This plan is currently in the works and by no means confirmed working. Once confirmed I'll outline detailed methods, and possibly sell working units to the masses if nobody beats me to it. More on the concept further down.
Currently Bell is charging $15/month for 2MB of data! That's right megabytes not gigabytes.
Anyways, I'm not here to sell anything really. I just want cheap free data usage. I live and breath around open access WIFI hotspots, and I know this phone supports it. Not to mention the Touch is a great buy ($0 upfront).
So while my 2MB plan is crap, I can use it when I'm not around WIFI.
This post goes out to customers of BELL Mobility (Canada) and SPRINT(USA).
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Upon proceeding with this "mod", I make two assumptions:
1. The WIFI circuit and antenna are non-existent within CDMA chipsets, which leaves room for more memory than the GSM version of Touch.
2. The WIFI chip and antenna ARE existent but the issued ROMs ignore it's function for annoyance purposes.
Now that's out of the way, here's the concept.
1. Log onto fleebay and Purchase a normal size SD WIFI card with some internal memory of course
2. Mod an obsolete microSD card to carry the pin configuration over to the standard sized WIFI SD card, using thin ribbon cable as the raceway.
With this type of mod, you could close the battery door, and side panel. Of course there will be external circuitry hanging out. I'm planning on adhering it to the back of the door somehow to keep the phone looking cool!
There you have it, a modded Touch which can carry over WIFI capabilities externally.
Was thinking the same thing yesterday. But instead of building a SD-to-microSD adapter, I believe there is already one out there:
http://www.ameri-rack.com/APA-TFC1m.html
Not sure how to purchase from them though...
Also, would you think this mod would work with this? because basically this is what I want, as I have unlimited data (but I don't like WM's browser):
http://www.youtubetoipod.biz/guide/turn-your-ipod-toucn-into-a-3g-iphone.html
I think you are referring to the Ipod Touch which is a great device. But I am referring to the HTC touch CDMA version which is a device already sold as a phone without any mods of course. Big difference, Microsoft and Mac difference.
Although everything I described relates to the first link you posted. That is exactly what I have in mind. I had no idea someone beat me to a full out production version.
I would buy that for $100 even though it would be worth $5 or less in mass produced parts. If they want more than $100 for that extender, I'll build my own and flaunt it at the Bell shop.
But as far as I'm concerned, thanks xDarKnighTx for the link!
Aside from that, there already is a microSD wifi card prototype out there which sticks out like a sore thumb. Good luck closing the battery door and side panel.
wifi
wifi has been one of my peeves about the touch. from what i have read the hardware in the phone does not exist so i think its safe to say the rom is not the problem releasing wifi. a hardware adaption does not seem that far off. i know the microsd card wifi has been rumored but either does not exist or it is crap. supposed the mini sd wifi card was crap. your theory is to go microsd to sd and then sd wifi?
my thinking was a usb plug in for wifi. a plug in antenae that way would be easy to put in and take out. i thought for sure some mfg would already have created one. maybe the usb circuitry prevents this?
To sum up - microSD ---> to SD ---> to Wifi.
USB Wifi would be a great option and has been done before with earlier PDA's. Not sure about any success with the HTC Touch though.
UPDATE:
I Just purchased a Spectec 802.11b Wifi SD Card for a good price. There is no internal memory on this chip. If I get it working then I'll spend more money and upgrade to a WIFI chip with memory.
Now for the microSD mod...
Just an FYI re: Bell's data plans.
thirteenthcell said:
This plan is currently in the works and by no means confirmed working. Once confirmed I'll outline detailed methods, and possibly sell working units to the masses if nobody beats me to it. More on the concept further down.
Currently Bell is charging $15/month for 2MB of data! That's right megabytes not gigabytes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I'm against WiFi, but unlimited internet through Bell is only $15/m.
Quoting Bell.ca:
"The Fun 15 bundle includes Call Display, Message Centre Express, 200 sent text, picture and video messages, unlimited received messages and Unlimited Mobile Browser."
They've been offering this package for quite some time, and it's applicable to Bell's Touch.
