Simple mobile - T-Mobile Sidekick 4G

Is there a way to use simple mobile on the sidekick?
If soo could someone point me to a thread to (unlock the sidekick 4g to another simcard) would help a lot
Thank you
Shystep
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda premium

simple mobile can be used on the sidekick. i personally am on tmobile, but have looked extensively at simple mobiles website. they have detailed instructions on how to set up android devices to run on simple mobile. as far as unlocking, do a search. there is a thread on this website about unlocking the sidekick. keep in mind that simple mobile does not allow tethering (connecting phone to pc to use as modem), so if you plan on tethering, simple mobile may not be for you. they may turn your data off if they catch you doing it, as it is a violation of their terms and conditions. but other than that, simple mobile sounds like a good idea. i chose not to switch because i dont want to break my contract with tmobile and also dont want to change phone numbers again. in the last three years, i have had 11 different numbers.

Wow!
Thank you for the information
Ill be looking at there website since i switch my phones out (sidekick4g to the Samsung Galaxy s 2)
both on t-mobile and since i like my sidekick i use it for personal use and my sg2
for business use
and since t-mobiles plans like to charge me up the wall i cant afford both phones atm

I hear ya. for $60 a month, you can get unlimited talk, text, and high speed 4g data from simple mobile. for two phones that would be $120. thats a better price than tmobile.

Yes 200$ a month is crazy

I pay $150/mo. for two lines, and I share 1,000 min with my wife. we also have unlimited text and web with 2gb of high speed data per line included. I think its like the second cheapest family plan, but the cheapest only includes like 500 min or something like that. the 150 is after taxes though.

But what simple mobile did not tell you is on the 4g you only get so much data
Sent from my HTC cm7 g2 using xda premium

Nope. Nevermind, casper. You're the guy who made that other post complaining about simple mobile. the data is unlimited on the phone, they just dont allow tethering. it says right on the webpage they dont allow that, and its a violation of their terms and conditions. thats your fault, not theirs. so dont come in here talking trash just because you are mad that you cant tether.

Sidekick 4G works just fine on Simple Mobile. No unlock is needed as Simple is a Tmobile MVNO.
APNs need to be changed per instructions available online just like all other Androids.

they might be on a tmobile network in your area, but they might use other providers' networks in other areas. a lot of prepaid providers use several different carriers networks, spread out over different areas. tmobile might have offered them the cheapest price in your area, but att or someone might offer them a cheaper price in my area. tracfone for example, uses tmobile, att, and even sprint. their phones are all gsm, but sprint provides airtime to some of their devices. and they use more than one network in the same area. it wont tell you that on their website or in a user manual. i called tracfone to ask if an unlocked phone could be used with a tracfone sim. they said no and gave me all the info i just explained above.

Alienworx
I'm using an unlock ATT samsung galaxy s2 skyrocket and yes I'm rooted only difference is that I flashed a T mobile radio to get the 4G as to before it was only 2G

