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I am considering getting a Samsung Vibrant these days. There is one thing that bother me a lot.
I am a student from China. And I am getting a prepaid SIM from T-mobile without any kind of plan right now for the price reason.
I was wondering if I got a unlocked Samsung Vibrant from eBay and use it on the T-mobile network, do I have to pay for the data plan?
The thing is I owned a AT&T Fuze before and everything works fine on the T-mobile network except for the 3G. That's okay for me cuz I don't use 3G anyway. But there is one time that my friend who is on AT&T network borrow my Fuze for couple days, and AT&T just added the data plan for it automatically. My friend try to call the staff in AT&T and they said that since HTC Fuze is a smart phone from AT&T, it require a data plan so he cannot cancel it. And they can tell when he insert the SIM card and AT&T will get the IMEI from him automatically.
I just wondering will the same thing happen in T-mobile? 30$/month is way to much for me.
BTW, there is another question for you guys. There is a lot of unlocked Galaxy S on eBay, which is nice. I was wondering how they get it unlocked? Can I get them unlocked right in the "carrier shop"? Or there is other ways that I can get the unlocked code?
Thx you guys anyway for answering these questions. BIG HAPPY FACE
You might have to spoof the IMEI, you're in the same boat as my friend. He wants to use his old Sidekick plan with the phone but since's it's not a Sidekick he can't use the data at all because they know he's using a smart phone. Discussing IMEI's is not usually allowed on xda because it's illegal in some countries. I think that's your only solution though.
Wait a few months until the phone is more popular and you'll be able to easily find ways to spoof the IMEI. So far I have found none.
you have to have the android web spoofed or not. Without it TMO will lock you out of the market and mms
Sent from the best phone from TMO... Vibrant
as long as you use t mobile prepaid, you won't be charged for a data plan.
Why do you want to buy those expensive vibrants from ebay? I'd rather buy it from tmobile with 2 year contract, then cancel the plan and pay the ETF.
You can try to ask a t mobile online csr for the unlock code. Just tell him you will travel outside of us.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
neasoon said:
as long as you use t mobile prepaid, you won't be charged for a data plan.
Why do you want to buy those expensive vibrants from ebay? I'd rather buy it from tmobile with 2 year contract, then cancel the plan and pay the ETF.
You can try to ask a t mobile online csr for the unlock code. Just tell him you will travel outside of us.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
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Click to collapse
He said he is a student from china so I assume he does not have a SS# and without one he cannot sign up for a contract.
The best thing you can do OP is buy a Galaxy S i9000 off ebay. Tmobile only has the IMEI for the vibrants. That way you can pop your sim into the international version and they wont know.
Or get a sim card from mysimplemobile.com $60 a month for unlimited everything and it uses tmobile service. That is what I switched to and it works with my vibrant without an unlock.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
PathogenX said:
He said he is a student from china so I assume he does not have a SS# and without one he cannot sign up for a contract.
The best thing you can do OP is buy a Galaxy S i9000 off ebay. Tmobile only has the IMEI for the vibrants. That way you can pop your sim into the international version and they wont know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. You are right. I don't have the SSN right now so it's difficult for me to sign a contract.
The international version which is the i9000 is not bad. But I notice the price for the international version are significantly more expensive than the vibrant, for like 100-200$.
Anyway, thx for the suggestions.
j0eyred said:
Or get a sim card from mysimplemobile.com $60 a month for unlimited everything and it uses tmobile service. That is what I switched to and it works with my vibrant without an unlock.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
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Thank you for the suggestions. But 60$ still seems to be a lot for me.
So I might try to figure out another way to make it happen. lol
Im using the vibrant on tmo after upgrade. you can go online and remove the service. I paid for one month and canceled. you just change the type of phone to one not requiring android data plan ie a non android phone and it will let you remove it. I'm using it purely on wifi. just remember you will need it unlocked or w/ 3g to activate it initially or after wipe.
vnamee said:
Im using the vibrant on tmo after upgrade. you can go online and remove the service. I paid for one month and canceled. you just change the type of phone to one not requiring android data plan ie a non android phone and it will let you remove it. I'm using it purely on wifi. just remember you will need it unlocked or w/ 3g to activate it initially or after wipe.
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Ahh, Hmmm I paid the full 500 and today is the last day I can return mine. How much was the termination fee out of curiosity?
Another question, I have been using mine prepaid for almost a month now and TMO hasn't given me any trouble with it. (Aside from the reps in the store when I went to buy it).
Do you think I should bother to spoof my IMEI? Is that something that can get a fellow into trouble in this paranoid new world?
From what I've read everywhere else, it seems that TMO needs your business and won't give you any trouble using a prepaid sim in the phone. Whose to say that won't change in the future though.
lianglqufo said:
Thank you for the suggestions. But 60$ still seems to be a lot for me.
