post your first thoughts of your new HTC Aria - HTC Aria General

Well, I'm just wondering what everyone else is thinking. I just purchased the aria after buying (and returning the motorola backflip) - which btw, I have to give *some* credit. I read a lot of bad things about the backflip and I have to say, I really didn't have all that many problems with the phone, i personally thought it was a step up from my tilt2.. I was at my wits end with either winmo or htc.. but the backflip just didn't have enough power for me and I feared att would take forever to release 2.1 for the device.
Anyway, so far ( my first few hours ) with the aria, I am quite impressed. I wanted a small device and I think this packs a nice little punch. My experience has been fairly good. There are a couple things I dislike already about the phone.. the speaker quality is really bothering me, I can barely hear when I'm getting a phone call, the actual handset sound quality is not bad, its crisp and clear, but not NEARLY as good at the backflip.. if anything the backflip should get some excellent credit for having a great speaker and sound quality. The headphones or ear buds are HUGE, I'm not a small guy, but how is someone suppose to stick those huge buds in their ear hole? I'm slightly concerned about battery life, but I understand this may be an issue with most of android phones (or 2.1 down maybe???) but really that's about the only downfalls I'm running into at the moment. Overall I am quite satisfied with the device and think I'm actually going to keep this one. I love how it's just zipping through most screens and programs. I seen some video reviews of android central putting it through some benchmark test along with 3 other devices and this aria kept up with them.. (and even beat the droid, yes, I know, droid has twice the resolution but still.. not bad). Oh and I was also really concerned with the low resolution of the device, I understand a higher res on such a tiny screen would make things very hard to read. This screen is very vivid and I don't know why I was so concerned anymore.
would I buy my mom this phone? heck yah, so far, it's ranked up there in my list of fav phones.. and maybe take the #1 spot here soon after more playing around. (YES, UNTIL MY NEXT DEVICE!!!)
well, just thought I would say Hi to all my fellow aria owners, see what you guys thought and maybe offer some opinions for others who haven't bought the device.

I picked up the phone yesterday and I have to say I'm really enjoying it so far. For the 600mhz processor it's packing it's actually VERY responsive. I have been pleasantly surprised at the speed this little guy packs (and that's coming from a Nexus One owner!). The screen looks small when placed beside my Nexus One but while using the device I find myself having plenty of room to browse, type, and just about do anything. So far so good!
Ever since I got my Nexus One and ditched iPhone I've been looking at the Legend but didn't want to give up 3G. This device in my opinion is a smaller and more pocketable model. It has the same processor, screen size, and resolution but it's not AMOLED (which doesn't bother me because I can see it in sunlight) and runs just about identical software. Over all I'm impressed with the device.
Now hopefully it will see a root pretty soon and maybe even some ROMs/Kernels if were lucky!

HTC Aria
I just registered to xda-developers to post about the HTC Aria. The thing about the phone is that it's FAST. For a 600MHz processor, it screams. I've seen the EVO 4G and Droid and the Aria seems to keep up in terms of smoothness. Listening to music, surfing the web and getting text at the same time is smooth.
I have the phone fully charged, with brightness set to automatic, and wifi turned on so we'll see how long the phone lasts through out a normal day.

I went to the ATT store yesterday to check the phone out in person. I was pretty impressed with its speed over all. I had no issues with the screen size what so ever. In fact... the fact that the phone is small and very thin (compared to my Tilt 1) makes it one of my first choices for a new phone. BUT... I'm out of contract with ATT on July 5th and am thinking of switching to sprint and getting an EVO but I have yet to get my hands on one to really compare. But again... the size of the Aria is very appealing to me. And I'm not so sure Sprint will have the coverage I need in all the places I go?
I REALLY hate how ATT neuters their phones!!! And hate it even more that i have an UNLIMITED data plan now...BUT.... ATT wants to charge me more a month for a new data plan for "smart phones". $5 more for 200megs $15 more for 2GBs, and I for get how much more if I want to teather... WTF??? I can teather NOW (and do often)... such a rip off... data is data and unlimited is unlimited in my mind!!! Sprint would be the exact same price I pay now for unlimited everything and and i could get an EVO.
I think my biggest concern with the Aria is that... until I root it, and am able to change radios, i'm worried about signal strength!!! My tilt was BAD until I installed the radio I have now around here. It was impossiable to travel and talk on it because I kept loosing signal. I drive a lot for work, and to some remote places too, I could look at my in dash NAV screen and watch the signal drop out every couple mins. Installed the battery eating monster and all was well. But I REALLY don't want to go through that again, I'd actually like it to be good out of the box (imagine that?)
I had recently played with a friends backflip and managed to lock it up inside 15mins and had to reboot it to get it to function again. Plus i didn't care for the keyboard on the outside and lack of 2.1 to start with... So I'm still on the fence... nice sized Arai but still have to deal with ATT, or go to Sprint, get an EVO and the great unknown of how my service will be. Live in 12866 but travle 100+ miles in every direction for work.
So far I'm 60/40 toward the Aria... maybe once it's rooted I'll make the jump??? IDK!
Chris

sentinel_cm said:
I REALLY hate how ATT neuters their phones!!! And hate it even more that i have an UNLIMITED data plan now...BUT.... ATT wants to charge me more a month for a new data plan for "smart phones". $5 more for 200megs $15 more for 2GBs, and I for get how much more if I want to teather... WTF??? I can teather NOW (and do often)... such a rip off... data is data and unlimited is unlimited in my mind!!! Sprint would be the exact same price I pay now for unlimited everything and and i could get an EVO.
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, if you already have an unlimited data plan, you can keep it as long as you like, even if you switch phones. I had the HTC Fuze for the longest time and as long a you mention that you want to keep your unlimited plan, you should be able to keep it.

lorcharlie said:
Actually, if you already have an unlimited data plan, you can keep it as long as you like, even if you switch phones. I had the HTC Fuze for the longest time and as long a you mention that you want to keep your unlimited plan, you should be able to keep it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had this arguement with the people who work at the ATT store too... I couldn't get them to upgrade me to the Arai and keep my plan AS IS. I can get the phone via the store for $130, or $29 via ATT web site (both with 2yr contract extensions). But both require me to upgrade to the dataplan for smart phones. I'm going to try the 800 # and see if I can get my way... I have in the past.
Chris

Those AT&T guys needs an update. When I went to get my phone on Sunday, I was the only informed person about the HTC Aria. They had to go online to find the phone cause they didn't believe me. I got the only one there that day.
BestBuy Mobile acknowledges that you have an unlimited plan and will keep you on it when I went to ask them on Saturday. If AT&T doesn't work, BB?

go to best buy, i work there and at least at my location the mobile team knows all about the aria, its 129 and we dont have any mail in rebates, its all in store

lorcharlie said:
Those AT&T guys needs an update. When I went to get my phone on Sunday, I was the only informed person about the HTC Aria. They had to go online to find the phone cause they didn't believe me. I got the only one there that day.
BestBuy Mobile acknowledges that you have an unlimited plan and will keep you on it when I went to ask them on Saturday. If AT&T doesn't work, BB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just spent 30 mins on the phone with ATT and here's where I got....
I'm told that I have the "wrong" data plan for the phone I have now. I find this amuseing because I bought the phone 2 years ago via the web site, and the plan in March at the ATT store. They tell me that as soon as I put my sim chip in the Arai my plan would be automatically upgraded, I call BS!!! (heard this from the guy in the store too). I gave them a "little bit" of hard time and talked to a manager too.
The manager was very cool and was willing to work with me... He offered to change me to the 200Mb smart phone data plan + unlimited text. This would bring my bill up $5 a month for the 2 year contract. He then offered me a $120 credit to my account to cover the extra $5 for the whole 2 years. I told him I wanted to think about it and he put a note on my account and told me I could do the online thing then call back and referance the note and get the credit.
So... I can upgrade to the Aria for $29 via att site, my bill goes up $5 a month, but they will give me a $120 credit to cover it. Not bad...
Now my thought process is this... IS 200Mb enough... I adverage about 15Mbs normally but with a full HTML browser and Android as a new toy will it be enough???? Or do I jump ship for Sprint and a $200 Evo???
Decisions decisions....