Related

Tethering with out plan! Message from att

My friend and I added a new apn from the steps in forum to allow tethering without a plan, well I rarely use mine but he uses his a little more to pay bills and such online through his laptop. He received a message yesterday from ATT stating that this sim is not authorized for tethering and to stop. From what I read I thought they were only catching those with the cryphone. Are they starting to look for others too, what's the deal we r both grandfathered in on the unlimited plan, it shouldn't matter how I use my mobile internet its the same wether I use it in my phone or tether through our laptops.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
vwood2121 said:
but he uses his a little more to pay bills and such online through his laptop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can pay most bills with the smartphone browsers. i only tether for streaming stock quotes (java applets) when i'm away from home. can your ipad or ipad2 does that? haha
this is why i rather carry my sony 4.5" UMPC when i'm away from home.
vwood2121 said:
My friend and I added a new apn from the steps in forum to allow tethering without a plan, well I rarely use mine but he uses his a little more to pay bills and such online through his laptop. He received a message yesterday from ATT stating that this sim is not authorized for tethering and to stop. From what I read I thought they were only catching those with the cryphone. Are they starting to look for others too, what's the deal we r both grandfathered in on the unlimited plan, it shouldn't matter how I use my mobile internet its the same wether I use it in my phone or tether through our laptops.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nooo! This is very concerning....
I also agree that everyone should be able to use their monthly allotted amount of data however they please.
Via the XDA app for the HTC Inspire
It was going to happen eventually. It's the cell phone equivalent of stealing cable. Most companies don't take kindly to losing money on hacked features.
Divinedark said:
It was going to happen eventually. It's the cell phone equivalent of stealing cable. Most companies don't take kindly to losing money on hacked features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
huh??
i have the 2GB plan, does it really matter how i use that 2GB? (laptop or phone?)
if i have cable, i can hook it up any ways i want! (to 50" HDTV, desktop, or laptop)
It's bad enough they (at&t) screwed themselves with the ipads, but now you they really want to be like apple n charge you twice because of it. Why should you have to have 2 data plans to use 1 data feature anyway?
I think it was really more for people like me that have unlimited data plans. I can use an ass-load more data with my laptop than I could with my phone.
Either way, a feature is a feature is a feature. They aren't the first, and they won't be the last big company to charge for stuff like that. As much as you or I don't agree with it (I really hate stuff like this), it's not enough to justify theft. I refuse to pay for tethering, so I just don't do it...
Also, if you read some of the Android guru's talking about the handset manufacturers all starting to lock their bootloaders. This is the reason. Before, when it was just us goofing about with our own devices and hurting noone, especially not the carrier, they couldn't care less. As we start moving into LTE with a tethering option, you'll see almost every single Android handset maker locking their phones down. Just look at the Thunderbolt... HTC has always been a big proponent of the Android dev scene, but they signed that bootloader. If you think it was for any other reason than to stop people from tethering and flooding Verizon's LTE network, you're crazy. Verizon may have forced their hand, but it's still done. Neither AT&T or Verizon want to have to deal with what AT&T had to with the iPhone saturation killing their network speeds(and the crap reputation it's brought them) when it comes to their new LTE networks. They'll do whatever they have to in order to guarantee the majority of their customers get a pleasant network experience. Even if that means making "Suggestions" to handset makers. Motorola did it, HTC did it, Samsung is next, then LG. And ultimately, we're going to be the ones to blame. That's just the way I've been seeing things. I may be completely off base...
*NOTE* The thunderbold has been hacked. Maybe there's hope after all.
At this point I don't really care anymore. If AT&T ever delivers 4G speeds I won't have to tether. Charge me, don't charge me, whatever. Being an AT&T customer is exhausting.
Sent from Desire HD or Inspire 4G or whatever this thing is called via premium XDA app.
I had AT&T update my IMEI because I was going to be using a non-smartphone for "traveling" and had them put in an unlimited $10 data. Went ahead and popped my SIM into my Inspire, and I've only gotten two messages and an e-mail that they recognized I'm using a 4G SIM and that they've changed my plan accordingly. I called and checked my account online, and both show that I've still got the feature, so it's been working; plus, I've been using WiFi hotspot for my laptop this whole time.
Hope they don't catch on!
lrs421 said:
At this point I don't really care anymore. If AT&T ever delivers 4G speeds I won't have to tether. Charge me, don't charge me, whatever. Being an AT&T customer is exhausting.
Sent from Desire HD or Inspire 4G or whatever this thing is called via premium XDA app.
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Click to collapse
You're not going to get 4G speeds with HSPA+. It's a 3.5G technology. The same thing that T-Mobile has been touting as 4G for the last year. They had great speed on their network because no one was using it... That's not being mean, it's just the way it is. If AT&T has this infrastructure and it was only 40% utilized, every current 4G phone (Atrix & Inspire) would be getting 10-14mb down.
I'm in Northern Atlanta (The home of AT&T wireless), and I get 5mb down and 2mb up late at night. During prime time, I pull 2.5mb down and 2mb up.
This will all change when AT&T starts rolling out their LTE network. It should be showing the exact same speeds as Verizon's. They're both similar in size, and running the exact same technology.

