Suggestions: T-Mobile 1900 MHz & Prepaid - Networking

OK so I live in Wichita and we don't have the 1900 MHz yet for 3G. My Droid 3 is only getting EDGE and there is no wifi at work so if I want to use the Internet it takes a lot of patience. I have the $30 plan which gives only 100 minutes but 5GB of 4G data and unlimited messaging. I like the price but also want to be able to us Google Voice over Sipdroid but right now with Edge it is impossible because the quality sucks too bad. I don't want to spend more a month when I barely talk.
Should I wait and see if T-Mobile will refarm Wichita soon, trade my phone (which I love) off, or get Straight Talk? Spending $45 right now is hard on my tight budget.
Sent from my XT862 using XDA

MrObvious said:
OK so I live in Wichita and we don't have the 1900 MHz yet for 3G. My Droid 3 is only getting EDGE and there is no wifi at work so if I want to use the Internet it takes a lot of patience. I have the $30 plan which gives only 100 minutes but 5GB of 4G data and unlimited messaging. I like the price but also want to be able to us Google Voice over Sipdroid but right now with Edge it is impossible because the quality sucks too bad. I don't want to spend more a month when I barely talk.
Should I wait and see if T-Mobile will refarm Wichita soon, trade my phone (which I love) off, or get Straight Talk? Spending $45 right now is hard on my tight budget.
Sent from my XT862 using XDA
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Click to collapse
Expect to wait longer if you do decide to stick with T-Mobile- ASK THEM if you want more accurate information. Some sources seem to say October of this year is an "early" estimate for complete PCS refarming. Please ignore the otherwise crappy article (date info you'd be interested in is toward the end)http://www.informationweek.com/byte/news/personal-tech/smart-phones/240000527)
Personally, I think it's a silly situation to put yourself into. There's no guarantee that T-Mobile's PCS refarming will be in as many places as AWS- that said, in the "top 100 markets" it is planned to be available alongside AWS. http://www.tmonews.com/2012/02/t-mobile-ceo-philip-humm-and-cto-neville-ray-outline-company-plans/
Ultimately, the decision is up to you. You know the pros and cons of each choice but only you know which one will make you the most happy.

MrObvious said:
OK so I live in Wichita and we don't have the 1900 MHz yet for 3G. My Droid 3 is only getting EDGE and there is no wifi at work so if I want to use the Internet it takes a lot of patience. I have the $30 plan which gives only 100 minutes but 5GB of 4G data and unlimited messaging. I like the price but also want to be able to us Google Voice over Sipdroid but right now with Edge it is impossible because the quality sucks too bad. I don't want to spend more a month when I barely talk.
Should I wait and see if T-Mobile will refarm Wichita soon, trade my phone (which I love) off, or get Straight Talk? Spending $45 right now is hard on my tight budget.
Sent from my XT862 using XDA
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Have you tried GoPhone? I bought an Xperia Play with intentions of using it on T-Mobile, but it turns out that EDGE is slower than I could tolerate.
So, I now use GoPhone prepaid with data. The only real disadvantage is that the amount you get is not so much. However, it seems from the hazy language on AT&T's paygonline.com site that unused data and minutes are rolled over. Not sure about that part.
Anyway, this is what I get:
$25/month 250 minutes, unlimited text
$25/month data package, 1GB
I think this is your best/only option if you don't want to change phones, although unfortunately your monthly bill will be higher.
If you are unwilling to pay more than that $30/month, you could sell your Droid 3 and get a Galaxy Nexus, or any other pentaband phone to use with T-Mobile. Any pentaband phone will work with both AT&T and T-Mobile's 3G networks. Or you could go for a T-Mobile branded phone. Another option would be the Motorola Triumph on Virgin Mobile (using a custom ROM highly recommended).
EDIT: Straight Talk has a SIM-only plan right now. If $45/month is pushing it and you have a smartphone, you must realize that your options are incredibly limited.

Related

T-Mobile or ATT?