sentinel_cm said:
I just spent 30 mins on the phone with ATT and here's where I got....
I'm told that I have the "wrong" data plan for the phone I have now. I find this amuseing because I bought the phone 2 years ago via the web site, and the plan in March at the ATT store. They tell me that as soon as I put my sim chip in the Arai my plan would be automatically upgraded, I call BS!!! (heard this from the guy in the store too). I gave them a "little bit" of hard time and talked to a manager too.
The manager was very cool and was willing to work with me... He offered to change me to the 200Mb smart phone data plan + unlimited text. This would bring my bill up $5 a month for the 2 year contract. He then offered me a $120 credit to my account to cover the extra $5 for the whole 2 years. I told him I wanted to think about it and he put a note on my account and told me I could do the online thing then call back and referance the note and get the credit.
So... I can upgrade to the Aria for $29 via att site, my bill goes up $5 a month, but they will give me a $120 credit to cover it. Not bad...
Now my thought process is this... IS 200Mb enough... I adverage about 15Mbs normally but with a full HTML browser and Android as a new toy will it be enough???? Or do I jump ship for Sprint and a $200 Evo???
Decisions decisions....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That really depends on how you are going to use it. If you use wifi most of the time and don't use 3G to do much multimedia streaming, then you should be fine. Don't download big email attachments and don't send them while on 3g. 200mb is not a lot of data for this type of smartphone, but if you don't want to pony up for more data, you can stay within 200mb with some discipline and judicious use of cell data. Restricting most of your playing to wifi will help a lot.
T-Mobile and Sprint both offer more attractive data plans that might work for you. But where I live and travel, only AT&T and Verizon offer the kind of service that make it worth having a cell phone at all. If I lived and traveled in a more urban area, I'd have a lot more choices.

sentinel_cm said:
I just spent 30 mins on the phone with ATT and here's where I got....
I'm told that I have the "wrong" data plan for the phone I have now. I find this amuseing because I bought the phone 2 years ago via the web site, and the plan in March at the ATT store. They tell me that as soon as I put my sim chip in the Arai my plan would be automatically upgraded, I call BS!!! (heard this from the guy in the store too). I gave them a "little bit" of hard time and talked to a manager too.
The manager was very cool and was willing to work with me... He offered to change me to the 200Mb smart phone data plan + unlimited text. This would bring my bill up $5 a month for the 2 year contract. He then offered me a $120 credit to my account to cover the extra $5 for the whole 2 years. I told him I wanted to think about it and he put a note on my account and told me I could do the online thing then call back and referance the note and get the credit.
So... I can upgrade to the Aria for $29 via att site, my bill goes up $5 a month, but they will give me a $120 credit to cover it. Not bad...
Now my thought process is this... IS 200Mb enough... I adverage about 15Mbs normally but with a full HTML browser and Android as a new toy will it be enough???? Or do I jump ship for Sprint and a $200 Evo???
Decisions decisions....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's some clarification on how the data plans work. In the past, there were a total of five data plans: Media Net, PDA, Blackberry, iPhone, and aircard data. Out of these five, only Media Net truly had unlimited data, but it was only for non-smartphones, such as the Samsung Eternity, or more recently, Samsung Sunburst, etc. The PDA, iPhone, and Blackberry plans were all $30, but none of them were truly unlimited. In the fine print on the brochures that had this plan, or if you ask any honest AT&T rep, you truly had a 5GB limit, just like the aircard plans.
This being said, you may have had Media Net on your phone before, but Media Net is not the internet plan associated with smartphones, the smartphone plans are. And if you did not have any of the smartphone data plans before, it is IMPOSSIBLE for AT&T (it is not a clickable option in the activation system any longer) to give you that old plan. For me, this doesn't matter. The AT&T online bill payment system has the option to see a nice graph of data usage for the previous six months to give you an idea of how much you use, and I think there is some truth to AT&T's statement that 98% of their users do not exceed 2GB. I myself peaked at 300 mb in May, so while my average is above the cheap $15 200 MB limit plan, It is well beneath the $25 2GB plan, which is cheaper than the archaic 5gb limit plans.
So you see, the unlimited smartphone data plan is a lie, there has never been one for AT&T (and of course, Verizon, because their plans mirror each other).

Not an owner yet.. but I have a renewal coming up, and I'm kicking the idea around. I've used Windows Mobile for a while now, but I really like the flexibility & apps available with Android.
I'm debating whether to just get the Aria, or use my upgrade to get an iPhone 3G, sell it then turn around & buy a Nexus one.
Assuming I do the adb thing to allow apps and then do a root to get rid of the bloatware, what would the pros & cons be between the Aria and the N1? I know the N1 has a larger screen and the faster processor, the Aria has the HTC interface.. is there anything other than that?

attn1 said:
That really depends on how you are going to use it. If you use wifi most of the time and don't use 3G to do much multimedia streaming, then you should be fine. Don't download big email attachments and don't send them while on 3g. 200mb is not a lot of data for this type of smartphone, but if you don't want to pony up for more data, you can stay within 200mb with some discipline and judicious use of cell data. Restricting most of your playing to wifi will help a lot.
T-Mobile and Sprint both offer more attractive data plans that might work for you. But where I live and travel, only AT&T and Verizon offer the kind of service that make it worth having a cell phone at all. If I lived and traveled in a more urban area, I'd have a lot more choices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never paid for a data plan on my Windows phones, I've always turned off pictures in my browser and rarely checked anything. I'd spend like $2-$3 per month on data..
But on this upgrade, it looks like I have to add a data plan, which is ok with me because of the new $15 option. Other than general web browsing, I might download or email small files (word/excel etc) here & there.. I run some websites that I might edit from time to time (if I can get used to the touchscreen keyboard).. I can't see myself doing any streaming.. The most data-intensive thing I can see myself doing is Google Maps/Navigation. Think I'd be ok with the 200MB plan? Is tethering possible on the new plans? I'd definitely do that if it was possible (but again, just for general use, no streaming or large files or anything..)

sentinel_cm said:
I just spent 30 mins on the phone with ATT and here's where I got....
I'm told that I have the "wrong" data plan for the phone I have now. I find this amuseing because I bought the phone 2 years ago via the web site, and the plan in March at the ATT store. They tell me that as soon as I put my sim chip in the Arai my plan would be automatically upgraded, I call BS!!! (heard this from the guy in the store too). I gave them a "little bit" of hard time and talked to a manager too.
The manager was very cool and was willing to work with me... He offered to change me to the 200Mb smart phone data plan + unlimited text. This would bring my bill up $5 a month for the 2 year contract. He then offered me a $120 credit to my account to cover the extra $5 for the whole 2 years. I told him I wanted to think about it and he put a note on my account and told me I could do the online thing then call back and referance the note and get the credit.
So... I can upgrade to the Aria for $29 via att site, my bill goes up $5 a month, but they will give me a $120 credit to cover it. Not bad...
Now my thought process is this... IS 200Mb enough... I adverage about 15Mbs normally but with a full HTML browser and Android as a new toy will it be enough???? Or do I jump ship for Sprint and a $200 Evo???
Decisions decisions....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was going to say that even though I have unlimited data, I realize that almost everywhere I'm at, I have Wi-Fi. That's something else to consider if they won't let you have unlimited data. You could probably do most of your steaming/downloading on Wi-Fi and only do 3g when necessary.
I just checked when I had my iPhone 3gs and I only used 300MB of 3g on average, which means most of my internet interactions were on wifi.
Just a thought. And yes, I can't wait for this phone to be rooted.

ShinerDraft said:
I've never paid for a data plan on my Windows phones, I've always turned off pictures in my browser and rarely checked anything. I'd spend like $2-$3 per month on data..
But on this upgrade, it looks like I have to add a data plan, which is ok with me because of the new $15 option. Other than general web browsing, I might download or email small files (word/excel etc) here & there.. I run some websites that I might edit from time to time (if I can get used to the touchscreen keyboard).. I can't see myself doing any streaming.. The most data-intensive thing I can see myself doing is Google Maps/Navigation. Think I'd be ok with the 200MB plan? Is tethering possible on the new plans? I'd definitely do that if it was possible (but again, just for general use, no streaming or large files or anything..)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "option" to teather is listed @ $45 per month. So $15 for 200Mb, $25 for 2Gb or $45 for 2Gb + Teather which is decribed as... "2 GB of data to share between your phone and your laptop or Netbook"
I'm sorry... but that is a TOTAL ripoff!!! $20 more to SHARE the same amount of data between my phone and laptop???

