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Ok I currently have T-Mobile with razor but currently using the SIM card in the Tytn (bought unlocked).... but I don''t know if adding the data plan to my contract (family plan) will alter the length I am stuck with them plus I get discounts with Cingular and Sprint through work.
I live the metro Atlanta area, soo I have access to all major carriers.
With Sprint I can get:
450 min ( my current minuets with T-Mobile and rarely get close to that)
unlimited night/weekend (starting at 7)
unlimited text ( I run well over 1,000 txt's a month)
unlimited pcs vision (data and such)
all for $60 a month
Cingular however...... for all that I am looking at about $80 +. But if I buy the 8528 I can get their serivce for $75 a month but Id also have to buy the phone.
I have not read anything on here saying how the Tytn works on Sprint's network anywhere. Does anyone know how Sprint is for this and if I will be missing any features minus 3G support?
Thanks
Sprint is CDMA; it is not a GSM network. Therefore, your TyTn will *not* work at all on Sprint. Cingular IS GSM, so it will work just fine.
Legolas
I was afraid of that answer. I might just wait a little while longer and see when T-Mobile will roll out their 3G network. Id rather not have to spend that much money for a phone plan. But I will do some more surfing on Cingular's site on Monday when I am at work. I know they have a nice discount when you buy the 8525 and the plans but if you do just the plans it is more.
Hi everybody...
Ok, so here's my (short) story:
I've just moved from France to the US (Minneapolis), and I brought with me my HTC HD2 (Leo) from France... and yes, it's unlocked
My provider was Orange France, and I used to pay 29€ (approx $32) for my plan, that includes 60min and unlimited data (I really don't use text messaging a lot), and that was perfect for me.
Since I just moved to the USA, I'm a little bit lost looking for cell phones plans... I have a hard time to find a decent plan that won't cost me too much.
What I need is: approx 60min for calls (could be a little more) and data (unlim. or a least 200mb/mths). Text messages are optionnal. I'd like to pay something's around the same price I used to pay in France (let's say max $35 to $39)
(I might be wrong, but it seems that US plans are really expensive... so if you have any advice I'll be very happy to hear about it)
Thanks a lot for your help !
Go for prepaid its cheaper but not good data plans...but there is Simple mobile that has good plans
There is no such thing in America. France sounds like a magical place for smartphone users...
Imaginary Enemy said:
There is no such thing in America. France sounds like a magical place for smartphone users...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, the plans here are no where close to as cheap as $35. Most providers here will make you get unlimited data if you have a smart phone, to avoid overcharges, but I don't think you'll get what you want for $32, that's crazy cheap.
Diamond_dawg said:
Go for prepaid its cheaper but not good data plans...but there is Simple mobile that has good plans
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simple Mobile runs on T-Mobile. Their "Unlimited Data" is capped @ 1GB and they will terminate your line if you go over. If you don't use that much data, then go for it: http://www.phonenews.com/simple-mob...b-accounts-terminated-when-cap-reached-11989/
Thanks guys ... I'll take a look at the differents plans.
... and yes, France was a magical place for smartphone users AND internet (my internet plan was 29.99€/month, that includes really fast broadband, free phone to all countries and cable TV)
29€ is more like ~$40
virgin mobile
$25 - 200min and unlimited data\mms\txt
or 40 for 1200min
the only downside about cdma prepaid plans is they usually dont have a great selection of phones and usually phones are expensive.
but you can learn to "flash" phones..
Leviuqse said:
29€ is more like ~$40
virgin mobile
$25 - 200min and unlimited data\mms\txt
or 40 for 1200min
the only downside about cdma prepaid plans is they usually dont have a great selection of phones and usually phones are expensive.
but you can learn to "flash" phones..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Virgin runs on Sprint. They wont take any CDMA phones that aren't branded as Virgin. They have the Blackberry Curve 8530 for 200 and they're getting the LG Optimus V (same as Optimus S from Sprint) for 150, which is without contract.
If you want the Android cousin to your Leo, go to Sprint and get the HTC Evo which is what I have. They're still pretty cheap. Or you can buy one from someone and flash it to Boost Mobile (which also runs on Sprint. I don't recommend MetroPCS because their data is slow, however they're cheap and they will flash the phone for you to their network in one of their stores.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Leviuqse said:
29€ is more like ~$40
virgin mobile
$25 - 200min and unlimited data\mms\txt
or 40 for 1200min
the only downside about cdma prepaid plans is they usually dont have a great selection of phones and usually phones are expensive.
but you can learn to "flash" phones..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know how to flash phones..., mine is already flashed
And I'd like a plan whithout buying a new phone, my Leo is just 6mths old and I really like it
Well, I'm just back from downtown MPLS... asked about plans at a T-MO store, it seems they have a $29 plan for 500min calls, and a $10 plan for 200mb data, which may fit my requirements.
Ok, so I found a bit of information about this data plan working with the Samsung Galaxy S II reaching HSPA+ speeds, however I would like to know if it is possible to get the data from this plan working on any other SMART PHONES.
