Database Users

[Q] Walmart Family Mobile

I was at my local Wally-World (WalMart) last night and noticed that they are now offering another pre-paid cellular option called WalMart Family Mobile (using T-Mobiles' Network).
I currently have a G1 and an HD2 (Both T-Mobile branded as T-Mobile USA). Will I need to call T-Mobile to acquire unlock codes for this phones to use on the WFM services?
I have searched the Internet, and the responses are 50/50. About half saying yes I will need unlock codes, the other half saying that I won't need them.
So, I took the next logical step and contacted the WFM Customer Support line. I called 6 times...3 of the representatives said I will not need to unlock them, 2 said I will, and one was unsure if I need to or not.
Does anyone here have any experience regarding WFM and T-Mobile branded phones that are still sim-locked?

Well I have had no personal experience with sim unlocking my HD2, what IO can tell you though is if you will have to get it unlocked to to use the WMF, you will have to get a unlock code. I suggest you do this if you can, call T-Mobile customer service while you are still a T-Mobile costumer (I see under your sig you are on T-Mobile) and tell them you are going out of country some where for business reasons or vacation and want to get a sim card to use a local prepaid local service while you are there so you need a sim unlock code for your HD2 and G1. It is up to you what you tell them but seeing you have two phones you want to sim unlock I would say vacation so you can say you and your wife will be able to use your phones while on vacation. I say contact T-Mobile while you are still a customer because you have to be a customer for them to give you a code, plus T-Mobile will give you the code for free and you will not have to pay for a code from one of the many sites you can buy a code from, plus you will be guaranteed the codes will be valid. Next, after you have the codes in hand, I would go to Wal-Mart and purchase a months worth of the prepaid service for the WMF but tell the Wal-Mart employee you want to use you HD2 or G1, you decide which one as this is a test, as your phone so you just need a sim card for your phone. I have not checked this WMF out myself but hopefully you do noy have to buy a phone to get a sim card. Once you have said sim card put it in your phone and see if you get service, if you do not get service you will have to enter the unlock code to get service.
I am telling you to do this cause if the WMF uses T-Mobiles network then it is a chance you will not need the codes. But then again it is a chance you will need the codes also. So as you said the way I see it you have a 50/50 shot at having to unlock your HD2 and G1. It is better to go at this being prepared than to go into this and not be prepared. Best of luck with your endeavor and please post back here when you have a definitive answer so others can maybe have this question answered.
One more thing if you are doing this because of the impending buy out of T-Mobile by AT&T, thjen it will probable be in vein as you said the WMF uses T-Mobile's network.

I contacted T-Mo to get my unlock code 'just in case'. I did that right after I posted the initial post here. They say I should have it within 24 hours. Here's hoping that I actually get it. (I contacted them a years ago to get an unlock code for one of my Blackberries and never got it).
Anyways, once I get the unlock code, I'll just print the e-mail and take it with me to Walmart when I go get the $25 activation kit (IE: Sim Card).
Walmart says on their site that you can use your existing phone rather than buying one, as long as it is compatible (as long as it is GSM). The website also states that it needs to be unlocked, but as Walmart's main area of focus is not as a cellular provider, I do not put much weight into them saying it needs to be unlocked. It might be referring to non T-Mo phones, lord only knows. I'll find out in a day or two.
As to the reason I am switching....no, it is not due to the AT&T-Mobile merger. I am currently on the T-Mobile FlexPay plan paying $94.34 a month (after taxes) for unlimited everything on my phone. My fiancee's phone is costing $75.67 a month just for unlimited talk and text. That's $170.01 a month for our 2 lines.
With WFM, I can get an unlimited talk/text plan for us that comes out to $70 total for both phones ($45/mo for the first, $25/mo for each additional line). Data is sold in bulk, with the best rate being $40 for 1 gig (or $4 per 100meg). That 1 gig of mobile data should last us quite a while, as the unused portion will roll over each month. Even if we used the entire gig every month, that is still only $110 a month ($70 for the voice/text and $40 for the data). The $110/mo is still $60.00 cheaper. That's a win-win in my book.
The best part is that my phone number (which ends in 4000, perfect for my business) has been ported to Google Voice, so I can keep it and not have to worry if the WFM plans cease to exist if the AT&T-Mobile merger is approved.

Hey sounds like you and your wife are in the same boat as me and my wife. I pay a total of $225 a month (I think? She always pays the bill so I am not 100% sure that figure is correct) for our service with T-Mobile. The WMF thing sounds interesting to me but I would lose out in the long run if I switched cause I run pretty close to the 5GB soft cap T-Mobile has every month. I use my HD2 has a WiFi hotspot all the time at home cause I am not paying the high prices the internet providers want for set up and monthly service around my area. I only have Edge at in my interior area as well so just regular web browsing is fast enough for me. If I want to download anything or watch Youtube videos or any other vedios I just go to a public WiFi spot. If the WMF sold more than one gig at a time of data I might would switch but seeing as they don't I can not right now. Lord only knows what is going to happen to me using my HD2 as a WiFi hotspot when AT&T takes over.

