Database Info

Buying a phone/SIM/contract in the USA

Hi,
This could possibly be the dumbest question you've ever heard asked, but.....
I work for a UK based company and one of our members of staff is on a long-term contract in the US - based in New York, looking for new business etc... She has a Touch Pro device - on a UK contract with a data package - that she uses to make calls, send/receive email (via our Exchange server in the UK) and is very concerned about the size of the phone bills she's been generating!!!
My question is this: can she buy a contract SIM from a US provider to use in the Touch Pro, or will she need to get a CDMA-type phone - whatever she ends up with, will need to talk to our Exchange server in the UK
I have no idea as to what options are available - and also which option is the most cost-effective. I know we're gonna get shafted on the data charges whichever way we go, but hopefully the phone calls to US numbers from a US phone will be considerably cheaper as they won't be classed as roaming.
Any suggestions you guys may have would be most welcome; I'm relying on the expertise of the XDA members in the US
Thanks in advance - and apologies again for the dumb question!
Mark.

Mark Crouch said:
Hi,
This could possibly be the dumbest question you've ever heard asked, but.....
I work for a UK based company and one of our members of staff is on a long-term contract in the US - based in New York, looking for new business etc... She has a Touch Pro device - on a UK contract with a data package - that she uses to make calls, send/receive email (via our Exchange server in the UK) and is very concerned about the size of the phone bills she's been generating!!!
My question is this: can she buy a contract SIM from a US provider to use in the Touch Pro, or will she need to get a CDMA-type phone - whatever she ends up with, will need to talk to our Exchange server in the UK
I have no idea as to what options are available - and also which option is the most cost-effective. I know we're gonna get shafted on the data charges whichever way we go, but hopefully the phone calls to US numbers from a US phone will be considerably cheaper as they won't be classed as roaming.
Any suggestions you guys may have would be most welcome; I'm relying on the expertise of the XDA members in the US
Thanks in advance - and apologies again for the dumb question!
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me be the first to say there are no stupid questions....just stupid people who ask them....LOL and just kidding. Actually your thinking is right on track. If she has sim version of the Pro 2 then she can go ahead and get either t-mobile or AT&T. Either way when she leaves she will be required to pay an early termination fee. The package for AT&T completely unlimited is $99.00 but don't hold me to it. Also if she is using the UK version, no 3G for her, unfortunately, but if you read those who have the blackstone here in the US then you will see that Edge seems good enough for them. One more thing to consider is if she is in New York City, is all the wifi hotspots available. Those along with her unlimited plan should get her through the mess. T-mobile is the next option, but I don't use their service so no dice on that one.
Tell her to go to an AT&T store and also a T-mobile and find out what she can from each and then make a decision based on what her needs are.
I hope this helped a little.

Thanks for that - I'll take a look at the AT&T site and see what options are available for her. Looks like the phone/data are separate packages, but that's no problem; whatever she ends up with will be less than the last two bills we've had (about $1500USD a month ). Even the termination fee is "only" $175, so that won't hurt too much
Hey, thanks for the tip about the wi-fi - hadn't even considered that!! Are there a lot of AT&T wi-fi hotspots in the NYC area or is there just a lot of wi-fi generally (I ask because the AT&T data plans I've seen so far include access to their own hotspots).
Certainly some food for thought - I'll go away and digest it all
Many thanks,
Mark.

Mark Crouch said:
Thanks for that - I'll take a look at the AT&T site and see what options are available for her. Looks like the phone/data are separate packages, but that's no problem; whatever she ends up with will be less than the last two bills we've had (about $1500USD a month ). Even the termination fee is "only" $175, so that won't hurt too much
Hey, thanks for the tip about the wi-fi - hadn't even considered that!! Are there a lot of AT&T wi-fi hotspots in the NYC area or is there just a lot of wi-fi generally (I ask because the AT&T data plans I've seen so far include access to their own hotspots).
Certainly some food for thought - I'll go away and digest it all
Many thanks,
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The touch pro in the US is called the Fuze, it is the only GSM Touch Pro available. Both US Touch Pros are CDMA ( Verizon and Sprint ). But since the hardware is the same I am sure that a european TP will work just fine on the AT$T network with an AT$T sim.
The unlimited calling package is $ 99/mo and the data package ( internet email, weather, MMS ....) is $30. Of course international calls are always extra. ( called Aruba last week to the tune of $12.50 for 15 min )
So $129 for unlimited calls, texts, and data to @4GB /mo.
You can also cut down the minutes package and save more considering all unused minutes from one month " rollover " into the next month. Nights and weekends are free and AT$T to AT$T calls are free.
Here is my package for 4 phones. TilT, iPhone, LG Vu and Samsung Propel.
59.99 +9.99+9.99+9.99= $86 for 900 shared minutes ( the kids rarely talk, just text, so we always have a good pile of rollover minutes left just in case someone gets " chatty " one month.
Data Tilt-30 ; iPhone-30 =$60 Unlimited Texts on all four phones = $30
So $ 176 for four phones, not bad I think ? ( better deals welcome )
Since you are not subsidizing the phone, no contract, no early termination fee. Hope this helps

