Related
hi everyone
happy new year
i have a question and i hope you guys can help me
i have family in Germany and USA and i thought maybe i can buy a galaxy tab from there and they send it to me, because it's 800$ in my country and i can buy one for 399$ in the USA (AT&T) and 199Euro (O2 and vodafone) in Germany (with contact)
now i want to know whether it's possible to buy one and unlock it?
AT&T says it's 2 year contact. does it mean you have to pay monthly for 2years even if you don't use their services? can they sue you or it's ok if you cancel the contract and keep the device for 399$ you paid at first?
i don't want my uncle to get in trouble
and one more thing
if i get one and even if i couldn't unlock it, can i still use the device? like for video, office programs and most importantly it's wifi.
i heard you must activate it first. can i somehow ignore/skip it?
thank you so much in advance
i hope you have a great year
MahZi said:
now i want to know whether it's possible to buy one and unlock it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can unlock it.
AT&T says it's 2 year contact. does it mean you have to pay monthly for 2years even if you don't use their services? can they sue you or it's ok if you cancel the contract and keep the device for 399$ you paid at first?
i don't want my uncle to get in trouble
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A contract is a contract, regardless of whether you use the services or not, so yes you are supposed to pay. If you wish to terminate early, you need to pay an "Early Termination Fee" (see here). I would guess this means the ETF for a Tab is $325, which would mean you'd have been better off paying $649 for the device in the first place.
And yes, they can pursue you for this - in order to get a contract phone in the US, you need a credit check which means a social security number is required, so they can track down whomever purchased the device relatively easily.
Note, I'm not in the US, so some of this information may be out of date/incorrect, but I know as of 18 months ago getting a cell phone on contract without an SSN was almost impossible!
Regards,
Dave
If you get one in Germany, you can have it unlocked right there. According to German law IIRC, they are required to unlock it for you if you ask them. They are allowed to charge a small fee for it, usually around 50€. Still a good deal.
Maybe someone from germany can confirm or refute this?
thanks Dave and Rapax for fast answers
i think it's better if i buy an unlocked one
they both (AT&T and vodafone) charge for internet connections which i won't be able to use so it does'nt worse
Rapax, vodafone price is 199euro and 40 each month, you mean i can get the device for 199 and pay 50 more to unlock?
i'm not sure if it sounds right
you can have an unlocked galaxy tab for 250euro? i'm getting one immediately
MahZi said:
thanks Dave and Rapax for fast answers
i think it's better if i buy an unlocked one
they both (AT&T and vodafone) charge for internet connections which i won't be able to use so it does'nt worse
Rapax, vodafone price is 199euro and 40 each month, you mean i can get the device for 199 and pay 50 more to unlock?
i'm not sure if it sounds right
you can have an unlocked galaxy tab for 250euro? i'm getting one immediately
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget that the contract will still run, unlocking doesn't change that. So it's 199+50+24*40 = 1,209€ Not such a bargain, is it?
i will definitly not buy one
i thought it's gonna cost cheaper that way
you guys don't know a better way?
MahZi said:
i will definitly not buy one
i thought it's gonna cost cheaper that way
you guys don't know a better way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy one from the UK for £407, all in with no contract and already unlocked.
Regards,
Dave
look on ebay.
foxmeister said:
Buy one from the UK for £407, all in with no contract and already unlocked.
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks Dave, i'll see if i can find someone in UK
LargePrime said:
look on ebay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh no, i have bad experience with used devices
but thanks
MahZi said:
oh no, i have bad experience with used devices
but thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They have new ones.
Honestly you can get 4 used ones for that price. That's a lot of spare parts!
And returns are easy. But, As you wish...
You want GSM version only,right?
LargePrime said:
They have new ones.
Honestly you can get 4 used ones for that price. That's a lot of spare parts!
