[Q] Will ATT unlimited dumbphone plan work on international smartphones?? - General Questions and Answers

I actually already a Meizu M9 (Android device) since I found it really cheap online($180) I knew the 3G wasn't going to work when I bought it which is fine. I only get EDGE speed which is fine for me since I only occasionally lookup stuff on google and EDGE speed is fine to do that. Also I have WiFi at both home and school and so I can use that to get me the faster speeds if I want.
What I really was wondering about was would I be forced to upgrade to the ATT smartphone plan? I have the $15unlmimted Medianet right now and since my phone only gets EDGE anyways I really don't want to have be upgraded. How does ATT detect the IEMI # on phones? The Meizu M9 is a Chinese branded phone and there are only a handful in the USA currently. Will they be able to tell I am using this phone and will they upgrade me?
Another thing I was wondering was that what are the typical APN codes for Android Smartphones? I am not sure if I have the right ones entered or not.

Here's a video showing you how to set up the APN's for unlocked phones.
Also i'm pretty sure you are ok with your data plan. AT&T has a list of IMEI (Identifiers) from all the phones they sell and if one shows up in their system as a smartphone then they change it but they wouldn't have yours

Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A

Good question, but I think you should talk to ATT.
Can you let us know how you like the Meizu phone? I heard that they make decent phones, but I've never used one myself.

Follow up
Following up on this one. I am also considering buying an ebay M9 instead of a new mtk6575 based china clone. Would love to know if AT&T triggered the smartphone plan or not.
If I get no answer, then I'll come back when I get one of the two and let everyone else know my experience.

Related

[Q] Newbie here; hoping someone can help.

I have a HTC Pro Touch phone that was my company phone for about two months before Verison took over Alltel in my area. My company switched to ATT iphones at that time. I have recently decided that maybe I could use this nice phone with ATT. Much to my disappointment I found through a little research that Alltel and ATT networks are not compatible and the phone and can't be unlocked for use with ATT.
Its seems that my only option now is to find someone with a nice phone that would like to trade hoping that they might be in the same situation in reverse. Have I missed something that can still make this phone work somehow? If not does anyone have a good idea, of how I could make a fair trade?
Thank you and I hope this post is ok for this section.
racing5k said:
I have a HTC Pro Touch phone that was my company phone for about two months before Verison took over Alltel in my area. My company switched to ATT iphones at that time. I have recently decided that maybe I could use this nice phone with ATT. Much to my disappointment I found through a little research that Alltel and ATT networks are not compatible and the phone and can't be unlocked for use with ATT.
Its seems that my only option now is to find someone with a nice phone that would like to trade hoping that they might be in the same situation in reverse. Have I missed something that can still make this phone work somehow? If not does anyone have a good idea, of how I could make a fair trade?
Thank you and I hope this post is ok for this section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could SIM unlock it, but it's not very cheap. There are some nice links in the Raph Wiki that points to SIM unlocking services.
@racing5k
You can try putting it up for sale onbay.com or amazon.com. If you want to avoid registering a selller account on any of those two site (which is free to do), you put a free listing on craigslist.com, always deal local and accept payments in cash and in person. Amazon and ebay will charge you seller/listing fees, there are no fees to list and sell on craigslist. You have a CDMA version of this phone. What you need is the GSM version, which for ATT was branded the HTC Fuze. I have the Fuze but am having a issue with it (battery indicator says it is fully charged at 34%) which I have yer to resolve.
@ZoneBlaze
sim unlock will not work, Alltel uses CDMA technology and ATT uses GSM. racing5k has a CDMA version of the phone, the two technologies are not compatible with each other.

