I talk to us cellular a few weeks ago and they said I could activate a HTC touch Pro without the data package. Well, I bought one on ebay and went to activate the phone and then they said I had to have a data package. Is there anyway to activate the htc touch pro as a phone only? I would still like to use the wifi, gps and and sync my calendar to my computer. I tried to find info on the web but have found nothing that really helped me.
I think US Cellular is a CDMA network, which means, unlike GSM where you just swap the SIM card from an existing phone, US Cellular actually has to activate your phone for you for your account to be active. So this isn't really a phone issue, its really a matter of whether US Cellular will permit you to use a smartphone w/o a data plan.
Call back a few times asking the same thing, sometimes different customer service reps will give you different answers/service.
Yes, us cellular reps seems to give different answers and it is a CDMA. Is it possible to activate the phone without them knowing it is a smart phone and just activate the phone option. I would need to know how to activate the phone before hand and know what option I need to fill out. I would give them the dec number and than ask for the number I need to make the phone work.
Not sure if this rings true for CDMA, but the IMEI number for GSM phones identify each phone uniquely (manufacturer, model, plus unique code for each phone). So if you need to give them a similiar number for a CDMA phone (its called the ESN number I think), they'll know right away if its a smartphone (if they cared to look it up).
Best bet is probably keep calling until you get a nice rep that won't ask too many questions.
Not sure if this rings true for CDMA, but the IMEI number for GSM phones identify each phone uniquely (manufacturer, model, plus unique code for each phone). So if you need to give them a similiar number for a CDMA phone (its called the ESN number I think), they'll know right away if its a smartphone (if they cared to look it up).
Best bet is probably keep calling until you get a nice rep that won't ask too many questions.
Related
Is anyone aware of something like this, or what would be involved?
Before I am assaulted for asking this question, the reason it is of interest of me is not because I have a stolen phone, but T-Mobile US is now blocking certain data plans by identifying handsets by IMEI number.
I recently bought a unlocked HTC Magic and inserted my SIM card which worked just fine on a T-Mobile Shadow (HTC Juno). The data plan worked for a few hours, and then was blocked because the T-Mobile network recognizes these phones IMEI as a G1. The data plan I actually had (per the recommendation of a T-Mobile rep), was a Blackberry plan with an International E-Mail Roaming package (as I travel frequently internationally). After many hours on the phone with them trying to find a solution, T-Mobile determined there was not a solution and I could not use the HTC Magic with my plans.
Given these changes on the T-Mobile US network are relatively new, and the imminent growth of Android handsets, I believe there could be a market for such an application.
Lastly, according to my research, in the United States, there are no laws that exist which bar changing of an IMEI number. So, to all of you vigilantes out there, please leave law enforcement up to the police.
Anyone have insight into this?
from what i understand, every time the phone is booted up, it connects to the carrier to let it know what your IMEI is, then associates your account(your number, sms, email, etc) to that imei. if you change it, you could run the risk of picking someone else's imei and start receiving some of their things(from what i understand, although i could be a bit off.) but from the bit of info i have read online about it, its similar to MAC address Spoofing on a pc, in respects to what need to be done and how and what it works for.
Where to begin. I have a Sprint TP2 that I have unlocked and flashed over to verizons rom and radio. All I need to do now is have it activated on verizon's network. I am getting multiple stories from them.
1. It has to be shipped out to a lab and it will be sent back 4-6 weeks later activated.
2. It's not possible, we only active Verizon phones. Your meid is not being found in your database.
3. Certain departments can add your meid to our database. We can't
4. We cannot activate sprint phones.
I was under the impression verizon had an open network? I'm at the point of frustration. Someone tried to add it to their DB and they said that it wouldn't take. Another person said the department that handles this is not open now and that I would be emailed on monday with a follow up. I now have the number for global activations if anyone needs it.
Can anyone share any hints or tips?
Thank you.
It can be done. People do it all the time. Verizon is just giving you a load of bull. The truth is their techs either don't know the answer, or they're just not allowed to give that info out. It seems like all you would have to do is flash a valid VZ ROM & radio, deactivate old phone, then fire up new phone and do *228 option 1. As long as the ESN is valid and not flagged for some reason, then it should work.
Someone else chime in here. Need more facts
It cannot be done....
Verizon does not allow other carrier branded devices on their network.. nor Sprint. You have to have a Verizon phone from their device list... The system will not allow it.. No manager overrides.. No magical digging.. It can't happen... Tough titties on the purchase.
This is what I'm talking about. . . Everyone has a different answer. I've gotten some parts of the company that say it can be done, while others say it cant. The lower tier tech support say it can't. The higher teir tech support say it can and gave me some numbers. But the dept that can do it is closed till monday.
