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Just noticed this little ditty regarding mobile hotspot: "Verizon said it will allow customers to use the mobile hot spot feature for free until May 15; afterwards, customers will need to pay an additional $20 per month (2GB data cap)."
Read more: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19736_7-20043272-251.html#ixzz1GfzSBWRL
Will that affect our wireless tether? They are implementing a data cap? I'm confused. (what else is new)
Sounds like they need some stress testers on the network. What better than the consumers...
Russ36363 said:
Sounds like they need some stress testers on the network. What better than the consumers...
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What about wireless tether for root users? Wonder if that will be affected? I don't think I'm supposed to even have that on my Eris, but I do, but I also don't use it a ton either.
Hmmmm
chimpsnest said:
What about wireless tether for root users? Wonder if that will be affected? I don't think I'm supposed to even have that on my Eris, but I do, but I also don't use it a ton either.
Hmmmm
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What's the difference between the two? I've always taken the two as the same, except that Mobile Hotspot is just the official, non-root version of the feature.
I'd be confused if it was anything else than 4G, but it seems like they want a lot of 4G usage to test stuff out. Or they'll probably not mention anything come May 15th and have thousands of users activate hotspot and get charged $20 for it.
Russ36363 said:
What's the difference between the two? I've always taken the two as the same, except that Mobile Hotspot is just the official, non-root version of the feature.
I'd be confused if it was anything else than 4G, but it seems like they want a lot of 4G usage to test stuff out. Or they'll probably not mention anything come May 15th and have thousands of users activate hotspot and get charged $20 for it.
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The 3g wireless hotspot app from big red has DHCP functionality with an infrastructure wireless signal... so kinda like a wireless router.... vs. Wireless tether for root, which is an ad-hoc client. This only allows one device to connect.... thy is unless they have changed the app since I last used it 4 months ago.
Plus... imo... the 3g hotspot app is a little more stable.
So the big question for the hotspot users is ... the rumored unlimited LTE. will it be capped?.. will we grandfather into it when big red switches to tiered data?
Sent from my "I feel like force closing right now" DROIDX using XDA App
I bet we can enable free 3g mobile hotspot like on the incredible by editing settings in the dialers hidden menu (i cant remember what it was on the inc, hopefully it will be the same on the T-Bolt)
Magicadder said:
The 3g wireless hotspot app from big red has DHCP functionality with an infrastructure wireless signal... so kinda like a wireless router.... vs. Wireless tether for root, which is an ad-hoc client. This only allows one device to connect.... thy is unless they have changed the app since I last used it 4 months ago.
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no offence but well over 4 months ago I used Wireless Tether for Root Users on my N1 and my dInc and was able to connect more than one device. You may have tried an old/outdated version. I agree that it does have stability issues from time to time but I feel it is a much better app than the stock big red hotspot app.
julesism said:
no offence but well over 4 months ago I used Wireless Tether for Root Users on my N1 and my dInc and was able to connect more than one device. You may have tried an old/outdated version. I agree that it does have stability issues from time to time but I feel it is a much better app than the stock big red hotspot app.
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Good call... your right... I did not have all the info on the wifi tether app.
It seems to me that the hotspot app also has way more overhead than the wifi tether app which automatically makes the wifi tether app a better call.... thx for the corrections
Just goes to show, you can't be right all the time.... lol
Sent from my "for no reason, im locking up on you" DROIDX using XDA App
I wonder how they will treat this change. Because including the feature then changing it to pay is a change of the contract terms that might let people out of contracts...
Either way a free tether solution should be possible.
andydumi said:
I wonder how they will treat this change. Because including the feature then changing it to pay is a change of the contract terms that might let people out of contracts...
Either way a free tether solution should be possible.
