[Q] Avoid buying a data plan on AT&T? - General Questions and Answers

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.

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Avoid buying a data plan on AT&T?

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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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So wait if I pop in my Dumbphone sim with unlimited plan , I can still keep it?

Att data plans

Hey guys, i have an inspire, i was wondering if i activitated an old att basic messaging phone unlimited data plan, would it work with my inspire? And would it provide mr with the same speeds?
Thanks!
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Are you a new customer? Or are you conming from a previous smartphone like an iPhone?
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
I have the same question.
I just bought an Inspire for a dumphone line that didn't have the $10 unltd data. So I guess there's no way around this line since I already bought it? I bought it at full retail no commitment. We still have the original device.
But we also have 2 other dumbphone's in the family plan that are ready for smartphones. They don't have $10 unltd data. If I got the $10 unltd on each now and in about a month(when we are ready to buy smartphones) can we get untld data on the 2 new smartphones?
you can try, but it wont work because as soon as the IMEI of the inspire registers with the network, the auto sweep tool bumps your line to the proper smartphone data plan.
but i would definitely give it a shot. however note that you dont want to lsoe your grandfathered unlimited data plan if that is what you have, and once you get bumped it might be impossible to get it back.
the best choice, which is how people avoid this, is to only use non-ATT phones that they dont know or consider smartphones. but the inspire will get detected guaranteed immediately.
RogerPodacter said:
you can try, but it wont work because as soon as the IMEI of the inspire registers with the network, the auto sweep tool bumps your line to the proper smartphone data plan.
but i would definitely give it a shot. however note that you dont want to lsoe your grandfathered unlimited data plan if that is what you have, and once you get bumped it might be impossible to get it back.
the best choice, which is how people avoid this, is to only use non-ATT phones that they dont know or consider smartphones. but the inspire will get detected guaranteed immediately.
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This is my situation;
1 iPhone unltd data(grandfathered)
2 dumbphones with no data(messaging phones)
1 recently bought Inspire with 2gb data plan
My question is about the 2 messaging dumbphones. They currently have no data. The 2 want smartphones in about a month. If I get the $10 unltd data now on the 2 messaging dumbphones can I buy 2 unbranded smartphones and be able to get unltd 3G data? Do I need to get a $10 plan for each messaging phone prior to buying an unbranded phone?
I'm not going to mess with the iPhone 4 with grandfathered unltd data.
I have a Captivate with IP3G unltd. data and 2 regular lines on a family plan. I can't upgrade Captivate but use upgrade on 2 other lines. Can I order Inspire as an upgrade for a regular line and use it with my IP3G SIM from Captivate?
My experience with this:
I had a theory about iPhone 2G data plan trick and did my own spin on it. With my Inspire 4G activated and powered on, I put an old SIM card into an iPhone 2G and activated the iphone through iTunes. It let me switch to the iPhone 2G unlimited plan + 200 txt for $20, but the actual voice/data did not switch over to the iPhone because the SIM card is old/unprovisioned.
I don't know exactly why, but I've been on the unlimited 2g + 200 txt (no MMS of course) plan for three weeks now with no data plan bump. The AT&T account website recognizes the Inspire IMEI (displays the Inspire on my account). However, it will not let me remove the 2G plan and upgrade to the smartphone personal unlimited.
ATT has been really sketchy about this... all you have to do is call customer support or go into the store and say that your unlimited was removed without authorization.
I got mine back on. You will need it.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
JWGWulff said:
ATT has been really sketchy about this... all you have to do is call customer support or go into the store and say that your unlimited was removed without authorization.
I got mine back on. You will need it.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
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I never had unltd data on the messaging phones. I know which unbranded phones I'm going to purchase in about a month.
What should I do to take adsvsndage of unltd data on the new unbranded smart phones I'm asking. Get the messaging phones on unltd data now or it doesn't matter?

[Q] NO data plan?

