Database Users

AT&T doesn't want you using grandfathered unlimited data plans! MUST READ!

Ok, so here’s my story:
Not too long ago, I bought myself a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7”. Ever since the device was announced by Samsung, I thought this was one of the coolest ideas since sliced bread. I could have a device roughly the size of a small book that pretty much did everything the iPad could do, and then some (like take pictures and run flash). On top of that, it was capable of making and receiving phone calls and text messages. Finally, a device that literally would do EVERYTHING I needed; no more need to lug around a netbook, a phone, a GPS in my car, or an iPod.
Not all was as peachy as I would have hoped however. Initially, it didn’t look as though this wonderful piece of technology would make it to American soil at all. Then, when it did, it was deliberately crippled for the North American market so that its native ability to make or receive regular phone calls and text messages was disabled at the software level. What a terrible thing to do! I was so disappointed by this news that I nearly abandoned any desire to head down to my local AT&T store to buy it. To add insult to injury, the only way AT&T offered the Tab was on a no-contract pay-as-you-go data plan, which is ludicrously expensive, particularly when compared with the fact that I’m one of the lucky customers who is grandfathered in to an unlimited data plan.
Eventually, however, my desire to own this device got the better of me, so I finally dished out the cash (and it was not cheap either!) for an unlocked and unbranded Tab which had the phone calling and texting abilities right out of the box. I popped the SIM card from my AT&T smartphone into my new Tab, fired it up, and started enjoying what was, up until recently, the best mobile user experience I have ever known.
I started referring to my Tab as my “Do-Everything-Device,” because it literally DID do everything I needed right from one device! It replaced my netbook, my phone, my GPS, my iPod, my Kindle, and the CD player/Radio in my car! It was so liberating not to have a phone attached to my hip and a bag on my shoulder for everything else I used to have to lug around with me. Sure there were occasions where carrying around a phone the size of a small book would have been ridiculous, but that’s what swapping SIM cards is for right? I’d simply switch back to my smartphone when the situation called for it.
Then things took a turn for the worse when AT&T started getting involved… Apparently this kind of quality user experience was not meant to be. I had received an automated text message one day telling me that I needed to be on the “proper data plan,” and that if I weren’t my service could be changed or suspended. Being a loyal paying customer to AT&T in its various previous incarnations for about 11 years now, and having an unlimited data plan on my line (which I should note I was NOT abusing; I generally used about 4 – 5GB or so per billing cycle), I was perplexed as to why I would have been receiving that message. So I called into customer service to inquire.
Upon some minor investigation on the customer service rep’s part, I was informed that the issue was that I was swapping back and forth between my Galaxy Tab and my smartphone (which it may be noted is a Samsung Captivate), and that I should stop doing that. Stop swapping out my SIM card between two of my most used devices? Really? Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of having a SIM card in the first place? Still perplexed as to why this was an issue, I brought the matter to the attention of AT&T’s Office of the President to hopefully find some resolution to the problem. The gentleman I spoke with said he would investigate further and get back to me with his findings. A week later, get back to me he did! At first I thought, “Great! The highest level of customer service has come to bring me good news of a fair and reasonable compromise or resolution!” Little did I know he came to bear me bad news indeed…
The representative informed me that the issue wasn’t that I was swapping my SIM card per se, but rather the issue was with my Galaxy Tab specifically. Basically, I was told that AT&T’s intended use for the Galaxy Tab, regardless of where it was purchased, and regardless of whether it was carrier locked or unlocked or any of that, was that it was to be used as a data-only device, and furthermore as a pay-as-you-go data only device! I was basically given the option to get a pay-as-you-go SIM and use my Tab as AT&T intended it to be used (not as Samsung intended), or not use it at all, sorry. I was directed to the service agreement for “Specified Device Session-Based Plans.”
Excuse me? Sorry, but I don’t want to pay-as-I-go for data! I’m already paying for unlimited data, and there is nothing in those terms of service that say I can’t put my SIM card in whatever device I want, provided I’m not violating those terms! The representative proceeded to tell me that a user such as myself only accounted for a minority of the people subscribed, and that the current data plans AT&T offers caters to the majority. Ok, fine, cater to the majority. I get that. However, even as a lucky customer who has an unlimited data package, and even as a minority who chooses to stay informed about the latest technology, I should still be catered to as well. I mean, that’s what customer service is right? Making sure your customers’ needs are catered to? He said that the reason AT&T doesn’t still offer unlimited data is that “The average user only consumes about 2 or less GB a month.” Sure, that may be true for the average user currently, and it may be true furthermore for the average user who cares more about phones calls, text messages and Facebook updates more than frequently browsing rich web content and going to Youtube on their phone etc. However, with the much faster networks that are being deployed, and with more data intensive and media rich web content available today and tomorrow, that 2GB is going to be a bite-sized portion to the “average user” very shortly…
In my frustration, I argued that I am paying for the service to the SIM, not service to the device itself (otherwise what’s the point of the SIM in the first place?). As such, there shouldn’t be any issue with my circumventing AT&T’s artificial limitations on their branded Galaxy Tab’s hardware by buying directly from the manufacturer at a premium. I should be able to use my SIM in any device of my choosing, so long as I’m not violating the terms of service to that line, which I’m not (as I mentioned earlier, there was nothing in the Terms of Service that explicitly said I couldn’t use my SIM card in a tablet device.) Furthermore, I argued that the only real differences between the hardware in my Tab and the hardware in my Captivate were screen size, battery size, and the presence or absence of a front camera. For all the times I was told “Yes sir, I understand,” it really didn’t seem like he really understood…
It seems AT&T (and indeed any other US carrier which supplies a crippled Tab, or any other device) doesn’t want you to have a “Do Everything Device.” It’s bad for business! Why would they support a device that does everything your tablet or netbook does and everything your smartphone does, all on your single line subscription? Of course they’re going to cripple the Tab, because they want you to buy separate devices with separate line subscriptions and more money in their pockets! Not to mention, AT&T probably doesn’t want something that would have, up until recently, directly competed with the iPad, and frankly outdone it in some ways (when’s the last time you could make carrier phone calls, not SIP or VoIP, and text message on your iPad right out of the box?). I suppose that’s corporate America for you… What ever happened to providing superior service at the best value though?
So, if you are on AT&T, and you own a Galaxy Tab or are interested in getting one (or any other tablet on AT&T for that matter), here are some things to watch out for and speak out to:
AT&T is sweeping their network for devices by their IMEI, and if your device does not match up to whatever plan they want you to be on based on that device, your service could be changed or suspended.
If you have a grandfathered unlimited data plan, AT&T is doing the best they can to get you OFF of that plan by being very specific about what devices can be used with those plans.
I am only one person, and as one person, my voice has fallen upon the deaf ears of a very large company. As such, I urge you to speak out as a collective to AT&T, tell them about this situation, and others which likewise are upsetting to you as a customer. AT&T can ignore one person, but not a crowd…
Don’t contact customer service. Go straight to the source! Call AT&T’s office of the president at 866-751-5784 (option 1). Also, speak out on their Facebook page. Talk to your friends and family, spread the word!
EDIT: Here's a petition to sign.

honestly what is the point? i feel sorry for you americans - if the tmobile at&t merge goes through then there will only be 1 GSM carrier (i may be wrong) in the US and the rest will be CDMA - and that means that all the foreign visitors will be on 1 bad network.

