Database Users

For those with GTabs going straight to Tmo's site

Just spent about four days with TMobile on the device getting connecting on their network (Even had a ticket). Finally found out that they had me on the wrong data plan. The device needs the Web Connect plan to connect. Being so new of a device, they had the wrong plan provisioned for me as I went straight to WiFi and did not check. I currently have my device subsidy unlocked to use my AT&T and added the Ad-Hoc supplicant which I thought was the cause. After several days, someone finally realized the plan was incorrect since a Tmo Blackberry Sim worked perfectly fine.
Moral of the story, have them check to see if you have the Even More webConnect Overage Free Plan for $39.99.

Same thing happened to me and I didn't discover it til yesterday... had been using wifi all along... but in my case it was because I was on a voice plan...
effing Tmo.... just about to kiss 'em goodbye. Which makes me sad because AT&T is really not an option for me... and I don't think phone calling will be enabled on VZ or Sprint.

sp1043 said:
Just spent about four days with TMobile on the device getting connecting on their network (Even had a ticket). Finally found out that they had me on the wrong data plan. The device needs the Web Connect plan to connect. Being so new of a device, they had the wrong plan provisioned for me as I went straight to WiFi and did not check. I currently have my device subsidy unlocked to use my AT&T and added the Ad-Hoc supplicant which I thought was the cause. After several days, someone finally realized the plan was incorrect since a Tmo Blackberry Sim worked perfectly fine.
Moral of the story, have them check to see if you have the Even More webConnect Overage Free Plan for $39.99.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
we all new this, this is nothing new...

I cancelled my Tmobile account today. After I got the Tab, I went to my account online and switched it to a voice/data/txt plan, which took effect today. I quickly tested it, and It was blocked, so I called up and cancelled.
The first customer service girl said "Awww!" when I told her I was cancelling.
The second one asked if I would like to be switched to the proper web connect plan. I said no thank you, your service plans are inadequate for my needs.
They just lost my $2300/year
Asshats!

Yeah... I think I'm heading down the same path... after I discovered that the voice plan was causing me to be redirected to Tmo on 2G/3G... no flashing, nothing else ... I just figure, **** 'em.
If they want to make it this difficult to use it as a phone, when AT&T didn't go to any of the efforts Tmo has gone to to block calling plus data, it's just not worth fighting them anymore.
Sadly, this is probably the death knell for the Tab for me... unless I just resign myself to carrying two devices... or perhaps I might try the ATT and see if wifi will work okay... their 3G service is terribly spotty in my area.
If it's only going to be an internet device and not a phone, might as well go for the less than half price Archos 70...

Call me stupid i guess, but im gonna try to stick it out and see what happens. Is there any prepaid plans out there that will work with att and get 3g? I dont want to have to get a contract with them if i do have to give up on tmo.
Sent from Jt's Samsung Galaxy Tab!!
Edit: just read turckboattruck thread. Omit question about a prepaid att plan.

Lol
I don't know if it's just because you guys generally do everything bigger in USA compared to over here in the UK, but why would you even want this to be the only phone you're carrying around? It's huge, and you have to use it on loudspeaker if you're not connecting the headset.
How is it that it wouldn't be a hindrance to you guys?

alias_neo said:
I don't know if it's just because you guys generally do everything bigger in USA compared to over here in the UK, but why would you even want this to be the only phone you're carrying around? It's huge, and you have to use it on loudspeaker if you're not connecting the headset.
How is it that it wouldn't be a hindrance to you guys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's just the fact that U.S. carriers decided to not include the phone feature that is getting us to want to do it. if it came with phone half of these discussions wouldn't even exist(obviously).

Change IMIE
Can we change IMIE on t-mobile tab to get what we want. I think we all know tmobile is blocking tab because the IMIE # is in their database.
I wanna stick to t-mobile bcoz I have 5.99 Tzones unlimited data plan. Im currently using iphone 3G.
I can use a TT Tab but then it works only on Edge. What Im looking for is a Nexus 1 like Tab which can be used for 5.99 tzones plan.

nopple123 said:
Can we change IMIE on t-mobile tab to get what we want. I think we all know tmobile is blocking tab because the IMIE # is in their database.
I wanna stick to t-mobile bcoz I have 5.99 Tzones unlimited data plan. Im currently using iphone 3G.
I can use a TT Tab but then it works only on Edge. What Im looking for is a Nexus 1 like Tab which can be used for 5.99 tzones plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's IMEI and no, you can't.

