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T-Mobile Mda Vario 4. Woes of a incompetent company

Hey i thought i would share my experience with t mobile so far due to their upgrade blunder::
T-Mobile Customer Relations Mr ###########
[email protected] ###address###
[email protected]
Account Number: ##########
Mobile Number: 07#########
Due to recent as yet unresolved problems I have had from T-Mobile I feel I have no other choice but write this email. the staff I have spoken to have all being very nice on the phone and made promises that as yet have not being fulfilled and the majority of times nothing has being done.
I was informed by my local T-Mobile store on the 23rd of July that T-mobile had stock of the new ‘MDA Vario IV’ and this had being confirmed by other people (see this link   ((see this link   (by the way my user name on this site is spzero)) then the next day I rang up and asked if I could upgrade to the new Vario IV knowing there was some confusion I questioned the member of staff about this and was informed that they did have some in stock and would be sent one out, after posting of my joy on the same site above I read further that people were being lied to about this phone and sent the ‘MDA Compact IV’(  see further proof here in this same thread) I rang back T-Mobile and was informed I had ordered a ‘MDA Compact IV’ despite my conversation verifying which phone I was after. I spoke to a CSA who was helpful and tried to resolve the problem but the phone had being dispatched and all I could do was refuse the delivery she did also say that “many phone companies do similar things she used to work at Orange and informed me they purposefully placed early, incorrect due dates on there systems and website to entice customers, knowing orders could not be fulfilled and by the time a complaint had being made stock would be in and the customer would have got the phone they wanted.” It seams the same thing is going on here at the end of the call she advised she would call me back before the 4th of august as my next statement would be issued if not sorted out then that I would be charged for a higher Tariff that I had agreed to, in order to be able to get the phone I wanted and also would be charged for the phone.
I waited and received no phone call on the 5th of August I received two text messages from T-Mobile one advising my phone had being returned and one advising my available credit for the rest of the month. I rang up to enquire about this immediately as they was much talk time available than expected and assumed I had being charged at the new higher price tariff, I was informed that this was a mistake and my bill would be adjusted when I received it in the post.
A few days later on the 8th of August my Bill turns up for £106.26. This included a £5.95 charge for delivery which I never agreed to and am quite sure was never told about. I rang T-mobile and got thru to a Stephen the line was disconnected instantly and when I called back got the same agent who listened to my problem and then said I will place you on hold while I look at the account but he didn’t give me chance to agree to this or ask if it was ok. While waiting for Stephen to come back I managed to eat my tea that had being prepared and after 10 minutes I was still on hold. I rang back and spoke to Ashley who’s team number was 799. I was told that a credit would be applied to my bill to make up for their error and that it had all being sorted and asked if they could help further I asked what my bill would be with the credit and was told £99.27 I couldn’t understand this as I had returned the phone and had a text message to confirm safe receipt and the tariff had supposedly being adjusted (My previous tariff was about £35.00 a month and I rarely used any texts or calls above my free allowance. In fact the only charges outside of my price plan was for £0.68 for call charges.) and as I had previously requested a cheaper tariff knew they was no valid reason for my bill to be above £30.00.
My call was transferred to another agent I was told by Ashley she would advise what my call was regarding and give the agent my account details, I was transferred to a CSA called Mark in the Ready 2 team who had no idea what the call was regarding and didn’t have my details so I had to confirm security questions again, after this Mark was able to help I was told to cancel my Direct Debit at my bank as he was not sure if it would take the £106.26 or the new adjusted amount he was processing, I was also told to wait 3 days and my bill would be corrected and could pay the new amount with a debit card over the phone and cancel my account as by this time I was that upset with the service I no longer wanted to deal with T-mobile again.
On the 12th I received a call from T-mobile but as was at work missed it I rang back and was told there was no information on my account as to who had called or what it was in relation to I was also told my current balance still hadn’t being adjusted but as it had not yet being 3 working days I decided to wait. The next day I received a further call and answered this and was asked if I was interested in T-Mobile’s fantastic Mobile Broadband and declined to accept the offer due to all the problems I have had and that I already had a similar service from 3.
When I got home today (The 14th of August) as I was unsure if my account had being sorted I rang T-Mobile to check (this shows on my phone the call was made at 5:15pm) I was advised by the automated service that my balance was still at the £99.27. I then spoke to spoke to mark on team 718 and asked to speak to a team leader, he refused to put me thru and wanted to know what I was calling about. I advised that due to the way my problem had being handled I didn’t want to speak to a CSA again but I wanted to speak to a manager and I knew my legal rights concerning this as I work in a call centre he still refused to transfer me and continued to ask what it was regarding I said if he checked the notes it should indicate what the problem was regarding, he looked at the notes and advised the last two calls showed I had called up and asked for my balance and the second time asked for my Direct Debit to be cancelled but no other notes so he was clueless, as the two previous calls on the system were lengthy complaints and took some time I was surprised at the lack of any further information. He checked back at other notes and advised me that a credit was going to be applied to my account at my next bill date, I advised that this would mean in order for me to pay my account this month and not miss a payment I was having to pay for their error as the only reason I took the new Phone and Tariff was because I was lied to at the outset about the availability of a phone, I don’t mind paying for my call time and text usage but I don’t see why I should pay for T-Mobiles error. He didn’t respond to this and advised they have their processes and no one can credit my account before my next bill date. A asked why I had already being credited a refund that was showing on my account as my bill had reduced and again no real answer was given just that it was a credit for delivery and this was different to the credit of a handset and tariff adjustment. As I used to work for o2 and currently work in a call centre I know how things should work and I know some one can sort this problem out and place a credit on my phone account now, but I was told by Mark that it would not happen as no one was able to do this in the end after going in circles I again asked to speak to a team leader, manager or whoever could help me and was informed I would be called back by a Team leader as none were available, in between one and two hours. Due to these problems I asked for an email address I could complain to and was advised of the one above, then I was informed that this department could credit my account and sort all my problems out but no telephone number was available and all communication had to be by email or post. I advised Mark that I was going out and needed the manager call back ASAP. When I returned home my phone showed just one missed call which was made at 8:12 so again I was given wrong information as this was actually over two and a half hours after my request.
Due to the way I have being treated as a paying customer and the fact that I have repeatedly being lied to over the phone by and that my account has not being updated I find no other alternative but to send this email which shows the underhanded tactics that T-Mobile is using and despite myself and others advising of the lies in regards to stock of the new phone fact the blunders, thru either lack of training or blatant dishonesty, continue (just read the following forum threads in full from xda-developers.com same links as above) It also seams the same pattern of lies happened with the release of the Vario III and Compact III.
I hope some one can sort my statement out as at the moment I am being charged for a mistake that T-Mobile has made due to lies or marketing strategy and this seams to not just be an operator error but a marketing scam in order to hold on to customers and entice new one’s and I think this should not be tolerated by paying customers and I expect my account to be sorted out so I can have the privilege of never having to deal with such a company in the future. Also due to the now many hours of my time in writing this email and speaking to staff I expect compensation or this matter will be taken further
PS this information has being posted on the internet where no doubt all those wanting to buy your new phone will be warned of what a terrible company you are and no doubt purchase the o2 xda diamond pro (which is the same phone just renamed