Hey guys
I bought my nexus one the week it came out and have been putting up with edge for a while. I have wifi at home and work so I haven't had to suffer too much.
I have had ATT for 5-6 years and have been off contract for a while.
I looked at T-Mobile's pricing for their Even More+ no contract plans and I am paying about the same amount per month as the 500min+text+web plan.
I know reception will vary by area but I live and typically stay in the Pittsburgh area.
My current choices are:
1. Keep my nexus and stay on ATT (not likely)
2. Keep my nexus and switch to T-Mobile
3. Sell my Nexus and buy the ATT compatible version and stick with ATT (seems like too much work and will likely cost me more)
What would you guys recommend?
Thanks for the help!!
TMO is awful in my area so when I was deciding the same, I went with selling my launch nexus one and buying the ATT compat. version. I have been quite pleased with my speeds (2.xMbps down / 1.x Mbps up) on average.
You can sell your phone on ebay for about 500 (that's what mine went for) and in the end, a new one will run you about 30 dollars.
it depends on where you live. If you live in a major area like NYC where tmobile has good 3G coverage then get tmobile, it will be cheaper and tmobile doesnt screw you over in ways that att does.
Just do what's best in your situation. I was a long time AT&T sub as well. I moved to T-Mobile because I like the Even More Plus plan, fits my usage on my phone as well as my budget. Plus it's easier to turn in my phone bill on my expense report at work.
degs said:
Hey guys
I bought my nexus one the week it came out and have been putting up with edge for a while. I have wifi at home and work so I haven't had to suffer too much.
I have had ATT for 5-6 years and have been off contract for a while.
I looked at T-Mobile's pricing for their Even More+ no contract plans and I am paying about the same amount per month as the 500min+text+web plan.
I know reception will vary by area but I live and typically stay in the Pittsburgh area.
My current choices are:
1. Keep my nexus and stay on ATT (not likely)
2. Keep my nexus and switch to T-Mobile
3. Sell my Nexus and buy the ATT compatible version and stick with ATT (seems like too much work and will likely cost me more)
What would you guys recommend?
Thanks for the help!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sign up for tmobile and evaluate their reception in your area, you have 14 days if you don't like it before commiting.
I looked at T-Mobile's pricing for their Even More+ no contract plans and I am paying about the same amount per month as the 500min+text+web plan.
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Don't forget to factor that if you stay with AT&T you will pay $30/mo for smartphone data, not $15 for medianet. AT&T will auto upgrade you to the smartphone data if you're currently on medianet.
T-Mobile is definitely way cheaper overall, you can even get 500 mins + unlimited text for $39, then get the web2go plan (using the internet2.voicestream.com APN on your phone, instead of epc.tmobile.com) for $10. Total will be $49 which is a great deal - AT&T can't beat that.
At the same time although its cheaper with T-mobile....The signal in most cities switches between edge and 3g alot of the time....And alot of buildings you will go straight to edge. And edge for me dosent even work! So although i have T-mobile if sprint wasnt coming i would go with AT&T. "Personal experience/advice"
dallastx said:
At the same time although its cheaper with T-mobile....The signal in most cities switches between edge and 3g alot of the time....And alot of buildings you will go straight to edge. And edge for me dosent even work! So although i have T-mobile if sprint wasnt coming i would go with AT&T. "Personal experience/advice"
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True, in some buildings you will have to deal with EDGE (but of course, you may also have wifi in the building to make up for that)...
But in and around NYC, you're pretty much guaranteed to have 3G, and it works quite well.
gsvnet said:
Don't forget to factor that if you stay with AT&T you will pay $30/mo for smartphone data, not $15 for medianet. AT&T will auto upgrade you to the smartphone data if you're currently on medianet.
T-Mobile is definitely way cheaper overall, you can even get 500 mins + unlimited text for $39, then get the web2go plan (using the internet2.voicestream.com APN on your phone, instead of epc.tmobile.com) for $10. Total will be $49 which is a great deal - AT&T can't beat that.
