Can I skip/avoid the data plan? - Captivate General

Hi,
I got a Captivate for my wife from AT&T (second line). Due to some reason, AT&T did not force me to add the data plan during check out.
Can I use the phone just on Wifi and avoid the $15 monthly fee? I checked APNDroid, but found it flaky. Then I found the *#*#4636#*#* command to disable data connections, which worked. But I noticed that once the wifi was disabled, the phone automatically enabled the data connection!!
I am not trying to be cheap.. its just that my wife will be at home for the next 5 months (new baby) and I will add the $15 data plan once she get back to work.
Any tips?
PS: I just got the below e-mail from AT&T.. is it too late?
******
For whatever reason, our records indicate your Smartphone does not have an eligible data plan. We have added an appropriate Smartphone data plan for your device.
******

if you got your captivate under 2yr contact you need to keep the data plan or they can charge you ~ if not you can just cancel it from AT&T

No way around it. Don't want a Data Plan, don't buy a smart phone

ok..ok.. no need to diss. As I had said, I was just looking for a temporary solution. In any case, AT&T took the "liberty" to add the $25 data plan on that line. I called and changed it to the $15 plan for now.
Happy holidays..
gunnyman said:
No way around it. Don't want a Data Plan, don't buy a smart phone
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Click to collapse

If you can change your IMEI but other then that the system knows what phone you are using.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Lol yes there is a way. Call at&t n have them change the imei number on the line with the data plan u dont want to a non-smartphone imei number. Once that's done have them block data on that line, then put the sim back in your captivate and enjoy
Edit: its easy to work with at&t, just gotta give them a realistic scenario that doesn't make them suspect you're trying to do anything tricky lol
Samsung Captivate - Assonance 5.2

Seriously?? Is this really possible? My wife's old phone is NOT a smart phone. Can I use that phone's imei? How do I even go about convincing AT&T to switch the imei number?
Even if I am able to do this, how do I block the phone from using data when not on wifi reliably?
Regards
Nick
ninjuh said:
Lol yes there is a way. Call at&t n have them change the imei number on the line with the data plan u dont want to a non-smartphone imei number. Once that's done have them block data on that line, then put the sim back in your captivate and enjoy
Edit: its easy to work with at&t, just gotta give them a realistic scenario that doesn't make them suspect you're trying to do anything tricky lol
Samsung Captivate - Assonance 5.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

defriend said:
Seriously?? Is this really possible? My wife's old phone is NOT a smart phone. Can I use that phone's imei? How do I even go about convincing AT&T to switch the imei number?
Even if I am able to do this, how do I block the phone from using data when not on wifi reliably?
Regards
Nick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easy to do, but against the ToS and illegal... Unfortunately, as much as we all get taken advantage of by the carriers, it's still not OK to commit fraud against them. When you signed the contract, it designates that you are responsible for a data plan for X amount of months as a condition of the discount you received on your smart phone when you purchased it. The only grey area here is if you bought the phone 3rd party and don't want to pay for a data plan which is obviously not the case here.

defriend said:
Seriously?? Is this really possible? My wife's old phone is NOT a smart phone. Can I use that phone's imei? How do I even go about convincing AT&T to switch the imei number?
Even if I am able to do this, how do I block the phone from using data when not on wifi reliably?
Regards
Nick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tell them you won't be using the cappy anymore. DO NOT mention anything about the data plan until after the imei is changed. Tell them your kid is going to be using the phone and u dont want them on the internet on your "non-smartphone". I promise it'll work.
Samsung Captivate - Assonance 5.2

