Data plan only in Canada - Galaxy S I9000 General

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related

AT&T Data Plan Choice with i9000 / Bell Vibrant

I'm about to purchase a Bell Vibrant. Can anyone tell me if they are able to use the cheap non-smartphone data (which is $15/unlimited or $10/unlimited for families)? This has been the case with most non-AT&T branded smartphones I've owned but I want to be double sure before I buy. If anyone with a European i9000 using it on AT&T could tell me that would be great, as since they are essentially the same phone I'm sure AT&T would treat them the same. Also, if you could tell me how your phone shows up in the AT&T online account at att.com/mywireless that would be helpful as well. Thanks!
Yea, i have the European i9000 with the $15 unlimited data plan.
INeedYourHelp said:
Yea, i have the European i9000 with the $15 unlimited data plan.
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Good to hear. What does it show up as in your AT&T web control panel?
Also anyone with a Bell model want to pipe in to confirm this 100%?
get unlimited data plan, or something like 6 GB data plan
the Android Phones are super heavy on data usage
AllGamer said:
get unlimited data plan, or something like 6 GB data plan
the Android Phones are super heavy on data usage
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Click to collapse
What do you mean...the cheap plans we're talking about are unlimited. That's what I have on my Milestone I just pay $10 for unlimited "dumbphone" data (I'm part of a family plan, if I wasn't it would be $15 for unlimted "dumbphone" data).
I can confirm. Bell Vibrant using Family unlimited plan $10. Hopefully it stays that way!
Oh and to answer second question, it shows up as unknown device in OLAM.
dawgpound6985 said:
I can confirm. Bell Vibrant using Family unlimited plan $10. Hopefully it stays that way!
Oh and to answer second question, it shows up as unknown device in OLAM.
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Good to hear. That's how it works with the Milestone and G1 that I have in the family.
I personally don't think that they will change it. With the Xperia X10, the IMEI's were unrecognized until AT&T got their version and then everybody was bumped to the pricey data plans. But AT&T has already had their Galaxy S for a few months, so it seems like the time to do that is passed so we should be safe. The only confusing thing is how/why AT&T recognizes Nexus Ones. I suppose Google felt they had to give the information so that they wouldn't polarize their relationship with AT&T.

[Q] AT&T $50 Prepaid Unlimited - Smartphone Data Working Included??

Ok, so I found a bit of information about this data plan working with the Samsung Galaxy S II reaching HSPA+ speeds, however I would like to know if it is possible to get the data from this plan working on any other SMART PHONES.
A few things I am interested in is...
1. Has anyone got the data working on any other smartphone? What kind?
2. Does changing the APN settings work?
3. Do you have to initially register a basic phone?
4. Is it possible to modify the IMEI of a smart phone to represent a basic phone so that the data may work.
5. Does anyone have any good ideas to get this working?
If so we can all have Unlimited Talk, Text, and Web on a smart phone for $50.00 plus normal sales tax.
If anyone has or is capable of getting this working on any (or all) smart phones, then it would be mutually beneficial to everyone
I have the plan running on my Galaxy S II, it was kind of tough to get going, and until I turned on airplan mode and then turned it off again, was I able to connect to 3g and H+ instead of just edge. The AT&T store employees also had a hell of a time, getting it to work at first. I did pop the SIM into an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S, and it worked after I went too settings, wireless networks, and then selected GSM only. The only APN available is Cingular 410, which is the wap.cingular. I am getting full 4g service on both devices, so I'm happy.
Note the AT&T stores dont always have the $50 pre-paid sim card in the store because I believe you can only do this on "International phones" according to the guy who helped me (whatever that means, I'm sure they are wrong.) I did explain how the Galaxy S II was unlocked and that I had bought it in Europe, but they still didn't have the actual $50 dollar sim card, so instead they gave me a regular 4g sim card ($25 charge) and then used two $25 pre-paid data plan cards (actual cards like iTune gift cards.) As I said above, they had some issues getting the $50 dollar plan to work, but it eventually did using this method. If anyone is in NJ the store I used was in the Paramus Mall.
Hope this was decent first post.
