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I currently have Sprint Everything Data which is now $80/mo with the $10 premium data fee. AT&T's plans are priced as $40 for voice with 450 minutes w/rollover, $20 for unlimited texting, and $25 for 2 GB data. If you got JUST the voice and data, that would be $65/mo saving $15/mo over Sprint, and if you port your number to Google Voice first, you can text from that for free and everyone will see the same number you've always used. Other than losing MMS, are there any downsides to this? Is Google Voice reliable enough to trust all your calls and texts to? Considering the very solid speeds on AT&T's 3G and HSPA+ network vs. Sprint's 3G and sparse WiMAX this sounds tempting.
yes, and a lot of people do it. in fact, you can even drop a lot of your minutes and make all your calls through google voice, as long as you have data. it'll even prompt you when you install it if you want to use google voice for all calls, never, on demand, ect. set to all and you'll never touch your carrier minutes.
also, my finger slipped when hitting quick reply, so i thanked your post accidentally. enjoy it
Yep. I do this with Verizon on my thunderbolt. You can just tell people to send the mms to your email. Also I believe you can add your Google voice number to you top 10 or whatever that is called to avoid getting charged when using the callback feature. I added the number to the family plan so the family doesn't complain about using minute to call me.
You can use the app called Groove IP to call directly from your Google voice account or use I voip provider like sipgate to reroute your calls and save some coin. Ibidem sipgate because incoming calls are free (which means using the callback feature with sipgate doesn't use you prepaid minutes) and I have had a solid experience so far with them. Lifehacker has a couple great articles with tips and tricks.
mtmerrick said:
yes, and a lot of people do it. in fact, you can even drop a lot of your minutes and make all your calls through google voice, as long as you have data. it'll even prompt you when you install it if you want to use google voice for all calls, never, on demand, ect. set to all and you'll never touch your carrier minutes.
also, my finger slipped when hitting quick reply, so i thanked your post accidentally. enjoy it
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Unfortunately that isn't true. Google Voice gives you the option of handling all calls, but that just means outgoing calls will appear to others as coming from your GV number - it still uses your carrier minutes to actually call GV first. SMS, however, really is free and just goes over the data network.
runhopskipjump said:
Yep. I do this with Verizon on my thunderbolt. You can just tell people to send the mms to your email. Also I believe you can add your Google voice number to you top 10 or whatever that is called to avoid getting charged when using the callback feature. I added the number to the family plan so the family doesn't complain about using minute to call me.
You can use the app called Groove IP to call directly from your Google voice account or use I voip provider like sipgate to reroute your calls and save some coin. Ibidem sipgate because incoming calls are free (which means using the callback feature with sipgate doesn't use you prepaid minutes) and I have had a solid experience so far with them. Lifehacker has a couple great articles with tips and tricks.
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Thanks, so how reliable has GV been for handling your texts? It it just as fast (as in, time from send to receive) as regular SMS over the voice network? Do texts ever not get through?
It's great to have apps like Groove IP to make free calls in case you are getting low on minutes, unfortunately it's not a replacement for having the actual $40/mo voice plan. This is because to get a phone with contract pricing you must at least get that voice plan. If you go data only, you won't have the $25 2 GB plan available to you and will have to buy a phone outright and that eliminates the monthly savings. But knowing you have Groove IP, minutes is not really a worry (especially with rollover).
Is 2gb data enough?
SamsungVibrant said:
Is 2gb data enough?
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I'd obviously prefer more but I'd probably rather have 2 GB of fast data than unlimited Sprint 3G and WiMAX that I never use. That alone wouldn't necessarily be enough to make me switch as I'm not obsessed with my data speeds, but for a lower monthly price, it's appealing.
Any additional thoughts on if this would work well? My plan is to port my number to Google Voice so I can text through it for free from the same number I've always used. Then sign up for AT&T and get a new number and forward GV calls to that. Then just get voice + data and have a $65/mo bill.
One more question about this. For those that use GV for calls, how is the latency? I tried doing a call with it with my current GV number and I felt there was noticeably more latency than a standard cell to cell call. That could be a deal breaker.
