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I have seen an handful of users mention they are using SIM cards from Simple Mobile, who is a TMobile MNVO per Wikipedia ... but seeing that our (US-based users) only certain way to both make standard phone calls and access 3G data is via AT&T's network... as such, can we get some suggestions as to who is a good MNVO to use to access AT&T?
EDIT: i.e., looking for a carrier/reseller of AT&T who would serve a role similar to that of Simple Mobile, who is a reseller of T-Mobile's network, but who does so with a better pricing structure and month-to-month plans.
Perhaps I should adjust the initial question a bit...
Are there *any* AT&T resellers that include 3G data access with their plans?
Alrighty, I might be the only one looking for this info, but thought someone else might as well...
Per this list of US-based resellers: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_US_MVNO
Here are the resellers who look to be offering 3G internet via AT&T's network:
AirVoice Wireless: unlimited talk/text/100MMS/30MB internet -- http://www.airvoicewireless.com/PlanA.aspx
H2O Wirless: unlimited talk/text/MMS/50MB internet -- https://www.h2owirelessnow.com/pageControl.php?page=plans
Unfortunately, it's fairly clear that AT&T has the monopoly on 3G data in US...
- GadgetGuy
Gadgetguy said:
Unfortunately, it's fairly clear that AT&T has the monopoly on 3G data in US...
- GadgetGuy
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The point of listing/finding these MNVO companies is that they are resellers of AT&T services, but under their name, not under AT&T's name ... so like many who use a Simple Mobile sim card to access T-Mobile's network, the same can be done here (i.e., using an H2O sim card to access AT&T's network).
And unlike AT&T's pricing structure, you typically can find a better deal going through one of these resellers (although note that I can only find 2 offering data services as it looks like AT&T is keeping the data to themselves ... probably due to their iPhone/data issues, but I could be wrong).
So take H2O's plan: unlimited talk & text + 50MB of data for $49.95/month. That isn't all that bad and it is month-to-month, so you aren't locked in to a 2 year deal
Comparing that to AT&T's..
Nation Unlimited plan: unlimited talk for $69.99/month
Dataplus for smartphone: 200MB of data for $15.00/month
TurckBoatTruck said:
The point of listing/finding these MNVO companies is that they are resellers of AT&T services, but under their name, not under AT&T's name ... so like many who use a Simple Mobile sim card to access T-Mobile's network, the same can be done here (i.e., using an H2O sim card to access AT&T's network).
And unlike AT&T's pricing structure, you typically can find a better deal going through one of these resellers (although note that I can only find 2 offering data services as it looks like AT&T is keeping the data to themselves ... probably due to their iPhone/data issues, but I could be wrong).
So take H2O's plan: unlimited talk & text + 50MB of data for $49.95/month. That isn't all that bad and it is month-to-month, so you aren't locked in to a 2 year deal
Comparing that to AT&T's..
Nation Unlimited plan: unlimited talk for $69.99/month
Dataplus for smartphone: 200MB of data for $15.00/month
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I think we are saying the same thing. Unless your point of shifting to an MNVO from AT&T is to make phone calls, then you can get the best value from AT&T itself, since you have the option of 2GB of data for $25/mo. But even this price sucks compared to the $30 "unlimited" iPhone and iPad data plans I have for my other devices.
I am a heavy user of data and travel internationally for work, so I have limited options.
- GadgetGuy
Gadgetguy said:
I think we are saying the same thing. Unless your point of shifting to an MNVO from AT&T is to make phone calls, then you can get the best value from AT&T itself,
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Yes, voice calling is my priority... and being able to access 3G data when needed (rarely) is a bonus.
BTW, looks like Jolt Mobile will be offering data access soon:
http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...ted-talk-text-50-plan?p=14139937#post14139937
I can help you get your Tab onto H2O if you want.
qipengart said:
I can help you get your Tab onto H2O if you want.
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Sure thing! Although I was under the assumption that simply doing the Euro-firmware upgrade to the AT&T Tab (and using an H2O sim) would allow me on... no?
Awesome... I would have to provision your Tab for use on H2O. I work for a wireless company.
Sent from my Eris using XDA App
qipengart said:
Awesome... I would have to provision your Tab for use on H2O. I work for a wireless company.
Sent from my Eris using XDA App
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Very cool. What needs to be done on my end?
And I certainly appreciate the help.
Hi all.
I'm currently a Verizon customer and I hate the fact that their network is locked down because it's tied to CMDA. I like the idea of buying unlocked phones and popping in a SIM. Now that Google is selling unlocked Nexus phones at a ridiculously low price, I'm tempted to switch.