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my thinking about the contract change would be that there would be no specific feature on your plan allowing the mobile hotspot for the thunderbolt, it would simply be available with the phone to whoever gets it. therefore when 5/15 comes and payment for hotspot is required you would have to add the feature to your plan for continued use. i don't know all of the specific details but i know that for most contracts you can edit features without charge or breaking/editing the contract (e.g. adding insurance, increasing minute/text allotments, carrier-based gps services) and the only contract changes that are solid are minutes + data that is required. that is my $0.02 on that issue, not sure if there is solid documentation on verizon's policy.
i do agree that with moderate usage free tether is an easy solution to this.
bkiminfinity said:
my thinking about the contract change would be that there would be no specific feature on your plan allowing the mobile hotspot for the thunderbolt, it would simply be available with the phone to whoever gets it. therefore when 5/15 comes and payment for hotspot is required you would have to add the feature to your plan for continued use. i don't know all of the specific details but i know that for most contracts you can edit features without charge or breaking/editing the contract (e.g. adding insurance, increasing minute/text allotments, carrier-based gps services) and the only contract changes that are solid are minutes + data that is required. that is my $0.02 on that issue, not sure if there is solid documentation on verizon's policy.
i do agree that with moderate usage free tether is an easy solution to this.
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A promotional period, mmmm, yes, nice work VZW, well played
bkiminfinity said:
my thinking about the contract change would be that there would be no specific feature on your plan allowing the mobile hotspot for the thunderbolt, it would simply be available with the phone to whoever gets it. therefore when 5/15 comes and payment for hotspot is required you would have to add the feature to your plan for continued use. i don't know all of the specific details but i know that for most contracts you can edit features without charge or breaking/editing the contract (e.g. adding insurance, increasing minute/text allotments, carrier-based gps services) and the only contract changes that are solid are minutes + data that is required. that is my $0.02 on that issue, not sure if there is solid documentation on verizon's policy.
i do agree that with moderate usage free tether is an easy solution to this.
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Maybe. But it is being advertised as a feature now and its therefore included in the plan. And if that feature changes price, then that can be a breach. Much like the past few years with changing text message rates where people got out of their contracts.
If V puts the V hotspot app on there then its even further endorsement for the feature.
I gues well wait and see, but I agree, a free hotspot app for when i go on a trip once in a blue moon will be good enough.
andydumi said:
Maybe. But it is being advertised as a feature now and its therefore included in the plan. And if that feature changes price, then that can be a breach. Much like the past few years with changing text message rates where people got out of their contracts.
If V puts the V hotspot app on there then its even further endorsement for the feature.
I gues well wait and see, but I agree, a free hotspot app for when i go on a trip once in a blue moon will be good enough.
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Yeah BUT (there's always a but, lol), they are specifically saying that the hotspot is only free until 5/15, so I don't think it would be in breach of anything. Kind of like when you buy a PC and it has anti-virus or MS Office free for a certain period (maybe?).
What I might expect is we'll have a charge on our invoice for $20 and then a credit on the first two bills to offset the charge. That way we're charged from the get go.
Robertjm said:
What I might expect is we'll have a charge on our invoice for $20 and then a credit on the first two bills to offset the charge. That way we're charged from the get go.
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hah, such an evil plan.....wouldn't surprise me if this were true though. it would be a safe way to avoid breach of contract while at the same time suckering in any tbolt owners who don't pay close attention to their bills. it's nothing new to charge $0 for something and then start taking money, as long as the customer doesn't manually remove the service. i think my bank offered things like this for free credit checks, free for a month or two and then it'll start charging, unless i were to call in and cancel the service. if verizon follows this it'll be up to diligent account owners to avoid unwanted charges.
andydumi said:
I wonder how they will treat this change. Because including the feature then changing it to pay is a change of the contract terms that might let people out of contracts...
Either way a free tether solution should be possible.
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Click to collapse
This is a little ridiculous that more people aren't using common sense with this. You can't get out of your contract this way, and why not? You're clearly being told that you are being GIVEN this feature for FREE until 05/15/2011. Don't bother writing that date down, because the contract you sign probably mentions this promtion, then you'll probably get a flyer, an email and and ad show up in My Verizon clearly stating "4G Mobile Hotspot FREE on Thunderbolt Until 05/15/2011". You might even get a letter in the mail welcoming you to this free trial. Then likely at least 2 reminders as the free trial is about to end, likely mail and email. You might even get a text message on your phone. Then, on 05/15/2011, it's probably going to stop working and you will probably be told the new rate of 2 GB/$20 for the feature (and no obligation to keep it) and you'll be asked if you want to add it.
