GSM Shift in USA - Shift General

I just picked up my new shift from Dynamism.com and so far I love it. I had a tough time getting cell data service set up with out signing a contract so I thought I would share my experiences obtaining service w/o selling your soul for two years.
I think it is ridiculous to be required to sign a two year contract for a service without some sort of subsidized equipment. But, that's exactly what AT&T and T-Mobile will claim is necessary if you call their phone sales line. T-mobile will, however, be happy to set you up with a "pay us you go" plan and then add an unlimited data package for 19.99 a month with no contract. You will have to go to the store, but that's completely worth it. I found this out on my own, but it has been discussed in other boards and I haven't seen it here yet.
Apparently there is a similar trick that works on AT&T, which others might like better because T-Mobile's new 3g network isn't compatible with the Shift and you are stuck in EDGE. I will say however that T-Mobile's EDGE network on my shift has been much faster then AT&T's 3G service on my iphone. I also like T-Mobile's customer service better, although neither are great.
Cal

AT&T option
You don't have to sign up for a contract with AT&T if you don't purchase a device when you get your SIM - I've done this several times (and in some cases killed the account after a few months with no penalty)

GSM
I have pay as you go with att for data, cost $20 per 30 days. I live in Canada and travel to US every 6 weeks, the pay as you go is a good deal, get the $100 card, good for 365 days
Dave

Related

T-Mobile or ATT?