Moving from ATT to new carrier need help with carrier and best android OS phone?

I am currently on a T-mobile G2 unlocked for AT&T... I am going to be switching over to sprint, T-Mobile or MetroPCS and would like your help knowing which carrier is best in your own opinion? and which android phone i should get on this carrier.
for the carrier
Unlimited data with no overage
( I am use to edge network so even throttled 3G would be nice and there is no 4G here yet anyway but there might be in Future)
Good service
(I live in the New England area, USA and AT&T sucks here. I cant even send out text messages half the time.)
I am leaning towards sprint but I got a friend at T-mobile who will help me out and plus i can keep my old phone and MetroPCS is so cheap... so... i don't know who to choose?
Things i am looking for are (but not necessary) are
Ease of root (with lots of ROMs <3 CM 7)
Physical Keyboard
fast Dual Core CPU
Big screen (pretty Necessary specially if no physical keyboard)
3D capability
I love my G2 so much that I limit my self to edge speeds...
If there is a better time to get a phone i can wait or if something is coming out that looks better then whats on the current market.
I would love your IMO on a Android OS phone .
Thanks for reading this ahead of time and i Appreciate anyone opinions.
does metroPCS use GSM and Sim cards?... if so would they work with T-Mobiles 3G?
enp82003 said:
does metroPCS use GSM and Sim cards?... if so would they work with T-Mobiles 3G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM.
Note: There is also Simple Mobile but they use T-Mobile as their backend.
Check Wikipedia for a list of GSM providers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_mobile_virtual_network_operators
Sprint is the best hands down. Compared to t-mobile, my bill is half of what it used to be for my family and has twice the coverage. I own a kyocera echo and it
Is the best phone I have ever had!
Sent from my M9300 using XDA App
Falen said:
Only AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM.
Note: There is also Simple Mobile but they use T-Mobile as their backend.
Check Wikipedia for a list of GSM providers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_mobile_virtual_network_operators
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow yeah i should of checked wiki! sorry about that but thanks for the response!
ognimnella said:
Sprint is the best hands down. Compared to t-mobile, my bill is half of what it used to be for my family and has twice the coverage. I own a kyocera echo and it
Is the best phone I have ever had!
Sent from my M9300 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was actually at the mall the other day looking at this phone. It seemed pretty cool and kind of unique! I never owned a Kyocra before but Seems like a really cool phone! I got your pvt message about it. Only real downside i can see is the signal core CPU really looking for dual core or waiting for quadcore to come out.
I use alot of process heavy applications. but I will play with it more the next time I go!... Sprint is really looking like the winner now!
Only thing that scares me about the Evo 3D is i remember they had some type of weird tracking software built in to the framework?... I could be wrong but i really don't like that...
My favorite story about Sprint was my friend called them saying he had horrible service and they sent him a small Cell phone tower that connected to their board band connection! absolutely free!
and using it will not interfere with their minutes!... that's just awesome to me!
I didn't see how Metropcs's wireless network is on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...work_operators. I did add it to the wiki though hopefully someone will fill it in.
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/careful-what-you-do-on-your-evo-3d-you-are-being-watched/
Here is the article i found on Evo 3D.
Sprint is the only one of the big four to offer unlimited data, so sounds like that decides it for you, at least amongst them. I know nothing about regional carriers.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App