I'm surprised T-Mo hasn't cut your data off yet...I use my HD2 as a wifi hotspot while I am on the road (gotta love it when my phone shows the H rather than E, hehe). Anyways, one month I hit over 10 gigs and they nailed me and throttled my internet speeds for the rest of the month.
It's sad though...there are times that I get faster internet through T-Mo by tethering my laptop to my HD2 than I do on a time warner cable connection.

jmhecker said:
I'm surprised T-Mo hasn't cut your data off yet...I use my HD2 as a wifi hotspot while I am on the road (gotta love it when my phone shows the H rather than E, hehe). Anyways, one month I hit over 10 gigs and they nailed me and throttled my internet speeds for the rest of the month.
It's sad though...there are times that I get faster internet through T-Mo by tethering my laptop to my HD2 than I do on a time warner cable connection.
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Ha yeah I do worry about getting throttled, but I really try to just use it for basic wed browsing nothing else while I am at home. For basic web browsing the Edge I get at home is cool, I have never had a chance to try it when I have 3G avaliable. I don't think I have ever seen the H on my HD2 lol. What can I say I live in the boonies

You DO NOT have to unlock tmobile phones to use WFM. I use an HD2 (running windows moblie and Android dual boot) and my wife has a HTC dash and neither is unlocked. If you want to use another GSM phone (ATT) then it will need to be unlocked.
This is the best deal out there if you do not use a lot of data. Been using it since last Oct and am very satisfied.

nesta17 said:
You DO NOT have to unlock tmobile phones to use WFM. I use an HD2 (running windows moblie and Android dual boot) and my wife has a HTC dash and neither is unlocked. If you want to use another GSM phone (ATT) then it will need to be unlocked.
This is the best deal out there if you do not use a lot of data. Been using it since last Oct and am very satisfied.
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Thanks for the info there nesta17. this is good to know, I figured you wouldn't have to unlock it seeing as WMF uses the T-Mobile network. But you never know about this mobile carrier companies. LOL

Okay, quick update:
First of all, Walmart sucks! I went to the location here in town late last night to buy 2 of their activation kits (one for me and one for the wifey). I went to the electronics department and told the cashier that I needed to purchase 2 "Walmart Family Mobile Activation Kits"...he said that they can not sell those after 9:00 PM. He stated that was Walmart policy. I explained to him that I only want to buy the kit, I do not want/need him to activate the phones, as I will be doing that at home. He stuck to his story.
As I am a person that rarely believes a word any employee of Walmart (or any other store) says, I immediately went to the customer service desk to inquire. They said that the employee in electronics was correct. Still, I was doubtful. So, I grabbed my HD2 and googled for the walmart that is about 5 miles down the road. I asked for electronics and spoke with an individual named Tom. I asked him if they have the WFM Activation Kits, and he said they do. He then continued on saying that there is no 'activation associate' on staff (the last one leaves at 9PM), so if I wanted to activate in the store I would have to wait until the morning. I told him that I only wish to purchase the activation kit so I could activate it at home. He said that is not a problem, and I rushed on over. at 11:45PM I purchased the kit (well after 9:00PM, proving the first employee wrong).
I get home, activated the SIM Cards without a problem. All I needed was the IMEI of my phones, the activation number for each SIM Card (provided in the Activation Kit) as well as the SIM Card itself (also in the Activation Kit). I popped the SIM card into my HD2 and powered it up. It no longer said T-Mobile on the lockscreen, but read as "Family Mobile". There was no need to unlock the phone, and everything works as expected.
The service is just as it would be with T-Mobile, obviously. I still get the H showing on my notification bar using the same APN settings as T-Mobile. I switch from H/3G/E/G as I drive, so it is correctly changing the network(s) I hit as I drive around (I travel a lot for work).
MMS/Texts/E-Mails/etc all work as expected. I could not be any happier.
I am going to install Windows Mobile 6.5 on it later today just so I can run the Simlock program to unlock the phone, then go right back to Android. (I have the unlock code, I might as well just use it, heh)
I went from nearly $200/mo for 2 phones down to less than $80 (after taxes). I can't complain.

Hey jmhecker check your in box I sent you a PM man.

BOUGHT A PREPAID GALAXY S2 from WALMART, having problems activating it.