So do I tell them that I will be sending the captivate back? Also, if I am successful in doing what you said, how do I make sure that the phone does not use data (gmail etc..) when not on wifi?? or will their "data block" take care of this??
Regards
Nick
ninjuh said:
Just tell them you won't be using the cappy anymore. DO NOT mention anything about the data plan until after the imei is changed. Tell them your kid is going to be using the phone and u dont want them on the internet on your "non-smartphone". I promise it'll work.
Samsung Captivate - Assonance 5.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Their data block will keep that from happening. It's like their purchase block, it will allow you to request a purchase, or in your case data, but their network will deny the request.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

defriend said:
Seriously?? Is this really possible? My wife's old phone is NOT a smart phone. Can I use that phone's imei? How do I even go about convincing AT&T to switch the imei number?
Even if I am able to do this, how do I block the phone from using data when not on wifi reliably?
Regards
Nick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did this with my girlfriends phone. It lasted a while and then she received a text saying a data plan is required for her phone and thays it had been added. Your SIM tells them what phone you're using regardless of what IMEI you give them. You can do this but its only a matter of time before they catch you and do the same thing. Best of luck.

I worked tech for att and yea you can just have them put a non-smartphone imei on the account and use the captivate ...on my other line im using a blackberry like that with just wifi ...been doing it for 2yrs now..and to be on the safe side disable data so theres no chance it does use the network cause you will be charged .1c/kb ..
Sent from my Captivate

defriend said:
So do I tell them that I will be sending the captivate back? Also, if I am successful in doing what you said, how do I make sure that the phone does not use data (gmail etc..) when not on wifi?? or will their "data block" take care of this??
Regards
Nick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, don't tell them you're sending it back. That'll just complicate things. There's thousands of reasons you'd be switching phones. And as long as data is blocked on that line, data will not flow.
Samsung Captivate - Assonance 5.2

Delete this post

Seriously, you can tell AT&T whatever IMEI you want, the second you turn on your captivate, they know you're using teh Captivate and your account will be updated accordingly. Don't believe me? check your account information online. So your option to avoid it is to send your Captivate back.
As for data block on the phone, Froyo will have a setting to turn off cell data connection permanently. But stock 2.1 doesn't.

Its true the system knows what phone u r using .. u have to change the imei number in the phone its self
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Just call AT&T and have them add a "Smart Exclusion" to your line.
Fight for it.
If not, talk to the floor supervisor and have them add it for you.
If all else fails, just ask for the Resolutions desk. Once you ask for them, they'll do one of two things:
1. Transfer you
2. Freak out and give you whatever you want.
Cheers

The trick is to use a phone with an IMEI that AT&T does not sell. They can tell you have a Captivate all day long. If you got a Galaxy S that AT&T does not sell, they will not have that IMEI in their database, so they will not be able to cross reference it and harass you about using a smart phone without a smart phone plan. Their database does a lookup against known IMEIs, which are provided by the vendors that sell them the phones that they brand. If it is not AT&T branded, it will not be in their database.

jdsemler said:
The trick is to use a phone with an IMEI that AT&T does not sell. They can tell you have a Captivate all day long. If you got a Galaxy S that AT&T does not sell, they will not have that IMEI in their database, so they will not be able to cross reference it and harass you about using a smart phone without a smart phone plan. Their database does a lookup against known IMEIs, which are provided by the vendors that sell them the phones that they brand. If it is not AT&T branded, it will not be in their database.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How's that help OP who already purchased a Captivate?

Related

[Q] HTC Maps on MyTouch 4G?