Seriously I think you can save money with Sprint if you use one of their many discounts. If you work for a company, or belong to some organization or even credit union, you can get anywhere from a 5-25% discount.
Also, the Sprint data speeds have been getting faster with the Sprint Vision initiative. In my area, they have improved data speeds on 3G, where I once got 500Kbps, I now get over 2Mbps. On 4G WiMAX, I get around 8Mbps.
Last month I used close to 4GB of data, mostly streaming Play Music and YouTube. Carriers are sneakily finding ways for you to use more data just so you can pay more when you go over your cap, such as HD streaming and removing SD cards so you have to stream data from the cloud, except for Sprint since data is unlimited. Seriously is 2GB a lot? That's easily 1 HD movie streamed to your phone.
I have both an Epic 4G on Sprint and an International Galaxy Note on Straight Talk (AT&T MVNO with Phony Unlimited Data) and I still use my Sprint phone more when it comes to streaming content when not on WIFI for the fact that Sprint is truly unlimited.
adelmundo said:
Seriously I think you can save money with Sprint if you use one of their many discounts. If you work for a company, or belong to some organization or even credit union, you can get anywhere from a 5-25% discount.
Also, the Sprint data speeds have been getting faster with the Sprint Vision initiative. In my area, they have improved data speeds on 3G, where I once got 500Kbps, I now get over 2Mbps. On 4G WiMAX, I get around 8Mbps.
Last month I used close to 4GB of data, mostly streaming Play Music and YouTube. Carriers are sneakily finding ways for you to use more data just so you can pay more when you go over your cap, such as HD streaming and removing SD cards so you have to stream data from the cloud, except for Sprint since data is unlimited. Seriously is 2GB a lot? That's easily 1 HD movie streamed to your phone.
I have both an Epic 4G on Sprint and an International Galaxy Note on Straight Talk (AT&T MVNO with Phony Unlimited Data) and I still use my Sprint phone more when it comes to streaming content when not on WIFI for the fact that Sprint is truly unlimited.
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Thanks, yes I actually have a Sprint discount right now, but I can get one on other carriers as well. That's nice that you are able to get such great speeds on Sprint's 3G. Unfortunately in my area, 200-500 Kbps is typical. Sometimes it's bad enough that I simply can't use my phone to look something up because the page, or Maps results, just never finishes loading. I am in a current WiMAX area so I'm sure LTE will be here eventually, but if it doesn't come until mid to late 2013 I'm not sure I want to wait. But I am still considering it. An LTE rollout roadmap would definitely help.
The best discount with Sprint is to use the info on the following page
http://mcguireslaw.com/2008/07/16/psst-have-you-heard-about-everything-plus/
I enjoy Sprint as well. When I get my own account I will get a 20% discount because I work for Best Buy. XD Though Sprint is not truly unlimted. If you stream over 35GB of data a month for 3 months straight, you will get your account terminated.
2gb its not enough its need more than 2gb
mxmarcus said:
The best discount with Sprint is to use the info on the following page
http://mcguireslaw.com/2008/07/16/psst-have-you-heard-about-everything-plus/
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you rock for this. adding this to my sig, it almost compensates for sprints s*itty 3g by me.
So I'm from Belgium, Europe but am going to study at Northwest Missouri State University from January till the end of April, but of course I need a mobile provider while I'm there, but since I know **** about the carriers in the USA, and well, websites of the carriers don't always mention everything, I'm just asking you guys, which mobile provider and/or plan should I take for those 5 months?
I don't care if it's prepaid or a contract or whatever, as long as it stops after 5 months.
I've got a HTC Sensation, so would like some data with that.
Thanks in advance for responding!
then ur only choices here in the USA is T-Mobile or At&t. If u like to pay more u can go to att and can get 3G data due to the tmobile us frequency is 1700 so you may only get EDGE speed. But with tmobile prepaid cost $50 a month for unlimited talk text and data (i believe 2GB).
your not going to be able to get contact cuz u need a SS# and credit.
t-mobile is great since its parent company its t-mobile deucthe telcom
Sprint, never had a problem
A: Verizon
Sent from my Dinc2
He needs a carrier that uses GSM. Verizon and Sprint are not the droid your looking for.