$50 prepaid simcards lol I would never pay that much for a prepaid sim card ever. I bought both my phones: previous Rokr E6 and the current X1i and simcards from myworldphone.com. For the E6 my $15 T-mobile simcard cost me about $15 with credit and my [email protected] prepaid one cost me $8.50 non active. Now for the non active simcard I had active it and then put money on it(depending on the plan I wanted) but it beats paying $50 for simcard when you can buy one for $8.50 and then switch to the $50 unlimited plan. Now looking at the rate plan options it says: " 1Monthly Unlimited Talk, Text & Web plan requires an eligible device. Smartphone users must purchase a data package to use Data on this plan. Pay per use data is not available on Smartphones." I'm not sure what exactly eligible device really means but when I first bought my phone I had the option to switch to the unlimited plan, something funny I noticed was it says smartphone cannot use pay per use data, well it's available to me . I only use wifi for my internet because I use my laptop for browsing the internet and really only use the internet on my phone for updating Touch Weather but if I need to I can use the pay per use data which I rarely only do for MMS. I don't know if it's the type of prepaid simcard(National prepaid simcard) I'm using that allows me to get through this loop hole or not but if it is I'm not complaining . Just my .2cents
JKDEM85 said:
I have the plan running on my Galaxy S II, it was kind of tough to get going, and until I turned on airplan mode and then turned it off again, was I able to connect to 3g and H+ instead of just edge. The AT&T store employees also had a hell of a time, getting it to work at first. I did pop the SIM into an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S, and it worked after I went too settings, wireless networks, and then selected GSM only. The only APN available is Cingular 410, which is the wap.cingular. I am getting full 4g service on both devices, so I'm happy.
Note the AT&T stores dont always have the $50 pre-paid sim card in the store because I believe you can only do this on "International phones" according to the guy who helped me (whatever that means, I'm sure they are wrong.) I did explain how the Galaxy S II was unlocked and that I had bought it in Europe, but they still didn't have the actual $50 dollar sim card, so instead they gave me a regular 4g sim card ($25 charge) and then used two $25 pre-paid data plan cards (actual cards like iTune gift cards.) As I said above, they had some issues getting the $50 dollar plan to work, but it eventually did using this method. If anyone is in NJ the store I used was in the Paramus Mall.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok a few things. First to answer OP's question is yes, it is possible with any unlocked phone. problem is that AT&T has certain IMEI numbers that are recognized as smart phone IMEI's. Like my friend had an HD2 that he brought to AT&T and they recognized it and immediately changed his data plan to a smartphone data plan. Although there are other people with smartphones who have the AT&T system tricked because the system doesnt know what their IMEI number is for.
So yes, it is possible. And yes, as for the NON-Smartphone $50 unlimited talk, txt, and data plan, yes it does exist. AT&T just started it recently and no its not for just international. Its directed towards NON-Smartphones. But again, if they cant recognize your smartphone IMEI, then they wont know.
As for the $50 sim card, no there's no such thing as a $50 sim card and no, its not "just for international phones" haha. Sim cards are $5.95 and if a store tells you anything higher, then call AT&T sales. Because they are ALWAYS $5.95 over the phone.
BOOM! glad to help haha
caffeinated chris said:
ok a few things. First to answer OP's question is yes, it is possible with any unlocked phone. problem is that AT&T has certain IMEI numbers that are recognized as smart phone IMEI's. Like my friend had an HD2 that he brought to AT&T and they recognized it and immediately changed his data plan to a smartphone data plan. Although there are other people with smartphones who have the AT&T system tricked because the system doesnt know what their IMEI number is for.
So yes, it is possible. And yes, as for the NON-Smartphone $50 unlimited talk, txt, and data plan, yes it does exist. AT&T just started it recently and no its not for just international. Its directed towards NON-Smartphones. But again, if they cant recognize your smartphone IMEI, then they wont know.
As for the $50 sim card, no there's no such thing as a $50 sim card and no, its not "just for international phones" haha. Sim cards are $5.95 and if a store tells you anything higher, then call AT&T sales. Because they are ALWAYS $5.95 over the phone.
BOOM! glad to help haha
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Thanks for clearing some things up, so it's the IMEI number that determines if they can tell if it's a smartphone or not. I probably got lucky with buying the international version of the X1 .
Viper89 said:
Thanks for clearing some things up, so it's the IMEI number that determines if they can tell if it's a smartphone or not. I probably got lucky with buying the international version of the X1 .
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exactly. As far as I know, that is how they determine which phone you have is thru your IMEI.
So to answer OP's question, yes, you probably want to initially set it up with a NON smartphone IMEI and then switch the sim card to your SGSII.
OR get lucky and give them the IMEI and they dont recognize it and just assume it is a non smartphone. (So if you are setting this up over the phone and they ask you what type of phone it is, its some basic flip phone. DO NOT tell them its a smartphone. Or you will have ruined that idea haha)
PS. there is a possibility that later on they will recognize your IMEI and will notify you (usually by a text msg) telling you that they are switching your plan to a smartphone plan. If they have done this, then they probably finally found out that the IMEI you're using is actually a smartphone. And that sucks haha.
