HD2 Unlocked on AT&T - No data plan? - HD2 General

Hi everyone,
I recently purchased an unlocked T-Mobile version of the HD2 and am using it on AT&T.
I had a couple of questions:
1) The phone is registered as a blackberry 7290 so will I be required to get the data plan?
2) Is there any way to avoid the data plan while still using the phone? This really is a deal breaker for me since I don't want to shell out 30 bucks to AT&T. I don't need a data plan but if I would have to get it, I wouldn't use the phone and go back to my old flip phone.
Have any of you guys had any success in avoiding the data plan?
Thanks in advance for any answers.
P.S. I really don't care much for the data features or the social networking. Mainly wanted this phone for the beautiful screen and the great camera.

Call them up and tell them you changed phones and want the data plan dropped. Give them the IMEI of a dumbphone when they ask for it (Google for one if you have to.. people give them away on message boards all the time when they want to unlock their phones). Ask them to drop your data plan and add a data block on the line so you don't get billed for WinMo accessing the network on your behalf. From there, you're set.
I've done this and I can get away with AT&T's $10 data plan. I still get full 3G service.

I'll try that tomorrow. That sounds much better. I didn't tell them I have a smartphone obviously. But I did ask them if they can do such a block but they said that its dualband so their system registers it as a sort of "smartphone". Did your AT&T rep tell you that?
On a side note, isn't there a way for them to verify the IMEI? I mean I can give them my IMEI for an old Nokia Phone, but wouldn't they know that isn't the case since they can see the HD2 IMEI?
Thanks for the reply!

[email protected] said:
I'll try that tomorrow. That sounds much better. I didn't tell them I have a smartphone obviously. But I did ask them if they can do such a block but they said that its dualband so their system registers it as a sort of "smartphone". Did your AT&T rep tell you that?
On a side note, isn't there a way for them to verify the IMEI? I mean I can give them my IMEI for an old Nokia Phone, but wouldn't they know that isn't the case since they can see the HD2 IMEI?
Thanks for the reply!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No they didn't tell me that. Call and try again because that CS rep is an idiot or trying to get you some data charges.
At present they can't verify the IMEIs, not over the phone at least.

ATT royally screwed me, they said I had a black berry, I told them I did not. They said if I used any "smart phone" off contract I had to pay for data.
They forced me onto a black berry plan, and told me I had to take my phone to the store and prove it was not a black berry, and if it was in fact a smart phone they would "back" bill me
So then I asked to block the data plan, since I am off contract, they told me that they could not do it, so I told them I was changing carriers.
I will just sell my HD2 and be done with att, go to verizon and hope for better service.
I have been an ATT customer for over 8 years

friend'scatdied said:
No they didn't tell me that. Call and try again because that CS rep is an idiot or trying to get you some data charges.
At present they can't verify the IMEIs, not over the phone at least.
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Click to collapse
The AT&T system does a scan every so often and updates the IMEI that is being used with the sim, that is how they can tell what phone you are using, The system can can only recognize ATT phones that is why it sees it as an old BB.

zelendel said:
The AT&T system does a scan every so often and updates the IMEI that is being used with the sim, that is how they can tell what phone you are using, The system can can only recognize ATT phones that is why it sees it as an old BB.
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Click to collapse
Yes, my OLAM shows that I have a BlackBerry Bold 9700. Yet I am on $30 unlimited data/text for dumbphones since they have a different IMEI on file. AFAIK the only IMEIs AT&T can recognize ATM besides their own is that of HTC Google Nexus Ones of the T-Mobile variety.

I'll call today and see what they will do. AT&T sucks though and their CS in my experience are jerks soooo...yeah.
Thanks for all the help you guys.
@friend'scatdied: Are you using the Australian version to get AT&T 3G? aren't those different and perhaps totally unrecognizable by AT&T?

[email protected] said:
@friend'scatdied: Are you using the Australian version to get AT&T 3G? aren't those different and perhaps totally unrecognizable by AT&T?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm using the Australian Telstra T9193 version. It's more complicated than that but suffice to say I will be among the last to be caught by them, if ever.

Called in today but it looks like they want proof of the phone since their system reads my phone as different. The CS was very polite but said there is nothing she could do since the system automatically scans for IMEI and the scan will change it to the BB 7290...guess I can't really keep the phone then without the lame data plan
Oh well thanks for all the help you guys, I guess I'm doomed to mediocre phones until I find one that I like which won't require a ridiculously expensive data-plan.

[email protected] said:
Called in today but it looks like they want proof of the phone since their system reads my phone as different. The CS was very polite but said there is nothing she could do since the system automatically scans for IMEI and the scan will change it to the BB 7290...guess I can't really keep the phone then without the lame data plan
Oh well thanks for all the help you guys, I guess I'm doomed to mediocre phones until I find one that I like which won't require a ridiculously expensive data-plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's just plain stupid. I never get abysmal customer service like that though I am on a FAN plan (so I get Premier Business CS). There should be no reason for them to disallow you from downgrading or removing your data plan.

Its just AT&T wanting to mooch off people. Its ok...I guess I can still use the HD2 as a super duper expensive PDA with a lot of cool features and a *****in' camera right?

[email protected] said:
Called in today but it looks like they want proof of the phone since their system reads my phone as different. The CS was very polite but said there is nothing she could do since the system automatically scans for IMEI and the scan will change it to the BB 7290...guess I can't really keep the phone then without the lame data plan
Oh well thanks for all the help you guys, I guess I'm doomed to mediocre phones until I find one that I like which won't require a ridiculously expensive data-plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah its a major downer considering that the HD2 is on edge only and has very few apps that pull much data.
Its reason enough for me to sell mine, I can't use tmobile as they dont have service where I live, so verizon here I come!

digitallysick said:
ATT royally screwed me, they said I had a black berry, I told them I did not. They said if I used any "smart phone" off contract I had to pay for data.
They forced me onto a black berry plan, and told me I had to take my phone to the store and prove it was not a black berry, and if it was in fact a smart phone they would "back" bill me
So then I asked to block the data plan, since I am off contract, they told me that they could not do it, so I told them I was changing carriers.
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Click to collapse
That is absolute crap. I can understand requiring a data plan if they subsidize a smart phone, but if you are off contract and bring your own phone there is absolutely no reason they should do this. If I were you I would file a complaint with the FCC.