OK, I think we're getting close......
Thanks for the responses; I think we're now armed with all the facts
I think she's been told to go to an AT&T store and get something sorted. Only problem (?) now is that she's decided she doesn't want the Touch Pro any more, so she'll be looking to get a new handset through AT&T too (our UK sales people had TP's, but hated them and now have the HTC Snap - think that's the way she wants to go too!!).
Cheers,
Mark.

[Q] Upgrading from Sprint Mogul to Evo 4G

I'm not sure where to ask this, but xda-developers was my first thought. I currently have a Sprint Mogul that is aging a bit too much lately and wanted to upgrade by buying an Evo 4G on ebay, however I just talked to a sprint store employee that said that the 4G phones REQUIRE an extra $10 fee. I already have $5/mo unlimited data, and no current 4G available anywhere near here. Is this a requirement that I can avoid or should I look for a good 3G android phone?

As far as I know it's a requirement for ALL smartphones now, not just 4g, so you might as well get an Evo. I'm spending roughly $80 a month after everything which is what I was paying at Verizon for a non-data, nothing unlimited plan. I'm on a plan with my boyfriend, but it's only $10 cheaper, so with the lowest required plan for the Evo, by yourself you'll be paying ~$90-$100. I think it's worth it, but you might not.

Well, the thing is, by any definition the mogul is a smartphone. What I want to do is change phones and not tell sprint what phone it is, it would allow me to maintain my plan at its current rate, but 4G is a different service, though without the towers I don't see how they would know it had the ability. I only wonder because the sprint employee seemed to think I could do this with any non-4G phone and not increase my rates, which is what I want.

Tb0n3 said:
Well, the thing is, by any definition the mogul is a smartphone. What I want to do is change phones and not tell sprint what phone it is, it would allow me to maintain my plan at its current rate, but 4G is a different service, though without the towers I don't see how they would know it had the ability. I only wonder because the sprint employee seemed to think I could do this with any non-4G phone and not increase my rates, which is what I want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked this exact same question a few months ago when i got an evo. The answer is yes you can, but it might be illegal since you have to clone your mogul phone onto your evo. I forget which number it is, but there's a unique ID number for every cell phone - if you can copy the one from the mogul onto the evo, you should be able to just use it without sprint knowing any better.
But i believe it's illegal to do that and was told I shouldn't ask how to do that on here since it would probably just get deleted/i'd get banned.
I finally gave in and paid the stupid $10 a month even though i never use the 4g.
btw, i also had a mogul from sprint. If it's just going to cost you $10 more a month then what you are paying now, i'd say it's worth it, even if the extra $10 month is complete BS.

I guess that answers my question, though $10 is ten dollars a month, no matter how you look at it, it's not like I'm getting any extra service from them. From my experience, however, they aren't above negotiation over the phone, which is how I got my $5/mo unlimited data.

merkk said:
I asked this exact same question a few months ago when i got an evo. The answer is yes you can, but it might be illegal since you have to clone your mogul phone onto your evo. I forget which number it is, but there's a unique ID number for every cell phone - if you can copy the one from the mogul onto the evo, you should be able to just use it without sprint knowing any better.
But i believe it's illegal to do that and was told I shouldn't ask how to do that on here since it would probably just get deleted/i'd get banned.
I finally gave in and paid the stupid $10 a month even though i never use the 4g.
btw, i also had a mogul from sprint. If it's just going to cost you $10 more a month then what you are paying now, i'd say it's worth it, even if the extra $10 month is complete BS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That $10/month extra, does that include the $5/month that I pay already for unlimited data or will that stack onto it?

