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If I buy an HTC Aria and unlock it, would I be able to use my existing GSM card (on AT&T "Blue" network (older GSM)) to make phone calls and connect via wifi without upgrading my plan or buying data plan? I don't need 3G support but would welcome a new phone that would allow me to jump on wifi and get on the web now and then.
Possible?
I would think other folks would be interested in this same scenario and I tried searching, but couldn't find anything.
Thanks
I can't think of a reason why you wouldn't be able to do that. I would think that any phone that obeys GSM standards that you stick a SIM in, should make calls on the network provided you have an active account. You don't need a data plan in order to do anything*, as I'm sure you know; however, that does mean you need to ensure you turn mobile networking off so you don't accidentally end up racking charges up for network access.
*YMMV, this has worked for me with different phones in the past.
because ATT scans the system for imei numbers occasionally you will ahve a data plan forcefully added at some point. If you call att and have a data block applied to your line you can supposedly lessen your chance of getting caught but its no guaruntee.
i find this business practice to be questionable at best but there is no sure fire way around it. They'll even add the plan to ouut of network phones that can't use their 3g band like the t-mobile version of N1.
Even if you call and convince them to remove you from the plan (an arduous process from what i understand) they'll add you back on in the next sweep.
i know a problem with this that occured on the iPhone was the EDGE network that the phone would randomly communicate with, idk how our phones work exactly with the whole edge/3g thing but its something that was a known issue with iphones
dasspunk said:
If I buy an HTC Aria and unlock it, would I be able to use my existing GSM card (on AT&T "Blue" network (older GSM)) to make phone calls and connect via wifi without upgrading my plan or buying data plan? I don't need 3G support but would welcome a new phone that would allow me to jump on wifi and get on the web now and then.
Possible?
I would think other folks would be interested in this same scenario and I tried searching, but couldn't find anything.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will be fine. When you activate the phone it asks if you have a data plan and gives you a option to say you don't have a data plan and to use WiFi only. And if your still worried you can download a HTC widget that turns off 3g completely. I have the 2gb data plan and I still disable 3g and WiFi unless I'm using it. So ya go get on because its a really great phone. Ps: about what another chap said about the iPhone using data with out his consent. Don't worry this is Android You have control over everything. One of the reasons we love android so much.
Sent from my HTC Liberty using XDA App
Thanks everyone for the info. I'll be giving this a go and will update this thread with the results.
Now I just have to make a final decision between the Aria and the Nexus One... I like the smaller size of the Aria but it seems like the Nexus is a better phone, and will have less AT&T issues... If anyone has a strong opinion one way or the other, feel free to share.
Thanks again!
Aria or Nexus One
My wife and son both have Nexus One's. I have the Aria and think it is great. It was also a money issue. The Nexus One was $500 more. But I am not disappointed with my decision.
I have the Aria rooted and removed AT&T'S stuff. Put on Google Voice, Gizmo5, and Sippdroid and now have a VOIP phone. It works great and no problems with dropped calls yet.
ryan92084 said:
because ATT scans the system for imei numbers occasionally you will ahve a data plan forcefully added at some point. If you call att and have a data block applied to your line you can supposedly lessen your chance of getting caught but its no guaruntee.
i find this business practice to be questionable at best but there is no sure fire way around it. They'll even add the plan to ouut of network phones that can't use their 3g band like the t-mobile version of N1.
Even if you call and convince them to remove you from the plan (an arduous process from what i understand) they'll add you back on in the next sweep.
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Click to collapse
If that was true, ATT wouldn't allow me to still have the unlimited $15/mo data plan from my original RAZR on every smartphone I've owned since getting rid of the RAZR. They still list me as a RAZR owner even though I've gone through 6 smartphones (3 were iPhones, Moto Q9C, Verizon Imagio Worldphone, Moto Backflip) now over the last two years and I still only pay $15/mo for unlimited internet.
bogatyr said:
If that was true, ATT wouldn't allow me to still have the unlimited $15/mo data plan from my original RAZR on every smartphone I've owned since getting rid of the RAZR. They still list me as a RAZR owner even though I've gone through 6 smartphones (3 were iPhones, Moto Q9C, Verizon Imagio Worldphone, Moto Backflip) now over the last two years and I still only pay $15/mo for unlimited internet.
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Click to collapse
yeah, and ive been using an unlocked blackberry storm on att for quite some time and used a blackjack and htc touch pro before that. they would have caught me a while ago if that was true.
its a newer policy that started late last year. for every person i've heard of still getting away with it there are dozens that haven't. there have even been people that switched from their smartphone w/o data to a dumbphone and then back to their original smartphone and have been nabbed by the scan. If you had a smartphone with no data before the policy change there is likely the feature "Smartphone Exclusion" on that line exempting you from the data plan (unless they notice that you switch phones that is).
they only scan for certain model's imei numbers( but good luck finding the list of which they scan for). For a while n1 users were getting away with it but have are now being nailed quite quickly.
Its right in the contract (that you sign automatically just by not canceling your service) that if they notice you using whatever they deem a "smartphone" they'll smack you with a data plan. The customer service reps are supposedly under the threat of suspension/firing if they remove the data plan as long as your sim is in said smartphone. People who have gotten them to remove the plan by switching phones got nabbed faster if they switched back.
I'm not here defending their position, as i find the whole situation to be a shadey money grab, just telling the OP how it is.
my only real tip is to call and have a data block applied to your line before ever putting a sim in your aria. The only fool proof way to avaoid data on a smartphone is to jump to t-mobile's no ctract plan unforutunately
I gotta agree here and tell you that the scanning process is real.
The key is that they have to care to put your IMEI number in their database (or rather, a range of IMEI's that includes your phone). When your IMEI comes up in one of their scans, it's done.
I had a Rogers Magic on my account for 5-6 months, never had a problem. When the Nexus One became available for AT&T, I immediately gave the magic to my mom and got myself an N1.
For a while I had no issue, must have been 3 months on the cheapy data plan. Then, sometime last month (I think) my phone was moved to the smartphone plan. Before I called AT&T, I checked the forums and sure enough, everyone with an AT&T N1 was being switched to the smartphone plan forcefully.
So, it's a matter of chance really. If you have a phone that shouldn't be on their network and is unlikely anyone would pay the expense and use it on their network, well... there's a chance they won't have your IMEI in their database. However, if it's one of their phones and it's a smartphone, you have little choice.
Fortunately though, they now have a better "tiered" data structure that can ultimately be cheaper... but it still sucks.
Unlock Code
I finally got the phone but AT&T will definitely NOT unlock the Aria. Support said it's probably because it's an exclusive phone. They were kind enough to mention that it "may be possible" to get a code somewhere else
Can anyone recommend a reputable unlocker? I tried one on Ebay already but they were unable to find a code for the Aria. They offered to try another server for an additional $5 but I figured I'd go another route. They refunded the money though...
Thanks in advance for any help.
Returning the Aria
So after spending most of the day trying to sort this out, here's the deal. The phone I received from Amazon (and paid full price without a phone plan) can/will NOT be unlocked by AT&T or HTC or the unlockers on ebay.
AT&T couldn't tell me which phones might have this problem. The ONLY solution to be sure is to not buy anything from AT&T... which is what I plan on doing from here on out.
Too bad really... it's a nice little phone.