BAMF said:
That is absolute crap. I can understand requiring a data plan if they subsidize a smart phone, but if you are off contract and bring your own phone there is absolutely no reason they should do this. If I were you I would file a complaint with the FCC.
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Click to collapse
Or go through retentions. I understand their retentions department wouldn't try to pull moves like this.

I was in the EXACT same predicament, att tried making me get the mandatory data plan which in fact I kicked and screamed about..What I found out is, that once you unlock the phone it doesnt register to att, basically it reads as the same phone you had currently registered with att. You WONT be required to but you will have wifi

chochard said:
I was in the EXACT same predicament, att tried making me get the mandatory data plan which in fact I kicked and screamed about..What I found out is, that once you unlock the phone it doesnt register to att, basically it reads as the same phone you had currently registered with att. You WONT be required to but you will have wifi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Do explain more please..

[email protected] said:
Hi everyone,
I recently purchased an unlocked T-Mobile version of the HD2 and am using it on AT&T.
I had a couple of questions:
1) The phone is registered as a blackberry 7290 so will I be required to get the data plan?
2) Is there any way to avoid the data plan while still using the phone? This really is a deal breaker for me since I don't want to shell out 30 bucks to AT&T. I don't need a data plan but if I would have to get it, I wouldn't use the phone and go back to my old flip phone.
Have any of you guys had any success in avoiding the data plan?
Thanks in advance for any answers.
P.S. I really don't care much for the data features or the social networking. Mainly wanted this phone for the beautiful screen and the great camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm paying $15 / 200MB data plan with att. I once had no data plan, pay per use. I might just switch to tmo.

Just curious, if i install a custom rom on my hd2 do i still have to unlock it to use it on at&t?
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App

chip0 said:
Just curious, if i install a custom rom on my hd2 do i still have to unlock it to use it on at&t?
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea you do, the ROMs don't unlock the device.

Related

Can ATT force me into a data plan?

