Database Users

My God, I dodged a bullet.

Alright, so I'm a new Cingular 8525 owner. I bought my phone on Friday, but spent that day (and the next...) just plain customizing it to my liking with apps/games/etc. I even managed to unlock it using POF's easy unlocker.
However, it was not until Sunday that I was able to take it out for a full day (eight hours) of testing. Everything was far better than I had expected (even the battery life was beyond what I had hoped for) and, by the end of the day, I was extremely satisfied.
This is where something strange happened. By this point, I had 20% of battery life yet and I had manually turned off WiFi. Well, I was playing around on the 8525 trying to pass the time when I accidentally clicked on a web link. Immediately, it opened up, and loaded. This shocked me because I had turned my WiFi off.
About thirty or so minutes later, I tested it again (in an area where WiFi access points wasn't around), and again, I managed to load a web page fine. Now I was nervous. I know the 8525 is awesome, but it's not THAT awesome. I suspected that I was being charged for something.
Those of you in the know can probably guessed what happened here. For me, however, I got the idea to check my Cingular account online and, sure enough, I saw the stats that I used their network for 0.7MB of data transfer. Apparently, when the WiFi is off, the 8525 switches to Cingular's network by default. I had not known this because: 1) I thought that I would need to set the 8525's TCP/IP to use Cingular's network and 2) I had assumed that I would need to sign up for that in order to use it.
Either way, my intuition (born of my past experience and knowledge concerning wealthy corporations, especially those with the name 'AT&T') warned me, and I researched this on Google. Doing this, I discovered a mess of people who had the same thing occurred to them, and ended up with phone bills in the hundreds of dollars.
Fortunately, I was one of the lucky ones. So what's the moral of the story? Assumptions are dangerous and trust your senses.

If you didn't upgrade your imei with att you can get the unlimited mediamax for around $20. If you did upgrade your imei then you have to get the PDA version, not nearly as cheap. Then you don't have to worry about the usage

I didn't change my IMEI, but I don't plan to get a data service anyway. I just prefer to use WiFi.

cmortensen said:
If you didn't upgrade your imei with att you can get the unlimited mediamax for around $20. If you did upgrade your imei then you have to get the PDA version, not nearly as cheap. Then you don't have to worry about the usage
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hey just to set the record straight the PDA plan is 25 now and medianet unlimited is 15...

Gyngabread Man said:
hey just to set the record straight the PDA plan is 25 now and medianet unlimited is 15...
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I have just verified it and it's still showing PDA Personal Add-on $30. Where did you get this info?
Thanks

Well I guess that Smart in your handle doesn't mean much.

Oh, Airjer, my apology for not realizing such an obvious fact .

Gyngabread Man said:
hey just to set the record straight the PDA plan is 25 now and medianet unlimited is 15...
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Click to collapse
Is it possible to get the $15 medianet plan on my 8525? I don't plan to tether to the laptop.

I found the same thing when I got my contract last year on Orange in the UK, its crazy how it adds up. The easy way around this is to go into your communications settings, and create 'fake' profiles for your connections to GPRS with blank values. That way you can just keep the 'fake' profile active making it impossible for the 3G/GPRS to connect automatically.
When you need to use 3G/GPRS, go back into communications, and use the dropdown box to select your cingular setting. Let me know if you need a more detailed explanation, saved me LOADS.

JPX,
Thank you for the advice. Since my last post, I've been doing much more research and I also found a software called Modaco NoData that basically disables GPRS.
I tested this out and it worked at first, so I basically ignored it from then on. That was my second mistake. At the end of the month, I got a large bill from AT&T and, of course, it was due to the GPRS. Amazingly enough, despite me disabling the GPRS (and it even show as disabled on AT&T's website), the data still collected up anyway.
Fortunately, I was able to get my bill forgiven, and at that point, the representative offered to disable it for me. I honestly should have done that from the start.

Question To SoftBank X Series Users

What is the difference between PC Direct and Access Internet?
What do they refer to please?
What do we have to do to incur charges for these?
This might help:
http://mb.softbank.jp/mb/en/important/20080618_2/index.html
Even if we pay for Unlimited Packet Discount - are there any popular internet apps that we should avoid because of unexpected costs?
(For example YouTube via Coreplayer or something?)
Finally: Are there any financial/packet risks using apps on the phone while it is charging from the USB via the PC?
Much appreciate any advice.