The scanning is real but i have been using a smartphone on my regular account for a few years now and didnt get caught yet. Seems people get caught easily when their account becomes delinquent. I let my mom use my old smart phone because hers were damaged and within 24 hours i received and email and a text message was sent to the phone saying that they placed the $15 200MB dataplan on her account.
I had to call them up and give them the IMEI number for her old phone in order for them to take it off which they didnt want to do right away because the account was past due, but was done eventually. But if you have the medianet bundle and they put the data plan on it removes the medianet bundle from your phone which they cannot add back on because the option no longer exists. I fought tooth and nail for them to put it back on but got nowhere.
I still have my Medianet bundle 5MB + 1500 texts for $15 a month that u use on my Aria and i dont even use the data part because i have WIFI at home, WIFI at work and Optimum Online WIFI most places outside so since the phone automatically switches to a WIFI signal when its in range its useless to pay for data i will not use.
What i have noticed and users have to be careful about is that if you send or receive a MMS while out of WIFI range the phone will not automatically disconnect from the 3G data until your back in range of a connectible WIFI sourcel. During this time if its syncing with your Mail, facebook, news, feeds, and other data things you can easily rack up 20MB
its possible. Ive done it on an old ATT blue account from 6+ years ago. The trick is just getting them to unlock it for you by telling them you need to use it overseas. This needs to be done over 611 or other customer service number. They will need the IMEI number and will either email you unlock information after a few days or give it to you immediately. My ATT blue account blocked the customer service from knowing which phone I was currently using. They THOUGHT I was using my first phone that I signed with(nokia 3300).
Also note that ATT Blue accounts for the most part cannot be touched (feature wise). Ive called them multiple times and asked for a data plan and other features but they were never able to do it.
This is my experience, it may or may not work for you. Note that I have a FAN account, but that shouldnt matter.
flipf0nt said:
its possible. Ive done it on an old ATT blue account from 6+ years ago. The trick is just getting them to unlock it for you by telling them you need to use it overseas. This needs to be done over 611 or other customer service number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the question is where/how did you get your phone? Has anyone bought a phone from Amazon that could be unlocked? I seem to be missing something.
If I could have just gotten the Aria unlocked, it'd work just as I wanted.
Thanks
dasspunk said:
So the question is where/how did you get your phone? Has anyone bought a phone from Amazon that could be unlocked? I seem to be missing something.
If I could have just gotten the Aria unlocked, it'd work just as I wanted.
Thanks
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Click to collapse
I dont know what dasspunk is talking about, there are people with the Aria unlocked on T-mobile!
dynamics_blue said:
I dont know what dasspunk is talking about, there are people with the Aria unlocked on T-mobile!
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Click to collapse
Exactly my point... some Arias can be unlocked and some can't. I bought mine from Amazon full price/no contract; it can't be unlocked. Which ones can?
I'll ask again... where/how did you get your Aria?
my friend got the Aria on amazon and unlocked it. so maybe you didnt go to the right place to Unlock it.
dynamics_blue said:
my friend got the Aria on amazon and unlocked it. so maybe you didnt go to the right place to Unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did he buy it outright ($330) or via a plan/upgrade ($0)?
I got a nice SMS on March 18th from AT&T saying "An eligible data plan is required for Laptop, Tablet or MiFi devices. Call 611 as soon as possible for details and to avoid service interruption"
We are on 20th and I have no dtaa connection anymore
I happen to be paying the most expensive plan for my device (Coming from TP2), with an extra to have Exchange emails (Yeah can you believe you are charged extra for Exchange emails) and now.... I would have to pay even more because I use my SIUM in my tablet. WTF...
Maybe it's just me but if some of you have the same issue and found a workaround... Or maybe I should just step away from AT&T... F them...
Edit: Just got an SMS "Your data service has been restricted due to SIM swapping with a data Connect device". I pay 150$ a month for my data plan, calsl, etc... How much is not enough ????
I got the same thing. AT&T is now doing the same thing T-Mobile is doing. You cannot put a T-Mobile phone SIM in a T-Mobile tab, and, now, you cannot put an AT&T phone SIM (for example one with an unlimited data plan attached to it) into an AT&T tab.
It's all robbery.
My reaction to the text I got from AT&T was to erase, wipe, and flash my AT&T Galaxy Tab to Overcome 1.3.0, and then put my T-Mobile phone SIM into my AT&T Tab. Ha! THAT at least still works, since the two companies are separate.
And now, AT&T just bought T-Mobile! HA
Looks like after all the effort, I lose.
I am SO DONE with tablets and smartphones. Back to laptops and WiFi. The monopolies here in the U.S. are unbearable. And our government does nothing. No wonder the rest of the world hates us - we hate ourselves!
I got AT&T on the phone
The guy first explained me that technically tablets and phone cannot connect teh same way, etc, etc... So I asked him to stop the Bs#it because technically it was possible for 3 months... The guy I had on the phone was polite and pretty embarrassed...
I was straight forward explaining I don't mind paying for an extra tethering plan if that's what they want but I just want to carry around only ONE device, etc, etc... In the end he was very clear: they want us to use our tablet with a different plant and different SIM card. period
Now... for me it's clear they saw the IMEI of my device was different from the one I used to have so this + the fact I used a lot of Data may have triggered the detection... Or it is in the access point we use... But anyway/anyhow there is no way we cannot make our tablets appear as a Galaxy S or whatever other phone. Aside from the screen too much of the Hardware is similar to a phone not to be able to do something about it...
Meanwhile my data plan is frozen
I am SO pissed off. I can't believe I leave these guys 150$ a month and they can't even provide a decent service...
The worst: if I take a specific plan for my tab and trim down my phone plan it will cost me less
They are just F&*%#@ dumb and a terrible pain in the ass
Now let's work to "disguise" our Tab as a phone for AT&T connection...
I still think it has a lot to do with the Acces point setup... Or just the tethering... They guy on the phone was (maybe deliberately or not...) confusing about what was allowed and what was not... he was kind of implying that even if I get a tethering plan, tethering from my phone to my Tab would still be an issue if I don't use some kind of AT&T official tethering Software... (Weird...)
I am SO pissed off
I am thinking and if I go for the tethering plan I really don't see under which stupid claim they can block me... Sue it will cost more, but whatever...
Still this is justa shame
More AT&T fun I see.
Sent from my Incredible with the XDA Premium App.
I Am Marino said:
More AT&T fun I see.
Sent from my Incredible with the XDA Premium App.
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Click to collapse
Yes... Teh problem is since they try to avoid users going around their stuff it is not even easy to understand what is allowed or not. Initially i brought a phone from abroad and was told I could use it on an illimited data plan... Fine. But now the guy on the phoen didnt even wnated to be clear whether I could use a non AT&T phone for my plan (So we're not even talking about the tab)
I think they may be targeting heavy users that dont show the same IMEIR as the one they registered. Or soemthign else.. probably can detect by the protocols used that we are not technically ona phone (But hey technically, aside teh screen tehre is no major difference betweena Galaxy tab and a Galaxy phone...)
They are targeting unlimited data plan users who are sim swapping. If you're on the 2gb or tethering 4gb plan you shouldn't see anything. People were putting their sims into laptops/netbooks and going nuts. It breaches the agreement with AT&T and they have the right to change your plan if you don't reply to them or stop sim swapping.
waltah! said:
They are targeting unlimited data plan users who are sim swapping. If you're on the 2gb or tethering 4gb plan you shouldn't see anything. People were putting their sims into laptops/netbooks and going nuts. It breaches the agreement with AT&T and they have the right to change your plan if you don't reply to them or stop sim swapping.
