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HD2 on Vodafone v T-Mobile & Fair Usage Policy

It seems ridiculous to sell a device that does all these things online, when the network won't even allow it. I'm talking about the 500mb fair usage policy (FUP) Vodafone place on their 'unlimited' mobile internet, when T-Mobile seems to allow you a 3GB limit.
But stop the press! I just got off the phone with Vodafone today and was told that they are in talks to INCREASE their FUP limit by Christmas! (in time for their take on the beloved iPhone). Does any one have any more information on this!? Because the FUP is the ONLY thing stopping me from getting the HD2 out from Vodafone now and not wait for T-Mobile!
Also, does anyone have any experience with Vodafone/T-Mobile voice and data coverage in the UK? That would be a big factor too in deciding which network provider to sign with.

I use TMobile in the Midlands and have no problem with voice and data reception, still waiting for my HD2 to arrive so cant comment if the reception is any better or worse than my Kaiser

serk1284 said:
It seems ridiculous to sell a device that does all these things online, when the network won't even allow it. I'm talking about the 500mb fair usage policy (FUP) Vodafone place on their 'unlimited' mobile internet, when T-Mobile seems to allow you a 3GB limit.
But stop the press! I just got off the phone with Vodafone today and was told that they are in talks to INCREASE their FUP limit by Christmas! (in time for their take on the beloved iPhone). Does any one have any more information on this!? Because the FUP is the ONLY thing stopping me from getting the HD2 out from Vodafone now and not wait for T-Mobile!
Also, does anyone have any experience with Vodafone/T-Mobile voice and data coverage in the UK? That would be a big factor too in deciding which network provider to sign with.
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The 500Mb FUP is the reason I left Orange when I had an Omnia HD. Stupid limit.
T-Mobile are excellent - even though they didnt work out for me - heres why:
I went in to get a HTC Hero - did the Street Check online - had excellent coverage and good 3G coverage. Got a great contract and the staff were very good. Got home - which is in a little town called leek (just outside Stoke) and had no 3g coverage at all. Left it a few days just in case it sprung to life then rang customer services. The very nice lady told me they have two versions of the coverage checker - one for customers and one for their Techies - the Techie one showed zero 3G coverage even though the online street check showed good coverage.
The T-mobile guys were great and I returned the phone no fuss - but be wary of the street checker - ring them to double check. There network seemed excellent and they will soon be merged with Orange who have a significant 3G network. If I had coverage I would defo go with T-mobile...

serk1284 said:
I'm talking about the 500mb fair usage policy (FUP) Vodafone place on their 'unlimited' mobile internet, when T-Mobile seems to allow you a 3GB limit.
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Click to collapse
T-Mobile nearly always has a one gigabyte limit. They make an exception for one or two Android-based phones, such as the Hero, which have a lot of constantly updating widgets - for those phones only, if you buy the phone from T-Mobile, you will get a 3GB limit. As far as I'm aware the limit on an HD2 will be 1GB - but it might be worth checking this with T-Mobile customer services.
T-Mobile also block some ports on their standard internet service so you can't use MSN Messenger on it, or access certain websites at all (e.g. iPlayer).

I just went with Vodafone as the T-Mobile signal is poor where I live. Almost went with O2 as there have the same Fair Usage Policy as T-Mobile but the Vodafone have a pay as you go option which is a max of 50p per day with a limit of 25 Meg. As I would not use my Phone for internet all that much it is the best option for me. As I don’t need to pay an extra £7.50 a month but can us it when ever I want and not pay through the noise for it.

For myself, the benefits of Vodafone, outweigh the downside of having only 500MB of data. I've never gone over my data for the month, and find it quite hard usually, to go over 15MB a day (roughly what 500MB is over the month). I use SPB Wireless Monitor to keep track of it.
It is nice to hear that Vodafone might be increasing this limit tho.

Shasarak said:
T-Mobile nearly always has a one gigabyte limit. They make an exception for one or two Android-based phones, such as the Hero, which have a lot of constantly updating widgets - for those phones only, if you buy the phone from T-Mobile, you will get a 3GB limit. As far as I'm aware the limit on an HD2 will be 1GB - but it might be worth checking this with T-Mobile customer services.
T-Mobile also block some ports on their standard internet service so you can't use MSN Messenger on it, or access certain websites at all (e.g. iPlayer).
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lol. T-Mobile have 3 versions of internet for mobiles. Basic Web and Walk with 1Gb fair use policy and blocked ports. Web & Walk plus with 3Gb fair use and open for MSN etc and Laptop Tethering, and Web & Walk Max which has a 10Gb fair use policy and is open for everything including Skype and other VOIP calling. The difference in price between basic and Plus is about £3 -£5. All of these packages are available to all phones.

Shasarak said:
T-Mobile nearly always has a one gigabyte limit. They make an exception for one or two Android-based phones, such as the Hero, which have a lot of constantly updating widgets - for those phones only, if you buy the phone from T-Mobile, you will get a 3GB limit. As far as I'm aware the limit on an HD2 will be 1GB - but it might be worth checking this with T-Mobile customer services.
T-Mobile also block some ports on their standard internet service so you can't use MSN Messenger on it, or access certain websites at all (e.g. iPlayer).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have standard TMobile web and walk and can use MSN Messenger with no problems

Gajet said:
lol. T-Mobile have 3 versions of internet for mobiles. Basic Web and Walk with 1Gb fair use policy and blocked ports. Web & Walk plus with 3Gb fair use and open for MSN etc and Laptop Tethering, and Web & Walk Max which has a 10Gb fair use policy and is open for everything including Skype and other VOIP calling. The difference in price between basic and Plus is about £3 -£5. All of these packages are available to all phones.
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All of these may be available, but the point is that you have to pay extra for them. By contrast, other providers don't block ports in their standard Internet packages.

Shasarak said:
All of these may be available, but the point is that you have to pay extra for them. By contrast, other providers don't block ports in their standard Internet packages.
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Depends how you view it. I would argue that their standard is web & walk plus, that allows you to tether, which O2 for instance would charge you an extra £15 on top of your data bundle to do. However T-mobile also offer a budget basic package for people who just want the football results on saturdays.

Gajet said:
Depends how you view it. I would argue that their standard is web & walk plus, that allows you to tether, which O2 for instance would charge you an extra £15 on top of your data bundle to do. However T-mobile also offer a budget basic package for people who just want the football results on saturdays.
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My point is that if you pay the advertised price for a T-Mobile phone you will not get Web'n'Walk Plus (unless it's a G1 or a G2, which are special cases). You get the Plus version if you pay £5 more per month than the advertised price. If the purpose that you want to use the connection for requires one of the ports that is blocked on the standard service, you need to be aware of this.
The discussion started because someone suggested that a 3GB limit is standard on T-Mobile, and it isn't - it's only standard if you buy a G1 or a G2. Otherwise it costs extra. You could reasonably argue that T-Mobile's upgraded package is better than other carriers' upgraded packages, but we need to make sure that people who decide to buy (say) an HD2 from T-Mobile aren't expecting to get the "Plus" package without playing extra for it.
I think there are also heavier restrictions on Web'n'Walk Plus than there are on a standard "Mobile Broadband" package. If you get a 3GB per month package from O2 you can do pretty much what you like with it up to the the 3GB limit. But (under the terms of your contract) you're not allowed to download audio or video over a Web'n'Walk Plus connection, or make Skype calls. (You need to upgrade to the Max version for that).

