At the moment I'm using a HTC Tilt 2 WM 6.5 without a data plan due to the fact I'm Grandfathered in via the pre data forcing by AT&T. Since I have never purchased a cell phone from AT&T my contract has never been renewed. Hence I can switch from one smartphone to another with no activation of a data plan.
My question:
I plan to get, and root, a used HTC Inspire. I have heard all Android phones must have a data plan or they physically will not work. Is this true? Or is this coming from individuals that have not been Grandfathered in and just do not know better?
i was in the same boat as you months ago when the inspire came out. I have an unlimited data/txt/MMS plan which cost me $29.99 a month. I have not renewed a contract in about 5 years. My unlimited data plan is grandfathered in. I can use as much data as i want and dont have to worry about overages.
Yes, ATT will detect that you are using the new phone. They will also tell you that you HAVE to upgrade your data plan. You dont. They will also tell you that they will automatically update your data plan when they detect you are using the '4g' phone. That is wont, its actually illegal.
I have had the inspires since the day it came out and i still pay $90 a month for 900 min of talk time and unlimited text/data/mms.
I did the math the last time they tried to make me upgrade my plan to the $35/month "4G" data plan. Over two years of paying more for less (data), i would save money by buying the phone for the list price and not upgrading my plan. They i would have to buy a plan for text and mms messages.
So i would suggest you buy the phone outright for whatever it costs now.
I go so far as to not even give them my phone number and tell them the phone is a gift for a friend. When they give me a problem about that, and say the MUST have a phone number, i give them the phone number of one my friends that has an iphone, or use my work number, since the are both ATT phone numbers.
---------- Post added at 02:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:09 PM ----------
note though, if you do not have a data plan, you may want to make sure the data radio is turned off and simply use the wi-fi on the phone to access the internet. Android is always running stuff in the background that uses your data plan.
I turn mine off so that i dont get emails when i am out and about at night or asleep.
never had an issue except with the sales people and the store that 'know it all' because they are paid to get you to upgrade to the latest plan. they tell you that you MUST upgrade just so they can get their commission or meet some quota i guess. call their bluff. its worked for me ever since i went to the original tilt a few years back.
Your android phone will work without a data plan. However ATT will detect it and can hook you up to a data plan and charge you without asking you. There is nothing illegal about that. ATT has every right to do that. It is their policy.
But ATT is not the evil cellphone provider that everyone thinks they are. Most likely what I said above will happen. But since you are in a grandfathered plan and have been a valued ATT customer I would talk to an ATT representative. Most likely they will just put a block on your data and you will be able to continue on as you have in the past. That is as long as you buy the phone outright.
Agoattamer may be right about automatically signing your up for a data plan. I am lucky because I signed up for the unlimited plan years ago, so technically, i do have a data plan.
I do know for a fact that they have told me they will automatically change my plan to one of their newer plans because now i have a smarter phone. I pretty much got in an argument about it with the sales rep on why i should 'upgrade' my plan when it is already unlimited. His only answer was, as Agoattamer stated, it's ATT policy for the newer, smarter phones.
They have not 'automatically upgraded my plan' though, but have told me they will each time i go in there. The first time was when i bought the tilt 1, and then i had to get a international roaming plan for a vacation, and they looked at my account and said the same thing. Has not happened yet, and it has been a few years.
i am sure that if i were to consume 10 gigs of data in one month though, i would probably get automatically upgraded, so thats why i fly under the radar and mostly use wi-fi. Only use my cell data radio on the road or when i NEED it outside of wi-fi coverage. To this date, i still have not consumed more than a 1 gig in a month on my cell data radio.
What ngravatt says here is true. They may get you and they may not get you. There are many that get by under the radar and then I have heard of many that get caught the first day. It is a coin tossup. But as ngravatt also said which I said above: Talk to them and they will work it out with you usually. But since you have no data plan your phone will begin using data shortly after you turn it on. And I think that will be a major red flag to ATT. So either they will catch you and add you to a plan or you will get charged for the data you use which can be quite expensive.
ngravatt said:
Yes, ATT will detect that you are using the new phone. They will also tell you that you HAVE to upgrade your data plan. You dont. They will also tell you that they will automatically update your data plan when they detect you are using the '4g' phone. That is wont, its actually illegal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well...they can, but they ahve to send you a notice saying they're changing your contract terms, but they give you an option to back out of your contract if you disagree with the new terms.
You should be able to buy it outright or upgrade, and turn off your data plan. You could just use the sim card swap technique to put it in another phone and say you lost the other one (after a month) and that you want them to turn off ALL data. This way you can upgrade and get the cheapest price on the phone (?free) AND only pay a month of data. ATT *does* let people with smartphones disable data and they don't force you onto a data plan. I have friends that do this with iphones and other smartphones. This might be your cheapest option.
off topic here, i was on a tilt2 up until the beg of march when my screen refused to turn on, and since it was 6 months after my warranty expired (90 day refurb warranty), i had to upgrade. mannn, wish i could've held out until att lte phones came out...
If you buy at upgrade pricing you have to re-sign your service agreement. That is when they hit you with the data plan change. If you purchase your phone outright then you will not sign a new service agreement. If you get a text saying that you need a new data plan call 611. Tell them that you have unlimited data and you are receiving text messages. They will update the data plan you are on to the new grandfathered data plan and you are all set. At least in my experience that was what happened to me. Text messages stopped and I am on the corrected unlimited data plan. And I pull about 5-6 gigs a month so yes it is unlimited, and no I do not tether.
