is it true that all s7 variants will be the same? - Verizon Galaxy S 5 General

hey id be interested to know if this is true or not and is verizon not doing contracts anymore? so well have to buy the phone at the say 6 or 700 dollar price tag?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/how-to/finally-single-hardware-variant-carriers-t3308040

I can't imagine Verizon will ever stop using contracts. That's how they make all of their money, by locking in two-year contracts, and locking in contract extensions. What did change is the subsidizing model for the phones themselves. I didn't think it was possible, but they figured out a way to **** people over a little more. I'm pretty sure the new system is a straight monthly payment plan for the now-unsubsidized phones, in addition to your monthly service charges. You were always paying a lot for the phone over the course of your two-year contract, but now I think you'll end up paying more for it over the longterm.
I'm not very familiar anymore, as I jumped ship to PagePlus. I still use Verizon's network and get their coverage, but I have no contract and don't pay anything to Verizon (directly, anyway), which is how I prefer it.

painiac said:
I can't imagine Verizon will ever stop using contracts. That's how they make all of their money, by locking in two-year contracts, and locking in contract extensions. What did change is the subsidizing model for the phones themselves. I didn't think it was possible, but they figured out a way to **** people over a little more. I'm pretty sure the new system is a straight monthly payment plan for the now-unsubsidized phones, in addition to your monthly service charges. You were always paying a lot for the phone over the course of your two-year contract, but now I think you'll end up paying more for it over the longterm.
I'm not very familiar anymore, as I jumped ship to PagePlus. I still use Verizon's network and get their coverage, but I have no contract and don't pay anything to Verizon (directly, anyway), which is how I prefer it.
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What's page plus? And how are you on verizons network without actually being under them?

Veid71 said:
What's page plus? And how are you on verizons network without actually being under them?
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Click to collapse
PagePlus is a mobile carrier that, in contract, has use to part of their network tower. Which i believe it's a tier portion and you're able to (since late 2014) get 4G network coverage. Before then you were able to get 3G coverage on 4G devices by flashing your device. Look for the thread by Viper32 on flashing devices to work with PagePlus and other carriers. He's well known in the XDA community for his accomplishments.
The thread has been closed but here's the link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=41195565#post41195565

al50 said:
PagePlus is a mobile carrier that, in contract, has use to part of their network tower. Which i believe it's a tier portion and you're able to (since late 2014) get 4G network coverage. Before then you were able to get 3G coverage on 4G devices by flashing your device. Look for the thread by Viper32 on flashing devices to work with PagePlus and other carriers. He's well known in the XDA community for his accomplishments.
The thread has been closed but here's the link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=41195565#post41195565
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Click to collapse
So you get all the advantages of being on Verizon minus the costly amount of each bill? Are the BLs still locked on their network?

Veid71 said:
So you get all the advantages of being on Verizon minus the costly amount of each bill? Are the BLs still locked on their network?
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Click to collapse
Not all of the advantages as you get with Verizon with their incentives. Such as HD calling and their other perks. Other than that it's pretty much worth it being that you can pay monthly without a contract. As far as bootloader goes, if it's a Verizon or AT&T device, the bootloader is still locked no matter who you have for a carrier if it's one of their devices. Google PagePlus and read up on them. Last I knew they had unlimited 7GB of data a month for 69.99. After 7GB you're throttled to 2-3G...

al50 pretty much laid it out.
To break up monopolies, the major carriers were required to open up their networks for use by their competitors. PagePlus is one that uses Verizon's network. The advantage is you get Verizon's 4g coverage, with no contract, for less money each month (it cut my bill in half), and you don't have to pay Verizon. Downsides are less tech support (but we have the xda forum!), it's prepaid (but you can set it up to auto-pay monthly), and you need to bring or buy your own Verizon-compatible phone. I think they offer leasing and possibly payment plans to buy a phone from them, but I'm not certain about the latter.
You just walk in with your phone, buy a SIM card for about $5, pick your plan, and pay up front for the month. Mine is set up for autopay, so I don't have to do anything else.

Related

Why the hell does T-Mobile get all the good phones?