dalethefarmer said:
It's just the fact that U.S. carriers decided to not include the phone feature that is getting us to want to do it. if it came with phone half of these discussions wouldn't even exist(obviously).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clear the US carriers seem to think that if they don't include voice, you'll be forced to have two contracts - one for the phone and one for the Tab. The irony is that most people wouldn't even attempt to use the Tab as a phone except in a few limited situations (note, I said most, not all! ), so would've probably had two contracts anyway.
I find it very hard to believe that all 4 major US carriers came to this conclusion on their own, at the same time, which would lead me to believe there's a cartel here.
Regards,
Dave

I feel sorry for our American friends.
Here in the UK, We can get iPhone on any network at very competative prices and the Galaxy Tab Standalone for £469 unlocked and use any network we choose with it, including Phone, DATA, etc..
Where in the US the networks seem to take advantage of the monopoly they have and charge rediculously high prices for equipment and services.

paulrod said:
I feel sorry for our American friends.
Here in the UK, We can get iPhone on any network at very competative prices and the Galaxy Tab Standalone for £469 unlocked and use any network we choose with it, including Phone, DATA, etc..
Where in the US the networks seem to take advantage of the monopoly they have and charge rediculously high prices for equipment and services.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure looks that way doesn't it, not that I would buy an iPhone again. But in the case of the tab, I can't believe they actually locked down the phone capabilities.
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk

Data plan only in Canada

I currently have a voice + data + sms plan with Fido in Canada.
I don't use much voice and sms on my SGS. So I'm planning to use a cheap pre-paid plan with a simple dumb phone. But I still want to use 3G data on my SGS.
Data plans are usually for laptops and ain't cheap. I just need 500MB per month.
Then I found out that Bell have Data plans for tablets.
$20 per month for 500 MB, that's perfect for me. And that's data only.
Now I'm not entirely sure that this plan will work with my SGS.
I have the I9000M Bell Vibrant version of the SGS, and I think it should have the same 3G network connection as the Galaxy Tab, so if I pop in the SIM card it should work. I asked someone from bell to be sure:
Dawn: Hello, thanks for visiting bell.ca. How can I help you today?
Gael: Hello, I have a Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant, I don't need to call or send SMS. I only need mobile data access.
Gael: can I use one of the data plans for tablet?
Gael: like the Monthly flex plan for the Galaxy Tab
Dawn: Sure, you can use Tablet plans with Samsung Galaxy Tab.
Gael: I would use it on my Galaxy S Vibrant instead
Gael: not on a Galaxy Tab
Gael: Is that possible?
Dawn: I am sorry, that is not possible.
Gael: The hardware should support it though, the Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab have the same 3G connection
Gael: Do I need to purchase a Galaxy Tab with these tablet plans?
Dawn: I understand that, but it is not possible.
Gael: Ok thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see why a data plan for Galaxy Tab wouldn't work on a Galaxy S...

I dont see why Bell charges $20 for 500mb on a tablet but charges $25 to add a 500mb data plan to your phone......
Sent from my I9000m using XDA's app.

Samdroid_G_S said:
I dont see why Bell charges $20 for 500mb on a tablet but charges $25 to add a 500mb data plan to your phone......
Sent from my I9000m using XDA's app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because more people use data plans on their phones than there are people with tablets. its all about the money.....

Wind mobiles $40 all you can eat voice+international+sms+unlimited data
i totally dumped Bell, Fido, Rogers for Wind

[obligatory "Canada's big 3 suck" comment]
Rather than go into detail about the specific device, why not just state that you have purchased your own tablet and want to subscribe to the tablet data plan @ $20 / month. Keep it simple so they don't need to navigate down their scripts and shut you out.

Yep, the $20 plan works.
You can even get the pre-paid $15/250MB plan.

