as the Lumia 900...
However, from what it sounds like this guy is trying to do what I have done. I have a GoPhone account and I am using a Lumia 900 on it and I didn't have to pay for any sort of data plan. I tried to, but I got a call later that day explaining that they couldn't process it so they just credited the money I paid for data to my account.
If you're stuck in contract, can't you just get a POS phone and switch SIM cards? You say that AT&T uses special SIM cards for smart phones, but they look the same to me, other than the fact that the plastic portion of the sim card has been basically cut in half to create something called "Micro Sims" --- Well, as it turns out, with a pair of scissors and a steady hand, anyone can turn their basic sim card into a micro sim card that will work inside the Lumia 900. The plastic portion of the sim is perfectly safe to cut all you want, just use the sim that came with the lumia 900 as a template... It's really easy, I did it with my T-Mobile SIM card after I unlocked my Lumia 900.

Even buying a basic phone with no data services, when you pop that sim card into a smartphone it automatically adds the cheapest data plan to that number.
I got around this a few years ago.
Using a basic phone call and say you want to have data services blocked. Back then it was free but now I think they want to add parental controls and charge you an extra 5 bucks a month. But call and have data services blocked on that number then when all goes through put your sim into the smartphone.
It worked for me. Normally when you do that you get a text from AT&T telling you that they upgraded your data plan blah blah. If you don't get the text I'd assume all is well.

jimski said:
So the L900 does work on other networks (that AT&T allows). Thanks for that.
Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express Pro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what is your apn settings I got an ATT lumia 900 and cant figure out the right apn settings

How can I cancel my data plan? ATT won't let me.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am debating between the N7 Wifi or N7 LTE. I had the N7 2012 and although I can tether to my phone, it was not very convenience to use it because:
1). Affect my phone battery tremendously
2). In my S4 Active, activating tethering through ES Explorer cause "Unfortunately, setting has stopped", which add about 1 minute total before I can browse the net. It's not that long, but imagine you need to check something quickly on your tablet and you have to:
- Open ES Explorer
- Start tethering
- Wait for the error to pops up
- Click "Home" on the S4 Active
- Start browsing.
This starts getting too old for me... and no, I can't leave tethering ON on my phone all the time because the battery will be dead in just 3 hours.
However, I am looking for a PAY-AS-YOU-GO tablet data plan. AT&T requires a contract and/or buying a device from them. Tried it on AT&T website AND visited 2 different AT&T store.
T-Mobile seems to have it, but when I try to order just the SIM card, I don't see anything for tablet, only for phones. I believe I cannot use phone SIM card in the Nexus 7 since the IMEI is blacklisted.

Anyone use N7 LTE version?

T-Mobile should allow you to use pay-as-you-go on a tablet. You may need to go into the store if you're having trouble purchasing it online.. However, they did just announce 200MB of data monthly for free:
http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/23/4947704/t-mobile-makes-free-ipad-data-offer-official
If you buy it from the Play Store you can select to receive a T-Mobile SIM and that should get you the free 200MB of data.
Edit: I also wanted to mention that your tethering problems may be related to trying to use ES File Explorer to tether your phone. Try using FoxFi, it's much more reliable.

raptir said:
T-Mobile should allow you to use pay-as-you-go on a tablet. You may need to go into the store if you're having trouble purchasing it online.. However, they did just announce 200MB of data monthly for free:
http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/23/4947704/t-mobile-makes-free-ipad-data-offer-official
If you buy it from the Play Store you can select to receive a T-Mobile SIM and that should get you the free 200MB of data.
Edit: I also wanted to mention that your tethering problems may be related to trying to use ES File Explorer to tether your phone. Try using FoxFi, it's much more reliable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info!
I am buying from Best Buy because I have a $50 coupon and also it's easier to return the tablet if there is issue (multitouch, etc.).
I did try to go to T-Mobile website to buy just the SIM card but it force me to select a device, which I don't want to. I stopped by the T-Mobile store and they said the SIM card is only for smartphone, not tablet. But the bigger problem is that the 200Mb of free data is only when you consistently pay for the service every month (no contract though). I want pay-as-you go, meaning: January - use it, February and March: don't use it, etc.
On the tethering, I had issue with FoxFi and based on the S4 Active forums, the best solution seems to be with ES File Explorer. It's probably have to do with the ROM in S4 Active, which is different than the regular S4.