The problem with any network "merger" is that you always get the lowest common denominator.
Up to the end of last year, I was on T-Mobile UK, but when my contract came up I left and went to Three. Retentions called and asked why I was leaving, and I explained that Three had a truly unlimited data plan and TMo UK had a 3GB FUP (which was pretty good to be fair).
The CS Rep swore blind that TMo UK would never do anything to uphold the FUP, but I stood my ground and left anyway because I *knew* that the merger with Orange could only ever end up with their plans becoming roughly analogous.
True to form, less than 1 month later, TMo UK reduced their "download" allowance to 500MB bringing them roughly in line with their sister brand, Orange.
Regards,
Dave

There are others, see this thread (if you haven't already).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1000921 (I have a post in there.)
FTR, I'm using AT&T SGT as a phone and data device, just not using 3G (or mythical 4G for that matter) data. You can't swing a dead cat w/out hitting a wireless AP so why hassle with AT&T over their expensive, slow 3G (if you're lucky) connections/data.
I hated AT&T so bad I dumped them years back and went Cingular. Well, I guess they wanted me back so bad...they went and bought Cingular
Thanks for the contact info. I'll rattle the cage.

Thanks for sharing, you have taken this a great leap farther then I have.
I love your justifications, definately will call tomorrow, more people that call, better chance of a change ( I can dream).
Again, I say what about some kind of class action for this, Maybe we should get a bounty going. I would give $100.00 towards the suit. And if more is needed, I would contribute.

Timtown said:
There are others, see this thread (if you haven't already).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1000921 (I have a post in there.)
FTR, I'm using AT&T SGT as a phone and data device, just not using 3G (or mythical 4G for that matter) data. You can't swing a dead cat w/out hitting a wireless AP so why hassle with AT&T over their expensive, slow 3G (if you're lucky) connections/data.
I hated AT&T so bad I dumped them years back and went Cingular. Well, I guess they wanted me back so bad...they went and bought Cingular
Thanks for the contact info. I'll rattle the cage.
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Att 3g data is slow? LOLWUT. Have a look at Verizon's 3g speeds.
-Sent from my Galaxy Tab

And to the OP, I just ordered a new phone today from att. They did not once attempt to get me off of my unlimited data plan.
-Sent from my Galaxy Tab

lockheedload said:
And to the OP, I just ordered a new phone today from att. They did not once attempt to get me off of my unlimited data plan.
-Sent from my Galaxy Tab
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The issue (at least for the moment) isn't so much that AT&T will take away your unlimited data plan or not (although that WOULD be an annoyance), the issue is that AT&T doesn't want us using our Galaxy Tab's as phone devices, because that's not how THEY intended it to be used. AT&T would rather we have two SIM cards. One for a tablet device, and one for a phone device; not one SIM card for one device that just "does it all."
If they're artificially crippling the native capabilities of a device in order to force consumers into buying multiple devices to make up for those limitations, then they're price gouging, plain and simple.

Jade Eyed Wolf said:
Ok, so here’s my story:
Not too long ago, I bought myself a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7”. Ever since the device was announced by Samsung, I thought this was one of the coolest ideas since sliced bread. I could have a device roughly the size of a small book that pretty much did everything the iPad could do, and then some (like take pictures and run flash). On top of that, it was capable of making and receiving phone calls and text messages. Finally, a device that literally would do EVERYTHING I needed; no more need to lug around a netbook, a phone, a GPS in my car, or an iPod.
Not all was as peachy as I would have hoped however. Initially, it didn’t look as though this wonderful piece of technology would make it to American soil at all. Then, when it did, it was deliberately crippled for the North American market so that its native ability to make or receive regular phone calls and text messages was disabled at the software level. What a terrible thing to do! I was so disappointed by this news that I nearly abandoned any desire to head down to my local AT&T store to buy it. To add insult to injury, the only way AT&T offered the Tab was on a no-contract pay-as-you-go data plan, which is ludicrously expensive, particularly when compared with the fact that I’m one of the lucky customers who is grandfathered in to an unlimited data plan.
Eventually, however, my desire to own this device got the better of me, so I finally dished out the cash (and it was not cheap either!) for an unlocked and unbranded Tab which had the phone calling and texting abilities right out of the box. I popped the SIM card from my AT&T smartphone into my new Tab, fired it up, and started enjoying what was, up until recently, the best mobile user experience I have ever known.
I started referring to my Tab as my “Do-Everything-Device,” because it literally DID do everything I needed right from one device! It replaced my netbook, my phone, my GPS, my iPod, my Kindle, and the CD player/Radio in my car! It was so liberating not to have a phone attached to my hip and a bag on my shoulder for everything else I used to have to lug around with me. Sure there were occasions where carrying around a phone the size of a small book would have been ridiculous, but that’s what swapping SIM cards is for right? I’d simply switch back to my smartphone when the situation called for it.
Then things took a turn for the worse when AT&T started getting involved… Apparently this kind of quality user experience was not meant to be. I had received an automated text message one day telling me that I needed to be on the “proper data plan,” and that if I weren’t my service could be changed or suspended. Being a loyal paying customer to AT&T in its various previous incarnations for about 11 years now, and having an unlimited data plan on my line (which I should note I was NOT abusing; I generally used about 4 – 5GB or so per billing cycle), I was perplexed as to why I would have been receiving that message. So I called into customer service to inquire.
Upon some minor investigation on the customer service rep’s part, I was informed that the issue was that I was swapping back and forth between my Galaxy Tab and my smartphone (which it may be noted is a Samsung Captivate), and that I should stop doing that. Stop swapping out my SIM card between two of my most used devices? Really? Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of having a SIM card in the first place? Still perplexed as to why this was an issue, I brought the matter to the attention of AT&T’s Office of the President to hopefully find some resolution to the problem. The gentleman I spoke with said he would investigate further and get back to me with his findings. A week later, get back to me he did! At first I thought, “Great! The highest level of customer service has come to bring me good news of a fair and reasonable compromise or resolution!” Little did I know he came to bear me bad news indeed…
The representative informed me that the issue wasn’t that I was swapping my SIM card per se, but rather the issue was with my Galaxy Tab specifically. Basically, I was told that AT&T’s intended use for the Galaxy Tab, regardless of where it was purchased, and regardless of whether it was carrier locked or unlocked or any of that, was that it was to be used as a data-only device, and furthermore as a pay-as-you-go data only device! I was basically given the option to get a pay-as-you-go SIM and use my Tab as AT&T intended it to be used (not as Samsung intended), or not use it at all, sorry. I was directed to the service agreement for “Specified Device Session-Based Plans.”
Excuse me? Sorry, but I don’t want to pay-as-I-go for data! I’m already paying for unlimited data, and there is nothing in those terms of service that say I can’t put my SIM card in whatever device I want, provided I’m not violating those terms! The representative proceeded to tell me that a user such as myself only accounted for a minority of the people subscribed, and that the current data plans AT&T offers caters to the majority. Ok, fine, cater to the majority. I get that. However, even as a lucky customer who has an unlimited data package, and even as a minority who chooses to stay informed about the latest technology, I should still be catered to as well. I mean, that’s what customer service is right? Making sure your customers’ needs are catered to? He said that the reason AT&T doesn’t still offer unlimited data is that “The average user only consumes about 2 or less GB a month.” Sure, that may be true for the average user currently, and it may be true furthermore for the average user who cares more about phones calls, text messages and Facebook updates more than frequently browsing rich web content and going to Youtube on their phone etc. However, with the much faster networks that are being deployed, and with more data intensive and media rich web content available today and tomorrow, that 2GB is going to be a bite-sized portion to the “average user” very shortly…
In my frustration, I argued that I am paying for the service to the SIM, not service to the device itself (otherwise what’s the point of the SIM in the first place?). As such, there shouldn’t be any issue with my circumventing AT&T’s artificial limitations on their branded Galaxy Tab’s hardware by buying directly from the manufacturer at a premium. I should be able to use my SIM in any device of my choosing, so long as I’m not violating the terms of service to that line, which I’m not (as I mentioned earlier, there was nothing in the Terms of Service that explicitly said I couldn’t use my SIM card in a tablet device.) Furthermore, I argued that the only real differences between the hardware in my Tab and the hardware in my Captivate were screen size, battery size, and the presence or absence of a front camera. For all the times I was told “Yes sir, I understand,” it really didn’t seem like he really understood…
It seems AT&T (and indeed any other US carrier which supplies a crippled Tab, or any other device) doesn’t want you to have a “Do Everything Device.” It’s bad for business! Why would they support a device that does everything your tablet or netbook does and everything your smartphone does, all on your single line subscription? Of course they’re going to cripple the Tab, because they want you to buy separate devices with separate line subscriptions and more money in their pockets! Not to mention, AT&T probably doesn’t want something that would have, up until recently, directly competed with the iPad, and frankly outdone it in some ways (when’s the last time you could make carrier phone calls, not SIP or VoIP, and text message on your iPad right out of the box?). I suppose that’s corporate America for you… What ever happened to providing superior service at the best value though?
So, if you are on AT&T, and you own a Galaxy Tab or are interested in getting one (or any other tablet on AT&T for that matter), here are some things to watch out for and speak out to:
AT&T is sweeping their network for devices by their IMEI, and if your device does not match up to whatever plan they want you to be on based on that device, your service could be changed or suspended.
If you have a grandfathered unlimited data plan, AT&T is doing the best they can to get you OFF of that plan by being very specific about what devices can be used with those plans.
I am only one person, and as one person, my voice has fallen upon the deaf ears of a very large company. As such, I urge you to speak out as a collective to AT&T, tell them about this situation, and others which likewise are upsetting to you as a customer. AT&T can ignore one person, but not a crowd…
Don’t contact customer service. Go straight to the source! Call AT&T’s office of the president at 866-751-5784 (option 1). Also, speak out on their Facebook page. Talk to your friends and family, spread the word!
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Click to collapse
I am not on AT&T network any more I moved to sprint a few months before the Iphone came out its been that long, However AT&T is well with in there right to limit what device is allowed to do what on there network. Its sad that they would do that but in there contract agreement it is listed there.
Since this has completely ticked you off I would suggest you move carriers if you truly want to show them how unhappy you are with there service. Calling and complaining really isnt going to do you any good since you are in the minority of users that do what you described.
just my 2 cents

