Unlimited hotspot data - Samsung Galaxy A20 Questions & Answers

Sorry I'm not sure if this is even the right website/forum to ask this on but somehow my sm-a205u1 has seemingly unlimited hotspot data. It's not the fastest but good enough to binge Netflix/Hulu/etc... with no issues. I have an ATT sim card and I've tried it in various phones but my speed always throttles after 15gb except with that phone specifically, I've done at least 150gb+ in some months with that phone, and I can't find anything online as to Why. Any ideas? Do I just have a Golden Egg?

Depends on your AT&T plan. Be careful if you have a good plan that is grandfathered not to upgrade it! If by accident or design AT&T is notorious for that.
Reps don't always give you full disclosure... had it happen to me about a month ago. Had to beat them up a bit but got my original grandfathered plan back. Took 2 phone calls to do it though.

blackhawk said:
Depends on your AT&T plan. Be careful if you have a good plan that is grandfathered not to upgrade it! If by accident or design AT&T is notorious for that.
Reps don't always give you full disclosure... had it happen to me about a month ago. Had to beat them up a bit but got my original grandfathered plan back. Took 2 phone calls to do it though.
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I thought about it being because the plan but when I put my sim card in other phones it didn't work, it's only this phone

Don't know, something in the firmware, set up or hardware? Maybe tied to that specific phone (they can see a lot).
You could ask AT&T advanced tech support, eventually you find a savvy tech that knows why. A few of them really know too much.

CapitalE said:
Sorry I'm not sure if this is even the right website/forum to ask this on but somehow my sm-a205u1 has seemingly unlimited hotspot data. It's not the fastest but good enough to binge Netflix/Hulu/etc... with no issues. I have an ATT sim card and I've tried it in various phones but my speed always throttles after 15gb except with that phone specifically, I've done at least 150gb+ in some months with that phone, and I can't find anything online as to Why. Any ideas? Do I just have a Golden Egg?
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Click to collapse
That shouldn't be possible. Make sure you're not connecting to a WiFi, Galaxy devices can share WiFi over hotspot. The only thing close to your explanation is Unlimited Plus plan which throttles after 22 GB.

Slaggy said:
That shouldn't be possible. Make sure you're not connecting to a WiFi, Galaxy devices can share WiFi over hotspot. The only thing close to your explanation is Unlimited Plus plan which throttles after 22 GB.
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Click to collapse
Some of the older grandfathered AT&T plans aren't throttled... or limited.

Related

Nexus One WITHOUT data plan on Tmobile?