Just sent the email awaiting reply the amount of misinformation from this company is amazing lets see what happens

Wow that's some email! lol. I've been on the phone with t-mobile and the dude said to me late august or september, but most likely september.
Looks like I'll be getting it with t-mobile- they seem like the only people that have half descent data add ons. will probably be getting it on "Combi 40 + web'n'walk (18 months)" for £40.50 a month + £5 extra for "Mobile Broadband Plus (3GB fair use)"
The way I justify spending £45.50 a month on a phone is that after the 18 months it'll have cost me £819. so if you take away the £500 cost of the phone it works out at £17.72 a month for; 1000 minutes, unlimited txt and 3GB of HSDPA- or does anyone see a flaw in my plan? lol.

adamdon89 said:
Wow that's some email! lol. I've been on the phone with t-mobile and the dude said to me late august or september, but most likely september.
Looks like I'll be getting it with t-mobile- they seem like the only people that have half descent data add ons. will probably be getting it on "Combi 40 + web'n'walk (18 months)" for £40.50 a month + £5 extra for "Mobile Broadband Plus (3GB fair use)"
The way I justify spending £45.50 a month on a phone is that after the 18 months it'll have cost me £819. so if you take away the £500 cost of the phone it works out at £17.72 a month for; 1000 minutes, unlimited txt and 3GB of HSDPA- or does anyone see a flaw in my plan? lol.
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3gb limit and restricted to fair use thats the worse deal ever go with o2 they have much better deals and i bet most other networks do too.
Now most networks offer unlimited data, 18 months ago only t-mobile did as far as i know which is why i moved to them from my o2 staff tariff with 50% off, but all the other networks do and i think at a better price. o2 do it as a add on for £5.00 a month or they were doing a deal on any 18 month contract you could choose a free add on so either unlimited data, texts or o2 to landline and o2 to o2 calls.. much better than t-mobile. o2 are releaseing the Raphael as o2 xda diamond pro... just a matter of waiting for release like i would be doing with t-mobile. long live o2..

spzero said:
3gb limit and restricted to fair use thats the worse deal ever go with o2 they have much better deals and i bet most other networks do too.
Now most networks offer unlimited data, 18 months ago only t-mobile did as far as i know which is why i moved to them from my o2 staff tariff with 50% off, but all the other networks do and i think at a better price. o2 do it as a add on for £5.00 a month or they were doing a deal on any 18 month contract you could choose a free add on so either unlimited data, texts or o2 to landline and o2 to o2 calls.. much better than t-mobile. o2 are releaseing the Raphael as o2 xda diamond pro... just a matter of waiting for release like i would be doing with t-mobile. long live o2..
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O2 maybe good with the unlimited data but their call minutes are poor. I have been looking at all of the companies and T-Mobile's minutes are good and it will mean that I will have to change to a 18 month contract. But the only other provider that may come close is 3. But are they going to offer the touch pro?

spzero said:
3gb limit and restricted to fair use thats the worse deal ever go with o2 they have much better deals and i bet most other networks do too.
Now most networks offer unlimited data, 18 months ago only t-mobile did as far as i know which is why i moved to them from my o2 staff tariff with 50% off, but all the other networks do and i think at a better price. o2 do it as a add on for £5.00 a month or they were doing a deal on any 18 month contract you could choose a free add on so either unlimited data, texts or o2 to landline and o2 to o2 calls.. much better than t-mobile. o2 are releaseing the Raphael as o2 xda diamond pro... just a matter of waiting for release like i would be doing with t-mobile. long live o2..
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I don't know I did some digging around and it looks like all the networks now have really bad fair usage apart from t-mobile atm.
O2's "Unlimited Web Bolt On":
A fair usage policy applies and average monthly usage is expected to be below 200MB...
Vodafone's "Mobile Internet and email pack":
Subject to a fair use limit of 500mb per month...
Orange's "Orange World Monthly Access":
The Offer provides 250 MB data browsing...
It looks like everywhere you go it's gona be useless data add ons for £5/7.50 a month :/

"3" have the best value unlimited data packages.
Personally I'm on Vodafone who are woeful in the UK for data packages, but I struggle for a signal in my little corner of London with other networks...

update! So my automated response from T-Mobile advised i would be contacted in 3 working days or an email sent.. well they have half an hour to sort out my problem. i did get a call this morning from someone in cust services bu as i havea job was not able to discuss my account she asked when to call back and i said i had a lunch break at 1.30 so at 3.15 or something i got a call again unabe to discuss but she appologised for the delay and arranged to call me back when i had finnished work @ 4.00 so no call im now on a train wit intermitent signal so unlikely to get a call even if she tries and i did advise i would be on a train and th time to call.. well the girl dealing Danielle finnishes soon so once agin seems like they are full lies and empty promises..... this is disgraceful and i am shocked at the disgraceful service or lack of it so far........ will up date if they ever sort any thing out

Any news on your dilema from T-Mobile?

