Issues w/AT&T? - Huawei MediaPad M5 Guides, News, & Discussion

As of sometime today, if I try to use cellular data, AT&T forwards me to a page saying that I don't have a plan that supports data for my device.
AT&T Free Msg: It looks like you want to use data but have none available. You may need to add a data package or change to a plan that supports data for your device. To check your plan and manage your account, login to att.com/myprepaid.
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But I dropped my sim in my beat up Z3TC and data worked.
In other words, it seems AT&T is detecting the device as a tablet that is not eligible for a phone plan. Weird, since I've been on AT&T for about a year now. And I can still make and receive phone calls.
I was planning to switch to Straight Talk in a week anyways, hopefully won't run into the same issue. Still, annoying.
Anybody else? Or is this just me?

I use ATT with my SHT-AL09 and it is recognized as a phone. Just FYI.
Good Luck.

Related

AT&T Fuze without data plan?

I bought a used AT&T Fuze online, and it came yesterday. I popped my SIM in, and this morning, I received a text message saying a data plan is required for all smartphones. I called up AT&T and got my IMEI changed and cancelled the data plan. Is there a way to prevent AT&T from charging me for the data plan, so that I can just use the phone without internet access (excluding Wi-fi, obviously)?
I have the same question. Back in October I had a Tilt that didn't have the plan - activated it and had been using the plan until mid January - the phone was stolen out of my car. Using a Blackberry now and they automatically stopped the data plan. I have a new Fuze on the way and don't want to pay the 30 per month as I can use WIFI almost anywhere for free.
Read that their policy is that if you have a smartphone they'll will automatically charge the 30 and activate you if you activate a new phone - but it doesn't specify whether the "new" phone is purchased from them or just through a change in recognition via the SIM.
When I looked at my account in January there isn't an option to disable the data plan - used to be there - so I'm thinking you use a Smartphone you have to pay. Seem to me a class action lawsuit should be in the works. Many use the phone as a PDA and don't care if we have access 24/7.
Maybe if they upped their speeds and coverage for 3g while lowering the price say to 10 to 15 it would be worth it.
So I'm guessing it can't be done? darn. Damn AT&T!
Unlock it and use t-mobile; that may be your best bet.
i bought my fuze with no data plan so there shouldnt be a problem. as long as you didnt purchase where u received a discount for signing up for a data plan
I bought it used, and it automatically charged me
Related question
I didnt have that problem with AT$T, actually.. i just recently put my wife's sim into my old fuze. with the exception of getting charged for unwanted data that got downloaded automatically, she has had no problems. she doesn't use the internet so it is fine. I just had AT&T block any data from her line. ( her line is no longer under contract, and i would like to keep it that way...)
I do actually have a question of my own... (didn't want to start a new thread)....
she does want to send and receive picture messages, we have unlimited messaging, but with the fuze you must have data in order to send or receive MMS. AT&T thinks she still has her old razr.
I would like to set her up with unlimited data plan for the razr, which is only like $10 per month, and was wondering if this would work with the fuze and what settings i might need to change to make it work.
thanks
keith
Sorry, but from how it looks now.. No you can't.. if you use Data, they will catch you that you are using a Fuze... the only "work around" I know is this... She can set up a yahoo, gmail, or simmilar account to just use with her phone... Then whenever she is in a WiFi area, she can send and receive picture email.. she can take the picture and compose them anytimes.. just has to wait to send them til she can use the WiFi.... MMS accounts can both send and receive with people who use email.... where they put in the send, instead of a phone number, they just put in an email address (go ahead, try it yourself, I know you want to )
As far as her sending her pictured emails to peoples phones, she just needs to know what carrier they use.. Then enter their #, and the rest of their
"email" address from this site : http://modmyi.com/wiki/index.php/MMS_Email_Addresses
She can avoid having to look up their address if the person who wants to share pictures with simply sends a message first to her phones email account using their phone... Then she just simple has to reply I know this is probally not the answer you were looking for, but it woudl work and save you having to pay the $35 for AT&T PDA Data....