The unlimited voice data sms plan for $40 from wind mobile seems to be the best solution for heavy usage.
But I'm a low usage person. I seldom call or sms. I mostly use data to communicate with my relatives.
For low usage, it's cheaper to use pre-paid voice & sms on a separate dumb phone.
But I don't see the point of using an android phone without a data plan. So for my SGS, the solution is a Data only plan.
Both rogers and bell seems to have these cheaper plans:
$20 for 500 MB flex plan
$15 for 250 MB pre-paid
Actually I know I only use 150 MB per month in average (plus wifi usage at home and office) so the pre paid plan is perfect for my SGS.
But today I went to both a rogers shop and a bell booth and I pretended that I had a Galaxy Tab at home and wanted to use a data plan with it. I asked to buy the SIM card right away but they ask me to bring the device to do the setup...
Damn it!
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App

Lame. I managed to get in on the 6 GB for 30 bucks a month. On top of student 40 it is the plan I've had yet.
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App

hi guys a little off topic, i have a Samsung Galaxy S I9000M from bell and it is unlocked can i go on Mobilicity (AWS/1700/2100) or wind mobile (AWS/1700 Mhz/BandIV) ? the frequencies have always confused me.

AllGamer said:
Wind mobiles $40 all you can eat voice+international+sms+unlimited data
i totally dumped Bell, Fido, Rogers for Wind
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would dump Fido for Wind too but they matched the Wind plan back in September. They aren't price matching plans this time around though. Btw, the unlimited plan offer ended yesterday.

Fido had an unlimited plan?
Cancelled my data service with them last year ... overcharging hard, so I'd rather use starbucks wifi than pay Fido to mess with me.
Even with data and voicemail gone I'm still coughing up close to 40 a month. I've seriously been thinking about moving to Wind. I have an international i9000 so that should make it easy to cross over, right?

Galody said:
hi guys a little off topic, i have a Samsung Galaxy S I9000M from bell and it is unlocked can i go on Mobilicity (AWS/1700/2100) or wind mobile (AWS/1700 Mhz/BandIV) ? the frequencies have always confused me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. The I9000M is 850/1900/2100 MHz.
But today I went to both a rogers shop and a bell booth and I pretended that I had a Galaxy Tab at home and wanted to use a data plan with it. I asked to buy the SIM card right away but they ask me to bring the device to do the setup...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try again. Go to an other store. Or maybe a Futureshop/Best Buy. I know you can do it. The only thing that sucks is that you can't have a pre-paid voice plan + pre paid data plan on the same SIM card.

gaelynx said:
But today I went to both a rogers shop and a bell booth and I pretended that I had a Galaxy Tab at home and wanted to use a data plan with it. I asked to buy the SIM card right away but they ask me to bring the device to do the setup...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Hit other stores
2) Insist (politely) that you'd like to just buy the SIM and plan at the moment. You can't afford the time to go back and forth and you're familiar with the setup)
or
3) Can you purchase that plan online or via their 800 #?

hansonator said:
Lame. I managed to get in on the 6 GB for 30 bucks a month. On top of student 40 it is the plan I've had yet.
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's $70 + (tax and other fees) only on 1 phone

thedauntlessone said:
I would dump Fido for Wind too but they matched the Wind plan back in September. They aren't price matching plans this time around though. Btw, the unlimited plan offer ended yesterday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FIDO unlimited is FAKE! read the fine prints
they tried to match it for me to keep me with them, but they admitted they couldn't match the offer WIND was providing
They kept dumping me all these Extras and Upgrade to "Unlimited" etc, etc, but then when you read the fine prints, it's only for incoming, for SMS, and some other stuff, but you do not get unlimited outgoing minutes, you do not get free unlimited Canada & USA long distance, you do not get fido zones
also there was another fine print on the SMS, which also was a fake claim to unlimited SMS / international SMS, there was some limit hidden there

gtg2 said:
1) Hit other stores
2) Insist (politely) that you'd like to just buy the SIM and plan at the moment. You can't afford the time to go back and forth and you're familiar with the setup)
or
3) Can you purchase that plan online or via their 800 #?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not just purchase a Bell SIM card, and activate over the phone. The cost of a sim card probably $20-25. You could also try the "Bell Self Activation" for android. Go to the Google Market - Search "Bell Self Serve" install it, and try that. If you are successful, you can use the Bell Self Serve to "manage, change" your bell data account.
However, the Bell guys could be correct in needing the device to set it up for the Bell WIFI spots, since it is included in all tablet plans. A visit may be required at this point
FYI: hxxp://support.bell.ca/en-on/Mobility/Smartphones_and_mobile_internet/How_to_activate_and_manage_my_iPad_data_plan?step=3
replace xx with tt (and delete any additional spaces)
Cheers.