A few things I am interested in is...
1. Has anyone got the data working on any other smartphone? What kind?
2. Does changing the APN settings work?
3. Do you have to initially register a basic phone?
4. Is it possible to modify the IMEI of a smart phone to represent a basic phone so that the data may work.
5. Does anyone have any good ideas to get this working?
If so we can all have Unlimited Talk, Text, and Web on a smart phone for $50.00 plus normal sales tax.
If anyone has or is capable of getting this working on any (or all) smart phones, then it would be mutually beneficial to everyone
I have the plan running on my Galaxy S II, it was kind of tough to get going, and until I turned on airplan mode and then turned it off again, was I able to connect to 3g and H+ instead of just edge. The AT&T store employees also had a hell of a time, getting it to work at first. I did pop the SIM into an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S, and it worked after I went too settings, wireless networks, and then selected GSM only. The only APN available is Cingular 410, which is the wap.cingular. I am getting full 4g service on both devices, so I'm happy.
Note the AT&T stores dont always have the $50 pre-paid sim card in the store because I believe you can only do this on "International phones" according to the guy who helped me (whatever that means, I'm sure they are wrong.) I did explain how the Galaxy S II was unlocked and that I had bought it in Europe, but they still didn't have the actual $50 dollar sim card, so instead they gave me a regular 4g sim card ($25 charge) and then used two $25 pre-paid data plan cards (actual cards like iTune gift cards.) As I said above, they had some issues getting the $50 dollar plan to work, but it eventually did using this method. If anyone is in NJ the store I used was in the Paramus Mall.
Hope this was decent first post.
$50 prepaid simcards lol I would never pay that much for a prepaid sim card ever. I bought both my phones: previous Rokr E6 and the current X1i and simcards from myworldphone.com. For the E6 my $15 T-mobile simcard cost me about $15 with credit and my [email protected] prepaid one cost me $8.50 non active. Now for the non active simcard I had active it and then put money on it(depending on the plan I wanted) but it beats paying $50 for simcard when you can buy one for $8.50 and then switch to the $50 unlimited plan. Now looking at the rate plan options it says: " 1Monthly Unlimited Talk, Text & Web plan requires an eligible device. Smartphone users must purchase a data package to use Data on this plan. Pay per use data is not available on Smartphones." I'm not sure what exactly eligible device really means but when I first bought my phone I had the option to switch to the unlimited plan, something funny I noticed was it says smartphone cannot use pay per use data, well it's available to me . I only use wifi for my internet because I use my laptop for browsing the internet and really only use the internet on my phone for updating Touch Weather but if I need to I can use the pay per use data which I rarely only do for MMS. I don't know if it's the type of prepaid simcard(National prepaid simcard) I'm using that allows me to get through this loop hole or not but if it is I'm not complaining . Just my .2cents
JKDEM85 said:
I have the plan running on my Galaxy S II, it was kind of tough to get going, and until I turned on airplan mode and then turned it off again, was I able to connect to 3g and H+ instead of just edge. The AT&T store employees also had a hell of a time, getting it to work at first. I did pop the SIM into an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S, and it worked after I went too settings, wireless networks, and then selected GSM only. The only APN available is Cingular 410, which is the wap.cingular. I am getting full 4g service on both devices, so I'm happy.
Note the AT&T stores dont always have the $50 pre-paid sim card in the store because I believe you can only do this on "International phones" according to the guy who helped me (whatever that means, I'm sure they are wrong.) I did explain how the Galaxy S II was unlocked and that I had bought it in Europe, but they still didn't have the actual $50 dollar sim card, so instead they gave me a regular 4g sim card ($25 charge) and then used two $25 pre-paid data plan cards (actual cards like iTune gift cards.) As I said above, they had some issues getting the $50 dollar plan to work, but it eventually did using this method. If anyone is in NJ the store I used was in the Paramus Mall.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok a few things. First to answer OP's question is yes, it is possible with any unlocked phone. problem is that AT&T has certain IMEI numbers that are recognized as smart phone IMEI's. Like my friend had an HD2 that he brought to AT&T and they recognized it and immediately changed his data plan to a smartphone data plan. Although there are other people with smartphones who have the AT&T system tricked because the system doesnt know what their IMEI number is for.
So yes, it is possible. And yes, as for the NON-Smartphone $50 unlimited talk, txt, and data plan, yes it does exist. AT&T just started it recently and no its not for just international. Its directed towards NON-Smartphones. But again, if they cant recognize your smartphone IMEI, then they wont know.
As for the $50 sim card, no there's no such thing as a $50 sim card and no, its not "just for international phones" haha. Sim cards are $5.95 and if a store tells you anything higher, then call AT&T sales. Because they are ALWAYS $5.95 over the phone.
BOOM! glad to help haha
caffeinated chris said:
ok a few things. First to answer OP's question is yes, it is possible with any unlocked phone. problem is that AT&T has certain IMEI numbers that are recognized as smart phone IMEI's. Like my friend had an HD2 that he brought to AT&T and they recognized it and immediately changed his data plan to a smartphone data plan. Although there are other people with smartphones who have the AT&T system tricked because the system doesnt know what their IMEI number is for.