As the title says i bought a prepaid samsung galaxy 2 from walmart that came with $30 credit for the monthly4g unlimited data plan.
I tried activating phone online in tmobile.com but getting errors (sim and imei invalid). I tried calling them and they said I need to activate it where i bought it. I then talked to walmart.com live support and they said they cant do it.
Has anyone had this issue? If so how can i get my phone activated. I will highly appreciate any help.

well if both walmart and Tmo is refusing to help you out
just return it for your money, not worth the trouble
yes, it was on the news, people having trouble activating the unlimited $30 plans
it was a problem from Tmo
you can try to escalate the issue and call CSR again demand to speak with a manager, tell them the people at Walmart are too dumb to help you out, since Tmo is the service provider, they are on the hook for level 2 tech support

AllGamer said:
well if both walmart and Tmo is refusing to help you out
just return it for your money, not worth the trouble
yes, it was on the news, people having trouble activating the unlimited $30 plans
it was a problem from Tmo
you can try to escalate the issue and call CSR again demand to speak with a manager, tell them the people at Walmart are too dumb to help you out, since Tmo is the service provider, they are on the hook for level 2 tech support
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Agreed. Or Wal-Mart may let you exchange it for another S2.

Did they sell you a Tmobile sim or Straight Talk. I thought the $30 plan was through Walmart only or am I mistaken.

ok fixed the problem
For the people having the same issue all i did was return the one i bought at walmart.com. Then i bought the same phone at my local walmart. The store rep setup my account with the $30 unlimited data/text and 100m plan. Cant wait to start trying out some roms!

Do it for Zyzz!

The Walmart I bought my S2 with the $30 plan (the 5GB data, unlimited texts, 100 minutes) had no clue what they were doing, and didn't even set anything up. I went to a T-Mobile store, not knowing this plan is a Walmart exclusive plan, and they set me up for the $30 30mb of data, and 1500 text/talk plan, since they gave me the $30 card when I bought the phone from Walmart. So, as I'm setting up my email account, updating some apps, it told me I went over my 30 MB threshold. I definitely knew something wasn't right at that point.
The next day, I went over to another Walmart where they actually knew what they were doing, and got my account setup on the proper pre-paid account, and I was even credited a free month of service to my account for the trouble. So now I have everything setup correctly, and won't have to pay until November. Sorry for all my blabbering, but the point of my post is that, it really depends on which Walmart you go to, and if they know what they're doing or not.
The only minor knit pick I have to say about this promotion is that they only offer the phone in black, and not white like I really wanted.

Nexus 4 on AT&T GoPhone

I've seen people saying they have their Nexus 4 on AT&T's Prepaid GoPhone service at $50.
I was wondering the best way to go about doing this.
Do I go into the store and get a GoPhone SIM with the $25 Monthly Plan (250 minutes, unlimited texts) along with the $25 1GB data package?
Or do I just get the SIM with the $50 Monthly Unlimited Plan? The AT&T rep I spoke to said that I would only be able to access mobile web via a feature phone with the $50 plan.
Thank you guys for any help.
-Randy

I am also curious about this. I am probably going to do the $25 plan plus a 1gb dataplan for $25, coming to $50/month. However, I want to know the best action. I've heard that you have to give AT&T a different IMEI because they don't integrate well with N4 (although I think that is only for LTE; so you don't have to for HSPA+?) Sorry, I'm kind of new the whole mobile development scene, and I'm switching to the N4 so I can start developing for and tinkering with Android (plus, it's an amazing device).
I guess what I'm (and I think the OP is) asking is, which GoPhone plan to sign up for, and do I just walk in to the store with my Nexus 4, say "I need x GoPhone plan for this phone", pop in the sim they give me, and I'll have access to full HSPA+ speeds? If not, do I just need to change the APN (if so, to what)? If not that, do I need to give them a different IMEI to get access to HSPA+ like I've heard you need to do for LTE?

Johmama said:
I am also curious about this. I am probably going to do the $25 plan plus a 1gb dataplan for $25, coming to $50/month. However, I want to know the best action. I've heard that you have to give AT&T a different IMEI because they don't integrate well with N4 (although I think that is only for LTE; so you don't have to for HSPA+?) Sorry, I'm kind of new the whole mobile development scene, and I'm switching to the N4 so I can start developing for and tinkering with Android (plus, it's an amazing device).
I guess what I'm (and I think the OP is) asking is, which GoPhone plan to sign up for, and do I just walk in to the store with my Nexus 4, say "I need x GoPhone plan for this phone", pop in the sim they give me, and I'll have access to full HSPA+ speeds? If not, do I just need to change the APN (if so, to what)? If not that, do I need to give them a different IMEI to get access to HSPA+ like I've heard you need to do for LTE?
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I just walked into an AT&T store (corporate not an authorized dealer) and asked for a GoPhone microsim and they handed me one for free. The rep then said that they could port my number over and set up my service for me if I wished or I could do it myself. I let them setup my service, the $25 monthly plan + $25 1 GB data plan, took him about 10 minutes to get it all setup and the number ported over. Once it was all setup and good to go the store manager walks out and says to me that my phone won't work with that data plan as it not for 4G phones (meaning LTE). I showed him my data was working just fine and said the Nexus 4 isn't a 4G phone anyways. He said it was a fluke that it was working but I knew better from the threads in here. It's now been 3 weeks and I've had no problems. The APN settings I used were the default ones already on the phone after I restarted it with the new microsim card in place (they are listed in the other thread linked to below).
GoPhone discussion in General Section:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2195150&highlight=gophone
The $25 monthly plan is the third one down:
http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/plans/prepaidplans.html
Data packages are right below the monthly plans; 1GB, 200 MB or 50MB. That's all that's offered with these plans.