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Click to collapse
I am not using it in a laptop but in my Tab. I use my Tab as my main phone and I ma pretty pissed off that AT&T decides which phone they like and don't like. It's not EVEN about the money: I proposed them to pay for a tethering plan (which would be stealing from me but whatever) and they do not even care
I would not even mind going for the 4Gb plan but that would mean giving up on voice services on my tab, ie would have to carry around two devices which i definitely do not want
Going the 4Gb plan + stripping down my phone to the cheapest plan AT&T has, would cost me less than I pay now... So it's not even a money issue. I am completely pissed off since I a ready to pay whatever they want but they do not seem to care
Anyway it's fine. They managed to kill the GTab and all other 7" tablets to come
They nearly succeeded by originally forbidding calls on it. They succeeded with this last measure
It was for me the perfect size between a phone and an iPad. If I cannot have Voice + illimited data on it I will just go for a large 4.3" phone
Thank you AT&T for killing progress and congratulation for displeasing customers who were actually ready to pay (Because in actual facts I was ready to pay more if it is what they wanted from me)
Alcibiade said:
Anyway it's fine. They managed to kill the GTab and all other 7" tablets to come
They nearly succeeded by originally forbidding calls on it. They succeeded with this last measure
It was for me the perfect size between a phone and an iPad. If I cannot have Voice + illimited data on it I will just go for a large 4.3" phone
Thank you AT&T for killing progress and congratulation for displeasing customers who were actually ready to pay (Because in actual facts I was ready to pay more if it is what they wanted from me)
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Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat, Alcibiade. Never tether, just like the phone and tablet in one device.
Just got off the phone with our friends at AT&T and got the same message. Unfortunately, there is no 4GB plan for data devices like the Tab, just "phones". So I'm stuck with carrying a phone and a Tab until we figure out a way around this issue.
I got the same message from at&t too. I think the only workaround to this is to get the telstra or the other canadian tab that uses the 850 band. Anyone with the telstra tab want to do a trade for a like new at&t tab?
Believe me it pisses me off too, and I work there. lol
I'm planning on getting a GTab and was going to use it for voice occasionally so it kinda throws a kink in the works. I have the 4gb tethering plan. I really just want to be able to jump right on the Tab and use it without kicking the hotspot on so I'll just end up going down to the 2gb plan for my Atrix and the 2gb plan for the Tab. I wanted to carry one device when I wanted to, but I love my Atrix so I'm not sure how often I would do it anyway.
I believe AT&T doing the same as T-mobile by look up the IMEI. The IMEI database will match the phone you use. The only workaround is change the IMEI on the tab.
You will see the TAB Icon under your att account but I did not see that months ago....
Currently on the phone with att about the same issue...thing is im using an htc desire from telus...im not swapping my simcard with anything at all. They are saying my device is coming up as a telemetry unit which is therefore making the assumption of sim swapping. On the phone for an hour now and the geniuses still cant figure out how to fix the issue.
small9 said:
I believe AT&T doing the same as T-mobile by look up the IMEI. The IMEI database will match the phone you use. The only workaround is change the IMEI on the tab.
You will see the TAB Icon under your att account but I did not see that months ago....
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Click to collapse
Not sure it's through the IMEI. How do they do if I use a foreign phone ? If it is that simple, we all know how to find a solution...
I hope they do not make me PAY for my data plan while I they block it, I would be even more pissed off
One point I do not get: if I pay for a Tethering plan (Which I don't but am considering if it can help), why the hell would they block me from using my plan the way I want. Illimited + tethering --> I use it on my tab or anything else doesn't matter (Could be my phone tethered to my laptop it would be the same)
jstdontgiva said:
Currently on the phone with att about the same issue...thing is im using an htc desire from telus...im not swapping my simcard with anything at all. They are saying my device is coming up as a telemetry unit which is therefore making the assumption of sim swapping. On the phone for an hour now and the geniuses still cant figure out how to fix the issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny cause it's exactly what I told them: I have a foreign phone as well (On top of my Tab) and I bet them that my foreign phone would have the same issue
MMh so they either detect what we do with the IMEI or potentially the radio (Or a combination of both)
I feel really bad trying to find a workaround while what I ma doing is perfectly legit when it is on my TP2, or I am even ready to pay for their Tethering plan........
If the issue is just the IMEI, that can be easily solved... But I dont like to have to be sneaky when again I pay honetsly my stuff every month
If you find a solution for your telus please tell us
Yeah I got that text last night around 9 pm I nearly craped my self. I was like wtf. I have the unlimited data. it shouldn't matter what device my Sim is in.. I guess I'll see what the tab does with the Sim that it came with. my Nexus still works fine though. I checked the website today and they are doing Maintenance to the data section. figures.
hybred-nexus said:
Yeah I got that text last night around 9 pm I nearly craped my self. I was like wtf. I have the unlimited data. it shouldn't matter what device my Sim is in.. I guess I'll see what the tab does with the Sim that it came with. my Nexus still works fine though. I checked the website today and they are doing Maintenance to the data section. figures.
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Click to collapse
I am pretty sure my Tab fits ok within a 4Gb plan (I don't tether anyway). BUT I just dont wnat to carry aound 2 devices. My phone + teh Tab. And if I ahve to use their stupid plan / SIM card I will have to
I am surprised we don't see many more reactions. I thought a lot of us were doing Data + voice using their phone plans... Maybe not everybody was blocked yet. Or I just overestimate the number of US users using their tab like this. What's unbelievable is how other countries are managing the Tab vs the US (real pain here...)
Alcibiade said:
Funny cause it's exactly what I told them: I have a foreign phone as well (On top of my Tab) and I bet them that my foreign phone would have the same issue
MMh so they either detect what we do with the IMEI or potentially the radio (Or a combination of both)
I feel really bad trying to find a workaround while what I ma doing is perfectly legit when it is on my TP2, or I am even ready to pay for their Tethering plan........
If the issue is just the IMEI, that can be easily solved... But I dont like to have to be sneaky when again I pay honetsly my stuff every month
If you find a solution for your telus please tell us
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After getting off the phone here was the scenario:
The guy admitted to me that he was not very familiar with what was going on, however I could tell he was still trying pretty hard to find out how to resolve the issue by calling other departments and he didnt have a bias towards me having an unlocked phone like I know ATT personel tend to have.
Basically there were 3 options
1. return the phone which I laughed in his face ( this was recommended not by him but by another person in a diff dept
2. Turn the internet back on with the risk of shutting off again ( which I did not do because he told my my account was now flagged for disuse of internet and could result in plenty of charges I wouldn't want.)
3. Wait until Tuesday for a call back from him since some1 has to manually put in my IMEI # and override the system, (which was apparently down)
I took option 3 with the hopes that this will be resolved by the time the rep gets back to me on Tues. If it doesn't go well my phone is basically useless and I will probably push for a free phone somehow. Best of luck to everybody else, I will update ASAP
Ok, so here’s my story:
Not too long ago, I bought myself a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7”. Ever since the device was announced by Samsung, I thought this was one of the coolest ideas since sliced bread. I could have a device roughly the size of a small book that pretty much did everything the iPad could do, and then some (like take pictures and run flash). On top of that, it was capable of making and receiving phone calls and text messages. Finally, a device that literally would do EVERYTHING I needed; no more need to lug around a netbook, a phone, a GPS in my car, or an iPod.