Its also possible they wont ever know. chances are they will once they get the list of IMEI's and what phones they actually are for. I dont know how often they update their list of IMEI's so no telling how long you'll get away with it. some people have successfully done so for months or years. so we will see
good luck!!
PS. there is a possibility that later on they will recognize your IMEI and will notify you (usually by a text msg) telling you that they are switching your plan to a smartphone plan. If they have done this, then they probably finally found out that the IMEI you're using is actually a smartphone. And that sucks haha.
Its also possible they wont ever know. chances are they will once they get the list of IMEI's and what phones they actually are for. I dont know how often they update their list of IMEI's so no telling how long you'll get away with it. some people have successfully done so for months or years. so we will see
good luck!! [/QUOTE]
I've had my phone for 1 year and 9 months now if they were going to do something they would have already, and Sony also stopped making the X1i awhile ago so as for as my IMEI being recognized I'm not worried at all about it .
I've had my phone for 1 year and 9 months now if they were going to do something they would have already, and Sony also stopped making the X1i awhile ago so as for as my IMEI being recognized I'm not worried at all about it .
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NICE. haha yea like I said, some phones they might eventually find out, and some they wont. You happen to be one of the ones they probably wont find. Enjoy that haha
Almost 100% sure that plan does not include Smartphone data.
As well it shouldn't; I do not understand why carriers cater more to their prepaid customers by offering such low rate plans while proceeding to charge customers who sign contracts by charging them a steeper price for the same plan.
illatwill said:
Almost 100% sure that plan does not include Smartphone data.
As well it shouldn't; I do not understand why carriers cater more to their prepaid customers by offering such low rate plans while proceeding to charge customers who sign contracts by charging them a steeper price for the same plan.
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Yes, you are right, this plan is not a smartphone data plan. Thats why we are talking about ways on how to get it on your smartphone haha.
And secondly, no contract phone plans are cheaper because you have to lay down money flat out to buy a phone. Contracts are made to give you that $700 phone for $100-$199. By you being in that contract it guarantee's they are going to get their money for that phone.
caffeinated chris said:
ok a few things. First to answer OP's question is yes, it is possible with any unlocked phone. problem is that AT&T has certain IMEI numbers that are recognized as smart phone IMEI's. Like my friend had an HD2 that he brought to AT&T and they recognized it and immediately changed his data plan to a smartphone data plan. Although there are other people with smartphones who have the AT&T system tricked because the system doesnt know what their IMEI number is for.
So yes, it is possible. And yes, as for the NON-Smartphone $50 unlimited talk, txt, and data plan, yes it does exist. AT&T just started it recently and no its not for just international. Its directed towards NON-Smartphones. But again, if they cant recognize your smartphone IMEI, then they wont know.
As for the $50 sim card, no there's no such thing as a $50 sim card and no, its not "just for international phones" haha. Sim cards are $5.95 and if a store tells you anything higher, then call AT&T sales. Because they are ALWAYS $5.95 over the phone.
BOOM! glad to help haha
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Click to collapse
Don't mean to grave-dig the post but when I went to an AT&T store for new SIM cards (activated one through a go-phone and didn't know that it locked the SIM to the phone), I wasn't charged anything for them, the store rep gave them to me for free.
That aside, I've been toying with this concept myself. I've been looking everywhere for good candidates for a smartphone that ATT doesn't sell and that is compatible with their HSPA network.
I have a couple unlocked T-Mobile phones that the data works on, but only at EDGE speeds because they don't have the proper frequencies to support ATT 3/3.5/4G.
Does anyone have any new suggestions?
EDIT: So far I've found that the HTC Wildfire S A510a, and the HTC Sensation Z710a are both compatible with ATT's HSDPA 850 and GSM 850 bands and may be good candidates. I already have a T-Mobile HTC Sensation Z710e and really don't want to buy another phone that's practically the same .
I'm digging this up because I need answers before jumping ship.
Does AT&T still make smartphone users pay extra for data? I'm thinking of moving from Boost mobile to AT&T with an LG Fathom...
Either AT&T or metroPCS, if AT&T does still charge smartphone users for data then most likely it'll be over to metroPCS I go then.
n1nj4Lo said:
I'm digging this up because I need answers before jumping ship.
Does AT&T still make smartphone users pay extra for data? I'm thinking of moving from Boost mobile to AT&T with an LG Fathom...
Either AT&T or metroPCS, if AT&T does still charge smartphone users for data then most likely it'll be over to metroPCS I go then.
Click to expand...
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Like with a plan? Yes.
TomTheGeek3 said:
Like with a plan? Yes.