Shasarak said:
I think there are also heavier restrictions on Web'n'Walk Plus than there are on a standard "Mobile Broadband" package. If you get a 3GB per month package from O2 you can do pretty much what you like with it up to the the 3GB limit. But (under the terms of your contract) you're not allowed to download audio or video over a Web'n'Walk Plus connection, or make Skype calls. (You need to upgrade to the Max version for that).
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With O2 you can't tether to your laptop
T-Mobile said:
How does Mobile Broadband Plus work?
As well as basic browsing and emailing, you'll be able to take full advantage of what the web has to offer, which means you can:
Send instant messages - chat with your friends in real-time
Stream video - watch clips on YouTube
Update your blog - write when inspiration strikes
Download - save and view music, image and movie files
How does Mobile Broadband Max work?
It's exactly the same as web'n'walk Plus except you can use voice over the internet (VoIP) software, such as Skype and Jajah.com, which allows you to make phone calls and instant message with people all over the world.
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Also with T-mobile you build your own package, so not sure what is advertised The final cost of the total bill determines the handset price. Which is why I've always had W&W Plus and never paid more than a standard £35 pm contract.

Gajet said:
so not sure what is advertised
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Then allow me to enlighten you. If you go, for example here:
http://www.mobilephonesdirect.co.uk/Brands/HTC/b509/n447/p27241.aspx#tabsAnchor
you will see an HD2 for sale on contract with T-Mobile. It costs £35 a month, 18-month contract, phone is free, it gives you 700 minutes, "unlimited texts", and "unlimited mobile web". Do you imagine that this deal will give you Web'n'Walk Plus? Obviously, it won't. If you see a T-Mobile deal advertised as "unlimited internet" or "unlimited web", then what that means is that if you pay the amount of money mentioned in the advert, you will get the basic Web'n'Walk package. If you want the "Plus" package then you will have to pay another £5 per month over and above the cost of "unlimited web" to get it.
T-Mobile's own advertising is similar: if you want Web'n'Walk Plus you have to pay £5 a month more than you have to pay for the same phone with the standard Internet package.
Now seriously, this discussion is getting boring, so let's leave it at that.

Never had a problem with T-Mo, even the 2 months I went over 1GB (only by a hundred MB or so). Didn't even hear from them. On the other hand the only horror stories I've read with people getting enormous over-data charges (both local and roaming) have ALL been with Vodafone.
Data was slow at times a year ago but seems ok now. I also get far better reception at home & work on T-Mo with poor/no reception last time I was on Voda, but that's obviously a local issue and will vary, but it was a deciding factor for me..
Likewise despite the T&Cs saying messenger isn't allowed on the baic service, I've always been able to get on no problem.

recently tmobile had a promotional offer which ended in febuary pay and go £10 top up unlimited txt n web.i got the sim because i use it as modem on my shift i can access many sites the only problem i have is msn i dont know if w7 is causing the issue of signing in or tmobile.but when i use the sim on my hd2 msn works fine as long as i untick proxy.i discoverd if the proxy is ticked the auto update of email dosent work or msn so i unticked it.i have used the tmobile sim from streaming to large file downloads they havnt complained although they do have a slower connection then o2.i stopped using o2 they started complaining then they barded me.
i used tmobile sim as modem for few months i think i used more then 3gb

If you go over your plan limit then T-mobile will throttle your usage between 16.00 and 00.00 (midnight) by restricting your access to gprs speed for certain connections (streaming of video is barred etc).
Other than that it's business as usual.

EVO 4G Launch Event

Here are some great links with all the official sprint details, as well as a link w/ some pictures from the live event which just occured...
Sprint EVO Press Release: http://newsreleases.sprint.com/phoe...ol-newsArticle_newsroom&ID=1426178&highlight=
Sprint EVO fact sheet: http://newsreleases.sprint.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=127149&p=irol-newsArticle_newsroom&ID=1426179
IntoMobile Live Coverage:
http://www.intomobile.com/2010/05/12/live-sprints-htc-evo-4g-launch-event.html
Phandroid Summary:
http://phandroid.com/2010/05/12/htc-evo-4g-199-at-launch-available-june-4th/
Basically, $450 unsubsidized, $199 w/ two yr agreement, you will pay $10 extra data fee (b/c they think you will use more data "data rich experience" and it will cost $29 to use the mobile hotspot tethering feature. There will be an "upgrade" feature (from Qik?) that enables mobile to mobile video calls or mobile to desktop...similar to video skype (which verizon has locked down currently). HDMI out cable sold separately and there will be a car dock available as well as a tv docking station available at launch (dock and automatically sends video to your hi-def tv). Sprint is also rumored to be partnering with a video service to enable movie rentals over the air (similar to t-mobiles blockbuster app or Dell which is partnering with amazon videos).
I can't wait for the dev's to root this device!

adeyo said:
Here are some great links with all the official sprint details, as well as a link w/ some pictures from the live event which just occured...
Sprint EVO Press Release: http://newsreleases.sprint.com/phoe...ol-newsArticle_newsroom&ID=1426178&highlight=
Sprint EVO fact sheet: http://newsreleases.sprint.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=127149&p=irol-newsArticle_newsroom&ID=1426179
IntoMobile Live Coverage:
http://www.intomobile.com/2010/05/12/live-sprints-htc-evo-4g-launch-event.html
Phandroid Summary:
http://phandroid.com/2010/05/12/htc-evo-4g-199-at-launch-available-june-4th/
Basically, $450 unsubsidized, $199 w/ two yr agreement, you will pay $10 extra data fee (b/c they think you will use more data "data rich experience" and it will cost $29 to use the mobile hotspot tethering feature. There will be an "upgrade" feature (from Qik?) that enables mobile to mobile video calls or mobile to desktop...similar to video skype (which verizon has locked down currently). HDMI out cable sold separately and there will be a car dock available as well as a tv docking station available at launch (dock and automatically sends video to your hi-def tv). Sprint is also rumored to be partnering with a video service to enable movie rentals over the air (similar to t-mobiles blockbuster app or Dell which is partnering with amazon videos).
I can't wait for the dev's to root this device!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, I can't wait to root it and do video calling as well as tethering without having to pay WAY TOO MUCH.

I totally understand trying to make a buck, to run a business, but I'm not about to pay $29 a month, for a feature, that we can probably wait and get for free. I cannot wait to get this phone!