It doesn't matter if it uses gsm or wcdma i bought my sensation on ebay from usa, it was branded and stuff, so i think it would work with any provider in usa.
You won't actually be able to use Verizon or Sprint with the Sensation because CDMA technology requires completely different radios. To be able to use either standard, your phone would have to be a (what CDMA providers in America call) "world phone", like the iPhone 4S or the Motorola Photon.
Since you already have a phone, you could do either a T-Mobile value plan or a Simple Mobile unlimited plan. Both run on T-Mobile's network, so the coverage should be exactly the same. T-Mobile isn't the absolute best carrier, so I'd check coverage in the area that you'll be spending the most time in. However, T-Mobile's 4G and 3G speeds are pretty good, and better than AT&T (the only major GSM alternative) in most places. I have no idea how (or even if they offer them) AT&T's SIM card-only plans work.
Thanks, I search some more and found this page:
http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/monthly-4g-plans
So the unlimited web & text with 100 minutes talk $30 plan would be perfect?
Even though I feel they are the better carrier, AT&T likely wouldn't be a viable option as their prepaid plans do not support smartphone as well as the others.
Postpaid could be an option, but they would likely want a cash deposit since you lack a social and credit history.
yes but NOTICE AFTER 2G tmo slows your data but ur school must have wifi networks built in so that wouldn't really be a problem and u can enable wifi calling at the store (free calls) or use google voice to call
xtrem88 said:
yes but NOTICE AFTER 2G tmo slows your data but ur school must have wifi networks built in so that wouldn't really be a problem and u can enable wifi calling at the store (free calls) or use google voice to call
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WiFi calling still uses plan minutes.
I'll probably call with skype, so that isn't a problem, I've also noticed on the tmo site that tmo has a fast mobile connection at northwest missouri state university, is this 3g?
Its 4g 21 or 42 mbps
Sent from my SGH-T839 using XDA App
Republic Wireless is a game-changer for the mobile industry - they offer a unique hybrid WiFi / Cell system.
When you are on WiFi, your calls, sms, and data go out over WiFi. When you are away from WiFi, they use the Sprint Cell network for calls, sms & data.
One of the most unique features is seamless WiFi to Cell handoff! Imagine you are at home, talking to a friend through WiFi. You need to leave, so you start walking towards your car. As soon as you approach the end of WiFi range, your call is automatically handed over to Cell with no interruptions.
Another great benefit is that Republic Wireless is the ONLY MVNO that I know of that offers ROAMING!!!
If there is no Sprint service available, your phone will roam to Verizion, or any other network that Sprint has a roaming agreement with. This doesn't cost you a dime.
The plans are VERY attractive:
$5 - Unlimited everything on WiFi ONLY
$10 - Unlimited everything on WiFi, unlimited Talk/Text on Cell (NO cell data) [includes free roaming]
$25 - Unlimited everything on WiFi AND Cell, with 3G data [includes free roaming]
$40 - Unlimited everything on WiFi AND Cell, with 4G LTE data! [includes free roaming]
(There IS a 5 gigabyte soft-cap, after which you will be throttled. This cap ONLY applies to cell data, as WiFi [of course] is truly unlimited)
You can also change plans up to twice a month from the handset itself! No calling or going online to do it. So if you are planing to travel somewhere and will need data, just switch up from the $10 plan as you see fit. Change from any plan to any other plan twice per month!
They have some pretty attractive phone offerings as well. You can get the Moto X (my phone - supports 4G LTE), or the Moto G (doesn't support 4G LTE).
To save $20 off your service, sign up using the link in my signature, or CLICK HERE. To save the $20, you must order direct from Republic Wireless. MotoMaker orders do not qualify for this promotion.
If you have questions, post them here and I will try to answer.
Happy saving!!!
Keep in mind that this service is best if you have good Sprint coverage in your area. In my area, Sprint coverage is excellent, so RW works great for me. If in doubt, check coverage first. As a rule of thumb, if you have used (or currently use) Sprint, you can expect the coverage, and data speeds to be identical. You do NOT get throttled unless you exceed the 5 gigabyte soft-cap.