kzoodroid said:
I just walked into an AT&T store (corporate not an authorized dealer) and asked for a GoPhone microsim and they handed me one for free. The rep then said that they could port my number over and set up my service for me if I wished or I could do it myself. I let them setup my service, the $25 monthly plan + $25 1 GB data plan, took him about 10 minutes to get it all setup and the number ported over. Once it was all setup and good to go the store manager walks out and says to me that my phone won't work with that data plan as it not for 4G phones (meaning LTE). I showed him my data was working just fine and said the Nexus 4 isn't a 4G phone anyways. He said it was a fluke that it was working but I knew better from the threads in here. It's now been 3 weeks and I've had no problems.
GoPhone discussion in General Section:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2195150&highlight=gophone
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Wow, thanks for the reply; that's exactly what I was asking (and hopefully the OP. I feel like I kind of hijacked his thread if he didn't gain anything from it). When you bought the service and had them set it up all up, you had your Nexus 4 device there with you and had them do what needed to be done on it? Thanks for the link too.
I have to say, one of the reasons I'm excited to go to prepaid is the service I get from cellphone companies/representatives. About 2 weeks ago, before I even decided to go with the Nexus 4 and prepaid service, I walked into an AT&T store to inquire about how that all works, and if they could work with a Nexus 4 and everything (I was ignorant, I like to think I've learned from browsing these forums). Anyway, the first thing they tried to sell me was post-paid service for like $90/mo. I then said I wanted to try prepaid. Without hesitation the woman helping me said "Ok, that'll run $65/mo". That is their most expensive prepaid plan, she didn't even lay out the options of the other plans. I then said I found on their site online that there are these other plans like the $25/mo plan and I wanted to add $25/mo for a gig of data. She then said "Yeah, you can do that." then walked over to where the prepaid plan info things were hanging and handed them to me.
If you're still reading this unnecessarily long post, I guess the point I'm trying to make is: I'm browsing for info here and asking for a lot of advice on here because everyone here knows what they're talking about. Even if the people working for AT&T know what's going on, I feel like all they're trying to do is sell me the most expensive plan and not outlining options (I get it, it's their job; they're salesmen, but still). That's a big reason why I want to go to prepaid. If I catch them signing me up for stuff or all-around jerking me around, I can tell them to buzz off and take my business elsewhere.

Johmama said:
Wow, thanks for the reply; that's exactly what I was asking (and hopefully the OP. I feel like I kind of hijacked his thread if he didn't gain anything from it). When you bought the service and had them set it up all up, you had your Nexus 4 device there with you and had them do what needed to be done on it? Thanks for the link too.
I have to say, one of the reasons I'm excited to go to prepaid is the service I get from cellphone companies/representatives. About 2 weeks ago, before I even decided to go with the Nexus 4 and prepaid service, I walked into an AT&T store to inquire about how that all works, and if they could work with a Nexus 4 and everything (I was ignorant, I like to think I've learned from browsing these forums). Anyway, the first thing they tried to sell me was post-paid service for like $90/mo. I then said I wanted to try prepaid. Without hesitation the woman helping me said "Ok, that'll run $65/mo". That is their most expensive prepaid plan, she didn't even lay out the options of the other plans. I then said I found on their site online that there are these other plans like the $25/mo plan and I wanted to add $25/mo for a gig of data. She then said "Yeah, you can do that." then walked over to where the prepaid plan info things were hanging and handed them to me.
If you're still reading this unnecessarily long post, I guess the point I'm trying to make is: I'm browsing for info here and asking for a lot of advice on here because everyone here knows what they're talking about. Even if the people working for AT&T know what's going on, I feel like all they're trying to do is sell me the most expensive plan and not outlining options (I get it, it's their job; they're salesmen, but still). That's a big reason why I want to go to prepaid. If I catch them signing me up for stuff or all-around jerking me around, I can tell them to buzz off and take my business elsewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I walked into the store with my phone, said I need a microsim for the GoPhone plans. The guy handed me one and said he could set it up for me if I liked. I said I wanted the $25 plan + the $25 data package and if he couldn't do it for me I could do it myself. He said it was no problem setting it up on my phone. It was the manager who later came out at the end who tried to up sell me into a higher priced plan but I showed him my phone was working just fine with what I had and I walked out.

kzoodroid said:
I walked into the store with my phone, said I need a microsim for the GoPhone plans. The guy handed me one and said he could set it up for me if I liked. I said I wanted the $25 plan + the $25 data package and if he couldn't do it for me I could do it myself. He said it was no problem setting it up on my phone. It was the manager who later came out at the end who tried to up sell me into a higher priced plan but I showed him my phone was working just fine with what I had and I walked out.
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Ok, thanks, I feel more confident walking in there now. Appreciate you answering my questions. My phone is in the mail and should arrive tomorrow. Today, I'm going to walk in and see if they have MicroSIM cards on site. If not, I need to order one or maybe try Radioshack.

