If you're on a Even More or Even More Plus plan (Postpaid) with a Wi-Fi calling capable handset, you'll have the feature of unlimited Wi-Fi calling for FREE (no deduction of minutes).
Apparently, doesn't work for grandfathered plans.
Call T-Mobile (or use Live Chat), they must add it to your line for it to work. Ask for it to be added to your line (Free Unlimited Wi-Fi calling), since it's a new feature (5/13), they might not know about it (have not been trained for it). If they don't know what you're talking about, tell them to try harder
1-800-TMOBILE
1-800-866-2453
or
Live chat [t-mobile.com]
"Currently, placing calls over Wi-Fi deducts from a customer’s in-plan minutes. Effective 5/13, a new feature will launch that will allow customers with capable phones the ability to place calls over Wi-Fi without deducting from in-plan minutes! This is not only a great value, being FREE, but can help customers who experience coverage issues in areas that Wi-Fi is available."
You should be getting a text message about it according to T-Mobile, but if you're impatient...
-A Text Message (SMS) blast is planned to target customers with Wi-Fi Calling capable device to alert the customer of the availability of this free feature.
-The SMS will direct the customer to T-Mobile.com to add the feature. However, they may call Care instead. (I'm assuming they're referring to CS)
-This new feture is available to all Even more, Even More Plus, and 4G Do More rate plans for customers with Wi-Fi Calling capable devices.
Wi-Fi Calling works for:
Calls made from the US to US numbers
Calls made from the US to international numbers (subject to international rates) <-----Note
Calls made from outside the US to US numbers (not charged roaming) <---AKA (I can be in London connected through wi-fi and can call any US number for free without a deduction from my plan minutes)
Calls made from outside the US to international numbers (subject to international rates, but not charged roaming) <-----Note
as found via slickdeals.
just added this through online chat.
i dont really use wifi calling but doesnt hurt to have it right?
I also did this through online chat today. Went very smoothly and took maybe 10 minutes total. Thanks for the tip!
i just added it to both phone.... but some of the glacier roms dont have wifi native... where would i get the add on? the agent was checking my adress to see if i qualified for it? weird, i think if you are in a well known area of coverage they might try to avoid giving it to you? maybe not////////// what eva!!!!
did this earlier (before this was posted)...went without a hitch..great to have even though i dont even use 300min a month
thedude1313 said:
i just added it to both phone.... but some of the glacier roms dont have wifi native... where would i get the add on? the agent was checking my adress to see if i qualified for it? weird, i think if you are in a well known area of coverage they might try to avoid giving it to you? maybe not////////// what eva!!!!
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Click to collapse
They have to input the address manually so that if you call 911 that the address you gave is the same one that shows up in their systems. Nothing to do with qualifying locations.
kalel33 said:
They have to input the address manually so that if you call 911 that the address you gave is the same one that shows up in their systems. Nothing to do with qualifying locations.
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Click to collapse
oh i guess im justparanoid!!! next they will ne asking for a payment....man these people j/k
I wish I did it through chat. I called 611 and spent about 15-20 minutes on the phone explaining the press release. Not the operators fault. It's T-Mobile not alerting their customer support people of changes. A true pain in the ass.
Let's see how long it takes to activate.
just spoke to them. im on a cheaper grandfathered family plan. i do not qualify. you have to be on a current, non-grandfathered plan to get the free wifi calling.
acsi007 said:
just spoke to them. im on a cheaper grandfathered family plan. i do not qualify. you have to be on a current, non-grandfathered plan to get the free wifi calling.
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Click to collapse
No, grandfathered plans just needs a different code.
I just finished with them online. They weren't going to add it, saying it didn't exist. Once I quoted their own press release they came back and said yes it is possible. Added it on my phone and my wife's! I'm wondering if it is a plan to reduce traffic on their networks?
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
can someone please list the devices that are capable of UMA?
I spoke with chat and they, at first, didn't have any idea what I was referring to. I provided the press release to the rep and they were able to add free wifi calling to both my lines. They said it takes about 2 hours for the feature to kick in. When using it on the phone, the app will still say that minutes will be deducted however they assured me that they won't regardless.
Now I do have one question. Does this feature show up on my account under "services"?
I just called and was told that feature didn't exist. I tried tell the girl that it was new and read the release. She said that was a feature a few years ago but now it using plan minutes. I guess I'll call back and get someone else.
Way to go T-mo. Roll out a great new money saving feature and don't train your staff on it.
Unfortunately this doesn't work for us flexpay customers
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk
Also they are lies about their unlimited internet plan. After use 5gb they will slow the internet down cut off. Do you guys believe that they have truly unlimited internet plan?
