Database Users

$10 monthly fee

So yesterday I got the email from sprint,followed the link and it took me to a "comming soon" page....WTF. So I call sprint, rep asked someone else in the room and said aug. 20. Then I figured I Might as well confirm contract pricing and stuff. She said that the $10/mo. Fee allows higher speed/wider bandwidth connection even on 3g network locations. Can evo owners confirm or deny this?
She also seemed to hint that we might get some sort of pre-notification/pre-order email if your on that list or whatever, I think its all just some sort of bass aackwords social media campain to keep us talking about it...........epic 4g..epic 4g..epic 4g..epic 4g,can I have my phone now?
Evo 4g still is only at select locations "due to unprecidented demand" WTF. Sprint you better pull your head out of your bass and hook an "early adoptor" up.

ummm, what?

radar5 said:
ummm, what?
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That's what I would've said.
Anyway does anyone know if the Epic 4g is gonna cost that $10 extra a month? It's not really all that big of a deal but I still wanna know.

I'd bet 10$ it will. Its here to stay on 4g phones.

Yes its going to cost the extra 10.

I can assure you that they are no faster on 3g than we are. 3g is '3g' is "3g" is EVDO RevA. The technologies don't allow for one device to be different than than other one. The towers don't give an EVO a priority over a Hero, its just not how things work. If the EVO does get a better speed test its because it can process the data faster, so if a website feels like it loads faster - it probably does - but its all in rendering not in the network.
And yes, the $10.00 fee will be there. I am not sure what everyones big deal is with it. It gives you the ability to hit 4G if you can, its a lot easier for sprint to tell you that you can connect to 4G regardless of where you live than for them to keep track of 4G users and non 4G users.
Given I do think they need a 3g super phone for those of you who are complaining.

All about the fee...
Try out explainthefee dot com

Kcarpenter said:
I can assure you that they are no faster on 3g than we are. 3g is '3g' is "3g" is EVDO RevA. The technologies don't allow for one device to be different than than other one. The towers don't give an EVO a priority over a Hero, its just not how things work. If the EVO does get a better speed test its because it can process the data faster, so if a website feels like it loads faster - it probably does - but its all in rendering not in the network.
And yes, the $10.00 fee will be there. I am not sure what everyones big deal is with it. It gives you the ability to hit 4G if you can, its a lot easier for sprint to tell you that you can connect to 4G regardless of where you live than for them to keep track of 4G users and non 4G users.
Given I do think they need a 3g super phone for those of you who are complaining.
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Ok so I kind of accepted what she said ( I don't argue with children or uninformed people),but I asked "sooo the fee makes me somekind of priority user?" She replied "yes" I said "ummm ok". Please understand that I'm not saying she was right or truthful. Also when I went into the sprint store to ask about coverage in my little 3 stoplight town they had multiple overlapping signal strength maps on their terminal (3 I think). They were telling me yes your in 3g coverage area, yes your in area for cell modem, hotspot at home etc. Its my understanding all of these devices operate on the same network, but at differant speeds usually, isn't a cell modem plan more than adding data coverage and also faster? IDK maybe cell modem users do have priority.
The reason makes sense to me is because I use to move pretty often and I had a blackberry pearl that I bought when it first came out specifically for use as usb tether modem. Whenever the local high school let out for the day my connection would take a dump, so I would call T-mobile and explain my problem," is there anything you can do, this is a really important work project? They'd say hold on ill try to boost your network priority. I did this 2-3 times a week and it seemed to work, every time I called in I got the same response,T-mo RIM support had their own dept. Back in the day and they were actually quite good. This took place from 4-2 years ago.

Disclaimer
I am not a lawyer, don't play one on tv, and didn't sleep in a holiday inn express lastnight.

harrybozack said:
Try out explainthefee dot com
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You could just choose not to have Sprint. You always have that choice. They aren't adding the fee to current subscribers without possibly using the service. Unlike the other carriers with similar products, the user experience IS very different. I don't know if its your website, or a website you're just fond of. But if you really want to make Sprint pay for their $10 fee, then don't use them. Even with the $10 fee, they still sold out on the Evo, maybe its because their service isn't half-bad for what you do pay for.
Would you complain to the BBB about AT&T just announcing tiered data plans? No, because there is nothing you can do about it. Want an Iphone 4, pay for your extra data you'll use. VZW will go this way soon enough.

They are charging $10 extra a month on all of their 4G phones now. They charge evo $10 extra for the chance to use 4G if you can find it.