If i was to buy an Inspire from craigslist and pop my sim card in that has no data plan, would i stil be ablke to use the phone just without a data plan? thanks!
Probably, until att emails you and tells you they are going to upgrade you to a data plan when they do and imei check.
haha o man that will get me in trouble with the rents! haha, is there anyway i can be like no, you cannot do that, i didnt buy it from yall
Can't do that
ATT will detect which phone you are using and automatically add the data plan on.
i am currently using an iphone 3g for about a year now and they havent done that to me yet...before using the iphone however, my dad told them to cut off any access or ability for me to use data. is that why they havent made me add on a plan?
ThroughHymn said:
i am currently using an iphone 3g for about a year now and they havent done that to me yet...before using the iphone however, my dad told them to cut off any access or ability for me to use data. is that why they havent made me add on a plan?
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Its possible you have a old smartphone opt out feature on your account. This was added for people that had a smartphone b4 data was a requirement and had to be grandfathered in.
I was under the impression that the iPhone overrode this but i could be wrong
Drew
ThroughHymn said:
If i was to buy an Inspire from craigslist and pop my sim card in that has no data plan, would i stil be ablke to use the phone just without a data plan? thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've recently updated to the inspire from an original unlocked iphone 2g. I've been using it without a data plan for the past 3 years. At the start, they used to send me text messages about not having a data plan. That lasted about a month or two when I originally bought the phone. And I never heard another thing about it since then.
One little note I found in the contract of the new agreement. It states that "You realize that your smartphone requires a data plan, and if detected you allow AT&T to add the according data plan to your contract." I'm not really happy about that because I did infact not want to keep the data plan. To me it's a waste of money as I live in Philly and wi-fi is everywhere which is faster.
Anyways. I say that if you buy the phone from craigslist and pop in your old sim card, there is nothing AT&T can do. You didn't sign a new contract that has those agreements within. Therefore that can't just turn a data plan on for you if you didn't sign that contract/agreement.
So my answer from experience is that without a doubt you can use the phone bought from craigslist without a data plan. And provided that agreement isn't in your contract, AT&T cannot just turn on the data plan without you knowing.
I bought a capitvate off of ebay 6 months ago and put my sim card in without a data plan, and a month ago I bought an inspire and att has never sent me a message or nothing.
ooo ok i see, thakns guys! now ill just need to generate some money to go buy one! haha
If you unlock it, AT&T can't tell what phone you are using.....
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App

[Q] Data plan on unlocked phone

I just bought an Inspire 4G from ATT and was going to unlock it (probably going to buy an unlock code from htcimeiunlock).
My problem is, I dont want to pay for a data plan (I live in the city so there is wifi everywhere). Under our family plan, the phone is currently being used by my dad (who's paying for a data plan), but he realised he doesn't need all that and was going to downgrade to a non-smart phone (and cancel his data). I will then put my SIM card (which has no data plan attached to it) in his Inspire.
After I unlock the phone (but still use an ATT SIM), will ATT still be able to tell I'm now using a smart phone and instantly add a data plan onto my line? Or can I use it without having to pay for that and just go on the internet through wifi alone?
33pac said:
I just bought an Inspire 4G from ATT and was going to unlock it (probably going to buy an unlock code from htcimeiunlock).
My problem is, I dont want to pay for a data plan (I live in the city so there is wifi everywhere). Under our family plan, the phone is currently being used by my dad (who's paying for a data plan), but he realised he doesn't need all that and was going to downgrade to a non-smart phone (and cancel his data). I will then put my SIM card (which has no data plan attached to it) in his Inspire.
After I unlock the phone (but still use an ATT SIM), will ATT still be able to tell I'm now using a smart phone and instantly add a data plan onto my line? Or can I use it without having to pay for that and just go on the internet through wifi alone?
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Yes, AT&T will automatically add it as the IMEI, which cannot be changed, is in their system.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA Premium App
Yes they can. My data plan is still from the iphone. I get a txt once a day saying a 4g data plan is required. If you have no data plan you will get a txt saying a data is required. They will eventually add it to your plan.
You may want to add the dumbphone data plan before installing your sim. I got 2gb/month for $10 when I gave my wife my Incite because her dumbphone had the data plan.

[Q] No Internet Connection At All - What do I need to do?