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Well I currently pay 19.99 a month for internet with ATT. I have the OLD "smartphone" that I picked up when I got my 8525. I had that for almost 3 years and then just finished up a year with an E71(not X) and never had a problem.
What's this web2go you speak of?(I'll go search the forums as well)
I'll also have to find out if I can get a student discount with T-Mo like I do with ATT.
Thanks for all the help so far! Hopefully I don't come across as stupid or anything. I own a small deli/restaurant and work about 12 hours a day. My father has been in the hospital for a while and I am also taking care of the rest of my family so my time has become extremely limited.
Obviously I've been trying to find ways to reduce costs. 49 a month would be amazing
I've had both and prefer T-Mobile.. they have far better customer service, and their coverage here in north San Diego is far superior.. I get HSDPA speeds everywhere I go with T-Mobile and no more dropped calls.
Personally, I'd go for T-Mobile if I were you. You guys already have access to the 3MBit 3G service over there.
muncheese said:
Sign up for tmobile and evaluate their reception in your area, you have 14 days if you don't like it before commiting.
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If he's signing up for an Even More Plus plan then he has as long as he wants to cancel - there is no contract. Since he already has the N1 this would be the best type of plan to get.
Well I think that I will try to swing by a T-Mobile store tomorrow if I have time.
I'll get a SIM card and an Even More Plus plan. 500min+Text and web2go.
Has anyone had any problems using web2go with the nexus?
I'll try to see if I can get the activation fee waived and also add a student discount.
Anyone have any experience with porting a number later on? I'd like to try it for a week or so before porting my ATT number over and cutting that account(if I'm happy)
degs said:
Well I think that I will try to swing by a T-Mobile store tomorrow if I have time.
I'll get a SIM card and an Even More Plus plan. 500min+Text and web2go.
Has anyone had any problems using web2go with the nexus?
I'll try to see if I can get the activation fee waived and also add a student discount.
Anyone have any experience with porting a number later on? I'd like to try it for a week or so before porting my ATT number over and cutting that account(if I'm happy)
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Click to collapse
The Even More Plus plans already include data. I'm using it myself with the 500 minute tier plan just fine with my N1.
edit: I ported too and that took a few hours and was fairly painless from AT&T
I'd stay with AT&T if I were you.
I switched to t-mobile from at&t to get the n1 with 3g coverage and I can honestly say in Houston, at&t has far more coverage and is faster.
I had pretty much the same choice between AT&T and T-Mobile, and I ended up just sticking with AT&T and buying the compatible version because I split my time between Pennsylvania and Virginia, and T-Mo coverage in Virginia is spotty at best (even with AT&T roaming agreements).
However, since you're Pittsburgh, it might be good to take the 14 evaluation period as others have said and see if your happy with T-Mobile in the area (plus the rate plans with data will be comparable, or T-Mo will be slightly cheaper).
gsvnet said:
T-Mobile is definitely way cheaper overall, you can even get 500 mins + unlimited text for $39, then get the web2go plan (using the internet2.voicestream.com APN on your phone, instead of epc.tmobile.com) for $10. Total will be $49 which is a great deal - AT&T can't beat that.
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Click to collapse
I was told the $10 plan was not 3G, only edge, is this true?
Please. I too would be very interested in finding out if I can use this service to access the internet with my N1. I am currently a T-Mobile Customer using the N1 with the usual plan one gets with this phone.
jimbobalu said:
I was told the $10 plan was not 3G, only edge, is this true?
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Click to collapse
No - it's full 3G for $10. You just have to use internet2.voicestream.com as the APN.
gsvnet said:
No - it's full 3G for $10. You just have to use internet2.voicestream.com as the APN.
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Click to collapse
So is there something special I need to tell the salesperson or something I have to do to my phone to use internet2.voicestream.com?
Thanks