Ok so I went to explainthefee.com read the transcript and some other stuff. My guess is that some mid level exec. business school graduate got his hot little hands on a evo, flexed its muscles and decided that they "could/should" charge more. Keep in mind 2 things, firstly these guys running the companies don't understand/care about "fringe users like us" their personal phones are not rooted/overclocked/themed they have no idea!,they may have never bothered using youtube etc. On a smaller screeen device. Secondly the new CEO of sprint turned the company around and wanted to offer the lowest priced plans available with the most everything. They want it both ways and that's why they can't answer a simple question "what am I paying for".
I guess the 10$ is for..........Ummm well were not going to restructure our entire rate plan menu because of one device are we? I mean we signed a contract for 1.5m rate plan pamplets, and those little signs in all the stores.........etc.
I say after the epic is released we start a serious email/bbb campain they don't seem to have any firm ground to stand on. They will raise all rate plans $10 or more and allow us our legacy plans without the $10 fee.
Remember AFTER epic release............... Say 10 days?

Indeed, as far as I know, what they're doing is essentially unheard of in the US. I wasn't into phones as much back in 2002 or so when 3G first got started, but I do know that nowadays you don't have to pay an extra surcharge for EDGE over GPRS, or HSPA over EDGE (apologies for the GSM examples). You pay for Internet on other carriers, plain and simple. It would be slightly easier to take if they at least gave you the choice to not use their 4G Internet, especially since it might not be available where you live anyway, and they may have no plans to make it available.

BTW Thank You harrybozack for explainthefee.com
All future epic owners and sprint customers should be aware of
explainthefee.com and their efforts.
explainthefee.com
Epic4g...epic4g...epic4g...epic4g...epic4g...epic4g...epic4g...epic 4g...epic 4g...epic 4g...epic 4g......
Can I purchase my phone now?

gophergun said:
Indeed, as far as I know, what they're doing is essentially unheard of in the US. I wasn't into phones as much back in 2002 or so when 3G first got started, but I do know that nowadays you don't have to pay an extra surcharge for EDGE over GPRS, or HSPA over EDGE (apologies for the GSM examples). You pay for Internet on other carriers, plain and simple. It would be slightly easier to take if they at least gave you the choice to not use their 4G Internet, especially since it might not be available where you live anyway, and they may have no plans to make it available.
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You do realize that when the iPhone 3G came out, they jacked up the cost of the internet plans on AT&T right? I THINK it was $20 for the 1st gen, and $30 for the 3G.

reply
entropism said:
You do realize that when the iPhone 3G came out, they jacked up the cost of the internet plans on AT&T right? I THINK it was $20 for the 1st gen, and $30 for the 3G.
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Firstly we are Android users, and as such I don't drink from the kool-aid cup of at&t/steve jobs/apple. Secondly at&t aplies their rates evenly on all users. Would I pay more per month
For a i4 vs i3gs?
And in conclusion what product or service is being provided for $10/mo. Or $120/yr Or in my case $240/yr? Am I renting a big screen/fast processor/whatever, in addition to paying for the device and service?

I'm sorry but I'm so tired of reading about the $10 fee, (Did a lot of lurking on the EVO forums before it released)
The $10 sucks, but it does allow you to access 4G in various locations around the country. Out of the 5 or 6 Cities I'm visiting in the next year, 4G is everywhere but Wichita so I won't be missing out.
Even then, paying $79.99 for a plan is still cheaper than what you would pay with AT&T and Verizon.
If you're too upset to pay the fee, it's not that hard to switch to another company that offers a comparable high level android phone and not have to pay that $10. Maybe if you and enough like minded people don't sign up for the 4G phones, it'll make a difference to Sprint.
I just get so tired of seeing these same old complaints from people and then they turn around and get the phone anyway!

So let me explain the fee:
With Comcast/Charter you have different levels of speed you are able to get - you pay more for faster speed. They cannot guarantee that you will get 25 mb/s but - you pay for it any way...theres your explanation. You don't want the fee, don't buy the hardware.
I don't understand the drama.

kgold708 said:
Ok so I kind of accepted what she said ( I don't argue with children or uninformed people),but I asked "sooo the fee makes me somekind of priority user?" She replied "yes" I said "ummm ok". Please understand that I'm not saying she was right or truthful. Also when I went into the sprint store to ask about coverage in my little 3 stoplight town they had multiple overlapping signal strength maps on their terminal (3 I think). They were telling me yes your in 3g coverage area, yes your in area for cell modem, hotspot at home etc. Its my understanding all of these devices operate on the same network, but at differant speeds usually, isn't a cell modem plan more than adding data coverage and also faster? IDK maybe cell modem users do have priority.
The reason makes sense to me is because I use to move pretty often and I had a blackberry pearl that I bought when it first came out specifically for use as usb tether modem. Whenever the local high school let out for the day my connection would take a dump, so I would call T-mobile and explain my problem," is there anything you can do, this is a really important work project? They'd say hold on ill try to boost your network priority. I did this 2-3 times a week and it seemed to work, every time I called in I got the same response,T-mo RIM support had their own dept. Back in the day and they were actually quite good. This took place from 4-2 years ago.
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There is a priority on the network, and it would probably allow you to drop less calls. I think priority 0 is reserved for emergency departments use - but speed would not be affected by it. Just how often you can poll the tower and how likely you are to be bumped off in high traffic.