So yes, it is possible. And yes, as for the NON-Smartphone $50 unlimited talk, txt, and data plan, yes it does exist. AT&T just started it recently and no its not for just international. Its directed towards NON-Smartphones. But again, if they cant recognize your smartphone IMEI, then they wont know.
As for the $50 sim card, no there's no such thing as a $50 sim card and no, its not "just for international phones" haha. Sim cards are $5.95 and if a store tells you anything higher, then call AT&T sales. Because they are ALWAYS $5.95 over the phone.
BOOM! glad to help haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for clearing some things up, so it's the IMEI number that determines if they can tell if it's a smartphone or not. I probably got lucky with buying the international version of the X1 .
Viper89 said:
Thanks for clearing some things up, so it's the IMEI number that determines if they can tell if it's a smartphone or not. I probably got lucky with buying the international version of the X1 .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exactly. As far as I know, that is how they determine which phone you have is thru your IMEI.
So to answer OP's question, yes, you probably want to initially set it up with a NON smartphone IMEI and then switch the sim card to your SGSII.
OR get lucky and give them the IMEI and they dont recognize it and just assume it is a non smartphone. (So if you are setting this up over the phone and they ask you what type of phone it is, its some basic flip phone. DO NOT tell them its a smartphone. Or you will have ruined that idea haha)
PS. there is a possibility that later on they will recognize your IMEI and will notify you (usually by a text msg) telling you that they are switching your plan to a smartphone plan. If they have done this, then they probably finally found out that the IMEI you're using is actually a smartphone. And that sucks haha.
Its also possible they wont ever know. chances are they will once they get the list of IMEI's and what phones they actually are for. I dont know how often they update their list of IMEI's so no telling how long you'll get away with it. some people have successfully done so for months or years. so we will see
good luck!!
PS. there is a possibility that later on they will recognize your IMEI and will notify you (usually by a text msg) telling you that they are switching your plan to a smartphone plan. If they have done this, then they probably finally found out that the IMEI you're using is actually a smartphone. And that sucks haha.
Its also possible they wont ever know. chances are they will once they get the list of IMEI's and what phones they actually are for. I dont know how often they update their list of IMEI's so no telling how long you'll get away with it. some people have successfully done so for months or years. so we will see
good luck!! [/QUOTE]
I've had my phone for 1 year and 9 months now if they were going to do something they would have already, and Sony also stopped making the X1i awhile ago so as for as my IMEI being recognized I'm not worried at all about it .
I've had my phone for 1 year and 9 months now if they were going to do something they would have already, and Sony also stopped making the X1i awhile ago so as for as my IMEI being recognized I'm not worried at all about it .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NICE. haha yea like I said, some phones they might eventually find out, and some they wont. You happen to be one of the ones they probably wont find. Enjoy that haha
Almost 100% sure that plan does not include Smartphone data.
As well it shouldn't; I do not understand why carriers cater more to their prepaid customers by offering such low rate plans while proceeding to charge customers who sign contracts by charging them a steeper price for the same plan.
illatwill said:
Almost 100% sure that plan does not include Smartphone data.
As well it shouldn't; I do not understand why carriers cater more to their prepaid customers by offering such low rate plans while proceeding to charge customers who sign contracts by charging them a steeper price for the same plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you are right, this plan is not a smartphone data plan. Thats why we are talking about ways on how to get it on your smartphone haha.
And secondly, no contract phone plans are cheaper because you have to lay down money flat out to buy a phone. Contracts are made to give you that $700 phone for $100-$199. By you being in that contract it guarantee's they are going to get their money for that phone.
caffeinated chris said:
ok a few things. First to answer OP's question is yes, it is possible with any unlocked phone. problem is that AT&T has certain IMEI numbers that are recognized as smart phone IMEI's. Like my friend had an HD2 that he brought to AT&T and they recognized it and immediately changed his data plan to a smartphone data plan. Although there are other people with smartphones who have the AT&T system tricked because the system doesnt know what their IMEI number is for.
So yes, it is possible. And yes, as for the NON-Smartphone $50 unlimited talk, txt, and data plan, yes it does exist. AT&T just started it recently and no its not for just international. Its directed towards NON-Smartphones. But again, if they cant recognize your smartphone IMEI, then they wont know.
As for the $50 sim card, no there's no such thing as a $50 sim card and no, its not "just for international phones" haha. Sim cards are $5.95 and if a store tells you anything higher, then call AT&T sales. Because they are ALWAYS $5.95 over the phone.
BOOM! glad to help haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't mean to grave-dig the post but when I went to an AT&T store for new SIM cards (activated one through a go-phone and didn't know that it locked the SIM to the phone), I wasn't charged anything for them, the store rep gave them to me for free.
That aside, I've been toying with this concept myself. I've been looking everywhere for good candidates for a smartphone that ATT doesn't sell and that is compatible with their HSPA network.