[Q] Samsung Galaxy S i9000 user coming to US. What are the options to get data plan

I know this is not a tmobile forum, but then you Vibrant guys are like my real brothers since I use a i9000 Galaxy S with 3g in my part of the world.
I know that 3g for me is out of question due to different bands. I did my homework on that, but then what about Edge data connection atleast. As i studied the tmobile site, it looks like getting Edge connection (unlimited) is also difficult just because I dont have a credit history in US so cant get those EM or EM+ plans i guess.
I have come in and out of US many many times but was always on prepaid tmobile sims and never really wanted data as such. But with an android phone and using 3g for many months, I just dont think i can live without data connection. I know about flexpay and thats what I used last time. But now on tmobile prepaid section i dont see flexpay at all. I see Even More (not for me due to contract) and Even More + which is without contract - but I guess it still needs a credit check?? Also they will force me to buy a vibrant i guess for EM+ plan which I cant since I have my shinny i9000 with me .
So please brothers, any suggestions that you can give. I have lots of experience with tmobile reps and they just dont know much, many a times (my opinion). Hence wanted to ask here.
So summarizing:
I come with work visa with valid SS, pay taxes and all that, and no credit history. (<- is that bad??). How can I get an unlimited data plan with my talk plan. EM+ ? Flexpay ? (not sure if its still there).
The plan that I have in mind was : 500 Minutes Talk + Unlimited Text + Unlimited Web: 59.99$ EM+ but without creditcheck so I guess thats FlexPay.
Googling around, I saw EM+ flexpay pages of tmobile website but they are not selectable or show up in normal plan selection at all.
Looking forward for help.
I promise that if you ever come to my part of world, I will work with you to keep your data connection ON on your Vibrant. I will not be able to give you "H" but surely an "E"
Thanks guys in advance.
Actually, 3G worked for me on [email protected] with the international Galaxy S. The speeds were comparable with what I was getting on my old iPhone in HSDPA mode. The download speeds were better than what I am getting on T-Mobile in my area.
Not sure if AT&T let's you buy monthly plans though.
When I was in the UK a year ago with my G1, I believe I was able to get onto T-Mobile's 3G with no issue using a pre-paid UK T-Mobile sim. You may want to try to use T-Mo and AT&T pre-pay sims first and see what you can get and who is faster in your area before you get a plan. AT&T has better nationwide coverage and generally faster 3G speeds, but if you live in an area where T-Mobile has updated their towers to HSPA+, then they'll be the faster carrier for GSM phones.
Go with MySimpleMobile (http://mysimplemobile.com). They are a prepaid service with no contracts: $60 unlimited talk/text/web per month. They use T-Mobile's network so you will get 3G.
Oh and they allow for unlimited international texts at no extra charge; this may be useful for you since you are coming from overseas and will probably have friends and family you want to text.
DarkAgent said:
Go with MySimpleMobile (http://mysimplemobile.com). They are a prepaid service with no contracts: $60 unlimited talk/text/web per month. They use T-Mobile's network so you will get 3G.
Oh and they allow for unlimited international texts at no extra charge; this may be useful for you since you are coming from overseas and will probably have friends and family you want to text.
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Thanks a lot DarkAgent. Looks like this was custom made for me international texting is good but mostly wont be using it if I have unlimited web since I can hop on to gtalk and take it from there. But nice service though. Thanks for the information.
Not sure about 3G since they have mentioned that your phone shoudl support 1700mhz band to be able to use 3g. So there goes my 3g I guess since I have 900/1900/2100 bands UMTS. But edge is still okay, though I will have to find another way to do VOIP.
DarkAgent said:
Go with MySimpleMobile (http://mysimplemobile.com). They are a prepaid service with no contracts: $60 unlimited talk/text/web per month. They use T-Mobile's network so you will get 3G.
...
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Nope, with the international Galaxy you will not get 3G on T-Mobile's network, only on AT&T's.
You will get edge, although it is pretty painful, IMO.
But there is WiFi in a lot of places -- check your mail in most coffee shops for free
Oh. I wasnt aware the int version didnt support tmo 3G
Oh well, I am here now. Just wanted to share.
Mysimplemobile isn't that good. They don't do unlimited so much as they advertise.
Just went to Tmobile and did their even more plus plan with flexipay. They don't show flexpay on website but they very much have it.
You can avoid the control charge if you give the card on file.
I am one happy camper.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