Sorry just re read a little more. They will require a data plan for you and they will not grandfather you since there is nothing to grandfather. I would buy outright online from a private party and pop your SIM in.
i have been using smart phones for a while since the windows mobile times, and have upgraded since sometimes buying the phone on ebay or sometimes renewing my contract
i put a data block on my phone and just use wifi
the other people on my plan have data on there phone
What if you have a desire HD, would they tag you too?
Sent from my CM7 Nightly HTC Desire HD
Yes. They will still notice. Using a desire hd still requires your sim and still uses att network.
Phone: HTC Inspire 4gRadio: 26.13.04.19
Ril: 2.2.0179Rom: GB Sense 4.0i by fshami
Oh okay, thanks
Sent from my CM7 Nightly HTC Desire HD
How about h2o?
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App
Gizmoe said:
Yes. They will still notice. Using a desire hd still requires your sim and still uses att network.
Phone: HTC Inspire 4gRadio: 26.13.04.19
Ril: 2.2.0179Rom: GB Sense 4.0i by fshami
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But how will they know it's a smartphone? My understanding was that if the imei is not in their database, they have no way of determining what device you actually have.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using the power of the dark side
biglittlegato said:
But how will they know it's a smartphone? My understanding was that if the imei is not in their database, they have no way of determining what device you actually have.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using the power of the dark side
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true from what I hear. You can buy a Telus DHD (uses the same frequencies as AT&T) and add an unlimited non-smart phone data plan for like $10/month. Your Telus DHD will get 3G/4G just like an Inspire, but won't be flagged as a "smart" device by AT&T. This could all change at any time though if AT&T gets wise to you.
Gene Poole said:
This is true from what I hear. You can buy a Telus DHD (uses the same frequencies as AT&T) and add an unlimited non-smart phone data plan for like $10/month. Your Telus DHD will get 3G/4G just like an Inspire, but won't be flagged as a "smart" device by AT&T. This could all change at any time though if AT&T gets wise to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume they would notice that you are using a device that does not match your imei number and they would require you to activate it. It might not take them too long to notice but who knows. Things do slip through the cracks.
Phone: HTC Inspire 4gRadio: 26.13.04.19
Ril: 2.2.0179Rom: GB Sense 4.0i by fshami
biglittlegato said:
But how will they know it's a smartphone? My understanding was that if the imei is not in their database, they have no way of determining what device you actually have.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using the power of the dark side
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carriers have been working with the OEMs to fix this. They are at the point where they may not be able to determine what device it is but can tell what type of device. Its not that hard to look at the data usage and other things and determine what type of device is being used.
Check my sig and you will see I am using a Telus DHD. Before that I used a T-mobile Samsung Vibrant and before that I used a Telstra HTC HD2. All three phones worked on ATT for 3G. None of the 3 showed up on the ATT web site. It still shows to this day, my samsung impression. I am using the non smartphone $10/month unlimited data plan. It has worked for 2 years but I do not abuse it. It may change in the near future, who knows.
Gizmoe said:
I assume they would notice that you are using a device that does not match your imei number and they would require you to activate it. It might not take them too long to notice but who knows. Things do slip through the cracks.
Phone: HTC Inspire 4gRadio: 26.13.04.19
Ril: 2.2.0179Rom: GB Sense 4.0i by fshami
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did this for three years no issues. Didn't manage to upgrade to my Inspire with the same data plan though :-(
Sent from my Inspire 4G using xda premium
Gizmoe said:
I assume they would notice that you are using a device that does not match your imei number and they would require you to activate it. It might not take them too long to notice but who knows. Things do slip through the cracks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the thing with GSM phones. They only care about the SIM for activation. The IMEI is secondary and only used (by AT&T anyway) to identify the type of phone. If it's not in their database, they have no way of knowing what kind of phone it is.
Related
I had the Check Mark under the "H+" icon like a lot of other veteran AT&T users here. I had no data service due to an incorrect APN. I bought the Inspire off-contract at a Corp store & put in my SIM from my Captivate. I called Premier Support and this was what I was told:
"The Inspire uses the 4G network and your IMEI isn't provisioned on our network. We can register your IMEI to use our network but you'll have to select a new data plan. If you choose to enter an APN manually, when our system audits the network, your IMEI will show as a "non-qualifying" device and you'll immediately be placed in the 4G 250MB data plan. I can put in a ticket stating that you request your IMEI be allowed to use our 4G network on an unlimited basis, but there's no guarantee that it will be approved. If it is not approved, you will have the option to remain on the 3G unlimited plan with your 3g-only device or 'upgrade' to a 4G plan with your Inspire. You will be contacted with our decision."
There apparently is no option to use the Inspire solely on the 3G unlimited network. To guarantee that I only use the 3G network, I'll have to go back to a 3G-only device - IE my Captivate.
I will wait to see what they come up with but my fall-back will be to return the Inspire and pay the $35 restocking fee & pursue my options with a class-action lawsuit.
This is going to have me cancelling the 5 lines I have with AT&T and switch to Verizon. Even if I can't get unlimited data with Verizon and it ultimately costs me more, I'd switch just to spite AT&T and deny them of my monthly $289. This is COMPLETE BS on AT&T's part!
EDIT: I forgot to mention that between Sunday and Tuesday morning, my Inspire used over 500MB on AT&T's network with all the Google & HTCSense.com syncronization! This is in ADDITION to the data I transferred over my 802.11n network at home! They have geared these devices to absolutely SUCK data down their pipes with their bloatware. I totally feel an anti-trust/consumer fraud lawsuit in the making!