[Tutorial] How to get $30 prepaid plan with T-Mobile new activation

Note: - This guide only works for new T-Mobile prepaid activation and with T-Mobile HTC One device.
Introduction: T-Mobile has the hidden $30 prepaid plan that has 100 talk minutes, unlimited text and 5GB data with 4G speed. This is the cheapest plan for prepaid IMHO. I have tested the data speed in Rochester, MN (not a refarmed 1900Mhz area), and the results are 16Mps download and 5Mps upload. You can transfer your number from other carrier (Straight Talk etc.) with this new activation. There is no activation fee. I haven't experienced any drop call or technical issue. The coverage is really good in Minnesota.
What you need to get started:
1. Activation kit (aka sim card). You can buy the activation kit from T-Mobile or Bestbuy store for 15 bucks, then print out this template (Link: http://bit.ly/TMaxwM) and cut it to micro sim. Keep the simcard card or write down the simcard number.
2. Buy a T-Mobile refill card from Walmart/Bestbuy (Link: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Tmobile-30-Wireless-Airtime-Card/15443357) for first month. Keep the PIN number
3. A T-Mobile HTC One. You don't need to unlock the SIM. I paid full price for my device. It came flawlessly without any imperfections
Step-by-step process:
- Put the micro simcard that you cut (1) into the phone.
- In the activation kit, there is a activation card that has the activation code (11 digits number). You need this number.
- Go to www.t-mobile.com/prepaidactivation and follow the instruction (you simply put the simcard number and activation code)
(Note: if you don't have the device yet, you can type 9999999999)
- If you need to port your number from other carrier, don't forget to click on the option on the right. It took me 7-8 hours to get my number ported from ST to T-Mobile.
(Note: For Straight Talk Bring Your Own Device users, the account number is the simcard number from ST)
- After you submit, you now can choose your plan. Pick the $30 plan for 100 minutes + Unlimited text/data (5G with 4G speed).
- The last step is to fund your account for the first month. Take the PIN number from the refill card (2) and type it in.
Then, you are done. T-Mobile will send a confirmation email after you finish the process. If you choose a new number, you can use it instantly. If you want to port your number, it will take no more than 24 hours to get the number ported.
If you have any problem or concern with the porting process, call this number 877-789-3106. This is the T-Mobile department in charge for porting number. They can assist you and tell you when your number is ready to use. :good:
Enjoy your new phone and awesome (but affordable) service with T-Mobile :laugh:
P/S: My device came with locked bootloader. I followed this instruction (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2265618) to unlock bootloader/ flash new recovery and new ROM. I am using ARHD 8.1 ROM, and it works perfectly on T-Mobile. The Wifi calling feature is working with this ROM too. Many thanks to mike1986

holy crap is this real?

nuggstein said:
holy crap is this real?
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Yeah man, 100% real

Wish existing customers could switch. Good info op!
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app

Great post! I got the $30 prepaid plan with the 64gb Developer Edition and I am loving it.
Speeds are excellent eventhough I am not in an LTE city. Way faster than the crappy speeds I was getting under Sprint.
So happy I just ditched them to get away from Contracts forever!!
Got a $100 bill for the ETF which will be canceled out by the $100 Visa Giftcard from the HTC "buyback program" my old GS2.
Perfect!!

You can also buy the refill card from Amazon for cheap :laugh:

Is there anyway to do this if I'm already a T-Mobile customer?
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app

nav525 said:
Is there anyway to do this if I'm already a T-Mobile customer?
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
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It is possible if you activate an independent line with a new number.

AirSupply said:
You can also buy the refill card from Amazon for cheap :laugh:
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are you talking abou the tmobile $30 pay as you go refill card? the one that's only being sold by third-party sellers? it's like 25 bucks and i'm not sure how legit..

legit im currently paying 104 after tax with att, i honestly love the service and lte speeds but damm 30 dollars!!

bloggert said:
are you talking abou the tmobile $30 pay as you go refill card? the one that's only being sold by third-party sellers? it's like 25 bucks and i'm not sure how legit..
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I am unsure about the 3rd party sellers whom are selling the refill card on Amazon. Some of them don't have any feedbacks, but couple of them have more than 100 feedbacks from last year. You buy at your own risk though