So I want to use a navigation app on the MyTouch 4G without using any data. If I'm not mistaken, the Google Navigation app uses data to download the map of your current location. The new HTC Sense maps (again if I'm not mistaken) are saved on the phone and don't use data. So my question is if I can get the HTC maps on the MyTouch 4g (specifically without having to root the phone and flash the new Sense rom onto it)?
What's the point of using a mthd without data? Really just defeats the purpose of having this kinda phone if you ask me... Just my opinion though
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
^ What he said!
They build HSPA+.....
what you were sayin' ...? ))
But, srsly, I see were you coming from....I would rather store my maps on SD so it can be cached faster, especially for "out of 3G/4G range" towns
Its not that I don't want to use data with the phone, I do. Its just that I am considering switching to the cheaper limited data plans that T-Mobile will roll out in the near future. So thats why not using data for the nav would be great.
ArcticWolf91 said:
Its not that I don't want to use data with the phone, I do. Its just that I am considering switching to the cheaper limited data plans that T-Mobile will roll out in the near future. So thats why not using data for the nav would be great.
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Click to collapse
The "limited" data plan will only work with certain phones. The mt4g will be a premium device that will require the unlimited data plan.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
Yeah but I'm using a G1, so I can just use that to get the new data plan, then I will buy the MyTouch 4G off-contract and swap the sim.
ArcticWolf91 said:
Yeah but I'm using a G1, so I can just use that to get the new data plan, then I will buy the MyTouch 4G off-contract and swap the sim.
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Click to collapse
Tricky fellow! LOL! J/K
Sounds like a good idea.
If you're trying to avoid getting the unlimited plan by pretending you're still using your G1, it won't work. They have a database of all the IMEI #s and the IMEI of the phone you're using gets transmitted, so they can see what you're using.
Back on AT&T, I bought a used iPhone (original model) and spoofed the IMEI to avoid having to pay for the iPhone data plan. Not sure if you can do this on Android.
You can see what I'm talking about by going to your T-Mobile account online and somewhere it should say which phone you're using. If you switch to another T-Mobile phone, it'll change. Carriers only have the IMEI #s of the phones that are branded by them. So if you put your T-Mobile SIM in an AT&T or unlocked, unbranded phone, it wouldn't show that phone under your account.
Product F(RED) said:
If you're trying to avoid getting the unlimited plan by pretending you're still using your G1, it won't work. They have a database of all the IMEI #s and the IMEI of the phone you're using gets transmitted, so they can see what you're using.
Back on AT&T, I bought a used iPhone (original model) and spoofed the IMEI to avoid having to pay for the iPhone data plan. Not sure if you can do this on Android.
You can see what I'm talking about by going to your T-Mobile account online and somewhere it should say which phone you're using. If you switch to another T-Mobile phone, it'll change. Carriers only have the IMEI #s of the phones that are branded by them. So if you put your T-Mobile SIM in an AT&T or unlocked, unbranded phone, it wouldn't show that phone under your account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of the above is true... Sold phones for years at radioshack...
Well it doesn't matter anyway because the new data plans will be available for all phones. From the leaked(?) document: "T-Mobile will respond to our customers' needs by introducing a new low-cost $10/$15 200 MB Web feature that can be added to any device."
Source: http://www.tmonews.com/2010/11/t-mobile-adding-data-plan-to-new-data-lineup/
Product F(RED) said:
If you're trying to avoid getting the unlimited plan by pretending you're still using your G1, it won't work. They have a database of all the IMEI #s and the IMEI of the phone you're using gets transmitted, so they can see what you're using.
Back on AT&T, I bought a used iPhone (original model) and spoofed the IMEI to avoid having to pay for the iPhone data plan. Not sure if you can do this on Android.
You can see what I'm talking about by going to your T-Mobile account online and somewhere it should say which phone you're using. If you switch to another T-Mobile phone, it'll change. Carriers only have the IMEI #s of the phones that are branded by them. So if you put your T-Mobile SIM in an AT&T or unlocked, unbranded phone, it wouldn't show that phone under your account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that it matters (see my previous post), but even when they detect someone switches phones, can they really just alter your data plan without asking your permission?
The way AT&T did it, they would send you an automated text first a number of times. Then they'd add it. If it's stated in the TOS then they can do it. See if you can call them up and find a nice rep who'll try and keep it for you though.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
ArcticWolf91 said:
Can they really just alter your data plan without asking your permission?
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Click to collapse
No -- they just disable access to Internet but still charge you for the plan.
ArcticWolf91 said:
Yeah but I'm using a G1, so I can just use that to get the new data plan, then I will buy the MyTouch 4G off-contract and swap the sim.
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Click to collapse
Until tmo recognizes that you are on a mt4g...then they will require the correct plan. Not to mention what you proposed was at the very least dishonest
Sent from my Vibrant via Xda App
Just answer the question
Can someone just answer his question without requiring his motives?
There's other people with legitimate reasons to do the same. What if you are in an area that has bad data reception? What if you wanted to use navigation outside of the city?
There's been plenty of times that I couldn't use Navi because of poor reception.
Use the navigon app it is now downloadable from the market. Maps are stored on the phone.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App

Can I change my phones info to say its not a data phone?

