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[Q] Phone's not in ATT's IMEI bank

Greetings!
First time poster, long time reader.
I have been using a SE Xperia X1a that I bought off Ebay since Sept. 2009. I have stuck with this phone because I have an unlimited Medianet HSDPA service that costs $10/Mo. I frequently tether as a wireless router for either my laptop or Ipod Touch 4g. ATT still has not recognized this despite using 2gb+/mo.
The hardware in the phone is breaking down. I am looking for a replacement device that can do a similar service for me- $10/mo/unlimited internet. Are there any foreign branded Androids that can do this?
I did do a search for about an hour before giving up and asking this. Thanks are coming your way for responding

I'm really not sure why you think your plan is tied to your phone? Just get whatever phone tickles your fancy and put your sim card in it.

I don't think my plan is tied to my phone. I'm sorry if that's how it came across.
I am able to capitalize on unlimited MediaNet data because ATT doesn't recognize my Xperia's IMEI- they think I have a dumbphone.
The hardware is failing on my Xperia, and I am looking into a replacement. I'm fully willing to buy an foreign phone out of contract if it's known that ATT can't recognize the IMEI.
If anyone could point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated :-D

They dont think you have a dunb phone(Non Smart Phone) They just havent cared to check. In my experience they only check what style of phone when upgrading services, such as data plans and such. As deathsled said, get any phone that makes you happy and insert yoour sim card. P.S. Make sure phone is able to accept a sim card, and if unlocked make sure its able to listen to the carries specific signal.

Well they do think I have a dumbphone. That's what I had to tell them when I signed up for MediaNet after purchasing the phone.
I don't want to buy a phone that they their system will instantly recognize and upgrade me from my MediaNet to a smartphone plan.
Is there a resource to check the phones that they know of? I could always just purchase the same model and continue doing what I'm doing if not.

Is the problem that nobody knows, or that nobody has seen this thread that does know?

Bamp 10char

Is there another forum I should be trying?

Donteventrii said:
Well they do think I have a dumbphone. That's what I had to tell them when I signed up for MediaNet after purchasing the phone.
I don't want to buy a phone that they their system will instantly recognize and upgrade me from my MediaNet to a smartphone plan.
Is there a resource to check the phones that they know of? I could always just purchase the same model and continue doing what I'm doing if not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm rather puzzled, why can't you just buy an unlocked phone from (say) Amazon? They do sell nice Nexus One units there...

I know exactly what you are talking about Donteventrii
I can give you a list of phones that might be suitable for you, that are unlocked and use AT&T 3G but their IMEI will still not be recognizable and therefore, you get to keep your $10 unlimited MEdiaNet data plan
Amazon: Any Nokia Phone - E72, N8, E7, E6 etc
NExus S - the one for AT&T which will have the 850/1900 3G bands - http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Googl..._1_1?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1310519566&sr=1-1
T-mobile Galaxy S vibrant - Unlocked. It has AT&T's 3G 1900 band so you will be able to get 3G speeds in many areas since 1900 is the more widespread one.
Any Rogers (Canadian telephone service provider) smartphone unlocked since it uses the same bands as AT&T for it's 3G. I'm using a Rogers unlocked Xperia Play that I bought off a guy who'd bought it off Ebay.
That's just the ones I can think off the top of my head. I'll post again if I remember some more

Thank you very much Abudabu!
I may have some follow ups, but I'm heading to bed.

I would just get another phone like tmobile

Abudabu, do you also use MediaNet for your Xperia Play? I see that ATT is getting Xperia play, do you think this will cause problems for you?
The Nexus S is quite costly still, though 2.3 has me drooling. I believe the Galaxy S may be my best option. I might buy it online and unlock it myself.
Any thoughts?

I don't use MediaNet actually. I'm on the $30 unlimited data plan that I opted for when I went with the iPhone 3GS.
You can swap your SIM card out of your current phne to any phone that does not have an AT&T logo on it and you should be fine. AT&T has the IMEI's of all the phones that IT sells, in it's database. So if you put your sim in an Unlocked Xperia Play from Rogers or from United Kingdom, you can continue using the MediaNet without any hassle. If however, you put your SIM card in a AT&T Xperia Play, the SIM recognizes the IMEI of the phone, and will transmit this data back to AT&T indicating you need to upgrade your plan since you are on a smartphone

Any reason you don't switch back to MediaNet?