I've never had a problem not having a data plan on my account. I bought it refurbished from AT&T and there was no data plan required for activation. I even temporarily added a data plan, then took it off again the next day just last month. I was never hassled or given the run-around at any point. Maybe you should just try changing the IMEI back to the Fuze and see what happens. It might also be a good idea to install NoData and disable the two data connections first, just so it never tries to connect.
I also dont want a data plan( cant afford it). My question is how can i make it not use wap for internet and only use wifi, when i do need it to receive data for mms. Thats included in my messaging plan but I have par per use internet and media net. I want to make sure that it doesnt connect to the network for internet or media net and I can only do internet through wifi. How do I do this? I tried just turning data off but it automatically turned back on when i hit the browser. How do i make it only use wifi? Thanks
ionizer12 said:
I also dont want a data plan( cant afford it). My question is how can i make it not use wap for internet and only use wifi, when i do need it to receive data for mms. Thats included in my messaging plan but I have par per use internet and media net. I want to make sure that it doesnt connect to the network for internet or media net and I can only do internet through wifi. How do I do this? I tried just turning data off but it automatically turned back on when i hit the browser. How do i make it only use wifi? Thanks
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You can always get a data block on your plan, so when you accidentally try to use data, it wont connect, thus making ATT not know you have a PDA... therefore wifi is the best and only option!
kmartin888 said:
I didnt have that problem with AT$T, actually.. i just recently put my wife's sim into my old fuze. with the exception of getting charged for unwanted data that got downloaded automatically, she has had no problems. she doesn't use the internet so it is fine. I just had AT&T block any data from her line. ( her line is no longer under contract, and i would like to keep it that way...)
I do actually have a question of my own... (didn't want to start a new thread)....
she does want to send and receive picture messages, we have unlimited messaging, but with the fuze you must have data in order to send or receive MMS. AT&T thinks she still has her old razr.
I would like to set her up with unlimited data plan for the razr, which is only like $10 per month, and was wondering if this would work with the fuze and what settings i might need to change to make it work.
thanks
keith
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I used to have an old Samsung flip that I actually flipped into two pieces. When I replaced it with a used Blackjack I simply went into AT&T and had them add the $30 MEdia Net package (Unlimited Data, Unlimited Msgs) because it showed that I still had the old Samsung flip. I had been using my Blackjack for about 2 months and there was no recognition. Now I'm using the Fuze with no problem. As long as your plan doesn't show that you are using a smartphone (IE you bought one from them) then you should be ok. I've been doing this for over a year with no problems.
In the same boat. Just bought a Rhodium & I'm wondering what I can use my Fuze for. I wanna give it to my dad whose line has no data, or use it as a back-up and cancel my handset insurance. Can I switch between devices on my sim which has a data plan? Can I use it as a wi-fi only browsing device(my Tilt 2 won't connect via wi-fi, it seems, the SIM having never been installed)? I could try data block on the account or data block software & put his SIM in. I thought the rationale for the data plan requirement was that the company could only make a profit, while subsidizing the price of these devices, by charging more than a fee for monthly voice service over the term of the contract and that, after the contract, the device is now mine(not rendered useless as even a phone should one not have a data plan), free and clear, to do with as I wish, or at least to use wi-fi without a plan(like my Tilt 2 is not doing)
When I got my FUZE in April, 2009 the saleswoman said that I could cancel the data plan in 6 months.. Online there was never an option to disable the data plan so I called and had it canceled that way. Now that it was canceled though, online does show that there is an option of no data plan. I bet though if I re-added the data plan that disable option will disappear again.
You can use this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=610657
to block your data from ever being used. I use this to turn off AT&T ISP GPRS and MEdia Net. You can still send/receive texts and go online through WiFi.
@TheGlowingCurve, I don't believe just being an unlocked phone helps, my previous phones are all unlocked now but if I put my SIM in them again, att.com immediately changes my account's phone picture and model to the phone the SIM card is in. They know ALL about what phone you're using.
