Database Users

PPP over Cellular

Since some companies charge insane amounts for GRPS and not minutes, is it possible to work around this by using dialup PPP over the cellular (not GRPS) modem in the connections area?

YES, BUT I THINK DEPENDING ON WHICH SERVICE U USE; THEY WILL STILL CHARGE U FOR THE AMOUNTS OF DATA TRAVELING BAK N FORTH

The various carriers in Australia (except Virgin, which don't support any data at all yet) all charge data calls over GSM as standard peak/off peak calls, just like voice.
So to answer your question, here in Oz I'll often switch back to Analogue CSD line type and dial into my office via our RAS server (ie. use the GSM line) if I plan to browse / download large content, because the peak call works out cheaper than would downloading the data via GPRS (albeit significantly slower!).
8)

Thanks for the responses
Here's what I've decided to do (USA). I am keeping my AT&T GSM plan for use with voice only. Don't let them scam you into buying a data plan. T-Mobile offers an unlimited internet plan at about 50% of what AT&T and Cingular offer. Once mobileplace lets me know if they have planned for a better dual sim solution than the ghost or cutting, I will switch between sims based on my needs at the time.

CSD Connection Is Beautiful!
JUICEe said:
YES, BUT I THINK DEPENDING ON WHICH SERVICE U USE; THEY WILL STILL CHARGE U FOR THE AMOUNTS OF DATA TRAVELING BAK N FORTH
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I presume otherwise, i.e. most service providers charge air time as if it were a voice call. This is the case with T-Mobile US at least. Nights and weekends are free data time - nice! 9kbps is not too bad to surf the net without graphics.
I posted detailed set-up in thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=4723

The end of csd lines

It looks like csd lines are on the way out in Australia. This last week vodafone has quietly pulled the plug on their csd line functionality for pre paid accounts. Optus has not worked for more than a year and telstra also dose not support out bound csd line data.
I have been testing all the main carriers and it looks like vodafone's data accounts (bill pay) still have full support but for how long? Telstra pre paid are still accepting in bound data but cannot initiate a successful transfer. I do not have an account with telstra so I can't comment on the data accounts out bound functionality.
The really infuriating thing is that vodafone do not admit it over the phone (or they do not know). If they would have admitted it I could have saved myself 12 hours worth of testing. When the network still accepts the bearer mode on a call but they block attempts to send data there is no way we as users can detect that. Three's roaming via telstra gsm also dose not accept use of csd line in any way.
This is significant because it is the only way to communicate data directly from one device to another without complicated tactics to force open the phone networks firewall (like skype with the faked outbound udp packets).

Can you disable data, and use a voice plan only?

Greetings All,
After some disagreement with Bell, I've tried to find some truth regarding smart phone plans and the OMNIA II. The Bell representatives stated the Omnia II will only work with a smartphone plans (which conveniently start at $50 Ouch!)
Supposedly if I outright buy the phone (full price) I won't be forced into a contract. Assuming I'm contract free... can I subscribe to a cheaper monthly voice plan only?
The goal is to use the phone as a WM 6.5 PDA and surf only when in the vicinity of WIFI (home and office etc). For the few phone calls I make (which avg 4-5 a month - yes I hate talking on a cell phone), a simple voice plan with basic text messaging should suffice?
The issues surrounding this are:
A. Has this been done successfully before - is anyone doing it now???
B. When a WIFI hotspot isn't available, will the browser fail or will it secretly connect to the cellular network and ding me with data charges?
C. Having no prior experience with a GPS enabled cell phone - this "A-GPS" needs the data package to work? Or can I use it with a voice plan only?
D. I've heard stories of smartphones constantly talking to the cellular network, is this an issue? or is there a way to disable the data connections forcing it to use WIFI only?
E. Would any of this warrent unlocking the phone? Bell stated it comes locked with a Bell SIM card (its on their HSPA+ network).
Again, the goal is to use it as a suped' up PDA, surf only on WIFI and subscribe to a bare bones phone package for that occasional call I might make.
Suggestions? Comments? Advice?