It's just confusing. Can we get an answer from someone who works with verizon?
Verizon does have an open network. This happened just recently maybe 6 or so months ago. If I remeber correctly the quote I read, "If it has the hardware(CDMA with the TP2 has) it will run on our netwrok.
Make sure the ROM is set to CDMA and run the *228 option it should propt you for everythign you need.
teknotard said:
Verizon does have an open network. This happened just recently maybe 6 or so months ago. If I remeber correctly the quote I read, "If it has the hardware(CDMA with the TP2 has) it will run on our netwrok.
Make sure the ROM is set to CDMA and run the *228 option it should propt you for everythign you need.
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Click to collapse
It will not activate as the ESN is not in their database. I had a form, which was to be filled out, signed by your local Verizon store, then shipped with the phone to their "verification" center. Once they "verified" it they told me it would be added to their database. I decided not to jump through all the hoops though, since it was a TP and I now have a TP2 on Sprint.
Now I'm being told Sprint has a hold on the ESN, so I have to get sprint to release the ESN, then I'll be in business.
azyouthinkeyeiz said:
It cannot be done....
Verizon does not allow other carrier branded devices on their network.. nor Sprint. You have to have a Verizon phone from their device list... The system will not allow it.. No manager overrides.. No magical digging.. It can't happen... Tough titties on the purchase.
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Click to collapse
Thats a load of bull tbh. Sprint is an open device network. As long as your radio supports the frequency they will hook it up. You may have to do the legwork and read a few threads but Sprint nor verizon refuses to hook up a CDMA device. Ive done it myself many times. They will however refuse to support the device or insure it. Basicly you are on your own.
I just got a deal on a Sprint touch pro 2. Bought 2 for 350 cash. Gave one to my brother who is now using it on Verizon and myself on Sprint.
How the **** did he do it?????????????????????????????????
Does Verizon have online chat that pops up on their site?
I've found that the chat people many times seem to know more about what they're doing than people on the phone. But that may just be my experience with Sprint.
IT IS POSSIBLE. I own a Sprint Touch Pro I activated onto Verizon. Verizon employees will always tell you no. Verizon lies to you so you will only buy one of their phones. VERIZON WILL NOT ACTIVATE IT. YOU HAVE TO ACTIVATE IT YOURSELF by calling the phone number *228. When they automated call starts reading out your options press option 3. Then it will ask you for your 10 digit telephone number. Then it will ask you for your billing account password (usually 4 digits). Then the music should play for a couple minutes while your phone is being programmed. Then your phone will reboot and walah complete .
"unfortunatly we are unable to complete your request"
:[
Just to save you some time and grief “it will not work”. If the ESN/MEID is not in Verizon's Data base it cannot be activates. Take this case and point about the open network (Which by the way was ever really stated by the company as being in effect.) If you have and Alltel device it cannot be activated on a Verizon plan.
I understand.
JerseySprint said:
Thats a load of bull tbh. Sprint is an open device network. As long as your radio supports the frequency they will hook it up. You may have to do the legwork and read a few threads but Sprint nor verizon refuses to hook up a CDMA device. Ive done it myself many times. They will however refuse to support the device or insure it. Basicly you are on your own.
I just got a deal on a Sprint touch pro 2. Bought 2 for 350 cash. Gave one to my brother who is now using it on Verizon and myself on Sprint.
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Click to collapse
Um... I personally know to be a fact, being as I am a Sprint Repair Tech. There is no way to activate a phone onto the Sprint Network that is not on our list...
Nothing you say will make that any different.. Have a picture of this Verizon phone on Sprint??? Because I know its a load...
I have activated a Verizon Touch Pro on pageplus wireless, they use the nationwide verizon towers and data settings. Page Plus wireless does allow any ESN's to be inputted into their system. Google for more info.
wow. wow. wow. I feel your pain on this issue. all you need s to have the device loaded into VZW dmd(device management database). To do that you have two options: first. you can contact the open device ppl but doing that you'll have to send the phone out for 4-6 weeks. or two you can pray you find a way to contact the marketing team where they can load your meid into the database. after that you're set.
teknotard said:
If I remember correctly the quote I read, "If it has the hardware(CDMA with the TP2 has) it will run on our network.
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Click to collapse
you should take some memory pills because what you remember is very wrong.
read http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/01/06/verizons-open-hardware-compatibility-list-is-insanely-boring/ and http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Verizons-Open-Development-Initiative-So-Far-Its-A-Joke-100102
For those of you out there that are planning on buying a Sprint Touch Pro to use on Verizon's network, the switch over instructions on this site are no longer valid. Go to the last few pages and you'll see why. The phone can NOT be activated on Verizons network any longer. The *228 option 3 hole has been plugged up. Apparently they figured out how to piss us off again earlier this week.