What Bell DOESN'T make 100% clear (though if you go to their stores they will), is that internally Bell doesn't count the Touch as a smartphone because it doesn't have a full qwerty keyboard.
A few people asked me how I could afford data on Bell, as they were looking at the "Internet for Windows/Palm" type plans. Two of those friends went out and signed up with Bell.
The most I've moved through my Bell Touch in one month is 6.5 gigs (first month playing around), and never saw any overages, though most months I'm just shy of the 1gig mark. This works with Opera for full-html rendering, Newsbreak for RSS and podcast download as well as email.
Just one thing: don't tether your phone to a laptop through the standard WM tethering app or you'll probably get hit with a hefty bill (as it's mobile browsing only).
NOTE: I don't work for Bell, and don't particularly like them, but I'm definitely a happy customer with the data plan, because it's nationwide no roaming charges for data, and it's worked for me in Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec with no problems.
UPDATE:
I sent an email to AMERI-RACK expecting them only to ship the APA-TFC1 in bulk.
Good news, we have a microSD to SD adapter for only 26.75 plus shipping. You just have to email their support team with your address and request this device like I did.
To sum up this thread
The Wifi equation for the CDMA Touch:
AMERI-RACK's APA-TFC1 to link an SD-WIFI card - Thanks xDarKnighTx for the link
A SD WIFI card with memory which supports WM6 at least
Possible home brew ROM with WIFI drivers found in the connection manager
*I'm hoping there's a quick way around enabling WIFI on the software side. Anyone's input is appreciated.
Antboy said:
What Bell DOESN'T make 100% clear (though if you go to their stores they will), is that internally Bell doesn't count the Touch as a smartphone because it doesn't have a full qwerty keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not what I was told in the store, they put me on a $15 2MB DATA plan which covers your browsing, email and downloads. Can someone else confirm this true who signed up recently like I did (few days ago).
thirteenthcell said:
That's not what I was told in the store, they put me on a $15 2MB DATA plan which covers your browsing, email and downloads. Can someone else confirm this true who signed up recently like I did (few days ago).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked for the $15 Fun Bundle when I was phone shopping a few weeks ago. The store manager said it was only available with certain packages, with certain phones, and all of the packages she mentioned were available ONLY if you get a contract.
I bought a cheapie phone somewhere else after that... Their best offer was nearly double my old phone bill with Telus.
My apologies,
I'm not on the $15 2MB Data Plan. They set me up with Bell's "Fun 15" which includes unlimited browser, message center, callerID, and a few text messages. And apparently the Touch falls in this category.
I heard in a message board that certain programs (like possibly google maps / live mail) call in data as if it were a browser session. Meaning the application's DATA transfer counts towards your unlimited browser. At the same time, other programs call it in as if it were configured as a tethered modem connection where you get charged by the megabyte.
Confusing!
Anyway, I'm going ahead with my WIFI plan and will keep everyone updated with any progress.
thirteenthcell said:
My apologies,
I'm not on the $15 2MB Data Plan. They set me up with Bell's "Fun 15" which includes unlimited browser, message center, callerID, and a few text messages. And apparently the Touch falls in this category.
I heard in a message board that certain programs (like possibly google maps / live mail) call in data as if it were a browser session. Meaning the application's DATA transfer counts towards your unlimited browser. At the same time, other programs call it in as if it were configured as a tethered modem connection where you get charged by the megabyte.
Confusing!
Anyway, I'm going ahead with my WIFI plan and will keep everyone updated with any progress.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using a full modded HTC Touch with absolutely no issues with my data plans.
I was confused at first, and was told different things by different bell reps. Some told me that I required a special data plan to use a smart phone - and that the HTC Touch didn't use that phone as it wasn't a true "smart phone".
Then, I was told that the only data that I wouldn't be charged for is data loaded through the regular browser - This was quickly debunked.
