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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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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...
Click to expand...
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.
Situation:
I am w/ an HD, on T-Mobile, in the US.
I have the $9.99 / month 100 mb data plan (cuz I have wifi about 85% of the time).
I have unlimited messaging (of all kinds) on my plan.
I can connect to edge and browse on it just fine.
Another person on my family plan has working mms no problem.
I put in a friends SIM and it worked straight away, he used mine and it wouldn't work.
I have already tried getting my SIM card replaced.
already tried two cabs from these threads:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=394735
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=395203
Problem:
NO MMS. I really can't figure it out. It seems that no matter what I do, it just never works. Sending gets to 99% (w/ the little icon at the top), but it never ends up going through.
When someone sends me a message...I just don't ever get any notification at all.
I have tried stock roms, cooked roms, I make sure to set my carrier to T-Mobile US, I have checked the internet as well as called CC for the server settings, and even just had my SIM replaced today...still no luck.
Anything welcome,
Thanks,
Jim.
Hi, I use Touch HD with T-Mobile, my sim accoubt is 'pay as you go' prepaid , I dont have data as my account has only MMS and it works great without any problems, after flashing my device with Dutty 1.7 the automitic configuration settings configured my phone but MMS didn't work and after checking the settings I discovered that the proxy is missing on the MMS access point setting and entering it, MMS worked again like charm.
Buy the way i am new here in US and when I go to T-mobile and ask about data plan they give me a Verizon prosure with alot of data plans and the cheapest is 39 $ !!! please let me know the details of your plan and what should I tell them when I go there in order to get the same 9 $ plan you have.
Thanks for the help
jim256 said:
I am w/ an HD, on T-Mobile, in the US.
I have the $9.99 / month 100 mb data plan (cuz I have wifi about 85% of the time).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have called T-Mobile several times to wee what my data usage is. Everythime they say ZERO.
I am on that same 9.99 plan and use Edge all the time. Have you ever checked your data usage? If you call don't give the secret away!
Everdog said:
I have called T-Mobile several times to wee what my data usage is. Everythime they say ZERO.
I am on that same 9.99 plan and use Edge all the time. Have you ever checked your data usage? If you call don't give the secret away!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you saying that you use the Tmobile data plan, but Tmobile can't tell?!!? I need to check this out. I'm on the $20 Unlimited package, but if that's the case, I'd totally switch to the $10
Everdog said:
I have called T-Mobile several times to wee what my data usage is. Everythime they say ZERO.
I am on that same 9.99 plan and use Edge all the time. Have you ever checked your data usage? If you call don't give the secret away!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW what a lucky man you are!!
I will try right now! Could you please share with us what state you're in, the rom and radio you are on, and any other details?
Also...what proxy are you guys using? I have read that it needs to be DISabled...so that's what I have it to.
Thanks,
Jim.
EDIT: WOAH!! Just called and checked my data usage and they said I hadn't used any!!!!!!!!!! Billed or unbilled. THATS INSANE! Lol
I have only had a data plan for about 4 days, and only been using it for about 3 but....still. I would think it would take only 2 business days maximum to show up. Maybe I don't wanna get my phone fixed... lol I'd rather have unlimited data than limited data and mms. I know all the carrier extensions, I'll just email them maybe...
But I guess I am still going to go to the store and have them check out the mms
ahmadddd said:
...Buy the way i am new here in US and when I go to T-mobile and ask about data plan they give me a Verizon prosure with alot of data plans and the cheapest is 39 $ !!! please let me know the details of your plan and what should I tell them when I go there in order to get the same 9 $ plan you have...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you go to T-Mobile they give you a VERIZON brochure?
But, you just tell them that you have a regular flip phone or something (don't tell them you have a smart phone) and tell them that you want to sign up for the 100mb / month web2go internet plan. It is $9.99 / month. You can also do it over the internet (that's how I did it).
Thanks guys!
I REALLLY hope I can keep getting unlimited data for $10! (especially considering that T-Mobile's data is the slowest of all the carriers..)
Jim
I just called them and they said that for the past 3 months I've used no data, however the guy told me that $20 is the lowest plan.....? (I let it slip i have a smart phone, and he said that's the lowest for smart phones) So should I call back and tell them I have an old flip phone piece of garbage (for which they have a $10 plan) and will it still work no problem? (I'm gonna try it, but a 'yes' or 'no' would help)
Thanks, looking forward to saving my $10 a month
Svegetto said:
I just called them and they said that for the past 3 months I've used no data, however the guy told me that $20 is the lowest plan.....? (I let it slip i have a smart phone, and he said that's the lowest for smart phones) So should I call back and tell them I have an old flip phone piece of garbage (for which they have a $10 plan) and will it still work no problem? (I'm gonna try it, but a 'yes' or 'no' would help)
Thanks, looking forward to saving my $10 a month
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"yes"...lol yep that's what ya gotta do
The easiest way is to just log on to their site, change your phone to a razr or something, then add the web2go for $9.99 / month. Easy as that! That's what I did.