So if you decide to ignore this clear forum post that has told you, all the news articles and then Verizon's very thorough warnings about the feature change, then no...you don't get out of your contract with no termination fee. You get a medal for being cheap. You were clearly told this multiple times and it's nobody's responsibility but your own.
Just wanted to update this thread as I just got my tbolt and have news on the topic. I asked about the free mobile hotspot while my phone was being activated and the Verizon sales rep told me that hotspot is currently free for all tbolt users. Duh. But then she added that the feature itself isn't on anyone's plan and it is just purely free use for now. The catch is that it is only free until 5/14, and on 5/15 mobile hotspot will be A LA CARTE. Meaning that if you do not add mobile hotspot feature on the 14th and use it on the 15th, you will be charged per megabyte of usage at whatever Verizon charges, instead of the feature being automatically added to your plan. So lookout for that tbolt users and don't get caught on huge usage charges!
I was wondering if anyone has gotten the wifitether to work or the other root/free tethering solutions working to test if there are notable speed difference between these solutions and the mobile hotspot? I think I remember reading that tethering via USB got better speed tests than the mobile hotspot. But was wondering if anyone had run benchmarks on the other tethering options? I'd do it but I don't get my TB till likely Tuesday.
Wifi tether from the market works great on rooted s-off tbolt.
I think every person should have the following added to their features. I'm not sure what they plan to do on 5/15?
Let me get to the point. I just got my G2x yesterday, swapped everything from my N1. On WiFi, np, I can access anything thru the internet. W/o WiFi, I still get MMS and can trick my phone in getting short data, like my current weather in a widget, etc. but when a browser is pulled up, it tells me I have the wrong data plan and I have to update.
Now, I know exactly what this is, my question is more if there is a way of circumnavigating it? I have the same plan I had w/my G1, which was just before the data plans changed and I don't want to have upgrade to one of thier new limited-unltd AND pay more on top of it. I was planning on rooting it anyway as I have my past to Androids (thanks by the way XDA, w/o this site, I couldn't have done it), but was waiting for CM7. I know there are several great ROMs out there though, many more than when I originally flashed my G1 and if by rooting it, I would work around whatever is relaying my phn info.
Oh, and so everyone knows, I haven't updated my imei yet w/TMo, but I've never experienced this before even w/o my imei being updated.
Anyway, hope my rambling has at least stayed near the tracks of reason and someone can give me an answer. If I have to update my service then I have to, I just don't like being "forced" to , makes me think AT&T and I would LOOOOOOVE to get around this!
Thx all...
Call T-Mobile and tell them what you're seeing. They'll probably first tell you that you'll have to upgrade, or pay more. Tell them that is unacceptable and you'd like to be grandfathered in.
See if that works, I've heard that some people who used T-Zones back in the day are grandfathered in at $5.99 for unlimited web. I'm not sure how valid this may be, but try your luck with T-Mobile and post back here what the outcome was.
I'll give it a try, but I'm going to give hope a chance and hold my breath hoping that maybe, just maybe, this can be circumnavigated by freezing and/or removing some sort of pre-installed mothership progam hidden in one of the many bloatware by TMo...
im grandfatherd with the 6 dollar tzones but it cut off on me last week like when i go to the web it tells me my plans not sufficent for it so idk what to do but im not gettin a data plan
If you are on T-Zones I really doubt you will be able to keep it. What I would do is call retentions and try to get them to put the grandfathered $20 Android plan on there so at least you get it for a little bit less.
Pretty much the same thing I'm getting, it redirects me to web2go.com and tells me I have to update my data plan.
Don't get me wrong, if the TMo commercial chick dressed up like a dominatrix, I would make it my screensaver among other things, it doesn't mean I long for my provider to act the role...
Did you renew your contract?? I am still using the $25 plan I got when I had my G1. At some point (can't remember if I was still on G1 or Nexus One) but I had to switch to the "Android Data Plan" instead of the G! plan (to get Visual Voicemail). My price remained the same, just the name changed. But, I didn't renew my contract when I bought this phone.
Nope, no contract.