Do have to make a side note that my experiences with the Dutch T-Mobile have been outstanding.
They did not try to con my into taking the wrong phone and the girl was well aware that it would be out late august at earliest.
Difference was that i was more interested in getting her number and the end of contract stuff.
Eventually i got the HTC branded version from an online shop.

Noonski said:
Do have to make a side note that my experiences with the Dutch T-Mobile have been outstanding.
They did not try to con my into taking the wrong phone and the girl was well aware that it would be out late august at earliest.
Difference was that i was more interested in getting her number and the end of contract stuff.
Eventually i got the HTC branded version from an online shop.
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Joker! Did you get her number? I'll be trying to get that friends and family discount.

Noonski said:
Do have to make a side note that my experiences with the Dutch T-Mobile have been outstanding.
They did not try to con my into taking the wrong phone and the girl was well aware that it would be out late august at earliest.
Difference was that i was more interested in getting her number and the end of contract stuff.
Eventually i got the HTC branded version from an online shop.
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Is that what they mean by customer care then ?

adamdon89 said:
O2's "Unlimited Web Bolt On":
A fair usage policy applies and average monthly usage is expected to be below 200MB...
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Did you read that on the expansys site by any chance?... old information! I believe O2 have now changed their terms for this bolt on, and don't specify a limit anymore! Read page 2 of this thread and you'll see what I mean. It would certainly make sense for O2 to offer a good data plan so that they can shift their iphone 3G's!
I'm currently on a "solo" sim only contract with T-Mobile, but I'm in the process of transferring to O2 as they're currently doing a great "simplicity" pay monthly package, which at the moment has a special offer £5 off the monthly fee (offer expires end of August). It comes with the unlimited text bolt on, but there's an option before purchase to change it to the unlimited web bolt on, and if you do that you'll end up with 600 mins (any network), 1000 texts, and unlimited web for £20 a month I don't think any network can beat this offer.
Anyway regarding the fair usage policy, if O2 do claim my data usage is too excessive (which I doubt will happen), I'll just go straight back to T-Mobile again. The great thing about sim only deals is that they only have a 30 day contract, so they're easy to get out of. The downside of course is because they're sim only you won't ever get an upgrade deal from your network - you'll have to buy a sim-free handset or a pay as you go handset on your network and chuck away the sim card that it comes with.
P.S. Thanks to EViS for pointing out that great O2 offer to me

I understand what your saying, but without a subsidy you are looking at £500 for the phone, that is equivalent to nearly £30 per month over 18 months. meaining your total monthly is around £50 per month ! where as on T-mob you will probably get the phone + unlimited data +more mins and more texts for the same amount

RavenY2K3 said:
Any news on your dilema from T-Mobile?
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Hey yeah i got a call yesterday from Danielle while on the train so signal kept dropping couldnt have a real conversation. but
So far my balance has being wipped off and i am due a call back on tuesday to discuss my other problems in the email. i would imagine Danielle will read this as she is monitoring my account so what should i ask for in compensationto give her a heads up here are some ideas a pre-release vario VI??? a htc diamond pro (its the same phone BTW just incase you are reading this but its already released) lots of money??? never to have to speak to t-mobile again ?? Any better answers on a postcard??????
To be honest i dont know if i want to keep my contract even if they do offer me a great deal but i would have my price......................

Got a call today from Danielle again offered me an extra months line rental as credit and said if i stay with them she could offer a line rental discount for the future and a largely reduced handset, but when i said i wanted the vario 4 was told non in stock so i said i wanted to cancel my contract and was told i couldnt as i had just upgraded my phone..... i almost went mad with her she should know by now i didnt upgrade but that the company she works for had lied to me to agree to an upgrade and it was returned its quite funny really, she did say tho that my complaint had gone right to the directors and will be looked into so who knows maybe they will stop the madness,, by no means a great outcome but at least its something..

I'm just about managing to sit tight with T-Mobile UK despite thier incompetencies. How hard can it be to say "it's in testing, not sure when it'll be ready". Even that would be better than "dunno - not on my system". Just makes me think of David Walliams saying "Computer says no".
What does slightly concern me though is that my advertised upgrade price to the Compact IV is £100. What the hell does that mean the Vario IV is going to cost me?
I fear some hardcore haggling may be in order.
It's starting to get the point when I need a new phone badly. My Vario II is dying a slow and very apparent death. If the Vario IV doesn't come soon I might have to give up and jump to the Compact IV. Damn shame that would be - I love a keyboard on my phone. Had one since my O2 XDA IIs. What will I do without it?
Come on T-Mobile - sort yourselves out!

dom_mitchell1 said:
I'm just about managing to sit tight with T-Mobile UK despite thier incompetencies. How hard can it be to say "it's in testing, not sure when it'll be ready". Even that would be better than "dunno - not on my system". Just makes me think of David Walliams saying "Computer says no".
What does slightly concern me though is that my advertised upgrade price to the Compact IV is £100. What the hell does that mean the Vario IV is going to cost me?
I fear some hardcore haggling may be in order.
It's starting to get the point when I need a new phone badly. My Vario II is dying a slow and very apparent death. If the Vario IV doesn't come soon I might have to give up and jump to the Compact IV. Damn shame that would be - I love a keyboard on my phone. Had one since my O2 XDA IIs. What will I do without it?
Come on T-Mobile - sort yourselves out!
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Hold out my friend only a couple more weeks T-Mobile are building up hype for the phone so that they can sell more. I think that it will come out in September within the first two weeks they like to release at least one new phone a month and this one will be a big seller until they release the gphone the following month.