They always seem to have the best lineup (Nexus One, Nexus S, G2, MyTouch 4G, etc) but the absolute worst coverage and expensive plans! I know they're huge in Europe, but why are they so loaded in the US? Is there something I'm missing here? Sprint, who easily has the best prices and very good service, only has two "top-tier" phones in the EVO and Epic with nothing new on the horizon. Someone, please enlighten me!
expensive plans really? They are the cheapest compare to the other three.
samven582 said:
expensive plans really? They are the cheapest compare to the other three.
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Thank You. My wife and I had reps from Sprint, Verizon and, AT&T tell us that they cant touch Tmobiles prices. I know people with Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T and they all talk about how high their bills are and how they get charged for everything.
samven582 said:
expensive plans really? They are the cheapest compare to the other three.
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Click to collapse
Sprint's "Everything Data - with Any Mobile, Anytime" gives you unlimited mobile-to-mobile (any carrier), unlimited nights and weekends, 450 "anytime" minutes, and unlimited everything else. Given the fact that pretty much everyone has a cell phone now this is essentially unlimited talk time. Price: $69/month + $10/month luxury tax = $79/month.
T-Mobiles's "Even More™ 500 Talk + Unlimited Text + Unlimited Web" is essentially the same as Sprint's aforementioned plan, but you can only call other T-Mobile customers with unlimited minutes, which is the smallest percentage of cell phone owners. Price: $79/month.
As you can see, you get the same price, but with Sprint you have a MAJOR advantage in the unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling. A similar plan on T-Mobile is $99/month (same as Sprint's "Simply Everything," though unless you make it a habit to call landlines in the middle of the day the "Everything Data" is already fairly unlimited). This was my major problem with T-Mobile's pricing, so unless there's a secret plan that I don't know about Sprint is still cheaper.
there is....T-Mo has holiday plans 79.99 for 1500 mins...
basically the same plan you mentioned with a free 1k mins...
family plan avail aswell $150 for 3k...
i work at radioshack, we sell sprint, t-mo, and att
there is a BIG gotcha in those any mobile any time plans BTW.....
sprint has a huge list of rules for calls that qualify for anymobile any time...
such as you cannot be roaming, you must have data service not just voice service for said call to qualify (as in if you are not currently recieving a data signal your calls go against your minutes)
any call...
oh yeah and sprint's CDMA, thats the biggest reason they will never get my business, keep your grubby little hands outta my phone damnit!
ESKIMOn00b said:
there is....T-Mo has holiday plans 79.99 for 1500 mins...
basically the same plan you mentioned with a free 1k mins...
family plan avail aswell $150 for 3k...
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Click to collapse
Is that "holiday plan" eligible for further discounts (i.e. student) though? I'm assuming that you can only get it in-store since it isn't on the website.
dunno... i can get em over the phone but i am an inderect dealer... so try and find out, if not go hit up yout local RadioShack and ask for it
dunno about discounts...
you should also read my edit above
ESKIMOn00b said:
dunno... i can get em over the phone but i am an inderect dealer... so try and find out, if not go hit up yout local RadioShack and ask for it
dunno about discounts...
you should also read my edit above
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Click to collapse
I saw that, but I've never used more than like 15 "anytime" minutes a month, and those were when I was calling my house. I can't really think of any times that I'm roaming, so that's a non-issue.
my MAJOR gripe is i cannot change phones at will, i have a MT4G G2 N1 G1 MT3G MT3G 1.2....
i like to bounce between the G2 MT4G and N1...
I would think that tmo (and other non-CDMA) carriers get the phones because they are GSM, which is closer to, if not the very same standard for those areas outside of North America.
Best regards,
-boggsie
ESKIMOn00b said:
my MAJOR gripe is i cannot change phones at will, i have a MT4G G2 N1 G1 MT3G MT3G 1.2....
i like to bounce between the G2 MT4G and N1...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why is it that you can't change phones at will?
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Sent from my HTC Supersonic.
With CDMA you are stuck with your carrier's discretion when you want to switch phones(IE, you have to call them up go through an annoying process when you want to switch). With GSM it is your discretion, since its swaping over the SIM to the other phone you want to use.