Not all was as peachy as I would have hoped however. Initially, it didn’t look as though this wonderful piece of technology would make it to American soil at all. Then, when it did, it was deliberately crippled for the North American market so that its native ability to make or receive regular phone calls and text messages was disabled at the software level. What a terrible thing to do! I was so disappointed by this news that I nearly abandoned any desire to head down to my local AT&T store to buy it. To add insult to injury, the only way AT&T offered the Tab was on a no-contract pay-as-you-go data plan, which is ludicrously expensive, particularly when compared with the fact that I’m one of the lucky customers who is grandfathered in to an unlimited data plan.
Eventually, however, my desire to own this device got the better of me, so I finally dished out the cash (and it was not cheap either!) for an unlocked and unbranded Tab which had the phone calling and texting abilities right out of the box. I popped the SIM card from my AT&T smartphone into my new Tab, fired it up, and started enjoying what was, up until recently, the best mobile user experience I have ever known.
I started referring to my Tab as my “Do-Everything-Device,” because it literally DID do everything I needed right from one device! It replaced my netbook, my phone, my GPS, my iPod, my Kindle, and the CD player/Radio in my car! It was so liberating not to have a phone attached to my hip and a bag on my shoulder for everything else I used to have to lug around with me. Sure there were occasions where carrying around a phone the size of a small book would have been ridiculous, but that’s what swapping SIM cards is for right? I’d simply switch back to my smartphone when the situation called for it.
Then things took a turn for the worse when AT&T started getting involved… Apparently this kind of quality user experience was not meant to be. I had received an automated text message one day telling me that I needed to be on the “proper data plan,” and that if I weren’t my service could be changed or suspended. Being a loyal paying customer to AT&T in its various previous incarnations for about 11 years now, and having an unlimited data plan on my line (which I should note I was NOT abusing; I generally used about 4 – 5GB or so per billing cycle), I was perplexed as to why I would have been receiving that message. So I called into customer service to inquire.
Upon some minor investigation on the customer service rep’s part, I was informed that the issue was that I was swapping back and forth between my Galaxy Tab and my smartphone (which it may be noted is a Samsung Captivate), and that I should stop doing that. Stop swapping out my SIM card between two of my most used devices? Really? Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of having a SIM card in the first place? Still perplexed as to why this was an issue, I brought the matter to the attention of AT&T’s Office of the President to hopefully find some resolution to the problem. The gentleman I spoke with said he would investigate further and get back to me with his findings. A week later, get back to me he did! At first I thought, “Great! The highest level of customer service has come to bring me good news of a fair and reasonable compromise or resolution!” Little did I know he came to bear me bad news indeed…
The representative informed me that the issue wasn’t that I was swapping my SIM card per se, but rather the issue was with my Galaxy Tab specifically. Basically, I was told that AT&T’s intended use for the Galaxy Tab, regardless of where it was purchased, and regardless of whether it was carrier locked or unlocked or any of that, was that it was to be used as a data-only device, and furthermore as a pay-as-you-go data only device! I was basically given the option to get a pay-as-you-go SIM and use my Tab as AT&T intended it to be used (not as Samsung intended), or not use it at all, sorry. I was directed to the service agreement for “Specified Device Session-Based Plans.”
Excuse me? Sorry, but I don’t want to pay-as-I-go for data! I’m already paying for unlimited data, and there is nothing in those terms of service that say I can’t put my SIM card in whatever device I want, provided I’m not violating those terms! The representative proceeded to tell me that a user such as myself only accounted for a minority of the people subscribed, and that the current data plans AT&T offers caters to the majority. Ok, fine, cater to the majority. I get that. However, even as a lucky customer who has an unlimited data package, and even as a minority who chooses to stay informed about the latest technology, I should still be catered to as well. I mean, that’s what customer service is right? Making sure your customers’ needs are catered to? He said that the reason AT&T doesn’t still offer unlimited data is that “The average user only consumes about 2 or less GB a month.” Sure, that may be true for the average user currently, and it may be true furthermore for the average user who cares more about phones calls, text messages and Facebook updates more than frequently browsing rich web content and going to Youtube on their phone etc. However, with the much faster networks that are being deployed, and with more data intensive and media rich web content available today and tomorrow, that 2GB is going to be a bite-sized portion to the “average user” very shortly…
In my frustration, I argued that I am paying for the service to the SIM, not service to the device itself (otherwise what’s the point of the SIM in the first place?). As such, there shouldn’t be any issue with my circumventing AT&T’s artificial limitations on their branded Galaxy Tab’s hardware by buying directly from the manufacturer at a premium. I should be able to use my SIM in any device of my choosing, so long as I’m not violating the terms of service to that line, which I’m not (as I mentioned earlier, there was nothing in the Terms of Service that explicitly said I couldn’t use my SIM card in a tablet device.) Furthermore, I argued that the only real differences between the hardware in my Tab and the hardware in my Captivate were screen size, battery size, and the presence or absence of a front camera. For all the times I was told “Yes sir, I understand,” it really didn’t seem like he really understood…
It seems AT&T (and indeed any other US carrier which supplies a crippled Tab, or any other device) doesn’t want you to have a “Do Everything Device.” It’s bad for business! Why would they support a device that does everything your tablet or netbook does and everything your smartphone does, all on your single line subscription? Of course they’re going to cripple the Tab, because they want you to buy separate devices with separate line subscriptions and more money in their pockets! Not to mention, AT&T probably doesn’t want something that would have, up until recently, directly competed with the iPad, and frankly outdone it in some ways (when’s the last time you could make carrier phone calls, not SIP or VoIP, and text message on your iPad right out of the box?). I suppose that’s corporate America for you… What ever happened to providing superior service at the best value though?
So, if you are on AT&T, and you own a Galaxy Tab or are interested in getting one (or any other tablet on AT&T for that matter), here are some things to watch out for and speak out to:
AT&T is sweeping their network for devices by their IMEI, and if your device does not match up to whatever plan they want you to be on based on that device, your service could be changed or suspended.
If you have a grandfathered unlimited data plan, AT&T is doing the best they can to get you OFF of that plan by being very specific about what devices can be used with those plans.
I am only one person, and as one person, my voice has fallen upon the deaf ears of a very large company. As such, I urge you to speak out as a collective to AT&T, tell them about this situation, and others which likewise are upsetting to you as a customer. AT&T can ignore one person, but not a crowd…
Don’t contact customer service. Go straight to the source! Call AT&T’s office of the president at 866-751-5784 (option 1). Also, speak out on their Facebook page. Talk to your friends and family, spread the word!
EDIT: Here's a petition to sign.
honestly what is the point? i feel sorry for you americans - if the tmobile at&t merge goes through then there will only be 1 GSM carrier (i may be wrong) in the US and the rest will be CDMA - and that means that all the foreign visitors will be on 1 bad network.
The problem with any network "merger" is that you always get the lowest common denominator.