[Q] How to flash/change carriers with Fascinate

Hey Guys,
Back Story (don't really have to read if you want to skip)
I was at the bar with some coworkers and a new guy I work with was talking about how he had bought a Samsung Fascinate from a friend of his that had gotten his account frozen (it was on Verizon Wireless). The coworker wanted to transfer it over to Cricket Wireless (it is a crappy carrier in my area if you haven't heard of it) but they told him that they could do it but that he wouldn't get MMS. He ended up just buying a new one from Cricket and offered to sell me the one he could use for 50 bucks (it is like new in a box with everything) and told me if I couldn't do anything with it he would buy it back. This was kinda a win/win no brainer for me so of course I took him up on the offer.
He also did say that he could not get Verizon to activate it because there was a hold on the account that the phone currently belonged to.
The phone obviously will not work for me because I am on Sprint but from what I understand is that it is pretty much the same phone as the Captivate on AT&T. My dad uses AT&T for his carrier and has an iPhone but hates it and wants to go to an Android phone.
The questions:
1. Can I get the Samsung Fascinate from Verizon Wireless to work with AT&T?
2. Can I somehow remove whatever information that has linked this phone to being locked on Verizon so that I could sell it or activate it on another Verizon account if I want to sell it or give it to someone who does have Verizon?
3. Are there any other good options that I can do with this if neither of these will work?
I have no issues with rooting/flashing/messing with whatever is on this phone. I am a flashaholic on my Evo 4g and know that Samsung is a bit different then HTC when it comes to this type of thing but should have no issues figuring out the difference as far as rooting and such from other posts on this site. I just did not see anywhere that this question was already asked and know this is the absolute best place to come to get the correct answers for questions like these.
Thank you for any help you can give!!!
Does anyone have any ideas? Sorry for the bump but its been 2 days now and I am trying to figure out what to do. Thanks!

Which roms or leaks have a carrier unlock ..

Which roms or leaks have a carrier unlock ..
I been looking around cant seem to find a definite answer ... so does cleanrom give your phone capability in using any carrier .. I just need to be be sure I have to cut my chip into a microchip in order to use the phone .. Before I do this i need to be sure it would work ..
I have version 4.1.1
No ROM has that it is an entirely different procedure involving unlocked sim cards.
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and help issues go in Q&A
Thread moved
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Kenof said:
Which roms or leaks have a carrier unlock ..
I been looking around cant seem to find a definite answer ... so does cleanrom give your phone capability in using any carrier .. I just need to be be sure I have to cut my chip into a microchip in order to use the phone .. Before I do this i need to be sure it would work ..
I have version 4.1.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a thread for getting the VZW S3 to work on T-Mobile, but it takes some work:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2013647
A few ROMs (as you indicated with CleanRom) have universal installers for different Carriers, but in no way does this mean that it will allow you to switch your phone to AT&T, Sprint, or any other carrier.
mapatton82 said:
There is a thread for getting the VZW S3 to work on T-Mobile, but it takes some work:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2013647
A few ROMs (as you indicated with CleanRom) have universal installers for different Carriers, but in no way does this mean that it will allow you to switch your phone to AT&T, Sprint, or any other carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So cleanrom has a universal installer for At&T/H20 ? Is there a way to completely use on all carriers like a unlocked iphone ?
Kenof said:
So cleanrom has a universal installer for At&T/H20 ? Is there a way to completely use on all carriers like a unlocked iphone ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reread the last sentence of his reply, especially the part after the comma.
landshark68 said:
Reread the last sentence of his reply, especially the part after the comma.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
eh theres always a way ..
Correct me if I'm wrong.
But.
The Verizon galaxy s3 uses a CDMA antenna.
So if you were to unlock it. You could use on CDMA carries.( Verizon Wireless, Sprint, MetroPCS, Cricket, and U.S. Cellular)
However. If you can get your phone to FULLY work on GSM (T-MOBILE or at&t)
You should make a thread about it and I'm sure you will get tons of donations.
There is already something for T-Mobile. But I heard it has limited success.
Sent from team liquid smooth.
Vice Versa
Still a noob to the development scene, but long time surface runner in rooting/etc.
That being said, if this can be done (I took a look at the thread linked above), couldn't it technically work the other way around?
My fiancee has a Galaxy on T-Mobile, but wants the GS3. Her contract runs out about the same time as mine so I thought, I'll give you my S3 and buy the S4 for myself (she doesn't always need the latest and greatest like I do what can I say I'm a technophile). I quickly learned about locked phones, different network types, etc. In this case, since there's a 4GLTE SIM card in my S3, is it possible to give it to her to use on T-Mobile? In that case I may just migrate over to T-Mobile myself, since it's significantly cheaper for what I need in a cell phone plan. Otherwise, we're currently looking at adding a line to my Verizon plan so she can leave T-Mobile. Honestly, I'm OK with either idea, since I'm either saving money by going to T-Mobile, or sticking with great network coverage and speed on Verizon.
Psychotacon said:
Still a noob to the development scene, but long time surface runner in rooting/etc.
That being said, if this can be done (I took a look at the thread linked above), couldn't it technically work the other way around?
My fiancee has a Galaxy on T-Mobile, but wants the GS3. Her contract runs out about the same time as mine so I thought, I'll give you my S3 and buy the S4 for myself (she doesn't always need the latest and greatest like I do what can I say I'm a technophile). I quickly learned about locked phones, different network types, etc. In this case, since there's a 4GLTE SIM card in my S3, is it possible to give it to her to use on T-Mobile? In that case I may just migrate over to T-Mobile myself, since it's significantly cheaper for what I need in a cell phone plan. Otherwise, we're currently looking at adding a line to my Verizon plan so she can leave T-Mobile. Honestly, I'm OK with either idea, since I'm either saving money by going to T-Mobile, or sticking with great network coverage and speed on Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you look up, you'll see how you can use the VZW GSIII on TMO. I think the primary issue would be that you only get Edge data when using the VZW GSIII on TMO.
For pricing, TMO is better plus you can stop worrying about third party hacks to use a phone on another carrier since top unlocked GSM phones can be imported.