7 things Sprint is doing right

Some of the things Sprint now offers which, in my oppinion, sets the company apart from other cariers:
1. $125 credit for any new number ported to sprint. If you’re on a contract this will help you with that termination fee. I’ve gotten $150 for one of my friends who switched.
2. Truly unlimited data. Few months ago sprint removed their 5GB throttle and is now advertising it while others are limiting their users. This may not be true with their data devices but it’s true with all phones.
3. Free port of your sprint phone number to Google Voice. It used to cost $20 and you had to be off contract to avoid termination fees to be able to port it to Google Voice. Sprint is the first telecom company to partner with Google and offer this.
4. 30 return/cancel contract no questions asked. Again, Sprint was the first one to offer this. If you don’t like the service, they’ll take you off contract after you return the phone with no questions asked.
5. Switch plans without signing up for new contracts. Once again, another dumb rule got thrown out the window and now you can switch plans all you want.
6. Recent change in policy will now require all Sprint service stores to service rooted phones.
7. Recent change in policy will now allow you to remove some or all Sprint pre-installed apps.
And no, I’m not working for sprint.
True 4G? No, I don't think so.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App
But they do charge an extra 10 dollars for 4g,and if T-Mobile does get gobbled up by att, who's to say if Verizon doesn't turn around and do the same to sprint...
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Great post, will definitely help inform people about sprint. Few things though. As far as unlimited data, the 5 gb cap still exists on 3g data, only 4g is uncapped. Also, nobody in USA has true 4g, not even Verizon's amazing LTE is true 4g. Wimax only pulls 10 Megs on average, thats about it. I think true 4g is like 4-6 x's that, or something. Either way, Sprint is not true 4g. You should also tell people the downside of sprint 4g, i.e., it really only works in cars/outside/or buildings with lots of windows. The bandwidth for Wimax doesnt penetrate at all.
I'm in Pittsburgh, so coverage isn't an issue with T-mobile, but let just say a couple things:
1. True 4g? Come on, lets be honest. If you're gonna pull that bull then Verizon is the only one with it.
2. If I remember correctly, Sprint's "4G" is actually slower than T-mobile's "3.5G", so it doesn't matter what it's called. I don't care if something's 10G if it provides lower speeds than 3G.
3. Sprint costs $40 for 4g, while right now I'm paying $20 for 4g (yeah I have a 3g phone, but that's not the point here).
4. Overall pricing is generally lower on T-mobile, so I think that's why several of us will stay. Once my contract is up 2 years from now, then I'll think about it (since a new contract would cost a lot more. Thanks AT&T&T)
That being said, I know sprint's coverage in other areas may be better, so experiences may differ. I thought I'd just offer my 2 cents
I prefer GSM phones
Sprint 4g is only $10 a month, their plans include data so its not 30 + 10. And I have to disagree with tmobile being cheaper. Sprint has unlimited plan starting at 69, add 4g you have unlimited evrything for less than 80 a month. Last time I was with tmobile I think unlimited plans were like 89 or 99. I am a huge fan of tmobile though and if they had a nexus s 4g also, I would go with them over sprint any day.
tsunami1609 said:
I'm in Pittsburgh, so coverage isn't an issue with T-mobile, but let just say a couple things:
1. True 4g? Come on, lets be honest. If you're gonna pull that bull then Verizon is the only one with it.
2. If I remember correctly, Sprint's "4G" is actually slower than T-mobile's "3.5G", so it doesn't matter what it's called. I don't care if something's 10G if it provides lower speeds than 3G.
3. Sprint costs $40 for 4g, while right now I'm paying $20 for 4g (yeah I have a 3g phone, but that's not the point here).
4. Overall pricing is generally lower on T-mobile, so I think that's why several of us will stay. Once my contract is up 2 years from now, then I'll think about it (since a new contract would cost a lot more. Thanks AT&T&T)
That being said, I know sprint's coverage in other areas may be better, so experiences may differ. I thought I'd just offer my 2 cents
Click to expand...
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Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Some valid points. Except that unlimited cap. The 5GB is gone. I'm not sure where you get that info.
I agree with the 4G being slow but wimax can be definitely faster than t-mobile 3.5G it's just, as I mentioned, sprint has been offering that for over a year now and has many devices on it. When a bunch of people access the same tower speeds go down. Hopefully they can expand and improve over time. So I disagree that it's all about speed. I think it's all about the technology which, with enough hardware/$$ can create a faster speeds.
As far as pricing goes... it changes from day to day but they are both competitive and offer low prices compared to the other two giants. But I think sprint's coverage all around is better. I guess it depends where you live.
Also, gsm is better in many ways but one thing it doesn't do well in contrast to cdma is switch between towers. Drive 70mph on a state highway while talking on a gsm phone and find out.
obsanity said:
Some valid points. Except that unlimited cap. The 5GB is gone. I'm not sure where you get that info.
I agree with the 4G being slow but wimax can be definitely faster than t-mobile 3.5G it's just, as I mentioned, sprint has been offering that for over a year now and has many devices on it. When a bunch of people access the same tower speeds go down. Hopefully they can expand and improve over time. So I disagree that it's all about speed. I think it's all about the technology which, with enough hardware/$$ can create a faster speeds.
As far as pricing goes... it changes from day to day but they are both competitive and offer low prices compared to the other two giants. But I think sprint's coverage all around is better. I guess it depends where you live.
Also, gsm is better in many ways but one thing it doesn't do well in contrast to cdma is switch between towers. Drive 70mph on a state highway while talking on a gsm phone and find out.
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It appears you are correct sir, 3g is not capped anymore either. Funny, it only lasted a few months. And it appears it was rarely enforced anyway.