I just got my Aria yesterday and am so far happy with it. I still need to figure out how to push apps to it with the side step procedure linked elsewhere here in the forum, so the AT&T restriction really doesn't seem to be that big of a problem to me.
I concur on the insanity on the data plans with AT&T. I've got it doubly complicated as I have a Family plan shared with my husband's iPhone which has the grandfathered in unlimited data and we have unlimited text. The online upgrade system was still giving me the option last week of adding on to my phone for data unlimited for $10 more as we have the text option. But of course I got the same song and dance from the store monkeys on the 'well that's not for smartphones' dodge. Nicely done as far as SNAFU'd corporate communications goes. Though I wouldn't expect anything less from AT&T .
My only complaint with my phone so far is that it is unable to refind my unadvertised home wifi net after a reboot or extended sleep. There's probably a fix, I haven't looked yet for it.

I REALLY hate how ATT neuters their phones!!! And hate it even more that i have an UNLIMITED data plan now...BUT.... ATT wants to charge me more a month for a new data plan for "smart phones". $5 more for 200megs $15 more for 2GBs, and I for get how much more if I want to teather... WTF??? I can teather NOW (and do often)... such a rip off... data is data and unlimited is unlimited in my mind!!! Sprint would be the exact same price I pay now for unlimited everything and and i could get an EVO.
Chris,
I just went through the data question w/ AT&T (I know I can barely stand them) I was told that my 'unlimited' data plan was grandfathered and I didn't have to change anything, however, I did have to talk with customer service to have them set it up.

ShinerDraft said:
Assuming I do the adb thing to allow apps and then do a root to get rid of the bloatware, what would the pros & cons be between the Aria and the N1? I know the N1 has a larger screen and the faster processor, the Aria has the HTC interface.. is there anything other than that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just went from an N1 to an Aria and like the change. Even though the N1 has a faster processor, the Aria is just as fast because it doesn't have as much to power. There are some articles out there which show it's comparable to the Evo and N1 in terms of speed (despite lower specs) (try http://forum.dailymobile.se/index.php?topic=24656.0). I was saying in another post that the Aria can actually juggle 7 or so apps at a time while the N1 will start seriously lagging at just 3 or 4. This is before I had upgraded the N1 to 2.2, but a lot of Market apps were not available or compatible with that build (and some of the stuff I'd already purchased didn't show up!). Of course, the 2.2 build on N1 is 450% faster than the 2.1 build and could easily be considered the fastest android build out there.
I also had a lot of trouble holding onto the N1. It was sleek, but just a little *too* sleek, if you can imagine! I'd also had a negative buying experience with Google where their checkout software screwed up and then the manager-less customer service reps didn't have any idea about what to do (even though that was just my own personal experience).
The N1 did have a gorgeous, big screen and it was sweet on 2.2. The Live Wallpapers can be a thrill, if you are as easily amused as myself. But the Sense ui on the Aria is amazing and seems more interactive than what was on the N1.
Plus, if you root the N1, you void your manufacturer's warranty - your boot screen will display a message to that effect. With the G1, I was able to reload a stock rom and it was accepted under the original warranty. I'm hoping the Aria will be the same way. I was thinking I could root it (if/when that happens) and overclock, but it just doesn't seem to need it now....
Btw... anyone want to buy an N1?

damn pixie said:
I just went from an N1 to an Aria and like the change. Even though the N1 has a faster processor, the Aria is just as fast because it doesn't have as much to power. There are some articles out there which show it's comparable to the Evo and N1 in terms of speed (despite lower specs) (try http://forum.dailymobile.se/index.php?topic=24656.0). I was saying in another post that the Aria can actually juggle 7 or so apps at a time while the N1 will start seriously lagging at just 3 or 4. This is before I had upgraded the N1 to 2.2, but a lot of Market apps were not available or compatible with that build (and some of the stuff I'd already purchased didn't show up!). Of course, the 2.2 build on N1 is 450% faster than the 2.1 build and could easily be considered the fastest android build out there.
I also had a lot of trouble holding onto the N1. It was sleek, but just a little *too* sleek, if you can imagine! I'd also had a negative buying experience with Google where their checkout software screwed up and then the manager-less customer service reps didn't have any idea about what to do (even though that was just my own personal experience).
The N1 did have a gorgeous, big screen and it was sweet on 2.2. The Live Wallpapers can be a thrill, if you are as easily amused as myself. But the Sense ui on the Aria is amazing and seems more interactive than what was on the N1.
Plus, if you root the N1, you void your manufacturer's warranty - your boot screen will display a message to that effect. With the G1, I was able to reload a stock rom and it was accepted under the original warranty. I'm hoping the Aria will be the same way. I was thinking I could root it (if/when that happens) and overclock, but it just doesn't seem to need it now....
Btw... anyone want to buy an N1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah just keep them both! Lol...I am and I'm still enjoying the hell out of my Aria. This thing doesn't skip a beat! Its easily the fastest 600mhz phone I've ever used. I'm guessing the smaller screen size needs less processing power or something because this little guy flys. I can't even imagine what it would do with a snap dragon! If we can get a root and maybe a 800-850mhz over clock on this bad boy it will be crazy fast.
On a side note my Aria is easily kicking my Nexus Ones ass in battery life. Im extremely surprised.

Can anyone who has an Aria comment on call sound quality, speaker phone quality & volume, and how the phone performs in general in reguards to having a signal vs. not having a signal on the network???