Hi to all the Tmobile users out there. Anyone have the nexus one on Tmobile network WITHOUT data plan? As far as I know all you have to do is buy the unlock nexus one and pop in a sim card right? (does Tmobile have the same system as ATT that automatically force you into a data plan?)
NexusX said:
Hi to all the Tmobile users out there. Anyone have the nexus one on Tmobile network WITHOUT data plan? As far as I know all you have to do is buy the unlock nexus one and pop in a sim card right? (does Tmobile have the same system as ATT that automatically force you into a data plan?)
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Click to collapse
AFAIK, and someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but you can pop a SIM-card with an "data-less" associated T-Mobile account and the phone will work. Data won't, and I don't believe T-Mobile will force you to buy a data plan.
Cheers,
Kermee
Never mind.. Not thinking correctly.
If you buy the phone unlocked, there's nothing to activate. You just pop in your sim and go.
I bought the unlocked Att nexus, and i'm using my old data plan without a problem (so far). I haven't been contacted or forced into a more expensive data plan or anything like that, though I guess your experience may vary.
crackness said:
If you buy the phone unlocked, there's nothing to activate. You just pop in your sim and go.
I bought the unlocked Att nexus, and i'm using my old data plan without a problem (so far). I haven't been contacted or forced into a more expensive data plan or anything like that, though I guess your experience may vary.
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I forgot on the n1 that you can skip the google account setup process.. Lol..
I pop my sim card the first time and try syncing it on a SIM WITHOUT data plan, it connected to 3G and edge to retrieve email and stuffs then I disconnected the Edge and 3G right after. They didn't charge me for the amount of data usage because it was under 600KB. Hope this help
Thank you guys, yeah I wanted ATT, but after sporadic report that they force some Nexus users to have data plan, I now have to consider Tmobile, hopefully they don't suck too much in DC area
NexusX said:
Thank you guys, yeah I wanted ATT, but after sporadic report that they force some Nexus users to have data plan, I now have to consider Tmobile, hopefully they don't suck too much in DC area
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Thats ridiculous, how does that even make sense? There is NO way a company can force you into a new data plan because you bought a phone on your own terms.
That is 100% bull ****, it's not true.
izmar said:
Thats ridiculous, how does that even make sense? There is NO way a company can force you into a new data plan because you bought a phone on your own terms.
That is 100% bull ****, it's not true.
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Click to collapse
You may feel it's not right, but they do it. Many people trying to use t-mobile nexus ones on at&t got hit with the automatic data plan addition. It looks like most people with at&t ones are getting away without it so far, oddly enough, but that may change at some point in the future.
izmar said:
Thats ridiculous, how does that even make sense? There is NO way a company can force you into a new data plan because you bought a phone on your own terms.
That is 100% bull ****, it's not true.
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Click to collapse
It's 100% true and it's stated in the contract agreement.
maxh said:
You may feel it's not right, but they do it. Many people trying to use t-mobile nexus ones on at&t got hit with the automatic data plan addition. It looks like most people with at&t ones are getting away without it so far, oddly enough, but that may change at some point in the future.
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It will change when Google releases the IMEI's for those handsets.
T-Mobile doesn't force a data plan on a customer supplied handset. Only when you buy it under a new 2 year agreement.. that's what AT&T, Sprint and Verizon does.
Yup. They'll even send you a text to warn you!
Not for everybody but since I live in CA there's no way I would ever change from T-Mo. Great coverage with good options on pricing.
Option A) T-Mo --- $40/mo data only plan I can make VOIP calls with
Option B) Verizon/ATT's --- $70/mo ripoff with cell phone minutes I dont even use?
I'd much rather take option a and save $720 a month over a 24 month period thank you very much.
Verizon and ATT might be the only option for some people coverage wise but that doesnt change the fact that they are terrible companies that force their customers to buy extra plan packages they dont want just so they can steal an extra $30 a month from people instead of giving them options on what they want and dont want.
Give me choices and I'm a happy customer.
ap3604 said:
Not for everybody but since I live in CA there's no way I would ever change from T-Mo. Great coverage with good options on pricing.
Option A) T-Mo --- $40/mo data only plan I can make VOIP calls with
Option B) Verizon/ATT's --- $70/mo ripoff with cell phone minutes I dont even use?
I'd much rather take option a and save $720 a month over a 24 month period thank you very much.
Verizon and ATT might be the only option for some people coverage wise but that doesnt change the fact that they are terrible companies that force their customers to buy extra plan packages they dont want just so they can steal an extra $30 a month from people instead of giving them options on what they want and dont want.
Give me choices and I'm a happy customer.
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With AT&T I think you can get the data plan only (no minutes) for $5 extra on top of the data plan price. So $35/mo for unlimited data, no voice service. That's what I've been told, but you may wanna check for yourself.
maxh said:
With AT&T I think you can get the data plan only (no minutes) for $5 extra on top of the data plan price. So $35/mo for unlimited data, no voice service. That's what I've been told, but you may wanna check for yourself.
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Whaaaaaaaaaaaat?! interesting...
I'm looking online but does anyone have this that can confirm?

[Verizion] moving grandfather data plan from phone to tab?