I have a couple unlocked T-Mobile phones that the data works on, but only at EDGE speeds because they don't have the proper frequencies to support ATT 3/3.5/4G.
Does anyone have any new suggestions?
EDIT: So far I've found that the HTC Wildfire S A510a, and the HTC Sensation Z710a are both compatible with ATT's HSDPA 850 and GSM 850 bands and may be good candidates. I already have a T-Mobile HTC Sensation Z710e and really don't want to buy another phone that's practically the same .
I'm digging this up because I need answers before jumping ship.
Does AT&T still make smartphone users pay extra for data? I'm thinking of moving from Boost mobile to AT&T with an LG Fathom...
Either AT&T or metroPCS, if AT&T does still charge smartphone users for data then most likely it'll be over to metroPCS I go then.
n1nj4Lo said:
I'm digging this up because I need answers before jumping ship.
Does AT&T still make smartphone users pay extra for data? I'm thinking of moving from Boost mobile to AT&T with an LG Fathom...
Either AT&T or metroPCS, if AT&T does still charge smartphone users for data then most likely it'll be over to metroPCS I go then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like with a plan? Yes.
TomTheGeek3 said:
Like with a plan? Yes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well what I meant was are Smartphones still supposedly uneligilble for the prepaid 50 a month unlimited plan, do they still have to pay extra for data?
If yes, how much extra?
n1nj4Lo said:
Well what I meant was are Smartphones still supposedly uneligilble for the prepaid 50 a month unlimited plan, do they still have to pay extra for data?
If yes, how much extra?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, they have to pay extra. Not all smartphones will be in their database, so if you have a European phone with the appropriate HSPA bands it could potentially trick the system into believing you have a featurephone.
As for how much extra, it's something ridiculous like 30 bucks or so.
synaesthetic said:
Yes, they have to pay extra. Not all smartphones will be in their database, so if you have a European phone with the appropriate HSPA bands it could potentially trick the system into believing you have a featurephone.
As for how much extra, it's something ridiculous like 30 bucks or so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mines a Verizon LG Fathom...
Is T-Mobile just as ridiculous too? I saw they have a prepaid 50 a month unlimited plan... What jerked me back away from that was 100Mb unthrottled then every bit over that is "managed" unless ya pay for the highspeed unlimited 4g data.
How do you expect a non-gsm phone to work on a gsm network?
Stonent said:
How do you expect a non-gsm phone to work on a gsm network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just because it came from a cdma carrier doesn't mean it's a non-gsm phone... It's a world phone, meaning both cdma and gsm.
Called up t-mobile and it sounds like they'd be my (our) best bet, they don't charge ya anything additional if it's a smartphone for data... So it really is flat-out 50 bucks unlimited everything, no limitations, no specification handsets required or anything.
Sorry to dig up an old thread, but has anyone tried this recently?
Will probably give this a go in a couple of months using the HTC Sensation z710a.
Pretty harsh not getting any "smartphone data" included on a $50 plan. Would be heading straight to T-mobile if my z710a was AWS compatible.
For the short version, skip below
At the moment, I have a LG Optimus V on Virgin Mobile running some variant of CM 7.x that the dev doesn't support anymore. The current plan I have is the $45 ($49.84 with tax) per month 1200 minute plan of which I never go over. 3G seems slow running off of the Sprint network (tested just now it is 780kbps at my apartment). 3G seems to disappear sometimes, but that could be the ROM I am using. The phone has slow Wi-Fi and a majority of the time only has one bar.
Tomorrow, I will be receiving an unlocked Galaxy Nexus from Google ($391.86). Now here is where the tricky part comes in:
I was planning on going to T-Mobile and signing up for their "unlimited" talk, text and web (2 gigabyte) for $60 before taxes and fees on a 2 year contract. I would also get a discount from work of 15% which I assume would cover the taxes.
A co-worker mentioned that T-Mobile also has pre-pay. As far as I can tell, the only difference is that there is no contract, there is no data roaming and no work discount. If someone didn't have the discount offer I can't see a reason they would go with a SIM on contract unless I am missing something.
What should I do?
Short version:
Ordered a Google Nexus, what should I do now?
A. Return the Google Nexus for a restocking fee and stick with the $45 Virgin Mobile provider. (Save more, but with slow and spotty data)
B. Keep the phone, get T-Mobile pre-pay SIM @ $60 (no contract, assuming faster more reliable data, but 15% more over the 2 year contract and about $15 more than VM)
C. Keep the phone, get T-Mobile 2 year contract SIM @ $60 and a 15% discount. (More expensive than VM, less expensive then non-contract, assuming faster more reliable data, 2 year contract)
D. Other option I have not considered
hawkshot said:
For the short version, skip below
At the moment, I have a LG Optimus V on Virgin Mobile running some variant of CM 7.x that the dev doesn't support anymore. The current plan I have is the $45 ($49.84 with tax) per month 1200 minute plan of which I never go over. 3G seems slow running off of the Sprint network (tested just now it is 780kbps at my apartment). 3G seems to disappear sometimes, but that could be the ROM I am using. The phone has slow Wi-Fi and a majority of the time only has one bar.