1: I'm ok with paying $10 extra for decreased latancy/higher network priority. Not ok with "enhanced user experience" BS
2: I am going to sign a contract for @$3840-4000, 2 devices 2yr contract, that $10 fee is $480. If I pay over $500 (after tax) for something, don't you think I should know what it is?
3: Sprint fanboys/employees,how about next time they charge $20/mo (Android 3.0 provides an enhanced-enhanced experience).

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.

Best phone company?

Which phone company in your opinion is the best with its "unlimited" data plans? I have tmobile and it is fustrating whne they slow my phone down but I heard that verizon is worse! I know sprint is really unlimited but it goes at 3g speeds which is slow compared to the other companies. So in your opinion which is the best???
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

tears12345678909 said:
Which phone company in your opinion is the best with its "unlimited" data plans? I have tmobile and it is fustrating whne they slow my phone down but I heard that verizon is worse! I know sprint is really unlimited but it goes at 3g speeds which is slow compared to the other companies. So in your opinion which is the best???
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
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May be better put in an XDA general thread rather than a specific device thread. You're going to find lots of international users and T-mobile users in here so there's going to be a lack of info or a bias towards T-mobile.
As far as the USA goes, T-mobile and Sprint are the only two with unlimited data. AT&T has been on tiered 2GB plans for a long time, and Verizon has tiered as well. So its like this:
Sprint: Unlimited, literally. Use as much 3G/4G as you want
T-mobile: Unlimited to 5GB (if you're grandfathered) or 2GB if you're a new customer. After 5GB (or 2GB, plan depending). You get throttled to EDGE for the rest of the month, but no overages.
AT&T: 2GB cap. Overages for using more for 2GB. Can add another 2GB with a tethering package.
Verizon: Tiers. 2GB, 5GB, 10GB. Overages for using more than your cap.
So unless you like the phones on sprint, T-mobile is your best situation considering you can never get charged overages, just get slowed down. And the cap before you get slowed is higher than the others. Not to mention that a non-contract T-mobile plan is $30 cheaper per month than AT&T or Verizon w/ less data. Of course where you live plays a large factor too. T-mobile is known to have a smaller coverage area, but generally fast speeds when you do have coverage because of the quick HSPA+, and much fewer users per tower.
Sucks, but its the way it is here.

Id like to add to this thread, if u have a wireless router at home turn on your wifi when u r home. I got throttled once and it sucks, ever since then I wifi when at home.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

And if only the carriers here in Canada would actually realise that they are raping customers... maybe we could get great data plans... 35$ just for 1gb and 5$ extra per mb used if I go over... Like REALLY?
It's almost worth having a number from Europe with unlimited everything for 65$....

fluxgfx said:
And if only the carriers here in Canada would actually realise that they are raping customers... maybe we could get great data plans... 35$ just for 1gb and 5$ extra per mb used if I go over... Like REALLY?
It's almost worth having a number from Europe with unlimited everything for 65$....
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Yea I've heard Canadian carriers are horrible on price and features, even worse than the USA In some ways. We're both way behind the rest of the world when it comes to cellphone carriers and competition.

fluxgfx said:
And if only the carriers here in Canada would actually realise that they are raping customers... maybe we could get great data plans... 35$ just for 1gb and 5$ extra per mb used if I go over... Like REALLY?
It's almost worth having a number from Europe with unlimited everything for 65$....
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Geez, man I feel for you bro! How awful!
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App

As long a your at a place with sprint 4g your good with sprint
Plus tons of paces have wifi so its not much of a problem
Plus sprint usa kind of not as expensive as the other carriers
Sent from my super awesomely amazing
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Yea to me I do like sprint and tmobile the only problem is the speed that you get from sprint is nowhere near as fast as tmobiles my gf has sprint and my phone is faster than hers even when they slow mine down! That's really slow!
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