I would suggest trying to call them back. I switched from a captivate to the Inspire and had the same issues with data. Called their support and told them to keep my unlimited data and 5 minutes later they had me all squared away unlimited 4g data and all, I think you talked to a ****ty rep is all.
Yeah I stayed on the $30 unlimited plan no problem. They told me they switched it to 4G and it would still be the same price and unlimited.
gtg465x said:
Yeah I stayed on the $30 unlimited plan no problem. They told me they switched it to 4G and it would still be the same price and unlimited.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
glad to see your using an inspire GTG
Same here. Bought the phone at Costco. Put my Captivate SIM in and no go. Went to my local corp store and the guy told me I had to change my data plan since the Unlimited plan would not work based on a Memo the store received last Friday.
After I argued a bit I told him to switch me to the 2GB plan. He then noticed in the computer that I could stay on the unlimited plan and be on the 4G network.
I would call back ATT and demand you stay on the unlimited plan that you have been grandfathered into or you will cancel and leave. They don't want to lose a account that spends that much monthly.
I really hope you guys are right. I've been with AT&Greed for over 4 years now. I will try tomorrow at the Corp store where I bought it and update on here tomorrow night.
I want to make sure you all understand I'm not trying to steer anyone away from the Inspire. In fact, I actually forgot how much I liked having an HTC phone (had the 8125, 8525, and Fuze previously). Sense has been the $hit since I loaded the WinMo 6.5 ROMs! I liked the Android experience on my Captivate (minus TouchWiz) but really like what HTC has done with Sense on the Inspire. My quibble isn't with HTC, but with AT&Greed on their data plans.
I'll update tomorrow.
You have to have a "4g" sim card placed into your inspire. There is no reason for them not to let you you keep your unlimeted data. Its a different soc code for the data as well. The idiot Rep who you talked to on the phone is the single reason why att has a bad name. Im actually an att store manager and have had att years before I started with the company. Go back to the store you bought your inspire from and tell them to register your imei to the account and to give you a "4g" sim card. The system we use will make them switch the data plan as well but don't worry... you don't have to give up your unlimited. If you have any questions ill try to stay posted to this thread to help anyone out.
PS. 4g sim cards are cross compatible with 3g phones so if you ever switch back to your old phone you can use the new sim
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App
This should be noted
Regardless of my outcome with AT&T tomorrow, this is VERY important:
"I forgot to mention that between Sunday and Tuesday morning, my Inspire used over 500MB on AT&T's network with all the Google & HTCSense.com syncronization! This is in ADDITION to the data I transferred over my 802.11n network at home! They have geared these devices to absolutely SUCK data down their pipes with their bloatware."
Even if AT&T "allows" me "unlimited" access to their network, there are obviously programs that use their network regardless of our connection to Wi-Fi networks. Therefore, a user that isn't grandfathered into an unlimited data plan will unwittingly use data on their network even if connected via Wi-Fi. If AT&T is FORCING certain programs to use thier data network, even when connected via Wi-Fi, then it needs to be clear which programs are doing so and give the end user the ability to disable those programs. If they do not, they are guilty of a "bait and switch" scheme that is clearly outlawed by current legislation.
mgarciamma said:
You have to have a "4g" sim card placed into your inspire. There is no reason for them not to let you you keep your unlimeted data. Its a different soc code for the data as well. The idiot Rep who you talked to on the phone is the single reason why att has a bad name. Im actually an att store manager and have had att years before I started with the company. Go back to the store you bought your inspire from and tell them to register your imei to the account and to give you a "4g" sim card. The system we use will make them switch the data plan as well but don't worry... you don't have to give up your unlimited. If you have any questions ill try to stay posted to this thread to help anyone out.
PS. 4g sim cards are cross compatible with 3g phones so if you ever switch back to your old phone you can use the new sim
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well being as I work for AT&T also, I have to say for a store manager you are not fully up to speed with all this.
Yes you need to have the SOC code for the PDA data plan switched to a 4g code, and yes you can keep unlimited. But you do NOT need a 4g sim card. Those new sims we got in with the new sku are only needed for LTE devices. All the non LTE 4G phones just need a regular 3G sim. The only thing different is the 4G SOC code for the Data plan.
Being as you are ripping the CS rep for mis information, you need to look in the mirror dude cause you're doing the same thing.
chocodough said:
Well being as I work for AT&T also, I have to say for a store manager you are not fully up to speed with all this.
Yes you need to have the SOC code for the PDA data plan switched to a 4g code, and yes you can keep unlimited. But you do NOT need a 4g sim card. Those new sims we got in with the new sku are only needed for LTE devices. All the non LTE 4G phones just need a regular 3G sim. The only thing different is the 4G SOC code for the Data plan.
Being as you are ripping the CS rep for mis information, you need to look in the mirror dude cause you're doing the same thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would be correct.
I say root, unlock, flash custom Rom which is already possible and stick it to att! I seriously can't complain because ATT has always been good to me, been with them since late 2004.
I had a Google Nexus One and used my upgrade for the Inspire. The ATT employee used my SIM card and just inserted my SIM into the inspire and I was able to keep my old iPhone Unlimited plan with no issue at all.
i upgraded my phone myself at my job. i made sure i had unlimited.
I've had unlimited data for 5 years now. I was able to keep mine with the upgrade to the inspire, but it required a long, long phone call to AT&T CS to keep it. The sales guy couldn't get their PC to let me keep unlimited without making special provisions w/ CS for some reason. Got to keep it, though.