In europe the wireless operators are selling services - like phone calls and data. In US they are selling devices capable of calling or having data.
This diffrenece means that in eu if I don't like something I can move to difirenet operator and keep devices. In us you can't. that is why are people complaing that at&t is messing with them. Cause if they go to other provider they need to pay again for every device. In my home country hspa+ is still caled 3g, dataplan 12Gig for 19eur/month included all taxes

icreepin said:
Since this has completely ticked you off I would suggest you move carriers if you truly want to show them how unhappy you are with there service. Calling and complaining really isnt going to do you any good since you are in the minority of users that do what you described.
just my 2 cents
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I would gladly switch carriers if it weren't for the fact that I do a lot of international traveling, and Sprint/Verizon both being CDMA carriers is a deal-breaker for me. I'm with AT&T because of the GSM bands it supports, and that's it. If it weren't for that, if Sprint and Verizon were GSM carriers too, just like most of the rest of the world, I'd have switched a long time ago without a doubt.
The other thing is, for the most part I'm not entirely unhappy with the service AT&T provides, when it's providing service to the equipment I use as that equipment was designed. I only have an issue when it's clear that they are imposing artificial schemes which force customers into a price gouging situation.
Crippling the native features of one device (i.e. phone calling on the Tab) in order to force the consumer into buying ANOTHER device and ANOTHER line subscription in order to fulfill that function, which was artificially crippled on the other device, THAT to me is price gouging.
AT&T absolutely has the right to lay out their own criteria for HOW their network is used. Likewise, the customers have the right to make enough of a fuss to AT&T about WHAT they can use on their network, particularly when they're not violating the HOW part of the ToS.
If we all as consumers are complacent and passive enough to just lay down and go with the attitude of "Oh well, it's their network, and they can treat us however they want with it..." then AT&T (and any company for that matter) will take advantage of that and gouge us for as much money as they can get.
I'm arguing that we've reached an "Enough is enough" point from the customer's perspective, and I am urging as many people as I can to speak out in a common voice to say "This is what we want. Please deliver."
If you don't like something, don't just say "Oh well..." and keep it to yourself. Express yourself, and make your issues known, and band together with people who share the same concerns, otherwise nothing will ever change for the betterment of the user.

Ok I think you need a better example what is fundamentally wrong with your wireless providers. Lets say the you would buy and electric drill and you use it as screwdriver as well. The power company would you charge $ more for that. And if you say no I go to someone else they say you need new drill cause it does not work on our grid. And cause of that some has made a standard power gird. Or am I wrong? If you solve this problem you get better service.

monoko said:
In europe the wireless operators are selling services - like phone calls and data. In US they are selling devices capable of calling or having data.
This diffrenece means that in eu if I don't like something I can move to difirenet operator and keep devices. In us you can't. that is why are people complaing that at&t is messing with them. Cause if they go to other provider they need to pay again for every device. In my home country hspa+ is still caled 3g, dataplan 12Gig for 19eur/month included all taxes
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Click to collapse
Exactly! And that's the thing, in America, we're in a largely CDMA network environment, where you can't just so easily keep on piece of hardware and jump from one carrier to another like you can with GSM using a SIM card. I mean you can still jump from one CDMA carrier to another using the same hardware, but it's a big hassle... Nowhere near as simple as popping in a different SIM card.

monoko said:
Ok I think you need a better example what is fundamentally wrong with your wireless providers. Lets say the you would buy and electric drill and you use it as screwdriver as well. The power company would you charge $ more for that. And if you say no I go to someone else they say you need new drill cause it does not work on our grid. And cause of that some has made a standard power gird. Or am I wrong? If you solve this problem you get better service.
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Click to collapse
No, the issue it this:
The Galaxy Tab, directly from Samsung and in virtually every other market throughout the world, makes and receives phone calls and text messages just the same as any other smartphone can.
AT&T (and pretty much all other US carriers) have artificially (that is, on the software level, not hardware) disabled those native capabilities. In essence, they've crippled the functionality of the device.
The consumer is therefore forced to buy and carry two devices with them (a phone AND a tablet) in order to fulfill the complete functionality and user experience desired, in addition to paying for TWO separate lines.
My point is that if there is an option to use ONE device, which when unhindered can fulfill the duties of BOTH phone AND tablet, and AT&T FORCES you out of that option, and therefore FORCES you into paying more money, when you really don't have to, then THAT is price gouging.

icreepin said:
Since this has completely ticked you off I would suggest you move carriers if you truly want to show them how unhappy you are with there service. Calling and complaining really isnt going to do you any good since you are in the minority of users that do what you described.
just my 2 cents
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Or we could get a http://www.groubal.com/ petition going and see just how many people are considered minority. I be it is not a minority,
Whos to say the SGT users are a minority.