RhynosAndroid said:
Let me get to the point. I just got my G2x yesterday, swapped everything from my N1. On WiFi, np, I can access anything thru the internet. W/o WiFi, I still get MMS and can trick my phone in getting short data, like my current weather in a widget, etc. but when a browser is pulled up, it tells me I have the wrong data plan and I have to update.
Now, I know exactly what this is, my question is more if there is a way of circumnavigating it? I have the same plan I had w/my G1, which was just before the data plans changed and I don't want to have upgrade to one of thier new limited-unltd AND pay more on top of it. I was planning on rooting it anyway as I have my past to Androids (thanks by the way XDA, w/o this site, I couldn't have done it), but was waiting for CM7. I know there are several great ROMs out there though, many more than when I originally flashed my G1 and if by rooting it, I would work around whatever is relaying my phn info.
Oh, and so everyone knows, I haven't updated my imei yet w/TMo, but I've never experienced this before even w/o my imei being updated.
Anyway, hope my rambling has at least stayed near the tracks of reason and someone can give me an answer. If I have to update my service then I have to, I just don't like being "forced" to , makes me think AT&T and I would LOOOOOOVE to get around this!
Thx all...
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Click to collapse
Do you know the name of the actual plan you have? I am a Tech Care rep and the only time you would need to change from a grandfathered plan is if you had a generic smartphone plan instead of an android specific plan.
You may have to upgrade to the android specific, but there are ways around paying the higher cost. Retentions is a good way, got a guy the $20 buck plan yesterday to match his loyalty Blackberry internet plan through retentions.
Glad I'm on Simple Mobile can't beat the price
mikebionca06 said:
Glad I'm on Simple Mobile can't beat the price
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True but good luck with any customer service or tech support.
I just got my G2x today coming from my N1. I was able to keep my Myfaves + unlimited android data, in fact it was recommended i keep it because it has a 5gb cap and the new plan would be 2gb
Adam7986 said:
True but good luck with any customer service or tech support.
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Ive been with them since it was available ,never had to call customer support and never had an issue...
as far as i have tried the t-zones or t-web plan will not work, i had to finally ditch mine after 7 years, i did call t-mobile and asked to speak to a loyalty rep. which i then explained that i was not going to pay more than 20 for a plan with a new 2 year upgrade, which did not take to much convincing they gave me the unlimited Android data plan for 20 bucks a month. Trust me i did not want to let go of my 9.99 plan which worked great with my HD2 with 3g speeds, but for an extra 10 bucks a month its worth not having to worry about will it work and trying to find the right settings.
Yeah, I'm sure I'm going to have to buckle as well. Going to flash the CM build that was just released. After that, go the loyalty route I guess.
Oh, and...
GO POKES!
So can anyone confirm you have to upgrade from the g1 plan to take advantage of 4h data speeds?
donutman said:
So can anyone confirm you have to upgrade from the g1 plan to take advantage of 4h data speeds?
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That is just a name change - has no effect on speeds.
Still on my "Android Unlimited" for $25 (after changing from "G1 Plan" for VVM).
mikebionca06 said:
Ive been with them since it was available ,never had to call customer support and never had an issue...
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Did you buy your SIM from SM directly?
-bZj
donutman said:
So can anyone confirm you have to upgrade from the g1 plan to take advantage of 4h data speeds?
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Click to collapse
Nope, as I said Im still on my plan from my G1 that was also used on the N1. they just gave me a new sim card.
mikebionca06 said:
Ive been with them since it was available ,never had to call customer support and never had an issue...
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Which is great, but if one day you need it, they don't have a contact number/e-mail listed on their website and T-Mobile can't help you.
Well, I added the "data throttling removal" patch because at least a few of the posts sounded as if by using this Paul O'Brien patch they circumnavigated the need to change plans. Alas, to no avail, although now, I shouldn't have to worry about data throttling should I downgrade to the (limited) unlimited plan.
It appears than my Holy Grail continues to elude me! At this point, I would even just accept some Knights who say "NI!" I'd trade a shrubbery for a resolution...
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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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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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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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
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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
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Well this sucks. I dont see how we are different from EM+ postpaid customers.
