Does anyone know how the device audits are performed on the AT&T network? Curiosity has gotten the best of me since I noticed my Fuze showed up as my device when I go to my account yet I've never informed AT&T I upgraded from my Wizard, nor have I ever called them for any reason (so my IMEI on file should be of my Wizard). My brother also recently bought a used iPhone and swapped the SIM out of some crappy sony slider, only to receive a text message informing him he'd need to upgrade his data plan to be used with the iPhone.
As an engineer, I'm curious as to how these audits are performed?
Related
I do a lot of HTC device hacking and unlocking, but have never done a CDMA device. Is it possible to unlock the XV6700 and use it on another USA CDMA Carrier? Also, I presume there are other ROM's to install on this device? Any guidance would help a lot.
Albatros
CDMA devices aren't actually locked per se, the device itself will work great with any CDMA network u tell it to work with as long as the service provider agrees to register your device in their ESN database. In other words all phones released by verizon have ESNs specific to verizon and all sprint phones have ESNs from sprint's database. The providers share the ESN data and know when a phone you're trying to register with them is not one of theirs. So it really comes down to your service provider agreeing to register your phone in their database (which is most likely not going to happen unless you have connections). The other and not so legal way of doing this is to clone the ESN of your old phone (which you can just throw away) and download a new prl (preffered roaming list: tells the phone which towers to prioritize) to your new phone. So it IS possible but illegal due to the ability to copy somebody's esn and charge up their bill. Hope this helps!
this might not be for cricket but its a start
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=20090
Yes, CDMA Devices aren't locked like GSM Devices. You will need to have Cricket register the ESN (Electronic Serial Number) in their database. I have family who has done it and have worked with a guy who got a 6700 ESN changed over to Cricket.
Need to go from Cricket BACK to Verizon
I have the opposite problem - bought a used VX6700 that is already on the Cricket network, but I am on a Verizon plan (yes I was a doofuss and get my old Verizon phone wet, but it was locked LG crap anyway with no option for customizing - so GLAD to be coming back to the HTC world!)
Whenever I dial *228 to get it programmed, it says "welcome to Cricket". The Verizon 800# tech people had no clue how to get it back, even after they had me try a few unusual settings in the phone. Then they sent me to the Verizon store - they said they could not do anything, no real explanation why not. The used store I bought it from thinks they could try to reflash it - but I'm not so sure that is really necessary.
I have successfully flashed my old HTC Wizard for practice - so I know sort of what I am doing if flashing IS needed. Just hard to find information even after doing a lot of searching. There are a few threads on going from Verizon to Cricket -- but none for how to get BACK.
Thanks in advance.
Update
The phone guru guy at the Phone Smart store I bought the used phone from was able to get it back onto Verizon for me. He said something about modifying the PRN Provide Roaming Number - or at least I think that was the one - so that Verizon's towers would know to look for this phone now. So all good for now. I need to get WM6 on it soon though! Currently it is on a slightly enhanced build of WM5.
Hey all,
I have the Bell unlimited mobile browser with my Samsung Impact. I used to have an HTC Touch that was older, but had much better capabilities with the umb but unfortunately was damaged. If I were to get, say an unlocked Samsung Galaxy and put my sim card and and enter the proper asn settings, would Bell know I'm not using my Impact and charge me data rates? Thank you
Amazing, I am literally in the exact same scenario. I had an HTC touch, it broke, bought an impact because I was told it was the highest level of phone that could still use the Unlimited Browser.
I am looking at a Samsung wave. I talked to customer service, and the woman told me that I could use my wave by simply switching the sim card, and still access the browser. She said she uses a blackberry smartphone, and it works that way. But I havent bought the wave yet, so I havent verified this. I guess I will find out once I attempt it. Have you gotten any info back on your question?