There has been a lot of talk about ATT bull**** N1 people into data plan.
However, if I buy a normal phone from them, 2 years contract with DATA BLOCK.
Insert the sim onto the New Nexus ATT version
Can they force me into a data plan? (I mean, I am not using their data service at all, not trying to cheat them for a $15 data plan vs $30)
So can they still force me?
I hope they don't, but if they do, I am going straight to ABC News and have a field day with the media.
NexusX said:
There has been a lot of talk about ATT bull**** N1 people into data plan.
However, if I buy a normal phone from them, 2 years contract with DATA BLOCK.
Insert the sim onto the New Nexus ATT version
Can they force me into a data plan? (I mean, I am not using their data service at all, not trying to cheat them for a $15 data plan vs $30)
So can they still force me?
I hope they don't, but if they do, I am going straight to ABC News and have a field day with the media.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no how would they know you have a Nexus ? if you don't tell them ? just swap you phone and it should work fine
shwan_3 said:
no how would they know you have a Nexus ? if you don't tell them ? just swap you phone and it should work fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I beg to differ... the IMEI of every phone is different. It identifies the manufacturer, model and other characteristics of the phone (Smartphone or Dumbphone). Based on this information, AT&T has recently sent notifications to "unlocked Smartphone" users telling them that they are required to get a Data Plan. The AT&T support forum is full of folks complaining that they have received this warning and have subsequently been put on data plans. Below is the URL to a typical thread on this issue.
http://forums.wireless.att.com/cng/board/message?board.id=gsmgprs&thread.id=28657
They can see the IMEI of the device on the network. The first 8 digits (the TAC) give the Make/Model info. So, that said, they always know what device you're using.
Yes they can... I have had an iphone since the second month they were out. I purchased an iphone 3g off of craigslist and then a 3gs and just kept moving the Sim card to each phone. Over the last few months I have texts and emails from them saying I have to upgrade my data plan... My contracted ended over a year ago lol.
Was waiting for the supersonic but I just bought this ATT Nexus. will switch the Sim and see how they react. LOL
My plan expired 3 years ago and I move my sim all the time. It so great not to be on a plan. I used a G1 for over a year and an N1 since the first day they came out. I never received any notifications about anything. I do have a PDA plan so maybe that's the difference.
i've got two smart phones(nokia n95 and htc polaris) on att's family data plan for $10 each, and have for over 2 years now. will att change it to the $30 data plan once i get my nexus 1?
Good chance. I'm not going to say 'likely' but, good chance.
If ATT carries the phone - they will likely scan for it on the network at some point. It's just a matter of time.
Folks like mlott who already have an expanded dataplan (not the $10 one) should be fine.
Fake IMEI app in 3...2...
Illegal in 2... 1...
--edit--
Ah yes:
US
The Commission considers any knowing use of cellular telephone with an altered ESN to be a violation of the Communications Act (Section 301) and alteration of the ESN in a cellular telephone to be assisting in such violation. The Wireless Telephone Protection Act (Public Law 105-172) was signed into law on April 24, 1998, expanding the prior law to criminalize the use, possession, manufacture or sale of cloning hardware or software
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Click to collapse
UK
3. The Mobile Telephones (Re-programming) Act creates a number of offences relating to the electronic identifiers of mobile wireless communications devices. In particular it becomes an offence to reprogramme the unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number which identifies a mobile telephone handset. It is also possible to interfere with the operation of the IMEI by the addition of a small electronic chip to the handset and this too is made illegal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, federally
Yeah I am interested in the hiding your IMEI too. I know this was done on Iphone, but anything on android? given how programmable these Android are, is it possible?
I mean faking MAC address was said to be impossible in the beginning, but now you can do it with a flip of a registry on windows.
I don't know if it's possible, but ring up ATT and ask for the "smartphone exclusion" feature on your line. Apparently, the ATT scanner is honoring that and NOT adding plans to those types of lines.
(Please google for more info before you do this.)
i have the N1 (TMobile version) on ATT right now and i have the smartphone exclusion so i never got one of those texts requiring me to get the data plan (others using the N1 on ATT were getting this texts and were forced to add the $30 plan); also, i recently called ATT and added data block on my line; they still think that i have my older phone (blackberry) as that showed up on their system
but i don't know how they will work on this new N1; also, i want to know if i get the AT&T version, will they take off the Data Block feature from my line
They can probably tell very easily what phone you are on. I called T-Mobile (yea yea, not ATT but still) a few days after I got my N1 on launch day to transfer the insurance or whatever, and when I was talking to the rep, he said "so you are calling from your new Nexus One." I didnt say a word about what phone I was on So if T-Mobile can tell what phone is calling them, I can only imagine ATT can too.
They will likely force you into some sort of data plan.
staulkor said:
They can probably tell very easily what phone you are on. I called T-Mobile (yea yea, not ATT but still) a few days after I got my N1 on launch day to transfer the insurance or whatever, and when I was talking to the rep, he said "so you are calling from your new Nexus One." I didnt say a word about what phone I was on So if T-Mobile can tell what phone is calling them, I can only imagine ATT can too.
They will likely force you into some sort of data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that may be true, but they can't forced me onto a plan because i have the smartphone exclusion grandfathered into my line and i just added the data block
ATT system doesn't have the TMobile N1 imei; hell, i've been with ATT since 2005 with family plan and they still don't have the right phones for 3 of the numbers in their system
mazzarin said:
Illegal in 2... 1...
--edit--
Ah yes:
So, federally
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Luckily for us in the United States, IMEI is not ESN. I have not been able to find anything showing that changing IMEI #s is illegal here, and nobody else has been able to show me any either. We don't use IMEIs to blacklist phones like they do in other countries, so it's not illegal to change them. We do use ESNs that way so it is illegal to change those.
I think it really all depends on whether or not Google gave AT&T a file with all the IMEIs for the AT&T band N1s.
I do know that AT&T has no idea what phone I'm using currently (see sig), but knows immediately when I put my sim into a branded phone (tried w/iPhone, HTC Pure & Pantech Matrix Pro). Not only have I confirmed this over the phone, but I've confimed it by logging into my account after putting a sim into a branded phone, and seeing the phone pop up. No such thing happens with my unbranded phone and unbranded phones I've used in the past.
mazzarin said:
I don't know if it's possible, but ring up ATT and ask for the "smartphone exclusion" feature on your line. Apparently, the ATT scanner is honoring that and NOT adding plans to those types of lines.
(Please google for more info before you do this.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The smartphone exclusion plan is now being phased out internally. They are no longer authorizing reps to add lines into that category as of two months. I think it have something to do with the Nexus One launch?
This I got as 'news' from an AT&T rep direct.
NexusX said:
not trying to cheat them for a $15 data plan vs $30
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Click to collapse
How is this "cheating" them ? They offer unlimited data at 2G speeds and you pay them for it.
NexusX said:
So can they still force me?
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Click to collapse
If they want to they can. Not all companies are anti-evil. Cingular is long dead now.
Ok here the way it works, well for me. I'm on the AT&T network, I'm been out of contract for 10 years. In those 10 years I've always used a smart phone.
When I used an AT&T branded smart phone, within the last few months they will automatically place me on a smart phone data plan. When I used none AT&T smart phones, they don’t know what’s going on.
While using the AT&T smart phone I would call and update my IMEI to a Motorola RAZR IMEI, within two hour or so of use it would switch back. I did this several times, each time it would switch back automatically when I started using the smart phone.
If I use a none AT&T smart phone, there was no problems, they accepted the RAZR IMEI never changed it at all.
I’m not smart enough to tell you how they are getting this info from their phones, I thought it was when I connected via HSDPA/HSUPA but I disabled that and there were still able to tell with I used the AT&T phone.
On the legality of them changing your plan if you read their terms of use, it clearly states if you have a Smart Phone, Iphone, or Blackberry you must have a smart phone data plan of $30 & up. Under contract or not, if you use their service you must comply with their terms of use. But this is America, and if people make enough noise about this it may cause them to change their ways. But these terms of use is similar to most of the major carrier if not all.
What do you do?
Use an AT&T phone smart phone and get charged for the smart phone data plan. Make lots of noise with AT&T and see what it gets you, gets us.
Use a NONE AT&T smart phone use the cheap unlimited data plan.
The AT&T phones I tested were the Fuze, Pure, & IPhones 3GS, all had the smart phone plan added even when I provide the IMEI or the RAZR.
The phones I’ve tested from T-Mobile are the Touch Pro2, G1, & Dash 3G, plus countless amounts of none branded AT&T phones I’ve used in the past.
I’m currently using the T-Mobile Touch Pro2, $15 data plan, AT&T recognizes my phone on their site under my account as a RAZR V3.

Nexus One WITHOUT data plan on Tmobile?