So I might try to figure out another way to make it happen. lol
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Click to collapse
You can usually get a contract from T-mob with your passport and your F1 student visa (assuming you're on a F1). You'll have to wait for about an hour in order for them to get approval from headquarters, but it works fine. Got my Vibrant that way, and while the charges are high at least you get unlimited data (as in really unlimited), so watching videos, listening to pandora and all that is a non-brainer..
djupp said:
You can usually get a contract from T-mob with your passport and your F1 student visa (assuming you're on a F1). You'll have to wait for about an hour in order for them to get approval from headquarters, but it works fine. Got my Vibrant that way, and while the charges are high at least you get unlimited data (as in really unlimited), so watching videos, listening to pandora and all that is a non-brainer..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh. I do have the F1 VISA with me. But I think I need to pay the deposit for don't have the SS#. At least my friend told me so.
SquareBare said:
Ahh, Hmmm I paid the full 500 and today is the last day I can return mine. How much was the termination fee out of curiosity?
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Click to collapse
That's the thing I don't understand. I paid $199 for my Vibrant on a 2-year contract. I have a $200 ETF, which means that I can cancel, and get the phone for $400. For a non-contract, I would have paid the full $500.
So what one can do is use the Even More for one month (which is +$10 from the Even More Plus). Then cancel, pay the ETF, and move to the same Even More Plus plan. Which would mean you would get no contract for $400.
Am I missing something?
cparekh said:
So what one can do is use the Even More for one month (which is +$10 from the Even More Plus). Then cancel, pay the ETF, and move to the same Even More Plus plan. Which would mean you would get no contract for $400.
Am I missing something?
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Click to collapse
is this really possible? amazon currently has the vibrant for $0.01 with a new contract. so in theory, one could sign a new contract, cancel and pay the ETF of $200, and get the phone for $200.01?? then sign up for an even more plus plan with no contract? (i also thought EM was $20/month more than EM+)
any input would be appreciated. this sounds too good to be true
You can buy a Vibrant and use it on prepaid you are just going to pay $500 for the phone. T-Mobile doesn't care they wont and can't charge you extra.
I would recommend checking out flexpay, you can get a monthly plan and get data if you want it. If not go with prepaid $15 a month gives you unlimited SMS and $0.10 a minute and just use wifi when you need data.
One last thing is do not recommend imei spoofing as its illegal here.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
lolcopter said:
is this really possible? amazon currently has the vibrant for $0.01 with a new contract. so in theory, one could sign a new contract, cancel and pay the ETF of $200, and get the phone for $200.01?? then sign up for an even more plus plan with no contract? (i also thought EM was $20/month more than EM+)
any input would be appreciated. this sounds too good to be true
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Click to collapse
If you cancel with amazon within 6 months you pay an added 250$ ETF to them. So it would be 450$ all day.
I got mine from costco for $99 and canceled for 200$ after ETF. So $300 total. You also get a free cheap case car charger and bluetooth from them. Oh and no activation fee.
Texted While Driving
sl0play said:
If you cancel with amazon within 6 months you pay an added 250$ ETF to them. So it would be 450$ all day.
I got mine from costco for $99 and canceled for 200$ after ETF. So $300 total. You also get a free cheap case car charger and bluetooth from them. Oh and no activation fee.
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nice. i'll look into something like this. i wonder if best buy / radioshack / car toys also have ETF fees of their own... (no costco membership for me)
I am kinda confused by this.
So I am in a stick situation here.
My parents have a family plan and I bought a Vibrant adding onto their Even More plan, which requires the $5 add a line and also $30 data plan. But I kinda think I don't really need data plan/3G cuz I am mostly home and don't quite use 3G unless I am not home, which isn't too often. $30 is a little money wasting, so I was thinking of just getting my phone without contract by paying $500 and just adding to my parents' Even More plan without data plan to save money.
But since I got my phone from Costco for $200 (when did this $99 deal start? I got mine a week ago...), does that mean I can just cancel and save money instead?
Important question though: Is it really true that there is no Android Market access without Tmo smartphone data plan? Why is this so? If so, is there any way of my getting away with it in my case?
Thanks,
FYI, if you have an F1 visa or any student visa you can do a contact with T-Mobile with no deposit and no ss#. This is something relatively new to t-mo. Just go to any corporate store location and they should be able to set it up for you. It takes about 45 minutes to process. That is the only down side.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
seojuhwan said:
Important question though: Is it really true that there is no Android Market access without Tmo smartphone data plan? Why is this so? If so, is there any way of my getting away with it in my case?
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I don't have a data plan, and I can access the Android Market just fine via WiFi. With Wifi at home and at work and most every place in between, the data plan is really pointless for me
Hey guys I know that the bill is cheaper bit searching I can not find anything current how much cheaper
BrianDigital said:
Hey guys I know that the bill is cheaper bit searching I can not find anything current how much cheaper
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's $20 per month cheaper IF you get your plan switched to the Even More Plus contract-free plan.
It's not cheaper automatically, as far as I know, if you're on a current contract rate and don't ask for the change...
distortedloop said:
It's $20 per month cheaper IF you get your plan switched to the Even More Plus contract-free plan.
