I've got an unlocked Nexus on Telus and was wondering if anyone has recommendations as to how to get data functional in the US as a Canadian with this phone? Is it possible to just pick up a prepaid gift credit card and use it to get a prepaid SIM somewhere like Walmart or Target?
I haven't run across any big stores that sell a SIM alone.
For my GSM Gnex, I went to wal-mart and bought a $18 TMobile phone, took the SIM out of it, and activated it in the Nexus. I was impatient. You can buy a sim for TMobile online, OR at one of their stores. Tmobile has some $2 - $3 per day "unlimited" sim card plans... which is just about perfect for a vacation.
You can also go to AT&T and get a prepaid GOPhone SIM, but they have HORRIBLE pricing.
if you are staying longer than a week or two, it might be cheaper to order a sim and just pay for a month:
http://www.straighttalksim.com/
I'd go with the "AT&T Branded SIM", they have better data coverage overall... but it gets a bit spotty in NYC/SF
Thanks for the tip!
I was selling my T989 SII because I have the SIII and someone asked me if this phone is usable with the Tmobile Prepaid plan, and I think it will work but you just have to get the Prepaid Sim Card. Is this correct?
Thanks
You can definitely use the T989 on T-Mobile's prepaid/monthly plans (I'm using it on the $30 100 minutes/5 GB unthrottled plan). I'm less sure about having to get the extra sim.
I know I did if only because getting on the plan I have required a "new" activation and the code that comes with all of the prepaid sim cards. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a way to call a T-Mo rep to try to get the existing sim to work on a new prepaid plan, but it's probably easier to just buy a new one.
jontyl said:
You can definitely use the T989 on T-Mobile's prepaid/monthly plans (I'm using it on the $30 100 minutes/5 GB unthrottled plan). I'm less sure about having to get the extra sim.
I know I did if only because getting on the plan I have required a "new" activation and the code that comes with all of the prepaid sim cards. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a way to call a T-Mo rep to try to get the existing sim to work on a new prepaid plan, but it's probably easier to just buy a new one.
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Great thank you.
When you buy the Note 2 without contract for $700 dollars (including tax, etc) and as a Non-T-Mobile customer, is a micro-SIM card still included?
yes
Thanks, the reason I ask is that I may activate T-Mobile service in the very near future; Am I able to do so with the existing micro-SIM card that is included in the box?
If you're using postpaid, yes. If you're going to use prepaid, you will need an activation kit which includes a sim for $0.99.
thanks
I was looking to get it from Samsung. com and wanted to make sure if it will work fine (all the bands) on T-Mobile. I checked with Verizon and they said I wouldn't have to unlock it and it should be already unlocked.
My verizon version arrived today and I want to use it on Cricket. Fist boot looks positive showing LTE and 3 bars, but halfway through initial setup LTE disappears and prompt shows that alternate SIMS cannot be used at this time. From the little I have researched looks like since a few months ago Verizon phones no longer come unlocked out of box and require you to activate on their network. Upon activation the phone should automatically be unlocked within 48 hours.
I jumped on xda to see if there was an unlocked firmware i can flash to avoid that, and if I find something... if i dont update it means I never did and probably asked a family member whose on Verizon to use my phone for a few days until its unlocked.
*update/edit*
Just to clarify, my first boot had an alternate sim in(Mint mobile). Next boot I tried with the provided Verizon sim, and got through the initial setup screens choosing to skip the Verizon account setup. Then tried switching the sims, which prompted me to restart. Upon restart I again see LTE and 3 bars while booting. Once booting is complete I see the gray antenna mark with the "x" again. So still no good. Havent seen a release of an unlocked firmware yet, except for one paid service ($4). Not willing to pay for something that should be free... yet. SO I will keep looking
Similar issue, did you ever find a solution? Third party unlocks via ebay also do not support the Verizon or Sprint version it seems.
