AT&T SmartPhone Connect Unlimited - Networking

I did a quick search on this and couldn't seem to find anything pertaining to this partciular topic, but I assume someone has thought of it before... I apologize in advance if this has been asked already.
I have a Cingular 8125 (HTC Wizard) and currently am paying the 40$/month for Media Max Unlimited... What I'm wondering is if it's possible to use the 20$/month "SmartPhone Connect Unlimited" plan with this phone? I know Cingular claims that it only works with the Cingular 2125, Audiovox SMT5600, and Motorola MPx 220; however, I was wondering if it was possible to basically trick them into thinking you have one of those phones, hense getting unlimited internet for 20$ instead of 40$.
I hope this thread isn't against any rules, in which case please delete

I did some research into this a while back, and from what I got, it's possible, but risky.
From what I hear, they'll slap a lot of overage charges and stuff on you unnecessarily.
I don't remember how to do it, but it's taking a chance. You may save 20/mo, but you risk having to pay more each month in extra charges. In the end, it's up to you if you think it's worth the risk.

you can but
Hi,
you could switch o the cheaper plan, but if you go over the alloted MB's per month you might get an overage charge @ i think0.10/kb. If you keep it under the alloted amount then go for it, but you will rack up the KB's in no time. Better to be safe than sorry and end up with a larger bill.

Great, thanks for the info! Anyone have any personal experiences in trying this? (good or bad)?

nyc_medic said:
Hi,
you could switch o the cheaper plan, but if you go over the alloted MB's per month you might get an overage charge @ i think0.10/kb. If you keep it under the alloted amount then go for it, but you will rack up the KB's in no time. Better to be safe than sorry and end up with a larger bill.
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The plan I'm referring to is unlimited data, it's just for a different type of phone.

Funkwheat said:
The plan I'm referring to is unlimited data, it's just for a different type of phone.
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Click to collapse
I buddy of mine has an 8125 and is using the Smartphone Unlimited package without any problems, so far. He has been doing this for well over a year.

xpgeek said:
I buddy of mine has an 8125 and is using the Smartphone Unlimited package without any problems, so far. He has been doing this for well over a year.
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Click to collapse
Sweet. Any do's and don'ts for this? And do you know the process for doing so?

Anyone else have any more info on this? =)

I have a 8925 tilt and my plan is the $20 unlimited internet access with 200 txtmsg. works fine. if you want unlimited txtmsg is $30.

Do you know the name of this plan?

Switching from Media Max Unlim to Smart Phone Unlim will rid you of your Unlim TXT msg'ing if you choose to do so...but I'm sure you knew that . If you don't need your unlimited texting, I'd suggest just dropping down to the Media Max 200, it's the same price as Smart Phone Unlim with 200 txt msgs and will get you unlim surfing.

ANY of the unlimited data plans will work with ANY phone. You can even tether you PC and it will work. at&t doesn't have much of a audit system in place to monitor people that are not using the correct data plans. From what I can tell, mostly excessive data usage patterns are the only thing that will throw a red flag.
Think of it like paying to eat at a buffet. You have an adult price, and child price. Your PDA phones are suppose to pay the adult price (aka PDA plans), and regular phones pay the child price (aka Media Max or Smartphone plans). The only problem is, if you get caught eating at the buffet on a child’s price, you are liable to get slapped with some huge data charges.
It's up to each individual if they what to take that risk. I for one can't. I tether A LOT. So I pay the $59 for a Data Connect plan. I NEED to have internet for business reasons. One job for me programming some controllers can net enough to pay for a years worth of Data Connect. Those of you who use it for recreational purposes will find it hard to justify the expense.

Related

ATTN.T-Mobile US-Keep your android data plan!

