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here in canada as many already knows data plans prices are off the roof. However, they recently came out with a $30 for 6g data plan which i find reasonable for canada. (since the land lines internet has a cap itself then wireless is hard not to have cap) but the only problem is, unlike the flex data plans, they claim that this data plan will not work with pc cards, so that does mean it wouldnt work with the htc shift? on the other hand, this same plan will for sure work for windows mobile. so my question is, is there a way to use vista's side wireless data making the computer think that its hooked up with a modem which will be the windows mobile side?

That is the beauty with the shift. If it works in a pda phone, it should work in the shift. I also have a data card that is supposed to be used with a pda phone but i use it in my shift. The vista side basically taps into the WM side and borrows the data connection from the phone. That is also why SMS and other "phone like" features work on the shift.
The short anser is yes, it should work just fine.

o wow, thats great to hear, o basicly you're saying shift uses the hspa network through the wm side without needing to link it up ourselves. so unlike other umpc, we wouldnt need a pc card data plan to work, as long as it works for wm then shift will run just fine. but disreguard of all the good news, canada still sucks with the capping.

data plans
are you able to get 6 GB data plan from Rogers and use it on shift?
I have a Shift and use PDA Net to connect to Telus
for $30 I would consider a Rogers connection
Even better would to use wife; on snapview

yes, you should be able to use the 6gb data plan from rogers on the shift. According to x5-rwk, the vista side of shift uses the wm side as a modem for hspa meaning rogers will assume that u're using the data for windows mobile which is allowed. Moreover, I have also comfirmed with some rogers rep that the data plan works for ALL devices expect pc cards. but i guess as long as okay on windows mobile, we're good to go

Rogers Data
Thank You for the update.
The final question. what about voice, do you need a voice plan to get 6GB data plan?
I have HTC Touch on Telus and have unlimited data for $15 and voice plan, I would not want a Rogers voice plan as well.
Any suggestions?
Thank You
Dave

No you do not need to get a voice plan with it. As since Shift doesn't have voice calling and the fact that rogers launched the shift already themselves. however, i am still unclear on if there will be a $10 fee per month to maintain the account. That fee is meanly for people who wants to open a plan with nothing, no minutes or price plan. However, as since the 6gb data is an option, the $10 fee may apply. Too bad you can't use your telus phone to hook up to the shift and use it as a modem since the $15 is limited. What you want to get is a lot like what i want to get too. So I've been looking at the price plans for a while thinking about it.
Currently I'm with fido (which luckily has the same data plans as rogers). After being in a contract with them for 3 years and loyal customer for 4, they said they can knock $10 off my plan. But since the shift can't have voice, i'm looking into getting the iphone to run it as a modem, sounds stupid and all but best i can do with a small buget. Or another thought would be to get a cheap family plan, for fido, all the family minutes is sheared (rogers has pool of minutes + each line's own) so if you add data plan for shift on one line and the other line only for voice, that works cuz you'll have too much minutes to use from a pool of family minutes into one line. Lol So i'll advice on waiting if you can. The offer for 6gb will be up till end of aug thus theres a high chance of back to school offers will be launch mean while. moreover, i'll try to stay in touch with my buddy who works at rogers see what kind of under table offeres he can give me.
ps: in case you're wondering, the 6gb data option does not allow data pooling which sucks.

Roger Data
Thank You for the update.
When Rogers announced the new data plans, I went to a Rogers store, they told me I could not use 6GB plan on Shift.
I sounds like I need to be vague with Rogers when signing up for plan so they think I am using on unlocked windows mobile device.
Did you advise Roger your intention to use data for Shift?
Can I get 6GB plan for unlocked phone?
As for the Telus and using Touch as modem, I can and haved used it to connect, I do not think the Snapview side can use the Touch as modem.
I do have to be careful, tethering is not included in data plan, I have to use PDAnet to get under the radar screen.
If Apple offers the ability to use iPhone 3G as modem, that would be excellent for you, I am still guessing you will need additional solution for Snapview side of Shift (can you remove SIM from iPhone as install in Shift, that would be ideal for you)
I also have AT&T Pay as you Go for US, unlimited data for 30 days for $20, I activate when I travel to US.
Thank You
Dave
PS: If you move to Telus, they have Touch Diamond coming, you can use PDAnet and tether for unlimited data for better deal!!!!

called Rogers
I called Rogers to ask about data plan.
After being on hold and transferred numerous times, I was advised I needed a voice plan to get the $30 data plan.
Cheepjing, if you have any further information as to how to get the $30 data plan even if I have to pay an extra $10, I would be very appreciative of the assistance.
Dave