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
I called them and they said you have to pay for tethering in order to get it for free
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
mytouch990 said:
Also they are lies about their unlimited internet plan. After use 5gb they will slow the internet down cut off. Do you guys believe that they have truly unlimited internet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They call it unlimited because they don't charge per MB after you hit 5GB like other carriers do. I've been caped and it makes the phone almost worthless, but its better than paying 200$ because I went over plan.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
marseillesw said:
Unfortunately this doesn't work for us flexpay customers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well this sucks. I dont see how we are different from EM+ postpaid customers.
Related
I am not sure how many were aware of this, because I honestly wasn't.
I was stopped by one of the Att reps a kiosk in the mall, and they asked me if I had unlimited txt. I was like yeah, I don't wanna add anything to my plan. They were telling me att currently has a plan were for the same price as unlimited txt you could get unlimited mobile to mobile (any carrier), and your minutes are only used for land lines.
I am sure some of you already know about this, but for those of you who don't, it's not that bad of a deal unlimited mobile to mobile ( any carrier) and unlimited txt for 20 dollars a month.
Yea they were doing this as a free upgrade a few months ago. I saw it on there facebook page that. I don't know for sure that they are currently doing it. I got this changed a few months ago. For anyone that doesn't have it i would recommend calling ATT about it and see about getting it added.
I'm on a friends and family plan. The primary account holder added this and didn't tell me. It's definitely cheaper than going to the next level of anytime minutes!
Yea I have 4 lines my parents have 2 me friend has one and I have the other with 700 anytime min. With this we might use 100 minutes a month. With that and roll over we never go over our minutes.
But I think the unlimited mobile 2 mobile is relegated to 10 numbers you add to your account...
DPLOY said:
But I think the unlimited mobile 2 mobile is relegated to 10 numbers you add to your account...
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Click to collapse
Not the one we added. The feature is listed as 'mobile to any mobile calling'
Yep that is how they listed it on mine.
DPLOY said:
But I think the unlimited mobile 2 mobile is relegated to 10 numbers you add to your account...
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Click to collapse
What you refer to is the A-list, which allows you to add 10 landline numbers that wont use your anytime minutes. What the op is referring to is the messaging add-on that allows you to call any mobile at anytime without using anytime minutes at no additional cost. It is only available with the larger plans. I got it the day it came out on family meassaging plan. This, combined with the A-list, allowed me to get rid of my landline.
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
Yea we are not talking about the a list. That's a whole different deal. As the others have explained its unlimited mobile to mobile any number on any network. I don't recall what they call it but if you explain it most reps know what your talking about. I'm sure its probably what the guys above where calling it (mobile to any mobile calling).
Same here, got the unlimited mobile to any mobile with unlimited text when I signed up in march on a single line. Now I just need to get my hands on a iPhone 2g for the unlimited data plan switch, hard to find one without buying one out here in the sticks in eastern Oregon lol.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA Premium App
stryfe2010 said:
Same here, got the unlimited mobile to any mobile with unlimited text when I signed up in march on a single line. Now I just need to get my hands on a iPhone 2g for the unlimited data plan switch, hard to find one without buying one out here in the sticks in eastern Oregon lol.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try looking on Craigslist. You might have to buy it but for unlimited data its worth it. Then just resell it.
I was asked this question as well when I went in to get my Inspire awhile back. It was explained to me that this is a service plan change not just some sort of promotional gimmick. Not sure if that is true but it might help us to save some minutes and, in the long run, lower the number of minutes we have to pay for each month.
jbonham said:
I was asked this question as well when I went in to get my Inspire awhile back. It was explained to me that this is a service plan change not just some sort of promotional gimmick. Not sure if that is true but it might help us to save some minutes and, in the long run, lower the number of minutes we have to pay for each month.
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Click to collapse
You may be correct but it was just explained to me as a added feature just like txt messaging or data. I didn't have to change anything. The rep added it told me to restart my phone and it would be on there.
I have this as well. If you have "a list" and a Google voice number, you can add it to your "a list" as a land line and make all the non-mobile calls you want for free too. I've been doing the GV/a list thing for about 2 yrs.
This is the plan my family plan is using now, it's great.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App
I have family unlimited mobile to mobile texting and calling. My texting plan costs me $30 for three lines, and my mobile to mobile calling and texting is included in this and my normal rate plan.
Also when I switched to the inspire they prorated because they changed my plan which they didn't do this to my girlfriends account. We both had grandfathered unlimited data plans from our iPhone 2g days. I am just tired of paying $150 for 3 phone lines. It sucks, lol.
Been using this plan 2mths now. Absolutely, 100%, without a shadow of a doubt worth it..
Just dropped the phone bill about a bone ^^
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App
This is a free feature from ATT, and is included if you have unlimited messaging on your plan. There is not restriction, any cell phone numbers in the us qualify and DO NOT use your minutes. I know this because I work for ATT. The feature is called ANY MOBILE.