Hey guys
I bought my nexus one the week it came out and have been putting up with edge for a while. I have wifi at home and work so I haven't had to suffer too much.
I have had ATT for 5-6 years and have been off contract for a while.
I looked at T-Mobile's pricing for their Even More+ no contract plans and I am paying about the same amount per month as the 500min+text+web plan.
I know reception will vary by area but I live and typically stay in the Pittsburgh area.
My current choices are:
1. Keep my nexus and stay on ATT (not likely)
2. Keep my nexus and switch to T-Mobile
3. Sell my Nexus and buy the ATT compatible version and stick with ATT (seems like too much work and will likely cost me more)
What would you guys recommend?
Thanks for the help!!
TMO is awful in my area so when I was deciding the same, I went with selling my launch nexus one and buying the ATT compat. version. I have been quite pleased with my speeds (2.xMbps down / 1.x Mbps up) on average.
You can sell your phone on ebay for about 500 (that's what mine went for) and in the end, a new one will run you about 30 dollars.
it depends on where you live. If you live in a major area like NYC where tmobile has good 3G coverage then get tmobile, it will be cheaper and tmobile doesnt screw you over in ways that att does.
Just do what's best in your situation. I was a long time AT&T sub as well. I moved to T-Mobile because I like the Even More Plus plan, fits my usage on my phone as well as my budget. Plus it's easier to turn in my phone bill on my expense report at work.
degs said:
Hey guys
I bought my nexus one the week it came out and have been putting up with edge for a while. I have wifi at home and work so I haven't had to suffer too much.
I have had ATT for 5-6 years and have been off contract for a while.
I looked at T-Mobile's pricing for their Even More+ no contract plans and I am paying about the same amount per month as the 500min+text+web plan.
I know reception will vary by area but I live and typically stay in the Pittsburgh area.
My current choices are:
1. Keep my nexus and stay on ATT (not likely)
2. Keep my nexus and switch to T-Mobile
3. Sell my Nexus and buy the ATT compatible version and stick with ATT (seems like too much work and will likely cost me more)
What would you guys recommend?
Thanks for the help!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sign up for tmobile and evaluate their reception in your area, you have 14 days if you don't like it before commiting.
I looked at T-Mobile's pricing for their Even More+ no contract plans and I am paying about the same amount per month as the 500min+text+web plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget to factor that if you stay with AT&T you will pay $30/mo for smartphone data, not $15 for medianet. AT&T will auto upgrade you to the smartphone data if you're currently on medianet.
T-Mobile is definitely way cheaper overall, you can even get 500 mins + unlimited text for $39, then get the web2go plan (using the internet2.voicestream.com APN on your phone, instead of epc.tmobile.com) for $10. Total will be $49 which is a great deal - AT&T can't beat that.
At the same time although its cheaper with T-mobile....The signal in most cities switches between edge and 3g alot of the time....And alot of buildings you will go straight to edge. And edge for me dosent even work! So although i have T-mobile if sprint wasnt coming i would go with AT&T. "Personal experience/advice"
dallastx said:
At the same time although its cheaper with T-mobile....The signal in most cities switches between edge and 3g alot of the time....And alot of buildings you will go straight to edge. And edge for me dosent even work! So although i have T-mobile if sprint wasnt coming i would go with AT&T. "Personal experience/advice"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, in some buildings you will have to deal with EDGE (but of course, you may also have wifi in the building to make up for that)...
But in and around NYC, you're pretty much guaranteed to have 3G, and it works quite well.
gsvnet said:
Don't forget to factor that if you stay with AT&T you will pay $30/mo for smartphone data, not $15 for medianet. AT&T will auto upgrade you to the smartphone data if you're currently on medianet.
T-Mobile is definitely way cheaper overall, you can even get 500 mins + unlimited text for $39, then get the web2go plan (using the internet2.voicestream.com APN on your phone, instead of epc.tmobile.com) for $10. Total will be $49 which is a great deal - AT&T can't beat that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I currently pay 19.99 a month for internet with ATT. I have the OLD "smartphone" that I picked up when I got my 8525. I had that for almost 3 years and then just finished up a year with an E71(not X) and never had a problem.
What's this web2go you speak of?(I'll go search the forums as well)
I'll also have to find out if I can get a student discount with T-Mo like I do with ATT.
Thanks for all the help so far! Hopefully I don't come across as stupid or anything. I own a small deli/restaurant and work about 12 hours a day. My father has been in the hospital for a while and I am also taking care of the rest of my family so my time has become extremely limited.
Obviously I've been trying to find ways to reduce costs. 49 a month would be amazing
I've had both and prefer T-Mobile.. they have far better customer service, and their coverage here in north San Diego is far superior.. I get HSDPA speeds everywhere I go with T-Mobile and no more dropped calls.
Personally, I'd go for T-Mobile if I were you. You guys already have access to the 3MBit 3G service over there.
muncheese said:
Sign up for tmobile and evaluate their reception in your area, you have 14 days if you don't like it before commiting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If he's signing up for an Even More Plus plan then he has as long as he wants to cancel - there is no contract. Since he already has the N1 this would be the best type of plan to get.
Well I think that I will try to swing by a T-Mobile store tomorrow if I have time.
I'll get a SIM card and an Even More Plus plan. 500min+Text and web2go.
Has anyone had any problems using web2go with the nexus?
I'll try to see if I can get the activation fee waived and also add a student discount.
Anyone have any experience with porting a number later on? I'd like to try it for a week or so before porting my ATT number over and cutting that account(if I'm happy)
degs said:
Well I think that I will try to swing by a T-Mobile store tomorrow if I have time.
I'll get a SIM card and an Even More Plus plan. 500min+Text and web2go.
Has anyone had any problems using web2go with the nexus?
I'll try to see if I can get the activation fee waived and also add a student discount.
Anyone have any experience with porting a number later on? I'd like to try it for a week or so before porting my ATT number over and cutting that account(if I'm happy)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Even More Plus plans already include data. I'm using it myself with the 500 minute tier plan just fine with my N1.
edit: I ported too and that took a few hours and was fairly painless from AT&T
I'd stay with AT&T if I were you.
I switched to t-mobile from at&t to get the n1 with 3g coverage and I can honestly say in Houston, at&t has far more coverage and is faster.
I had pretty much the same choice between AT&T and T-Mobile, and I ended up just sticking with AT&T and buying the compatible version because I split my time between Pennsylvania and Virginia, and T-Mo coverage in Virginia is spotty at best (even with AT&T roaming agreements).
However, since you're Pittsburgh, it might be good to take the 14 evaluation period as others have said and see if your happy with T-Mobile in the area (plus the rate plans with data will be comparable, or T-Mo will be slightly cheaper).
gsvnet said:
T-Mobile is definitely way cheaper overall, you can even get 500 mins + unlimited text for $39, then get the web2go plan (using the internet2.voicestream.com APN on your phone, instead of epc.tmobile.com) for $10. Total will be $49 which is a great deal - AT&T can't beat that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was told the $10 plan was not 3G, only edge, is this true?
Please. I too would be very interested in finding out if I can use this service to access the internet with my N1. I am currently a T-Mobile Customer using the N1 with the usual plan one gets with this phone.
jimbobalu said:
I was told the $10 plan was not 3G, only edge, is this true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No - it's full 3G for $10. You just have to use internet2.voicestream.com as the APN.
gsvnet said:
No - it's full 3G for $10. You just have to use internet2.voicestream.com as the APN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is there something special I need to tell the salesperson or something I have to do to my phone to use internet2.voicestream.com?
Thanks

