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I'm thinking about upgrading to the HTC Inspire. I don't want to get a data plan because I get wifi 90% of the day (at home and on campus).
My dad is the only person in our family plan who has a data plan. Can he use my upgrade to purchase the Inspire for his line and then switch SIM cards with me? Will he still be able to use his own upgrade for himself in the near future?
I read that AT&T can detect which phone people are using by IMEI. However I've used my Nokia E71 for the past year (upgraded online without a data plan, don't know why it didn't force me) and have been using an iPhone 3G (not mine initially) for a couple of months with no data plan and haven't been caught yet.
I've been doing exactly that for years, no problems yet and I hope to do the same thing with Inspire when my upgrade is available next month.
Inspire 4G is AT&T branded phone. They have all the IMEI numbers. E71 unlocked is non branded one so you can go unnoticed w/o a data plan.
Rest assured Inspire will popup as a smart phone and you will be upgraded.
Will we have to go to an AT&T store in person so my dad can use my upgrade or can we do this online somehow?
@metaldood, Sorry, I meant E71x, the AT&T branded version of the E71.
There's always a chance that AT&T will find out and force a data plan on me, but I'll try hide for as long as I can. B)
metaldood said:
Rest assured Inspire will popup as a smart phone and you will be upgraded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what everybody said would happen to my Tilt 2 a couple years ago, hasn't happened yet.
RacerX10 said:
That's what everybody said would happen to my Tilt 2 a couple years ago, hasn't happened yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Must be nice. I installed my sim card, turned on the phone and went to At&t's site to see that it had already updated my phone on there. That of course doesn't mean it was completely updated in their system yet.
I went from an HTC Fuze (AT&T branded) to a Motorola Milestone (Telus), without any problems, and AT&T never noticed... within about 5 minutes of putting my 3G sim into the Inspire 4G, my (3G) data plan was gone from my account... this after it was re-added by the sales rep.
They don't seem to care if you switch one 3G device for another, but they seem to be policing the 4G phones pretty hard.
Note that after a discussion with the sales rep, he was able to re-add my unlimited data plan as a "4G unlimited data plan".
So, if you do nothing and just hook up the Inspire with your existing sim, chances are you'll be exactly where you want to be-- You'll have voice, and no mobile data (wi-fi still works, though).
If you want to use someone else's data plan (and sim), they'll have to get an AT&T rep to change their plan from "3G only" to "4G compatible", which does seem to be backwards compatible... ie, I can use my sim in my old Milestone no problem.
ufgrat said:
If you want to use someone else's data plan (and sim), they'll have to get an AT&T rep to change their plan from "3G only" to "4G compatible", which does seem to be backwards compatible... ie, I can use my sim in my old Milestone no problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've noticed this also. I got my inspire on my wife's upgrade and they changed her line to the 4g unlimited. No problems with it on her cappy. Even though the site had changed my phone from a iphone to the inspire right away I still had the iphone unlimited data plan. (I really should've got a screen cap of that). Was interesting seeing the inspire pic and a message saying that I had to have the iphone unlimited plan with my phone.
AT&T will notice and put the data plan on your account. It started sometime in the past year where you couldn't have a smart phone without the data plan. I had a BB curve that I could use without data because I had it before they required data.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
RacerX10 said:
That's what everybody said would happen to my Tilt 2 a couple years ago, hasn't happened yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you disabled your data before September 2009 (IIRC) then you're grandfathered into data block. Only the phones purchased/activaed after that date require a mandatory data plan.
ufgrat said:
So, if you do nothing and just hook up the Inspire with your existing sim, chances are you'll be exactly where you want to be-- You'll have voice, and no mobile data (wi-fi still works, though).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So wait if I pop in my Dumbphone sim with unlimited plan , I can still keep it?
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
Click to expand...
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
Background:
* I have 2 lines on Family Plan, both with "smartphone exclusion"
* On 1st line, I had Samsung Jack with Medianet Unlimited Plan for 2 years without any problems. Loved the unlimited data for $15 bucks w/ light WIFI and USB tethering, never exceeded 2-3 GB/month.