I'm aware of the 10$ Medianet plan. But for those that use it with unlocked smartphones, how do you get around the texting?
I see a $30 unlimited data and messaging plan which defeats the purpose of the thread. Are you combining this with the 1000 messages for $10?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App

Donteventrii said:
Any reason you don't switch back to MediaNet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well couple of reasons:
1) I wasn't sure if they even offer it anymore. I was under the impression they have tiered data plans now. $15 for 200 mb, $25 for 2GB, etc.
2) I switch phones quite a bit. So I prefer to just have the $30 unlimited data plan standard and I switch sim's in and out irregardless.

Ah if you switch phones that makes sense.
But yes, they do indeed offer MediaNet unlimited for 10/month. I am sitting at 2.5gb this month with a week left in my billing cycle.
I mainly use it to tether my laptop while at work. We don't have wifi, and I don't want to use my work computer for personal business. In fact, I'm tethering it right now from work

so where can I find a list of smartphones, compatible with AT&T, not in the IMEI database?
Just to be clear, I can purchase a dumbphone with:
$30 unlimited messaging/mobile to mobile
+
$15 unlimited data
with no voice plan (like the $39.99 for 450 minutes), go home and pop the SIM card to one of these unlisted phones and done.
$45 + tax for unlimited everything on a smartphone.
I can use Google Voice for landlines and international without incurring call forwarding fees and such.

I don't think there is a list other than what's been provided already. I use the Unlimited family messaging and 10/mo unlimited internet.

[Q] Pay as you go phone?

Hey, my daughter wants a new pay as you go phone. We are with t mobile and she gets texting and calling. All data is wifi only! Her phone is slow and takes time to process. Can I get a phone from eBay or amazon and put her sim card in and continue with the same plan?
Thanks,
Rachael

rachaelslp said:
Hey, my daughter wants a new pay as you go phone. We are with t mobile and she gets texting and calling. All data is wifi only! Her phone is slow and takes time to process. Can I get a phone from eBay or amazon and put her sim card in and continue with the same plan?
Thanks,
Rachael
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer craigslist. Phones are cheaper and you can ask the seller to meet you at a nearby T-Mobile store. Or at least take your SIM card with you and test prior to purchase. This will ensure the phone isn't stolen, carrier locked or incompatible prior to purchase.
Any unlocked GSM phone will fit your current needs. However, if you decide later to include a data plan it's best to be using a carrier model. Carrier Androids typically include only the 3/4g bands for their own network.

Hey, to test, do you just put the sim card in and try it?
Thanks!

rachaelslp said:
Hey, to test, do you just put the sim card in and try it?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, confirm with the seller before hand that this is what you require. If they say no, it'll save you a trip. Test as much functionality of the phone as you're able. Generally, if it looks to be in good shape you should have no problems. If it's beat up, test EVERYTHING.
Beware that there are overpriced phones on craigslist too. 10% off the average Buy It Now price on eBay is the most I'd pay.

Just post what kind of phone you are looking for and I can give you a ball park price of what you should pay.

more cheaper good smart phone in market at moment

Currently on S4 with unlimited data..

Currently on S4 with unlimited data....is it worth losing unlimited to get the S6 right now?
was goign to do edge (have a few other phones on plan), but mine is still unlimited right now...
My monthly would be pretty much identical....but with shared 8 GB. Other phones barely use data...
Thanks in advance!!!