Tomorrow, I will be receiving an unlocked Galaxy Nexus from Google ($391.86). Now here is where the tricky part comes in:
I was planning on going to T-Mobile and signing up for their "unlimited" talk, text and web (2 gigabyte) for $60 before taxes and fees on a 2 year contract. I would also get a discount from work of 15% which I assume would cover the taxes.
A co-worker mentioned that T-Mobile also has pre-pay. As far as I can tell, the only difference is that there is no contract, there is no data roaming and no work discount. If someone didn't have the discount offer I can't see a reason they would go with a SIM on contract unless I am missing something.
What should I do?
Short version:
Ordered a Google Nexus, what should I do now?
A. Return the Google Nexus for a restocking fee and stick with the $45 Virgin Mobile provider. (Save more, but with slow and spotty data)
B. Keep the phone, get T-Mobile pre-pay SIM @ $60 (no contract, assuming faster more reliable data, but 15% more over the 2 year contract and about $15 more than VM)
C. Keep the phone, get T-Mobile 2 year contract SIM @ $60 and a 15% discount. (More expensive than VM, less expensive then non-contract, assuming faster more reliable data, 2 year contract)
D. Other option I have not considered
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would buy the T-Mobile $30 for 100 min, Ultd Min and 5GB high speed data
hawkshot said:
For the short version, skip below
At the moment, I have a LG Optimus V on Virgin Mobile running some variant of CM 7.x that the dev doesn't support anymore. The current plan I have is the $45 ($49.84 with tax) per month 1200 minute plan of which I never go over. 3G seems slow running off of the Sprint network (tested just now it is 780kbps at my apartment). 3G seems to disappear sometimes, but that could be the ROM I am using. The phone has slow Wi-Fi and a majority of the time only has one bar.
Tomorrow, I will be receiving an unlocked Galaxy Nexus from Google ($391.86). Now here is where the tricky part comes in:
I was planning on going to T-Mobile and signing up for their "unlimited" talk, text and web (2 gigabyte) for $60 before taxes and fees on a 2 year contract. I would also get a discount from work of 15% which I assume would cover the taxes.
A co-worker mentioned that T-Mobile also has pre-pay. As far as I can tell, the only difference is that there is no contract, there is no data roaming and no work discount. If someone didn't have the discount offer I can't see a reason they would go with a SIM on contract unless I am missing something.
What should I do?
Short version:
Ordered a Google Nexus, what should I do now?
A. Return the Google Nexus for a restocking fee and stick with the $45 Virgin Mobile provider. (Save more, but with slow and spotty data)
B. Keep the phone, get T-Mobile pre-pay SIM @ $60 (no contract, assuming faster more reliable data, but 15% more over the 2 year contract and about $15 more than VM)
C. Keep the phone, get T-Mobile 2 year contract SIM @ $60 and a 15% discount. (More expensive than VM, less expensive then non-contract, assuming faster more reliable data, 2 year contract)
D. Other option I have not considered
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your worried about slow data then why would u get the unlocked Nexus?? Your data will be EVEN more SLOWER on T-Mobile, Cause you will only get EDGE unless tmobile has 1900 band in your area.
And also if your doing a 2 year contract why not just get a phone? thats usually the point of doing a contract as well
hyelton said:
If your worried about slow data then why would u get the unlocked Nexus?? Your data will be EVEN more SLOWER on T-Mobile, Cause you will only get EDGE unless tmobile has 1900 band in your area.
And also if your doing a 2 year contract why not just get a phone? thats usually the point of doing a contract as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong.
The Unlocked Nexus Is PENTABAND.
Meaning it supports the 1700/2100 AWS frequencies that T-Mobile requires as well as the 850/1900 NAM bands that AT&T uses PLUS the 900 band that used in some countries outside the US.
You are thinking about unlocked INTERNATIONAL phones that only get EDGE on T-Mobile unless you live in an area that T-Mobile has switched their 1900mHz band to HSPA+
Please do some more research before posting DISinformation. Thank you.
In regards to the OPs question, you have to take into consideration what's more important to you...fast data (and paying slightly higher monthly fees to get it), cheaper service (and slower data), or how you feel about contracts.
I would go with faster data....but that's just me. Contracts don't bother me. That may not be the case for you.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using xda premium
hawkshot said:
For the short version, skip below
At the moment, I have a LG Optimus V on Virgin Mobile running some variant of CM 7.x that the dev doesn't support anymore. The current plan I have is the $45 ($49.84 with tax) per month 1200 minute plan of which I never go over. 3G seems slow running off of the Sprint network (tested just now it is 780kbps at my apartment). 3G seems to disappear sometimes, but that could be the ROM I am using. The phone has slow Wi-Fi and a majority of the time only has one bar.
