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Going to have a 2-year contract on September... Want a new Windows Phone

Hi, i am a student from Vietnam, but studying at United States right now. This is my first year at United States, so i haven't signed a contract yet because i know i will be back Vietnam for a little bit (for about ~4 months). I will be back here on September, 2011 and i think i am going to sign a 2-year contract and get a Windows Phone 7 Device because my currect monthly-contract with T-Mobile is kinda expensive i think...
i am current having the HTC HD7 T-Mobile T9292, bought on ebay. Work perfectly,i am loving it. And September seem to be far away, and HD7 is not a "failed" device, somebody would wonder why i create this thread.
But today, when i went back from the school, i suddenly dropped my HD7 to the ground quite hard and it had no cover at all ( i forgot to put the black-silicon cover for it because i was leaving in hurry in the morning). The phone was damaged physically outside, top right corner ( but still working, no problem while operating the phone) and it looks ugly. I am kinda a person who have a "eye-infinity", want to own something look sexy (that why i bought the HD7). So, when the phone is damaged and cannot be fixed, i get mad (not really, lol ) and there is one thing run across my head, "I am going to have a new phone" .
basically, i know nothing about signing a contract with a wiress-provider. If someone can give me some info that would be great. I am a Microsoft-Fan, and Windows Phone 7 is great to use. But now it get me really confuse. I don't know which phone i am going to get.
HTC HD7 is fine, since i have some special respect to HTC because they always make cool phones, but it has some issue, like "Pink-Camera", TFT-LCD only... Now, we even have a HD7S from AT&T. And again, i don't know which carrier to choose. People said AT&T is expensive, but has a better coverage than T-Mobile...blah...blah...blah. Even Android is not that bad. I am really confuse.
If someone can help me out, that would be great!
PS: I will be at St.Peterburg, FL next year, if someone are going to answer my question about coverage! Thanks!

Why not just order a replacement housing for it instead of signing up for a contract?
http://cgi.ebay.com/USA-Original-HT...ltDomain_0&hash=item3cb77dea52#ht_2185wt_1208

drkfngthdragnlrd said:
Why not just order a replacement housing for it instead of signing up for a contract?
http://cgi.ebay.com/USA-Original-HT...ltDomain_0&hash=item3cb77dea52#ht_2185wt_1208
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+1
or put a cover on it ?
or buy anything off craigslist... a two year contract with the devil, for a phone you can pick up for $200 locally ?

drkfngthdragnlrd said:
Why not just order a replacement housing for it instead of signing up for a contract?
http://cgi.ebay.com/USA-Original-HT...ltDomain_0&hash=item3cb77dea52#ht_2185wt_1208
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Thanks for the link. But i have another question. If i sign a new contract (to T-Mobile for example), can i use my old phone? Or i must have another one?
I want to sign a contract because i cannot handle $50 /month plan for the whole year (Unlimited Talk and text, 100mb data). I choose that plan only beacause i want the "Data", i use the EGRPS/3G more than talk and texting. My friend who have a iPhone 4 AT&T, pay $25/month, and has 2GB Data, 2year contract.
ohgood said:
+1
or put a cover on it ?
or buy anything off craigslist... a two year contract with the devil, for a phone you can pick up for $200 locally ?
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I have the silicon cover for it. It cover the damaged part pretty well. But the idea of signing a contract here is having the Data Usage ( i am a heavily 3G/EGPRS user). I don't need Unlimited talk and text but i need EGPRS so that why i need to choose the plan $50/month...

Plus, remember, most likely AT&T will be merging with T-Mobile within 12 months or so. So, being with one or the other in the long run won't matter & signing a contract with T-Mobile, you may be able to cancel your contact free of charge in a yr. In the USA, you're allowed to cancel a contract free of charge when there's a merger of this type. Also, T-Mobile is cheaper than AT&T & in my experience has better service. I've seen many AT&T users not have signer where I do with T-Mobile, granted non of this matter once the merger is complete.

First thing to mention using an existing device, AT&T & T-Mobile have different 3G frequencies so a T-Mobile device won't get 3G on AT&T. Now they both are GSM & so have SIM Cards so you can reuse your device, just get a cheap free phone with your new contract.