And returns are easy. But, As you wish...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i understand what you say but my relatives over there are not technology friends. they can't test the device to see if it's ok (just the look of it)
LargePrime said:
You want GSM version only,right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i want GSM version
actually i'm not gonna use it as a phone but GT is the only good thing i found that offers my need (light, small and touch). i'm paying for phone part but i won't use it
maybe i have to wait for ipad 7inch or maybe i should buy an Archos 70it
help me
Do you want to wait? If so there are some great things coming. We will see a doubling of power and storage within 6 months.
There should be a wifi only version out soon, which might meet your needs.
Conversely, find a ebay new product that will ship to you. Worse case you waste cash on shipping. still way cheaper.
I read galaxy tab wifi-only version is comming in Q1 this year
it's great news for me
I hope it's 400 not 500
so i wait
in the mean time, do you guys know other options for me? i mean other devices
Hey Sorry if this Question is somewhere else if it is please point me in the direction because ive been looking through all the threads and cant find these two things out.
I Plan on upgrading to this from my Gnex when it comes out but two Questions i need to know. The first thing is when i got My Gnex i was able to put my T mobile Sim card right in, does this Phone have micro or nano sim where ill have to get a new sim card or will my same Sim card work like it did with the Gnex
Second question is that The Wireless charging is one of the coolest new features for me and i wanted to know if anybody has seen anything online on whether the Wireless charging dock comes with the phone or if id have to buy it separately for alot of extra money??
Thanks In advance and Greatly Appreciated
1 micro sim but T-Mobile has micro sims available already since they support the iPhone 4S now days I know since that's what I'm using right now after selling my GS3 today .. I simply walked into the store and they provided me one for free since I'm currently on their network ..
2) Not in the box at least it's not listed on the google play store as it would come with it ...
VictorNYC said:
1 micro sim but T-Mobile has micro sims available already since they support the iPhone 4S now days I know since that's what I'm using right now after selling my GS3 today .. I simply walked into the store and they provided me one for free since I'm currently on their network ..
2) Not in the box at least it's not listed on the google play store as it would come with it ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Really appreciate it. Did Tmobile make you extend your contract or anything like that when you got new sim card? I know companies like to pull stuff like that sometimes
Nope ! They might try to sell it to you since I was told by the store manager how some stores try to make you pay (but not give you a receipt for it ) when they are free for existing plan holders meaning if you have an active plan (even a prepaid one) they have to provide you with one free of charge .. He even went on as far as telling how he had to fire a dude a few months ago because he was making a little money on the side for selling SIMs 25 dollars a pop to ppl who simply needed a simple reboot to fix their phones but he would convince them that they needed a new one ... Lets face most ppl don't really know their phones at all
VictorNYC said:
Nope ! They might try to sell it to you since I was told by the store manager how some stores try to make you pay (but not give you a receipt for it ) when they are free for existing plan holders meaning if you have an active plan (even a prepaid one) they have to provide you with one free of charge .. He even went on as far as telling how he had to fire a dude a few months ago because he was making a little money on the side for selling SIMs 25 dollars a pop to ppl who simply needed a simple reboot to fix their phones but he would convince them that they needed a new one ... Lets face most ppl don't really know their phones at all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I activated two prepaid accounts about a year ago and the Sim Cards were free. :good:
Hello everyone, this end of the month I will go on vacation in New York from Italy, and I'd love to buy the new nexus 4, but obviously I can not use the play store not having neither a credit card nor a U.S. place of dispatch . I saw, however, that tmobile will sell in their stores, I was wondering if in addition to the version with contract tmobile also sold only the phone, just in case a higher price than the playstore 349usd. thank you very much in advance.
"Rumor" has it T-Mobile USA will market it up to $ 500.00 without a contract (witch I find ridiculous) BUT that hasn't been confirmed .. At this point they are all speculations.