What I do like about Verizon's network is the quality. I've only been on at&t and Verizon and I can say that Verizon has a much better network than them in my experience. I'm also in a solid LTE area with grandfathered unlimited data.
Are there any people out there that have experienced both Verizon and T-mobiles networks? I know comparisons will vary from location to location - I'm in San Diego. Any advice on whether or not I should switch? I'd hate to switch only to learn that the network stinks and then lose my unlimited data when I go back to Verizon.
Thanks!
There will likely be a "cool off" period with the Nexus 4 as there was with the Galaxy Nexus, meaning you could get your money back after 2 weeks (or 30 days, I can't remember now). That's under the assumption you bought from the Play Store.
Then you could get the T-Mobile Prepaid $30 plan and test out T-Mobile's network for however long you have to return the Nexus 4. You'd just keep your Verizon line open while you are experimenting with T-Mobile.
The worse that you'd lose is a month's of prepaid service and maybe some repacking fees. The best is you'd be happy with T-Mobile and lower your monthly bill. Oh and there are plenty of people willing to take your Verizon Unlimited Data Plan for free and you could turn around and sell your Verizon phone.
That's what I did with the Galaxy Nexus and I was able to keep my number while being under contract (there's a Google Voice trick) . Verizon's LTE is faster than T-Mobile's HSPA but it's definitely suitable for my needs. I happen to think LTE is more than what average users really require.
CaptainStrange said:
There will likely be a "cool off" period with the Nexus 4 as there was with the Galaxy Nexus, meaning you could get your money back after 2 weeks (or 30 days, I can't remember now). That's under the assumption you bought from the Play Store.
Then you could get the T-Mobile Prepaid $30 plan and test out T-Mobile's network for however long you have to return the Nexus 4. You'd just keep your Verizon line open while you are experimenting with T-Mobile.
The worse that you'd lose is a month's of prepaid service and maybe some repacking fees. The best is you'd be happy with T-Mobile and lower your monthly bill. Oh and there are plenty of people willing to take your Verizon Unlimited Data Plan for free and you could turn around and sell your Verizon phone.
That's what I did with the Galaxy Nexus and I was able to keep my number while being under contract (there's a Google Voice trick) . Verizon's LTE is faster than T-Mobile's HSPA but it's definitely suitable for my needs. I happen to think LTE is more than what average users really require.
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Thanks for the input! That's a great idea.
What do you mean by "plenty of people willing to take your Verizon Unlimited Data Plan"?
I was also thinking about porting my number to google voice, but I realize I'd be losing MMS.
How would you compare Verizon and T-mobile in terms of building penetration and service in congested areas?
skinien said:
Thanks for the input! That's a great idea.
What do you mean by "plenty of people willing to take your Verizon Unlimited Data Plan"?
I was also thinking about porting my number to google voice, but I realize I'd be losing MMS.
How would you compare Verizon and T-mobile in terms of building penetration and service in congested areas?
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I would double check if the Play Store will allow returns for the LG Nexus 4, although I wouldn't see why not. I can't look up the site at the moment.
I was assuming that you are still in a contract. If you are, you can let someone assume your contract. It's called an assumption of liability and people will snatch up a contract that has unlimited data, especially with Verizon.
As far as building penetration, I don't notice much difference at all. I get better reception at my job and that is a 5 story building.
I think that the higher frequencies can become problematic if you are far from the tower, if there are many people using the same tower, the weather, etc. I don't believe in saying T-Mobile has bad building reception because it uses higher frequencies. But, it does play a factor.
You can also go prepaid on atts network. There are a bunch of mnvos, most notably straight talk.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
jordanishere said:
You can also go prepaid on atts network. There are a bunch of mnvos, most notably straight talk.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
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Thanks. I'm going to try t-mobile's first. Their HSPA+ speeds are great according to this:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2405597,00.asp
^ And according to me
I'm on a T-Mobile mnvo and I get the same speeds as I did on their network, with their data gateway.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Id be interested in your granfathered unlimited data plan with verizon.
Verizon
I'd say stick to Verizon. They have more cell towers and what not so reception is very good. Also, they had a better selection of phones in my opinion.
I just switched to T-Mobile from Sprint. I have an original Xoom on Verizon. T-Mobile has excellent voice coverage and pretty good data. If you are going to be traveling out of the US (which I do). T-Mobile is the way to go. It is hard to beat Verizon's coverage and speed domestically. You can't go wrong with either. I had a Galaxy Nexus on Sprint and it was a bad experience. Phone was great, but the network was horrible. My phone drained in about 2 hours when not on Wi-Fi. Hope this helps.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
noesilva said:
Id be interested in your granfathered unlimited data plan with verizon.