Hi to all the Tmobile users out there. Anyone have the nexus one on Tmobile network WITHOUT data plan? As far as I know all you have to do is buy the unlock nexus one and pop in a sim card right? (does Tmobile have the same system as ATT that automatically force you into a data plan?)
NexusX said:
Hi to all the Tmobile users out there. Anyone have the nexus one on Tmobile network WITHOUT data plan? As far as I know all you have to do is buy the unlock nexus one and pop in a sim card right? (does Tmobile have the same system as ATT that automatically force you into a data plan?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, and someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but you can pop a SIM-card with an "data-less" associated T-Mobile account and the phone will work. Data won't, and I don't believe T-Mobile will force you to buy a data plan.
Cheers,
Kermee
Never mind.. Not thinking correctly.
If you buy the phone unlocked, there's nothing to activate. You just pop in your sim and go.
I bought the unlocked Att nexus, and i'm using my old data plan without a problem (so far). I haven't been contacted or forced into a more expensive data plan or anything like that, though I guess your experience may vary.
crackness said:
If you buy the phone unlocked, there's nothing to activate. You just pop in your sim and go.
I bought the unlocked Att nexus, and i'm using my old data plan without a problem (so far). I haven't been contacted or forced into a more expensive data plan or anything like that, though I guess your experience may vary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I forgot on the n1 that you can skip the google account setup process.. Lol..
I pop my sim card the first time and try syncing it on a SIM WITHOUT data plan, it connected to 3G and edge to retrieve email and stuffs then I disconnected the Edge and 3G right after. They didn't charge me for the amount of data usage because it was under 600KB. Hope this help
Thank you guys, yeah I wanted ATT, but after sporadic report that they force some Nexus users to have data plan, I now have to consider Tmobile, hopefully they don't suck too much in DC area
NexusX said:
Thank you guys, yeah I wanted ATT, but after sporadic report that they force some Nexus users to have data plan, I now have to consider Tmobile, hopefully they don't suck too much in DC area
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Click to collapse
Thats ridiculous, how does that even make sense? There is NO way a company can force you into a new data plan because you bought a phone on your own terms.
That is 100% bull ****, it's not true.
izmar said:
Thats ridiculous, how does that even make sense? There is NO way a company can force you into a new data plan because you bought a phone on your own terms.
That is 100% bull ****, it's not true.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may feel it's not right, but they do it. Many people trying to use t-mobile nexus ones on at&t got hit with the automatic data plan addition. It looks like most people with at&t ones are getting away without it so far, oddly enough, but that may change at some point in the future.
izmar said:
Thats ridiculous, how does that even make sense? There is NO way a company can force you into a new data plan because you bought a phone on your own terms.
That is 100% bull ****, it's not true.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's 100% true and it's stated in the contract agreement.
maxh said:
You may feel it's not right, but they do it. Many people trying to use t-mobile nexus ones on at&t got hit with the automatic data plan addition. It looks like most people with at&t ones are getting away without it so far, oddly enough, but that may change at some point in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will change when Google releases the IMEI's for those handsets.
T-Mobile doesn't force a data plan on a customer supplied handset. Only when you buy it under a new 2 year agreement.. that's what AT&T, Sprint and Verizon does.
Yup. They'll even send you a text to warn you!
Not for everybody but since I live in CA there's no way I would ever change from T-Mo. Great coverage with good options on pricing.
Option A) T-Mo --- $40/mo data only plan I can make VOIP calls with
Option B) Verizon/ATT's --- $70/mo ripoff with cell phone minutes I dont even use?
I'd much rather take option a and save $720 a month over a 24 month period thank you very much.
Verizon and ATT might be the only option for some people coverage wise but that doesnt change the fact that they are terrible companies that force their customers to buy extra plan packages they dont want just so they can steal an extra $30 a month from people instead of giving them options on what they want and dont want.
Give me choices and I'm a happy customer.
ap3604 said:
Not for everybody but since I live in CA there's no way I would ever change from T-Mo. Great coverage with good options on pricing.
Option A) T-Mo --- $40/mo data only plan I can make VOIP calls with
Option B) Verizon/ATT's --- $70/mo ripoff with cell phone minutes I dont even use?
I'd much rather take option a and save $720 a month over a 24 month period thank you very much.
Verizon and ATT might be the only option for some people coverage wise but that doesnt change the fact that they are terrible companies that force their customers to buy extra plan packages they dont want just so they can steal an extra $30 a month from people instead of giving them options on what they want and dont want.
Give me choices and I'm a happy customer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With AT&T I think you can get the data plan only (no minutes) for $5 extra on top of the data plan price. So $35/mo for unlimited data, no voice service. That's what I've been told, but you may wanna check for yourself.
maxh said:
With AT&T I think you can get the data plan only (no minutes) for $5 extra on top of the data plan price. So $35/mo for unlimited data, no voice service. That's what I've been told, but you may wanna check for yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whaaaaaaaaaaaat?! interesting...
I'm looking online but does anyone have this that can confirm?

HD2 caused ATT to add Data Plan!!!! What can I do?