Question about Verizon service/plans

*Mods, please move if there is a better place. I normally hang out on the development forums so I'm not exactly sure where to post*
I have a phone that I bought from Verizon and I have kept the unlimited data. I know all about my phone but next to nothing about my service.
My question is specifically about phablets (for example, this) which is basically a big ass phone, or a tablet with cell service, however you want to word it. I'd use it exclusively with bluetooth instead of holding the thing up to my head, don't worry.
I travel internationally and see them A LOT in other countries (they cannot help me though since I need one to use in the US). I am under the impression that VZ will not activate anything I did not buy from them. I don't know how solid this is but every VZ employee I have asked has confirmed this so far. I know in the past that it used to be as simple as switching out the SIM card but doubt this is still the case.
I'm sure there are some hardware specs that I need to look at that would determine the LTE/3G whatever compatibility, but I don't know the terminology. Can you help me out?
Also, I am hesitant to leave VZ because of the unlimited data and the service coverage. I live in mildly populated CT, USA and would welcome a prepaid plan if it was comparable but don't even know where to begin looking.
Thank you in advance - I really don't have anyone else to ask about this stuff.
You will want to look for international versions of the devices you are looking for. These versions carry multiple antennas that allows them to be used in different countries. As far as I know, these phones use SIM cards, which allows you to purchase an international SIM or a SIM in the country you are in, and it should work when you plug it into your device.
Is there a way to check for the antennas in the specifications instead of relying on the seller to accurately sell me the int'l version? How would you go about buying a SIM card?

[Q] Basic rooting question.