This is just an FYI to everyone who swtched from an android device to the HD2. YOU CAN KEEP YOUR CHEAPER DATA PLAN! they will try to tell you that the smartphone data plan and the android data plan are specific to the device and that one will not work on the other, but that is just not true. My android plan is $24.99 unlimited data and 400 texts a month the smartphone data plan is $30 with no texts. so after getting text messaging it's $10 more expensive. I swtch from my G1 to my HD2 all the time and the data works on both. Call up the customer loyalty group people and demand your android data plan back! they will give it to you if you keep at it. they switched me to the more expensive data plan after specificly telling them not to, i think its just an automatic system adjustment when you buy an HD2. but it can be switched back and it DOES WORK! dont be fooled by the CSR's they dont know what they are talking about. Spread the word!
This applys to anyone like me who has an old and cheap family plan and obviously not people with the unlimited everything plans
I'm set up the same way. Only issue is you will get some funky text messages for the vm notifications. Notifications on the wm phones still work, though.
mr-green said:
This is just an FYI to everyone who swtched from an android device to the HD2. YOU CAN KEEP YOUR CHEAPER DATA PLAN! they will try to tell you that the smartphone data plan and the android data plan are specific to the device and that one will not work on the other, but that is just not true. My android plan is $24.99 unlimited data and 400 texts a month the smartphone data plan is $30 with no texts. so after getting text messaging it's $10 more expensive. I swtch from my G1 to my HD2 all the time and the data works on both. Call up the customer loyalty group people and demand your android data plan back! they will give it to you if you keep at it. they switched me to the more expensive data plan after specificly telling them not to, i think its just an automatic system adjustment when you buy an HD2. but it can be switched back and it DOES WORK! dont be fooled by the CSR's they dont know what they are talking about. Spread the word!
This applys to anyone like me who has an old and cheap family plan and obviously not people with the unlimited everything plans
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Click to collapse
I thought the same way, so I kept my Blackberry data plan for 25 dollars.
It didn't work properly. Internet was ok, but kept getting weird mms or email issues. changed to the 'proper' 30 dollar plan after 4 days, and I don't have that issue anymore.
As for how or why that happens, I don't know.
mwelch16 said:
I'm set up the same way. Only issue is you will get some funky text messages for the vm notifications. Notifications on the wm phones still work, though.
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I haven't noticed any text messages for the vm notifications. I do have visual vm working on the HD2.
I wasn't actually aware of the price difference between the 2 data plans.
I actually switched back to Android data plan so I could try something on my HTC Dream and since the HD2 works as well... no reason to switch back.
I thought tmo us only offers 2 kinds of data plan. first one is for blackberry users and it's called blackberry network. the second one is for any other smart phone users. it's called the android network. even hd2 is a wm phone, it uses the android network.
its not that bad of a deal considering you pay 30$ for data and 5$ extra for unlimited text
yeah it's not that bad its only $10 more, but everytime they have a new phone or OS they add a new data service that is a little more expensive. first it was the BB data which i believe started at $20 then the android $25 that includes texts, now they have the smartphone data plan $30 w/ no texts. To me it seems that if you can keep whatever grandfathered in data plan and phone plan for that matter it will always save you money. If you dont keep the charges where they are at they will nickel and dime you to death! the funny thing is that i doubt there is much of a change in the actual service it just has a new name and a new price tag to with it. once HSPDA is available in Kansas City where Im at I would gladly pay more, but i dont see a reason for charging more for the same service.
oh and also, I have had zero issues with the android data plan on my HD2. it works exactly the same as it did before when I had the new smartphone data plan and didnt know it. once I fiqured out they switched my data plan I immidiately switched back to the android plan. I have had no weird VM notification issues or anything.
good point
Heh I rem making a post about this too.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=652990
Data plan costs the same. but if they give me the smartphone one, G1 internet dies.. However.. otherway around.. works fine.
t-mobile getting pretty close to at&t now with their data plans.i pay extra $5 now for unlimited web and text before i had the $35 unlimited data and text.i always thought data plans prices would go down day by day but i was defenetly WRONG.wondering how much carriers gonna charge for 4G datas?
I am looking at the HD2, presently have the iPhone. I am with T-Mobile and have the non-contract family plan (4 phones.) I have 750 shared minutes, unlimited Text, Unlimited Internet (my phone only) and pay $100.92/month.
I talked to T-Mobile at 2 different locations and they tell me something different.
If I buy a 2 Year contract I can get the HD2 for $199.00, but must pay $24.95 or $30.00/month for the data plan. They say that I can keep my other 3 phones without a contract. That equates to $240 more a year. However, I cannot just keep my unlimited Internet @ $10/month. I must get a data plan.
They tell me that I will be changed from the Unlimited Internet $10 to the Data Plan automatically when I use my phone.The 2 year contract does not bother me as I have used T-Mobile for years and will continue to do so unless I find a better plan.
My questions are:
1. What is the advantage of buying the HD2 at $500 vs $200 as you still have to buy the Data Plan? Apparently the 2 year contract.
2. Why can't I just buy the HD2 and use my old SIM card and continue under the plan I have? Will they really worry about my current Internet plan and get me for the Data Plan?