I purchased mine from Best Buy and the CS reps called At&t and took care if every thing for me. I am also using the same sin from my Captivate. They also were doing the same for the guy next to me.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Well I hate to say, but most CS reps at AT&T are clueless. Not all, there are some that know their stuff, but most are not very good.
Basically here is how it works if you already have the unlimited plan.
When we go to change from say a BB to an iPhone, or iPhone to PDA, or 4G PDA....etc....we go in and remove the current data plan, and just select the other one we need to put on there. If you already have say unlimited data on an iPhone, being as it's already on there, when we go to put on the 4G unlimited, it will list it and we select it no problem. If you don't already have unlimited it will not be a choice for us to select.
It's as simple as that. It's not rocket science. I am really sorry there are people who are dealing with reps who have no idea what they are doing. It's a pretty simple process to get things switched over.
chocodough said:
Well being as I work for AT&T also, I have to say for a store manager you are not fully up to speed with all this.
Yes you need to have the SOC code for the PDA data plan switched to a 4g code, and yes you can keep unlimited. But you do NOT need a 4g sim card. Those new sims we got in with the new sku are only needed for LTE devices. All the non LTE 4G phones just need a regular 3G sim. The only thing different is the 4G SOC code for the Data plan.
Being as you are ripping the CS rep for mis information, you need to look in the mirror dude cause you're doing the same thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for correcting me..... but try using that 3g sim card when lte rolls around. I retract my previous statement about "needing" a 4g sim card but any att store will put one in for free. And it sounds like someone is a cs Rep?
And far as looking in the mirror... I do it every morning with a big smile! Knowing that att has paid for my house, my two vehicles, and all other necessities, I'm obviously doing something right.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
mgarciamma said:
Thanks for correcting me..... but try using that 3g sim card when lte rolls around. I retract my previous statement about "needing" a 4g sim card but any att store will put one in for free. And it sounds like someone is a cs Rep?
And far as looking in the mirror... I do it every morning with a big smile! Knowing that att has paid for my house, my two vehicles, and all other necessities, I'm obviously doing something right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hehe sorry, I come across too strong sometimes.
No I am not a CS rep. I work in a COR store as well.
my unlimited data plan was removed as well. even after i specifically asked if i was able to keep it, and if not i would not upgrade. ended up spending time on the phone with customer service...and they said they had to put in a case to reinstate the unlimited data plan. i was quoted 9 days before a resolution...wtf???
man, i must have gotten one of the lucky guys in a corp store that really knew his stuff. he had made the captivate->inspire jump as well and fully understood why i was doing it. i kept my same sim that i've had since my iphone 3g and kept the same unlimited data plan. he actually told me that he recommended i keep it rather than switching to the 2gb plan because once i switch from it, there is no going back. he had my inspire up and running in no time at all and i still have my unlimited iphone account grandfathered in.
I'm thinking about upgrading to the HTC Inspire. I don't want to get a data plan because I get wifi 90% of the day (at home and on campus).
My dad is the only person in our family plan who has a data plan. Can he use my upgrade to purchase the Inspire for his line and then switch SIM cards with me? Will he still be able to use his own upgrade for himself in the near future?
I read that AT&T can detect which phone people are using by IMEI. However I've used my Nokia E71 for the past year (upgraded online without a data plan, don't know why it didn't force me) and have been using an iPhone 3G (not mine initially) for a couple of months with no data plan and haven't been caught yet.
I've been doing exactly that for years, no problems yet and I hope to do the same thing with Inspire when my upgrade is available next month.
Inspire 4G is AT&T branded phone. They have all the IMEI numbers. E71 unlocked is non branded one so you can go unnoticed w/o a data plan.
Rest assured Inspire will popup as a smart phone and you will be upgraded.
Will we have to go to an AT&T store in person so my dad can use my upgrade or can we do this online somehow?
@metaldood, Sorry, I meant E71x, the AT&T branded version of the E71.
There's always a chance that AT&T will find out and force a data plan on me, but I'll try hide for as long as I can. B)
metaldood said:
Rest assured Inspire will popup as a smart phone and you will be upgraded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what everybody said would happen to my Tilt 2 a couple years ago, hasn't happened yet.
RacerX10 said:
That's what everybody said would happen to my Tilt 2 a couple years ago, hasn't happened yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Must be nice. I installed my sim card, turned on the phone and went to At&t's site to see that it had already updated my phone on there. That of course doesn't mean it was completely updated in their system yet.
I went from an HTC Fuze (AT&T branded) to a Motorola Milestone (Telus), without any problems, and AT&T never noticed... within about 5 minutes of putting my 3G sim into the Inspire 4G, my (3G) data plan was gone from my account... this after it was re-added by the sales rep.
They don't seem to care if you switch one 3G device for another, but they seem to be policing the 4G phones pretty hard.
Note that after a discussion with the sales rep, he was able to re-add my unlimited data plan as a "4G unlimited data plan".
So, if you do nothing and just hook up the Inspire with your existing sim, chances are you'll be exactly where you want to be-- You'll have voice, and no mobile data (wi-fi still works, though).
If you want to use someone else's data plan (and sim), they'll have to get an AT&T rep to change their plan from "3G only" to "4G compatible", which does seem to be backwards compatible... ie, I can use my sim in my old Milestone no problem.
ufgrat said:
If you want to use someone else's data plan (and sim), they'll have to get an AT&T rep to change their plan from "3G only" to "4G compatible", which does seem to be backwards compatible... ie, I can use my sim in my old Milestone no problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've noticed this also. I got my inspire on my wife's upgrade and they changed her line to the 4g unlimited. No problems with it on her cappy. Even though the site had changed my phone from a iphone to the inspire right away I still had the iphone unlimited data plan. (I really should've got a screen cap of that). Was interesting seeing the inspire pic and a message saying that I had to have the iphone unlimited plan with my phone.