Tb0n3 said:
That $10/month extra, does that include the $5/month that I pay already for unlimited data or will that stack onto it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not sure - all i know is if you go to the sprint site and act like you are ordering a new phone with new service - if you pick one of the older smart phones you'll pay $10 less then what you'll pay if you pick one of the newer/4g phones. You wont get anything extra for the $10 - you get the same exact plan.
wow - what a rip off - i just checked the sprint site and now they are charging the $10/mo extra even for the older non-4g phones, like the touch pro 2.
If you are on an older plan, my guess is you'll have to upgrade to one of their current plans. so lets say $70 for the 450 minute plan and you'll have to pay an extra $10 on top of that if you buy any smartphone.
That's sort of what happened to me. I was on the old SERO plan - fortunately they started offering an upgrade path for sero users. So i wound up paying a little more then what i was paying before, but still cheaper then what regular new users get stuck with. Since they made me upgrade to a current plan, i'm guessing they'll make you do the same. So the $10 charge should replace the $5 charge you pay now.

I upgraded from a Sprint Mogul to an Samsung Epic and I to had to pay the 10 dollars, But the good think I noticed about the Epic. You can turn 4G feature on and off. When you are in an area that offers 4G and turn it on the Data bandwidth is a whole lot better verses a 3G area. If you have a phone that can do both next time you are in a 4G area do a speedtest and you will see the difference in bandwidth.

You are required to have the $10 dollars a month. It doesn't stack with the $5, I just replaces it.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

[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...
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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.

[Q] Help choosing phone and provider, please?

I have a MyTouch 4G on T-Mobile. In a year or less the AT&T buyout of T-Mobile may happen and.... I have to decide what's next for me.
1. I'm happy with the MyTouch and my T-Mo plan but I have no contract and therefore no protection at all against whatever changes may result from the buyout.
2. Physical or on-screen keyboard is fine, no preference.
3. I need VERY little voice time, less than 100 minutes a month for the last 10 years so the 200 minute senior plans from AT&T or VZW are fine for me.
4. I need LOTS of data so price is a consideration.
5. I MUST have UMA or WiFi calling to cover all the places I need my phone but I think that's impossible, I doubt AT&T will add that and I know VZW won't.
6. The choice is between VZW and AT&T, don't want to go into reasons for that. I have a lot of very bad experiences with AT&T and a lot of good experience with VZW, offsetting that is that my current phone(s) are GSM.
So.... should I try to live with AT&T or get a new phone and go with VZW? Price will be exactly the same either way but I'll need to sell some phones and get a new one (eBay or Craig's List, no contract!)
And, if the recommendation is VZW what CDMA phone is close to the MyTouch 4G in performance and features?
Any suggestions much appreciated, thanks!

Anybody?
10 Characters

I'm not really sure what verizon phone is the closest to what you have right now, but they do have a few good smartphone options. I will say that if you're planning on switching, you should do so before the 7th because there will be no more unlimited data on new plans after that.

I've been on sprint for awhile now mainly because the pricing. The evo 4g is comparable to the mytouch 4g. The evo 3d just came out for sprint recently which is a beast of a phone but I'm not upgrading just yet. Explore all your options and visit androidcentral, they have many reviews of android phones from all carriers. I'd suggest looking over there to get some more input
Sent from Erik Estrada

the merger has not happened yet and it will be at least 8 months till it goes down and then prob at least half a year till everything gets switched. People are worried but it takes time to get thing swiched over. You might even get a cheap trade off phone when that happens. There is nothing cheaper than TMO and you seem to be happy with it. Why not just stick with it till the merger happens.
Pick up a Sensation or a G2X and stay on Tmo as long as you can.
But if you really want to switch then I would pick verizon (unfortunetely there are not phones on vzn that I really care for right now but you cant go wrong with the network availability and speed but super high prices).
As mentioned you should consider sprint, closest to tmobile in prices and decent network with 1 nice phone which is the evo 3D.
gluck.

Thanks for the answers!
First, I have no contract nor will I, I'll stick with T-Mo as long as possible but it's never too soon to start searching Craig's List or Ebay for a phone if I do go to VZW. Question is, if I port my number now, will I still have unlimited data next month or the month after on a month to month deal?
Pricing, Sprint is the most expensive option by far, both VZW and AT&T offer senior plans which I had when I was with VZW before, Sprint has nothing similar. BTW, T-Mo only saves me $5/mo over VZW. I get more minutes I can't use/don't want with T-Mo but who cares?
Coverage: I switched to T-Mo because they had coverage where I need it, VZW doesn't (I know, that's the reverse of most people's experience!) but w/o UMA/WiFi calling I'll be back to no coverage in most places where I need it regardless of who I chose.
(T-Mo used to offer an unlimited data only plan with per minute voice, that was the best for me but it's no longer available.)

technology moves pretty fast these days.. i would ride out your t mobile plan until the merger gets closer then look into plans and phones. As one person stated verizon is dumping unlimited plans after the 7th so maybe thats a deciding factor for you.