Ended up biting the bullet and paying for a month, but its prorated so I figure should get 90% of the money back -$20 fee for opening the line. Also rakuten has $75 cashback for opening a new verizon line. So not too bad. Might even make money in the end.
Anyway here is my process:
1. Get a plan - $55 single device plan is the cheapest you can get
2. Stick sim in and it will activate fairly quickly (less than 10 minutes, likely less that 5)
3. Wait 12-24 hours. Might not be necessary but I did this anyway
3. Create Verizon online account and login
4. Chat with agent and ask them to unlock the phone (do not call, it takes longer and they are worthless)
I did this, and immediately swapped out the sim and put it in another Verizon A50 bought from samsung and it quickly activated, Waited 12 hours and chatted with another agent. Now I have two unlocked, and if I get that $75 cashback the cost will be under $15.
($55 + $20 activation fee + tax = ~$90) - $75 cashback = $15 + prorated return on the $55
Thanks, may try that if flashing to the canadian version A-505W fails. Usually Canadian and US samsung phones are the same hardware and firmware compatible. This seems more like a software lock on Verizon firmware than a true SIM lock as those would not register any signal from a different provider for any length of time (which these do) and ask for an unlock code which in the case of these is no where to be found or entered.
Would activating on a prepaid Verizon plan works or does it have to be post pay?
moku160 said:
My verizon version arrived today and I want to use it on Cricket. Fist boot looks positive showing LTE and 3 bars, but halfway through initial setup LTE disappears and prompt shows that alternate SIMS cannot be used at this time. From the little I have researched looks like since a few months ago Verizon phones no longer come unlocked out of box and require you to activate on their network. Upon activation the phone should automatically be unlocked within 48 hours.
I jumped on xda to see if there was an unlocked firmware i can flash to avoid that, and if I find something... if i dont update it means I never did and probably asked a family member whose on Verizon to use my phone for a few days until its unlocked.
*update/edit*
Just to clarify, my first boot had an alternate sim in(Mint mobile). Next boot I tried with the provided Verizon sim, and got through the initial setup screens choosing to skip the Verizon account setup. Then tried switching the sims, which prompted me to restart. Upon restart I again see LTE and 3 bars while booting. Once booting is complete I see the gray antenna mark with the "x" again. So still no good. Havent seen a release of an unlocked firmware yet, except for one paid service ($4). Not willing to pay for something that should be free... yet. SO I will keep looking
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Click to collapse
lol i dont think u will get an "unlocked" firmware on the A50 since it is a exynos chipset and the "unlocked" firmware you speak of assuming you mean U1 firmware ive only ever seen on qualcomm..
to add, it sounds like ur device is probably unlocked but u need to set the apns and network mode.. vzw typically uses LTE/CDMA/UMTS or something rather whereas tmo uses GSM n other modes..
on my A10e from tmo it works with vzw and tmo and spr etc etc but usually i need to play with the modes and apns to get it just right..
to add, if it was still locked itd tell you.. usually something about using a non vzw sim or simply say the device is locked etc etc
undertaker2k14 said:
Thanks, may try that if flashing to the canadian version A-505W fails. Usually Canadian and US samsung phones are the same hardware and firmware compatible. This seems more like a software lock on Verizon firmware than a true SIM lock as those would not register any signal from a different provider for any length of time (which these do) and ask for an unlock code which in the case of these is no where to be found or entered.
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Click to collapse
correct.. wat ppl r describing in here seems to me the devices r unlocked lol.. wat i noticed on my tmo a10e is that it seems the carrier configs are not switching over properly at times so it might seem like its locked but it isnt..
then again my tmo a10e is sim/carrier locked.. chimera tool is pretty good.. they have a paid feature they recently added called carrier relock.. instead of unlocking the sim they lock the device to up to 64 carriers which works the same as a sim unlock without actually sim unlocking lol.. quite clever i must say..
i get a vzw a50 tomorrow and will b testing it out on tmo and will try to remember to report back here..
romeo0119 said:
Would activating on a prepaid Verizon plan works or does it have to be post pay?