I'm with you on the tethering issue. I was willing to pay for such a good feature if it was 10, maybe 15$ a month.. but asking 30$ is just too much.

when you say tethering is that the same as making the evo a wifi hotspot?
( I am assuming so)
I think that it stinks that they are trying to charge for that....I will wait for a workaround.....anyway...if someone is abusive with data usage, cant sprint just boot the user?
Question: do you think that by upgrading a phone via online method, that you will receive the phone sooner? or is it best to just go to the sprint store or best buy?
qu1nn

qu1nn said:
when you say tethering is that the same as making the evo a wifi hotspot?
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Click to collapse
( I am assuming so)
Yes, you are correct. Wifi tethering = Hotspot.
qu1nn said:
Question: do you think that by upgrading a phone via online method, that you will receive the phone sooner? or is it best to just go to the sprint store or best buy?
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Click to collapse
I was thinking the same thing about ordering the phone online @sprint. But BestBuy takes out the rebate so you don't have to pay for it. So looks like I'm going to BestBuy when this puppy comes out.

adeyo said:
Here are some great links with all the official sprint details, as well as a link w/ some pictures from the live event which just occured...
Sprint EVO Press Release: http://newsreleases.sprint.com/phoe...ol-newsArticle_newsroom&ID=1426178&highlight=
Sprint EVO fact sheet: http://newsreleases.sprint.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=127149&p=irol-newsArticle_newsroom&ID=1426179
IntoMobile Live Coverage:
http://www.intomobile.com/2010/05/12/live-sprints-htc-evo-4g-launch-event.html
Phandroid Summary:
http://phandroid.com/2010/05/12/htc-evo-4g-199-at-launch-available-june-4th/
Basically, $450 unsubsidized, $199 w/ two yr agreement, you will pay $10 extra data fee (b/c they think you will use more data "data rich experience" and it will cost $29 to use the mobile hotspot tethering feature. There will be an "upgrade" feature (from Qik?) that enables mobile to mobile video calls or mobile to desktop...similar to video skype (which verizon has locked down currently). HDMI out cable sold separately and there will be a car dock available as well as a tv docking station available at launch (dock and automatically sends video to your hi-def tv). Sprint is also rumored to be partnering with a video service to enable movie rentals over the air (similar to t-mobiles blockbuster app or Dell which is partnering with amazon videos).
I can't wait for the dev's to root this device!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$450 unsubsidized? I heard it was gonna be $600. Where did you hear this? I need to buy it sans contract since I got my Hero is Oct.
Edit: Nevermind. I see how they figure that.

$449 in sprint email
Below is the fine print from an email i received from sprint on the EVO...it shows the $449 price.
This is a promotional email from Sprint. If you wish to unsubscribe from Sprint promotional emails, please use the link below.
http://sprint.p.delivery.net/m/u/nex/n.asp
To contact Sprint Nextel, write to: Office of Privacy - Legal Department, Sprint Nextel, P.O. Box 4600, Reston, VA 20195.
View the Sprint Privacy Policy.
May require up to a $36 activation fee/line, credit approval and deposit. Up to $200 early termination fee/line applies. Phone Offer: While supplies last. $449.99 - $150.00 (two-year activation) - $100.00 (mail-in rebate) = $199.99 (final price). Mail-in Rebate: Requires activation at the time of purchase. Line must be active 30 consecutive days. Allow 10 to 14 weeks for rebate. Upgrade: Existing customers in good standing with service on the same device for more than 22 consecutive months currently activated with a service plan of $39.99 or higher may be eligible. See in-store rebate form, sprint.com/upgrade for details. Everything Data Plan: Includes 450 Anytime Minutes. Additional Anytime Minutes (overage): Up to $0.40/minute. Nights: Monday - Thursday 7pm - 7am; Weekends: Friday 7pm - Monday 7am. Partial minutes charged as full minutes. Any Mobile, Anytime (AMA)/Unlimited Calls to Mobile: Applies when directly dialing/receiving standard voice calls between domestic wireless numbers as determined when the call is placed using independent 3rd party and Sprint data bases. Standard roaming rates/restrictions apply. Only available with select Sprint Plans and while on the Nationwide Sprint or Nextel National Networks (excludes calls to voicemail, 411, and other indirect methods). Data/Web: Premium content/downloads (games, ringers, songs, certain channels, etc.) are additional charge. Messaging: Includes text, picture and video for domestic messages sent or received. International messages are $0.20 sent or received. SMS voice messages may incur an additional data charge of $0.03/KB. Text to 3rd parties to participate in promotions or other may result in additional charges. International services are not included. GPS Navigation: GPS reliability varies by environment. Voice/Data Usage Limitation: Sprint reserves the right, without notice, to deny, terminate, modify, disconnect or suspend service if off-network usage in a month exceeds: (1) voice: 800 minutes or a majority of minutes; or (2) data: 300 megabytes or a majority of kilobytes. For other usage restrictions, including limiting throughput, see sprint.com/termsandconditions.
Other Terms: Coverage not available everywhere. Nationwide Sprint and Nextel National Networks reach over 276 and 277 million people, respectively. The 3G Sprint Mobile Broadband Network (including roaming) reaches over 273 million people. Sprint 4G available in over 30 markets and counting and on select devices. See sprint.com/4G for details. Offers and service plan features not available in all markets or retail locations or for all phones or networks. Sprint reserves the right to modify, extend or cancel offers at any time. Other restrictions apply.
See store, sprint.com or the link below for details.
© 2010 Sprint. Sprint and the logo are trademarks of Sprint. Android, Google, the Google logo and Google Search are trademarks of Google Inc. Other marks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

I see reports that FroYo is gonna have built-in USB tethering and Wifi Hotspot functionality. Does anyone know, if sprint for example doesn't specifically block the app, if they can determine you are using it. I am curious if they can figure out what you do on your phone or if they can just see the traffic.

HarveyStyles said:
I totally understand trying to make a buck, to run a business, but I'm not about to pay $29 a month, for a feature, that we can probably wait and get for free. I cannot wait to get this phone!
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Click to collapse
I agree 100%!

setite said:
I see reports that FroYo is gonna have built-in USB tethering and Wifi Hotspot functionality. Does anyone know, if sprint for example doesn't specifically block the app, if they can determine you are using it. I am curious if they can figure out what you do on your phone or if they can just see the traffic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have also seen this information. With sprint offering this hotspot as an addon package it is very probable that they will probably disable it. Devs will fix that pretty quick. However I dont think if you are doing moderate surfing they will have any idea. Where it might become a problem is if you are downloading say 5-10gb worth of data a month after doing 500mb of data the previous month. They might get a little suspicious. Moral of the story.....just download 10gb every month from the get go, they will never know what hit them.

vandersmissenc said:
I have also seen this information. With sprint offering this hotspot as an addon package it is very probable that they will probably disable it. Devs will fix that pretty quick. However I dont think if you are doing moderate surfing they will have any idea. Where it might become a problem is if you are downloading say 5-10gb worth of data a month after doing 500mb of data the previous month. They might get a little suspicious. Moral of the story.....just download 10gb every month from the get go, they will never know what hit them.
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Click to collapse
I can do this. I have been intentionally finding ways to ramp up my data usage on my iPhone. The best thing I have found is to stream classical music when I sleep on the iheartradio app. It has a nice non-verbal classical station that ensures I go to sleep and stay asleep without getting into a dead sleep I find hard to wake up from Any other ideas on ramping up my monthly usage