I have an TMobile unlocked touch pro2 with att. Just got myself the HD2, and put in my sim card--got a text message (2 actually) from att stating:
"Did you know a data plan is required for your Smartphone?"
and then
"your Smartphone requires a data plan. We have added the appropriate plan for you smartphone"
I went to the account online, and it states that I suddenly am the proud owner of a Blackberry RIM!!!!
This whole time (since the Tilt days) I have been using unlocked phones, and as soon as I try my sim in it, ATT tells me this!!!
Any ideas on what to do????
Should I go to a store? Will they honor the fact that I don't want a data plan even though I have a Smartphone--but not ATT???
Urgent!
Thank you!!!
telegraph0000 said:
Should I go to a store? Will they honor the fact that I don't want a data plan even though I have a Smartphone--but not ATT???
Urgent!
Thank you!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No they won't. They'll laugh in your face if you go in their with a HD2 and ask to drop the data plan.
Get a dumbphone IMEI. Call them with 611 and tell them you want to add a data block to your account because you recently switched phones. Give them the dumbphone IMEI if they ask for it. Bam, you're done. No worries about being charged either -- you'll be blocked off the data network.
Since the phone is not from ATT they can't make you add data.
Okay...and where do I get a dumbphone Imei??
How and why the heck did they go and do this??!!!
Even with your phone IMEI number since it won't show up in there system they can't do that. Thisi is the first time I have heard about this. With my HD2 on ATT I pay $15 since I need the internet but you can just tell them I don't want it.
Never go to the Store. Call is better, especially in this case.
Cheers
Nimche said:
Even with your phone IMEI number since it won't show up in there system they can't do that. Thisi is the first time I have heard about this. With my HD2 on ATT I pay $15 since I need the internet but you can just tell them I don't want it.
Never go to the Store. Call is better, especially in this case.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It makes sense to me since as far as I can tell the OP doesn't have a data plan and the HD2 uses data like a hog unless you set it up very specifically to turn of all data connections. If sense polled even once I imagine AT&T would go straight to the more expensive plan as a recommendation even without knowing what phone it is.
I looked at the usage and within 3 days of use (touch pro 2 $15 plan) and the HD2, I used only 15megs of info. So...I don't have the original phone my plan was under (a cheapo nokia)--what should I say?
Does it matter that the phone was unlocked and used for AT&T by the previous owner?
Obviously I don't have a Blackberry, why the system stated that is beyond my comprehension--what should I say as to what type of phone I have?
ATT made a mistake. Just call customer support and tell them they made a mistake. But what will you answer when they ask you what phone you have? Do you have an older non smartphone lieing around?
I have HD2 on ATT and they still think I am using my samsung impression. Even when I log into my account on the net it says samsung impression. If you go there what phone does it say you have?
Forced and automatically enrolled into DATA Plan? I would cancel my contracts with them in the heart-beat.
eenbox said:
Forced and automatically enrolled into DATA Plan? I would cancel my contracts with them in the heart-beat.
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Click to collapse
That's what i was thinking.
eenbox said:
Forced and automatically enrolled into DATA Plan? I would cancel my contracts with them in the heart-beat.
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Click to collapse
Since November 2009 they have had the prerogative built-into the contract to automatically provision smartphones with smartphone data plans as detected by the system. But that only applies to users that signed a contract after then or upgraded to a different handset from AT&T since then.
You mention that the previous owner used the phone with AT&T.. there is the slight possibility he used it with a smartphone data plan and divulged the fact that it was a HD2 to AT&T. If this is the case and their system has logged it as a type of smartphone (perhaps the BlackBerry is a placeholder, or the old owner's original phone), then you're boned.
Regardless I'd call 611 and try to get a data block added. You can find dumbphone IMEIs very easily (though not very legally). Here's a hint: threads for unlocking services have dozens of people eager to publish their IMEIs for the world to see.
Reading this post made me realize that you Americans are really being screwed by your carriers. No offense meant at all, I'm just really horrified by the fact that the carrier can add extra charges to the customer just because of their choices of phone....
Freedom of choice is evidently very skewed here. I mean, why are you guys going with this kind of treatment?
kenkiller said:
Reading this post made me realize that you Americans are really being screwed by your carriers. No offense meant at all, I'm just really horrified by the fact that the carrier can add extra charges to the customer just because of their choices of phone....
Freedom of choice is evidently very skewed here. I mean, why are you guys going with this kind of treatment?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tell me about it. That's why I fight the Man.. I get unlimited texting and data for the same price as unlimited data since my network doesn't recognize my phone (and I still get the brilliant HSDPA).
I hear across the pond is a magical land where data tariffs range into a couple of euro or pounds sterling (something like 6), and messaging and even BlackBerry data plans are similarly priced (you can't use a BlackBerry for anything less than $30 a month here). I also hear they have video calling.
i had the same problem as the OP, I got 2 texts last night from AT&T stating that they added $30 data to my plan, I called them up and they said that this phone shows up as a blackberry and there is no way to cancel it unless I go to a store and show it to them, the problem is that a store will see that this is a smartphone and will not allow me to keep my $10 data plan.
it is strange because I used a lot of smartphones under my account, including a UK HD2 and telstra HD2 (R.I.P) and I never had this problem.
Well, I guess it's time to sell it and get a different one.... Thanks AT&T
I found from my OWN personal experience and having had T-Mobile and at&t that the US GSM carriers share IMEI data on high end phones. Case in point, when I attempted to use my T-Mobile USA branded HD2 on my at&t I got the same message. Whenever I use my Telstra (Australian) model, customer service stated that my IMEI could not be verified so I've been able to keep my $10 data plan with no issues.
k2trill said:
I found from my OWN personal experience and having had T-Mobile and at&t that the US GSM carriers share IMEI data on high end phones. Case in point, when I attempted to use my T-Mobile USA branded HD2 on my at&t I got the same message. Whenever I use my Telstra (Australian) model, customer service stated that my IMEI could not be verified so I've been able to keep my $10 data plan with no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is VERY, VERY interesting. I know for a fact AT&T has ALL of the IMEIs for the T-Mobile version of the Nexus One. Anyone with a T-Mobile Nexus One on AT&T is basically forced to use the $30 plan.
kenkiller said:
Reading this post made me realize that you Americans are really being screwed by your carriers. No offense meant at all, I'm just really horrified by the fact that the carrier can add extra charges to the customer just because of their choices of phone....
Freedom of choice is evidently very skewed here. I mean, why are you guys going with this kind of treatment?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lovely AT&T - that's why I am on T-Mobile and even they may not be perfect they are whole a lot better than ****tty AT&T. Natively from Europe too cannot go with the fact of what AT&T does - built into the contract that they will assign you with the DATA plan if they "smell" you are using a smartphone... Against every possible decency and normal common sense thinking... Against human free will to put it that way...
LOL why are you guys shocked at this? If your phone used to belong to a carrier (meaning that the carrier sold the phone themselves), then they already have the IMEI. Like someone previously said, carriers do share IMEI numbers.
Just because your phone is unlocked to use on any carrier is different from a phone that hasnt been registered at ALL! Unlocked phones that are sold online are generally not registered to anyone or any carrier, therefore, you can get away with use some old/previous data plan that you have.
So in conclusion, DONT BUY CARRIER PHONES (UNLOCKED OR NOT).
lude219 said:
LOL why are you guys shocked at this? If your phone used to belong to a carrier (meaning that the carrier sold the phone themselves), then they already have the IMEI. Like someone previously said, carriers do share IMEI numbers.
Just because your phone is unlocked to use on any carrier is different from a phone that hasnt been registered at ALL! Unlocked phones that are sold online are generally not registered to anyone or any carrier, therefore, you can get away with use some old/previous data plan that you have.
So in conclusion, DONT BUY CARRIER PHONES (UNLOCKED OR NOT).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Add a regional proviso. My (then) Telus Motorola Milestone and (now) Telstra HD2 T9193 work perfectly fine under the radar with full HSDPA and dumbphone plans.
Shocking thing about the Nexus Ones is that the people that got caught bought unsubsidized (contract-free, unlocked and unbranded), brand new phones that just had the AWS bands (early adopters). Yet they still got detected.
kenkiller said:
Reading this post made me realize that you Americans are really being screwed by your carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah man... me too!
This is seriously ridiculous... In the UK... YOU decide whether you want a data plan or not. If you dont have one and still use data you get charged per MB.
Forcing your customers to take out a data plan just because they have a smartphone is unbelievable!