EDIT: I've never understood the relevance of http://www.htcclassaction.org/ to the Raphael. That site says there is no 3D acceleration or acceleration of videos and whatnot but of course there is acceleration. There is an ATI driver cab and it allows running of 3D programs like Diamond Hologram and COD2, not to mention TouchFLO3D and Sense UI. I don't even think that driver cab is needed because I honestly don't even install it. Video acceleration may not work in CorePlayer, but the solution is easy, don't use CorePlayer! The included Windows Media Player and Album programs are both accelerated and capable of playing H264 videos smoothly. The problems mentioned in http://www.htcclassaction.org/ have nothing to do with our phone and in the site's updates (which are all at least 2 years old!) it even says the Touch Diamond at release had 3D capabilities already.
I'm pretty sure your issues with the FUZE have to do with WM itself, not with HTC's phone.
I too had a tilt, but i put the sim card in teh new fuze i bought. Both of my phones have no data.
I got some bull**** out of them in december when i asked. But i called in the other day, and it was like oh yeah np. No more data.
Because i was a cingular customer im grandfathered in. If you had a PDA prior to november of last year, you also are grandfathered in.
dont take no for an answer.
Just to be clear, ive now shut data off and turned it on on the fuze alone 6 times. LOL
freekquency said:
I too had a tilt, but i put the sim card in teh new fuze i bought. Both of my phones have no data.
I got some bull**** out of them in december when i asked. But i called in the other day, and it was like oh yeah np. No more data.
Because i was a cingular customer im grandfathered in. If you had a PDA prior to november of last year, you also are grandfathered in.
dont take no for an answer.
Just to be clear, ive now shut data off and turned it on on the fuze alone 6 times. LOL
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So you bought the FUZE after November of last year?
Did you have to call them each time to shut down the data plan? Is the charge for that prorated?
lol so now that AT&T removed their unlimited data plan and introduced limited data plans, what happens with future smart phones? Will AT&T require the higher priced data plan?
EDIT: http://gizmodo.com/5555561/hey-att-we-want-rollover-bytes
i just got a fuze from the MP and bam less than 3 hours after taking my sim card out of my pantech impact which had the unlim data and text on our family plan ..they nailed me for the fuze and changed me to the 25 dollar smartphone plan .... should i switch back to the impact and just tell them i was fixing a freinds phone and shut off the data connection on the fuze and get the 30 dollar plan again or wont it work
Using the Fuze with no data plan and using WiFi.
Well there's actually some things to keep in mind here. Being that I have had some experience with AT&T smartphones for busiensses, I know that this is a sore spot to their network users. If you're using a PDA and haven't switched the IMEI online, you're bound to receive a bill from AT&T if you're using the WAP settings from the stock AT&T ROM build. To get around this, unlock your SIM, change the IMEI online, use NoData, and set up your phone to search and prompt you for WiFi hotspots. Turn the phone off or to Airplane mode also from the connection manager. There are plenty that are free once you're in their area, or near an open private WIFI network area. Simply connect, and send all of your data via Wifi connections. This will keep the device from auto-detecting the AT&T WAP and/or using the WAP settings.
One extra step that I take is to erase your WAP data completely from the connection manager so that it's not automatically recognizing the AT&T network settings. You can then choose your settings when needed using any GSM network anywhere in the world, but be careful! This can be expensive if you're not watching your settings. Unlocking your SIM is a MUST! If you're smart, you can set up a T-Mobile prepay account to use the partner(AT&T) GSM network when needed, if needed. This will normally cost you $.99 per day to use.
I hope this helps you better understand the WAP settings. One note.....trash the stock AT&T ROM for one that you'll find here on this site. There have been many that have worked hard to modify this device so that you can fully experience the device fully.
ok i bought my fuze from someone here at xda and he wasnt sure if it is unlocked or not
how can i find out i dont have access to a tmobile sim ..how do i change the imei online
and if i dont have a data connection will the time and weather still update and im using Tael rom ..the weird thing is i had a fuze that got stolen that i was using on the 30 dollar unlimited plan that i singed up for in feb2010 when i got service them and got the samsung impression free then switched to my fuze and they never caught on but like i said in my post above when my gf hooked us up on the family plan with the impacts ..when i switched to my new fuze they got me quick ..and this fuze is setup the same way as my previuos fuze