I think "true" unlimited data is going to soon be extinct. Even Sprint will eventually change their ways. The rise of data-hungry smartphones is a reality on a finite amount of spectrum. Getting throttled is always preferable to overages, and this is why AT&T sucks (among other reasons).
Oh and T-Mobile is going to start overages as well, at least on their lightest data plan. Not sure how many of us Android geeks would start up this kind of plan, but there it is. Source----> http://www.tmonews.com/2011/08/t-mobile-changing-200mb-data-plan-away-from-throttling-to-overage/

killswitch11 said:
Oh and T-Mobile is going to start overages as well, at least on their lightest data plan. Not sure how many of us Android geeks would start up this kind of plan, but there it is. Source----> http://www.tmonews.com/2011/08/t-mobile-changing-200mb-data-plan-away-from-throttling-to-overage/
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There was a thread on this the other day. This is only for the 200mb plan, which you wouldn't even want to touch on a smartphone. Its meant for featurephones and super low end android phones.

martonikaj said:
May be better put in an XDA general thread rather than a specific device thread. You're going to find lots of international users and T-mobile users in here so there's going to be a lack of info or a bias towards T-mobile.
As far as the USA goes, T-mobile and Sprint are the only two with unlimited data. AT&T has been on tiered 2GB plans for a long time, and Verizon has tiered as well. So its like this:
Sprint: Unlimited, literally. Use as much 3G/4G as you want
T-mobile: Unlimited to 5GB (if you're grandfathered) or 2GB if you're a new customer. After 5GB (or 2GB, plan depending). You get throttled to EDGE for the rest of the month, but no overages.
AT&T: 2GB cap. Overages for using more for 2GB. Can add another 2GB with a tethering package.
Verizon: Tiers. 2GB, 5GB, 10GB. Overages for using more than your cap.
Sucks, but its the way it is here.
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T-mo has a 10gb data package as well now. kind'a expensive IIRC though, I just stuck with my grandfathered 5gb plan... it's never an issue for me and I occasionally stream Netflix via PS3/Wii using wifi tether.
utilize wifi whenever possible and download files to your pc if you're at home/work then transfer them rather than using the phone directly.

I have the 200 mb plan. Rarely go over. I live in an E area. Rarely do i get to a 4G area. I was told when i went with t-mobile after centennial sold out to att that i would have 3 G . NOT. So i uses wifi whenever I can.

That's also a problem I don't have access to wifi neither do I have a home computer so I have to rely on my phones internet for mostly everything and it gets frustrating when my phone is slow
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

tears12345678909 said:
That's also a problem I don't have access to wifi neither do I have a home computer so I have to rely on my phones internet for mostly everything and it gets frustrating when my phone is slow
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
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Well that's your own issue. Your phone's 3G connection isn't meant to be used as a home internet connection, and you really can't expect to use it in that way. The days of unlimited, unthrottled 3G are coming to a close, and you really need to think about that.
The prices for data are WAY higher per GB for 3G anyway, and you'd be better off buying a home cable/DSL connection even if you could use 3G unlimited.

Sick and Tired of Sprint

In about a month I am leaving Sprint due to their terrible terrible horrendous data speeds in south Louisiana. I also have lot's of doubt and trust in their huge Network upgrade and I don't feel like waiting a year more. I'm getting Verizon and the Galaxy Nexus. If you experience similar frustration with Sprint feel free to vent and post speed test results etc. Does anybody know any way to get out of contract without an ETF?

haha, i live in baton rouge and i dont like sprint either. i was thinking of switching to Verizon when my contract ends since they have 4g lte in baton rouge.

Yes their 3G speeds suck but having true unlimited is important to me since I stream a lot of music/video so that makes up for it.

See ya! Jk. Sorry to hear about your speeds but their network upgrade is definitely worth the wait
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium

No. Will be waiting for their network upgrade. Sprint is the only network which allows a true nexus with wallet. I don't need to be forced with some apps which apparently can not be removed unless you root it.

MrDrumngun said:
In about a month I am leaving Sprint due to their terrible terrible horrendous data speeds in south Louisiana. I also have lot's of doubt and trust in their huge Network upgrade and I don't feel like waiting a year more. I'm getting Verizon and the Galaxy Nexus. If you experience similar frustration with Sprint feel free to vent and post speed test results etc. Does anybody know any way to get out of contract without an ETF?
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If you're on a family plan and receiving employee discount pricing they're raising the price next month giving you a chance to get out without ETF as its a breach of the ToS.