post your first thoughts of your new HTC Aria

Well, I'm just wondering what everyone else is thinking. I just purchased the aria after buying (and returning the motorola backflip) - which btw, I have to give *some* credit. I read a lot of bad things about the backflip and I have to say, I really didn't have all that many problems with the phone, i personally thought it was a step up from my tilt2.. I was at my wits end with either winmo or htc.. but the backflip just didn't have enough power for me and I feared att would take forever to release 2.1 for the device.
Anyway, so far ( my first few hours ) with the aria, I am quite impressed. I wanted a small device and I think this packs a nice little punch. My experience has been fairly good. There are a couple things I dislike already about the phone.. the speaker quality is really bothering me, I can barely hear when I'm getting a phone call, the actual handset sound quality is not bad, its crisp and clear, but not NEARLY as good at the backflip.. if anything the backflip should get some excellent credit for having a great speaker and sound quality. The headphones or ear buds are HUGE, I'm not a small guy, but how is someone suppose to stick those huge buds in their ear hole? I'm slightly concerned about battery life, but I understand this may be an issue with most of android phones (or 2.1 down maybe???) but really that's about the only downfalls I'm running into at the moment. Overall I am quite satisfied with the device and think I'm actually going to keep this one. I love how it's just zipping through most screens and programs. I seen some video reviews of android central putting it through some benchmark test along with 3 other devices and this aria kept up with them.. (and even beat the droid, yes, I know, droid has twice the resolution but still.. not bad). Oh and I was also really concerned with the low resolution of the device, I understand a higher res on such a tiny screen would make things very hard to read. This screen is very vivid and I don't know why I was so concerned anymore.
would I buy my mom this phone? heck yah, so far, it's ranked up there in my list of fav phones.. and maybe take the #1 spot here soon after more playing around. (YES, UNTIL MY NEXT DEVICE!!!)
well, just thought I would say Hi to all my fellow aria owners, see what you guys thought and maybe offer some opinions for others who haven't bought the device.

I picked up the phone yesterday and I have to say I'm really enjoying it so far. For the 600mhz processor it's packing it's actually VERY responsive. I have been pleasantly surprised at the speed this little guy packs (and that's coming from a Nexus One owner!). The screen looks small when placed beside my Nexus One but while using the device I find myself having plenty of room to browse, type, and just about do anything. So far so good!
Ever since I got my Nexus One and ditched iPhone I've been looking at the Legend but didn't want to give up 3G. This device in my opinion is a smaller and more pocketable model. It has the same processor, screen size, and resolution but it's not AMOLED (which doesn't bother me because I can see it in sunlight) and runs just about identical software. Over all I'm impressed with the device.
Now hopefully it will see a root pretty soon and maybe even some ROMs/Kernels if were lucky!

HTC Aria
I just registered to xda-developers to post about the HTC Aria. The thing about the phone is that it's FAST. For a 600MHz processor, it screams. I've seen the EVO 4G and Droid and the Aria seems to keep up in terms of smoothness. Listening to music, surfing the web and getting text at the same time is smooth.
I have the phone fully charged, with brightness set to automatic, and wifi turned on so we'll see how long the phone lasts through out a normal day.

I went to the ATT store yesterday to check the phone out in person. I was pretty impressed with its speed over all. I had no issues with the screen size what so ever. In fact... the fact that the phone is small and very thin (compared to my Tilt 1) makes it one of my first choices for a new phone. BUT... I'm out of contract with ATT on July 5th and am thinking of switching to sprint and getting an EVO but I have yet to get my hands on one to really compare. But again... the size of the Aria is very appealing to me. And I'm not so sure Sprint will have the coverage I need in all the places I go?
I REALLY hate how ATT neuters their phones!!! And hate it even more that i have an UNLIMITED data plan now...BUT.... ATT wants to charge me more a month for a new data plan for "smart phones". $5 more for 200megs $15 more for 2GBs, and I for get how much more if I want to teather... WTF??? I can teather NOW (and do often)... such a rip off... data is data and unlimited is unlimited in my mind!!! Sprint would be the exact same price I pay now for unlimited everything and and i could get an EVO.
I think my biggest concern with the Aria is that... until I root it, and am able to change radios, i'm worried about signal strength!!! My tilt was BAD until I installed the radio I have now around here. It was impossiable to travel and talk on it because I kept loosing signal. I drive a lot for work, and to some remote places too, I could look at my in dash NAV screen and watch the signal drop out every couple mins. Installed the battery eating monster and all was well. But I REALLY don't want to go through that again, I'd actually like it to be good out of the box (imagine that?)
I had recently played with a friends backflip and managed to lock it up inside 15mins and had to reboot it to get it to function again. Plus i didn't care for the keyboard on the outside and lack of 2.1 to start with... So I'm still on the fence... nice sized Arai but still have to deal with ATT, or go to Sprint, get an EVO and the great unknown of how my service will be. Live in 12866 but travle 100+ miles in every direction for work.
So far I'm 60/40 toward the Aria... maybe once it's rooted I'll make the jump??? IDK!
Chris

sentinel_cm said:
I REALLY hate how ATT neuters their phones!!! And hate it even more that i have an UNLIMITED data plan now...BUT.... ATT wants to charge me more a month for a new data plan for "smart phones". $5 more for 200megs $15 more for 2GBs, and I for get how much more if I want to teather... WTF??? I can teather NOW (and do often)... such a rip off... data is data and unlimited is unlimited in my mind!!! Sprint would be the exact same price I pay now for unlimited everything and and i could get an EVO.
Chris
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Actually, if you already have an unlimited data plan, you can keep it as long as you like, even if you switch phones. I had the HTC Fuze for the longest time and as long a you mention that you want to keep your unlimited plan, you should be able to keep it.

lorcharlie said:
Actually, if you already have an unlimited data plan, you can keep it as long as you like, even if you switch phones. I had the HTC Fuze for the longest time and as long a you mention that you want to keep your unlimited plan, you should be able to keep it.
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Click to collapse
I had this arguement with the people who work at the ATT store too... I couldn't get them to upgrade me to the Arai and keep my plan AS IS. I can get the phone via the store for $130, or $29 via ATT web site (both with 2yr contract extensions). But both require me to upgrade to the dataplan for smart phones. I'm going to try the 800 # and see if I can get my way... I have in the past.
Chris

Those AT&T guys needs an update. When I went to get my phone on Sunday, I was the only informed person about the HTC Aria. They had to go online to find the phone cause they didn't believe me. I got the only one there that day.
BestBuy Mobile acknowledges that you have an unlimited plan and will keep you on it when I went to ask them on Saturday. If AT&T doesn't work, BB?

go to best buy, i work there and at least at my location the mobile team knows all about the aria, its 129 and we dont have any mail in rebates, its all in store

lorcharlie said:
Those AT&T guys needs an update. When I went to get my phone on Sunday, I was the only informed person about the HTC Aria. They had to go online to find the phone cause they didn't believe me. I got the only one there that day.
BestBuy Mobile acknowledges that you have an unlimited plan and will keep you on it when I went to ask them on Saturday. If AT&T doesn't work, BB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just spent 30 mins on the phone with ATT and here's where I got....
I'm told that I have the "wrong" data plan for the phone I have now. I find this amuseing because I bought the phone 2 years ago via the web site, and the plan in March at the ATT store. They tell me that as soon as I put my sim chip in the Arai my plan would be automatically upgraded, I call BS!!! (heard this from the guy in the store too). I gave them a "little bit" of hard time and talked to a manager too.
The manager was very cool and was willing to work with me... He offered to change me to the 200Mb smart phone data plan + unlimited text. This would bring my bill up $5 a month for the 2 year contract. He then offered me a $120 credit to my account to cover the extra $5 for the whole 2 years. I told him I wanted to think about it and he put a note on my account and told me I could do the online thing then call back and referance the note and get the credit.
So... I can upgrade to the Aria for $29 via att site, my bill goes up $5 a month, but they will give me a $120 credit to cover it. Not bad...
Now my thought process is this... IS 200Mb enough... I adverage about 15Mbs normally but with a full HTML browser and Android as a new toy will it be enough???? Or do I jump ship for Sprint and a $200 Evo???
Decisions decisions....