Please forgive me if my post is hard to understand, as I am on strong meds for my epilepsy.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am an avid supporter of Straight Talk, as I find it has the best overall bang for my buck at $45 a month. Now that ST is offering Verizon sim cards to be used on their network (unlimited talk, text, 3GB data, throttled after 3GB,) I have decided to jump onto their towers. Coming from a Oneplus One with an AT&T sim, needless to say, I was very used to flashing nightly CM builds. The OPO is a good phone, another bang for my buck purchase, but in my rural area Verizon seems to just have better service. I picked up a new in box VZW Note 4 from Swappa for $565 tax free, and have some impressions I'd like to share.
The service:
The service is superior on Verizon. At the VA hospital, at home, and at the mall, I get seamless simultaneous data and voice service. With the OPO on ATT, this was not the case. On the OPO, I would be stuck without the ability to load a web page in many areas, even though the phone stated that it had a 4g LTE connection. I have not run into this issue on the VZW note 4. Neither ATT nor Verizon offers roaming on straight talk, but the VZW towers are so extensive, that I have yet to run into an issue. On ATT, I was unable to get service in some of the more rural areas of my state (nevada.)
The hardware:
The hardware is far superior on the Note 4 than the OPO. It sports a higher res screen, IR blaster, Wacom stylus, and all the fun features that make a note 4 what it is.
The price:
The OPO had a much better price point, but I was satisfied with the increase in services for the note 4 that I got for $200 more than what the OPO costs.
The software:
The note 4 is capable of software that has good practical use, such as a universal remote and drawing software. The OPO is not capable of such things as the hardware does not support it, however, it does have root, and CM, so all the Titanium Backup and Wifi tethering you can handle (as long as you have good service.) The VZW Note 4 is capable of wifi tethering through PDA Net, which luckily I still had a key for from when I had PDA net on my T-Mobile G1 back in the day, but it is obnoxious and makes me utilize a lockscreen pin number which serves as an inhibitor of my device since I like to casually pick it up and turn it on.
The bloatware:
Oneplus One has no bloatware, and even if it did, you could remove it with Titanium Backup. VZW Note 4 has much bloatware, and a lot of it is incompatible with straight talk. Things that will not work on Straight Talk include Caller Name ID, My Verizon Mobile, stock wifi tethering, and visual voicemail. As most of these are premium services, I don't have a use for them and hide them from my menu. VZ Navigator does work on Straight talk, and I find it a very useful GPS software.
Overall, I am satisfied with the Note 4 on Verizon. I will not revert to the OPO and/or ATT ST, and I will not move to Verizon Wireless for prepaid service as it offers less data, and I will not pay for a post-paid Verizon Wireless subscription as it makes no sense now considering the cost and the fact that I own my late model phone outright. I am disappointed that it does not have root, and I should have certainly checked that with this specific device before purchasing, but I do not believe I would have purchased any differently in hindsight. The things I need like wifi tethering have work-arounds, and I surprisingly don't miss downloading new CM updates every night in hopes that it would squash bugs in my service.
Thank you for reading
So maybe I am missing something, but where do you get Verizon Sim cards for the Note 4 on StraightTalk?
Update: Now I see where Walmart is selling them, but can't find them on Straight Talks site. Interesting. Maybe I will try one.
just wondering not that I am planning to switch to ST but how are speed tests? I helped someone move from T-Mobile to ST but that was on AT&T tho. with Moto G LTE and speedtests were around 6-8 mbps usually.
dlang123 said:
So maybe I am missing something, but where do you get Verizon Sim cards for the Note 4 on StraightTalk?
Update: Now I see where Walmart is selling them, but can't find them on Straight Talks site. Interesting. Maybe I will try one.
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http://www.straighttalkbyop.com/shop.php has sprint and vzw activation kits
patt2k said:
just wondering not that I am planning to switch to ST but how are speed tests? I helped someone move from T-Mobile to ST but that was on AT&T tho. with Moto G LTE and speedtests were around 6-8 mbps usually.