T-Mobile really have no business sense. I am due an upgrade and would like the MDA Vario IV / HTC Touch Pro. They can't tell me when the Vario is out and they wont cut me a deal if I get the touch pro off a reseller even though expansys seem to think it's worth their time offering it on my current contract at £2.50 cheaper a month for £110! Rather than give me a similar deal t-mobile'd rather lose a customer it seems ( and make me wait for my new phone ), they're even asking for £100 just to upgrade to the diamond/compact! I don't see the logic :S
I'm tempted to get it off vodaphone business when it's out later this month, if anything just to not stay with t-mobile! (Also although vodaphones coverage sucks they have good contracts and in some places support 6.8mbps 3g).
I feel sorry for anyone else trying to get this phone without paying the £496rrp lol

Just got woken up by a tmobile rep at a store to tell me the reason why the vario 4 isnt out yet is because the device is currently over heating and HTC need to fix this issue before they sell them
I don't know weather this is true or not but it sounds a bit far fetched for a device that's meant to be technically identical to the touch pro.
I dunno maybe there changing hardware specs as well...
Oh and exspansys deals are not fair the contracts are 5-10 quid more expensive per month for the equivalent deals on o2s shop and website.
And untill exspansys changes the details on the site i have to assume the data package does have a 200 mb FUP

Please read if you have at&t internet service!

Please listen out..
We have an internet price issue..
at&t has a wonderful selection of phones and a great quality of service..
I've been with at&t for about 9 years now(since cingular and the 1st At&t and i'm 19).
I now own the htc fuze from at&t for about 6 months(previously owning the bj2).. the internet plan that they have for the pda and smartphone customers called the "PDA Personal" as we all know costs $30 regardless if you own the fuze to the blackjack 2 and anything between. My mom also has the LG Incite. Internet comes out to $60/month (Phones are on a Family plan)...this is ridiculous..This costs as much as some peoples phone bills altogether..
Add it up, 3 phones
1 media net internet
2 pda plans
family messaging
and 1400 minutes
(not including small things like insurance)
We need to tell at&t they need to make a family pda plan.
THIS IS REGARDLESS IF YOU PAY FOR 1 PDA PLAN OR MULTIPLE, WE NEED TO REQUEST A CHEAPER PRICE AND A FAMILY PLAN FOR FAMILIES THAT HAVE MORE THAN ONE PDA..
I hope you all understand where im coming from..All I am asking is if you read this, you can say yes or no in a reply that you can/cannot send at&t a message or even call them or send them a letter through the mail requesting for a better price..
can we do this from August 12, 2009- September 1st, 2009??? Please help.
it takes consistent calling at least 1 phone call a day or even a week, or as much as you can do..
Trust me with this huge forum and peoples help put forth, THEY'LL LISTEN..
I want to thank all of those that will help in advance, i really appreciate your effort sooo much.

They have a family data unlimited plan for $10 per line. It requires family messaging which you already have. It's not available for PDAs but you can probably cheat and use it just like medianet.

Wilhelm said:
They have a family data unlimited plan for $10 per line. It requires family messaging which you already have. It's not available for PDAs but you can probably cheat and use it just like medianet.
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A few questions, is the service(media net) the same(just as fast and strong) compared to the pda plan?? Also how do I receive the media net plan on my htc fuze?? i can't do it, especially talking to a rep

Exact same service. They only charge twice as much because they expect you to use it more (or it covers the price of the more expensive phone) (or they can). I don't know the details of stealing this service. You'd think that just going on to att.com and changing your device would do it but I don't think it's that simple. Also they may track down the IMEI and up it to the PDA service.

Pre-paid plans using CDMA Rhodium

I have been a long time customer (more than 10 years) with Iowa Wireless. I LOVE the plan I have, and the rate I haven't been able to find a match to. I'm a big fan of GSM and how I can change phones at will, but alas, I am moving to an area of North Dakota that doesn't have any GSM data, and very poor GSM voice coverage.
I have to move to Verizon (or any other CDMA provider), so I have taken this as my chance to get a new Rhodium to upgrade from my Kaiser to. Yay me.
BUT...
I don't like it, but I have had some financial difficulty, and now must pay a heafty deposit to get 'normal' service from Verizon (which is over priced to begin with).
If I get the Verizon pre-pay unlimited plan *shudders*, can I add a TP2 from eBay by just providing the correct serial numbers?
What about other pre-pay CDMA providers? Wal-Mart's Straight Talk is the right plan at a reasonable price, but can I mount a CMDA TP2 to thier network?

If you have access to MetroPCS in your area, and are willing to jump through a few hoops in getting the device configured, you can use a TP2 there. I have a Sprint TP2 that I bought on eBay running on MPS without issue. Data speeds will take you back to 2003, but the $40 unlimited call/text/data plan is hard to beat.

goldenu said:
If you have access to MetroPCS in your area, and are willing to jump through a few hoops in getting the device configured, you can use a TP2 there. I have a Sprint TP2 that I bought on eBay running on MPS without issue. Data speeds will take you back to 2003, but the $40 unlimited call/text/data plan is hard to beat.
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Wow, I'll have to check them out. Is MetroPCS GSM, or CDMA based? Unfortunatly (in this case) the TP2 can run both GSM and CDMA... as for speeds, I'm used to a trunkated 20K, so anything is fine with me. *chuckles*
Thanks for the pointers!