VictorNYC said:
"Rumor" has it T-Mobile USA will market up to $ 500.00 with out a contact (witch I find ridiculous) BUT that hasn't been confirmed .. At this point buddy they are all speculations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you dear, I'll see to seek confirmation of these rumors, in the meantime look for some other user to know something more
If the markup turns out to be ridiculous (charging 500 USD for a 350 USD phone) then call your hotel (or wherever you're staying) and see if you can get packages delivered there. The delivery should take less than 5-6 business days, so it's doable if you're staying in America more than a week. If that's not the case, then you could always find a quick free vpn trial, vpn to America and purchase the phone before you get here so it's at your hotel before you are (just have them hold it if they will, again make sure it's ok before you do so). Good luck! Enjoy your stay!
Vertana said:
If the markup turns out to be ridiculous (charging 500 USD for a 350 USD phone) then call your hotel (or wherever you're staying) and see if you can get packages delivered there. The delivery should take less than 5-6 business days, so it's doable if you're staying in America more than a week. If that's not the case, then you could always find a quick free vpn trial, vpn to America and purchase the phone before you get here so it's at your hotel before you are (just have them hold it if they will, again make sure it's ok before you do so). Good luck! Enjoy your stay!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately my problem is: to buy something on playstore U.S. you have to pay with a American credit card , which unfortunately (and I would say of course ) I did not. I had also thought to send me the N4 to the apartment but would be very risky and unreliable. the only solution would be to find someone who will buy me , but who has all this trust in others?
ps: I'd buy it for 500usd I must admit, that the currency exchange is always much less than 549euros that would 700usd. I would only confirm that it is sold in tmobile stores
0714 said:
Unfortunately my problem is: to buy something on playstore U.S. you have to pay with a American credit card , which unfortunately (and I would say of course ) I did not. I had also thought to send me the N4 to the apartment but would be very risky and unreliable. the only solution would be to find someone who will buy me , but who has all this trust in others?
ps: I'd buy it for 500usd I must admit, that the currency exchange is always much less than 549euros that would 700usd. I would only confirm that it is sold in tmobile stores
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really the trust only has to go one way. If you are willing to take the chance then you pay in advance and you are the only one that needs to trust. If you want the other person to send the phone without getting paid first then that person is the only one that needs to trust someone. You could check with some bank to be the go between and let them hold your money until they get the phone.
donec said:
Really the trust only has to go one way. If you are willing to take the chance then you pay in advance and you are the only one that needs to trust. If you want the other person to send the phone without getting paid first then that person is the only one that needs to trust someone. You could check with some bank to be the go between and let them hold your money until they get the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is still a complicated and difficult to accomplish. whether I trusted, to give money to someone I do not know (which I do not think I'd do) and if someone you trust to loan me the money. not to mention that I would only public transportation in a city that does not know to pick up the box. of course now I will try other solutions and this will take it into consideration only as a last choice. plus I also find this person that would make me the favor. thanks anyway for your suggestion.
however, still no news / certainty that n4 is sold without a contract?
has anyone had any new news about my question?
Hi all,
Long time joiner on here but left shortly after joining when I joined the "i" bandwagon. I have since got an S3 and now about to order an S4 having come back to the Android world!
So to begin with ....
I know it's difficult to say with a unit not even out yet but based on how the previous samsung's have been, will the S4 be easily unlockable?
My issue is that I am on a good contract with O2 but they're not willing to issue me an S4 without getting onto a 24 month contract even if I pay a fair bit upfront.
So my other option is that I buy a Orange/EE unit on a 12 or 18 month contract, get it unlocked and then stick the O2 sim in there.
And then with the S3, that can take the sim that comes with the new contract as I need to port an old pay as you go secondary number over anyway.
I won't place the order however if we're talking months before unlocking it as it will be pointless getting it without being able to use it
Thanks!
AJ
akash_84 said:
Hi all,
Long time joiner on here but left shortly after joining when I joined the "i" bandwagon. I have since got an S3 and now about to order an S4 having come back to the Android world!
So to begin with ....
I know it's difficult to say with a unit not even out yet but based on how the previous samsung's have been, will the S4 be easily unlockable?
My issue is that I am on a good contract with O2 but they're not willing to issue me an S4 without getting onto a 24 month contract even if I pay a fair bit upfront.