3. Is the HD2 better than the iPhone overall? I am very impressed with the HD2 and from what I have seen via YouTube, it is very slick.
I know I will receive different opinions, however, that is what I am looking for. Have had the MDA, Wing, Omnia and iPhone.
I value your opinions as I have been on XDA for years and have received very valuable information and Help! Thanks in advance.
asctony said:
I am looking at the HD2, presently have the iPhone. I am with T-Mobile and have the non-contract family plan (4 phones.) I have 750 shared minutes, unlimited Text, Unlimited Internet (my phone only) and pay $100.92/month.
I talked to T-Mobile at 2 different locations and they tell me something different.
If I buy a 2 Year contract I can get the HD2 for $199.00, but must pay $24.95 or $30.00/month for the data plan. They say that I can keep my other 3 phones without a contract. That equates to $240 more a year. However, I cannot just keep my unlimited Internet @ $10/month. I must get a data plan.
They tell me that I will be changed from the Unlimited Internet $10 to the Data Plan automatically when I use my phone.The 2 year contract does not bother me as I have used T-Mobile for years and will continue to do so unless I find a better plan.
My questions are:
1. What is the advantage of buying the HD2 at $500 vs $200 as you still have to buy the Data Plan? Apparently the 2 year contract.
2. Why can't I just buy the HD2 and use my old SIM card and continue under the plan I have? Will they really worry about my current Internet plan and get me for the Data Plan?
3. Is the HD2 better than the iPhone overall? I am very impressed with the HD2 and from what I have seen via YouTube, it is very slick.
I know I will receive different opinions, however, that is what I am looking for. Have had the MDA, Wing, Omnia and iPhone.
I value your opinions as I have been on XDA for years and have received very valuable information and Help! Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont know the difference between the $10 data plan and the $30 data plan but all i know i've been using the iPHONE 3g since it came out on t-mobile offcourse jailbroken,never thought i would go back to windows mobile till the HD2 arrived and i gave my iPHONE to my sister for good and never looked back cuz im shocked by the experience on the HD2 since i became a member on the XDA.thanx to XDA i've tweaked the HD2 and loving it and looking forward to the end of this year for XDA to flash WM to ANDROID 2.1 on the HD2.as far on buying the HD2,i've already have a contract with t-mobile and i was do for an upgrade but instead of upgrade i bought the phone with 4 months installment plan which is about $112.50 a month on the bill(which is not bad) and i made sure that they didnt upgrade my contract.also added $5.99 for full insurance.so.......... so far loving the HD2 and its a keeper for me.hope it helps u a little.
@asctony if I were you I would try tobuy an unlocked hd2 and try to keep the $10 internet.but I would make sure it works first somehow, anyone here know? the csr will say it wont but I bet it will.if it works the price difference would pay for your phone in a relatively short amount of time.
Thank you both for taking the time to answer my query. Yes, I will try to use my $10 Internet Unlimited. When I signed up for the $10 Internet Unlimited CSR told me that I could not and it would not work. However, little do they know other than $$$$$$$$. Been using it for almost a year. I am really excited about the HD2 and will let you know what my opinion is. Thanks again.
Actually, you don't need to call customer care. Log into your mytmobile, change the phone in your profile to an Android phone and then add your data plan.
@asctony: if you buy it from the TMo retail store or a 3rd party that does not have rebates and does not require a data plan, then no, you don't have to change your data plan. Use your existing data plan by changing your APN (search my post about Nexus One and HD2).
HotShotAzn said:
Actually, you don't need to call customer care. Log into your mytmobile, change the phone in your profile to an Android phone and then add your data plan.
@asctony: if you buy it from the TMo retail store or a 3rd party that does not have rebates and does not require a data plan, then no, you don't have to change your data plan. Use your existing data plan by changing your APN (search my post about Nexus One and HD2).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is not like a switch that you toggle right? because i am looking at it in my profile but since i have a grandfathered plan it says it conflicts with the current smartphone plan. maybe i am not looking in the right spot.
that's weird.... I switched my plan from android internet to the total internet for the HD2. both were the same price of $24.95. I'm here in NJ if that makes a difference
Yeah I had the $34.99 unlimited internet and texts for android. When I called customer service they switched me over to the smartphone plan and I'm still paying $34.99, don't know how that happened exactly but I'm happy!
No MMS
I've been with T-Mobile forever. I had a Blackberry before my Touch Pro 2. My Blackberry BIS add-on charge is $19.99/month. Internet is good and fast, phone and SMS work great. Cannot send or receive MMS and was told by customer support that, "your HTC sends MMS via the data plan and your current Blackberry data plan is not compatible with your phone."
My kids have cheap camera phones that send/receive MMS on our same family plan, but my more sophisticated WinMo device cannot? Sounds fishy, but I have searched every thread and tried every setting and finally have given up. I can live without MMS if it's going to cost me an extra $180/year.
mr-green said:
yeah it's not that bad its only $10 more, but everytime they have a new phone or OS they add a new data service that is a little more expensive. first it was the BB data which i believe started at $20 then the android $25 that includes texts, now they have the smartphone data plan $30 w/ no texts. To me it seems that if you can keep whatever
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You are aware that they had the data plan for Smartphones long before Android came out, right?