[Q] NO HSPA+/Only EDGE on Simple Mobile

So I bought a Samsung Infuse off Craigslist. I love it, it's awesome. I use the Simple Mobile $60/m plan. I previously had a Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant before the Infuse. I used to run CM7 but used Bionix 1.31 as my ROM on my Vibrant. So I'm familiar with the ends and outs of this technology.
The Situation: Samsung Infuse running latest "unofficial build" CM7, flawless performance. After doing much research as to APN settings on Google and XDA I found that the internet is wrong with the APN settings for HSPA+ on a HSPA+ capable phones. I called Simple Mobile yesterday and we did an OTA (she spoke I listened) configuration of the APN and it's full of IP addresses nao. She said that will allow me to access the "4G" network. The thing is, it says "E" for EDGE at the top for my signal....consistently.
The Problem: The EDGE never changes, also according to various speedtest's I can't EVER break .50kbs DL speed off of WiFi.
So I tried switching out various modems that we're available to me for the Infuse via the CWM flashable's. I've seen NO IMPROVEMENT on data speeds after each modem.
So what exactly is the issue: Am I doing something wrong via XDA material? Or am I just ****ed on HSPA+/4G speeds?
Simple mobile use tmobile towers, so u'll never get anything other than EDGE because att&fee phones dont use the same bands
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk
bobthq said:
Simple mobile use tmobile towers, so u'll never get anything other than EDGE because att&fee phones dont use the same bands
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right and WRONG all at the same time...fascinating isn't it!
Simple Mobile does in FACT use T-Mobile Towers, however; before I rocked the Infuse I've seen other speeds that read 3G/H. The Simple Mobile Network offers 4G/HSPA+ with the $60/m plan that I am currently on.
So with that information, how would you explain that a phone that is HSPA+ capable and programmed correctly that sits on the EDGE network and still doesn't break .50kbs DL speed??
I spoke with customer service at Simple Mobile and several other Simple Mobile retailers that told me up one wall and down the other that the Samsung Infuse programmed correctly should FLY without WiFi, this phone should act like the rocket it claims to be with data on the network.
Instead it is slow, sux and is worthless without WiFi.
So how come you tell me one thing, and several people that work for the Network and people that are affiliated with it tell me another?
Simple because there trying to sell you. Remember its a business?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
Evilspawn said:
Simple because there trying to sell you. Remember its a business?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
I own a business; I know about selling. But according to my research, your a little or alot off; I just can't exactly prove it.
I know that AT&T offers 4Gish speeds (true LTE in like 2 cities in TX), and that T-Mobile offers 3.5+G-4Gish speeds.
I also understand the concept of up-selling, however that scenario does not apply with my current plan and situation.
Has it, or has it NOT been documented ANYWHERE that an HSPA+ capable phone on the $60/m Simple Mobile plan achieved true or realistic data DL speeds off WiFi?
I am no tech or anywhere educated in this topic. But why are you comparing network speeds with your wifi? Or am I missing something here?
Sent from my SGH-I997 using XDA App
jayson94538 said:
I am no tech or anywhere educated in this topic. But why are you comparing network speeds with your wifi? Or am I missing something here?
Sent from my SGH-I997 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not using WiFi as a comparison, just as another option for higher DL speeds. Off WiFi I've seen snails crawl faster than my data can move.
I just want to know why I can't get anything better than **** with this great phone and supposedly "reasonably-good" network.
Vizone- said:
You are right and WRONG all at the same time...fascinating isn't it!
Simple Mobile does in FACT use T-Mobile Towers, however; before I rocked the Infuse I've seen other speeds that read 3G/H. The Simple Mobile Network offers 4G/HSPA+ with the $60/m plan that I am currently on.
So with that information, how would you explain that a phone that is HSPA+ capable and programmed correctly that sits on the EDGE network and still doesn't break .50kbs DL speed??
I spoke with customer service at Simple Mobile and several other Simple Mobile retailers that told me up one wall and down the other that the Samsung Infuse programmed correctly should FLY without WiFi, this phone should act like the rocket it claims to be with data on the network.
Instead it is slow, sux and is worthless without WiFi.
So how come you tell me one thing, and several people that work for the Network and people that are affiliated with it tell me another?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They simply dont know wat they r talking about, they r trained within their own company and dont know that other bands exist and not all 4G r on the same band, same for 3G. So i suggest u sell ur phone and get a tmobile phone or switch to ATT. Next time when u buy a phone, insert ur Sim card in and test the network before u pay
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk
bobthq said:
They simply dont know wat they r talking about, they r trained within their own company and dont know that other bands exist and not all 4G r on the same band, same for 3G. So i suggest u sell ur phone and get a tmobile phone or switch to ATT. Next time when u buy a phone, insert ur Sim card in and test the network before u pay