Up to the end of last year, I was on T-Mobile UK, but when my contract came up I left and went to Three. Retentions called and asked why I was leaving, and I explained that Three had a truly unlimited data plan and TMo UK had a 3GB FUP (which was pretty good to be fair).
The CS Rep swore blind that TMo UK would never do anything to uphold the FUP, but I stood my ground and left anyway because I *knew* that the merger with Orange could only ever end up with their plans becoming roughly analogous.
True to form, less than 1 month later, TMo UK reduced their "download" allowance to 500MB bringing them roughly in line with their sister brand, Orange.
Regards,
Dave
There are others, see this thread (if you haven't already).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1000921 (I have a post in there.)
FTR, I'm using AT&T SGT as a phone and data device, just not using 3G (or mythical 4G for that matter) data. You can't swing a dead cat w/out hitting a wireless AP so why hassle with AT&T over their expensive, slow 3G (if you're lucky) connections/data.
I hated AT&T so bad I dumped them years back and went Cingular. Well, I guess they wanted me back so bad...they went and bought Cingular
Thanks for the contact info. I'll rattle the cage.
Thanks for sharing, you have taken this a great leap farther then I have.
I love your justifications, definately will call tomorrow, more people that call, better chance of a change ( I can dream).
Again, I say what about some kind of class action for this, Maybe we should get a bounty going. I would give $100.00 towards the suit. And if more is needed, I would contribute.
Timtown said:
There are others, see this thread (if you haven't already).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1000921 (I have a post in there.)
FTR, I'm using AT&T SGT as a phone and data device, just not using 3G (or mythical 4G for that matter) data. You can't swing a dead cat w/out hitting a wireless AP so why hassle with AT&T over their expensive, slow 3G (if you're lucky) connections/data.
I hated AT&T so bad I dumped them years back and went Cingular. Well, I guess they wanted me back so bad...they went and bought Cingular
Thanks for the contact info. I'll rattle the cage.
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Click to collapse
Att 3g data is slow? LOLWUT. Have a look at Verizon's 3g speeds.
-Sent from my Galaxy Tab
And to the OP, I just ordered a new phone today from att. They did not once attempt to get me off of my unlimited data plan.
-Sent from my Galaxy Tab
lockheedload said:
And to the OP, I just ordered a new phone today from att. They did not once attempt to get me off of my unlimited data plan.
-Sent from my Galaxy Tab
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Click to collapse
The issue (at least for the moment) isn't so much that AT&T will take away your unlimited data plan or not (although that WOULD be an annoyance), the issue is that AT&T doesn't want us using our Galaxy Tab's as phone devices, because that's not how THEY intended it to be used. AT&T would rather we have two SIM cards. One for a tablet device, and one for a phone device; not one SIM card for one device that just "does it all."
If they're artificially crippling the native capabilities of a device in order to force consumers into buying multiple devices to make up for those limitations, then they're price gouging, plain and simple.
Jade Eyed Wolf said:
Ok, so here’s my story:
Not too long ago, I bought myself a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7”. Ever since the device was announced by Samsung, I thought this was one of the coolest ideas since sliced bread. I could have a device roughly the size of a small book that pretty much did everything the iPad could do, and then some (like take pictures and run flash). On top of that, it was capable of making and receiving phone calls and text messages. Finally, a device that literally would do EVERYTHING I needed; no more need to lug around a netbook, a phone, a GPS in my car, or an iPod.
Not all was as peachy as I would have hoped however. Initially, it didn’t look as though this wonderful piece of technology would make it to American soil at all. Then, when it did, it was deliberately crippled for the North American market so that its native ability to make or receive regular phone calls and text messages was disabled at the software level. What a terrible thing to do! I was so disappointed by this news that I nearly abandoned any desire to head down to my local AT&T store to buy it. To add insult to injury, the only way AT&T offered the Tab was on a no-contract pay-as-you-go data plan, which is ludicrously expensive, particularly when compared with the fact that I’m one of the lucky customers who is grandfathered in to an unlimited data plan.
Eventually, however, my desire to own this device got the better of me, so I finally dished out the cash (and it was not cheap either!) for an unlocked and unbranded Tab which had the phone calling and texting abilities right out of the box. I popped the SIM card from my AT&T smartphone into my new Tab, fired it up, and started enjoying what was, up until recently, the best mobile user experience I have ever known.
I started referring to my Tab as my “Do-Everything-Device,” because it literally DID do everything I needed right from one device! It replaced my netbook, my phone, my GPS, my iPod, my Kindle, and the CD player/Radio in my car! It was so liberating not to have a phone attached to my hip and a bag on my shoulder for everything else I used to have to lug around with me. Sure there were occasions where carrying around a phone the size of a small book would have been ridiculous, but that’s what swapping SIM cards is for right? I’d simply switch back to my smartphone when the situation called for it.
Then things took a turn for the worse when AT&T started getting involved… Apparently this kind of quality user experience was not meant to be. I had received an automated text message one day telling me that I needed to be on the “proper data plan,” and that if I weren’t my service could be changed or suspended. Being a loyal paying customer to AT&T in its various previous incarnations for about 11 years now, and having an unlimited data plan on my line (which I should note I was NOT abusing; I generally used about 4 – 5GB or so per billing cycle), I was perplexed as to why I would have been receiving that message. So I called into customer service to inquire.
Upon some minor investigation on the customer service rep’s part, I was informed that the issue was that I was swapping back and forth between my Galaxy Tab and my smartphone (which it may be noted is a Samsung Captivate), and that I should stop doing that. Stop swapping out my SIM card between two of my most used devices? Really? Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of having a SIM card in the first place? Still perplexed as to why this was an issue, I brought the matter to the attention of AT&T’s Office of the President to hopefully find some resolution to the problem. The gentleman I spoke with said he would investigate further and get back to me with his findings. A week later, get back to me he did! At first I thought, “Great! The highest level of customer service has come to bring me good news of a fair and reasonable compromise or resolution!” Little did I know he came to bear me bad news indeed…
The representative informed me that the issue wasn’t that I was swapping my SIM card per se, but rather the issue was with my Galaxy Tab specifically. Basically, I was told that AT&T’s intended use for the Galaxy Tab, regardless of where it was purchased, and regardless of whether it was carrier locked or unlocked or any of that, was that it was to be used as a data-only device, and furthermore as a pay-as-you-go data only device! I was basically given the option to get a pay-as-you-go SIM and use my Tab as AT&T intended it to be used (not as Samsung intended), or not use it at all, sorry. I was directed to the service agreement for “Specified Device Session-Based Plans.”