Related

limited by service provider

here in canada as many already knows data plans prices are off the roof. However, they recently came out with a $30 for 6g data plan which i find reasonable for canada. (since the land lines internet has a cap itself then wireless is hard not to have cap) but the only problem is, unlike the flex data plans, they claim that this data plan will not work with pc cards, so that does mean it wouldnt work with the htc shift? on the other hand, this same plan will for sure work for windows mobile. so my question is, is there a way to use vista's side wireless data making the computer think that its hooked up with a modem which will be the windows mobile side?
That is the beauty with the shift. If it works in a pda phone, it should work in the shift. I also have a data card that is supposed to be used with a pda phone but i use it in my shift. The vista side basically taps into the WM side and borrows the data connection from the phone. That is also why SMS and other "phone like" features work on the shift.
The short anser is yes, it should work just fine.
o wow, thats great to hear, o basicly you're saying shift uses the hspa network through the wm side without needing to link it up ourselves. so unlike other umpc, we wouldnt need a pc card data plan to work, as long as it works for wm then shift will run just fine. but disreguard of all the good news, canada still sucks with the capping.
data plans
are you able to get 6 GB data plan from Rogers and use it on shift?
I have a Shift and use PDA Net to connect to Telus
for $30 I would consider a Rogers connection
Even better would to use wife; on snapview
yes, you should be able to use the 6gb data plan from rogers on the shift. According to x5-rwk, the vista side of shift uses the wm side as a modem for hspa meaning rogers will assume that u're using the data for windows mobile which is allowed. Moreover, I have also comfirmed with some rogers rep that the data plan works for ALL devices expect pc cards. but i guess as long as okay on windows mobile, we're good to go
Rogers Data
Thank You for the update.
The final question. what about voice, do you need a voice plan to get 6GB data plan?
I have HTC Touch on Telus and have unlimited data for $15 and voice plan, I would not want a Rogers voice plan as well.
Any suggestions?
Thank You
Dave
No you do not need to get a voice plan with it. As since Shift doesn't have voice calling and the fact that rogers launched the shift already themselves. however, i am still unclear on if there will be a $10 fee per month to maintain the account. That fee is meanly for people who wants to open a plan with nothing, no minutes or price plan. However, as since the 6gb data is an option, the $10 fee may apply. Too bad you can't use your telus phone to hook up to the shift and use it as a modem since the $15 is limited. What you want to get is a lot like what i want to get too. So I've been looking at the price plans for a while thinking about it.
Currently I'm with fido (which luckily has the same data plans as rogers). After being in a contract with them for 3 years and loyal customer for 4, they said they can knock $10 off my plan. But since the shift can't have voice, i'm looking into getting the iphone to run it as a modem, sounds stupid and all but best i can do with a small buget. Or another thought would be to get a cheap family plan, for fido, all the family minutes is sheared (rogers has pool of minutes + each line's own) so if you add data plan for shift on one line and the other line only for voice, that works cuz you'll have too much minutes to use from a pool of family minutes into one line. Lol So i'll advice on waiting if you can. The offer for 6gb will be up till end of aug thus theres a high chance of back to school offers will be launch mean while. moreover, i'll try to stay in touch with my buddy who works at rogers see what kind of under table offeres he can give me.
ps: in case you're wondering, the 6gb data option does not allow data pooling which sucks.
Roger Data
Thank You for the update.
When Rogers announced the new data plans, I went to a Rogers store, they told me I could not use 6GB plan on Shift.
I sounds like I need to be vague with Rogers when signing up for plan so they think I am using on unlocked windows mobile device.
Did you advise Roger your intention to use data for Shift?
Can I get 6GB plan for unlocked phone?
As for the Telus and using Touch as modem, I can and haved used it to connect, I do not think the Snapview side can use the Touch as modem.
I do have to be careful, tethering is not included in data plan, I have to use PDAnet to get under the radar screen.
If Apple offers the ability to use iPhone 3G as modem, that would be excellent for you, I am still guessing you will need additional solution for Snapview side of Shift (can you remove SIM from iPhone as install in Shift, that would be ideal for you)
I also have AT&T Pay as you Go for US, unlimited data for 30 days for $20, I activate when I travel to US.
Thank You
Dave
PS: If you move to Telus, they have Touch Diamond coming, you can use PDAnet and tether for unlimited data for better deal!!!!
called Rogers
I called Rogers to ask about data plan.
After being on hold and transferred numerous times, I was advised I needed a voice plan to get the $30 data plan.
Cheepjing, if you have any further information as to how to get the $30 data plan even if I have to pay an extra $10, I would be very appreciative of the assistance.
Dave
I have thought about switching to telus many times. Mainly since they have the thought of adding GSM before the olympics in canada. Too bad nothing have been comfirmed yet and I know its a fact its gonna cost them way too much to do so. Maybe Kodoo is making them enough for that plan, who knows. lol. But anyways.
Back to the point of rogers. Most of the agents on the phone are not well trained. I can bet 90% of people on this site who lives in canada knows more than most of the reps they have at the call center. I'm sure the agent advised you to get a voice plan cuz of two main reasons. 1: he/she has no freaken clue on why or what you want. 2: after asking his/her manager, they were advised to just sign you up for something and maybe they'll get a sale too! So far, i'm almost 100% sure you can just open a line with rogers for $10 with no voice and just add the 6gb option. Just the matter of the sales you talk to if he/she is dying for a sale or not then most likely they'll just force you into something you don't want. Thus, my advise would be, just wait for a few weeks if you can. Mean while, i'll ask the other rogers reps i know. Just to give you heads up, most likely i'll find a chinese sales since those are the only ones i know. lol. I'm going to wait till aug before i ask for some rogers plans for the end of summer cuz even if i ask know they know very little. But as back to school comes closer, more info will be release.
now side track a bit, damn i wish that rogers/fido offers two sim in one number or something. If there are anyone here who has or knows people who can do that let me know! I guess my best chance is still family plan, gotta somehow think of a way to bypass their system a bit.
Moreover, rumors says rogers maybe launching the touch pro or diamond.
Cut Off Date 6GB
Hi Cheapjing,
Thank You
Is the cut off date for 6GB plan end of Aug or Aug 6th?
Dave
the offer stops end of aug. mind if i ask where u get aug 6th from?
Aug6th
I thought I read it in Toronto Star somewhere, I am wrong.
Dave
hey, just comfirmed with fido that offer ends aug 31st. also, i'd also asked about not getting voice but data only plan from them (since rogers and fido offers the same data plans now) they told me that u can get a base plan of $15 which includes system access fee (6.95) and 911 fee (50cents) and then add on a 6gb option on top of that. catch is, it must be on a three year contract good and i'm not too too sure if u'll be able to get that as a new costumer but then again, it wouldnt be too too hard to get a frd whos with fido to open a new line in the same account for that plan and then transfer that line to ur name one or two months down the road. also, this plan cannot be purchases at any retail store, u'll have to call rentention department for that. good news is, since u'll be signing a 3 year contract for that, might as well get an iphone 3g for the 3 year contract price and resell it back out, or gift it, or use it as a mouse for your shift! lmao. choice is your's, i'll sure let you know on any updates with going around the data plans.
Follow Up
I will call Fido and ask for retention dept. I will likely wait until middle of Aug, I am waiting for Telus to release EVDO Rev A update for HTC Touch.
My issues are simple:
Is $45/month worth it to have SIM Card in Shift vs the 3 min it takes to connect Touch via PDAnet and use as modem, this is as long as Telus does not charge me for tethering.
Telus has the HTC Touch Diamond coming out, would I rather pay upgrade for Touch Diamond or purchase iPhone
with DAVE and Globalive winning spectrum, when will Rogers/Fido lower their data prices, if I am locked into a 3 year contract with Fido, will they lower prices for existing contracts when other GSM carriers enter market?
One other thing I have is once I liberate Shift, there is a way to use Wifi with Snapview (need Vista on/battery drain)
Since I have the Touch, it provides me all the Windows Mobile capabilities I need in Canada and I use Snapview in US with AT&T MediaNet service @ $20/month for unlimited data (I can add feature when needed, based on having pre paid plan with AT&T).
I am leaning towards not moving on the Fido plan for the above reasons, if it was $30 and only system access fee and not a long term contract or if Fido/Rogers offered data on pre-paid plans I would consider.
I also have to consider my past experience with Rogers, they truly suck at customer service, I understand Fido is pretty good, however, I am not sure if I want to contribute to the 300 plus million profit Rogers earned. I also have friends who have contracts with Rogers that Rogers lied/changed.
i fully understand what you're worried about. However, like you said with Globalive winning a high amount (while in the end it was still rogers who took the most spending just under 1billion) thinking deeper into it, yes, they should drop their prices. But once again, after spending that amount of money how much are they willing to drop prices by? nevertheless, they already knew that they were gonna blow 1billion away before where as i'm sure that was one of the main reason to wanting to launch the iphone with choppy data plans. and with new companies coming in, yes they will drop the price, but on data? highly unlikely. if a new company was to come into the three way battle, its hard for them to start up with both voice and data. personally, i love fido. though rogers is kind of effecting fido's customer's services, in the end, they are still the best i've had out of so many other places i called for help.
Either ways, personally, i would go on with what u had in mind as long as telus does not charge u extra. reason being, the longer you stay with a company and then call to have upgrades, the better deals you'll get. i've been with fido for 4 years now with two lines. my main line's price went from $50+ (150day, unlimited eve, fido-rogers free +plus all the junk) now it went down to $28 after tax with everything i need and a little bit more. took me a while to get a deal like that, were as i'm sure telus can do the same since i've heard some frds of mine who's been with telus for long and now have really really cheap plans. but in the end, that is all about the voice plans. in order for us to afford fair data plans, we'll need cheap voice. in the end, rogers should go right into the trash can unless you get ur plans for like $10 from your work place and or able to retention a $15 plan where i've seen happening but its one of those dont try it urself risks. luckily fido started having data plans. (i'm a apple hater somewhat) but it was all because of them thats why now we have cheaper plans so, good stuff. lol
if you ask me, is paying $45 for 6 gb on shift worth it, my answer is no. unless you're always on the go online, which cannot happen since shift has short battery life. other options includes investing a little on the side. you've heard of the unplugged dsl, right? offered by both rogers and bell. that could work in the car too (as i heard) costing almost the same price with 4 more gb of data but, limited to when u're near a power supply. on the side, you can always use your touch to modem up with ur shift. but in the end, will rogers drop the hspa data prices? i'll recommand not to have hopes up though in canada people knows how to complain, but they have no clue what they were complaining about to begin with. wait till mid aug and see, we still have some time.
on the side note, if only the us cdma shift can make it work here with telus or bell. if so, i'll really think about it. maybe i should read up on that. ha
Follow Up
Hi,
I agree with you 100% on almost everything.
I may call Fido to see if they can cut me a deal for the 6GB plan for convenience, I would be willing to pay around $40, for Fido, they get a brand new customer for 3 years.
BTW, I have a friend who used to work at Rogers as a executive, he told me Rogers rapes their customers on long distance (they use their own backhaul network to carry voice), LD calls cost Rogers same as local calls.
Rogers screws their customers on data because if you have GSM device, you have only one choice.
On the subject of CDMA Shift, Bell and Telus will not allow any ESN (Electronic Serial Numbers) that they do not sell on their networks.
I do think you will see competition on data from Globalive, maybe Quebecor and maybe DAVE, the money backing Globalive has 70 million wireless users globally and have the better clout than Rogers with Erisson and handset manufacturers to build a network more cost effectively than Rogers. They can also use current technology like Dragonwave for backhaul or Wi-Max to lower their costs.
In the short term, they will have to sign roaming agreements with Rogers, however, they will be able to offer more affordable voice and data.
If these new entrants do not lower prices, Jim Prentice(Industry Canada) should be lynched.
Remember, the Canadian government allowed Rogers to purchase Fido, Rogers is just taking advantage of the cards that were delt.
Sounds like a plan to me. To be honest, they wouldn't be cutting the cost ON the data plan itself. As contract with iPhone and the fact that data is all on rogers network. The rep told me that himself. However, that all just means not to pitch them that way. They do have $10 plan with no minutes, you may be able to pull it off IF u already have a relation with them. Nevertheless, give it a shot. The $10 plan i was told that was ONLY for people who paused their accounts (though most of the time that $10 is a CR for max of a year) Also, like i said before, $15 plan does include the SAF fee. Come to think about it, you might just be able to pull it off. They might ask you to sign contract for 2 or 3 years giving you a $5cr for the contract term and give u the $15 plan. Moreover, if they still hard push you to the full $15, just be like, "I'm signing a contract WITHOUT taking a phone" so that itself is a $75cr.
Yes, rogers are sons of scammers. I guess thats why they offer so many rogers to rogers accross canada. If you were to go with fido, i highly recommand to do it before fido becomes more n more like rogers (as i see them going that path). Well, fast i don't mean like within days, more like within a year.
I do see strong advancments with Yak. But honestly, i highly doubt thats going to happen anytime soon. With Kodoo (from telus) entering this year bombing the lower class market like mad, it makes it harder. I'm sure they can pull it off. How, i will not question yet since most likely they going to blow us with some surprises (but to me those surprises does not worth the chance of not being able to sign a 6gb deal on HSPA network). I look forward in the upcoming battle.
BUT with all aside, we should just take most advantage out from what we have now. Only god knows how long we'll have to wait till canadian data prices drops. Good luck with Fido! I'll keep you updated if i found out any more info.
WooHoo
According to Fido customer service, I can get plan for $30/month plus $7.95 access fee.
Wooo Hoo
Dave
Holy good stuff! Might as well strike for unlimited text! Since shift works with that. Also, just have the agent confirm that the $30 data plan does come with unlimited emails as i've been told so. Just tell them its for a Windows Mobile device, they don't need that much details, it'll just confuse them. Btw, SAF is only 6.95, if they are charging u 7.95 i honestly wouldn't complain.