AT&T will notice and put the data plan on your account. It started sometime in the past year where you couldn't have a smart phone without the data plan. I had a BB curve that I could use without data because I had it before they required data.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
RacerX10 said:
That's what everybody said would happen to my Tilt 2 a couple years ago, hasn't happened yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you disabled your data before September 2009 (IIRC) then you're grandfathered into data block. Only the phones purchased/activaed after that date require a mandatory data plan.
ufgrat said:
So, if you do nothing and just hook up the Inspire with your existing sim, chances are you'll be exactly where you want to be-- You'll have voice, and no mobile data (wi-fi still works, though).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So wait if I pop in my Dumbphone sim with unlimited plan , I can still keep it?
Been using my iPhone4 sim (with adaptor) on my Inspire 4G since launch day. No problems at all, everything works fine. I'm on the grandfathered unlimited data plan for iPhone.
So just this morning, I get a text message from AT&T...
"AT&T Free Msg: Did you know that an eligible data plan is required for your 4G Smartphone? Pls call 611 to select a plan and establish your data connection today."
Anyone else get this?
This is not related to the tethering warning msg's that some have been getting (I don't tether). Wonder if it's "safe" to keep using my iPhone sim?
aimfire72 said:
Been using my iPhone4 sim (with adaptor) on my Inspire 4G since launch day. No problems at all, everything works fine. I'm on the grandfathered unlimited data plan for iPhone.
So just this morning, I get a text message from AT&T...
"AT&T Free Msg: Did you know that an eligible data plan is required for your 4G Smartphone? Pls call 611 to select a plan and establish your data connection today."
Anyone else get this?
This is not related to the tethering warning msg's that some have been getting (I don't tether). Wonder if it's "safe" to keep using my iPhone sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not just call them up and have them put you on the proper 4G unlimited plan? I had the iphone with the grandfathered unlimited data plan and they initially had no clue what to do. I kept calling back till I found the right person to do it without losing the unl data plan. Just make sure you stress it enough to them that you don't want to lose the 30 dollar unl data.
Here is what you do .. I did the same thing:
1. Head back to an AT&T Local Store
2. Let them know you had iPhone 4 and moved over to Inspire 4G
3. Obtain replacement SIM card for 4G phone (no cost to you)
4. Have them check your Data Plan .. WITH NO CHANGES
I was iPhone 4 until getting the Inspire 4G .. also on the iPhone Unlimited Data .. when I obtained my Inspire 4G (from an AT&T Store) .. they replaced my SIM and changed my Data Plan to Unlimited SmartPhone Personal .. this is the grandfathered version of the iPhone Unlimited .. no difference in cost, NOTHING ELSE CHANGES.
When I changed over to the Inspire, they changed my plan over as well. I mentioned that I would still be going back and forth between my iP4 and the I4G. She told me that I would lose the visual voicemall, but I still kept my IP4 sim card. I just use an adapter to swap between the 2 phones.
aimfire72 said:
Been using my iPhone4 sim (with adaptor) on my Inspire 4G since launch day. No problems at all, everything works fine. I'm on the grandfathered unlimited data plan for iPhone.
So just this morning, I get a text message from AT&T...
"AT&T Free Msg: Did you know that an eligible data plan is required for your 4G Smartphone? Pls call 611 to select a plan and establish your data connection today."
Anyone else get this?
This is not related to the tethering warning msg's that some have been getting (I don't tether). Wonder if it's "safe" to keep using my iPhone sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the same text message and an email. I called ATT and the rep told me I already have the best plan available for my phone (grandfathered unlimited) so no need to change anything. I made sure to ask if I needed a 4G plan for my new 4G phone and the rep said no, the unlimited plan that I have on my account is all I'll need... those messages are just automated messages that are triggered when a new phone is detected on your account. Hopefully the rep knew what they were talking about which is unfortunately hit and miss sometimes
Same here, I just ignore that txt..Keep on.. Every thing is fine....
iPhone 4 to Inspire sim
I got the same message and called 611, they kept me grandfathered in with $30 unlimited plan instead of the 2gig or 4 gig inspire plans. If you don't call they will start emailing you and sending more texts. No big deal though.
It's been 3 weeks and I was still getting these texts regularly so I went ahead and flashed a close to stock inspire rom (di11igaf) and took my phone into the AT&T store to figure it out. I explained my situation and they said my old iPhone was still on my account so they needed to update to my Inspire. They asked to see my phone and they pulled the IMEI off of it and entered it into the system, moved me from an iPhone unlimited to a 4G unlimited plan, and said I'm good to go. They talked like the text messages would have never ended unless I actually came in and got it changed over. I would recommend doing this while they still have an option to change you over to an unlimited 4G plan.
I had no issues at all but I went to a corporate store and did a upgrade so I ran into no issues. Just call em and get a proper sim. Your standard 3g sim is all you need. The new smaller 4g cards are for LTE devices.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
We are on the grandfathered unlimited plan. Mother-in-law is on our plan and she had an iPhone. Bought the Motorola Bravo and had to change to another unlimited data plan (just a cosmetic thing in their system). Se decided she did not like the Bravo and we put her back on the unlimited iPhone plan.