[news] AT&T Pulls the Plug on Its Unlimited Data Plans

Poor att users, I'm so glad I switched to t-mo.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/197755/atandt_pulls_the_plug_on_its_unlimited_data_plans.html
The New AT&T Mobile Data Plans
•· DataPlus is the cheapest plan available, which provides you with 200MB of data for $15 per month, a much better value plan for light data users who pay $30 for the unlimited plan right now. AT&T says that on average, 65 per cent of its customers use less than 200MB per month. If you exceed 200MB in a month, you can get another 200MB for an additional $15.
•· DataPro is the new highbrow mobile data plan from AT&T, which includes 2GB of data for $25 per month, and will charge each additional GB used over this limit at $10. This new plan is designed to replace the outgoing Unlimited plan, as AT&T claims 98 percent of its smartphone customers use on average less than 2GB of data per month.
•· The Tethering plan for iPhones will work only along the $20 per month DataPro plan, and costs an additional $20 monthly. Unfortunately, this extra $20 won't give you any extra GB of data usage, as the 2GB included in the DataPro plan will be shared between your phone and the tethered device. Tethering for iPhones is expected to be available when Apple releases iPhone OS 4 this summer.
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So this is only for new customers right? I'm assuming the customers already on unlimited will keep it correct?
sucks for them. $45 a month for 2GB including tethering optionis just ridiculous.
im sure AT&T will force people to switch to this plan eventually like they did the smartphone plans.
FYI, this is grounds for any current customer to get out of the ETF if they try and force you to switch over before your contract is up.
agreed I feel sorry for you guys, we get screwed with 3 year contracts, but im ok with that since I pay $30 for 6gb and that includes tethering. To pay an extra $20 and not get an increase in your bandwidth limit sucks.
Ouch.
Maybe my girlfriend's iPhone will have a tragic accident so we can get out of Dodge...
*sad face*
pjcforpres said:
FYI, this is grounds for any current customer to get out of the ETF if they try and force you to switch over before your contract is up.
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So is this for sure. I am on ATT right now and been thinking about dropping them and getting a new service. Either Verizon or Tmobile. Even though tmobile isnt all that great its cheaper for a 3 person family plan. AND I would be able to have my N1 on 3G. Edge really sucks.
i don't think the new ETF has taken into effect; i called yesterday and asked how much it would be to get out of my family plan, and the rep gave me numbers based on $175 and not $325; thinking about moving to Sprint (23% discount from employer plus EVO)
also, i don't think this is grounds for getting out of paying ETF since, as of now, customers still have the option to keep current data plans and if they switch, it doesn't renew contract
while this is a bad deal for those who uses data a lot, this is somewhat of a benefit for my dad's iphone (i just checked and since he got the phone, he only uses about 100mb/month) so he can save $15/month
i imagine the unlimited will be grandfathered just like the old 10cent/kb plan i used to have since like 2000
glad ive got the unlimited while it was still available, according to this tiered pricing my bill last month just for data would have been over 50 bucks.
futango said:
So is this for sure. I am on ATT right now and been thinking about dropping them and getting a new service. Either Verizon or Tmobile. Even though tmobile isnt all that great its cheaper for a 3 person family plan. AND I would be able to have my N1 on 3G. Edge really sucks.
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Click to collapse
Mmmm, considering what ATT is doing here, I'd say Tmo is great. In addition to the fact that you're stuck using Edge, which adds even more value to Tmo.
futango said:
So is this for sure. I am on ATT right now and been thinking about dropping them and getting a new service. Either Verizon or Tmobile. Even though tmobile isnt all that great its cheaper for a 3 person family plan. AND I would be able to have my N1 on 3G. Edge really sucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you should just call ATT and ask how much it would be if you terminate your contract; you can have an answer directly from them
futango said:
So is this for sure. I am on ATT right now and been thinking about dropping them and getting a new service. Either Verizon or Tmobile. Even though tmobile isnt all that great its cheaper for a 3 person family plan. AND I would be able to have my N1 on 3G. Edge really sucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt it because [according to Engadget] current unlimited data subscribers are welcome to keep their $30/mo plan for as long as they'd like, so you're not being forced to change your plan.
When I first read about the change I thought it sounded pretty bad, but I just checked my data usage and I only use just over 1gb a month despite very very heavy web browsing on my phones. If I tethered often or streamed video, I might not like this plan, but I cannot fathom how much web browsing I'd have to do to go over 2gb a month.
If you guys use the wifi tethering feature, they probably won't be able to detect that you are tethering, right?
What I don't understand is how they will find out if you're tethering?
What if you're using a Nexus One on AT&T with FroYo. How would they know if you're tethering or just using your phone a lot?
yeah this stinks in a way. but all of us are grandfathered in. this is only for new customers. until you sign a new contract you can keep using the current pricing. but after that...
i've been out of contracct for 4 years now and only use unlocked phones, so i guess i could theoretically stay grandfathered indefinitely.
Paul22000 said:
What I don't understand is how they will find out if you're tethering?
What if you're using a Nexus One on AT&T with FroYo. How would they know if you're tethering or just using your phone a lot?
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they really cant tell the difference. so dont even worry about it. the only thing that could give it away is if you blow thru insane amounts of data, and download things like 500mb torrents which obviously gives you away.
Paul22000 said:
What I don't understand is how they will find out if you're tethering?
What if you're using a Nexus One on AT&T with FroYo. How would they know if you're tethering or just using your phone a lot?
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They can't unless they built it into the phone. So if you can get froyo on your att nexus you can tether without paying the fee.
All other 2.2 phones will be modified by their respective carriers to "check in" before enabling the built in tether option.
RogerPodacter said:
they really cant tell the difference. so dont even worry about it. the only thing that could give it away is if you blow thru insane amounts of data, and download things like 500mb torrents which obviously gives you away.
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This is true. I have used my WinMo phones to tether on at&t for quite some time, beginning with HTC Faraday. Back then I called because I was stupid having problems getting the faraday to tether to my personal computer (The one I tested it on was fine) and the guy was like, you have to buy the tether package for $60/month to get the right cable. I was like no I don't, I did it earlier on another PC. He stammered and was like, well, if you try to access data heavy sites like youtube, it probably won't work. I was like okay w/e...hung up, played around, got it to work, and streamed an episode of Family Guy with no problems just to prove him wrong (once I let it DL. stupid EDGE). I've yet to see an extra charge for my data. (even when I was using the $10 MEdia Net package with a smartphone, which I was with the Faraday)
i going to ride out my grandfathered tmobile plan for as long as i can... $5/month for unlimited 3G data and tether/hotspot