For $84.99 I have unlimited data, unlimited mobile to mobile (any carrier), 450 land lline minutes and unlimited texts. I'm pretty happy with that.
I'm going to college next year, and I'll be stuck paying my own phone bill for the first time, and I'm wondering if it's even an option to have no mobile service. A plan with no calling or texting, just data.
If I could only pay $30 per month for my phone bill, that would be huge, considering minutes and texting. I could buy minutes from Skype or Google voice and make calls with those applications, and text through AIM or another free texting app.
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/splash/messagingplans.jsp
That's probably what you're looking for but not sure if it's available for 4G devices and it says documentation required for smartphones.
I bought an off-contract Incredible and have it as a house phone using Google Voice and GrooVe IP. Works perfectly, too.
No plan required, just a wifi connection.
That could work, but is it required to either get texting or minutes? I really just want to be $30 for the unlimited data, and text through a texting app or AIM. I could easily make calls through skype or google voice.
The off-contract phone could work too, especially with a phone like the tbolt, but isn't a bit inconvenient to not be able to call or text while you're out? Also, does anyone know what a typical internet speed is for a college dorm?
U can also get the 50 minute loyalty plan for $20 + $30 data.
Verizon doesn't offer data only on phones. If u bought a galaxy tablet, then u could have data only.
I'd just use wifi if I was on campus, I'm sure its faster than 3g.
Sent from my Thunderbolt using XDA App
booda3000 said:
U can also get the 50 minute loyalty plan for $20 + $30 data.
Verizon doesn't offer data only on phones. If u bought a galaxy tablet, then u could have data only
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out the link in post 2, unlimited data and messages and no voice minutes
The link in post 2 says that documentation is required though... think that means you need proof that you are deaf or hard of hearing... so unless you have this they probably won't even give you that..
necosino said:
I bought an off-contract Incredible and have it as a house phone using Google Voice and GrooVe IP. Works perfectly, too.
No plan required, just a wifi connection.
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Click to collapse
How do you do this as when you try to use google voice it wants the number associated with the phone right?
don't have a clue about the plan, I've never heard of such being offered though. Speeds will depend on what college you're at. Most major universities have at least a T1 line in my experience. YMMV
your best bet is to just visit your local verizon store and see if you get a tech who is nice enough to activate the service listed in post #2
I had the unlimited text/data activated over the phone with the corporate #. 800-922-0204. They didn't ask questions.
i like the $50 loyalty plan better. Its cheaper, u get 50 emergency minutes a month and u can text unlimited with google voice.
Sent from my ThunderBolt using XDA App
..
This is bull****. Yesterday I was using my mobile ap on my computer and everything was going fine. Then a message popped up in my browser saying to continue using the mobile ap I need to add it to my plan for 14.99. Idk about all of you but I've had no problems since I got this phone at launch using the wifi sharing is there a way around this cuz T-Mobile is really starting to piss me off.
Sent from my SGH-T839 using XDA App
azcledel said:
This is bull****. Yesterday I was using my mobile ap on my computer and everything was going fine. Then a message popped up in my browser saying to continue using the mobile ap I need to add it to my plan for 14.99. Idk about all of you but I've had no problems since I got this phone at launch using the wifi sharing is there a way around this cuz T-Mobile is really starting to piss me off.
Sent from my SGH-T839 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, don't use the t-mobile tether app download wifi tether for root users from the market and use that. I'm assuming you are rooted?
Yea I'm rooted lol I've tried 3 tethring apps off the market and they had the same result as the built in one. I can't find the one your talking about tho. All I'm finding is the ones I already tried.
Sent from my SGH-T839 using XDA App
I used pda net but u got to pay the pro to used https websites so no fb or gmail etc
Sent from my SGH-T839 using XDA App
OP: have you gone over your high-speed data cap? i read somewhere that Tmo mainly charges for tethering if you use a LOT of data. but yeah, that would suck if they are now charging for the use of the data we have already purchased!
yogi2010 said:
OP: have you gone over your high-speed data cap? i read somewhere that Tmo mainly charges for tethering if you use a LOT of data. but yeah, that would suck if they are now charging for the use of the data we have already purchased!
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Click to collapse
No they changed it all its an added feature now. I got wifi tethering for root users tho. So I think everyone should get it maybe have it included in roms too seeing as tmobile are being cheap *****es now
Sent from my SGH-T839 using XDA App
It sounds like it's not the wifi app that's doing it, but the t-mobile data servers. I imagine they're acting as a captive portal, redirecting pageloads from a browser with a desktop user agent to their nag screen or something along those lines. I use a Sidekick 4G with the stock firmware and wifi app up here in Canada on the Wind network and it's been working fine.
(BTW, Wind beats the crap out of any American carrier! Their plans include free tethering.)