Jade Eyed Wolf said:
Exactly! And that's the thing, in America, we're in a largely CDMA network environment, where you can't just so easily keep on piece of hardware and jump from one carrier to another like you can with GSM using a SIM card. I mean you can still jump from one CDMA carrier to another using the same hardware, but it's a big hassle... Nowhere near as simple as popping in a different SIM card.
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check ur PM

Jade Eyed Wolf said:
No, the issue it this:
...
AT&T (and pretty much all other US carriers) have artificially (that is, on the software level, not hardware) disabled those native capabilities. In essence, they've crippled the functionality of the device.
....
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Click to collapse
You don't understand the point. They can do it cause you have no other easy choise. (anti competitivie)
You should have standard, I am not saying GSM or SIM etc.
But to understand look at europe. (I am european, but that is not the point)
SIM - is external (that is the point of it)!!!... it's easy to change (dead phone... just borrow frends old and you fixed till you get new),
Protocol (GSM etc) is defined for allowed spectrum.
Defined Spectrum and no other. (they still need to buy the spectrum)
This gives you posibility of selling GSM phones without carriers cripple them.
So your US problem is free market. Sorry to say it that way I know you mostly proud of that. (Lest leave this alone... ).
Just I can see competition in this market as a bit virtual. (at least to me)
(check your history about power gird you will find that standards are sometimes needed for better consumer protection.)
Please no flame war.

mine just got blocked.
i got the email yesterday telling me to change it back to my phone or call in to discuss options for the tab. so i did at my first opportunity...
i just got blocked and then an email sent to me saying to call in and that it may be blocked on both devices...
awesome, just awesome...

This is a perfect example as to why i am dreading the att/tmo merger. I am a current tmo customer and i am currently using my tab as a phone like many tmo/att customers. I have called a few times to tmo customer service regarding different minor issues and they know that i am using the tab as my phone, because i have told them, and they have not said anything they just mention how good of a devise it is and all that stuff, no issues.
Basically i am on an unlimited android plan $24.99 and of course the voice is extra. Now since this is supposed to last a year before it goes through (i really hope not) i will probably be at the end of my contract if the merger goes through and i am sure i will be forced to make changes to my plan: first i would need to chose one of their plans (god know what they will be then and how much) and second, forget about even using my tab as i am currently using it. If they do this to their own customers they i dread to think what they will do to the tmo customers that decide to stay with them once their contracts are up.
So my question is what would be the chances of me keeping my original plan on a month to month basis and not sign a new contract? (don't want to sign a new contract as i am planning to move to the UK around 2013 if everything goes as planned), who knows the answer to this but all i can say that it is not looking good for us tmo customers that are used to good customer service.
A sad, sad day for us all!!!!!

honggee said:
mine just got blocked.
i got the email yesterday telling me to change it back to my phone or call in to discuss options for the tab. so i did at my first opportunity...
i just got blocked and then an email sent to me saying to call in and that it may be blocked on both devices...
awesome, just awesome...
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and i am sure there is nothing anyone can do about this, either comply or move to sprint/verizon. i feel your pain even though i am not an att customer.

8XT vs. ATIV S Neo

Ive been reading on some stuff regarding HTC and their lack of providing a true root unlock on their Android devices. So im wondering if its the same for their WP8 offerings? The main thing i want to do once i dev unlock the 8XT is to be able to get wifi sharing working, but im a bit worried that things like that would be locked down. Im not worried about the usage as it would be minimal at best, 1-2 megs a month prob at most.
Then, onto the Samsung issue... ive heard they are quite a bit more open to full rooting/unlocking and then theres the better resolution over the 8XT.
Then you have the price point, the 8XT is at Sams Club, Radio Shack and other places for $80 while at Sprint stores its $150 before $50 rebate. The ATIV S Neo will be $200 out the door and a $50 rebate.
So, your thoughts?

Talon Pro said:
Ive been reading on some stuff regarding HTC and their lack of providing a true root unlock on their Android devices. So im wondering if its the same for their WP8 offerings? The main thing i want to do once i dev unlock the 8XT is to be able to get wifi sharing working, but im a bit worried that things like that would be locked down. Im not worried about the usage as it would be minimal at best, 1-2 megs a month prob at most.
Then, onto the Samsung issue... ive heard they are quite a bit more open to full rooting/unlocking and then theres the better resolution over the 8XT.
Then you have the price point, the 8XT is at Sams Club, Radio Shack and other places for $80 while at Sprint stores its $150 before $50 rebate. The ATIV S Neo will be $200 out the door and a $50 rebate.
So, your thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WiFi sharing is locked down. The only method available to unlock it involves sim swapping with different carriers.

WiFi sharing is a built-in feature of the OS, but it will check your data plan for approval before you can use it. If your plan doesn't allow it, then there's no way I know of to reliably work around the restriction. However, we do have wired tethering for Samsung phone (haven't tested the Neo, but it should work) and that seems to bypass the carrier restrictions.
No WP8 phone has a "true root unlock" at all. The OEM policies for Android are quite irrelevant here (and FWIW, HTC does offer a bootloader unlock, which allows completely rooting the phone, on Android). We're working on "rooting" WP8, but so far, no dice except for isolated reports of success on specific models of phone, mostly the Huawei Ascend W1.
The Neo is more expensive than the XT because it's a better phone. Look at the specs; the Neo has a better (and bigger) display, better storage, bigger battery (and it's removable; not sure about that on the XT), and probably better cameras too. The XT will have better audio, but that's probably about it.

I keep using rooting in place of 'being able to unlock and flash' I guess. But an article I read today was complaining about HTC and their 'unlocking' issues.
I'm aware the ATIV does have better specs, but I haven't liked the feel of their HW since the Moment, it just feels cheap and light. Not that the XT isn't light and I don't like that either, coming from the likes of the Touch Pro and Touch Pro2 I currently use. I also don't really want a tablet for a phone lol, but I am disappointed that Sprint keeps wanting WVGA devices from HTC
The reason in looking for the WiFi tether is I'm putting Is Galaxy Tab 2 in my Mazda 6 and would like to use it occasionally for nav, and I doubt it has native USB hosting.
So having said all that, what's the SIM trick?

Talon Pro said:
I keep using rooting in place of 'being able to unlock and flash' I guess. But an article I read today was complaining about HTC and their 'unlocking' issues.
I'm aware the ATIV does have better specs, but I haven't liked the feel of their HW since the Moment, it just feels cheap and light. Not that the XT isn't light and I don't like that either, coming from the likes of the Touch Pro and Touch Pro2 I currently use. I also don't really want a tablet for a phone lol, but I am disappointed that Sprint keeps wanting WVGA devices from HTC
The reason in looking for the WiFi tether is I'm putting Is Galaxy Tab 2 in my Mazda 6 and would like to use it occasionally for nav, and I doubt it has native USB hosting.
So having said all that, what's the SIM trick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no "SIM trick".
you just need a data plan which allows tethering.

thals1992 said:
WiFi sharing is locked down. The only method available to unlock it involves sim swapping with different carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mcosmin222 said:
There is no "SIM trick".
you just need a data plan which allows tethering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what i was talking about.