I've used all types of services for over 1.5 months now. From streaming vide to Google Maps, to downloading music - Nothing has been charged as bandwidth. Mind you, i have an old data plan where I got unlimited 1X browsing and data (it used to be $5 - but I now get it for free ) - so that's the main reason i got the touch in the first place - the potential for modification and it's use of the 1X network.
thirteenthcell said:
I think you are referring to the Ipod Touch which is a great device. But I am referring to the HTC touch CDMA version which is a device already sold as a phone without any mods of course. Big difference, Microsoft and Mac difference.
Although everything I described relates to the first link you posted. That is exactly what I have in mind. I had no idea someone beat me to a full out production version.
I would buy that for $100 even though it would be worth $5 or less in mass produced parts. If they want more than $100 for that extender, I'll build my own and flaunt it at the Bell shop.
But as far as I'm concerned, thanks xDarKnighTx for the link!
Aside from that, there already is a microSD wifi card prototype out there which sticks out like a sore thumb. Good luck closing the battery door and side panel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you've misunderstood my intention. I want to set up the HTC Vogue to transmit its internet through wifi, so that my ipod touch (or laptop) can connect to it.
Would you think that's possible with the SD wifi card?
xDarKnighTx said:
I think you've misunderstood my intention. I want to set up the HTC Vogue to transmit its internet through wifi, so that my ipod touch (or laptop) can connect to it.
Would you think that's possible with the SD wifi card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes sense, so you have both the HTC Touch and IPOD Touch.
In order for a program like WMWifiRouter to turn your phone into a WIFI hotspot, there needs to be a few things in place.
My only challenge right now is enabling WIFI options in the COMM MANAGER. I'll experiment with different homebrew ROMS cautiously, and hope the SD WIFI drivers do all of the work for me.
UPDATE:
All of the hardware required is being shipped right now including the APA-TFC1 microSD adapter as well as a standard size WIFI card. Total cost right now $55-$60.
I thought I'd just confirm that Bell handles the Vouge as a regular cellphone (No extra PDA charges), also the unlimited data plan (Mine was $7 a month) is great. I've been using opera 9.2 (Whatever the newest one is) which loads pages just like a desktop pc, as well was downloading music, AVGN videos, whole SCUMM games (700MBs), using google maps and GPS and have not been charged an extra cent. It really is a great plan, and an awesome phone; definitely why I bought it.
Now all I have to do is work out how to hack tethering, not that I have much of a use for it right now.
Just in case you might want to persue a different route, the cdma htc touch actually has a pinout for the full size SD card on the mainboard, it's unknown if it's wired parallel to the microsd slot or not, but being SPI devices, it might very well be...
ya people have the great data plan with bell ya should work out something for sprint our cheapest data plan is $15
Ok, the SD wifi card is a very old idea. Just not gonna work. Yes, you will get internet but each time you want you have to search for access point, chose the right one, ... It just won't work in most case. Another problem is if you do have access to wifi, you normally will have access to a laptop.
Anyway, I am using Bell $7 unlimited Internet for a year now. I don't know why you need to pay $15 for 2MB. The $7 unlimited plan is really open. I am a software developer so I know how much data I used.
c--b said:
I thought I'd just confirm that Bell handles the Vouge as a regular cellphone (No extra PDA charges), also the unlimited data plan (Mine was $7 a month) is great. I've been using opera 9.2 (Whatever the newest one is) which loads pages just like a desktop pc, as well was downloading music, AVGN videos, whole SCUMM games (700MBs), using google maps and GPS and have not been charged an extra cent. It really is a great plan, and an awesome phone; definitely why I bought it.
Now all I have to do is work out how to hack tethering, not that I have much of a use for it right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried tethering to my EEE PC (running Win XP) using PDA Net from http://www.junefabrics.com/pdanet/index.php with no billing overages. It's a $35 program, but does have a trial available for testing. It worked for me when I tested it up at the cottage, and worked from out of province as well.
thirteenthcell, any updates on this?
So, maybe to keep this from showing outside of the case. Can you get the extended battery cover and hide all of those guts(microsd adapter and sdwifi card) underneath it, if it works.
UPDATE:
I would like to make myself clear on a few things, and apologize in advance for any confusion.
When I bought my Vogue three weeks ago, I didn't realize it had "Unlimited data" as a bundle. This confusion was mainly due to their confusing rate plans and classification of the Vogue.
