TMOBILE vs SPRINT - Nexus S General

Thinking of jumping ship to tmobile since 4G has never been offered in my area for Sprint. Also the pricing is a little better than Sprint? However outside of my area service is non-existent unless I force my phone into roaming? I like the data plan Sprint has but believe Sprint will change there data plan in the coming months. With that I will be grandfathered in until my contract ends. So if someone could tell me if they have trouble with data and signal or if it is great, or what they have to do get signal since tmobile is gsm instead of cdma?

mikerowes69 said:
Thinking of jumping ship to tmobile since 4G has never been offered in my area for Sprint. Also the pricing is a little better than Sprint? However outside of my area service is non-existent unless I force my phone into roaming? I like the data plan Sprint has but believe Sprint will change there data plan in the coming months. With that I will be grandfathered in until my contract ends. So if someone could tell me if they have trouble with data and signal or if it is great, or what they have to do get signal since tmobile is gsm instead of cdma?
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What?!?!
I'm not sure what you are asking. Not knowing where you are at, generally speaking if you have good sprint signal you would have good t-mobile signal. If you do not have good sprint signal, you may have just as poor t-mobile signal as their tower footprints are similar. If you live out from a city or something, AT&T or most especially Verizon have much larger footprints.

Do you mean they have a better price but for less services? Like not having unlimited texting or something? I thought Sprint had the best price.

Evo_Shift said:
Do you mean they have a better price but for less services? Like not having unlimited texting or something? I thought Sprint had the best price.
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I believe the pricing is very similar, but you get speed cut back on data once you go over the limit of your specific plan. Sprint data on thier network is not throttled or limited.

raptoro07 said:
What?!?!
I'm not sure what you are asking. Not knowing where you are at, generally speaking if you have good sprint signal you would have good t-mobile signal. If you do not have good sprint signal, you may have just as poor t-mobile signal as their tower footprints are similar. If you live out from a city or something, AT&T or most especially Verizon have much larger footprints.
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Sprint and Tmobile have very good signal in my area. However No 4G for Sprint, but 4G for Tmobile is here. Once you leave my city since I travel outside it for work alot the signal fades. I then use "ROAM Control" to force into to roam mode. I need to know is there a way to force Roaming on the Nexus S or any other phone on the TMobile network?
US Cellular is very good in the rural areas but it is CDMA and the pricing is quite a bit higher.

Well TMobile post paid plans are better, I think for 45 dollars you get, one hundred mins, unlimited texts, and five gbs of data
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk

raptoro07 said:
I believe the pricing is very similar, but you get speed cut back on data once you go over the limit of your specific plan. Sprint data on thier network is not throttled or limited.
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Thanks for your info. It will not bother too much since I dont use over 2 GB a month.

BrianDigital said:
Well TMobile post paid plans are better, I think for 45 dollars you get, one hundred mins, unlimited texts, and five gbs of data
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
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T-Mobile pre paid is 30 dollars for this same plan. Just throwing that out there. That's what I'm using right now. Unlimited data but it gets throttled at 5gb
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk

tycruickshank said:
T-Mobile pre paid is 30 dollars for this same plan. Just throwing that out there. That's what I'm using right now. Unlimited data but it gets throttled at 5gb
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
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What are the limitations of your plan, and the cost outright for the phone?

tycruickshank said:
T-Mobile pre paid is 30 dollars for this same plan. Just throwing that out there. That's what I'm using right now. Unlimited data but it gets throttled at 5gb
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
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That's what I meant do you have any trouble getting phones to work, or is it as simple as popping the Sim in, I'm really thinking about jumping ship I'm getting sick of paying 80ISH dollars a month
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk

mikerowes69 said:
Sprint and Tmobile have very good signal in my area. However No 4G for Sprint, but 4G for Tmobile is here. Once you leave my city since I travel outside it for work alot the signal fades. I then use "ROAM Control" to force into to roam mode. I need to know is there a way to force Roaming on the Nexus S or any other phone on the TMobile network?
US Cellular is very good in the rural areas but it is CDMA and the pricing is quite a bit higher.
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Sprint is CDMA and T-Mobile is GSM, the phones are not interchangable on each other's network. You would have to get a GSM phone, and it would have to have T-Mobile specific frequencies for HSPDA+ (Their "4G" which is 1700mhz, different that AT&T's 1900mhz) in order to get 4G speeds.