[Q] Question about AT&T data plans.

So I'm on a 3g android smartphone with AT&T right now and if i got a 4g off contract would i have to pay for the 4g service which is really expensive or could i just stay on my good Ole 3g service i am currently using?
I think you can keep your current plan, but don't hold me to that. It may have changed since I've asked about it.
Source
This is the latest thing I've found regarding you question. I asked a little while after that. xD
Since when did they start offering a 4g plan?
I know with my AT&T Sony Ericsson Xperia X10a that when I unbranded and updated to 2.1, my mobile data automatically increased from 3G to "H" or HSPA which is like 3.5G without any rate changes.
I am guessing with AT&T that 4G will be more money, so I am happy with HSPA at 3G rates. Especially since the competition is limiting the speeds of their unlimited data plans.
i thnk the 4g prices will be the same as 3g then 3g prices will drop down.
But will using "4G" route you through a different WAP? If not and it's all a matter of wording and phrasing, I say root/rom and use unlimited data as if you were on a non-smartphone. They don't have to know, you don't have to throw your $ away.
Skv012a said:
But will using "4G" route you through a different WAP? If not and it's all a matter of wording and phrasing, I say root/rom and use unlimited data as if you were on a non-smartphone. They don't have to know, you don't have to throw your $ away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The fact is that with AT&T data is measured in MB or GB, not speed or time. Regardless of how fast or slow you download or use data, it is metered.
However, I do agree that it could be as easy as changing your settings to access 4G, but it won't save you any money.
AT&T's "4G" technology is technically 3G according to the standards committee that oversees these technologies. However, when AT&T starts deploying real 4G, LTE, the prices have a good chance of changing. For now, "4G" plans cost the same as any other.
Sent from my SGH-i917 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
jonandkym said:
AT&T's "4G" technology is technically 3G according to the standards committee that oversees these technologies. However, when AT&T starts deploying real 4G, LTE, the prices have a good chance of changing. For now, "4G" plans cost the same as any other.
Sent from my SGH-i917 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, it is based on volume of data used, not on speed of use.
I personally plan to switch to verizon once they allow data roll over and family-plan sharing.
wcdolphin said:
I personally plan to switch to verizon once they allow data roll over and family-plan sharing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon also limits data speeds on unlimited plans. Either way you are going to pay for data in time or money.
I have a very similar question. Hopefully someone can shed some light.
HERES WHAT I HAVE RIGHT NOW:
I am currently using a Rogers HTC Dream, unlocked rooted and running Gingeryoshi on AT&T. On my line, "Line A," I have the $10 unlimited dumbphone data plan and AT&T thinks I have a Samsung A737 (ancient slider phone). When I bought the phone on ebay, I just put in the APN settings and off I went.
Thanks to a contract renewal discount on "Line B" on my account, whose user does not need a new phone, I recently purchased an HTC Inspire 4G.
HERE IS THE QUESTION:
When I receive the phone, AT&T told me that I can use it on Line A, even though it was purchased through Line B. However, they said I need to call in to activate it. They said that until I do the upgrade will be listed as "incomplete" on their end. Further, they said that I will have to bump up to at least the $15 200MB data plan.
I told them I just want to sell the phone and not use it. They told me I still have to call and activate it, but that I can then "remove" it from the account and "reactivate" my dumbphone, at which point I will be reverted to the $10 a month dumbphone plan.
The $1,000,000 question: when I receive the new AT&T branded HTC Inspire, can I just pop my existing sim that I'm using in my Rogers Dream into the Inspire, and use it without calling to activate?
**to be clear, I'm not talking about bypassing the Android activation screen. Seeing as how there was no "activation" process for my Rogers Dream, I'm unfamiliar with the process as to AT&T branded phones. So, I guess the questions is if it is any different. I am comfortable rooting and roming, so if either of those processes will get me an Inspire working with my $10 data plan I'm ready to pull the trigger.
ALSO: THANK YOU XDA FORUMS. I think this is my first real post here, but I have browsed the forums for hours and you all helped me along from tethering my A737 to rooting my first T-Mobile G1, to installing roms and the DangerSPL on my Rogers Dream, so hopefully you can help me with this!
okachowwa said:
So I'm on a 3g android smartphone with AT&T right now and if i got a 4g off contract would i have to pay for the 4g service which is really expensive or could i just stay on my good Ole 3g service i am currently using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jessehclark said:
I have a very similar question. Hopefully someone can shed some light.
HERES WHAT I HAVE RIGHT NOW:
I am currently using a Rogers HTC Dream, unlocked rooted and running Gingeryoshi on AT&T. On my line, "Line A," I have the $10 unlimited dumbphone data plan and AT&T thinks I have a Samsung A737 (ancient slider phone). When I bought the phone on ebay, I just put in the APN settings and off I went.
Thanks to a contract renewal discount on "Line B" on my account, whose user does not need a new phone, I recently purchased an HTC Inspire 4G.
HERE IS THE QUESTION:
When I receive the phone, AT&T told me that I can use it on Line A, even though it was purchased through Line B. However, they said I need to call in to activate it. They said that until I do the upgrade will be listed as "incomplete" on their end. Further, they said that I will have to bump up to at least the $15 200MB data plan.
I told them I just want to sell the phone and not use it. They told me I still have to call and activate it, but that I can then "remove" it from the account and "reactivate" my dumbphone, at which point I will be reverted to the $10 a month dumbphone plan.
The $1,000,000 question: when I receive the new AT&T branded HTC Inspire, can I just pop my existing sim that I'm using in my Rogers Dream into the Inspire, and use it without calling to activate?
**to be clear, I'm not talking about bypassing the Android activation screen. Seeing as how there was no "activation" process for my Rogers Dream, I'm unfamiliar with the process as to AT&T branded phones. So, I guess the questions is if it is any different. I am comfortable rooting and roming, so if either of those processes will get me an Inspire working with my $10 data plan I'm ready to pull the trigger.
ALSO: THANK YOU XDA FORUMS. I think this is my first real post here, but I have browsed the forums for hours and you all helped me along from tethering my A737 to rooting my first T-Mobile G1, to installing roms and the DangerSPL on my Rogers Dream, so hopefully you can help me with this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I work for AT&T and saw this thread and thought maybe I'd help clear some of this stuff up.
First, the 3G and the 4G plans are pretty much the same thing. You should be good using a 4g phone off contract. they are labeled different in my system at AT&T but I believe them to be the same plan because AT&T does not have a full 4G plan yet. But to be safe you can switch because the 4G plan smartphone plan costs the same as the 3G smartphone plan.