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Do you know how this works? I've never heard of the ability to do hand off a contract until this thread.
skinien said:
Do you know how this works? I've never heard of the ability to do hand off a contract until this thread.
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You call Verizon Wireless assumption of liability department at 1-888-832-4540. You give them the first and last name of the person taking over the contract. Also, make sure you get your phone number ported to Google Voice beforehand. If you have questions about porting to Google Voice under contract see this thread:
https://vzwsupport.jive-mobile.com/#jive-discussion?content=/api/core/v2/discussions/779321
CaptainStrange said:
You call Verizon Wireless assumption of liability department at 1-888-832-4540. You give them the first and last name of the person taking over the contract. Also, make sure you get your phone number ported to Google Voice beforehand. If you have questions about porting to Google Voice under contract see this thread:
https://vzwsupport.jive-mobile.com/#jive-discussion?content=/api/core/v2/discussions/779321
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Thanks. I was thinking about porting to voice but don't want to deal with MMS not working.
To be honest I just got switched from Verizon to t-mobile and though Verizon has more coverage T-Mobile network is still very good at least in Ohio, data isn't as fast as LTE but that's a given. Still HSPA+ is still quite fast.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
skinien said:
Hi all.
I'm currently a Verizon customer and I hate the fact that their network is locked down because it's tied to CMDA. I like the idea of buying unlocked phones and popping in a SIM. Now that Google is selling unlocked Nexus phones at a ridiculously low price, I'm tempted to switch.
What I do like about Verizon's network is the quality. I've only been on at&t and Verizon and I can say that Verizon has a much better network than them in my experience. I'm also in a solid LTE area with grandfathered unlimited data.
Are there any people out there that have experienced both Verizon and T-mobiles networks? I know comparisons will vary from location to location - I'm in San Diego. Any advice on whether or not I should switch? I'd hate to switch only to learn that the network stinks and then lose my unlimited data when I go back to Verizon.
Thanks!
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I have several T-mobile phones, and my husband has a T-mobile phone and a Verizon phone. He's says there's really no difference in speed or coverage (we live in Jersey City, NJ....And to those of you that would like to dispute this claim...Note: this is my experience and opinion and I'm entitled to it. Thank you.)
Snowflake approved this message....
I have to get off of Straight Talk and their awful speeds. Calling and texting is fine but the data is throttled horribly down to less than 1 mbps. Any suggestions? I can't go with T-Mobile because I know their speeds are awful where I live (Princeton central NJ area).
What about prepaid AT&T?
You're going to find the best deals on an MVNO, which is just a company like StraightTalk that uses one (or more) of the Big Four's networks to provide their service. You can find a great list of them on Wikipedia (sort them by "Wireless technology" and look at the GSM ones):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_US_MVNO
I'm currently with H2O Wireless on their Minute Plan (I don't use a lot of minutes/texts and I'm mostly on WiFi), but I switched my parents over to their $30 unlimited plan (unlimited talk + text, no data or MMS). They offer other plans with data as well (they use AT&T). If you're looking for pay-per-minute/text/MB, the newly-rebranded Ptel (PlatinumTel) has the best rates, but they use T-Mobile.
Once you've picked the company you would like to use, purchase a SIM on eBay and cut it to a micro SIM (very easy to do; use the template here), then activate it on their website.
Good luck, and I hope this helps! :laugh:
Out of curiosity, is there a MVNO that uses multiple gsm networks at the same time to provide coverage (say at&t and tmobile)? I have the tmobile $30 prepaid plan but in some areas at&t provides coverage where tmobile doesn't. So it would be great if a MVNO provided coverage at the same time on both networks.
$65/mo for 1 GB is too little. I'll need at least 2 GB.
Jungsoo said:
$65/mo for 1 GB is too little. I'll need at least 2 GB.
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I'd recommend the tmobile $30 prepaid 4g plan. It gives you 100 voice minutes, unlimited text, and 5gb of 4g speed data (then you get throttled). The 100 min of voice is a bit disappointing in my opinion but I make it work by routing most of my calls over data.
Looks like you didn't even read my post.
Jungsoo said:
I have to get off of Straight Talk and their awful speeds. Calling and texting is fine but the data is throttled horribly down to less than 1 mbps. Any suggestions? I can't go with T-Mobile because I know their speeds are awful where I live (Princeton central NJ area).
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Solavei! $49 unlimited talk,text, data! And you get the 42 MBPS T-Mobile network!
Ptel $40 unlimited
lazer155 said:
Out of curiosity, is there a MVNO that uses multiple gsm networks at the same time to provide coverage (say at&t and tmobile)? I have the tmobile $30 prepaid plan but in some areas at&t provides coverage where tmobile doesn't. So it would be great if a MVNO provided coverage at the same time on both networks.