Thanks

TheIceCreamMan said:
technology moves pretty fast these days..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree but I'm usually happy with a phone that's a little behind the curve.
i would ride out your t mobile plan until the merger gets closer then look into plans and phones. As one person stated verizon is dumping unlimited plans after the 7th so maybe thats a deciding factor for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked at plans and phones today, VZW still has the Old Fart's plan for $30/mo so that's fine, the data is a worry. I can get the unlimited plan today but w/o a contract will I get to keep it next month?
With the 65 Plus plan for $30 and the data plan for $30 I'd be paying only $5/mo more than T-Mobile but with no UMA/WiFi calling which is a major problem and the reason I'm staying with T-Mo as long as possible!
The change from unlimited data is a good reason to switch today but with no guarantee that I can keep the unlimited plan I'm scared to change!

I don't know how unlimited data works without a contract, you'd have to ask Verizon. As for wifi calling, why not just use Google voice?

On a scale of 1 to 10 I rate UMA as a 10, WiFi Calling as about a 6, Google Voice as a 0. It's just not an acceptable alternative but it is an alternative I suppose...

I would suggest not to try AT&T - pretty poor network .. Also, they dont seem to have an unlimited data plan.

I agree with that but I suspect that AT&T will remain T-Mobile for some time after the buyout, as in honoring my current plan and maybe continuing to offer UMA/WiFi calling. I expect everything will continue unchanged for some weeks, maybe months? I'll switch when I have to unless something unexpected happens.
I'm able to switch any time, I have an old VZW BB, an 8330, so I can port my number over right now if I need to....

4G network T-Mobile
At this rate, when people test 6G we started erecting 4G network is OK

I have a month to month deal with Verizon. Coverage is good here in Western PA, much better than AT&T. Very happy to still have unlimited data!

I have had sprint for a short time, but it has been really good.

arunprakashl said:
I would suggest not to try AT&T - pretty poor network .. Also, they dont seem to have an unlimited data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlimited data seems to be as extinct as dinosaurs, those who have it will be allowed to keep it (for who knows how long?) but new customers can't get it.
I have an unlimited plan with T-Mo but I'm sure that'll be going away, the question is how long will it last after the buyout? I'm guessing I'm OK for at least a month but then????
For most customers, the lowest limit offered by most companies is more than adequate.

With AT&T for awhile now. Not too impressed with coverage or service. I wouldn't recommend them at this point. Would have stayed T-mobile but their coverage was worse where I need to go. If T-mobile works for you, why change. When AT&T merged with Cingular, it didn't affect customer of either company until they signed up for new contracts, which sounds like it won't be you.
I don't know if it is a precursor to what's coming but a new T-mobile device from Huawei is being tested by the FCC with T-mobile and AT&T HSPA+ bands. Max speed @ 42mbps. Engadget has a small article on it.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using the power of the dark side.

[Q] Phone's not in ATT's IMEI bank

Greetings!
First time poster, long time reader.
I have been using a SE Xperia X1a that I bought off Ebay since Sept. 2009. I have stuck with this phone because I have an unlimited Medianet HSDPA service that costs $10/Mo. I frequently tether as a wireless router for either my laptop or Ipod Touch 4g. ATT still has not recognized this despite using 2gb+/mo.
The hardware in the phone is breaking down. I am looking for a replacement device that can do a similar service for me- $10/mo/unlimited internet. Are there any foreign branded Androids that can do this?
I did do a search for about an hour before giving up and asking this. Thanks are coming your way for responding

I'm really not sure why you think your plan is tied to your phone? Just get whatever phone tickles your fancy and put your sim card in it.

I don't think my plan is tied to my phone. I'm sorry if that's how it came across.
I am able to capitalize on unlimited MediaNet data because ATT doesn't recognize my Xperia's IMEI- they think I have a dumbphone.
The hardware is failing on my Xperia, and I am looking into a replacement. I'm fully willing to buy an foreign phone out of contract if it's known that ATT can't recognize the IMEI.
If anyone could point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated :-D

They dont think you have a dunb phone(Non Smart Phone) They just havent cared to check. In my experience they only check what style of phone when upgrading services, such as data plans and such. As deathsled said, get any phone that makes you happy and insert yoour sim card. P.S. Make sure phone is able to accept a sim card, and if unlocked make sure its able to listen to the carries specific signal.