So my other option is that I buy a Orange/EE unit on a 12 or 18 month contract, get it unlocked and then stick the O2 sim in there.
And then with the S3, that can take the sim that comes with the new contract as I need to port an old pay as you go secondary number over anyway.
I won't place the order however if we're talking months before unlocking it as it will be pointless getting it without being able to use it
Thanks!
AJ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The other option is to buy a phone from phones4u, Im sure all the phones from these companys are sim free and you also receive a pre order pack including a case, sd card and a car charger.
you can also get 12 month contracts on vodafone.
And if you go through quidco or topcashback you can receive cashback for these too.
Let me drop them an email
I did ask dialAphone - theirs is locked but did not think about P4U
akash_84 said:
Let me drop them an email
I did ask dialAphone - theirs is locked but did not think about P4U
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats strange about dialaphone, I thought all their phones were unlocked too. I ordered my htc one X from them and it was unlocked.
Just had a live chat with P4U, have to say, very impressive. No waiting, she was extremely quick to reply each time and clearly UK based
So basically if it is ordered online, it might be unlocked but there is no guarantee it will be for certain.
BUT, if bought in-store, I can request an unlocked unit.
I think this will probably be the way to go
akash_84 said:
Just had a live chat with P4U, have to say, very impressive. No waiting, she was extremely quick to reply each time and clearly UK based
So basically if it is ordered online, it might be unlocked but there is no guarantee it will be for certain.
BUT, if bought in-store, I can request an unlocked unit.
I think this will probably be the way to go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep had nothing but positive experiences with both dialaphone and phones4u
Its on unlocked mobile for £529 I'm very tempted, but was in o2 shop today and the guys there reckon it will be under £500 within a couple of weeks to buy locked to o2 so might be worth waiting for a few weeks
With Three it's £15 to unlock and you can do it right away.
Thanks all for the replies
I'm going to take the punt and go for an Orange S4. I get 7 days to return it so if it's locked on Saturday or whenever it arrives, I'll just have to send it back or maybe speak to Orange first to see if they can unlock it with the threat of cancelling the contract if it's not.
And if that happens, it'll just be a case of waiting or maybe going with O2 and the deal they have offered to upgrade which is not a nice one!
Hey guys, i've got a problem and I need some advice/options.
Long story short, as some of you may know, I bought my T-Mobile branded Note 3 on Swappa in November. Of course, Swappa says that they check IMEIs and the seller assured me that the phone was fully paid for, but a few days ago my Note 3 was blocked/blacklisted (whatever you call it) by T-Mobile for non-payment of EIP.
I have tried to resolve the issue through communicating with the seller and Swappa, but there's really nothing to be done. The seller won't refund my money, Swappa is powerless, and Paypal says the transaction is past their 45 day dispute period. The phone isn't even unlocked, so I can't even try and use it on another carrier right now.
So at this point i'm trying to minimize my losses. I am open to any suggestions as to how I can either:
1. find a way to get the phone unlocked and use it on another carrier (I know that when a T-Mobile phone is blocked or blacklisted, they share that info now with AT&T, but i'm hoping I can use it on Simple Mobile or Straight Talk or Walmart's service)
or
2. sell the phone internationally (with full disclosure of the fact that the phone is blocked on T-Mobile/AT&T of course, but it shouldn't matter if someone wants to use it outside of the US, right?)
or
3. sell the phone as a 'dev' device (at a substantial loss i'm sure), but I have no idea how to do this or even whether a dev would want a phone that is blocked (don't they need to test network stuff?).
I'm trying to find a way to make the best of a bad situation. Any one who reads this post and wants to give me some decent advice is welcome. But if you just want to start trolling PLEASE JUST GO AWAY. I have enough problems as it is right now.
In any case, i've learned my lesson. No more Craigslist, no more Negri, no more Swappa. I'm just gonna pony up the money and get my phones directly from T-Mobile. The money I thought I was saving doesn't look like such a deal anymore.