I have thought about switching to telus many times. Mainly since they have the thought of adding GSM before the olympics in canada. Too bad nothing have been comfirmed yet and I know its a fact its gonna cost them way too much to do so. Maybe Kodoo is making them enough for that plan, who knows. lol. But anyways.
Back to the point of rogers. Most of the agents on the phone are not well trained. I can bet 90% of people on this site who lives in canada knows more than most of the reps they have at the call center. I'm sure the agent advised you to get a voice plan cuz of two main reasons. 1: he/she has no freaken clue on why or what you want. 2: after asking his/her manager, they were advised to just sign you up for something and maybe they'll get a sale too! So far, i'm almost 100% sure you can just open a line with rogers for $10 with no voice and just add the 6gb option. Just the matter of the sales you talk to if he/she is dying for a sale or not then most likely they'll just force you into something you don't want. Thus, my advise would be, just wait for a few weeks if you can. Mean while, i'll ask the other rogers reps i know. Just to give you heads up, most likely i'll find a chinese sales since those are the only ones i know. lol. I'm going to wait till aug before i ask for some rogers plans for the end of summer cuz even if i ask know they know very little. But as back to school comes closer, more info will be release.
now side track a bit, damn i wish that rogers/fido offers two sim in one number or something. If there are anyone here who has or knows people who can do that let me know! I guess my best chance is still family plan, gotta somehow think of a way to bypass their system a bit.
Moreover, rumors says rogers maybe launching the touch pro or diamond.

Cut Off Date 6GB
Hi Cheapjing,
Thank You
Is the cut off date for 6GB plan end of Aug or Aug 6th?
Dave

the offer stops end of aug. mind if i ask where u get aug 6th from?

Aug6th
I thought I read it in Toronto Star somewhere, I am wrong.
Dave

hey, just comfirmed with fido that offer ends aug 31st. also, i'd also asked about not getting voice but data only plan from them (since rogers and fido offers the same data plans now) they told me that u can get a base plan of $15 which includes system access fee (6.95) and 911 fee (50cents) and then add on a 6gb option on top of that. catch is, it must be on a three year contract good and i'm not too too sure if u'll be able to get that as a new costumer but then again, it wouldnt be too too hard to get a frd whos with fido to open a new line in the same account for that plan and then transfer that line to ur name one or two months down the road. also, this plan cannot be purchases at any retail store, u'll have to call rentention department for that. good news is, since u'll be signing a 3 year contract for that, might as well get an iphone 3g for the 3 year contract price and resell it back out, or gift it, or use it as a mouse for your shift! lmao. choice is your's, i'll sure let you know on any updates with going around the data plans.

Follow Up
I will call Fido and ask for retention dept. I will likely wait until middle of Aug, I am waiting for Telus to release EVDO Rev A update for HTC Touch.
My issues are simple:
Is $45/month worth it to have SIM Card in Shift vs the 3 min it takes to connect Touch via PDAnet and use as modem, this is as long as Telus does not charge me for tethering.
Telus has the HTC Touch Diamond coming out, would I rather pay upgrade for Touch Diamond or purchase iPhone
with DAVE and Globalive winning spectrum, when will Rogers/Fido lower their data prices, if I am locked into a 3 year contract with Fido, will they lower prices for existing contracts when other GSM carriers enter market?
One other thing I have is once I liberate Shift, there is a way to use Wifi with Snapview (need Vista on/battery drain)
Since I have the Touch, it provides me all the Windows Mobile capabilities I need in Canada and I use Snapview in US with AT&T MediaNet service @ $20/month for unlimited data (I can add feature when needed, based on having pre paid plan with AT&T).
I am leaning towards not moving on the Fido plan for the above reasons, if it was $30 and only system access fee and not a long term contract or if Fido/Rogers offered data on pre-paid plans I would consider.
I also have to consider my past experience with Rogers, they truly suck at customer service, I understand Fido is pretty good, however, I am not sure if I want to contribute to the 300 plus million profit Rogers earned. I also have friends who have contracts with Rogers that Rogers lied/changed.

