I am from Israel and I am coming to the States on the next Monday. I need a sim with unlimited data, and about 100 minutes of talk and some messages.. I also need wifi tethring option to tether my tablet and laptop. I cant decide which carrier to choose. T mobile daily plan sounds nice but there are others like h2o, net10... Any suggestions?
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk 2
I would get the T-Mobile $30 unlimited data and texting with 100 minutes. The $3 a day plan is also a good option if you're going to use under 200MB a day.
All the plans AT&T MVNO's(H2o, Red Pocket, etc) have low data allowances and cost more than T-Mobile.
AT&T has 250 minutes and unlimited texting for $25 a month. You can add data for $25 a GB.
bar_rodoy said:
I am from Israel and I am coming to the States on the next Monday. I need a sim with unlimited data, and about 100 minutes of talk and some messages.. I also need wifi tethring option to tether my tablet and laptop. I cant decide which carrier to choose. T mobile daily plan sounds nice but there are others like h2o, net10... Any suggestions?
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk 2
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You should make sure your phone supports the AWS band (also known as band IV) for 3G before going on T-Mobile or band II or V for AT&T 3G.
T-Mobile checks UA string to detect tethering, so you will need to spoof it in your browser settings to get around it. Not sure about AT&T or any MVNO, however.
Would strongly suggest T-Mobile if your phone supports it and you plan to stay in a metro area. Otherwise, go with an AT&T MVNO.
While I have not had any experience with T-Mobile, all of my past experience with AT&T has been horrid. I would not recommend them for prepaid or postpaid usage
Rikairchy said:
While I have not had any experience with T-Mobile, all of my past experience with AT&T has been horrid. I would not recommend them for prepaid or postpaid usage
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As much as I would agree (I hate calling people who I know are on AT&T because the calls drop frequently), T-Mobile's 3G coverage is much smaller than AT&T's 3G coverage - leaving AT&T as the only GSM option in some areas. That said, if you spend most of your time in or around major cities, T-Mobile is superior both on performance and price.
I have LG P500, it has quad band and tri band.. should it work with T Mobile? I will be in major cities like NYC, Philly, DC...
bar_rodoy said:
I have LG P500, it has quad band and tri band.. should it work with T Mobile? I will be in major cities like NYC, Philly, DC...
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You won't be able to get 3G from any US carrier with that phone. It supports 900 / 2100 for 3G and none of the networks over here support those 3G frequencies.
You'll be on 2G no matter which carrier you choose.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
Mr.Mischief said:
You won't be able to get 3G from any US carrier with that phone. It supports 900 / 2100 for 3G and none of the networks over here support those 3G frequencies.
You'll be on 2G no matter which carrier you choose.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
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From what I know, T mobile uses 2100 MHZ...
By the way, how about Motorola Milestone 2?
bar_rodoy said:
From what I know, T mobile uses 2100 MHZ...
By the way, how about Motorola Milestone 2?
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Nope. T-Mobile uses 1700/2100 together. You can't just use 2100 on T-Mobile.
The international Milestone has the same bands as your P500. The US Milestone supports AT&T 3G.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
Mr.Mischief said:
I would get the T-Mobile $30 unlimited data and texting with 100 minutes. The $3 a day plan is also a good option if you're going to use under 200MB a day.
All the plans AT&T MVNO's(H2o, Red Pocket, etc) have low data allowances and cost more than T-Mobile.
AT&T has 250 minutes and unlimited texting for $25 a month. You can add data for $25 a GB.
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The problem with the T-Mobile $30 unlimited data (up to 5Gb) plan is you won't be able to use any data on Edge and they don't really have 4G anywhere unless your phone does WCDMA on 1700Mhz then it will work at T-Mobile stores but that's all. You will need a newer Samsung Galaxy S2 or S3 phone to take advantage of 3G service on T-Mobile.
stevec5000 said:
The problem with the T-Mobile $30 unlimited data (up to 5Gb) plan is you won't be able to use any data on Edge and they don't really have 4G anywhere unless your phone does WCDMA on 1700Mhz then it will work at T-Mobile stores but that's all. You will need a newer Samsung Galaxy S2 or S3 phone to take advantage of 3G service on T-Mobile.
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When the OP made the thread and mentioned T-Mobile, I figured he had a T-Mobile compatible phone. If you reqd the post above, you'd see I pointed out that T-Mobile 3G/4G wouldn't work on his phone.