First off, GSM ftw. CDMA need to just, die. WTF did they decide to invent it anyways. Dumb assest move.
Either way. T-Mobile is THE BEST. AT EVERYTHING. *if* you get good coverage where you live.
My plan with T-Mobile is 59.99 for 500 minutes (which I only use 200~ of), unlimited texting, and unlimited data (at 7.2mbps on my vibrant!), free WiFi tethering, and WiFi calling. Even More Plus ftw. No contract. Eff contracts. Did I mention the reps are nicer than any reps of *any* company? And actually speak English?
Also AT&T are overpriced pricks, Verizon same, but also CDMA, Cricket, too small, Sprint, their 4g is slower than T-Mobile's 3g, and they're CDMA...
The only issue with T-Mobile is the AWS bands being incompatible with euro 3g / at&t 3g. These phones need to come with radios to support both in all honesty :/. If I move to somewhere T-Mobile sucks, I'll cry a river. Can't go AT&T... Freaking thieves. We need more GSM providers.
~~Tito~~ said:
With CDMA you are stuck with your carrier's discretion when you want to switch phones(IE, you have to call them up go through an annoying process when you want to switch). With GSM it is your discretion, since its swaping over the SIM to the other phone you want to use.
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Click to collapse
Oh, I thought you were griping about T-Mobile, so that's why I thought it made no sense.
Anderdroid said:
First off, GSM ftw. CDMA need to just, die. WTF did they decide to invent it anyways. Dumb assest move.
Either way. T-Mobile is THE BEST. AT EVERYTHING. *if* you get good coverage where you live.
My plan with T-Mobile is 59.99 for 500 minutes (which I only use 200~ of), unlimited texting, and unlimited data (at 7.2mbps on my vibrant!), free WiFi tethering, and WiFi calling. Even More Plus ftw. No contract. Eff contracts. Did I mention the reps are nicer than any reps of *any* company? And actually speak English?
Also AT&T are overpriced pricks, Verizon same, but also CDMA, Cricket, too small, Sprint, their 4g is slower than T-Mobile's 3g, and they're CDMA...
The only issue with T-Mobile is the AWS bands being incompatible with euro 3g / at&t 3g. These phones need to come with radios to support both in all honesty :/. If I move to somewhere T-Mobile sucks, I'll cry a river. Can't go AT&T... Freaking thieves. We need more GSM providers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What plan is that? Were you grandfathered in from a previous agreement, or is that an actual plan that I could sign up for?
That 500 min plan is a plan you can sign up for right now. You have to get it in store though.
~~Tito~~ said:
That 500 min plan is a plan you can sign up for right now. You have to get it in store though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
?! No I got it online. Pay full price for the phone then get the discounted even more plus plan with no contract. And no. I switched over from Verizon. Well. Had Cricket for a year (was under 18 lmao) then tried Verizon out, which wasn't much better than Cricket, so I got T-Mobile. And even more plus. And I've been flying on the real, true nation's fastest mobile data network since. Except that I tried AT&T for 20 days and ended up losing 400$ out of that as well as 80% of my calls being dropped. Terrible month.
Anderdroid said:
?! No I got it online. Pay full price for the phone then get the discounted even more plus plan with no contract. And no. I switched over from Verizon. Well. Had Cricket for a year (was under 18 lmao) then tried Verizon out, which wasn't much better than Cricket, so I got T-Mobile. And even more plus. And I've been flying on the real, true nation's fastest mobile data network since. Except that I tried AT&T for 20 days and ended up losing 400$ out of that as well as 80% of my calls being dropped. Terrible month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why is the plan with no contract cheaper than one with a contract? It seems like it would go the other way.
--
Sent from my HTC Supersonic.
on the contract plan they are subsidizing the phone....
no contract = outright purchase of handset.
Tmo is way cheaper than I can get anywhere else, my wife and I have 5 lines on our plan with 3000 minutes, unlimited texting on all lines, and unlimited data on hers and mine. For about 200 a month.
My parents have two iphones on ATT with data and unlimited text and I think only around 500 minutes for like 120.
ESKIMOn00b said:
on the contract plan they are subsidizing the phone....
no contract = outright purchase of handset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, that makes sense.
--
Sent from my HTC Supersonic.

