This plan is currently in the works and by no means confirmed working. Once confirmed I'll outline detailed methods, and possibly sell working units to the masses if nobody beats me to it. More on the concept further down.
Currently Bell is charging $15/month for 2MB of data! That's right megabytes not gigabytes.
Anyways, I'm not here to sell anything really. I just want cheap free data usage. I live and breath around open access WIFI hotspots, and I know this phone supports it. Not to mention the Touch is a great buy ($0 upfront).
So while my 2MB plan is crap, I can use it when I'm not around WIFI.
This post goes out to customers of BELL Mobility (Canada) and SPRINT(USA).
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Upon proceeding with this "mod", I make two assumptions:
1. The WIFI circuit and antenna are non-existent within CDMA chipsets, which leaves room for more memory than the GSM version of Touch.
2. The WIFI chip and antenna ARE existent but the issued ROMs ignore it's function for annoyance purposes.
Now that's out of the way, here's the concept.
1. Log onto fleebay and Purchase a normal size SD WIFI card with some internal memory of course
2. Mod an obsolete microSD card to carry the pin configuration over to the standard sized WIFI SD card, using thin ribbon cable as the raceway.
With this type of mod, you could close the battery door, and side panel. Of course there will be external circuitry hanging out. I'm planning on adhering it to the back of the door somehow to keep the phone looking cool!
There you have it, a modded Touch which can carry over WIFI capabilities externally.
Was thinking the same thing yesterday. But instead of building a SD-to-microSD adapter, I believe there is already one out there:
http://www.ameri-rack.com/APA-TFC1m.html
Not sure how to purchase from them though...
Also, would you think this mod would work with this? because basically this is what I want, as I have unlimited data (but I don't like WM's browser):
http://www.youtubetoipod.biz/guide/turn-your-ipod-toucn-into-a-3g-iphone.html
I think you are referring to the Ipod Touch which is a great device. But I am referring to the HTC touch CDMA version which is a device already sold as a phone without any mods of course. Big difference, Microsoft and Mac difference.
Although everything I described relates to the first link you posted. That is exactly what I have in mind. I had no idea someone beat me to a full out production version.
I would buy that for $100 even though it would be worth $5 or less in mass produced parts. If they want more than $100 for that extender, I'll build my own and flaunt it at the Bell shop.
But as far as I'm concerned, thanks xDarKnighTx for the link!
Aside from that, there already is a microSD wifi card prototype out there which sticks out like a sore thumb. Good luck closing the battery door and side panel.
wifi
wifi has been one of my peeves about the touch. from what i have read the hardware in the phone does not exist so i think its safe to say the rom is not the problem releasing wifi. a hardware adaption does not seem that far off. i know the microsd card wifi has been rumored but either does not exist or it is crap. supposed the mini sd wifi card was crap. your theory is to go microsd to sd and then sd wifi?
my thinking was a usb plug in for wifi. a plug in antenae that way would be easy to put in and take out. i thought for sure some mfg would already have created one. maybe the usb circuitry prevents this?
To sum up - microSD ---> to SD ---> to Wifi.
USB Wifi would be a great option and has been done before with earlier PDA's. Not sure about any success with the HTC Touch though.
UPDATE:
I Just purchased a Spectec 802.11b Wifi SD Card for a good price. There is no internal memory on this chip. If I get it working then I'll spend more money and upgrade to a WIFI chip with memory.
Now for the microSD mod...
Just an FYI re: Bell's data plans.
thirteenthcell said:
This plan is currently in the works and by no means confirmed working. Once confirmed I'll outline detailed methods, and possibly sell working units to the masses if nobody beats me to it. More on the concept further down.
Currently Bell is charging $15/month for 2MB of data! That's right megabytes not gigabytes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I'm against WiFi, but unlimited internet through Bell is only $15/m.
Quoting Bell.ca:
"The Fun 15 bundle includes Call Display, Message Centre Express, 200 sent text, picture and video messages, unlimited received messages and Unlimited Mobile Browser."
They've been offering this package for quite some time, and it's applicable to Bell's Touch.
What Bell DOESN'T make 100% clear (though if you go to their stores they will), is that internally Bell doesn't count the Touch as a smartphone because it doesn't have a full qwerty keyboard.
A few people asked me how I could afford data on Bell, as they were looking at the "Internet for Windows/Palm" type plans. Two of those friends went out and signed up with Bell.