It's not cheaper automatically, as far as I know, if you're on a current contract rate and don't ask for the change...
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Click to collapse
i would be coming into tmobile with no contract so it would not be cheaper
BrianDigital said:
i would be coming into tmobile with no contract so it would not be cheaper
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it would be cheaper.
If you're not currently a T-Mobile customer, and you buy the phone contract free and at an unsubsidized price, you can ask for the Even More Plus plan, and you will get a rate that is $20 per month cheaper than people who buy the phone for $199 with a two year contract pay per month.
The Even More Plus plan is not available online any more, you have to go into a T-Mo store and ask for it specifically... I'm not sure Best Buy can/will offer it to you.
What I did with my Nexus One was go into a T-Mo store and buy the sim card before my phone even came in, then just plugged the sim into the phone when it was delivered.
I pay $59.99/mo for 500 talk minutes, unlimited text and unlimited web AND I'm not tied to any contract (well other than the monthly contract). You still get free nights and weekends and all that good stuff.
No reason to not buy the phone at full price and unsubsidized, unless you don't want to fork over $580 all at once. In the long run it's a better deal.
irishrally said:
I pay $59.99/mo for 500 talk minutes, unlimited text and unlimited web AND I'm not tied to any contract (well other than the monthly contract). You still get free nights and weekends and all that good stuff.
No reason to not buy the phone at full price and unsubsidized, unless you don't want to fork over $580 all at once. In the long run it's a better deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This
also $59 off contract and when on contract it comes to $79
demo23019 said:
This
also $59 off contract and when on contract it comes to $79
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Click to collapse
Nice so the data only sim will be like thirty a month, On sprint I use about 60 minutes a month(data is another issue) and with gizmo5 and gv is going to be how I make my few random cell phone calls
distortedloop is correct; T-Mobile's pricing is such that plans are marginally less expensive if you are not on contract.
BrianDigital said:
Hey guys I know that the bill is cheaper bit searching I can not find anything current how much cheaper
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just so you know, ALL Nexus S's are sold unlocked. The word you're looking for is "unsubsidized", or full price.
People have been saying that Even More Plus (no contract) plans are $20/month cheaper than Even More (contract) plans. This is only partially true. The Phone+Text+Data plans are $20/month cheaper. Phone+Text (no data) plans, and data only plans, are $10/month cheaper.
The general Even More Plus plans are not available online (with the exception of the data only plan which I linked above). You'd need to go to a T-Mobile store (or call customer service) to get the general EM+ plan.
demo23019 said:
This
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+1, yes you will save in the long run
I was in a loyalty unlimited plan ($84.99) for 2 years with my G1. Wanted to save more in the long run so I opted for the "non-contract" Even More Plus Plan ($59.99). I had to call Customer Care to be able to change my loyalty unlimited plan. So in 2 years similar to signing a 2 year cotnract, I save $250.
Like others suggested, buy the sim card for the Even More "Plus" plan for $59.99
and just buy the phone outright.
Even More Plus is really only beneficial for single lines. If you have more than one, it's not worth it.
HotShotAzn said:
Even More Plus is really only beneficial for single lines. If you have more than one, it's not worth it.
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Why's that? The cheapest Talk+Text+UnlWeb family plan is $30/month cheaper on EM+ than on EM. And the savings increast with the higher-minute plans.
where are you guys seeing EMP plans? i thought t-mobile got rid of them, i certainly can't find it on their site.
I'm still in contract with my G1 plan. $79.99 with unlimited talk/text/data.
bcl0328 said:
where are you guys seeing EMP plans? i thought t-mobile got rid of them, i certainly can't find it on their site.
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they don't, you have to call Customer Care and ask for it, I believe they are being phased out
Nexus MC said:
they don't, you have to call Customer Care and ask for it, I believe they are being phased out
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I work at a T-Mobile COR store and this seems to be the plan in the next few months.
ichan444 said:
I work at a T-Mobile COR store and this seems to be the plan in the next few months.
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I'm actually surprised that T-Mobile is still offering it. I would have thought they stopped offering them as of now.
ravidavi said:
Why's that? The cheapest Talk+Text+UnlWeb family plan is $30/month cheaper on EM+ than on EM. And the savings increast with the higher-minute plans.
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Click to collapse
Current Plan:
Even More 1500: $79.99
Data Plan (2): $40
Unlimited Family Messaging: $20
Two phones: Free til 2012
Total: $140
Even More Plus 1500: $119.99
Data Plan (2): Included
Unlimited Family Messaging: Included
Two phones: $10
Total: $130.00
That's only $10 a month cheaper for EMP. When I have to start paying the other two lines, it'll be $20 a month cheaper...which is the general consensus that EMP saves ($20/month).
$20 a month for 22 months = $440.
Now go to upgrade your phones. I need two smart phones and two regular phones.
Even more: Free (2 Vibrants, 2 Gravity T)
Even more plus: 2 Vibrants at retail ($400? each) and 2 Gravity T at retail ($175? each) = $1150 (this may be a high estimate) - $440 (savings) = $710
The difference I save each month on EMP does not offset the price I have to pay to buy phones outright.