Why did you choose your current cell phone carrier

Just wondering why people choose a certain carrier. I'm on AT&T. For me, it's because I get a 23% discount off my monthly bill because of my employer/company. What are your reasons for being with X carrier?
1. Financial i.e. monthly discount, cheapest plan, ect.
2. Reception
3. Family/friend related or family plan
4. LTE in your area?
5. Specific/high end phones?
6. Loyalty
7. Customer service
8. Other
Pick one, any, or all if applicable.
For T-mobile i would have to say #1,6,7, and occasionally #5
Because of my mom, it was easier to buy one (I am only 14 years old) and almost everyone I talk the most have TIM. But the rest, every Brazilian carrier sucks.
Sent using Mini CM7 Pro by Paul
I've been on T-Mobile for about a decade I think. T-Mobile's pricing is what attracted me as a customer. Their desperation is what keeps me. These guys will bend over backwards to keep me happy and have. I appreciate the things they've done for me that I see people on other carriers getting refused with. Such as very early upgrades just because I was unhappy with my current phone.
My carrier (telus) has better service while traveling yet after signing with them i found i have no service in my school -_- thankfully i'm out of there next yea so i''m cool with it and I got a good loyality plan out of them (i hope)
200min, Unlimited texting , Voicemail (Not visual ;( ) unlimited evenings and weekends and 6 gigs data, for like $65 the only thing I would like them to improve is visual voicemail and Caller ID but I don't want to spend $10 more a month for that.
#4 and #5
10char
At&t
#2. Coverage is the primary factor for me
AT&T
20% discount at work, same carrier as my fiance, best voice coverage in my area, fastest data in my area, decent plan prices, good phone selection, good business customer service.
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
I have Sprint. It was more of a legacy thing for me. My parents had it so I got it.
Plus they do a 15% discount for my work and were the cheapest single plan with the discount.
Of course now that I'm married, the plans of other carriers are a bit closer in price. Even with unlimited data, I only use maybe 1.5 or 2 gigs at the most per month, so it's not as worth it to shell out as it once was.
Many of my family and friends are in the same network. That's why.
~ Sent from iOS/Android device
1. AT&T offered us a plan with unlimited everything (cept data, but I got that one) for cheaper then T-Mobile if we switched, and even paid our ETF's, needless to say, we did it.
2. Better reception.
4. Yep, I have an LTE enabled phone and live in an LTE market, obviously I would take advantage of that.
At&t because its the only carrier with signal where I live...
Enviado desde mi Samsung Galaxy Note
cheaper, unlimited data and special offer to switch from helio when i was shut down
Because I was an employee of my carrier up until June of this year and got waived the activation fee, 50% off my bill and a 1-year contract but 2-year pricing on my 4G phone. I also wanted to get grandfathered into unlimited data which is worth its weight in gold! No throttling here nor snooping into my 3rd party tethering unlike ATT.
2. Reception - In my area AT&T has the best service, followed by Sprint and then a large drop to Verizon. Causes me to get a bit irked when people say AT&T is universally bad and Verizon can do no wrong since I constantly see the exact opposite, but whatever.
6. Loyalty - My family has been on AT&T since the Cingular days, so we're grandfathered into an ancient family plan that's really cheap. If we were to switch carriers our bill would go way up.
Aldi Talk
Because its the best in my town !
1. Internet usage is for free
Verizon seems to have the best coverage in my area (Atlanta, OTP north side). Also, I'm grandfathered in for unlimited data.
cuz Monopoly nothing else LOL
AT&T
3. Family/friend related or family plan
I don't pay a single cent since I'm on my uncle's business/familty plan thing
however, AT&T does suck and the second I can afford it I'm getting Verizon...