So, my father is considering getting a 3g/4g 7" tablet, with google voice (thanks cajunflavoredbob for helping me figure that one out) to make calls/texts.
The entire extended family is on a massive Verizion family plan, something like 20 people. EVERYONE has unlimited calls/texts/data, even the couple dumbphone people we have on the plan. (not my decision, i don't pay the bill, but i fully support it )
Is there any way you could, with the setup we have, transfer the grandfathered data plan from his DX2 to a tablet, keeping it unlimited, but dropping the texts/voice (which you can't use with a tablet anyways?)
he says he won't do it unless he can keep his unlimited data. he uses ~3.5 gigs a month, and getting a 5gb/m data plan is completely out of the question.
mtmerrick said:
So, my father is considering getting a 3g/4g 7" tablet, with google voice (thanks cajunflavoredbob for helping me figure that one out) to make calls/texts.
The entire extended family is on a massive Verizion family plan, something like 20 people. EVERYONE has unlimited calls/texts/data, even the couple dumbphone people we have on the plan. (not my decision, i don't pay the bill, but i fully support it )
Is there any way you could, with the setup we have, transfer the grandfathered data plan from his DX2 to a tablet, keeping it unlimited, but dropping the texts/voice (which you can't use with a tablet anyways?)
he says he won't do it unless he can keep his unlimited data. he uses ~3.5 gigs a month, and getting a 5gb/m data plan is completely out of the question.
Click to expand...
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I don't have Verizon as my service provider, but if they are anything like T-Mobile or any other carrier, then I would say that no, this is not possible. I've had the same plan on T-Mobile for seven years now and have been off contract for five. If I were to change any aspect of my plan, I would loose all of it because none of it exists anymore.
The best I can suggest is to give them a call and find out if you can drop all but data on your plan. The problem would be adding it back if you ever decide you want it again, I would think. Most carriers do not allow data only plans because they make all their money on all the voice charges that no one uses anymore. (Ever notice how the feature you use the least is the most expensive?)
tablets can't have voice or text plans tho. And verizion... well they're over-the-phone customer service has never been good to me thought i'd ask here first.
mtmerrick said:
tablets can't have voice or text plans tho. And verizion... well they're over-the-phone customer service has never been good to me thought i'd ask here first.
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There are a couple of 7" tablets that are allowed voice and text plans on T-Mobile. It just depends on the cellular radio packed inside them. I'm not a Verizon customer, so I'm not entirely certain what you guys are offered. It couldn't hurt to ask them. What's the worst they can do? Say no? Honestly, I don't think they would allow it, but I would still ask. You might get lucky.
REALLY? out of curiosity, which tabs w/ voice&txt can you got over there?
mtmerrick said:
REALLY? out of curiosity, which tabs w/ voice&txt can you got over there?
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I believe the Dell Streak 7 was capable of this. I'll ask azrienoch. He was the one using it who showed me it could be done. It was a while back that his phone broke down and he had to use the tablet as a phone for a while. I think there is one more, but the Flyer is the only other tablet that I recall T-Mobile having, and I don't believe that one has a GSM radio. Either way, I don't think Verizon has any that have a cellular radio for voice service.

Unlimited data, keep it no matter what?