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Click to collapse
Well what I meant was are Smartphones still supposedly uneligilble for the prepaid 50 a month unlimited plan, do they still have to pay extra for data?
If yes, how much extra?
n1nj4Lo said:
Well what I meant was are Smartphones still supposedly uneligilble for the prepaid 50 a month unlimited plan, do they still have to pay extra for data?
If yes, how much extra?
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Click to collapse
Yes, they have to pay extra. Not all smartphones will be in their database, so if you have a European phone with the appropriate HSPA bands it could potentially trick the system into believing you have a featurephone.
As for how much extra, it's something ridiculous like 30 bucks or so.
synaesthetic said:
Yes, they have to pay extra. Not all smartphones will be in their database, so if you have a European phone with the appropriate HSPA bands it could potentially trick the system into believing you have a featurephone.
As for how much extra, it's something ridiculous like 30 bucks or so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mines a Verizon LG Fathom...
Is T-Mobile just as ridiculous too? I saw they have a prepaid 50 a month unlimited plan... What jerked me back away from that was 100Mb unthrottled then every bit over that is "managed" unless ya pay for the highspeed unlimited 4g data.
How do you expect a non-gsm phone to work on a gsm network?
Stonent said:
How do you expect a non-gsm phone to work on a gsm network?
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Just because it came from a cdma carrier doesn't mean it's a non-gsm phone... It's a world phone, meaning both cdma and gsm.
Called up t-mobile and it sounds like they'd be my (our) best bet, they don't charge ya anything additional if it's a smartphone for data... So it really is flat-out 50 bucks unlimited everything, no limitations, no specification handsets required or anything.
Sorry to dig up an old thread, but has anyone tried this recently?
Will probably give this a go in a couple of months using the HTC Sensation z710a.
Pretty harsh not getting any "smartphone data" included on a $50 plan. Would be heading straight to T-mobile if my z710a was AWS compatible.

Anyone that has the Galaxy Note also has U.S.A AT&T service ?

Currently I have the U.S.A T-mobile service so when I get the Galaxy Note, I will only have Edge speed.
I am willing to switch over the AT&T for 3G service or higher internet speed but only for month to month basis since this Galaxy Note will be an unlocked phone so I will not be require to sign up in a contract.
For those in the U.S.A that has AT&T and also has just received the Galaxy Note, do you like the internet speed of AT&T ?
I have heard bad things about AT&T such as dropped call and poor signal, etc...
so I am just a little bit worry about signing up with AT&T.
My initial intention was to get the Nexus and go with Verizon but the Nexus is not as good as the Galaxy Note.
Also, which AT&T plan should I get?. I don't talk much on the phone but I do a lot of surfing on the internet. I need internet speed that is fast and reliable.
Just get the lowest minute plan and get 2GB internet. I'd get on contract, buy the Nexus or the iPhone and sell them on ebay for $700 and use that towards your note, that's what I did. I can't comment on internet speeds because I'm always on wifi.
Buy an unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note. Put it on Straight Talk Mobile prepaid for $45/month which uses AT&T's network. You would have to buy a refurbed Nokia E71 phone for $99 to do it and put the sim card in the Note with some settings changes. You get unlimited talk/text/data with no contract using AT&T's 3G network.
No Sim
adelmundo said:
Buy an unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note. Put it on Straight Talk Mobile prepaid for $45/month which uses AT&T's network. You would have to buy a refurbed Nokia E71 phone for $99 to do it and put the sim card in the Note with some settings changes. You get unlimited talk/text/data with no contract using AT&T's 3G network.
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Click to collapse
I went in to a Walmart to check this straight talk out and they said they don't carry sim cards. it's like sprint.
getmouse said:
I went in to a Walmart to check this straight talk out and they said they don't carry sim cards. it's like sprint.
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Click to collapse
My understanding is that they employ different network types in different regions.
Get the MediaNet plan which is either $10 or $15 (depending if you have messaging or not) a month for unlimited data.
Earthbrain said:
Currently I have the U.S.A T-mobile service so when I get the Galaxy Note, I will only have Edge speed.
I am willing to switch over the AT&T for 3G service or higher internet speed but only for month to month basis since this Galaxy Note will be an unlocked phone so I will not be require to sign up in a contract.
For those in the U.S.A that has AT&T and also has just received the Galaxy Note, do you like the internet speed of AT&T ?
I have heard bad things about AT&T such as dropped call and poor signal, etc...
so I am just a little bit worry about signing up with AT&T.
My initial intention was to get the Nexus and go with Verizon but the Nexus is not as good as the Galaxy Note.