i fully understand what you're worried about. However, like you said with Globalive winning a high amount (while in the end it was still rogers who took the most spending just under 1billion) thinking deeper into it, yes, they should drop their prices. But once again, after spending that amount of money how much are they willing to drop prices by? nevertheless, they already knew that they were gonna blow 1billion away before where as i'm sure that was one of the main reason to wanting to launch the iphone with choppy data plans. and with new companies coming in, yes they will drop the price, but on data? highly unlikely. if a new company was to come into the three way battle, its hard for them to start up with both voice and data. personally, i love fido. though rogers is kind of effecting fido's customer's services, in the end, they are still the best i've had out of so many other places i called for help.
Either ways, personally, i would go on with what u had in mind as long as telus does not charge u extra. reason being, the longer you stay with a company and then call to have upgrades, the better deals you'll get. i've been with fido for 4 years now with two lines. my main line's price went from $50+ (150day, unlimited eve, fido-rogers free +plus all the junk) now it went down to $28 after tax with everything i need and a little bit more. took me a while to get a deal like that, were as i'm sure telus can do the same since i've heard some frds of mine who's been with telus for long and now have really really cheap plans. but in the end, that is all about the voice plans. in order for us to afford fair data plans, we'll need cheap voice. in the end, rogers should go right into the trash can unless you get ur plans for like $10 from your work place and or able to retention a $15 plan where i've seen happening but its one of those dont try it urself risks. luckily fido started having data plans. (i'm a apple hater somewhat) but it was all because of them thats why now we have cheaper plans so, good stuff. lol
if you ask me, is paying $45 for 6 gb on shift worth it, my answer is no. unless you're always on the go online, which cannot happen since shift has short battery life. other options includes investing a little on the side. you've heard of the unplugged dsl, right? offered by both rogers and bell. that could work in the car too (as i heard) costing almost the same price with 4 more gb of data but, limited to when u're near a power supply. on the side, you can always use your touch to modem up with ur shift. but in the end, will rogers drop the hspa data prices? i'll recommand not to have hopes up though in canada people knows how to complain, but they have no clue what they were complaining about to begin with. wait till mid aug and see, we still have some time.
on the side note, if only the us cdma shift can make it work here with telus or bell. if so, i'll really think about it. maybe i should read up on that. ha

Follow Up
Hi,
I agree with you 100% on almost everything.
I may call Fido to see if they can cut me a deal for the 6GB plan for convenience, I would be willing to pay around $40, for Fido, they get a brand new customer for 3 years.
BTW, I have a friend who used to work at Rogers as a executive, he told me Rogers rapes their customers on long distance (they use their own backhaul network to carry voice), LD calls cost Rogers same as local calls.
Rogers screws their customers on data because if you have GSM device, you have only one choice.
On the subject of CDMA Shift, Bell and Telus will not allow any ESN (Electronic Serial Numbers) that they do not sell on their networks.
I do think you will see competition on data from Globalive, maybe Quebecor and maybe DAVE, the money backing Globalive has 70 million wireless users globally and have the better clout than Rogers with Erisson and handset manufacturers to build a network more cost effectively than Rogers. They can also use current technology like Dragonwave for backhaul or Wi-Max to lower their costs.
In the short term, they will have to sign roaming agreements with Rogers, however, they will be able to offer more affordable voice and data.
If these new entrants do not lower prices, Jim Prentice(Industry Canada) should be lynched.
Remember, the Canadian government allowed Rogers to purchase Fido, Rogers is just taking advantage of the cards that were delt.

Sounds like a plan to me. To be honest, they wouldn't be cutting the cost ON the data plan itself. As contract with iPhone and the fact that data is all on rogers network. The rep told me that himself. However, that all just means not to pitch them that way. They do have $10 plan with no minutes, you may be able to pull it off IF u already have a relation with them. Nevertheless, give it a shot. The $10 plan i was told that was ONLY for people who paused their accounts (though most of the time that $10 is a CR for max of a year) Also, like i said before, $15 plan does include the SAF fee. Come to think about it, you might just be able to pull it off. They might ask you to sign contract for 2 or 3 years giving you a $5cr for the contract term and give u the $15 plan. Moreover, if they still hard push you to the full $15, just be like, "I'm signing a contract WITHOUT taking a phone" so that itself is a $75cr.
Yes, rogers are sons of scammers. I guess thats why they offer so many rogers to rogers accross canada. If you were to go with fido, i highly recommand to do it before fido becomes more n more like rogers (as i see them going that path). Well, fast i don't mean like within days, more like within a year.
I do see strong advancments with Yak. But honestly, i highly doubt thats going to happen anytime soon. With Kodoo (from telus) entering this year bombing the lower class market like mad, it makes it harder. I'm sure they can pull it off. How, i will not question yet since most likely they going to blow us with some surprises (but to me those surprises does not worth the chance of not being able to sign a 6gb deal on HSPA network). I look forward in the upcoming battle.
BUT with all aside, we should just take most advantage out from what we have now. Only god knows how long we'll have to wait till canadian data prices drops. Good luck with Fido! I'll keep you updated if i found out any more info.

WooHoo
According to Fido customer service, I can get plan for $30/month plus $7.95 access fee.
Wooo Hoo
Dave

Holy good stuff! Might as well strike for unlimited text! Since shift works with that. Also, just have the agent confirm that the $30 data plan does come with unlimited emails as i've been told so. Just tell them its for a Windows Mobile device, they don't need that much details, it'll just confuse them. Btw, SAF is only 6.95, if they are charging u 7.95 i honestly wouldn't complain.