STILL NO MMS FOR ME THOUGH! UGH
jim256 said:
EDIT: WOAH!! Just called and checked my data usage and they said I hadn't used any!!!!!!!!!! Billed or unbilled. THATS INSANE! Lol
I have only had a data plan for about 4 days, and only been using it for about 3 but....still. I would think it would take only 2 business days maximum to show up. Maybe I don't wanna get my phone fixed... lol I'd rather have unlimited data than limited data and mms. I know all the carrier extensions, I'll just email them maybe...
But I guess I am still going to go to the store and have them check out the mms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now, any time I call I say, "I don't use the Interent stuff, and I want to make sure I don't have any data usage".
I really don't want them to catch on!
HAHA, yes, when I called, I too was very selective about my choice of words. But I'm gonna try and change the data plan later today through site as planned and sugested above (great minds....). I'll let you know if it works for me and if afterwords I can still send MMS since maybe it's the $10 plan that causes the problem.
Svegetto said:
HAHA, yes, when I called, I too was very selective about my choice of words. But I'm gonna try and change the data plan later today through site as planned and sugested above (great minds....). I'll let you know if it works for me and if afterwords I can still send MMS since maybe it's the $10 plan that causes the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great would love to hear from ya.
One thing I wanna interject though is that it didn't work for me even before I got the data plan...though that was also before I got my new sim hmm...
So 10 points to whoever tells me what the $10 plan is under on the Tmobile site (can't find it for my life; my phone is set as the V3 Razor)
Svegetto said:
So 10 points to whoever tells me what the $10 plan is under on the Tmobile site (can't find it for my life; my phone is set as the V3 Razor)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to www.tmobile.com
Log in.
Click on the "Learn" link / tab at the top.
Click on the "Data and Web" link / button.
Click on the "Add Web2go" link / button under web2go (left).
Go under "Your current services" to click the link / button "change services".
Scroll down till you see something like this:
"Internet & E-mail
Line Level Services
Line level services apply to a particular line on your account.
Service
Description
Price per
month
Select
Services
HotSpot
Stay connected -- get Wi-Fi access on your laptop, phone, and select cameras and gaming devices at places you already go, including Starbucks, Borders Books and Music stores, airports such as DFW, LAX and SFO, Barnes & Noble bookstores and many more.
Terms and conditions
$9.99
100 MB Web for phones
Stay connected when you are on the move, with Web access on your phone or your T-Mobile phone.
$9.99
50 MB Web + 200 Messages for phones
Get 50 MB of Web access, bundled with any 200 domestic messages. Includes 50 MB Web access and 200 domestic text, picture, e-mail, or instant messages
$9.99
100 MB Web + Unlimited Messages for phones
Get 100 MB of Web access, bundled with unlimited domestic messages. Includes 100 MB Web access and Unlimited domestic text, picture, e-mail, and instant messages
$19.95"
Click the desired checkbox, then click the "change services" link / button at the bottom!
Jim.
Thanks jim, so I was in the right place, you just can't have the Razor selected as you phone. Apparently different phones have different packages. It took me like 6 tries before I got a phone that let me change my internet, while all the others only let me add the hotspots (I almost gave up). I finally choose the Sony Ericsson TM506 - Emerald which let me change the data plan and besides the 100mb for $10, it also had a 50mb with 200 texts for $10 (which is obviously the better choice, unless you need more than 200 texts).
So in the end, I swapped from $20 for unlimited data + $5 for 400texts to $10 for 200 texts with 50mb(unlimited on HD).....not a bad deal.
again, thanks for the help jim
Svegetto said:
Thanks jim, so I was in the right place, you just can't have the Razor selected as you phone. Apparently different phones have different packages. It took me like 6 tries before I got a phone that let me change my internet, while all the others only let me add the hotspots (I almost gave up). I finally choose the Sony Ericsson TM506 - Emerald which let me change the data plan and besides the 100mb for $10, it also had a 50mb with 200 texts for $10 (which is obviously the better choice, unless you need more than 200 texts).
So in the end, I swapped from $20 for unlimited data + $5 for 400texts to $10 for 200 texts with 50mb(unlimited on HD).....not a bad deal.
again, thanks for the help jim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh dang sorry. I so almost told you what phone I had selected but didn't bother.
I too saw the $10 for 200 txts and 50 mb, but since I already have unlimited messaging...the 100mb was obviously of course the better deal for me.
Glad you got it working!
I'm gonna call again right now and chk my data usage just in case...used a ton over the past 2 days or so :S
Jim
EDIT: They said that for the first month, they are unable to track / check your usage. Keep in mind! After that, you can check update anytime anyday. But up until it has been on there for one full month / billing cycle, they can't tell you how much you have used!!
They did say though that they will start over my 100mb on the 13th because they were unable to check how much I have used, and if I go ever between now and then they will credit it all back so that is awesome.