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone was NETWORK LOCKED when I bought it, so I guess I suppose I'm glad you we'rent with my when I bought it lol.
I'll take into mild consideration that a multitude of people may not be aware of alternate existing networks.
The T-Mobile phone I had before licked ****ing sac, my buddy has a Captivate that OVER-SHINED my Vibrant any day of the week - So No, I won't buy a phone from a company that's supposedly being bought out BY AT&T.
From previous quotes: It seems that we are implying that ONLY a T-MOBILE BRAND PHONE can access the 4Gish HSPA+ speeds that Simple Mobile network (that uses T-Mobile towers) and not an AT&T branded phone.
Yes, it's true....the above DOES in fact sound stupid when I put it on paper. AT&T and T-Mobile use the same towers and Simple Mobile/Metro PCS (some other un-explained networks) use the SAME towers.
So how is it, according to posters: That replacing AT&T phone with T-Mobile garbage will allow me to acquire the DL speeds that reference HSPA+/4G speeds. AND NOT, under any circumstances is it possible for an AT&T phone that uses the same towers to get the same outcome?
OK, the last part really does sound stupid, I feel like I'm arguing with a mockingbird. Anyone else have any further to offer?
bobthq said:
Simple mobile use tmobile towers, so u'll never get anything other than EDGE because att&fee phones dont use the same bands
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I re-read this statement. AT&T don't use the same bands, something about T-Mobile uses 850 and AT&T uses 1700.
Would changing the band selection make a difference? How to if possible?
I think u can only change the APN, not the band, the band is hardware, not software. I had the same problem trying to use my Desire HD on tmobile and couldnt get anything more than edge. I did also ask questions here and all i got is the answer i told u. So sell ur phone asap, dont wait until its price drops more
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk
bobthq said:
I think u can only change the APN, not the band, the band is hardware, not software. I had the same problem trying to use my Desire HD on tmobile and couldnt get anything more than edge. I did also ask questions here and all i got is the answer i told u. So sell ur phone asap, dont wait until its price drops more
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Word, posted on Craigslist and I suppose I'll get an HTC Sensation. Thank-you for your recent clarification.
Yo! You need straight talk to get it working simple mobile uses T-Mobile bands straight talk uses AT&T's network.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium
Optimus-Prime said:
Yo! You need straight talk to get it working simple mobile uses T-Mobile bands straight talk uses AT&T's network.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will straight talk sim work on not "straight talk phones"?
Which cheapest phone of straight talk I have to buy to get their SIM-card?
I know they selling GSM and CDMA phones and don't want to buy wrong one.
Flat Out answer only the 2G or EDGE bands in the phone are compatible with ATT networks the other bands are different so if you want bettter speeds get att or use wi-fi because edge is all you will ever get no matter what you do to the APN
like on the previous post mentioned, i think most of the att phones doesn't have the radio that is capable of receiving the 3g/4g frequencies tmobile use. i could be wrong, but i think is a hardware problem rather than a setting you can change.
Simple mobile is Tmobile, 3g may never work.
Strait talk is a variety of carriers, depends on,the specific phone. The only known phones that work from the att network and have a Sim that works in other phones are the expensive Nokia smart phones. But those also have a Tmobile variant, I don't know how to tell the difference without looking at the Sim.
There is also consumer cellular, apparently that,is att but I don't know if it's full talk text and Web or how it's billed.
Dani897 said:
Simple mobile is Tmobile, 3g may never work.
Strait talk is a variety of carriers, depends on,the specific phone. The only known phones that work from the att network and have a Sim that works in other phones are the expensive Nokia smart phones. But those also have a Tmobile variant, I don't know how to tell the difference without looking at the Sim.
There is also consumer cellular, apparently that,is att but I don't know if it's full talk text and Web or how it's billed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Consumer Cellular is VERY "no-frills" - it's only for VERY light users.
There is no AT&T phone that I know of that supports the 1700 MHz band required for T-Mobile 3G.
The only phone I know of that has pentaband HSPA+ (works on both AT&T and T-Mobile) is the Galaxy Nexus.
When I programmed my HTC Evo 3D i saw various optinos for cdma/eg/4g in CDMA Workshop & QPST Service Programming, what I saw was diferent types of bands and freqz, you might wana check out a phone's specs of tmobile and then check if those specs (frqz & bands) match with the one set on your device...
For example
The Vocoder settings
band prefferences :
band class 0/1/2/3/4/5/ sys a/b/
GSM DSC 1800
GSM extended 900
Etc etc.... check with the device's password on it's profiles and realms (settings I can view on my evo using ##data# )
I can confirm that the issue is with the phones. I just ran a test using my simple mobile card on an AT&T Infuse vs Tmobile Vibrant 4G.
AT&T Infuse
Edge connection with 50kps max
Tmobile Vibrant 4G
3G connection with 240kps max
I will be going to staright talk at the end on this billing cycle.

