Keep the Verizon version or not? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III

Hey all,
Like many others I preordered a GS3 before June 28 to secure unlimited data. I'm coming from a Droid Incredible 2 with 3G unlimited. My line wasn't eligible for an upgrade yet, but since I'm on a family plan I transferred an upgrade from my dad's dumb phone line.
With all the stuff going on about the locked bootloader and whatnot, it's made me question whether I should keep the GS3. I received it about a week ago and haven't opened or activated it. I'm considering:
a) Return the phone, get back the upgrade on my dad's line for later use
b) Activate the phone, try it out, if I don't like it then sell it on ebay/craigslist
c) Keep the phone
For option (a), my understanding is that in the future if I want to use my dad's upgrade, I would actually have to order the smart phone for his line by adding data to it, then activate the phone on my line and cancel my dad's data. This would be necessary to preserve unlimited data, right? The phone becomes "customer provided" for my line, and since my line didn't use an upgrade or renew its contract it doesn't affect my data package. One Verizon rep on the phone said that would not work, though. Hard to tell.
For (b), if I activate the phone then downgrade back to my D Inc 2, can I still keep unlimited? Does going from 3G --> 4G --> 3G matter? Some people are saying that Verizon is trying to push people to 4G and that "3G unlimited" might not be an option in the future.
For (c), well, there's no risk of losing unlimited there. But I'm stuck with a phone that potentially will get slow updates and lack the ability to use custom OS updates due to limited rooting capabilities. However, my understanding of how the encrypted bootloader will affect GS3 custom ROMs/updates is limited. Maybe it's been hacked enough that this won't matter?
Anyways, my main concern is whether I risk losing unlimited data if I return the phone and do a later "alternate upgrade", or if I activate/sell/downgrade to 3G phone (which I would later upgrade to 4G by purchasing full price or used).
Do you guys have any advice? Are there any known phones coming out later this year, besides the Razr HD (which will probably also be locked down heavily) that are worth waiting for? Or should I stick with the GS3 as the best possible phone currently available, for the next two years, and trust in the devs to crack it well enough and allow us to update without waiting? Droid Incredible 4G seems to not be as "future proof" in terms of specs. I'm also concerned about Samsung's lawsuits and how that might affect the phone, since they already have an update coming to limit search capabilities.
I've tried it in the store and like the phone itself - no issues there. Just the choice between uncertainty about rooting/updates vs. uncertainty about preserving unlimited data. I suppose the data is more important and I shouldn't risk that, but I'd love to hear what you guys think. Thanks a lot for reading.

Considering we already have Cm10, CM9, and AOKP, I would keep it
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Related

Best qHD Android Phone that does AT&T 3G & 4G, but isn't their device?