Also, which AT&T plan should I get?. I don't talk much on the phone but I do a lot of surfing on the internet. I need internet speed that is fast and reliable.
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Click to collapse
even I was thinking of doing the same thing, after a lot of discussion here on forum I have learnt that you go for att pay as you go prepaid plan which is $50/month, you get unlimited call/sms/data even sms to some 100 countries! the only thing you have to follow is activate the card using a dumbphone like razr or similar and then put your card in unlocked phone with correct APN and profit!
Only care you have to take is never put that sim in att smartphone or network will detect and you will be charged for smartphone plan..
if anyone else knows a better way, please post here..
So is there any other suggestions on the best AT&T plan?
I am currently using the Note for the last 4 days.
I am still using T-mobile plan since my contract won't be up until next month in December.
However, I am only getting EDGE speed for my $10/month for 200 MB and it is so slow.
I really need to take advantage of Note since it is an expensive phone and I want to get at least 3G speed at AT&T. I have never signed up with AT&T so I am not familiar with its plans or any good tricks to get the best data plan.
waghoba said:
even I was thinking of doing the same thing, after a lot of discussion here on forum I have learnt that you go for att pay as you go prepaid plan which is $50/month, you get unlimited call/sms/data even sms to some 100 countries! the only thing you have to follow is activate the card using a dumbphone like razr or similar and then put your card in unlocked phone with correct APN and profit!
Only care you have to take is never put that sim in att smartphone or network will detect and you will be charged for smartphone plan..
if anyone else knows a better way, please post here..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just went to an AT&T store about 2 hours ago (in San Diego) and spoke with a sale rep and he told me that using a smart phone with the prepaid plan for non-smart phone will not work.
I don't know if he is just want to prevent me from getting a good deal or he just doesn't know any loophole.
Earthbrain said:
I just went to an AT&T store about 2 hours ago (in San Diego) and spoke with a sale rep and he told me that using a smart phone with the prepaid plan for non-smart phone will not work.
I don't know if he is just want to prevent me from getting a good deal or he just doesn't know any loophole.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that is correct, its a loophole, you should never tell them that you are using a smartphone!
that is why I said 'activate using a dumbphone and then put the card and APN in your note, att can only detect their own subsidized smart phones and not the unlocked ones, so you are safe...
EDIT: and I dont think att representative will tell you this method even if he is using it! as he wants his job, right?
I've heard using prepaid services (gophone, straight talk) with a smart phone only give you around 500Kbps speeds. So even if its unlimited (I've heard straight talk caps you at 70MB per day) its hardly worth it considering how slow the internet is. And yes. Those speeds were with HSPA+ compatible phones on AT&T.
Can anyone confirm/deny/elaborate? At 500kbps I should just stay on Tmo since Edge speeds are not much slower.
There is a whole thread here of people's speeds on Straight Talk. Seems like it is not capped at 500kbps.
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php/1737642-Post-Your-Straight-Talk-Speedtests
Earthbrain said:
I just went to an AT&T store about 2 hours ago (in San Diego) and spoke with a sale rep and he told me that using a smart phone with the prepaid plan for non-smart phone will not work.
I don't know if he is just want to prevent me from getting a good deal or he just doesn't know any loophole.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I experienced this last month while on hols in New York. Im a Brit and took along my Galaxy Tab 7". Dropped by an AT&T shop and said I wanted to buy a pre-paid SIM to use in it. He refused to sell me one. No technical reasons why it wouldn't work. Just seemed like a policy decision. I was shocked!
Tried a T-Mobile shop nearby and picked up a PAYG SIM for around $30, which did the job, but it was slooow. Think I was on Edge network at best. Good enough for Places and navigation, but a bit crap for browsing. Lesson learned - don't tell them the device is a smartphone/tablet .
You were on EDGE on T-Mobile because ATT and T-Mobile use different freqs for 3g in US. The GTab probably doesn't support T-Mobile s 3g freqs.
Next time go to a Walmart and get a Straight Talk prepaid package. You have to buy a 99 dollar dumbphone to activate the SIM then you should get 3g data once you move that SIM to the GTab and set the APN.
The howardforum link in earlier post is good info.
I am running my Note on AT&T with a $10/mo unlimited data for non-smartphones plan (family plan) and I get 4.5mbps down and 1.06mbps up in H+ areas. Freakin sweet.
Earthbrain said:
I just went to an AT&T store about 2 hours ago (in San Diego) and spoke with a sale rep and he told me that using a smart phone with the prepaid plan for non-smart phone will not work.