Therefore, I was initially ticked that I would have to pay $15 for 2 megabytes. This case is not true because Bell classifies the Vogue as a regular "dumbphone".
There you have my reasoning for wanting Wifi on this phone, not realizing I could freely use DATA on the phone under a small unlimited data bundle.
There is another reason for wanting Wifi:
Tethering
There are posts out there claiming to get "stealth" tethering where your phone carrier doesn't realize your laptop is connected and sees it as a normal internal cellular data connection. This seems to be a whole new thread as far as I'm concerned, so I'll stick with the plain old getting the WIFI working on the Vogue.
Right now the micro SD --> SD adapter is confirmed working.
Proof: I took pictures of this mod with a digital camera and immediately swapped the SD card into the adapter's slot. I was then able to use my phone to access the standard SD card.
The Wifi card isn't working. This has to do with the stock ROM and or Registry entries. I need to go over the registry perhaps.
Any help with registry settings is greatly appreciated.
my question is this.when i bought my hd2 they had to switch my internet connection from droid to windows mobile.now when i put my sim card in my g1 the internet doesnt work.is there any way around this problem?i was really. looking forward to switching phones from time to time.
i doubt its you plan it sounds like you need to set up data provisioning on the G1
Tm5078 said:
i doubt its you plan it sounds like you need to set up data provisioning on the G1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how would that explain that it worked fine until i changed phones?plus the guy said i just have to switch your data plan from android to windows mobile.as i was checking out,
There are different data services that T-Mobile offers. I had to call and have them switch it when I recieved my Hd2 from Android data to standard data. Same for my gf when she switched from a Motorola Cliq (what a pos that was) to a BB Curve (not much better IMHO). They all cost the same and I would bet they are the same service. It must be a book keeping thing. There is probably no way around it, other than a call to customer service.
T-Mobile does have a way to separate the data plan for Android devices. At least I know its different for the G1.
I purchased the HD2 as a new line with data. I then canceled my G1 line and factory reset the G1. I put in the sim from my HD2 into the G1 but did not get data. I added an Android data plan on my wife's sim card and put that into the G1 and it works great.
So yes, T-Mobile has a different type of a plan for android devices, at least for the G1.
I also recently called in and told them I need to switch between the G1 and the HD2 on the same sim every other day. They said I'll have to call each time to change the data plan for it to work.
I asked them isn't there a data plan that works for both phones, the answer was no.
kcaj32 said:
I also recently called in and told them I need to switch between the G1 and the HD2 on the same sim every other day. They said I'll have to call each time to change the data plan for it to work.
I asked them isn't there a data plan that works for both phones, the answer was no.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well its good to know that at least they'll switch it when you call in.
8255daw said:
well its good to know that at least they'll switch it when you call in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was told by a rep it takes 2 to 48 hours to switch data services.
You could just figure out a way for the G1 to spoof it's identity as a WinMo device. Oh wait...that's not allowed...lolol.
On a serious note, the phones identify themselves in such a way as the T-mobile system knows if your using Android/WinMo/BB. Is it stupid? Absolutely. Can we do anything about it...not really...at least legally...lol.
Well when I had my Nexus One, I came from an iPhone so I had the regular Unlimited Web instead of the Android Web. I popped in my sim card w/o switching anything and surprisingly it worked right away, after I had everything set up then I called to switch. I then switched to the BlackBerry so I changed the internet to the BlackBerry Unlimited, and now using an iPhone as well on the BB Data Plan.
I switch quite frequently between my HD2, a TouchPro2, Nexus One, and a G1 and my data works in all of them. No calling a rep, no having to switch plans... i havent had any problems with anything so far.
I'm on the Android Unlimited Web plan. It works for my G1 and HD2.
The customer service rep will tell you that you need to switch and they are not compatible, but it is for me and other people. There was an older thread where other people also have it set up with the Android Unlimited Web.
I switched to back to Android Unlimited Web before since I wanted to test some things on my G1, and didn't switch back when I realized it also worked with my HD2. The other plan does NOT work with the G1, only the HD2.