I've had the HD for about 3months now (with the Data Plan) and when I called and checked, they said 0mb used each month (which is, of course, wrong, but great) so I'm hoping that it will remain that way, but just to be sure I'll make calls to check.
i just pay the 20 bucks for the internet but i also pay for unlimited text and mms messages
wingtytn said:
i just pay the 20 bucks for the internet but i also pay for unlimited text and mms messages
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would definitely recommend ditching that.
OK. Update.
Called up support again, wanted to add to my "trouble ticket" that I had submitted that my tmomail.net account wasn't working at all. I couldn't even email plain text to my tmomail.net address. Also wanted to update them with the fact that when some carriers send me a pic msg, they get a reply back saying that I rejected it.
The result was that I was finally transferred all the way up to 'advanced'. This is supposedly the highest. I had already spoken w/ tier 1, tier 2, and tier3 before, and once transferred to advanced I had everything fixed within about 20 minutes!
Thanks,
Jim.
I'm having trouble getting email over EDGE. It works fine over wifi. Does anyone know how to fix this?
Dawei94 said:
I'm having trouble getting email over EDGE. It works fine over wifi. Does anyone know how to fix this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What errors are you encountering over EDGE with email?
Some strange events happened to me yesterday. I've had my g1 since december of 2008. I bought it off someone at craigslist because I am on a AT&T family plan and didn't want to switch carriers. I unlocked the phone soon after and have been using my phone happily since then. I also do no have a data plan and make sure to remove all APN information after each flash.
I have been happily flashing roms going from 1.1 to 1.5 and to 1.6. Lately I was using "NonSense Cupcake revolution" but yesterday I decided to update to cyanogen 5. Right after the upgrade, I got a text from AT&T congratulating me on my new smartphone and telling me that I now need a data plan. 10 minutes later we found out that AT&T deactivated all our sim cards and none of my family were able to make phone calls.
Does anyone have any idea what the heck happened? How did AT&T know all of a sudden I was using a smartphone. Is there something about android 2.1 that raises a red flag? I really DO NOT want a data plan and will rather stop using my g1 than pay $350+/year on one. My current plan is to give them my old Nokia IMEI when I get my new SIM card and then pop it into my g1 after downgrading back to the 1.5 rom I was using.
Thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing your ideas.
Edit: New theory; found this elsewhere:
"Note: If an AT&T customer puts their SIM card into a Nexus One device, our smartphone data requirement policy and control rules will apply; this allows customers to enjoy the benefit of using data services from AT&T. The following welcome message will be delivered:
Your Smartphone is active! A data plan is required and if omitted, will be added to your account. For details, see your sales rep or att.com/smartphoneplans."
So AT&T thinks I put my sim in a nexus one so I think if I downgrade I should be fine. Any way to make a 2.1 rom look like a 1.6 one? build.prop maybe? I cant test anything myself until I get my new sim.
Call them and tell them you put your sim card in a borrowed phone lol. Push a build.prop from any 1.6 to change your id. For fun, open the build.prop with notepad and change g1 to Nokia 1100. If you don't use data they can't charge you
mejorguille said:
Call them and tell them you put your sim card in a borrowed phone lol. Push a build.prop from any 1.6 to change your id. For fun, open the build.prop with notepad and change g1 to Nokia 1100. If you don't use data they can't charge you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha we think alike; I told them exactly that yesterday. What value of the build.prop would I need to change to make it look like a nokia?
There you go=p I just changed every time it said dream, htc, or passion and changed it to nokia=p I don't think that market will work right though. You could try pushing the build.prop from a 1.6 build to cm5 but then i don't think video would work, so you will probably need to merge the 1.6 build.prop with the 2.1 build.prop.
Rename to build.prop and push to /system/
mejorguille said:
There you go=p I just changed every time it said dream, htc, or passion and changed it to nokia=p I don't think that market will work right though. You could try pushing the build.prop from a 1.6 build to cm5 but then i don't think video would work, so you will probably need to merge the 1.6 build.prop with the 2.1 build.prop.
Rename to build.prop and push to /system/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks dude. I'll be sure to report back on Tuesday or Wednesday and tell you guys what happened.
Odd. I never had this issue.
I've been using my G1 with AT&T for some time now.
The update to 2.1 (CyanogenMod) didn't result in any variation for me.
Of course, I am using AT&T's "dumb-phone" unlimited internet... even still, there appears to be no indication on their side that I have a smart phone let alone a Nexus One.
Same with me. I am also using the $15 dumb phone data plan and a switch to CM5 did not trigger any notification from AT&T's side.
Quick update: I wussed out and flashed the backup I made of the 1.5 rom I was using. I didn't feel like risking getting "caught" again. I got to play with cyanogen's new rom for a few days and while great it did not drastically give me anything I didn't have before. I ended up giving them an old nokia imei as my phone and putting the new sim in my g1 shortly after. No texts forcing me to get a smartphone plan yet. I doubt I'm the only one that will have this problem so I'll just give a warning:
If you have AT&T with a g1 without any kind of data plan, after updating to android 2.1 they might try to force one on you.
Thanks for the help and ideas. I'll post again if they try to get me to get a plan again.