I don't know if he is just want to prevent me from getting a good deal or he just doesn't know any loophole.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya that was a wrong move to go in and talk to an ATT rep about it. There are many that have this plan who use the international SGS2. Check in their XDA forum. It works.
waghoba said:
Only care you have to take is never put that sim in att smartphone or network will detect and you will be charged for smartphone plan..
if anyone else knows a better way, please post here..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think i f'd this up just now. Got my note today and ordered the sim from at&t after porting number over from verizon. I originally signed up online for the $40 450 mins + $30 dumbphone unlimited sms/data. But when calling to activate the phone i used the galaxy note's imei to activate the sim and they were able to detect that it was a smartphone (i thought they weren't able to do that with an international unlocked phone??); so the rep signed me up for $20 sms and $25 2gb plan. so now is there any way to go back to the dumbphone unlimited plan or will my Note's imei always be detected as a smartphone now??
leaverus said:
I think i f'd this up just now. Got my note today and ordered the sim from at&t after porting number over from verizon. I originally signed up online for the $40 450 mins + $30 dumbphone unlimited sms/data. But when calling to activate the phone i used the galaxy note's imei to activate the sim and they were able to detect that it was a smartphone (i thought they weren't able to do that with an international unlocked phone??); so the rep signed me up for $20 sms and $25 2gb plan. so now is there any way to go back to the dumbphone unlimited plan or will my Note's imei always be detected as a smartphone now??
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Click to collapse
you're screwed, you needed to give the imei of a dumbphone or just put the sim into a dumbphone first. maybe have a friend do it for you as you are likely flagged forever.
I'm currently still on contract with 2 GB data and a captivate. If I get the international note can I bump it down to the medianet plan?
I've got a note on ATT in the US. I have a 4g plan (used the note's imei) and the best speeds I've seen with speedtest are in the 5m down 1m up range. Some places it's been 1m/1m or worse, and the phone's bounced between 3g and H+.
I found some link the other day that showed ATT H+ coverage area, and I guess it shouldn't come as a big surprise.

[Q] USA Users, What plan are you using?

I recently discovered that ATT gophone (prepay or pay as you go) for android phones is only 50/month and everything is unlimited...voice/text/data. There is no way you can go over any limits, even if you tried to.
Can anyone verify this is actually the case and if they use this?
Apparently you have to purchase an additional data plan if you are using IOS or WP7, but not Android. I'd love to know if anyone knows why this is the case.
I'm currently on tmobile im paying over 100/month, but the 3g limitations on the GNote is maing me switch to att, thankfully. This should cover the cost of the note in less than one year.
Thanks,
Jason
45 mo/ 4GB Plan
randypurcz said:
45 mo/ 4GB Plan
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Click to collapse
can you please elaborate?
is that under contract, pre pay, post pay?
why wouldnt you for for the 50/month all unlimited prepay instead?
jason370 said:
can you please elaborate?
is that under contract, pre pay, post pay?
why wouldnt you for for the 50/month all unlimited prepay instead?
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Click to collapse
I think its his/her enterprise data plan.
My Note's on the way - should be here on tuesday. Meanwhile, my 2 yr verizon contract ends tomorrow, so i signed up with at&t. I picked the post-paid month-to-month plan that includes 450min. + unlimited data (for non-smartphones) which would bring my monthly bill to $70. I was thinking of doing the $50 gophone thing but then i read that coverage not as extensive, speed throttling on prepaid, etc. so i'd rather just spend the little extra for the benefits of postpaid.
jason370 said:
I recently discovered that ATT gophone (prepay or pay as you go) for android phones is only 50/month and everything is unlimited...voice/text/data. There is no way you can go over any limits, even if you tried to.
Can anyone verify this is actually the case and if they use this?
Apparently you have to purchase an additional data plan if you are using IOS or WP7, but not Android. I'd love to know if anyone knows why this is the case.
I'm currently on tmobile im paying over 100/month, but the 3g limitations on the GNote is maing me switch to att, thankfully. This should cover the cost of the note in less than one year.
Thanks,
Jason
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to break it to you, but I don't think that it works like that. The $50.00 unlimited plan only provides unlimited data for non-smartphones. You can get that plan with an Android phone, but if you do, you will have no Internet access. If you don't talk much and don't use too much data, you could go with the $25.00/250min plan plus the $25.00/500MB data plan. (Source: I just chatted with a support rep.)
Personally, I'm hoping that they either release a US-compatible CDMA version in the near future, or that the people in this thread succeed in getting the existing Note to run on T-Mobile. If either happens soon, I will probably import one immediately.
Grandfathered $30/mo unlimited data plan for me. Good thing too, because I usually go through 10+GB of data per month!! Netflix, YouTube, Pandora and Google Music. Make sense now?
