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[Q] Sprint contract workaround?

Hi all, this is my first post here. I'm relatively tech-savvy but mobile development isn't my forte. Anyway, I've tried many search strings on the site but I haven't found a directly relevant answer.
Essentially the issue is I have a grandfathered service plan from approximately 2004 where I'm getting data for $5/month. I was using a lame HTC Touch Pro until it shattered. Unfortunately, to purchase a new smartphone (figuratively anything that isn't a flip phone), I would need to enter into a new contract on their exponentially more expensive terms. Additionally, I'm going to get nailed with all kinds of new bull**** fees (a 4G fee when it has barely been developed in NYC). Obviously I'm hoping for a more cost-effective approach.
Furthermore, I saw someone briefly mention in another thread that the OP could just buy a phone outright. I'm wondering if purchasing a phone unlocked and then somehow activating it on Sprint's network or some other hack would be possible. Price is a significant constraint; it's not feasible for me to drop $750 on an unlocked smartphone, so it's preferable if I can find some kind of workaround that's subsidized.
Thanks for reading through this, hope you can lend some advice on the optimal solution.

Sprint won't accept unlocked phones. I don't think there is a such thing as a unlocked cdma phone.
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[Q] Benefits of buying unlocked

So, I'm new to the world of android phones. I and others like me would like to know: what are the pros and cons of buying a phone unlocked at full price versus buying a phone subsidized? Feel free to use all the technical jargon at your disposal, oh wise people of xda. Thanks in advance.

Buying unlocked will save you a heap of trouble when it comes to flashing a phone to another carrier. It saves the risk of getting odd service. (This occurs when using a donor meid for another phone)
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App

Oh and I forgot to mention. Paying some Guy to flash to another carrier can cost in the $70 range.
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To be honest, I don't know anyone that would buy a phone full price from a carrier just to get it sim unlocked. Most people get a subsidized phone since its cheaper up front but then you're stuck on a contract, as opposed to buying a phone retail or craigslist where you can just use prepaid service and you're not tied down to a lengthy contract. Keep in mind, you can always pay a couple bucks to get your phone sim unlocked if you choose not to get a phone directly from your carrier. Yes it would be free from your carrier but its not worth it in the long run when you can just check ebay, some third party websites or maybe even unlock it yourself.

I wonder, given the OP's self-confessed newness to phones, he/she is mixing up 'unlocked to any network' with the constant talk of 'unlocking bootloaders' and the like?

I figured sim unlocking since bootloader unlocking wouldnt matter if it was bought at full price or subsidized...I dont think anyways.

The obvious benefits are flashing rims and not being locked to a specific carrier.

[Q] Tricky etf question.

So, I am looking to find a good, but reasonably priced android phone for my sister before she goes overseas.. T-mobile USA has the galaxy s 2 for free today... Could she get it, pay a months service, then pay the 200 dollar etf and keep the phone? I couldn't find anything that says otherwise.

Yes you could, that is what the ETF is for, however it will probably be much higher than 200, more like 375 ish. You would also have to wait until 31 or 32 days into the contract. 31 or 30 days or less and you can return for phone without paying an ETF (I would expect them to pressure you to do this instead of paying the ETF however after that initial month you are good)
The ETF will slowly go down as you progress through the contract. You will also need to get the phone unlocked, and since T-Mobile doesn't use standard 3G Bands you will only receive 2G speeds for internet I think almost everywhere else in the world. (don't exactly quote me on that, i'm not positive whether or not there are more companies who use the non-standard bands in other parts of the world)
You may be better off buying a used AT&T Galaxy S 2 and using it. (AT&T samsung codes are also cheaper than T-Mobile Samsung codes to unlock the phones.

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lufc said:
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Sorry about that!
Reading through the t-mobile terms, their initial etf seems to be 200 for all devices. And it seems that the returns period is 14 days. Also, the t-mobile galaxy s II (sgh-t989) seems to have a radio capable with all the umts bands, while att's is only compatible with their umts bands. I was just wondering if they'd have some crazy subsidy rule for advanced devices.

bigraymeehan said:
You may be better off buying a used AT&T Galaxy S 2 and using it. (AT&T samsung codes are also cheaper than T-Mobile Samsung codes to unlock the phones.
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You don't need to buy anything. Its free. But if u wanna pay be my guest.https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.sgs2simunlockcode

Verizon 24 month upgrade

So now that Verizon has extended upgrading from 20 months to 24 months in contracts that expire Jan 2014 or later...
Does that constitute a change in contract which would enable me to quit without early termination fees?

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Edit: This was in a Droid Life article:
According to VZW, upgrade eligibility changes do not represent a change to the customer agreement terms or conditions, so this is not going to be something to get you out of a contract.

Edit: This was in a Droid Life article:
According to VZW, upgrade eligibility changes do not represent a change to the customer agreement terms or conditions, so this is not going to be something to get you out of a contract.
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Thank you for the answer
PS that's bogus by Vzw

Here's the information
http://www.droid-life.com/2013/04/...pgrade-cycles-changing-to-24-months-and-more/

Funny, no comments on this

Plan help required - US Verizon user, travel to Europe, with a drone

I hope someone can help.
I have a Verizon S7 edge, I'll be in France for a week from July 4th, then England for a week. I have a drone so the 100Mb from Verizon's data plan probably isn't going to cut it.
Should I get a local SIM (if so which one), or something like a T-Mobile Simple Plan phone, which would only work if the phone has a hotspot, or can fly a Mavic pro.
Any advice for the best choice?
BTW the Phone is not rooted, as I use Pay.

syco123 said:
I hope someone can help. I have a Verizon S7 edge, I'll be in France for a week from July 4th, then England for a week.....
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I don't have this device but, your best bet for device specific options is to post this question within the following Q&A thread that's specific to your device and variants.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3489011
Good Luck!
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Ibuprophen said:
I don't have this device but, your best bet for device...
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Thanks for the reply. I figured I was prepared to pick up another device locally if I had to.
What I learned was the T-Mobile is probably the best deal for me at $100 total to use for a month unlimited data, but paying for calls. So obviously you can use an app like GV or Skype to make calls. The travel pass lets me keep my unlimited plan abroad, and is $10 on the day I use it. I'll be gone 14 days, but might not use it everyday. So $40 more max, but I keep the same number, which is handy and worth a little more for me.
I think i'm sorted. Thanks

syco123 said:
Thanks for the reply. I figured I was prepared to pick up another device locally if I had to......
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I'm glad to see that you got it figured out.
I'm not very knowledgeable about the real differences with what's available abroad in comparison to the US but, I hope to be prepared if I do go. I've never been abroad myself but, I would like to someday.... :thumbup:
Have a safe trip!
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I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.