If AT&T actually offered 3G coverage in my area (a major city, imo) I might consider it. Otherwise, they can polish my knob.
This doesn't have anything to do with the version of android you are running. They can't detect that. They CAN detect your IMEI and compare it to the database to determine if it is a smartphone or not.
Alternatively, the thing tried to connect to a data service when you plugged your card into it, and they looked at the data and determined that it was consistent with a smartphone, i.e., dumbphones don't try to connect to google on port 5228.
Very likely the reason this happened so suddenly is one of the two things;
1) it corresponds to the end of their infinite data plans.
2) it corresponds to you "activating" your google account on your phone.
lbcoder said:
This doesn't have anything to do with the version of android you are running. They can't detect that. They CAN detect your IMEI and compare it to the database to determine if it is a smartphone or not.
Alternatively, the thing tried to connect to a data service when you plugged your card into it, and they looked at the data and determined that it was consistent with a smartphone, i.e., dumbphones don't try to connect to google on port 5228.
Very likely the reason this happened so suddenly is one of the two things;
1) it corresponds to the end of their infinite data plans.
2) it corresponds to you "activating" your google account on your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. I'm not sure about the IMEI thing since it is a t-mobile phone runnning on an AT&T network. I just find it too much of a coincidence that the problem occured right after updating so I doubt its that. They also haven't reported anything since putting my new sim in my phone 2 days ago.
I guess you're right about them not knowing what version of android I'm running but there must be something in 2.1 that raised a red flag. I deleted an APN file from /system/ before I even booted the rom for the first time so I don't even think its possible that it tried to connect to them. Strange stuff.
d00m said:
Interesting. I'm not sure about the IMEI thing since it is a t-mobile phone runnning on an AT&T network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't think that ATT can read the IMEI from a phone sold by tmobile? I can guarantee that they can. Or if you're worried about ATT being able to link up an IMEI to a type of phone... they can link the IMEI to a lot more than that.... I'm not sure if you realize this, but the IMEI exists ***FOR A REASON*** and it isn't just to look pretty....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_Allocation_Code
wikipedia said:
The Type Allocation Code (TAC) is a portion of the 15-digit IMEI code used to uniquely identify wireless devices.
The Type Allocation Code is an 8-digit number that identifies a particular model (and often revision) of wireless telephone for use on a GSM, UMTS, or other IMEI-supporting wireless network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.radioraiders.com/gsm-IMEI-TAC.php
I just find it too much of a coincidence that the problem occured right after updating so I doubt its that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The coincidence is that you happen to be updating your phone when ATT happened to be changing their policies.
They also haven't reported anything since putting my new sim in my phone 2 days ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because they probably do it cyclically, or they put your account into a freeze period after a manual adjustment.
It may ALSO have related to rebooting the device -- connecting to their network that first time after they initiated a policy change may have triggered a routine.
I guess you're right about them not knowing what version of android I'm running but there must be something in 2.1 that raised a red flag. I deleted an APN file from /system/ before I even booted the rom for the first time so I don't even think its possible that it tried to connect to them. Strange stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Nothing special in 2.1. In fact, it would be quite a security violation if it were to broadcast itself out to them.
So I guess it's only a matter of time before they detect my g1. Pitty since I was using my phone for over a year before all this happened. It's weird that they make you read out your IMEI to them while activating a sim card as if they can't see it. I'm just going to keep using my phone as is for as long as I can. The vibration on it no longer functions so I won't be supper crushed if I have to change phones to avoid a data plan.
I have 3-4 friends who have t-mobile branded blackberrys and android phones without a data plan on AT&T. Our school has wifi everywhere so it is truly unneeded. I guess their "check" cycle is fairly slow as none of them have had problems yet. Maybe the process isn't automated yet.
I really do appreciate the information although it's not exactly what I wanted to hear.
edit: http://androidandme.com/2010/06/carriers/att-introduces-new-lower-priced-tiered-data-plans-june-7th/
This isn't terrible. I can always do this but there's no rush I guess.
edit 2: Is it possible that an attempted apn connection (data) is what caused the detection? I said I deleted a file but looking back on it, it may not have been the correct one to prevent connections.
d00m said:
edit: http://androidandme.com/2010/06/carriers/att-introduces-new-lower-priced-tiered-data-plans-june-7th/
This isn't terrible. I can always do this but there's no rush I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that's what I was referring to.
edit 2: Is it possible that an attempted apn connection (data) is what caused the detection? I said I deleted a file but looking back on it, it may not have been the correct one to prevent connections.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is possible.
Note that the rep you read the IMEI out to may NOT have had a read-out of the device model ID. In fact, doing that might freak some people out -- you know, the whole big brother knows too much thing.
Finally some resolution. Turns out a woman stole my mom's identity and went to a wal-mart and bought 5 blackberries under our AT&T account (probably to sell on the black market). Our SIMs where soon deactivated like I said in the OP and the smart phone text had to do with those phones rather than my phone. Upgrading to android 2.1 had NOTHING to do with it (of course). It was all just a coincidence. The strange thing is that AT&T never told us about these new numbers, even when we were reactivating our new SIMs, and we found out when checking our monthly bill.