* On 2nd line, I had a dumb phone
Recently, I upgraded the dumb-phone to Infuse 4G at Best Buy, came home and switched the SIM back into a dumb-phone, called ATT, and had them take the data plan off. I understand that at this point I have lost "smartphone exclusion" on this line because I have upgraded.
Now I took the SIM from my 1st phone (Samsung Jack) and inserted in my Infuse. I used it for happy 3 weeks, no sms from ATT, unlimited data plan stayed on just fine. My billing cycle starts on the 4th; so, today I can see that my unlimited medianet data has been removed, but no data plan has been added (I think smartphone exclusion saved me), but when I look under usage, I can see
Data
GPRS MB WAP/BBRY/ISP 2GB DOM $10.00/1GB ADDL - HSSMTD4O
and then for my data usage, I see:
11.62 MB of 2048 MB
My interpretation is that technically if I wanted to, I could just disable data on my phone, and I wouldn't be forced into a data plan, but they are making sure I can't take advantage of the MediaNet plan either. Any thoughts?
I'm thinking of selling the Infuse and getting a non-ATT smartphone.
Any insightful comments would be appreciated. Please don't bother posting if you don't know what 'smartphone exclusion" is. Or, please don't make a reference to ATT TOC. Thanks!
sumeet909 said:
Background:
* I have 2 lines on Family Plan, both with "smartphone exclusion"
* On 1st line, I had Samsung Jack with Medianet Unlimited Plan for 2 years without any problems. Loved the unlimited data for $15 bucks w/ light WIFI and USB tethering, never exceeded 2-3 GB/month.
* On 2nd line, I had a dumb phone
Recently, I upgraded the dumb-phone to Infuse 4G at Best Buy, came home and switched the SIM back into a dumb-phone, called ATT, and had them take the data plan off. I understand that at this point I have lost "smartphone exclusion" on this line because I have upgraded.
Now I took the SIM from my 1st phone (Samsung Jack) and inserted in my Infuse. I used it for happy 3 weeks, no sms from ATT, unlimited data plan stayed on just fine. My billing cycle starts on the 4th; so, today I can see that my unlimited medianet data has been removed, but no data plan has been added (I think smartphone exclusion saved me), but when I look under usage, I can see
Data
GPRS MB WAP/BBRY/ISP 2GB DOM $10.00/1GB ADDL - HSSMTD4O
and then for my data usage, I see:
11.62 MB of 2048 MB
My interpretation is that technically if I wanted to, I could just disable data on my phone, and I wouldn't be forced into a data plan, but they are making sure I can't take advantage of the MediaNet plan either. Any thoughts?
I'm thinking of selling the Infuse and getting a non-ATT smartphone.
Any insightful comments would be appreciated. Please don't bother posting if you don't know what 'smartphone exclusion" is. Or, please don't make a reference to ATT TOC. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More than likely eventually they will get you on the Infuse for the regular Smartphone data plan when the system realized the IMEI is from an Infuse.
MisterEdF said:
More than likely eventually they will get you on the Infuse for the regular Smartphone data plan when the system realized the IMEI is from an Infuse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, then the remaining option is to get unlimited plan via iPhone 2g route, correct?
I think they could not put me on data plan, but they've put me on some kind of "pay per use" data plan with 2GB/$25 to start of. If I don't use any data, I don't pay anything, but if I use even just 1MB, they charge me $25 that month. Smart move by ATT. So, the medianet option is over.
Unlimited Data Grandfathered
AT&Ts Policy is ,"If they squal loud enough,let them keep their data" I have an Inspire & an Iphone 4 both with 30.00 per month Unlimited Data,Rooted for no Additional Cost for Internet Tethering & Hotspot Use, I came from Blackjack and Palm SMartphones ,said I was leaving for another carrier after I was told I could have a 200mb or 2 gig Data Plan with Overage fees after my Limits were reached,Supervisor was questioned by AT&T Operator and Data was Grandfathered,I have since added a 3rd Line with the Infuse and have Unlimited on that and never even had a 3rd line on the old Plan. SQUEAL LIKE A PIG!!
don't know what smartphone exclusion is but i'm still going to post and ask what is it?
and to my knowledge, when you bought the infuse 4g, the data plan is bounded by the contract for 2 years, how did you tell them to take it off?