Herald VS G1

Im really thinking of selling my Wing and getting me a G1
The thing that hold me back the most is that there is no A2DP support.
Overall how do you guys think the G1 measures up to the Wing ? Are we still gonna be able to use the G1 with the proxy or gonna have to pay for a data plan?
Edit: I just went through the preorder process and it requires you to pick a data plan, you think you can cancel that after you get your phone ?
I really wonna get me the G1 because its suppose to be a way faster processor, 3D graphics acceleration and a GPS but i also use my phone on a daily frame to play Music though my BT headphones. So that's a major setback for me having to be wired :/ Im probably still gonna get it regardless. I just wonna see what you guys think.
hey gizzy,
i would wait until you know more about the G1 and Android. At the moment there are still to much questions. The data plan the bluetooth problem. Wait until its out in the USA! Than you know more! Or stay with your Wing, like me, and hope that there is a way to get Android for it soon.
Iven if there is i really like the GPS and accelerometer, and the faster processor. I was actually ready to sell my wing to a friend at school n preorder the G1. But i saw that a data plan is required and taht kinda stopped me.
The G1 is sick. I sold my Wing a few weeks ago to get money for it. I pre-ordered it yesterday and will have it on the 22nd of October hopefully. The phone is gonna be great. You can't expect it to have everything though. No phone will. Just look at what it does have and what the possibilities are.
GiZZy said:
Iven if there is i really like the GPS and accelerometer, and the faster processor. I was actually ready to sell my wing to a friend at school n preorder the G1. But i saw that a data plan is required and taht kinda stopped me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why did the data plan stop you from pre-ordering it? What kind of plan do you have now? Like what do you pay for x amount of minutes and what do you have for a data and text plan?
currently im ona family plan with 300 min ( but everyone i talk to is T-Mo is at most we use 10 mins lol )and a special offer from about 4 years ago with 300 txt messages, and Unlimited Pucture messages and Unlimited T-Zones ( i use the proxy ) for $2.99 so paying $25 per month now will be a bit much. Im on a family plan with my parents and dont have a job atm so i try to keep the cost down. for the phone id pay myself my sellign my wing but the montly price will add up.
This is the problem I'm having I'm new here myself and trying to pick between the G1 and the Wing. More then likely I'll go with the G1 but I'm just worried about how well it will mod. Only time will tell though I guess.
Its open source so supposibely everything about it should be able to be modified. I wonder if XTC Devs will support is, it'd br great, i dont wonna have to look for another great modding community. it IS and HTC phone so my guess is it will be supported but it'll be a bog change for most developers ( imo )
i highly doubt the 5.99 proxy will still work, and once you order the phone you CANNOT cancel the order, you can either refuse to sign for it or sign for it and return it to t-mo @
National Return Center (NRC)
210 Wiley Road
LaGrange, GA 30240
i still have my wing but it's a little beat up, i ordered the G1 today after i saw that they changed the whole 1GB throttle down policy.
why?
GiZZy said:
Im really thinking of selling my Wing and getting me a G1...I really wonna get me the G1 because its suppose to be a way faster processor, 3D graphics acceleration and a GPS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not get one of the great new Windows Mobile phones coming out that fit that description (Touch Diamond, Touch Pro, Xperia X1, Touch HD, etc.)?
DarrenUtd said:
Why not get one of the great new Windows Mobile phones coming out that fit that description (Touch Diamond, Touch Pro, Xperia X1, Touch HD, etc.)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$$$
Getting a G1 is pretty cheap compared to getting any of the higher end Windows Mobile phones. It looks like it's going to be a great phone. It has its shortcomings, but since it's open source, I'd imagine they'd fix the issues quickly and expand into all kinds of features.
agreed.
oh and gizzy, didnt you hear that there will be an update for the g1 to add support for A2DP?
There will be many updated for the G1. It's only just beginning, lol. The phone is gonna be insane.
GiZZy said:
currently im ona family plan with 300 min ( but everyone i talk to is T-Mo is at most we use 10 mins lol )and a special offer from about 4 years ago with 300 txt messages, and Unlimited Pucture messages and Unlimited T-Zones ( i use the proxy ) for $2.99 so paying $25 per month now will be a bit much. Im on a family plan with my parents and dont have a job atm so i try to keep the cost down. for the phone id pay myself my sellign my wing but the montly price will add up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I see what you're saying if you pay so little a month. Me personally, i'm comfortable with paying $100 or less a month. I had Nextel last year and paid $95 a month for basically nothing. I had a highly overpriced plan which was like 400 minutes for.. $65-70 maybe? All I know is it was ridiculous compared to what I pay now. That and I had an unlimited text plan. So compare $95 a month with a Nextel phone that does nothing compared to having a Wing smartphone for $75-85 a month that can do a LOT of ****. I guess that's why I don't mind paying what i'll pay.
so the A2DP support is software related or are they gonna introduce it with a completely new phone ?
Yeah the proce is pretty cheap for what it does =]
I dont know maybe i'll be able to talk my parents about getting the data plan, he just changed phoen companies and everything to try to bring the monthly expenses down.
GiZZy said:
so the A2DP support is software related or are they gonna introduce it with a completely new phone ?
Yeah the proce is pretty cheap for what it does =]
I dont know maybe i'll be able to talk my parents about getting the data plan, he just changed phoen companies and everything to try to bring the monthly expenses down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as it has bluetooth, it's only software related. The Tmobile MDA (HTC Wizard) that I had originally didn't have A2DP, either. But with a ROM update, it suddenly did.
Oh thats cool, then i guess the only thing thats stopping me now is the data plan.
My friend is kinda in the same boat with the A2DP. I told him just to turn his wing into a music phone until the update is released. You would be crazy not to get it. The possibilities with the GPS and open source are going to be awsome.
Yeah it will be, and there will be many fun apps utilizing the accelerometer. yeah my wing is my media phone, i got 3GB of music alone on it. I dont have an ipod or anything but y do i even need one =] Well ive seen some pretty good apps even now and when its released the market will be swarming. probably within a week of its release most things will be fixed. I wonder if i can get it and then just cancel the data plain if the 25/month doesn't fly w/ my parents.
What exactly are the prices for the plans? Are they that expensive? Right now I pay 93 dollars a month for my current plan and services.
Good thing I have a friend willing to buy my Wing for 280. That is a good price no?
Damn open source... oh the possibilities...
You think that when the G1 comes out that it's OS can be ported and correctly configured to work with other phones?
the plan itelf is not expensive, 25 a month for the data plan, but im on a familly plan with my parents so in dependant on what they say, im selling my wing for 200 or so, the keypad is all pealed off so im just trying to cover the cost for the G1