I have to say I like sprint a lot. I bought the nexus s on T-Mobile after being lied to by their customer service that it was excellent cell and data coverage in my area. But after getting the phone, I had absolutely no coverage in my home....well to be honest I had 1 bar to none. Then the data was a joke...it was 2G.
I personally don't mind paying the $10 extra fee.
Sprint's plans is nice...and the 1500 minute family share plan is basically unlimited everything because you get free mobile to mobile minutes. I got ridof our house phone and got my wife and my daughter a cellphone....sprint is becoming a strong company...but this is all my opinion.
I'm sure people feel the total opposite and like T-Mobile, but to each their own.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
My biggest problem with sprint is the 3g speed ...wimax is fast but using it all the time sucks down battery...so most of the time you are using sprints slow 3g ....contrast that with T-Mobile where the speeds don't impact battery life or signal strength...on my nexus s I average 3mb down ...on sprint 3g I would be lucky to see 800kb down
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
well for sprint users a reason to change to the nexus s could be to get away from the rude evo community
Something I don't understand is why people will stay in a contract for 2 years because they do not want to pay the early termination fee. I can understand if you do not have the money right now. Simple math tells you what the cheapest answer is. I will make up some fictitious numbers for my example. Which is cheaper, paying 300 dollars for the early termination fee, or paying your cellphone bill of let's say 50 dollars a month for the next 24 months. Now granted when you change carriers, your first months bill is going to be pretty high. The reason behind that is, you are paying for a phone, a prorated month, a regular month, and all the fees associated with starting a new account.
But all that added together is still cheaper than paying 1200 dollars for 2 years of service. I do understand the differences between long term and short term cost. I also understand that many people may not have enough money to make the switch now. Regardless of you switching now or later, you will still pay the same amount of money when starting a new line of service with a new carrier.
mikeyinid said:
Great post, will definitely help inform people about sprint. Few things though. As far as unlimited data, the 5 gb cap still exists on 3g data, only 4g is uncapped. Also, nobody in USA has true 4g, not even Verizon's amazing LTE is true 4g. Wimax only pulls 10 Megs on average, thats about it. I think true 4g is like 4-6 x's that, or something. Either way, Sprint is not true 4g. You should also tell people the downside of sprint 4g, i.e., it really only works in cars/outside/or buildings with lots of windows. The bandwidth for Wimax doesnt penetrate at all.
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As far as I know, no one in the world has true LTE yet. LTE theoretical shared rate is ~320 Mbit/s or ~172 Mbit/s in download and ~90 Mbit/s for upload, usually the "merchandised 4G" is a HSPA++ at 48 Mbit/s (where it can reach that rate) or some "early stage" 4G implementation as the entire standard involves deep core network changes.
At the moment it is... merchandise
Can someone explain if sprint is a mobile operator or another version of Nexus S.
I have nexus S bought with T-mobile, is it possible for me to get 4G on my phone? does it support 4G ?!?! If so, its Superb news, since we have 4G everywhere soon in Sweden.
mikeyinid said:
Sprint 4g is only $10 a month, their plans include data so its not 30 + 10. And I have to disagree with tmobile being cheaper. Sprint has unlimited plan starting at 69, add 4g you have unlimited evrything for less than 80 a month. Last time I was with tmobile I think unlimited plans were like 89 or 99. I am a huge fan of tmobile though and if they had a nexus s 4g also, I would go with them over sprint any day.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
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Sprint's 69.99 is 450 minutes and unlimited data, + the $10 fee which they swear is not for 4g (and technically it's not since they slap it on all smartphones), so really their cheapest plan is 79.99 for 450 minutes and unlimited data.
T-mobile has basically the same plan for the same price, 500 minutes, unlimited data (yes you're throttled after 5gig but you're not cut off), 79.99 if you're on contract.
If you're NOT on contract (ie; you bought your phone outright), you can get the same package for 59.99 with an Even More Plus plan (basically if you aren't subsidizing your phone, and thus are not on a contract, your plans are $20 cheaper across the board). Sprint doesn't do this. Even if you finish your full contract time on sprint, you'll still pay the same 79.99 per month.
You really don't want to try and claim that Sprint is cheaper than Tmo, they are not. They're about the same if you're on a contract, and Tmo is about $20 cheaper if you're not on contract.
Ultimately in the end it boils down to who has better service in your particular area as to which carrier you prefer.
In my case, I had sprint, the voice service in my area was good, but the data speeds were terrible, so I switched to Tmo, who has excellent voice and data service where I live, and I pay less per month since I own my nexus-s.
all depends on who your calling sprint offers any mobile any time with that 450..
also for sprint family plans its 20 bucks a line +10 bucks if they are smart phones.. how much are they for tmobile?
Raver27 said:
But they do charge an extra 10 dollars for 4g,and if T-Mobile does get gobbled up by att, who's to say if Verizon doesn't turn around and do the same to sprint...
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
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Sprint no longer has the $10 fee
Tapa tapa tapa
mlin said:
Sprint no longer has the $10 fee
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That is completely and totally false. Sorry.
Hey netarchy....
I thought tmo did away with off contract prices being 20 bucks cheaper? I can't find that anywhere on their site and I could have sworn that when I bought my nexus s the tmo reps telling me that buying it off contract won't save me on my monthly bills.
And yes sprint still hits you for the ten bucks a month.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