YoungOldDude said:
What is the difference between PC Direct and Access Internet?
What do they refer to please?
What do we have to do to incur charges for these?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, this is complicated, but I think I have it figured out pretty well.
Unlimited Packet Discount is the flat rate data plan for Softbank. The minimum cost is always 980, but the maximum cost depends on how you use the internet.
If you use a regular Softbank phone (not X-Series) and stay within their "walled garden" of sites that pay Softbank to be in the walled garden then the maximum cost is 4200.
If you use a regular Softbank phone (not X-Series) and don't stay within the walled garden, then the maximum cost is 5985. (This is called PC Site Browser)
If you use an X-Series phone (with the proper AP which comes preinstalled on the stock ROM), then the maximum cost is 9800.
The introduction of the iPhone brought yet ANOTHER flat rate plan into being. It is called Packet Flat-rate Full. It starts at 980 and maxes-out at 5985. Though it is too soon to tell for sure, it seems that this flat rate applies to all phones and all methods of accessing data.
This might help:
http://mb.softbank.jp/mb/en/important/20080618_2/index.html
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Click to collapse
If I am reading between the lines correctly, the most prevalent thing that site says is that you shouldn't use your phone as a modem for your PC.
Even if we pay for Unlimited Packet Discount - are there any popular internet apps that we should avoid because of unexpected costs?
(For example YouTube via Coreplayer or something?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I know about. Except for using it as a modem for your PC, you should be able to do anything you like with it. However, I am sure they will find a way to screw you if they really want to. One caveat:
Make sure you have the flat-rate AP installed if you are not using the stock Softbank ROM. Otherwise you could be using the open, non-capped (and muuuuch more expensive) AP.
Finally: Are there any financial/packet risks using apps on the phone while it is charging from the USB via the PC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes actually, in a way there may be. Many programs update automatically when cradled, assuming that there is a live internet connection available from the PC. If the PC is not connected, or if it is behind a proxy, or if Activestync is being stupid, these automatic updates could default to your cellular connection.
The best way to make sure you aren't risking packets is to go into your commmanager and turn your cellular radio off.
PS, Kudos for putting this in the Networking section where it belongs instead of tacking this on one of the long, already disjointed Softbank-themed discussions in the Hermes and Kaiser sections.

Thanks very much for the effort and attention to your reply.
I'm still not 100% sure what the differences are between PC Direct and Access Int?... (My PC Direct is taken care of by my packet discount but my access internet is over $1000 that I have to pay. Talk about an expensive screw up!)
内訳　アクセスＩＮＴ＠０．２円　５２５２１８Ｐｋｔ (Access Int)
内訳　 ＰＣダイレクト＠０．０８円　６０６３８Ｐｋｔ (PC Direct)
I assume it isn't too easy to use the phone as my PC modem accidentally?
I'm trying to cover all bases and not make the same mistakes again.
(I'm getting paranoid just plugging the USB cable in to upload a cab file - at least until I figure out my bills with SB staff)
(It is a little confusing just getting this bill when I reverted back to the original rom and default settings on September 1st and paid my $550 SoftBank bill on Friday (2 days ago)
(Thanks for your PM too.)

Hi, I am sorry to hear about your bill...
Maybe you can help us figure out exactly what happened by giving us a list of the Apps you have on your phone, and how frequently you use them. There is a lot of misinformation floating around on the Internet regarding using the X series on Softbank, so by putting as much information as possible on threads like this will go a long way. First off, what device are you using (probably the X01HT with a non-oem ROM)? What AP were you using? And finally, what apps were you using?
I have been using a stock X02HT for several months, first on the Unlimited Packet Discount plan (980-9800), and for the last month, on the new iPhone/X Series plan (5985). I have never had a huge bill yet. I use on a regular bases Hotmail and Gmail (IMAP) access using Pocket Outlook, PIE, ActiveSync OTA, Pocket Weather updates, random applications updates (Resco, etc), and IMPlus. I can safely assume that all of these activities are safe.

Well first of all it's a SoftBank X01T (Toshiba G900) which isn't supported on this forum as far as the phone model is concerned.
However, many of us share quite similar SoftBank billing plans, rates or charges.
At the end of the day - I changed the rom and used the wrong Access Point and password - from what I can tell. (SoftBank - don't even entertain the idea of talking about this stuff). For a couple of months I hardly used the net with the new rom and my bill was small.
Then I bought CorePlayer and decided to test it's built-in YouTube client on a couple of occasions. That's when all of my money was sucked out of my pockets, life and near future.
SoftBank tell you ONE DAY after you reach your first $500. So by the time you find out - you have possibly doubled that.
Like many phones - updates are not offered by SoftBank for this model.
Although I was trying not to be on the defensive - the SoftBank telephone rep already had me shaved and shackled as soon as I mentioned that I changed a few settings on my `Windows PC phone'. I quote "That's what people with Windows do."
I should have reminded them that it's the Mac lovers who are happy to spend a little more.
Anyway - if you need more info - I'll be hanging around Tokyo station with a cup in my hand. (No disrespect to anyone intended).
Cheers.
ps. For the record - I went back to the original rom with default connection settings.