How I Cut My Cellphone Bill In Half !!!

Hey guys, like you, even though we have to manually do alot to get our HD2's in perfect condition. I wanted to hip you all to something that I'm currently taking advantage of, which is saving me major money each month.
Went to Wal-Mart on the lauch date of the infamous HD2, and paid full price for one, thinking that it would end up saving me money in the long run, because I had my own equiptment, therefore, I wasn't under a 2 year aggreement for T-Mobile.
Went to the T-Mobile store to get setup with service. Deciding on getting the T-Mobile unlimited everything plan (voice,sms,data) it ended up costing me around $92 a month (including taxes, fee's, and the $5 discount). So, I began thinking, "this is not the significant discount I was looking for". I asked the salesman what was the benefit of me purchasing this phone outright, he told me that if I got the same package and features, with the phone discount, under contract, it would cost me around $120-$130 a month. I began to seek other options to lower my bill. However, I was hesitant to lower anything, because I did one time, and got fuked over with crazy overage charges! I even thought about switching it over to AT&T, but then realized I'd be loosing out on the high speed data, because of the incompatibilities of the 3G radios between the 2 networks (and who wants edge speed on a smartphone these days!).
Then I did some research and found out about Simple Mobile, this is a Virtual carrier of T-Mobile (like how Virgin is to Verizon, and Boost is to Sprint). Anyway, after a couple of emails, and phone calls, I decided to make the switch. I found a nearby retailer (or u can check them out online) And I never looked back!
I now play EXACTLY $60 a month, for unlimited everything (voice,sms,data). And I was able to port and keep my same number. While this is truly great in of itself. Another great feature is because it's still a subsiary of T-Mobile, I didn't have to software unlock the HD2 at all. It was literally a matter of taking the old Sim card out and putting the new one in. The only thing that I did have to reconfig was the internet settings and the MMS settings to be able to have those 2 things function correctly. (which is very easy, I provided a link to the instructions below)
Instructions on changing internet settings and MMS settings.
http://www.mobile-files.us/showthread.php?2245-HD2-wap-mms-settings-for-SimpMo
The internet is exactly the same, I'm still getting the H icon at the top, with about 4 MB sec speeds. Call quality and range is the same, and so is the txting features. Because it's using the same T-Mobile towers as before. (which T-Mobile is very good, in Costa Mesa, CA )
Don't know about you all, but especially in these times, when money is tight, I have to really buckle down to budget and plan for big ticket items. So when I spend $400+ on a device. I truly want to be able to see more of the savings, in the long run. And thats how I cut my bill in half! They even offer plans at $30 and $40 if you don't want or need unlimited data for your phone, therefore saving your even more money.
This may not help some of you guys out there, but if your like me, and not in a contract, or you may be in a contract, and thinking this may be a better route for you in the long run (make sure you do your math beforehand, and make sure your savings outweigh your ETF from T-Mobile) I just wanted to let you know, that you do have an option out there.
Simple Mobile
http://www.mysimplemobile.com/
Hope it helps!
Eddie
so are you truly getting 3g speed? this sounds promising.
smokeingit said:
so are you truly getting 3g speed? this sounds promising.
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Click to collapse
Yes sir, I sure am, it displays the H icon, so I know its the HSDPA speed, which is alittle faster then 3G...however, i'm not sure if its the new HSDPA+ that you might have been hearing lately. I say that because, I dont believe WM have a status icon to show you that (because the technology is so new), so my theory is that, IF the HD2 supports it, AND its is getting the HSDPA+ signal, it'll still show the H icon at the top right of the device. But to answer your question, its DEFINITELY gets the high speed, because its still using the same towers!
I have friend that works in one of those smokes, cell, and gun stores and he has been trying to get me into this program.
It's good to go and legit.
Unfortunately I am only 6 months into my new 2 year contract...had to for my $190 Leo.
dangit.
I believe this has been discussed many times already.....
Simple mobile does not provide unlimited data. I believe it's still capped at 1GB/month. Which is a big no no for people who like to tether and abuse the network.....
calc said:
I believe this has been discussed many times already.....
Simple mobile does not provide unlimited data. I believe it's still capped at 1GB/month. Which is a big no no for people who like to tether and abuse the network.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your saying their "Unlimited Everything Talk, Text & Web" plan, which is labeled as "New", is not actually unlimited?
Paten said:
So your saying their "Unlimited Everything Talk, Text & Web" plan, which is labeled as "New", is not actually unlimited?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://consumerist.com/2010/07/simple-mobile-unlimited-data-plan-is-of-course-secretly-limited.html
http://www.prepaidreviews.com/blog/mvno/simple-mobile-limits-unlimited-data-plan-36148/
Both reported and the end of July of this year.... so unless something has changed in 3 months time, NO it is not unlimited.
I was suckered into a new mobile phone plan with a new company called Simple Mobile. They are a T-mobile MVNO (essentially a reseller) claiming to offer UNLIMITED talk, text, and data for $60/mo.
The reality is... Their $60 plan is NOT unlimited. When you hit 1000MB in one month your data service is simply terminated without warning.
They will offer to sell you an additional 100MB for $10. This policy is not stated anywhere on their website. If you call or write and complain, they will simply tell you to go elsewhere and will not provide any refund.
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Click to collapse
I mean really............. just think about it for a minute, do you really think T-Mobile is going to allow another company to use their network and infrastructure all the while having them undercut their own prices too.....not to mention the toll and expense of all pushing out all that bandwidth at "unlimited" rates.
calc said:
I believe this has been discussed many times already.....
Simple mobile does not provide unlimited data. I believe it's still capped at 1GB/month. Which is a big no no for people who like to tether and abuse the network.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I can do , is speak from my experience. Since having this service, I KNOW that I used more than 1GB (stream music all day, watch YouTube, use it for general internet browsing, and logging into my Orb media server at home, and streaming TV from my PC). So I would definitely consider myself a above average data user, and have not once, been capped or throttled (trust, I would be *****ing and complaining, with everyone else). I've even checked my usage online to see it and its a little under 2Gigs of data transfer, and everything is ok. I not sure if maybe I have a magic bean, VIP, IMEI on my device (joke-e-joke ) , which is given unlimited data usage, without penalty, or maybe they've modified their contract and upped the data usage cap or something. Again, I can only speak from my personal experiences, within the last 3 months, reguarding my device and service. I don't use my phone for tethering, but I do consider myself a heavy data usage user and not had any problems regarding their quality of service thus far.
Get rid of the unlimited voice and txt, then with this guide I wrote:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=19619155#post19619155
You can cut your phone bill even more sharply. I'm paying about ~$20/month right now depending on my voice usage when out and about.

