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Hspa+ on ATT prepaid.

Just was wondering if you guys believe we will be able to get hspa with ATT prepaid.?? Anyone know?
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

not any time soon, only a couple markets will have 3g on go phone by the end of march. Until at&t releases prepaid smartphones plans, this will not happen. I have heard that at&t plans to have the entire network (2g and 3g) covered by hspa by the end of 2011. Maybe then will we see some changes.

3G should work on any att phone, gophone or not (assuming there's 3G coverage where you live). HSPA+ definitely won't work, because there are no prepaid HSPA+ features/plans yet.

I used 2 different iPhones on att prepaid. And I got 3g just fine (should work with hspa+ just fine as long as its available in your area). It should work but remember android devices use a lot of data so disable it or make sure that you disable all the apps that sync data.

you cant, it will check the miei number or something and deactivate it

Ok while I know everything works fine on prepaid, no 4g here yet so that much I am not sure. I know after a rom flash you will get a completely different set of APN for prepaid.

cordell507 said:
you cant, it will check the miei number or something and deactivate it
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No it wont. With pay as you go they don't really care because there is no unlimited data for it. You will not get a txt saying you have the wrong data plan. You wont hear anything from att. Like I said before I used 2 different iPhones on a pay as you go ( the original iPhone and the iPhone 3g). I also used 2 different blackberrys too ( the curve and the storm). Never once did att contact me about the phone I was using. I used that sim card for over a year. Then when i went with a contract account they didn't even change my sim card. I continued to use the same sim card till i got my iPhone 4.

Carlrobling said:
No it wont. With pay as you go they don't really care because there is no unlimited data for it. You will not get a txt saying you have the wrong data plan. You wont hear anything from att. Like I said before I used 2 different iPhones on a pay as you go ( the original iPhone and the iPhone 3g). I also used 2 different blackberrys too ( the curve and the storm). Never once did att contact me about the phone I was using. I used that sim card for over a year. Then when i went with a contract account they didn't even change my sim card. I continued to use the same sim card till i got my iPhone 4.
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Isn't storm a CDMA phone.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using Tapatalk

alaimar said:
Isn't storm a CDMA phone.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using Tapatalk
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Its a world phone. So it has sim card slot and can be unlocked for att and tmobile. So its a cdma and gsm phone.

It's not GoPhone, but I have my Inspire working just fine on StraightTalk, $45/month for unlimited everything. The only downside is that you have to purchase a $200 Nokia StraightTalk smartphone to get a compatible SIM (no way around that) and keep it in a drawer for as long as you have service. My data speeds are just as fast as regular AT&T around my area, about 5mb down, 2mb up.

entropism said:
It's not GoPhone, but I have my Inspire working just fine on StraightTalk, $45/month for unlimited everything. The only downside is that you have to purchase a $200 Nokia StraightTalk smartphone to get a compatible SIM (no way around that) and keep it in a drawer for as long as you have service. My data speeds are just as fast as regular AT&T around my area, about 5mb down, 2mb up.
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O there is hope lol when my contracts up with ATT I will head over to ATT. Thanks for posting this comment
Sent from my HTC Inspire™ 4G on AT&T

New to Inspire? YOU NEED TO READ THIS!