Hey I got lucky, today I tried a rogers store again and didn't pretend anything. Just said I wanted the 500MB/$20 tab data only monthly plan for a Galaxy S. And the guy just said ok if it works. He didn't know how to setup the APN, I did it myself right in the shop, and it worked as expected. And now I have the plan. Why so simple this time? Maybe the staff guy was new or didn't really care what plan I wanted as long as I got one. That's better than the answer from Bell...
So now just need to cancel the fido plan. Thanks guys for the suggestions. Could be useful for some other peps looking for data only on a phone.
And yea a pre paid data + voice on one SIM card would be a sweet option for low usage guys! But obviously it's not interesting for telecom companies, it doesn't pay much.
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App

This must be the plan from Rogers:
Link: hxxp://rogers.com/web/content/ipad-dataplans
Same rates as bell, and includes wifi.

SIM
any idea on how to get the tab sim to work in a phone? I have a bell tab plan, I want to use the sim in a galaxy s for a data only plan. I tried putting the sim in the galaxy s, but it does not work ....

Calling all att sgs2 users!

Does anyone have an ATT Sim card in this beast yet?
If so, did you need to enter any settings? like APN settings? or did you put the sim in and it picked up the signal right after that..
thanks for the help in advance.

All i did was put my ATT sim in and it worked fine.

Pulled my SIM from my Inspire 4G, put it in the SGS II and away I went!
Sent from my SGS II GT-I9100 on ATT using XDA Premium App

Sweet thanks guys.
I'm going into the ATT store in a short bit, hopefully they will just add a line to my account and give me a Sim for that line i want added.
Do you think they will ask me 20 questions? like ask me WHAT type of phone i want that line added for?

misticjeff said:
Pulled my SIM from my Inspire 4G, put it in the SGS II and away I went!
Sent from my SGS II GT-I9100 on ATT using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you guys i called ATT and spoke with them about this they said i would need to bring my SGS2 into the store to show them the phone so they can get the IMEI number off it before activating it.. is this true?
I thought some people were able to put Medianet on this thing...
I have no idea what to do now... I mean.. HOW can I get a sim from these people without them knowing what type of phone I have.. I don't want them talking me into the 25G limited data plan... I just want them to give me a phone line and let me add the features from the website later...
=/

Never ever give ATnT your imei from international phone , you give them some dumphone to make them shut up , and be done with it. Why would you even tell them you getting Galaxy 2 whats wrong with you.

i agree, don't bring in your SGS2 phone in. Give them some BS. Don't ruin it for the rest of us & good luck.

Yep, you must know someone or have an old dumbphone that you can borrow for this purpose if you must go into the store.

This is how I switched to the $10 unlimited MediaNet plan. I called in & gave my IMEI # & told him I have an old Razr phone. Told them I wanted to get the unlimited MediaNet plan. Sadly, they warned me since I had a grandfathered Smartphone plan, I would lose it & will never be able to get it back. I told them yes go ahead & cancel my old smartphone plan.
Thank you to all that suggest this idea by getting an International phone. I will save a boatload of $ that I can use towards accessories!

Mine well be here Monday I can't wait and I got all kinds of tricks for att. Tell me this are the speeds up there with or better than the other att android phones

RMXO said:
This is how I switched to the $10 unlimited MediaNet plan. I called in & gave my IMEI # & told him I have an old Razr phone. Told them I wanted to get the unlimited MediaNet plan. Sadly, they warned me since I had a grandfathered Smartphone plan, I would lose it & will never be able to get it back. I told them yes go ahead & cancel my old smartphone plan.
Thank you to all that suggest this idea by getting an International phone. I will save a boatload of $ that I can use towards accessories!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So should we give the actual IMEI# from our GS2 or should we give the IMEI# from a dumbphone but then put the SIM card into our GS2?
I thought the former and not the latter... but there seems to some disagreement here.
Doesn't the IMEI# you give to AT&T have to match the phone you end up using?

bendispo said:
So should we give the actual IMEI# from our GS2 or should we give the IMEI# from a dumbphone but then put the SIM card into our GS2?
I thought the former and not the latter... but there seems to some disagreement here.
Doesn't the IMEI# you give to AT&T have to match the phone you end up using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You tell ATT that you want to register a new phone & get rid of your old phone. Tell them you have a Razr & then give them the IMEI (your SGS2), so yes to your question about giving the IMEI of your SGS2. Ask for the unlimited MediaNet plan for $10.
I made the call using my SGS2 the whole time. You could put the SIM in the SGS2 & make the call as I did.