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Solavei offers free roaming when off t-mobile, I think it's at&t. It's included in the 49 unlimited plan. it's what clinched it for me.
https://support.solavei.com/docs/DOC-1256
edit: they do warn against excessive roaming.
H2O Wireless/Black Wireless and Red Pocket are you only other (AT&T MVNO) options. All the rest use T-Mobile which will give you the same speed issues in general.
http://www.solavei.com/benjaminbribies
Heres the link for more info on Solavei! If you have any questions you can as me too!
I personally use Simple Mobile with my Nexus. Its Unlimited Everything (text, talk, data) for $40(+tax)/mo.
If you want 4g the price bumps up by $10 I think, but it's worth it right? Also the first 250MB on the default ($40/mo) plan runs at 4g speeds, then they throttle you back down to 3g speeds.
I been a customer for a few months now, I love the data speeds when I'm not around any wifi connection.
P.S. Simple Mobile is based off of T-Mobile.
eservant said:
Solavei offers free roaming when off t-mobile, I think it's at&t. It's included in the 49 unlimited plan. it's what clinched it for me.
https://support.solavei.com/docs/DOC-1256
edit: they do warn against excessive roaming.
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Does this mean I wouldn't be able to use the ATT service too much?
Does H2O throttle data?
Jungsoo said:
Does this mean I wouldn't be able to use the ATT service too much?
Also is H2O Wireless using the ATT network?
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Yes! When there's no T-Mobile coverage you will roam on at&t network! Other MVNO don't provide roaming or call forwarding!
Jungsoo said:
Does this mean I wouldn't be able to use the ATT service too much?
Does H2O throttle data?
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If you live outside the coverage area they will dissuade you from joining at that time, If my primary residence is in the coverage area,
I wouldn't worry to much. But you can always talk that over with someone, before you signup. I made sure I understood their terms of service.
I signed up because everything was clearly defined, and for the roaming, which not to many prepaids allow.
So if I'm understanding correctly, H2O uses services from both tmo and att, but they don't like me using the att covered areas.
famoustito said:
http://www.solavei.com/benjaminbribies
Heres the link for more info on Solavei! If you have any questions you can as me too!
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Jeez he said T-Mobile sucks in his area what part of that don't you understand.
Jungsoo said:
So if I'm understanding correctly, H2O uses services from both tmo and att, but they don't like me using the att covered areas.
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No h20 Is att only. The only companies that do both is patent co of st and net10 from what I remember. Seriously did you click the link of wiki someone posted on first page. Just look who carries att since you said tmo stinks in your area. Then goo too their website and Get best plan for you.
Sent from galaxy tab.
H2O is looking good. Can anyone post a speedtest for me?
Hi everybody!
Looking for some advice from US members.
I'm gonna be traveling to US for almost a month. Could somebody suggest the best pay as you go plan not for calls but for unlimited data or something that looks like unlimited. I have a LG V10 with bands 1, 3, 7 so I guess there is no 4G for me? My wife though has a v20 with 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,12,20,28 bands. So this device will have a 4G from ATT or Tmobile. Am I right? So probably the best scenario is to buy 1 SIM and tether 4g from this device to all other? Is there any restrictions for tethering?
Any info is greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
Personally I use Net10's $40 dollar plan. It has unlimited talk + text with 3GBs high speed and 3G speeds after that. Most MVNO's have competitive prices, but the cool thing about Net10 is you can use them on any carrier's network. Basically the set-up process starts with picking up one of their SIM kits from Walmart or such. You have to choose one carrier and the SIM kit comes with two SIMs (1 mini, 1 micro) for each carrier, with each tuned to their respective carrier's network. You check who you get the best reception with by plugging in each SIM and finding what works best. The SIM kit comes with a $40 plan card that you activate on their website and bam you have a working phone. The whole process took me about 30 mins.
Antoxin said:
Hi everybody!
Looking for some advice from US members.
I'm gonna be traveling to US for almost a month. Could somebody suggest the best pay as you go plan not for calls but for unlimited data or something that looks like unlimited. I have a LG V10 with bands 1, 3, 7 so I guess there is no 4G for me? My wife though has a v20 with 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,12,20,28 bands. So this device will have a 4G from ATT or Tmobile. Am I right? So probably the best scenario is to buy 1 SIM and tether 4g from this device to all other? Is there any restrictions for tethering?
Any info is greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
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I would suggest Simple Mobile. It runs off the GSM network, ie; AT & T, T-Mobile carriers and any companies that use the same networks. The plan is $60/ mo and is truly unlimited for talk, text, and data. Been using it for at least 2 yes now and can't be more happier.
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...