[Q] Best pay-as-you-go data plan?

I have a Blackberry supplied by my employer. I can't use it for personal e-mail and Web content is very limited. I'd like to get a smart phone for personal use but wouldn't use it enough to warrant a full plan under my wireless carrier (AT&T). Does anyone have any pay-as-you-go or cheap data-only plan and carrier suggestions? My MB usage would be low as it's really just for e-mail and a small amount of Web use. I'm located in Florida.

i wud say THREE 3 , there best for price plans , but signal isnt all that well . its certain areas .
i pay 15 pound a month and get 600 mins, 3000 texts, 1gb internet . i dont use 600 mins so i wanna go down to £10 a month 300 mins 3000 texts 1gb internet .
hope this helped
just seen ur in florida . sorry , any1 else this may help

three do a good deal for 15.00 a month like the other poster states , but it now offers unlimited internet (yep truely unlimited) same minutes and texts etc, good deal , plus if you buy through say quidco or topcashback websites , you will get a nice rebate also

Virgin Mobile may be your best bet. $25 for unlimited text, data, email etc. and 300 minutes.
http://www.virginmobileusa.com/cell-phone-plans/beyond-talk-plans.jsp

three in uk is best for data plan..
I have the £15 month all you can eat (its not unlimited as most think see the terms and conditions) 80gig data a month yep 80 gig!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have the normal pay and go topup monthly (not rolling contract) which is 300 mins 3000 texts and 80gig a month the rolling contract is 600 mins and 6000 texts and 80gig a month data.. its £15 no matter which plan you go for..., so pick best for you.
signal is not always the best but data speed is best every had. And does tend to work most every where I go(inc most mountain areas but not all but this is same across the networks)....
word of warning they will soon be stopping the all you can eat sim!!!(friend works for them and told me after I bought it) so get it whilst you can...

Sometimes I wish I was in the UK but I am in the States (Florida). Virgin seems to be the best bet for now. I will go by a local AT&T store to see if they will offer me an unadvertised deal, though. Thanks!

Florida resident here, I'm with tmobile, have 5 phones and a broadband stick. Pay about $200 a month, data, unlimited voice and text on even more plus plan. I'm decently happy with the service. For me, I work at a car dealership, and tmobile gives me a discount for being a "Kia" employee although I technically work for many different dealerships.

Straight Talk I think would be a good choice for you. They have a nice $30/month plan that would work well for you. Check out the Howard Forums Straight Talk threads for info on how to use one of their sim cards in a phone of your choice.
AT&T just took away my unlimited data plan since I upgraded to a Nexus One... I will likely be switching to Straight Talk at the end of the month.
Edit: I forgot to mention that they use AT&T's towers!

If all of this is true Straight Talk may just take over the market I know once get my hands the right equipment they might just win me over!!
Sent from my Synergy Rom using XDA App

styndall said:
Straight Talk I think would be a good choice for you. They have a nice $30/month plan that would work well for you. Check out the Howard Forums Straight Talk threads for info on how to use one of their sim cards in a phone of your choice.
AT&T just took away my unlimited data plan since I upgraded to a Nexus One... I will likely be switching to Straight Talk at the end of the month.
Edit: I forgot to mention that they use AT&T's towers!
Click to expand...
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Do you by chance have a link for this I've searched and haven't found it? Thank you in advance
Sent from my Synergy Rom using XDA App

Ack, sorry I took forever to reply.
Here is the link to the threads: http://www.howardforums.com/forumdisplay.php/551-Straight-Talk

[Q] Prepaid Data Carriers in the US/California?

I'm heading to the states tomorrow for a month, and have been looking into taking my phone over there for google maps, gtalk and skyping. Really just data. I don't even need 3g, edge will do.
I have noticed that most tecos are extremely focused on their long term contract customers, and the only carrier that looks alright to me is SIMple Mobile (which is still pretty pricey, and I don't need those minutes).
Is there anywhere where I can just buy a chunk of data to use in a month? Here we can purchase 1gb for $20 on prepaid, and use it in 30 days. This is really annoying me, because everything is budled with minutes and texts.
Any help on other prepaid carriers guys? Even if you know any small local companies.
Thanks,
Peter.

which US carrier to choose

hello xda member which us carrier are you guys choosing
i live in NJ and like most people i just wanna get a cheap plan with unlimited data i hardly talk i just text and use the internet etc..
1 what is the cheapest plan that tmobile offer with the galaxy note 2 and does any body know how much will is the retail price of the galaxy note 2.
i wish they will bring it out b4 black friday

I thought about going to T-mobile, until I saw most of their coverage is 2g. So I'll be sticking with my unlimited AT&T plan.