If you're in the US, just get an S6 at Best Buy and either get a BB credit card or use their payment plan to get it off contract. It's basically the same as getting the edge contract and you get to keep your unlimted data.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

If I use edge....they do give you a credit of 25 bucks every month.
Hmm.....If I'm bringing my own device....shouldn't they be reducing my monthly?

docluv01 said:
Currently on S4 with unlimited data....is it worth losing unlimited to get the S6 right now?
was goign to do edge (have a few other phones on plan), but mine is still unlimited right now...
My monthly would be pretty much identical....but with shared 8 GB. Other phones barely use data...
Thanks in advance!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no need to lose unlimited data or pay full price!!! Get the phone from Best Buy online, SHIP IT TO YOUR HOUSE, NOT IN STORE PICKUP, then swap the sim from your S4 to your S6 BEFORE POWERING THE S6 ON. Destroy the new SIM that comes with the S6. You will have to cut down the S4 SIM to NanoSIM size but it's super easy. I literally did this today and I have a subsidized S6 64GB ($299) on unlimited data and my contract extended 2 years.
See the following link for a number of ways you can upgrade and keep your unlimited, even if you only have a single line!
https://slickdeals.net/f/7743625-ve...-avoid-a-2-year-data-plan-on-a-basic-line?v=1

docluv01 said:
If I use edge....they do give you a credit of 25 bucks every month.
Hmm.....If I'm bringing my own device....shouldn't they be reducing my monthly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I continue to bring my own phone so I'm considered month to month. Therefore I get a $25 discount.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

deranger said:
There is no need to lose unlimited data or pay full price!!! Get the phone from Best Buy online, SHIP IT TO YOUR HOUSE, NOT IN STORE PICKUP, then swap the sim from your S4 to your S6 BEFORE POWERING THE S6 ON. Destroy the new SIM that comes with the S6. You will have to cut down the S4 SIM to NanoSIM size but it's super easy. I literally did this today and I have a subsidized S6 64GB ($299) on unlimited data and my contract extended 2 years.
See the following link for a number of ways you can upgrade and keep your unlimited, even if you only have a single line!
https://slickdeals.net/f/7743625-ve...-avoid-a-2-year-data-plan-on-a-basic-line?v=1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I've read through that entire thread like 5 times, so much good info in there.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

WOW!!!
Thank you!
deranger said:
There is no need to lose unlimited data or pay full price!!! Get the phone from Best Buy online, SHIP IT TO YOUR HOUSE, NOT IN STORE PICKUP, then swap the sim from your S4 to your S6 BEFORE POWERING THE S6 ON. Destroy the new SIM that comes with the S6. You will have to cut down the S4 SIM to NanoSIM size but it's super easy. I literally did this today and I have a subsidized S6 64GB ($299) on unlimited data and my contract extended 2 years.
See the following link for a number of ways you can upgrade and keep your unlimited, even if you only have a single line!
https://slickdeals.net/f/7743625-ve...-avoid-a-2-year-data-plan-on-a-basic-line?v=1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Hi, SO by using the BB method, you kept the UDP, but you were extended out by 2 yrs?
On my family plan, I also have a basic line that is upgradeable. It seems that if I use one of those methods...I don't get stuck on 2 yr on the basic plan, but also, dont get stuck on 2 yr plan on my UDP. Do you know this to be true? I've read multiple.....can't seem to figure that part out...
deranger said:
There is no need to lose unlimited data or pay full price!!! Get the phone from Best Buy online, SHIP IT TO YOUR HOUSE, NOT IN STORE PICKUP, then swap the sim from your S4 to your S6 BEFORE POWERING THE S6 ON. Destroy the new SIM that comes with the S6. You will have to cut down the S4 SIM to NanoSIM size but it's super easy. I literally did this today and I have a subsidized S6 64GB ($299) on unlimited data and my contract extended 2 years.
See the following link for a number of ways you can upgrade and keep your unlimited, even if you only have a single line!
https://slickdeals.net/f/7743625-ve...-avoid-a-2-year-data-plan-on-a-basic-line?v=1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