.........................................
Best way is to activate the Old phone on your line, then call up Verizon and say your someone else like your daughter or someone is using it, and you want web or data completely barred from activation, that way when you put the data phone back on, they cant activate your data
Xenovann said:
Is there any way to change settings on my phone to say its not a "smart phone" (I have another phone thats not but its a clam shell and I really dont want to go back to taking 5mins to text a sentence) is there a way I can swap the info on them some how so I can get out of my data plan? My phones data doesnt work anyways, if you wanna know why heres the thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=849663 (I tried everything). And Im not buying another phone, gawd thats all the verizon techs could talk about..I dont have the money and I dont want to extend my subscription either.
Also Ive heard of a trick to channel the data usage through the voice plan via a different ISP than verizons network thus using data without a data plan, can I get a walk through of that? Kind of need it since my pic messages/videos rely on a data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not to continue their MO but you can always call your carrier and ask for a new phone. Often if you complain enough they will give one. Thats how i got my Incredible no new contract for 50$

3G to 4G issue and ?

History:
Company issued BB Curve 3g
Bought my own Captivate, took SIM from BB and put into Captivate. Voice and DATA work great. Now I have a nice phone that work pays for
Yesterday I bought an Infuse, took 3g SIM from cappy and put in it. Voice calling works NO data though.
Go to AT&T cust center this morning and they replace the sim with a new 4g one. Still NO DATA. Put the new 4g sim in the cap everything works fine - in Infuse only voice but no data which means no email = can't use for work & out a lot of money.
Does anyone know a fix for this or even why it's happening ? Will rooting it fix it ?
Yes, they have to switch you to a 4g plan in the system, your features and cost will still be the same but you will have "4g data plan". I know because I had the same issue. They had to enter my imei number into the system and then make the switch. It works in the captivate because that's a 3g device.
infuse 4g "a lot a screen real estate"
Which means I'm screwed because my IT people would not authorize that to be done as I am only allowed to use a BB or Iphone. Neither do I like. They were quite pissed when I told them I removed the sim from my BB. So no way to use the new Infuse. Not going to make the wife happy considering I shelled out cash for it last night.
Just curious, did you actually check to make sure 'packet data' was enabled in wireless settings under mobile networks?
That's the probable cause, you shouldn't need to change your data plan if coming from a captivate
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App
yep. Everything is checked. Its a 4g issue and my company won't authorize attaching my blackbery data plan to the iemi of the new infuse because we aren't allowed to used android devices
scottcwhite said:
yep. Everything is checked. Its a 4g issue and my company won't authorize attaching my blackbery data plan to the iemi of the new infuse because we aren't allowed to used android devices
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Click to collapse
Ugh, that's stupid
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App
its not that you need a "4g plan" its some network protocol they have to change. its actually the same one that the iphone uses. the guy in the att store showed me. i was making sure they would not touch my plan. no way im getting rid of my unlimited data.
The Jack of Clubs said:
its not that you need a "4g plan" its some network protocol they have to change. its actually the same one that the iphone uses. the guy in the att store showed me. i was making sure they would not touch my plan. no way im getting rid of my unlimited data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He needs the 4g plan because when they enter the imei of the infuse, the Rep can't proceed unless they select the appropriate 4g plan, trust me I spent almost 2 hrs on the phone with ATT last week before they finally figured it out. He will still have the same features he has now but they need to select "4g".
infuse 4g "a lot a screen real estate"
Yup, I had the same issue, upgrade from cappy to infuse - DATA not working with the 3G sim. I had to activate the 4G sim came with the phone - NO DATA connectivity until the att technical support had set me up for "4G plan" and IMEI should be set for that. Then got the DATA working like a breeze. All happened in 10 mins.
I've switched back and forth between an iPhone 3g, Samsung Vibrant, Motorola Atrix and the Samsung Infuse with the same sim card and I've never had any of the issues that you all are having.
I get voice, text and data flawlessly with any of the phones, without the need to change my plan. Just because you may be on a 3G plan shouldn't hinder you from being able to use data on your Infuse. Unless you've somehow come across some kind of fluke, I would start looking at something else as the problem rather than what they have your plan designated as.
I concur with everyone above. Same exact plan on the surface, so your IT guys wouldn't even know, but the plan code is different....
You actually have to own or be authorized to make plan modifications in order to even switch the plans. If its through your company, I don't think they would put you on the account as an authorized person to change plans...
BUT you can always try.... sorry....
ZeroIsntTheHero said:
I've switched back and forth between an iPhone 3g, Samsung Vibrant, Motorola Atrix and the Samsung Infuse with the same sim card and I've never had any of the issues that you all are having.
I get voice, text and data flawlessly with any of the phones, without the need to change my plan. Just because you may be on a 3G plan shouldn't hinder you from being able to use data on your Infuse. Unless you've somehow come across some kind of fluke, I would start looking at something else as the problem rather than what they have your plan designated as.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its not so much the plan as the fact that my company won't allow the current plan to be tied to the new infuse. I'll post the email exchange I had with my company in a bit.
slider2828 said:
I concur with everyone above. Same exact plan on the surface, so your IT guys wouldn't even know, but the plan code is different....
You actually have to own or be authorized to make plan modifications in order to even switch the plans. If its through your company, I don't think they would put you on the account as an authorized person to change plans...
BUT you can always try.... sorry....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That be the case. So I'm stuck with the captivate which is better than my company policy of BB or Iphone only.
So if anyone would like a BRAND NEW Infuse in the box for the same $500 I bought it for last night let me know. Free shipping