sentinel_cm said:
I just spent 30 mins on the phone with ATT and here's where I got....
I'm told that I have the "wrong" data plan for the phone I have now. I find this amuseing because I bought the phone 2 years ago via the web site, and the plan in March at the ATT store. They tell me that as soon as I put my sim chip in the Arai my plan would be automatically upgraded, I call BS!!! (heard this from the guy in the store too). I gave them a "little bit" of hard time and talked to a manager too.
The manager was very cool and was willing to work with me... He offered to change me to the 200Mb smart phone data plan + unlimited text. This would bring my bill up $5 a month for the 2 year contract. He then offered me a $120 credit to my account to cover the extra $5 for the whole 2 years. I told him I wanted to think about it and he put a note on my account and told me I could do the online thing then call back and referance the note and get the credit.
So... I can upgrade to the Aria for $29 via att site, my bill goes up $5 a month, but they will give me a $120 credit to cover it. Not bad...
Now my thought process is this... IS 200Mb enough... I adverage about 15Mbs normally but with a full HTML browser and Android as a new toy will it be enough???? Or do I jump ship for Sprint and a $200 Evo???
Decisions decisions....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That really depends on how you are going to use it. If you use wifi most of the time and don't use 3G to do much multimedia streaming, then you should be fine. Don't download big email attachments and don't send them while on 3g. 200mb is not a lot of data for this type of smartphone, but if you don't want to pony up for more data, you can stay within 200mb with some discipline and judicious use of cell data. Restricting most of your playing to wifi will help a lot.
T-Mobile and Sprint both offer more attractive data plans that might work for you. But where I live and travel, only AT&T and Verizon offer the kind of service that make it worth having a cell phone at all. If I lived and traveled in a more urban area, I'd have a lot more choices.

sentinel_cm said:
I just spent 30 mins on the phone with ATT and here's where I got....
I'm told that I have the "wrong" data plan for the phone I have now. I find this amuseing because I bought the phone 2 years ago via the web site, and the plan in March at the ATT store. They tell me that as soon as I put my sim chip in the Arai my plan would be automatically upgraded, I call BS!!! (heard this from the guy in the store too). I gave them a "little bit" of hard time and talked to a manager too.
The manager was very cool and was willing to work with me... He offered to change me to the 200Mb smart phone data plan + unlimited text. This would bring my bill up $5 a month for the 2 year contract. He then offered me a $120 credit to my account to cover the extra $5 for the whole 2 years. I told him I wanted to think about it and he put a note on my account and told me I could do the online thing then call back and referance the note and get the credit.
So... I can upgrade to the Aria for $29 via att site, my bill goes up $5 a month, but they will give me a $120 credit to cover it. Not bad...
Now my thought process is this... IS 200Mb enough... I adverage about 15Mbs normally but with a full HTML browser and Android as a new toy will it be enough???? Or do I jump ship for Sprint and a $200 Evo???
Decisions decisions....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's some clarification on how the data plans work. In the past, there were a total of five data plans: Media Net, PDA, Blackberry, iPhone, and aircard data. Out of these five, only Media Net truly had unlimited data, but it was only for non-smartphones, such as the Samsung Eternity, or more recently, Samsung Sunburst, etc. The PDA, iPhone, and Blackberry plans were all $30, but none of them were truly unlimited. In the fine print on the brochures that had this plan, or if you ask any honest AT&T rep, you truly had a 5GB limit, just like the aircard plans.
This being said, you may have had Media Net on your phone before, but Media Net is not the internet plan associated with smartphones, the smartphone plans are. And if you did not have any of the smartphone data plans before, it is IMPOSSIBLE for AT&T (it is not a clickable option in the activation system any longer) to give you that old plan. For me, this doesn't matter. The AT&T online bill payment system has the option to see a nice graph of data usage for the previous six months to give you an idea of how much you use, and I think there is some truth to AT&T's statement that 98% of their users do not exceed 2GB. I myself peaked at 300 mb in May, so while my average is above the cheap $15 200 MB limit plan, It is well beneath the $25 2GB plan, which is cheaper than the archaic 5gb limit plans.
So you see, the unlimited smartphone data plan is a lie, there has never been one for AT&T (and of course, Verizon, because their plans mirror each other).

Not an owner yet.. but I have a renewal coming up, and I'm kicking the idea around. I've used Windows Mobile for a while now, but I really like the flexibility & apps available with Android.
I'm debating whether to just get the Aria, or use my upgrade to get an iPhone 3G, sell it then turn around & buy a Nexus one.
Assuming I do the adb thing to allow apps and then do a root to get rid of the bloatware, what would the pros & cons be between the Aria and the N1? I know the N1 has a larger screen and the faster processor, the Aria has the HTC interface.. is there anything other than that?

attn1 said:
That really depends on how you are going to use it. If you use wifi most of the time and don't use 3G to do much multimedia streaming, then you should be fine. Don't download big email attachments and don't send them while on 3g. 200mb is not a lot of data for this type of smartphone, but if you don't want to pony up for more data, you can stay within 200mb with some discipline and judicious use of cell data. Restricting most of your playing to wifi will help a lot.
T-Mobile and Sprint both offer more attractive data plans that might work for you. But where I live and travel, only AT&T and Verizon offer the kind of service that make it worth having a cell phone at all. If I lived and traveled in a more urban area, I'd have a lot more choices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never paid for a data plan on my Windows phones, I've always turned off pictures in my browser and rarely checked anything. I'd spend like $2-$3 per month on data..
But on this upgrade, it looks like I have to add a data plan, which is ok with me because of the new $15 option. Other than general web browsing, I might download or email small files (word/excel etc) here & there.. I run some websites that I might edit from time to time (if I can get used to the touchscreen keyboard).. I can't see myself doing any streaming.. The most data-intensive thing I can see myself doing is Google Maps/Navigation. Think I'd be ok with the 200MB plan? Is tethering possible on the new plans? I'd definitely do that if it was possible (but again, just for general use, no streaming or large files or anything..)

sentinel_cm said:
I just spent 30 mins on the phone with ATT and here's where I got....
I'm told that I have the "wrong" data plan for the phone I have now. I find this amuseing because I bought the phone 2 years ago via the web site, and the plan in March at the ATT store. They tell me that as soon as I put my sim chip in the Arai my plan would be automatically upgraded, I call BS!!! (heard this from the guy in the store too). I gave them a "little bit" of hard time and talked to a manager too.
The manager was very cool and was willing to work with me... He offered to change me to the 200Mb smart phone data plan + unlimited text. This would bring my bill up $5 a month for the 2 year contract. He then offered me a $120 credit to my account to cover the extra $5 for the whole 2 years. I told him I wanted to think about it and he put a note on my account and told me I could do the online thing then call back and referance the note and get the credit.
So... I can upgrade to the Aria for $29 via att site, my bill goes up $5 a month, but they will give me a $120 credit to cover it. Not bad...
Now my thought process is this... IS 200Mb enough... I adverage about 15Mbs normally but with a full HTML browser and Android as a new toy will it be enough???? Or do I jump ship for Sprint and a $200 Evo???
Decisions decisions....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was going to say that even though I have unlimited data, I realize that almost everywhere I'm at, I have Wi-Fi. That's something else to consider if they won't let you have unlimited data. You could probably do most of your steaming/downloading on Wi-Fi and only do 3g when necessary.
I just checked when I had my iPhone 3gs and I only used 300MB of 3g on average, which means most of my internet interactions were on wifi.
Just a thought. And yes, I can't wait for this phone to be rooted.