docluv01 said:
Hi, SO by using the BB method, you kept the UDP, but you were extended out by 2 yrs?
On my family plan, I also have a basic line that is upgradeable. It seems that if I use one of those methods...I don't get stuck on 2 yr on the basic plan, but also, dont get stuck on 2 yr plan on my UDP. Do you know this to be true? I've read multiple.....can't seem to figure that part out...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I paid subsidized pricing ($299 for 64 GB S6) and my contract end date was pushed out 2 years, while keeping my Nationwide 700 plan with unlimited data. Depending on what method you use, you will extend your contract out another two years. Being on contract with unlimited data is a GOOD thing. If you're off contract, they can drop your unlimited data anytime for any reason. If you're on contract, dropping your UDP would mean they broke the contract, and thus they would be forfeiting the early cancellation fees, which is a significant chunk of money for a subsidized S6. Read that first post all the way through a couple times, figure out which method works for your situation, and then read those instructions like 10 times. There are different optimal strategies to keep your UDP depending on what your plan looks like.
edit: Best Buy is also running a $100 gift card promotion for Verizon upgrades to S6, just got mine today. Subsidized pricing, $100 to spend at BB, and I still kept my UDP, simply amazing.

deranger said:
There is no need to lose unlimited data or pay full price!!! Get the phone from Best Buy online, SHIP IT TO YOUR HOUSE, NOT IN STORE PICKUP, then swap the sim from your S4 to your S6 BEFORE POWERING THE S6 ON. Destroy the new SIM that comes with the S6. You will have to cut down the S4 SIM to NanoSIM size but it's super easy. I literally did this today and I have a subsidized S6 64GB ($299) on unlimited data and my contract extended 2 years.
See the following link for a number of ways you can upgrade and keep your unlimited, even if you only have a single line!
https://slickdeals.net/f/7743625-ve...-avoid-a-2-year-data-plan-on-a-basic-line?v=1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remember the SIM you have in your S4 WILL NOT fit in the S6
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA Free mobile app

chrisj22 said:
Remember the SIM you have in your S4 WILL NOT fit in the S6
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's trivial to print out a template, mark your cuts in permanent marker, and cut it down to size with a pair of good scissors. Some sandpaper for fine tuning (or careful work with sharp, sturdy scissors) was all I needed to make it fit perfectly. You can also purchase a SIM cutter tool from Amazon for <$10 if you don't trust yourself hacking up your SIM. Take note that you should not go to a Verizon corporate store and ask for a new SIM as they will notice the pending equipment activation on your account and most likely drop your UDP. People have had luck paying an authorized retailer for a new SIM, there should be examples in the earlier linked Slickdeals thread. Really though, it's quite simple to cut down the SIM with scissors so long as you take your time and don't overcut it. The actual chip is tiny, what you see on the outside are just contacts.

deranger said:
It's trivial to print out a template, mark your cuts in permanent marker, and cut it down to size with a pair of good scissors. Some sandpaper for fine tuning (or careful work with sharp, sturdy scissors) was all I needed to make it fit perfectly. You can also purchase a SIM cutter tool from Amazon for <$10 if you don't trust yourself hacking up your SIM. Take note that you should not go to a Verizon corporate store and ask for a new SIM as they will notice the pending equipment activation on your account and most likely drop your UDP. People have had luck paying an authorized retailer for a new SIM, there should be examples in the earlier linked Slickdeals thread. Really though, it's quite simple to cut down the SIM with scissors so long as you take your time and don't overcut it. The actual chip is tiny, what you see on the outside are just contacts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or being I believe he was getting the phone online from the carrier it will come with a SIM Preloaded in the phone
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA Free mobile app

chrisj22 said:
Or being I believe he was getting the phone online from the carrier it will come with a SIM Preloaded in the phone
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not reading the thread at all. If you turn on the phone with the SIM from Best Buy in it, you will instantly lose UDP and not be able to get it back. You MUST destroy the new SIM before you initially power on the phone (even initial charging) when doing this method of getting a subsidized upgrade without losing your unlimited data. If the phone comes on at all, Verizon reads the new SIM as being activated, and your unlimited data is gone forever . It is crucial to take out and destroy the new SIM ASAP.

Does this work with upgrading from a S3? Meaning, will the SIM from a S3 work after trimming?