Verizon Data Caps

I know this isn't exactly phone specific, but I have been reading a bit about impending data caps for Verizon's network. I have been enjoying my Wifi-Tether a lot lately without worrying about paying an absolute ridiculous amount for it. I have read in the past that a change in service allows you the opportunity to get out of your contract. Does anyone know if this is true or will apply if data caps are implemented?
Engadget Article
engadget.com/2010/07/20/verizon-switching-to-atandt-style-limited-data-plans-later-this-mo/
*Sorry I cant post links as of yet*
grimez said:
I know this isn't exactly phone specific, but I have been reading a bit about impending data caps for Verizon's network. I have been enjoying my Wifi-Tether a lot lately without worrying about paying an absolute ridiculous amount for it. I have read in the past that a change in service allows you the opportunity to get out of your contract. Does anyone know if this is true or will apply if data caps are implemented?
Engadget Article
engadget.com/2010/07/20/verizon-switching-to-atandt-style-limited-data-plans-later-this-mo/
*Sorry I cant post links as of yet*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the data caps/tiers happen, this is what will happen.
1) Current users who have the unlimited plan will keep it. You might lose it if you change phones, but if you don't change your plan, then you can probably keep unlimited, but I think if you make any changes to your plan, like number of minutes, texts, etc, you will lose the unlimited data.
2) New customers will have to get tiered plans.
If they forced current unlimited plan holders to change to tier plans, you would be able to get out of your contract ETF free. So to prevent this they will not do this if you have unlimited now. Many people would go to other networks besides ATT and Verizon where they can get unlimited data or cheaper rates.
Sure but you would most likely be grandfathered in, which means that it wouldn't matter. It also means you wouldn't be able to cancel without an etf.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
TNS201 said:
1) Current users who have the unlimited plan will keep it. You might lose it if you change phones, but if you don't change your plan, then you can probably keep unlimited, but I think if you make any changes to your plan, like number of minutes, texts, etc, you will lose the unlimited data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a family plan right now with 1400 minutes. On my next billing cycle I lowered the plan to 700 minutes (effective August 3rd). So what your saying is if they implement the new data plans before my next billing cycle I will lose unlimited data? Can anyone confirm this?
djkms said:
I have a family plan right now with 1400 minutes. On my next billing cycle I lowered the plan to 700 minutes (effective August 3rd). So what your saying is if they implement the new data plans before my next billing cycle I will lose unlimited data? Can anyone confirm this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you should be worried. This tiered data plan isn't even confirmed by verizon yet. Nobody really has solid information on what could happen.
Correct me if i'm wrong, but because you signed a contract previous to when this happened..you will have available all options that you signed at the time-including minutes, txt, etc. The changed plan does not go into effect until you resign your contract.
This kind of thing happened when they forced everyone to choose either a 9.99 internet plan for dumbphones and 29.99 internet for smartphones regardless of they wanted internet or not. Those who had current contracts at the time were not affected. I guess I will just buy phones at off contract prices when my time is up so I can avoid signing a capped contract.
My guess is, after your current contract expires you will be forced into a tiered data plan, even if you are paying month to month with no changes.
When I switched my family from Sprint to Verizon, no internet fee was required for any of the phones (in fact, I had to ASK for unlimited data or else my Incredible wouldn't have had it). I don't know if I lucked out or not, but this was done by a manager and I certain hope said manager continues to work there and save me money =p.
grimez said:
My guess is, after your current contract expires you will be forced into a tiered data plan, even if you are paying month to month with no changes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problem is that Verizon's previous actions in cases such as this contradict that assumption. It is far more probable that the tiered data will only come into play when a new contract is signed- such as what transpired with 3G "multimedia" phones.
DeeBG said:
When I switched my family from Sprint to Verizon, no internet fee was required for any of the phones (in fact, I had to ASK for unlimited data or else my Incredible wouldn't have had it). I don't know if I lucked out or not, but this was done by a manager and I certain hope said manager continues to work there and save me money =p.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's interesting because all the smartphones now require unlimited data plan. Maybe it was assumed for your contract? That would have been odd for you to get no data plan lol
djkms said:
I have a family plan right now with 1400 minutes. On my next billing cycle I lowered the plan to 700 minutes (effective August 3rd). So what your saying is if they implement the new data plans before my next billing cycle I will lose unlimited data? Can anyone confirm this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No because you already agreed to the contract before hand. When you changed your plan minutes, you agreed to everything that was within that agreement at that time. They cannot change it now.
I don't think minor changes within your plan (even phone upgrades) will constitute losing your unlimited given we are grandfathered in...
For example...my mom had a $14.99/450-minute plan probably...12 years or so ago...she didn't lose it until about 2007 when she upgraded to a family share plan to add my dad and sister. During that time she had upgraded her phone a few times and added a text package without losing her base minute package.
I think we'll be ok....but I have my fingers crossed :-\
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Damnnnnnn. I was twelve then...i thought there was only beepers then...haha
Sent from my Incredible using XDA App
qmartman711 said:
Damnnnnnn. I was twelve then...i thought there was only beepers then...haha
Sent from my Incredible using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha I remember it being some POS AudioVox with tiny little useless calculator-like screen and big antenna
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
alexdw369 said:
I don't think minor changes within your plan (even phone upgrades) will constitute losing your unlimited given we are grandfathered in...
For example...my mom had a $14.99/450-minute plan probably...12 years or so ago...she didn't lose it until about 2007 when she upgraded to a family share plan to add my dad and sister. During that time she had upgraded her phone a few times and added a text package without losing her base minute package.
I think we'll be ok....but I have my fingers crossed :-\
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only reason you would lose the unlimited plan is if you removed the phone from that line and activated it on another, it's a grandfathered feature that runs independent of the calling plan. Meaning if you change the base rate you can continue on unlimited data. And yes, I work for Verizon
Even the current "unlimited" is truly not unlimited. I do believe there is a 5gb cap but you have to cross it a couple of months in a row before you hear about it.
All carriers are going to tiered models and for the average user it will save them money. I forget which carrier released the information but the average smartphone users only uses like 200mb a month. So for these users their rates may go down if they picked up a 200mb or 500mb plan. The power users will stick with the same thing they have but the cap will be official now.
So in short from what I have read really not much of a change from the current unless you are looking for a cheaper plan because of your usage.
this should clear up some stuff for now.. it looks like we are good..atleast till LTE comes out!
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/verizon-wireless-no-big-rush-to-tiered-data-plans-for-now/37147
kyle1745 said:
Even the current "unlimited" is truly not unlimited. I do believe there is a 5gb cap but you have to cross it a couple of months in a row before you hear about it.
All carriers are going to tiered models and for the average user it will save them money. I forget which carrier released the information but the average smartphone users only uses like 200mb a month. So for these users their rates may go down if they picked up a 200mb or 500mb plan. The power users will stick with the same thing they have but the cap will be official now.
So in short from what I have read really not much of a change from the current unless you are looking for a cheaper plan because of your usage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a 5gb cap, but they wont pursue bothering you unless they can tell you are tethering. If you legitly use that much on your phone, you have nothing to worry about.
The only thing changing right now is the hotspot and mbb connect plans to the 2 gbfor 20.00 the smartphone plans Stays unlimited . Nothing has been mentioned on going tiered smartphone a la iPhone .
DeeBG said:
When I switched my family from Sprint to Verizon, no internet fee was required for any of the phones (in fact, I had to ASK for unlimited data or else my Incredible wouldn't have had it). I don't know if I lucked out or not, but this was done by a manager and I certain hope said manager continues to work there and save me money =p.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
trust me it would have been on your bill and it wouldn't have been the cheap version... I tried to get my omnia with no data because I could just block internet connection on my motorola Q and not have any charges but they do no allow this anymore with the new smartphones
but eventhough I figured out a way to order it online without having to agree to a data plan the bill showed up with a 52/mo charge for corporate unlimited data... I called them and they said oh our mistake we should have charged you for the 30/mo... they just tried to pull a fast 12 bucks off of me but I actually read my bill