All of this was done IN STORE. Just go and they can take care of it and still keep you on the unlimited plan.
I got the same mail, but in my case they said I have the $15 unlimited dumb phone plan. Well I have had that plan on my Tilt, TP2 and now my Inspire. All are smartphones- right?
Well the csr said that was too confusing for him and he was going to leave my plan the way it is. No more pesky mails or msgs.
Sent from my CM7 Inspire 4G with that special XDA app.
ButtonBoy said:
I got the same mail, but in my case they said I have the $15 unlimited dumb phone plan. Well I have had that plan on my Tilt, TP2 and now my Inspire. All are smartphones- right?
Well the csr said that was too confusing for him and he was going to leave my plan the way it is. No more pesky mails or msgs.
Sent from my CM7 Inspire 4G with that special XDA app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you are one of the EXTREMELY lucky few that are still on that plan. Fight to keep it as long as possible haha. I have heard of wayyy too many cases of ATT simply canceling that plan and moving those people to a new capped plan.
The way I did it was always be vocal about the only reason I still pay then a bit over $100/mo is my old school and actually unlimited data and I never previously signed a contract or got a discount on my 6 previous phones including 4 HTC devices. Wow it capitalizes HTC for me. Anyway, the inspire came out and my girl bought one and had me do the xda treatment on it. It took me about a month of playing with it to figure out I could get it for $50 on a two year and I spent some minutes explaining to the nice lady at 611 that the internet upgrade was trying to force me into a nasty new data plan that isn't from 2003. She called her supervisor and he said pick data pro and they'd change it back to smartphone personal unlimited instead of my old pda unlimited. I made both of them stay on the phone while the upgrade went through and immediately change my data back before I checked it in my online account management crap. I made them look at it again when the new "4g" sim and inspire showed up during a mutually understood and recorded phone conversation. I still have unlimited data and I've been tethering while out of town and during Comcast outages for almost 8 years now. ATT beats the crap out of every carrier in my area. VZW has crazy coverage with slow evdo rev. A because they bought Alltel (they started here) but I get 3-5.5 mbps just on the device and up to 7ish down while tethering. One of the finer points of Arkansas is that the number of bandwidth-chewing geeks on the ground is quite low in comparison to the genpop so I have bandwidth to burn.
I'm finally getting decent at typing on a phone that isn't an HTC qwerty spider. The desire z's keyboard buttons are too small and close together for my thumbs and I bite my fingernails so I can't use those and the extra 256mb of RAM doesn't hurt.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App
buddy17 said:
you are one of the EXTREMELY lucky few that are still on that plan. Fight to keep it as long as possible haha. I have heard of wayyy too many cases of ATT simply canceling that plan and moving those people to a new capped plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am very specific in asking them- "are you changing the terms of my agreement? "
If they ever answered YES I could walk away with no ETF...
Sent from my CM7 Inspire 4G with that special XDA app.
Hey I am in this same boat
Hey I am in this same boat, I swapped from old iphone 3g unlimited and put my sim into the inspire 4g.
Now I have just been ignoring these texts, is there any reason I should not be? Why did you guys change, is there like a speed difference or something?
jigglywiggly said:
Hey I am in this same boat, I swapped from old iphone 3g unlimited and put my sim into the inspire 4g.
Now I have just been ignoring these texts, is there any reason I should not be? Why did you guys change, is there like a speed difference or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There can be, all it is is a coding difference in AT&T's system. If you call them you will not lose unlimited data.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
id10terrordfw said:
There can be, all it is is a coding difference in AT&T's system. If you call them you will not lose unlimited data.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, did this a couple of months ago. It's just how the provision data (iphone, or smartphone).
This should also be done if coming from a non-HSPA+ compatible phone (that's not an iPhone). Again, you won't lose unlimited data. Just make it clear you want nothing done to your plan that will cause you to lose unlimited data.
Sent from my HTC Inspire 4G using Tapatalk
Guys.. I work at an AT&T store.. and most of what is said above is nonsense (no offense). You CAN currently get the 4G unlimited data plan if you have the pre-existing $30 unlimited plan.. It is the same cost, but you get the faster speeds. You DO need to change to that plan to get the faster speeds.. and it does make a change to your agreement (you will have a different unlimited data plan). Walking away if you ask if it makes a change when you are there to make a change? does that make sense to ANYONE?
Also, no need to be "vocal" about how you want to keep your unlimited data... Just stating it once politely is enough.. It is just frustrating when people on here give instructions which basically say to treat the ATT employee in a manner less than professional. Trust me, we get yelled enough for "no reason" every day... People do not understand how something works, then blame the ATT employee. Most of us are at the stores to help you, and want to do so if you can treat us with atleast a little respect. Also, SIM cards are NOT just "free" for everyone... Unless you talked to customer service first and they are crediting your account for a free one, SIM cards cost $15 or $25 depending on your location. The cost is not the fault of the employee at the store.
Also, a warning... It looks like the grandfathered unlimited plans will be going away sooner than later... As an employee, I will loose my unlimited data if I go over 4gb in one month, or if I change devices (I might put off getting the HTC Vivid for now because of this).. I will have to pick a 2gb or 4gb plan accordingly (depending on what I want to pay, as I don;t get free service). Anyways, Have a happy holiday season everyone..
^^ I've also heard of customers w/"unlimited" data getting admonished for exceeding 5 GBs in a month, and getting threatened w/throttling for a subsequent "offense". And continued excessive use would result in being moved to a capped plan.
Just switched to this $10 medianet plan and I've still got hspa speeds!