Let me ask another stupid question, If I buy a s6 off amazon, paying full price. Can I call verizon to send me a new nano sim, and not worry about them killing my unlimited?

docluv01 said:
Let me ask another stupid question, If I buy a s6 off amazon, paying full price. Can I call verizon to send me a new nano sim, and not worry about them killing my unlimited?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you can, but it would be easier to walk into a Verizon corporate store and get it there for free on the spot. Did it a couple weeks ago no issue coming from an s5.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

docluv01 said:
Let me ask another stupid question, If I buy a s6 off amazon, paying full price. Can I call verizon to send me a new nano sim, and not worry about them killing my unlimited?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, but why not do the BB method and get it at subsidized pricing? You also get the benefit of being on contract, which means if they kill your UDP (which they are free to do at any time), they will have to let you out of the early termination fee. You could also walk into a VZW corporate store and buy an S6 at full price to keep your unlimited, but be aware that VZW has the right to kill your UDP at any time should they feel the need to do so.
taz291819 said:
Does this work with upgrading from a S3? Meaning, will the SIM from a S3 work after trimming?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be able to cut down your SIM for the S6, you must currently have a 4G LTE SIM. I personally never owned an S3 so I am not sure if you have a 4G LTE SIM in it or not. If you do, simply do the BB method and trim your SIM. If not, there are methods to get around this, check the thread I linked earlier.

deranger said:
Yes. I paid subsidized pricing ($299 for 64 GB S6) and my contract end date was pushed out 2 years, while keeping my Nationwide 700 plan with unlimited data. Depending on what method you use, you will extend your contract out another two years. Being on contract with unlimited data is a GOOD thing. If you're off contract, they can drop your unlimited data anytime for any reason. If you're on contract, dropping your UDP would mean they broke the contract, and thus they would be forfeiting the early cancellation fees, which is a significant chunk of money for a subsidized S6. Read that first post all the way through a couple times, figure out which method works for your situation, and then read those instructions like 10 times. There are different optimal strategies to keep your UDP depending on what your plan looks like.
edit: Best Buy is also running a $100 gift card promotion for Verizon upgrades to S6, just got mine today. Subsidized pricing, $100 to spend at BB, and I still kept my UDP, simply amazing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you said above is actually not true, unless BB gives you a different print out and does things differently. As for the way Verizon does things, The contract terms you are signing up for do not include unlimited data. If you read the terms you are signing up for, no where on there does it say you are signing a 2 year deal with unlimited data. At any point in time, whether you are on or off contract, Verizon could swap it over as there have not been 2 year contracts for unlimited data in quite some time. They have chosen not to based on the outrage that came previously when they tried to make some changes to the unlimited plans. (http://www.theverge.com/2014/10/1/6882339/verizon-calls-off-throttling-unlimited-lte-data)
I have seen a few people who swapped their upgrade to another line, used in on that line and then just switched the phone back to theirs. While this did keep their UDP, nowhere in the 2 year contract agreement was it mentioned that they were getting UDP. In fact it was quite the contrary. It would show the 2GB data plan for 30$ which would be activated on line B while line A was just getting the contract extension.
docluv01 said:
Let me ask another stupid question, If I buy a s6 off amazon, paying full price. Can I call verizon to send me a new nano sim, and not worry about them killing my unlimited?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you buy the phone full retail and go to put it on your line using my Verizon, one step in the process will say your sim is not compatible/or it'll ask you if you want to order a new sim card. Simply click I want a new sim card and within 2 days a new nano sim card will be at your door.

backdown00 said:
What you said above is actually not true, unless BB gives you a different print out and does things differently. As for the way Verizon does things, The contract terms you are signing up for do not include unlimited data. If you read the terms you are signing up for, no where on there does it say you are signing a 2 year deal with unlimited data. At any point in time, whether you are on or off contract, Verizon could swap it over as there have not been 2 year contracts for unlimited data in quite some time. They have chosen not to based on the outrage that came previously when they tried to make some changes to the unlimited plans. (http://www.theverge.com/2014/10/1/6882339/verizon-calls-off-throttling-unlimited-lte-data)
I have seen a few people who swapped their upgrade to another line, used in on that line and then just switched the phone back to theirs. While this did keep their UDP, nowhere in the 2 year contract agreement was it mentioned that they were getting UDP. In fact it was quite the contrary. It would show the 2GB data plan for 30$ which would be activated on line B while line A was just getting the contract extension.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My contract end date is 06/16/2017 and I still have my UDP. Read the thread I linked earlier before you tell me that what I said isn't true. People have been doing alternate upgrades (4ever) and the BB method for quite some time now, and you get to be on-contract and keep your UDP. Doing the BB method doesn't require you to have two lines on the same account either, so the scenario you describe in your second paragraph doesn't apply to this method of getting a subsidized upgrade on-contract while keeping UDP.
Furthermore you don't need to get a new SIM card so long as you already have a 4G LTE SIM. I took the SIM out of my S4, cut it down to nanoSIM size, and put it directly into my new S6 without any incompatible messages or a need to get a new one from VZW. If you already have a 4G LTE SIM you don't need to get a new one. If you do the BB method and order a new SIM kiss goodbye to your UDP. You must reuse your old SIM in order to keep UDP.