It seems that I'm in a catch 22. I'm on a great unlimited data plan, but AT&T insists that if I move to a Atrix or similar device that is recognized by their network, the network will automatically update my data plan to one of the newer ones. As a result, I won't just loose my unlimited data, but I'll have to pay more.
That leaves me only one obvious alternative. Get another non-network phone, that is capable of working on their network (much like my current phone, the Telus Motorola Milestone). That way, I get a newer device with the features I want, but they don't see the phone as an Atrix or whatever... and they don't change my plan.
Would REALLY like the Atrix. The qHD display is something I really want at this stage. Otherwise, a Galaxy S II would be a no-brainer. So I'm hoping with all the great users we have on these forums, someone can recommend a qHD Android 2.2+ device that I can buy unlocked and fits my needs.
Thanks in advance.
merkman said:
It seems that I'm in a catch 22. I'm on a great unlimited data plan, but AT&T insists that if I move to a Atrix or similar device that is recognized by their network, the network will automatically update my data plan to one of the newer ones. As a result, I won't just loose my unlimited data, but I'll have to pay more.
That leaves me only one obvious alternative. Get another non-network phone, that is capable of working on their network (much like my current phone, the Telus Motorola Milestone). That way, I get a newer device with the features I want, but they don't see the phone as an Atrix or whatever... and they don't change my plan.
Would REALLY like the Atrix. The qHD display is something I really want at this stage. Otherwise, a Galaxy S II would be a no-brainer. So I'm hoping with all the great users we have on these forums, someone can recommend a qHD Android 2.2+ device that I can buy unlocked and fits my needs.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I'm a representative @ a corporate-owned AT&T store and you WILL NOT lose that unlimited data plan. I deal with this on a day-to-day basis. I'm in the Dallas,TX market. We GRANDFATHER the unlimited data plan. It is the NATIONAL policy. We hire the biggest idiots to run the pen. Bro, you keep that data plan unless YOU change it. Don't let them fool you. I PROMISE this is the case. You even have ways of sideloading the wireless tether apk to avoid having to subscribe to the tethering plan. The ATRIX is a great qHD phone. I've seen the GreyBlur and GingerBlur ROM for it. Snappy device with unlimited potential once development starts snowballing.
Bullet,
Thanks. I've spoken to several good people at AT&T, but the "hiccup" is this. When I joined AT&T, I had the $20/month unlimited data plan with the Cingular 8525 phone. But since then, we added unlimited texting to our family plan with 5 phones. At that point, my data plan dropped from $20/month to $10/month. The explination at the time was the unlimited texting was part of my data plan, so my data plan price decreased.
However, now everytime I speak to an AT&T representative and they look at my plan, they tell me I'm on plan OTHER than the standard unlimited smartphone plan. They called it something else last night, I can't remember which. So they say that if I put my sim in an AT&T smartphone, like the Atrix, the network will see I'm using an AT&T smartphone, and change my plan automatically. They say the network will poll my phone, and even if they change the plan back after it switches the first time, that before long it would switch again.
Since several users here have reported to using an Atrix and never having their plan changed, I'm not sure this is true. But maybe with my plan being changed without my knowledge in the past... maybe I AM doomed to change my plan unless I use another non-standard phone?
While my phone is personal, I've spoken to my corporate account mananger who I work with on a daily basis. We didn't get very far with a representative at a store last night, despite her knowing him well. He said the system will change it, and there is nothing we can do. But if anyone knows better, I'd sure appreciate their input.
Went ahead and looked up my plan online, so I could tell you the exact plan I'm using now. It's listed as "Data Unlimited for Non-Smartphones (Messaging Unlimited required)". Which is bogus, cause I never agreed to change my plan from the smartphone plan I had in the past. If it hadn't been working just fine with non-network smartphones the last 3+ years, I guess I'd have noticed it sooner.
So I guess if I don't wanna change my data plan, I'll have to use non-network device. Really sucks, cause I don't think there IS a non-AT&T qHD phone that will work on their network at the moment. Though I'd love to hear I'm wrong...
T mobile pyramid maybe?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
So the problem is not that you wont be able to keep your unlimited plan its that you're paying $10 a month for an unlimited plan and if you get a new phone you'll have to pay $30 a month. If that is the correct issue than what they are telling you at AT&T is correct. The plan you are on has been updated and you will have to change if you get a new phone. With that said... I would tell you just to go ahead and bite the bullet and pay the difference. You will pay less going to the more expensive data plan over 2 years then you would if you buy a phone no contract phone. But that's my opinion.
Why not just go with a carrier that actually offers unlimited to anyone without jumping through hoops?
thanks of your leading i was also facing the same problem in my phone but i hope now i will cover it and this is a good news which you have updated us and thanks to share with us
mobile news
the qhd display on the atrix uses pentile display technology. Which quite frankly sucks. I was really excited about it too, and expected the screen to look something like the iphone's retina display which is 960x640. But nope, it lacks major sharpness, and text and small pixels just look bad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp6JgchXFtg&feature=player_embedded#at=64

AT&T Contract vs. Data Plan vs. Android.

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.

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.
Click to expand...
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.