Poll: What Is Your Take On AT&T’s Acquisition of T-Mobile?

This is directly from TMoNews but I'm curious to see how the results will compare with theirs. I figure that TMoNews just might be... a little biased. You think?
So I wanted to post a poll on here where there are a variety of people that would share their opinions. Some of you are with AT&T... some might be with T-Mobile... others... well... why do you even care anyway?
Right... so on with it.
So unless you’ve been sleeping for the past month you likely know AT&T is purchasing T-Mobile. Understandably so, there is a population of readers up in arms and want T-Mobile to stay T-Mobile and those who see the benefits of an AT&T deal. Here is your chance to sound off, T-Mobile reads this blog every day so they’ll see your vote. Will it affect anything, probably not. However, it is a chance to make your voice known as to how you feel regarding this shocking news. Vote away! (quoted from TMoNews)
WARNING!
By the way, keep this ON TOPIC! If it strays from topic I will close it without hesitation. This will not be used to raise your post count, this will not be used for flaming, this will not be a troll fest. If I see ANY of this, the posts will be removed, the member(s) will receive an infraction and the thread will be closed!
I'm not sure what to make of it, even if it does succeed. I prefer T-Mobile to AT&T for better data speeds and cell service where I am. But AT&T has decent cell service, too. Their data speeds aren't as good as T-Mobile's. Regardless of whatever happens with the acquisition, T-Mobile would be wise to market quad band 3G data phones because just the idea of AT&T buying them will severely hamper any sales of phones. If people know their brand new T-Mobile smartphones will continue to work with AT&T, then they will continue to buy. But if T-Mobile doesn't take steps to ensure the continued operation of their phones with AT&T, even if the acquisition fails, then sales will plummet.
MartyLK said:
...T-Mobile would be wise to market quad band 3G data phones because just the idea of AT&T buying them will severely hamper any sales of phones. If people know their brand new T-Mobile smartphones will continue to work with AT&T, then they will continue to buy. But if T-Mobile doesn't take steps to ensure the continued operation of their phones with AT&T, even if the acquisition fails, then sales will plummet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Some T-Mobile devices already support AT&T 3G. To my understanding the Vibrant does already. Although I haven't tried it for myself. They are also releasing several new phones in the near future that got me all excited such as the HTC Sensation. I love pretty much everything about that phone and I can't wait until it's release this summer! BUT! If I can't use it on AT&T's 3G network... then what would be the point of buying it? Unless AT&T adopts T-Mobiles 3G spectrum which is also a possiblity. But honestly, I am having second thoughts now about upgrading to a new phone because what if this merger DOES go through and worse case scenerio DOES happen? I'm on a T-Mobile Loyalty plan that I love! After this deal goes through (assuming of course, it does) I don't think that AT&T will want to keep me on this 'special' plan.
Just comparing what I have now with AT&T:
Tmobile:
Plan: Unlimited Loyalty $49.99
Includes - Unlimited Whenever Minutes, Unlimited Weekend Minutes, Unlimited Weeknight Minutes, WorldClass International Service
Services:
CallerTunes $1.49
Data and Text: T-Mobile Android Unlimited Web + Unlimited Messages $34.99
TOTAL: $86.47
If I was to try to get something similiar with AT&T
AT&T
Plan: Nation Unlimited $69.99
Services:
DataPro 4GB for HSPA+ Smartphone Tethering $45.00
Messaging Unlimited $20
TOTAL: $134.99
Difference of 1gb less data each month and costing me $48.52 MORE every month.
I don't think so.
More 2/3G towers for TMO users to access and new HSPA+ towers for ATT..
Yeah good deal for signal.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA Premium App
What will happen to T-mobile contracts to those who still have T-mobile when and if AT&T buys it? will we start to pay more? or will we keep the same prices? what's going on :c
caoticpsycho said:
What will happen to T-mobile contracts to those who still have T-mobile when and if AT&T buys it? will we start to pay more? or will we keep the same prices? what's going on :c
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Click to collapse
T-Mobile keeps saying that nothing will change.
AT&T says that nothing will change.
But we all know that AT&T is not going to be offering T-Moble rate plans to new customers so they will probably be grandfathered. Which means once you change your T-Mobile rate plan to an AT&T plan... you can't go back. Also when you change your phone by upgrading it is possible that you may have to change your rate plan and services.
So worse case scenario here, you go with the merger, become an AT&T customer and two or three years down the row you want to get the newest and latest phone. By that time AT&T will more than likely NOT be able to allow you to keep your current plan.
But... all of that is just my own personal assumption and again... worse case scenario.
AT&T haven't acquired TMobile. Only T-Mobile USA as I understand it. Either way, my feelings are nothing. I nothing it as I'm English and really don't care nor understand the politics of choosing a phone provider in America!
MarkusPO said:
AT&T haven't acquired TMobile. Only T-Mobile USA as I understand it. Either way, my feelings are nothing. I nothing it as I'm English and really don't care nor understand the politics of choosing a phone provider in America!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then why respond to the thread?
My opinion is that it will only benefit AT&T customers (maybe)
T-mobile customers will be screwed. We will be grandfathered in until we want an upgrade and be forced to switch. It will also create a GSM monopoly which will benefit no one (customers, I don't care about shareholders or CEO bonuses) I truly hope they block this merger.
Sent from either my Nexus S, N1 or telepathically using two tin cans and some string.
If i dont see some good deals then im going right to verizon
Binary100100 said:
T-Mobile keeps saying that nothing will change.
AT&T says that nothing will change.
But we all know that AT&T is not going to be offering T-Moble rate plans to new customers so they will probably be grandfathered. Which means once you change your T-Mobile rate plan to an AT&T plan... you can't go back. Also when you change your phone by upgrading it is possible that you may have to change your rate plan and services.
So worse case scenario here, you go with the merger, become an AT&T customer and two or three years down the row you want to get the newest and latest phone. By that time AT&T will more than likely NOT be able to allow you to keep your current plan.
But... all of that is just my own personal assumption and again... worse case scenario.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As one of the oldest people in this forum, this will not be good for the consumer. I do mergers and acquisitions, and this one will not be a price reduction to us. Bottom line this will not benefit us the consumer. It will help ATT... but for us....... we will come up short and most likely have to look at going to Verizon or Sprint I hope it does not go through.