deranger said:
My contract end date is 06/16/2017 and I still have my UDP. Read the thread I linked earlier before you tell me that what I said isn't true. People have been doing alternate upgrades (4ever) and the BB method for quite some time now, and you get to be on-contract and keep your UDP. Doing the BB method doesn't require you to have two lines on the same account either, so the scenario you describe in your second paragraph doesn't apply to this method of getting a subsidized upgrade on-contract while keeping UDP.
Furthermore you don't need to get a new SIM card so long as you already have a 4G LTE SIM. I took the SIM out of my S4, cut it down to nanoSIM size, and put it directly into my new S6 without any incompatible messages or a need to get a new one from VZW. If you already have a 4G LTE SIM you don't need to get a new one. If you do the BB method and order a new SIM kiss goodbye to your UDP. You must reuse your old SIM in order to keep UDP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I was not clear and I am sorry about that. Your contract end date and what is actually guaranteed by that contract are 2 different things. Look at the actual contract terms. Yes, you can be in a contract with UDP in today's world on verizon, that happens with the example I gave above. The contract you are signing is an extension of service. If done the way in my example, the line its activated on (The line you transferred your upgrade to, line B) will get a data extension contract while the line that transferred the upgrade (line A) will get a service use extension (yes there are now 2 types of contracts). This was changed last September I believe so that if someone tried to transfer their upgrade to a non smartphone line, use the upgrade, then transfer the phone back over to their line, the data plan would stick to the line it was activated on when in the past it would just drop off.
You are correct, you did extend your contract, but that UDP feature is listed nowhere on the actual documents you signed thus changing/removing or doing whatever Verizon wants to do is in no way a violation of your extended service. they are still providing you the service you signed up for. I am not sure when the last time you could actually sign up for unlimited data was using their plan system, but that was definitely more than 3 years ago. I am unsure how these upgrades are processed via best buy and what their contract term sheets look like when printed out, so I can't comment on that process. I have seen Verizon's and seen people who extended their contract and nowhere on that printout is unlimited data listed as being guaranteed for the contract, but it did list the 2GB plan or w/e plan was picked on it. The reason Verizon is not touching this for now is because of the bad press they got previously when trying to modify the unlimited accounts and add throttling. I am sure within the next couple of years though, all unlimited plans will be forced out. It will suck to lose it and its at that time maybe i'll give t-mobile a try.
Also, requesting the sim in the method I put above will in no way effect his UDP. It sends you a nano sim card so you do not have to cut with the current features that are on your account. Yes if you cut your sim card you won't get any incompatible messages because you are not trying to activate the phone through the my Verizon feature. That will only come up when going through and trying activate/change the phone on your account using their website.

Eliminating the $5 and second line charge

Is it possible. I don't really need the second number. While it may be a nice feature to have. I don't really see myself using the watch without the phone being near me. I just want to use the watch in conjuction with my phone.
It would be nice if we could use the watch without the phone, ON THE SAME NUMBER instead. But i'm good with the BT connection.