The subject kinda says it all. I'm one of the lucky ones that got grandfathered in on big red's unlimited data plan.
My wife has been on at&t and she's tired of it. Her phone (Atrix 4G) is falling apart and she isn't thrilled with the phone offerings from at&t.
She loves the Razr M so I've been looking to get her added to my account. It would also save us about $30 per month for her not to be on at&t separately.
A few months ago it was still possible to add an individual line to an existing account, without affecting the primary account.
Now they force me to convert my primary line over to a share-all-your-money plan, which will mean I lose my unlimited data.
The thing is, I use, on average, about 2.5G of data. I'm not a heavy user and I know that. My wife isn't either so we could make due with 4GB.
So, I need some thoughts.
1) Keep my unlimited and sign my wife up for her own individual big red plan? (no savings per month, but happy wife)
2) Convert over to a shared data plan, and add line for wife. ($30/mo savings)
So, it comes down to this: is having unlimited data you don't really use worth the $30 in added cost?
One side of my brain says no, the other says yes.
I have been battling that same question. My answer was keep my unlimited data as long as I can. Why? With more and more things going towards the cloud my data usage is sure to go up in the future. So I'm thinking for then and not now. I don't think Verizon is doing this because the masses asked to share data as they would have us believe. Verizon seen data usage dramatically increasing in the future as well and is trying to get us to switch now when our usage is low. Now is when they can convince us we don't use much data.
Sent from my XT926
I was grand-fathered into unlimited data for a while, but then I started tracking my actual data usage and it was only about 1.5-2.0GB per month so I just switched over. The only time now where I would maybe want it back, is if I was using 4G has my home Internet connection and just using my phone as a mobile hotspot. I don't feel that would be reliable enough so I'm fine with it.
I have a feeling sooner or later Verizon will come up with some way to get those who are still on unlimited data and won't sign a new contract.
I would just get her a verizon pay as you go plan. Decent phones. Give your wife your phone and then make twelve monthly payments on yours?
I am almost certain if you keep calling back eventually you'll get someone to transfer you that can help. You can probably find a rep to finagle 29.99 4GB...
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD
THe only reason to a share plan is to get subsidized phone.
I have resigned myself to keep unlimited until they kick me off. I'll buy my phone retail if I have to.
If they kick me off I'll switch to Sprint.
Keep unlimited at all costs.
We use a combined 11-13GB on three lines.
I kind of split the difference. I stayed on the old voice plan but was able to get a subsidized phone upgrade by losing my unlimited data. I instead got a 5GB data plan and dropped unlimited texting and switched completely over the Google Voice (which I had been meaning to do). So I pay the same as a 2GB share everything plan but with 400 minutes of voice (not a problem for me) and 5 GB of data... I only ever use up till 3 GB so I have been considering lowering to 3 or 4GB and just paying the $10/GB overage on months that I go over.
So there is some room for negotiations when you talk to the tele sales folks. That's good to know!
-- Android: It's a UNIX thing. You wouldn't understand.
Keep it no matter what. NO MATTER WHAT. Even if you don't use the unlimited, you could sell it to a friend (someone trustworthy) who has a crappy home internet connection, and turn a hefty profit. Just give them the activated SIM card and they can put it in a mobile hotspot and easily beat ADSL speeds for less money and better reliability.
Seriously, you guys are making a huge mistake by giving up one of the last reasonable cellular data plans in North America; nay, the entire world.
Don't do it. Keep your unlimited. Set up a new account for a new phone if you have to. Pay retail on new phones if you have to. Sell your activated SIM to someone you trust who'll use the data for a huge profit. Do anything EXCEPT willingly give in to The Man and the fascist data plan, oops I mean the shared data plan.
Sent from my Motorola RAZR Maxx HD with Tapatalk 4
I wish I never got rid of mine. I switched to the 2gb plan when they first offered it to save money because I used about a gig a month. Now I have the 15gb plan.. Damnit
Sent from my PACMAN MATRIX HD MAXX
Howard forums has people wanting to do assumption of liabilities. Now I've never heard of someone selling their unlimited plan but that's only because most people that go the aol route are in contract, need out, and find people that really need unlimited.