Unless you are saying you have a 3G "QMD" (Quick Messaging Device), or in lamest terms, a Non-Smartphone or "DumbPhone" haha. And that leads me to my next point. Pay attention here haha. As far as I've seen, if you have an ATT phone, the system will automatically detect if you've switched phones. Like if you went from a QMD to a ATT Smartphone, the system will auto-detect that you have a smartphone and will switch your data plan and notify you of it.
BUT, from what I've seen a few times, if you get a NON ATT Smartphone, the system doesnt seem to recognize you have a smartphone because it doesnt recognize the IMEI as a smartphone but instead as a Third-Party Device. Therefore it doesnt change your plan.
Now this does not happen to ALL non-ATT smarphones. Like my buddy who went from a QMD to an unlocked Tmo HD2 on his ATT plan. the system some how recognized his phone as a smartphone and switched him. He might have one of the phones that ATT has been able to recognize I guess.
As for getting the Inspire 4G and not activating it but using it on your other line, I would have to say that is a bad idea. If you dont activate it then after 30 days that additional line is cancelled and removed off your acct and ATT will then request the phone back. and if you dont return it, then ATT will charge the price of the phone to your acct. So no, dont do that.
As far as I know, the best way to go about getting a smartphone and not be forced to change your plan from the $10 QMD unlimited data plan to the smartphone plans is to get a non-ATT smartphone and hope they cannot recognize it as a smartphone.
My guess would be if you use 2 gb of data on that though, ATT might start asking questions as to why you are using 2gb of data on a non-smartphone though, haha. so be careful.
wrote a book but atleast I cleared some stuff up for you guys
thanks for the input chris-
you got at something that i had been wondering, mainly, whats the difference (in terms of detecting whether i have a smart phone) between my G1 or my Dream and the Inspire I just ordered. Is it that AT&T has the IMEI? I thought carriers could detect the IMEI of my Dream and discover that it was a smartphone, but they haven't...
As for the data, what's funny is that I've been using the Dream on that line with the $10 plan for 2 years, averaging 1 to 3 GB of data a month. I even had the rep pull up my account and, in the same conversation, verify that I had an A737 dumbphone (its just easier to say) and that I was using over 2GB of data. =) hahah
so, I guess I will need to activate the phone, tell them im selling it and using a razr, give them the razr imei (i have an old one) then switch the sim to the inspire and hope they dont catch it.
i wonder if anyone has tried this (maybe using an AT&T phone that they purchased on craigslist or ebay on AT&T) and how it went for them.
I guess this is sort of the even cheaper form of the UNLIM DATA 4 EVERYONE iPhone 2G trick!
PS chris I lold when you said you worked for AT&T but your info shows you're a Tmo customer. =) Maybe soon they'll be one in the same...
jessehclark said:
thanks for the input chris-
you got at something that i had been wondering, mainly, whats the difference (in terms of detecting whether i have a smart phone) between my G1 or my Dream and the Inspire I just ordered. Is it that AT&T has the IMEI? I thought carriers could detect the IMEI of my Dream and discover that it was a smartphone, but they haven't...
As for the data, what's funny is that I've been using the Dream on that line with the $10 plan for 2 years, averaging 1 to 3 GB of data a month. I even had the rep pull up my account and, in the same conversation, verify that I had an A737 dumbphone (its just easier to say) and that I was using over 2GB of data. =) hahah
so, I guess I will need to activate the phone, tell them im selling it and using a razr, give them the razr imei (i have an old one) then switch the sim to the inspire and hope they dont catch it.
i wonder if anyone has tried this (maybe using an AT&T phone that they purchased on craigslist or ebay on AT&T) and how it went for them.
I guess this is sort of the even cheaper form of the UNLIM DATA 4 EVERYONE iPhone 2G trick!
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I could help
But again I would strongly advise not actually using the Inspire because even if you give them the imei of a Moto Razr, if you put that sim in the Inspire, since it's an AT&T phone, They will probably recognize it automatically and sign you up on the smartphone data plan. The only way that I know of to get around it is to use a NON-ATT smartphone, therefore they dont know what the phone is.
Know what I mean?
and as for this..
jessehclark said:
PS chris I lold when you said you worked for AT&T but your info shows you're a Tmo customer. =) Maybe soon they'll be one in the same...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, I love being a customer with Tmo. And I swear I'll be so mad if this merger goes thru
thanks again chris!
everyone's responses are always appreciated. thought i'd give you all a quick update:
today my inspire arrived. I called the automated activation line, entered some billing info, and accepted the terms and conditions. i did not use the new sim card sent to me at any point.
i called ATT&T just to be safe and confirm, which they did, that i had completed activation properly. my line wouldnt be canceled because i didnt put the new sim in the new phone, and i would not be charged the retail price of the inspire even though it was not registered on the line i used to order it. i told them simply that i wanted to sell the inspire, and they assured me it would work without further AT&T involvement if i put in a compatible sim card. seems like they are most concerned about 1) getting you to accept the contract in exchange for the phone and 2) getting you on a **&%*[email protected] data plan if they catch wind of you using a smartphone.
they also confirmed that NO data charges had been added to the line i used to order the upgrade, and that the 2 year contract was in effect. score.
inspire is charging, ill let you all know how it goes when i turn it on and put in my OLD AT&T sim (on the line with the $10 dumbphone plan). According to chris im rolling the dice here, so OPTIMALLY it will turn on, connect to sweet sweet 4G data, and AT&T will keep thinking I have a dumbphone. if so, chalk one up for shiftiness.
yes is it man
I have an unlocked Tmo HD2 on AT&T rooted to NexusHD Gingerbread. They think I'm still using a dumb phone. My data rate did not change.
AT&T PayBack
Egrier said:
I have an unlocked Tmo HD2 on AT&T rooted to NexusHD Gingerbread. They think I'm still using a dumb phone. My data rate did not change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(Someone) should open a new thread on the whole various factors of unlocking non att phones or actual att smartphones but being able to trick att into thinking were using a crappy dumb phone haha (;
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I second that notion above me!
I'm thinking about switching to the Nexus One that works with the ATT 850 and 1900 bands but, after reading all these stories of people getting switched over to the $30 smartphone data plan I'm contemplating whether I should or not. It seems as though ATT is starting to recognizing and crackdown on more and more non-att smartphone imeis and switching them to the "appropriate" smartphone data plan.
Is there a list of phones that are still unrecognized by ATTs database?