Ah damn, yeah seems a lot of people have fallen into the same trap you have unfortunately.
Well you could try another network. . However the chances are high that it'll be blocked all over the US. - yes you could sell it internationally and disclose the issue but the frequency has a different range(?) - this would probably be your best option.
If not then you'd just have to take the hit on it, toss it away or use as a media device. And put it down to a very bad lesson learnt the hard way :-/
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
radicalisto said:
Ah damn, yeah seems a lot of people have fallen into the same trap you have unfortunately.
Well you could try another network. . However the chances are high that it'll be blocked all over the US. - yes you could sell it internationally and disclose the issue but the frequency has a different range(?) - this would probably be your best option.
If not then you'd just have to take the hit on it, toss it away or use as a media device. And put it down to a very bad lesson learnt the hard way :-/
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciate the response, but now way I could toss $650 away. It took me a few months to save that up. That's why i'm trying to salvage whatever I can of this situation.
Perhaps there's a Canadian carrier uses the same frequencies as T-Mobile? Anyone know a site that would help me compare GSM bands/frequencies to see which countries would be the best option for reselling?
You could have a scan on gsmarena they detail frequencies on the different models.
Yeah it's definitely an expensive error for sure, assume T - Mobile aren't too keen to help at all then?
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
radicalisto said:
You could have a scan on gsmarena they detail frequencies on the different models.
Yeah it's definitely an expensive error for sure, assume T - Mobile aren't too keen to help at all then?
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, T-Mobile won't give me any info because i'm not the original account holder for the phone. T-Mobile will probably go after that person, but it's probably just a tax write off for them.
Try RegionLock away on Play store or buy an unlock code then try with a pre-paid service. GL
RMXO said:
Try RegionLock away on Play store or buy an unlock code then try with a pre-paid service. GL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Won't help.... Phone has been blacklisted...
Unless you can get the carrier to take it off the blacklist it won't be allowed to connect to any network in that country (theoretically)...
Just a thought though - if the phone hasn't been paid for to the carrier, it's on the blacklist and you are caught trying to use it, you may find yourself charged with possession of stolen goods... Unless you have a receipt that states it was sold to you. Either way though you will loose the phone...
Techngro said:
Hey guys, i've got a problem and I need some advice/options.
Long story short, as some of you may know, I bought my T-Mobile branded Note 3 on Swappa in November. Of course, Swappa says that they check IMEIs and the seller assured me that the phone was fully paid for, but a few days ago my Note 3 was blocked/blacklisted (whatever you call it) by T-Mobile for non-payment of EIP.
I have tried to resolve the issue through communicating with the seller and Swappa, but there's really nothing to be done. The seller won't refund my money, Swappa is powerless, and Paypal says the transaction is past their 45 day dispute period. The phone isn't even unlocked, so I can't even try and use it on another carrier right now.
So at this point i'm trying to minimize my losses. I am open to any suggestions as to how I can either:
1. find a way to get the phone unlocked and use it on another carrier (I know that when a T-Mobile phone is blocked or blacklisted, they share that info now with AT&T, but i'm hoping I can use it on Simple Mobile or Straight Talk or Walmart's service)
or
2. sell the phone internationally (with full disclosure of the fact that the phone is blocked on T-Mobile/AT&T of course, but it shouldn't matter if someone wants to use it outside of the US, right?)
or
3. sell the phone as a 'dev' device (at a substantial loss i'm sure), but I have no idea how to do this or even whether a dev would want a phone that is blocked (don't they need to test network stuff?).
I'm trying to find a way to make the best of a bad situation. Any one who reads this post and wants to give me some decent advice is welcome. But if you just want to start trolling PLEASE JUST GO AWAY. I have enough problems as it is right now.
In any case, i've learned my lesson. No more Craigslist, no more Negri, no more Swappa. I'm just gonna pony up the money and get my phones directly from T-Mobile. The money I thought I was saving doesn't look like such a deal anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bad luck for you.