Want an unreasonable request granted write the oop.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App
seeing how i am a sales rep with at&t i will chime in with some thoughts to your question... your old medianet plan isn't compatible with the 4g phone vs wap.cingular apn the new 4G android phones use. So for starters with out modification your internet never would have worked without adding new apn's to the phone.
What happened was, you were correct when your said, your line was grandfathered with smartphone exclusion but that was only for the IMEI of the device that code was added to your account with. The second you changed that data device on that line to another data device, I am willing to bet that code was removed from your line as you lost your grandfather clause by changing device type / IMEI. Thus your plan was changed.
What happened was now since you put your other lines sim card in the phone, it also saw the IMEI didn't match the data plan you had. Removed it, and added the standard 2GB 4G phone data plan to your line. It is not pay per use, you are now most likely being charged $25/month for 2GB of data, the next plan down is $15 for 200MB of data per month, the next plan up is $45 for 4GB of data w/mobile hotspot feature.
Unless you go back to your old phone you can not get your old plan back, that is if you can even get that old plan back as it isn't in the system anymore to my knowledge unless you get a rep with grandfathered plan access over the phone.
You maybe able to call and get a lucky rep to get you on a $30 unlimited plan as you had unlimited before, but they will most likely reject it as it was a different phone/data plan type, otherwise it would have carried over as a $30 unlimited plan automatically when the system changed it.
This is just my 2 cents. I hoped this answered your question without getting in to the TOS as you stated lol
Disclaimer: These thoughts are my own, and don't represent those of at&t.
sumeet909 said:
OK, then the remaining option is to get unlimited plan via iPhone 2g route, correct?
I think they could not put me on data plan, but they've put me on some kind of "pay per use" data plan with 2GB/$25 to start of. If I don't use any data, I don't pay anything, but if I use even just 1MB, they charge me $25 that month. Smart move by ATT. So, the medianet option is over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not on "pay Per Use" you are on the $25/month 2gig plan unless this is some new secret plan they have. Yes, you probably could do the "iPhone 2G trick
and get unlimited for $30/month.
Hate to be blunt, but you fubared it. The only way to do what you want to is buy an unlocked non att phone with the right gsm radio, and use a feature phone, get the ten dollar unlimited plan, then switch sim to unbranded phone setup apn for att. Not That I've ever done it but a lot of people do. There is also straight talk. 50$a month unlimited everything, but only two of Their phones have the necessary unlocked sim at200$.
CM7, Nightly. Captivate
Vegaslightsss said:
AT&Ts Policy is ,"If they squal loud enough,let them keep their data" I have an Inspire & an Iphone 4 both with 30.00 per month Unlimited Data,Rooted for no Additional Cost for Internet Tethering & Hotspot Use, I came from Blackjack and Palm SMartphones ,said I was leaving for another carrier after I was told I could have a 200mb or 2 gig Data Plan with Overage fees after my Limits were reached,Supervisor was questioned by AT&T Operator and Data was Grandfathered,I have since added a 3rd Line with the Infuse and have Unlimited on that and never even had a 3rd line on the old Plan. SQUEAL LIKE A PIG!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I can do this since I am well within the return policy and other 2 lines have no contract.
shadow65781 said:
Hate to be blunt, but you fubared it. The only way to do what you want to is buy an unlocked non att phone with the right gsm radio, and use a feature phone, get the ten dollar unlimited plan, then switch sim to unbranded phone setup apn for att. Not That I've ever done it but a lot of people do. There is also straight talk. 50$a month unlimited everything, but only two of Their phones have the necessary unlocked sim at200$.
CM7, Nightly. Captivate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. Let me ask you another question then, could I ebay the Infuse, buy an unlocked Galaxy S2 (International version), call them and give them IMEI of dumb phone and get the $15 plan? I did mess it up, but I'm within the 30 day return policy window to fix it; just need to find best way out.
AEDan1977 said:
seeing how i am a sales rep with at&t i will chime in with some thoughts to your question... your old medianet plan isn't compatible with the 4g phone vs wap.cingular apn the new 4G android phones use. So for starters with out modification your internet never would have worked without adding new apn's to the phone.