mikerowes69 said:
What are the limitations of your plan, and the cost outright for the phone?
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BrianDigital said:
That's what I meant do you have any trouble getting phones to work, or is it as simple as popping the Sim in, I'm really thinking about jumping ship I'm getting sick of paying 80ISH dollars a month
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
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I bought my phone (i9020T) used for around 200, but you can still find new ones around on the internet for I think around 400-500 USD maybe cheaper if you can find a good deal. The i9023 (the SLCD screen) is usually cheaper. I found some online for around 300 - 350 USD. Both the i9023 and the i9020T will work with 3G on T-Mobile's network. The data speeds I get are quite good as well. Some places I'll get as much as 5 megs down but the norm is usually around 3 to 4 for me. There are no limitation with the plan really that I can think of. I mean the only thing is that you only get 100 minutes but I've bought Groove IP (VOIP app in the Play Store) so essentially I have unlimited minutes now as well. Only paying $30 a month.
All you have to do is get a T-Mobile prepaid sim from the website and pop it in the phone and you're good to go.

I did exact as user above, $30 and then Groove IP. For my location T-Mobile is vastly faster, but you have to check your location coverage. In big cities Sprint can be fast. Since their phone is CDMA they don't use SIM so their phones goes for slighty lower value. You can get Sprint Nexus S cheaper than GSM version.
Check here for some prepaid plans: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=21604722&postcount=2
I hope this doesn't seem like an ass move but, but I have a Nexus S t-mobile for sale.

I can't wait my etc goes down to a hundred in a month, I'm debating just going galaxy nexus or HTC one x, either one that's for sale at best buy and use that buy back plan which my girl didbwith her new iPhone 4s she's been guarenteed 400 bucks before six months, it almost worth it to be a phone whore
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk

I like the Pre-Paid Montly plans in T-Mobile.
$30 100 mins/UL SMS/ 5GB 4G data Walmart and online?
$30 1500 min-SMS /30Mb
$50 UL min/UL SMS/ UL Data(1st 100 mb at 4G)
$60 UL /UL /UL Data (1st 2GB 4G)
I use the $50, You can change every month to any of the plans.
Tip :If you buy the Card in Calling Mart $100 goes for $95 no tax charged.
So if you pick the $50 it would be like paying around 44+Tax in a post paid (Yes $44 for an unlimited everything).
About Signal, I don't have problems, ATT is a little better(3G+) but much more expensive.
Now I don't like Sprint or Verizon because I like the flexibility of having a GSM unlocked phone.

Related

T-Mobile or ATT?