The most I've moved through my Bell Touch in one month is 6.5 gigs (first month playing around), and never saw any overages, though most months I'm just shy of the 1gig mark. This works with Opera for full-html rendering, Newsbreak for RSS and podcast download as well as email.
Just one thing: don't tether your phone to a laptop through the standard WM tethering app or you'll probably get hit with a hefty bill (as it's mobile browsing only).
NOTE: I don't work for Bell, and don't particularly like them, but I'm definitely a happy customer with the data plan, because it's nationwide no roaming charges for data, and it's worked for me in Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec with no problems.
UPDATE:
I sent an email to AMERI-RACK expecting them only to ship the APA-TFC1 in bulk.
Good news, we have a microSD to SD adapter for only 26.75 plus shipping. You just have to email their support team with your address and request this device like I did.
To sum up this thread
The Wifi equation for the CDMA Touch:
AMERI-RACK's APA-TFC1 to link an SD-WIFI card - Thanks xDarKnighTx for the link
A SD WIFI card with memory which supports WM6 at least
Possible home brew ROM with WIFI drivers found in the connection manager
*I'm hoping there's a quick way around enabling WIFI on the software side. Anyone's input is appreciated.
Antboy said:
What Bell DOESN'T make 100% clear (though if you go to their stores they will), is that internally Bell doesn't count the Touch as a smartphone because it doesn't have a full qwerty keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not what I was told in the store, they put me on a $15 2MB DATA plan which covers your browsing, email and downloads. Can someone else confirm this true who signed up recently like I did (few days ago).
thirteenthcell said:
That's not what I was told in the store, they put me on a $15 2MB DATA plan which covers your browsing, email and downloads. Can someone else confirm this true who signed up recently like I did (few days ago).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked for the $15 Fun Bundle when I was phone shopping a few weeks ago. The store manager said it was only available with certain packages, with certain phones, and all of the packages she mentioned were available ONLY if you get a contract.
I bought a cheapie phone somewhere else after that... Their best offer was nearly double my old phone bill with Telus.
My apologies,
I'm not on the $15 2MB Data Plan. They set me up with Bell's "Fun 15" which includes unlimited browser, message center, callerID, and a few text messages. And apparently the Touch falls in this category.
I heard in a message board that certain programs (like possibly google maps / live mail) call in data as if it were a browser session. Meaning the application's DATA transfer counts towards your unlimited browser. At the same time, other programs call it in as if it were configured as a tethered modem connection where you get charged by the megabyte.
Confusing!
Anyway, I'm going ahead with my WIFI plan and will keep everyone updated with any progress.
thirteenthcell said:
My apologies,
I'm not on the $15 2MB Data Plan. They set me up with Bell's "Fun 15" which includes unlimited browser, message center, callerID, and a few text messages. And apparently the Touch falls in this category.
I heard in a message board that certain programs (like possibly google maps / live mail) call in data as if it were a browser session. Meaning the application's DATA transfer counts towards your unlimited browser. At the same time, other programs call it in as if it were configured as a tethered modem connection where you get charged by the megabyte.
Confusing!
Anyway, I'm going ahead with my WIFI plan and will keep everyone updated with any progress.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using a full modded HTC Touch with absolutely no issues with my data plans.
I was confused at first, and was told different things by different bell reps. Some told me that I required a special data plan to use a smart phone - and that the HTC Touch didn't use that phone as it wasn't a true "smart phone".
Then, I was told that the only data that I wouldn't be charged for is data loaded through the regular browser - This was quickly debunked.
I've used all types of services for over 1.5 months now. From streaming vide to Google Maps, to downloading music - Nothing has been charged as bandwidth. Mind you, i have an old data plan where I got unlimited 1X browsing and data (it used to be $5 - but I now get it for free ) - so that's the main reason i got the touch in the first place - the potential for modification and it's use of the 1X network.
thirteenthcell said:
I think you are referring to the Ipod Touch which is a great device. But I am referring to the HTC touch CDMA version which is a device already sold as a phone without any mods of course. Big difference, Microsoft and Mac difference.
Although everything I described relates to the first link you posted. That is exactly what I have in mind. I had no idea someone beat me to a full out production version.
I would buy that for $100 even though it would be worth $5 or less in mass produced parts. If they want more than $100 for that extender, I'll build my own and flaunt it at the Bell shop.