Networks are greedy they suck.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
Jax184 said:
It sounds like it's not the wifi app that's doing it, but the t-mobile data servers. I imagine they're acting as a captive portal, redirecting pageloads from a browser with a desktop user agent to their nag screen or something along those lines. I use a Sidekick 4G with the stock firmware and wifi app up here in Canada on the Wind network and it's been working fine.
(BTW, Wind beats the crap out of any American carrier! Their plans include free tethering.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot of the android browsers are able to set user agent as desktop so I doubt it's that. They have blocked the free tether apps from the market and only provide theirs so I think it's just them monitoring their app.
BTW I'm jealous of your free tethering, as soon as the carriers heard people were doing it here they were quick to monopolize on it
Well, if t-mobile is able to interfere with wifi tethering even when you use a third party wifi tethering app, then there must be something else at play. I can't say what though as I'm not on t-mobile.
<brag> Wind is even better than that. $40.00 after tax for unlimited calling, unlimited long distance to US/Can, unlimited text messaging to anywhere on earth, unlimited data with tethering. And I get that whenever I'm connect to a Wind tower, anywhere in Canada. It doesn't distinguish between my home city and another. And no contract. It's prepaid! </brag>
Jax184 said:
Well, if t-mobile is able to interfere with wifi tethering even when you use a third party wifi tethering app, then there must be something else at play. I can't say what though as I'm not on t-mobile.
<brag> Wind is even better than that. $40.00 after tax for unlimited calling, unlimited long distance to US/Can, unlimited text messaging to anywhere on earth, unlimited data with tethering. And I get that whenever I'm connect to a Wind tower, anywhere in Canada. It doesn't distinguish between my home city and another. And no contract. It's prepaid! </brag>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I mean is they block them in the actual market, like you can't download them. They have no way of monitoring 3rd party apps, that's why I think almost all US carriers have capped data so they can try and stop some.
Not fair man, US needs to get on bord with the contract free stuff. A cheap cell phone plan here for unlimitted is $80 a month and that comes with a 2 year contract, at&t and verizon charge around $120 for unlimitted
Have you tried sneaking one of the third party apps on to see how it works?
That's staggeringly awful. This is the most featureful cell phone plan available, and it's $40. I'm told that people in another province got the plan for $35 at one point.
Yeah we have to side load the apps, google search and download from the browser. I've had a copy in my sd card since the g1 days when things were good lol.
We also have at&t trying to buy out t-mobile which would more than likely drive prices up further. there are a few pay as you go carriers that offer cheaper plans for unlimitted data and text (around $40) but the minutes are rarely unlimited, the data is slower, and they are buying towers off the bigger companies so coverage is usually terrible
Not sure if this has been posted yet, but I've always gotten Wireless Tether straight from the Google Code site. It always has the very latest versions, but somtimes earlier ones are the more stable.
http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/downloads/list
xmeatizmurderx said:
What I mean is they block them in the actual market, like you can't download them. They have no way of monitoring 3rd party apps, that's why I think almost all US carriers have capped data so they can try and stop some.
Not fair man, US needs to get on bord with the contract free stuff. A cheap cell phone plan here for unlimitted is $80 a month and that comes with a 2 year contract, at&t and verizon charge around $120 for unlimitted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dunno man, I got 2 unlim calling lines and 2 lines with their own 500 minutes. All 4 lines have unlim SMS and data (throttled after 2gb), and I pay $132. BUT, I'm on contract. Shoot, for these prices I'd sign up for a 20yr contract lol.
farfromovin said:
I dunno man, I got 2 unlim calling lines and 2 lines with their own 500 minutes. All 4 lines have unlim SMS and data (throttled after 2gb), and I pay $132. BUT, I'm on contract. Shoot, for these prices I'd sign up for a 20yr contract lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's the only way you can get a good deal, if you have several lines on an account. Unfortunately us americans aren't into the whole "sharing" thing so finding people to sign up with you tends to be difficult ;P
What?
EDIT: Only post paid costumers have that issue... prepaid still doesn't have the tethering service available... so it is enabled by default. http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/addons...PAsset=InternetEmail&tp=Svc_Tab_TetheringWifi
I'm not sure what everyone is talking about... I'm wifi tethering and I've never seen that message. I only tether to a linux computer though. I'm also on the $30 5GB 4G prepaid plan, with unlimited text and 100 mins (I voip with grooVe).
Maybe they are attacking specific customers... I don't think wifi sharing is even an option for prepaid. Perhaps I should stop paying a month in advanced.
oldarney said:
EDIT: Only post paid costumers have that issue... prepaid still doesn't have the tethering service available... so it is enabled by default. http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/addons...PAsset=InternetEmail&tp=Svc_Tab_TetheringWifi
I'm not sure what everyone is talking about... I'm wifi tethering and I've never seen that message. I only tether to a linux computer though. I'm also on the $30 5GB 4G prepaid plan, with unlimited text and 100 mins (I voip with grooVe).