I look at the Windows Phone Chart today, and i don't think any current device is better than HD7, since i have already gotten used to the 4.3 inch screen, it is hard to switch to something smaller than 4 inch.
Dell Venue now is a good choice, but i actually don't like the design that much, and Dell is not really famous in Smartphone category.
ASUS also has a plan for a Windows Phone 7 Device, same as HTC ( a new ad about Windows Phone 7 HTC Device with 16mp Camera and Front Camera for video call) ... and i think they are quite sexy to compare to the HD7.

I was just checking both AT&T & T-Mobile's plans & the cheapest Talk/Text/Web I see is $60 for T-Mobile (500 Mins) & $75 for AT&T (450 Mins w/ Roll Over, $39.99 Talk/$20.00 Text/$15.00 Web). Both have Unlimited Text & 200 MB Data.

So, you have signed the contract to T-Mobile? What is your current plan? (How much per month?) and What is the cheapeast plan that T-Mobile provide?

I have Unlimited Talk/Unlimited Text on 5 lines & Unlimited Web on 1 line. Our bill is $314.05 (With Taxes/Fees/Etc.). T-Mobile does have an Unlimited Talk/Text/Web deal for $80 for a single line.

drkfngthdragnlrd said:
I have Unlimited Talk/Unlimited Text on 5 lines & Unlimited Web on 1 line. Our bill is $314.05 (With Taxes/Fees/Etc.). T-Mobile does have an Unlimited Talk/Text/Web deal for $80 for a single line.
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Do you have any suggestion? 200MB Web is not that bad if i use EGPRS only... but 3G maybe a little bit different, since i am not always home or any cafe' to have Wifi... I may get crazy one day and use all my data in watching video on YouTube!
But i can't believe that my friend can get $25/month, and 2GB Web Data on AT&T for iPhone 4!

I highly doubt he's only paying $25 a month. I believe that to be just for Data, not including talk/text. I pay $30 a month for my Unlimited Data, the 200 MB Data is only $15. AT&T does not have an Unlimited Data plan. They have the 200 MB & 2 GB plans.

drkfngthdragnlrd said:
I highly doubt he's only paying $25 a month. I believe that to be just for Data, not including talk/text. I pay $30 a month for my Unlimited Data, the 200 MB Data is only $15. AT&T does not have an Unlimited Data plan. They have the 200 MB & 2 GB plans.
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So, if you sign a contract, you can pay separately between call/texting and Web Data? That sould really cool to me...
Are you having unlimited data for your HD7?

Correct, my plan is a shared family plan of Unlimited Talk/Text for all 5 lines. My line has it's own Unlimited Data. I prefer to be safe for the extra $15 & not have to worry about data usage.

Thank you very much about the T-Mobile's Plan sir!
Look like i am going to have a contract with T-Mobile... The problem now, is waiting for some Cool Windows Phone 7 Device come out... and hopefully... t-mobile will have it

[Q] Keeping grandfathered unlimited data

So I call AT&T before ordering on amazon, and the rep tells me that I'll be able to call back and switch my data plan to the "5GB Unlimited." I inquire as to how the plan works, she says that if I go over 5GB, I get charged, because it is not unlimited. But then she confirmed that I'll be keeping the grandfathered data plan.
Is this consistent with what other people are getting? Just want to make sure I'm not screwing myself over. Thanks!

It is not called 5GB unlimited. It is LTE unlimited and you will never be charged for overage. What happens is you will be throttled (300k to 500k speed) when you use over 5GB.
You will have to call AT&T to switch back to your unlimited plan after you received your phone from Amazon.

You will probably want to follow up with AT&T after you get your phone to make sure you are actually keeping your grandfathered unlimited plan and that you have not actually been switched over to the 5GB plan.

I had to convince the at&t rep when ordering over the phone that I should have unlimited grandfathered plan.
It is always worth checking to make sure they didn't take it away from you.

While on the phone and on web chat, I asked this specifically with radioshack rep several times that i want to keep my grandfathered unlimited data and they say yes it will be possible. I told them why on my receipt it shows mt dataplan got switched to the 5gb+tether for $50, they said this is only for initial processing, but after approval, everything will go back to the way it was. I made sure to get them to confirm this before I purchased and after i purchased haha.
We will see if this is still the case when I finally get my phone. If not, sucks I might have to cancel and return the phone. unlimited data is pretty valuable especially when you get to go all the way up to 5GB before being throttled in LTE.

When I placed my pre-order through AT&T, I specifically had the option to add the "LTE Unlimited Personal" data package. I was pretty tempted by RadioShack offering it at $50. But given all I read about them farqing things up for pretty much everybody they sell things to, I paid the whole $200 through AT&T. I am willing to pay extra to make sure nobody screws up my unlimited data plan. But that's just me.