Android on AT&T without data

Looking for an android phone to use on ATT that does not require a data plan.
Until recently i was using the HTC Amaze 4g ( a Tmobile phone) on ATT. For a few months i had no data, no problem. Then i started using the gps a bit, so i got the data, but it was data unlimited for $10/month since the phone was unidentified. That lasted for 3 months or so, then i got the dreadful text saying i need to add data to my line cause its a smartphone.. I then read online, that the Original Nexus, not the 4, was unidentified by AT&T, and that it could be used without data. So i got that, but within 12hrs was forced onto a data plan.
NOW, i am looking for any help or advice on finding a smartphone, preferably android, to use on ATT without data. I almost always have wifi, and really just cant pay $30 extra a month for data that i wont use.
Want a phone that i can check my gmail on, gchat, and have my calendar and music handy, without having multiple devices...
I know this has been discussed in the past, but the threads i came across are outdated, and with new policies and new phones, i was hoping for an update.
Thank you in advance for any help.
I considered putting a pre-paid SIM for minutes in my smartphone - but that would really be NO DATA.
You could probably pretty easily do that - it would just be no data at all.
They might not let you do it on a contract on ATT. T-Mobile doesn't care if you're on a pre-paid plan, but it would depend on if they had good coverage in your area (I am on the $30/mo plan 100min/unlimited text/5Gb data - they have one that focuses on minutes, too). There are also other pre-paid services that use various towers that offer competitive prices.
I guess it really depends on what you need from the service.
Pop your sim into a dumb phone, call them and tell them you want a data block, after they do their thing put the sim back into the smartphone. I've had it like that for 2 years, then I got data, and after a month I had to bock it again, so I put the sim into a dumb phone again and called them to put a block. It always works.
jaszek said:
Pop your sim into a dumb phone, call them and tell them you want a data block, after they do their thing put the sim back into the smartphone. I've had it like that for 2 years, then I got data, and after a month I had to bock it again, so I put the sim into a dumb phone again and called them to put a block. It always works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what ive done... but within a day or two, the data plan gets forced back on again... I even tried blocking data on the line, not using any at all, just wifi, and still they force it on. The rep says that the system scans for smartphones, and when it detects one it auto adds the data on.
atat sucks
cant do **** with **** t
faraband said:
Thats what ive done... but within a day or two, the data plan gets forced back on again... I even tried blocking data on the line, not using any at all, just wifi, and still they force it on. The rep says that the system scans for smartphones, and when it detects one it auto adds the data on.
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Weird. Did you tell them to put a data block specifically? Did you give them your IMEI? Also, is the phone you're using an AT&T phone? I had my data blocked while going through 6 different smartphones, in a mix of windows mobile and Android. But non of them were AT&T branded.
Edit. Just reread the OP. All my phones were international except my G2 which was T-Mobile branded. And try to work with them over live chat. It's what I used and it always worked.
My last device with AT&T was an LG Thrive ( P506 ). I had no issues using it with AT&T and no data plan. Bear in mind that the P506 is a bottom end Android device. I was on the $25 month prepaid package for well over a year. In fact, I switched to Simple Mobile, only about 4 months ago.
shinobisoft said:
My last device with AT&T was an LG Thrive ( P506 ). I had no issues using it with AT&T and no data plan. Bear in mind that the P506 is a bottom end Android device. I was on the $25 month prepaid package for well over a year. In fact, I switched to Simple Mobile, only about 4 months ago.
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Prepaid works differently in this type of situation
jaszek said:
Prepaid works differently in this type of situation
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That may be. OP asked for suggestions, thats what I gave. OP didnt specify prepaid or contract.
+1 for pre-paid. Gave my mom my old phone on a month to month contract. took them 4-5 months to actually detect her using the phone but they get pretty butt mad about it and start charging her some rediculous data plan.