My SIM worked fine
I just got an HD2 on Craigslist. I have the G1 data plan and when I put my SIM into the HD2 everything worked fine. My internet. text mms. all are working just fine. I don't think there is a real need to change your data services with the carrier.
Hi everyone,
Just joined this forum and got a HD 2 today. Everything seems to be in working order but I had a few questions:
1.) Will T-Mobile tack on the data package to my plan if I am using the HTC HD 2? I bought this phone off of someone from craigslist so I wanted to know about that. Also, will I get charged any kind of data usage if I am without a data plan? I ask this because I heard a story about a Android phone user who got charged a large amount of money because he was roaming without a data plan (somewhere along those lines).
2.) How do I get a picture to not tile when I apply it to my lock screen? I searched a couple of answers, but is there a way to prevent tiling without having to edit the photo outside of the phone itself?
Thanks in advance.
First of all this may depend on if your HD2 is T Mobile or the unlocked version. I asked a Tmobile rep in the US if I used my unlocked HD2 with their service if I would have a data plan added. He told me they wouldn't automatically add a data plan. You will have the ability to rack up pay-per-use data charges. So either pay for a data plan or disable your data connections carefully and use wifi.
I would recommend flashing a custom rom. Head over to the Rom section and try something out. The custom roms like Energy's are huge improvements over stock.
Enjoy your HD2 and Welcome.
Sorry, forgot to add that my HD is the T-Mobile version.
I tried disabling my data connection by holding the end call button then selecting the terminate data connection button, but I was wondering if that was ok to do?
Is there a way to block data completely?
I simply turn off all auto updates like weather stocks etc in their settings and use comm manager to turn of data when i do use it
There is a way to disable GPRS through the settings if you look hard enough. My custom energy rom comes with a data disable application built in.
Hi everyone, im running typhoon cm7 v3.0.0 and i was wonderin if there is a hack to make tmobile believe we are using less data than we really are? I hate it once i hit 5gb downloaded data my data connectuion speed slows down drastically and i hate it!!! So if anyone knows a solution plz help.....
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
No, you cant do that
Sent from my HTC HD2 using Tapatalk
Really wish this was possible......wud make the hd2 the best phone available!!!!
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
i disagree
there are some really effective tricks that can be used to Significantly reduce your data usage on android. i use data a lot on my phone and i never hit 100MB data usage. how in the hell you are able to hit 5GB? anyway try the following tricks:
1. use "Droidwall"to only allow certain importantapps to access the the 3G connection. the less important apps can run or update just fine from WIFI
2. use "adblock" this will block connection to all ad servers
3. only allow opera mini and Operamobile w/Turbo enabled from droidwall to save data. if you want to use another browser (cant really see why) use them when you are on WIFI.
4. avoid push mail if you can. it will kill your battery and may end up eating your data plan to some extent.
5. use "3G watchdog" or something similar and place a widget in the homescreen to constantly remind you of the current data usage.
Well I have not really done any looking for it, but there was suppose to have been a work around of some kind to still be able to get 3G and 4G speeds after you were throttled. But I also heard T-Mobile has already found out about it and fixed whatever glitch was in the system. You can do some digging if you want, bit it might be in vain when or if you find it.
Now don't get me wrong I think if they say unlimited it should mean unlimited, but I am not going to get into all of that as it as been beatin to death. But if you are going over 5Gig every month I want to know what the heck you are doing too cause until almost two weeks ago when I accidently busted my laptop screen. I tethered my HD2 via WiFi like for like 14 to 16 hours a day and only got up to 3.5 gig once. You might seriously want to think about a home internet set up or start using some local WiFi hotspots more. Heck I know a guy that goes to the local Hardee's and sets for 6 to 8 hours a day just to use their WiFi for free. I have set there for 4 hours befor. r,
Thanks for all ur replys........me personally am a huge fan of call of.duty...and i play online most of the time....tethering my phone is excellent thats why i use it......i heard a hack about one of the droid phones on verizon that did this sort of thing so i thought it wud be possible on my hd2.......
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
5gb on a mobile connection? what the hell are you doing to use that much data?