I am definitely interested in doing this! Thanks so much for making this guide. Can you tell me where you bought your phone and how much it cost? I was planning on getting the Dev edition, but I'm not in a refarmed area so I need the 1700 mhz band ability. Where's the best/cheapest place to buy the T-Mobile version without a contract?
Also, did you unlock the bootloader/ flash new recovery and new ROM before or after activating it?
Lastly, how did you get the wifi calling to work? That would help a lot since I would only have 100minutes. Is it an app or...?
Thanks!

jpzsports said:
I am definitely interested in doing this! Thanks so much for making this guide. Can you tell me where you bought your phone and how much it cost? I was planning on getting the Dev edition, but I'm not in a refarmed area so I need the 1700 mhz band ability. Where's the best/cheapest place to buy the T-Mobile version without a contract?
Also, did you unlock the bootloader/ flash new recovery and new ROM before or after activating it?
Lastly, how did you get the wifi calling to work? That would help a lot since I would only have 100minutes. Is it an app or...?
Thanks!
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- I bought it directly from T-Mobile via telesale. Price is $580 + tax + shipping (if you choose overnight).
- I unlocked and flashed new ROM right after I activated the prepaid account.
- Wifi calling works immediately after your account is activated.
- I have used GrooveIP to make phone call on wifi or 4G network. It uses Google Voice number

how much?
How much for the total of your htc one tmobile?

blackangst said:
Wish existing customers could switch. Good info op!
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
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nav525 said:
Is there anyway to do this if I'm already a T-Mobile customer?
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guys, I would suggest you port your number to Google Voice. Then you can port it back to Tmobile after you start the new $30 a month prepaid account. Or you could keep the number with Google Voice if you like.
Either way, it's a way to keep your number.
Here is a really informative thread on this plan: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1646755
That thread is for the Galaxy Nexus and this plan, but there still is a ton of relevant info there.
Also, I recommend Callingmart for your refills. Here's a link:
http://www.callingmart.com/

AirSupply said:
- I bought it directly from T-Mobile via telesale. Price is $580 + tax + shipping (if you choose overnight).
- I unlocked and flashed new ROM right after I activated the prepaid account.
- Wifi calling works immediately after your account is activated.
- I have used GrooveIP to make phone call on wifi or 4G network. It uses Google Voice number
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I just purchased the HTC One over the phone. They had to put me on the $50 postpaid plan to start, in order for me to purchase the phone, but said I could switch to prepaid when I receive the phone. I'll call them once the phone arrives. Do you think I'll be able to switch to prepaid with the SIM card that comes with the phone, or will I need to purchase the prepaid SIM card from T-Mobile's website?

jpzsports said:
I just purchased the HTC One over the phone. They had to put me on the $50 postpaid plan to start, in order for me to purchase the phone, but said I could switch to prepaid when I receive the phone. I'll call them once the phone arrives. Do you think I'll be able to switch to prepaid with the SIM card that comes with the phone, or will I need to purchase the prepaid SIM card from T-Mobile's website?
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Did you pay full price for the phone? If yes, once you receive the device, don't use the SIM that comes with it. Call Customer Service to close your account and follow my instruction.

AirSupply said:
Did you pay full price for the phone? If yes, once you receive the device, don't use the SIM that comes with it. Call Customer Service to close your account and follow my instruction.
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Yes I did pay full price. So I should just immediately call and cancel the postpaid plan before I use that SIM and they won't charge me the $50? And I should buy the Prepaid SIM kit and just go to the online prepaid activation site?

I did this a month ago with my HTC One. Bought the phone from T-Mobile store, paid it in full, signed up for the cheapest post-paid plan, the $50 one. I also paid for that at the same time as the phone. I was running off of that plan for about 6 hours and then I called T-Mobile to get switched to the $30 5gb plan. After about 10 minutes of talking to the low-level customer service rep, they were saying I couldn't switch to the plan because it is technically Walmart's plan and not T-Mobile's. I knew it was completely not true, so I spoke to that person's supervisor and he immediately switched me over to the $30 plan, with maybe a couple of minutes of switching time after the phone call. After that, all was good, my original $50 payment was still valid and it was used by the $30 plan, so I had a $20 remaining balance in my account that I use in case I go over my minutes. After you go over your 100 minutes, it's 10cents a minute after that so long as you have money in your T-Mobile account. My first month of the service is about to be over in 4 days and I only spent $6 (60 minutes) of my $20 balance on my account.
So for entire bill for the first month will be under $40 assuming I don't talk on the phone for more than 40 minutes between now and Friday 5/24.
* I also went out of town to bumblef*ck North Carolina and I was getting zero service in the mountains, like everyone else, but slightly worse service where AT&T users were getting data and I wasn't. But that all changed when I had WiFi calling in the cabin, and nobody else had that option. So I was still gettings calls and texts, whereas everyone else had to wait until they were on the drive home and got service again.