mrej201 said:
so guys in united stated which carrier are you guys going to choose
idk which to choose tmobile or sprint ot att or verizon which is too expensive
does any one know if the note 2 on tmobile can go on the 50 dollar plan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you get it on T-Mobile, you can use it with whichever plan you want. T-Mobile doesn't care where you buy the phone or that you don't have a "data-plan". To get it subsidized though, you'd need to get a classic plan which will cost more than their value plans (I'd personally buy the phone at retail price and then go on their value plan)
SchusterIX said:
I thought about going to T-mobile, until I saw most of their coverage is 2g. So I'll be sticking with my unlimited AT&T plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SchusterIX, true, but it also depends on where you stay. I spend 99% of my time in metropolitan areas (Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay and Seattle), so for me all 4 carriers have 4G wherever it matters. However, I could see why one would choose another carrier over T-Mobile as in less populated areas they do lack coverage (but they are cheaper, ie. if I were on Verizon, my plan would be double what it is now)

achusaysblessyou said:
If you get it on T-Mobile, you can use it with whichever plan you want. T-Mobile doesn't care where you buy the phone or that you don't have a "data-plan". To get it subsidized though, you'd need to get a classic plan which will cost more than their value plans (I'd personally buy the phone at retail price and then go on their value plan)
SchusterIX, true, but it also depends on where you stay. I spend 99% of my time in metropolitan areas (Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay and Seattle), so for me all 4 carriers have 4G wherever it matters. However, I could see why one would choose another carrier over T-Mobile as in less populated areas they do lack coverage (but they are cheaper, ie. if I were on Verizon, my plan would be double what it is now)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just curious what the Note2 would cost on T-Mobile value plan service compared to others..? -Thnx
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1931064

achusaysblessyou said:
If you get it on T-Mobile, you can use it with whichever plan you want. T-Mobile doesn't care where you buy the phone or that you don't have a "data-plan". To get it subsidized though, you'd need to get a classic plan which will cost more than their value plans (I'd personally buy the phone at retail price and then go on their value plan)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get it for a down payment and $20 per month while on a value plan. It still turns out cheaper than a subsidized one on a classic plan in the long run.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

jlczl said:
You can get it for a down payment and $20 per month while on a value plan. It still turns out cheaper than a subsidized one on a classic plan in the long run.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
contract free right

Value plan is still contract. Though you pay retail for the phone you can use EIP.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

SMARTPHONEPC said:
Just curious what the Note2 would cost on T-Mobile value plan service compared to others..? -Thnx
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1931064
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Value plan is just a 2 year contract plan without any free phone. If you want a phone, you can pay a down payment and $20 over the next 24 months or pay off the $480 all at one with the down payment (as said below, but the down payment varies per phone so... ymmv). I plan on buying mines outright for probably $650 + tax
jlczl said:
You can get it for a down payment and $20 per month while on a value plan. It still turns out cheaper than a subsidized one on a classic plan in the long run.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The price of the phone + value plan is cheaper than the price of the phone + classic plan true, but that's because the classic plan costs more than the cost of the phone over 24 months. (although if you can get retentions and get some discounts, it could possibly be even or save you a bit on classic if you have multiple lines with data, etc)
mrej201 said:
contract free right
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Value plans require a 2 year contract (and they do charge ETF). It's just cheaper because you get no subsidized phone.
Tidbits said:
Value plan is still contract. Though you pay retail for the phone you can use EIP.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, or you can get on the contract price, although in the magenta day deals, you could get a SGS3 for $400 with a new value plan since they gave you a rebate for the down payment and you only needed to pay $20 over $20 month, but that's over now.

Here's my $.02. I am buying the Note II unlocked, probably for around $500 (I always get my phones from Craigslist cause I can get the best deal). I use T-Mobile's $30 Walmart plan (no contract of course). It gives me 100 minutes, unlimited text/mms and Unlimited (i.e. 5GB) of 4G (I live in NYC and consistently get ~14 Mbps down, ~3 Mbps up). That is perfect for me, because I hardly talk on the phone.
So you might want to consider that plan if you can swing not talking that much. I think you said you live in Jersey, so you shouldn't have any problem getting good 4G speeds there. I spend a lot of time in Newark and I never have any problems with T-mos network there.