BrianDigital said:
Nice so the data only sim will be like thirty a month, On sprint I use about 60 minutes a month(data is another issue) and with gizmo5 and gv is going to be how I make my few random cell phone calls
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Data only sim is $50. It used to be $30
HotShotAzn said:
Current Plan:
Even More 1500: $79.99
Data Plan (2): $40
Unlimited Family Messaging: $20
Two phones: Free til 2012
Total: $140
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Click to collapse
I must be missing something. On T-Mobile's website, the EM1500 plan with unlimited txt + data is $160/month. Is your plan maybe part of some special? Or do you have 4 of the $10/month (200MB cap) data plans?
From your description, it's tough to tell whether you have 4 lines or 2 (since you say "once I have to start paying for 2 lines").
I realize we're kinda sidetracking the main thread here ... I'm just curious about your plan for some reason.
So I just purchased and am awaiting a DVP BNIB for $200 which I think is a decent deal. The more I read, the more worried I become. I am familar with WP7 I have owned an HD7 and currently have an Arrive, but my concern is that I read in a few places that the DVP doesn't support T-Mo prepaid. Can anyone please confirm or deny this??? Thank you so much.
Denied...
I'm using mine on Simple Mobile which uses t-mo's network and it runs fine. The only unsupported items are call forwarding and visual voicemail which wouldn't be supported on t-mo prepaid anyway.
Just assume from now on that all phones that support the network you are trying to use the prepaid service on, support the said prepaid service. so any TMO phone that is certified as one, will support TMO's prepaid service.
Thank you both.
Yes! Using DVP on T-mobile's $30 walmart plan, 100 minutes, unlimited text and unlimited web (5GB at 4G speed).
Just activated my DVP on Simple Mobile today. Everything looks fine so far. One nice little bonus I didn't expect is that there are no taxes or fees on the $40 Unlimited plan.
MikeDupp said:
Just activated my DVP on Simple Mobile today. Everything looks fine so far. One nice little bonus I didn't expect is that there are no taxes or fees on the $40 Unlimited plan.
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Can you run a speed test? I was contemplating switching to that plan but it is a well known fact that Simple Mobile throttles the speed on that plan to 119 kbps. You can force the phone to edge to get a little faster speed. I stuck with the $60 plan because of that. My wife has the AT&T HTC Fuze. Since it can only use edge on T-mo's network, I got her the $40 plan.
Also, you can go to online stores like callingmart that have discount promos every month and reduce it even further. I have 2 lines ($60 plan and $40 plan) and with 5% off, I pay only $95 every month!
kimo_kris said:
Yes! Using DVP on T-mobile's $30 walmart plan, 100 minutes, unlimited text and unlimited web (5GB at 4G speed).
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Click to collapse
This was my plan.
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
crav4speed said:
Can you run a speed test? I was contemplating switching to that plan but it is a well known fact that Simple Mobile throttles the speed on that plan to 119 kbps. You can force the phone to edge to get a little faster speed. I stuck with the $60 plan because of that. My wife has the AT&T HTC Fuze. Since it can only use edge on T-mo's network, I got her the $40 plan.
Also, you can go to online stores like callingmart that have discount promos every month and reduce it even further. I have 2 lines ($60 plan and $40 plan) and with 5% off, I pay only $95 every month!
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Click to collapse
Is that really a good deal? T-Mo is offering $49.99 for unlimited talk+text+data (2GB). Or you can go even lower with monthly plans depending on your needs for texting etc.
tai4de2 said:
Is that really a good deal? T-Mo is offering $49.99 for unlimited talk+text+data (2GB). Or you can go even lower with monthly plans depending on your needs for texting etc.
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That is an excellent deal considering I live in New York City. NYC has the the third highest cell phone taxes in the country at almost 25%. If you were to get any postpaid plans, I would have to add 25% on top of it. So, 2 lines at $49.99 would cost me approximately $125 a month. At $30/month, I'm saving $720 just in taxes over a two year contract period!!
abowlby said:
This was my plan.
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
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I switched from the $40 Simple Mobile plan since the 3G is quite slow for streaming music escpecially now that Mango offers streaming in the background. Viewing pictures on facebook also takes a while. They also don't support subscription to machine-generated text messages. With the $30 T-Mo plan, you get 4G speeds for up to 5GB. Sweet!
After a week on the Simple Mobile $40 3G plan, I have to say it's not such a great deal. The Voice and texting are fine but the data is pretty bad. It is capped at Edge speeds and I have problems connecting even when I show 5 full bars and the 3G icon. Fortunately, I average less than 100 minutes of calls per month, so the $30 "Walmart" plan on T-Mo pre-paid should be perfect for me. I will be signing up for that after my 30 days with Simple expire in December.