Yup!!
I have been contemplating leaving sprint also. They may have truly unlimited data but in reality you dont use much data via sprint network as it takes forever to load anything in Baton Rouge. O and guess what, the data unlimited plan is not truly unlimited. The will cut off your service if you use over 5 gb (may be less) of data on 3g. It is only the use of 4g which is truly unlimited.
They have been saying Baton Rouge would have 4g since the evo came out and yet still nothing. The sad part is Hammond has 4g and the population is not even 1/8th of Baton Rouge's pop. I doubt BR will ever get 4g.
As far as getting out ETF free, good luck with that. I have tried every way possible with no luck. But what I have not done, which would definitely work, is stream as much youtube and download huge files as much as possible or force your phone into roaming on data and calls for consecutive months

ryandoubleu said:
I have been contemplating leaving sprint also. They may have truly unlimited data but in reality you dont use much data via sprint network as it takes forever to load anything in Baton Rouge. O and guess what, the data unlimited plan is not truly unlimited. The will cut off your service if you use over 5 gb (may be less) of data on 3g. It is only the use of 4g which is truly unlimited.
They have been saying Baton Rouge would have 4g since the evo came out and yet still nothing. The sad part is Hammond has 4g and the population is not even 1/8th of Baton Rouge's pop. I doubt BR will ever get 4g.
As far as getting out ETF free, good luck with that. I have tried every way possible with no luck. But what I have not done, which would definitely work, is stream as much youtube and download huge files as much as possible or force your phone into roaming on data and calls for consecutive months
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where in hammond is there 4g? it does not specify 4g on the sprint 4g map

jesusice said:
If you're on a family plan and receiving employee discount pricing they're raising the price next month giving you a chance to get out without ETF as its a breach of the ToS.
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They are definitely not raising prices
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium

ryandoubleu said:
I have been contemplating leaving sprint also. They may have truly unlimited data but in reality you dont use much data via sprint network as it takes forever to load anything in Baton Rouge. O and guess what, the data unlimited plan is not truly unlimited. The will cut off your service if you use over 5 gb (may be less) of data on 3g. It is only the use of 4g which is truly unlimited.
They have been saying Baton Rouge would have 4g since the evo came out and yet still nothing. The sad part is Hammond has 4g and the population is not even 1/8th of Baton Rouge's pop. I doubt BR will ever get 4g.
As far as getting out ETF free, good luck with that. I have tried every way possible with no luck. But what I have not done, which would definitely work, is stream as much youtube and download huge files as much as possible or force your phone into roaming on data and calls for consecutive months
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No... They are unlimited on anything, how many times do people have to say this. 5gig cap is for hotspot and connection cards
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium

It's not the price they're raising but the amount you save from your employer discount is going to be a lot less. So it's definitely going to cost you more. They've been doing a lot of things that have been making people want to switch. They charge for "premium" data, completely stopped expanding 4g, scrapped the annual upgrade, killed the premier status, and now this? They're making it really hard for anyone to want to stick around...

The will cut off your service if you use over 5 gb (may be less) of data on 3g. It is only the use of 4g which is truly unlimited.
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not once in my 8 years with sprint have i ever had an issue with going over 5gb which i always do, nor have i ever heard anyone say it happened to them unless they were roaming more then using sprint

3G here in new Orleans has been terrible since 08 but there family plans just beats anyone. And I'm constantly around wifi so its not as bad.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G

robbierockz said:
It's not the price they're raising but the amount you save from your employer discount is going to be a lot less. So it's definitely going to cost you more. They've been doing a lot of things that have been making people want to switch. They charge for "premium" data, completely stopped expanding 4g, scrapped the annual upgrade, killed the premier status, and now this? They're making it really hard for anyone to want to stick around...
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Anything is "a lot less" when people are just looking for an excuse to cancel. The highest discount will be losing $5.40 a month, but those are rare, most people will go down just a few cents to a dollar a month.
I actually like what they've been doing and the direction they're headed, it is putting a stop to all these people talking advantage of what they have to offer. Where I live, my 3G gets over 2Mbps and 4G gets 10 so my unlimited data works great
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium

.....
DirtyShroomz said:
No... They are unlimited on anything, how many times do people have to say this. 5gig cap is for hotspot and connection cards
Then why would they send me a letter about my 3g usage and direct me to this passage
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Specific Terms & Restrictions On Using Data Services
In addition to the rules for using all of our other Services, unless we identify the Service or Device that you have selected as specifically intended for that purpose (for example, wireless routers, Data Link, etc.), you can't use our data Services: (1) with server devices or host computer applications or other systems that drive continuous, heavy traffic or data sessions; (2) as a substitute or backup for private lines or frame relay connections; or (3) for any other unintended use as we determine in our sole discretion. We reserve the right to limit, suspend, or constrain any heavy, continuous data usage that adversely impacts our networks performances or hinders access to our networks. If your Services include web or data access, you also can't use your Device as a modem for computers or other equipment, unless we identify the Service or Device you have selected as specifically intended for that purpose (for example, with "phone as modem" plans, Sprint Mobile Broadband card plans, wireless router plans, etc.).
andrewt328 said:
where in hammond is there 4g? it does not specify 4g on the sprint 4g map
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4g is in the Best Buy area of Hammond. It doesnt show up on sprints map for some odd reason. if you dont believe me go to the area and try it out