It is a terrible concept. At&t claims it will save consumers money, but as soon as new phones come out, and T-mobile customers want to upgrade to them, they will have to move to AT&T's expensive plans. I think the reasonably priced underdogs should have teamed up (Sprint and T-mobile) And I mean teamed up not bought out. Then they would be able to afford their cheap plans, they would be given the newest phones, and would make it to number one. Instead At&t will suck everyone dry until Sprint is out of business, and At&t customers realize how much they are getting ripped off. Then it will just be Verizon on top.
IMO
There's a reason Ma Bell was split up in 1984 due to an antitrust suit. Slowly they're sucking up the competition again. I don't think that having a GSM monopoly here in America is a good choice at all. It's bad for consumers because it's taking away our choices. I prefer GSM at this point to CDMA because I like the flexibility of a sim card and the fact that as far as 3G is concerned, the speeds are faster. (I'm not factoring in anything that has to do with LTE sim cards as it's still too new) I don't want to switch to Sprint or Verizon, I get too good of a deal on T-Mobile. I've had AT&T in the past and I lived in an area with a TON of dropped calls. It was horrid, and I hated their customer service. I do NOT want to be a part of AT&T again. I really hope this does not get approved. At least then T-Mobile gets 3 billion dollars from AT&T, some spectrum, and roaming agreements.
Censura_Umbra said:
...It is a terrible concept. At&t claims it will save consumers money, but as soon as new phones come out, and T-mobile customers want to upgrade to them, they will have to move to AT&T's expensive plans...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which is EXACTLY what I was referring to in post #7. And I don't look forward to paying $50 or more every month. Yes... it would be ~$50 according to my comparison:
Just comparing what I have now with AT&T:
Tmobile:
Plan: Unlimited Loyalty $49.99
Includes - Unlimited Whenever Minutes, Unlimited Weekend Minutes, Unlimited Weeknight Minutes, WorldClass International Service
Services:
CallerTunes $1.49
Data and Text: T-Mobile Android Unlimited Web + Unlimited Messages $34.99
TOTAL: $86.47
If I was to try to get something similiar with AT&T
AT&T
Plan: Nation Unlimited $69.99
Services:
DataPro 4GB for HSPA+ Smartphone Tethering $45.00
Messaging Unlimited $20
TOTAL: $134.99
Difference of 1gb less data each month and costing me $48.52 MORE every month.
So has anybody heard of any recent updates to this?
well ... i "vomited" online, all over, my rants ( opinions) on this matter, so, all i have to say is :THIS IS CRAP WRAPPED WITH A PRETTY AND SHINY BOW ... BUT AFTER U GET RID OF THE BOW, THE CRAP STILL SMELLS LIKE ...S /-/ iT ...
HERE IS MY REPLY / VIEW ON THIS from another post. We need to show our resent to FCC and DoD to stop this deal. Is there any cases/notices/appeals/votes going on ?? I am no lawer but i seriously believe that we can win the case by just presenting some of the FACTS from these posts.
Every company has flaws. For ATT it happens to be their network. As another member said pick your poison. I will agree with you that verizon is even more expensive than ATT but i wont agree that TMO-ATT merger can be good. I wont compare services as they are location dependent. But just for the competition sake. For e.g. :
1. TMO offers completely different plans than ATT. (and one of the cheapest data plans for $10). Also international users still have a choice of unlimited data plans. Its just what suits you.
2. TMO has more choices of top smartphones. Some of the current and future dual core phones for TMobile are - LG G2X, HTC sensation, Galaxy S2 while Atrix is the only dual core yet announced (Both are supposed to get LG 3Ds). TMO even beats ATT selection in single cores. Almost a year old Iphone 4 and Captivate are next best phones on ATT. While TMO has/had plenty of HTC, Samsung and motorola phones to choose from.
Just answer if GPS on captivate didnt work what choice were ATT customers given - none till this feb, meanwhile all the other companies released tons of android devices to suit everybodys needs. I know ATT supposed to release 15-20 android phones this year but when ? we are done with 1/3 year and all we know is LG thrill 3D and Infuse without any dates. I am sure even then TMO will have more choices to select from.
Its very important for US customers to have GSM competition as all new phone technology in world is first released in GSM. CDMA versions (IPhone, Bionic) are always months late.
3. Again right now TMOs 4G is ON while ATTs not. Atleast some GSM customers have a choice to select a working service.
4. As for what you said "Better coverage, lower prices? ", I seriously doubt less GSM competition will result in lower prices. Plus GSM coverage will still be the same. Its just that ATT will have it all and customers wont have any choice.
To conclude, If TMo-ATT deals is allowed to happen, competition (all the above stated FACTS) will severly degrade with only one GSM player.
I tried to be as neutral as i could & Just presented it from shoppers point of view. I know ATT has many positives over TMo as well. All the more reason the deal shouln't happen. Just to have a choice and maintain competition of devices and services. ATT should improve their network like everybody else by investing in it rather than buying off competition.
P.S: I hate long replies
link12245 said:
The reason HSUPA isn't enable is because android is very finicky with HSUPA. With the captivate, for example, you could change a modem file and get HSUPA, but it would normally knock out Bluetooth, or call quality. They're working to fix this, it's already in testing, so you should have your fix very soon. Also, what's your beef with the T-mo buyout? Better coverage, lower prices? Seems to be a win win for me. Either way, you can't really stop it, so just go to Verizon, get your Thunderbolt which is 1/2 as powerful with 1/4 the battery and twice the bill. Enjoy your 12mb/s (in only about 40 cities) while I'll enjoy my plenty fast 5-8mb/s when the back-haul to the towers is all complete (which in my area is the end of this month). Oh no, it actually takes time for a company to push out a nation wide roll out! Amazing that they can't just nod their head and it be done.
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What's going to happen is just like what happened when alltel got baught out by verizon. Here's the scoop when your grandfathered in with tmobile and the switch happens, you can still keep your plan when you upgrade. You can still have the tmo plan but att is billing you. So it won't hurt people I don't think. Just better signal all around. Besides when the buy out is complete there will still be tmobile stands in some markets, if it goes accordingly as it did with alltel and verizon. Good or bad? I say good! Now America will have a good gsm network. Very much comparable to verizon.
they dont even have their own network together to be trying to buy someone else out!!!!
Someone needs to buy AT&T out! Even though it will never happen!