How I Cut My Cellphone Bill In Half !!!

Hey guys, like you, even though we have to manually do alot to get our HD2's in perfect condition. I wanted to hip you all to something that I'm currently taking advantage of, which is saving me major money each month.
Went to Wal-Mart on the lauch date of the infamous HD2, and paid full price for one, thinking that it would end up saving me money in the long run, because I had my own equiptment, therefore, I wasn't under a 2 year aggreement for T-Mobile.
Went to the T-Mobile store to get setup with service. Deciding on getting the T-Mobile unlimited everything plan (voice,sms,data) it ended up costing me around $92 a month (including taxes, fee's, and the $5 discount). So, I began thinking, "this is not the significant discount I was looking for". I asked the salesman what was the benefit of me purchasing this phone outright, he told me that if I got the same package and features, with the phone discount, under contract, it would cost me around $120-$130 a month. I began to seek other options to lower my bill. However, I was hesitant to lower anything, because I did one time, and got fuked over with crazy overage charges! I even thought about switching it over to AT&T, but then realized I'd be loosing out on the high speed data, because of the incompatibilities of the 3G radios between the 2 networks (and who wants edge speed on a smartphone these days!).
Then I did some research and found out about Simple Mobile, this is a Virtual carrier of T-Mobile (like how Virgin is to Verizon, and Boost is to Sprint). Anyway, after a couple of emails, and phone calls, I decided to make the switch. I found a nearby retailer (or u can check them out online) And I never looked back!
I now play EXACTLY $60 a month, for unlimited everything (voice,sms,data). And I was able to port and keep my same number. While this is truly great in of itself. Another great feature is because it's still a subsiary of T-Mobile, I didn't have to software unlock the HD2 at all. It was literally a matter of taking the old Sim card out and putting the new one in. The only thing that I did have to reconfig was the internet settings and the MMS settings to be able to have those 2 things function correctly. (which is very easy, I provided a link to the instructions below)
Instructions on changing internet settings and MMS settings.
http://www.mobile-files.us/showthread.php?2245-HD2-wap-mms-settings-for-SimpMo
The internet is exactly the same, I'm still getting the H icon at the top, with about 4 MB sec speeds. Call quality and range is the same, and so is the txting features. Because it's using the same T-Mobile towers as before. (which T-Mobile is very good, in Costa Mesa, CA )
Don't know about you all, but especially in these times, when money is tight, I have to really buckle down to budget and plan for big ticket items. So when I spend $400+ on a device. I truly want to be able to see more of the savings, in the long run. And thats how I cut my bill in half! They even offer plans at $30 and $40 if you don't want or need unlimited data for your phone, therefore saving your even more money.
This may not help some of you guys out there, but if your like me, and not in a contract, or you may be in a contract, and thinking this may be a better route for you in the long run (make sure you do your math beforehand, and make sure your savings outweigh your ETF from T-Mobile) I just wanted to let you know, that you do have an option out there.
Simple Mobile
http://www.mysimplemobile.com/
Hope it helps!
Eddie
so are you truly getting 3g speed? this sounds promising.
smokeingit said:
so are you truly getting 3g speed? this sounds promising.
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Click to collapse
Yes sir, I sure am, it displays the H icon, so I know its the HSDPA speed, which is alittle faster then 3G...however, i'm not sure if its the new HSDPA+ that you might have been hearing lately. I say that because, I dont believe WM have a status icon to show you that (because the technology is so new), so my theory is that, IF the HD2 supports it, AND its is getting the HSDPA+ signal, it'll still show the H icon at the top right of the device. But to answer your question, its DEFINITELY gets the high speed, because its still using the same towers!
I have friend that works in one of those smokes, cell, and gun stores and he has been trying to get me into this program.
It's good to go and legit.
Unfortunately I am only 6 months into my new 2 year contract...had to for my $190 Leo.
dangit.
I believe this has been discussed many times already.....
Simple mobile does not provide unlimited data. I believe it's still capped at 1GB/month. Which is a big no no for people who like to tether and abuse the network.....
calc said:
I believe this has been discussed many times already.....
Simple mobile does not provide unlimited data. I believe it's still capped at 1GB/month. Which is a big no no for people who like to tether and abuse the network.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your saying their "Unlimited Everything Talk, Text & Web" plan, which is labeled as "New", is not actually unlimited?
Paten said:
So your saying their "Unlimited Everything Talk, Text & Web" plan, which is labeled as "New", is not actually unlimited?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://consumerist.com/2010/07/simple-mobile-unlimited-data-plan-is-of-course-secretly-limited.html
http://www.prepaidreviews.com/blog/mvno/simple-mobile-limits-unlimited-data-plan-36148/
Both reported and the end of July of this year.... so unless something has changed in 3 months time, NO it is not unlimited.
I was suckered into a new mobile phone plan with a new company called Simple Mobile. They are a T-mobile MVNO (essentially a reseller) claiming to offer UNLIMITED talk, text, and data for $60/mo.
The reality is... Their $60 plan is NOT unlimited. When you hit 1000MB in one month your data service is simply terminated without warning.
They will offer to sell you an additional 100MB for $10. This policy is not stated anywhere on their website. If you call or write and complain, they will simply tell you to go elsewhere and will not provide any refund.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean really............. just think about it for a minute, do you really think T-Mobile is going to allow another company to use their network and infrastructure all the while having them undercut their own prices too.....not to mention the toll and expense of all pushing out all that bandwidth at "unlimited" rates.
calc said:
I believe this has been discussed many times already.....
Simple mobile does not provide unlimited data. I believe it's still capped at 1GB/month. Which is a big no no for people who like to tether and abuse the network.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I can do , is speak from my experience. Since having this service, I KNOW that I used more than 1GB (stream music all day, watch YouTube, use it for general internet browsing, and logging into my Orb media server at home, and streaming TV from my PC). So I would definitely consider myself a above average data user, and have not once, been capped or throttled (trust, I would be *****ing and complaining, with everyone else). I've even checked my usage online to see it and its a little under 2Gigs of data transfer, and everything is ok. I not sure if maybe I have a magic bean, VIP, IMEI on my device (joke-e-joke ) , which is given unlimited data usage, without penalty, or maybe they've modified their contract and upped the data usage cap or something. Again, I can only speak from my personal experiences, within the last 3 months, reguarding my device and service. I don't use my phone for tethering, but I do consider myself a heavy data usage user and not had any problems regarding their quality of service thus far.
Get rid of the unlimited voice and txt, then with this guide I wrote:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=19619155#post19619155
You can cut your phone bill even more sharply. I'm paying about ~$20/month right now depending on my voice usage when out and about.