MikeDupp said:
After a week on the Simple Mobile $40 3G plan, I have to say it's not such a great deal. The Voice and texting are fine but the data is pretty bad. It is capped at Edge speeds and I have problems connecting even when I show 5 full bars and the 3G icon. Fortunately, I average less than 100 minutes of calls per month, so the $30 "Walmart" plan on T-Mo pre-paid should be perfect for me. I will be signing up for that after my 30 days with Simple expire in December.
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Mike I'm using the TMo plan. It works like a charm and data is very acceptable.
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
I am definitely planning on trying that T-Mo plan as soon as my 30 days are up with Simple. Fortunately, I never come close to using 100 talk minutes a month, so it really sounds like the perfect plan for me. The only thing that has me a bit confused are the billing/payment options. I would prefer to keep a credit card on file with them and have them take the $30 out automatically every month. From what I read about the plan on the howard forums, most people seem to use those pre-paid cards to re-up every month. That sounds like it would be a bit of a hassle to do it that way.
MikeDupp said:
I am definitely planning on trying that T-Mo plan as soon as my 30 days are up with Simple. Fortunately, I never come close to using 100 talk minutes a month, so it really sounds like the perfect plan for me. The only thing that has me a bit confused are the billing/payment options. I would prefer to keep a credit card on file with them and have them take the $30 out automatically every month. From what I read about the plan on the howard forums, most people seem to use those pre-paid cards to re-up every month. That sounds like it would be a bit of a hassle to do it that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, per my mileage, the prepaid card didn't work for me. So, I had to use a debit card. It works. Set up is easy.
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
hello xda member which us carrier are you guys choosing
i live in NJ and like most people i just wanna get a cheap plan with unlimited data i hardly talk i just text and use the internet etc..
1 what is the cheapest plan that tmobile offer with the galaxy note 2 and does any body know how much will is the retail price of the galaxy note 2.
i wish they will bring it out b4 black friday
I thought about going to T-mobile, until I saw most of their coverage is 2g. So I'll be sticking with my unlimited AT&T plan.
mrej201 said:
so guys in united stated which carrier are you guys going to choose
idk which to choose tmobile or sprint ot att or verizon which is too expensive
does any one know if the note 2 on tmobile can go on the 50 dollar plan
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Click to collapse
If you get it on T-Mobile, you can use it with whichever plan you want. T-Mobile doesn't care where you buy the phone or that you don't have a "data-plan". To get it subsidized though, you'd need to get a classic plan which will cost more than their value plans (I'd personally buy the phone at retail price and then go on their value plan)
SchusterIX said:
I thought about going to T-mobile, until I saw most of their coverage is 2g. So I'll be sticking with my unlimited AT&T plan.
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SchusterIX, true, but it also depends on where you stay. I spend 99% of my time in metropolitan areas (Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay and Seattle), so for me all 4 carriers have 4G wherever it matters. However, I could see why one would choose another carrier over T-Mobile as in less populated areas they do lack coverage (but they are cheaper, ie. if I were on Verizon, my plan would be double what it is now)
achusaysblessyou said:
If you get it on T-Mobile, you can use it with whichever plan you want. T-Mobile doesn't care where you buy the phone or that you don't have a "data-plan". To get it subsidized though, you'd need to get a classic plan which will cost more than their value plans (I'd personally buy the phone at retail price and then go on their value plan)
SchusterIX, true, but it also depends on where you stay. I spend 99% of my time in metropolitan areas (Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay and Seattle), so for me all 4 carriers have 4G wherever it matters. However, I could see why one would choose another carrier over T-Mobile as in less populated areas they do lack coverage (but they are cheaper, ie. if I were on Verizon, my plan would be double what it is now)
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Just curious what the Note2 would cost on T-Mobile value plan service compared to others..? -Thnx
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1931064
achusaysblessyou said:
If you get it on T-Mobile, you can use it with whichever plan you want. T-Mobile doesn't care where you buy the phone or that you don't have a "data-plan". To get it subsidized though, you'd need to get a classic plan which will cost more than their value plans (I'd personally buy the phone at retail price and then go on their value plan)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get it for a down payment and $20 per month while on a value plan. It still turns out cheaper than a subsidized one on a classic plan in the long run.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
jlczl said:
You can get it for a down payment and $20 per month while on a value plan. It still turns out cheaper than a subsidized one on a classic plan in the long run.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
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contract free right
Value plan is still contract. Though you pay retail for the phone you can use EIP.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
SMARTPHONEPC said:
Just curious what the Note2 would cost on T-Mobile value plan service compared to others..? -Thnx
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1931064
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Click to collapse
Value plan is just a 2 year contract plan without any free phone. If you want a phone, you can pay a down payment and $20 over the next 24 months or pay off the $480 all at one with the down payment (as said below, but the down payment varies per phone so... ymmv). I plan on buying mines outright for probably $650 + tax
jlczl said:
You can get it for a down payment and $20 per month while on a value plan. It still turns out cheaper than a subsidized one on a classic plan in the long run.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
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Click to collapse
The price of the phone + value plan is cheaper than the price of the phone + classic plan true, but that's because the classic plan costs more than the cost of the phone over 24 months. (although if you can get retentions and get some discounts, it could possibly be even or save you a bit on classic if you have multiple lines with data, etc)
mrej201 said:
contract free right
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Value plans require a 2 year contract (and they do charge ETF). It's just cheaper because you get no subsidized phone.