Going to School internationally; what to do about Cellphone plan?

I started a 2 year plan with T-mobile in September, not ever considering going to school in Canada, but now that is the prospect that I'm facing.
The biggest problem is that I'm still going to need a phone here in the states for breaks, so I can't just get a new Canadian plan. The reason I have posted this in the XDA forums is cause I have a rooted G2 + google voice. I know the chances are slim, but is there anything I can do with these two things that could help me not lose either a ton of money on cancelling a plan early, or lose the phone that I have paid $250 for?
Thanks for any help.
Maybe you can sell the phone with the contract to somebody else and just get a new one?
by law plans are pro-rated so if you have a 2 year plan and you are 1 year into it the penalty is 50% of the early termination fee. So look at the fine print the cost may not be as bad as you think.
What about the phone, since it is unlocked, would it work if i got like a prepaid plan in canada?
It should have the GSM bands that Canada operates on, so yes, but that's edge speeds only. I don't know which 3g bands the G2 has or what canada's 3g operates on, so look into that to see if you can get speeds above edge.
You should cancel your plan & for the states use prepaid t-mobile (or whatever) phone should still work. Just make sure you get tmobile to unlock it for you

What do you guys think of the AT&T/Tmobile Merger?

Do you guys think AT&T and Tmobile Merger will get approved by the Senate?
F***!!!!!! ATT
I will be moving to Sprint if this does go through... I left ATT for a reason...
I will be gone the day my grandfathered plan expires. I refuse to pay $100 more a month for less services. Why would any sane person do that?
I guess it will be back to sprint....
If it goes through im going back to sprint or boost, I refuse to pay att for any media services
Didn't ATT announce that existing T-Mobile customers will be able to keep their existing plans for as long as they want and still benefit from ATT's network and phone selection?
Pretty sure I read that this is a big point they will be making in front of the Senate.
Unless you want to upgrade your phone ever.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
Yeah what he said... if the merger means there will still be 2 companies, I'm down. But when has that ever happened. I been with tmo before they were tmo
... remember voicestream ? Once att gobles up tmo say buh by to decent customer service and decent rates... if I can't keep my plan indefinitely ... ill be heading to Verizon. **** sprint.
"If Satan lived in heaven he'd be me.... "
Senate has nothing to say - FTC and Justice department. And even if they disapprove, Courts could can overturn ruling - they have done so with other anti-competitive mergers.
Hate ATT customer service!!! Do not want the merger to take place any time soon or ever! 100% against it!!!!
I will leave if it gets approved.
I liked AT&T. I left AT&T because even with full bars at my house, you can't make a call. Even if you can, the call would be dropped before you can finish it.
My GF has AT&T and her phone does the same thing. My neighbors have AT&T and they do they same thing. Even friends on AT&T that visit my house say the same thing.
The sad part is that it isn't just at my house, it's everywhere. Tmobile may not have great service everywhere, but it works where it should and I hardly get disconnected.
I don't mind AT&T because I travel across the US and I found that AT&T pretty much covers me better then Tmobile and they have pretty decent 3G coverage even between cities where Tmobile is GPRS only (not even EDGE).
My feelings toward the merger can go 2 ways:
First, I would not mind AT&T so much IF/WHEN they merge, they allow AT&T customers to use the great Tmobile signal found at my house... or keep the companies separate but allow access to all the GSM signals. Basically the best of both worlds. Like having access to both Tmobile and AT&T networks.
Second, they bring over the Even More Plus plans where you can have your own device and have a lower monthly bill, which makes sense. A part of the monthly bill pays for the big discounts you get off the phones you buy them on contract. If you don't buy their equipment, why would anyone be forced to pay for a discount they never got? I really like the EMP plans and I think they are awesome.
Lastly, they don't rape my bill. $30 a month for internet is INSANE!!!! Plus don't advertise $79 a month plans* (*requires a $30 data plan). WTF is that? It a plan REQUIRES something, then it should all be included in the price. The math should be $109 a month, which is too damn expensive.
I'm actually really happy with $59 1000 minutes unlimited everything else (less a 5gb cap).
That is reasonable and a good deal.
Will switch to VZW if merger happened.
mightywonton said:
Do you guys think AT&T and Tmobile Merger will get approved by the Senate?
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The Senate doesn't approve or disapprove the sale. The FCC and the DOJ have the power in this. One of the closing off the cuff comments from one of the Senators was that he figured the sale would be approved with stipulations as has been speculated all along. We are not many years from a two carrier system...Sprint will never survive against the two behemoths.
I just read a cent article saying its gonna take up to 12 months to evaluate the deal and most of the senate is against it so I doubt it will be approved. If it gets approved that means that there will only be one GSM carrier in the US and consumers will not have a choice but to go with ATT if they want GSM so I dont see how the FCC will approve that.
maciek82 said:
Didn't ATT announce that existing T-Mobile customers will be able to keep their existing plans for as long as they want and still benefit from ATT's network and phone selection?
Pretty sure I read that this is a big point they will be making in front of the Senate.
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They are playing nice right now because they are trying to get the deal approved. Do you think that the deal would get approved if ATT was out right saying they were going raise the rates on 50 million ppl? Probably not.
In turn if you own a company and you had 50 million ppl you could raise the rates up 20+ dollars why wouldn't you? Its all about the $$$$$$$$
johnnyp500 said:
I just read a cent article saying its gonna take up to 12 months to evaluate the deal and most of the senate is against it so I doubt it will be approved. If it gets approved that means that there will only be one GSM carrier in the US and consumers will not have a choice but to go with ATT if they want GSM so I dont see how the FCC will approve that.
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Again, the Senate doesn't matter in the big scheme of things. And the same folks that will decide this sale approved the XM-Sirius merger which resulted in ONE satelite radio provider.
The vast majority of folks could care less if they have GSM or CDMA or TDMA or ABCD or whatever...they want good signal with cheap prices.
I hate to see it and say it, and it will probably take a while, but its going to get approved. AT&T will probably have to make some concessions, but in the end it will go through.
bluemoon737 said:
Again, the Senate doesn't matter in the big scheme of things. And the same folks that will decide this sale approved the XM-Sirius merger which resulted in ONE satelite radio provider.
The vast majority of folks could care less if they have GSM or CDMA or TDMA or ABCD or whatever...they want good signal with cheap prices.
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Click to collapse
cent = cnet
Im sorry but I disagree with you. Those who travel internationally and use different sim cards in different countries want a global phone and want to choose a gsm network. There are many people like that and it is only fair that they have a choice between at least 2 carriers
jcbofkc said:
I will be gone the day my grandfathered plan expires. I refuse to pay $100 more a month for less services. Why would any sane person do that?
I guess it will be back to sprint....
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+1
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