So your bill at the end of the month is $30 plus tax? Is there a voice anf text plan or is this all inclusive? This is through att and if so is pre or post pay?
Sent from my HD7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
jason370 said:
So your bill at the end of the month is $30 plus tax? Is there a voice anf text plan or is this all inclusive? This is through att and if so is pre or post pay?
Sent from my HD7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
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Click to collapse
He has the grandfathered Unlimited Data Plan. It's $30/month on your bill. It stopped being obtainable about 1 year ago.
Yes I am crystal clear on the $30/ month part for unlimited data. I'm ado quite clear on the definition of grandfathered in this context. This however does not answer my question regarding
1) which service provider(I'm assuming ATT, but I'm not sure)?
2) does this also include voice and text or does he have those plans in addition to his grandfathered 30/month data plan?
Thanks,
Jason
Sent from my HD7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
AnandA777 said:
Sorry to break it to you, but I don't think that it works like that. The $50.00 unlimited plan only provides unlimited data for non-smartphones. You can get that plan with an Android phone, but if you do, you will have no Internet access. If you don't talk much and don't use too much data, you could go with the $25.00/250min plan plus the $25.00/500MB data plan. (Source: I just chatted with a support rep.)
Personally, I'm hoping that they either release a US-compatible CDMA version in the near future, or that the people in this thread succeed in getting the existing Note to run on T-Mobile. If either happens soon, I will probably import one immediately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is patently false. I've been on the non-smartphone data with AT&T for over 3 years using a variety of imported, unlocked smartphones (android and otherwise).
Well that's good news for me then. Do you have full internet capabilities? Also could you tell me which plan, provider, pre or post pay?
Thanks!
Jason
Sent from my HD7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
jason370 said:
Yes I am crystal clear on the $30/ month part for unlimited data. I'm ado quite clear on the definition of grandfathered in this context. This however does not answer my question regarding
1) which service provider(I'm assuming ATT, but I'm not sure)?
2) does this also include voice and text or does he have those plans in addition to his grandfathered 30/month data plan?
Thanks,
Jason
Sent from my HD7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, misread.
He's probably on VZW or AT&T and the Grandfathered Data Plan is just for data.
jason370 said:
Well that's good news for me then. Do you have full internet capabilities? Also could you tell me which plan, provider, pre or post pay?
Thanks!
Jason
Sent from my HD7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
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Click to collapse
I am post-paid on AT&T, 450min/mo @ $39.99 + $10 unlimited data for non smartphones (MEdiaNet) + $20 Unlimited texting / mobile to mobile calling. If you search about there are a ton of people on AT&T doing this. The caveat is that your IMEI number cannot be in AT&T's system as a smartphone. That means you need to use an international market unlocked phone. There are people doing this with Galaxy SII and you don't need root or anything else.
Also, if you are bringing your own hardware (GNote) you don't need to sign a contract either (even post-paid) so you can quit whenever you want. Just get a SIM and activate it.
You can always go to T-Mobile and do the $50 prepaid contract that does unlimited talk, text, and web. But you have to provide your own cell phone or purchase one from them or elsewhere. This is a really good deal, it also gives 4g if you have a 4g phone.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App
ameedi600 said:
You can always go to T-Mobile and do the $50 prepaid contract that does unlimited talk, text, and web. But you have to provide your own cell phone or purchase one from them or elsewhere. This is a really good deal, it also gives 4g if you have a 4g phone.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App
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Sadly, T-Mo uses AWS frequencies for HSPDA that aren't available on the Note.
Ok so why wouldn't you do the 50/month prepay (att) which has unlimited voice/text/data and use the same dumbphone imei?
It seems you currently pay 69/month with some limitations.
kuaka said:
I am post-paid on AT&T, 450min/mo @ $39.99 + $10 unlimited data for non smartphones (MEdiaNet) + $20 Unlimited texting / mobile to mobile calling. If you search about there are a ton of people on AT&T doing this. The caveat is that your IMEI number cannot be in AT&T's system as a smartphone. That means you need to use an international market unlocked phone. There are people doing this with Galaxy SII and you don't need root or anything else.
Also, if you are bringing your own hardware (GNote) you don't need to sign a contract either (even post-paid) so you can quit whenever you want. Just get a SIM and activate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my HD7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
My Note is arriving this week. I am planning to use Straight Talk following this wiki:
http://wiki.howardforums.com/index.php/Straight_Talk_Android
$45/mo prepaid for unlimited talk/text/data using AT&T towers.

Unlimited Data @ ATT for only $15

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SW4h1tOAsg4
Wasn't sure if this worked, and if you actually order the phone, wouldn't you have to pay for the plan?