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Click to collapse
id research that if i were u.. go to vzw site and view the device unlock policy.. sometimes prepaid has different policies.. if its purchased for vzw postpaid then might need to b activated on postpaid.. prepaid might require a longer timeframe possibly as most prepaid carriers have a time frame such as 50 days or somethin
elliwigy said:
id research that if i were u.. go to vzw site and view the device unlock policy.. sometimes prepaid has different policies.. if its purchased for vzw postpaid then might need to b activated on postpaid.. prepaid might require a longer timeframe possibly as most prepaid carriers have a time frame such as 50 days or somethin
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Yea seems like it’s 60 days for prepaid, I might just open a line and cancel after a month.
romeo0119 said:
Yea seems like it’s 60 days for prepaid, I might just open a line and cancel after a month.
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I asked the question about unlocking at my local Xfnity store. They said they want to see it activated for 60-90 days (she wasn't sure exactly how long) on the Xfinity mobile plan (postpaid only available) before they will entertain any unlock requests. They only sell the phone if you bundle it with some sort of plan. I believe the US carriers with the A50 (Sprint, Verizon, Xfinity) will want you to activate it on their network first for a specific length of time before they will unlock it. She said it will work on any US carrier after unlocking, but she was unsure whether the phone will automatically rebrand like the higher end Samsung phones.
As far as I can tell the only out-of-the-box unlocked phones available in the USA are grey market. Their specs are not identical to the multi-CSC A505U version that is sold in the US that support the domestic carrier bands (and features like wifi calling.)
I asked Verizon and they said 60 days, doesn’t matter post or prepaid. I think it will depend on the rep. I activated mine on the cheapest prepaid plan, will try to chat in a few days and ask them to unlock the phone. I don’t think it will be a problem.
Why Switch...
occams-razor said:
I asked the question about unlocking at my local Xfnity store. They said they want to see it activated for 60-90 day on the Xfinity mobile plan before they will entertain any unlock requests.. She said it will work on any US carrier after unlocking, but she was unsure whether the phone will automatically rebrand like the higher end Samsung phones.
As far as I can tell the only out-of-the-box unlocked phones available in the USA are grey market. specs are not identical to the multi-CSC A505U version that is sold in the US
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Click to collapse
I just sent back an Overpriced (IMO) Galaxy S9+ ($600.00) after tax (Amazon..) after using it for 14 days once I seen this deal at Xfinity for the Galaxy A50..
How The Hell can you beat $385.00 (Out The Door) with a $250.00 rebate after 3-4 Months using the service.. ?
$0.00 down.. and after making four $14.58 payments and applying the $250.00 rebate to the balance.. you throw $75.00 on top of that and your done.. for only $135.00 out of your pocket.. :angel:
And to top it off... Xfinity still has the cheapest Unlimited Plan That I see in the U.S.A. @ $45.00 a month.. Hell I was paying $50.00 on MetroPCS for the same thing.. and get better and faster coverage with Xfinity using Verizon's Towers.. :good:
The coverage may not be as good as using other carrier's for some of you.. I get that.. but, the price is consistent across the U.S.
This device is equal to the S9+ I just sent back minus the stereo speakers.. battery is superior.
For a Brand New device that has Samsung Pay and only cost the buyer $135.00 bucks.. This is a STEAL.
RaiderWill said:
I just sent back an Overpriced (IMO) Galaxy S9+ ($600.00) after tax (Amazon..) after using it for 14 days once I seen this deal at Xfinity for the Galaxy A50..
How The Hell can you beat $385.00 (Out The Door) with a $250.00 rebate after 3-4 Months using the service.. ?