Excuse me? Sorry, but I don’t want to pay-as-I-go for data! I’m already paying for unlimited data, and there is nothing in those terms of service that say I can’t put my SIM card in whatever device I want, provided I’m not violating those terms! The representative proceeded to tell me that a user such as myself only accounted for a minority of the people subscribed, and that the current data plans AT&T offers caters to the majority. Ok, fine, cater to the majority. I get that. However, even as a lucky customer who has an unlimited data package, and even as a minority who chooses to stay informed about the latest technology, I should still be catered to as well. I mean, that’s what customer service is right? Making sure your customers’ needs are catered to? He said that the reason AT&T doesn’t still offer unlimited data is that “The average user only consumes about 2 or less GB a month.” Sure, that may be true for the average user currently, and it may be true furthermore for the average user who cares more about phones calls, text messages and Facebook updates more than frequently browsing rich web content and going to Youtube on their phone etc. However, with the much faster networks that are being deployed, and with more data intensive and media rich web content available today and tomorrow, that 2GB is going to be a bite-sized portion to the “average user” very shortly…
In my frustration, I argued that I am paying for the service to the SIM, not service to the device itself (otherwise what’s the point of the SIM in the first place?). As such, there shouldn’t be any issue with my circumventing AT&T’s artificial limitations on their branded Galaxy Tab’s hardware by buying directly from the manufacturer at a premium. I should be able to use my SIM in any device of my choosing, so long as I’m not violating the terms of service to that line, which I’m not (as I mentioned earlier, there was nothing in the Terms of Service that explicitly said I couldn’t use my SIM card in a tablet device.) Furthermore, I argued that the only real differences between the hardware in my Tab and the hardware in my Captivate were screen size, battery size, and the presence or absence of a front camera. For all the times I was told “Yes sir, I understand,” it really didn’t seem like he really understood…
It seems AT&T (and indeed any other US carrier which supplies a crippled Tab, or any other device) doesn’t want you to have a “Do Everything Device.” It’s bad for business! Why would they support a device that does everything your tablet or netbook does and everything your smartphone does, all on your single line subscription? Of course they’re going to cripple the Tab, because they want you to buy separate devices with separate line subscriptions and more money in their pockets! Not to mention, AT&T probably doesn’t want something that would have, up until recently, directly competed with the iPad, and frankly outdone it in some ways (when’s the last time you could make carrier phone calls, not SIP or VoIP, and text message on your iPad right out of the box?). I suppose that’s corporate America for you… What ever happened to providing superior service at the best value though?
So, if you are on AT&T, and you own a Galaxy Tab or are interested in getting one (or any other tablet on AT&T for that matter), here are some things to watch out for and speak out to:
AT&T is sweeping their network for devices by their IMEI, and if your device does not match up to whatever plan they want you to be on based on that device, your service could be changed or suspended.
If you have a grandfathered unlimited data plan, AT&T is doing the best they can to get you OFF of that plan by being very specific about what devices can be used with those plans.
I am only one person, and as one person, my voice has fallen upon the deaf ears of a very large company. As such, I urge you to speak out as a collective to AT&T, tell them about this situation, and others which likewise are upsetting to you as a customer. AT&T can ignore one person, but not a crowd…
Don’t contact customer service. Go straight to the source! Call AT&T’s office of the president at 866-751-5784 (option 1). Also, speak out on their Facebook page. Talk to your friends and family, spread the word!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not on AT&T network any more I moved to sprint a few months before the Iphone came out its been that long, However AT&T is well with in there right to limit what device is allowed to do what on there network. Its sad that they would do that but in there contract agreement it is listed there.
Since this has completely ticked you off I would suggest you move carriers if you truly want to show them how unhappy you are with there service. Calling and complaining really isnt going to do you any good since you are in the minority of users that do what you described.
just my 2 cents
In europe the wireless operators are selling services - like phone calls and data. In US they are selling devices capable of calling or having data.
This diffrenece means that in eu if I don't like something I can move to difirenet operator and keep devices. In us you can't. that is why are people complaing that at&t is messing with them. Cause if they go to other provider they need to pay again for every device. In my home country hspa+ is still caled 3g, dataplan 12Gig for 19eur/month included all taxes
icreepin said:
Since this has completely ticked you off I would suggest you move carriers if you truly want to show them how unhappy you are with there service. Calling and complaining really isnt going to do you any good since you are in the minority of users that do what you described.
just my 2 cents
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Click to collapse
I would gladly switch carriers if it weren't for the fact that I do a lot of international traveling, and Sprint/Verizon both being CDMA carriers is a deal-breaker for me. I'm with AT&T because of the GSM bands it supports, and that's it. If it weren't for that, if Sprint and Verizon were GSM carriers too, just like most of the rest of the world, I'd have switched a long time ago without a doubt.
The other thing is, for the most part I'm not entirely unhappy with the service AT&T provides, when it's providing service to the equipment I use as that equipment was designed. I only have an issue when it's clear that they are imposing artificial schemes which force customers into a price gouging situation.
Crippling the native features of one device (i.e. phone calling on the Tab) in order to force the consumer into buying ANOTHER device and ANOTHER line subscription in order to fulfill that function, which was artificially crippled on the other device, THAT to me is price gouging.
AT&T absolutely has the right to lay out their own criteria for HOW their network is used. Likewise, the customers have the right to make enough of a fuss to AT&T about WHAT they can use on their network, particularly when they're not violating the HOW part of the ToS.
If we all as consumers are complacent and passive enough to just lay down and go with the attitude of "Oh well, it's their network, and they can treat us however they want with it..." then AT&T (and any company for that matter) will take advantage of that and gouge us for as much money as they can get.
I'm arguing that we've reached an "Enough is enough" point from the customer's perspective, and I am urging as many people as I can to speak out in a common voice to say "This is what we want. Please deliver."
If you don't like something, don't just say "Oh well..." and keep it to yourself. Express yourself, and make your issues known, and band together with people who share the same concerns, otherwise nothing will ever change for the betterment of the user.
Ok I think you need a better example what is fundamentally wrong with your wireless providers. Lets say the you would buy and electric drill and you use it as screwdriver as well. The power company would you charge $ more for that. And if you say no I go to someone else they say you need new drill cause it does not work on our grid. And cause of that some has made a standard power gird. Or am I wrong? If you solve this problem you get better service.
monoko said:
In europe the wireless operators are selling services - like phone calls and data. In US they are selling devices capable of calling or having data.
This diffrenece means that in eu if I don't like something I can move to difirenet operator and keep devices. In us you can't. that is why are people complaing that at&t is messing with them. Cause if they go to other provider they need to pay again for every device. In my home country hspa+ is still caled 3g, dataplan 12Gig for 19eur/month included all taxes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly! And that's the thing, in America, we're in a largely CDMA network environment, where you can't just so easily keep on piece of hardware and jump from one carrier to another like you can with GSM using a SIM card. I mean you can still jump from one CDMA carrier to another using the same hardware, but it's a big hassle... Nowhere near as simple as popping in a different SIM card.
monoko said:
Ok I think you need a better example what is fundamentally wrong with your wireless providers. Lets say the you would buy and electric drill and you use it as screwdriver as well. The power company would you charge $ more for that. And if you say no I go to someone else they say you need new drill cause it does not work on our grid. And cause of that some has made a standard power gird. Or am I wrong? If you solve this problem you get better service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the issue it this:
The Galaxy Tab, directly from Samsung and in virtually every other market throughout the world, makes and receives phone calls and text messages just the same as any other smartphone can.
AT&T (and pretty much all other US carriers) have artificially (that is, on the software level, not hardware) disabled those native capabilities. In essence, they've crippled the functionality of the device.
The consumer is therefore forced to buy and carry two devices with them (a phone AND a tablet) in order to fulfill the complete functionality and user experience desired, in addition to paying for TWO separate lines.