[Q] AT&T user Trading iphone4 for sgs2**HELP**

I am new here so apologies.. i have been trying to get all my questions answered by searching.
It seems that the sgs2 is rad. im eligible for an upgrade at AT&T and found someone at t-mobile who also is. I will buy a white iphone4 and trade for his sgs2.
I think this is possible, is it not? any information on this would be greatly appreciated.
ps. i plan on rooting and and what not
The SGS2 doesn't exist on T-Mobile. The closest thing by name they have is the Galaxy S 4G which is basically just a SGS1 with T-Mobile U.S. AWS bands. Is it someone who bought an SGS2 from overseas and is using it on T-Mobile? Before you start screwing around with your AT&T contract I'd check out what you're actually going to get in the swap. If you end up getting a SGS2 it works fine on AT&T out of the box.
yea im retarded. i just learned that you literally cannot get this phone through any carrier. you have to buy it fresh for the 700 or whatever it is.
ive been doing a lot of research and ive decided on this phone .. but at this point i save 500 bux by renewing my plan and buying an atrix. any thoughts??
koryp924 said:
yea im retarded. i just learned that you literally cannot get this phone through any carrier. you have to buy it fresh for the 700 or whatever it is.
ive been doing a lot of research and ive decided on this phone .. but at this point i save 500 bux by renewing my plan and buying an atrix. any thoughts??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of all AT&T's phones, the iP4 in white is the most marketable on eBay. You could renew your contract and get one and probably sell it for close to $600. Then order the SGS2 from the UK or Expansys-USA for about $100-150 more. You could also use the dumb-phone unlimited data plan with the SGS2 for $10 a month which would eventually pay back the difference you paid. Good luck.
i have read about using the dumbphone plan. realistically it isn't supposed to last for much longer is it?
koryp924 said:
i have read about using the dumbphone plan. realistically it isn't supposed to last for much longer is it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T has no auditing software on their network to know who is using what. They rely on a database of IEMI numbers for the phones they sell (the Nexus' being an exception). Since the SGS2 isn't an IEMI they recognize it flies below the radar. It could change at some point but its been this way for a while.
OK. so just to clarify. I would buy the iphone and a data plan. sell the iphone and buy a sgs2 online somewhere. call att when i recieve the sgs2 (put my sim card in it) and tell them i lost my iphone already and will be returning to a razr (or w.e dumbphone) and want a dumbphone plan?
edit: and worst case scenario i just pay for a data plan and the phone works fully??
there's no reason to tell them anything. when you put your sim in the new phone att's system will not be able to match the imei and will list it as an unknown phone. just go into your account online and choose data for dumbphones plan.
a word to the wise, make sure you read all the fine print where ever you get your new phone from. a lot of them have conditions where you have to keep the smartphone data for at least a certain amount of time.
He has to sign-up for a smartphone plan to get the iP4. OP, once you get the iP4 tell them it fell in the pool and you're using your Krzr until you can save up for a new one. After they make the switch, tell them you want the dumb-phone plan.
I'm pretty sure signing a new contract locks you I'm for a smart phone data(iPhone data). You can still get the SGS2 to work, you just have to call AT&T and tell them you need to change your iPhone data plan to a smartphone/Android data plan. You will need a new sim completely as well because the iPhone uses a mini sim card.
Illicit Hero said:
I'm pretty sure signing a new contract locks you I'm for a smart phone data(iPhone data). You can still get the SGS2 to work, you just have to call AT&T and tell them you need to change your iPhone data plan to a smartphone/Android data plan. You will need a new sim completely as well because the iPhone uses a mini sim card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i mean that would be pretty messed up if you actually broke your smartphone and still had to pay for a data plan for two years even though your using a dumbphone...
koryp924 said:
i mean that would be pretty messed up if you actually broke your smartphone and still had to pay for a data plan for two years even though your using a dumbphone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I started a new account with AT&T so I never had to change plans. Others have posted that what I shared with you has worked for them. Maybe someone else who's changed plans mid-contract can comment.
Will it work (SGS2) on Tmobile USA? or just 2G?
nraudigy2 said:
Will it work (SGS2) on Tmobile USA? or just 2G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works fine on TMO USA it's just you only get edge speeds. But of the box it works no problem.

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