Now we have to go to the wal-mart where the people committed fraud and try to find out who did it and file a police report. We might end up being charged $400 in deactivation fees. Well that's how it all went down. Funny. I upgraded to android 2.1 at 4:30 on that day and booted my phone at the EXACT moment they bought the fraud blackberries. Ugh. I know this is largely unrelated to android or my g1 but I thought I would let you guys know in case you were curious.
Sorry to hear about that. Your mom might have to pay the fees but as long as the individual(s) in question are found, you can always take civil action.
Surprised no one brought this up but, ATT and all the other services can't turn your service off just because you're using a smartphone and don't have a data plan. That is an optional addition to your monthly bill and as long as you are not using data, they can't charge you or force you to buy the data.
If you're dumb enough to sign a two year contract that requires a data charge monthly for the duration of the contract..well, yeah.
If the phones were added by someone other than the account owner, the service provider has no legal grounds to hold you accountable for it. Fact is that this was a failure in THEIR security and/or walmart's. The service provider should have some procedure to make sure that the person adding the phones is actually who they claim to be.
If not, then you sue ATT AND WALMART for this.
I know a lot of folks plan on tethering their Xooms, but I thought I would actually try activating it since I'm not on contract and can cancel/suspend at any time.
I go into Settings > Wireless & networks > Mobile networks > Activate device, I touch 'activate', it works for a moment, then errors out saying "Unable to activate mobile data service. To try activation again, touch Try Again."
I've seen other folks complain about this, but I didn't see a solution. Is it something obvious I'm missing, or do I actually have to call in to VZW and do it over the phone? If the latter, that's really a letdown, considering I can activate a new phone in seconds without talking to a CS rep. Just thought I'd ask to see if I'm missing something before I call.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Did you activate it with Verizon? ie, do you have a Verizon account and have activated it either with BestBuy, Costco, Verizon store, or over the phone? You have to register the device with the company first. Phones are the same way on Verizon. AT&T and T-Mobile use Sim cards instead, and they are already 'active'.
If not, press the SKIP button on the bottom right to activate over WiFi. It's not worth the $20/mo for 1GB and $35 activation fee.
Yup, I was one of people that was having a lot of trouble with this. The device wont activate by it self,this is what you have to do you have to go to the verizon website and go to their phone activation page and enter your Xooms MEID HEX number (found on the plastic wrap which was covering the back, when you first unboxed it, so make sure you didnt throw away the plastic wraping). From there, you just have to follow the on screen instructions. Also the website asks for your SSN and your Drivers license number for credit approval (this took a whole day) after that they will contact you saying you are ready and that now you can go into settings and network and click activate device.
Also if you by any chance threw away the plastic wrapping, you can find the MEID HEX number on the Xooms box itself. Also to get to the verizon activation site faster al you have to do is google "verizon activation" ----> then click on the second link "Activate Your Verizon Phone | Verizon Wireless" then just enter your Xooms MEID HEX number.
sunnyd119 said:
Yup, I was one of people that was having a lot of trouble with this. The device wont activate by it self,this is what you have to do you have to go to the verizon website and go to their phone activation page and enter your Xooms MEID HEX number (found on the plastic wrap which was covering the back, when you first unboxed it, so make sure you didnt throw away the plastic wraping). From there, you just have to follow the on screen instructions. Also the website asks for your SSN and your Drivers license number for credit approval (this took a whole day) after that they will contact you saying you are ready and that now you can go into settings and network and click activate device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANK YOU, this is what I was looking for! I had tried logging into my VZW account to activate a new device, and all it would allow was for a new phone, not a new device/data package on our account. I couldn't even enter an MEID.
Found the link in question, I can enter the MEID and establish new service.
For anyone else wondering:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/activate-phone.shtml
I still find it a bit strange that the entire activation process can't be handled through the Xoom itself - seems like you should be able to enter your VZW account into (if you have one already), pick a plan, click through, etc. Activating a phone on an existing line of service is trivially easy via *228, you don't even need to enter an MEID. Not to mention, I do believe you can activate service directly on the iPad, can you not?
I received my Xoom yesterday and after it found my network and I entered the pass key it connected and worked without issue all night. Just got home from work today and it says "no internet connection." It keeps trying to obtain an IP address but just times out and tries again. Its been doing this for a half hour. I tried rebooting it but still the same. Any ideas?