KevinStraight said:
Greetings All,
After some disagreement with Bell, I've tried to find some truth regarding smart phone plans and the OMNIA II. The Bell representatives stated the Omnia II will only work with a smartphone plans (which conveniently start at $50 Ouch!)
Supposedly if I outright buy the phone (full price) I won't be forced into a contract. Assuming I'm contract free... can I subscribe to a cheaper monthly voice plan only?
The goal is to use the phone as a WM 6.5 PDA and surf only when in the vicinity of WIFI (home and office etc). For the few phone calls I make (which avg 4-5 a month - yes I hate talking on a cell phone), a simple voice plan with basic text messaging should suffice?
The issues surrounding this are:
A. Has this been done successfully before - is anyone doing it now???
B. When a WIFI hotspot isn't available, will the browser fail or will it secretly connect to the cellular network and ding me with data charges?
C. Having no prior experience with a GPS enabled cell phone - this "A-GPS" needs the data package to work? Or can I use it with a voice plan only?
D. I've heard stories of smartphones constantly talking to the cellular network, is this an issue? or is there a way to disable the data connections forcing it to use WIFI only?
E. Would any of this warrent unlocking the phone? Bell stated it comes locked with a Bell SIM card (its on their HSPA+ network).
Again, the goal is to use it as a suped' up PDA, surf only on WIFI and subscribe to a bare bones phone package for that occasional call I might make.
Suggestions? Comments? Advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Re: Disabling GPRS - try NoData from Modaco - its a freeware, just google for it and disable all your data plans.

O2 will work with just voice plan
A. Omnia 2 will work with just a voice plan, I used mine in the Cook Islands last week with just a voice plan SIM.
B.The problem is that Bell offers data with the phone setting so you would have to make sure you disable the data, not just with Opera or the GPS, or you will incur data charges and they will roll up quickly. Most likely they offer the bundle (I have it and fine it a very reasonable plan for my phone use) because people regularly use data by mistake.
C. GPS Worked just fine. I couldn't use google maps but no problem, there's only one real road
D. As long as you are not using push email or any application that accesses the internet automatically you should not incur charges.
E.You don't have to unlock the phone unless you want to go with a different provider than Bell.
Are you set on having an Omnia 2? Perhaps a better option would be to purchase an unlocked Omnia 2 and a pay as you go SIM from a provider that does not have data.
Good luck.

post deleted

That rep was full of ****. Buy the phone outright, and call Bell and ask them to disable the data for you so you never have to second guess or accidentally use data on your phone. Be careful, you must disable data on every sim card you decide to use.

KevinStraight said:
Greetings All,
After some disagreement with Bell, I've tried to find some truth regarding smart phone plans and the OMNIA II. The Bell representatives stated the Omnia II will only work with a smartphone plans (which conveniently start at $50 Ouch!)
Supposedly if I outright buy the phone (full price) I won't be forced into a contract. Assuming I'm contract free... can I subscribe to a cheaper monthly voice plan only?
The goal is to use the phone as a WM 6.5 PDA and surf only when in the vicinity of WIFI (home and office etc). For the few phone calls I make (which avg 4-5 a month - yes I hate talking on a cell phone), a simple voice plan with basic text messaging should suffice?
The issues surrounding this are:
A. Has this been done successfully before - is anyone doing it now???
B. When a WIFI hotspot isn't available, will the browser fail or will it secretly connect to the cellular network and ding me with data charges?
C. Having no prior experience with a GPS enabled cell phone - this "A-GPS" needs the data package to work? Or can I use it with a voice plan only?
D. I've heard stories of smartphones constantly talking to the cellular network, is this an issue? or is there a way to disable the data connections forcing it to use WIFI only?
E. Would any of this warrent unlocking the phone? Bell stated it comes locked with a Bell SIM card (its on their HSPA+ network).
Again, the goal is to use it as a suped' up PDA, surf only on WIFI and subscribe to a bare bones phone package for that occasional call I might make.
Suggestions? Comments? Advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just signed a three year contract with Bell, a few weeks ago i was surfing on their site and like you said , impossible to get a Omnia 2 without a data plan, last week i went back on, and I dont know if its a bug, but you can order one with a regular voice plan, i took the 30$ plan ( cheapest) got the phone by mail , free.
If i click on my connections on top you can disable all data, and only use wifi. If it does want to use data it warns you before activating it.
Hope this helps

Going On Holiday How To Stop ALL Data Connections

Hi,
I'm off on my hols soon and was wondering how to stop all data connections apart from sms/ mms and calls?
Cheers

Its not quite the same thing, but we live in the South East of England and had a trip to the coast yesterday. My phone picked up a French carrier and then I got a load of messages from TMobile (my normal carrier) telling me how much it was all going to cost.
I tried searching on available networks but couldn't find TMobile uk. So for a few hours I wasn't able to use my phone till we were a bit further inland again and I could reconnect to the TMobile service.
Any idea how to force the phone to stay on your providers network and if not how to avoid incurring silly charges when my monthly plan is all inclusive.

