Any real method of getting Unlimited Data? - Networking

I'm currently on Verizon Wireless and enjoy their unlimited data plan. However, I don't enjoy their ass slow speed on 3G and study in said city with no 4G LTE.
I am really wanting to switch to AT&T because my city DOES get HSPA+ and my hometown in LA County does get 4G LTE from AT&T. However, what I can't deal with is not having unlimited data. I would prefer to have this ability to switch, but talking to some AT&T representatives, I will not get the chance to, because AT&T will not budge on their data policy.
Do I have any chance of switching? First world problems I know, but I'd like to see everyone's opinion.

Rebel908 said:
I'm currently on Verizon Wireless and enjoy their unlimited data plan. However, I don't enjoy their ass slow speed on 3G and study in said city with no 4G LTE.
I am really wanting to switch to AT&T because my city DOES get HSPA+ and my hometown in LA County does get 4G LTE from AT&T. However, what I can't deal with is not having unlimited data. I would prefer to have this ability to switch, but talking to some AT&T representatives, I will not get the chance to, because AT&T will not budge on their data policy.
Do I have any chance of switching? First world problems I know, but I'd like to see everyone's opinion.
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Only way I've found is to buy an unbranded device and sign up for dumbphone data. If it's an option, it's infinitely cheaper than paying for unlimited data.

I did that with my s2 and it works good. The fastest I got was 7down and 2.7up, but were I live is 3-6down and 1up. If you want LTE I do not know if this will work do to the APN that it uses.
I have a razr with 4GLTE too with unlimited data on 12/5/11 and when it works it's faster than TW cable 1 up from lowest plan. I don't know why I keep loseing data every 3-5 days. somethimes all data, 3g only or no bars at all and thats at HOME with 3-4 bars of LTE. It's realy starting to piss me off. At the end I will likely say by-be to the big red.

WiFi and a home network?

Keep VZW
If you have an unlimited data plan with VZW, keep it forever. You will be thankful. You can even keep it with an LTE phone.
In a few months, LTE may very well be in your area.

Related

- Sprint Data caps on 3G

http://shop.sprint.com/en/shop/why_sprint/4g/evo_plan_details.html (Click Speeds Tab)
5GB data cap on 3G & 3G plans have a limit of 300Mb roaming usage.
Is this strictly enforced & if so how so (as no 4G in my & so many markets)?
P.S. - Will AT&T's recent move to 2GB caps signal coming changes for Sprint & other US carriers & will Sprint be building out more Wi-Fi hotspots like AT&T?
5g cap is generally for wireless cards.
the roaming, is something sprint will act on. if over 3 months of excessive data roaming they will contact you. atleast 3 attempts over the course of a couple months and they will shut you off. as it is against their eua/t&c's.
also remember, without 4g, your phone will operate on 3g. this does not mean you are roaming. just not able to use the fancy speeds as other users. this is if your are roaming off of 3g. you cannot roam off of 4g at this time.
the 5g cap is for the cheaper plan on the wireless cards.... there is no cap for phones 3g or 4g u have nothing to worry about man
att is the only greedy one
He's right, this is applicable to DATA CARDS ONLY. Doesn't apply to phones no matter how you look at it (data cap). If you roam like crazy, which normal people wouldn't because since Sprint has no standing data agreement with Verizon, your data speed will be so slow you're guaranteed to stop until you get back in coverage, then you may want to make sure you check your mail. Sprint notifies you then terminates you 8 months later with no ETF. Simple. Use the heck out of your phone.

Advice Wanted: Stay And Play With Unlimited AT&T or Move To LTE?