Tomorrow, I will be receiving an unlocked Galaxy Nexus from Google ($391.86). Now here is where the tricky part comes in:
I was planning on going to T-Mobile and signing up for their "unlimited" talk, text and web (2 gigabyte) for $60 before taxes and fees on a 2 year contract. I would also get a discount from work of 15% which I assume would cover the taxes.
A co-worker mentioned that T-Mobile also has pre-pay. As far as I can tell, the only difference is that there is no contract, there is no data roaming and no work discount. If someone didn't have the discount offer I can't see a reason they would go with a SIM on contract unless I am missing something.
What should I do?
Short version:
Ordered a Google Nexus, what should I do now?
A. Return the Google Nexus for a restocking fee and stick with the $45 Virgin Mobile provider. (Save more, but with slow and spotty data)
B. Keep the phone, get T-Mobile pre-pay SIM @ $60 (no contract, assuming faster more reliable data, but 15% more over the 2 year contract and about $15 more than VM)
C. Keep the phone, get T-Mobile 2 year contract SIM @ $60 and a 15% discount. (More expensive than VM, less expensive then non-contract, assuming faster more reliable data, 2 year contract)
D. Other option I have not considered
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Babydoll25 said:
Wrong.
The Unlocked Nexus Is PENTABAND.
Meaning it supports the 1700/2100 AWS frequencies that T-Mobile requires as well as the 850/1900 NAM bands that AT&T uses PLUS the 900 band that used in some countries outside the US.
You are thinking about unlocked INTERNATIONAL phones that only get EDGE on T-Mobile unless you live in an area that T-Mobile has switched their 1900mHz band to HSPA+
Please do some more research before posting DISinformation. Thank you.
In regards to the OPs question, you have to take into consideration what's more important to you...fast data (and paying slightly higher monthly fees to get it), cheaper service (and slower data), or how you feel about contracts.
I would go with faster data....but that's just me. Contracts don't bother me. That may not be the case for you.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh okay, Didnt see that
I still wouldnt see signing a contract AND bringing your own device.
hyelton said:
oh okay, Didnt see that
I still wouldnt see signing a contract AND bringing your own device.
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You can sign a contract with T-mobile and get their VALUE plan(s). There are no device subsidies (as with the classic plans) but you DO SAVE a significant amount on your monthly service (ex: I pay 59.99$ for 1000 min, 20$ unlimited texts (i'm on a family plan, this would be less for an individual plan) and 30$ unlimited (no more 5gb cap)
For a value plan this would be 49.99$ for the minutes and 20$ for the data (not sure about the texts although i'm pretty sure that would be less as well...for a savings of AT LEAST 20$ (probably more if you include texts) a MONTH over the classic plans. Those of us who prefer device subsidies (like myself) can opt to pay less upfront for devices and more per month...
Options....it's all about options
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Think
1) Try to think whats better for you
2) Use Google in help
3) Also use youtube, there are more help for you dude
Try T-Mobile using prepaid first to see if you like the coverage and that way you aren't locked in a contract for two years. I honestly am not a big fan of postpaid anymore because the prepaid plans have gotten quite comparable to postpaid. You can get the $60 prepaid plan and get the same service (except roaming) but if you decide you don't like it, changing providers won't cost you the ETF. Plus ordering the Nexus means you can have a nice phone and go where the service is great (for GSM anyway).
personally i would sign a contract and get the best free android phone you can get, install a good rom and unlock it, and sell it on craigslist to pay for a portion of the nexus you already bought. I wouldn't get T-Mobile though. Never again, too many bad experiences with them. Not to say anyone else is any better, i just really don't want to deal with them again. I have AT&T, and while i have never had a messed up bill, or the crappy customer service i received with T-Mobile, i do drop a lot of calls... So there are pros and cons to all providers. Also, i recommend testing out the areas you are in all day (home/work) with a friends phone, on all major carriers and see which carrier works best in your area as far as speed and signal... I don't so much have the option in my area, i am pretty much stuck with either ATT or Verizon, and since i have the grandfathered unlimited plan on att, i am not going to switch to verizon and pay MUCH more... But my point is that every carrier has pros and cons overall, it all depends on your preference and which has the best coverage in your area. But no matter who you sign up for, get the best cheap android, add a rom and unlock it and sell on craigslist.
After doing extensive research and comparison....I don' t see how Project Fi is a better deal price wise.
I have not tried Google Fi....I just ordered a Pixel XL....but unless their plan prices lower to be more competitive....no thanks.
In-fact, I find Republic Wireless or MetroPCS to be a better deal if you are looking for a cheap NVMO.
I was gonna switch to a cheaper carrier, but then Tmobile is now offering 10gb pre-pay plan for $50. (vs the $40 3gb plan I was on).
Since I am directly with the network carrier, and not a NVMO like Fi, faster speeds and higher priority.