Anyone looking for information about Softbank's flat rate Access Protocol, please refer to the following thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=441400
Thanks.

Thanks
@ larsuk,
My request is network related so I didn't know if I should post it here or attached to the end of the other Softbank threads...
In any case, thanks to Grant and larsuk for explaining what happened to me when I surfed the web from my PC, using my Nokia with a Vodafone (SB) USIM testing my phone's modem adapter and my 3G connection.
I applied for the SB unlimited data plan in view of a trip around Japan as I wanted to use my Nokia as a PC modem. I tested my phone's modem adapter and my 3G connection by surfing the web from my PC for a couple of days and all went well...
That is until my next SB bill hit me! It was monstrous! Almost 7,000US$!!!
I managed to talk my way out of it with an understanding SB representative who waived almost everything considering my obvious good faith. Japan may totally lack any traces of common sense or practical thinking but I love the genuine kindness and its kind of "paternalistic" approach to laws and regulations: they do let off first time offenders with a warning.
Anyway, thanks for explaining waht happened! Now... I know that this forum doesn't support Symbian but, RayBmade a very handy Softbank cab which seems to work miracles on Windows and Android and I couldn't find anything like it on any Symbian forum. Any chances that that cab may find its way into the Symbian world or any way to modify the APN on a Symbian device?
I have now bought an hTC DHD from Softbank and I wonder how I survived on Symbian for so long but, still, I'm not ready to throw away my N8 (I need 2 phones for 2 numbers).
Thanks...
Tommaso

Sh*t - 6GB Data transfer??

Hi,
my mobile service provider sent me a bill, wich contains 6GB data transfer (and I have no flat-rate). I'm 100% shure, that I didn't caused that data traffic.
Are there log-files for data transfers at the Touch HD device? I used the "standard" ROM with no traffic manager installed.
Thanks for you help.
Regards
hqqh

hi, as far as i am aware, there is no inbuilt logs of data transfer
but 6GB?!?!?!?!? what on earth have you been doing with your device? using it as a modem for a desktop pc???? downloading loads of video on it?
i thought i was pretty having at surfing, emailing (no attachments thats just silly) etc etc and i dont get through my allowance of 500MB per month
seems an awful lot of data transfer, if you are not sure you've used this up, then i would challenge your service provider
an idea of data usage is here:
http://online.vodafone.co.uk/dispat...fpb=true&_pageLabel=template09&pageID=MB_0005
but also consider that this is a 3g usb stick for a full size pc, the data usage on a pda should be considerably less for the same sort of usage as you are less likely to have such big files going back and forth
i used that to guestimate that to use 6gb you must have.....
surfed for 5 hours daily, sent 30 emails daily, downloaded 100 mp3 each month, downloaded 50 high res pics each month and downloaded 4 movies each month
that or youve been watching shed loads of streaming porn!
seriously, its not unknown for service providers to get their data billing wrong.....
just a thought, you havent got it setup as a mobile hotspot or something?

Sh*t - 6GB Data transfer?? Reply to Thread
Hi,
thanks for you answer.
I don't use the HD as modem or mobile internet device. Only if I have a wlan connection, I check my emails or some news pages!
This 6GB download should be taken place at one day according to the bill. If you take the theoretical download speed of 7,2MBit/sec this should have taken about 2 hours. But I this under real conditions a bandwidth of 7,2MBit/sec * 0,5 or 0,3 --> I should have downloaded or streamed 5 - 7 hours.
So my plan is to do not pay for these 6GB (580€) and then the moblie service provider has to check the technical equipment. Hopefully there is an error .
Does someone has experience with not correct bills?
Regards
hqqh

i had an incorrect bill, hence my reply
i told them what you are saying basically... that i could not have shifted that much data overnight while i was asleep (i cant remember how much it was now, several hundred MB i think.... which while possible i knew i did not do due to the times the data was transferred.... that was with the HTC Charmer which didnt havent wifi so couldnt have been hacked over wifi somehow (bluetooth was permantly off and unless you were stood outside my front door, you would connect via BT anyway)
they didnt argue and credited my bill
as you are talking about 580euros, then persoanlly i would put a block on the direct debit or however you pay your bill to make sure they dont take the payment then challenge them... this action could mean you breach your contract though
what ever you do dont just not pay them and wait for them to contact you... i would ring your service provider now if i was you

I do a lot of browsing and I often watch a few YouTube videos each month and I've never really gone over 1GB, so something very strange must have happened for that much data to have been used, especially if you don't even browse the web or anything.

