t-mobile forced data plan? - G1 General

okay so I have had my used mytouch 3g ever since february of 2009. It was rooted so I always turned off data and used only wifi. my tmobile family plan contains 750 minutes + unlimited texts (we text a lot but talk less).
By contract expired last month I believe.. so we are not in contract with tmobile but on month to month basis. so tonight I receive a text message from 456 stating that I have added data plan on my mytouch line. I go online and log in and I am unable to take it off, also it states "extra services"- tmobile 4g plan... I don't even OWN a hspa device. so I was wondering if you guys with no data are getting data forced upon you on your device. g1, mytouch etc... oh btw I tested the data by going to facebook while turning off wifi, it worked and said (on the my account page) I used 0.61kb/ unlimited.... wtf

_ice_ said:
okay so I have had my used mytouch 3g ever since february of 2009. It was rooted so I always turned off data and used only wifi. my tmobile family plan contains 750 minutes + unlimited texts (we text a lot but talk less).
By contract expired last month I believe.. so we are not in contract with tmobile but on month to month basis. so tonight I receive a text message from 456 stating that I have added data plan on my mytouch line. I go online and log in and I am unable to take it off, also it states "extra services"- tmobile 4g plan... I don't even OWN a hspa device. so I was wondering if you guys with no data are getting data forced upon you on your device. g1, mytouch etc... oh btw I tested the data by going to facebook while turning off wifi, it worked and said (on the my account page) I used 0.61kb/ unlimited.... wtf
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Click to collapse
Stupid question but did you buy the phone from tmobile at a discount price? If so you are required to have the data service with a smartphone device maybe they never put it on your account before and just now noticed this trust me that kinda crap happens unfortunately the only thing I could say is to call them and have it removed because the unlimited is like $30 a month now they cannot force you to keep since your outside the contract
Sent by Pigeon Carrier.

And unfortunately they can charge you for the 4g plan even if you don't have a device that supports it. Its because the service is available to you sprint does the same thing if im not mistaken.
Sent by Pigeon Carrier.

raziel26 said:
Stupid question but did you buy the phone from tmobile at a discount price? If so you are required to have the data service with a smartphone device maybe they never put it on your account before and just now noticed this trust me that kinda crap happens unfortunately the only thing I could say is to call them and have it removed because the unlimited is like $30 a month now they cannot force you to keep since your outside the contract
Sent by Pigeon Carrier.
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Click to collapse
nope, bought it off some guy from craigslist. like I said I have been using the device for 11 months with no data, but I am hearing that they took off the "sidekick" plan which is the web 2 go, that might be the issue. although I never had web2go, I changed my apn anyway to point to wap.voicestream.net instead of epc.xxxx (default). that way I won't be charged for unwanted data. Now I checked my apn. HSPA and 3g keeps overriding it even if I put a null or a wildcard apn on the settings...I am thinking these guys use the imie number to figure out your device and impose automatic data plan on you (like at&t)
looks like I will have to call tmo and threaten to leave if they don't take my plan off...
also there has been an unnneccassry download charged on my dads account 9.99$ which he says he didn't download... wtf tmobile is soliciting!
oh offtopic but I am also in the verge of picking up a nexus S, I was thinking about getting the 800 mb data (for activation purposes) and canceling it within a month. looks like that won't be happening since tmobile might have changed their policy.

_ice_ said:
okay so I have had my used mytouch 3g ever since february of 2009. It was rooted so I always turned off data and used only wifi. my tmobile family plan contains 750 minutes + unlimited texts (we text a lot but talk less).
By contract expired last month I believe.. so we are not in contract with tmobile but on month to month basis. so tonight I receive a text message from 456 stating that I have added data plan on my mytouch line. I go online and log in and I am unable to take it off, also it states "extra services"- tmobile 4g plan... I don't even OWN a hspa device. so I was wondering if you guys with no data are getting data forced upon you on your device. g1, mytouch etc... oh btw I tested the data by going to facebook while turning off wifi, it worked and said (on the my account page) I used 0.61kb/ unlimited.... wtf
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Click to collapse
First off, your HTC MAGIC is most definitely an HSPA device, 7.2 Mb/s max. What you don't have, is HSPA+.
Second... sorry, but tmobile are being real douchebags with this one. On one hand, they do have one reason for doing this besides ripping you off... and that is to prevent all the $572891.55 data usage bills from people who "don't use data". Force everyone into an unlimited data plan, and you don't need to deal with this support crap.
HOWEVER, it is still a ripoff. They *should* offer you a choice between all or none, which would also guarantee that you don't get an insane bill. Unfortunately though, that would mean that they get no data revenue from you.
You should probably call and complain about it. Tell them that you want data cut off ENTIRELY. Worst they'll do is say no. If they do that, tell them you're switching to ATT, who will give you a voice-only plan no questions asked. If they say something stupid like "att 3g isn't compatible", your response is "who cares? I'm not using data, so 2g is just as good."
Try it. Threats to leave can be good arguments.