Well I know for SMS, if you go into Settings, there's a check box that says "Roaming Auto Retrieve", just leave that unchecked. Not sure if that's what you're looking for?

if you want stop everything but want use as PDA then just put in aeroplane mode, every communication will be stoped

ijob said:
Hi,
I'm off on my hols soon and was wondering how to stop all data connections apart from sms/ mms and calls?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's like mine, the phone should not roam on data while you're out of your own network. You can confirm this though by going to SETTINGS-Wireless Controls-Mobile Networks and check if Data Roaming is turned off. It should be, and if it is, your phone will not use internet while outside your carriers coverage area, but you can still receive calls and texts perfectly fine (and wi-fi will still work too for data without charge)

You can stop all data.. But it will also stop mms. Sms will be fine though. Settings, wireless control, mobile networks, un check MMS and data.
Sent from my x10 using XDA and swype.

SMS and MMS are free anyway to recieve as the OP already posted he doesn't mind these working abroad, i just got back from the dominican Republic and as long as you untick data roaming in "Mobile network settings" then your good to go

Roaming options

I have my Epic set to not roam for data ("Data roaming" is un-checked), and have Data Roaming Guard enabled. Every now and then, I'll end up someplace where the phone warns me every 30 seconds or so that data roaming might incur charges if I click "OK". I click "cancel", and get asked the exact same question again ~30 seconds later. There's a checkbox for "don't ask me again".
The $3,000 question: if you check "don't ask me again", does the phone interpret that as:
a) automatically apply 'ok' or 'cancel', depending on which one you click to dismiss the warning after selecting the checkbox
b) don't bother to ask whether or not you want to let the phone data-roam, just do it silently and insidiously, regardless of whether or not "Data roaming" is (supposedly) enabled with a checkmark?
Common sense suggests that it would probably be 'a', but then again, common sense suggests that if you have "Data roaming" explicitly un-checked, it shouldn't be bothering you with "do you want to enable roaming?" in the first place -- it should just refuse to roam, and let the network connection fail. It's almost like they intentionally worded the options to leave you scratching your head screaming "WTF?!?" so you can't easily disable one of the few services left that isn't free, unlimited, and included with the normal billing amount.

I turned the roam guard off and I had the same popup every 30 seconds. Soft reset and it went away. I suggest that.

I don't know if you know this but I found this out last month if you are on one of the new sprint plans which if you have an epic I would assume you would have to be roaming data is free of charge so you don't need to have the roam guard on the plan includes unlimited roaming data usage.

Tried updating the PRL?
Have you tried going into settings>About Phone>System updates>Update PRL?
PRL stands for "Preferred Roaming List".
If you want to know more look it up on wikipedia. And no, it wont brick your phone

I thought roaming was "free", but ONLY if you use <200 minutes or 200 megabytes. I'm not sure about the exact cut-off, but I'm pretty sure I remember seeing it in Sprint's fine print somewhere.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

I tried updating the PRL, but got an internal unspecified error.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

You could just turn off roaming completely, until you actually need it.
I found that some places it would switch to roaming, but if I turned roaming off it would switch back to Sprint. Dont know why

How? That's what I'm trying to *do* ;-)
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

Guys,
Leave roaming on and disable the warning. Sprint roaming charges are not applicable if you are in the
$69.99 unlimited package for smart phones such as the Epic. The roam option is still there because its part of the legacy infrastructure and, as a result, they ended having to incorporate into the code. No worries. You will not be charged for roaming unless you travel outside of the US territories covered in the contract. WARNING: If you go on a cruise and you are caught in international water navigational routes, roaming charges might apply.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

I second what littlepr just said. A month ago I was in the mountains of NC with almost no service and I kept having to roam in order to make calls. When I got home I talked to a Sprint Rep via Chat Support and they also said that with our plan roaming is free. It was at this point that I downloaded Roam Control so that if I am ever back in the mountains or somewhere else with crappy service, I can force the phone to roam so the signal is more reliable. Works like a charm!