Tidbits said:
Value plan is still contract. Though you pay retail for the phone you can use EIP.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
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Yep, or you can get on the contract price, although in the magenta day deals, you could get a SGS3 for $400 with a new value plan since they gave you a rebate for the down payment and you only needed to pay $20 over $20 month, but that's over now.
Here's my $.02. I am buying the Note II unlocked, probably for around $500 (I always get my phones from Craigslist cause I can get the best deal). I use T-Mobile's $30 Walmart plan (no contract of course). It gives me 100 minutes, unlimited text/mms and Unlimited (i.e. 5GB) of 4G (I live in NYC and consistently get ~14 Mbps down, ~3 Mbps up). That is perfect for me, because I hardly talk on the phone.
So you might want to consider that plan if you can swing not talking that much. I think you said you live in Jersey, so you shouldn't have any problem getting good 4G speeds there. I spend a lot of time in Newark and I never have any problems with T-mos network there.
Techngro said:
Here's my $.02. I am buying the Note II unlocked, probably for around $500 (I always get my phones from Craigslist cause I can get the best deal). I use T-Mobile's $30 Walmart plan (no contract of course). It gives me 100 minutes, unlimited text/mms and Unlimited (i.e. 5GB) of 4G (I live in NYC and consistently get ~14 Mbps down, ~3 Mbps up). That is perfect for me, because I hardly talk on the phone.
So you might want to consider that plan if you can swing not talking that much. I think you said you live in Jersey, so you shouldn't have any problem getting good 4G speeds there. I spend a lot of time in Newark and I never have any problems with T-mos network there.
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I dunno, for $150 more I'd go with an actual warranty + less risk of a blocked IMEI (people buy phones on contract just to sell it then they never pay their bills, so your phone might work for a month or two, but then T-Mobile will block the IMEI rendering the phone useless).
I mean if you're going to spend this much on a phone... why not buy it new anyways. Not that I'm against buying from Craigslist, I've gotten all my previous phones off Craigslist, N900, myTouch 4G Slide, G2x, Sensation, etc. It's just that those phones cost ~$200-$300 so the risk was lower than $500...
achusaysblessyou said:
SchusterIX, true, but it also depends on where you stay. I spend 99% of my time in metropolitan areas (Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay and Seattle), so for me all 4 carriers have 4G wherever it matters. However, I could see why one would choose another carrier over T-Mobile as in less populated areas they do lack coverage (but they are cheaper, ie. if I were on Verizon, my plan would be double what it is now)
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Yeah, if you are covered and don't travel, at all, T-Mobile is fine. But I think that I'd really want at least 3g while traveling, whether it's from cincinnati to chicago or from cin to montreal, i'd like my data. I do I could go to T-mobile, atm I have no signal in my apartment...hoping this phone will have it though.
achusaysblessyou said:
I dunno, for $150 more I'd go with an actual warranty + less risk of a blocked IMEI (people buy phones on contract just to sell it then they never pay their bills, so your phone might work for a month or two, but then T-Mobile will block the IMEI rendering the phone useless).
I mean if you're going to spend this much on a phone... why not buy it new anyways. Not that I'm against buying from Craigslist, I've gotten all my previous phones off Craigslist, N900, myTouch 4G Slide, G2x, Sensation, etc. It's just that those phones cost ~$200-$300 so the risk was lower than $500...
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I never knew about the IMEI blocking issue. I have been buying phones on CL for years without having any problems. I guess I was lucky. I think i'll still get mine from there, but i'll be more cautious and make sure I meet in a T-Mobile store so they can tell me which plan they have and if the phone could possibly be blocked in the future.
Thanks for the info.
Techngro said:
I never knew about the IMEI blocking issue. I have been buying phones on CL for years without having any problems. I guess I was lucky. I think i'll still get mine from there, but i'll be more cautious and make sure I meet in a T-Mobile store so they can tell me which plan they have and if the phone could possibly be blocked in the future.
Thanks for the info.
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Any phone can be blocked sadly, and even if you meet in a T-Mobile store to check out the IMEI, if the person doesn't pay their plan etc, then it could be blocked in the future. It's never happened to me, but it usually happens when the phone is new (so the person can make a quick sell for as much money as possible). I guess just use your best judgement, maybe ask them why they're selling the phone, no pain no gain right?
achusaysblessyou said:
Any phone can be blocked sadly, and even if you meet in a T-Mobile store to check out the IMEI, if the person doesn't pay their plan etc, then it could be blocked in the future. It's never happened to me, but it usually happens when the phone is new (so the person can make a quick sell for as much money as possible). I guess just use your best judgement, maybe ask them why they're selling the phone, no pain no gain right?
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Right on.