Aria IMEI

I know it is a sensitive topic, but I'm so frustrated with ATT, and was wondering if I could get any directions from you guys.
I bought for my wife new Aria (full price) so she can collaborate with me without using her brain. Few days after the change I realized att changed her unlimited data plan to tiered one. That move really pissed me off, and I had to switch her back to old nokia to preserve unlimited plan. I used to have an iphone with this plan (unlimited data for $15/month), and it looks like they are enforcing new, more expensive plans not only on new customers, but also on existing ones.
Enough said... I would like to get some hints on changing imei, so I get to keep my old plan...
Thanks
Not 100% sure but just swap the sim and it should work. ATT are assholes for doing away with unlimited data made the mistake of losing my unlimited data plan when the iPhone 4 was released thanks iphone!
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App
I upgraded to the aria And had the unlimited data plan transfered..if u just call customer service and tell them that u have been a loyal customer for a long time now and u should be able to keep the plan u have had..u should mention being grandfathered in, be polite and tell them if they can't help u then u might be looking at other carriers. U would be amazed at the things I have gotten for free or discounted by just calling and talking to customer service..if they say they can't do it ask to be transfered to to the person who can, u might be on the phone for a minute but u can get it done I promise u
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App
Post this same info on ATT's Facebook.
Same thing happened to me, I went from an iPhone to the Aria, and had the unlimited data removed, put a post on ATT's facebook, and within the day, I was talking to a guy who gave it back, credited my account, and gave me an additonal discount, to make my bill cheaper.
Interesting... if that's what they did to you then I may actually get somewhere. I just pulled the plug on one line to get G2 from tmo, and may threaten to close another line if they refuse to keep my plan...
If it comes to sim swap then it won't work with att branded phones. The only thing that may work (it worked with my old line) is to use unlock phone and ask them to update imei. They will mark your line as unlocked phone and never update your plan again. It worked for iphone...
Thx for your input.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
How much data do you actually use on your plan? I use my phone's data very regularly throughout the month and the most I've ever managed to use in a month was a gigabyte, making the $25 plan a cheaper solution than the $30 PDA Smartphone plan that preceded it.
I work in a retail position in which I handle AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile customers on a daily basis, and I have yet to meet anyone who uses more than 2GB a month, and some of these people use the phone as if they do not have a home internet service!
Thankfully AT&T has a very easy way of checking to see the monthly data usage you use, and even gives you a nice graph of the last six months of data usage, so you can decide for yourself what data plan is right for you.
"Unlimited" 3G data (w/ 5gb limit) for $30 on a smartphone is going the way of direct connect. Verizon will not be far behind with unveiling their new data plans and T-Mobile is talking about doing the same thing. I think once it is all said and done, we won't even see unlimited plans on 4G networks, especially once Sprint gets enough people back onto their service.
Just do the switch yourself. If you bought the phone full price you could have gotten it anywhere besides AT&T, swapped the SIM and been on the same plan. that's what i did coming from my Fuze. I just moved the SIM card to the new phone, and it worked flawlessly. kept my unlimited plan and everything.
as for data usage. When i had my Fuze i used maybe .5gig a month, but as soon as i got the Aria my usage spiked. I use consistently well over 2 gigs a month, breaking 4 gigs in August. I don't use it for tethering, i don't download huge video files, in fact i'm pretty tame with my phone usage. I'll be keeping my unlimited plan when i get a free upgrade in January.
shark0807 said:
How much data do you actually use on your plan? I use my phone's data very regularly throughout the month and the most I've ever managed to use in a month was a gigabyte, making the $25 plan a cheaper solution than the $30 PDA Smartphone plan that preceded it.
I work in a retail position in which I handle AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile customers on a daily basis, and I have yet to meet anyone who uses more than 2GB a month, and some of these people use the phone as if they do not have a home internet service!
Thankfully AT&T has a very easy way of checking to see the monthly data usage you use, and even gives you a nice graph of the last six months of data usage, so you can decide for yourself what data plan is right for you.
"Unlimited" 3G data (w/ 5gb limit) for $30 on a smartphone is going the way of direct connect. Verizon will not be far behind with unveiling their new data plans and T-Mobile is talking about doing the same thing. I think once it is all said and done, we won't even see unlimited plans on 4G networks, especially once Sprint gets enough people back onto their service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You sound like att spokesperson addressing all dumbasses that purchased smartphone thinking it will make them look smarter. Your data usage statistics are off, and just because you ask your customers about their data usage, it doesn't mean it makes you right. I have observed the data usage by mobile devices in the enterprise I manage in the past 3 years. It seems people spend more time using internet driven apps when their experience improves. That pretty much means the faster mobile network becomes the more bandwidth is consumed. Another huge impact on data usage comes from pushed advertisement. People love free apps, but in order to support brightminded developers those apps have to display small banners. lets do quick math here... each banner is about 5KB. Popular apps rotate them in intervals of 10s, or display new ad whenever you go to new page. If your phone supports multitasking, for example new iphone, then if you don't close the app (for example weather app) it may actually keep rotating those ads in the background eating up your bandwidth. That's 5KB every 10s throughout billing cycle gives us total of about 1.3GB each month. That's based on single app that probably won't be running 24/7, but you may have few of such apps running at the same time, so this will definitely bring you close to that number.
Now, lets talk about 4G, and your assumption of all carriers going with tiered plans. I've been enjoying my G2 over HSPA+ so much. You tube videos are actually in visible quality now. Those very same videos over att 3g were just a joke, and waste of time. What do you think how much bandwidth those HQ videos consume? How about video calls? How about flash driven apps? Limiting users to tiered plans would mean blocking all those services, and worse it would bring technology development for mobile devices to a halt (at least in US).
Mobile carriers are facing very hard times. There is more bandwidth demand than they estimated. ATT for example chose greed, and decided to oversubscribe their infrastructure hoping iphone will save them. Verizon however, invested in their network to ensure they can handle the growth. They all should be thankful to Apple for stealing the name "smartphone", and introducing it to masses in the form of a dumbphone. That move changed the industry, and right now we're all paying for it through higher cost, development by spending more time rooting devices than coding new apps, and reliability. I love my mac, but I hate Jobs for the iphone so much...
cegna09 said:
Just do the switch yourself. If you bought the phone full price you could have gotten it anywhere besides AT&T, swapped the SIM and been on the same plan. that's what i did coming from my Fuze. I just moved the SIM card to the new phone, and it worked flawlessly. kept my unlimited plan and everything.
as for data usage. When i had my Fuze i used maybe .5gig a month, but as soon as i got the Aria my usage spiked. I use consistently well over 2 gigs a month, breaking 4 gigs in August. I don't use it for tethering, i don't download huge video files, in fact i'm pretty tame with my phone usage. I'll be keeping my unlimited plan when i get a free upgrade in January.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aria is the only woman friendly (small) android phone that supports att 3G. I paid for it $300 (new). Legacy, which seems to be pretty much same phone is $200 more, and doesn't support att 3g frequencies. It looks like att is getting better in cat/mouse game. I may just have to threaten to leave, to get something done...
BTW