If you have a Sprint Touch Pro that's already on the VZW network, you're safe for the moment. Just don't attempt to switch phones and then try and go back to using your Sprint branded Touch Pro. It just flat out won't activate.
Some have rumored that they have been able to convince Verizon to add the ESN from their phone to the VZW database, but it doesn't sound like many have much success with it.
It can be done, I do it all the time via *228. You need to reprogram the phone with the correct EPST & MSL codes. A few times I've gotten a message saying the automated system cannot activate my phone and I was forced to talk to a rep to get them to activate it, but they usually don't give too much hassle.
I'm hoping to get a smartphone (either a Moto-G or Nexus 5) without having to pay for a data plan. Yes, I know there are dozens of topics asking whether or not this can be done; I've read everyone--that's why I'm making this new thread.
There are a lot of different things I see stated on ways to get around AT&T automatic application of expensive data-plans when they detect that you're using a smartphone. Some people have said that all you have to do is turn off 3G Data Use from the menu of the new phone BEFORE inserting a new SIM card, and then insert the old dumphone sim card and everything will work. Some people make vague allusions to changing the IMIE--to which some people claim that's illegal, and others claim AT&T or random clerks at Radio Shack will do this for you upon request. Still others claim that all you need to do is install a "data blocker" program onto the smartphone before switching SIM cards, and it will do the trick.
The basic goal seems to be "hiding" the IMEI number from AT&T.
So, my question: how does AT&T recognize the IMEI number? Will they see it only if the phone is active on their 3G/4G/LTE networks? Or do they see it "through" the normal dumbphone calling networks?
My apologies if this is a stupid question. I really don't know anything about phones are anything about non-PC electronics or software in general. Basically, I'd like a smartphone but refuse to pay an exhorbitant monthly fee for a feature I'd never use (wifi is everywhere I go), and am not in a position where I can switch carriers, and it's like I'm part of a(n evidently sizable) demographic that no one wants to market to.
If times haven't changed too much from when I tried the same thing 2 years ago, you should just be able to request that all data on your line be blocked. I would try calling them before you switch the SIM to the smartphone and ask for all data to be disabled to your line, then swap the SIM. I would also leave the data turned off on the smartphone for good measure. This is basically how I got around your same issue with AT&T, and it doesn't have to necessarily come down to illegally changing the IMEI or "hiding" the IMEI from the carrier. Eventually they'll cross-check your device and figure out it's a smartphone and add your data. But to my knowledge, the adding of the data is all automatically done by computers; so if the system sees that all data is disabled for you, it shouldn't attempt to add anything.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
So I am looking to buy a new phone. I am looking on ebay and there are TONS of bad imei phones for at&t! I want to buy one since they are cheaper. Only issue is that I want to be sure that they will work on straight talk, since that is my current carrier. I have read lots of people's pinions about if they will work or not because of blacklists, and I don't know if there is any one steady answer. I am hoping to get someone with some real knowledge to shed some light on this because I am stumped on if I should take the risk and buy one.
I did call straight talk today and ask if I can bring a phone with a bad IMEI number over and the response I got was strange... They said that all I have to do is buy a BYOP package and give them my sim card number and it will work. I said I know that it will work because i am on a BYOP already, but I wanted to know if my sim would get kicked off for using a blacklisted phone on the at&t network even though it was through straight talk. She said, that they only need the digits from the straight talk sim and it would work. So I tried one more time and explained everything fully... I again received the same response that they needed the sim card numbers only. So I said, does that mean that the IMEI doesn't matter for your service at all and I can have a blacklisted phone on it? and again the response was, (besically) yes, you just need a straight talk sim.
So all in all I understand that to mean that AT&T has nothing to do with straight talk when it comes to blacklisting phones! That's a wonderful thing since there are so many blacklist phones out there right now, but I was hoping someone else could drop a little knowledge on me if they knew something about it, or if they knew that straight talk was lying, so I don't waste my time/money on this phone.
I haven't looked into this since last year, but the FCC was advising on a shared blacklist to be implemented in the future back then.
Also beware that the phone might be stolen, which could lead to more problems in the future.
I've never used Straight Talk, but if they use AT&T towers maybe call AT&T. Honestly, it might be hard to get a real answer from them because most of the reps (true for all companies) don't have a clue how their own blacklists even work - heck, some don't even seem to know they *exist*.