Related

Data Plan Issues

So I have had my G1 for almost 3 months and data has always worked. I picked mine up off of craigslist so I didn't have to go through with the G1 Data plan mess with customer care. When I got the phone, I changed the APN to internet2.voicestream.com and away I went. I previously had a Shadow with the Shadow 100 plan and I never changed data plans because it just worked. A few days ago I flashed to JACHero and I first noticed the problem. When I try to browse to ANY site it comes back:
m.web2go.com: Subscription Upgrade Required
Your current plan is not compatible with this device.
After a few attempts at double checking the APN settings and browsing to different sites it just started working. Yesterday I switched back to Hero 5.0.2Hr5-A2SD I have the same issue but it will not go away.
I know I was getting away with using a cheaper data plan but did I get "caught" and now need to up my rate plan( )?
Did you ever find a solution to this?
I've been trying to see about a 'cheaper' data plan offered where I could just switch my APN and still work. I don't do a massive amount of data traffic, I just like to check my gmail, and maps gets the most of the bandwidth. Plus I had attempted twice to downgrade (online) from unlimited to the 400 sms + unlimited data, and it wouldn't allow me online, 2 days later the plan was removed
I paid full price for my phone, I don't feel I should have to pay a rate designed to subsidize the cost of discounted phones. This really is my biggest beef with the $35/mo data.
/wishes we had UK pricing
bofslime said:
I paid full price for my phone, I don't feel I should have to pay a rate designed to subsidize the cost of discounted phones. This really is my biggest beef with the $35/mo data.
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If you sign your contract through a reseller, some can give you a cash rebate if you supply your own handset. This kind of situation is particularly common for subscribers whos contracts have run their length and have become a month-to-month service. It's likely that you are currently on a similar month-to-month basis.
T-mobile has been shutting down the loop hole for the 100MB plan. I can no longer find a solution to this.
I just do not like the idea of paying 24.99 for what you can get at 9.99 with limited MB access.
I do not think there is anything else we can do.
BTW i think tmobile is blocking all people using the google phones from using the cheap data plan.
im also having the same problem with the " Subcription Upgrade required" message.
it really sucks because i have the $5.99 plan and it would have been nice to get 3G with that... i would have been happy even with Edge.
tried all 3 apn settings and nothing... if im gonna pay for 3g , might as well go with ATT as it has better coverage.
any sugestions ?
tseten said:
BTW i think tmobile is blocking all people using the google phones from using the cheap data plan.
im also having the same problem with the " Subcription Upgrade required" message.
it really sucks because i have the $5.99 plan and it would have been nice to get 3G with that... i would have been happy even with Edge.
tried all 3 apn settings and nothing... if im gonna pay for 3g , might as well go with ATT as it has better coverage.
any sugestions ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I honestly cheat a bit. I have the EDGE APN details entered, and set the APN Type to default.
Then, go download an alternative browser. I have only had luck with Dolphin Browser.
It works for me on Fido in Canada (Same as Rogers, AT&T, etc). Give it a shot