I had the Check Mark under the "H+" icon like a lot of other veteran AT&T users here. I had no data service due to an incorrect APN. I bought the Inspire off-contract at a Corp store & put in my SIM from my Captivate. I called Premier Support and this was what I was told:
"The Inspire uses the 4G network and your IMEI isn't provisioned on our network. We can register your IMEI to use our network but you'll have to select a new data plan. If you choose to enter an APN manually, when our system audits the network, your IMEI will show as a "non-qualifying" device and you'll immediately be placed in the 4G 250MB data plan. I can put in a ticket stating that you request your IMEI be allowed to use our 4G network on an unlimited basis, but there's no guarantee that it will be approved. If it is not approved, you will have the option to remain on the 3G unlimited plan with your 3g-only device or 'upgrade' to a 4G plan with your Inspire. You will be contacted with our decision."
There apparently is no option to use the Inspire solely on the 3G unlimited network. To guarantee that I only use the 3G network, I'll have to go back to a 3G-only device - IE my Captivate.
I will wait to see what they come up with but my fall-back will be to return the Inspire and pay the $35 restocking fee & pursue my options with a class-action lawsuit.
This is going to have me cancelling the 5 lines I have with AT&T and switch to Verizon. Even if I can't get unlimited data with Verizon and it ultimately costs me more, I'd switch just to spite AT&T and deny them of my monthly $289. This is COMPLETE BS on AT&T's part!
EDIT: I forgot to mention that between Sunday and Tuesday morning, my Inspire used over 500MB on AT&T's network with all the Google & HTCSense.com syncronization! This is in ADDITION to the data I transferred over my 802.11n network at home! They have geared these devices to absolutely SUCK data down their pipes with their bloatware. I totally feel an anti-trust/consumer fraud lawsuit in the making!

I would suggest trying to call them back. I switched from a captivate to the Inspire and had the same issues with data. Called their support and told them to keep my unlimited data and 5 minutes later they had me all squared away unlimited 4g data and all, I think you talked to a ****ty rep is all.

Yeah I stayed on the $30 unlimited plan no problem. They told me they switched it to 4G and it would still be the same price and unlimited.

gtg465x said:
Yeah I stayed on the $30 unlimited plan no problem. They told me they switched it to 4G and it would still be the same price and unlimited.
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glad to see your using an inspire GTG

Same here. Bought the phone at Costco. Put my Captivate SIM in and no go. Went to my local corp store and the guy told me I had to change my data plan since the Unlimited plan would not work based on a Memo the store received last Friday.
After I argued a bit I told him to switch me to the 2GB plan. He then noticed in the computer that I could stay on the unlimited plan and be on the 4G network.
I would call back ATT and demand you stay on the unlimited plan that you have been grandfathered into or you will cancel and leave. They don't want to lose a account that spends that much monthly.

I really hope you guys are right. I've been with AT&Greed for over 4 years now. I will try tomorrow at the Corp store where I bought it and update on here tomorrow night.
I want to make sure you all understand I'm not trying to steer anyone away from the Inspire. In fact, I actually forgot how much I liked having an HTC phone (had the 8125, 8525, and Fuze previously). Sense has been the $hit since I loaded the WinMo 6.5 ROMs! I liked the Android experience on my Captivate (minus TouchWiz) but really like what HTC has done with Sense on the Inspire. My quibble isn't with HTC, but with AT&Greed on their data plans.
I'll update tomorrow.

You have to have a "4g" sim card placed into your inspire. There is no reason for them not to let you you keep your unlimeted data. Its a different soc code for the data as well. The idiot Rep who you talked to on the phone is the single reason why att has a bad name. Im actually an att store manager and have had att years before I started with the company. Go back to the store you bought your inspire from and tell them to register your imei to the account and to give you a "4g" sim card. The system we use will make them switch the data plan as well but don't worry... you don't have to give up your unlimited. If you have any questions ill try to stay posted to this thread to help anyone out.
PS. 4g sim cards are cross compatible with 3g phones so if you ever switch back to your old phone you can use the new sim
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App

This should be noted
Regardless of my outcome with AT&T tomorrow, this is VERY important:
"I forgot to mention that between Sunday and Tuesday morning, my Inspire used over 500MB on AT&T's network with all the Google & HTCSense.com syncronization! This is in ADDITION to the data I transferred over my 802.11n network at home! They have geared these devices to absolutely SUCK data down their pipes with their bloatware."
Even if AT&T "allows" me "unlimited" access to their network, there are obviously programs that use their network regardless of our connection to Wi-Fi networks. Therefore, a user that isn't grandfathered into an unlimited data plan will unwittingly use data on their network even if connected via Wi-Fi. If AT&T is FORCING certain programs to use thier data network, even when connected via Wi-Fi, then it needs to be clear which programs are doing so and give the end user the ability to disable those programs. If they do not, they are guilty of a "bait and switch" scheme that is clearly outlawed by current legislation.