JasonU said:
I still find it a bit strange that the entire activation process can't be handled through the Xoom itself - seems like you should be able to enter your VZW account into (if you have one already), pick a plan, click through, etc. Activating a phone on an existing line of service is trivially easy via *228, you don't even need to enter an MEID. Not to mention, I do believe you can activate service directly on the iPad, can you not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was exactly my question as well, i think what happened was that Verizon setup according to their original plan, which was to have people activate in store so people would pay for the activation fee and have a credit approval done so that they would have no problems in the future. But due to the recent uproar from the android community about the "required 1 month plan" they decided to drop the plan at the last minute. So hence the reason why you have to go through all this trouble to activate 3g, because it was never set to be an out of the box activation or at least that is what I would conclude through my experience. iPad on the other hand (was an owner of the iPad) AT&T set it up according to apples request, which was to have the device out of the box ready for activation. They made it simple by allowing people to just create an account and enter their credit card information, and pick their plan. Reasons to why these companies have such a different approach to this situation.....I have no idea. But there probably is a reason, but iam just not aware of it.
broadwayblue said:
I received my Xoom yesterday and after it found my network and I entered the pass key it connected and worked without issue all night. Just got home from work today and it says "no internet connection." It keeps trying to obtain an IP address but just times out and tries again. Its been doing this for a half hour. I tried rebooting it but still the same. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.) I'm in no way calling you stupid, but have you made sure that airplane mode isnt on?
2.) Since you said you tried a restart and that seemed to not work, try restarting your wireless router.
3.) If that doesnt work, just try and disconnect and reconnect to the network.
If none of these work then you might have to call motorola.
I did not realize I would have to pay the activation fee everytime I wanted to have a data plan. That's very frustrating considering it's the same cost as a months data for 3GB. I wanted to turn it off an on as I needed (on a month-to-month basis) but I will probably just leave it off now...kinda makes me want to sell my 3G model and get a wifi only...unless I'm understanding this wrong?
tlogank said:
I did not realize I would have to pay the activation fee everytime I wanted to have a data plan. That's very frustrating considering it's the same cost as a months data for 3GB. I wanted to turn it off an on as I needed (on a month-to-month basis) but I will probably just leave it off now...kinda makes me want to sell my 3G model and get a wifi only...unless I'm understanding this wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read somewhere that you can suspend your account instead of cancelling which will avoid this but I am not sure if this works since I have never had Verizon.
keitht said:
I read somewhere that you can suspend your account instead of cancelling which will avoid this but I am not sure if this works since I have never had Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked into that, but it looks like you can only do it for a couple of months, and also only once a year.
Seriously, that sucks. Why charge an activation fee for something that can be done completely automated online? Not like there's some dude sitting there setting all these up manually...just a way to make quick and easy money on VZW's part.
tlogank said:
I looked into that, but it looks like you can only do it for a couple of months, and also only once a year.
Seriously, that sucks. Why charge an activation fee for something that can be done completely automated online? Not like there's some dude sitting there setting all these up manually...just a way to make quick and easy money on VZW's part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish they had rollover data like AT&T rollover minutes. That would make it more appealing to keep the month to month service. Verizon is just way expensive.
You can indeed suspend your account here : http://support.vzw.com/clc/plan/
I have not been able to activate my device by the previous link. It gives me a number to call. Anyone else seeing this?
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
bmbriefs said:
You can indeed suspend your account here : http://support.vzw.com/clc/plan/
I have not been able to activate my device by the previous link. It gives me a number to call. Anyone else seeing this?
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I know you can, but I have read that you can only do it once per year...that's the issue.
3G overseas
I'm trying to figure out if there is a way to activate the 3G overseas. I bought my Xoom a week ago at BestBuy, but I live in Bolivia, so came back to my country and now I'm trying to find out if there is a way I can activate the 3G service here. Anyone? Thanks!
blimpa said:
I'm trying to figure out if there is a way to activate the 3G overseas. I bought my Xoom a week ago at BestBuy, but I live in Bolivia, so came back to my country and now I'm trying to find out if there is a way I can activate the 3G service here. Anyone? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to find a carrier that uses CDMA and ask them if they can activate it. There is no other option really. My first guess would be that there are no carriers like that.
-Bauxite
Sent from my Evo 4G
sunnyd119 said:
Also if you by any chance threw away the plastic wrapping, you can find the MEID HEX number on the Xooms box itself. Also to get to the verizon activation site faster al you have to do is google "verizon activation" ----> then click on the second link "Activate Your Verizon Phone | Verizon Wireless" then just enter your Xooms MEID HEX number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can find the MEID number by going to settings-->about tablet-->status. It will open a new scrollable window with all sorts of info.
Bauxite said:
You need to find a carrier that uses CDMA and ask them if they can activate it. There is no other option really. My first guess would be that there are no carriers like that.
-Bauxite
Sent from my Evo 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that I have same issue. I bought my XOOM in bestbuy ( US ) and brought it to Europe. Here I have O2 SIM card with 3G Data program. I am trying to use it with XOOM but no success so far.
Bauxite - are you trying to say that 3G module inside of XOOM is different for US as is requred in EU? Are there some different standards of 3G? I am worried that I could save couple of hundreds $ if I bought only WIFI version
moriakoj said:
I think that I have same issue. I bought my XOOM in bestbuy ( US ) and brought it to Europe. Here I have O2 SIM card with 3G Data program. I am trying to use it with XOOM but no success so far.
Bauxite - are you trying to say that 3G module inside of XOOM is different for US as is requred in EU? Are there some different standards of 3G? I am worried that I could save couple of hundreds $ if I bought only WIFI version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why didn't you research what you were buying before spending more than $800? The Xoom you bought is a CDMA device and will not work on GSM networks.