Can I use Touch Pro on verizon without data plan

Does anyone know if it is possible to use a Sprint Touch Pro on Verizon WITHOUT activating a data plan? I found directions on how to hack the phone to work on Verizon, but would just like to use Wifi instead of the $30 data plan. Thank you.
martyxng said:
Does anyone know if it is possible to use a Sprint Touch Pro on Verizon WITHOUT activating a data plan? I found directions on how to hack the phone to work on Verizon, but would just like to use Wifi instead of the $30 data plan. Thank you.
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call verizon and ask if they will even add your meid to their database.
I talked to Verizon a while back and they insisted up and down that there was no way to add a smartphone manufactured after November 08 without a data plan. I didn't ask anything about phones from other providers so as not to arouse any suspicion.
Basically you just have to call in and see if you could trick them into activating the phone on their service. The IMEI gives the make and model of the phone away though, but perhaps they won't check.
That's a bit of a gamble to buy the phone not knowing if it will work. Going through a person instead of the site will probably get better results though! Hopefully someone here who has done this successfully will chime in

[Q] Can AT&T detect my Nexus S and charge data?

I bought my unlocked Nexus S (i9020) back when it released and have been using it in India. Now I've moved to the States and bought myself an AT&T plan.
I've read that if I insert a SIM into a smartphone, AT&T automatically detects the IMEI as a smartphone and starts charging a data plan. But since my phone was bought unlocked and it isn't an AT&T branded one either, can AT&T start charging me? Also, if they do start charging me, will they charge $20 on the 300MB plan or any other plan?
Not sure how it works in US, but pretty sure AT&T can bill you if you use data on their network, despite you having an unbranded Nexus.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA
I'm not going to be switching on data any time cause I have WiFi around me most of the time. So can they still charge me?
As I said I'm not 100% sure, but as long as you don't use data they shouldn't trigger any plan. For all effects for them your nexus S is a dumbphone. At least that's how it works in Europe.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA
WinterAce said:
WiFi around me most of the time. So can they still charge me?
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they will eventually detect your smartphone
if you are under contract they apparently can
force a data plan on your line
they got tired of people *****ing about
[and fighting]
giant bills after "not knowing" about data upcharges
...or so the story goes
fwiw
for what it's worth, if you're worried about data usage charges on a line you do not have a data plan for you can call AT&T and ask them to block cellular data on that line. I've done that with my wife's flip phone since the kids keep fiddling with it and accidentally browsing the internet. They were happy to put the block and avoid the alla cart data charges for that line.
Mind you I do have a data plan on my Nexus S.
Thanks for the replies everyone! I'll call AT&T and request them to disable the dataplan. Or I will have to just continue with my N95.
[email protected] said:
for what it's worth, if you're worried about data usage charges on a line you do not have a data plan for you can call AT&T and ask them to block cellular data on that line. I've done that with my wife's flip phone since the kids keep fiddling with it and accidentally browsing the internet. They were happy to put the block and avoid the alla cart data charges for that line.
Mind you I do have a data plan on my Nexus S.
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i dont think on att and verizon with a smartphone plan they allow you to block data as then whats the point according to them of having a smartphone and only using it on wifi. I did get a vzw lg android for $5 for my son and it has no service he only uses it on wifi and can use other programs that are web based to text or use free voip like yahoo messenger video chat.