Check out Page Plus it resells Verizon service thier data plans are crap 20megs and 50 megs and then prepaid $3 a meg (I think) lol but if you setup you phone right you can get allo the free data you can use. I had some issues but had it working pm me if you want details. thei unlimited plan talk and txt with 20megs of data is ~$40
Otherwise see if US Cellular is in the area still expensive for my plan but better than Verizon.
1000 anytime National plan, free nights and weekends starting at 7pm, free incoming calls txts and pics~$45
+txt plan 750 msgs ~$10
+data $24
+phone insurance ~$6
+taxes ~however much the government steals
gets my bill ~$100 per month
But I do pull about a 1megabit down and reasonable upload with 200ms to 250ms latency in my service area when tethered on my pc and I've only been in two places in all of america I did not get coverage so I like them allso the costumer service is the best I've ever had from ANY COMPANY HANDS DOWN.
If their was one company that deserves a hug in the whole world is US Cellular they are the best!
sorry for typos it's late I'm tired and lazy.

How do you get free unlimited data from Page Plus?

I am also curious as to whether or not you can tie an unlocked Touch Pro 2 to the Straight Talk network. Anybody have any ideas?

Verizon Wireless Basic Pre-Paid Plan
I've got a Blackberry through work and use that to read my work mails and for calls. I was still using the HTC P3600 as my PDA/MP3 player/Navigation/snapshots/movies/games/etc. and was thinking it's time for an upgrade. The TP2 seemed to be a worthy successor... thank god - I was waiting long enough. Anyway, I was also looking for a plan that I could use every now and then without any monthly commitments and related high charges. So the Verizon basic pre-paid plan seemed ideal for my situation - it costs 99 cents per day you use it - while giving you unlimited data for that day. I'd get a $100 charge so they let me keep my number for 1 year and I'd get OTA data for every third day during that year. So much for the plan...
First attempt: Try to get the Vz TP2 with the basic pre-paid plan. FAILED ... although the pre-paid guys told me the phone would work with the plan, they wouldn't be able to sell it to me without a monthly plan. I could have gotten it for the month-to-month price and then cancelled the plan after the first month - but I didn't want to go that far.
So I bought the phone through eBay. Slight complication - but I am very happy with my new phone so far!
Second attempt: Get the Vz pre-paid plan setup to my new TP2 that I bought off eBay. FAILED althought initially I was informed the pre-paid plan would WORK with the TP2 - Verizon Wireless refuses to set it up with the TP2 (which they will recognize as soon as you give them your MEID). They told me "the pre-paid network is not able to handle the traffic generated by the TP2 phone" right, like there's a separate pre-paid network....
Third attempt: PENDING I want to get some low-cost CDMA phone, either off eBay or from Vz directly (~$40 dollars one-time costs) and set that up with the basic pre-paid plan. Then I'll just "repair"/clone that phone's ESN to my TP2 and theoretically will be able to use my TP2 finally with the Verizon Wireless Basic Pre-Paid plan.
Anyone has any thoughts or - even better - real life experience? Will this work? Any ideas for a cheaper solution? I don't mind the workaround - it's fun so far...

Bizzled - THIS IS EXACTLY the kind of information I wanted to know! I'm reading this intently, I can't wait to hear how this went. I have a little bit of time before I have to change companies, I'd really like to do this...
I think I can get you a phone that is from VZ... used to be on the network, let me know if you need one, I'll go do the research on my end.

Page Plus is a prepaid service that uses the Verizon network. They will activate any unlocked CDMA phone (even phones from another carrier).
Most Verizon PDA phones work out of the box with no unlocking or anything needed.
See here:
http://www.pagepluscellular.com/
Sounds like exactly what you are looking for.

bizzled said:
I've got a Blackberry through work and use that to read my work mails and for calls. I was still using the HTC P3600 as my PDA/MP3 player/Navigation/snapshots/movies/games/etc. and was thinking it's time for an upgrade. The TP2 seemed to be a worthy successor... thank god - I was waiting long enough. Anyway, I was also looking for a plan that I could use every now and then without any monthly commitments and related high charges. So the Verizon basic pre-paid plan seemed ideal for my situation - it costs 99 cents per day you use it - while giving you unlimited data for that day. I'd get a $100 charge so they let me keep my number for 1 year and I'd get OTA data for every third day during that year. So much for the plan...
First attempt: Try to get the Vz TP2 with the basic pre-paid plan. FAILED ... although the pre-paid guys told me the phone would work with the plan, they wouldn't be able to sell it to me without a monthly plan. I could have gotten it for the month-to-month price and then cancelled the plan after the first month - but I didn't want to go that far.
So I bought the phone through eBay. Slight complication - but I am very happy with my new phone so far!
Second attempt: Get the Vz pre-paid plan setup to my new TP2 that I bought off eBay. FAILED althought initially I was informed the pre-paid plan would WORK with the TP2 - Verizon Wireless refuses to set it up with the TP2 (which they will recognize as soon as you give them your MEID). They told me "the pre-paid network is not able to handle the traffic generated by the TP2 phone" right, like there's a separate pre-paid network....
Third attempt: PENDING I want to get some low-cost CDMA phone, either off eBay or from Vz directly (~$40 dollars one-time costs) and set that up with the basic pre-paid plan. Then I'll just "repair"/clone that phone's ESN to my TP2 and theoretically will be able to use my TP2 finally with the Verizon Wireless Basic Pre-Paid plan.
Anyone has any thoughts or - even better - real life experience? Will this work? Any ideas for a cheaper solution? I don't mind the workaround - it's fun so far...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you buy a verizon branded TP2? Just curious, since I'm dealing with my own issue with verizon.