Techngro said:
Here's my $.02. I am buying the Note II unlocked, probably for around $500 (I always get my phones from Craigslist cause I can get the best deal). I use T-Mobile's $30 Walmart plan (no contract of course). It gives me 100 minutes, unlimited text/mms and Unlimited (i.e. 5GB) of 4G (I live in NYC and consistently get ~14 Mbps down, ~3 Mbps up). That is perfect for me, because I hardly talk on the phone.
So you might want to consider that plan if you can swing not talking that much. I think you said you live in Jersey, so you shouldn't have any problem getting good 4G speeds there. I spend a lot of time in Newark and I never have any problems with T-mos network there.
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Click to collapse
I dunno, for $150 more I'd go with an actual warranty + less risk of a blocked IMEI (people buy phones on contract just to sell it then they never pay their bills, so your phone might work for a month or two, but then T-Mobile will block the IMEI rendering the phone useless).
I mean if you're going to spend this much on a phone... why not buy it new anyways. Not that I'm against buying from Craigslist, I've gotten all my previous phones off Craigslist, N900, myTouch 4G Slide, G2x, Sensation, etc. It's just that those phones cost ~$200-$300 so the risk was lower than $500...

achusaysblessyou said:
SchusterIX, true, but it also depends on where you stay. I spend 99% of my time in metropolitan areas (Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay and Seattle), so for me all 4 carriers have 4G wherever it matters. However, I could see why one would choose another carrier over T-Mobile as in less populated areas they do lack coverage (but they are cheaper, ie. if I were on Verizon, my plan would be double what it is now)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, if you are covered and don't travel, at all, T-Mobile is fine. But I think that I'd really want at least 3g while traveling, whether it's from cincinnati to chicago or from cin to montreal, i'd like my data. I do I could go to T-mobile, atm I have no signal in my apartment...hoping this phone will have it though.

achusaysblessyou said:
I dunno, for $150 more I'd go with an actual warranty + less risk of a blocked IMEI (people buy phones on contract just to sell it then they never pay their bills, so your phone might work for a month or two, but then T-Mobile will block the IMEI rendering the phone useless).
I mean if you're going to spend this much on a phone... why not buy it new anyways. Not that I'm against buying from Craigslist, I've gotten all my previous phones off Craigslist, N900, myTouch 4G Slide, G2x, Sensation, etc. It's just that those phones cost ~$200-$300 so the risk was lower than $500...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never knew about the IMEI blocking issue. I have been buying phones on CL for years without having any problems. I guess I was lucky. I think i'll still get mine from there, but i'll be more cautious and make sure I meet in a T-Mobile store so they can tell me which plan they have and if the phone could possibly be blocked in the future.
Thanks for the info.

Techngro said:
I never knew about the IMEI blocking issue. I have been buying phones on CL for years without having any problems. I guess I was lucky. I think i'll still get mine from there, but i'll be more cautious and make sure I meet in a T-Mobile store so they can tell me which plan they have and if the phone could possibly be blocked in the future.
Thanks for the info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any phone can be blocked sadly, and even if you meet in a T-Mobile store to check out the IMEI, if the person doesn't pay their plan etc, then it could be blocked in the future. It's never happened to me, but it usually happens when the phone is new (so the person can make a quick sell for as much money as possible). I guess just use your best judgement, maybe ask them why they're selling the phone, no pain no gain right?

achusaysblessyou said:
Any phone can be blocked sadly, and even if you meet in a T-Mobile store to check out the IMEI, if the person doesn't pay their plan etc, then it could be blocked in the future. It's never happened to me, but it usually happens when the phone is new (so the person can make a quick sell for as much money as possible). I guess just use your best judgement, maybe ask them why they're selling the phone, no pain no gain right?
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Right on.
As for the OP, have you made any progress in deciding which carrier to go with? I have realized lately (since I broke my phone and haven't had one for about two weeks now) that I could really get by with just a data only plan. I only use like 20 minutes per month and use Google Voice for all of my texts, which is how I communicate mostly anyway. I wonder why there aren't any data only plans yet.

Techngro said:
Right on.
As for the OP, have you made any progress in deciding which carrier to go with? I have realized lately (since I broke my phone and haven't had one for about two weeks now) that I could really get by with just a data only plan. I only use like 20 minutes per month and use Google Voice for all of my texts, which is how I communicate mostly anyway. I wonder why there aren't any data only plans yet.
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You sound like the perfect candidate for the $30 pre-paid plan from T-Mobile that gives you 100 minutes, unlimited texts, and unlimited data (throttle to EDGE after 5GB).
http://slickdeals.net/f/3377172-T-M...-5GB-Data-100-Voice-Mins-New-Activation-Only?

achusaysblessyou said:
You sound like the perfect candidate for the $30 pre-paid plan from T-Mobile that gives you 100 minutes, unlimited texts, and unlimited data (throttle to EDGE after 5GB).
http://slickdeals.net/f/3377172-T-M...-5GB-Data-100-Voice-Mins-New-Activation-Only?
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OK, I have Verizon and I use just over 2 gigs a month so my question is... Does Verizon throttle like T-Mobile after 5 Gigs ? I never noticed that issue yet. And, BTW, Anyone here use straight talk with the verizon hook-up ? I might look into that deal.