Verizon Predicament

Ok, so I have a rooted HTC Thunderbolt with Gingeritis 3D and is getting pretty old. I want to upgrade to the S3, but the problem is that i'll lose my unlimited (bastards). I've looked into getting a cheap plan from other carriers that have the S3 and then modifying it to work with verizon and use the other carrier as a business phone, but I can't find a plan cheap enough. I really hate the tiered plans with verizon so I'm trying to avoid that at all costs, but I don't feel like paying $700 for a freakin phone. Anyone have any ideas on a work around of some sort?
You're most likely screwed, I just lost my unlimited data recently because someone on my plan upgraded, so we all lost it, you might as well suck it up, no offense, Verizon is closing all loopholes to keep unlimited.
-Sent from Marino's Galaxy Nexus-
Phones from sprint and virgin mobile generally tend to be cheaper. Im not sure how you plan on modifying GSM units to function on CDMA networks (then again, im not very tech savvy) but chances are buying an off contract phone is the way to go. The CDMA variant of the galaxy nexus is always a cheap viable option. My 2 cents.
buckfuddy said:
Phones from sprint and virgin mobile generally tend to be cheaper. Im not sure how you plan on modifying GSM units to function on CDMA networks (then again, im not very tech savvy) but chances are buying an off contract phone is the way to go. The CDMA variant of the galaxy nexus is always a cheap viable option. My 2 cents.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't, because:
1. You'd have to do something I can't mention her for legal reasons to get the Sprint version to work on Verizon.
2. The Sprint version has an embedded SIM, so no SIM slot that the Verizon version uses/needs for the LTE SIM.
3. Different frequency of LTE, so you wouldn't even get LTE.
4. Sprint has terrible data speeds and close to no LTE coverage (take it from me, I used to work for them).
5. Verizon is crazy expensive all in the name of "coverage" (take it from me again, because I used to work for them too, even though it doesn't take a genius to see it).
I say buy an AT&T/T-Mobile version unlocked (or international i9300 if you want) and hop onto Straight Talk. $45 a month unlimited everything (ok, well they'll throttle you if you use a lot of data), and you can choose if you want an AT&T or T-Mobile-based SIM. By a lot of data I mean generally over 2-3GB. But you can go on their Facebook page and make a support ticket lying and saying some app used a lot of data, and they'll usually un-throttle you in a day or less.
I tell people not to go for Verizon unless no other carrier has decent service in their area or unless their company is paying the bill. Because they have horrible customer service, destroy blockbuster devices with branding and bloatware (and locked bootloaders), and are crazy expensive.
Product F(RED) said:
You can't, because:
1. You'd have to do something I can't mention her for legal reasons to get the Sprint version to work on Verizon.
2. The Sprint version has an embedded SIM, so no SIM slot that the Verizon version uses/needs for the LTE SIM.
3. Different frequency of LTE, so you wouldn't even get LTE.
4. Sprint has terrible data speeds and close to no LTE coverage (take it from me, I used to work for them).
5. Verizon is crazy expensive all in the name of "coverage" (take it from me again, because I used to work for them too, even though it doesn't take a genius to see it).
I say buy an AT&T/T-Mobile version unlocked (or international i9300 if you want) and hop onto Straight Talk. $45 a month unlimited everything (ok, well they'll throttle you if you use a lot of data), and you can choose if you want an AT&T or T-Mobile-based SIM. By a lot of data I mean generally over 2-3GB. But you can go on their Facebook page and make a support ticket lying and saying some app used a lot of data, and they'll usually un-throttle you in a day or less.
I tell people not to go for Verizon unless no other carrier has decent service in their area or unless their company is paying the bill. Because they have horrible customer service, destroy blockbuster devices with branding and bloatware (and locked bootloaders), and are crazy expensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe Virgin Mobile has a $25 plan that might suit one's needs. Then again, I'm not sure about the compatibility of VMs phones with Verizons network.