VZW worth the extra 12-15 bucks a month?

So I'm at a point where I am striking out on my own and dropping off my parents family plan. What I am looking at is A $100 plan from vzw for 2gb data and a $90 plan from att for 3gb data. (I use no more than 1.5gb in a month) Coverage in my area for verizon is a little bit better than att but no LTE from either side. My company has a discount for both providers at 17% so no advantage there. Verizon has the bad habit of locking up phones so I can't play with them as well.
Another option I've had is since my work doesn't allow cell phones on the premises, I have thought about switching to a dumb phone since I won't be using it 40-50 hours of the week but that is for a later time.
In other words, do you all think VZW "service" is worth a $150 bucks extra a year than att?
From what you've told me about your usage patterns, I'd go with ATT, or even a MNVO like Straight Talk.
I had ATT and the only reason I left was because of their throttling.. I prefer GSM phones to CDMA since they hold value better and since they are worldwide, you have more compatibility and a larger selection.
bukithd said:
So I'm at a point where I am striking out on my own and dropping off my parents family plan. What I am looking at is A $100 plan from vzw for 2gb data and a $90 plan from att for 3gb data. (I use no more than 1.5gb in a month) Coverage in my area for verizon is a little bit better than att but no LTE from either side. My company has a discount for both providers at 17% so no advantage there. Verizon has the bad habit of locking up phones so I can't play with them as well.
Another option I've had is since my work doesn't allow cell phones on the premises, I have thought about switching to a dumb phone since I won't be using it 40-50 hours of the week but that is for a later time.
In other words, do you all think VZW "service" is worth a $150 bucks extra a year than att?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight Talk:
$45 a month ($50 after taxes)
Unlimited Talk
Unlimited Text
Unlimited* Data (just don't go nuts with it, but 1.5 GB is more than safe)
It runs on AT&T (also T-Mobile, but it asks you to choose which SIM you want. Choose AT&T). No, there's no LTE, but there's full speed HSPA+ which should be plenty fast. I don't think Verizon is worth it unless you're in an area where they're the only viable option, or if you need insane speed for some strange reason. I switched off my family's Sprint plan to Straight Talk. I don't know how I survived on CDMA; once you go GSM, the freedom of being able to switch phones whenever you want is great. If you're already on a GSM network, it's not worth giving up. That, and the price.
Order a SIM from http://straighttalk.com and choose "AT&T compatible SIM". It works in a locked AT&T phone or unlocked phone. You could even use your Rezound; I know it works on AT&T believe it or not. They found out a while ago. But if you're looking for a new phone, best bang for your buck? Galaxy Nexus from the Play Store.
Oh and when you fill in the APN for data, leave out the "Proxy" fields except for MMS Proxy. It disallows them from throttling you or monitoring what apps you use. They've been known to call people for streaming a lot, but I've gone over 2GB of usage and haven't gotten any calls from them or anything.
I agree. Verizon is just crap compared to what they used to be. In the days of unlimited data it wasn't so bad but now they are just plain greedy. Plus striking out on your own you don't want to get stuck if you lose your job paying a $100/mo bill when you could use that money for food. Trust me, it happened to me and now I owe Verizon and can't afford to pay them. If T-Mobile has good coverage they may be an option as well.
Pageplus is a Verizon MVNO.
For $55 per month (No Taxes!), you get unlimited talk/text and 2Gb of 3g data.
You can use a Verizon phone too!
Plus, if you buy from Pageplusdirect.com, you get a 7% discount!
Product F(RED) said:
Straight Talk:
$45 a month ($50 after taxes)
Unlimited Talk
Unlimited Text
Unlimited* Data (just don't go nuts with it, but 1.5 GB is more than safe)
It runs on AT&T (also T-Mobile, but it asks you to choose which SIM you want. Choose AT&T). No, there's no LTE, but there's full speed HSPA+ which should be plenty fast. I don't think Verizon is worth it unless you're in an area where they're the only viable option, or if you need insane speed for some strange reason. I switched off my family's Sprint plan to Straight Talk. I don't know how I survived on CDMA; once you go GSM, the freedom of being able to switch phones whenever you want is great. If you're already on a GSM network, it's not worth giving up. That, and the price.
Order a SIM from http://straighttalk.com and choose "AT&T compatible SIM". It works in a locked AT&T phone or unlocked phone. You could even use your Rezound; I know it works on AT&T believe it or not. They found out a while ago. But if you're looking for a new phone, best bang for your buck? Galaxy Nexus from the Play Store.
Oh and when you fill in the APN for data, leave out the "Proxy" fields except for MMS Proxy. It disallows them from throttling you or monitoring what apps you use. They've been known to call people for streaming a lot, but I've gone over 2GB of usage and haven't gotten any calls from them or anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's been one of the most complete decent answers I've got on this forum in a while. I will seriously consider it. AT&T gets good enough service for me to get the same stuff for half price. Thanks!
bukithd said:
That's been one of the most complete decent answers I've got on this forum in a while. I will seriously consider it. AT&T gets good enough service for me to get the same stuff for half price. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Product F(RED) said:
Straight Talk:
$45 a month ($50 after taxes)
Unlimited Talk
Unlimited Text
Unlimited* Data (just don't go nuts with it, but 1.5 GB is more than safe)
It runs on AT&T (also T-Mobile, but it asks you to choose which SIM you want. Choose AT&T). No, there's no LTE, but there's full speed HSPA+ which should be plenty fast. I don't think Verizon is worth it unless you're in an area where they're the only viable option, or if you need insane speed for some strange reason. I switched off my family's Sprint plan to Straight Talk. I don't know how I survived on CDMA; once you go GSM, the freedom of being able to switch phones whenever you want is great. If you're already on a GSM network, it's not worth giving up. That, and the price.