The way carriers know which phone your using, in general, is they have a database of IMEI numbers. But only the phones that they sell you directly (the ones with their branding) are in their database. So if you, for example, took an unlocked Roger's phone and put a Bell SIM card into it, they wouldn't know what phone you're using. But if you put your Bell SIM into a Bell Galaxy S (even if it's unlocked), they would know and probably alert you that you need to change your plan. This is how AT&T caught iPhone users on the cheaper feature-phone data plans over here in the states.
tl;dr: As long as the phone you want to use doesn't have Bell branding on it, they won't know.
Hi,
I've been back in China for over half a year now, and since I wanted to spare the expense of buying a new smartphone, I found someone to do a service called "写号", which translates literally to "write codes", on my Sprint EVO 4G.
I'm not an expert on this, but I think they changed the AKEY, AN, and AAA codes (as retrieved from the telecom company) and reprogrammed the PRL and thus gave the phone Chinese service with a Chinese number.
In the meantime, my Sprint Family Plan in the US has remained active. I'm returning to the States soon and would like to use my phone with its original phone number. How do I go about doing this?
Unfortunately, I don't have the old information backed up (as I don't know how/where to back it up or restore), and it is not backed up in a NAND backup, as far as I know.
Has anyone had any experiences with bringing back a phone? Can I restore the phone onto their network somehow myself? Can Sprint help me reactivate my phone on their network? Is there a way to do this and retain the Sprint support and warranty?
Thanks in advance for any tips!
Using AT&T with the Nexus S GT-i9020T?
Has anyone successfully done this?
I bought this model of the Nexus S recently, and have been really enthusiastic about the build quality of the device. However, actually setting up phone service has presented a few challenges.
I have found nothing but conflicting information about this all over the internet. The official Nexus S manual spec sheet seems to imply that the phone can play either the tri-band or the quad-band game. Some folks report that the phone will work with AT&T but will only allow you to use EDGE and not 3G service. There are websites which say that the phone can be unlocked, however, many posters here on the xda-developers forum say that the phone is always unlocked anyway.
I bought both a T-mobile simcard and an AT&T simcard. The T-mobile one works just great. After inserting the AT&T card, the phone sees the local AT&T cell tower, but when trying to connect, it says "Your sim card does not allow a connection on this network."
I took the phone into an AT&T store this afternoon and the customer service rep replaced my sim card - but the phone acted just the same. He told me that the phone was probably carrier locked - and that I could look for a shop to help me unlock it.
So what can be done? Will T-mobile give me an unlock code? Do I need to buy an unlocking code from some vendor on the internet? I am familiar enough with Linux to edit files on the phone using a hex editor if there's a way to unlock it that way (I read about this method in a conversation on xda-developers.com pertaining to the Galaxy S I9000).
Not sure about unlocking, but I do know the 9020t will only do voice and Edge on At&t.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Hardware is not capable of ATT 3G but all nexus devices should already be sim unlocked. Idk why you're experiencing that issue.
I really doubt the att Rep has any knowledge on the tmo nexus s, but I'm really suspecting att's similar card as the culprit, despite the fact that u replaced it.
Sorry I couldn't be of much help.
Sent from my Nexus S
So... An update on the progress of my quest:
I called T-mobile today (on the phone: "611") where a customer service person tried and failed to authorize the unlock code. She then gave me a service number at Samsung to call: (888) 987 4357. Samsung took the information from me about the cell's phone number and the carrier... and after a bit, bounced me back, saying that I needed to call T-mobile again to see whether I could get them to issue the 8 digit "network control code" which can be derived from the IMEI number.
This time, the T-mobile rep said that she would submit a formal request for me that might take between two days and two weeks to process. She warned me that because I had not had the T-mobile account for 60 days there might be a problem with the approval - but that they might be able to do it, if I offered proof of purchase for the phone (proving that I paid full price for it). She took my email address, my landline number and some other bits of information from me, and promised I'd hear back in a few days.
For those who are interested in all the gory details... here's an update on the hoops I've been trying to jump through:
www . christophervandyck . com / o / node / 412
I purchased my phone as "brand new" and "unlocked" in December 2021 from an Ebay store (I know, but the store was operational for a couple years and had excellent reviews numbering in the 4Ks). I registered the device IMEI with Samsung the same day. It worked perfectly for 13 months until last week.