snowwy66 said:
Is it possible. I don't really need the second number. While it may be a nice feature to have. I don't really see myself using the watch without the phone being near me. I just want to use the watch in conjuction with my phone.
It would be nice if we could use the watch without the phone, ON THE SAME NUMBER instead. But i'm good with the BT connection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude I was in the same situation. I got mixed feedback from many different verizon employees. This is what I did, you need to buy the device full retail price. Add on the data plan and monthly line fee. If they do not activate it for you do not accept the activation, skip it. It will never show up on your account as long as it is not activated. If you did or they activated it you need to call in and cancel the service. You should not get an early termination fee because you bought the device at full retail. Luckily they did not activate it for me so I will only activate if it is an emergency. It is kind of an indirect safety feature. Now this is solely based on the feedback I got from a Verizon chat rep. I do not know if this will work the same for other providers. I disabled 3g connectivity completely and will never touch that setting again. The only thing is if I restart the phone it asks if I want to activate it, I just skip it every time. I know it does not show up on the account because I verified with Verizon and they said nothing is on their records. The rep also told me that they it should not be required to to use a data plan for the 3g device but the local Verizon store and website say otherwise. I needed to speak to a manager to buy the device because I told the employee that I was going to cancel the plan right after I purchased the device. He said we can't sell you the device if those are your intentions because that hurts us. I said that is not my problem let me speak to a manager. I wanted the 3g device for the speaker for call forwarding, Qualcomm processor, and bigger battery. In the end I got what I wanted. I hope this helps people trying to do the same thing.

The device is already activated. And shows up on my bill as a second number.
I don't care if it hurts verizon. I could have bought the watch for teh same price from bestbuy or whatever and they would have never known i had it.
Except, i got a $50 discount by buying the watch with the phone at the same time through verizon. $5 a month isn't going to kill me, It's just the idea of paying Verizon MORE then what we should be paying as it is. I mean, DANG. i can get sprint for half the cost i'm paying verizon. And have UNLIMITED services. The only reason i have verizon in the first place is because i'm a traveling man. Once i get a local job, I'm back with sprint.
Thanks for the reply.

snowwy66 said:
The device is already activated. And shows up on my bill as a second number.
I don't care if it hurts verizon. I could have bought the watch for teh same price from bestbuy or whatever and they would have never known i had it.
Except, i got a $50 discount by buying the watch with the phone at the same time through verizon. $5 a month isn't going to kill me, It's just the idea of paying Verizon MORE then what we should be paying as it is. I mean, DANG. i can get sprint for half the cost i'm paying verizon. And have UNLIMITED services. The only reason i have verizon in the first place is because i'm a traveling man. Once i get a local job, I'm back with sprint.
Thanks for the reply.
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I hear you man. Best Buy doesn't offer the Verizon Gear S2 3g yet. So you did not pay for the device at full retail? That's where they got you I think. I'm sure you can complain by calling verizon technical support.

The issue here is the eSIM. The 3G version has no SIM card, but instead the equivalent functionality built-in.
Because of this, the 3G version is only offered through carriers at the moment, because the eSIM must be flashed by Samsung or the carrier to bind it to the carrier. There is no consumer means for doing this, hence the 3G watch is not be sold independent from a carrier.
The eSIM, once programmed for a carrier, can not be changed to a different carrier (of course, this isn't TECHNICALLY accurate, it absolutely can, but this is a business model policy). So, again, no generic version.
I doubt there ever will be.

Just wondering why didn't you just buy the non cellular version if you have no interest in using that feature? Would have saved you money, and the headache of worrying if the line ever gets activated

TheEmpyre said:
Just wondering why didn't you just buy the non cellular version if you have no interest in using that feature? Would have saved you money, and the headache of worrying if the line ever gets activated
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Likely for the speaker, bigger battery and better processor.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

jlczl said:
Likely for the speaker, bigger battery and better processor.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
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Thats exactly why I got it. Mostly for the call forwarding feature. I got the bluetooth version for christmas and thought it was really dumb that there is no speaker included. So I returned it to get the 3g version. Luckily they did not activate it for me

i didn't know about the 3g differences. And apparently that's the difference. I thought i was just buying a second gen watch. For $250. Compared to bestbuy $300.
From what you guys are saying, apparently there's more to the specs then what i've been finding on the internet. Even bestbuy isn't listing the full specs. I'm guessing they aren't selling the 3g version.
I did my researching before deciding to buy. But apparently i didn't do enough research.
I guess my watch is on the payment plan with the phone. If i want to ditch the second phone number. I'll have to pay full retail to which i was quoted $500. The guy was speaking so fast he was more mumble jumble then plain and clear. So i have no idea on the actual price. I didn't even see the things listed on verizons websight.