@cdmccul - I'll definitely share the results once I'm done. Got a Verizon Phone already for the cloning process... just need to figure the cloning out now. Thanks for the offer though!
@SaltyDawg - thanks for the hint. I won't go with PagePlus though since they charge you $1.20/MB for data and that's all I'm interested in for my future TP2 plan...

MadM3rlin said:
Did you buy a verizon branded TP2? Just curious, since I'm dealing with my own issue with verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I did.

bizzled said:
@cdmccul - I'll definitely share the results once I'm done. Got a Verizon Phone already for the cloning process... just need to figure the cloning out now. Thanks for the offer though!
@SaltyDawg - thanks for the hint. I won't go with PagePlus though since they charge you $1.20/MB for data and that's all I'm interested in for my future TP2 plan...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$1.20 per MB? That's only if you take the standard plan.
http://www.pagepluscellular.com/Plans/Talk n Text 1200.aspx
That says you get 1200 minutes, 1200 text messages, and 50 MB of data for $29.99 per month (which is the same as the $1.00 per day that you were talking about on Verizon). And data is billed at .60 per MB if you go over the 50 MB.

I looked at PagePlus, but the web site wasn't working well for me, and it appears as though they won't get me a phone number near where I need one. Doesn't mean I won't try a different area code, but for now, if I can get Verizon to work, that would be 'better.
However, Verizon doesn't have any LOCAL numbers to exactly where I am. The closest town to where I am moving to is considered long distance to where I will be living.

cdmccul said:
I looked at PagePlus, but the web site wasn't working well for me, and it appears as though they won't get me a phone number near where I need one. Doesn't mean I won't try a different area code, but for now, if I can get Verizon to work, that would be 'better.
However, Verizon doesn't have any LOCAL numbers to exactly where I am. The closest town to where I am moving to is considered long distance to where I will be living.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just port your number in. Keep your existing number. If you don't have an existing number, buy a cheap prepaid phone and then port that number.

SaltyDawg said:
Just port your number in. Keep your existing number. If you don't have an existing number, buy a cheap prepaid phone and then port that number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll have to see if I can find any - the town I'm moving to isn't THAT small, but I haven't found any local cell numbers. I'll have to do more research, there's got to be somebody... That or I'll try to do something with the GoogleVoice thingy I read about a while ago.

Well if push comes to shove, you can port landline numbers too. So you could sign up for a landline from whoever the local phone company is, and then after a few days port it out to your cell phone.

[Q] HTC Arrive on Verizon?

With the Arrive coming out on Sprint soon, and the Trophy coming to Verizon, allegedly on the 24th, I'm wondering if it will be possible to get an Arrive to work on Verizon? Verizon's coverage in my area is far better than Sprint's, but I don't want the bottom of the barrel WP7 device, as I've heard the Trophy called. I have used the Mogul, the Touch Pro, and now the Touch Pro 2, and really like having that slide-out keyboard.
Any idea if getting Arrive to work on Verizon, or am I doomed to deal with Trophy?
Thanks,
Rich

No idea. The only WP7 device I've heard of for Verizon is the Trophy, like you stated.
You can get the Arrive on Sprint and roam on Verizon!
I am hoping that a few more WP7 devices are announced for both carriers at CTIA (March 22-24).

Musicman247 said:
No idea. The only WP7 device I've heard of for Verizon is the Trophy, like you stated.
You can get the Arrive on Sprint and roam on Verizon!
I am hoping that a few more WP7 devices are announced for both carriers at CTIA (March 22-24).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
truth...
Sprint has agreements with Verizon, when you roam on Sprint it is through Verizon's network and there is no extra charge.
You could get on the Sprint Everything Plus Data plan for $59.99, and pay another $10 for the premium data plan, and pay $69.99 for a new HTC Arrive.

Really.... :/
I had a Sprint Mogul when I moved to GA two years ago. The reception was PATHETIC. You used to see the commercials where someone would say something then drop the call, and it was totally awkward? Well, that happened to me. I was talking to a dear friend, and said, "I love you, Patty", and the call dropped, and I WOULD have continued, "you're one of the dearest friends I have." Of course she didn't hear the last part. I drove up and down the road desperately seeking a bar. JUST ONE BAR! I switched to Verizon and that problem went away.
So, I guess the question I have now is whether the switch to CDMA on Sprint is that recent? I wasn't aware that I could use a Sprint phone on a Verizon network, and due to my past experience I didn't check. If the answer is yes, then I believe I will be cancelling my Verizon contract when the Arrive arrives!
Hmmm... Only issue is that my VZW plan is unlimited data - TRULY unlimited - because I had it on an employee plan when I got it (and I'm not an employee of that company anymore). Is Sprint's plan TRULY unlimited?