My corporate AT&T rep knows I'm establishing service for my SGS2 and he put me on the Medianet plan and overnighted me a SIM. He said to call him with the IMEI so he can add it to make sure I have no future probems. The i9100 isn't and won't ever be in their database. He wanted to add the IMEI so if I'm talking to support about network issues they don't hassle me. He's a phone geek and totally gets it. YMMV.

RMXO said:
You tell ATT that you want to register a new phone & get rid of your old phone. Tell them you have a Razr & then give them the IMEI (your SGS2), so yes to your question about giving the IMEI of your SGS2. Ask for the unlimited MediaNet plan for $10.
I made the call using my SGS2 the whole time. You could put the SIM in the SGS2 & make the call as I did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
btw, the $10 medianet plan is only if you are also paying for unlimited texting, no? Otherwise, it's $15 for data? (I plan on using google voice for texts)

I'm starting to have 2nd thoughts about switching to MediaNet because of the possible future cost for unlimited data when LTE comes out. I lost my grandfathered unlimited data plan by switching to MN.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

Wait... if AT&T doesn't have the IMEI for this phone, does that mean I could get the $10 unlimited plan for "basic and quick messaging phones" and use it with this?

MXIIA said:
Wait... if AT&T doesn't have the IMEI for this phone, does that mean I could get the $10 unlimited plan for "basic and quick messaging phones" and use it with this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use the medianet plan i think.

Can anyone confirm this?
And, what are the chances that AT&T detects this and throws you onto one of their data plans?

I can confirm I'm on MediaNet using the method listed in this thread.
I admit saving 240 a yr is nice but I'm afraid losing my grandfarthered unlimited plan might bite me in the wallet down the road once LTE is implemented.
Someone mentioned that if ATT kills MediaNet in the future we are screwed. I'm starting to question if saving now us worth it because I use over 5GB a month.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

Just get a sim card from them but activate it at home. You can call at&t customer service for activation
I just plugged in my sim card from captivate and it worked without a hitch. Based on the post, i called at&t and told them that i wanted to actiavte my new cell phone and told them it was a fliphone and i was offered a medianet plan

[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 (;
Brought To You By:
-SystemErrorOne-

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?

Oh, no! AT&T cops telling me they're gonna bust me for my SIM switcharoo lol

I had posted this thread earlier about trying out my phone's SIM in my Tab:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1482515
And yes, after a few minutes the SIM registered the data connection and worked.
But that's not the end of the story. I put my SIM back into my phone a few minutes later, and didn't give any of this another thought. And then, only a few minutes ago, got this text from the AT&T system:
"AT&T Free Msg: An eligible data plan is required for Laptop, Tablet, or MiFi devices. Call 611 as soon as possible for details and to avoid service interruption."
So does this mean those rat bastards saw the brief IMEI switch and won't allow me to use the Tab with my phone's SIM? Seriously WTF AT&T!
So my question to those of you with ROM'd Tabs: Are any of you using them as phones in AT&T USA? Have you ever been pestered for using an "unapproved" device with a normal SIM and plan?
You know, if I'm paying for the phone service, what the hell should AT&T care what device I use it in. What the hell are they gonna do when the Galaxy Note comes out? "Well, any devices over 5 inches are um not allowed to be phones, yeap, yeap that's it."
Seriously, AT&T is gangster.

now what if you actually bought the LEGAL GSM UNLOCKED p1000 tablet/smartphone and put AT&T sim card? could they force you to subscribe to tablet dataplan?

If you buy the factory unlocked model, AT&T won't have the IMEI in their database; in their system, they would simply see "unknown device" and wouldn't be able to enforce DER restrictions. But if your'e on an AT&T Tab flashed with the Euro ROM, the IMEI still registers and a red flag comes up when your SIM is registered on the network while inserted in the device, hence that warning message you received.
I only used my Tab as a phone for half a day, before I decided it was awkward and silly to be using such a big phone (and my BT headset wouldn't pair with it), and I never got the aforementioned message. However, I'm not on a contract; I'm not sure if that makes the difference or not.
Sent from my SGH-I987 using XDA App

Basically, the OG Galaxy Tab identifies itself as a tablet. The Galaxy Note is technically a phone and will report as such. Their digital signatures are completely different, and AT&T's system will monitor for switches like that. I agree that you are paying for the service and shouldn't be seeing messages like that when switching your SIM from one device to another, but that is the sad reality of the situation over at AT&T right now.