Aria IMEI

I know it is a sensitive topic, but I'm so frustrated with ATT, and was wondering if I could get any directions from you guys.
I bought for my wife new Aria (full price) so she can collaborate with me without using her brain. Few days after the change I realized att changed her unlimited data plan to tiered one. That move really pissed me off, and I had to switch her back to old nokia to preserve unlimited plan. I used to have an iphone with this plan (unlimited data for $15/month), and it looks like they are enforcing new, more expensive plans not only on new customers, but also on existing ones.
Enough said... I would like to get some hints on changing imei, so I get to keep my old plan...
Thanks
Not 100% sure but just swap the sim and it should work. ATT are assholes for doing away with unlimited data made the mistake of losing my unlimited data plan when the iPhone 4 was released thanks iphone!
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App
I upgraded to the aria And had the unlimited data plan transfered..if u just call customer service and tell them that u have been a loyal customer for a long time now and u should be able to keep the plan u have had..u should mention being grandfathered in, be polite and tell them if they can't help u then u might be looking at other carriers. U would be amazed at the things I have gotten for free or discounted by just calling and talking to customer service..if they say they can't do it ask to be transfered to to the person who can, u might be on the phone for a minute but u can get it done I promise u
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App
Post this same info on ATT's Facebook.
Same thing happened to me, I went from an iPhone to the Aria, and had the unlimited data removed, put a post on ATT's facebook, and within the day, I was talking to a guy who gave it back, credited my account, and gave me an additonal discount, to make my bill cheaper.
Interesting... if that's what they did to you then I may actually get somewhere. I just pulled the plug on one line to get G2 from tmo, and may threaten to close another line if they refuse to keep my plan...
If it comes to sim swap then it won't work with att branded phones. The only thing that may work (it worked with my old line) is to use unlock phone and ask them to update imei. They will mark your line as unlocked phone and never update your plan again. It worked for iphone...
Thx for your input.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
How much data do you actually use on your plan? I use my phone's data very regularly throughout the month and the most I've ever managed to use in a month was a gigabyte, making the $25 plan a cheaper solution than the $30 PDA Smartphone plan that preceded it.
I work in a retail position in which I handle AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile customers on a daily basis, and I have yet to meet anyone who uses more than 2GB a month, and some of these people use the phone as if they do not have a home internet service!
Thankfully AT&T has a very easy way of checking to see the monthly data usage you use, and even gives you a nice graph of the last six months of data usage, so you can decide for yourself what data plan is right for you.
"Unlimited" 3G data (w/ 5gb limit) for $30 on a smartphone is going the way of direct connect. Verizon will not be far behind with unveiling their new data plans and T-Mobile is talking about doing the same thing. I think once it is all said and done, we won't even see unlimited plans on 4G networks, especially once Sprint gets enough people back onto their service.
Just do the switch yourself. If you bought the phone full price you could have gotten it anywhere besides AT&T, swapped the SIM and been on the same plan. that's what i did coming from my Fuze. I just moved the SIM card to the new phone, and it worked flawlessly. kept my unlimited plan and everything.
as for data usage. When i had my Fuze i used maybe .5gig a month, but as soon as i got the Aria my usage spiked. I use consistently well over 2 gigs a month, breaking 4 gigs in August. I don't use it for tethering, i don't download huge video files, in fact i'm pretty tame with my phone usage. I'll be keeping my unlimited plan when i get a free upgrade in January.
shark0807 said:
How much data do you actually use on your plan? I use my phone's data very regularly throughout the month and the most I've ever managed to use in a month was a gigabyte, making the $25 plan a cheaper solution than the $30 PDA Smartphone plan that preceded it.
I work in a retail position in which I handle AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile customers on a daily basis, and I have yet to meet anyone who uses more than 2GB a month, and some of these people use the phone as if they do not have a home internet service!
Thankfully AT&T has a very easy way of checking to see the monthly data usage you use, and even gives you a nice graph of the last six months of data usage, so you can decide for yourself what data plan is right for you.
"Unlimited" 3G data (w/ 5gb limit) for $30 on a smartphone is going the way of direct connect. Verizon will not be far behind with unveiling their new data plans and T-Mobile is talking about doing the same thing. I think once it is all said and done, we won't even see unlimited plans on 4G networks, especially once Sprint gets enough people back onto their service.
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You sound like att spokesperson addressing all dumbasses that purchased smartphone thinking it will make them look smarter. Your data usage statistics are off, and just because you ask your customers about their data usage, it doesn't mean it makes you right. I have observed the data usage by mobile devices in the enterprise I manage in the past 3 years. It seems people spend more time using internet driven apps when their experience improves. That pretty much means the faster mobile network becomes the more bandwidth is consumed. Another huge impact on data usage comes from pushed advertisement. People love free apps, but in order to support brightminded developers those apps have to display small banners. lets do quick math here... each banner is about 5KB. Popular apps rotate them in intervals of 10s, or display new ad whenever you go to new page. If your phone supports multitasking, for example new iphone, then if you don't close the app (for example weather app) it may actually keep rotating those ads in the background eating up your bandwidth. That's 5KB every 10s throughout billing cycle gives us total of about 1.3GB each month. That's based on single app that probably won't be running 24/7, but you may have few of such apps running at the same time, so this will definitely bring you close to that number.
Now, lets talk about 4G, and your assumption of all carriers going with tiered plans. I've been enjoying my G2 over HSPA+ so much. You tube videos are actually in visible quality now. Those very same videos over att 3g were just a joke, and waste of time. What do you think how much bandwidth those HQ videos consume? How about video calls? How about flash driven apps? Limiting users to tiered plans would mean blocking all those services, and worse it would bring technology development for mobile devices to a halt (at least in US).
Mobile carriers are facing very hard times. There is more bandwidth demand than they estimated. ATT for example chose greed, and decided to oversubscribe their infrastructure hoping iphone will save them. Verizon however, invested in their network to ensure they can handle the growth. They all should be thankful to Apple for stealing the name "smartphone", and introducing it to masses in the form of a dumbphone. That move changed the industry, and right now we're all paying for it through higher cost, development by spending more time rooting devices than coding new apps, and reliability. I love my mac, but I hate Jobs for the iphone so much...
cegna09 said:
Just do the switch yourself. If you bought the phone full price you could have gotten it anywhere besides AT&T, swapped the SIM and been on the same plan. that's what i did coming from my Fuze. I just moved the SIM card to the new phone, and it worked flawlessly. kept my unlimited plan and everything.
as for data usage. When i had my Fuze i used maybe .5gig a month, but as soon as i got the Aria my usage spiked. I use consistently well over 2 gigs a month, breaking 4 gigs in August. I don't use it for tethering, i don't download huge video files, in fact i'm pretty tame with my phone usage. I'll be keeping my unlimited plan when i get a free upgrade in January.
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Aria is the only woman friendly (small) android phone that supports att 3G. I paid for it $300 (new). Legacy, which seems to be pretty much same phone is $200 more, and doesn't support att 3g frequencies. It looks like att is getting better in cat/mouse game. I may just have to threaten to leave, to get something done...
BTW
any android phone is concidered by att as smartphone, and they require smartphone plan with it. My wife previously had unlocked nokia, so they did not know what kind of phone it was, and allowed regular $15/month unlimited data plan. Once you put your sim into device that they have in their database they enforce on you smartphone plan that's currently available. If her previous plan was unlimited data for smartphone ($25/month), then I agree, she would be able to keep it.
chopperpl said:
BTW
any android phone is concidered by att as smartphone, and they require smartphone plan with it. My wife previously had unlocked nokia, so they did not know what kind of phone it was, and allowed regular $15/month unlimited data plan. Once you put your sim into device that they have in their database they enforce on you smartphone plan that's currently available. If her previous plan was unlimited data for smartphone ($25/month), then I agree, she would be able to keep it.
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didn't realize you came from a non-smartphone. I came from a Fuze (touch pro), so i was already on the $30 unlimited smartphone plan. I made the phone switch right after they announced the end of unlimited plans, and just swapped the phone on my own. Their system caught it, changed my profile on AT&T's site, but did nothing to the plan. I still have the unlimited plan, and will be keeping it as i foresee my usage staying hight.
Do what i did.
Change the sim into a dumb phone and turn it on, wait about an hour, then log into your account online. The options for the medianet packages will reappear. Remove the smartphone data plans then enable the medianet plan for unlimited data. After switch the sim back to the smart phone, if you get a text or email saying they detected your smartphone just call them up and tell them you do not have a smartphone and give them the IMEI number of the dumb phone and have them remove the data and restore the medianet.
I know its a bit much to lie to them but it is robery that pay as you go data is $2 per 1MB, $15 for 200MB and $25 for 2GB when the service sucks inside any building in lower Manhattan.
joshua54 said:
I upgraded to the aria And had the unlimited data plan transfered..if u just call customer service and tell them that u have been a loyal customer for a long time now and u should be able to keep the plan u have had..u should mention being grandfathered in, be polite and tell them if they can't help u then u might be looking at other carriers. U would be amazed at the things I have gotten for free or discounted by just calling and talking to customer service..if they say they can't do it ask to be transfered to to the person who can, u might be on the phone for a minute but u can get it done I promise u
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App
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this is what i did.
I called cancellation dept, and they still refused to roll my old plan back
Going back to my initial request... Any hints on changing imei?
Thanks
Is it doable at all?
I don't want to waste anymore time on it. Can some of the bright ones just tell me, if imei on this phone is "burned-in" or is it changeable via software?
Thanks
So... I've done more research, and seems people are saying it is illegal to change imei... Illegal???? I think, if changing/spoofing for criminal activities then it is illegal. Carriers clearly abuse that id to rip more money from people. Where is the government to protect us? I wouldn’t mind, if there was an alternative, but there is none. How come I pay full price for the smartphone, and can’t deny data plan? I want to roam through local hot spots offered for free by my cable provider to sync phone instead of X fuc…ing G!!!! I think it is time for people to start filing complaints with FCC...
chopperpl said:
I don't want to waste anymore time on it. Can some of the bright ones just tell me, if imei on this phone is "burned-in" or is it changeable via software?
Thanks
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First off AT&T can see immediately when you switch, and to what phone you are using, as well as the kind of traffic, to categorize your phone... so spoofing an IMEI won't get you anywhere - the bandwidth usage from a regular phone vs a smartphone is miles apart.
Second and more importantly Unlimited data for smartphones ($30) vs unlimited data for a regular phone ($15) are two completely different plans. Your old nokia was clearly not a smartphone if you were paying $15 for unlimited data.
I had a blackberry 9700 and went to an Aria, smartphone to smartphone. They let me keep my same smartphone unlimited data plan.
Bottom line you can't switch from a regular phone unlimited data to a smartphone unlimited data plan and keep the same plan.
You're SOL.
Your best bet is to talk to a manager in a retail store - as they are the only people who can work miracles. AT&T grants them special privileges, like allowing you to "early upgrade" (essentially re-start your contract) for a fee + regular advertised phone prices (way cheaper then a new phone at full retail price), and then allowing you to spend that "fee" as a credit on retail store accessories.
dexmix said:
First off AT&T can see immediately when you switch, and to what phone you are using, as well as the kind of traffic, to categorize your phone... so spoofing an IMEI won't get you anywhere - the bandwidth usage from a regular phone vs a smartphone is miles apart.
Second and more importantly Unlimited data for smartphones ($30) vs unlimited data for a regular phone ($15) are two completely different plans. Your old nokia was clearly not a smartphone if you were paying $15 for unlimited data.
I had a blackberry 9700 and went to an Aria, smartphone to smartphone. They let me keep my same smartphone unlimited data plan.
Bottom line you can't switch from a regular phone unlimited data to a smartphone unlimited data plan and keep the same plan.
You're SOL.
Your best bet is to talk to a manager in a retail store - as they are the only people who can work miracles. AT&T grants them special privileges, like allowing you to "early upgrade" (essentially re-start your contract) for a fee + regular advertised phone prices (way cheaper then a new phone at full retail price), and then allowing you to spend that "fee" as a credit on retail store accessories.
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I'm afraid you're wrong, and this is why. I've had iphone 3gs on unlimited data plan ($15/month) for over a year. Before that I had Nokia N95 (which is still much smarter than iphone 4) on the same plan also for about a year.
You're saying they monitor bandwidth usage... How come they never picked up on my international SIP calls, and radio streaming? and yes, spoofing will get me somewhere. ATT holds only imeis from att branded/approved phones. If my imei is not found they assume it is simple multimedia phone. How do I know that? I talked to cancellation dept manager two days ago, and was ensured I will get my plan back once my imei doesn't match any of those from att smartphone lineup.
dexmix said:
Bottom line you can't switch from a regular phone unlimited data to a smartphone unlimited data plan and keep the same plan.
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So what you are telling me is that basically, you want people on here to help you do something which is admittedly illegal in many counties, so your new smart phone appears as a multimedia phone and you can pay less and keep your unlimited data plan.
*scratches head*
edit: you would have been better off just getting an Aria for free with a 2yr contract and then paying for a 2G plan.
dexmix said:
So what you are telling me is that basically, you want people on here to help you do something which is admittedly illegal in many counties, so your new smart phone appears as a multimedia phone and you can pay less and keep your unlimited data plan.
*scratches head*
edit: you would have been better off just getting an Aria for free with a 2yr contract and then paying for a 2G plan.
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Well, not exactly. I've had that plan since gen 1 iphone, which was running on Edge, and three months later I switched to n95 3g. Basically I'm trying to retain my old data plan, and that's because I have not received any special treatment, or services in order to pay more... If they rolled out LTE, and use that for justification then I would agree.
dexmix said:
edit: you would have been better off just getting an Aria for free with a 2yr contract and then paying for a 2G plan.
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Better off????? 2 year contract means locked in with old technology. Those contracts don't do any good to people. By signing, you let att screw you any way they want. You can't walk away, or negotiate. If I wasn't tied up with the contract when att announced new plans, then I would switch to verizon long time ago... If you are real smartphone user then you better off buying unlocked phone, and use it the way it was designed to use without extra fees (tethering $60 ), but if you are one of those guys thinking "smartphone will make me look smarter", then your best bet is to buy discounted phone with the contract.