$0.00 down.. and after making four $14.58 payments and applying the $250.00 rebate to the balance.. you throw $75.00 on top of that and your done.. for only $135.00 out of your pocket.. :angel:
And to top it off... Xfinity still has the cheapest Unlimited Plan That I see in the U.S.A. @ $45.00 a month.. Hell I was paying $50.00 on MetroPCS for the same thing.. and get better and faster coverage with Xfinity using Verizon's Towers.. :good:
The coverage may not be as good as using other carrier's for some of you.. I get that.. but, the price is consistent across the U.S.
This device is equal to the S9+ I just sent back minus the stereo speakers.. battery is superior.
For a Brand New device that has Samsung Pay and only cost the buyer $135.00 bucks.. This is a STEAL.
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Click to collapse
It was even a bigger steal before August 1st. You could buy the phone outright from XFinity with their "free" unlimited calling and text plan and not use any mobile data (it was $12/gig rounded up if you used it). Leave the plan after a couple of months and then you have an unlocked phone and $250. As of August 1st, the minimum charge per month changed to $12 after Xfinity realized what was going on. Only issue for some was the need to be an xfinity internet customer. So outright robbery is now just theft.
I Mean.. Really...
occams-razor said:
It was even a bigger steal before August 1st. You could buy the phone outright from XFinity with their "free" unlimited calling and text plan and not use any mobile data (it was $12/gig rounded up if you used it). Leave the plan after a couple of months and then you have an unlocked phone and $250. As of August 1st, the minimum charge per month changed to $12 after Xfinity realized what was going on. Only issue for some was the need to be an xfinity internet customer. So outright robbery is now just theft.
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Click to collapse
What You Are Stating Is Not Entirely Correct..
You still can NOT use Data.. and just pay the Sir-Charges..
These A50's ( Verizon's Sprint's and Xfinity's ) all released at: $349.00 + Tax..
In what State did someone sell you one for only $250.00 + Tax ???
Even with NOT using data.... and only using Wi-Fi for your connection to the Internet.. ( Which Most People Cannot Do.. ) you still have Sir-Charges of a few dollars a Month.
Finally... Please Tell Us....
What United States "U-Version" A50 Do You Have That Came With A "Carrier Unlocked Bootloader" ..
Every version I've seen does not even have the option in Developer Settings... So, you're saying you just Pop In any old Sim and it works for "You" ? :victory:
If Xfinity sold you a GSM / CDMA "Unlocked" version of this device ( ) AND you only paid $250.00 for it.. AND you can use it on any CDMA / GSM Carrier.. Then *Bully!* for you.
RaiderWill said:
What You Are Stating Is Not Entirely Correct..
You still can NOT use Data.. and just pay the Sir-Charges..
These A50's ( Verizon's Sprint's and Xfinity's ) all released at: $349.00 + Tax..
In what State did someone sell you one for only $250.00 + Tax ???
Even with NOT using data.... and only using Wi-Fi for your connection to the Internet.. ( Which Most People Cannot Do.. ) you still have Sir-Charges of a few dollars a Month.
Finally... Please Tell Us....
What United States "U-Version" A50 Do You Have That Came With A "Carrier Unlocked Bootloader" ..
Every version I've seen does not even have the option in Developer Settings... So, you're saying you just Pop In any old Sim and it works for "You" ? :victory:
If Xfinity sold you a GSM / CDMA "Unlocked" version of this device ( ) AND you only paid $250.00 for it.. AND you can use it on any CDMA / GSM Carrier.. Then *Bully!* for you.
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Click to collapse
You completely misunderstood me. The phone was $349 + local sales tax at Xfinity. The $250 is the gift card they give you back after you port your number, activate the phone, and stay on the plan for a few months. Before August 1st you could get away without being charged the minimum $12 per month for being on the "by-the-gig" plan. Use no data and you just pay the telecom taxes and fees if you bought the phone before August 1st (effectively a free plan). After you meet the minimum requirements for being on the Xfinity mobile plan, the phone is yours and unlocked + the $250 dollar visa gift card or whatever it is. This deal is still available but the cheapest "by-the-gig" plan now is $12 +taxes because they don't want you getting a free plan.