No more unlimited data :(

After having heard the news about Verizon getting rid of their unlimited data plan, I felt a chill run down my spine, thinking what if Tmobile did this. Then I googled "Verizon no data plan" and found out that AT&T was the first to get rid of their unlimited plans.
I pray to God, that the AT&T buy out of Tmobile will not go through. If it does and they get rid of our unlimited plan, then this G2x will be my last smart phone, because let's face it, there's a movement to destroy the U.S. economy, not only is the dollar losing it's value, but most people have less income and living expenses are increasing, and now the mobile carriers are getting into it and milking us till our nipples bleed.
What will yall do if Tmobile ceases to offer us unlimited data, or AT&T buy out goes through? Have you looked at the cost of their data plans? Ridiculous!
All current t-mobile subscribers would get grandfathered in, so we wouldn't have to worry.
I'm on the same boat as you. My plan has 5 smartphones in it and without unlimited data, my bill would go through the roof. It's gotten to the point where my laptop is a side gadget. Haha
Also, as a previous ATT customer, I can say that everything about that company is ****...
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
I would have a pace maker installed for my heart cause I can't live without my smartphone anymore.
Or get a third full time job to pay the extra cost of the bill. Luckily I have a lot of dumb people that live around me so I have lots of open Wifi to steal internet from too.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
I recently (2 months ago) switched to a carrier called Simple Mobile. UNLIMITED everything for $60.00 a month. Network is all on the same as the T-Mobile frequencies, I do get 4G just as fast as my buddy who is still on T-Mo.
In areas where coverage is limited it switches over to the T-Mo network.
jacob808 said:
After having heard the news about Verizon getting rid of their unlimited data plan, I felt a chill run down my spine, thinking what if Tmobile did this. Then I googled "Verizon no data plan" and found out that AT&T was the first to get rid of their unlimited plans.
I pray to God, that the AT&T buy out of Tmobile will not go through. If it does and they get rid of our unlimited plan, then this G2x will be my last smart phone, because let's face it, there's a movement to destroy the U.S. economy, not only is the dollar losing it's value, but most people have less income and living expenses are increasing, and now the mobile carriers are getting into it and milking us till our nipples bleed.
What will yall do if Tmobile ceases to offer us unlimited data, or AT&T buy out goes through? Have you looked at the cost of their data plans? Ridiculous!
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Um.....I thought they stopped a few months ago. With their more and even more plans...and soon with their Value/Classic plans. Unless we're talking about 2 different things here
Did you read this rumor? http://www.tmonews.com/2011/06/in-depth-with-t-mobiles-new-classic-and-value-rate-plans/
Let them take away unlimited plan cuz they will just recieve a bunch of disconnects cuz i for one know a smart phone requires way to much bandwidth to even try to pay as you go teir plans.
This is BS how U.S. cell companies get away with this highway robbery. We are about to default on the countries debt.. millions of people without jobs and they want to penny pinch some more out of us.
Secondly we dont even have real 4G speeds and Singapore has faster and cheaper cell plans then us... wow its just sad
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
They are doing it because with smart phones, unlimited data isn't a realistic option with current infrastructure and technology in mind. Its too costly to let people use 30 gigabytes of data a month with no additional penalty on the customers part. 95 percent of users fall within the tier limits of 2gb or less.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
Yes the unlimited data thing really blows, I use my wireless hotspot to connect my wifi iPad to and watch movies and work remotely. I average about 25GB a month, but now with all these caps its going to be like having Comcast. They call me up several times a year and threaten to d/c me because I'm always going over their 250GB cap. The thing is, almost 200GB come from the three TV's that are constantly streaming HULU and Netflix, and the rest is normal internet stuff.
This is going to really screw me up, I guess I'll have to ask for my work to contribute more towards my calling plan.
You don't have to worry about it. FTC regulations state that when a firm acquires another, it must honor any and all lingering agreements of the acquired firm. Meaning if AT&T does buy T-Mobile they are legally obligated to provide you with the service you were promised by TM.
Everything gets abused. What's the point of smart device that you cannot acess all of it's cool features?
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
LordButtersI said:
You don't have to worry about it. FTC regulations state that when a firm acquires another, it must honor any and all lingering agreements of the acquired firm. Meaning if AT&T does buy T-Mobile they are legally obligated to provide you with the service you were promised by TM.
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All current t-mobile subscribers would get grandfathered in, so we wouldn't have to worry.
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Click to collapse