Order a SIM from http://straighttalk.com and choose "AT&T compatible SIM". It works in a locked AT&T phone or unlocked phone. You could even use your Rezound; I know it works on AT&T believe it or not. They found out a while ago. But if you're looking for a new phone, best bang for your buck? Galaxy Nexus from the Play Store.
Oh and when you fill in the APN for data, leave out the "Proxy" fields except for MMS Proxy. It disallows them from throttling you or monitoring what apps you use. They've been known to call people for streaming a lot, but I've gone over 2GB of usage and haven't gotten any calls from them or anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally am done with Verizon. The very first phone I had wouldn't charge completely (8 hours on charger, half full, 2 hours battery life) almost from the get go, they started sending me refurbs and I've been stuck in refurb hell ever since. To top it off the data speeds and connection have gotten gradually worse in my area, like they are trying to push you to upgrade to a 4G phone and go to the new shared plans (which I don't doubt a bit). I can't get a good enough connection in the parking lot at work most days make a phone call, and I'm in the 2nd largest city in my state, we have 4G, and the coverage map is blood red with both 3G and 4G coverage. At my desk I'm lucky to get any coverage (thank god we have wifi, guy next to me on his VZW iphone 4 gets full signal). I got an unlocked GNEX a couple weeks ago, got a TMO sim to try out, I have consisten 4-5 bars at my desk and full signal in the parking lot, I only got the 100mb 4G plan but TMO's 2G speeds are about as fast as what I get on average with VZW. I'm on my 12th phone with VZW and had enough even though they keep replacing them. I pay $210 a month for service that doesn't work all the time and slow data speeds.
I'm going to straight talk next, because I learned the hard way TMO doesn't include roaming with their prepaid. Otherwise I'd stick with them because where they have coverage its been great. But for $45 a month, Straight Talk is getting a try it out month from me on AT&T's network which I have great signal with here.
Anyway, point was, stay away from VZW, they're greedy and pushing a bad product IMO.
I think android made verizon that way. When I first hopped on the network I got an incredible that was about 6 months after its release, I loved everything. Since then, there have been overly modded phones, worsening signal quality jack ups in price, and and my phone is just now (in the next couple of weeks maybe) set for an ICS update. I just wish there were more prepaid providers with better service history. Verizon does have good personal customer service, at least in my experience.
bukithd said:
I think android made verizon that way. When I first hopped on the network I got an incredible that was about 6 months after its release, I loved everything. Since then, there have been overly modded phones, worsening signal quality jack ups in price, and and my phone is just now (in the next couple of weeks maybe) set for an ICS update. I just wish there were more prepaid providers with better service history. Verizon does have good personal customer service, at least in my experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I think so, with the success of Android they got greedy. Signal quality, prices, just not worth it anymore. However, their customer service has been fantastic, I have no problems getting replacement phones, just tired of needing them and really the problems have never gone away. Now that I've gone to an unlocked GNEX, I'm never going back, lol.
Verizon has to be the most controlling carrier in my knowledge. I mean they are one of the only ones to put a locked boot loader on the SGS III, and FFS they striped ram out of my old HTC Touch Pro. It's not like they charge any less for the crippled phones they sell, they're just in it for the money.
icomrade said:
Verizon has to be the most controlling carrier in my knowledge. I mean they are one of the only ones to put a locked boot loader on the SGS III, and FFS they striped ram out of my old HTC Touch Pro. It's not like they charge any less for the crippled phones they sell, they're just in it for the money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to work in a third-party Verizon store and a customer we've known for a while had been through 3 BB Storm 2's, all of them crapping out differently, but in ways that made them totally unusable. He was a doctor, so he needed a reliable phone. I called up CS on behalf of him, with him sitting across from me. All he wanted was a BB Bold, even a refurbished replacement (he had insurance), and they told me to tell him to just leave Verizon. How crazy is that?
They're also against Net Neutrality, which means they want to be able to charge you more for certain services. Like how AT&T is planning on charging extra for Facetime over 3G on the iPhone. It's like saying, "Oh, you want to watch YouTube on your phone? You'll need to shell out an extra $10 a month for our YouTube package. You wanna browse Facebook? You need to add $5 a month to your bill to have access to the Facebook app."
Product F(RED) said:
I used to work in a third-party Verizon store and a customer we've known for a while had been through 3 BB Storm 2's, all of them crapping out differently, but in ways that made them totally unusable. He was a doctor, so he needed a reliable phone. I called up CS on behalf of him, with him sitting across from me. All he wanted was a BB Bold, even a refurbished replacement (he had insurance), and they told me to tell him to just leave Verizon. How crazy is that?
They're also against Net Neutrality, which means they want to be able to charge you more for certain services. Like how AT&T is planning on charging extra for Facetime over 3G on the iPhone. It's like saying, "Oh, you want to watch YouTube on your phone? You'll need to shell out an extra $10 a month for our YouTube package. You wanna browse Facebook? You need to add $5 a month to your bill to have access to the Facebook app."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is what scares me about cell service regardless who is providing it. I want what was free to begin with to stay free. I already pay about 1000 bucks a year for you to do what you will with me.
Verizon perk though, they just hooked up 4g in my area today and it actually works.