[Q] Can AT&T detect my Nexus S and charge data?

I bought my unlocked Nexus S (i9020) back when it released and have been using it in India. Now I've moved to the States and bought myself an AT&T plan.
I've read that if I insert a SIM into a smartphone, AT&T automatically detects the IMEI as a smartphone and starts charging a data plan. But since my phone was bought unlocked and it isn't an AT&T branded one either, can AT&T start charging me? Also, if they do start charging me, will they charge $20 on the 300MB plan or any other plan?
Not sure how it works in US, but pretty sure AT&T can bill you if you use data on their network, despite you having an unbranded Nexus.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA
I'm not going to be switching on data any time cause I have WiFi around me most of the time. So can they still charge me?
As I said I'm not 100% sure, but as long as you don't use data they shouldn't trigger any plan. For all effects for them your nexus S is a dumbphone. At least that's how it works in Europe.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA
WinterAce said:
WiFi around me most of the time. So can they still charge me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they will eventually detect your smartphone
if you are under contract they apparently can
force a data plan on your line
they got tired of people *****ing about
[and fighting]
giant bills after "not knowing" about data upcharges
...or so the story goes
fwiw
for what it's worth, if you're worried about data usage charges on a line you do not have a data plan for you can call AT&T and ask them to block cellular data on that line. I've done that with my wife's flip phone since the kids keep fiddling with it and accidentally browsing the internet. They were happy to put the block and avoid the alla cart data charges for that line.
Mind you I do have a data plan on my Nexus S.
Thanks for the replies everyone! I'll call AT&T and request them to disable the dataplan. Or I will have to just continue with my N95.
[email protected] said:
for what it's worth, if you're worried about data usage charges on a line you do not have a data plan for you can call AT&T and ask them to block cellular data on that line. I've done that with my wife's flip phone since the kids keep fiddling with it and accidentally browsing the internet. They were happy to put the block and avoid the alla cart data charges for that line.
Mind you I do have a data plan on my Nexus S.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont think on att and verizon with a smartphone plan they allow you to block data as then whats the point according to them of having a smartphone and only using it on wifi. I did get a vzw lg android for $5 for my son and it has no service he only uses it on wifi and can use other programs that are web based to text or use free voip like yahoo messenger video chat.
ive been using an i9020a on att for 6 months and they have not detected it or cared. It shows up as a generic dumbphone on my att account. i have data blocked on it to make sure i dont accidentally use data. i also switch between this and an inspire 4g (an official att phone) and they have not added data. Same goes with my brother who uses a hand me down att gs2 on att.
shahravi94 said:
ive been using an i9020a on att for 6 months and they have not detected it or cared. It shows up as a generic dumbphone on my att account. i have data blocked on it to make sure i dont accidentally use data. i also switch between this and an inspire 4g (an official att phone) and they have not added data. Same goes with my brother who uses a hand me down att gs2 on att.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please explain to me how did you manage to make them block data ? Didn't they argue that you have a smart phone and that you need to keep the data plan if you have a smart phone ? Thanks
bhaismachine said:
Can you please explain to me how did you manage to make them block data ? Didn't they argue that you have a smart phone and that you need to keep the data plan if you have a smart phone ? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Supposedly AT&T detects a Smartphone based on the IMEI number of the phone matched up to a database of IMEI numbers of phones that AT&T sold. The latter is a very important point as they did not sell the Nexus One phone, therefore, many argue on various forum posts that AT&T cannot recognize this non-AT&T sold phone as a Smartphone. The same would be true of any phone not sold by AT&T. However, I have yet to come across any posts of anyone that actually owns a non-AT&T sold smartphone who can confirm this and I've been searching far and wide for this confirmation. I'm getting ready to buy a non-AT&T branded unlocked smartphone to try this myself so perhaps I'll be able to confirm. It would be great if the Original Poster provided his experience with this. i.e. did AT&T detect this phone via the sweeps?
To address some other questions and comments in this forum post...keep in mind that AT&T required a data plan for all smartphones activated on its network after September 6, 2009. However, this policy is far from clear and there are many gray areas, this being one. For example, if I had a smart phone active on September 5 with no data plan, and I buy a used Nexus One on eBay and stick my SIM in it, do I need a data plan? I didn't purchase a new phone or "activate" anything on AT&Ts network so I would argue not.