Avoiding an AT&T Data Plan

I was happily using my Nexus One on AT&T without a data plan (and with data blocked) since it was released, but I made the mistake of giving AT&T the IMEI number of my Nexus today. Now they tell me that I am required to get a $30 data plan because it is a "PDA", despite the fact that it cannot use 3G on AT&T's network.
Does anyone know of a way to ditch the data plan? Is it possible that I could give AT&T the IMEI of an old phone, then switch my SIM to the Nexus?
as a user who uses the nexus one on att, heating something like this is
infuriating.how is it their business to make you buy a data plan? I can understand if they subsidized the phone but obviously in this case it was not. thanks for the heads up. i would never disclose this kind of information to att unless I absolutely had to do so.
use this as a way to break your contract and come to tmobile and enjoy the way a real provider is sposed to treat you... pretty much if you have ATT and dont have an iphone, they dont care about you
Postal76 said:
I was happily using my Nexus One on AT&T without a data plan (and with data blocked) since it was released, but I made the mistake of giving AT&T the IMEI number of my Nexus today. Now they tell me that I am required to get a $30 data plan because it is a "PDA", despite the fact that it cannot use 3G on AT&T's network.
Does anyone know of a way to ditch the data plan? Is it possible that I could give AT&T the IMEI of an old phone, then switch my SIM to the Nexus?
Click to expand...
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I am kinda surprised they are doing this... Then again, times are "tough"...
I would ask them where in the contract you signed it says you have to have a data plan? Let them know that if they start charging you for a service you didn't sign up for or agree to, they will be hearing from an attorney.
When AT&T began mandating the smartphone dataplans (September?) people that already had a smartphone on their account without a smartphone data plan were given a feature called "smartphone exclusion". If you had this and they took it off when you gave them the nexus one imei, you may be able to call customer service and get them to put it back on. That's the only way I can think of. They're implementing a system which automatically adds a smartphone data plan onto your account when you put your sim card into a smartphone and it reports a recognized smartphone imei to AT&T unless you have the smartphone exclusion feature.
http://howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1618214
maxh said:
When AT&T began mandating the smartphone dataplans (September?) people that already had a smartphone on their account without a smartphone data plan were given a feature called "smartphone exclusion". If you had this and they took it off when you gave them the nexus one imei, you may be able to call customer service and get them to put it back on. That's the only way I can think of. They're implementing a system which automatically adds a smartphone data plan onto your account when you put your sim card into a smartphone and it reports a recognized smartphone imei to AT&T unless you have the smartphone exclusion feature.
http://howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1618214
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Very interesting. This make sense, since AT&T should be able to find out what kind of phone you're using even if you don't give them your IMEI. I suppose I might have had a "smartphone exclusion" put on my account back when I was using a myTouch 3G on AT&T without a data plan.
However, I doubt AT&T is going to work with me on this, given the extremely unsatisfactory customer service I received today after speaking to 3 representatives.
What happens when your using just a normal phone with att, and your buddy has a nexus one. and so you go over to his house and put your sim on it just to see how it works, cause your interested in it and all. so you borrow it for a day to test it out. and att starts charging you for data? Sounds bull**** to me that they can do that if your not using 3g data service... period
I've had these issues with ATT as well. In September they "discovered" my Touch HD on their network and zapped it from working. I was on the "pay as you go" plan. I switched the SIM to my old HTC Trinity and my service was useable again. Since the Trinity was one of the first full featured phones, they must not have had it in their "kill" database.
I dumped ATT like a hot rock, then went to T-mobile and I've never looked back. ATT has nothing over T-mobile.
Matterhorn said:
I've had these issues with ATT as well. In September they "discovered" my Touch HD on their network and zapped it from working. I was on the "pay as you go" plan. I switched the SIM to my old HTC Trinity and my service was useable again. Since the Trinity was one of the first full featured phones, they must not have had it in their "kill" database.
I dumped ATT like a hot rock, then went to T-mobile and I've never looked back. ATT has nothing over T-mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trust me, I'd love to do the same. But A&T is much cheaper for me (it would be $120 for a 2 line family plan with data vs. $155 on T-Mobile) even when I don't include my AT&T premier discount. I was pretty sad to learn that T-Mobile's pricing isn't very competitive, at least when it comes to Nexus One plans.
i've had the N1 on ATT for about a month now and i don't have data plan and never signed up for one; i am near wifi 80-90% of the time and don't need the data plan; never got any texts from them forcing me to get data;
btw, i am on a family plan
jblazea50 said:
i've had the N1 on ATT for about a month now and i don't have data plan and never signed up for one; i am near wifi 80-90% of the time and don't need the data plan; never got any texts from them forcing me to get data;
btw, i am on a family plan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Supposedly they are turning on their new system for automatically adding data plans market by market. Some people's areas don't have it yet, but I know for a fact they're doing it in Austin, TX because I got hit by it. I had 2 lines with smartphones and put my SIM card into a dumbphone for a few minutes then back into my smartphone. That triggered it, but I have the "smartphone exclusion" on my main line (which happens to be the phone I did the SIM switch in) so only the other line got a $30 data plan added. I ported that line out within a couple of days.
maxh said:
Supposedly they are turning on their new system for automatically adding data plans market by market. Some people's areas don't have it yet, but I know for a fact they're doing it in Austin, TX because I got hit by it. I had 2 lines with smartphones and put my SIM card into a dumbphone for a few minutes then back into my smartphone. That triggered it, but I have the "smartphone exclusion" on my main line (which happens to be the phone I did the SIM switch in) so only the other line got a $30 data plan added. I ported that line out within a couple of days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how do you add smartphone exclusion to your phone
It's really simple to ditch the data plans on ATT...
I have a total of 6 phones with ATT. 4 ATT PDAs, 1 ATT non-PDA and mine - which is usually UNLOCKED/UNBRANDED WinMo phone.
I wait a few months after buying any ATT branded phone and call them to let them know I've switched phones. They ask for the IMEI. I run my trusted IMEI Generator (Google it) and start spewing phoney IMEIs to them. When they don't show in their systems as an ATT phone, I can then change all their $30 unlim PDA unlim data plans to the $10 unlim data plan version.
Of course, every rep I every spoke to swears there's a difference between the $30 vs the $10 plan...but WE know better. They work exactly the same!
Come on ATT!!!
My way of stickin it to the MAN!!!
technillion said:
They ask for the IMEI. I run my trusted IMEI Generator (Google it) and start spewing phoney IMEIs to them. When they don't show in their systems as an ATT phone, I can then change all their $30 unlim PDA unlim data plans to the $10 unlim data plan version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But won't AT&T recognize your phone as a PDA if you ever actually use it? For instance, you couldn't do the same thing with an iPhone -- if you give them a bogus IMEI then put your SIM in an iPhone, AT&T will find out and they will force you into a data plan.
In some areas of the country they've implemented the system for automatically detecting when you're using a smartphone and adding the data plan. It seems that not all areas are doing it yet, but I have no doubt they eventually will. My area already does it.
jblazea50 said:
how do you add smartphone exclusion to your phone
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It was added automatically to people's accounts back when they first started requiring data plans. If you had a smartphone but no smartphone data they simply put that exclusion feature on your account. I've heard of people that had it removed from their account calling in and arguing until they put it back on, but if you never had it on your account, you're probably out of luck. It's worth a try, though. Maybe if you get a nice rep and use the term "smartphone exclusion feature" they'll give it to you.
maxh said:
In some areas of the country they've implemented the system for automatically detecting when you're using a smartphone and adding the data plan. It seems that not all areas are doing it yet, but I have no doubt they eventually will. My area already does it.
It was added automatically to people's accounts back when they first started requiring data plans. If you had a smartphone but no smartphone data they simply put that exclusion feature on your account. I've heard of people that had it removed from their account calling in and arguing until they put it back on, but if you never had it on your account, you're probably out of luck. It's worth a try, though. Maybe if you get a nice rep and use the term "smartphone exclusion feature" they'll give it to you.
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i had the blackberry curve 8310 with ATT without data plan as i paid the 2 year upgrade price (no rebates, that required the $30 data plan) so would that mean that i have the exclusion feature?
How come you have to *tell* them your IMEI for them to figure this out? Surely they can see exactly what the IMEI of your phone is the minute it connects to their network?
In other news, I hear that Comcast are going to charge more for your internet connection if you have an XBOX connected to it. Their rationale is that with Netflix support and XBOX Live capability, you're capable of using more of their bandwidth.
OK, I'm (obviously) kidding on that last point. But that's effectively what AT&T are doing here.
Postal76 said:
Trust me, I'd love to do the same. But A&T is much cheaper for me (it would be $120 for a 2 line family plan with data vs. $155 on T-Mobile) even when I don't include my AT&T premier discount. I was pretty sad to learn that T-Mobile's pricing isn't very competitive, at least when it comes to Nexus One plans.
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How is that possible? I'm on Even More Plus with my N1, my Dad's G1, and my Bro's G1 and we're paying $145 a month for 1500 mins + unlimited web (no need for text plan since we all use Google Voice), and we aren't bound to 2-year terms. @[email protected]
jblazea50 said:
i had the blackberry curve 8310 with ATT without data plan as i paid the 2 year upgrade price (no rebates, that required the $30 data plan) so would that mean that i have the exclusion feature?
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Click to collapse
There's probably a good chance you do have it. Supposedly you can find it listed somewhere on OLAM, but I don't know where people are looking.
Postal76 said:
Trust me, I'd love to do the same. But A&T is much cheaper for me (it would be $120 for a 2 line family plan with data vs. $155 on T-Mobile) even when I don't include my AT&T premier discount. I was pretty sad to learn that T-Mobile's pricing isn't very competitive, at least when it comes to Nexus One plans.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get a discount easily with T-Mobile there are tons of discounts. My 20% discount with T-Mobile right now is because I'm in college. My previous one was for working at Wal-Mart 5 years ago [lol they never took it off].
I work for AT&T and I have T-Mobile and I don't plan on switching. Even though AT&T would give me my 20% discount it would still cost more. You can get on T-Mobile without a contract. T-Mobile is the cheapest cell company and they're advertising that a lot right now. The prices for non contract services are great. I can't wait till mine expires because I'll be saving even more money. The Non-contract services aren't "pay as you go" either, they're just monthly usage plans as normal but you're not under contract. The only reason why prices are so high is because you're paying for the phone in your monthly bill.
I love working for AT&T [best company I've ever worked for] but I don't agree with a lot of our ways of doing things. Like how we're the only ones raising prices right now in this economy. There are multiple things I disagree with but it's all business
Oh and the "if you don't have an iPhone they don't care" statement is kind of ridiculous. Sounds a little biased and senseless.