I would not be advising someone to use the sim solely for home Internet. Yes it's unlimited but some use hundreds of gigs of data. This isn't good for others. You could also get caught.
The only reason I'm keeping my unlimited plan is because we have 2 smartphones and 3 feature phones. Always transfer upgrades to the feature phones and transfer new phone back. Why waste upgrade when feature phones are super cheap retail?
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD
jfriend33 said:
I would not be advising someone to use the sim solely for home Internet. Yes it's unlimited but some use hundreds of gigs of data. This isn't good for others. You could also get caught.
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Few things:
1. You can consistently use between 50 and 75 GB per month and not get in trouble. Believe it or not there are people who use more than that and haven't been threatened with disconnection. But yes, if you download at 100% line capacity 24/7 you will get disconnected. Even 50 GB can be downloaded in an extremely short time (about 1 to 2 days depending on your LTE signal), leaving a lot of room for other users on the network.
2. Verizon is contractually prohibited by the FCC, which allows them to operate the licensed 700 MHz spectrum, from discriminating against a user because of that user's choice of device, which means you can either tether a smartphone or use a mobile hotspot, or even a USB modem, and they can't do anything against you based solely on your choice of device or they risk losing their operating license.
3. All of Verizon's towers will throttle your LTE speed down to a lower level (faster than 3G, but way slower than your LTE is capable of) if they identify you as a heavy data user AND the tower is 100% utilized. So they minimize data hogs' impact on other users by slowing them down when the tower is busy. Light or Occasional data users will be able to use the tower at full LTE speeds. When the tower isn't busy, well, why do you care if unlimited users are just using up spare capacity? That doesn't hurt anyone at all, and doesn't cost Verizon a penny, since all their back haul and peering is unmetered, so if they aren't 100% utilizing it they are actually paying for capacity that isn't being used, which is a waste.
I'm lucky that the tower closest to me at home is ALWAYS extremely under-utilized. I get fantastic speeds and no throttling, ever, at home. In the city I have seen close to 3G speeds on the LTE network due to saturation, which I am fine with. I still benefit from LTE's improved reliability and ping compared to 3G, so even if it's not 20 Mbps, I'm happy to have what I'm allowed. Verizon keeps me on a pretty long leash.
And no, I don't make the network worse for everyone else by using 70GB on an underutilized tower. 70GB over a month is not even a drop in a bucket to Verizon's back end infrastructure. I know some FiOS users who run multiple terabytes per month.
Sent from my Motorola RAZR Maxx HD with Tapatalk 4
I love my unlimited data and I'm definitely gonna keep it. If i like a new phone that comes out, ill just pay full price for it. I canceled my internet and cable at home because I have access to both thru my phone. I average around 150gigs a month and haven't seen a decrease in speed.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using xda app-developers app
I seem to have struck a nerve with someone and that was not my intention. You are probably used to having countless people advocating for verizon and following their rules. I am not one of them.
I was not aware that such policies were in place to protect the consumers. This is good to hear. I was under the impression that 4G devices weren't throttled (for the most part), even when on 3g and that only 3g devices were being throttled after heavy use. Verizon has obviously updated their guidelines so I need to read up on it.
I could not limit my home internet consumption to only 50 gigs. What is an average use anyway? I'm generally under 200 gigs. I am in areas where 4G is new and isn't that fast (under 10mbps, 3g tops off at 0.75) or in a big city where it's over utilized. I pay $20 a month for 50 mbps cable internet and that is a luxury many do not have.
Let's face it. We are lucky to have this unlimited plan. There are no guarantees on how much longer it will last. Just keep it, please?
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD
I switched from Sprint Unlimited to Verizon "share-all-of-your-money" (that's about right) plan. I had a real hard time letting go, but my wife and I have been on for 2 months now and it hasn't been a problem. We went with 4GB, and I initially thought it would be a problem, but we haven't even come close to 2GB yet. I mitigate that a lot by using WiFi as much as possible. Especially when I'm home, but also at work. I've also become a lot less bashful about asking for their WiFi password. What's the worst that could happen? They just say no. Many of them don't care though and don't give it a second thought. I also make the conscious decision to wait until I'm home to watch that YouTube video or what have you everyone one is clamoring about. I also used to tether my laptop to my phone and used that as my primary internet connection. Haven't needed to do that, so data consumption has gotten a lot less.
I haven't found it that difficult to live with a 4GB cap.
tech_head said:
THe only reason to a share plan is to get subsidized phone.
I have resigned myself to keep unlimited until they kick me off. I'll buy my phone retail if I have to.
If they kick me off I'll switch to Sprint.
Keep unlimited at all costs.
We use a combined 11-13GB on three lines.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And what happens when Sprint cuts off unlimited? I agree with the idea of voting with your wallet but in this case, I feel there needs to be an exception. Given the financial standing of Sprint atm, I can't see why any one would risk jumping to them. Plus if enough people follow suit like you, it is bound to bog down Sprint's network until they start to cap data plans to.
Xplorer4x4 said:
And what happens when Sprint cuts off unlimited? I agree with the idea of voting with your wallet but in this case, I feel there needs to be an exception. Given the financial standing of Sprint atm, I can't see why any one would risk jumping to them. Plus if enough people follow suit like you, it is bound to bog down Sprint's network until they start to cap data plans to.
Click to expand...
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They claim "unlimited forever".
What financial standing, they just got bought by SoftBank Mobile (Japanese).
They are building out their network and adding more LTE from their old iDEN spectrum, that and they bought Clearwire.
When Verizon makes me move from unlimited, I'll be jumping to Sprint.
tech_head said:
They claim "unlimited forever".
What financial standing, they just got bought by SoftBank Mobile (Japanese).
They are building out their network and adding more LTE from their old iDEN spectrum, that and they bought Clearwire.
When Verizon makes me move from unlimited, I'll be jumping to Sprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an old saying. Talk is cheap. I seriously doubt they will retain unlimited forever. I would ask for a contract and read that thing over and over and over again as I would not be surprised to see some sort of clause in there that they have the right to terminate the unlimited data at any time because they get greedy like ATT and VZW.
Finance wise, you're right. I forgot about the buy outs. They are in a much better position financially and network wise, but they are still in the early roll out stages making it to early to judge just how well the network upgrade will be in the end. I also haven't heard how involved SoftBank has been so far. Have they only put up the money while still letting the former Sprint execs run the company for the most part?
My wife and I both gave up our unlimited data. She gave up hers to upgrade and I just gave mine up to save money. We have 3 smart phones sharing 4GB. I was using more than 10GB every month myself on unlimited. But a little prudence and control and we have no problem. In fact our month is over next week and we haven't even used 2GB between three phones.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Xparent Purple Tapatalk 2
I'd say to just do the math of what saves you more of the course of 2 yrs. If its cheaper in the long run by a significant amount to switch to the new plan and get a subsidized phone, and you can't foresee needing unlimited data, it just makes sense to switch. I personally am planning on keeping my unlimited plan while buying phones at full price due to highly fluctuating data usage.
Xplorer4x4 said:
There is an old saying. Talk is cheap. I seriously doubt they will retain unlimited forever. I would ask for a contract and read that thing over and over and over again as I would not be surprised to see some sort of clause in there that they have the right to terminate the unlimited data at any time because they get greedy like ATT and VZW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, they've already added that to the contract, effective July 1st. If you no longer qualify for a plan or they no longer support a plan, they can switch you to a new one. (Paraphrased, but close to a direct quote)
So glad I jumped ship from Sprint in May.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2