I also not believe it matters if data is enabled on the phone or not. Try this...take the SIM out of your AT&T phone, stick it in another (different) phone, make a phone call, go to OLAM (i.e. OnLine Account Management), and look at the phone that AT&T thinks you have. Data enabled or not, if the phone was sold by AT&T, they will have identified the phone you just used.
Here is another gray area...data plans on a non-Smartphone lines were as low as $10/month. Data plans are enabled the on the line (i.e. the SIM) not the phone, so a SIM with a data plan can be moved from phone to phone (e.g. dumb phone to smart phone) and data will be active so long as the phone supports the active APN (Access Point Name). If I have a dumb phone line with active data and my phone breaks, what if I stick that SIM in a smartphone I have laying around so that I can make a phone call? What is my obligation to contact AT&T and notify them that I need smartphone data plan?
What follows is for reference only for those that may want a deeper understanding of AT&Ts data plans or desire to "experiment..."
AT&T uses two primary APNs: wap.cingular and isp.cinguar. AT&T is now using wap.cingular for dumb phone access and isp.cingular for smart phones access meaning, if your line has dumb phone data active, your phone needs to support the wap.cingualr APN. Most smarter phones allow the creation of custom APNs if it is not built-in.
The login an pw for the two APNs is as follows: wap.cingular is login= [email protected] and pw= cingular1. isp.cingular is login= [email protected] and pw= cingular1.
The ability to enable the various data plans and features on your account is dependent on what type of phone is assigned to your account based on the IMEI number assigned to that account. This is not the same as the automatic detection I mentioned above. The assignment is done by AT&T employees. I do not have exact or inside information, but I surmise that your line is associated with one of about 4 primary phone types: smart phone, iPhone, black berry, or dumb phone. This assignment dictates what data plans and other features are available to you either thru OLAM or via a CSR. For example, if your line is identified as a dumb phone, you will see the dumb phone data plans in OLAM. If you currently have a smart phone on your account, and switch to a dumb phone, you will only see the dumb phone data plans if AT&T switches the assignment to the dumb phone IMEI. This is only done by calling AT&T, not merely by making a phone call from the dumb phone and relying on the automatic detection.
[email protected] said:
for what it's worth, if you're worried about data usage charges on a line you do not have a data plan for you can call AT&T and ask them to block cellular data on that line. I've done that with my wife's flip phone since the kids keep fiddling with it and accidentally browsing the internet. They were happy to put the block and avoid the alla cart data charges for that line.
Mind you I do have a data plan on my Nexus S.
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Click to collapse
damn you beat me to it.
I did this for my girlfreind a LONG time ago with my old iphone 2g when i gave it to her. we said she had little kids who play with her phone and could potentially hit some data use (she officially had a garbage pantech with data capabiltites but no plan).
I then would turn off data on the phone and wham she could use it as long as it was unlocked. i then gave her my 3g which i JB and unlocked for her but then just got a used 3gs from my sis who had ATT unlock it for her and then turned off data and she has been using it fine.
I think as long as data is blocked on their end they dont notice. It WILL show the correct phone if you log in her account and even if you change it it will still change back to whatever yoru using but they never tried to start charging her for data. she loves having the phone with WIFI and me tethering my nexus s to her without having to have a 30$ charge on her bill.
ps
she still uses her regular SIM in the phone and it works for calls/texts normally. she didnt need a different sim for the phone.
Surely you could just delete the APN settings so it couldn't connect on mobile data?
Kitch16 said:
Surely you could just delete the APN settings so it couldn't connect on mobile data?
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You can also just switch off cellular data.
---------- Post added at 09:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:08 AM ----------
WinterAce said:
I bought my unlocked Nexus S (i9020) back when it released and have been using it in India. Now I've moved to the States and bought myself an AT&T plan.
I've read that if I insert a SIM into a smartphone, AT&T automatically detects the IMEI as a smartphone and starts charging a data plan. But since my phone was bought unlocked and it isn't an AT&T branded one either, can AT&T start charging me? Also, if they do start charging me, will they charge $20 on the 300MB plan or any other plan?
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It would be great if the Original Poster provided his experience with this after using the phone on the AT&T network for a month or two. i.e. did AT&T detect the Nexus one phone via the sweeps and try to impose a data plan?