ShinerDraft said:
I've never paid for a data plan on my Windows phones, I've always turned off pictures in my browser and rarely checked anything. I'd spend like $2-$3 per month on data..
But on this upgrade, it looks like I have to add a data plan, which is ok with me because of the new $15 option. Other than general web browsing, I might download or email small files (word/excel etc) here & there.. I run some websites that I might edit from time to time (if I can get used to the touchscreen keyboard).. I can't see myself doing any streaming.. The most data-intensive thing I can see myself doing is Google Maps/Navigation. Think I'd be ok with the 200MB plan? Is tethering possible on the new plans? I'd definitely do that if it was possible (but again, just for general use, no streaming or large files or anything..)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "option" to teather is listed @ $45 per month. So $15 for 200Mb, $25 for 2Gb or $45 for 2Gb + Teather which is decribed as... "2 GB of data to share between your phone and your laptop or Netbook"
I'm sorry... but that is a TOTAL ripoff!!! $20 more to SHARE the same amount of data between my phone and laptop???

I just got my Aria yesterday and am so far happy with it. I still need to figure out how to push apps to it with the side step procedure linked elsewhere here in the forum, so the AT&T restriction really doesn't seem to be that big of a problem to me.
I concur on the insanity on the data plans with AT&T. I've got it doubly complicated as I have a Family plan shared with my husband's iPhone which has the grandfathered in unlimited data and we have unlimited text. The online upgrade system was still giving me the option last week of adding on to my phone for data unlimited for $10 more as we have the text option. But of course I got the same song and dance from the store monkeys on the 'well that's not for smartphones' dodge. Nicely done as far as SNAFU'd corporate communications goes. Though I wouldn't expect anything less from AT&T .
My only complaint with my phone so far is that it is unable to refind my unadvertised home wifi net after a reboot or extended sleep. There's probably a fix, I haven't looked yet for it.

I REALLY hate how ATT neuters their phones!!! And hate it even more that i have an UNLIMITED data plan now...BUT.... ATT wants to charge me more a month for a new data plan for "smart phones". $5 more for 200megs $15 more for 2GBs, and I for get how much more if I want to teather... WTF??? I can teather NOW (and do often)... such a rip off... data is data and unlimited is unlimited in my mind!!! Sprint would be the exact same price I pay now for unlimited everything and and i could get an EVO.
Chris,
I just went through the data question w/ AT&T (I know I can barely stand them) I was told that my 'unlimited' data plan was grandfathered and I didn't have to change anything, however, I did have to talk with customer service to have them set it up.

ShinerDraft said:
Assuming I do the adb thing to allow apps and then do a root to get rid of the bloatware, what would the pros & cons be between the Aria and the N1? I know the N1 has a larger screen and the faster processor, the Aria has the HTC interface.. is there anything other than that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just went from an N1 to an Aria and like the change. Even though the N1 has a faster processor, the Aria is just as fast because it doesn't have as much to power. There are some articles out there which show it's comparable to the Evo and N1 in terms of speed (despite lower specs) (try http://forum.dailymobile.se/index.php?topic=24656.0). I was saying in another post that the Aria can actually juggle 7 or so apps at a time while the N1 will start seriously lagging at just 3 or 4. This is before I had upgraded the N1 to 2.2, but a lot of Market apps were not available or compatible with that build (and some of the stuff I'd already purchased didn't show up!). Of course, the 2.2 build on N1 is 450% faster than the 2.1 build and could easily be considered the fastest android build out there.
I also had a lot of trouble holding onto the N1. It was sleek, but just a little *too* sleek, if you can imagine! I'd also had a negative buying experience with Google where their checkout software screwed up and then the manager-less customer service reps didn't have any idea about what to do (even though that was just my own personal experience).
The N1 did have a gorgeous, big screen and it was sweet on 2.2. The Live Wallpapers can be a thrill, if you are as easily amused as myself. But the Sense ui on the Aria is amazing and seems more interactive than what was on the N1.
Plus, if you root the N1, you void your manufacturer's warranty - your boot screen will display a message to that effect. With the G1, I was able to reload a stock rom and it was accepted under the original warranty. I'm hoping the Aria will be the same way. I was thinking I could root it (if/when that happens) and overclock, but it just doesn't seem to need it now....
Btw... anyone want to buy an N1?

damn pixie said:
I just went from an N1 to an Aria and like the change. Even though the N1 has a faster processor, the Aria is just as fast because it doesn't have as much to power. There are some articles out there which show it's comparable to the Evo and N1 in terms of speed (despite lower specs) (try http://forum.dailymobile.se/index.php?topic=24656.0). I was saying in another post that the Aria can actually juggle 7 or so apps at a time while the N1 will start seriously lagging at just 3 or 4. This is before I had upgraded the N1 to 2.2, but a lot of Market apps were not available or compatible with that build (and some of the stuff I'd already purchased didn't show up!). Of course, the 2.2 build on N1 is 450% faster than the 2.1 build and could easily be considered the fastest android build out there.
I also had a lot of trouble holding onto the N1. It was sleek, but just a little *too* sleek, if you can imagine! I'd also had a negative buying experience with Google where their checkout software screwed up and then the manager-less customer service reps didn't have any idea about what to do (even though that was just my own personal experience).
The N1 did have a gorgeous, big screen and it was sweet on 2.2. The Live Wallpapers can be a thrill, if you are as easily amused as myself. But the Sense ui on the Aria is amazing and seems more interactive than what was on the N1.
Plus, if you root the N1, you void your manufacturer's warranty - your boot screen will display a message to that effect. With the G1, I was able to reload a stock rom and it was accepted under the original warranty. I'm hoping the Aria will be the same way. I was thinking I could root it (if/when that happens) and overclock, but it just doesn't seem to need it now....
Btw... anyone want to buy an N1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah just keep them both! Lol...I am and I'm still enjoying the hell out of my Aria. This thing doesn't skip a beat! Its easily the fastest 600mhz phone I've ever used. I'm guessing the smaller screen size needs less processing power or something because this little guy flys. I can't even imagine what it would do with a snap dragon! If we can get a root and maybe a 800-850mhz over clock on this bad boy it will be crazy fast.
On a side note my Aria is easily kicking my Nexus Ones ass in battery life. Im extremely surprised.

Can anyone who has an Aria comment on call sound quality, speaker phone quality & volume, and how the phone performs in general in reguards to having a signal vs. not having a signal on the network???