Hi all,
I just bought a used LG Quantum from ebay. I would greatly appreciate all of your input to help me verify that this phone is working properly. I am upgrading from a Touch Pro 2, wm 6.5.
1. I don't see a water indicator sticker. Is there a blue sticker in the battery compartment to indicate water? I see a small hole that is white filled on the top left region, opposite the sim. Is this it?
2. How can I verify if the ROM is stock? Is there anyway for me to check to see if the previous owner has replaced the ROM or has done anything to the phone that might prevent the Mango update? Mango update is REALLY important, I have been holding off upgrading until Mango comes out.
3. I have been using the Touch Pro 2 without a data plan. I don't have a contract and don't want to enter a contract. All my datat usage is wifi, and it has served me well. I have wifi at the office, and wifi at home, therefore no need for a 3g data. In WM 6.5, I can turn off the 3g data modem. Can I do the same with this LG? I also have AT&T block data on their side, but I don't want any "accidental" data charges. I would feel much better if I can turn 3g off on my end.
4. How do I do a factory wipe? This might be necessary if the previous owner have not done so. It is currently charging so I haven't got the chance to mess with it. Its very hard waiting....
I might have more question as I go along. Thanks in advanced for everyone's help. I really love Windows Mobile and have been using Windows Mobile phone before the iPhone ever came out. I got my wife an Android phone, and I'm very disappointed with Android. I can't believe companies putting out Android phones that are not usable out of the box. You have dig for apps and install additional apps in order to make the phone acceptable for use. Anyway...thanks again everyone.
Update:
Well, I found the factory reset in the Setting menu, and have done it. I noticed that after resetting the phone, I went through the setup, and saw that in the setup process there was a check box for data option. I unchecked the box so that the phone would not use data. Does anyone know if that would stop any 3g data access?
Update:
It looks like no one wants to share their experiences, so I'll just go on with this monologue and post things as I find them.
I found the 3g data switch in the setting menu. So it looks like you can turn off 3g data and just use wifi.
Hey, I just got this phone as well. Local bell was clearing them out for 78.83. looks to be pretty cool. Just bought it as an extra phone. I don't think its anyone is ignoring you, this is just a low profile device haha. I've just updated it to Mango as well. Runs really well.
Kev. said:
Hey, I just got this phone as well. Local bell was clearing them out for 78.83. looks to be pretty cool. Just bought it as an extra phone. I don't think its anyone is ignoring you, this is just a low profile device haha. I've just updated it to Mango as well. Runs really well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a really good price, did you have to sign a contract for it? I have been buying my phone on ebay to avoid contracts.
Kev. said:
Hey, I just got this phone as well. Local bell was clearing them out for 78.83. looks to be pretty cool. Just bought it as an extra phone. I don't think its anyone is ignoring you, this is just a low profile device haha. I've just updated it to Mango as well. Runs really well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've just connected my phone to the zune software for update to Mango, but it says the phone is up to date: 7.0 (7390).
I got impatient so I did the disconnect from the internet trick. Was a breeze and worked right away and I've had no problems with it.
Can someone verify for me if this is stock rom:
OS Version: 7.0.7390.0
Firmware Revision Number: 1.1.3.11
Hardware Revision Number: 1.1.0.0
Radio Software Version: 1.1.3.11
Radio Hardware version: 0.3.5.0
Bootloader Verson: 1.5.1.0
Chip SOC version: 0.30.2.0
I want to know if the NODO version is official or the beta.
Update:
ok guys, the windows phone gods have looked down and seen how I'm searching and poking around trying to verify my phone OS so that I can update to Mango; and they are smiling on me. Out of the blue today, the zune software said I have an update! Woohoo! Mango is coming, its been updating for 30 minutes now.
Update:
Now running Mango and loving it!
Does anyone know where the water indicator sticker is located on this phone?
Great to hear... I'm still waiting on mine. Trying to be patient.
You were right, the water indicator is the little hole that should be white when dry, and turns pink after getting wet. There's another, larger, square indicator on one end of the battery.
Otnos. I just bought mine as well on Ebay. Been waiting a long time to upgrade from my HTC Tilt to the new OS. I have to wait for mine to show up, but your rambling postings are great reading as i would ask similar questions being new to the WP7.5 world.
arcspeak said:
You were right, the water indicator is the little hole that should be white when dry, and turns pink after getting wet. There's another, larger, square indicator on one end of the battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for confriming that, now I can leave a positive feedback for the seller.
moonlite said:
Otnos. I just bought mine as well on Ebay. Been waiting a long time to upgrade from my HTC Tilt to the new OS. I have to wait for mine to show up, but your rambling postings are great reading as i would ask similar questions being new to the WP7.5 world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hahaha...Good to have you chime in. I'm liking WP more an more each day. AT&T recognized this phone and automatically listed it on my online account. I love thr fact that I can turn off data, in the Settings, Cellular page. I use wifi instead.