But, don't have to be at a T-Mobile store to get 4G. That's absurd. Also, there's no need for a new T-Mobile phone to get fast data, any T-Mobile 3G phone will work.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Mr.Mischief said:
When the OP made the thread and mentioned T-Mobile, I figured he had a T-Mobile compatible phone. If you reqd the post above, you'd see I pointed out that T-Mobile 3G/4G wouldn't work on his phone.
But, don't have to be at a T-Mobile store to get 4G. That's absurd. Also, there's no need for a new T-Mobile phone to get fast data, any T-Mobile 3G phone will work.
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I disagree, it may sound absurd until you realize they don't really have any 4G network anyplace but they need service inside the stores so they can display the phones working. In the Phoenix, Mesa and Scottsdale areas the only place you can get 4G on T-Mobil is in or near the T-Mobil stores where they have a 5 bar signal. They claim they aren't using an amp or anything but if you leave the store and go down the street a few blocks there's no signal and it's not available anywhere else.
As for saying "any T-Mobile 3G phone will work" you know they haven't sold 3G phones since 2010, right? None of the new Samsung 4G phones can get 3G either, at least none of the ones I looked at in the store could get it since they don't have an option for HSPA or HSPA+, just GSM and WCDMA with nothing in between.
stevec5000 said:
I disagree, it may sound absurd until you realize they don't really have any 4G network anyplace but they need service inside the stores so they can display the phones working. In the Phoenix, Mesa and Scottsdale areas the only place you can get 4G on T-Mobil is in or near the T-Mobil stores where they have a 5 bar signal. They claim they aren't using an amp or anything but if you leave the store and go down the street a few blocks there's no signal and it's not available anywhere else.
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Tinfoil hat much? Nuff said.
I get T-Mobile 4G all over Alabama, miles away from the T-Mobile store. I also travel yearly to TN, LA, MI, and GA, and I get T-Mobile 4G in those states as well.
stevec5000 said:
As for saying "any T-Mobile 3G phone will work" you know they haven't sold 3G phones since 2010, right? None of the new Samsung 4G phones can get 3G either, at least none of the ones I looked at in the store could get it since they don't have an option for HSPA or HSPA+, just GSM and WCDMA with nothing in between.
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All T-Mobile smartphones phones are capable of 3G. You confusing T-Mobile 4G with LTE. T-Mobile doesn't have LTE, and their 4G network is nothing more than fast 3G. The icon in the corner of your screen might only show 4G, but there are many instances where it's actually getting 3G I get 3G with my Galaxy Nexus on T-Mobile.
You really need to do some serious research.
Lets try and keep this on topic of the thread bout sim card and not go off about how good the actual networks are etc.
The fact of the matter is, you'll only get 3G/4G (HSPA+) on AT&T and AT&T MNVO's. If OP needs fast data, I'd recommend a Straight Talk AT&T-Compatible SIM from http://straighttalk.com. It's $50 for a month of unlimited everything (just don't go too crazy with data). When you fill in the APN, ignore any proxy fields except for "MMS Proxy".
Product F(RED) said:
The fact of the matter is, you'll only get 3G/4G (HSPA+) on AT&T and AT&T MNVO's. If OP needs fast data, I'd recommend a Straight Talk AT&T-Compatible SIM from http://straighttalk.com. It's $50 for a month of unlimited everything (just don't go too crazy with data). When you fill in the APN, ignore any proxy fields except for "MMS Proxy".
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His phone runs on 900MHz and 2100MHz, doesn't AT&T 3G run on 850MHz and 1900MHz?
Oh wow, he has some funky frequencies. He'll need a different phone for 3G/4G on any network then. Basic functions and EDGE should work though.
Hey guys. I Have a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (SGH-I317M) and for some reason it fluctuates between HSPA+ and 3G signals rather than LTE. The device is originally locked to Rogers but I unlocked it and am now using it with MTS. I am running on jelly bean 4. 1.2 and CleanRom 4.0.5. Anybody have any ideas as to why I'm not getting LTE?
KR3W said:
Hey guys. I Have a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (SGH-I317M) and for some reason it fluctuates between HSPA+ and 3G signals rather than LTE. The device is originally locked to Rogers but I unlocked it and am now using it with MTS. I am running on jelly bean 4. 1.2 and CleanRom 4.0.5. Anybody have any ideas as to why I'm not getting LTE?
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Are you still getting fast data speeds? All LTE is 3.9 g and hspa is like 3.6 g lol..
http://tasel.wordpress.com/2012/03/13/lte-hsdpa-dc-hsdpa-explain-this-alphbet-soup-of-4g-to-me/
Since you only mentioned your phone model and not the important notion what your carrier is, what is it?
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
thlinx said:
Are you still getting fast data speeds? All LTE is 3.9 g and hspa is like 3.6 g lol..