Hey guys
I bought my nexus one the week it came out and have been putting up with edge for a while. I have wifi at home and work so I haven't had to suffer too much.
I have had ATT for 5-6 years and have been off contract for a while.
I looked at T-Mobile's pricing for their Even More+ no contract plans and I am paying about the same amount per month as the 500min+text+web plan.
I know reception will vary by area but I live and typically stay in the Pittsburgh area.
My current choices are:
1. Keep my nexus and stay on ATT (not likely)
2. Keep my nexus and switch to T-Mobile
3. Sell my Nexus and buy the ATT compatible version and stick with ATT (seems like too much work and will likely cost me more)
What would you guys recommend?
Thanks for the help!!
TMO is awful in my area so when I was deciding the same, I went with selling my launch nexus one and buying the ATT compat. version. I have been quite pleased with my speeds (2.xMbps down / 1.x Mbps up) on average.
You can sell your phone on ebay for about 500 (that's what mine went for) and in the end, a new one will run you about 30 dollars.
it depends on where you live. If you live in a major area like NYC where tmobile has good 3G coverage then get tmobile, it will be cheaper and tmobile doesnt screw you over in ways that att does.
Just do what's best in your situation. I was a long time AT&T sub as well. I moved to T-Mobile because I like the Even More Plus plan, fits my usage on my phone as well as my budget. Plus it's easier to turn in my phone bill on my expense report at work.
degs said:
Hey guys
I bought my nexus one the week it came out and have been putting up with edge for a while. I have wifi at home and work so I haven't had to suffer too much.
I have had ATT for 5-6 years and have been off contract for a while.
I looked at T-Mobile's pricing for their Even More+ no contract plans and I am paying about the same amount per month as the 500min+text+web plan.
I know reception will vary by area but I live and typically stay in the Pittsburgh area.
My current choices are:
1. Keep my nexus and stay on ATT (not likely)
2. Keep my nexus and switch to T-Mobile
3. Sell my Nexus and buy the ATT compatible version and stick with ATT (seems like too much work and will likely cost me more)
What would you guys recommend?
Thanks for the help!!
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Sign up for tmobile and evaluate their reception in your area, you have 14 days if you don't like it before commiting.
I looked at T-Mobile's pricing for their Even More+ no contract plans and I am paying about the same amount per month as the 500min+text+web plan.
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Don't forget to factor that if you stay with AT&T you will pay $30/mo for smartphone data, not $15 for medianet. AT&T will auto upgrade you to the smartphone data if you're currently on medianet.
T-Mobile is definitely way cheaper overall, you can even get 500 mins + unlimited text for $39, then get the web2go plan (using the internet2.voicestream.com APN on your phone, instead of epc.tmobile.com) for $10. Total will be $49 which is a great deal - AT&T can't beat that.
At the same time although its cheaper with T-mobile....The signal in most cities switches between edge and 3g alot of the time....And alot of buildings you will go straight to edge. And edge for me dosent even work! So although i have T-mobile if sprint wasnt coming i would go with AT&T. "Personal experience/advice"
dallastx said:
At the same time although its cheaper with T-mobile....The signal in most cities switches between edge and 3g alot of the time....And alot of buildings you will go straight to edge. And edge for me dosent even work! So although i have T-mobile if sprint wasnt coming i would go with AT&T. "Personal experience/advice"
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True, in some buildings you will have to deal with EDGE (but of course, you may also have wifi in the building to make up for that)...
But in and around NYC, you're pretty much guaranteed to have 3G, and it works quite well.
gsvnet said:
Don't forget to factor that if you stay with AT&T you will pay $30/mo for smartphone data, not $15 for medianet. AT&T will auto upgrade you to the smartphone data if you're currently on medianet.
T-Mobile is definitely way cheaper overall, you can even get 500 mins + unlimited text for $39, then get the web2go plan (using the internet2.voicestream.com APN on your phone, instead of epc.tmobile.com) for $10. Total will be $49 which is a great deal - AT&T can't beat that.
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Well I currently pay 19.99 a month for internet with ATT. I have the OLD "smartphone" that I picked up when I got my 8525. I had that for almost 3 years and then just finished up a year with an E71(not X) and never had a problem.
What's this web2go you speak of?(I'll go search the forums as well)
I'll also have to find out if I can get a student discount with T-Mo like I do with ATT.
Thanks for all the help so far! Hopefully I don't come across as stupid or anything. I own a small deli/restaurant and work about 12 hours a day. My father has been in the hospital for a while and I am also taking care of the rest of my family so my time has become extremely limited.
Obviously I've been trying to find ways to reduce costs. 49 a month would be amazing
I've had both and prefer T-Mobile.. they have far better customer service, and their coverage here in north San Diego is far superior.. I get HSDPA speeds everywhere I go with T-Mobile and no more dropped calls.
Personally, I'd go for T-Mobile if I were you. You guys already have access to the 3MBit 3G service over there.
muncheese said:
Sign up for tmobile and evaluate their reception in your area, you have 14 days if you don't like it before commiting.
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If he's signing up for an Even More Plus plan then he has as long as he wants to cancel - there is no contract. Since he already has the N1 this would be the best type of plan to get.
Well I think that I will try to swing by a T-Mobile store tomorrow if I have time.
I'll get a SIM card and an Even More Plus plan. 500min+Text and web2go.
Has anyone had any problems using web2go with the nexus?
I'll try to see if I can get the activation fee waived and also add a student discount.
Anyone have any experience with porting a number later on? I'd like to try it for a week or so before porting my ATT number over and cutting that account(if I'm happy)
degs said:
Well I think that I will try to swing by a T-Mobile store tomorrow if I have time.
I'll get a SIM card and an Even More Plus plan. 500min+Text and web2go.
Has anyone had any problems using web2go with the nexus?
I'll try to see if I can get the activation fee waived and also add a student discount.
Anyone have any experience with porting a number later on? I'd like to try it for a week or so before porting my ATT number over and cutting that account(if I'm happy)
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The Even More Plus plans already include data. I'm using it myself with the 500 minute tier plan just fine with my N1.
edit: I ported too and that took a few hours and was fairly painless from AT&T
I'd stay with AT&T if I were you.
I switched to t-mobile from at&t to get the n1 with 3g coverage and I can honestly say in Houston, at&t has far more coverage and is faster.
I had pretty much the same choice between AT&T and T-Mobile, and I ended up just sticking with AT&T and buying the compatible version because I split my time between Pennsylvania and Virginia, and T-Mo coverage in Virginia is spotty at best (even with AT&T roaming agreements).
However, since you're Pittsburgh, it might be good to take the 14 evaluation period as others have said and see if your happy with T-Mobile in the area (plus the rate plans with data will be comparable, or T-Mo will be slightly cheaper).
gsvnet said:
T-Mobile is definitely way cheaper overall, you can even get 500 mins + unlimited text for $39, then get the web2go plan (using the internet2.voicestream.com APN on your phone, instead of epc.tmobile.com) for $10. Total will be $49 which is a great deal - AT&T can't beat that.
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I was told the $10 plan was not 3G, only edge, is this true?
Please. I too would be very interested in finding out if I can use this service to access the internet with my N1. I am currently a T-Mobile Customer using the N1 with the usual plan one gets with this phone.
jimbobalu said:
I was told the $10 plan was not 3G, only edge, is this true?
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No - it's full 3G for $10. You just have to use internet2.voicestream.com as the APN.
gsvnet said:
No - it's full 3G for $10. You just have to use internet2.voicestream.com as the APN.
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So is there something special I need to tell the salesperson or something I have to do to my phone to use internet2.voicestream.com?
Thanks