Nexus One AT&T Data Plan Question

Currently, people with a G1/Dream, Magic, Hero etc. on AT&T are able to get the $10 Family Data or $15 Unlimited Data option on their phone, because AT&T does not recognize it as a smartphone since they do not sell it (I know this is true because we have one in the house).
Can anyone tell me how AT&T recognizes the Nexus One? Does it show up as a smarphone on your online account, forcing you to use the $30 PDA Data plan? Or does it show up as "unidentified," meaning you are free to choose one of the cheaper plans?
Before I switched to T-Mobile it showed up as unidentified in the account on the web page. They must got have gotten the maker IMEI codes to the phones to figure out who's using a N1 on their network. I had the option to change it back, but I don't know if it would have reverted it or not.
chambo622 said:
Currently, people with a G1/Dream, Magic, Hero etc. on AT&T are able to get the $10 Family Data or $15 Unlimited Data option on their phone, because AT&T does not recognize it as a smartphone since they do not sell it (I know this is true because we have one in the house).
Can anyone tell me how AT&T recognizes the Nexus One? Does it show up as a smarphone on your online account, forcing you to use the $30 PDA Data plan? Or does it show up as "unidentified," meaning you are free to choose one of the cheaper plans?
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Click to collapse
clarification:
the tmo g1 will show 'unknown' or whatever, and you'll be stuck with edge. afaik the tmo nexus will be the same way.
now, the ATT nexus, i'll bet they hit you with the "OMGZ YOU HAZ SMARTZPHONE ON OUR NETWORKZ !!! PAY ME PWEEZ !" rediculousness. $30 sounds about right for them.
please, do update the thread if you find concrete. i'm only going on the bs they spouted about a 5 year old palm treo. yes, a treo supposedly burned $30 worth of data. please.
Good point, although if they don't identify one version of the Nexus, I don't see why they would the other. Hopefully someone who has the new one right now on AT&T can answer.
And while the G1 does get restricted to EDGE, if it was a Rogers Dream, it would get 3G and as far as I know AT&T would still see it as "unidentified."
chambo622 said:
Good point, although if they don't identify one version of the Nexus, I don't see why they would the other. Hopefully someone who has the new one right now on AT&T can answer.
And while the G1 does get restricted to EDGE, if it was a Rogers Dream, it would get 3G and as far as I know AT&T would still see it as "unidentified."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's correct. I had a Rogers HTC Magic before getting the N1 and I was on AT&T, the device was not identified but I still got 3G @ the $15 price point for data. It wasn't until I put in my SIM in the N1 to check it for defects that I got the texts and emails saying my phone was on the wrong data plan.
chambo622 said:
Good point, although if they don't identify one version of the Nexus, I don't see why they would the other. Hopefully someone who has the new one right now on AT&T can answer.
And while the G1 does get restricted to EDGE, if it was a Rogers Dream, it would get 3G and as far as I know AT&T would still see it as "unidentified."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the IMEI includes data that identifies the phone make/model and at&t must have access to that info, lol. pop in that N1 SIM and it's just a matter of time before you're conveniently upgraded to the Smartphone data plan. there are a couple of threads on the N1 forum that provide more detail about the data plan changes.
Well that should answer my question then...if the Rogers Magic was unidentified but the Nexus One triggered it right away, then AT&T is obviously recognizing it as a smarphone and triggering the Smartphone data plan.
ohgood said:
clarification:
the tmo g1 will show 'unknown' or whatever, and you'll be stuck with edge. afaik the tmo nexus will be the same way.
now, the ATT nexus, i'll bet they hit you with the "OMGZ YOU HAZ SMARTZPHONE ON OUR NETWORKZ !!! PAY ME PWEEZ !" rediculousness. $30 sounds about right for them.
please, do update the thread if you find concrete. i'm only going on the bs they spouted about a 5 year old palm treo. yes, a treo supposedly burned $30 worth of data. please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My experience was that AT&T knew when even the T-Mobile Nexus One was being used as my account triggered the $30 data with it as well. Currently seeking a kind AT&T rep who can add a smartphone exclusion to my account on both lines for the AT&T Nexus One's I picked up yesterday.
Logged into my ATT account and all I see for my Nexus One that operates on the ATT fequency is a gray outline of a flip phone.
So in my case it has not been recognized as Google N1.
I got my T-mobile n1 for use on AT&T on 2-18. 8 hours into ownership I got the text saying I need to upgrade my data plan, which at that point had been unlimited text/[email protected]$30 for use with my Nokia N85. That threw me into a rage, as I'd be GD'd if I was going to pay 30+ a month for edge.
On 2-22 I switched to T-Mobile.
18 hours later, came back to AT&T. Grass isn't greener on the other side.
From 2-23 until 3-18, no nasty text from AFee&Fee asking to upgrade. 3-18 and ongoing, no upgrade text sent for the 850mhz N1 (I hate calling it the "AT&T Nexus One").
I'm back on the $30 unlimted text and data plan, and i've been with it steady for one month now. YMMV, as may mine, good luck
I ordered the At&t N1 the day it was released and have been using it ever since I got it the next day. So far they haven't changed my data plan.
possibly its region based
ive had tmo band n1 and att band n1, tmo band one for about 3 weeks and now att band n1 for a week or two, no texts to update plan, yet...ive been streaming music on last fm all day long in high quality so we'll see
The grass is totally greener on the T-Mobile side in Seattle. That's all I can say.
maxawesome said:
The grass is totally greener on the T-Mobile side in Seattle. That's all I can say.