mgarciamma said:
You have to have a "4g" sim card placed into your inspire. There is no reason for them not to let you you keep your unlimeted data. Its a different soc code for the data as well. The idiot Rep who you talked to on the phone is the single reason why att has a bad name. Im actually an att store manager and have had att years before I started with the company. Go back to the store you bought your inspire from and tell them to register your imei to the account and to give you a "4g" sim card. The system we use will make them switch the data plan as well but don't worry... you don't have to give up your unlimited. If you have any questions ill try to stay posted to this thread to help anyone out.
PS. 4g sim cards are cross compatible with 3g phones so if you ever switch back to your old phone you can use the new sim
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App
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Well being as I work for AT&T also, I have to say for a store manager you are not fully up to speed with all this.
Yes you need to have the SOC code for the PDA data plan switched to a 4g code, and yes you can keep unlimited. But you do NOT need a 4g sim card. Those new sims we got in with the new sku are only needed for LTE devices. All the non LTE 4G phones just need a regular 3G sim. The only thing different is the 4G SOC code for the Data plan.
Being as you are ripping the CS rep for mis information, you need to look in the mirror dude cause you're doing the same thing.

chocodough said:
Well being as I work for AT&T also, I have to say for a store manager you are not fully up to speed with all this.
Yes you need to have the SOC code for the PDA data plan switched to a 4g code, and yes you can keep unlimited. But you do NOT need a 4g sim card. Those new sims we got in with the new sku are only needed for LTE devices. All the non LTE 4G phones just need a regular 3G sim. The only thing different is the 4G SOC code for the Data plan.
Being as you are ripping the CS rep for mis information, you need to look in the mirror dude cause you're doing the same thing.
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You would be correct.

I say root, unlock, flash custom Rom which is already possible and stick it to att! I seriously can't complain because ATT has always been good to me, been with them since late 2004.

I had a Google Nexus One and used my upgrade for the Inspire. The ATT employee used my SIM card and just inserted my SIM into the inspire and I was able to keep my old iPhone Unlimited plan with no issue at all.

i upgraded my phone myself at my job. i made sure i had unlimited.

I've had unlimited data for 5 years now. I was able to keep mine with the upgrade to the inspire, but it required a long, long phone call to AT&T CS to keep it. The sales guy couldn't get their PC to let me keep unlimited without making special provisions w/ CS for some reason. Got to keep it, though.

I purchased mine from Best Buy and the CS reps called At&t and took care if every thing for me. I am also using the same sin from my Captivate. They also were doing the same for the guy next to me.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

Well I hate to say, but most CS reps at AT&T are clueless. Not all, there are some that know their stuff, but most are not very good.
Basically here is how it works if you already have the unlimited plan.
When we go to change from say a BB to an iPhone, or iPhone to PDA, or 4G PDA....etc....we go in and remove the current data plan, and just select the other one we need to put on there. If you already have say unlimited data on an iPhone, being as it's already on there, when we go to put on the 4G unlimited, it will list it and we select it no problem. If you don't already have unlimited it will not be a choice for us to select.
It's as simple as that. It's not rocket science. I am really sorry there are people who are dealing with reps who have no idea what they are doing. It's a pretty simple process to get things switched over.