lanwarrior said:
But the bigger problem is that the 200Mb of free data is only when you consistently pay for the service every month (no contract though).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought I had replied to this, so sorry if it becomes a double post.
How is T-Mobile going to make you "consistently pay for the service every month" when it's offered for free? You don't have to be a T-Mobile customer to take advantage of that, just have a tablet with a T-Mobile SIM.

lanwarrior said:
Thanks for the info!
I am buying from Best Buy because I have a $50 coupon and also it's easier to return the tablet if there is issue (multitouch, etc.).
I did try to go to T-Mobile website to buy just the SIM card but it force me to select a device, which I don't want to. I stopped by the T-Mobile store and they said the SIM card is only for smartphone, not tablet. But the bigger problem is that the 200Mb of free data is only when you consistently pay for the service every month (no contract though). I want pay-as-you go, meaning: January - use it, February and March: don't use it, etc.
On the tethering, I had issue with FoxFi and based on the S4 Active forums, the best solution seems to be with ES File Explorer. It's probably have to do with the ROM in S4 Active, which is different than the regular S4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered the T-mobile Sim for my LTE Nexus 7. I just skipped over the device selection. I think the primary purpose of that step was to make sure you ordered the correct sim card size. I can't remember the screen exactly as I did this a couple days ago. I happened to catch the free sim card.
If you type in "Sim Card" in the search box, you'll pull up several options. I think the one you want is Mobile Broadband Only Micro Sim. If you select it you should be able to add it to the cart and check out.
As far as other options go, AIO wireless has tablet plans starting at $15 with $10 for 1Gb more. I don't know if Verizon is allowing activations yet. I don't think you'll be able to access 3G with their sim. They have a $20 2Gb plan. I was able to use the Verizon sim from my GS3 phone to access their LTE network.

raptir said:
I thought I had replied to this, so sorry if it becomes a double post.
How is T-Mobile going to make you "consistently pay for the service every month" when it's offered for free? You don't have to be a T-Mobile customer to take advantage of that, just have a tablet with a T-Mobile SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought in order to get the 200mb free, you have to pay for the pre-paid plan on monthly basis? I think I am just curious how will T-Mobile KNOW and TRACK who will get the 200Mb free on monthly basis and how much left on a given date.
... or I just plug in the SIM card..don't pay anything (other than the SIM card) and...that's it?

Wrngway said:
I ordered the T-mobile Sim for my LTE Nexus 7. I just skipped over the device selection. I think the primary purpose of that step was to make sure you ordered the correct sim card size. I can't remember the screen exactly as I did this a couple days ago. I happened to catch the free sim card.
If you type in "Sim Card" in the search box, you'll pull up several options. I think the one you want is Mobile Broadband Only Micro Sim. If you select it you should be able to add it to the cart and check out.
As far as other options go, AIO wireless has tablet plans starting at $15 with $10 for 1Gb more. I don't know if Verizon is allowing activations yet. I don't think you'll be able to access 3G with their sim. They have a $20 2Gb plan. I was able to use the Verizon sim from my GS3 phone to access their LTE network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm.. interesting. This is what I found out after reading various sites on T-Mobile prepaid plan:
"T-Mobile (Micro) SIM Card Activation kit" ($0.99 or $1.99 depending on promotions) works with iPads, with T-Mobile Monthly4G No Annual Contract (prepaid) cellphone plans. I have heard that T-Mobile check the IMEI and if it is a tablet, it won't work.
"T-Mobile Mobile Broadband SIM ONLY KIT" ($6.99) can not be activated without T-Mobile-branded mobile data devices.
"T-Mobile (Micro) SIM Card Activation kit" ($0.99 or $1.99) can not be used with T-Mobile-branded mobile data devices. (I believe this is what you have)
"T-Mobile (Micro) SIM Card Activation kit" and "T-Mobile Mobile Broadband SIM ONLY KIT" have different SKUs and possibly different IMSI codes.

I bought the Unlocked Nexus 7 LTE from Best Buy last week. I then stopped by my local T-mobile store and had them put a Data Only micro SIM in it for me. I already had a data only plan for my mobile hot spot that this tablet is being used with, so my replacement SIM was free. You should be able to pick a micro SIM up for use with the free 200mb plan for less then $10.