I kept my smartphone unlimited plan. AT&T had no problem letting me keep my plan

Keeping my unlimited data plan is the sole reason I always upgrade through ATT. Sure the Radio Shack and Amazon prices are always lower but I never fully trust that ATT will put unlimited data back after I get the phone...

snvyas said:
Keeping my unlimited data plan is the sole reason I always upgrade through ATT. Sure the Radio Shack and Amazon prices are always lower but I never fully trust that ATT will put unlimited data back after I get the phone...
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Agreed. Spending more in the store is worth it to me rather than running the chance of losing the unlimited data plan.

SR4 said:
Agreed. Spending more in the store is worth it to me rather than running the chance of losing the unlimited data plan.
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Even if somehow they screw your data plan up. You can always get your unlimited data plan back. As long as you can:
-Prove that you've had it
-Say that it was changed without your knowledge / consent.
I cannot add them back in the store. You will have to call 611 to get it added back to your account if it was messed up by some other retailer. It's always worth checking your account online to make sure. Or dial *3282#. That will tell you what data plan you currently have.
The type of data connection doesn't matter either. If you are just now moving to your first LTE device, the amount of data you are allowed to transfer before the throttle increases to 5gb from 3gb. The cost is the same and it is still unlimited. Meaning no overage costs.
If you have any specific questions or if customer service gives you any trouble. Please message me and I can help resolve it.

My contract just ended and I have the $30 unlimited data grandfathered. I've always been able to keep it when upgrading by speaking to customer service. But this time I don't want to upgrade for another 2yr contract. I've been a customer forever and would like to have the freedom of no contract for a little bit. I'm currently using a 3g samsung captivate but want to get the s3. I found a really good deal on craigslist. Will at&t let me keep unlimited data without upgrading? I'm just worried that they tell me yes when I call, then after I buy the phone they say no you gotta upgrade. That would suck..

Just swap the sim card into the new phone.
Sent from my One X using xda premium

hugebulge said:
Just swap the sim card into the new phone.
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I believe the GS3 is a MicroSIM, and the Captivate is a "regular" SIM. So the person can get a MicroSIM from AT&T. If you call for one, I think they charge you $15. But in store, they will often give it to you for free to AT&T account holders.
You can also cut the SIM to make it work, using guides online. But its probably easier to just get a free new one from the store.
jsmizzle said:
My contract just ended and I have the $30 unlimited data grandfathered. I've always been able to keep it when upgrading by speaking to customer service. But this time I don't want to upgrade for another 2yr contract. I've been a customer forever and would like to have the freedom of no contract for a little bit. I'm currently using a 3g samsung captivate but want to get the s3. I found a really good deal on craigslist. Will at&t let me keep unlimited data without upgrading? I'm just worried that they tell me yes when I call, then after I buy the phone they say no you gotta upgrade. That would suck..
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Dont' worry, they can't make you upgrade, you can use whatever hardware you want (as long as its compatible with their network).
If you don't presently have LTE on your account, and the phone you are buying is compatible with AT&T's LTE bands, you can get it added to your account w/o an upgrade and w/o a new contract. But you have to go through AT&T to do it (either by phone or in an AT&T store). Simply tell them you want to keep unlimited data, and add LTE. They technically have to change you to a "new" data plan that is unlimited data with LTE, but its really just the same - unlimited data, but with LTE capability added and no extra fee (its just what they do to make it work in their system). Just make sure they do it right before you leave the store or hangup the phone. Its not completely straightforward, it took them about 15 minutes to get it right for me at my AT&T store, and the rep had to bring the manager into it, and they were really trying. But its worth the hassle, since if they screw it up and take unlimited data off your account, its a real pain to add it back.
And this is the only way to add LTE to your account, if the S3 you are buying has LTE.

Thanks guys for the replies. Apparently, the LTE microSIM is different from the 3g microSIM. Even though they're the same size the coding is different. So i'm gonna need to visit the store to get the LTE card. AT&T customer service did tell me that my unlimited data won't change and I won't need to upgrade. So that's cool.. Now it's about choosing which phone to get. I'm still thinking the S3 but I just looked at the demo models at best buy. Damn this is hard. The one x is a beauty and even the atrix hd looks great too. I might just wait until the iphone 5 release on the 12th so all the other phone prices will drop. But that's a whole different thread..