Maybe they are attacking specific customers... I don't think wifi sharing is even an option for prepaid. Perhaps I should stop paying a month in advanced.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The way tmobile explained it to me was they noticed ppl using it and changed their service if your using it and not getting the message its only a matter of time according to the reps I spoke to. I'm thinking the more data you use that gets picked up as being sent through mobile ap the quicker they catch on and slap you with the message and put a stop to it
Sent from my SGH-T839 using XDA App
So I'm still getting the tmobile page when I tether to my computer even when using wif tether for root users... this sucks :-/
Sent from my SGH-T839 using XDA App
oldarney said:
EDIT: Only post paid costumers have that issue... prepaid still doesn't have the tethering service available... so it is enabled by default.
I'm not sure what everyone is talking about... I'm wifi tethering and I've never seen that message. I only tether to a linux computer though. I'm also on the $30 5GB 4G prepaid plan, with unlimited text and 100 mins (I voip with grooVe).
Maybe they are attacking specific customers... I don't think wifi sharing is even an option for prepaid. Perhaps I should stop paying a month in advanced.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on T-mobile prepaid monthly 4g plan, rooted running GingerClone ROM on my Sidekick 4g, and I've had no problem tethering. (mostly just testing it out to see if it works, running speed tests etc.)
I can see how T-mobile cracks down on post-paid plans running stock software, but with a prepaid plan on a wifi-sharing-capable phone with a custom ROM, I'm in the clear, right? T-mobile can't block tethering or charge me for it?
But ya, charging $14.99 to tether using data that you're already paying for is a complete scam. Seems like a class action suit waiting to happen.
I've been using mobile hotspot on my inspire for about 4-5 months after rooting the phone. All was well... I was using my laptop and speed was decent to check emails, youTube, general browsing.
But I just a mail from at&t saying that "we noticed that you have been using the hotspot feature but you don't have the feature addon on your account. If you continue to use the hotspot feature, your account will be billed $45 automatically on your next billing cycle. If don't use the hotspot, you will not be billed". Hmmm... Anyone using hotspot on at&t get something similar notification from at&t?
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App
I have never heard of this before. Can they do that? Being Sarcastic
Got that back in October. Yes they can do that. I just stopped tethering.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App
Yeah. I stopped tethering now. It was kinda weird that at&t sent the letter now.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App
This has been covered all ready. ATT is cracking down on all teathering.
Yep, I posted something about this like a month or so ago.. I got the same letter. I just stopped tethering and have yet to hear anything about my data usage since. And I haven't noticed any throttling either except when they were threatening me about the tethering and such
I also got the same message. I'm actually guessing it was because I jumped from light tethering to a temporary massive download session with it. Gonna lay off for a while and see what comes of it.
Do any of the apps out there (like WiFi Tether for Root Users) actually allow you to tether without them noticing?
voyagerfan99 said:
I also got the same message. I'm actually guessing it was because I jumped from light tethering to a temporary massive download session with it. Gonna lay off for a while and see what comes of it.
Do any of the apps out there (like WiFi Tether for Root Users) actually allow you to tether without them noticing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. There are some that are saying ATT is watching the packets that are being sent. Unless there is a way to make your PC send packets like a mobile device then there is nothing that can be done short of getting a tethering plan.
zelendel said:
No. There are some that are saying ATT is watching the packets that are being sent. Unless there is a way to make your PC send packets like a mobile device then there is nothing that can be done short of getting a tethering plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adding a tethering plan when you already have an unlimited data plan is really stupid to be honest. But I guess that's American greed for you.
voyagerfan99 said:
Adding a tethering plan when you already have an unlimited data plan is really stupid to be honest. But I guess that's American greed for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does nobody read the TOS? This has been gone offer alot as of late.
But you are right. The standard of society is motivated by greed.
voyagerfan99 said:
Adding a tethering plan when you already have an unlimited data plan is really stupid to be honest. But I guess that's American greed for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
American greed? Maybe you better look at non-American cellular plans before you jump on that wagon. You are fortunate to be on a so called unlimited plan. Second your plan was technically never unlimited. 5GB fair use clause in the TOS that you never took the time to read.
ATT has let users slide for years with tethering and I can't remember ever being allowed to tether on an ATT plan without a tethering plan. It is one thing to use it for occassional email or browsing, but it is another to use it for streaming or online video games. It is that abuse that ruins it for everyone. So where is the greed? Is it the US cellular companies which are trying to keep it fair for everyone to enjoy fast and reliable service or is it in the consumer that is given an inch and takes a mile and then calls foul.
There is nothing wierd that anyone tethering, whether small amounts or massive amounts, is getting a letter. How many threads like this have been started? It is well known. ATT and the other major carriers have made it clear. No tethering without a plan. And they are cracking down and they mean it.