buckfuddy said:
I believe Virgin Mobile has a $25 plan that might suit one's needs. Then again, I'm not sure about the compatibility of VMs phones with Verizons network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For 3G they'd work, if you can do the thing that I can't mention. But VM uses WiMax for 4G, not LTE, so it wouldn't work.
I'm going to second the Straight Talk suggestion. While they don't guaranty you will have reliable service, it is certainly worth the savings and is usually pretty reliable. If you put up the cash to buy a phone outright, you will save more then that then if you were to stick with Verizon.
I have my Infuse on ST right now, and it's been just fine. I've been getting speeds equal to my service when I was on AT&T and have only had a few hiccups when it comes to data, bet never when it comes to actual phone service.
There are particular data heavy apps I've used that seemed to kick me off the data network, which I think is the only reason I had issues with my data. It usually resolves itself after a while though. One of those apps was a remote desktop app that I was just testing out from work for the first time on my phone (always used my tablet for it before), and my data pretty much stopped working as soon as I tried using it. Then after about an hour or so I was able to use data again. Tried calling in the issue, but I spent about 30 minutes on hold and just hung up. Which brings up another downfall of ST, it's usually not a good idea to attempt to call customer service in the middle of the day.
el_roy1985 said:
I'm going to second the Straight Talk suggestion. While they don't guaranty you will have reliable service, it is certainly worth the savings and is usually pretty reliable. If you put up the cash to buy a phone outright, you will save more then that then if you were to stick with Verizon.
I have my Infuse on ST right now, and it's been just fine. I've been getting speeds equal to my service when I was on AT&T and have only had a few hiccups when it comes to data, bet never when it comes to actual phone service.
There are particular data heavy apps I've used that seemed to kick me off the data network, which I think is the only reason I had issues with my data. It usually resolves itself after a while though. One of those apps was a remote desktop app that I was just testing out from work for the first time on my phone (always used my tablet for it before), and my data pretty much stopped working as soon as I tried using it. Then after about an hour or so I was able to use data again. Tried calling in the issue, but I spent about 30 minutes on hold and just hung up. Which brings up another downfall of ST, it's usually not a good idea to attempt to call customer service in the middle of the day.
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Click to collapse
When you fill in the APN, remove any "Proxy" fields except for "MMS Proxy." It's one way they try to limit what apps can connect to the network. But other than that they're good. It's full AT&T or T-Mobile service (you choose the SIM type), running on the base network, not the Prepaid/slow-network. So if you have good AT&T or T-Mobile service in your area, you'll the same coverage/speeds on Straight Talk.
I bought a used (T-Mobile) GS3 for $450 and use T-Mobile's $30/mo pay-as-you-go 4G plan (100 minutes, unlimited texting, 5Gb data before throttling). There are other no-contract plans out there for other types of users as well. Doing the math, just buying the phone instead of paying higher rates for the carrier to subsidise some of it easily evens-out over its lifespan - or comes way ahead. I would have paid about $1000/yr at Verizon. Now I'm paying about $580/yr considering the price of the phone. If I keep the phone after two years, this drops to $360/yr. And I get better service quality over-all.
I'm sure you can find a used Verizon GS3 - heck, you can even get them NEW for less than "$700".
If you're actually getting a good deal with Verizon, then just buy the phone out-right.