My point is that if there is an option to use ONE device, which when unhindered can fulfill the duties of BOTH phone AND tablet, and AT&T FORCES you out of that option, and therefore FORCES you into paying more money, when you really don't have to, then THAT is price gouging.
icreepin said:
Since this has completely ticked you off I would suggest you move carriers if you truly want to show them how unhappy you are with there service. Calling and complaining really isnt going to do you any good since you are in the minority of users that do what you described.
just my 2 cents
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Click to collapse
Or we could get a http://www.groubal.com/ petition going and see just how many people are considered minority. I be it is not a minority,
Whos to say the SGT users are a minority.
Jade Eyed Wolf said:
Exactly! And that's the thing, in America, we're in a largely CDMA network environment, where you can't just so easily keep on piece of hardware and jump from one carrier to another like you can with GSM using a SIM card. I mean you can still jump from one CDMA carrier to another using the same hardware, but it's a big hassle... Nowhere near as simple as popping in a different SIM card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
check ur PM
Jade Eyed Wolf said:
No, the issue it this:
...
AT&T (and pretty much all other US carriers) have artificially (that is, on the software level, not hardware) disabled those native capabilities. In essence, they've crippled the functionality of the device.
....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't understand the point. They can do it cause you have no other easy choise. (anti competitivie)
You should have standard, I am not saying GSM or SIM etc.
But to understand look at europe. (I am european, but that is not the point)
SIM - is external (that is the point of it)!!!... it's easy to change (dead phone... just borrow frends old and you fixed till you get new),
Protocol (GSM etc) is defined for allowed spectrum.
Defined Spectrum and no other. (they still need to buy the spectrum)
This gives you posibility of selling GSM phones without carriers cripple them.
So your US problem is free market. Sorry to say it that way I know you mostly proud of that. (Lest leave this alone... ).
Just I can see competition in this market as a bit virtual. (at least to me)
(check your history about power gird you will find that standards are sometimes needed for better consumer protection.)
Please no flame war.
mine just got blocked.
i got the email yesterday telling me to change it back to my phone or call in to discuss options for the tab. so i did at my first opportunity...
i just got blocked and then an email sent to me saying to call in and that it may be blocked on both devices...
awesome, just awesome...
This is a perfect example as to why i am dreading the att/tmo merger. I am a current tmo customer and i am currently using my tab as a phone like many tmo/att customers. I have called a few times to tmo customer service regarding different minor issues and they know that i am using the tab as my phone, because i have told them, and they have not said anything they just mention how good of a devise it is and all that stuff, no issues.
Basically i am on an unlimited android plan $24.99 and of course the voice is extra. Now since this is supposed to last a year before it goes through (i really hope not) i will probably be at the end of my contract if the merger goes through and i am sure i will be forced to make changes to my plan: first i would need to chose one of their plans (god know what they will be then and how much) and second, forget about even using my tab as i am currently using it. If they do this to their own customers they i dread to think what they will do to the tmo customers that decide to stay with them once their contracts are up.
So my question is what would be the chances of me keeping my original plan on a month to month basis and not sign a new contract? (don't want to sign a new contract as i am planning to move to the UK around 2013 if everything goes as planned), who knows the answer to this but all i can say that it is not looking good for us tmo customers that are used to good customer service.
A sad, sad day for us all!!!!!
honggee said:
mine just got blocked.
i got the email yesterday telling me to change it back to my phone or call in to discuss options for the tab. so i did at my first opportunity...
i just got blocked and then an email sent to me saying to call in and that it may be blocked on both devices...
awesome, just awesome...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and i am sure there is nothing anyone can do about this, either comply or move to sprint/verizon. i feel your pain even though i am not an att customer.
Hello,
I didnt know where to put this question but i am considering buying this phone. Does anyone know if it will work with FIDO (Canada)?
Thanks.
It works on Rogers so it should work on Fido as well
Yes, I am using it on fido and it is working perfectly!!
3 things:
1- download the sms time fix (the sms received will be -4hours unless you download this from the marketplace because how rogers/fido does thier time stamping)
2- take name display out as some reported that it doesn't play nice with atrix when you receive a call from a landline. (I never have that problem because noone calls me from landline)
3 - I am on the AT&T atrix and it will warn me when i reboot the phone that I am on roaming network, once you click the notification, your phone does not complain
I am on Rogers with the ATT Atrix. I just had to load the APN settings and now I'm good, data and calls are perfect.
HungryEel, I did not test sms, but I will look into your fix.
It WILL work with fido I brought the ATT from US and unlock it. Now I am using it in Canada with Fido. Really great run H+
I'm on Rogers and didn't need any SMS fix. I did call in to ask for "name display" to be "excluded" from my account though - this fixed the Pay Phone listing from coming up on incoming calls though.
+1 worked fine on Fido... unfortunately when you unlock this phone it voids the bell warranty so i have to go through the Motorola service centre in Richmond...
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Hey Guys, since this is a topic about using in canada on rogers/fido network, I have two questions.
where did ya'll get the phone unlock from? and if someone can tell me how much it would cost?
and does anyone know if the 6GB dataplan from rogers/fido still possible to get?
i know for sure that Android eats up the data very quickly, i have opted for 1 gb data from rogers and I am always either almost finished with or over the data. i like the Atrix, am definitely picking up the phone by this saturday. Don't want to carry around 2 phones, if the 6gb plan is not available, thinking of leaving rogers as it is too expensive.
any suggestions? help much appreciated.
I used Cellunlock.com there are some coupons floating around for 50% off.
For your Rogers plan, you really should read this thread. I had a crappy plan and after reading that thread and doing my homeworks, I called retention 3 times and ended up with a ridiculously nice plan. From what I know, the 6Gb plan is dead and the only way to get one is to have a grandfathered corporate plan.
How are you using so mutch data ? you should try using wifi ... (or opera mini)
Oh and don't forget to call retention, maybe they can do something for you.
noxlord said:
I used Cellunlock.com there are some coupons floating around for 50% off.
For your Rogers plan, you really should read this thread. I had a crappy plan and after reading that thread and doing my homeworks, I called retention 3 times and ended up with a ridiculously nice plan. From what I know, the 6Gb plan is dead and the only way to get one is to have a grandfathered corporate plan.
How are you using so mutch data ? you should try using wifi ...
Oh and don't forget to call retention, maybe they can do something for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for the info. I will try CellUnlock.com.
I will call Rogers Retention people and see what happens. I have tried that trick in past and have got response such as "Oh you want to cancel your plan, sure, pay the money to us and F... O..." basically. Hence I am a little hesitant. But hey, there is no reason why I shouldn't try calling them again.
Why do I use it so much? Cuz my job requires me to... I travel through GTA a lot, and because I have a smartphone, I use it for pretty much everything from checking my emails to making phone calls to use it as a GPS.
creativedevil said:
Thanks a lot for the info. I will try CellUnlock.com.
I will call Rogers Retention people and see what happens. I have tried that trick in past and have got response such as "Oh you want to cancel your plan, sure, pay the money to us and F... O..." basically. Hence I am a little hesitant. But hey, there is no reason why I shouldn't try calling them again.
Why do I use it so much? Cuz my job requires me to... I travel through GTA a lot, and because I have a smartphone, I use it for pretty much everything from checking my emails to making phone calls to use it as a GPS.
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Click to collapse
read the thread, if you are into a contract, there is a new rules: they can only charge you what you own them on your subsidised phone.
use a line like "I really like your service, but since it's SOOO mutch cheaper elsewere, there is no reason for me to stay..."
noxlord said:
read the thread, if you are into a contract, there is a new rules: they can only charge you what you own them on your subsidised phone.
use a line like "I really like your service, but since it's SOOO mutch cheaper elsewere, there is no reason for me to stay..."