Unfortunately, the Ebay store is no longer "there" (I know. I know.) I learned this by attempting to email them through the Ebay messaging app. I really do believe my phone was brand new though.
Device Details:
Model #: SM-N986U1
Service Provider Software version: SAOMC_SM-N986U1_OYM_TFN_12_0016_TFN/TFN,TFN/ATT
Questions:
Was someone able to set up an account with my IMEI
Is it possible that my IMEI was mistakenly connected to an AT&T account during these "Network Upgrades"
If either 1 or 2, how do I resolve this? I mean, I've got the receipts and whatnot.
Is there a way for me to find out if this AT&T account was set up AFTER December 2021?
Do you see any issues with the current software listed above
Could I have registered my device's IMEI with Samsung if it was already registered to someone else?
The whole, ugly story:
My carrier is StraightTalk/TracFone with Verizon SIM (12+ years)
Activated device 1December 23, 2021 by swapping SIM from existing phone (I now know this is bad)
Stopped sending/receiving calls January 3 or 4, 2023 (still able to text w/o wifi though)
Many, many customer support calls/chats:
Unable to reconnect device to SIM
Carrier tech support tells me "Problem with your SIM. It was used in another device. You need a new SIM".
Purchased new SIM, phoned in to carrier support
Carrier support unable to connect new SIM to device
Carrier tech support tells me "Problem with your phone" and asks for me to turn phone off/on every hour or two until they get the "errors corrected".
Support also that many people had been having problems since the recent Verizon network upgrade that occured in the days leading up to my phone problems.
Problem persists and worsens
I lose all connection with my phone number; unable to text, phone number missing from phone, etc
Subsequent support calls with StraightTalk
Your IMEI is connected to a different phone #, cannot reconnect your device.
They won't tell me the number, only that the new number has same area code as my number which I thought unusual.
In order to keep my phone # active, I settle, temporarily, for activating new SIM into my really old S7.
I contact Samsung Support to see if there is some sort of diagnostic tool for software errors:
Your device is an AT&T device
I said I realize that, but it was unlocked and I'd been using it for 13 months with a Verizon compat SIM.
They suggest I visit Samsung Auth Shop to diagnose.
I attempt to reach AT&T support line;
no luck - kept bumping up against phone bot "firewall" system because I didn't have an AT&T phone number or account number to enter.
Attempted support chat, but same results as above
Went to the Samsung Authorized repair shop.
Shop was like "Absolutely nothing we can do"
Says that a diagnosis would not reveal software issues (is this true?)
Suggests I go to AT&T corporate store.
I visit AT&T store, ask for them to check my IMEI for an account.
They cannot find it connected to an AT&T account.
Have a nice day - Buh Byyah (grrrrrr)
Out of frustration, I decide to run the AT&T unlock request app anyway.
Results: Unable to unlock my phone because I still have installment payments to make. (Never had an AT&T account).
Back to the AT&T store.
They dance around suggesting that I have a stolen or hacked phone.
They give me tips on how to bypass AT&T support firewall to reach customer service
Suggest I go across the hall to the Verizon store
Verizon store super-smart-12-year-old-looking young woman
"Even though Verizon bought Straightalk/TracFone, I can't see your account or help with the prepaid programs"
"But hang on a minute, let me try something....."
Inserts SIM from my old S7 into my Note
Performs a Network Reset
Voila! Phone is making calls and getting 5G
I nearly burst into tears and give her a hug
Unfortunately, within a couple hours it was back to no service
I FINALLY get through to a person at AT&T support.
They are able to confirm my device IMEI is connected to an AT&T account
They further confirm that the area code is same as mine and that the phone number belongs to a business.
No further details; they give me their Fraud Dept phone numbers.
Fraud department cannot (WILL NOT) help me because I don't have an AT&T account and I didn't purchase my phone from AT&T.