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I just got 6mb down 2mb up when I tried speedtest. I can't remember what the ATT ST was, but I am pretty sure it was significantly higher
One hiccup that I'm looking to fix is that I cannot receive MMS from my girlfriend who has ATT. I can receive MMS from myself, so perhaps verizon senders will work. VZWINTERNET APN settings are also grayed out, so I can't screw with APN settings. Any suggestions? I don't have developer edition so no root apn managers will work
I'm using mine on straight talk (tmobile) and I get download speeds of 25mbps in my area
Sent from my SM-N910V
dogredwing1 said:
I'm using mine on straight talk (tmobile) and I get download speeds of 25mbps in my area
Sent from my SM-N910V
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TMO is very generous with their data, and there are even better priced TMO MVNOs than Straight Talk. I definitely wish they had the towers in my region to provide good service, but unfortunately they don't work in much of the state.
ST has instructions for creating a new APN network when you activate the phone, in order to receive MMS and have a solid connection for data to their network. If you go to ST's website, and log into your account, it should be under one of the tabs. Alternatively, you could Google the Verizon ST APN settings, or search ST's site for them.
Hope this helps!
Kelly
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (Verizon)
Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2
rykatemom said:
ST has instructions for creating a new APN network when you activate the phone, in order to receive MMS and have a solid connection for data to their network. If you go to ST's website, and log into your account, it should be under one of the tabs. Alternatively, you could Google the Verizon ST APN settings, or search ST's site for them.
Hope this helps!
Kelly
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (Verizon)
Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2
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It started working yesterday, must have just been a network issue from the switchover
FYI Straight Talk is a MVNO utilzing Verizon's network...
FYI Straight Talk is a MVNO* utilizing Verizon's (for CDMA phones) or AT&T's and T-Mobile's network (when using GSM phones)... assuming Verizon doesn't throttle Straight Talk, you should get identical performance, range and results since you are on the same towers.
* MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) ... essentially they are a sophisticated reseller.
jmcturnan said:
FYI Straight Talk is a MVNO* utilizing Verizon's (for CDMA phones) or AT&T's and T-Mobile's network (when using GSM phones)... assuming Verizon doesn't throttle Straight Talk, you should get identical performance, range and results since you are on the same towers.
* MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) ... essentially they are a sophisticated reseller.
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I know it's an MVNO. Apparently Verizon throttles 4g to 5mbps on Straight Talk. I wish I knew that before hand, but 3 gigs of 5mbps is more important to me than 1 - 1.5 gigs of full speed LTE on the Verizon branded prepaid for the same price. It's an unnoticeable trade-off as I haven't found anything that won't stream through Straight Talk.
The higher-speed alternative with 3 gigs would be PagePlus at $55 a month. I'm saving the $10 with ST and am still satisfied.
http://www.bestmvno.com/verizon-mvnos.html
Thanks for posting this thread. I've been considering jumping over to Straight Talk with my Note 4, and your experience with the device and the service is helpful.
I'm also using a VZW Note 4 on ST VZW SIM and find it more than satisfactory. The process of getting it on the network was a bit convoluted but I got it working. I purchased my Certified Pre-Owned Note 4 through VZW's and didn't realize they start an activation process when they ship it. I was unable to immediately use it on ST because of this. I actually had to use a month of VZW prepaid before they'd let me off. Stupid stuff man...
rickyray9 said:
I know it's an MVNO. Apparently Verizon throttles 4g to 5mbps on Straight Talk. I wish I knew that before hand, but 3 gigs of 5mbps is more important to me than 1 - 1.5 gigs of full speed LTE on the Verizon branded prepaid for the same price. It's an unnoticeable trade-off as I haven't found anything that won't stream through Straight Talk.
The higher-speed alternative with 3 gigs would be PagePlus at $55 a month. I'm saving the $10 with ST and am still satisfied.
http://www.bestmvno.com/verizon-mvnos.html
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I'll stick with ST on AT&T. I just ran a test and got 23.96 Mbps down and 13.54 Mpbs up. And I live in mountainous WV.
Thanks for the info on this. I am going to buy out the rest of my contract with VZW as soon as I can and save over half on my monthly bill while getting 1 more gig of data. No ringbacks or VVM but it's a good tradeoff.
treyjazz said:
Thanks for the info on this. I am going to buy out the rest of my contract with VZW as soon as I can and save over half on my monthly bill while getting 1 more gig of data. No ringbacks or VVM but it's a good tradeoff.