If you want out, roam like a mofo. You have to roam a certain percentage in order for them to boot you.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium

ryandoubleu said:
Specific Terms & Restrictions On Using Data Services
In addition to the rules for using all of our other Services, unless we identify the Service or Device that you have selected as specifically intended for that purpose (for example, wireless routers, Data Link, etc.), you can't use our data Services: (1) with server devices or host computer applications or other systems that drive continuous, heavy traffic or data sessions; (2) as a substitute or backup for private lines or frame relay connections; or (3) for any other unintended use as we determine in our sole discretion. We reserve the right to limit, suspend, or constrain any heavy, continuous data usage that adversely impacts our networks performances or hinders access to our networks. If your Services include web or data access, you also can't use your Device as a modem for computers or other equipment, unless we identify the Service or Device you have selected as specifically intended for that purpose (for example, with "phone as modem" plans, Sprint Mobile Broadband card plans, wireless router plans, etc.).
4g is in the Best Buy area of Hammond. It doesnt show up on sprints map for some odd reason. if you dont believe me go to the area and try it out
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Let me guess, you're tethering and using 50+ gigs a month? That's why you got that.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium

im pretty sure sprint is unlimited no limitations

Have you considered moving away from Louisiana?

DirtyShroomz said:
Let me guess, you're tethering and using 50+ gigs a month? That's why you got that.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
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I dont use tethering on my phone because I have wifi around most the places I go not to mention the data speeds in baton rouge are slower than dial-up, so tethering woudn't be much use. It was one of those months I was downloading a bunch of different roms though.
Sorry to burst your bubble but not all sprint customers are bad customers. I had them send me a letter a time before that to tell me I was using too many roaming minutes the previous months and when I checked my bill for the prior months I only had about 30 or 40 minutes roaming for all the months. I called them and they were at a loss for words

Unlimited data, keep it no matter what?

The subject kinda says it all. I'm one of the lucky ones that got grandfathered in on big red's unlimited data plan.
My wife has been on at&t and she's tired of it. Her phone (Atrix 4G) is falling apart and she isn't thrilled with the phone offerings from at&t.
She loves the Razr M so I've been looking to get her added to my account. It would also save us about $30 per month for her not to be on at&t separately.
A few months ago it was still possible to add an individual line to an existing account, without affecting the primary account.
Now they force me to convert my primary line over to a share-all-your-money plan, which will mean I lose my unlimited data.
The thing is, I use, on average, about 2.5G of data. I'm not a heavy user and I know that. My wife isn't either so we could make due with 4GB.
So, I need some thoughts.
1) Keep my unlimited and sign my wife up for her own individual big red plan? (no savings per month, but happy wife)
2) Convert over to a shared data plan, and add line for wife. ($30/mo savings)
So, it comes down to this: is having unlimited data you don't really use worth the $30 in added cost?
One side of my brain says no, the other says yes.

I have been battling that same question. My answer was keep my unlimited data as long as I can. Why? With more and more things going towards the cloud my data usage is sure to go up in the future. So I'm thinking for then and not now. I don't think Verizon is doing this because the masses asked to share data as they would have us believe. Verizon seen data usage dramatically increasing in the future as well and is trying to get us to switch now when our usage is low. Now is when they can convince us we don't use much data.
Sent from my XT926

I was grand-fathered into unlimited data for a while, but then I started tracking my actual data usage and it was only about 1.5-2.0GB per month so I just switched over. The only time now where I would maybe want it back, is if I was using 4G has my home Internet connection and just using my phone as a mobile hotspot. I don't feel that would be reliable enough so I'm fine with it.
I have a feeling sooner or later Verizon will come up with some way to get those who are still on unlimited data and won't sign a new contract.

I would just get her a verizon pay as you go plan. Decent phones. Give your wife your phone and then make twelve monthly payments on yours?
I am almost certain if you keep calling back eventually you'll get someone to transfer you that can help. You can probably find a rep to finagle 29.99 4GB...
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD

THe only reason to a share plan is to get subsidized phone.
I have resigned myself to keep unlimited until they kick me off. I'll buy my phone retail if I have to.
If they kick me off I'll switch to Sprint.
Keep unlimited at all costs.
We use a combined 11-13GB on three lines.