I looked around some hands on videos of the Sensation and looked closely at the App Drawer... and did not see a Wifi Calling app.... maybe im wrong...
Anyone know if this device includes Wifi Calling?
i would guess that it will have it. In Barcelona earlier this year T-Mo stated it's commitment to wi-fi calling and that it planned on having it on all future smartphone devices.
yeah i would be pretty upset if it didn't have it since all the recent smartphones they've put out have this. I just got the feature added to my plan and im always in wifi areas, well i make alot of calls from home and with this i would rarely ever use my minutes.
Android 2.3 has integrated SIP call function in dailer. Otherwise, you can use free SIP software from market. You also can use GTalk for internet call.
Use Fring to make calls (video and voice). support conference call.
Yes the Sensation does in fact have WiFi Calling. I use it every day.
I was wondering if any of you can tell me if the wifi calling takes away from your plan minutes? I am hearing no from third parties and I am hearing yes directly from tmobile. Really thinking about switching to tmobile due to sprints horrible service where I recently moved to. It just might make sense to do it with this option.
Yes, With WiFi calling you use up your plans minutes.
thats dumb lol, using plan minutes when using wifi calling..wtf is the point!
thanks for the reply. That is pretty stupid. This would be a great option for those who don't have to best coverage and the extra option of not using minutes would make it over the top. Oh well, maybe I will get a airave from sprint and stay where I'm at.
I've heard that if you have a newer plan (not a grandfathered plan) with T-Mobile, they can add on free WiFi Calling which does not take away minutes from your plan.
Originally, and by default, it used to be that wifi calling deducted minutes from your regular plan... im not sure if the newer plans come with the wifi calling free plan.... but for me, since I already had a grandfathered plan, I just had to call Tmobile up, and request Free Wifi Calling, and then they enabled it, for free.
If you talk to tmobile customer support online or over the phone you can have a service added to your plan so that WiFi calling does not use your minutes. It will say "uses plan minutes" on your phone still but it actually will not.
EDIT: Haha caliber177 beat me to it!
SOB double post... whoops...
Here is what the wirefly website says. I know they are not tmobile but I'm just saying.
"WiFi Calling will allow you to make calls over a Wi-Fi network without deducting from your plan minutes. Android handsets will continue to display a message that indicates that calls will be deducted from plan minutes. However, if this feature is active, calls will be free and unlimited over Wi-Fi."
Capable device and Wi-Fi connection required. Wi-Fi calling decrements plan minutes. Except for UMA devices, device will not transition between Wi-Fi and the wireless network.
Thats what it says when you go to the wifi calling page on the t-mobile site! If you go to this link here http://smart-wi-fi.com/mobileHandsetsHTCSensation.php Its a UMA device.
I'm stoked to finally have cell service at my house. I doesn't bug me one bit having to use my minutes and Wifi calling is a great feature most carriers don't use.
I feel like people are picking this device apart under a microscope just to find things to complain about. Yes we all know s-off will be the day it really comes out to shine but in the mean time just enjoy the phone.
I think I understand the logic behind this question, but I'm going to ask anyway because I want to see if there are any policy pitfalls before I take the plunge and purchase a One XL. This specifically is about AT&T and their LTE network.
I have an Inspire 4G on the AT&T network and I would like to buy the One XL and just transfer my SIM card (by either cutting mine down or by stopping by an AT&T store and purchasing one of the mini SIM cards). I don't want to have to sign up for a new contract because I have an old grandfathered data plan (unlimited) and I don't need the LTE network... I'm perfectly happy with the HSPDA speeds I've been receiving.
Has anyone done something similar or ran into any problems with attaining a new SIM card and not having to move to a new data plan?
On a side note, I was going to give my Inspire 4G to my girlfriend to replace her Iphone 3GS. I understand the SIM card is the same size and she doesn't have an Iphone specific plan... it's basic voice + unlimited data for smartphones. Anyone have issues with that type of transfer either?
Just go to an AT&T store, and they should give you a MicroSIM for free, as they usually do for account holders.