Returning phones when no ETF?

Hi,
I am exploring my options with Sprint to end my contract because their data service in my area and in most of the places that I travel just sucks. I am trying to figure out whether it's reasonable for them to ask for the phones if they waive the ETF.
Assuming that their data service isn't what they advertised (3G between 600K and 1.3M), I feel like I shouldn't have to return the phones even if they waive the ETF because I paid $300 (iPhone) and $199 (Galaxy S2) when I upgraded, and it is really their service that's lacking. Whichever service provider I go to next I will incur the same cost once again, which wouldn't have been the case if their service was up to par. If I keep the phones then I can sell them on craigslist/ebay and recover most of what I would have to pay to the next provider.
So, if they waive the ETF, what's reasonable for me to ask/expect as far as the phones are concerned?

I asked the same question on the Epic 4G Touch forum. Take a look if you are interested
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1812650

600k - 1.3mb on 3g is average to good, full blown 3g maxed out is 3.1mb tops, Verizon won't be any better than 2mb. And with speeds in that range sprints not gonna let you out etf free regardless if you give them the phones or not cuz you really don't have an issue other than fast isn't fast enough for you. You gotta remember its a cell phone not computer with broadband internet. If you really want out flash a Verizon PrL and stream a lot of video and eat up all the data u can, they will kick your ass to the curb etf free and you can keep your phones,.just make sure you force roaming and stay roaming on the vzw PrL, then you can wait for the letter saying GTFO or you can call after a month and tell them you're always roaming and they will prob release your contract
We are legion, for we are many.
Sent from the DarkSide of the GalaXy with a MEK device

My goal with the last post was not to move the flame war from the other thread to this one It was just so everyone knew where/how this thread ended.
FYI, I have been patiently and reasonably working with Sprint to troubleshoot my issue and they have finally decided to waive the ETF and let me go. I do like their customer service, but, unfortunately, their speeds aren't up to par (generally <200k), especially when considering that Verizon has 4G in my area.

Vzw customer service sucks ass, and the prices might as well come with a gun to the head. So be prepared for that, your single line plan is gonna be around 150 + tax if you want 10gb of data and that's the biggest data block you can buy. Its $100 for 10gb data and unlimited SMS and voice plus a $40 per line access charge
We are legion, for we are many.
Sent from the DarkSide of the GalaXy with a MEK device

Most carriers will force an etf if they don't get the equipment back.

Worth switching from Verizon?

Still truckin' with my VZW GNex, but it is certainly pretty long in the tooth. Assuming that there is no way (esp since Nexus 5 lacks Band 13) to shoehorn Nexus 5 into working with VZW, is this enough of a reason to switch carriers and lose unlimited data? I'm very torn. I actually don't use a ton ton of data, but it's really nice when I travel or am in a place that requires you pay for their hotspot.

timmyc99 said:
Still truckin' with my VZW GNex, but it is certainly pretty long in the tooth. Assuming that there is no way (esp since Nexus 5 lacks Band 13) to shoehorn Nexus 5 into working with VZW, is this enough of a reason to switch carriers and lose unlimited data? I'm very torn. I actually don't use a ton ton of data, but it's really nice when I travel or am in a place that requires you pay for their hotspot.
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I dropped Verizon with a grandfathered unlimited plan when the Nexus 4 came out. First went to Solavei and got their $50 bucks a month for unlimited everything, then realized I could go even cheaper with T-Mobile's $30 for unlimited data (up to 5gb before throttling), unlimited text and 100 minutes calling. I have never regretted it and will never go to a monthly contract plan again as long as I can pre-paid so cheap (and no taxes on top of it...). Well worth it. I pay less than 1/3 of what I was paying Verizon and get enough of everything I need.