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To add to this, remind the CSR that you want to be compelled to stay but in such a competitive market place you need to look at all avenues (the mitigating factor being what you pay, you want a better plan for what you pay!).
Do make sure to up sell the benefits of staying with your current provider and they'll happily recline, making small talk and keeping the discussion constructive and positive. They'll "review" things and find either a feature they can add, a discount that can be applied, etc. Just remain optimistic and act as though you're so torn between sticking with them or going with a risky new provider.
This usually seems to yield good results with me. I've worked in Retention departments and can sniff a promo hopper from a mile away. But if you're a nice promo hopper, whatever, I'll give you a good deal. Just be polite and a good sport. They'll try hooking you up where they can. Usually..
(if not, tell them thanks and that you'll call back after some review)
Thank you so much for the input guys... Real Helpful tips... I will try all the options mentioned above and will get back with some results...
Awesome, man. Let us know how it goes.
bongd said:
Awesome, man. Let us know how it goes.
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Well guys, the tips above didn't help in the first try. I called them, got transferred to retention, answer was same old ****ed up response... Oh, we are sorry to see you leaving, let me just remind you that you will have to pay Rogers to end your contract, when do you want to end the contract?
I will try calling them again next week and see if my luck works out this time...
Again, thanks a ton. I have my Atrix working superb and flawlessly.
Got a Text message from AT&T today, saying a suitable data plan is required for Laptops, Tablets, and Mifi Devices. Call 611 now to avoid service interuption
WTF I have had a dell streak since August of 2010, never a problem then.
So I called and got someone who seemed to know very little in regards to smartphones in general. Told her I have multiple devices that I use at different times, which is true. She asked me if the current and newest device i am using is a samsung GT-N7000, i said its a samsung, and its new, but I have no clue what the model number is.
She asked what dataplan I had, I told her I have the same unlimited plan I have had for 4 years. She verified that and said it is a suitable plan and to ignore the message.
I have played games like this before. For some reason the issue comes back up and you say so and so you talked to a month ago said it was fine, they ask who you talked to, you say I don't remember the name, and they say sucks for you.
So I had her send me an email with her name, saying that everything is fine, and that I do indeed have a suitable data plan for my device.
Hopefully thats that, but be prepared to get a warning such as this.
Bryce
Don't blame AT&T for this. Blame all the ppl that are using a Note on a MediaNet plan. They are starting to crack down on it. Worst case scenario is you having to bring in your Note to an AT&T store & showing them its a legit phone.
I got the same message yesterday. Called AT&T and told them I've never used any of those devices. He asked for the IMEI and confirmed that I had a Samsung phone and told me he would remove the note from my record and update that I have a Samsung phone.
Gave me his extension and said if I got the message again to call him and he would take care of it.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA App
brycestejskal said:
She asked me if the current and newest device i am using is a samsung GT-N7000, i said its a samsung, and its new, but I have no clue what the model number is.
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Wait, she knew the model number of the Note but still wanted you to sign up for some tablet data plan? That's a very interesting tidbit...
I'm happy to hear a rep appears to be working with someone. It is a little troubling that we might have to lie about the model of our device (she asked if he had the GT-N7000, which is the Note's model.) I really hope my reaction in the other thread turns out to be an over reaction.
maxh said:
I'm happy to hear a rep appears to be working with someone. It is a little troubling that we might have to lie about the model of our device (she asked if he had the GT-N7000, which is the Note's model.) I really hope my reaction in the other thread turns out to be an over reaction.
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I'm actually hoping the fact she knew the model number is a sign AT&T's gearing up to offer the Note themselves. Maybe it's in their system but not yet properly categorized or something.
<oops> delete me?
bigmout said:
I'm actually hoping the fact she knew the model number is a sign AT&T's gearing up to offer the Note themselves. Maybe it's in their system but not yet properly categorized or something.
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Yeah how in the heck did the rep know what model phone he had? I know they can see the IMEI number on their screens but I wonder if the systems ID'd it correctly or if the CSR searched for the IMEI through an online tool?
If you lose your plans I can recommend an alternative solution that may or may not save you money.
Port your phone # to Google Voice, that will save you $20 a month for unlimited text. The only trade off is right now Google Voice only does MMS from Sprint. This will allow you to keep your current #, and only need to pay AT&T for data and voice.
With Android you can make calls via Google Voice and it will operate like using the # through your carrier, no hoops to jump through or data connections required like VOIP. Everyone you call will still see your normal number.
Got another message this morning saying that my data plan has been restricted and that I need to call immediately. Glad I asked for that email from the CSR last night.
Also, I highly doubt the CSR looked it up. She did not seem to know the process of much of anything, and It was very hard not to just lash out and tell her the answeres to her own questions she was looking up in the system about data plans...but didnt want to seem overly knowledgeable...
Will post the results when I have a chance to call.
That's what I've been afraid of. If the system is doing this, do the reps actually have any power to override the system? So even if you do go into a store and they say ok it's a phone, can they actually make the system stop booting you?
bigmout said:
I'm actually hoping the fact she knew the model number is a sign AT&T's gearing up to offer the Note themselves. Maybe it's in their system but not yet properly categorized or something.
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I've been wanting the Note to come to AT&T simply for the fact that the more people that get it, the more support it'll have here. However, I had a bad thought; what if they rip the voice and sms capabilites out of it and call it a tablet, like they did here? http://www.groubal.com/att-is-price-gouging-by-disabling-device-features-must-read/ That would be in line with the reports of people getting booted.
I am trying to do the opposite. I would like to get a data plan only for my note but I am afraid to use the Note's IMEI number because I think they will detect it as a phone and won't let me do data only.
maxh said:
I had a bad thought; what if they rip the voice and sms capabilites out of it and call it a tablet, like they did here? http://www.groubal.com/att-is-price-gouging-by-disabling-device-features-must-read/ That would be in line with the reports of people getting booted.
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That's certainly a valid concern. Though I would think if that was the case, the reps wouldn't have been able to "fix" the issue for those that have had it fixed. Nothing to do but wait and see how this unfolds.
How much data do you use? I haven't gotten a message like that but then again I hardly use their data. I'm on wifi most of the day.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
How many members so far have NOT received the text are on the grandfathered unlimited plan? (NOT medianet)
That was what they did to the Galaxy Tab, and people weren't able to use it as a phone. What they did over the Galaxy Tab forum was to backup and delete the efs folder. The tab then has a generic IMEI and works as a phone on AT&T network again. Wonder if we can do the same thing on the Note.
jojorios said:
How many members so far have NOT received the text are on the grandfathered unlimited plan? (NOT medianet)
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me
10characters
jojorios said:
How many members so far have NOT received the text are on the grandfathered unlimited plan? (NOT medianet)
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I have the unlimited smartphone data program and have hot gotten a text yet. I haven't used wifi sharing yet. Maybe that is causing the system to flag people?
Im grandfathered as well and have not gotten any messages about data.
Sent from my Galaxy Note
I am on the grandfathered smart phone plan and have not gotten the text yet. I upgraded to 4g unlimited last week and had to give the imei of my note and they said nothing about the note being data only then. I have used quite a bit of data but no wifi sharing/tethering.