I was also on the fence about extra plan for $5 or classic version. Now I actually was in situations when my phone was either in my car or left home and I was able answer phone call on my wrist watch.
Also I believe that esim can be either reprogrammed or reused by provider as long there is not active reactivation lok on the device.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app

jlczl said:
Likely for the speaker, bigger battery and better processor.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
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Can't find anywhere what the difference in specs is for the 3g version.

4 days from launch and nothing from VZW...

I'm chomping at the bit to pre-order. I'm having surgery Friday and don't want to miss getting one that day.
Any rumors on the Frontier LTE version?

P7M8 said:
I'm chomping at the bit to pre-order. I'm having surgery Friday and don't want to miss getting one that day.
Any rumors on the Frontier LTE version?
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VZW took a particularly harsh view of the Note7 incident and was active in its demise. I'd imagine their relationship with Samsung is strained.
Top executives from major telecoms operators, including Verizon Communications Inc.’s Lowell McAdam, [VZW CEO] urged Mr. Lee [Interim Head of Samsung] to quickly kill the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone, according to people familiar with the matter. The executives told Mr. Lee the smartphone was becoming increasingly unsalable.
On Oct. 11, Mr. Lee called Mr. Koh [Samsung Mobile chief] and ordered him to discontinue the smartphone. Later that day, Mr. Koh wrote a letter to the company’s mobile division, a copy of which was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, calling the crisis “one of the toughest challenges we have ever faced.”​

I'm starting to doubt Verizon will have these on the shelves this Friday. None of their employees will answer questions regarding its availability. So either Verizon just sucks at marketing or they have been told not to say anything about the item, probably due to the post above me concerning the Note 7...

It has been announced that T-Mobile will have them this Friday.
I still have the UDP. That means it will cost me $35 a month to add this device to my plan. I'm wondering if there's any benefit to getting it from a different carrier? I could link via Bluetooth to my S7 edge when using them together.

P7M8 said:
It has been announced that T-Mobile will have them this Friday.
I still have the UDP. That means it will cost me $35 a month to add this device to my plan. I'm wondering if there's any benefit to getting it from a different carrier? I could link via Bluetooth to my S7 edge when using them together.
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The Gear doesn't have to be on the same carrier as your phone to use the auto-forward (calls and texts) feature that's a component of Gear Manager. You won't have one number but only AT&T currently offers it when both phone and wearable/tablet are on their network. The only difference between the two when phone/Gear aren't BT connected is calls and text sent to your phone and forwarded show your Gear's discrete phone number when you reply. Your Gear would also have its own separate VM in that scenario. Auto-forwarding is more battery friendly as one number has the Gear's phone line active all the time.

P7M8 said:
I still have the UDP. That means it will cost me $35 a month to add this device to my plan. I'm wondering if there's any benefit to getting it from a different carrier?
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For those not on a postpaid plan where a wearable line can be added. T-Mobile has the cheapest standalone plan, at $15/mo. AT&T and Verizon charge $35 and $40, respectively.

afblangley said:
For those not on a postpaid plan where a wearable line can be added. T-Mobile has the cheapest standalone plan, at $15/mo. AT&T and Verizon charge $35 and $40, respectively.
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I looked around the T-Mo site, couldn't find a $15 plan. What do you get with it?
Also, when using the Gear app to forward do I have to set it up every time I leave w/o the phone or does it stay forwarded with the option of answering from my handset?

I had a chat session with each of carriers to determine the cost of putting a smartwatch on their cheapest standalone plan it's eligible for. While the S3 isn't available yet, it isn't theoretical because they sell other smartwatches that use a SIM (ie. LG Urbane). AT&T and Verizon put them on a smartphone plan (hence the high cost), while T-Mobile has a plan specific to wearables.
I can't speak about how call forwarding is handled by the Gear app. As a Google Voice user, its a non issue.☺