Am I making a mistake? Changing service provider

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 @ $60 and a 15% discount. (More expensive than VM, less expensive then non-contract, assuming faster more reliable data, 2 year contract)
D. Other option I have not considered
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Babydoll25 said:
Wrong.
The Unlocked Nexus Is PENTABAND.
Meaning it supports the 1700/2100 AWS frequencies that T-Mobile requires as well as the 850/1900 NAM bands that AT&T uses PLUS the 900 band that used in some countries outside the US.
You are thinking about unlocked INTERNATIONAL phones that only get EDGE on T-Mobile unless you live in an area that T-Mobile has switched their 1900mHz band to HSPA+
Please do some more research before posting DISinformation. Thank you.
In regards to the OPs question, you have to take into consideration what's more important to you...fast data (and paying slightly higher monthly fees to get it), cheaper service (and slower data), or how you feel about contracts.
I would go with faster data....but that's just me. Contracts don't bother me. That may not be the case for you.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh okay, Didnt see that
I still wouldnt see signing a contract AND bringing your own device.
hyelton said:
oh okay, Didnt see that
I still wouldnt see signing a contract AND bringing your own device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can sign a contract with T-mobile and get their VALUE plan(s). There are no device subsidies (as with the classic plans) but you DO SAVE a significant amount on your monthly service (ex: I pay 59.99$ 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.

Project Fi not worth it?

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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! ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FiSwitch
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cheekydevs.fiswitch&hl=en
Root makes it easier but is not required.

Categories

Resources