any android phone is concidered by att as smartphone, and they require smartphone plan with it. My wife previously had unlocked nokia, so they did not know what kind of phone it was, and allowed regular $15/month unlimited data plan. Once you put your sim into device that they have in their database they enforce on you smartphone plan that's currently available. If her previous plan was unlimited data for smartphone ($25/month), then I agree, she would be able to keep it.
chopperpl said:
BTW
any android phone is concidered by att as smartphone, and they require smartphone plan with it. My wife previously had unlocked nokia, so they did not know what kind of phone it was, and allowed regular $15/month unlimited data plan. Once you put your sim into device that they have in their database they enforce on you smartphone plan that's currently available. If her previous plan was unlimited data for smartphone ($25/month), then I agree, she would be able to keep it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
didn't realize you came from a non-smartphone. I came from a Fuze (touch pro), so i was already on the $30 unlimited smartphone plan. I made the phone switch right after they announced the end of unlimited plans, and just swapped the phone on my own. Their system caught it, changed my profile on AT&T's site, but did nothing to the plan. I still have the unlimited plan, and will be keeping it as i foresee my usage staying hight.
Do what i did.
Change the sim into a dumb phone and turn it on, wait about an hour, then log into your account online. The options for the medianet packages will reappear. Remove the smartphone data plans then enable the medianet plan for unlimited data. After switch the sim back to the smart phone, if you get a text or email saying they detected your smartphone just call them up and tell them you do not have a smartphone and give them the IMEI number of the dumb phone and have them remove the data and restore the medianet.
I know its a bit much to lie to them but it is robery that pay as you go data is $2 per 1MB, $15 for 200MB and $25 for 2GB when the service sucks inside any building in lower Manhattan.
joshua54 said:
I upgraded to the aria And had the unlimited data plan transfered..if u just call customer service and tell them that u have been a loyal customer for a long time now and u should be able to keep the plan u have had..u should mention being grandfathered in, be polite and tell them if they can't help u then u might be looking at other carriers. U would be amazed at the things I have gotten for free or discounted by just calling and talking to customer service..if they say they can't do it ask to be transfered to to the person who can, u might be on the phone for a minute but u can get it done I promise u
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is what i did.
I called cancellation dept, and they still refused to roll my old plan back
Going back to my initial request... Any hints on changing imei?
Thanks
Is it doable at all?
I don't want to waste anymore time on it. Can some of the bright ones just tell me, if imei on this phone is "burned-in" or is it changeable via software?
Thanks
So... I've done more research, and seems people are saying it is illegal to change imei... Illegal???? I think, if changing/spoofing for criminal activities then it is illegal. Carriers clearly abuse that id to rip more money from people. Where is the government to protect us? I wouldn’t mind, if there was an alternative, but there is none. How come I pay full price for the smartphone, and can’t deny data plan? I want to roam through local hot spots offered for free by my cable provider to sync phone instead of X fuc…ing G!!!! I think it is time for people to start filing complaints with FCC...
chopperpl said:
I don't want to waste anymore time on it. Can some of the bright ones just tell me, if imei on this phone is "burned-in" or is it changeable via software?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off AT&T can see immediately when you switch, and to what phone you are using, as well as the kind of traffic, to categorize your phone... so spoofing an IMEI won't get you anywhere - the bandwidth usage from a regular phone vs a smartphone is miles apart.
Second and more importantly Unlimited data for smartphones ($30) vs unlimited data for a regular phone ($15) are two completely different plans. Your old nokia was clearly not a smartphone if you were paying $15 for unlimited data.
I had a blackberry 9700 and went to an Aria, smartphone to smartphone. They let me keep my same smartphone unlimited data plan.
Bottom line you can't switch from a regular phone unlimited data to a smartphone unlimited data plan and keep the same plan.
You're SOL.
Your best bet is to talk to a manager in a retail store - as they are the only people who can work miracles. AT&T grants them special privileges, like allowing you to "early upgrade" (essentially re-start your contract) for a fee + regular advertised phone prices (way cheaper then a new phone at full retail price), and then allowing you to spend that "fee" as a credit on retail store accessories.
dexmix said:
First off AT&T can see immediately when you switch, and to what phone you are using, as well as the kind of traffic, to categorize your phone... so spoofing an IMEI won't get you anywhere - the bandwidth usage from a regular phone vs a smartphone is miles apart.
Second and more importantly Unlimited data for smartphones ($30) vs unlimited data for a regular phone ($15) are two completely different plans. Your old nokia was clearly not a smartphone if you were paying $15 for unlimited data.
I had a blackberry 9700 and went to an Aria, smartphone to smartphone. They let me keep my same smartphone unlimited data plan.
Bottom line you can't switch from a regular phone unlimited data to a smartphone unlimited data plan and keep the same plan.
You're SOL.
Your best bet is to talk to a manager in a retail store - as they are the only people who can work miracles. AT&T grants them special privileges, like allowing you to "early upgrade" (essentially re-start your contract) for a fee + regular advertised phone prices (way cheaper then a new phone at full retail price), and then allowing you to spend that "fee" as a credit on retail store accessories.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm afraid you're wrong, and this is why. I've had iphone 3gs on unlimited data plan ($15/month) for over a year. Before that I had Nokia N95 (which is still much smarter than iphone 4) on the same plan also for about a year.
You're saying they monitor bandwidth usage... How come they never picked up on my international SIP calls, and radio streaming? and yes, spoofing will get me somewhere. ATT holds only imeis from att branded/approved phones. If my imei is not found they assume it is simple multimedia phone. How do I know that? I talked to cancellation dept manager two days ago, and was ensured I will get my plan back once my imei doesn't match any of those from att smartphone lineup.
dexmix said:
Bottom line you can't switch from a regular phone unlimited data to a smartphone unlimited data plan and keep the same plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what you are telling me is that basically, you want people on here to help you do something which is admittedly illegal in many counties, so your new smart phone appears as a multimedia phone and you can pay less and keep your unlimited data plan.
*scratches head*
edit: you would have been better off just getting an Aria for free with a 2yr contract and then paying for a 2G plan.
dexmix said:
So what you are telling me is that basically, you want people on here to help you do something which is admittedly illegal in many counties, so your new smart phone appears as a multimedia phone and you can pay less and keep your unlimited data plan.
*scratches head*
edit: you would have been better off just getting an Aria for free with a 2yr contract and then paying for a 2G plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, not exactly. I've had that plan since gen 1 iphone, which was running on Edge, and three months later I switched to n95 3g. Basically I'm trying to retain my old data plan, and that's because I have not received any special treatment, or services in order to pay more... If they rolled out LTE, and use that for justification then I would agree.
dexmix said:
edit: you would have been better off just getting an Aria for free with a 2yr contract and then paying for a 2G plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Better off????? 2 year contract means locked in with old technology. Those contracts don't do any good to people. By signing, you let att screw you any way they want. You can't walk away, or negotiate. If I wasn't tied up with the contract when att announced new plans, then I would switch to verizon long time ago... If you are real smartphone user then you better off buying unlocked phone, and use it the way it was designed to use without extra fees (tethering $60 ), but if you are one of those guys thinking "smartphone will make me look smarter", then your best bet is to buy discounted phone with the contract.

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