ive been using an i9020a on att for 6 months and they have not detected it or cared. It shows up as a generic dumbphone on my att account. i have data blocked on it to make sure i dont accidentally use data. i also switch between this and an inspire 4g (an official att phone) and they have not added data. Same goes with my brother who uses a hand me down att gs2 on att.
shahravi94 said:
ive been using an i9020a on att for 6 months and they have not detected it or cared. It shows up as a generic dumbphone on my att account. i have data blocked on it to make sure i dont accidentally use data. i also switch between this and an inspire 4g (an official att phone) and they have not added data. Same goes with my brother who uses a hand me down att gs2 on att.
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Can you please explain to me how did you manage to make them block data ? Didn't they argue that you have a smart phone and that you need to keep the data plan if you have a smart phone ? Thanks
bhaismachine said:
Can you please explain to me how did you manage to make them block data ? Didn't they argue that you have a smart phone and that you need to keep the data plan if you have a smart phone ? Thanks
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Supposedly AT&T detects a Smartphone based on the IMEI number of the phone matched up to a database of IMEI numbers of phones that AT&T sold. The latter is a very important point as they did not sell the Nexus One phone, therefore, many argue on various forum posts that AT&T cannot recognize this non-AT&T sold phone as a Smartphone. The same would be true of any phone not sold by AT&T. However, I have yet to come across any posts of anyone that actually owns a non-AT&T sold smartphone who can confirm this and I've been searching far and wide for this confirmation. I'm getting ready to buy a non-AT&T branded unlocked smartphone to try this myself so perhaps I'll be able to confirm. It would be great if the Original Poster provided his experience with this. i.e. did AT&T detect this phone via the sweeps?
To address some other questions and comments in this forum post...keep in mind that AT&T required a data plan for all smartphones activated on its network after September 6, 2009. However, this policy is far from clear and there are many gray areas, this being one. For example, if I had a smart phone active on September 5 with no data plan, and I buy a used Nexus One on eBay and stick my SIM in it, do I need a data plan? I didn't purchase a new phone or "activate" anything on AT&Ts network so I would argue not.
I also not believe it matters if data is enabled on the phone or not. Try this...take the SIM out of your AT&T phone, stick it in another (different) phone, make a phone call, go to OLAM (i.e. OnLine Account Management), and look at the phone that AT&T thinks you have. Data enabled or not, if the phone was sold by AT&T, they will have identified the phone you just used.
Here is another gray area...data plans on a non-Smartphone lines were as low as $10/month. Data plans are enabled the on the line (i.e. the SIM) not the phone, so a SIM with a data plan can be moved from phone to phone (e.g. dumb phone to smart phone) and data will be active so long as the phone supports the active APN (Access Point Name). If I have a dumb phone line with active data and my phone breaks, what if I stick that SIM in a smartphone I have laying around so that I can make a phone call? What is my obligation to contact AT&T and notify them that I need smartphone data plan?
What follows is for reference only for those that may want a deeper understanding of AT&Ts data plans or desire to "experiment..."