Att unlimited data

Just a heads up for everyone who has unlimited data, a good freind of mine that works for att told me today that att is gonna get rid of everyones unlimited data within the next few months and put them on a data plan. She told me that there keeping it quiet so after they change everybodies plan itll be too late to go back to unlimited. Just a heads up for the people who havent heard about it since I havent seen anything about if myself
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Here I come T-Mobile.
Who wants to be on the unlimited throttle plan anyways. I came off that throttle crap years ago.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
they cant remove it without consent.
Tinag379 said:
they cant remove it without consent.
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You already gave them consent in the contract. You'd know this if you read the contract.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
toxicpaulution said:
You already gave them consent in the contract. You'd know this if you read the contract.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
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Yes. KIND OF. If "THEY" decide to change your plan from the unlimited data plan they are voiding your contract. So "IF" this is the case buy as many NEW phones as you have unlimited Data plans on asap. Then when "THEY" change your contract then you are free and clear of your commitment. Read the print.
So in my case I too will be saying BYE BYE ATT and Hello TMobile. I am just waiting for the chance to leave them over bs like this over the years. I was FORCED onto a Unlimited Data Plan with my first smartphone (really a dumb phone by today's standards). The ONLY reason I have stayed with them is call quality and data has been pretty good in my area. But now T-Mobile data and call quality in my area is just as good if not better. So eventually this will be my route.
Now IF they do not do this change I will NOT be buying the S5 from them anyways with locked bootloaders. So I was gonna have to buy either international or T-Mobile S5 anyways and then possibly stay with ATT until my contract runs out for all my lines. Which is about a year or less away anyways.
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337
RockRatt said:
Yes. KIND OF. If "THEY" decide to change your plan from the unlimited data plan they are voiding your contract. So "IF" this is the case buy as many NEW phones as you have unlimited Data plans on asap. Then when "THEY" change your contract then you are free and clear of your commitment. Read the print.
So in my case I too will be saying BYE BYE ATT and Hello TMobile. I am just waiting for the chance to leave them over bs like this over the years. I was FORCED onto a Unlimited Data Plan with my first smartphone (really a dumb phone by today's standards). The ONLY reason I have stayed with them is call quality and data has been pretty good in my area. But now T-Mobile data and call quality in my area is just as good if not better. So eventually this will be my route.
Now IF they do not do this change I will NOT be buying the S5 from them anyways with locked bootloaders. So I was gonna have to buy either international or T-Mobile S5 anyways and then possibly stay with ATT until my contract runs out for all my lines. Which is about a year or less away anyways.
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337
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not if within the contract it says they can chagne your plan to whatever whenever they feel like it.
i just reviewed my contract. nothing in it states they can change anything at any time.
toxicpaulution said:
not if within the contract it says they can chagne your plan to whatever whenever they feel like it.
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If that was the case they would have forced us all of it years ago when the decided to start throttling you as "in the top 5% of data users". They were trying VERY HARD to get us off of unlimited data. I have been through two phones since they implemented this. With the S2 and huspa+ plan you are throttled at 3Gb, on my S3 with LTE I am throttled at 5Gb, and same on the S4. So IF they were gonna attempt something like this they would have already.
Also if they want to keep losing customers to T-Mobile then go at it. I am not sure if you have seen all the commercials, but once Tmobile makes some cool changes to their service ATT/VERIZON didn't change anything. But as T-Mobile keeps chipping away at ATT/VERIZON customer base then these two companies are starting to play catch up and make some changes. Like T-Mobile being able to upgrade when you want, now ATT and Verizon have their own crappy versions of this. T-Mobile has unlimited data so ATT/Verizon are trying to fool people with unlimited text and call and raise the download limits with some of their newer plans. But they keep refusing to just five in and make a unlimited data plan, seems like out of spite at times. Because they cannot get rid of enough grandfathered Unlimited data plan users.
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337
RockRatt said:
If that was the case they would have forced us all of it years ago when the decided to start throttling you as "in the top 5% of data users". They were trying VERY HARD to get us off of unlimited data. I have been through two phones since they implemented this. With the S2 and huspa+ plan you are throttled at 3Gb, on my S3 with LTE I am throttled at 5Gb, and same on the S4. So IF they were gonna attempt something like this they would have already.
Also if they want to keep losing customers to T-Mobile then go at it. I am not sure if you have seen all the commercials, but once Tmobile makes some cool changes to their service ATT/VERIZON didn't change anything. But as T-Mobile keeps chipping away at ATT/VERIZON customer base then these two companies are starting to play catch up and make some changes. Like T-Mobile being able to upgrade when you want, now ATT and Verizon have their own crappy versions of this. T-Mobile has unlimited data so ATT/Verizon are trying to fool people with unlimited text and call and raise the download limits with some of their newer plans. But they keep refusing to just five in and make a unlimited data plan, seems like out of spite at times. Because they cannot get rid of enough grandfathered Unlimited data plan users.