Since you only mentioned your phone model and not the important notion what your carrier is, what is it?
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
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Yes I'm getting fast speeds but I can't help but wonder why this is happening. I mentioned that I'm with MTS so I'm not sure if that's what you're looking for. I live in Canada so it's probably not familiar to you. They just started carrying S3's which are running on their LTE network and they show 4G at the top of them when activated rather than HSPA+.
KR3W said:
Yes I'm getting fast speeds but I can't help but wonder why this is happening. I mentioned that I'm with MTS so I'm not sure if that's what you're looking for. I live in Canada so it's probably not familiar to you. They just started carrying S3's which are running on their LTE network and they show 4G at the top of them when activated rather than HSPA+.
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Nope not familiar with Mts. That's correct.. it all depends on the towers u are near .. if they haven't upgraded there towers sorry your sol lol
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
It is either the towers or your phone isn't compatible with the bands of LTE (there are multiple bands like there is with UTMS).
MrObvious said:
It is either the towers or your phone isn't compatible with the bands of LTE (there are multiple bands like there is with UTMS).
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I'm pretty sure it isn't the towers cause my friends iPhone 5 is running off LTE and he live about 5 minutes away from my house. I've also been at distances one minute away from his house and did not pick up LTE then either. I don't know much about bands or frequencies but my carrier just launched the Galaxy S3's and they run off LTE and I'm assuming the Note 2 has the same hardware. S3: 700 (Band 17), 1700/2100 (AWS) MHz , Note 2: 700(band 17) 850 AWS 1,900(band 2). I'm clueless as to what those numbers mean but i'm guessing the important thing is Band 17, right?
Try going near his house then. Or have you checked the network settings? You may have to flash something.
MrObvious said:
Try going near his house then. Or have you checked the network settings? You may have to flash something.
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I have to no avail. I had a friend try to help me out over the phone with network settings and his phone appears to have a setting that mine does not. When he goes into settings > wireless and network more settings > mobile network there is an option for him to toggle between LTE, HSPA+ etc. My phone doesn't have that for some reason. All that's listed is Mobile data, data roaming, Access point names, and network operators. Nothing to toggle between networks, which is probably what I need to enable LTE. I have no idea why that setting would be absent from my device. My friend was using an S3 on the same operating system as me btw.
From what i can tell it's the frequencies . The frequencies your device have seem to be different than the frequencies the s3 have on your carrier. If it's not that then you can check your apn settings.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 01:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:05 AM ----------
Well i didn't realize how old the thread was, but i hope yes fixed your problem.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
What model is your phone, and what model is his phone. You said you brought your phone from a competing carrier who is likely using alternate frequencies that your phone might not be picking up either due to hardware or software limitations. Without knowing the hardware, and where it came from in the first place, we can't figure out what frequencies your phone is looking for and can't answer your question effectively.
download an app that will show you what is the type of connection you are actually on.
I think that maybe its the matter of incorrect icon.
So I have been using my nexus 4 over tmobile network and lately I have been having really horrible signal with t mobile. I sometimes do not receive calls and some of my incoming and outgoing texts are delayed.
I am thinking about taking the switch to att however I have a few questions.
1. I currently use tmobiles HSDPA network and get average 5-15 Mbps while using it. Does att have a comparable network or would I only be able to get 3g (1-3mbps).
2. I know that some people are using lte on their nexus4. I know that att has lte in my area, would I be able to connect to the lte signal in my area assuming that I use the .33 radio?
3. Is there anything setting wise I would need to change in setting or would I simply put my sim card in from att and be all set?
Thanks for the feedback, its much appreciated!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
It would help to know your location.
Coverage and data speeds vary greatly based on regions and specific cities.
bradm23 said:
So I have been using my nexus 4 over tmobile network and lately I have been having really horrible signal with t mobile. I sometimes do not receive calls and some of my incoming and outgoing texts are delayed.
I am thinking about taking the switch to att however I have a few questions.
1. I currently use tmobiles HSDPA network and get average 5-15 Mbps while using it. Does att have a comparable network or would I only be able to get 3g (1-3mbps).
2. I know that some people are using lte on their nexus4. I know that att has lte in my area, would I be able to connect to the lte signal in my area assuming that I use the .33 radio?
3. Is there anything setting wise I would need to change in setting or would I simply put my sim card in from att and be all set?
Thanks for the feedback, its much appreciated!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
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1. AT&T has a slower HSPA network than T-Mobile. The speed is sufficient enough but it's just not that fast compare to T-Mobile's speeds.