AT&T uses two primary APNs: wap.cingular and isp.cinguar. AT&T is now using wap.cingular for dumb phone access and isp.cingular for smart phones access meaning, if your line has dumb phone data active, your phone needs to support the wap.cingualr APN. Most smarter phones allow the creation of custom APNs if it is not built-in.
The login an pw for the two APNs is as follows: wap.cingular is login= [email protected] and pw= cingular1. isp.cingular is login= [email protected] and pw= cingular1.
The ability to enable the various data plans and features on your account is dependent on what type of phone is assigned to your account based on the IMEI number assigned to that account. This is not the same as the automatic detection I mentioned above. The assignment is done by AT&T employees. I do not have exact or inside information, but I surmise that your line is associated with one of about 4 primary phone types: smart phone, iPhone, black berry, or dumb phone. This assignment dictates what data plans and other features are available to you either thru OLAM or via a CSR. For example, if your line is identified as a dumb phone, you will see the dumb phone data plans in OLAM. If you currently have a smart phone on your account, and switch to a dumb phone, you will only see the dumb phone data plans if AT&T switches the assignment to the dumb phone IMEI. This is only done by calling AT&T, not merely by making a phone call from the dumb phone and relying on the automatic detection.
[email protected] said:
for what it's worth, if you're worried about data usage charges on a line you do not have a data plan for you can call AT&T and ask them to block cellular data on that line. I've done that with my wife's flip phone since the kids keep fiddling with it and accidentally browsing the internet. They were happy to put the block and avoid the alla cart data charges for that line.
Mind you I do have a data plan on my Nexus S.
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damn you beat me to it.
I did this for my girlfreind a LONG time ago with my old iphone 2g when i gave it to her. we said she had little kids who play with her phone and could potentially hit some data use (she officially had a garbage pantech with data capabiltites but no plan).
I then would turn off data on the phone and wham she could use it as long as it was unlocked. i then gave her my 3g which i JB and unlocked for her but then just got a used 3gs from my sis who had ATT unlock it for her and then turned off data and she has been using it fine.
I think as long as data is blocked on their end they dont notice. It WILL show the correct phone if you log in her account and even if you change it it will still change back to whatever yoru using but they never tried to start charging her for data. she loves having the phone with WIFI and me tethering my nexus s to her without having to have a 30$ charge on her bill.
ps
she still uses her regular SIM in the phone and it works for calls/texts normally. she didnt need a different sim for the phone.
Surely you could just delete the APN settings so it couldn't connect on mobile data?
Kitch16 said:
Surely you could just delete the APN settings so it couldn't connect on mobile data?
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You can also just switch off cellular data.
---------- Post added at 09:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:08 AM ----------
WinterAce said:
I bought my unlocked Nexus S (i9020) back when it released and have been using it in India. Now I've moved to the States and bought myself an AT&T plan.
I've read that if I insert a SIM into a smartphone, AT&T automatically detects the IMEI as a smartphone and starts charging a data plan. But since my phone was bought unlocked and it isn't an AT&T branded one either, can AT&T start charging me? Also, if they do start charging me, will they charge $20 on the 300MB plan or any other plan?
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It would be great if the Original Poster provided his experience with this after using the phone on the AT&T network for a month or two. i.e. did AT&T detect the Nexus one phone via the sweeps and try to impose a data plan?