Hey all,
I'm really new to this community and rooting in general and I just have a question regarding rooting between carriers. I've never really had to root my phone till my new HTC one (m8) blocked my tethering app =(.
Anyways the question is whether or not rooting my HTC one on a verizon network would be the same as rooting it on a t-mobile network. My plan was to upgrade 2 year contract via verizon and then have t-mobile buy out my contract so I can still get unlimited data (verizon takes away the unlimited plan once you upgrade and my phone is now ancient.) Since all the new 4g verizon phones come unlocked, I am free to switch over to t-mobile. The problem is I don't know anything about rooting, and while I'm fairly certain networks have nothing to do with rooting a phone, I did see different sub forums for the same phone but different network. Should I wait till I've hopped over to t-mobile before attempting to root my phone?
Sorry for the rant and thanks in advance for any advice you can give!
LatrommiSumac said:
Hey all,
I'm really new to this community and rooting in general and I just have a question regarding rooting between carriers. I've never really had to root my phone till my new HTC one (m8) blocked my tethering app =(.
Anyways the question is whether or not rooting my HTC one on a verizon network would be the same as rooting it on a t-mobile network. My plan was to upgrade 2 year contract via verizon and then have t-mobile buy out my contract so I can still get unlimited data (verizon takes away the unlimited plan once you upgrade and my phone is now ancient.) Since all the new 4g verizon phones come unlocked, I am free to switch over to t-mobile. The problem is I don't know anything about rooting, and while I'm fairly certain networks have nothing to do with rooting a phone, I did see different sub forums for the same phone but different network. Should I wait till I've hopped over to t-mobile before attempting to root my phone?
Sorry for the rant and thanks in advance for any advice you can give!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, welcome to xda.
Why upgrade on Vzw and then jump over to TMo? Sounds like you have no contract obligation with Vzw right now. From the TMo ads I've seen on tv, you won't be able to keep any new Vzw phone when you go to TMo (TMo gets it). So I don't understand what you're trying to achieve.
You said "... I'm fairly certain networks have nothing to do with rooting a phone, ...". Yes and no. The M8's on different carriers are NOT all the same. There are carrier-specific differences. The M8 for instance - bootloader is locked for Vzw phones and others such as TMo. But with TMo you could go to HTC Dev and get the bin code to unlock the bootloader; not possible with Vzw M8 (but a root exploit makes that point moot).
I'm not entirely sure what you want to do, but I think the answer to "Should I wait till I've hopped over to t-mobile before attempting to root my phone?" is yes.
Hope that helps.
Thanks!
dm5530 said:
First off, welcome to xda.
Why upgrade on Vzw and then jump over to TMo? Sounds like you have no contract obligation with Vzw right now. From the TMo ads I've seen on tv, you won't be able to keep any new Vzw phone when you go to TMo (TMo gets it). So I don't understand what you're trying to achieve.
You said "... I'm fairly certain networks have nothing to do with rooting a phone, ...". Yes and no. The M8's on different carriers are NOT all the same. There are carrier-specific differences. The M8 for instance - bootloader is locked for Vzw phones and others such as TMo. But with TMo you could go to HTC Dev and get the bin code to unlock the bootloader; not possible with Vzw M8 (but a root exploit makes that point moot).
I'm not entirely sure what you want to do, but I think the answer to "Should I wait till I've hopped over to t-mobile before attempting to root my phone?" is yes.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Thanks for the response and welcome =). The reason I don't want to switch directly over to TMo right now is because I broke my galaxy S4 a month back and I have no smart phone to use. My plan was to use the Vzw upgrade to get a new phone since TMo is willing to buy out contracts to get new customers. I mostly wanted to know if it was possible to use my Vzw M8 on the TMo network via rooting. I read about the CDMA vs GSM network problems and was wondering if there was a fix around that. As for TMo getting my phone, they only require you trade in and buy a phone for contract buyouts, but I can do that with cheap phones (trade in my htc tbolt for 50 bucks and buy a flipphone.) Thanks again for your response, can use all the help I can get =)
LatrommiSumac said:
Hi,
Thanks for the response and welcome =). The reason I don't want to switch directly over to TMo right now is because I broke my galaxy S4 a month back and I have no smart phone to use. My plan was to use the Vzw upgrade to get a new phone since TMo is willing to buy out contracts to get new customers. I mostly wanted to know if it was possible to use my Vzw M8 on the TMo network via rooting. I read about the CDMA vs GSM network problems and was wondering if there was a fix around that. As for TMo getting my phone, they only require you trade in and buy a phone for contract buyouts, but I can do that with cheap phones (trade in my htc tbolt for 50 bucks and buy a flipphone.) Thanks again for your response, can use all the help I can get =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand your situation better now.
If TMo doesn't force you to turn in the M8, then I think you could find a way to use the Vzn M8 on TMo. If you do this, you'll be looking in the Vzn thread for many things since that is the version of the phone you bought. Not sure if you could use ROMs, etc from the TMo M8 thread (don't think so); I'd be cautious about doing that. Think of yourself as using a Vzn M8 in a foreign (TMo) country.
From what I found here, (in particular, I'm talking about this post) you won't be able to get LTE service and you'll have to find out how to set up the phone so there might be some challenges, too.
Just another caution - don't know if Vzn has a minimum time after start of contract where the ETF situation is even more costly than say 6 months to a year down the road. Wouldn't want to start the ball rolling then find out there are some other fees that TMo won't pay.
Good luck.
Cheers!
dm5530 said:
I understand your situation better now.
If TMo doesn't force you to turn in the M8, then I think you could find a way to use the Vzn M8 on TMo. If you do this, you'll be looking in the Vzn thread for many things since that is the version of the phone you bought. Not sure if you could use ROMs, etc from the TMo M8 thread (don't think so); I'd be cautious about doing that. Think of yourself as using a Vzn M8 in a foreign (TMo) country.
From what I found here, (in particular, I'm talking about this post) you won't be able to get LTE service and you'll have to find out how to set up the phone so there might be some challenges, too.
Just another caution - don't know if Vzn has a minimum time after start of contract where the ETF situation is even more costly than say 6 months to a year down the road. Wouldn't want to start the ball rolling then find out there are some other fees that TMo won't pay.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again for all the help! Vzw has a max 350 contract cancellation fee and TMo offers up to 350 per line so I should be fine. My main worry was indeed about the switch from CDMA to GSM network and having trouble with LTE =/. I think I might just sell the phone on Swappa and buy a TMo version if the fixes don't work. Thanks for the links, they're very helpful, and I really appreciate the help overall.

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