Talon Pro said:
This is what i was talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought I had heard some success with having your primary MO's SIM in first, turn it off, place second MO's SIM in, turn back on, go to your mo config app (on nokia its access point in settings, on HTC its Connection Setup, I have no idea where its at on Samsung.) check if internet sharing is on, and repeat the process to go back to the first MO's settings.
I just didn't recall many people getting it working doing that, because I don't know if Internet Sharing can be relocked; hence I didn't reply in detail at first.
If you pay for it in your plan then it should be automatically enabled anyways......

Ok, so heres a stupid question that im sure i know the answer to.. but... here goes anyways...
Are the days of flashing a phone to another provider like WinMo gone? If you can flash a WP8 phone to work on Page Plus, could you theoretically get it on Sprint too?
It seems that if i want a decent handset that isnt the size of a tablet then a used Nokia is my best bet. 810/820/822's are all over eBay for around $150 and in my area i have T-Mo and Cinci Bell for GSM carriers, but T-Mo is the only one with unlimited data. Which brings up another point. I consider myself a fairly heavy data user, but these days its mostly email and the occasional Twitter website bombing using Opera Mini. I use an average of <300megs/month. So theoretically, i could go to Verizon with the 1GB plan and not worry about it, i just dont know how much more data i would use. Of the apps i mess around with on my wifi Arrive, i use Twitter and Words with Friends the most. Sometimes the eBay app, but i find its cumbersome when i have a real computer within reach nearly all day at work or home.
My biggest concern/***** is that as of Oct 19th ill have been with Sprint for 13 years and they really dont care to keep me that much. Ive had more than one person tell me that, yet despite the ones who say they value my loyalty, cant seem to prove it by offering a free handset, moving my upgrade period up 18 days or offering a 'special plan' like in the past. And they dont have good offerings like in the past and the plans.. ugh. Wheres the carrier that will let me get 200 mins/month with unlimited text/data for around $50 like you used to be able to get?

Talon Pro said:
Ok, so heres a stupid question that im sure i know the answer to.. but... here goes anyways...
Are the days of flashing a phone to another provider like WinMo gone? If you can flash a WP8 phone to work on Page Plus, could you theoretically get it on Sprint too?
It seems that if i want a decent handset that isnt the size of a tablet then a used Nokia is my best bet. 810/820/822's are all over eBay for around $150 and in my area i have T-Mo and Cinci Bell for GSM carriers, but T-Mo is the only one with unlimited data. Which brings up another point. I consider myself a fairly heavy data user, but these days its mostly email and the occasional Twitter website bombing using Opera Mini. I use an average of <300megs/month. So theoretically, i could go to Verizon with the 1GB plan and not worry about it, i just dont know how much more data i would use. Of the apps i mess around with on my wifi Arrive, i use Twitter and Words with Friends the most. Sometimes the eBay app, but i find its cumbersome when i have a real computer within reach nearly all day at work or home.
My biggest concern/***** is that as of Oct 19th ill have been with Sprint for 13 years and they really dont care to keep me that much. Ive had more than one person tell me that, yet despite the ones who say they value my loyalty, cant seem to prove it by offering a free handset, moving my upgrade period up 18 days or offering a 'special plan' like in the past. And they dont have good offerings like in the past and the plans.. ugh. Wheres the carrier that will let me get 200 mins/month with unlimited text/data for around $50 like you used to be able to get?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing Nokia's - YES! Anything else... idk, I haven't tested.
With having Sprint/PagePlus, you don't have much of a choice, because there aren't any unbranded CDMA phones on the market, there's usually one or variants for the carrier (usually just color options, but sometimes different models) and thats it. I'd personally recommend Verizon (awesome speed, but meh datacaps) for their stable network covering areas that Sprint/AT&T(Or cincinnati-bell for that matter and I'm in cinci )/T-Mobile can't cover. I'd personally just recommend follow whichever has the fastest, but that might not be very friendly on the wallet.
All in all, just stick with a 500mb plan, I usually use that much and I even use metrotube (3rd party youtube app) fairly often. I can't say though, I'm on my mother's plan still and its 20GBs shared with the HomeFusion thingy (VZW is our home ISP, still better than satellite though.)
Or, have you thought of a pay as you go phone? I thought I saw one for AT&T and one for T-Mobile. I can't really recommend anything on price though.
Hope that helps a bit.

Talon Pro said:
I keep using rooting in place of 'being able to unlock and flash' I guess. But an article I read today was complaining about HTC and their 'unlocking' issues.
I'm aware the ATIV does have better specs, but I haven't liked the feel of their HW since the Moment, it just feels cheap and light. Not that the XT isn't light and I don't like that either, coming from the likes of the Touch Pro and Touch Pro2 I currently use. I also don't really want a tablet for a phone lol, but I am disappointed that Sprint keeps wanting WVGA devices from HTC
The reason in looking for the WiFi tether is I'm putting Is Galaxy Tab 2 in my Mazda 6 and would like to use it occasionally for nav, and I doubt it has native USB hosting.
So having said all that, what's the SIM trick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did I read correctly... you're currently using a HTC Touch Pro 2?
What service plan do you currently have with Sprint?
I'm curious since I'm having a similar dilemma you are facing.

Well, as of that post, yes. I just dumped Sprint after 13 years cause i wanted a Nokia and the 810 was exactly what i wanted. I was on the Everything Talk/Text 450 with a special $3.50 unlimited data plan. If you can look past the internet programming itself into Opera's oblivion and the lack of apps for things you have to use the website for, stay with Sprint. I do NOT recommend the 8XT and the ATIV S Neo just wasnt grabbing anything on the 'like' column. So far with T-Mo ive only found one spot i dont have full 4G coverage at and all i need to do is walk out the door to get it back.
Whats crazy is i still only use around 250megs of data and i have Twitter, WWF, 4 emails accounts 2 of which check every 30 mins. Now that i finally got Sims Free installed ill probably use more data, but still, no where near the 2.5gigs i pay for. Also, for two lines, i pay $100/month for unlimited talk/text and 2.5 gigs of data for 2 lines and thats before my 15% discount. Beat that Sprint. Oh, wait, you cant.

Stupid website...

if you're interested in hacking your phone, get the ATIV. Samsung's diagnosis app (built into the phone) is making messing with WP8 easy. You're able to directly edit the registry and do all sorts of stuff

Worth buying

Thinking about buying one at best buy tomorrow to use on t mo.
Is it worth it from a long time Samsung note user?
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

IF you dont want 4g anymore go ahead especially if your on t-mobile i heard a lot of people complaining about signal strength on that network.

blair287 said:
IF you dont want 4g anymore go ahead especially if your on t-mobile i heard a lot of people complaining about signal strength on that network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you, been reading about connection issues.
May be changing my mind.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

I have Tmoblie and have no issues at all with connection or speeds. As for bugs there are no more or no less then you will find on ANY other cell phone to include LG, Samsung and HTC.
If you are not on Tmobile or AT&T then you are defiantly going to have some trouble with 4G as the CDMA carriers haven't green lighted the phone yet so people that complain about being VZW and having issues is their own fault and not the fault of the phone.
Do I like this phone? Yes
Would I buy it again? Yes
Is it worth it? That depends on the carrier and personal needs. For me it's a Yes.

I would say yes if ZTE actually provided the basics expected which means:
- Unlocked bootloader or easily unlockable without the BS voiding of the warranty (which I'm sure wouldn't stand up in any court in the west if any of these companies were challenged on it).
- Stock images, seriously, what kind of company doesn't provide these? So far it's only available for the CN and EU variants, those of us in NA are SOL.
The lack of software support has lead me to not unlocking/rooting the phone yet which I never imagined would be this INFURIATING. Without root I can't properly block any ads. The internet is absolute AIDS if ads aren't blocked. 80% of my data is eaten by ads, and the ads make me just not want to use the internet on my phone, not buy the ****ty products they're advertising.
So only buy it if you're willing to officially void your warranty to unlock/root it, without a stock image being available if you're in NA, to properly block ads.