2. If the Nexus 4 is able to detect the 1700 and 2100mhz radio frequency band (Which AT&T has.), then yes it should be able to run on LTE.
3. Here's the guide to set up LTE.
http://techcrunch.com/2012/11/23/how-to-enable-4g-lte-on-the-google-nexus-4/
People in the Dallas area
So I've had straight talk on my Nexus 4for about 3 months now and I have noticed at T Mobile in my area is way faster has anybody else experienced this? I've even tried AT&T on straight talk for about a week or 2 and was so frustrated with the speed that I have to go back to T Mobile. is there a workaround around this or anything that I need to know of?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Anyone?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
I'm having issues as well with att/straight talk on my nexus 4 . I avg about 0.32 mbs down
Seems like T-Mobile sim is way better . but service here is sht for them
Sent from my Nexus 4
Jess813 said:
People in the Dallas area
So I've had straight talk on my Nexus 4for about 3 months now and I have noticed at T Mobile in my area is way faster has anybody else experienced this? I've even tried AT&T on straight talk for about a week or 2 and was so frustrated with the speed that I have to go back to T Mobile. is there a workaround around this or anything that I need to know of?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
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Jess813 said:
Anyone?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
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I didn't understand your question.
myturbo1 said:
I'm having issues as well with att/straight talk on my nexus 4 . I avg about 0.32 mbs down
Seems like T-Mobile sim is way better . but service here is sht for them
Sent from my Nexus 4
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AT&T byop Sim on straight talk usually yields speeds of 5/1 on hspa+ @21mbs.
Tmobile's hspa+ is faster @42mbs, their network is also less saturated and so yield much higher speeds.. Benefitting T-Mobile byop straight talk users.
Draw back is less building penetration, and loss of signal outside of large cities..
Another drawback with T-Mobile is the way fast dormancy works switching between 3G and H+ is slow/laggy and may pause streaming. AT&It's H to H+ is much quicker and virtually seamless.. Also it seems tmo doesn't actually xmit data while on 3G. Where AT&T will on H.
A drawback using AT&T st Sim is AT&T throttles randomly and st doesn't have control over it. Once throttled you're for the duration, until your next refill..
All this and more info can be found in the existing straight talk thread.
clockcycle said:
I didn't understand your question.
AT&T byop Sim on straight talk usually yields speeds of 5/1 on hspa+ @21mbs.
Tmobile's hspa+ is faster @42mbs, their network is also less saturated and so yield much higher speeds.. Benefitting T-Mobile byop straight talk users.
Draw back is less building penetration, and loss of signal outside of large cities..
Another drawback with T-Mobile is the way fast dormancy works switching between 3G and H+ is slow/laggy and may pause streaming. AT&It's H to H+ is much quicker and virtually seamless.. Also it seems tmo doesn't actually xmit data while on 3G. Where AT&T will on H.
A drawback using AT&T st Sim is AT&T throttles randomly and st doesn't have control over it. Once throttled you're for the duration, until your next refill..
All this and more info can be found in the existing straight talk thread.
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Makes sense.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Going there for several months and want to know if I can use my phone and how costly it will be.
Kingyooper said:
Going there for several months and want to know if I can use my phone and how costly it will be.
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Check out http://www.prepaidgsm.net for info on traveling and using GSM sim cards. The nexus 4 is unlocked and supports many bands. Make sure the Irish carrier matches the nexus 4 bands and you'll be set.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
It doesn't matter where you got your Nexus 4 from, they're all the same, at least in terms of network compatibility.
Being a GSM phone, in the US you'll be limited to AT&T and T-Mobile and the MVNO's that ride on their networks. A T-Mobile MVNO like MetroPCS will give you the best value in terms of cost and data, but AT&T's network has better coverage. What it'll cost depends on what you need. There are quite a lot of pre-paid MVNOs that use T-Mobile and AT&T's networks (sometimes both).
FYI, you can hack the Nexus 4's modem and enable LTE on band 4 when you're in the States.
Planterz said:
It doesn't matter where you got your Nexus 4 from, they're all the same, at least in terms of network compatibility.
Being a GSM phone, in the US you'll be limited to AT&T and T-Mobile and the MVNO's that ride on their networks. A T-Mobile MVNO like MetroPCS will give you the best value in terms of cost and data, but AT&T's network has better coverage. What it'll cost depends on what you need. There are quite a lot of pre-paid MVNOs that use T-Mobile and AT&T's networks (sometimes both).
FYI, you can hack the Nexus 4's modem and enable LTE on band 4 when you're in the States.
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Click to collapse
Oops, I got your origin and destination backwards.