Not paying for data plan on AT&T?

I just re-purchased a Inspire again, after 1 year I needed a 2nd phone and I kind of missed my inspire. But I don't want to pay for the data plan. AT&T. Is there anyway to hide my IMEI from AT&T so I don't get slapped with a data plan?
Joe momma said:
I just re-purchased a Inspire again, after 1 year I needed a 2nd phone and I kind of missed my inspire. But I don't want to pay for the data plan. AT&T. Is there anyway to hide my IMEI from AT&T so I don't get slapped with a data plan?
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Click to collapse
Don't turn on mobile data. You're good to go.
Sent from my LT28i using Tapatalk 2
It didn't work. I had mobile data off from day one, and hours later I got a text saying they added a data plan. It seems like they know my phone's IMEI right when I put my sim card in. Gah.
Joe momma said:
It didn't work. I had mobile data off from day one, and hours later I got a text saying they added a data plan. It seems like they know my phone's IMEI right when I put my sim card in. Gah.
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You also need to remove ICQ (it's a build in software that communicate with att). Your best bet is root the phone install custom romvand keep your data off.
After all that - To fix your account, gave them an non-smart phone IMEI and insist you don't need data plan.
Good luck.
Sent from my LT28i using Tapatalk 2
There is no way to hide your IMEI from the network. The only way not to pay is to have an IMEI that is not on their network like an unlocked T-mobile phone or something of that nature.
I purchased a Galaxy for my son from CL and his account never changed from the non data plan his is listed as.., Just call At &t
as long as your current contact does not require data plan you should be good to go.
F2504x4 said:
I purchased a Galaxy for my son from CL and his account never changed from the non data plan his is listed as.., Just call At &t
as long as your current contact does not require data plan you should be good to go.
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Click to collapse
Don't forget if the device is a none of Att devices or beeing rooted. ATT will make you add data plan if it is a smartphone regardless of your contract.
The ICQ is the bug on all ATT devices that reported to ATT you need a data plan. Read other thread how to take it off or easiest is use the tool to root your device. Install a custom rom just to make sure you don't have the ICQ installed.
Sent from my LT28i using Tapatalk 2
Guys ICQ is not gonna matter if it is removed or not. Each carrier can and for along time has been able to scan their network and see the IMEI numbers that are being used on it. The only way out is to have an IMEI that is not linked to an AT&T smartphone. This has been the case for many years now.
accts said:
ATT will make you add data plan if it is a smartphone regardless of your contract.
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Click to collapse
Wrong!! if you are not under contract for having a data plan , then AT& T will not care what phone you use...
If you are under a Data plan via a contract , till that contract expires, you will have pay for Data services regardless of what phone you have...
You can also get At&T services with out a contract with no data plan , and not be charged for using a data capable phone.
BTW it is labeled as Data OPT- out, and as you can see, my old phone is shown (Tilt II) on the account which is what is currently being used since he busted the screen on his Galaxy S.