Can they deliver to you a detailed bill with when you have downloaded these 6gb.
I use internet access alot, and I reach my 5OOmb limit only one month over 12. It was when I have used alot poping email with big attached files.
You said you that you sometimes alless the net on wifi. But are you sure that you are using only wifi and not gprs.
The best solution for you for the future is to deactivate gprs data access. You will find tools to do it like HDTweak or others.

Downgraded to RC29, lost internet - Cant' get past sign up.

I was running JF's 1.51 but needed to downgrade to RC29. Now that I've done so I can't get internet and therefore can't get past the sign up stage.
I've searched the forums THOROUGHLY and can't find a solution. Please don't delete my post.
I realize there's a post detailing how to skip this sign in step. Because I can't change the settings of my phone it wont work for me. I need to know if anyone has run into this problem and what are some possible causes. My APN settings are correct. I even have the EDGE network internet icon on the phone, and it looks like there is some activity, but I cannot connect to Google servers.
PLEASE help, I'm kind of new to this and maybe jumped in too quickly, but the first time I followed this process I didn't have any problems at all. I've tried changing the ROM and using different bootloaders, nothing will get past the authentication.

I'm no expert, but just a question. Does it matter if hes using an newer radio on an older build?
When I sometimes flash a ROM and can't get internet access I just turn on/off my phone a time or two and eventually I get internet back.

Actually this is fixed. It was simple and embarrassing.
After doing a lot of reading I found a post on another site with a tmob rep. He was talking about how if you have a shared text plan, sometimes there are issues with the data plan provision dropping off of the sim card because the subscriber will have a shared text plan and also text messages as part of their data package. T-mobile systems see this as redundant and drop a feature.
I've had the same data plan for almost 2 years, it's the same data plan I was using when I first got the g1 - sometimes their systems don't pick it up for awhile apparently - but when they do you can no longer use that internet gateway. Coincidentally, this happened to me just as I was downgrading my g1.
Sorry for the needless post. Thanks to everyone who contributes to the site with guides, they have always been very helpful to me.
Sometimes it's the simplest thing...

[Q] usb modem, please help!!!!

It's not a phone issue but I'm having an issue with an at&t usb modem and hopefully someone here can help me becuase i've gotten absolutely nowhere with at&t support...
Here's a little background info before I get to the real issue: I was recently migrated to at&t in the merger from alltel (a little less than a month ago, the date of my actual migration was 4/14). I was sent a sierra wireless data card (the "shockwave"). I had an alltel wireless card for years and always had unlimited data, so before the migration i was assured by at&t that i would be grandfathered in to an unlimited plan. After recieving overage warnings 3 days after my at&t device was activated, I found out I was migrated into a 250MB plan and was told I needed to file a claim to get my unlimited plan back. In the meantime, the device worked great and I used it at least once a day up until I recieved an email from at&t stating that my claim had been resolved and I was granted the unlimited data plan.
The device has not been able to connect to the network since. I've spent hours (literally about 12 hours) on the phone with their tech support over the past 8 days and nobody can figure out why I cant connect ever since my package changed. Honestly they havent had me do much to troubleshoot other than reinstalling device drivers (several times) and having me try other laptops. Eventually they sent me a replacement device stating that the newer devices may not be compatible with their old billing codes (as they no longer offer the unlimited plan under normal circumstances), so they sent me an older model, the sierra wireless "lightning" (fyi, I have both devices still). This device is doing the exact same thing: It connects (or seems to, anyway) for a split second, and then disconnects with error code 635, which the support people tell me means i have no coverage (although, according to their own website is a "random error code") and aside from telling me to uninstall and reinstall the device drivers, they will not troubleshoot the issue any further. The connection manager always shows at least 3 bars of 3g at my home (where most of the troubleshooting has taken place). I have also traveled with the device in the last few days and have tried it in 3 different major cities getting the same error every time, so I am confident it is not a coverage issue. At one point, an at&t representative told me I probably need a different initialization string due to my unusual plan, he put me on hold to research the issue and after I waited several minutes our call was lost and i was not able to get to him when i called back. I mentioned what he was researching to the agents i spoke with after this (i'm not sure if he was on to something or not, but i figured it was worth mentioning) but they disregarded it and went back to having me uninstall/reinstall drivers again and again.... and again.... to no avail. Unfortunately, I'm not at all knowledgeable about this stuff so I have absolutely no clue how to even begin to troubleshoot the issue on my own. Either way, I have gotten nowhere and i REALLY need to get this working. BTW, I have tried the device on 4 different laptops, with the same result every time (three are windows 7 laptops and one is vista). Hopefully somebody here will have some suggestions for me?