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Probably. I only had 3g in a few parts of metro Tulsa, Edge everywhere else. My mindset was if i'm gonna be stuck with edge, I might as well keep my 6k rollover minutes and m2m, since everyone I know is on AT&T. I did run a speed test after getting the 8fiddy, and here's what I got:
Please stop asking about AT&T forcing you into data plan or not. Here's why:
1. Their definition of smartphones are smartphones that they sell. If you buy unlocked phone, that shoild be fine.
2. If you've been forced to upgrade, most likely, you've used A LOT of data. When I say A LOT, I mean like a few GB worth. They will most likely flag yout account.
If you keep asking, either BGR or Engadget will write an article about this and inquire AT&T. And they will have to respond. What if DeLaga just goes: Gee, maybe we should force N1 user to upgrade, let's go hunt them all.
Just FYI, I have the AT&T N1 on AT&T family data plan for 10 and it's fine. So hush hush and keep this btw ourselves.
Question for you guys who got texts from AT&T. Did you ever tlel them you were switching to an N1? Many threads I read people going from $30 => $15 and saying they had an N1. Sometimes the rep would let them and then a few days later they get a nasty text... What should I expect with the ATT N1?
vnphantom said:
Please stop asking about AT&T forcing you into data plan or not. Here's why:
1. Their definition of smartphones are smartphones that they sell. If you buy unlocked phone, that shoild be fine.
2. If you've been forced to upgrade, most likely, you've used A LOT of data. When I say A LOT, I mean like a few GB worth. They will most likely flag yout account.
If you keep asking, either BGR or Engadget will write an article about this and inquire AT&T. And they will have to respond. What if DeLaga just goes: Gee, maybe we should force N1 user to upgrade, let's go hunt them all.
Just FYI, I have the AT&T N1 on AT&T family data plan for 10 and it's fine. So hush hush and keep this btw ourselves.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me clear up some of the misconceptions you seem to have from what I've experienced thus far.
1. Even with an unlocked Nexus One, AT&T can still change your plan as this is exactly what they did to me. I bought an unlocked AWS Nexus One and less than a month after popping my SIM into it, I got the message and my data plan was changed, even though I was only using EDGE.
2. AT&T knows which phone you're using. It may not seem as such with your online account showing an unknown device, but the device still registers on their network and there are ways for them to see which device it is. The CSR's and Customer "Solutions" rep didn't know what phone I was using when I called to complain about the data plan change, but the woman from AT&T's corporate response team had no problem finding out that I was using a Nexus One when she was responding to my BBB complaint.
3. The amount of data may play into all this, but I will tell you that I used over 4gb of data with my i8910 months before I had the Nexus One and didn't hear a word from AT&T.
4. You are most likely to receive the text message to change your data plan on the day your billing cycle ends, so if you haven't gotten the text yet, wait til your next bill comes before you start celebrating.
I hope that helps.
in response to both your statements i believe its both. because all the friends i know working at ATT swear up and down that its incredibly rare to get flagged. Might be almost random if anything. Doesnt meant it wont happen for either reason.
tribalmunky said:
That's correct. I had a Rogers HTC Magic before getting the N1 and I was on AT&T, the device was not identified but I still got 3G @ the $15 price point for data. It wasn't until I put in my SIM in the N1 to check it for defects that I got the texts and emails saying my phone was on the wrong data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how long between putting in the SIM and getting the "convenience" texts?
I've had my N1 since the day after it was released and haven't gotten anything yet. In fact, all the phones in my sig have been on this account in the past year at some point - including the Fuze which I've had on there since the day it came out. Still on the MediaMax200.
Notes: My billing cycle starts on the 27th and I rarely go over 100MB a month.
dmo580 said:
Question for you guys who got texts from AT&T. Did you ever tlel them you were switching to an N1? Many threads I read people going from $30 => $15 and saying they had an N1. Sometimes the rep would let them and then a few days later they get a nasty text... What should I expect with the ATT N1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didnt tell them. I went from a phone they didn't sell/support (nokia n85 unlocked) to a phone they don't sell/support (N1). Didn't tell anyone, just swapped my sim out. 8 hours into ownership, at 3AM no less, the nastygram showed up via text and Gmail. Granted, the N85 is a 3g phone, but I doubt my data use was over a gig last month. I'm always under 2 gigs even on my heavy flow months. I doubt seriously that it had anything to do with data consumption.
All of their smartphones being sold must now be on an unlimited data plan, i know that much, but they didn't sell me my N1, and i'm still in contract for my iphone 3g.. breaking their terms of the contract by forcing me into an unnecessary data plan upgrade can emancipate me from it. I know they force the upgrade to try to recoup some of their subsidy for the other phones, but that doesnt apply here!
And to the poster telling us to stop asking about it-its happening to people, it's happening irregularly and without reason, and that is cause for discussion. BGR and the other tech sites can ask AT&T all they want, but a material change to the service, such as cramming (i miss that term) an unwanted/unwarranted plan upgrade, is still a contract violation and is cause for emancipation. Not that I'd jump ship now, because I just got the 850mhz N1, but it's certainly a bargaining chip to get your plan switched back relatively hassle free.