[Q] Question on compatibility with Verizon MVNOs

Given that this device is fully compatible with Verizon Wireless, is there any reason why it wouldn't work with a Verizon MVNO like Total Wireless, PagePlus, or StraightTalk? How about Tethering?
I use mine with Straight Talk - Verizon without issue. Tethering works.
Only down side is Verizon throttles the MVNOs to around 5 Mbps down / 2 Mbps up.
how about tethering?
quakeaz said:
I use mine with Straight Talk - Verizon without issue. Tethering works.
Only down side is Verizon throttles the MVNOs to around 5 Mbps down / 2 Mbps up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am aware of the 5Mbps restriction and do not mind. Do any hoops have to be jumped through to get tethering to work, or do you just pop the Sim card in and go?
Bill720 said:
I am aware of the 5Mbps restriction and do not mind. Do any hoops have to be jumped through to get tethering to work, or do you just pop the Sim card in and go?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be good to go. I didn't have to do anything except turn mobile hotspot on. Stock unrooted 6.0.
Thanks for the input
quakeaz said:
Should be good to go. I didn't have to do anything except turn mobile hotspot on. Stock unrooted 6.0.
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Click to collapse
Wow, that's even easier than I was expecting. I've been thinking about switching phones and carriers next spring, and the Moto X Pure Edition coupled with the $35 plan from Total Wireless sounds like a worthy replacement for my Note2 and Sprint Sero.
Bill720 said:
Wow, that's even easier than I was expecting. I've been thinking about switching phones and carriers next spring, and the Moto X Pure Edition coupled with the $35 plan from Total Wireless sounds like a worthy replacement for my Note2 and Sprint Sero.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So as far as Total Wireless goes, I am not sure their policy on tethering. It is against Straigt Talk's terms of service, but it does work.... I assume it would work using Total Wireless and a Verizon compatible SIM as well since it seems to be up to the host network to allow it to be activated or not.
For example, I used Straight Talk with an AT&T compatible SIM, tethering was not able to be activated. Using the ST - VZW one in the same phone, no problems at all.. unless Straight Talk decided they wanted to cut me off for a TOS violation, but I doubt they'll ever notice the minimal amount I use it.
Tethering Technicalities
quakeaz said:
So as far as Total Wireless goes, I am not sure their policy on tethering. It is against Straigt Talk's terms of service, but it does work.... I assume it would work using Total Wireless and a Verizon compatible SIM as well since it seems to be up to the host network to allow it to be activated or not.
For example, I used Straight Talk with an AT&T compatible SIM, tethering was not able to be activated. Using the ST - VZW one in the same phone, no problems at all.. unless Straight Talk decided they wanted to cut me off for a TOS violation, but I doubt they'll ever notice the minimal amount I use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the same here in my current setup on Sprint. I tether maybe a few times a year and don't do so excessively, so it's not something they'd get on me about either. It's just something that I like to know will work when it is needed. Total Wireless operates under the Tracfone/StraightTalk/Net10 umbrella, so I'd imagine that the results will probably be similar to your experience. With that in mind, this sounds like it'd be a great phone for what I need it for.
Bill720 said:
It's the same here in my current setup on Sprint. I tether maybe a few times a year and don't do so excessively, so it's not something they'd get on me about either. It's just something that I like to know will work when it is needed. Total Wireless operates under the Tracfone/StraightTalk/Net10 umbrella, so I'd imagine that the results will probably be similar to your experience. With that in mind, this sounds like it'd be a great phone for what I need it for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds good to me! It is a great phone in my opinion. Thank you for turning me on to Total Wireless. I might just have to make a switch, it sounds like the exact same plan I have now with Straight Talk but $10/mo less.
Total!
quakeaz said:
Sounds good to me! It is a great phone in my opinion. Thank you for turning me on to Total Wireless. I might just have to make a switch, it sounds like the exact same plan I have now with Straight Talk but $10/mo less.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, that's what I was thinking too. Originally, I was kind of put off by having to invest >$42 a month (plus sales tax if you don't do the "trick") for 5GB of data on StraightTalk, (even when pre-paying for the entire year) but this Total Wireless thing sounds like it's the best deal in prepaid all of the sudden. I hadn't even heard of them until I saw an advertisement for it at WalMart a couple months ago, which prompted some further research that revealed they were just starting to roll out LTE and BYOD recently. Even at 5Mbps, it seems like a heck of a deal. Let me know how it goes if you try it, because if it turns out to be as good of a deal as it appears, that's what I'll be doing in spring 2017 when it comes time to upgrade.
I'm not sure of your data usage, but Net10 is also another option. Their $35/month plan looks good.
am I missing something here?
flieswithhawks said:
I'm not sure of your data usage, but Net10 is also another option. Their $35/month plan looks good.
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Click to collapse
Why pay $35 for half a gigabyte of LTE data on Verizon when I could pay $35 for 5GB of LTE data on Verizon?
Bill720 said:
Why pay $35 for half a gigabyte of LTE data on Verizon when I could pay $35 for 5GB of LTE data on Verizon?
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Click to collapse
I'm sorry. I didn't realize their plan had changed. It was 1.5gb for $35 before. Also, I'm not familiar with the other MVNOs mentioned here. Just trying to help was all...
The Tracfone Brands
flieswithhawks said:
I'm sorry. I didn't realize their plan had changed. It was 1.5gb for $35 before. Also, I'm not familiar with the other MVNOs mentioned here. Just trying to help was all...
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Click to collapse
At a time when most MVNOs are increasing how much data you can have at a certain pricepoint, Net10 is lowering the bar . Looks like their $40 plan nets you 3GB now though, and it drops to $36 after autopay, according to the site (which is not a terrible deal in and of itself).
One thing is for sure: We need to keep an eye on the Tracfone carriers to see if they roll anything like this out on any of their other brands anytime soon. I could see a $25 plan with 2GB being a hot seller, if such a thing were available.