What happened was, you were correct when your said, your line was grandfathered with smartphone exclusion but that was only for the IMEI of the device that code was added to your account with. The second you changed that data device on that line to another data device, I am willing to bet that code was removed from your line as you lost your grandfather clause by changing device type / IMEI. Thus your plan was changed.
What happened was now since you put your other lines sim card in the phone, it also saw the IMEI didn't match the data plan you had. Removed it, and added the standard 2GB 4G phone data plan to your line. It is not pay per use, you are now most likely being charged $25/month for 2GB of data, the next plan down is $15 for 200MB of data per month, the next plan up is $45 for 4GB of data w/mobile hotspot feature.
Unless you go back to your old phone you can not get your old plan back, that is if you can even get that old plan back as it isn't in the system anymore to my knowledge unless you get a rep with grandfathered plan access over the phone.
You maybe able to call and get a lucky rep to get you on a $30 unlimited plan as you had unlimited before, but they will most likely reject it as it was a different phone/data plan type, otherwise it would have carried over as a $30 unlimited plan automatically when the system changed it.
This is just my 2 cents. I hoped this answered your question without getting in to the TOS as you stated lol
Disclaimer: These thoughts are my own, and don't represent those of at&t.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before I started using Infuse, I did Google this APN thingy and I had setup a new APN for Infuse rather than using the default one.
2nd: Actually, "smartphone exclusion" is still there. That is the strange part, but yes, to your point, it doesn't apply after equipment change - this has been mentioned by your co-workers and I understand it now.
I just need to call them and start yelling. Technically I'm within the 30 day return policy (or is it 14?). Plus, other 2 lines are not in contract. Otherwise, T-Mobile, here we come.....
tjy8tim said:
don't know what smartphone exclusion is but i'm still going to post and ask what is it?
and to my knowledge, when you bought the infuse 4g, the data plan is bounded by the contract for 2 years, how did you tell them to take it off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before Sept 2009, AT&T didn't require data plans w/ smartphones. So, After Sept 4, 2009 they required everyone to buy a data plan w/ smartphone. Customers who owned a smartphone prior to that date, were not required to purchase a smartphone and a feature was added to their accounts called "smartphone exclusion". I owned a Samsung Jack prior to that data. After I got "smartphone exclusion", I added $15 media-net and had it for about 2 years. To preserve that feature, I never upgraded my line; I actually upgraded my sister's line to get a new phone and then switched the SIM cards. Alas, that loophole has been shut. AT&T has a crawler in place that checks this and adds data plans unless you have the same equipment IMEI that you got the smartphone with.
I might need to research if IMEI spoofing is possible/legal. Otherwise, might just buy an unlocked non-ATT smartphone.
Do you have a recommendation for non-ATT smartphone that measures up to Infuse?
sumeet909 said:
Do you have a recommendation for non-ATT smartphone that measures up to Infuse?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Galaxy s2 from Europe. Amazon carries it 600 bones and its yours, or you could get a nexus one with att radio, not sure about it but the nexus s might be unbranded.
Read something last night, after nexus s released on att they caught people who bought it prior to release. Forced them to “rip off" data plan.
CM7, Nightly. Captivate
shadow65781 said:
Galaxy s2 from Europe. Amazon carries it 600 bones and its yours, or you could get a nexus one with att radio, not sure about it but the nexus s might be unbranded.
CM7, Nightly. Captivate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm getting ready to bail out Europe by approx 600. That's quite an amount, but ATT is despicable - the lag and bloatware on Infuse is unacceptable and the data restrictions just kill the experience. God save the Euro, USD are on their way.
sumeet909 said:
I'm getting ready to bail out Europe by approx 600. That's quite an amount, but ATT is despicable - the lag and bloatware on Infuse is unacceptable and the data restrictions just kill the experience. God save the Euro, USD are on their way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any updates on what you did? Did you just buy the GSII and use your old $15 unlimited plan?
Infuse is on sale on Craigslist. As soon as it is sold, I will use those proceeds to order a European GS2. Strange, it is so difficult to get rid off Android products compared to Apple Snapple. If I don't get good price, I might just end up returning it since I am within 30 day return period. I was hoping to subsidize the GSII cost.
oofie said:
Any updates on what you did? Did you just buy the GSII and use your old $15 unlimited plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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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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?
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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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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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.
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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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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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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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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!