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Google Voice is a great alternative for VVM.
wesside123 said:
Google Voice is a great alternative for VVM.
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I tried it but it really screwed up my VM and it ended up rejecting all VMs from missed calls. I tried at least 3 times to set it up and no dice. I just hope when I switch I have no problem.
patt2k said:
just wondering not that I am planning to switch to ST but how are speed tests? I helped someone move from T-Mobile to ST but that was on AT&T tho. with Moto G LTE and speedtests were around 6-8 mbps usually.
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Click to collapse
I have galaxy note 4 n910v The speed test are not that great on straight talk using Verizon towers like 5-7 download.. 1 our less upload and 90-150 on ping test I think Verizon keeps Straight talk throttled.. I put in a metro PC's sim and was getting 25 download 3-4 upload and 35 on ping test. I currently have a sim card on way from T-Mobile and will be switching to them because T-Mobile throttles metro PC's during heavy use times .
I use ST on my note 4, only gripe I have is no OTA's so I'll have to flash these updates myself.
LTE-Verizon internet is unlocked i don't why hence my phone does not support 4g even though it's note 4 SM-N910V
Litomaro said:
LTE-Verizon internet is unlocked i don't why hence my phone does not support 4g even though it's note 4 SM-N910V
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Who is your network provider? Your issue is probably just apn.
Currently using a stock Amazon XT1687 on Consumer Cellular's AT&T network. Possible substantial savings if it would work on Xfinity Mobile. I am an Xfinity internet customer and the Verizon BYOD page says the phone would work based on the IMEI. Anyone tried this?
Technically, it should work because it just using Verizon's network, and their own network of Comcast hotspots for WiFi and VoWiFi service... BUT Comcast requires you to purchase and use a phone from them to use Xfinity Mobile service, and they actively block all BYOD devices.
Honestly, you are better off just staying with an AT&T MVNO unless coverage is an issue, the few $$ you save are outweighed by the devices you have purchases in most cases. If coverage is an issue, consider Verizon PrePaid or Verizon MVNO's like Straight Talk, Puppy Wireless, or Total Wireless.
To be honest, I left CC a few years ago for a handful of different AT&T MVNO's and finally move to AT&T PrePaid 6GB plan for the family bundling and right balance of data, carry over, and coverage for me.
acejavelin said:
Technically, it should work because it just using Verizon's network, and their own network of Comcast hotspots for WiFi and VoWiFi service... BUT Comcast requires you to purchase and use a phone from them to use Xfinity Mobile service, and they actively block all BYOD devices.
To be honest, I left CC a few years ago for a handful of different AT&T MVNO's and finally move to AT&T PrePaid 6GB plan for the family bundling and right balance of data, carry over, and coverage for me.
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Yes if they continue the no BYOD rule, Comcast won't work. We're very happy with CC. Our data needs are minimal so 1GB of shared data is generally enough. Hard to beat 3 lines for $70.
acejavelin said:
Technically, it should work because it just using Verizon's network, and their own network of Comcast hotspots for WiFi and VoWiFi service... BUT Comcast requires you to purchase and use a phone from them to use Xfinity Mobile service, and they actively block all BYOD devices.
Honestly, you are better off just staying with an AT&T MVNO unless coverage is an issue, the few $$ you save are outweighed by the devices you have purchases in most cases. If coverage is an issue, consider Verizon PrePaid or Verizon MVNO's like Straight Talk, Puppy Wireless, or Total Wireless.
To be honest, I left CC a few years ago for a handful of different AT&T MVNO's and finally move to AT&T PrePaid 6GB plan for the family bundling and right balance of data, carry over, and coverage for me.
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using xfinity mobile. cost for 5 shared lines and unlimited talk and text: $13.50 plus $12 per GB per month. Can get unlimited (slowed after 20 or so GB)data on any one phone for $45 per month.
I have been on Xfinity Mobile for months now on my G5 Plus.
I simply took an iPhone 6s to the store, activated it, swapped SIMs and everything worked perfectly.
It shows unknown device on my account, but there are no issues...