Agoattamer said:
American greed? Maybe you better look at non-American cellular plans before you jump on that wagon. You are fortunate to be on a so called unlimited plan. Second your plan was technically never unlimited. 5GB fair use clause in the TOS that you never took the time to read.
ATT has let users slide for years with tethering and I can't remember ever being allowed to tether on an ATT plan without a tethering plan. It is one thing to use it for occassional email or browsing, but it is another to use it for streaming or online video games. It is that abuse that ruins it for everyone. So where is the greed? Is it the US cellular companies which are trying to keep it fair for everyone to enjoy fast and reliable service or is it in the consumer that is given an inch and takes a mile and then calls foul.
There is nothing wierd that anyone tethering, whether small amounts or massive amounts, is getting a letter. How many threads like this have been started? It is well known. ATT and the other major carriers have made it clear. No tethering without a plan. And they are cracking down and they mean it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree. 10chars
Only thing that gets me is everyone releasing all this new online crap, cloud storage, music/video streaming etc and now they're capping you on data usage. It's almost like its 1997 again and we're paying for AOL by the hour lol... At least having a 5gb package instead of the normal 2gb would be a bit more reasonable
Sent from my Inspire 4G using xda premium
I've been warned before for something from AT&T I had hacked facetime on my iPhone 3gs they sent me a text saying that my phone wasn't registered for a facetime plan and then after that I guess there were characters my phone didn't recognize and half the message was in squares. The first day I had my iPhone though I had gotten a text and email pretty much telling me to stop tethering even though my iPhone wasn't even "set" up -.- it got me worried but I never got a price change
Sent from my Inspire 4G using xda premium
PDANET hides the fact that you are tethering and you do not need root. It only works with bluetooth or USB cable, you can not use hotspot.
Sent from my:
Inspire 4G
w/ Energy Blue Rom
& 4EXT Recovery
If you think that's bad, I got booted off my unlimited plan today for tethering when I havent tethered since October and got the warning text in November :/ The lady at at&t said something about third-party apps using tethering without my knowing and to delete all of them off my phone. Don't know who they are trying to fool
ATT is removing the unlimited plans by any means they can. This is not surprising as they stated publicly that this was the plan. They use the tethering ploy as in common use there is no reason one should be using that much data to be honest with work, family and personal lives. Then add in the fact that wifi is just about everywhere.
AT&T is rubbish.
ATT and sprint belong in the rubbish bin.
Rasa11 said:
AT&T is rubbish.
ATT and sprint belong in the rubbish bin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you think big red is any better or T-Mobile? They are all doing it. It is about money plain and simple. This is nothing new or surprising
Donate me a few million and I will build us a satellite and we can have all our own service running 15g jkjk I'm tired of restrictions is all... I mean the new T-Mobile commercial says hey you get unlimited everything for 50$ a month then in fine print it says " after 100mb of 4g you're speeds get dropped to 2g" like wtf really? What's the point of having unlimited 2g? I mean I am on a plan with 2gigs of data but only have edge where I'm at I'm glad to have wifi where ever I'm at so it doesn't bother me too much but for companies to say they give us the best and then only give us a taste and tease us with it should be illegal -.-
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I come home today and find a letter from AT&T and open it up (thinking this outta be good)...Apparently they finally figured out the way they're gonna force us (those in grandfathered unlimited data plans) off. Their letter goes as following:
"Dear (My Name)
We've noticed your service plan may need updating.
Many AT&T customers use their smartphones as a broadband connection for other devices, like laptops, netbooks or other smartphones- a practice commonly known as tethering. Tethering can be an efficient way for our customers to enjoy the benefits of AT&T's mobile broadband network and use more than one device to stay in touch with important people and information. To take advantage of this feature, we require that you have a tethering plan.
Our records show that you use this capability, but are not subscribed to our tethering plan.
If you would like to continue tethering, please log into your account online at www.wireless.att.com, or call us 866-975-0003, Mon-Fri, 6am-midnight or Sat-Sun, 8am-9pm CT, by the end of this month sign up for a plan that allows tethering. Viable plans include the DataPro 5GB for Smartphone plan, the DataPro Enterprise plan, or any of our AT&T Mobile Share plans."
They then go on to list both plans priced $50 and $65 then go on to say "If we don't hear from you, we'll plan to automatically enroll you in one of the above individual Smartphone DataPro 5GB plans in an upcoming bill cycle........If you discontinue tethering by the end of the month, no changes to your current plan will be required."
Funny thing is I don't tether and any usage has been me watching netflix, youtube videos, downloading files from threads here and browsing the web. I wanna complete listing of these alleged "records" they speak of because I'll be damned if they get me off my unlimited data plan!