TMOBILE vs SPRINT

Thinking of jumping ship to tmobile since 4G has never been offered in my area for Sprint. Also the pricing is a little better than Sprint? However outside of my area service is non-existent unless I force my phone into roaming? I like the data plan Sprint has but believe Sprint will change there data plan in the coming months. With that I will be grandfathered in until my contract ends. So if someone could tell me if they have trouble with data and signal or if it is great, or what they have to do get signal since tmobile is gsm instead of cdma?
mikerowes69 said:
Thinking of jumping ship to tmobile since 4G has never been offered in my area for Sprint. Also the pricing is a little better than Sprint? However outside of my area service is non-existent unless I force my phone into roaming? I like the data plan Sprint has but believe Sprint will change there data plan in the coming months. With that I will be grandfathered in until my contract ends. So if someone could tell me if they have trouble with data and signal or if it is great, or what they have to do get signal since tmobile is gsm instead of cdma?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What?!?!
I'm not sure what you are asking. Not knowing where you are at, generally speaking if you have good sprint signal you would have good t-mobile signal. If you do not have good sprint signal, you may have just as poor t-mobile signal as their tower footprints are similar. If you live out from a city or something, AT&T or most especially Verizon have much larger footprints.
Do you mean they have a better price but for less services? Like not having unlimited texting or something? I thought Sprint had the best price.
Evo_Shift said:
Do you mean they have a better price but for less services? Like not having unlimited texting or something? I thought Sprint had the best price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the pricing is very similar, but you get speed cut back on data once you go over the limit of your specific plan. Sprint data on thier network is not throttled or limited.
raptoro07 said:
What?!?!
I'm not sure what you are asking. Not knowing where you are at, generally speaking if you have good sprint signal you would have good t-mobile signal. If you do not have good sprint signal, you may have just as poor t-mobile signal as their tower footprints are similar. If you live out from a city or something, AT&T or most especially Verizon have much larger footprints.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint and Tmobile have very good signal in my area. However No 4G for Sprint, but 4G for Tmobile is here. Once you leave my city since I travel outside it for work alot the signal fades. I then use "ROAM Control" to force into to roam mode. I need to know is there a way to force Roaming on the Nexus S or any other phone on the TMobile network?
US Cellular is very good in the rural areas but it is CDMA and the pricing is quite a bit higher.
Well TMobile post paid plans are better, I think for 45 dollars you get, one hundred mins, unlimited texts, and five gbs of data
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
raptoro07 said:
I believe the pricing is very similar, but you get speed cut back on data once you go over the limit of your specific plan. Sprint data on thier network is not throttled or limited.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your info. It will not bother too much since I dont use over 2 GB a month.
BrianDigital said:
Well TMobile post paid plans are better, I think for 45 dollars you get, one hundred mins, unlimited texts, and five gbs of data
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile pre paid is 30 dollars for this same plan. Just throwing that out there. That's what I'm using right now. Unlimited data but it gets throttled at 5gb
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
tycruickshank said:
T-Mobile pre paid is 30 dollars for this same plan. Just throwing that out there. That's what I'm using right now. Unlimited data but it gets throttled at 5gb
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are the limitations of your plan, and the cost outright for the phone?
tycruickshank said:
T-Mobile pre paid is 30 dollars for this same plan. Just throwing that out there. That's what I'm using right now. Unlimited data but it gets throttled at 5gb
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I meant do you have any trouble getting phones to work, or is it as simple as popping the Sim in, I'm really thinking about jumping ship I'm getting sick of paying 80ISH dollars a month
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
mikerowes69 said:
Sprint and Tmobile have very good signal in my area. However No 4G for Sprint, but 4G for Tmobile is here. Once you leave my city since I travel outside it for work alot the signal fades. I then use "ROAM Control" to force into to roam mode. I need to know is there a way to force Roaming on the Nexus S or any other phone on the TMobile network?
US Cellular is very good in the rural areas but it is CDMA and the pricing is quite a bit higher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint is CDMA and T-Mobile is GSM, the phones are not interchangable on each other's network. You would have to get a GSM phone, and it would have to have T-Mobile specific frequencies for HSPDA+ (Their "4G" which is 1700mhz, different that AT&T's 1900mhz) in order to get 4G speeds.
mikerowes69 said:
What are the limitations of your plan, and the cost outright for the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BrianDigital said:
That's what I meant do you have any trouble getting phones to work, or is it as simple as popping the Sim in, I'm really thinking about jumping ship I'm getting sick of paying 80ISH dollars a month
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought my phone (i9020T) used for around 200, but you can still find new ones around on the internet for I think around 400-500 USD maybe cheaper if you can find a good deal. The i9023 (the SLCD screen) is usually cheaper. I found some online for around 300 - 350 USD. Both the i9023 and the i9020T will work with 3G on T-Mobile's network. The data speeds I get are quite good as well. Some places I'll get as much as 5 megs down but the norm is usually around 3 to 4 for me. There are no limitation with the plan really that I can think of. I mean the only thing is that you only get 100 minutes but I've bought Groove IP (VOIP app in the Play Store) so essentially I have unlimited minutes now as well. Only paying $30 a month.
All you have to do is get a T-Mobile prepaid sim from the website and pop it in the phone and you're good to go.
I did exact as user above, $30 and then Groove IP. For my location T-Mobile is vastly faster, but you have to check your location coverage. In big cities Sprint can be fast. Since their phone is CDMA they don't use SIM so their phones goes for slighty lower value. You can get Sprint Nexus S cheaper than GSM version.
Check here for some prepaid plans: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=21604722&postcount=2
I hope this doesn't seem like an ass move but, but I have a Nexus S t-mobile for sale.
I can't wait my etc goes down to a hundred in a month, I'm debating just going galaxy nexus or HTC one x, either one that's for sale at best buy and use that buy back plan which my girl didbwith her new iPhone 4s she's been guarenteed 400 bucks before six months, it almost worth it to be a phone whore
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk
I like the Pre-Paid Montly plans in T-Mobile.
$30 100 mins/UL SMS/ 5GB 4G data Walmart and online?
$30 1500 min-SMS /30Mb
$50 UL min/UL SMS/ UL Data(1st 100 mb at 4G)
$60 UL /UL /UL Data (1st 2GB 4G)
I use the $50, You can change every month to any of the plans.
Tip :If you buy the Card in Calling Mart $100 goes for $95 no tax charged.
So if you pick the $50 it would be like paying around 44+Tax in a post paid (Yes $44 for an unlimited everything).
About Signal, I don't have problems, ATT is a little better(3G+) but much more expensive.
Now I don't like Sprint or Verizon because I like the flexibility of having a GSM unlocked phone.

Best Nexus 4 carrier (US)