As for the OP, have you made any progress in deciding which carrier to go with? I have realized lately (since I broke my phone and haven't had one for about two weeks now) that I could really get by with just a data only plan. I only use like 20 minutes per month and use Google Voice for all of my texts, which is how I communicate mostly anyway. I wonder why there aren't any data only plans yet.
Techngro said:
Right on.
As for the OP, have you made any progress in deciding which carrier to go with? I have realized lately (since I broke my phone and haven't had one for about two weeks now) that I could really get by with just a data only plan. I only use like 20 minutes per month and use Google Voice for all of my texts, which is how I communicate mostly anyway. I wonder why there aren't any data only plans yet.
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You sound like the perfect candidate for the $30 pre-paid plan from T-Mobile that gives you 100 minutes, unlimited texts, and unlimited data (throttle to EDGE after 5GB).
http://slickdeals.net/f/3377172-T-M...-5GB-Data-100-Voice-Mins-New-Activation-Only?
achusaysblessyou said:
You sound like the perfect candidate for the $30 pre-paid plan from T-Mobile that gives you 100 minutes, unlimited texts, and unlimited data (throttle to EDGE after 5GB).
http://slickdeals.net/f/3377172-T-M...-5GB-Data-100-Voice-Mins-New-Activation-Only?
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OK, I have Verizon and I use just over 2 gigs a month so my question is... Does Verizon throttle like T-Mobile after 5 Gigs ? I never noticed that issue yet. And, BTW, Anyone here use straight talk with the verizon hook-up ? I might look into that deal.
fwhomeboy said:
OK, I have Verizon and I use just over 2 gigs a month so my question is... Does Verizon throttle like T-Mobile after 5 Gigs ? I never noticed that issue yet. And, BTW, Anyone here use straight talk with the verizon hook-up ? I might look into that deal.
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3G devices sort off. 4G devices no(block C rules). That's if you have unlimited. Thought June 29, 2014 could be the end of all Verizon unlimited plans.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Techngro said:
Right on.
As for the OP, have you made any progress in deciding which carrier to go with? I have realized lately (since I broke my phone and haven't had one for about two weeks now) that I could really get by with just a data only plan. I only use like 20 minutes per month and use Google Voice for all of my texts, which is how I communicate mostly anyway. I wonder why there aren't any data only plans yet.
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to tell you the truth i wanna get tmobie because i wanna get warranty if not just buy the phone from wirefly and get phone covare with then
fwhomeboy said:
OK, I have Verizon and I use just over 2 gigs a month so my question is... Does Verizon throttle like T-Mobile after 5 Gigs ? I never noticed that issue yet. And, BTW, Anyone here use straight talk with the verizon hook-up ? I might look into that deal.
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As far as i know, no. Verizon has tiered data plans so once you hit 2GB. They shut off your data for the rest of the month, then I think you can buy liek 1GB for like $15 or something (not sure). Same for AT&T only T-Mobile has this type of "unlimited" data plan where you technically get unlimited data, but the 4G data is limited to 2GB/5GB. Or you can always pay $20 on a value plan for unlimited data 4G data or $30 on a classic plan for the same unlimited data (tmobile of course).
If I am getting the Note II (which depends especially on the presence of Paranoid Android), it will be the GT-N7100 for sure. I don't want any kind of carrier branding or any interference by such a company - if there is a problem I prefer to deal directly with the manufacturer.
Since I am using Straight Talk with my N7000 I will just cut the SIM to micro size and move over.
I don't have any interest in a carrier branded Note II, it should be completely unlocked and clean. My experience with branding is very negative and that basically eliminate the US versions completely (since the only choice is between bloatware and bloatware or between being vendor locked-in with CDMA or following a more open approach with GSM/UMTS/LTE but with bloatware).
It is unfortunate that the N7100 seems to lack pentaband, otherwise T-Mobiles prepaid plan could be interesting. I am not going to get a T-Mobile branded device just in order to use that plan (and pay an elevated "full retail" price, that's for sure.
If I finally decides to get the N7100, I will try to buy a 32 GB or 64 GB version when I visit Sweden.
Perhaps the N7105 if it is available can be on my list - I can then use LTE when I visit Europe. I am not interested in US LTE at all since I don't see any reason to pay $100 per month for a contract with horrible 2 GB of data when I know that Swedish carriers offers 10 GB for $50. Yes, that's right. 10 GB of data and 3000 free texts - and you can use the $50 for calls.
The whole contract ends at $50. No taxes and fees on top of that. Just $50 including the 3000 texts, 10 GB of data and the minute rate means approximately 1000-1200 minutes included. Compare it with the US contracts........
This mean that I find the US prices totally unacceptable to me - LTE with 2 GB of data is what I consider pathetic. Useless simply put. It is like having a car that offers a normal speed of 150 mph with a range of 10 miles. Nice to run quickly for 10 miles but still completely useless.
LTE is normally for streaming etc and 2 GB is simply inadequate. 10 GB of data on a US carrier is horrendous. Verizon charges $100 for it plus $40 for the smartphone. Excluding taxes and fees. That is approximately 3 times more expensive.