I did the same. I've gotten numerous emails and texts. Just waiting to see what they do. I did call the number and found out that I could get a tablet data plan but I would lose my text messaging ability. The Rep just told me to keep my plan as is and couldn't figure out how I was getting data
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium

How long have you been using the Tab as a phone device?

I'm on a family plan with AT&T and have been using smartphones without a data plan or a text plan since 2009 and have never had a data plan, or received a message saying I need a data plan. I've used iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, 4S, Galaxy S, Galaxy S II, and Galaxy Tab 7 Tmobile unlocked. I've swaped sims with these devices numerous times and I was never forced by AT&T to get a data plan.

Is your Galaxy Tab an AT&T branded Tab or an unbranded model? Mine is branded AT&T, and I only had my phone's SIM in it for all of 15 minutes.... surfed a couple web pages and sent a couple text messages, that was it... and then put the SIM back into my smartphone (HTC Aria, Froyo)... and a few minutes later got that system text message I quoted above.

I've been using it about a week. Its an att branded one.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium

Well you better consider stopping that, because I got an email from AT&T today telling me there were recent changes to my plan. I logged into my account online, downloaded the summary, and saw a change of my phone line from my grandfathered Unlimited data plan to the 30 dollar tablet plan. When I called, the representative told me it hadn't gone through because apparently I had switched the SIM back to my phone soon enough, but if I had left it there, the system would have automatically changed the line over to a Tablet plan, and I wouldn't have been able to return to my current plan ever again. I asked her if I was paying for a service or a device, and she wouldn't answer. The end result is if the system spots the device as one in its database under "Tablet device", they will charge you an *additional* automatic 30 dollars, then eventually drop your previous plan on that line. You would then have to re-add a new line, because it doesn't convert it back automatically once the conversion has taken place.
So maybe this guy above has been ok for now, but it's only a matter of time. Probably when your next billing cycle starts. Who knows.
I really don't know for sure how it is identifying the device... IMEI I would think. I wonder if there is a way to obscure or spoof that. Otherwise I am left with a tablet that I either have to pay an additional 30 bux for, or continue to connect to my rooted Aria's wifi router. Which sux because the Aria's battery drains far quicker than the Tab's does :/
F*ck you, AT&T.

Suleeto said:
I really don't know for sure how it is identifying the device... IMEI I would think. I wonder if there is a way to obscure or spoof that. Otherwise I am left with a tablet that I either have to pay an additional 30 bux for, or continue to connect to my rooted Aria's wifi router. Which sux because the Aria's battery drains far quicker than the Tab's does :/
F*ck you, AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're correct in that it uses the IMEI to identify the device within AT&T's system. Just as a heads up, tampering with the IMEI could have much more drastic consequences than just loosing your unlimited plan. Changing a cellular device's serial number, (ESN, IMEI, MEID) is a federal offense in the US and is illegal in the UK under the Mobile Telephones (Re-programming) Act, so I'd steer clear of that.

That, and it presents technical issues as well. I was mostly venting.
So AT&T wants $30 for a 2GB/month "Tablet" plan that doesn't allow SMS, MMS, or phone calling. Just data.
T-Mobile has a prepaid $30 plan (so no credit check, no contract, month-to-month) that offers "Unlimited Web" (I read that as: unlimited data), unlimited text, and 100 phone talk minutes. Basically a fully-functional phone if I so choose.
You tell me.
SIM unlock, Overcome, T-Mobile, Tab as a convenient third line and independent unlimited data plan.