At first I was afraid that wifi would drain my battery fast, so I manually turn it off and on. But I have been reading and found that WP will turn of wifi when the screen is off, isn't that great? Now I just leave wifi on, and whenever I turn my phone on, it automatically have a data connection.
I don't use text either. Why pay AT&T $20 a month for this funtion!
Here is my work around. I use Google Voice. Set Google Voice to send text to your Hotmail account that you associated with your phone. When someone text to your Google Voice number, it INSTANTLY goes to your Hotmail. Your Windows Phone will receive a notification in the email live tile. You tap on the email tile to read the text and then reply by email. When you reply to that mail on your phone, your receipient will receive a TEXT reply. Voila! Free text.
otnos said:
hahaha...Good to have you chime in. I'm liking WP more an more each day. AT&T recognized this phone and automatically listed it on my online account. I love thr fact that I can turn off data, in the Settings, Cellular page. I use wifi instead.
At first I was afraid that wifi would drain my battery fast, so I manually turn it off and on. But I have been reading and found that WP will turn of wifi when the screen is off, isn't that great? Now I just leave wifi on, and whenever I turn my phone on, it automatically have a data connection.
I don't use text either. Why pay AT&T $20 a month for this funtion!
Here is my work around. I use Google Voice. Set Google Voice to send text to your Hotmail account that you associated with your phone. When someone text to your Google Voice number, it INSTANTLY goes to your Hotmail. Your Windows Phone will receive a notification in the email live tile. You tap on the email tile to read the text and then reply by email. When you reply to that mail on your phone, your receipient will receive a TEXT reply. Voila! Free text.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol...after describing in details how I can get free texting, I just discovered AT&T Go Phone (pre-paid plan) that has unlimited talk & text for just $50/month. This is a great plan for those of you in the US who have AT&T and no longer under a contract. I used to be on the $40/month plan that only gives me 450 minutes/month. Now I have switched over to their Go Phone prepaid plan that is $50/month ($55.01 with tax) and get unlimited Talk & Text! Data is also available but for additional fee.
moonlite said:
Otnos. I just bought mine as well on Ebay. Been waiting a long time to upgrade from my HTC Tilt to the new OS. I have to wait for mine to show up, but your rambling postings are great reading as i would ask similar questions being new to the WP7.5 world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Tilt still and am curious to see what you think! I've been contemplating upgrading either to an LG Fathom, LG eXpo, or maybe a Quantum. However, the Samsung Captivate Glide was just announced, so maybe that's what I'll try... I wonder if it is worth getting a one or two year old brand new phone, when my then new Tilt has worked for over 3.5 years.
otnos said:
lol...after describing in details how I can get free texting, I just discovered AT&T Go Phone (pre-paid plan) that has unlimited talk & text for just $50/month. This is a great plan for those of you in the US who have AT&T and no longer under a contract. I used to be on the $40/month plan that only gives me 450 minutes/month. Now I have switched over to their Go Phone prepaid plan that is $50/month ($55.01 with tax) and get unlimited Talk & Text! Data is also available but for additional fee.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is interesting. I have been out of my contract for some time. I am grandfathered with the $30/month unlimited data, and another $5/month for 200 texts. If I didn't travel so much, I think your option would really work. Once I change my plan though, there is no going back...
daveb673 said:
I have a Tilt still and am curious to see what you think! I've been contemplating upgrading either to an LG Fathom, LG eXpo, or maybe a Quantum. However, the Samsung Captivate Glide was just announced, so maybe that's what I'll try... I wonder if it is worth getting a one or two year old brand new phone, when my then new Tilt has worked for over 3.5 years.
That is interesting. I have been out of my contract for some time. I am grandfathered with the $30/month unlimited data, and another $5/month for 200 texts. If I didn't travel so much, I think your option would really work. Once I change my plan though, there is no going back...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The quantum is a 1st Gen phone. If you are able, I think you should get a 2nd Gen phone instead.
So I'm probably buying one of these on ebay (I cant write on touchscreens so im in need of a smartphone android or WP with QWERTY on it).
Some questions:
-Whats the newest version of windows phone right now?
-Can LG Quantum be updated to that version?
-How's the battery on this model? Can I get 2 days with moderate use?
-Is anyone trying to make a graphic EQ to WP7? I think the lack of this basic multimedia feature is just ridiculous.
Thanks and sorry to make so much questions
rmrbpt said:
So I'm probably buying one of these on ebay (I cant write on touchscreens so im in need of a smartphone android or WP with QWERTY on it).
Some questions:
-Whats the newest version of windows phone right now?
-Can LG Quantum be updated to that version?
-How's the battery on this model? Can I get 2 days with moderate use?
-Is anyone trying to make a graphic EQ to WP7? I think the lack of this basic multimedia feature is just ridiculous.
Thanks and sorry to make so much questions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WP7 newest version is Mango, and this LG Quantum can be updated to Mango. I'm running Mango right now.
The battery life is good, you can easy get 2 days moderate use.
I'm not sure I understand what you mean by graphic EQ?