fwhomeboy said:
OK, I have Verizon and I use just over 2 gigs a month so my question is... Does Verizon throttle like T-Mobile after 5 Gigs ? I never noticed that issue yet. And, BTW, Anyone here use straight talk with the verizon hook-up ? I might look into that deal.
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3G devices sort off. 4G devices no(block C rules). That's if you have unlimited. Thought June 29, 2014 could be the end of all Verizon unlimited plans.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Techngro said:
Right on.
As for the OP, have you made any progress in deciding which carrier to go with? I have realized lately (since I broke my phone and haven't had one for about two weeks now) that I could really get by with just a data only plan. I only use like 20 minutes per month and use Google Voice for all of my texts, which is how I communicate mostly anyway. I wonder why there aren't any data only plans yet.
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to tell you the truth i wanna get tmobie because i wanna get warranty if not just buy the phone from wirefly and get phone covare with then

fwhomeboy said:
OK, I have Verizon and I use just over 2 gigs a month so my question is... Does Verizon throttle like T-Mobile after 5 Gigs ? I never noticed that issue yet. And, BTW, Anyone here use straight talk with the verizon hook-up ? I might look into that deal.
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As far as i know, no. Verizon has tiered data plans so once you hit 2GB. They shut off your data for the rest of the month, then I think you can buy liek 1GB for like $15 or something (not sure). Same for AT&T only T-Mobile has this type of "unlimited" data plan where you technically get unlimited data, but the 4G data is limited to 2GB/5GB. Or you can always pay $20 on a value plan for unlimited data 4G data or $30 on a classic plan for the same unlimited data (tmobile of course).

If I am getting the Note II (which depends especially on the presence of Paranoid Android), it will be the GT-N7100 for sure. I don't want any kind of carrier branding or any interference by such a company - if there is a problem I prefer to deal directly with the manufacturer.
Since I am using Straight Talk with my N7000 I will just cut the SIM to micro size and move over.
I don't have any interest in a carrier branded Note II, it should be completely unlocked and clean. My experience with branding is very negative and that basically eliminate the US versions completely (since the only choice is between bloatware and bloatware or between being vendor locked-in with CDMA or following a more open approach with GSM/UMTS/LTE but with bloatware).
It is unfortunate that the N7100 seems to lack pentaband, otherwise T-Mobiles prepaid plan could be interesting. I am not going to get a T-Mobile branded device just in order to use that plan (and pay an elevated "full retail" price, that's for sure.
If I finally decides to get the N7100, I will try to buy a 32 GB or 64 GB version when I visit Sweden.
Perhaps the N7105 if it is available can be on my list - I can then use LTE when I visit Europe. I am not interested in US LTE at all since I don't see any reason to pay $100 per month for a contract with horrible 2 GB of data when I know that Swedish carriers offers 10 GB for $50. Yes, that's right. 10 GB of data and 3000 free texts - and you can use the $50 for calls.
The whole contract ends at $50. No taxes and fees on top of that. Just $50 including the 3000 texts, 10 GB of data and the minute rate means approximately 1000-1200 minutes included. Compare it with the US contracts........
This mean that I find the US prices totally unacceptable to me - LTE with 2 GB of data is what I consider pathetic. Useless simply put. It is like having a car that offers a normal speed of 150 mph with a range of 10 miles. Nice to run quickly for 10 miles but still completely useless.
LTE is normally for streaming etc and 2 GB is simply inadequate. 10 GB of data on a US carrier is horrendous. Verizon charges $100 for it plus $40 for the smartphone. Excluding taxes and fees. That is approximately 3 times more expensive.
It is funny to see the carriers promote Netflix - I don't dare to think about the cost for streaming 10 full-length movies in SD quality - even less HD quality.
So my interest for having LTE in the US is absolutely zero as long as the prices for data is outrageous.
Getting the N7100 and put Straight Talk or Net10 (they offers BYOD now) is a no-brainer to me.
Edit: A question to those that mention LTE as an important factor in the US:
What are you doing with the device? Are you streaming videos from Netflix? Spotify in high quality?
I used the Verizon data calculator and put in normal multimedia use of those services paired with web browsing, uploading of pictures with Dropbox etc: 30 GB. That's right. 30 GB per month for LTE-optimized use.
I don't see any reason to pay premium for LTE when the data caps and limits are so low that proper use is blocked.

Travelling to the US

I'm planning a trip to California in the near future, and because I live in Canada, I'm trying to plan everything out beforehand to cost me as little as possible. The main things that will probably cost me a ton are going to be text messaging and data.
I had read an article online that described how I could buy a prepaid SIM from AT&T and just use that because my phone is already unlocked (with rogers at the moment). Is this a viable solution? If it is, how would I order or buy a prepaid SIM before I leave?
Thanks. Any help is appreciated
Edit: I have a nexus s 19020A by the way
Edit: I'm guessing that I will also have to take on a US number. Is this correct?