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using XDA App
How did you do this? On ATT website it shows that the $10 Media Net data plan is only for non-smart phones.
give it a day...you will be put back on the capped plans without being asked as soon as they do an IMEI sweep
buddy17 said:
give it a day...you will be put back on the capped plans without being asked as soon as they do an IMEI sweep
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wondering why it worked for my blackberry for over 6mo?
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using XDA App
I put my wife's Sim Card in an old Motorola q9h and they knew within a day.
I put my Sim in an Inspire I got in a trade for my Pre2, and they knew by the next morning.
What do you mean by "they knew"?
The phone has always updated on the website but the plan would stick. That's how it worked for the blackberry I had using a medianet plan.
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using XDA App
maybe maybe not
yeah u will prob be changed but there is a chance they could miss u like they did for the bb. have heard of people calling in after that long and wondering why it got added. i know someone who tethers with a $10 plan and does 55gb a month and has, consistently, for years and never been caught....just know.....big brother is watching
Hehe they just switched it this morning.
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using XDA App
The only way to get something like this to work is to use a device from another carrier not already on at&t. Even then they may still nail you depending on what apn you are using.
buddy17 said:
give it a day...you will be put back on the capped plans without being asked as soon as they do an IMEI sweep
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha Ha yes it happened to me and it didn't even take a full 24hrs
3pm had $10 unlimited and by 6am the next morning, I was switched back to a gay tiered plan.
Anybody who wants to try this, just save yourself some time and use the iPhone 2G trick. Worked for me.
you can get it to "stick" if you have an older grandfathered plan. If you have a new plan, you can make them change it back by just calling them, and they will switch it back to the medianet plan, as long as you have a different IMEI that is NOT a smartphone. They will also back date it to the date their system changed to the more expensive plan. BUT, you will have to keep doing this over and over again. I actually had them "fix" my account so it never changes, and it doesnt matter what phone I use. You will have to get to the technical department, and have them do it. Their plans are based on bytes, not speed. So they cannot charge you for the same amount of bytes, only based on your device. If they had different speeds, ala internet service for your home, then it wouldnt be an issue. But since their data plans are only based on bytes, the fact that they have a "unlimited" plan only makes sense for everyone to utilize it, and it matters not what device you use, because a byte is a byte is a byte. They dont provide different upload and download speeds in their data rate plans. I have been with the company since it was originally PacBell, so I have been able to get them to do certain things that arent normally done for customers.
i know what you're talking about with making it stick. you can either use a smartphone NOT from ATT, or call in and give them an IMEI for ANY phone not from ATT (ie unlocked unbranded nokia) or any other phone you have lying around (ie tmobile). They will then lock this into their system as the IMEI for your data plan and you won't be switched over. I used this trick for 2 years with no issues, switching back and forth between my e72 and my tilt2 every day or two (i know, im odd). i watched my data consumption and always stayed under 2 gb because i heard of people getting caught this way, but i'm pretty certain that if you have tech support 'lock in' your IMEI of a dumb phone/non-att phone, you're SET.
unfortunately, i had to upgrade to the 2gb data plan when i purchased my inspire (they wouldn't give me the subsidized rate unless i did this) and my dad got pissed at me for being a cheat too lol
E-Phizzle said:
yeah u will prob be changed but there is a chance they could miss u like they did for the bb. have heard of people calling in after that long and wondering why it got added. i know someone who tethers with a $10 plan and does 55gb a month and has, consistently, for years and never been caught....just know.....big brother is watching
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
55gb I'm sure they would never notice that
Hi Forum,
My wife bought a Iphone 4 last year with a 200MG/ month data plan. She gave her Iphone to her nephew. She told AT&T that her Iphone was broken. She has been using my old Samsung Vibrant with no issue from AT&T, for several months now. I got her a used Infuse yesterday and was using data. AT&T sniffed it and sent a text message.
( Did you know an eligible data plan is required for your 4G Smartphone? Pls call 611 to select a plan and establish your 4G data connection today.)
Do any one know what AT&T will do if she continue to use the Infuse?
Thank you in advance for your opinions, and knowledge!
They are going to add the data plan to your account. You have a choice currentley between 200mb/$15 @ overage rate of 200mb/$15, or 2gb/$25 @ overage rate 1gb/$10. if you dont call and choose a plan they will stick you with the 2gb/$25 rate.
Thanks!
So the options are pay more for data or back to the Vibrant! Do you think calling them and explain the situation would change anything?
Romeo20 said:
So the options are pay more for data or back to the Vibrant! Do you think calling them and explain the situation would change anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call them until you get a rep that does what you want. That usually does it, haha. I'm sure this situation could be no exception.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
You can try calling and yelling all you want, theres always that small chance you may get sombody to bend a rule for you. However it is at&t's policy that with all smartphones you are required to have a data plan, so understand you are on the losing side of the battle and can only HOPE sombody bends the rule for you to allow you to continue with no data plan.
She has data plan, 200 mg/ per month for $15. AT&T want her to have 4G data plan.
Romeo20 said:
She has data plan, 200 mg/ per month for $15. AT&T want her to have 4G data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well than your just on the wrong 200mb/$15 plan, pricing is same for 3g/4g devcies the feature code is just different. call and get it fixed so they dont change you to the $25 plan or somthing stupid
Thank you all!