[Q] New Nexus 5: Which ATT MVNO Shall I get?

Greetings all!
I've been a very satisfied and loyal supporter of Ting for nearly two years now. However, I've decided to get myself a 32gb Nexus 5 from the playstore (arrives tomorrow, yaay!) with the hopes that I'll eventually be able to BYOSD to Ting. For now, I'm trying to settle on an ATT MVNO since TMO coverage is awful around here for miles.
Here is my usage on Ting:
under 100 mins
no texts (I use Google voice for SMS)
150mb average data use
I pay about 15-25ish per month depending on usage.
What I'm looking for in an ATT MVNO:
Decent Customer Service
Unliminted (or even decent amount) SMS/MMS/VOICE
Decent amount of data, say 250mb-1gb.
Reliable autopay and number porting.
No more than $40/month
I would like to port my Ting number once I feel "safe" and satisfied with the ATT MVNO.
I'm thinking of going with red pocket for now since I can get a free sim from callingmart.com with 39.99 of service. However, I'm nervous about the repeated complaints about inconsistent data throttling with Red Pocket. If I like the ATT service, I'd like to port my "real number" over to AIO because I've heard they have better CS, LTE, and a more reliable data throttle of 256kbps after the plan cap. I wish they had more LTE data (in my price range), but I can deal with the 256kpbs throttle if I breach 250mb.
I like the larger data pools of Airvoice and RP but the strange stories about having to call in to reset data or restore service are unsettling. I've never had an issue with my Ting service. Ting CS kind of spoils you.
Am I being paranoid?
Aside from you owning a nexus 5, I think this thread belongs over at the Howard forums because it has nothing to do with the Nexus 5
Sent from my LG-D801 using xda app-developers app
Dang, was wondering the same thing.
I'm in the same boat, but migrating from Sprint. I was hoping to hear what the community had to say on the matter of AT&T MVNOs. XDA is my trusted source. :fingers-crossed:
I would also like to see what the community here thinks on this matter. I'm currently with Sprint, was considering Republic Wireless, but when the Nexus 5 came out decided that I prefer that to the MotoX and so was looking at Ting. Hopefully they will come around to allowing a Play Store Nexus on Ting, but until then I'd sure like to get away from my $85 per month plan I have with Sprint towards something in the $20-$40 range. ATT and Sprint have decent coverage where I am, T-Mobile is not an option, unfortunately.
heroisnotdead said:
What I'm looking for in an ATT MVNO:
Decent Customer Service
Unliminted (or even decent amount) SMS/MMS/VOICE
Decent amount of data, say 250mb-1gb.
Reliable autopay and number porting.
No more than $40/month
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would highly recommend Aio Wireless. Their $40 plan fits all of your criteria, and I've been really satisfied with them after 2 months. I currently use the $70 plan and the speeds and coverage are great. I would also recommend installing their MyAio app to keep track of data/pay/etc and their Visual Voicemail app which is really great to use. I can't comment on their Autopay feature because I like to manually pay my bills to keep track of where all of my money goes, but their payment method via app and desktop is painless and quick.
About 18 months ago, I left Sprint for Straight Talk. They have everything unlimited* for $45. You get unlimited 2.5GB of 4G (LTE & HSPA+ for at&t SIM, HSPA+ for T-Mobile SIM), then 2G until the end of the month. I only had to call them once after i ported a secondary Google Voice number to them (I couldn't add a service card online). I read that the customer service is bad, but it seemed fine to me. I usually get around 5Mbps, but sometimes its faster/slower too.
I'll second Straight Talk. I've had no problems whatsoever with them. I did have to call to activate my SIM card (the online process messed up somehow), and I had to talk to the manager as the first rep had no idea what I was talking about, but overall it's been great.

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