I got the same letter today. Also got a text
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
It's based strictly on usage. I routinely use my phone as a mobile hot spot for my laptop, but only when absolutely necessary and only for a few MB at a time. I've never once heard from AT&T. Meanwhile, I know someone who never tethers to their phone (why would they when they have a mobile wifi router FROM AT&T?). They do, however, smoke through 3-4GB of data per month, as they use their phone in lieu of a laptop when on the road. Now, not that I would ever piece together what I've learned through casual conversation with an AT&T employee or two, but they've both suggested that something like this might resolve the situation if you're ever presented with it:
1. Call AT&T. Ask for supervisor right away--don't waste time with the peons.
2. Ask for the supervisor's name and number. Write them down. Inform supervisor that you received the letter, but do not tether and never have. Ask what "records" they're pulling from. You'll probably get a "usage" reply. If so:
3. Ask them how simple data usage can indicate whether you're tethering or not. They'll most likely say that the amount of data you're using is indicative of tethering.
4. Ask whether your plan contains unlimited data. The answer, of course, is yes. State once again that you do not tether, and as your plan has unlimited data linked to it, they cannot use the amount of data you consume as evidence of tethering.
5. Without giving the supervisor a chance to talk, quickly state that unless they can produce for you documentary evidence of cell data traffic being generated by a device tethered to your phone (here's a hint--they can only see your phone's data, they can't see anything connected to it), you expect them to honor the unlimited data agreement you have with them, and any attempt on their part to move you onto a different plan will be seen as a breach of that agreement and handled as such. Tell the supervisor that you expect a call from the call center's manager within 24 hours to acknowledge that your plan will not be changed absent documentary evidence of tethering, which you are not engaged in in the first place. Confirm the supervisor's name and number with them, "just in case we have any discrepancies when I talk to the center manager".
Not that I would've ever relied upon friends in the right places to detail such an approach for me or anything, but I have heard through the grapevine that the tethering letter consistently goes out to unlimited data users in certain "usage brackets", and they're banking on us not knowing that their towers can't tell whether the data is coming from our phone or from a laptop tethered to it.
Att did the same thing with Iphone users but it wasn't a bluff.. They knew in fact you were tethering...
I wouldn't be so quick to assume they are going only on data usage..
I'm willing to bet they know the second you tether...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
T.J. Bender said:
It's based strictly on usage. I routinely use my phone as a mobile hot spot for my laptop, but only when absolutely necessary and only for a few MB at a time. I've never once heard from AT&T. Meanwhile, I know someone who never tethers to their phone (why would they when they have a mobile wifi router FROM AT&T?). They do, however, smoke through 3-4GB of data per month, as they use their phone in lieu of a laptop when on the road. Now, not that I would ever piece together what I've learned through casual conversation with an AT&T employee or two, but they've both suggested that something like this might resolve the situation if you're ever presented with it:
1. Call AT&T. Ask for supervisor right away--don't waste time with the peons.
2. Ask for the supervisor's name and number. Write them down. Inform supervisor that you received the letter, but do not tether and never have. Ask what "records" they're pulling from. You'll probably get a "usage" reply. If so:
3. Ask them how simple data usage can indicate whether you're tethering or not. They'll most likely say that the amount of data you're using is indicative of tethering.
4. Ask whether your plan contains unlimited data. The answer, of course, is yes. State once again that you do not tether, and as your plan has unlimited data linked to it, they cannot use the amount of data you consume as evidence of tethering.
5. Without giving the supervisor a chance to talk, quickly state that unless they can produce for you documentary evidence of cell data traffic being generated by a device tethered to your phone (here's a hint--they can only see your phone's data, they can't see anything connected to it), you expect them to honor the unlimited data agreement you have with them, and any attempt on their part to move you onto a different plan will be seen as a breach of that agreement and handled as such. Tell the supervisor that you expect a call from the call center's manager within 24 hours to acknowledge that your plan will not be changed absent documentary evidence of tethering, which you are not engaged in in the first place. Confirm the supervisor's name and number with them, "just in case we have any discrepancies when I talk to the center manager".
Not that I would've ever relied upon friends in the right places to detail such an approach for me or anything, but I have heard through the grapevine that the tethering letter consistently goes out to unlimited data users in certain "usage brackets", and they're banking on us not knowing that their towers can't tell whether the data is coming from our phone or from a laptop tethered to it.
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Click to collapse
Exactly! I literally haven't tethered and my data usage did surpass 5GB last month ( I got the infamous text the very last day literally minutes before my billing cycle resets) but is around 3.5 this month....this is a pathetic move on their part to bank on people not opening that letter and change their plan without notice. Once the subscriber notices the call will go something along the lines of "Oh I'm sorry there's nothing we can do as it's a system change and we can not reverse or restore that previous plan." As if I don't pay enough for my monthly plan as it is......corporate greed at its best.
waiters said:
Att did the same thing with Iphone users but it wasn't a bluff.. They knew in fact you were tethering...
