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Hello All,
I was curious, I am currently stationed in Qatar and the call rates back to the States are ridiculous. I ordered an unlocked HTC Fuze off e-bay to use wifi skype. My question is that the only gsm provider in the country just announced sim based unlimited 3G data only services for about 110 USD a month. Could I use this service in my phone and make it data only for use with skype? 110 is WAY cheaper that what I'm paying now. I need a phone that I can use all over not just in hotspots. Plus the wifi we have here is a little slow (2000+ users on one commercial line).
Thanks
Keith
BTW they advised it was 3.75G.
most of usa's 3g service don't seem to be using the same bands as the rest of the world
so it could be that you can only use AT&T think they use the bands as the rest of the world
Hello, I am going to visit USA in August for 1 month (many states), could you please advise me, which 3g network is cheapest for SMS (foreign SMS too) and 3g Internet (well, probably unlimited or best for Android heavy usage)
Thanks for attention
Read that AT&T has the best 3G coverage, but it's pretty expensive - 5 gb for $40, am I right?
P.S. Not sure if I chose correct place to post this thread
For no plan prepay you best bet is Tmobile. 3G coverage in almost all real cities. Edge in most small towns, and G everywhere else. I can get internet anywhere with it just slow internet if I'm in the middle of nowhere driving state to state. They have a data only plan for $38.99 a month unlimited(10GB). Or 500 anytime minutes free nights and weeksends, unlimited txt and unlimited data(10GB) for $59.99. If you go ATT you will have to run a credit check even to get 1 month of service and even then they don't have any data only plans so your bill will most likely be the 39.99 + $30 for 2GB data, + tax's which run around $10.
Thank you very much, in this case I'll take T-mobile unlimited data plan then
And maybe keeping second (old) phone with old sim card in roaming
Which plan do you think it is better to take for my sister if she doesn't use the internet at all and just SMS?
and are this unlimited SMS work if you send them abroad? I mean are they still free?
maxpower097 said:
For no plan prepay you best bet is Tmobile. 3G coverage in almost all real cities. Edge in most small towns, and G everywhere else.
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uh... just make sure that your phone supports Tmo's 3G bands (probably not)... 1700 AWS, not 2100 (i.e. UTMS 1700 not UTMS 2100)...
Yep, T-Mobile would be your best bet
Check out Simple Mobile.
They use T-mobile's network and offers $60 for everything INCLUDING unlimited international text message. If can get good T-mobile service in your area, you might as well sign up with them to save bunch. The only downside is you have to have a unlocked or T-mobile compatible GSM phone in advance as they don't provide subsidized phones.
hbkmog said:
Check out Simple Mobile.
They use T-mobile's network and offers $60 for everything INCLUDING unlimited international text message. If can get good T-mobile service in your area, you might as well sign up with them to save bunch. The only downside is you have to have a unlocked or T-mobile compatible GSM phone in advance as they don't provide subsidized phones.
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thanks, I am planning to but off contract Samsung Captivate (AT&T version of Galaxy S), but then unlock it for any GSM network
never heard about Simple Mobile, will google it, thanks
DarkVasyaK said:
thanks, I am planning to but off contract Samsung Captivate (AT&T version of Galaxy S), but then unlock it for any GSM network
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Again... don't expect such phones to work with Tmo's 3G... you'll be stuck with EDGE...
You'll need the Samsung Vibrant if you want Tmo's 3G to work in the US... or a Behold II or MyTouch... plus Tmo has funky rules for Android phones on prepay (or not)... you may need to do their FlexPay ...
there's a good chance that you'll have to go with AT&T prepaid... given what you're planning...
Your Euro phones probably won't work with Tmo 3G but you very well might pick it up some places. Many many many people have picked up 3G on tmo's US network with INTL unlocked phones. One of the bands matches, the other doesn't. So it depends on which tower your near.
maxpower097 said:
Your Euro phones probably won't work with Tmo 3G but you very well might pick it up some places. Many many many people have picked up 3G on tmo's US network with INTL unlocked phones. One of the bands matches, the other doesn't. So it depends on which tower your near.