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337
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Click to collapse
People abusing "unlimited" by using exceptional amounts of data tethering is the reason the true "unlimited" plans went away and will not come back to the major carriers. Sure, there are people that use a lot of data on their phone alone and there are people that tether some, but not all of the times. They are actually a small part of the overall users. A little tethering from time to time or a month of high data use due to watching the play-offs on the phone is not an issue The problem is the people that tether all of the time using their phones as their main internet connection. Mobile data was not meant for this. Basically, a few people keep finding ways to screw the system so no one else can benefit from it.
Of course, the major carriers should be providing plans at a better price and, for now, that seems to be happening because of T-Mobile's changes. However, the unlimited demise is definitely the fault of the abusers.
@scott14719 I do know what you are saying and do believe this to be the case as well.
But as technology on these phones grow so will the demand for more data. With streaming being more and more capable (and i am not just talking about netflix, youtube, and such) then the providers need to upgrade their data networks to accommodate for the future. T-Mobile seems to be doing just that as of right now. So I am happy that T-Mobile is changing things and forcing the other networks to change a bit. I hope they keep pushing the issue.
I am totally cool with paying full price for unsubsidized phones and less for better/faster data.
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337
I dropped my unlimited for the new 10 GB shared plan. On three phones I will get more data than I have ever used in a month, no throttling, and I save $60 per month. If 10 is not enough I will go to 15 and still save $30 every month.
I thought about "BRIEFLY" doing the same but I usually do at least 10Gb a month on my S4 already. Let alone the three other smart phones on my plan.
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337
Capt said:
Here I come T-Mobile.
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Already there and I love it
Been thinking about switching. Never really use data though. Mainly I think because I have to live it and watch myself. I assume you find more use for it if it's more readily at your disposal.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I467 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Id like to see them try haha
They might make it mandatory for phone upgrades, etc.. but from last time they tried to do it they can't just change you. If they wanna break my contract I'm fine with that, I've been looking at cheaper carriers anyways. Even if they put it somewhere in the contract that they can break it my papers say "unlimited data" as the name so you can get the contract broken easily if it's no longer unlimited data.
Unlimited Data/Voice for a fee is the future anyways, they should stop trying to nickle and dime us as the change gets closer.
Only time I need my unlimited is when I travel and watch lots of movies but still it's the ONLY reason I am still with them as everyone has better prices, and signal with any carrier is not a issue in socal.
I am wondering what AT&T has up their sleeve.
Could it be that they will finally get rid of voice over cellular? That would mean that the unlimited text and talk comes out of your data.
scott14719 said:
People abusing "unlimited" by using exceptional amounts of data tethering is the reason the true "unlimited" plans went away and will not come back to the major carriers. Sure, there are people that use a lot of data on their phone alone and there are people that tether some, but not all of the times. They are actually a small part of the overall users. A little tethering from time to time or a month of high data use due to watching the play-offs on the phone is not an issue The problem is the people that tether all of the time using their phones as their main internet connection. Mobile data was not meant for this. Basically, a few people keep finding ways to screw the system so no one else can benefit from it.
Of course, the major carriers should be providing plans at a better price and, for now, that seems to be happening because of T-Mobile's changes. However, the unlimited demise is definitely the fault of the abusers.
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Click to collapse
I am not trying to start a flame war, so don't take this the wrong way. I do get where you are coming from. But if you think about it, if you pay for unlimited data, shouldn't you receive "Unlimited data"? Yes, it puts that much more stress on carriers trying to provide users with reliable data, but it also pushes them to become more efficient, and improve towers, resulting in a better user experience. It makes sense to want to cut the extra expenses from a carriers perspective. That said, It's still sad to see unlimited data go, whatever the reason.
willblake13 said:
I am not trying to start a flame war, so don't take this the wrong way. I do get where you are coming from. But if you think about it, if you pay for unlimited data, shouldn't you receive "Unlimited data"? Yes, it puts that much more stress on carriers trying to provide users with reliable data, but it also pushes them to become more efficient, and improve towers, resulting in a better user experience. It makes sense to want to cut the extra expenses from a carriers perspective. That said, It's still sad to see unlimited data go, whatever the reason.
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Click to collapse
Unlimited data for your phone, not for your household internet provider. There is a difference. If you use 50 gigs a month on pure phone usage...it should be ok, but if you tether and use 50 gigs for your entire house, it is not. And that is where the problem is.
I love hearing those say "I'll just switch to T-Mobile."
What's the point in having unlimited data if it only works in certain spots?
I'd recommend some hands-on coverage experimentation, and you'll realize why AT&T and Verizon get away with some of the crap that they pull.
Sent from my Hyperdriven S4

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