Sad day for me...

So I was going to buy a G2 today. The guy that was selling it to me works at a T-mobile kiosk in the mall (actually, he said that he owned them at that particular mall), and I wanted to test out the data speeds with my sim card. I currently have a nexus 1. Well, I am really glad that did that before buying the phone because I found out that you need to upgrade to a 4G data plan after trying to browse the web on the phone. I don't know why that never occurred to me in the first place. I am off contract right now and didn't want to recommit to another two years, plus being able to tether and use as a wifi hotspot for free is a nice perk, haha. Granted, I guess COULD change all that with rooting, but the whole process confuses me and I have yet to take the plunge on my N1. Also, I am currently testing out whether I would get throttled with my current plan because I have 3 days left on this billing cycle. So am doing everything i can to use data. Anyway, the guy wanted $290 for the phone, but it was a little bit more dinged up than I would have cared, plus some very light scratches on the screen. The spring was also very VERY loose.
Tmobile doesn't not charge extra for "4G".
There is no 4G data plan and it isn't extra. That kiosk does not sound very reputable, either.
Also, the n1 is super easy to root since it was basically made for it.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
If you are off contract all you need to do is call customer care, shout "retention" until you get forwarded to a rep and have them add a $10 data plan to your em+ plan. Even better, get onto the internet live service rep directly & explain what it is you're trying to do. I have found that they're much better at directly answering questions & implementing plan changes than the telephone jockeys.
This guy is trying to jerk your proverbial chicken.
I also find it hard to believe that you haven't rooted your n1. What rock have you been living under?
astriaos said:
I also find it hard to believe that you haven't rooted your n1. What rock have you been living under?
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Lol I just haven't had much need to do it until recently, I guess. Plus might send it in for a warranty exchange because I have some dust under the screen and I dont want them to squawk at me for rooting the phone.
Nonentity018 said:
There is no 4G data plan and it isn't extra. That kiosk does not sound very reputable, either.
Also, the n1 is super easy to root since it was basically made for it.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
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I pay $35 per month for unlimited text and data. He said I would have to sign on for a $30 per month 4G data plan and then $15 for unlimited texts because I didn't want to renew my contract. $30 + $15 = $45, or ten dollars more. I reckon I could call tmo directly, but I just haven't put much thought into it.
Answer is simple, send it in for an exchange and if they can't give you another N1, have them send you a g2.
If it is to much of a concern, you could offer the guy $290 for the physical phone, get tmo to change your plan and replace the springs with the recently posted guide. Even with some scratches, $290 is a hell of a deal for a g2.

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