Well they do think I have a dumbphone. That's what I had to tell them when I signed up for MediaNet after purchasing the phone.
I don't want to buy a phone that they their system will instantly recognize and upgrade me from my MediaNet to a smartphone plan.
Is there a resource to check the phones that they know of? I could always just purchase the same model and continue doing what I'm doing if not.

Is the problem that nobody knows, or that nobody has seen this thread that does know?

Bamp 10char

Is there another forum I should be trying?

Donteventrii said:
Well they do think I have a dumbphone. That's what I had to tell them when I signed up for MediaNet after purchasing the phone.
I don't want to buy a phone that they their system will instantly recognize and upgrade me from my MediaNet to a smartphone plan.
Is there a resource to check the phones that they know of? I could always just purchase the same model and continue doing what I'm doing if not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm rather puzzled, why can't you just buy an unlocked phone from (say) Amazon? They do sell nice Nexus One units there...

I know exactly what you are talking about Donteventrii
I can give you a list of phones that might be suitable for you, that are unlocked and use AT&T 3G but their IMEI will still not be recognizable and therefore, you get to keep your $10 unlimited MEdiaNet data plan
Amazon: Any Nokia Phone - E72, N8, E7, E6 etc
NExus S - the one for AT&T which will have the 850/1900 3G bands - http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Googl..._1_1?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1310519566&sr=1-1
T-mobile Galaxy S vibrant - Unlocked. It has AT&T's 3G 1900 band so you will be able to get 3G speeds in many areas since 1900 is the more widespread one.
Any Rogers (Canadian telephone service provider) smartphone unlocked since it uses the same bands as AT&T for it's 3G. I'm using a Rogers unlocked Xperia Play that I bought off a guy who'd bought it off Ebay.
That's just the ones I can think off the top of my head. I'll post again if I remember some more

Thank you very much Abudabu!
I may have some follow ups, but I'm heading to bed.

I would just get another phone like tmobile

Abudabu, do you also use MediaNet for your Xperia Play? I see that ATT is getting Xperia play, do you think this will cause problems for you?
The Nexus S is quite costly still, though 2.3 has me drooling. I believe the Galaxy S may be my best option. I might buy it online and unlock it myself.
Any thoughts?

I don't use MediaNet actually. I'm on the $30 unlimited data plan that I opted for when I went with the iPhone 3GS.
You can swap your SIM card out of your current phne to any phone that does not have an AT&T logo on it and you should be fine. AT&T has the IMEI's of all the phones that IT sells, in it's database. So if you put your sim in an Unlocked Xperia Play from Rogers or from United Kingdom, you can continue using the MediaNet without any hassle. If however, you put your SIM card in a AT&T Xperia Play, the SIM recognizes the IMEI of the phone, and will transmit this data back to AT&T indicating you need to upgrade your plan since you are on a smartphone

Any reason you don't switch back to MediaNet?

I'm aware of the 10$ Medianet plan. But for those that use it with unlocked smartphones, how do you get around the texting?
I see a $30 unlimited data and messaging plan which defeats the purpose of the thread. Are you combining this with the 1000 messages for $10?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App

Donteventrii said:
Any reason you don't switch back to MediaNet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well couple of reasons:
1) I wasn't sure if they even offer it anymore. I was under the impression they have tiered data plans now. $15 for 200 mb, $25 for 2GB, etc.
2) I switch phones quite a bit. So I prefer to just have the $30 unlimited data plan standard and I switch sim's in and out irregardless.

Ah if you switch phones that makes sense.
But yes, they do indeed offer MediaNet unlimited for 10/month. I am sitting at 2.5gb this month with a week left in my billing cycle.
I mainly use it to tether my laptop while at work. We don't have wifi, and I don't want to use my work computer for personal business. In fact, I'm tethering it right now from work

so where can I find a list of smartphones, compatible with AT&T, not in the IMEI database?
Just to be clear, I can purchase a dumbphone with:
$30 unlimited messaging/mobile to mobile
+
$15 unlimited data
with no voice plan (like the $39.99 for 450 minutes), go home and pop the SIM card to one of these unlisted phones and done.
$45 + tax for unlimited everything on a smartphone.
I can use Google Voice for landlines and international without incurring call forwarding fees and such.

I don't think there is a list other than what's been provided already. I use the Unlimited family messaging and 10/mo unlimited internet.