Slow Data Speeds? T-Mobile Contracts via 3rd Party Reseller

Not really Nexus S related but just wanted to make people aware when buying mobiles via a 3rd party reseller such as Phones4U etc.
Internet Speed
I found syncing emails, browsing and youtube to be painfully slow so decided to run a few speed tests. My download speed was being capped at 360-380kbps!
Decided to do some research and found that...
T-Mobile only allow 3rd party resellers to include the internet as an added booster which limits you to 3G only and no HSPDA ... hence the crap speeds!
I've had to call up and pay a further £5 a month to have the 'Internet Plus' booster added which increases my usage to 3GB and speeds up to HSPDA. This is included as standard if you buy any Android handset direct from T-Mobile.
Results are..
Before:
Test 1 = 35kbps Download & 24kbps Upload
Test 2 = 329kbps Download & 97kbps Upload
Test 3 = 317kbps Download & 57kbps Upload
After (1min after calling customer services):
Test 1 = 1175kbps Download & 475kbps Upload
Test 2 = 1726kbps Download & 446kbps Upload
I'm not a heavy data user but even I noticed how slow it was, the difference is shocking.
I tried to play dumb and get them to upgrade for free as i know a few people have had sucess with this but it appears all the technical support team are now clued up. They knew that i didn't purchase the phone direct.
Just a heads up

So you're saying that when you sign up for a T-Mo contract through Phones4U or possibly CPW they'll put a speed capped data plan on your contract?!
That's definitely something to watch out for in future, I bet it's hidden deep in their T&C where an average punter wouldn't find it or understand the implications.

Yep.
For example my plan is £25 500 texts 600mins.
Purchased direct from T-Mobile
500 texts
600 mins
Tmobiles Internet Plus (3GB Internet Package allowing HSPDA speeds)
Purchased via Phones4u
500 texts
600 mins
Tmobiles Internet Booster (1GB Internet Package only allowing up to 3G speeds)
That's why Phones4u can offer such a good deal .... sneaky tbh!

Reply from Phones4u...
http://support.phones4u.co.uk/pe/action/forums/displaythread?rootPostID=10127815&channelID=1&portalPageId=1002
Hi thoms04,
As this is one of the network's policies, it is not something that our advisors may have been aware of however I will certainly feed this information back throughout of business in order to ensure that this is known.
T-Mobile are certainly leading the way by offering their customers a 1Gb internet allowance as standard as most networks will only offer 500Mb, I am aware that T-Mobile however are changing this from the 1st February 2011 and will be lowering their 1Gb limit to 500 Mb for new customers (contract & upgrade).
This wont affect yourself however it may explain why they prefer to restrict the speeds available on their internet, we aren't legally required to make you aware of any of the network policies but we can make sure that we're aware if asked in future.
We're glad to hear that you have managed to obtain the speeds that you want however and thank you for providing this information so that we can make our teams aware.

I did this for free the other day, it might depend who you get I spoke to some American woman, just asked for the uncapped speed as I have an android handset and she added upgraded my unlimited data to Web & Walk Plus for free. I have been with t-mob for over a year though with a crappy nokia till I just got a nexus-s. original phone+contract was bought via third party, I'd give them a call and try again until you get someone who will do it for nothing

blueghostuk said:
I did this for free the other day, it might depend who you get I spoke to some American woman, just asked for the uncapped speed as I have an android handset and she added upgraded my unlimited data to Web & Walk Plus for free. I have been with t-mob for over a year though with a crappy nokia till I just got a nexus-s. original phone+contract was bought via third party, I'd give them a call and try again until you get someone who will do it for nothing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried with 4 different people, you must have got a nice customer service rep! I know a few others had it upgraded for free also.
It used to be that you could pretend you purchased the phone direct from T-Mobile and they would just assume it was missed off and add it. However when i tried this they knew straight away that my handset was purchased via a 3rd Party.
They have also updated their T & C's recently stating that the handset needs to be purchased direct for it to qualify.
I'm not really that bothered as i have what i want, just wanted to make people aware so they don't get caught out.

thoms04 said:
I tried with 4 different people, you must have got a nice customer service rep! I know a few others had it upgraded for free also.
It used to be that you could pretend you purchased the phone direct from T-Mobile and they would just assume it was missed off and add it. However when i tried this they knew straight away that my handset was purchased via a 3rd Party.
They have also updated their T & C's recently stating that the handset needs to be purchased direct for it to qualify.
I'm not really that bothered as i have what i want, just wanted to make people aware so they don't get caught out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i negoiated my upgrade with T-Mo via their loyalties team. Once I did that I got my rate and specified I am using an Android smartphone I was put the smartphone FPU
What Phones4u sold you is the default tariff.
I had to get my phone from CPW I payed and extra 20 quid for the handset and CPW did not modify my plan.

dragon546 said:
i negoiated my upgrade with T-Mo via their loyalties team. Once I did that I got my rate and specified I am using an Android smartphone I was put the smartphone FPU
What Phones4u sold you is the default tariff.
I had to get my phone from CPW I payed and extra 20 quid for the handset and CPW did not modify my plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that lol.
T-Mobile recently changed their T&C's so that it states that you must purchase the handset/contract direct from them.
Before they only stated that you needed to be using an Android handset on the T-Mobile network.

I read this on the way home just after buying my nexus s from carphone warehouse.
I rang T-Mobile and was told that to get decent data speed you need to have a bolt on called web and walk plus. I managed to get them to swap me over for free but still its bad pratice that they don't tell you about it up front.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

[Q] Walmart Family Mobile

I was at my local Wally-World (WalMart) last night and noticed that they are now offering another pre-paid cellular option called WalMart Family Mobile (using T-Mobiles' Network).
I currently have a G1 and an HD2 (Both T-Mobile branded as T-Mobile USA). Will I need to call T-Mobile to acquire unlock codes for this phones to use on the WFM services?
I have searched the Internet, and the responses are 50/50. About half saying yes I will need unlock codes, the other half saying that I won't need them.
So, I took the next logical step and contacted the WFM Customer Support line. I called 6 times...3 of the representatives said I will not need to unlock them, 2 said I will, and one was unsure if I need to or not.
Does anyone here have any experience regarding WFM and T-Mobile branded phones that are still sim-locked?

Well I have had no personal experience with sim unlocking my HD2, what IO can tell you though is if you will have to get it unlocked to to use the WMF, you will have to get a unlock code. I suggest you do this if you can, call T-Mobile customer service while you are still a T-Mobile costumer (I see under your sig you are on T-Mobile) and tell them you are going out of country some where for business reasons or vacation and want to get a sim card to use a local prepaid local service while you are there so you need a sim unlock code for your HD2 and G1. It is up to you what you tell them but seeing you have two phones you want to sim unlock I would say vacation so you can say you and your wife will be able to use your phones while on vacation. I say contact T-Mobile while you are still a customer because you have to be a customer for them to give you a code, plus T-Mobile will give you the code for free and you will not have to pay for a code from one of the many sites you can buy a code from, plus you will be guaranteed the codes will be valid. Next, after you have the codes in hand, I would go to Wal-Mart and purchase a months worth of the prepaid service for the WMF but tell the Wal-Mart employee you want to use you HD2 or G1, you decide which one as this is a test, as your phone so you just need a sim card for your phone. I have not checked this WMF out myself but hopefully you do noy have to buy a phone to get a sim card. Once you have said sim card put it in your phone and see if you get service, if you do not get service you will have to enter the unlock code to get service.
I am telling you to do this cause if the WMF uses T-Mobiles network then it is a chance you will not need the codes. But then again it is a chance you will need the codes also. So as you said the way I see it you have a 50/50 shot at having to unlock your HD2 and G1. It is better to go at this being prepared than to go into this and not be prepared. Best of luck with your endeavor and please post back here when you have a definitive answer so others can maybe have this question answered.
One more thing if you are doing this because of the impending buy out of T-Mobile by AT&T, thjen it will probable be in vein as you said the WMF uses T-Mobile's network.