( Tested out Republic Wireless and MetroPCS in my area to compare, both are Tmobile NVMO's....and download speed is capped at around 25megs. On my Tmobile prepay sim, I get full speeds of 100+megs.) (ATT/Sprint NVMOS are capped at 8megs)
If Fi lowered their base plan to $10 or made it $5 per GB...then it would be far more competitive. Sure, they do the refund thing, but 10gb base would be $120 on Fi....i would have to only use up to 3GB on Fi to get a refund to make it $50 to match Tmobile 10gb price.
The only real advantage i can see with Fi is for low data users and those who needs the carrier switching ability in there area. Tmobile is far better in my area...and the 3rd carrier Fi uses isnt even anywhere near me. So, travel wise, I suppose Fi would also be a low cost option to VZW(which seems to be the most preferred for travel)
The only reason I'm on Fi is because data for tablets, etc. is free.
Well, it gets rolled into your plan's existing data usage.
But they don't charge you like $10/month for having a tablet or something.
Between that and the fact that I'm locked in, I'd already be back with AT&T which has the best overall coverage here in Texas.
Fi is good. But it's not GREAT.
Fi user here.
When Fi first came out it was a lot more competitive. Now that the other major carriers are offering unlimited data, unlimited streaming, etc. for ~$50-60 a month, it's hard to make an argument for Project Fi. I don't use a whole lot of data while on the go; I average about 2 GB a month, so Fi makes sense for me (a $45 phone bill is awesome) but this is not the case with most others. I also like the networking switching because T-Mobile is a bit weak where I work, while Sprint is somehow very strong (Sprint sucks pretty much every where else in my area). The data only SIMs are cool, the idea is cool, the speed is great, WiFi calling is stellar, network switching is neat and works relatively well, and if you don't use a whole lot of data, you can save a lot of money on your phone bill every month. If you're a person who likes to stream video and snapchat every aspect of their life while on the go, I'd say look elsewhere lol.
I used to be a T-Mobile customer. I switched to Project Fi when I got a Nexus 5X. My phone bill was substantially lower. Things have changed, however, and pricing among competitors has gotten a lot more... competitive. I find myself considering going back to T-Mobile from time to time, but it's not worth the hassle. Perhaps when I move to a new area / get a new job.
The main reason I'm still on Fi is because I travel overseas yearly and international data is considered part of your normal data pool. I came from T-Mobile who I wouldn't mind going back to if it wasn't for a bad experience with John Legere. Only other carrier I've considered is Verizon who have a terrible international data plan so thats not going to happen anytime soon.
FI User since i got my Pixel XL in 2016
Silenthillnight said:
The main reason I'm still on Fi is because I travel overseas yearly and international data is considered part of your normal data pool. I came from T-Mobile who I wouldn't mind going back to if it wasn't for a bad experience with John Legere. Only other carrier I've considered is Verizon who have a terrible international data plan so thats not going to happen anytime soon.
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I agree.
No Roaming.
Variety in carrier when traveling is a huge plus.
Low fees.
Hangouts works really well for ProjectFI users, still texting and making calls.
Even when i do have a month where i use 10gb it is still cheaper than the group plan i was supporting with ATT before.
And the peak is only that month.
Otherwise I am in the 65-95 per month range. Which was still half of my monthly with ATT.
If Verizon would take corporate discounts on the Unlimited plan I would switch but they dont so i wont.
I have been with Fi since the beginning. I travel quite a bit and has come in handy out of the US.
I was with AT&T before and they had great service everywhere I went here in the states. That said with my 2 phones I was spending 150ish a month for service.
With Project Fi my bills are around 70 a month. Very worth it for me.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
If you don't like the idea of Fi, you're wanting to use it for the way wrong reasons. Fi isn't for people who want cheap data. It's for people who want reliable service and not having to worry too much about dropped calls and just want to have phone service. Yes you can get cheap plans from other carriers but you're stuck to their towers and where they have service. With Fi you have 4 options. T, S, US and WiFi.
Fi for the win! ??
Jammol said:
If you don't like the idea of Fi, you're wanting to use it for the way wrong reasons. Fi isn't for people who want cheap data. It's for people who want reliable service and not having to worry too much about dropped calls and just want to have phone service. Yes you can get cheap plans from other carriers but you're stuck to their towers and where they have service. With Fi you have 4 options. T, S, US and WiFi.
Fi for the win! ??
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I agree I came from at&t and never looking back, I love that fi has around the clock live customer service
In my country, unlimited LTE data is only about 25USD. and I'm not a frequent flyer.
so it's really too expensive for me.
but if it can lower it's base price, I'm willing to try it.
sakumaxp said:
I agree I came from at&t and never looking back, I love that fi has around the clock live customer service
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We were trying to same some money when we switched from T-Mobile so Fi works great for my wife and I. We are thinking of Xfinity Mobile but they are stuck on Verizon. Plus they got that whole net neutrality thing going on. The deal is attractive as fudge though. If you're an Xfinity customer that has home internet, you'll only have to pay for the data you use. So for my wife and I, or Mobile bill will be $24 total. But... Verizon! ?
stone0504 said:
In my country, unlimited LTE data is only about 25USD. and I'm not a frequent flyer.
so it's really too expensive for me.
but if it can lower it's base price, I'm willing to try it.