I believe att can detect your phone and will automatically put you on a corresponding iPhone (bull****) plan, not 100% sure though, I do know that international phones can be used on the Medianet dumbphone data plan though.
This is very interesting and I am really thinking about trying it out. The only bummer is you ahve to by a phone just to get the sim card. If anyone tries this out let us know how it goes and if I try it out first I will let you know.
OK I Activate AT&T Phones Daily and of my best friends works at a AT&T Call Center, so here's some FAQ
Is it really unlimited data for $15?
Yes it is Unlimited Data for any Basic AT&T Phone, but if your trying to use it with a smart phone and use like 8GB of Data in a month they will be suspect
Will it work with a Smartphone?
Yes and no, If your using a AT&T Model Phone AT&T Will either block data or in most cases add the data package
If you have a T-Mobile Unlocked Phone or a Unlocked International GSM Phone it will not be in AT&T's System so you won't be flagged
Do you have to do anything to make it work?
Well Yes APN, you have to use the MediaNet APN, The normal 4G and LTE APNS will not work
Also to note Many New Go Phone Sim Cards are now Married to the phones IMEI they ship with and will not work in another phone unless you get a sim unlock code, I have verified this with the $19 Samsung Flip phone ZTE Z431, ZTEAvail, and the AT&T Fusion, I tried the sim card that came with the phones in my Galaxy S II Skyrocket, Samsung Vibrant and Samsung Propel
Thank you for your investigation, saved me the time I would've spent asking questions and searching for answers.
Well what I want to know is, if you buy one of those messaging phones for $0.01 on the 2 year contract like the video says, so that you get the sim, won't you have to pay for the 2 yr contract regardless? Or do they not charge you unless you activate it?
jeffreygtab said:
Well what I want to know is, if you buy one of those messaging phones for $0.01 on the 2 year contract like the video says, so that you get the sim, won't you have to pay for the 2 yr contract regardless? Or do they not charge you unless you activate it?
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Click to collapse
Yes you would, You would be required to commit to a 2 year contract and would have to at Minimum have the 450 Min for $39.99 and the $20 Unlimited Texting or $0.20 Per Text Message and the $15 Basic Phone Data Package so that video isn't really correct..
If you want "Unlimited Smartphone on AT&T then the Straight Talk Sim Cards are a much better way to go, For $45 a month you have Unlimited Talk, Text, Web, Data, I setup a Friend with a Galaxy S Captivate on it and he has the Full 3G Speeds and has had months he's hit 6GB and never had a Issue, The only thing you have to watch for is if you want to do the Wireless Hotspot, It is against the TOS to do Hotspot but you can Use Wifi Tether For Root Users and it will show as Mobile Web Usage so they won't bug you.
You can get the Straight Talk Sims in Both Full Size and Micro Sim Versions for Both AT&T and T-Mobile, and if you put the AT&T Sim in a AT&T Phone you don't even have to unlock it to work, I've setup Go Phones, iPhones, HTC Sensation 4G, HTC Mytouch 4G, Samsung Captivate, AT&T Avail http://straighttalksim.com/shop.php
forrest89sei said:
Yes you would, You would be required to commit to a 2 year contract and would have to at Minimum have the 450 Min for $39.99 and the $20 Unlimited Texting or $0.20 Per Text Message and the $15 Basic Phone Data Package so that video isn't really correct..
If you want "Unlimited Smartphone on AT&T then the Straight Talk Sim Cards are a much better way to go, For $45 a month you have Unlimited Talk, Text, Web, Data, I setup a Friend with a Galaxy S Captivate on it and he has the Full 3G Speeds and has had months he's hit 6GB and never had a Issue, The only thing you have to watch for is if you want to do the Wireless Hotspot, It is against the TOS to do Hotspot but you can Use Wifi Tether For Root Users and it will show as Mobile Web Usage so they won't bug you.
You can get the Straight Talk Sims in Both Full Size and Micro Sim Versions for Both AT&T and T-Mobile, and if you put the AT&T Sim in a AT&T Phone you don't even have to unlock it to work, I've setup Go Phones, iPhones, HTC Sensation 4G, HTC Mytouch 4G, Samsung Captivate, AT&T Avail http://straighttalksim.com/shop.php
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you have to pay $55 a month? That video is completely pointless...
jeffreygtab said:
So you have to pay $55 a month? That video is completely pointless...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok guys so I found an about 8 month old ATT sim that's never been activated, and I just got an ATT manager to give me an unnactivated sim. Is there anyway I can use either of these on the plan?

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