But i can tell you a thing or 2 about selling phone internationally.
your t-mobile fone can be used here in SEA region and for the N3 its probably multi band.so selling it internationally shouldn't be an issue for you.but you'll probably want to sell it at a huge discount.
from past experience,t-mobile's GSM frequency is the same as those in my country and i have no issues using T-mo fone here.my signature should tell you what t-mo fones i had.but i cannot say if the 4g band is the same though.so dun worry about the GSM band being compatible or not,that's the buyer's responsibility.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GSM_frequency_bands)
i am not sure if there is a way to sim unlock your fone without having to buy a unlock code(i noe the sensation 4g had a way to remove sim lock altogether),if you do find a way,there is no harm testing to see if you can still use the fone on other networks.
take it as a hard lesson learned bro but dun give up trying other ways to use your fone,i am pretty sure the journey is educational.like how i tried to make t-mo fones work in my country.
I might be wrong but its only blacklisted IMEI NUMBER? in UK its illegal to change it. But I think you end up selling it OK on ebay
with NO RETURNS OR REFUND!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
ultramag69 said:
Won't help.... Phone has been blacklisted...
Unless you can get the carrier to take it off the blacklist it won't be allowed to connect to any network in that country (theoretically)...
Just a thought though - if the phone hasn't been paid for to the carrier, it's on the blacklist and you are caught trying to use it, you may find yourself charged with possession of stolen goods... Unless you have a receipt that states it was sold to you. Either way though you will loose the phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I do have a receipt from both Paypal and Swappa. But I think would only work if it has been reported lost or stolen by the original owner. I don't think that's the case. T-Mobile said it was blocked for non-payment of EIP. Guess the guy just flipped the phone as soon as he signed the contract. People suck.
frostmore said:
bad luck for you.
But i can tell you a thing or 2 about selling phone internationally.
your t-mobile fone can be used here in SEA region and for the N3 its probably multi band.so selling it internationally shouldn't be an issue for you.but you'll probably want to sell it at a huge discount.
from past experience,t-mobile's GSM frequency is the same as those in my country and i have no issues using T-mo fone here.my signature should tell you what t-mo fones i had.but i cannot say if the 4g band is the same though.so dun worry about the GSM band being compatible or not,that's the buyer's responsibility.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GSM_frequency_bands)
i am not sure if there is a way to sim unlock your fone without having to buy a unlock code(i noe the sensation 4g had a way to remove sim lock altogether),if you do find a way,there is no harm testing to see if you can still use the fone on other networks.
take it as a hard lesson learned bro but dun give up trying other ways to use your fone,i am pretty sure the journey is educational.like how i tried to make t-mo fones work in my country.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, very educational. I used to buy my phone on Craigslist. I never once got scammed. But then Craigslist turned into Scam Central Station. So I went to Swappa because they use Paypal and I thought that would give me some protection. Turns out, the only way to ensure that you won't get a phone that will be blocked or blacklisted later is to get it directly from the source. It's turning out to be an expensive lesson. :crying:
How much of a discount do you normally get when you purchase a T-Mobile phone? I don't want to lose $200. It would make more sense to just get a cheap 4G phone and tether it to my Note 3 and use it as a little tablet.
jowett69 said:
I might be wrong but its only blacklisted IMEI NUMBER? in UK its illegal to change it. But I think you end up selling it OK on ebay
with NO RETURNS OR REFUND!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I would have to do it that way, but i'm worried now about losing too much money trying to sell it. If I sell it internationally, I don't see why I should lose that much, since the T-Mobile block only applies to the US.
Another option?
I really don't want to lose my $30 5GB plan. I've been looking on Amazon and saw that they have some cheap T-Mobile 4G phones like this Nokia Lumia 521: http://goo.gl/KgvOgR
My thought is, I can purchase that, tether my Note 3 to it and keep using it. 90% of what I do on my Note 3 is data/browsing, gaming, etc. So if I can tether to the Lumia, I guess it would work.
Any thoughts?