I resolve the issue with AT&T. After over 30 minutes on the phone, AT&T rep said that I need to provide the SIM and IME number of the Infuse. The data plan is still the same which is 200 Mg/ month for $15. As first, AT&T tried to hook a new 2G data plan. I did not complaint or yell; in fact, I was very polite. I stated that the Vibrant was not getting Voice mail notification, and that my wife hardly use the 200 MG that she has per month. Anyhow, a bit of patience and gratitude seem to do it, this time!
Tomdg07 said:
You can try calling and yelling all you want, theres always that small chance you may get sombody to bend a rule for you. However it is at&t's policy that with all smartphones you are required to have a data plan, so understand you are on the losing side of the battle and can only HOPE sombody bends the rule for you to allow you to continue with no data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Back when I got my HTC Tilt I had a very annoying situation with them. At the time of contract signing I was told I had to have a data plan. 3 months later on a night I was not even around my phone I had a $200 data charge for megabytes upon megabytes of transfer charges. Complained to high heaven, and had ALL data service cut to my line.
Fast forward to this past Sept, got online to upgrade our two phones. Well it seems I got lucky and got an Infuse WITHOUT any data plan. Kind of annoying I have someone trying to text my photos...wink wink, that I can not receive. However our other phone AT&T was kind enough to automatically add the data plan (most expensive one of course) without indicating this. Only when we got the October bill that I saw this. *** I just hate these mobile carriers with a passion. Been years of bend over and take it up the arse with this fools. Actually had AT&T try to change terms AFTER a contract was signed.
Honestly folks, with these phones how having Google Voice, we have actually talked about saying FU to ALL carriers and just using the internet. Yeah, so I cant call when I am driving...dont want to talk then anyways. Just anything I could do to give these **** the finger.
i wouldn't imagine they can do anything if you didnt buy the phone on contract. but if you are on an iphone unlimited plan they might try like hell to get you off of it.
ssa2204 said:
Actually had AT&T try to change terms AFTER a contract was signed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you referring to the terms and cinditions YOU signed, which actually state subject to change at any time without giving notice?
I also want to remind you, you can also leave att at any time
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
If you buy your smartphone outright, paid full price, they can not make you buy a data plan.
But, you then "can not" use your phone to access the internet or e-mail unless on WiFi. Or they can/will force a data plan on you.
Texting and MMS are part of the Phone plan not data.
Truckerglenn said:
If you buy your smartphone outright, paid full price, they can not make you buy a data plan.
But, you then "can not" use your phone to access the internet or e-mail unless on WiFi. Or they can/will force a data plan on you.
Texting and MMS are part of the Phone plan not data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unless you have smartphone exclusion, get a dumb phone, put the infuse on that sim card and turn off data.
If u are in contract with att and you buy a phone out of contract u are still required to have a data plan as long as its on an active acct.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
FIX !!!
1. Get a.dummy phone put sim card in it and have att put your number on that phone
2. Have them remove data on that phone
3. Hang up with att
4. turn OFF DATA on the infuse(long press power button and turn mobile data off)
also delete att APN
5 enjoy your phone with out att adding data plan on your phone and still use wifi
Ive been using this method for years. Cheers
Justinfedor said:
If u are in contract with att and you buy a phone out of contract u are still required to have a data plan as long as its on an active acct.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not if you have smart phone exclusion. my brother uses my old captivate without mms or data on att. only if you lose smart phone exclusion do they force it on you, so if you have a number that never had a data plan you are good, if you had a data plan and got rid of it and bought another phone you need to change phone numbers and sign a new contract to get smartphone exclusion. also how many people are using iphone unlimited plans and arent forced to upgrade to a 4g plan? only people who are suspected of tethering are forced to change.
Dani897 said:
not if you have smart phone exclusion. my brother uses my old captivate without mms or data on att. only if you lose smart phone exclusion do they force it on you, so if you have a number that never had a data plan you are good, if you had a data plan and got rid of it and bought another phone you need to change phone numbers and sign a new contract to get smartphone exclusion. also how many people are using iphone unlimited plans and arent forced to upgrade to a 4g plan? only people who are suspected of tethering are forced to change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The smartphone exclusion is being removed if someone has it on the acct and upgrades to a diff phone and data plan. So make sure he doesnt get data added on it
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
I tryed to change the 3G to a 4G plan (switch from Captivate to Infuse) online.
This did not work right away and so I started a chat with an ATT representative and it was taken care of in no time!
I am jsut wondering, if ya'll ain't got no datat plan. What do you use your smartphone for?
timf79 said:
I tryed to change the 3G to a 4G plan (switch from Captivate to Infuse) online.
This did not work right away and so I started a chat with an ATT representative and it was taken care of in no time!
I am jsut wondering, if ya'll ain't got no datat plan. What do you use your smartphone for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Media player and phone. Before I got my unlimited data plan, I didn't have much of a need for a data plan as I was always on campus using their wifi.
Romeo20 said:
I resolve the issue with AT&T. After over 30 minutes on the phone, AT&T rep said that I need to provide the SIM and IME number of the Infuse. The data plan is still the same which is 200 Mg/ month for $15. As first, AT&T tried to hook a new 2G data plan. I did not complaint or yell; in fact, I was very polite. I stated that the Vibrant was not getting Voice mail notification, and that my wife hardly use the 200 MG that she has per month. Anyhow, a bit of patience and gratitude seem to do it, this time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In case anyone comes here with the same question.. I started off with the 2 gig plan a year and a half after they canceled the unlimited plan. Popped my SIM card into the original iPhone set it up in iTunes and 20 minutes later had the unlimited data plan. Popped my SIM card in later that day and get that text every month. Just don't call or mention it. Hint: They don't really care.