Further, you do want to add LTE to your account. You can do so and keep your unlimited data plan. You just have to be specific about telling them to do it, and make sure they do it right. Its not completely straighforward for them. It took them about 15 minutes to figure out how to do it, and the rep had to call his manager over. They technically need to put you on a "new" data plan, but it says "unlimited data with LTE" and its only available for grandfathered customers. Its really the same plan you were on before, just with LTE added. Its no extra fee, you keep unlimited data, and you get the smoking fast LTE speeds. Plus your cap before getting throttled goes up to 5 GB, versus 3 GB for non-LTE plans.
Whether you want to stay off contract, and just pay full retail for the phone, versus subsidized pricing and an additional 2 year commitment is up to you. But all I've mentioned above should be true in either case.
Your GF should be fine putting her SIM into your old Inspire.
sarichter said:
I think I understand the logic behind this question, but I'm going to ask anyway because I want to see if there are any policy pitfalls before I take the plunge and purchase a One XL. This specifically is about AT&T and their LTE network.
I have an Inspire 4G on the AT&T network and I would like to buy the One XL and just transfer my SIM card (by either cutting mine down or by stopping by an AT&T store and purchasing one of the mini SIM cards). I don't want to have to sign up for a new contract because I have an old grandfathered data plan (unlimited) and I don't need the LTE network... I'm perfectly happy with the HSPDA speeds I've been receiving.
Has anyone done something similar or ran into any problems with attaining a new SIM card and not having to move to a new data plan?
On a side note, I was going to give my Inspire 4G to my girlfriend to replace her Iphone 3GS. I understand the SIM card is the same size and she doesn't have an Iphone specific plan... it's basic voice + unlimited data for smartphones. Anyone have issues with that type of transfer either?
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I bought a One X and was able to keep my unlimited data. Also, when you go to an LTE data plan the data throttle cap for unlimited plans goes from 3GB to 5GB. There is plenty of reason to add LTE to your unlimited plan unless you really don't want a contract.
Looks like all of that was already pointed out. So X2 it.
Butters619 said:
There is plenty of reason to add LTE to your unlimited plan unless you really don't want a contract.
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You don't need a new contract commitment to add LTE. Really there is no reason not to add LTE
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda app-developers app
redpoint73 said:
You don't need a new contract commitment to add LTE. Really there is no reason not to add LTE
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda app-developers app
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That's true. My bad. Slip in my thought process.
Maybe, just maybe, if you truly wanted better battery life you wouldn't want LTE (since there is no way to disable it on the AT&T One X). Lol.
redpoint73 said:
Just go to an AT&T store, and they should give you a MicroSIM for free, as they usually do for account holders.
Further, you do want to add LTE to your account. You can do so and keep your unlimited data plan. You just have to be specific about telling them to do it, and make sure they do it right. Its not completely straighforward for them. It took them about 15 minutes to figure out how to do it, and the rep had to call his manager over. They technically need to put you on a "new" data plan, but it says "unlimited data with LTE" and its only available for grandfathered customers. Its really the same plan you were on before, just with LTE added. Its no extra fee, you keep unlimited data, and you get the smoking fast LTE speeds. Plus your cap before getting throttled goes up to 5 GB, versus 3 GB for non-LTE plans.
Whether you want to stay off contract, and just pay full retail for the phone, versus subsidized pricing and an additional 2 year commitment is up to you. But all I've mentioned above should be true in either case.
Your GF should be fine putting her SIM into your old Inspire.
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Awesome information! Thank you so much for your help. This isn't spelled out very well anywhere on AT&T's website. I avoided the 2 year commitment with a subsidized phone because they said I would lose my unlimited data plan. I didn't want to give that up with a new contract. However, if that information isn't correct... then I need to find a store with a competent salesperson. Anyone know if that's the case?
sarichter said:
Awesome information! Thank you so much for your help. This isn't spelled out very well anywhere on AT&T's website. I avoided the 2 year commitment with a subsidized phone because they said I would lose my unlimited data plan. I didn't want to give that up with a new contract. However, if that information isn't correct... then I need to find a store with a competent salesperson. Anyone know if that's the case?
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You can call them or got into an AT&T store and they should know that you get to keep your unlimited. I bought mine through Best Buy and they can make sure unlimited stays right there, although I still called to verify after.