I could care less about voice. I use a ton, A TON, of data. I don't have a home computer and, obviously, home Internet connection. My mobile is IT. The chance to put on a pair of big boy pants, right now, and play with unlimited LTE on a Charge is incredibly tempting.
The problems I see, if I leave the unlimited data on AT&T? I'll never go back since they have the ridiculous data caps. And when the T-Mobile merger happens, and yes, it will, there is simply too much money at stake for it to fail. No more unlimited data for T-Mobile. At that point I've effectively ruled out GSM. No more phone hopping and swapping unless Verizon enables LTE SIM swapping. (There are indications that this does indeed work, now.)
Who the heck knows when the AT&T LTE network is going to launch? They have problems running a 3G network. But say it's this fall? The merger will go through, T-Mobile will be eaten, and almost instantly AT&T will have as super big boy LTE network? At that point I'll be, pardon the phrase, sh___ing my pants since I didn't wait.
I'll concede I have have a couple hypotheticals in here but I'm open to any advice from my fellow members. Has anyone else made the switch to Verizon's LTE network?
Thoughts? Advice? Spare Change?
Here is the deal. Verizon has already said that unlimited data is only for a limited time. They will soon introduce data caps as well. I say, jump in while you can. I have a Samsung Charge and did a speed test here in Wilmington, NC and got 17Mbps Down 3Mbps Up. Loving it.
It's a hell of a lot faster than AT&T's "4G".
i tried lte on the thunderbolt and its very promising, but then again, the network is still fresh with not a lot of congestion yet and when it does, it comes crawling back down to earth. honestly I'm still getting 2mbps on att 3g so its not all bad and if att said its this fall then id surely wait. . if you switch now, like duddy said, verizon will start capping this Sumner so its better to just wait it out.

[Q] 4G Data - Account, Network, or Hardware

I have "unlimited" data on my 3G HTC Rhodium. And I have used it - I think I peaked at 250GB one month I was using it as a modem. To my understanding, I am currently "grandfathered" into this service level and if I upgarde my device through AT&T, I will be forced to take a new data plan. Of course, they have 4G and 3G data plans.
Do the 3G data plans cap or nerf the data speeds on a 4G capable device? ...or is this just marketing trickery to hose "4G" phone owners?
Since AT&T's 4G isn't really "4G" and uses HSPA as does the 3G on my Rhodium, how is this limited on the handset side?
My thought was to eBay myself a Atrix 4G and just drop my SIM therein and not have to worry about account settings or contracts. Will I be stuck with "3G" speeds?
Obviously, I know to get 4G I need a 4G radio (check - Atrix) and 4G network availability (check - AT&T covergae map), too. So, is the account type a limiting factor?
They will not take your unlimited data away. I too had the Tilt 2. I moved to iphone 4 where they grandfathered me into the unlimited iphone plan. Than when I moved from iphone to Atrix they grandfathered me into the 4G unlimited plan.
You can try using your current 3G card on your Atrix but depending on who you speak to they will tell you should get the 4G sim.
You don't need to change your SIM card if it is the 3G card with the fireball on it. Anything older needs to be updated.
Also, they may absolutely take your unlimited away from you. They automatically did this to me, and put me on the 2G plan when I came off my iPhone to the Atrix. I got it added back after a phone call. Make sure to check you are changed to smartphone unlimited and don't take it for granted you are still on unlimited.