Have a Nice Day, Buh-Byyah (grrrr)
Finally able to connect once again with support person from my carrier (StraightTalk/TracFone on Verizon)
NOTE: Something def DID happen with their networks early last week. No idea what, but I was once number 410 in the queue for support
Support tells me I need a new SIM
I explain that
We already tried that 4 days ago, and
My device IEMI is connected to another account, per their support rep, AT&T support rep, and AT&T unlock request app
Support tells me to ignore that, I only need a new SIM because:
She wouldn't be able to see my IMEI if it were already connected to another account.
She could see that my IMEI had been connected to my StraightTalk account
There must've been some kind of 'mistake", and a new SIM will fix it
They're mailing me a new SIM, but I don't understand how/why there is an At&T account with my IMEI and have little hope that this will work.
Sorry that was so long. Please respond if you have any helpful tips, insights, or info.
Thanks!
PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE SOLVED
**I'm making this reply for reference in case someone else comes across a similar issue.
My device is a Samsung Note 20 Ultra 5G; my carrier is Straighttalk (TracFone) with a Verizon SIM. I’ve been with them since bailing from Verizon around 2010. I bought my phone from an online store, supposedly "new" and "unlocked". The CSC and Provider Software version checked out, and I was able to register it successfully with Samsung December 2021 and had zero issues with phone and service until Janury 3/4, 2023.**
1/12/23 UPDATE from OP: After 8-9 days of frustration, hours on phone and chat support, in person visits to mobile carrier stores, (oh, and no service), I successfully installed and activated a new SIM on my Note 20 Ultra 5G tonight. Calls, texts, etc., seem to be going through. So, so far so good.
This was my 2nd attempt at reconnecting my device to a network by installing a new SIM. I can only guess at why it was unsuccessful before. But for posterity, the 1st attempt was made by using a SIM kit purchased from Walmart. The 2nd attempt was made by using a SIM purchased from Straighttalk and patiently waiting four days for delivery.
Both attempts were made while I was on a support call, using a landline to speak with them.
After activation today a new feature appeared in my Mobile Networks setting that wasn't there before. It's labeled "VoLTE Calls SIM 1" feature and has an on/off slide button next to it.
Also, my Network Mode was automatically set to GLOBAL after activation, when it had always been set to LTE/CDMA. I'm curious about that, so if anyone wants to chime in on whether GLOBAL is the preferred setting for me now I'd be happy to hear opinions.
I generally have really poor service at my home (1-2 bars usually) and that is still the case. I should be able to access 5G in areas where it's available though.
Ongoing Issue: I do not have proof of resolution regarding my IMEI being connected to another phone number on an account with a different carrier.
As of this evening the IMEI unlock request portal at the other carrier still shows that my IMEI1 has some sort of financial committment attached to it. Interestingly, my IMEI2 is good to go so far as the same unlock portal is concerned. (I’ve never had an account with this carrier) It's a puzzle and I don't know what any of it actually means.
We'll see how things go. Fingers crossed that I'll continue to have uninterrupted service, but it is going to take the passing of some time before I feel like I will be able to relax completely.
Thanks for providing this space for people to problem solve and share.
JDScott1 said:
I purchased my phone as "brand new" and "unlocked" in December 2021 from an Ebay store (I know, but the store was operational for a couple years and had excellent reviews numbering in the 4Ks). I registered the device IMEI with Samsung the same day. It worked perfectly for 13 months until last week.
Unfortunately, the Ebay store is no longer "there" (I know. I know.) I learned this by attempting to email them through the Ebay messaging app. I really do believe my phone was brand new though.
Device Details:
Model #: SM-N986U1
Service Provider Software version: SAOMC_SM-N986U1_OYM_TFN_12_0016_TFN/TFN,TFN/ATT
Questions:
Was someone able to set up an account with my IMEI
Is it possible that my IMEI was mistakenly connected to an AT&T account during these "Network Upgrades"
If either 1 or 2, how do I resolve this? I mean, I've got the receipts and whatnot.
Is there a way for me to find out if this AT&T account was set up AFTER December 2021?