chocodough said:
Well being as I work for AT&T also, I have to say for a store manager you are not fully up to speed with all this.
Yes you need to have the SOC code for the PDA data plan switched to a 4g code, and yes you can keep unlimited. But you do NOT need a 4g sim card. Those new sims we got in with the new sku are only needed for LTE devices. All the non LTE 4G phones just need a regular 3G sim. The only thing different is the 4G SOC code for the Data plan.
Being as you are ripping the CS rep for mis information, you need to look in the mirror dude cause you're doing the same thing.
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Thanks for correcting me..... but try using that 3g sim card when lte rolls around. I retract my previous statement about "needing" a 4g sim card but any att store will put one in for free. And it sounds like someone is a cs Rep?
And far as looking in the mirror... I do it every morning with a big smile! Knowing that att has paid for my house, my two vehicles, and all other necessities, I'm obviously doing something right.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

mgarciamma said:
Thanks for correcting me..... but try using that 3g sim card when lte rolls around. I retract my previous statement about "needing" a 4g sim card but any att store will put one in for free. And it sounds like someone is a cs Rep?
And far as looking in the mirror... I do it every morning with a big smile! Knowing that att has paid for my house, my two vehicles, and all other necessities, I'm obviously doing something right.
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Hehe sorry, I come across too strong sometimes.
No I am not a CS rep. I work in a COR store as well.

my unlimited data plan was removed as well. even after i specifically asked if i was able to keep it, and if not i would not upgrade. ended up spending time on the phone with customer service...and they said they had to put in a case to reinstate the unlimited data plan. i was quoted 9 days before a resolution...wtf???

man, i must have gotten one of the lucky guys in a corp store that really knew his stuff. he had made the captivate->inspire jump as well and fully understood why i was doing it. i kept my same sim that i've had since my iphone 3g and kept the same unlimited data plan. he actually told me that he recommended i keep it rather than switching to the 2gb plan because once i switch from it, there is no going back. he had my inspire up and running in no time at all and i still have my unlimited iphone account grandfathered in.

New SIM Card required.

So, I just got done chatting with AT&T customer service, via online chat, and I was asking questions about the phone constantly switching between HSDPA, and UMTS. I asked if this was normal, and she said mentioned that it is as they are upgrading the networks. She asked me for my zip, and did a check and said that they are currently working on upgrading in the area (Manhattan). She also did say that this phone will be able to connect to the LTE network when that is rolled out later this year (though from the sounds of it on this forum, that is highly unlikely).
Then, I asked about the SIM card. I mentioned I came from the Samsung Captivate, and that my SIM card says 3G on it. I said is this affecting my phone and contributing to my phone spending more time on UMTS than HSDPA? And her response was...
"Yes, you will need a new SIM card. If you can give me your address, I will be able to find a location in your area that can give you one free of charge."
I'm going into the store tomorrow to pick one up. Hell, why not?! Free and new is always good. Doubt it is the SIM, though it could help in the long run.
Thoughts?

AT&T needs to train their CSR staff. This phone won't do LTE and the 4g card won't make any difference.
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk

It is true you will need a 4g sim card to get LTE. The Inspire is only hsdpa+ 3.5G lol

klquicksall said:
It is true you will need a 4g sim card to get LTE. The Inspire is only hsdpa+ 3.5G lol
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Click to collapse
3.5g is Hspa
hspa+ is 3.75

Well, I had the "captivate->inspire no mobile data" thing happen a couple of days ago, went to the store, dude did some stuff on the computer, didn't work, and the only thing left to do was to change the SIM card (from 3g to the new one), which worked.
So the moral of the story is you're better off having them give you a new sim, even if the old one still looks like it's working, even partially, as was the case for me.
Sent from my HTC Inspire using Tapatalk Pro

I'm using an old 3G sim that I don't even know where I got. LOL its been working just fine.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

This is all good info. Thanks all for sharing. I'd be curious to hear others experiences after using a newer SIM card.

When I got the phone a day early, the guy had problems registering the new sim so I'm just using my old 3G card. Runs fine, maybe slower without the build.prop edit but it doesn't matter much where I live. Do what works for you.
Sent from my HTC Inspire

No signal what so ever....
3G??