Anybody at the store tells you otherwise, then they are lying.
Butters619 said:
You can call them or got into an AT&T store and they should know that you get to keep your unlimited. I bought mine through Best Buy and they can make sure unlimited stays right there, although I still called to verify after.
Anybody at the store tells you otherwise, then they are lying.
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That was easy... they did this over the phone. No changes to my account, new phone, unlimited data, LTE... very sweet! Thanks for your help again!
I have unlimited data. Got a new microsim and lte no problem. Only takes a few minutes.
Sent from my One X using xda premium
Butters619 said:
Maybe, just maybe, if you truly wanted better battery life you wouldn't want LTE (since there is no way to disable it on the AT&T One X). Lol.
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Not having LTE on your account wouldn't make a difference in that case. The phone will still scan for LTE radios, whether its on our account or not.
---------- Post added at 09:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:34 PM ----------
sarichter said:
Awesome information! Thank you so much for your help.
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Your welcome. Be sure to click the "Thanks" button for post you find helpful.
sarichter said:
I avoided the 2 year commitment with a subsidized phone because they said I would lose my unlimited data plan. I didn't want to give that up with a new contract. However, if that information isn't correct... then I need to find a store with a competent salesperson. Anyone know if that's the case?
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Click to collapse
Looks like you've already taken care of it. But for others that may have the same question: Yeah, the salesperson needs to be pretty competent. But it seems to be getting a bit more common that people with grandfathered plans want to get LTE added to their accounts, as LTE is being launched in more and more markets, and their are more devices with LTE being offered by AT&T. So its not as bad as when they first started doing it. When the Vivid came out last year (the first LTE phone on AT&T?), I was reading lots of reports of AT&T reps accidentally taking unlimited data off people's plan, not even knowing/understanding what the customer was asking for, trying to tell them its not possible to keep unlimited data, etc.
Its gotten better since those days, but you still have to be careful its done right. Doing it in the store is good, the rep let me look on the screen to confirm the choices before finalizing each one. It did take a while for them to get it done right. The rep had to call his manager over, who had to sign onto an "older" system on his computer in order to do it, since my account was so old. But it got done, and at least they knew what I was talking about.
redpoint73 said:
Not having LTE on your account wouldn't make a difference in that case. The phone will still scan for LTE radios, whether its on our account or not.
---------- Post added at 09:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:34 PM ----------
Your welcome. Be sure to click the "Thanks" button for post you find helpful.
Looks like you've already taken care of it. But for others that may have the same question: Yeah, the salesperson needs to be pretty competent. But it seems to be getting a bit more common that people with grandfathered plans want to get LTE added to their accounts, as LTE is being launched in more and more markets, and their are more devices with LTE being offered by AT&T. So its not as bad as when they first started doing it. When the Vivid came out last year (the first LTE phone on AT&T?), I was reading lots of reports of AT&T reps accidentally taking unlimited data off people's plan, not even knowing/understanding what the customer was asking for, trying to tell them its not possible to keep unlimited data, etc.
Its gotten better since those days, but you still have to be careful its done right. Doing it in the store is good, the rep let me look on the screen to confirm the choices before finalizing each one. It did take a while for them to get it done right. The rep had to call his manager over, who had to sign onto an "older" system on his computer in order to do it, since my account was so old. But it got done, and at least they knew what I was talking about.
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Talking about 'old'... I still had a 'blue' plan from the days before cingular! They had to upgrade my plan then because I was signed up for a legacy data plan that was a weird data+voice plan that wasn't carried over. I don't recall the reason but that was before I ever had a smartphone.
sarichter said:
Talking about 'old'... I still had a 'blue' plan from the days before cingular! They had to upgrade my plan then because I was signed up for a legacy data plan that was a weird data+voice plan that wasn't carried over. I don't recall the reason but that was before I ever had a smartphone.
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Wow, that really is old. Mine is nowhere near close. I've only been on AT&T/Cingular for 11 years or so. And only had data for maybe 5 years.
Might have been some major shift in technology that required the change. My father-in-law was forced to switch cell phone plans way back in the day when they were turning off the analog system and going digital!