Suleeto said:
That, and it presents technical issues as well. I was mostly venting.
So AT&T wants $30 for a 2GB/month "Tablet" plan that doesn't allow SMS, MMS, or phone calling. Just data.
T-Mobile has a prepaid $30 plan (so no credit check, no contract, month-to-month) that offers "Unlimited Web" (I read that as: unlimited data), unlimited text, and 100 phone talk minutes. Basically a fully-functional phone if I so choose.
You tell me.
SIM unlock, Overcome, T-Mobile, Tab as a convenient third line and independent unlimited data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand, I was just putting it out there for others. You'd be surprised how many threads start like this and end with a Moderator banning someone because they start posting links about how to change an IMEI/ESN/MEID.
I would go with the T-Mobile plan, if they're willing to put your tablet on there. Although I'm not sure if they will. They'd probably end up offering the plan with a phone and you could run into the same issue as with AT&T. If they are willing to offer it for your tablet, that is a great option provided that the "Unlimited" is; 1. Truly unlimited and not capped at some arbitrary and low number
or​2. The cap is lower than the amount of data you would use in a month.
Hopefully this was helpful instead of just being a re-statement of the obvious. Good Luck!

I don't see how T-Mobile could know that I have a tablet, because this device is branded as an AT&T device (thus the IMEI would probably be unknown to T-mo). That, and the AT&T plan is $30 for a capped plan (2GB).
http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/monthly-4g-plans

Suleeto-
Here is my history with this, it may be enlightening:
1) I had an unlimited data plan with AT&T through my employer that I have had for years. I was able to switch and use any phone that worked on the network no problem at all.
2) About six month's ago I loaded the euro ROM onto an AT&T branded GT and put the SIM card that I had been using forever into it and everything worked like a charm for the next three months. No hassles, no nasty messages, and all services were working.
3) I then decided to bail from my company but they were willing to let me keep my phone number, all I had to do was call AT&T and take financial responsibility for it, etc. Remember the data plan was an unlimited phone data plan.
4) I called and AT&T was happy to port the phone number and the grandfathered unlimited data plan ($30/month) over to my family plan I had for everyone else, so far so good. At this point I had been using the GT as my daily driver for three months.
5) Within fifteen minutes of the phone call I got the dreaded text message as you describe.
6) I immediately called the person back and told her I wanted to save $5 a month could she please change the plan to a $25/month 2GB plan (I routinely use between 600MB and 800MB a month as I don't stream anything large). After warning me I could never go back to an unlimited plan as they are no longer offered, she made the change.
7) That was in October and I haven't heard a peep from them since and phone/text/data all work.
I will say that it is a good thing I am self-supporting because the service people would have no idea how to deal with the phone if I had any kind of problem. Also, I think they are sorry they ever had unlimited data plans.
Hope that helps,
Fred

So let me see if I am making sense of what you're suggesting here... the system recognized the AT&T branded Tab 7, warned you, and you called and switched from the unlimited plan to the more current tiered 2GB plan which is indeed $5 less like you said. In doing so, it seems to have circumvented whatever automatic process was starting to happen.
Yes?
I'm not sure that will help me tho... see, I wanted to be able to switch back and forth between the phone and the Tab. I go to school full time, and some of the classes are 3 hours long. I want to be able to send text messages and surf while in class. But I want to be able to use my phone once I'm out of class for the day (like evenings, weekends, etc.).
My concern is that switching back and forth might keep triggering the situation in the system, and your trick might only work one time. Eventually a human being is going to figure it out, if not immediately the second time. That's assuming that since you did it, they haven't figured out the loophole in the system's process and fixed it to recheck periodically. Who knows, they may even catch up with you, too.

Suleeto said:
I don't see how T-Mobile could know that I have a tablet, because this device is branded as an AT&T device (thus the IMEI would probably be unknown to T-mo). That, and the AT&T plan is $30 for a capped plan (2GB).
http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/monthly-4g-plans
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The IMEI is an international identifier. It is like a car's VIN. They are industry standard numbers that any system can decode. If you had the right information, you could tell exactly what type of device someone was using just from the IMEI. TMobile will be able to read it as a tablet just as easily as AT&T. Unfortunately, IMEI's and their data are not carrier-specific. Sorry.

So the real question is... do they care?

So what happens to my 9.99 per month additional phone line charge (still under contract by the way) if they switch that line to a "tablet" line with the $15 or $30 dollar tablet data plan? Wonder if they will still charge me the 9.99?

Suleeto said:
So the real question is... do they care?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think so, but it's more of a question of how their system is set up. If their network controllers are set up to trigger the message and auto-adjust your account based on a change in device type in the IMEI. You could try going to a T-mobile store and asking if there are restrictions on which type of devices can go on a prepaid plan. If they say no, then you're probably in the clear. If they have a "sim-only" prepaid option, you're probably in the clear. Hope this helps. Good luck!