hopmedic said:
Really.... :/
I had a Sprint Mogul when I moved to GA two years ago. The reception was PATHETIC. You used to see the commercials where someone would say something then drop the call, and it was totally awkward? Well, that happened to me. I was talking to a dear friend, and said, "I love you, Patty", and the call dropped, and I WOULD have continued, "you're one of the dearest friends I have." Of course she didn't hear the last part. I drove up and down the road desperately seeking a bar. JUST ONE BAR! I switched to Verizon and that problem went away.
So, I guess the question I have now is whether the switch to CDMA on Sprint is that recent? I wasn't aware that I could use a Sprint phone on a Verizon network, and due to my past experience I didn't check. If the answer is yes, then I believe I will be cancelling my Verizon contract when the Arrive arrives!
Hmmm... Only issue is that my VZW plan is unlimited data - TRULY unlimited - because I had it on an employee plan when I got it (and I'm not an employee of that company anymore). Is Sprint's plan TRULY unlimited?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint unlimited really is unlimited, but if you read the fine print they reserve the right to terminate you if you get retarded on it, just like any other carrier. Check with a local Sprint store about the coverage/roaming issue. Most plans on Sprint now include free roaming nationwide, and I can't think of what other major carrier in the US has CDMA other than Verizon.
Don't! sign up for a plan through the store, you need to do it online through the Everythign Plus referral, and get the plan for $10 less than doing it in store. So you can bet a HTC Arrive and pay $59.99+$10 premium data = $69.99 for 500 anytime minutes to landlines, and unlimited any mobile any time, unlimited data, pictures, text, nights starting at 7pm, etc. etc. etc.
http://www.sprint.com/everythingplus
You will need a Sprint employee email address/pin. This is where Russ McGuire comes into play, he is Vice President of Strategy for Sprint. On his blog he invites everyone for the sprint offer.
http://mcguireslaw.com/
(under about on the right hand side he has his email address and pin for everyone to use freely/Legitimately)
Addendum: their fine print says they can terminate/stop service if you use too much data outside their network etc, so the roaming thing would apply here. Wouldn't hurt to check out if their coverage has improved in your area.

Very interesting - thanks so much for the info! I guess now I'm tossing up the pros and cons of going with that or going through wirefly and getting the phone for $50 - especially since my wife will get an arrive if it is $50, but she wont' get it if we have to pay $200 (after rebate). I'm looking at it like this:
From Wirefly:
2 phones $100
monthly rate $149
From Sprint:
1 phone $200 (plus whatever phone my wife ends up getting)
monthly rate $129
So, for $20 a month over 2 years, I would save a total of $480. At a $150 savings for each Arrive buying through wirefly, that takes the comparable savings down to 180. Given that my wife won't get an Arrive if we have to pay full price now (since we'll also have to pay early term fee for our current Verizon contract), She would probably go with a free phone, and I'd save more money, but she wouldn't have WP7 (which I want her to have).
You've given me much food for thought. Right now I'd say we're probably going to end up going with Wirefly, but I'm going to sit on the decision for a couple days to decide. Thank you.

hopmedic said:
Very interesting - thanks so much for the info! I guess now I'm tossing up the pros and cons of going with that or going through wirefly and getting the phone for $50 - especially since my wife will get an arrive if it is $50, but she wont' get it if we have to pay $200 (after rebate). I'm looking at it like this:
From Wirefly:
2 phones $100
monthly rate $149
From Sprint:
1 phone $200 (plus whatever phone my wife ends up getting)
monthly rate $129
So, for $20 a month over 2 years, I would save a total of $480. At a $150 savings for each Arrive buying through wirefly, that takes the comparable savings down to 180. Given that my wife won't get an Arrive if we have to pay full price now (since we'll also have to pay early term fee for our current Verizon contract), She would probably go with a free phone, and I'd save more money, but she wouldn't have WP7 (which I want her to have).
You've given me much food for thought. Right now I'd say we're probably going to end up going with Wirefly, but I'm going to sit on the decision for a couple days to decide. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me further add to your thoughts, wirefly still may not be the best option.
If you sign up with Sprint and port your current number over to them from another carrier they will give you $125 credit for each smartphone.
http://www.sprint.com/landings/portcredit/
sprint said:
Move your number to Sprint. Get $125.For a limited time only, activate a new Sprint smartphone and save.Just bring your number from another carrier to Sprint and activate a smartphone, like the Samsung Epic™ 4G, on a new line and we'll give you a $125 service credit. Not ready for a smartphone? We'll give you a $50 service credit when you port your number from another carrier and activate one of our other fabulous phones. Either way, you win.
$125 service credit per line for each smartphone
$50 service credit per line for other phones
How to get your service credit:
Find the perfect phone. Shop online now.
Transfer your eligible number to Sprint by 4/16/2011. Doing this online is easy – we'll ask you for your number when you checkout.
Within 72 hours of activating your phone and transferring your number from another carrier, register for the credit.
That's it! You can expect to see your service credit as a lump sum within the adjustment section of your invoice. The service credit will show up on the first or second invoice after you have been a Sprint customer for 60 days. It will be labeled as "Valued Customer Service Credit."
Visit this page if you have any questions about the status of your service credit and select “Where’s my credit?” Remember, the credit will not appear on your invoice until at least 60 days after activation.
Requires two-year Agreement.
This offer is available online, via Telesales and in participating Sprint Stores. Purchases from other retailers are not eligible for this credit.
Offer ends 4/16/2011. Available for consumer and individual-liable lines only. Requires port in from an active wireless line and mobile number that comes through the port process. Request for service credit must be made at www.sprint.com/switchoffer within 72 hours from the port in activation date or credit will be declined. New line must remain active with Sprint for 61 days to receive service credit. Smartphones are Blackberry, Android, Windows Mobile, Palm and Instinct Family of devices. All other phones are considered feature phones. Smartphones require activation on an Everything Plan with data with Premium Data add-on charge. Upgrades, replacements, and ports made between Sprint entities or providers associated with Sprint are excluded (i.e. Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, Common Cents Mobile and Assurance). Offers not available in all markets/retail locations. Other restrictions apply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sooooo $400 for 2 Arrive's, minus $250 - $150 for 2.
Hope this further helps you.

Wow.... That's awesome.... Now I'm going to have to look and see if I can combine the everything plus with the port credit, and double check to make sure we can receive two $100 rebates if we buy two phones. Thanks!

hopmedic said:
Wow.... That's awesome.... Now I'm going to have to look and see if I can combine the everything plus with the port credit, and double check to make sure we can receive two $100 rebates if we buy two phones. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The port credit information was posted on the Everything Plus referral page after you logged in with the email and pin number. And the $100 refund credit is definately per phone regardless of how many you purchase.
The only thing you need to make sure of is that Sprint services your area well.
Hope I was able to help you save some money no matter what you decide, let me know what you finally end up doing. I am picking up 2 Arrives on Sunday (for wife and I).