I've been looking into this or the N6p and I am on T-Mobile. I've read a lot about reception issues but does best buy allow you to return for a full refund if you don't like it? I've never bought a phone from best buy so I'm curious

KUSOsan said:
I've been looking into this or the N6p and I am on T-Mobile. I've read a lot about reception issues but does best buy allow you to return for a full refund if you don't like it? I've never bought a phone from best buy so I'm curious
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They do

KUSOsan said:
I've been looking into this or the N6p and I am on T-Mobile. I've read a lot about reception issues but does best buy allow you to return for a full refund if you don't like it? I've never bought a phone from best buy so I'm curious
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$35 restocking fee.

I have T-mobile, no problems with connection or speed at all. The warranty runs for 2 years so you have plenty of time to send it back should a problem occurs. As always, people who do have problems with their Axon 7 are more likely to be vocal about it compared to those who don't.

As always, people who do have problems with their Axon 7 are more likely to be vocal about it compared to those who don't.
Two observations:
1. Lots of people here who don't have problems with the A7 are telling people who do have problems that they don't have a problem and telling potential buyers that there are no problems. Meanwhile there are zero people with problems telling people who don't have problems that, actually, they do have a problem.
2. There are 45 reviews of the A7 on Amazon Germany of which 11, just shy of a quarter, cite problems with cellular reception.
Perhaps people who don't have reception issues could regard people who do as unfortunates hoping for a fix via an update rather than as fifth columnists dissing the glorious product.
Amazon reviews are hardly scientific but it's not impossible that there is a quality control issue with this phone. Publicising the problem, especially on forums like this, which manufacturers DO read, is more likely to encourage ZTE to make better devices than telling people to suck it up.
Ok, I'm done

ItsLasher said:
...If you are not on Tmobile or AT&T then you are defiantly going to have some trouble with 4G as the CDMA carriers haven't green lighted the phone yet so people that complain about being VZW and having issues is their own fault and not the fault of the phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on the issue.
The no VoLTE & simultaneous voice and data issue, yes Verizon is to blame.
The CDMA issues with carrier name, MCC-MNC value, roaming indicator, etc. are issues with TelephonyManager, which is something that ZTE has to fix, Verizon greenlighting the phone wouldn't fix these underlying CDMA issues.

strongly considering a purchase - help

So I have an s8 right now and while its a good phone I'm just not feeling it. I'm intrigued by the PH-1 but to be honest some of the reviews have me scared. I have Verizon and have read about the signal issues.
I guess my question is, have the latest updates fixed some of these issues and at this point how does it compare to the s8??

S8 pros
1.) Display is better(except for the curved edges)
2.) Better camera
3.) Water resistant
4.) Headphone jack
5.) Expandable storage
6.) WiFi and VOLTE on Verizon
7.) More cases and other accessories
Essential pros
1.) Display to body ratio is great, overall size is very nice
2.) Stock Android
3.) Very nice build quality
4.) Possibility of root and ROMs in the near future
5.) Should get updates quicker
6.) Something different
Edit...You could always get it from Amazon, and if you don't like it, you can return it within 30 days.
Also, I'm on AT&T and the signal strength is about the same as any other phone I've had recently.
As far as overall performance of the Essential phone, I would say it's just as good and smooth as the s8. It's not a smooth as the Pixel though. Unless you really need the best camera, you should be happy with the Essential.

I switched from the S8 on ATT. Overall I really like the Essential. It's been pretty trouble free for me. I like the S8, but hate touchwiz and the bloat so the Essential is very refreshing from that standpoint. I'm also seeing better battery life with the Essential and I no longer have inadvertent screen taps due to the curved screen on the S8.

lyall29 said:
S8 pros
1.) Display is better(except for the curved edges)
2.) Better camera
3.) Water resistant
4.) Headphone jack
5.) Expandable storage
6.) WiFi and VOLTE on Verizon
7.) More cases and other accessories
Essential pros
1.) Display to body ratio is great, overall size is very nice
2.) Stock Android
3.) Very nice build quality
4.) Possibility of root and ROMs in the near future
5.) Should get updates quicker
6.) Something different
Edit...You could always get it from Amazon, and if you don't like it, you can return it within 30 days.
Also, I'm on AT&T and the signal strength is about the same as any other phone I've had recently.
As far as overall performance of the Essential phone, I would say it's just as good and smooth as the s8. It's not a smooth as the Pixel though. Unless you really need the best camera, you should be happy with the Essential.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The possibility of root definitely is a plus!! I came from a pixel and that's was a nice option. From what I understand it should be pretty soon.

I think Amazon stopped taking returns on cell phones. Or changed the 30 day thing. Not sure.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

I'd get the Pixel 2 XL if I could do it over again. Essential is just too shady as a company and not consistent. I feel like I've been taken for $700.

mpetruzz said:
So I have an s8 right now and while its a good phone I'm just not feeling it. I'm intrigued by the PH-1 but to be honest some of the reviews have me scared. I have Verizon and have read about the signal issues.
I guess my question is, have the latest updates fixed some of these issues and at this point how does it compare to the s8??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the essential on Verizon and it's working great. VoLTE works no problem and signal has been a non issue for me. My wife had the s8+ but she loved my phone so much I had to get her one too lol. We weren't huge fans of the Samsung ui so having stock Android was a huge plus. The camera is just ok. Nothing special, certainly not as good as Samsung but neither of us use the camera like that to care. The feel and build is amazing too. And at $499 it's hard to beat for similar internal specs and 128gb.

To add to the cons listed by lyall29, the phone is heavy. Some might see this as a testament to the build quality but it just makes it harder to handle one handed. That said, I've gone from the pixel, to LG G6, back to pixel, to s8, then to note 8... I'd still choose the ph-1. That's mostly due to the curved screen of the galaxies, if this phone gets a really nice glass screen protector it will be nearly perfect for me....I really just want an LG g2/nexus 5 with updated specs.

QD2DC said:
I have the essential on Verizon and it's working great. VoLTE works no problem and signal has been a non issue for me. My wife had the s8+ but she loved my phone so much I had to get her one too lol. We weren't huge fans of the Samsung ui so having stock Android was a huge plus. The camera is just ok. Nothing special, certainly not as good as Samsung but neither of us use the camera like that to care. The feel and build is amazing too. And at $499 it's hard to beat for similar internal specs and 128gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure that VoLTE is actually working? I've only seen reports that it doesn't work on Verizon. I'm on AT&T and I have the setting switched on, but AT&T won't allow unlocked phones to use VoLTE. If your's is working, could you share how you got it to work? Thanks
Edit...AT&T actually has a webpage specifically for supporting the Essential phone. I'm going to call them and see if they can get HD Voice working for me. https://www.att.com/plans/essential-phone.html

I have VoLTE working on AT&T at the moment, but I had to configure my S8 IMEI and then move the sim over. Will be interesting to see what they tell you and certainly easier to just have it configured on the essential IMEI.