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I believe what you say is incorrect. Not only are the frequencies around 2100Mhz different between Tmo's 1700/2100 (UTMS1700) and UTMS2100 different, but UTMS1700 *depends* on the 1700Mhz for uplink, so you can't even create a connection.
Actually...certain Asian phones operate on the same frequency bands as T-Mobile...but good luck getting your hands on one.
~Jasecloud4
Confused
So, I am going to buy Samsung Captivate
It's UMTS 850/1900/2100
If I unlock it for any sim and put T-mobile sim inside, 3g won't work?
I should use AT&T then? I saw at the web site that there is a 5 gb data plan for $60
I don't really want to buy T-mobile Samsung Vibrant because it's easier for me to buy international version then, but I don't really like how it looks.
And just one more question, I am going to live in Singapore for 1 year soon, does anybody know if 3g will work with Captivate in Singapore?
DarkVasyaK said:
Confused
So, I am going to buy Samsung Captivate
It's UMTS 850/1900/2100
If I unlock it for any sim and put T-mobile sim inside, 3g won't work?
I should use AT&T then? I saw at the web site that there is a 5 gb data plan for $60
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This is correct. Tmo runs on a special band so only Tmo branded phones, and some "asian or INTL" phones can use tmo 3G. ATT 3G is US standard and can be used by most phones, but ATT doesn't have any unlimited dataplans anymore. They don't have any prepay dataplans, the only data only plans they offer are for the ipad. So your gonna pay much more, but ATT will give you better 3G coverage, but slower in the cities compared to TMO. TMO actually is beating out sprint 4G in most area's, but its coverage is spotty and only in large cities. I would go tmo and buy a throw away phone when you get here. Or get a tmo phone for the trip, then actually spend real money on a phone when you get home. You can get a TP2 for around $150-$200 here, and HD2 for $250, then you can ebay it off when you get home or sell it real quick on CL before you leave. If you haven't tried it the TMO HD2 is a beast.
well, I wanted to use tons of android apps using 3g internet, but in this case I should just use EDGE... don't want to buy special phone for 3g or something like that...
it seems that I have a choice between 3g with AT&T for $60 (5 gb) and T-mobile EDGE for $40 (unlimited data) ?
DarkVasyaK said:
well, I wanted to use tons of android apps using 3g internet, but in this case I should just use EDGE... don't want to buy special phone for 3g or something like that...
it seems that I have a choice between 3g with AT&T for $60 (5 gb) and T-mobile EDGE for $40 (unlimited data) ?
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well you could get 100MB of data on AT&T for $20... but perhaps that isn't enough for you... seek out Wifi whenever possible? (that's what I do when traveling outside the US...)
or live with Tmo EDGE, which really isn't that bad and some would claim that you may be dealing with EDGE or EDGE-like bandwidth on AT&T as well, depending on where you go and congestion (hoards of iphone users)...
So I have my phone with rogers and my data plan is just the regular speed i guess and not LTE (around 10 down, 3 up)
I wanted to know if I need to choose GSM/HSPA or GSM/HSPA/LTE in Network Mode. Or it doesn't matter? I don't know if the LTE radio stays on even if the network is not available and if I could save battery by going with GSM/HSPA. I get the same speeds in both modes so thats why I know I don't have the LTE plan.
ALso does anyone know how I could get LTE speeds with Rogers? I currently have the 6 gig, $30 plan.
You should choose the lte one. And the radio stays on even when your not in an lte area. Are you sure your in an lte coverage area?
when i suing LTE, my speed is still very slow,only about 500kb/s download, not much faster that HSPA..
You need an lte specific data plan. If not you will only get 4g. Does you icon say lte or 4g? When i got it it was 4g (had a regular non lte option with my nexus s) then I swapped it and it changed to lte. Now I average 30mbs down and 15 up.
nick931224 said:
when i suing LTE, my speed is still very slow,only about 500kb/s download, not much faster that HSPA..
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First, are you on a custom rom? Second, add a new APN for HSPA+ only. Third, switch the network mode to GSM/HSPA only. Lastly, place a call to any number to lock in 4G.