Unlimited Data For Anyone! (AT&T) [IPHONE 2G REQUIRED]

Hey guys just upgraded to Atrix liking it so far! Never had unlimited data before but couldn't justify having it without unlimited data so been researching the current loophole and just wanted to share what I found out.
1) You must have an iPhone 2G, and a sim card that has never been registered to an iPhone 2G before
2) Hard reset the iphone, put in your simcard, and register the iPhone 2G in iTunes. You will be asked to confirm you agree to $20/month unlimited 2g data + 200 text messages.
3) Check online account to see if plan went through, or call 611 and confirm.
4) Find a CSR that will change your Iphone 2g plan to unlimited smartphone personal. I tried over the phone multiple times and they kept on saying they couldn't do it since the unlimited plan didn't exist before June 2010. I was about to give up but went to a retail location and the guy did it on his computer.
5) Enjoy your unlimited data!
NOTE: Whatever you do DO NOT let them change your data plan off the iPhone data plan. If you lose that plan you need a new simcard and to start over. I think I may have had more difficulties cause I am on a business account, but it still worked!
I am almost certain that you came in my store and I did this for you hahahah
I had someone come in my store this evening who did the samething...we werent in san diego but he lived there
good find though, ill let my customers know that..might be worth it to invest in an iphone 2g and leave it at my store for customers to use
MarcMaiden said:
I am almost certain that you came in my store and I did this for you hahahah
I had someone come in my store this evening who did the samething...we werent in san diego but he lived there
good find though, ill let my customers know that..might be worth it to invest in an iphone 2g and leave it at my store for customers to use
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm.... Awkward lol.
I'm Confused. So with this I'm limited to 200 text messages a month? And what exactally do I ask the csr to change in the store? Wouldn't the regular 2g data plan work on the atrix?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
Does it stay $20/month...?
what you are doing is making your phone an Iphone 2g.
making your phone an Iphone 2g gives you the unlimited 2g data (that comes with 200 texts as well) for $20.
Our in store systems allow us to go from unlimited 2g $20 to the unlimited 3g/4g data for $30 giving you unlimited data to your atrix/inspire/captivate if you didnt have it before.
MarcMaiden said:
what you are doing is making your phone an Iphone 2g.
making your phone an Iphone 2g gives you the unlimited 2g data (that comes with 200 texts as well) for $20.
Our in store systems allow us to go from unlimited 2g $20 to the unlimited 3g/4g data for $30 giving you unlimited data to your atrix/inspire/captivate if you didnt have it before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must be the coolest AT&T rep ever! haha
Moving off the EDGE network
I don't know about anywhere else around the country but AT&T is slowly migrating everybody off of the 2G / EDGE network. I don't know how much longer AT&T will allow you to activate 2G iPhones on the network.
Mustang302LX said:
You must be the coolest AT&T rep ever! haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes he is!
W0nderBread said:
Yes he is!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So after this is done, is it $30 per month, with unlimited data? Also, am I still limited to the 200 text?
Thanks for your help.
W0nderBread said:
Hey guys just upgraded to Atrix liking it so far! Never had unlimited data before but couldn't justify having it without unlimited data so been researching the current loophole and just wanted to share what I found out.
1) You must have an iPhone 2G, and a sim card that has never been registered to an iPhone before
2) Hard reset the iphone, put in your simcard, and register the iPhone 2G in iTunes. You will be asked to confirm you agree to $20/month unlimited 2g data + 200 text messages.
3) Check online account to see if plan went through, or call 611 and confirm.
4) Find a CSR that will change your Iphone 2g plan to unlimited smartphone personal. I tried over the phone multiple times and they kept on saying they couldn't do it since the unlimited plan didn't exist before June 2010. I was about to give up but went to a retail location and the guy did it on his computer.
5) Enjoy your unlimited data!