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If you need unlimited data I suggest sticking to your current service. I used to be one of those people that T-Mobile would cut off completely each month. Yeah, 200+GB most months. One month we are on Project Fi, and boy that was a total slap in my internet habits face. Turns out though, I actually only need to use 600mb of data a month because I'm always on WiFi at work, lol.
Still...Fi is a NVMO...so its gonna have multiple backend phone numbers (1 on each network) so more spam calls. (this is an issue with several people I know that use NVMOs)
.and the phone always searching and comparing multiple networks, so that would cause a bit more battery drain as the radios are more active than just locked to one band.
They need to catch up to the modern day times tough in price...to stay competitive. I read they are gonna offer a mid range price device compatible with Fi...so..they are doing...something.
speedingcheetah said:
Still...Fi is a NVMO...so its gonna have multiple backend phone numbers (1 on each network) so more spam calls. (this is an issue with several people I know that use NVMOs)
.and the phone always searching and comparing multiple networks, so that would cause a bit more battery drain as the radios are more active than just locked to one band.
They need to catch up to the modern day times tough in price...to stay competitive. I read they are gonna offer a mid range price device compatible with Fi...so..they are doing...something.
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Yeah but my Pixel tells me when its a spam caller so its no big deal. Same amount as when i was on ATT really.
You can also anchor it on one carrier or another so it isnt switching constantly which is what I do only because of preference for Tmob coverage over Sprint in my area.
parakleet said:
Yeah but my Pixel tells me when its a spam caller so its no big deal. Same amount as when i was on ATT really.
You can also anchor it on one carrier or another so it isnt switching constantly which is what I do only because of preference for Tmob coverage over Sprint in my area.
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How do u set it to use only one carrier?
As someone that has looked at most MVNOs, I'd say some possible selling points of FI might be for someone that:
1) Uses enough talk and text to justify unlimited talk and text, since some users don't actually need unlimited
2) Wants to limit their phone bill by not using a lot of data, since limiting data usage generally results in a lower bill at FI
3) Wants better coverage than just Sprint or T-Mobile native service, since there are probably cheaper options with Sprint or T-Mobile MVNOs that lack roaming
With that sort of criteria, the main competitors are probably going to be Verizon or AT&T MVNOs, although there may be a few other options like Twigby (Sprint MVNO with voice roaming). $20 is about where Verizon and AT&T MVNOs start with unlimited talk and text, and customers might get a bit of data. For example Boom Mobile begins at $20 for Verizon service and includes 250 MB with the option to add data that lasts 90 days. Like any service provider that only offers one plan, FI probably just doesn't fit your interests, since either #2 & #3 don't seem to be major considerations in your comments. It doesn't fit my usage either, simply because I don't use enough voice service that I need to pay $20 each and every month (#1).
Note: Currently there's probably no actual reason to use Twigby, since Sprint postpaid is offering a year of service for nearly free. The Pixel is one of the phones in the offer, so many users here could probably port to Sprint postpaid for nearly free service. Personally my main reason for passing on the free unlimited service from Sprint offer is that their limits for data roaming are rather low, and Verizon or AT&T have far more data coverage.
alluringreality said:
As someone that has looked at most MVNOs, I'd say some possible selling points of FI might be for someone that:
1) Uses enough talk and text to justify unlimited talk and text, since some users don't actually need unlimited
2) Wants to limit their phone bill by not using a lot of data, since limiting data usage generally results in a lower bill at FI
3) Wants better coverage than just Sprint or T-Mobile native service, since there are probably cheaper options with Sprint or T-Mobile MVNOs that lack roaming
With that sort of criteria, the main competitors are probably going to be Verizon or AT&T MVNOs, although there may be a few other options like Twigby (Sprint MVNO with voice roaming). $20 is about where Verizon and AT&T MVNOs start with unlimited talk and text, and customers might get a bit of data. For example Boom Mobile begins at $20 for Verizon service and includes 250 MB with the option to add data that lasts 90 days. Like any service provider that only offers one plan, FI probably just doesn't fit your interests, since either #2 & #3 don't seem to be major considerations in your comments. It doesn't fit my usage either, simply because I don't use enough voice service that I need to pay $20 each and every month (#1).
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My mother uses Republic Wireless $10 unlimted talk/txt plan. No data. Great for her. U can get some data for $5 more. (discontinued 2.0 refund plans though)
Fi $20 off code: NV503E Now should be worth it
kolyan said:
Fi $20 off code: NV503E Now should be worth it
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lol...not like a quick Google search wont find more than 100 Fi referral codes.
A one time $20 credit....
I would like to know how much the "real cost" is of Fi....that is...how much they charge for taxes and fees etc.
On my Tmobile Prepay...only thing is state sales tax...so $40 plan is $43.91
Duplicate post...wtf?
speedingcheetah said:
How do u set it to use only one carrier?
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FiSwitch
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cheekydevs.fiswitch&hl=en
Root makes it easier but is not required.