All this can be found in the thread, "Throttle... solved." in the General Section.
depends where you live dude, LTE is only in Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, but soon will be most other places. I am waiting for LTE in Victoria, should be end of Jan. did you buy, or get the LTE Sim card?
Sent from my SGH-I727R using xda premium
According to Roger's coverage map Brampton does have LTE coverage.
Do you have a LTE sim already? If so, just call into Rogers and ask to be switched to the 6gb LTE plan. You might have to resign another 3 yrs data contract tho.. I had to when I switched from the regular 6gb plan to the LTE plan. Some reps might deny this plan existing.. but it is out there.
Above&Beyond™ said:
First, are you on a custom rom? Second, add a new APN for HSPA+ only. Third, switch the network mode to GSM/HSPA only. Lastly, place a call to any number to lock in 4G.
All this can be found in the thread, "Throttle... solved." in the General Section.
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eg...how can do do that, I'm using the default rom now.but where can i switch the network mode to GSM/HSPA only.And add an new apn for HSPA+ only..i'm a noob lol.And also,when i cilck in my Network operators, is all grey, i can't change any thing or do anything...
All you need is a Lte similar card you shouldn't have to pay more or renew your contact just let them know you have a Lte device and the aim cars your 30 $ 6gb plan should work with LTE
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA App
offwiththeface said:
All you need is a Lte similar card you shouldn't have to pay more or renew your contact just let them know you have a Lte device and the aim cars your 30 $ 6gb plan should work with LTE
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA App
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30 $ 6gb plan？OMG my 2G DATA was 25$....
tom0927 said:
According to Roger's coverage map Brampton does have LTE coverage.
Do you have a LTE sim already? If so, just call into Rogers and ask to be switched to the 6gb LTE plan. You might have to resign another 3 yrs data contract tho.. I had to when I switched from the regular 6gb plan to the LTE plan. Some reps might deny this plan existing.. but it is out there.
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ditto... talk to customer relations... option 4.. option 5...option 1.. (cancelling a wireless service).
just tell them u want the 6GB LTE plan... i had a 1gb regular plan and they upgraded me to the 6gb LTE at no cost..
also got a LTE sim card with my phone (which was also sent from customer relations).
I get around 30-35 down and 15-20 up..
but i actually live in Toronto .. not the GTA
johentie said:
ditto... talk to customer relations... option 4.. option 5...option 1.. (cancelling a wireless service).
just tell them u want the 6GB LTE plan... i had a 1gb regular plan and they upgraded me to the 6gb LTE at no cost..
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So your saying that people can get an extra 5GB for free? If so I'm def going to do that but I doubt Rogers would do that, please confirm what you are paying for data
Sent from my Rogers Samsung i727r!
Can I simply switch my iPhone 4s Microsim to the HOX, or do I need to change plans? I was looking online at my available data plans and they are all marked as "iPhone" data plans.
You need update your data plan to LTE plan. Or else your data won't work.
foxbat121 said:
You need update your data plan to LTE plan. Or else your data won't work.
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What if you change the apn? Will u get 3g/hspa+?
barondebxl said:
What if you change the apn? Will u get 3g/hspa+?
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The only APN you can change to is 3G (wap.cingular), not HSPA+ which also requires your data plan to be updated to 4G or LTE.
But update your data plan doesn't change your data cap or pricing. It is just a way for AT&T to verify your existing data plan and add an authorization. This is to prevent those who has the old non-smartphone data plan ($10 to $15/mo for unlimited) to take advantage of new faster network.
foxbat121 said:
The only APN you can change to is 3G (wap.cingular), not HSPA+ which also requires your data plan to be updated to 4G or LTE.
But update your data plan doesn't change your data cap or pricing. It is just a way for AT&T to verify your existing data plan and add an authorization. This is to prevent those who has the old non-smartphone data plan ($10 to $15/mo for unlimited) to take advantage of new faster network.