Sprint's Network Loses Badly in National Speed Test

Sprint has proven once again that their Network vision upgrade needs to have happened yesterday. These results show not only that sprint's network is struggling in some areas but MOST areas.
They only managed a 480kbps average EV-DO (3G) speed, the slowest speed tested. Their 4g and 3g networks were also some of the least reliable networks tested.
Get the picture Sprint. We need a real 4g network on a real spectrum. A 2500mhz Wimax network spottily thrown together isn't going to cut it, neither is 10 year old backhaul. It's make or break time Sprint.
Are we looking at the same chart?
Sent from Godot's place.
All I care about is if I get good reception.
And I don't.
Should have come to Baton Rouge. They would have scored 0.05 megabit on the speedtest all day long!
The old adage holds true, you get what you pay for..
Well, first I'd like to mention these stats offer no souce or details on how/where and how many times these figures were tested, which I usually like to see (I'm the skeptical type)
That being said, I agree. I'm lucky to be in Chicago, pretty decent 4g and 3g coverage, but 3g's been slowing down more and more and it shows in many places. They need to pick it up on 3g (their main network). No reason for a tower to only offer 1.2 (1 T1 line minus 300kbps for sprint control) even at 4am on a Tuesday in the suburbs, when Verizons almost always 2mpbs or more with full bars on 3g (and has been for years), same network technology. Its data speeds on 3g I've never been quite happy with.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
makes me miss verizon =[
Ya know, they all suck right now. Verizon's going metered and is cdma (less support), T-mobile's going to get eaten by AT&T because our government can't do the only thing it's supposed to do while it's busy doing everything it isn't supposed to do, Sprint is suffering 3g data slowdown, and again is cdma which means less support.
I've been toying with an idea lately to get the World version GSII, do the iphone trick (get an att sim card with basic voice, pop that in a 2g orig iphone to get on the edge data plan which is ONLY available as unlimited, pop that in a 3g iphone to get auto-upgraded to the $30, grandfathered unlimited data plan) and use it on AT&T with unlimited data. The ONLY issue I have with this (as I'd have my unlimited data, GV for sms) is I'd be paying money to a truly terrible entity (AT&T) and I sincerely morally object to everything they're doing. And yet it would mean a much much larger community...
ksmullins88 said:
makes me miss verizon =[
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I know someone who says they can see their data speeds die on Verizon with evry new phone launch. Especially the 4g signal.
compuw22c said:
Ya know, they all suck right now. Verizon's going metered and is cdma (less support), T-mobile's going to get eaten by AT&T because our government can't do the only thing it's supposed to do while it's busy doing everything it isn't supposed to do, Sprint is suffering 3g data slowdown, and again is cdma which means less support.
I've been toying with an idea lately to get the World version GSII, do the iphone trick (get an att sim card with basic voice, pop that in a 2g orig iphone to get on the edge data plan which is ONLY available as unlimited, pop that in a 3g iphone to get auto-upgraded to the $30, grandfathered unlimited data plan) and use it on AT&T with unlimited data. The ONLY issue I have with this (as I'd have my unlimited data, GV for sms) is I'd be paying money to a truly terrible entity (AT&T) and I sincerely morally object to everything they're doing. And yet it would mean a much much larger community...
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My sister is doing an even easier and cheaper trick. Get a t-mobile vibrant or motorola defy for $200 then unlock it your self and use it with a $15 a month medianet unlimited data plan. You could take advantage of at&t's $50 unlimited everything prepaid plan too. You just need to make sure to get a phone which works with att's 3g frequency bands (moto defy/vibrant/i9000/sgs 2/rogers nexus s) but isn't on their system as a recognized smart phone ,(in other words one they don't sell).
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Until Sprint gets rid of their unlimited data plan, I will tolerate them for now.
Jayavarman said:
Until Sprint gets rid of their unlimited data plan, I will tolerate them for now.
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+1 Hopefully they won't go the route of everyone else. If they did I'm going back to a dumb phone because unlimited data is the main reason I have a smartphone.
lynyrd65 said:
My sister is doing an even easier and cheaper trick. Get a t-mobile vibrant or motorola defy for $200 then unlock it your self and use it with a $15 a month medianet unlimited data plan. You could take advantage of at&t's $50 unlimited everything prepaid plan too. You just need to make sure to get a phone which works with att's 3g frequency bands (moto defy/vibrant/i9000/sgs 2/rogers nexus s) but isn't on their system as a recognized smart phone ,(in other words one they don't sell).
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Only problem with this is I don't believe the i9000 or gsII (or any world phone) works on tmo 3g aws bands. Only att plus they'll be att soon...
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
yeah Verizon did this test.. and im sure they did it in Verizon areas.. These test are like benchmarks on our phones... yeah its cool to say.. hey I have the fastest internet on my phone.. but truthfully it doesn't mean anything.. I personally use my WIFI for the most part and use my 3g/4g randomly when im bored shopping with my wife.. besides... I have unlimited 3g/4g.. I guess sprint lost bc of that too?
Spring is the new tmobile
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App
xTmDarren said:
yeah Verizon did this test.. and im sure they did it in Verizon areas.. These test are like benchmarks on our phones... yeah its cool to say.. hey I have the fastest internet on my phone.. but truthfully it doesn't mean anything.. I personally use my WIFI for the most part and use my 3g/4g randomly when im bored shopping with my wife.. besides... I have unlimited 3g/4g.. I guess sprint lost bc of that too?
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I also use wifi most often when I am surfing with my phone. This test was performed by Verizon? I didn't catch that part. Where did you see that?
In the end Sprint will show us that sticking with them meant nothing. As soon as Verizon gets their tiered data underway. Sprint will go that route too, and give us just a little more than ATT and Verizon. They know we will have nowhere else to go! I just wish I had ditched sprint in February when I started too. Verizon 4G is in my area and i'm stuck with slow speeds.
nebrando said:
I also use wifi most often when I am surfing with my phone. This test was performed by Verizon? I didn't catch that part. Where did you see that?
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Well, the whole line is highlighted and there's no source listed so, probably. We still haven't seen any testing method data so I call shenanigans til I see a source named.
That said, my moms droid charge pulls in 16/4 (my home internet is only 12/1.5). But that's 4g and not all their new phones are...
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
The test was done by PCMag (http://www.pcmag.com/Fastest-Mobile-Networks-2011)
That being said, my work is a VZW Deadzone, where-as I get at least some Spring signal. I average 9mb/1.5mb down/up on 4G in and around my neighborhood and if my 3G signal can be slower than what is on the chart, its still far faster than anything I need to do daily. If I need more, I'll go 4G/Wifi and be done with it. I abuse the hell outta my unlimited, averaging upwards of 6GB a month data on my phone alone (the wifey also has a Epic on the plan) and I've now thrown a GTab 10.1 into the mix and tether of the phone.
compuw22c said:
Well, the whole line is highlighted and there's no source listed so, probably. We still haven't seen any testing method data so I call shenanigans til I see a source named.
That said, my moms droid charge pulls in 16/4 (my home internet is only 12/1.5). But that's 4g and not all their new phones are...
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
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Undoubtedly there is a correlation between the all-you-can-eat data and the slow speeds - ie burden on the network.