Paten said:
I bought the Unlocked Nexus 7 LTE from Best Buy last week. I then stopped by my local T-mobile store and had them put a Data Only micro SIM in it for me. I already had a data only plan for my mobile hot spot that this tablet is being used with, so my replacement SIM was free. You should be able to pick a micro SIM up for use with the free 200mb plan for less then $10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, that's interesting! I also have a T-Mobile branded Mobile Hotspot with full-size SIM card.
So did you just ask for a swap to Micro SIM card? Beside the cost of the SIM card, I take it you do NOT have to pay the monthly plan but will automatically receive 200mb?
EDIT: Shot! I don't know what happen but I can't no longer access my.tmobile.com. Keep getting pop-up about updating the security profile but it won't go away!

lanwarrior said:
Oh, that's interesting! I also have a T-Mobile branded Mobile Hotspot with full-size SIM card.
So did you just ask for a swap to Micro SIM card? Beside the cost of the SIM card, I take it you do NOT have to pay the monthly plan but will automatically receive 200mb?
EDIT: Shot! I don't know what happen but I can't no longer access my.tmobile.com. Keep getting pop-up about updating the security profile but it won't go away!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2507266
I just switched to the 200MB free plan on T-mobile and in my last post I explain how and why. You won't be able to access the my.tmobile.com site at this time. They are switching over to a new system which causes some confusion on their end and online.
Hope it helps.

200MB free on T-Mobile works. You get set up for monthly billing and the charges are then credited so get billed $0 each month.
They ran a credit check in order to get set up, if not already a T-Mobile customer.
Interestingly, the built-in Mobile Hotspot on totally stock ROM works. It didn't say anything about signing up for hotspot or anything of that nature.
I wonder if that will turn on hotspot feature and try to bill at the end of the month?
If it works without issues that would be pretty slick.

xdadevnube said:
200MB free on T-Mobile works. You get set up for monthly billing and the charges are then credited so get billed $0 each month.
They ran a credit check in order to get set up, if not already a T-Mobile customer.
Interestingly, the built-in Mobile Hotspot on totally stock ROM works. It didn't say anything about signing up for hotspot or anything of that nature.
I wonder if that will turn on hotspot feature and try to bill at the end of the month?
If it works without issues that would be pretty slick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What would they need to run a credit check for pre-paid plan?

lanwarrior said:
What would they need to run a credit check for pre-paid plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think your drivers license and maybe your social security number would be enough.
I tried it in store like 2 months ago and I don't remember bringing anything special
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

moeinyoho said:
I think your drivers license and maybe your social security number would be enough.
I tried it in store like 2 months ago and I don't remember bringing anything special
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't mins showing these to confirm my identity, but don't want a credit inquiry in my report.
I ordered the Sim card. Will let you know if they'll run credit when I activate it.

lanwarrior said:
I don't mins showing these to confirm my identity, but don't want a credit inquiry in my report.
I ordered the Sim card. Will let you know if they'll run credit when I activate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that I think about it, I don't think a credit check would be necessary at all for the free data. Since you don't need any existing plans you should be fine.
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

moeinyoho said:
Now that I think about it, I don't think a credit check would be necessary at all for the free data. Since you don't need any existing plans you should be fine.
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They did a credit check. Dude one tried to the tell dude two it wasn't necessary when dude two started doing credit check. Then dude three told dude one and dude two that it was absolutely necessary, and that he just got out of meeting regarding this information. Then dude three busted out his notes. Dude two tried to set up account without it, then realized that the option wasn't in his system.
In the end, they did it.

xdadevnube said:
They did a credit check. Dude one tried to the tell dude two it wasn't necessary when dude two started doing credit check. Then dude three told dude one and dude two that it was absolutely necessary, and that he just got out of meeting regarding this information. Then dude three busted out his notes. Dude two tried to set up account without it, then realized that the option wasn't in his system.
In the end, they did it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And this is all for the SIM card, no device purchased from T-Mobile with the payment plan?
I understand if one purchase the device from T-mobile, since they want to make sure the customer can pay the 24 months payment plan, but I am still confused the purpose of checking credit for just the SIM card with no contract.
For those who actually ordered the SIM card, when you activate it from the website, did it ask for your SSN?

lanwarrior said:
And this is all for the SIM card, no device purchased from T-Mobile with the payment plan?
I understand if one purchase the device from T-mobile, since they want to make sure the customer can pay the 24 months payment plan, but I am still confused the purpose of checking credit for just the SIM card with no contract.
For those who actually ordered the SIM card, when you activate it from the website, did it ask for your SSN?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it was only for SIM, brought own device. I thought it was obnoxious, but it I did it anyway. I later verified the credit inquiry actually occurred with transunion.

T mobile
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