I can only give my experience with 9020T on T-Mobile while I was there for a few days, which I guess won't really help you, but I'll share none-the-less.
If you are there for only a short while and have a T-Mobile compatible phone, it might be worth getting a SIM card (online if you can, cheaper), and purchase pay-by-the-day pre-paid plan. For $3 a day, you get unlimited talk/texts/data, which I thought was extremely useful during the days I spent there.

T-mobile is better and cheaper than AT&T. You will have an American phone number as long as you use and American SIM card.

I live in Winnipeg and I go down to the Minneapolis-area twice a year. I purchased a T-mobile SIM card, and for $2 a day went on the EDGE-speed unlimited calling/data plan. It literally is $2/day, and if you don't use it at all it doesn't charge you. It cost me $12 for the SIM, and that gave me $4 credit... although I think it might be more now (maybe $20). Data speeds were slow, but not unbearable (Google Maps worked really well, for example). Texting and calls throughout the US are included, unlimited, as is voicemail and call display.
Don't forget to sign up with Google Voice with your US number while you are down there, too!

gfinockio said:
I live in Winnipeg and I go down to the Minneapolis-area twice a year. I purchased a T-mobile SIM card, and for $2 a day went on the EDGE-speed unlimited calling/data plan. It literally is $2/day, and if you don't use it at all it doesn't charge you. It cost me $12 for the SIM, and that gave me $4 credit... although I think it might be more now (maybe $20). Data speeds were slow, but not unbearable (Google Maps worked really well, for example). Texting and calls throughout the US are included, unlimited, as is voicemail and call display.
Don't forget to sign up with Google Voice with your US number while you are down there, too!
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I'll definitely take that advice. Did you order the SIM to be sent to you or did you pick it up while you were there? I'll look into changing my current google voice number (I'm not sure if it can be done), but I have a ton of internet calling/texting apps on my tablet as it is. Did you use your nexus s?
thanks

does anyone have experience with ordering a t-mobile SIM to canada? I'm thinking I might go with the $3 per day unlimited plan just for convenience sake

hoponpop said:
does anyone have experience with ordering a t-mobile SIM to canada? I'm thinking I might go with the $3 per day unlimited plan just for convenience sake
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I would highly suggest picking one up when you go down - just pop into a T-Mobile store. They will give you a local number, etc.
The $2/day is EDGE speeds, but unlimited. $3 will give you 3G.

gfinockio said:
Don't forget to sign up with Google Voice with your US number while you are down there, too!
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Great tip, thanks

gfinockio said:
I would highly suggest picking one up when you go down - just pop into a T-Mobile store. They will give you a local number, etc.
The $2/day is EDGE speeds, but unlimited. $3 will give you 3G.
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I think i'll sign up for the $3 plan. You don't get charged if you aren't using the SIM, right? That way I can just leave it laying around until the next time I go to the states

Is there any expiration date for the SIM cards, T-mobile and AT&T? For I usually travel to US only about twice a year, if the SIM card expires in 3 or 6 months, then, it is not worthwhile to keep it. Thanks.

fieldside99 said:
Is there any expiration date for the SIM cards, T-mobile and AT&T? For I usually travel to US only about twice a year, if the SIM card expires in 3 or 6 months, then, it is not worthwhile to keep it. Thanks.
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You lose the number/time after 6 months... but you can add money online. I've gotten into the habit (just once so far) of adding $10 every 6 months to keep it active.

gfinockio said:
You lose the number/time after 6 months... but you can add money online. I've gotten into the habit (just once so far) of adding $10 every 6 months to keep it active.
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How much does it cost to reactivate if you lose your number? I'm thinking that I'll pick up a SIM when I go down there so I have some kind of phone capabilities and just pull it out of my phone when I get back to Canada. I'm guessing that I would only have to pay for the use I get out of it in the states and that I can pop it back in if I go back before I lose the number? Also, would any settings have to be changed on my phone or is it as simple as switching SIMs?

hoponpop said:
How much does it cost to reactivate if you lose your number? I'm thinking that I'll pick up a SIM when I go down there so I have some kind of phone capabilities and just pull it out of my phone when I get back to Canada. I'm guessing that I would only have to pay for the use I get out of it in the states and that I can pop it back in if I go back before I lose the number? Also, would any settings have to be changed on my phone or is it as simple as switching SIMs?
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You'd have to buy a new SIM, I think...

gfinockio said:
You'd have to buy a new SIM, I think...
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Okay. Everything else is right though?