I contacted T-Mo to get my unlock code 'just in case'. I did that right after I posted the initial post here. They say I should have it within 24 hours. Here's hoping that I actually get it. (I contacted them a years ago to get an unlock code for one of my Blackberries and never got it).
Anyways, once I get the unlock code, I'll just print the e-mail and take it with me to Walmart when I go get the $25 activation kit (IE: Sim Card).
Walmart says on their site that you can use your existing phone rather than buying one, as long as it is compatible (as long as it is GSM). The website also states that it needs to be unlocked, but as Walmart's main area of focus is not as a cellular provider, I do not put much weight into them saying it needs to be unlocked. It might be referring to non T-Mo phones, lord only knows. I'll find out in a day or two.
As to the reason I am switching....no, it is not due to the AT&T-Mobile merger. I am currently on the T-Mobile FlexPay plan paying $94.34 a month (after taxes) for unlimited everything on my phone. My fiancee's phone is costing $75.67 a month just for unlimited talk and text. That's $170.01 a month for our 2 lines.
With WFM, I can get an unlimited talk/text plan for us that comes out to $70 total for both phones ($45/mo for the first, $25/mo for each additional line). Data is sold in bulk, with the best rate being $40 for 1 gig (or $4 per 100meg). That 1 gig of mobile data should last us quite a while, as the unused portion will roll over each month. Even if we used the entire gig every month, that is still only $110 a month ($70 for the voice/text and $40 for the data). The $110/mo is still $60.00 cheaper. That's a win-win in my book.
The best part is that my phone number (which ends in 4000, perfect for my business) has been ported to Google Voice, so I can keep it and not have to worry if the WFM plans cease to exist if the AT&T-Mobile merger is approved.

Hey sounds like you and your wife are in the same boat as me and my wife. I pay a total of $225 a month (I think? She always pays the bill so I am not 100% sure that figure is correct) for our service with T-Mobile. The WMF thing sounds interesting to me but I would lose out in the long run if I switched cause I run pretty close to the 5GB soft cap T-Mobile has every month. I use my HD2 has a WiFi hotspot all the time at home cause I am not paying the high prices the internet providers want for set up and monthly service around my area. I only have Edge at in my interior area as well so just regular web browsing is fast enough for me. If I want to download anything or watch Youtube videos or any other vedios I just go to a public WiFi spot. If the WMF sold more than one gig at a time of data I might would switch but seeing as they don't I can not right now. Lord only knows what is going to happen to me using my HD2 as a WiFi hotspot when AT&T takes over.

I'm surprised T-Mo hasn't cut your data off yet...I use my HD2 as a wifi hotspot while I am on the road (gotta love it when my phone shows the H rather than E, hehe). Anyways, one month I hit over 10 gigs and they nailed me and throttled my internet speeds for the rest of the month.
It's sad though...there are times that I get faster internet through T-Mo by tethering my laptop to my HD2 than I do on a time warner cable connection.

jmhecker said:
I'm surprised T-Mo hasn't cut your data off yet...I use my HD2 as a wifi hotspot while I am on the road (gotta love it when my phone shows the H rather than E, hehe). Anyways, one month I hit over 10 gigs and they nailed me and throttled my internet speeds for the rest of the month.
It's sad though...there are times that I get faster internet through T-Mo by tethering my laptop to my HD2 than I do on a time warner cable connection.
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Ha yeah I do worry about getting throttled, but I really try to just use it for basic wed browsing nothing else while I am at home. For basic web browsing the Edge I get at home is cool, I have never had a chance to try it when I have 3G avaliable. I don't think I have ever seen the H on my HD2 lol. What can I say I live in the boonies

You DO NOT have to unlock tmobile phones to use WFM. I use an HD2 (running windows moblie and Android dual boot) and my wife has a HTC dash and neither is unlocked. If you want to use another GSM phone (ATT) then it will need to be unlocked.
This is the best deal out there if you do not use a lot of data. Been using it since last Oct and am very satisfied.

nesta17 said:
You DO NOT have to unlock tmobile phones to use WFM. I use an HD2 (running windows moblie and Android dual boot) and my wife has a HTC dash and neither is unlocked. If you want to use another GSM phone (ATT) then it will need to be unlocked.
This is the best deal out there if you do not use a lot of data. Been using it since last Oct and am very satisfied.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the info there nesta17. this is good to know, I figured you wouldn't have to unlock it seeing as WMF uses the T-Mobile network. But you never know about this mobile carrier companies. LOL

Okay, quick update:
First of all, Walmart sucks! I went to the location here in town late last night to buy 2 of their activation kits (one for me and one for the wifey). I went to the electronics department and told the cashier that I needed to purchase 2 "Walmart Family Mobile Activation Kits"...he said that they can not sell those after 9:00 PM. He stated that was Walmart policy. I explained to him that I only want to buy the kit, I do not want/need him to activate the phones, as I will be doing that at home. He stuck to his story.
As I am a person that rarely believes a word any employee of Walmart (or any other store) says, I immediately went to the customer service desk to inquire. They said that the employee in electronics was correct. Still, I was doubtful. So, I grabbed my HD2 and googled for the walmart that is about 5 miles down the road. I asked for electronics and spoke with an individual named Tom. I asked him if they have the WFM Activation Kits, and he said they do. He then continued on saying that there is no 'activation associate' on staff (the last one leaves at 9PM), so if I wanted to activate in the store I would have to wait until the morning. I told him that I only wish to purchase the activation kit so I could activate it at home. He said that is not a problem, and I rushed on over. at 11:45PM I purchased the kit (well after 9:00PM, proving the first employee wrong).
I get home, activated the SIM Cards without a problem. All I needed was the IMEI of my phones, the activation number for each SIM Card (provided in the Activation Kit) as well as the SIM Card itself (also in the Activation Kit). I popped the SIM card into my HD2 and powered it up. It no longer said T-Mobile on the lockscreen, but read as "Family Mobile". There was no need to unlock the phone, and everything works as expected.
The service is just as it would be with T-Mobile, obviously. I still get the H showing on my notification bar using the same APN settings as T-Mobile. I switch from H/3G/E/G as I drive, so it is correctly changing the network(s) I hit as I drive around (I travel a lot for work).
MMS/Texts/E-Mails/etc all work as expected. I could not be any happier.
I am going to install Windows Mobile 6.5 on it later today just so I can run the Simlock program to unlock the phone, then go right back to Android. (I have the unlock code, I might as well just use it, heh)
I went from nearly $200/mo for 2 phones down to less than $80 (after taxes). I can't complain.

Hey jmhecker check your in box I sent you a PM man.