This is kind of a dumb question but how's the weight of the phone. Many reviews have said that its pretty heavy and almost make it hard to use with one hand.

mpetruzz said:
This is kind of a dumb question but how's the weight of the phone. Many reviews have said that its pretty heavy and almost make it hard to use with one hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not that heavy. It definitely has a more substantial feel than other phones, which to me, says quality. It certainly can be used one handed.

Yeah I think I'll pull the trigger on one. Amazon has a 30 day return window so I'm covered if I don't like it.
I'm hoping I do cause this s8 has so many ****ing quirks!!

I actually just ordered the white one on amazon as I had some credit I forgot about so my total was 450!!
Orders the clear tpu case from viva madrid as well for just a bit of protection.

bugsy said:
I have VoLTE working on AT&T at the moment, but I had to configure my S8 IMEI and then move the sim over. Will be interesting to see what they tell you and certainly easier to just have it configured on the essential IMEI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is definitely not working even though the setting is turned on. I can tell when I call my wife, the sound is not as clear as it was with my Note 8. I had VoLTE active on my Note 8, removed the Sim from the Note and stuck it in the Essential phone, and VoLTE doesn't work (the setting is on). I did call At&t and the "Advanced Tech Rep." told me that the Enhanced 4g services will not work on any phone that is not sold by At&t. If you want to be sure that you are getting VoLTE, try installing and activating At&t Call Protect. This app requires Enhanced 4g services.

lyall29 said:
Are you sure that VoLTE is actually working? I've only seen reports that it doesn't work on Verizon. I'm on AT&T and I have the setting switched on, but AT&T won't allow unlocked phones to use VoLTE. If your's is working, could you share how you got it to work? Thanks
Edit...AT&T actually has a webpage specifically for supporting the Essential phone. I'm going to call them and see if they can get HD Voice working for me. https://www.att.com/plans/essential-phone.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I'm sure. I'm able to talk and surf at the same time and also get that HD symbol and clarity when talking to my brother who also has HD voice enabled on his phone. I already had it active and working on my s8+, so I just swapped Sims and I was good to go.

lyall29 said:
Are you sure that VoLTE is actually working? I've only seen reports that it doesn't work on Verizon. I'm on AT&T and I have the setting switched on, but AT&T won't allow unlocked phones to use VoLTE. If your's is working, could you share how you got it to work? Thanks
Edit...AT&T actually has a webpage specifically for supporting the Essential phone. I'm going to call them and see if they can get HD Voice working for me. https://www.att.com/plans/essential-phone.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon volte works perfectly on my phone. Has since day 1.

bill3508 said:
Verizon volte works perfectly on my phone. Has since day 1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess At&t is the only carrier that won't let anyone Enhanced 4g services. It's not a deal breaker for me, but it would be nice. I can't even get WiFi calling on an unlocked phone. It's been this way forever, so I'm used to it.
Edit...I'm doing more research and some say their phones are getting VoLTE on at&t by using their Sim from a phone sold by at&t. I don't know why mine never worked seeing how I had my sim in a Note 8 with VoLTE, before the Essential. I'll keep trying. If anyone knows any tricks to get this to work on At&t, please let me know. Thanks

QD2DC said:
Yes I'm sure. I'm able to talk and surf at the same time and also get that HD symbol and clarity when talking to my brother who also has HD voice enabled on his phone. I already had it active and working on my s8+, so I just swapped Sims and I was good to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got my Essential today and am really digging it..however i cant surf the web and talk at the same time. I had no problems earlier today on my Pixel and def have it on my account. Any info on settings i need is appreciated.

lyall29 said:
Are you sure that VoLTE is actually working? I've only seen reports that it doesn't work on Verizon. I'm on AT&T and I have the setting switched on, but AT&T won't allow unlocked phones to use VoLTE. If your's is working, could you share how you got it to work? Thanks
Edit...AT&T actually has a webpage specifically for supporting the Essential phone. I'm going to call them and see if they can get HD Voice working for me. https://www.att.com/plans/essential-phone.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works perfect, I'm usng it now. Secret is the Sim setup prior I think. I came from VERIZON HTC 10

T-Mobile 6t vs direct from one plus

So I'm considering ditching my V30 for the 6t. I'm a current T-Mobile customer.
My concern is whether or not updates will come at the same pace on the T-Mobile version? I'm not familiar with the one plus brand as I've only had LG phones for years.
Do we know if the T-Mobile version will be custom os vs the stock phone? I really wanna buy on Thursday but I'm skeptical. I'm worried about buying it and being stuck with a locked down phone.
I know about the bootloader issue and understand that aspect.

In general OnePlus updates are a LOT better than LG, Samsung, etc. The OnePlus 6 even received the initial Android Pie Developer previews.
As for the bootloader unlock, I'd not fret too much on that. It's been confirmed that as soon as you pay off the device and it's been active for 40 days you can request it unlocked. (That means only the 280 portion if you do the trade in.)
Honestly, it's a win win in my opinion.

Agree on the bootloader. Do you think the updates will be same on the T-Mobile variant? In other words T-Mobile won't slow down one plus by creating an artificial delay?

TheFuzz said:
Agree on the bootloader. Do you think the updates will be same on the T-Mobile variant? In other words T-Mobile won't slow down one plus by creating an artificial delay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes they will because it has to become "tmo certified". Small security updates won't be as bad

I think updates will be semi-timely. I believe OnePlus has only committed to Bi-monthly updates. However, they have committed to 2 years of major updates as well as 3 years of security updates. And as mentioned previously, the OnePlus 6 even got the Android P developer previews.
And with the tradein offer, 280 bucks is a steal. I'll pay mine off within a month of financing it, and then just request the unlock. From that point you can flash the global firmware if you so choose. A lot of people are making a stink over things, in my opinion, over nothing.

Dameon87 said:
In general OnePlus updates are a LOT better than LG, Samsung, etc. The OnePlus 6 even received the initial Android Pie Developer previews.
As for the bootloader unlock, I'd not fret too much on that. It's been confirmed that as soon as you pay off the device and it's been active for 40 days you can request it unlocked. (That means only the 280 portion if you do the trade in.)
Honestly, it's a win win in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From the chats I had with T-Mobile reps, paying $280 doesn't mean you paid off the device as $300 credits will be completed only after 24 months . So you can't unlock the bootloader until 24 months if you pay $280... You can pay $580 to get the bootloader unlocked and keep getting the $300 credits...

ram4ufriends said:
From the chats I had with T-Mobile reps, paying $280 doesn't mean you paid off the device as $300 credits will be completed only after 24 months . So you can't unlock the bootloader until 24 months if you pay $280... You can pay $580 to get the bootloader unlocked and keep getting the $300 credits...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that's a fair compromise.
1) Customer gets the phone unlocked (SIM & Bootloader,if desired) & gets a cheaper phone bill for 24 months.
2) T-Mobile doesn't lose any $$$ on the deal,but,this allows for you to use the phone elsewhere,or,leave T-Mobile altogether.

That kinda sucks...I almost want to purchase the phone from OnePlus. Not just because I can unlock the bootloader, but because system updates and opportunities at Beta versions of Android in the future.

Also, with T-Mobile you are going to have to pay taxes on the phone. While purchasing direct from OnePlus online, most buyers won't have to pay taxes.

There's always issues with these carriers! OnePlus direct for the win!