Syn Ack said:
I did this a month ago with my HTC One. Bought the phone from T-Mobile store, paid it in full, signed up for the cheapest post-paid plan, the $50 one. I also paid for that at the same time as the phone. I was running off of that plan for about 6 hours and then I called T-Mobile to get switched to the $30 5gb plan. After about 10 minutes of talking to the low-level customer service rep, they were saying I couldn't switch to the plan because it is technically Walmart's plan and not T-Mobile's. I knew it was completely not true, so I spoke to that person's supervisor and he immediately switched me over to the $30 plan, with maybe a couple of minutes of switching time after the phone call. After that, all was good, my original $50 payment was still valid and it was used by the $30 plan, so I had a $20 remaining balance in my account that I use in case I go over my minutes. After you go over your 100 minutes, it's 10cents a minute after that so long as you have money in your T-Mobile account. My first month of the service is about to be over in 4 days and I only spent $6 (60 minutes) of my $20 balance on my account.
So for entire bill for the first month will be under $40 assuming I don't talk on the phone for more than 40 minutes between now and Friday 5/24.
* I also went out of town to bumblef*ck North Carolina and I was getting zero service in the mountains, like everyone else, but slightly worse service where AT&T users were getting data and I wasn't. But that all changed when I had WiFi calling in the cabin, and nobody else had that option. So I was still gettings calls and texts, whereas everyone else had to wait until they were on the drive home and got service again.
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Thanks for the reply! Glad to hear it's working well for you. So you seemed to be able to switch from postpaid to prepaid over the phone even with the regular SIM card. I already bought the prepaid SIM kit so I'll probably just go straight through activating with that SIM and not even use the SIM that comes with the phone. I should probably also call to cancel the postpaid account just in case. Hopefully it will all go smoothly and I'll have the $30 plan on the HTC One and be able to transfer my phone number.
That's great to hear about the Wifi calling feature too. So it allows for calls and texts? That's great to hear if I'm in an area with no coverage. When I'm at home, should I also use wifi calling? Better voice quality?

BB Clerk tries to make me change plan for Note 4

Went inside best buy mobile today to pick up my pre ordered note 4, and they told me that i had to switch my plan in order to walk out with the phone! The new plan they were trying to get me on would make me pay 800$ for my note and be "off contract". In order to switch to that plan id have to cancel all 5 of my lines, with the ETF fees up in the thousands of dollars. I told him no way and that id call sprint, and ge told me that even if I call i'd still have no choice. Anyone else encounter something similar?

Daevionne said:
Went inside best buy mobile today to pick up my pre ordered note 4, and they told me that i had to switch my plan in order to walk out with the phone! The new plan they were trying to get me on would make me pay 800$ for my note and be "off contract". In order to switch to that plan id have to cancel all 5 of my lines, with the ETF fees up in the thousands of dollars. I told him no way and that id call sprint, and ge told me that even if I call i'd still have no choice. Anyone else encounter something similar?
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I had something similar happen to me today at the Sprint Store. The clerk insisted that I couldn't keep my plan. I told him to get bent. After a heated exchange, I turned on the phone, had the phone go through the automated activation process and viola, I was activated on my existing plan. He sheepishly mumbled something under his breath and I walked out with my phone.
I'm guessing they only make the sweet commission when they sign you up for a new plan.

I had trouble with keeping my plan at Best Buy as well but the Best Buy Mobile guy called Sprint. I didn't even have to push. He did that on his own. The woman at Sprint wanted to speak to me to get permission to speak with the clerk about my account. They were able to fix it so that I was able to keep my plan. It took a few minutes but didn't seem to be a problem. I have the old Everything Data 450 plan which I've had for a couple of years now. Got it with my Galaxy S3.
When I looked it up on Sprint's website a few days ago, it just said that you had to have an Everything Data plan (or some other type of plan but I can't remember the name) and it didn't specify that you had to have a higher plan. I'm glad I got to keep my plan. It's already more than I need. The plan he was looking to switch me to would've been $90 before taxes. Right now I pay $80.
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app

Im glad I'm not the only one. I'm calling sprint tomorrow first thing and heading back to BB

I was told we could keep our current plan.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA Free mobile app

Been There Done That
I bought the Note 4 for my fiance` yesterday. We had been shopping around for phones for a while. Many of the sales rep's said the same thing, in that we had to switch plans and we could not buy the phone out right but instead had to make a $30/month payment for 24 months. This was not going to happen. I mean, what about my rebates and the 2 year contract discounts. Finally I called up the HQ corporate store in Reston VA to get the skinny on the situation. They instructed me to go to any corporate store and that they could get me the phone with my discounts and continue to use the plan I have on my phone, the S4. Long story short YES you can keep your old plan, YES you can buy the phone outright and not pay nearly $800 for the device! Now you know and anyone who says otherwise should win the employee of the month award.
PS The employees at sprint whom I have worked with at both HQ and other corporate locations are extremely knowledgeable and go out of there way to make sure you are happy with their service. One employee sat and entertained my son while the other explained how to best utilize the phones features while yet another went of to find an assortment of accessories. I felt like I was a celebrity. And they did this for every customer. It doesn't get much better than that.