I wouldn't be so quick to assume they are going only on data usage..
I'm willing to bet they know the second you tether...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on what those in the know have told me, they have no way of knowing and go solely by usage on Android platforms.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
T.J. Bender said:
Based on what those in the know have told me, they have no way of knowing and go solely by usage on Android platforms.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Either that is 100% false or I'm very lucky.. I get throttled from att every month still and in my protest have reached 30gb+..
The only time I got a letter from att I was on an Iphone and was in fact tethering.
I do believe att knew this whole time about tethering but didn't care because they had bigger fish to go after.. Android will eventually level the playing field and att will be concerned with our data usage also.. That might be what you see going on now.. Att trying to go after tethering android users before it becomes a bigger problem...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
T.J. Bender said:
Based on what those in the know have told me, they have no way of knowing and go solely by usage on Android platforms.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They don't. They just rely on usage patterns to determine if you're a "data hog" and look for backhanded ways to penalize you based on that data ( really only applicable to those remaining unlimited data folks ) If I was on a tiered data plan they could give two ****s what and how I use up data they'd encourage me to rack up all the GB of data I can and smile at the end the billing cycle cause they know I got ****ed good and hard.
Not the first time I have received the letter, all times I had in fact tethered in the month prior.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Part of me hopes they pull this with me so I can get out of my contract...I used 16 GB a few months ago and no letter though. Oh and I never tether.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
They know if you tether. That's why certain tethering apps have spoof capabilities to mask your ID.
Sent from my SGH-I727 using xda premium
It's all in HOW the tethering is done. If the app or ROM just simply says to use the built in tethering, then it's very trackable. If the tethering is spoofed to look like the normal data connection, then it can't be tracked.
dakpluto said:
It's all in HOW the tethering is done. If the app or ROM just simply says to use the built in tethering, then it's very trackable. If the tethering is spoofed to look like the normal data connection, then it can't be tracked.
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Click to collapse
All I use is foxfi and got the letter FWIW
And no, you can't get put of your contract with att on something like this ....its in the fine print that they can change pretty much whatever they want.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
00mred00 said:
All I use is foxfi and got the letter FWIW
And no, you can't get put of your contract with att on something like this ....its in the fine print that they can change pretty much whatever they want.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Fine print isn't automatically legally binding. That guy sued AT&T for throttling and won.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Sheolrock said:
Fine print isn't automatically legally binding. That guy sued AT&T for throttling and won.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
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That guy won simply because it was proven they were throttling him at a lower usage than an equally priced capped plan.
00mred00 said:
And no, you can't get put of your contract with att on something like this ....its in the fine print that they can change pretty much whatever they want.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Legally, you are correct.
However, if you speak to the right people, anything is possible; ESPECIALLY if you've been a customer in good standing for a long time.
Not saying it could happen, just saying it's possible. I missed out on unlimited data, but I do agree with the person on page 1 who numbered out the steps. That is definitely the right way to go.
liquidzoo said:
Legally, you are correct.
However, if you speak to the right people, anything is possible; ESPECIALLY if you've been a customer in good standing for a long time.
Not saying it could happen, just saying it's possible. I missed out on unlimited data, but I do agree with the person on page 1 who numbered out the steps. That is definitely the right way to go.
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Click to collapse
I agree with post on page 1 for sure. I wouldn't be very optimistic on being released from contract obligations though
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
00mred00 said:
All I use is foxfi and got the letter FWIW
And no, you can't get put of your contract with att on something like this ....its in the fine print that they can change pretty much whatever they want.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used foxfi too... first time this month. Probably around 30mb only, decided to try it to see if it works. I received the exact same mail.
Wonder if I should call or not because it says if you stop they will not switch you over. Now, I'm thinking maybe I should. I spent 3gb last month (our area is not LTE but my phone is LTE). What's the best advice on how to go about calling them? SHould I admit to using it or pretend I didn't.
droidbabyxda said:
I used foxfi too... first time this month. Probably around 30mb only, decided to try it to see if it works. I received the exact same mail.
Wonder if I should call or not because it says if you stop they will not switch you over. Now, I'm thinking maybe I should. I spent 3gb last month (our area is not LTE but my phone is LTE). What's the best advice on how to go about calling them? SHould I admit to using it or pretend I didn't.
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Click to collapse
Last time I got the letter I just told them I downloaded some app , was unaware of it being an issue, thanked them for the warning and let them know I wpuldnt do it again
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Att probably targets high usage customers for data profiling. When your WoW user agent pops up... bam, they send the letter.
Replace "WoW" with your favorite easily-profiled bandwidth-sapping client, Windows time request, etc.
And that's ignoring any differences between Windows/Linux/android networking stacks that can be finger printed...
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