But as far as I'm concerned, thanks xDarKnighTx for the link!
Aside from that, there already is a microSD wifi card prototype out there which sticks out like a sore thumb. Good luck closing the battery door and side panel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you've misunderstood my intention. I want to set up the HTC Vogue to transmit its internet through wifi, so that my ipod touch (or laptop) can connect to it.
Would you think that's possible with the SD wifi card?
xDarKnighTx said:
I think you've misunderstood my intention. I want to set up the HTC Vogue to transmit its internet through wifi, so that my ipod touch (or laptop) can connect to it.
Would you think that's possible with the SD wifi card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes sense, so you have both the HTC Touch and IPOD Touch.
In order for a program like WMWifiRouter to turn your phone into a WIFI hotspot, there needs to be a few things in place.
My only challenge right now is enabling WIFI options in the COMM MANAGER. I'll experiment with different homebrew ROMS cautiously, and hope the SD WIFI drivers do all of the work for me.
UPDATE:
All of the hardware required is being shipped right now including the APA-TFC1 microSD adapter as well as a standard size WIFI card. Total cost right now $55-$60.
I thought I'd just confirm that Bell handles the Vouge as a regular cellphone (No extra PDA charges), also the unlimited data plan (Mine was $7 a month) is great. I've been using opera 9.2 (Whatever the newest one is) which loads pages just like a desktop pc, as well was downloading music, AVGN videos, whole SCUMM games (700MBs), using google maps and GPS and have not been charged an extra cent. It really is a great plan, and an awesome phone; definitely why I bought it.
Now all I have to do is work out how to hack tethering, not that I have much of a use for it right now.
Just in case you might want to persue a different route, the cdma htc touch actually has a pinout for the full size SD card on the mainboard, it's unknown if it's wired parallel to the microsd slot or not, but being SPI devices, it might very well be...
ya people have the great data plan with bell ya should work out something for sprint our cheapest data plan is $15
Ok, the SD wifi card is a very old idea. Just not gonna work. Yes, you will get internet but each time you want you have to search for access point, chose the right one, ... It just won't work in most case. Another problem is if you do have access to wifi, you normally will have access to a laptop.
Anyway, I am using Bell $7 unlimited Internet for a year now. I don't know why you need to pay $15 for 2MB. The $7 unlimited plan is really open. I am a software developer so I know how much data I used.
c--b said:
I thought I'd just confirm that Bell handles the Vouge as a regular cellphone (No extra PDA charges), also the unlimited data plan (Mine was $7 a month) is great. I've been using opera 9.2 (Whatever the newest one is) which loads pages just like a desktop pc, as well was downloading music, AVGN videos, whole SCUMM games (700MBs), using google maps and GPS and have not been charged an extra cent. It really is a great plan, and an awesome phone; definitely why I bought it.
Now all I have to do is work out how to hack tethering, not that I have much of a use for it right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried tethering to my EEE PC (running Win XP) using PDA Net from http://www.junefabrics.com/pdanet/index.php with no billing overages. It's a $35 program, but does have a trial available for testing. It worked for me when I tested it up at the cottage, and worked from out of province as well.
thirteenthcell, any updates on this?
So, maybe to keep this from showing outside of the case. Can you get the extended battery cover and hide all of those guts(microsd adapter and sdwifi card) underneath it, if it works.
UPDATE:
I would like to make myself clear on a few things, and apologize in advance for any confusion.
When I bought my Vogue three weeks ago, I didn't realize it had "Unlimited data" as a bundle. This confusion was mainly due to their confusing rate plans and classification of the Vogue.
Therefore, I was initially ticked that I would have to pay $15 for 2 megabytes. This case is not true because Bell classifies the Vogue as a regular "dumbphone".
There you have my reasoning for wanting Wifi on this phone, not realizing I could freely use DATA on the phone under a small unlimited data bundle.
There is another reason for wanting Wifi:
Tethering
There are posts out there claiming to get "stealth" tethering where your phone carrier doesn't realize your laptop is connected and sees it as a normal internal cellular data connection. This seems to be a whole new thread as far as I'm concerned, so I'll stick with the plain old getting the WIFI working on the Vogue.
Right now the micro SD --> SD adapter is confirmed working.
Proof: I took pictures of this mod with a digital camera and immediately swapped the SD card into the adapter's slot. I was then able to use my phone to access the standard SD card.