NOTE: Whatever you do DO NOT let them change your data plan off the iPhone data plan. If you lose that plan you need a new simcard and to start over. I think I may have had more difficulties cause I am on a business account, but it still worked!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or you can "request" unlimited data with customer service on a new 2yr contract upgrade or new you have to do it through customer service and it might take a few calls Ive been able to add it without a problem on 4 lines last weekend. If you have 2g/3g data on the device you may experience service issues more awkward than normal by using this method in the OP I had a 3g unlimited on my main line and upgraded without change and pages barley loaded with full bars, this is not recommended to use the iphone data plan.
Will update with the feature code and name as soon as I can.
Would this work with an iPhone 3g? My friend has one lying around I could probably borrow to swing this. Also wondering about the ability to get unlimited texts.
edit: And I'll probably try the whole, calling customer service until I get what I want, plan soon.
exume said:
Would this work with an iPhone 3g? My friend has one lying around I could probably borrow to swing this. Also wondering about the ability to get unlimited texts.
edit: And I'll probably try the whole, calling customer service until I get what I want, plan soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it won't work for a iPhone 3G. The reason this works for the original iPhone is that the only option for the phone is unlimited data. The 200 text messages has no affect on you if you have family messaging unlmited etc. Even if you have unlimited text you can always call back in to get it added back on.
So i tried to do the trick with an Iphone 2G, I checked online to verify and i think it went fine. Also online it gives me an option to change my Iphone Data plan to the Smartphone Bundles (1. SmartPhone Personal Unlimited Data with 1500 Message for $39.99 2.SmartPhone Personal Unlimited Data with 200 Messages for $35.00 3. Smartphone Personal Unlimited Data for $30)
Should i keep the Iphone Data plan or change it to the SmartPhone Personal plans?
gelib0y07 said:
So i tried to do the trick with an Iphone 2G, I checked online to verify and i think it went fine. Also online it gives me an option to change my Iphone Data plan to the Smartphone Bundles (1. SmartPhone Personal Unlimited Data with 1500 Message for $39.99 2.SmartPhone Personal Unlimited Data with 200 Messages for $35.00 3. Smartphone Personal Unlimited Data for $30)
Should i keep the Iphone Data plan or change it to the SmartPhone Personal plans?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Option 3 is a current unlimited smart phone data plan for the device, its thinking you had it and changed devices use this option so that way the data plan will work correctly for the device. You'll still have $30 unlimited data aswell.
If you are getting the option for smartphone personal unlimited that is the correct data plan for the atrix. iPhone plan doesn't support 4G as far as I know, if that ever happens.
This trick is more common for iPhone 4 users, where once they plug the sim back into the iPhone 4 the system automatically detects it is not a 2G device within a few hours and auto upgrades them to the $30/month iPhone data plan with a text messages alerting the customer. Chances are you will not be able to stay on the $20/month plan so I'd switch before AT&T realizes you are using a 2G iPhone data plan on an Atrix.
I should be good if i change it to the SmartPhone Personal Unlimited Data with 1500Message for $39.99 right?
Yes, It's still a smartphone unlimited data plan!
it's giving me this error when i try to process it.
What should i do now? call customer service?
(CONFLICT RESOLUTION
The following features added to your device are in conflict with an existing required feature:
SmartPhone Personal with 1500 Messages
The following features are required for your device and cannot be deleted:
iPhone Data Plan + 1500 Text
Please click the 'Continue' button to return to the Manage Features page to make another feature selection for your device.)
You are never limited to 200 texts even on the original $20 iphone plan. You can still add a text plan on top of it. It just uses your 200 and then starts using whatever else you have on plan.
But when you move to the $30 plan you lose the texts anyway.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

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!

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