Sure, you'll have service, and your data will be EDGE after they shut down the T-Mo 3/4G. I dont think anywhere in the contract does it say they are obligated to give you a certain throughput. So after you are fed up with slow data you will be force to buy a new phone.. BUT, will this mean that we can get a new "LTE 4G" ATT phone, unlock it and have our grandfathered plan from former T-Mo with new ATT network??
I imagine AT&T would offer something where we can upgrade to a GSM-compatible phone at minimal if any charge. Even if they don't advertise something like that, it would almost certainly be an option their customer service can push through.
Effectively ruining pretty much every smartphone customer's phone would be PR suicide, and possibly even grounds for a class-action lawsuit.
Yes AT& T will honor our plans, until you need to change a service or phone and then you will have to go to there plans!
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
jacob808 said:
After having heard the news about Verizon getting rid of their unlimited data plan, I felt a chill run down my spine, thinking what if Tmobile did this. Then I googled "Verizon no data plan" and found out that AT&T was the first to get rid of their unlimited plans.
I pray to God, that the AT&T buy out of Tmobile will not go through. If it does and they get rid of our unlimited plan, then this G2x will be my last smart phone, because let's face it, there's a movement to destroy the U.S. economy, not only is the dollar losing it's value, but most people have less income and living expenses are increasing, and now the mobile carriers are getting into it and milking us till our nipples bleed.
What will yall do if Tmobile ceases to offer us unlimited data, or AT&T buy out goes through? Have you looked at the cost of their data plans? Ridiculous!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-mobile still has unlimited data but you have caps now, once you hit your cap you get bumped down to Edge (2G) speeds.
McFroger3 said:
All current t-mobile subscribers would get grandfathered in, so we wouldn't have to worry.
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Click to collapse
All current t-mobile subscribers that are on contract when the buyout proceeds would get grandfathered in for the duration of their contract.
Then, they'll no longer grandfather your plan and will force you to "upgrade" to their current plans.
Black6spdZ said:
Sure, you'll have service, and your data will be EDGE after they shut down the T-Mo 3/4G. I dont think anywhere in the contract does it say they are obligated to give you a certain throughput. So after you are fed up with slow data you will be force to buy a new phone.. BUT, will this mean that we can get a new "LTE 4G" ATT phone, unlock it and have our grandfathered plan from former T-Mo with new ATT network??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This transition should be a few years in the making after the buyout proceeds. Every customer who bought a 3G/4G phone should be off-contract by the time the transition happens & then they'd offer you a new phone with a contract extension (like normal). This shouldn't be a big deal at all.
AT&T is under zero obligation to honor the TMO plans after the term of your contract is up (and even then, if it 'costs' them too much to honor it, they can cancel the contract and force you to either update or leave, but at least you'd be able to leave without an ETF). From what I've read, they didn't grandfather the Cingular plans for most people, so I don't see why they'll grandfather the TMO plans now (meaning after your contract is up, they have no reason to continue allowing you to use the TMO pricing).
Sigh, this really sucks. I hope the government disallows this merger. For people like me who only supports GSM tech, this is a freaking disaster and is obviously a monopoly. How can the government not see this. 1 GSM network is NOT a choice.
However, I'm guessing when AT&T was willing to say that they'd pay T-Mobile if the merger doesn't go through, they've probably paid off the right people with millions to make sure that they don't actually have to pay off that few billions since the merger will go through regardless. The so-called due-process currently occurring is likely to be a sham =(
tjhart85 said:
All current t-mobile subscribers that are on contract when the buyout proceeds would get grandfathered in for the duration of their contract.
Then, they'll no longer grandfather your plan and will force you to "upgrade" to their current plans.
This transition should be a few years in the making after the buyout proceeds. Every customer who bought a 3G/4G phone should be off-contract by the time the transition happens & then they'd offer you a new phone with a contract extension (like normal). This shouldn't be a big deal at all.
AT&T is under zero obligation to honor the TMO plans after the term of your contract is up (and even then, if it 'costs' them too much to honor it, they can cancel the contract and force you to either update or leave, but at least you'd be able to leave without an ETF). From what I've read, they didn't grandfather the Cingular plans for most people, so I don't see why they'll grandfather the TMO plans now (meaning after your contract is up, they have no reason to continue allowing you to use the TMO pricing).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hasn't this merger already passed? people keep saying that it will happen but still nothing.
it should pass by next year
Well as it stands right now I'm at 8.6 out of 5Gb of unlimited data on my G2X and its been throttled to 60Kbps. its throughput is roughly 7.1KB per second when downloading a file. so I might as well not even have a smart phone since I cant even check my damn email or use the FB/Google+ apps.

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