Pre-order thru BB picked up yesterday no issues upgraded my line. Traded a old evo 4g got 200$ paid 123$ total for note 4. Can't beat that deal never tried or force me to change plan family 1500 here unlimited data

Daevionne said:
Went inside best buy mobile today to pick up my pre ordered note 4, and they told me that i had to switch my plan in order to walk out with the phone! The new plan they were trying to get me on would make me pay 800$ for my note and be "off contract". In order to switch to that plan id have to cancel all 5 of my lines, with the ETF fees up in the thousands of dollars. I told him no way and that id call sprint, and ge told me that even if I call i'd still have no choice. Anyone else encounter something similar?
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When I went to pre-order at BB, that's what I was told as well.. They are saying that Sprint is forcing this issue.. I pre-ordered anyway, only because I want the 200 rebate on the old phone. I figured I'd argue the point when I pick it up.
Otherwise, I would have had my phone in hand already from Sprint instead of waiting on BB.

I picked up the note4 from the sprint store yesterday and ended up going with the new plan. They spelled out the two programs and said either are available with pros and cons of both and I ended up going with the "new" plan. Did I make a mistake ? Its still unlimited data and seemed to be mostly the same ?

So now you are paying 720 for the phone... Good deal?
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

Seems wrong, here is mine
Monthly Charges, See below
Sprint Keep Existing Plan
With 2-year contract extension
Maybe you have 1 line and thats how? In mine case I got 4 lines and they cannot do anything to my plan because 3 lines have no change

I had the same issue in a sprint retail store. Im going to call tomarrow to try and get the plan back because i did not take that 720 dollar plan.
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app

pchoward said:
I picked up the note4 from the sprint store yesterday and ended up going with the new plan. They spelled out the two programs and said either are available with pros and cons of both and I ended up going with the "new" plan. Did I make a mistake ? Its still unlimited data and seemed to be mostly the same ?
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the two new plans we offered now says in small writing, your plan can be throttled while watching a movie to 1 megabyte per second and people with other plans have priority over data than you do.
I tried to add a second line to my account which I have the 450 data unlimited plan and they said that they had to go into a new plan you have two phones I stated about the new rules of being throttled me act like you didn't know anything about it and would not look it up.

I don't watch alot of video over cell. So I'm fine with switching over. I can see for people who are using 10+ gigs a month that being a problem.

It's not just video. You get on the web at peak times, guess who gets bumped first. The peeps with the new plans. It might not matter to some. I live out in the boonies and have only one tower to connect to and sucks during peak. But Sprints my only choice, unless back to satillite.........NOT

I ended up getting my way by calling sprint in the best buy store to keep my existing plan, but he told me sprint was going to make me switch one way or another sooner than later.

Again that's not a bad thing. I don't get kicked off data. I just don't get priority data service. That's no different then other unlimited plans.
My data usage is somewhere between 1-2 gigs a month. I don't see it being that big of a deal. If its not your only source of net.

Plan Change
I was told by Sprint rep that I would have to change plans if I upgraded through them. One Sprint rep told me other retailers such as BB could do the upgrade without changing plans. Both BB stores I talked to confirmed this. I had no problem when getting mine.

I pre-ordered two at BB and picked them up Friday. The guy during pre-order didn't have a problem with me keeping my plan and neither did the guy I picked them up from. Seems like it is hit or miss on knowledgeable versus not knowledgeable employees in both sprint and BB. It also sounds like someone us perpetuating something false to lots of people making it worse.
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

Daevionne said:
Went inside best buy mobile today to pick up my pre ordered note 4, and they told me that i had to switch my plan in order to walk out with the phone! The new plan they were trying to get me on would make me pay 800$ for my note and be "off contract". In order to switch to that plan id have to cancel all 5 of my lines, with the ETF fees up in the thousands of dollars. I told him no way and that id call sprint, and ge told me that even if I call i'd still have no choice. Anyone else encounter something similar?
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Click to collapse
I had the same issue, but at a Sprint corporate store! They kept telling me that we would have to call Sprint customer care and get their permission for us to keep our current plan (the grandfathered in 1500 Everything data plan). We called customer care from home, and they said they will put something on our account that says we wouldn't have to change our plan. When I went back to pre-order it, they told us we would have to call customer care in store in order to get this change approved. After a bunch of arguing everything was handled and I pre-ordered the phone (about 2 weeks ago). Friday comes, and that store never got the phone in. I was going out of town so I was a bit upset that I wasn't going to have my new phone. Saturday I went to a Sprint store where I was at for the weekend and they had Note 4's in-stock. While purchasing we weren't told we had to change our plan at all, and it was a very smooth process. The $80 that Samsung would send me 1-2 months from now for pre-ordering the phone was irrelevant at this point.
TLDR- One store said we had to change our plan and would not budge, Other store didn't even bring up changing our plan.