I just recently switched from a captivate to inspire at an ATT store. The salesman put in a new sim card in the inspire instead of putting my captivate sim card in. When I asked why, whether this is true or not and I question too, he told me that in order to get 4g connection, I need a new sim. He deactivated my old sim and told me to shred it. When I got home, I placed my old sim back in and sure enough it was deactivated. I then placed my new "4g sim in my captivate and it worked. " I would like to know if a deactivated sim can be reactivated before I dispose if it.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

cavsoldier19d said:
I just recently switched from a captivate to inspire at an ATT store. The salesman put in a new sim card in the inspire instead of putting my captivate sim card in. When I asked why, whether this is true or not and I question too, he told me that in order to get 4g connection, I need a new sim. He deactivated my old sim and told me to shred it. When I got home, I placed my old sim back in and sure enough it was deactivated. I then placed my new "4g sim in my captivate and it worked. " I would like to know if a deactivated sim can be reactivated before I dispose if it.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
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Click to collapse
He was wrong about "needing a 4G SIM", but you can't reactivate a deprovisioned SIM.

Gotcha. That sux. I also asked the salesman if the inspire would connect to the LTE network when it rolls out and he said yes. Imo, if ATT current lineup of 4g phones won't connect to LTE, that is a class action lawsuit waiting to happen. ATT can't afford anymore negative publicity of these proportions. We can speculate, but in the end, we won't actually know until LTE goes live.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

Will connect, probably. Isn't LTE backward compatible with 3g?
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk

gunnyman said:
Will connect, probably. Isn't LTE backward compatible with 3g?
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
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From what I've read the networks are backward compatible to provide a seamless transition between networks, but a special chipset is still needed to connect to LTE, which as far as I know the Inspire doesn't have

cavsoldier19d said:
Gotcha. That sux. I also asked the salesman if the inspire would connect to the LTE network when it rolls out and he said yes. Imo, if ATT current lineup of 4g phones won't connect to LTE, that is a class action lawsuit waiting to happen. ATT can't afford anymore negative publicity of these proportions. We can speculate, but in the end, we won't actually know until LTE goes live.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
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well we know for a fact the inspire does not have an LTE radio, so that issue is for sure a "no". i really dont see much to back up a lawsuit though...

I think the key to your response is the statement "no current AT&T phones will ever be able to connect to the LTE network". I believe this was carefully and specifically worded, which leaves the techs in the store correct but misrepresenting what will happen. The phones will connect to the LTE towers because they will be the same towers as the 3G towers, but they will only connect as 3G devices with HSPA+ which means they could be capable of 4G speeds on these upgraded towers. It is true that they will not connect to the LTE network itself which I don't believe is really saying much. I doubt ATT is running multiple separate receivers on each tower for all their different network types. I would have to believe they are buying equipment that is capable of supporting their legacy phones while bringing new features in.
It still comes down to the same thing, if you were expecting an LTE feature on this phone in the future, you bought the wrong device. There is a reason the Thunderbolt is more expensive than the Evo and Inspire, it has an LTE chipset in it. Beyond that fact there really isn't a major difference between this phone and the Thunderbolt.

Just walked out of the store with a new "4G" SIM card. Yeah, from the sounds of it, especially after reading the comments here, all this SIM card is, is a re-branded one of the 3G card.
The only people that have told me this phone will not be able to access the LTE network are here on the forum. Thus, I trust this forum and the people here far more than any person at AT&T. Nevertheless, they absolutely need to differentiate between LTE and HSPA+. This is a fact: Every single person I have spoken to at a AT&T store in Manhattan, including the regional manager (whom set me up with this phone, for free, after my complaint about my previous phone to the CEO of AT&T wireless) has mentioned and specifically stated this phone will be able to access the LTE network.
It does not bother me one bit that I will in fact not be able to access the LTE network with this phone. No. I'm perfectly happy with the speeds now, and that I can access HSPA fine here in the city (when I am connected to HSPA, that is). In any case, by the time LTE is accessible to the masses, we'll be able to upgrade our phones. It will be quite sometime before most folks will ever be downloading with the speeds of LTE.
The real issue at hand now is being able to get the full upload/download speeds of HSPA as it still seems to be capped! One step at a time I guess. HSPA is available, I can access it fully throughout the city, however my upload speeds are still capped. This is the first hurdle to clear before going on to the next - LTE.