I kind of split the difference. I stayed on the old voice plan but was able to get a subsidized phone upgrade by losing my unlimited data. I instead got a 5GB data plan and dropped unlimited texting and switched completely over the Google Voice (which I had been meaning to do). So I pay the same as a 2GB share everything plan but with 400 minutes of voice (not a problem for me) and 5 GB of data... I only ever use up till 3 GB so I have been considering lowering to 3 or 4GB and just paying the $10/GB overage on months that I go over.

So there is some room for negotiations when you talk to the tele sales folks. That's good to know!
-- Android: It's a UNIX thing. You wouldn't understand.

Keep it no matter what. NO MATTER WHAT. Even if you don't use the unlimited, you could sell it to a friend (someone trustworthy) who has a crappy home internet connection, and turn a hefty profit. Just give them the activated SIM card and they can put it in a mobile hotspot and easily beat ADSL speeds for less money and better reliability.
Seriously, you guys are making a huge mistake by giving up one of the last reasonable cellular data plans in North America; nay, the entire world.
Don't do it. Keep your unlimited. Set up a new account for a new phone if you have to. Pay retail on new phones if you have to. Sell your activated SIM to someone you trust who'll use the data for a huge profit. Do anything EXCEPT willingly give in to The Man and the fascist data plan, oops I mean the shared data plan.
Sent from my Motorola RAZR Maxx HD with Tapatalk 4

I wish I never got rid of mine. I switched to the 2gb plan when they first offered it to save money because I used about a gig a month. Now I have the 15gb plan.. Damnit
Sent from my PACMAN MATRIX HD MAXX

Howard forums has people wanting to do assumption of liabilities. Now I've never heard of someone selling their unlimited plan but that's only because most people that go the aol route are in contract, need out, and find people that really need unlimited.
I would not be advising someone to use the sim solely for home Internet. Yes it's unlimited but some use hundreds of gigs of data. This isn't good for others. You could also get caught.
The only reason I'm keeping my unlimited plan is because we have 2 smartphones and 3 feature phones. Always transfer upgrades to the feature phones and transfer new phone back. Why waste upgrade when feature phones are super cheap retail?
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD

jfriend33 said:
I would not be advising someone to use the sim solely for home Internet. Yes it's unlimited but some use hundreds of gigs of data. This isn't good for others. You could also get caught.
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Few things:
1. You can consistently use between 50 and 75 GB per month and not get in trouble. Believe it or not there are people who use more than that and haven't been threatened with disconnection. But yes, if you download at 100% line capacity 24/7 you will get disconnected. Even 50 GB can be downloaded in an extremely short time (about 1 to 2 days depending on your LTE signal), leaving a lot of room for other users on the network.
2. Verizon is contractually prohibited by the FCC, which allows them to operate the licensed 700 MHz spectrum, from discriminating against a user because of that user's choice of device, which means you can either tether a smartphone or use a mobile hotspot, or even a USB modem, and they can't do anything against you based solely on your choice of device or they risk losing their operating license.
3. All of Verizon's towers will throttle your LTE speed down to a lower level (faster than 3G, but way slower than your LTE is capable of) if they identify you as a heavy data user AND the tower is 100% utilized. So they minimize data hogs' impact on other users by slowing them down when the tower is busy. Light or Occasional data users will be able to use the tower at full LTE speeds. When the tower isn't busy, well, why do you care if unlimited users are just using up spare capacity? That doesn't hurt anyone at all, and doesn't cost Verizon a penny, since all their back haul and peering is unmetered, so if they aren't 100% utilizing it they are actually paying for capacity that isn't being used, which is a waste.
I'm lucky that the tower closest to me at home is ALWAYS extremely under-utilized. I get fantastic speeds and no throttling, ever, at home. In the city I have seen close to 3G speeds on the LTE network due to saturation, which I am fine with. I still benefit from LTE's improved reliability and ping compared to 3G, so even if it's not 20 Mbps, I'm happy to have what I'm allowed. Verizon keeps me on a pretty long leash.
And no, I don't make the network worse for everyone else by using 70GB on an underutilized tower. 70GB over a month is not even a drop in a bucket to Verizon's back end infrastructure. I know some FiOS users who run multiple terabytes per month.
Sent from my Motorola RAZR Maxx HD with Tapatalk 4

I love my unlimited data and I'm definitely gonna keep it. If i like a new phone that comes out, ill just pay full price for it. I canceled my internet and cable at home because I have access to both thru my phone. I average around 150gigs a month and haven't seen a decrease in speed.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using xda app-developers app