Credit Union Discounts
For those who go/have gone through wirefly for the 50 dollar deal (which I did), since we can't sign up for the Referral Program, the next best option to still get 10% knocked off your bill is to get a discount through any affiliated credit union (of which, there are TONS). Long-term, for 1 phone, Getting the port credit and Referral discount probably works out better, but I couldn't justify spending 300 up front for the phone, waiting x number of weeks for the rebate etc..
cusaver dot com

you can always....swap esns if your willing to get your hands dirty *cough* It works great *cough*

Halabeaster, I've never put a non-standard rom on a phone, but if it's safe, I'm willing to try. For the moment, I'm on Sprint, but not sure I'm happy with the coverage... Got 3 1/2 weeks left or so to decide. I am a developer, but not very experienced. How difficult is it?

cyclical said:
Sprint unlimited really is unlimited, but if you read the fine print they reserve the right to terminate you if you get retarded on it, just like any other carrier. Check with a local Sprint store about the coverage/roaming issue. Most plans on Sprint now include free roaming nationwide, and I can't think of what other major carrier in the US has CDMA other than Verizon.
Don't! sign up for a plan through the store, you need to do it online through the Everythign Plus referral, and get the plan for $10 less than doing it in store. So you can bet a HTC Arrive and pay $59.99+$10 premium data = $69.99 for 500 anytime minutes to landlines, and unlimited any mobile any time, unlimited data, pictures, text, nights starting at 7pm, etc. etc. etc.
You will need a Sprint employee email address/pin. This is where Russ McGuire comes into play, he is Vice President of Strategy for Sprint. On his blog he invites everyone for the sprint offer.
(under about on the right hand side he has his email address and pin for everyone to use freely/Legitimately)
Addendum: their fine print says they can terminate/stop service if you use too much data outside their network etc, so the roaming thing would apply here. Wouldn't hurt to check out if their coverage has improved in your area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question, can you jump on this if you're an existing customer?

I just got my HTC Arrive on the Verizon Wireless network via Page Plus Cellular thanks to this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=13205205&postcount=9
I replaced my well used Touch Pro 2 with an Arrive because I was waiting for Windows Phone 7 and Netflix capabilty. I'm not a heavy phone data user because I have Wi-Fi everywhere I go.
So far I was able to get the talk and text working for my unlimited plan but haven't hammered out the rest of the data settings. Might have to wait for a Verizon Trophy to come out so that I can try to mirror the settings. This method is technically on Verizon so 95% of the service is the same at a much better price. I need mainly lots and lots of Talk/Text with NO data plan fees.

I actually bought my 2 phones from Amazon Wireless. Both were upgrades for non-primary lines on a family plan (Everything Data 3000) and AW had the best deal on the devices I could find anywhere, $150. The deal got even better now though, $99 for upgraders and free for new users.

dtrush said:
I just got my HTC Arrive on the Verizon Wireless network via Page Plus Cellular thanks to this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=13205205&postcount=9
I replaced my well used Touch Pro 2 with an Arrive because I was waiting for Windows Phone 7 and Netflix capabilty. I'm not a heavy phone data user because I have Wi-Fi everywhere I go.
So far I was able to get the talk and text working for my unlimited plan but haven't hammered out the rest of the data settings. Might have to wait for a Verizon Trophy to come out so that I can try to mirror the settings. This method is technically on Verizon so 95% of the service is the same at a much better price. I need mainly lots and lots of Talk/Text with NO data plan fees.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does or does not work? Do apps go to your bill?

No one else has made progress with the Arrive on Verizon. I was looking for a replacement for my TP2, and I really do not want to change carriers.

Help with dumbphones and AT&T?

Hey I am a smartphone user and going off to college next year.. Currently on AT&T and in a family plan with my mom and dad. Our contract "expires" this July as its been two years. Unfortunately I have like one more year b/c my phone got stolen and I had to upgrade. My parents didn't.
Currently our family plan is around $110. ($30 unlimited data, no texting for anyone, cheapest voice plan)
Anyway, they use "dumbphones" and I was wondering, since they can leave AT&T in July.. Is there a way for them to use like MetroPCS and me to stay on AT&T and save some money? I know they have some unlimited voice plans (which is ALL they need)
$10 is not that worth it but if I can use AT&T and my parents use voice-only on another carrier for $20 that would definitely be worth it.
All my parents need is voice unlimited and decent coverage in the North new Jersey / new york area.. A sim-card service would also be ideal (idk if metropcs is, just an example!)
(I know this is a long post, but I have honestly done the research but just cannot find the answer.. I know some of you guys can though!)
--
Alright, if you guys can allow me to get data only and both my parents with unlimited voice for around $90, AWESOME!
However, if it still rounds out to like $100 or $110 (current plan), I might as well stay with AT&T..
If this is the case, what is the "best" dumbphone for AT&T? They don't need a keyboard, no data obviously, need at least 2 days of battery life, and a screen with some decent-sized type so they can see all the letters/numbers. Also would like to pay no more than $50 on eBay or other site.. Don't wanna waste an upgrade for a free phone if I can pay $50
optional: touchscreen. also optional but kinda important is some sort of expandable memory cuz they might listen to some music.
-- Sorry for LONG post but I think the questions are fairly simple if you guys know.. So thanks a lot in advance!!

Anyone have any info? PRetty easy questions if you know
Thankss

Anyone..?
please

Wouldn't their phones be locked to AT&T or are you planning on unlocking them for them?