timmyc99 said:
Still truckin' with my VZW GNex, but it is certainly pretty long in the tooth. Assuming that there is no way (esp since Nexus 5 lacks Band 13) to shoehorn Nexus 5 into working with VZW, is this enough of a reason to switch carriers and lose unlimited data? I'm very torn. I actually don't use a ton ton of data, but it's really nice when I travel or am in a place that requires you pay for their hotspot.
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I've had Verizon as well forever with unlimited data. I've actually wanted to leave for some time now but haven't had any phone come out that I wanted to leave for. Verizon's prices are just ridiculous for what it offers. With people being off contract on Verizon or them offering their upgrade, their plans don't get cheaper as they should. You're getting a subsidized phone, so you're paying for the phone in your plan. But if the phone is paid off or an additional fee on top of the plan then it's completely pointless for it to be so high.
I'm quite excited to be saving quite a lot every month by switching to T-mobile. My bill is going to be getting cut almost in half for three lines. On top of that, the few times I leave the country I won't need to worry about getting $50 of data in 30 seconds as through Verizon.
Also, the Unlimited Data everyone loves on Verizon is quite pointless, unless you use tethering from your device every day as a primary internet source.
So really it's going to be different for everyone, but for myself everywhere that I go on a regular basis has same T-mobile coverage as Verizon. So for me it was a no brainer. Another bonus is if you work for any larger corporation you can get company discounts as well, and T-mobile handles theirs much better. I currently have a 20% off on my Verizon plan but it only applies to the main account # and not the rest. So it ends up saving like $6/month. Whereas the T-mobile ones are off the entire plan minus taxes and fees.

I left Verizon for an N4 so I surely would leave for an N5!
Aio wireless, $55 for 2GB unlimited text and talk and if you use more data then that they have a 7GB plan for $70. Both prices include tax and fee's already! They use AT&T's network so depending where you live, in most places you will be good to go!

In my opinion, grandfathered unlimited data is not worth being stuck on an overpriced, non-customer centered carrier like Verizon. They will never change their ways unless people stop letting them get away with their completely unfriendly policies and leave them. I recommend going the pre-paid route. Look at T-Mobile if their network is strong where you are, or AT&T's Go Phone $60 plan. Leave contracts behind! Fight the system!

timmyc99 said:
Still truckin' with my VZW GNex, but it is certainly pretty long in the tooth. Assuming that there is no way (esp since Nexus 5 lacks Band 13) to shoehorn Nexus 5 into working with VZW, is this enough of a reason to switch carriers and lose unlimited data? I'm very torn. I actually don't use a ton ton of data, but it's really nice when I travel or am in a place that requires you pay for their hotspot.
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I ordered the Nexus 5 and I've been with Verizon a long time, have an unlimited data plan too. I'm in NYC Metro and the network speed is poor, mostly between 1-5mbps.
I'm paying $130/mo (unlimited talk and data, 250 test) using around 3g per month. Even at 5g per month, I'd still do far better with a prepaid account. If Verizon was getting the Nexus 5, I' probably would have just stayed with them. I'm planning on getting a T-Mobile $60 2.5gb plan, no contract.
Only you can decide if it is worth switching.

timmyc99 said:
Still truckin' with my VZW GNex, but it is certainly pretty long in the tooth. Assuming that there is no way (esp since Nexus 5 lacks Band 13) to shoehorn Nexus 5 into working with VZW, is this enough of a reason to switch carriers and lose unlimited data? I'm very torn. I actually don't use a ton ton of data, but it's really nice when I travel or am in a place that requires you pay for their hotspot.
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I was amazed to find the $30 unlimited data/txt plan on T-Mobile and just activated it today! I've always been wanting a plan like this because I hardly ever use any minutes but have always been paying for them regardless. I'm getting 22mbps down and 5mbps up where I live on T-Mobile for $30/month I'm counting down the days until I can port my # (gnex contract is up in Dec) and kill Verizon for good!

it really depends on your coverage in your area. In my area AT&T doesn't get service in my house and T-Mobile gets none if I go 30 minutes down the road. So I'm trying out the $60 T-Mobile plan right now to see if I should leave my Moto X at Verizon. So far all good, LTE is comparable to the Verizon speeds I got

Would you switch to the Nexus 5?

I still have almost a year left on contract with Verizon. I love the S3, esp with custom AOSP roms.
Would it be worth it to make the following switch -
- sell my unlimited data line to someone else
- buy a Nexus 5, and use a prepaid carrier
- sell my S3
I've realized I don't use as much data as I thought I would, and it might save me some money, get me out of contract, and get a better phone.

T-Mobile probably will be your best bet if you want to save some $$$. I know they are rolling out LTE and it's available in a good amount of markets. Best bet would be to check out their coverage map, and if they do have LTE search for speed tests in your area. T-Mobile still has unlimited data with no throttling and their overall phone service is decent. If I didnt' have unlimited data and a hefty discount on my VZW account that's what I would do. You might find the cost of T-Mobile comparable vs some prepaid plans. That or you could always do Straight Talk if you're not too concerned about faster speeds or having unlimited.

There is a sticky thread for upgrading and other device discussions