I seem to have struck a nerve with someone and that was not my intention. You are probably used to having countless people advocating for verizon and following their rules. I am not one of them.
I was not aware that such policies were in place to protect the consumers. This is good to hear. I was under the impression that 4G devices weren't throttled (for the most part), even when on 3g and that only 3g devices were being throttled after heavy use. Verizon has obviously updated their guidelines so I need to read up on it.
I could not limit my home internet consumption to only 50 gigs. What is an average use anyway? I'm generally under 200 gigs. I am in areas where 4G is new and isn't that fast (under 10mbps, 3g tops off at 0.75) or in a big city where it's over utilized. I pay $20 a month for 50 mbps cable internet and that is a luxury many do not have.
Let's face it. We are lucky to have this unlimited plan. There are no guarantees on how much longer it will last. Just keep it, please?
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD

I switched from Sprint Unlimited to Verizon "share-all-of-your-money" (that's about right) plan. I had a real hard time letting go, but my wife and I have been on for 2 months now and it hasn't been a problem. We went with 4GB, and I initially thought it would be a problem, but we haven't even come close to 2GB yet. I mitigate that a lot by using WiFi as much as possible. Especially when I'm home, but also at work. I've also become a lot less bashful about asking for their WiFi password. What's the worst that could happen? They just say no. Many of them don't care though and don't give it a second thought. I also make the conscious decision to wait until I'm home to watch that YouTube video or what have you everyone one is clamoring about. I also used to tether my laptop to my phone and used that as my primary internet connection. Haven't needed to do that, so data consumption has gotten a lot less.
I haven't found it that difficult to live with a 4GB cap.

tech_head said:
THe only reason to a share plan is to get subsidized phone.
I have resigned myself to keep unlimited until they kick me off. I'll buy my phone retail if I have to.
If they kick me off I'll switch to Sprint.
Keep unlimited at all costs.
We use a combined 11-13GB on three lines.
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And what happens when Sprint cuts off unlimited? I agree with the idea of voting with your wallet but in this case, I feel there needs to be an exception. Given the financial standing of Sprint atm, I can't see why any one would risk jumping to them. Plus if enough people follow suit like you, it is bound to bog down Sprint's network until they start to cap data plans to.

Xplorer4x4 said:
And what happens when Sprint cuts off unlimited? I agree with the idea of voting with your wallet but in this case, I feel there needs to be an exception. Given the financial standing of Sprint atm, I can't see why any one would risk jumping to them. Plus if enough people follow suit like you, it is bound to bog down Sprint's network until they start to cap data plans to.
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They claim "unlimited forever".
What financial standing, they just got bought by SoftBank Mobile (Japanese).
They are building out their network and adding more LTE from their old iDEN spectrum, that and they bought Clearwire.
When Verizon makes me move from unlimited, I'll be jumping to Sprint.

tech_head said:
They claim "unlimited forever".
What financial standing, they just got bought by SoftBank Mobile (Japanese).
They are building out their network and adding more LTE from their old iDEN spectrum, that and they bought Clearwire.
When Verizon makes me move from unlimited, I'll be jumping to Sprint.
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There is an old saying. Talk is cheap. I seriously doubt they will retain unlimited forever. I would ask for a contract and read that thing over and over and over again as I would not be surprised to see some sort of clause in there that they have the right to terminate the unlimited data at any time because they get greedy like ATT and VZW.
Finance wise, you're right. I forgot about the buy outs. They are in a much better position financially and network wise, but they are still in the early roll out stages making it to early to judge just how well the network upgrade will be in the end. I also haven't heard how involved SoftBank has been so far. Have they only put up the money while still letting the former Sprint execs run the company for the most part?

My wife and I both gave up our unlimited data. She gave up hers to upgrade and I just gave mine up to save money. We have 3 smart phones sharing 4GB. I was using more than 10GB every month myself on unlimited. But a little prudence and control and we have no problem. In fact our month is over next week and we haven't even used 2GB between three phones.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Xparent Purple Tapatalk 2

I'd say to just do the math of what saves you more of the course of 2 yrs. If its cheaper in the long run by a significant amount to switch to the new plan and get a subsidized phone, and you can't foresee needing unlimited data, it just makes sense to switch. I personally am planning on keeping my unlimited plan while buying phones at full price due to highly fluctuating data usage.

Xplorer4x4 said:
There is an old saying. Talk is cheap. I seriously doubt they will retain unlimited forever. I would ask for a contract and read that thing over and over and over again as I would not be surprised to see some sort of clause in there that they have the right to terminate the unlimited data at any time because they get greedy like ATT and VZW.
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Oh, they've already added that to the contract, effective July 1st. If you no longer qualify for a plan or they no longer support a plan, they can switch you to a new one. (Paraphrased, but close to a direct quote)
So glad I jumped ship from Sprint in May.
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