The Wifi card isn't working. This has to do with the stock ROM and or Registry entries. I need to go over the registry perhaps.
Any help with registry settings is greatly appreciated.
Reached out on AF, but see some really model-specific discussion here, so thought I ought to ask here as well...
I grabbed my $45 Walmart Family Plan/T-Mobile ZMAX last year, and unlocked it for use on H2O.
All was well on 4.4.2. for a long time, but I did have some dropouts and 3G downspeeds at times, and thought the VOLTE and Band 12 upgrade might solve things. I didn't really need root, so just waited and considered the OTA updates.
Well, in a weak moment, I relented. As soon as completed, I found web browsing seems the same, if not a little slower, despite my seeing the 4GLTE icon more often than before, but real regret set in pretty soon after.
Now, it's stupid of me not to run it through it's paces after b33 to know if it was just this and not b34, but after both updates completed, I found I couldn't tether successfully, nor access the mobile hotspot anymore.
In both circumstances, my laptop connects, but declares no internet connection found despite the successful connection.
I've tried all the proposed setting changes mentioned in old threads despite their more being about the MetroPCS version than the T-Mobile one I have (adding dun to the APN, creating a new APN, putting it into Airplane mode before changing to either connection, etc, etc.)
As you can imagine, no success.
So, I'm desperate to know....
Has this specifically happened to anyone else?
Is there a way to recover this functionality?
Sadly, I kinda depend on this function as I have Carpel Tunnel, and using the laptop for extensive email is easier on my hands.
Thanks for any advice!
I have constant issues with what your describing and it all started with this throttling nonsense, and tmo MPcs, turning into data Nazis, on a crusade to put a limit on unlimited. Apparently the USB drivers for this device have deliberately left a few things out in order to restrict 3rd party usb tethering. The only avail USB tethering are the native tethering/hotspot options. Which once throttled start giving me network grief, usually after about an hour or so and using my phone to surf (while still tethered) that no internet exclamation disappears and I can start laptopping, not always though. Only tried and true guarantee for me is using Easy Tether Pro to emulate USB over Bluetooth which even not throttled maxes out at < 3mbps sucks but good enough for XBMC and Netflix. Foxfi has the same feature but uses the Dun protocol which doesn't work for me problems with improper installation most likely, I use pdanet foxfi for my wireless hotspot data.
Sucks just a few months ago I was averaging 275gb a month at > 50mbps with my rooted s4, now I'm lucky to break 50gb at a snail's pace
Sent from my ZTE Z981 using XDA Labs
Has Verizon come up with a new way of detecting hotspot users who have otherwise stayed under the radar? For the last several months, since updating to the unlimited verizon plan, I have been able to use the hotspot without any issues, using on average, 50-70gb per month, most of this on hotspot. This month, however, they are somehow able to see that I am using hotspot, and have throttled hotspot connections down to 600kbps. On the handset, I am able to continue to get 20-30Mbps on average. Have they changed their methods of detection somehow? How are they doing this?
This issue popped up when running XDABBEB's vs980 image. I have also tried a few things to get around this, all to no avail:
Ran LineageOS 14.1 ROM
Ran latest crDRoid ROM
edited build.prop to include "net.tethering.noprovisioning=true" at the bottom
ran "settings put global tether_dun_required 0" from a root prompt ...
A few of the various downloadable mods, though they are all a bit old and and they all seem to deal with modifying hotspotprovision.apk… This file doesn’t even exist on my current ROM (crDroid) ...
None of these have been able to remove the speed cap. Anyone have any ideas?
I'm also interested in understanding if there is anything we can do regarding this matter.
Verizon started to see tethering within the past day or so from my Nexus 6 running Pure Nexus 7. It was previously not seen by them so it is not your phone or software. I just noticed it and this is the first thread I've come across raising the issue.
Data on my Nexus 6p and my brothers Pixel XL is being detected as well. This is terrible news and we need a workaround asap! I've tried the TTL fix but I'm not sure if it's working yet or not.
I manage 6 lines that have run into this beginning in September. For the past 6 months or so we've had no problems until recently.
We have found a work around that seems to be working for two individuals with rooted Droid Turbos using PIA. However, it does not work while they are using their Chromecast.
What is the TTL fix? I'd like to try that. I can report back if it works.
What I’ve read that works is vpn tether and using a vpn. I want to try just got on unlimited plan and Verizon is my ISP lol