They might not be "lying", it just might not be part of their training is information base.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
w4rped said:
So I am looking to buy a new phone. I am looking on ebay and there are TONS of bad imei phones for at&t! I want to buy one since they are cheaper. Only issue is that I want to be sure that they will work on straight talk, since that is my current carrier. I have read lots of people's pinions about if they will work or not because of blacklists, and I don't know if there is any one steady answer. I am hoping to get someone with some real knowledge to shed some light on this because I am stumped on if I should take the risk and buy one.
I did call straight talk today and ask if I can bring a phone with a bad IMEI number over and the response I got was strange... They said that all I have to do is buy a BYOP package and give them my sim card number and it will work. I said I know that it will work because i am on a BYOP already, but I wanted to know if my sim would get kicked off for using a blacklisted phone on the at&t network even though it was through straight talk. She said, that they only need the digits from the straight talk sim and it would work. So I tried one more time and explained everything fully... I again received the same response that they needed the sim card numbers only. So I said, does that mean that the IMEI doesn't matter for your service at all and I can have a blacklisted phone on it? and again the response was, (besically) yes, you just need a straight talk sim.
So all in all I understand that to mean that AT&T has nothing to do with straight talk when it comes to blacklisting phones! That's a wonderful thing since there are so many blacklist phones out there right now, but I was hoping someone else could drop a little knowledge on me if they knew something about it, or if they knew that straight talk was lying, so I don't waste my time/money on this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
StraightTalk SIM cards can either use AT&T or T-mobile (Tracfone {parent company for StraghtTalk} leases several carrier's networks). If you buy and AT&T phone with a bad ESN and put a StraghtTalk AT&T SIM into it, the likelihood of it working is low. The reason for this is the you would still be using AT&T's network, and the ESN has a high chance of being picked up by AT&T's black-list.
If I were you, I'd get a factory unlocked phone, or a newer Verizon 4G LTE phone that has a bad (or clean) ESN. The reason I say the later is that most Verizon 4G LTE phones are also world phones and work with GSM. Now, you'll have to remove the radio band block, but that's very easy, and I know XDA has several tutorials for this. I removed the block on my RAZR M and it works just fine with an AT&T SIM inserted.
Hikikomori-Otaku said:
StraightTalk SIM cards can either use AT&T or T-mobile (Tracfone {parent company for StraghtTalk} leases several carrier's networks). If you buy and AT&T phone with a bad ESN and put a StraghtTalk AT&T SIM into it, the likelihood of it working is low. The reason for this is the you would still be using AT&T's network, and the ESN has a high chance of being picked up by AT&T's black-list.
If I were you, I'd get a factory unlocked phone, or a newer Verizon 4G LTE phone that has a bad (or clean) ESN. The reason I say the later is that most Verizon 4G LTE phones are also world phones and work with GSM. Now, you'll have to remove the radio band block, but that's very easy, and I know XDA has several tutorials for this. I removed the block on my RAZR M and it works just fine with an AT&T SIM inserted.
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Click to collapse
I think the reason i might believe them is because they dont even know my imei number for the phone i have right now! And if my number is not tied to my imei number then it would be impossible for them to find it out. Or at least i would think it is. Every other service that is tied to an esn or imei number, you have to tell them the number and let them register it. With straight talk you register the sim and can use that sim in any unlocked phone.
I am currently running a note 2 from verizon on straight talk. It is a world phone but i cant seem to get 4g on it. Is this because i have to unlock the bands? If so, how do i do that? I thought it was just because of the apn i was using. I tried a bunch but only got one to work on h+/h/3g (it flickers).
w4rped said:
I think the reason i might believe them is because they dont even know my imei number for the phone i have right now! And if my number is not tied to my imei number then it would be impossible for them to find it out. Or at least i would think it is. Every other service that is tied to an esn or imei number, you have to tell them the number and let them register it. With straight talk you register the sim and can use that sim in any unlocked phone.
I am currently running a note 2 from verizon on straight talk. It is a world phone but i cant seem to get 4g on it. Is this because i have to unlock the bands? If so, how do i do that? I thought it was just because of the apn i was using. I tried a bunch but only got one to work on h+/h/3g (it flickers).
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Click to collapse
You're half-right. You don't have to give StrraightTalk you ESN (MEID/IMEI). The problem comes when you connect to the network. When you connect, your device will be identified by it's ICCID (SIM #) and it's ESN (so it knows what type of device it is and what service it needs). Because it would be an old AT&T phone, reconnecting to AT&T, there's a high chance it will be matched on the black-list.