HTC Trophy on T-Mobile (I have searched)

Believe me, I have searched and can't find a definite answer.
Assuming I get an unlock code from Verizon, and run the Connection Setup, will the Trophy work on T-Mobile at 3G speeds? Yes or no.
If yes, will it work on Verizon again after that, or is it "banned" from their network?\
Hoping for an answer from someone who has actually done this before.
Thanks!
brew182 said:
Believe me, I have searched and can't find a definite answer.
Assuming I get an unlock code from Verizon, and run the Connection Setup, will the Trophy work on T-Mobile at 3G speeds? Yes or no.
If yes, will it work on Verizon again after that, or is it "banned" from their network?\
Hoping for an answer from someone who has actually done this before.
Thanks!
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Click to collapse
Yes, it should work, you may get 3G speeds, but not HSPA+ speeds.. I do believe. There have been others who have done it, they would know. Even if you get an unlock code, you can still use the phone on Verizon so long as the ESN remains clean. If you really want a Trophy on T-Mobile though.. I'd wager you are better off getting the GSM Euro model for full network speed.
TheXev said:
Yes, it should work, you may get 3G speeds, but not HSPA+ speeds.. I do believe. There have been others who have done it, they would know. Even if you get an unlock code, you can still use the phone on Verizon so long as the ESN remains clean. If you really want a Trophy on T-Mobile though.. I'd wager you are better off getting the GSM Euro model for full network speed.
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Thanks for the input. Maybe some back story would explain it a little better. Debating on whether or not to switch to T-Mobile monthly 4g from Verizon, saving some money a month. I currently have the Verizon Trophy and wanted to try it out for a month to see how the service compares before I make the switch. Any other help is appreciated from someone who has done this before!
For me, the choice is clear: Verizon. T-Mobile's converge is vastly inferior, and for where I live, it isn't worth it (since T-Mobile is non-existent in this market outside of major cities).
Take a very close look at where you live, and where you travel on the coverage maps.
If you have Verizon and are on Unlimited data via 3G... for the love of God do not switch. lol Stay Grandfathered in and buy a 4G LTE phone outright (not via a plan) and your Unlimited data should carry up to 4G LTE.
Also remember, T-Mobile doesn't have IRL 4G service (LTE) and probably never will. It sounds like a great deal now, but switching might bite you in the ass, especially if your sitting on a Verizon Unlimited data plan. T-Mobile (and AT&T for that matter) run something I like to refer to as "the FAKE-G." Its HSPA+ or what the rest of the non-United States world calls 3.5G service. While AT&T is installing true 4G LTE towers, T-Mobile is simply trying to sell itself off instead of upgrading its network to compete.
Remember, the only real 4G is LTE.
If your on a metered Verizon data plan, it might be worth considering the switch (and shouldn't really change anything if you do). If you got Unlimited data via Verizon, don't even consider it. Wait for a 4G Windows Phone on Verizon and grab that when it hits at full price (even if it cost a pretty penny) and enjoy unlimited true 4G LTE data.
Read this for more information on keeping a Verizon Unlimited data plan with 4G. The only thing is, it doesn't account for the recently announced "truly Unlimited" T-Mobile plans, where they won't throttle your connection after 2GBs for some extra money a month that was just announced.
I'm not trying to sound like some kinda Verizon fanboy, but I want you to know some facts before thinking about switching.

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