It is funny to see the carriers promote Netflix - I don't dare to think about the cost for streaming 10 full-length movies in SD quality - even less HD quality.
So my interest for having LTE in the US is absolutely zero as long as the prices for data is outrageous.
Getting the N7100 and put Straight Talk or Net10 (they offers BYOD now) is a no-brainer to me.
Edit: A question to those that mention LTE as an important factor in the US:
What are you doing with the device? Are you streaming videos from Netflix? Spotify in high quality?
I used the Verizon data calculator and put in normal multimedia use of those services paired with web browsing, uploading of pictures with Dropbox etc: 30 GB. That's right. 30 GB per month for LTE-optimized use.
I don't see any reason to pay premium for LTE when the data caps and limits are so low that proper use is blocked.
I tried to take advantage of it and for the offer to be valid you need a 2 year contract which can only be done when purchasing device from AT&T which they will never sell this device.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4
jasunto said:
I tried to take advantage of it and for the offer to be valid you need a 2 year contract which can only be done when purchasing device from AT&T which they will never sell this device.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4
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I walked into an AT&T store and they offered this plan. They said it had nothing to do with the device, it would work on any 2 year contract.
They offered me their Mobile Share plan, with steep discounts, e.g. corporate, new account, etc. There is about 10% extra taxes and fees on any Mobile Share plan, but prepaid is flat rate (prepaid $30 plan is exactly $30). I still turned it down because AT&T does not offer tethering with their tablet data only plans, in my opinion they dropped the ball with Google by disabling tethering. We should not have to hack our Framework-foo.apk to re-enable tethering on an AT&T data plan. I told them I was using T-Mobile and tethering instead.
The advantage of Mobile Share is higher priority on towers in congested areas. The disadvantage is higher cost over prepaid for similar data amount. Plus I have not read about anybody that activated a DataConnect prepaid or Mobile Share using the correct IMEI with resulting LTE service. I choose not to believe it (LTE) service until I see it. Yet you can go in the store and they will hack your IMEI (with false value or false account info) to enable LTE service. In my opinion this unprofessional behavior is not *optimal* (LOL).
AT&T has lots of issues with the new Nexus 7 4G/LTE but I think the $100 discount is not an issue - if you are willing to walk into an AT&T store. Good luck.
I did. Already have mobile share plan. Wasn't starting one.
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jasunto said:
I did. Already have mobile share plan. Wasn't starting one.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4
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On Google Play it states: "Special Offer from AT&T: Through December 31, 2013 receive a $100 AT&T bill credit by signing a 2 year service agreement on qualified postpaid standalone or Mobile Share plans. Activate on device, visit an AT&T store or call 1-800-908-9859 to take advantage of this offer.*
I'm not sure what is "postpaid standalone" plan, unless they mean Individual Plan, e.g. this link. But, comparing Individual to Shared you get 1GB less on same data limit as Mobile Share.
Bad deal for you already on Mobile Share. So $100 credit on Individual Plan loses you 1GB ($10) per month for 24 months. The $100 credit costs $10 * 24 = $240 dollars. This type of *credit offer* is only possible with AT&T. Plus no tethering enforced by Google, unlike the competition.
But, I think the AT&T store manager has some flexibility. One offered me ~20% discount on service, which is still a bad deal unless its a ~20% discount on your entire bill. Really sounds like a bad deal, especially without tethering, so I walked out of AT&T.
Thanks for the info. I understand.
Update:
Thanks da_ferreira for the info below. Great explanation.
I realize if you are simply adding the tablet to an existing MobileShare plan with data there is a $10/month AT&T fee. So, for a 2 year contract ($240 commitment) you will get a $100 credit. Better than nothing, since AT&T charges an extra fee to use additional devices on the same data plan. Most people will agree using a tablet with its own SIM is better than tethering a wi-fi tablet, or similar configuration. My friends had problems with AT&T cable billing, so I hope the AT&T wireless people follow through with your $200 credit.
The $100 credit is a good deal "if you have the extra data" available on an existing MobileShare plan. If you need to purchase additional data it really takes some thought. The options are expanding an existing data plan or buying it directly. If you are buying it directly on an Individual Plan you might be losing 1GB ($10) per month for a 2 year contract, as compared to MobileShare rates.
I did not have existing MobileShare so the Individual Plan was a bad deal for me.
Hmmm...
FWIW, I went to an AT&T store to get my SIM and add the Nexus to an existing MobileShare plan. At the same time, we replaced my wife's Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 with another Nexus and got the SIM for that (same MobileShare plan). The Samsung tablet was not on any contract.
The store waived activation on my device, signed my device up on the MobileShare plan for $10 per month (4 phones and 1 tablet share 20 gig per month on the plan - well, now 2 tablets) and gave us the SIM for my wife's Nexus. When we walked out, agreeing to 2 year contracts on both tablets and taking home $200 in credits. Yeah, it takes 60 days for the credit to appear, but in December I should have a tiny bill.
For me, this was a good deal. Maybe not for all, but since I hate tethering, it solves all my problems.