As for your Note II, if it's already working, the radio it has may not support the higher GSM 4G/LTE bands. You may be able to unlock them, but I wouldn't know how with a Samsung device. The APN may help, but I'd first check the radio.
Ok I have a question so I have a T-Mobile contract and iPhone 7 Plus for a little over a. Year now but I haven’t paid it off in full and my bill got out of hand so I can’t afford to pay the balance so is there anyway I can use this for any prepaid plans of any company
Pardon my noobness, I will explain this to the best of my abilities
AT&T told me that my current phone Samsung S8+ will not work on their network (international dual sim unlocked version). They said that it is because "the 3G will shut off" but this phone is clearly a 4G phone. To be more specific, my device is a SM-G955FD. They sent me a replacement phone which is less than crappy and said my current sim will be deactivated soon.
I have already rooted (and ROM'ed) my phone - and I know you can change device identity/fingerprint using build props. I want to mask my phone as a SM-G955FU which is the USA unlocked version. At this point, I'd like to know if this could make a difference and make my phone not be deactivated by fooling their system, or if there are other things to try.
List of permitted phones
https://www.att.com/idpassets/images/support/wireless/Service-Capabilities-Unlocked-Devices-ATT-Network.pdf
Help appreciated,
I don't think they query device's brand / model property as stored in Android's build.prop file because these characteristics at any time can get changed by user.
The speed of data access relies on two things: your phone and your service provider. Every phone has a radio module that is responsible for talking to the network. It is this piece of hardware that either can or can not use latest communication technologies: if the phone does not support 4G, you will not get that speed whatever you try.
jwoegerbauer said:
I don't think they query device's brand / model property as stored in Android's build.prop file because these characteristics at any time can get changed by user.
The speed of data access relies on two things: your phone and your service provider. Every phone has a radio module that is responsible for talking to the network. It is this piece of hardware that either can or can not use latest communication technologies: if the phone does not support 4G, you will not get that speed whatever you try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, what is odd is that it should support it on several bands
Will Samsung Galaxy S8+ work in USA?
In this page we are going to show you the compatibility of Samsung Galaxy S8+ with the mobile networks of USA and with the telephony operators that provide service in USA.
www.kimovil.com
The same thing happened to me today, woke up to a sim not registered message and no cell service (voice, sms or data).
I went to the store and they said my unlocked Moto G7 Power (XT1955-2) is not supported/compatible on ATT's network. I re-checked the phone's specs and it supports 4G LTE on bands 12 and 17 on 1900 Mhz which overlaps the data I found for ATT's network. I'm not well versed in this stuff tho. Perhaps it's a local towers thing and I am in an area where their towers are operating on the other ATT frequencies (1700, 700)? The guy at the store did something (I forget the exact details) and I do have voice back, but that is it, no data or SMS. He also mentioned that ATT is like cracking down on what kind of devices can connect. If ATT is blocking my device tho I'm curious, how is it possible? I guess they can lookup my device via the IMEI and then see if it's on their approve list of devices?
I don't understand their problem. Your phone model is listed as supported as long as you update your software to enable WiFi calling (VoLTE). Come 2/2022, you phone must either be 5G or VoLTE calling enabled to be supported. My Xiaomi Mi Mix 2s shows that it can do VoLTE under the sim card details in Settings and supports 13 LTE bands, including AT&T's bands. It should continue to work on their network after 2/2022.
Yet AT&T repeatedly disabled my phone. I had to tell them to re-activate my phone multiple times. I have tried some new phones. Turned out everytime I pulled the sim out to try a new phone and stick it back in my old phone, AT&T would check the phone's IMEI again and would disable the phone. On the 5th call with them, they put in a code/note in their system to mark my IMEI (be ware each sim tray has its own IMEI) not to be disabled until Fed 2022. I have since tried Surface Duo which on this list and decided not to keep it. Stuck the sim card back in my old phone specific sim tray and it continues to work.
Call them to re-activate/keep your phone active until Fed 2022. They have no rights to disable your phone before then.
Most A&T reps understand less than us on the reason to disable our phone. They jsut keep saying 3G phones will be disabled but our phoens are clearly LTE. VoLTE is one real reason of the problem but them our phones support VoLTE anyway. I am tired of arguing with them and am looking at a Note 10 now. But your situation got me concerned. Sounds like they may not honor the supported list which is updated frequently. I downloaded the June version of the list which is largely the same as yours and asked them how long they would support the phones on the list. They couldn't/wouldn't commit. Even on the phones they sell at their website, they would only give a vague promise to support them for "quite a while".
AT&T has always advertized BYOP. We spent big money on nice phones that are compatible with their network. And now the want to shut us out.