Dameon87 said:
I think updates will be semi-timely. I believe OnePlus has only committed to Bi-monthly updates. However, they have committed to 2 years of major updates as well as 3 years of security updates. And as mentioned previously, the OnePlus 6 even got the Android P developer previews.
And with the tradein offer, 280 bucks is a steal. I'll pay mine off within a month of financing it, and then just request the unlock. From that point you can flash the global firmware if you so choose. A lot of people are making a stink over things, in my opinion, over nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what people need to realize is that this is all done so the phone will work perfect with the T-Mobile network the current phone that is out right now does not work hundred percent it works only 75% of the time so everybody needs to just calm down and get the one that works the best for you when if you buy it from the company that makes it then you're going to know that it's only going to work 75% of the time versus 100% of the time on the network. That's why the T-Mobile variant is just a better choice. People need to be smart and listen to what OnePlus and T-Mobile are saying it's a great device and it's the same exactphone is what they would sell on their website the only difference is the antenna is built for T-Mobile

NickMidd91 said:
what people need to realize is that this is all done so the phone will work perfect with the T-Mobile network the current phone that is out right now does not work hundred percent it works only 75% of the time so everybody needs to just calm down and get the one that works the best for you when if you buy it from the company that makes it then you're going to know that it's only going to work 75% of the time versus 100% of the time on the network. That's why the T-Mobile variant is just a better choice. People need to be smart and listen to what OnePlus and T-Mobile are saying it's a great device and it's the same exactphone is what they would sell on their website the only difference is the antenna is built for T-Mobile
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Umm can you please elaborate on this propaganda

cwalker0906 said:
Umm can you please elaborate on this propaganda
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What he's trying to say is that the T-Mobile version has the 600 MHz spectrum/Band 71. The normal one does not have it.
But it's a stretch to say that without it, the phone would "work 75% of the time". You'd probably get 4G if you can't connect to the newest spectrum.

AhsanU said:
What he's trying to say is that the T-Mobile version has the 600 MHz spectrum/Band 71. The normal one does not have it.
But it's a stretch to say that without it, the phone would "work 75% of the time". You'd probably get 4G if you can't connect to the newest spectrum.
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Actually, the unlocked version does have Band 71,as does the OP6, check OnePlus' website for yourself.
Sent from my SM-N960U using XDA Labs

Yeah um the one sold by one plus has band 71

ram4ufriends said:
From the chats I had with T-Mobile reps, paying $280 doesn't mean you paid off the device as $300 credits will be completed only after 24 months . So you can't unlock the bootloader until 24 months if you pay $280... You can pay $580 to get the bootloader unlocked and keep getting the $300 credits...
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This is correct from what I know the 300 dollar credit is towards ur bill so long as you trade in an eligible device. It's independent of your EIP Balance.. When you do this the monthly payment for the device gets cut in half until u pay off the entire 580.. now if you do the trade in keep the 6t on the account for the first month...the 2nd month pay the remaining balance from the 580 you keep the bill credits till 300 is issued.. But u have paid the cost of the device.. Do not pay off the device during the first month or the credits will not be applied. Once u get to the 2nd month u can pay off the device keep your bill credits and request an unlock. Well 40 days on the network and u can request the unlock.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

djkinetic said:
This is correct from what I know the 300 dollar credit is towards ur bill so long as you trade in an eligible device. It's independent of your EIP Balance.. When you do this the monthly payment for the device gets cut in half until u pay off the entire 580.. now if you do the trade in keep the 6t on the account for the first month...the 2nd month pay the remaining balance from the 580 you keep the bill credits till 300 is issued.. But u have paid the cost of the device.. Do not pay off the device during the first month or the credits will not be applied. Once u get to the 2nd month u can pay off the device keep your bill credits and request an unlock. Well 40 days on the network and u can request the unlock.
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That's what I said as well...

cwalker0906 said:
Umm can you please elaborate on this propaganda
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recent the T-Mobile variant is the great choice is because the antenna and software is built for their Network versus the antenna on the one sold on OnePlus. Com has a antenna that is meant to work with multiple Networks that antenna may think at times it is supposed to be on one network versus the next I tested this out because I have the OnePlus 6 and most of the time and tried to connect to multiple Networks and that makes it hard for the phone to stay connected to the network that you are actually on so in return the phone kept disconnecting from the advanced LTE network and not staying on that one and vice versa and low signal areas it was trying to connect to other networks that weren't even supposed to be connected to which makes it hard for you to even use the phone like a T-Mobile phone which does work without connecting to multiple Networks makes sense. So in return if you buy it from OnePlus it will not fully work with T-Mobile because of all these issues of it trying to connect to multiple Networks. I went to a place that had full service on LTE and my girlfriend's S9 plus connected perfectly to Tmobile cuz it was a T-Mobile variant but my oneplus6. No connection at all at the location because it's not a T-Mobile phone that's what the Reps would tell me and it was true because the same thing happened all over. This is why I stated what I said before

NickMidd91 said:
recent the T-Mobile variant is the great choice is because the antenna and software is built for their Network versus the antenna on the one sold on OnePlus. Com has a antenna that is meant to work with multiple Networks that antenna may think at times it is supposed to be on one network versus the next I tested this out because I have the OnePlus 6 and most of the time and tried to connect to multiple Networks and that makes it hard for the phone to stay connected to the network that you are actually on so in return the phone kept disconnecting from the advanced LTE network and not staying on that one and vice versa and low signal areas it was trying to connect to other networks that weren't even supposed to be connected to which makes it hard for you to even use the phone like a T-Mobile phone which does work without connecting to multiple Networks makes sense. So in return if you buy it from OnePlus it will not fully work with T-Mobile because of all these issues of it trying to connect to multiple Networks. I went to a place that had full service on LTE and my girlfriend's S9 plus connected perfectly to Tmobile cuz it was a T-Mobile variant but my oneplus6. No connection at all at the location because it's not a T-Mobile phone that's what the Reps would tell me and it was true because the same thing happened all over. This is why I stated what I said before
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I haven't bought a phone from T-Mobile in years. All I buy are unlocked sim non T-Mobile phones, and I never experienced any problems ever

NickMidd91 said:
recent the T-Mobile variant is the great choice is because the antenna and software is built for their Network versus the antenna on the one sold on OnePlus. Com has a antenna that is meant to work with multiple Networks that antenna may think at times it is supposed to be on one network versus the next I tested this out because I have the OnePlus 6 and most of the time and tried to connect to multiple Networks and that makes it hard for the phone to stay connected to the network that you are actually on so in return the phone kept disconnecting from the advanced LTE network and not staying on that one and vice versa and low signal areas it was trying to connect to other networks that weren't even supposed to be connected to which makes it hard for you to even use the phone like a T-Mobile phone which does work without connecting to multiple Networks makes sense. So in return if you buy it from OnePlus it will not fully work with T-Mobile because of all these issues of it trying to connect to multiple Networks. I went to a place that had full service on LTE and my girlfriend's S9 plus connected perfectly to Tmobile cuz it was a T-Mobile variant but my oneplus6. No connection at all at the location because it's not a T-Mobile phone that's what the Reps would tell me and it was true because the same thing happened all over. This is why I stated what I said before
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I'm sorry but this is the biggest crock of s#!t I have ever read.
If anything of what you said was true please explain how my Google Pixel 3 XL works as good if not better than my T-Mobile LG v30, T-Mobile Note 9, or my iPhone XS Max I bought from T-Mobile.
A phone does not randomly tried to connect to multiple networks, in fact without a sim it won't connect to any network.
Do you work for T-Mobile or something and just trying to push the OnePlus they are selling?
I'm ordering one directly from OnePlus and picking one up from T-Mobile, once I have both I will gladly prove you wrong.