Since only xfinity internet have access to this deal, any decently populated area should have enough access to their hotspots so lack of mobile data is not a deal killer for many. Kids, grandmas, and the like will probably be ok with this if all they need is a way to call and text mom and dad from the mall or school.
And I did not participate in this deal since I already have the verizon version.
Time To Close This Out..
occams-razor said:
You completely misunderstood me. The phone was $349 + local sales tax at Xfinity. The $250 is the gift card they give you back after you port your number, activate the phone, and stay on the plan for a few months. Before August 1st you could get away without being charged the minimum $12 per month for being on the "by-the-gig" plan. Use no data and you just pay the telecom taxes and fees if you bought the phone before August 1st (effectively a free plan). After you meet the minimum requirements for being on the Xfinity mobile plan, the phone is yours and unlocked + the $250 dollar visa gift card or whatever it is. This deal is still available but the cheapest "by-the-gig" plan now is $12 +taxes because they don't want you getting a free plan.
Since only xfinity internet have access to this deal, any decently populated area should have enough access to their hotspots so lack of mobile data is not a deal killer for many. Kids, grandmas, and the like will probably be ok with this if all they need is a way to call and text mom and dad from the mall or school.
And I did not participate in this deal since I already have the verizon version.
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Click to collapse
A Lot To Unpack Here...
AS I AM A BUYER WHO "DID PURCHASE THE DEVICE UNDER THIS PROMO".... Let me explain the FACTS to you. :angel:
FACT 1 ) Xfinity Gives You * 100 mb of data* FOR FREE.. If One Can Use That To Quickly Check Their Mail, Tweets.. Whatever.. And Somehow Stay Strictly on Wi-Fi.. Then Their Bill Is NOT A MINIMUM OF $12.00...
It Will Consist Of Regulatory / 911 / Misc Fees.. Totaling Less Than $5.00 A Month.
August 1st Had Nothing To Do With Changing That.. That's All Day Every Day.. Standard Fare With Xfinity. :victory:
FACT 2 ) You're Thinking Of Yourself... Maybe All You Do Is Call Mommy & Daddy... But, Most Of Us Adults Need And Want Internet Access *When We Want It* And Are Not Going To Drive / Walk / Bus Or Bike Their Way Around Towns Looking For A Wi-Fi Connection.
If You Have The Funds / Credit To Purchase A $350.00 Phone.... Then You Have The Means To Pay A Monthly Cellular Bill.. :victory:
Fact 3 ) The A50 Through Xfinity Will Cost $100.00 + Tax @ Whatever A Person's County Tax Rate Is... PERIOD.. After The $250.00 Rebate Which Indeed Comes Around The 4th Month Of Service.
And Finally,
So... You Think Your CDMA Verizon A50 ( Or Xfinity's And / Or Sprint's ) Has All The Bands.. And Is Ready For You To Unlock It And Run It On ANY Carrier's Network You Choose?
I'd Like To See That...
By All Means.. Hit Me Up.. with A Pic Showing Your Verizon A50 Running On T-Mo , Cricket, MetroPCS Or AT&T..
You'd Certainly Be The 1st To Do So..... :victory:
I got one from Verizon and it is GSM unlocked.
Hi,
Has anyone found a solution to use the Verizon A50 on other carriers. Some where I read that the device can be used on international Sim, but when I tried the international Sim, it's not working
Any suggestions?
Thanks
As of today after unlocking from xfinity, an Xfinity a50 works on the T-Mobile mvno mint and att postpaid plans. I tried various flavors of gsm Sims including FreedomPop and they are all working. Only issue is sprint and their mvnos. Sprint still uses their IMEI whitelist and the Xfinity branded phones are not in their database. Maybe a corporate cs can add it if you beg.