WM is a lot different than android. Is that your main line or secondary line?
ai6908 said:
WM is a lot different than android. Is that your main line or secondary line?
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Click to collapse
did you see the Galaxy S that was listed ? it has been swapped back and forth between both phones..
OK there was a time when you could block out data even if you have a smartphone and were not on contract. This is no longer the case. About a year ago ATT changed the policy on smart phones. Now you are forced into a data plan if a. You have a contract that is not grandfathered in. B. If you have a smartphone that att has in its records. When WM was around you had the option to opt out of a data plan. Now it is no longer an option unless you are not on contract or you have a phone that shows up as unknown in the data base when ATT does its IMEI sweeps.
Sent from the BatCave
Okay i did more research on this, and things have changed , ( yes i concede Almight Zen) i was wrong about that, but I do still a have a no data lock on my sons phone, and regardless of the phone he uses , i still have not had a data plan added even though they are At&T branded phones. But there still are ways around this issue.
Some very good info in this thread...
http://androidforums.com/t/455064-t-wifi-only-no-dataplan.html
AN ANDROID SMARTPHONE WITHOUT A DATA PLAN IS POSSIBLE! In fact im doing it right now! I am on At&t using a Samsung Galaxy ACE. Awesome phone, and att does not recognize its IMEI so its all good! I have been data free for almost 2 months (recently bought the phone from amazon). Weather it will work with any carrier that uses GSM im not sure, although it does work flawlessly on ATT. So it is a perfect option for anyone looking for an awesome android smartphone with full features (wifi, bluetooth, gps, full android market, full hacking capability's) with no data plan. Also, if in the future when you want a data plan, all you need to do is enable att's non smartphone $10 data plan on your line and now you have unlimited data for only $10 a month, i have not tried this yet but plan too. I am also pretty sure any GSM phone with a model number not starting with an "i" for example the Samsung galaxy s2 which is "i9100" will be required to have a data plan by att because they recognize its IMEI number, where as the Galaxy Ace starts with an "s" (s5830) it works. Hope this helps, and remember anything is possible with A LOT of Google searching!
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Click to collapse
It's true that Carrier has the ability to scan for IMEI, however if you don't have mobile data on. IT will not raise a red flag for data plan. This has happened for one of my line in my account - Had my mobile data off and still get a message from ATT that automated add data plan. After research I known what caused it because ICQ required data to communicate with ATT, that's why I got hit with data plan. After root, give ATT an non-smartphone IMEI. I was good to go. Even when i login to my account online I do see my device is Inspire 4G - however the main registration IMEI is a non-smartphone. Weird but it worked.
Also you can just buy the prepaid minutes that reup off your credit card it comes out to be the same as most monthly bills if not cheaper for some and at&t don't care at all what phone you use on those
If you aren't sure then do it twice!

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