Was the Paypal transaction a credit card one? If so, I would contact them directly (you may have recourse for up to 3 months?). I use Paypal but always use my credit card to pay for items and never my bank account because Paypal will not stand behind the purchase if they have a way out.
FedUpx2 said:
Was the Paypal transaction a credit card one? If so, I would contact them directly (you may have recourse for up to 3 months?). I use Paypal but always use my credit card to pay for items and never my bank account because Paypal will not stand behind the purchase if they have a way out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, unfortunately, it was a bank account. Sigh...
UPDATE
So here's an update on my situation.
After considering my options, I ordered a Straight Talk AT&T sim card a few days ago. It was only $7 with free shipping, so I figured I might as well give it a try. It got here today, so I got Chainfire's RegionLock Away app and followed the instructions here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2471742) to unlock my Note 3 using the Straight Talk sim card. Didn't have a single problem getting it unlocked. Total cost to unlock ~ $10.
Once it was unlocked, I signed up for the $45 Straight Talk plan (which ends up around $50 with taxes/fees), and after a couple of reboots, I have service. The service seems pretty fast, but I don't want to do a speedtest because it's just a waste of my limited data allotment. It shows as being 4G LTE, but I don't know if that's the case.
So, I pay $20 more for half the data, and I have a Note 3 that is worth considerably less than what I paid for it only a couple of months ago on Swappa. I've definitely learned a valuable lesson here. But at least I have a working phone, so there's that.
Thanks for all of the suggestions guys.
That's awesome and glad you are able to use the phone normally.
Techngro said:
So here's an update on my situation.
After considering my options, I ordered a Straight Talk AT&T sim card a few days ago. It was only $7 with free shipping, so I figured I might as well give it a try. It got here today, so I got Chainfire's RegionLock Away app and followed the instructions here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2471742) to unlock my Note 3 using the Straight Talk sim card. Didn't have a single problem getting it unlocked. Total cost to unlock ~ $10.
Once it was unlocked, I signed up for the $45 Straight Talk plan (which ends up around $50 with taxes/fees), and after a couple of reboots, I have service. The service seems pretty fast, but I don't want to do a speedtest because it's just a waste of my limited data allotment. It shows as being 4G LTE, but I don't know if that's the case.
So, I pay $20 more for half the data, and I have a Note 3 that is worth considerably less than what I paid for it only a couple of months ago on Swappa. I've definitely learned a valuable lesson here. But at least I have a working phone, so there's that.
Thanks for all of the suggestions guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to hear about your problems. Even though a couple people had the same issue with phones from Negri Electronics, mine purchased from Negri still says that the IMEI is not recognized when checked and it works fine on T-Mobile or AT&T (tested with sister's T-Mobile SIM and daily use with AT&T grandfathered Unlimited) with LTE. I am very happy. T-Mobile was going to make me spend $791 + at least 45 days of unwanted service before I could even request an unlock and they have 7 days to respond (52 days of unwanted service?). That's not a deal.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
CZroe said:
Sorry to hear about your problems. Even though a couple people had the same issue with phones from Negri Electronics, mine purchased from Negri still says that the IMEI is not recognized when checked and it works fine on T-Mobile or AT&T (tested with sister's T-Mobile SIM and daily use with AT&T grandfathered Unlimited) with LTE. I am very happy. T-Mobile was going to make me spend $791 + at least 45 days of unwanted service before I could even request an unlock and they have 7 days to respond (52 days of unwanted service?). That's not a deal.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, i'm glad that Negri made someone happy. There were plenty of people on this forum who felt they were getting scammed by them and had to cancel preorders after waiting 3 weeks for a shipment that never happened.
You might feel you're getting a deal, and maybe you are, and i'm glad for you. But for me, as I said, I learned a very expensive lesson from my experiences with both Negri and Swappa. It's only a deal when it works out the way you want it to. When you get screwed like I did, it stops being a deal. Not only did my phone get blocked, I now pay more money for less service. The extra $100 in savings isn't worth the risk for me anymore.