[Q] My sim card is at least 5-6 years old

Seriously, I've had this same sim card since I signed up with tmo 5-6 years ago and I'm getting 6Mbps download. Factory freak sim card?

lol, i have a new sim, and have yet to see 6Mb/sec anywhere.

booch137 said:
Seriously, I've had this same sim card since I signed up with tmo 5-6 years ago and I'm getting 6Mbps download. Factory freak sim card?
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i had that same problem and even opened a maintenance ticket with tmo.. And eventually they realized my sim was only a 3g sim and not a newer 4g sim.. It all sounded like B.S. to me until i ran speed test..

According to everybody and their mother on this site, my sim card shouldn't even be capable of 3g speeds.

booch137 said:
According to everybody and their mother on this site, my sim card shouldn't even be capable of 3g speeds.
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Click to collapse
Get a new one. I had one that was 8yrs old and they said it would not allow me to get 4g. A new one came w/ the phone?
I was having probs w/ data movement and they gave me another new one.. so now I have 2 new sims. Are they good for anything? Thinking about pitching one.

Same here. I thought, how could a sim card make a difference, but it did for me.
pookeee said:
i had that same problem and even opened a maintenance ticket with tmo.. And eventually they realized my sim was only a 3g sim and not a newer 4g sim.. It all sounded like B.S. to me until i ran speed test..
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Click to collapse
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

But how old was your previous sim card, for the folks that noticed a difference?
It's difficult to understand considering Tmo's 4g isn't even real 4g.

Last time I got a new sim was when I had my SDA. Since then, I've had the same sim in my SDA, G1, N1 and now G2x. Just ran the Speedtest.net app by Ookla, and am getting anywhere between 4725/1100 to 8175/1753 kbps. I don't think I need the one that came with the phone just yet.

I work for T-mobile, I have been in the business for 10 yrs total (4 with Verizon). Every customer I put into a 4g phone I replace their sim with the new ones, why??? Because on the rare occasion that I didn't or one of my reps didn't, the customer WILL make a return trip due to signal and data connectivity issues. It's a simple and easy thing to do, I'm sure someone will dispute this, but hey, don't listen to the guy who's been doing this for a decade. When you upgrade, activate new service or buy the phone outright, WATCH THE REP WHEN HE OPENS THE BOX, THEY COME WITH A NEW SIM CARD, THIS IS YOURS, YOU ARE ENTITLED TO IT. No matter if you ask for it or they quietly sneak it away (many sales reps are either lazy or not properly trained), they have to scan them on the receipt, trust me have them activate it, they made new ones for 4g phones on the so called 4g network.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

Help a 4g Noob

hey guys.
I know my way around around and all but I need to ask a few questions about 4g.
right now I have a vibrant with a $60 T-Mobile unlimited plan ( includes data/ no contract).
I plan on getting a g2x(not from T-Mobile) . would I have to get a 4g plan? or I can use my current one with 3g only? is 4g free as long as the phone is capable? and do I need a different sim card for the g2x?
lol sorry for bombarding u all with these questions.....thanks in advance.

You'll will need to have at least a $30 premium plan.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

If by $60 unlimited plan you mean the prepaid/monthly 4g then yes it will work. Same 2gb data cap though.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk

rsalina9 said:
If by $60 unlimited plan you mean the prepaid/monthly 4g then yes it will work. Same 2gb data cap though.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk
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yes is the $60 prepaid/ monthly plan but idk if its 4g....right now I get 3g (H) with 5gb cap then its slowed to 2g speed.
my main issue is I do no want to change the plan.....just phone

I may be misinformed but when I went from a Blackberry to the G2x, TMobile told me I would have to change the sim card to a 4g sim. Just throwing that out there.