Pissed new Sprint costumer. Now I'm looking for help with tethering and roaming

I'm reading as much as I can, but I'm pretty much green! I have never owned an unlocked phone, rooted anything, or know where to start or if that's even what I need to do.
Here is my situation. My wife and I started a small business and talked with sprint. I was told unlimited data. I asked specifically if that was including hotspot. The answer was yes. I also gave to 2 locations that we worked in and wanted to know about coverage. I was told coverage in both. NOT! I'm Roaming at one location. I have not roamed in years!! Seriously??? WOW!
My questions:
1- After talking to them, I indeed have unlimited data... but only 5 gigs is included in my hotspot mode. I called because I got the notification today that I was capped until the 29th of FEB. My phone runs fine. Youtube.. surf.. perfect. Hotspot.. nope.
What can I do to use the unlimited data I was assured I would get? What's an easy work around?
2- I'm roaming.... seriously.... What the frick? Is there a solution for that?
Thanks for your help in advance.
Astro2012 said:
I'm reading as much as I can, but I'm pretty much green! I have never owned an unlocked phone, rooted anything, or know where to start or if that's even what I need to do.
Here is my situation. My wife and I started a small business and talked with sprint. I was told unlimited data. I asked specifically if that was including hotspot. The answer was yes. I also gave to 2 locations that we worked in and wanted to know about coverage. I was told coverage in both. NOT! I'm Roaming at one location. I have not roamed in years!! Seriously??? WOW!
My questions:
1- After talking to them, I indeed have unlimited data... but only 5 gigs is included in my hotspot mode. I called because I got the notification today that I was capped until the 29th of FEB. My phone runs fine. Youtube.. surf.. perfect. Hotspot.. nope.
What can I do to use the unlimited data I was assured I would get? What's an easy work around?
2- I'm roaming.... seriously.... What the frick? Is there a solution for that?
Thanks for your help in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, they cap hotspot at 5GB. I was told this when they tried to upsell me a tablet. Try FoxFi with PDANet+, or root the device.
arusiasotto said:
Yeah, they cap hotspot at 5GB. I was told this when they tried to upsell me a tablet. Try FoxFi with PDANet+, or root the device.
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Click to collapse
I installed PDANet+ and purchased foxfi. No luck so far. It never asked about vpn etc.. Is there a guide on that? maybe the one I followed was wrong
If you are new, they have a return window. Take it back and switch carriers.
Sent from my SM-G930U using XDA-Developers Legacy app
I'm so sorry, bro. So, so, sorry. I currently am using this phone under an unlimited data plan. For the phone, the lte is in fact unlimited, and sufficient, for all 8-10 phones on the account.
Hotspot.... Well, everything about sprints Hotspot "plan" is an absolute ****ing joke. Want 5 gb Hotspot data per device per month? 60 bucks. Run out and want to extend it?
1GB ADDED AT A TIME, FOR FIFTEEN (15$) DOLLARS PER 1 GB.
WANT TO ADD MORE? **** YOU. COME BACK AND ADD ANOTHER 1GB AFTER FULLY DEPLETING THIS ONE AND LOSING CONNECTION, ASSHOLE. ENJOY YOUR SPRINT BUSINSSS UNLIMITED DATA PLAN DIP****. - is basically the vibe I get every time I would go to add data.
Makes total sense for an "unlimited data" account.
And don't think you'll get by on the "limited 2g speed." I don't remember 2g all that much, but this is not it. It is no speed. 100% unusable.
What I did: Got an inexpensive phone that isn't locked down, currently I'm using a nextbit robin and an iPhone 5S, switching back and forth. I buy a 65$/month straight talk prepaid plan - full high speed unlimited data. I use over 100gb a month just in Hotspot data. No issues so far. **** sprint. You use up your measly 5gb of data, and you havd to buy a gig at a time, untill your service month resets. No other options whatsoever. You can even transfer data from other devices.
I really regret this phone. I'm on nougat beta, and my battery life is HORRIBLE. My phone shuts off and dies at 7%, after going from 30% down in 5 minutes of web browsing. Need to revert back to regular build and root. I was able to get unlimited Hotspot on certain buulds if rooted, but the root method for this device is inherently unstable, so... There's no real ideal situation with this device.
Astro2012 said:
I'm reading as much as I can, but I'm pretty much green! I have never owned an unlocked phone, rooted anything, or know where to start or if that's even what I need to do.
Here is my situation. My wife and I started a small business and talked with sprint. I was told unlimited data. I asked specifically if that was including hotspot. The answer was yes. I also gave to 2 locations that we worked in and wanted to know about coverage. I was told coverage in both. NOT! I'm Roaming at one location. I have not roamed in years!! Seriously??? WOW!
My questions:
1- After talking to them, I indeed have unlimited data... but only 5 gigs is included in my hotspot mode. I called because I got the notification today that I was capped until the 29th of FEB. My phone runs fine. Youtube.. surf.. perfect. Hotspot.. nope.
What can I do to use the unlimited data I was assured I would get? What's an easy work around?
2- I'm roaming.... seriously.... What the frick? Is there a solution for that?
Thanks for your help in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have 30 days to take the phone back.
As far as rooting and tethering goes, if you use too much data or roam constantly they will send you a warning letter and eventually void your contract. I know because it happened to me on a two year contract with my Galaxy S2. I rooted it and was using the hacked hotspot as my home internet (I was in school living in a tiny studio apartment). One month I used like 60GB of data. I received a letter telling me to stop which I did (for a while). A few months later I again used upwards of 50GB of data tethering without a hotspot plan. They sent me another letter but this time it was informing me that I had 30 days to find another carrier and that they were terminating my contract. The surprising thing was that in the letter it stated there was ZERO early termination fees and I was able to keep my phone with a clean IMEI.
After reading the contract it states that Sprint offers unlimited data, calls and roaming with a fair use clause. Excessive roaming or data usage out of the scope of what Sprint considers fair use will force them to essentially cut their losses with a customer who they feel is abusing that fair use by roaming a lot or using large amounts of data. It's basically an amicable parting.
18 months later I was able to walk into a Sprint store and open another line without any issues

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