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One more question, if I have an AT&T gophone plan with 1gb of data, can I insert my sim in any 4g LTE smartphone ( AT&T galaxy note, lumia 900, HTC vivid or HTC one x) and get 3 g speeds if I put the right apn?
barondebxl said:
One more question, if I have an AT&T gophone plan with 1gb of data, can I insert my sim in any 4g LTE smartphone ( AT&T galaxy note, lumia 900, HTC vivid or HTC one x) and get 3 g speeds if I put the right apn?
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Yes, you can. At least for a while until AT&T catches you. AT&T is now actively scan the go phones for violations. AT&T branded 4G and LTE phones can't be used with go phone without a separate, much more expensive data plan. If your phone is AT&T branded, the detection rate will be 100% because AT&T has your IMEI in the database.
foxbat121 said:
Yes, you can. At least for a while until AT&T catches you. AT&T is now actively scan the go phones for violations. AT&T branded 4G and LTE phones can't be used with go phone without a separate, much more expensive data plan. If your phone is AT&T branded, the detection rate will be 100% because AT&T has your IMEI in the database.
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Thanks a lot man it helps. Damn so they might cut me off if I buy the one x and use their it on a gophone. But why do they care if I buy the phone outright and just use the 3G gophone speeds?
barondebxl said:
Thanks a lot man it helps. Damn so they might cut me off if I buy the one x and use their it on a gophone. But why do they care if I buy the phone outright and just use the 3G gophone speeds?
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1. Just because they can
2. 3G and 4G HSPA+ is the same network. And that's the same network that is heavily congested. They can't afford ppl take a faster 4G phone to use a lot of bandwidth without paying the expensive data plan for it. GoPhone plans are caculated based on the assumption that you use a dumb phone or old/slow smartphone that can't suck down data that fast.
foxbat121 said:
1. Just because they can
2. 3G and 4G HSPA+ is the same network. And that's the same network that is heavily congested. They can't afford ppl take a faster 4G phone to use a lot of bandwidth without paying the expensive data plan for it. GoPhone plans are caculated based on the assumption that you use a dumb phone or old/slow smartphone that can't suck down data that fast.
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Got you. Thanks very much for the info. I might just buy the international version cause I don't wanna pay full price for the device and run into some issues with AT&T. Too bad I really wanted the S4 chip...Oh well. Thanks again dude!
Thanks for all the replies, i'll be switching my plan once my new phone comes in. Just a few more days!
Don't forget to disable iMessage before you change phones
Sometimes people with iPhones won't be able to text you because your iMessage would still be active
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
im never in an LTE area as I am in CT. Wouldnt it make sense for me not to change my 4g hsdpa plan to the LTE Plan that way it never connects to LTE , Thus no battery drain?
aimetti said:
im never in an LTE area as I am in CT. Wouldnt it make sense for me not to change my 4g hsdpa plan to the LTE Plan that way it never connects to LTE , Thus no battery drain?
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The battery drain would be caused by the radio hardware in the device searching for a signal, regardless what plan you have- the phone is programmed to search for that signal. Also, I think AT&T will try to bump you to an LTE plan based off of the phone's IMEI number accessing its towers, like they did with the HSPA "4G" (data capped) plans with some Atrix users last year.
I have an LG Nitro HD, and I'm loving it, but I'm still on my prepaid Go-Phone plan from AT&T that I got 4 years and 3 phones ago. I want to upgrade to the cheapest plan I can with mobile data (so I can use my fancy-pants GPS apps,) which turns out to be T-Mobile's $2/day plan, because you only pay on days you use the phone, and I'm being a chatterbox if I make more than a call per week.
The road bump that's keeping me from switching right now is that the 2/day plan only offers the 2G network, and even if I go with the $3/day plan that includes 4G unlimited data, my local area (and in fact most of my home state) is only covered by 2G or a service partner according to their coverage map. I don't know if that means 2G speeds, or if it's literally a 2G network, but either way, it makes me nervous to buy.
Anyway, my big question is if I can use GPS on this 2G network. My Nitro has all the bells and whistles, so it can deal with GPS and data up to 4G speeds, but can I actually use it with the network available to me?