Not paying for data plan on AT&T?

I just re-purchased a Inspire again, after 1 year I needed a 2nd phone and I kind of missed my inspire. But I don't want to pay for the data plan. AT&T. Is there anyway to hide my IMEI from AT&T so I don't get slapped with a data plan?
Joe momma said:
I just re-purchased a Inspire again, after 1 year I needed a 2nd phone and I kind of missed my inspire. But I don't want to pay for the data plan. AT&T. Is there anyway to hide my IMEI from AT&T so I don't get slapped with a data plan?
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Don't turn on mobile data. You're good to go.
Sent from my LT28i using Tapatalk 2
It didn't work. I had mobile data off from day one, and hours later I got a text saying they added a data plan. It seems like they know my phone's IMEI right when I put my sim card in. Gah.
Joe momma said:
It didn't work. I had mobile data off from day one, and hours later I got a text saying they added a data plan. It seems like they know my phone's IMEI right when I put my sim card in. Gah.
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You also need to remove ICQ (it's a build in software that communicate with att). Your best bet is root the phone install custom romvand keep your data off.
After all that - To fix your account, gave them an non-smart phone IMEI and insist you don't need data plan.
Good luck.
Sent from my LT28i using Tapatalk 2
There is no way to hide your IMEI from the network. The only way not to pay is to have an IMEI that is not on their network like an unlocked T-mobile phone or something of that nature.
I purchased a Galaxy for my son from CL and his account never changed from the non data plan his is listed as.., Just call At &t
as long as your current contact does not require data plan you should be good to go.
F2504x4 said:
I purchased a Galaxy for my son from CL and his account never changed from the non data plan his is listed as.., Just call At &t
as long as your current contact does not require data plan you should be good to go.
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Don't forget if the device is a none of Att devices or beeing rooted. ATT will make you add data plan if it is a smartphone regardless of your contract.
The ICQ is the bug on all ATT devices that reported to ATT you need a data plan. Read other thread how to take it off or easiest is use the tool to root your device. Install a custom rom just to make sure you don't have the ICQ installed.
Sent from my LT28i using Tapatalk 2
Guys ICQ is not gonna matter if it is removed or not. Each carrier can and for along time has been able to scan their network and see the IMEI numbers that are being used on it. The only way out is to have an IMEI that is not linked to an AT&T smartphone. This has been the case for many years now.
accts said:
ATT will make you add data plan if it is a smartphone regardless of your contract.
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Wrong!! if you are not under contract for having a data plan , then AT& T will not care what phone you use...
If you are under a Data plan via a contract , till that contract expires, you will have pay for Data services regardless of what phone you have...
You can also get At&T services with out a contract with no data plan , and not be charged for using a data capable phone.
BTW it is labeled as Data OPT- out, and as you can see, my old phone is shown (Tilt II) on the account which is what is currently being used since he busted the screen on his Galaxy S.
WM is a lot different than android. Is that your main line or secondary line?
ai6908 said:
WM is a lot different than android. Is that your main line or secondary line?
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did you see the Galaxy S that was listed ? it has been swapped back and forth between both phones..
OK there was a time when you could block out data even if you have a smartphone and were not on contract. This is no longer the case. About a year ago ATT changed the policy on smart phones. Now you are forced into a data plan if a. You have a contract that is not grandfathered in. B. If you have a smartphone that att has in its records. When WM was around you had the option to opt out of a data plan. Now it is no longer an option unless you are not on contract or you have a phone that shows up as unknown in the data base when ATT does its IMEI sweeps.
Sent from the BatCave
Okay i did more research on this, and things have changed , ( yes i concede Almight Zen) i was wrong about that, but I do still a have a no data lock on my sons phone, and regardless of the phone he uses , i still have not had a data plan added even though they are At&T branded phones. But there still are ways around this issue.
Some very good info in this thread...
http://androidforums.com/t/455064-t-wifi-only-no-dataplan.html
AN ANDROID SMARTPHONE WITHOUT A DATA PLAN IS POSSIBLE! In fact im doing it right now! I am on At&t using a Samsung Galaxy ACE. Awesome phone, and att does not recognize its IMEI so its all good! I have been data free for almost 2 months (recently bought the phone from amazon). Weather it will work with any carrier that uses GSM im not sure, although it does work flawlessly on ATT. So it is a perfect option for anyone looking for an awesome android smartphone with full features (wifi, bluetooth, gps, full android market, full hacking capability's) with no data plan. Also, if in the future when you want a data plan, all you need to do is enable att's non smartphone $10 data plan on your line and now you have unlimited data for only $10 a month, i have not tried this yet but plan too. I am also pretty sure any GSM phone with a model number not starting with an "i" for example the Samsung galaxy s2 which is "i9100" will be required to have a data plan by att because they recognize its IMEI number, where as the Galaxy Ace starts with an "s" (s5830) it works. Hope this helps, and remember anything is possible with A LOT of Google searching!
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It's true that Carrier has the ability to scan for IMEI, however if you don't have mobile data on. IT will not raise a red flag for data plan. This has happened for one of my line in my account - Had my mobile data off and still get a message from ATT that automated add data plan. After research I known what caused it because ICQ required data to communicate with ATT, that's why I got hit with data plan. After root, give ATT an non-smartphone IMEI. I was good to go. Even when i login to my account online I do see my device is Inspire 4G - however the main registration IMEI is a non-smartphone. Weird but it worked.
Also you can just buy the prepaid minutes that reup off your credit card it comes out to be the same as most monthly bills if not cheaper for some and at&t don't care at all what phone you use on those
If you aren't sure then do it twice!

Android on AT&T without data

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

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