I through my old sim card that was in my old Mytouch 3g slide into the G2x when i got it. Same plan nothing changed, just new phone. There really isnt a "4g" plan. And T-mobile's 4g network is technically 3g, they just call it that for whatever reason.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

They are all technically 3g. True 4g is around 100+ Mbps.

I think its just a selling technique. I had an old sim cards from years ago and transferred it into my g2x and ive had no issues at all. I did end up getting a new sim card anyway but the speeds remained the same. Also, it is unecessary to get a "4g" plan. I was talked into getting it when I upgraded the phone but then realized I could have just stuck to my old cheaper plan and the speeds wouldnt have changed. I talked to retentions at Tmobile and the lady even told me she has no idea why i was told to upgrade and she switched me back.

thanks everybody.....i am only limited to 5 thanks a day lol.

GTWalling said:
They are all technically 3g. True 4g is around 100+ Mbps.
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Click to collapse
Well 4g stands for fourth generation. Which is a new technology or method. What Tmobile uses is improved hspa that's why its called fake 4g. Nothing new just really fast 3g. speed doesn't matter nor count has to be a new method of cellular transmittion.
Sent from my CM 7.1.0 G2x using XDA app

K2sInteg98 said:
I think its just a selling technique. I had an old sim cards from years ago and transferred it into my g2x and ive had no issues at all. I did end up getting a new sim card anyway but the speeds remained the same. Also, it is unecessary to get a "4g" plan. I was talked into getting it when I upgraded the phone but then realized I could have just stuck to my old cheaper plan and the speeds wouldnt have changed. I talked to retentions at Tmobile and the lady even told me she has no idea why i was told to upgrade and she switched me back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Representatives aren't necessarily knowledgeable on this subject. However, the '4G SIMs' they often refer to are usually UICC/GBA/IMS SIMs. The difference between these SIMs and the old LEGACY SIMs (as they are labeled on the T-Mobile system) is that the legacy SIMs have a lifetime of around 90,000 authentications. Once these authentications run out, the SIM will no longer register on the network.
These authentications are pretty much each time you connect or hand off to a new data tower. On HSPA and HSPA+, these handoffs are occurring far more often than they did on EDGE or GPRS. In essence, with a legacy SIM you are running on borrowed time before your SIM simply begins to refuse to connect to the network. It sounds like a lot of authentications, but they run out astoundingly fast and some people have actually hit the SIM exhaustion point. This won't cause slow data speeds or inability to connect to data but still being able to use voice. Your phone will not authenticate on the network at all.
Any data plan will give you '4G', or rather HSPA+ as long as your phone has the appropriate modem and you are within the area covered by HSPA+ towers. You do not have to change data plans if you already have one. You also do not need a new plan for a new SIM card. If you have a legacy SIM card T-Mobile should replace it free of charge, unless that policy has changed. They are trying to be proactive in preventing customers from not reaching the authentication limit of the legacy SIM cards.
Your SIM card has absolutely nothing to do with your data speed, however on certain phones some features are tied to certain types of SIM cards, especially new IMS featured phones.
lanlee212 said:
Well 4g stands for fourth generation. Which is a new technology or method. What Tmobile uses is improved hspa that's why its called fake 4g. Nothing new just really fast 3g. speed doesn't matter nor count has to be a new method of cellular transmittion.
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No carrier in the US at this time uses anything approaching the original 4G specifications, nor will be capable of doing so for years to come. Current LTE, HSPA+, and WiMax networks are stopgaps and were marketed by carriers as 4G despite them not being so, as they needed a way to market faster phones and networks to customers in a way that customers would understand. The specifications board that handles the generational specifications decided to submit to the desires of carriers and lower the boundaries for '4G'. HSPA+ was the quickest, easiest, least battery intensive, most reliable and most cost effective of the three to implement; which is why both T-Mobile and AT&T have been rolling these upgrades out to towers for some time.