Hello, while being mindful of Nexus 4's LTE status, I would like to debate on what carrier is the best for general/specific purposes.
For data heavy but light on talk, it's renown that the T-Mobile $30 unlimited data/text plan with 100 minutes is the best value in that regards.
However, for someone like me who has two people on the line (my mom only uses talk, where I am more text/data heavy but still use some talk) I am curious about Straight Talk and Walmart's Family Mobile (both offered via Walmart)
My current plan is Walmart's Family Mobile at $45 / mo. + $35 line (ex. tax) which provides unlimited talk, text and 250 MB of data with options of $10 for an extra 1 GB, $20 for 3 GB or $40 for 8 GB. This is all 3g... but speeds are pretty horrible. It ranges from 0.26 to 0.8 Mbps.
Has anybody used Family Mobile and Straight Talk or another carrier that believe they have a better deal?
Thanks!
Straight talk AT&T > Tmobile since you can actually get coverage...
AshtonTS said:
Straight talk AT&T > Tmobile since you can actually get coverage...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got plenty of coverage here with ST T-Mo. Able to pull 15 Mbps down on their DC-HSPA+ 42 network in South Florida. It is awesome.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
So let me get this straight...
I pay $45 + $35 / mo. and only get 250 Mb. So with Straight Talk... I get better coverage, 2 GB of unthrottled data (vs. 250 MB) for $10 more?
How much does it cost for additional data?
Thank you so much for the replies.
SacTu said:
So let me get this straight...
I pay $45 + $35 / mo. and only get 250 Mb. So with Straight Talk... I get better coverage, 2 GB of unthrottled data (vs. 250 MB) for $10 more?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. The world of MVNOs (companies using the main carriers' networks) is a brilliant one. The saving grace of American telecom (outside of the $30 T-Mobile plan you mentioned).
Sent from my Nexus 4
1. How much does additional data cost on Straight Talk?
Also, when selecting Straight Talk's "Please choose the type of phone you have"
"Phone is CDMA..."
"Unlocked GSM Phone"
"AT&T Compatible Phone"
"T-Mobile Compatible Phone"
2. Is it better to pick Unlocked, AT&T, T-Mobile or does it not matter as they both use the same frequency and will allow you to switch between one tower or the other depending on better service?
3. I'm guessing Straight Talk doesn't have any additional line services, so I'll have to buy two separate ones for me and my mom?
Sorry for all the questions, hopefully I'll be able to relay these answers to future people as I am forever in your debt.
SacTu said:
1. How much does additional data cost on Straight Talk?
Also, when selecting Straight Talk's "Please choose the type of phone you have"
"Phone is CDMA..."
"Unlocked GSM Phone"
"AT&T Compatible Phone"
"T-Mobile Compatible Phone"
2. Is it better to pick Unlocked, AT&T, T-Mobile or does it not matter as they both use the same frequency and will allow you to switch between one tower or the other depending on better service?
3. I'm guessing Straight Talk doesn't have any additional line services, so I'll have to buy two separate ones for me and my mom?
Sorry for all the questions, hopefully I'll be able to relay these answers to future people as I am forever in your debt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When starting a Straight Talk plan, it actually DOES matter what you select here. If you choose AT&T compatible, then you will use the AT&T network. If you choose T-Mobile, then you use the T-Mobile Network. If I recall correctly, simply choosing "Unlocked GSM phone," will give you an AT&T compatible SIM.
There are benefits of each network. AT&T generally has better coverage, but instead of deploying DC-HSPA+ 42mbps, they opted for LTE. The Straight Talk MVNO does not currently have access to LTE (last time I checked).
T-Mobile, on the other hand, may not have as great of coverage but, if you happen to have good coverage, you could have access to their HSPA+ 42 speeds.
Their have also been reports of users getting throttled at different points depending on what network they chose with Straight Talk.
depends on the coverage in your area. Straight talk ATT in my area has great coverage but data speed is slow. tmobile runs fast like most advertised here but its spotty in a lot of places i travel to. since u can purchase a tmobile sim for $30 you wont lose much to test it out.
1. Pick at&t micro SIM.
2. See #1. No switching between at&t and T-Mobile since they mostly use different frequencies and prepaid MVNO don't data roam.
3. Yes.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Straight talk has a 100mb per day limit as well..... Go above it several times and they reserve the right to outright just kill service. Something to keep in mind.
I've been pleasantly surprised by tmo coverage in Indianapolis. I thought I was going to see a bunch of dead spots. I've only seen one. Out of the city may be different.
How do you go about getting the T-Mobile $30 a month plan without having to actually buy a phone from them/Walmart? I don't see this option anywhere
facetubespam said:
How do you go about getting the T-Mobile $30 a month plan without having to actually buy a phone from them/Walmart? I don't see this option anywhere
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tmobile offers a microSIM activation kit on their website, and once you get it you can activate it online
Sent from my DROID2 using xda premium
ST Tmo is hard to beat IMO, in your situation though I'd go $45 ST plan + pageplus for your mom.
AshtonTS said:
Straight talk AT&T > Tmobile since you can actually get coverage...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get the same coverage but better call quality with Tmo.
I'm on the $30 tmo plan and it is pretty awesome. Coverage in the wild is slim to none, but in metro areas the speeds are excellent and I don't ever find myself wishing for LTE.
Getting the plan is a little tricky, as tmo won't sell it to you in the store. But you can activate it online (ironically enough.. inside their store too) or through walmart website.
If you can get coverage, T-Mobile is the best one in the US. I'm pulling 22Mbps here in Tampa, it's insane.
Pheno.menon said:
I'm on the $30 tmo plan and it is pretty awesome. Coverage in the wild is slim to none, but in metro areas the speeds are excellent and I don't ever find myself wishing for LTE.
Getting the plan is a little tricky, as tmo won't sell it to you in the store. But you can activate it online (ironically enough.. inside their store too) or through walmart website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nevermind i found the answer to my question.
svengalis said:
I know the $30 plan is only available to new customers. I am already on tmobile now with a g2x, would i be able to get on the $30 plan with the Nexus 4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but you would have to get a new number
If you want to keep your number, you need to port over to google voice and then activate the account with the plan and port the number from GV into the account with the $30 plan
Sent from my DROID2 using xda premium
gagdude said:
Yes, but you would have to get a new number
If you want to keep your number, you need to port over to google voice and then activate the account with the plan and port the number from GV into the account with the $30 plan
Sent from my DROID2 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay thank you!
gagdude said:
Tmobile offers a microSIM activation kit on their website, and once you get it you can activate it online
Sent from my DROID2 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
I want to try out how T-Mobile's service fares here vs my current AT&T which is serving me very well, but always looking to maximize the N4

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