Do you see any issues with the current software listed above
Could I have registered my device's IMEI with Samsung if it was already registered to someone else?
The whole, ugly story:
My carrier is StraightTalk/TracFone with Verizon SIM (12+ years)
Activated device 1December 23, 2021 by swapping SIM from existing phone (I now know this is bad)
Stopped sending/receiving calls January 3 or 4, 2023 (still able to text w/o wifi though)
Many, many customer support calls/chats:
Unable to reconnect device to SIM
Carrier tech support tells me "Problem with your SIM. It was used in another device. You need a new SIM".
Purchased new SIM, phoned in to carrier support
Carrier support unable to connect new SIM to device
Carrier tech support tells me "Problem with your phone" and asks for me to turn phone off/on every hour or two until they get the "errors corrected".
Support also that many people had been having problems since the recent Verizon network upgrade that occured in the days leading up to my phone problems.
Problem persists and worsens
I lose all connection with my phone number; unable to text, phone number missing from phone, etc
Subsequent support calls with StraightTalk
Your IMEI is connected to a different phone #, cannot reconnect your device.
They won't tell me the number, only that the new number has same area code as my number which I thought unusual.
In order to keep my phone # active, I settle, temporarily, for activating new SIM into my really old S7.
I contact Samsung Support to see if there is some sort of diagnostic tool for software errors:
Your device is an AT&T device
I said I realize that, but it was unlocked and I'd been using it for 13 months with a Verizon compat SIM.
They suggest I visit Samsung Auth Shop to diagnose.
I attempt to reach AT&T support line;
no luck - kept bumping up against phone bot "firewall" system because I didn't have an AT&T phone number or account number to enter.
Attempted support chat, but same results as above
Went to the Samsung Authorized repair shop.
Shop was like "Absolutely nothing we can do"
Says that a diagnosis would not reveal software issues (is this true?)
Suggests I go to AT&T corporate store.
I visit AT&T store, ask for them to check my IMEI for an account.
They cannot find it connected to an AT&T account.
Have a nice day - Buh Byyah (grrrrrr)
Out of frustration, I decide to run the AT&T unlock request app anyway.
Results: Unable to unlock my phone because I still have installment payments to make. (Never had an AT&T account).
Back to the AT&T store.
They dance around suggesting that I have a stolen or hacked phone.
They give me tips on how to bypass AT&T support firewall to reach customer service
Suggest I go across the hall to the Verizon store
Verizon store super-smart-12-year-old-looking young woman
"Even though Verizon bought Straightalk/TracFone, I can't see your account or help with the prepaid programs"
"But hang on a minute, let me try something....."
Inserts SIM from my old S7 into my Note
Performs a Network Reset
Voila! Phone is making calls and getting 5G
I nearly burst into tears and give her a hug
Unfortunately, within a couple hours it was back to no service
I FINALLY get through to a person at AT&T support.
They are able to confirm my device IMEI is connected to an AT&T account
They further confirm that the area code is same as mine and that the phone number belongs to a business.
No further details; they give me their Fraud Dept phone numbers.
Fraud department cannot (WILL NOT) help me because I don't have an AT&T account and I didn't purchase my phone from AT&T.
Have a Nice Day, Buh-Byyah (grrrr)
Finally able to connect once again with support person from my carrier (StraightTalk/TracFone on Verizon)
NOTE: Something def DID happen with their networks early last week. No idea what, but I was once number 410 in the queue for support
Support tells me I need a new SIM
I explain that
We already tried that 4 days ago, and
My device IEMI is connected to another account, per their support rep, AT&T support rep, and AT&T unlock request app
Support tells me to ignore that, I only need a new SIM because:
She wouldn't be able to see my IMEI if it were already connected to another account.
She could see that my IMEI had been connected to my StraightTalk account
There must've been some kind of 'mistake", and a new SIM will fix it
They're mailing me a new SIM, but I don't understand how/why there is an At&T account with my IMEI and have little hope that this will work.
Sorry that was so long. Please respond if you have any helpful tips, insights, or info.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no "s20 note"