First off, I'm a T-mobile USA customer. I just bought the T-mobile Sensation 4g. This is my upgrade from the T-mobile HD2 (3G phone) which I still have.
I get decent 3G internet connectivity on the HD2 but no internet connectivity at all on the Sensation 4G (not even the slower EDGE data speeds). The 4g icon shows on the Sensation but I cannot connect to anything requires internet connectivity. I can only make phone calls. I checked all the data settings on the phone and everything looks to be in order. The mobile network is connected, the network mode is gsm/wcdma auto, the network operator is t-mobile, the apn is epc.tmobile.com, and the "enable always-on mobile data" box is checked.
Can anyone help / advise me on this? I'm not sure if it's a sim card or data plan issue. I searched the threads but did not find an answer.
If I were you I would take it back to t mobile and get a new one
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using Tapatalk
I didn't buy it from t-mobile (but from a private seller). I put another person's t-mobile sim card in the phone and it connected to the internet and accessed websites immediately. This is why I'm thinking it's either my sim card or my data plan (it's definitely not the phone). Again, my sim card in my HD2 (3G phone) gets internet connection just fine. I don't want to upgrade the data plan if I don't have to. I'm grandfathered into my current plan with unlimited text and web for $59.99 (no contract). I don't trust customer service (they will say anything to get you to switch to a higher priced plan and a 2-year contract - they're calling me almost everyday now to try to switch me to a contract plan - I won't even answer the phone when I see the number). I'd rather for someone who knows what's going on to tell me the truth rather than t-mobile customer service lying to me just to get me to spend more money (lol).
check your HD2's APN settings
write them down and change your APN settings on yr sensation
apn settings are the same on both devices (epc.tmobile.com). Thanks.
What data plan are you using? When I switched from a BlackBerry to an Android device I had to call tmo and get on the right data plan.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium
I got the smartphone unlimited web data plan. It came bundled with my even more plus phone plan. I was using it with my HD2 and got decent 3G speeds no problem. Is it possible that because the HD2 is officially a windows mobile phone that my data plan may not be "android compatible"? Note that I was running android on my HD2 and getting data just fine without having to do anything.
curgervending said:
I got the smartphone unlimited web data plan. It came bundled with my even more plus phone plan. I was using it with my HD2 and got decent 3G speeds no problem. Is it possible that because the HD2 is officially a windows mobile phone that my data plan may not be "android compatible"? Note that I was running android on my HD2 and getting data just fine without having to do anything.
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Click to collapse
That might be the problem, I think all android phones need the "android data"
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium
You need to change your data plan. Call customer care and tell then you now have an android phone. They can adjust your plan accordingly and without a change in cost.
I had this same problem when I picked up mine. It's an easy fix.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
ok. looks like i gotta call t-mobile. they scare me. they called me last week, said my plan was no longer available, my service would be disrupted and then tried to switch me over to a contract plan (not asking me if i want to switch but telling me i'm "eligible" for another plan and actually tried to just switch me right over the phone - i hung up the phone). That's crazy. They've been calling me practically everyday since (automated call - once you answer, they put on a live customer service rep). I don't plan to switch. So I'm gonna call them and try to get my connectivity issue sorted out and hoping they don't start badgering me to switch plans. I think they just want to get me out of my "cheap" plan (500 minutes, unlimited text, smartphone unlimited data - $59.99). Even though they discontinued the even more plus plans, I should be grandfathered. Anyway.........
Data Issue Resolved
Thanks everyone for your input. It turns out that it was the data plan. I was not aware that t-mobile has a data plan sepcifically for android devices (go figure). They switched me to an android data plan (at no extra cost). I'm now up and running data just fine on my Sensation. As trivial as this was (to you guys) it was very important to me. Again, thanks.
I'll visit a retail store in your area and inquire about their Best Value Plan ever. $49.99/month unlimited minutes, text and data. It's only available in retail stores.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
*Subscribing*
curgervending said:
Thanks everyone for your input. It turns out that it was the data plan. I was not aware that t-mobile has a data plan sepcifically for android devices (go figure). They switched me to an android data plan (at no extra cost). I'm now up and running data just fine on my Sensation. As trivial as this was (to you guys) it was very important to me. Again, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they don't have a specific data plan. it's all the same stuff. it's just their way of getting all of us older customers off of our non-tiered data plans to their "Android Approved" (i wish there was a sarcasm font) tiered data plans at a higher cost. what they did is see that you had a newer phone on an older plan & blacklisted your IMEI until you switched over. If you would have put your SIM back in the HD2 it would've worked perfectly.

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