7 things Sprint is doing right

Some of the things Sprint now offers which, in my oppinion, sets the company apart from other cariers:
1. $125 credit for any new number ported to sprint. If you’re on a contract this will help you with that termination fee. I’ve gotten $150 for one of my friends who switched.
2. Truly unlimited data. Few months ago sprint removed their 5GB throttle and is now advertising it while others are limiting their users. This may not be true with their data devices but it’s true with all phones.
3. Free port of your sprint phone number to Google Voice. It used to cost $20 and you had to be off contract to avoid termination fees to be able to port it to Google Voice. Sprint is the first telecom company to partner with Google and offer this.
4. 30 return/cancel contract no questions asked. Again, Sprint was the first one to offer this. If you don’t like the service, they’ll take you off contract after you return the phone with no questions asked.
5. Switch plans without signing up for new contracts. Once again, another dumb rule got thrown out the window and now you can switch plans all you want.
6. Recent change in policy will now require all Sprint service stores to service rooted phones.
7. Recent change in policy will now allow you to remove some or all Sprint pre-installed apps.
And no, I’m not working for sprint.
True 4G? No, I don't think so.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App
But they do charge an extra 10 dollars for 4g,and if T-Mobile does get gobbled up by att, who's to say if Verizon doesn't turn around and do the same to sprint...
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Great post, will definitely help inform people about sprint. Few things though. As far as unlimited data, the 5 gb cap still exists on 3g data, only 4g is uncapped. Also, nobody in USA has true 4g, not even Verizon's amazing LTE is true 4g. Wimax only pulls 10 Megs on average, thats about it. I think true 4g is like 4-6 x's that, or something. Either way, Sprint is not true 4g. You should also tell people the downside of sprint 4g, i.e., it really only works in cars/outside/or buildings with lots of windows. The bandwidth for Wimax doesnt penetrate at all.
I'm in Pittsburgh, so coverage isn't an issue with T-mobile, but let just say a couple things:
1. True 4g? Come on, lets be honest. If you're gonna pull that bull then Verizon is the only one with it.
2. If I remember correctly, Sprint's "4G" is actually slower than T-mobile's "3.5G", so it doesn't matter what it's called. I don't care if something's 10G if it provides lower speeds than 3G.
3. Sprint costs $40 for 4g, while right now I'm paying $20 for 4g (yeah I have a 3g phone, but that's not the point here).
4. Overall pricing is generally lower on T-mobile, so I think that's why several of us will stay. Once my contract is up 2 years from now, then I'll think about it (since a new contract would cost a lot more. Thanks AT&T&T)
That being said, I know sprint's coverage in other areas may be better, so experiences may differ. I thought I'd just offer my 2 cents
I prefer GSM phones
Sprint 4g is only $10 a month, their plans include data so its not 30 + 10. And I have to disagree with tmobile being cheaper. Sprint has unlimited plan starting at 69, add 4g you have unlimited evrything for less than 80 a month. Last time I was with tmobile I think unlimited plans were like 89 or 99. I am a huge fan of tmobile though and if they had a nexus s 4g also, I would go with them over sprint any day.
tsunami1609 said:
I'm in Pittsburgh, so coverage isn't an issue with T-mobile, but let just say a couple things:
1. True 4g? Come on, lets be honest. If you're gonna pull that bull then Verizon is the only one with it.
2. If I remember correctly, Sprint's "4G" is actually slower than T-mobile's "3.5G", so it doesn't matter what it's called. I don't care if something's 10G if it provides lower speeds than 3G.
3. Sprint costs $40 for 4g, while right now I'm paying $20 for 4g (yeah I have a 3g phone, but that's not the point here).
4. Overall pricing is generally lower on T-mobile, so I think that's why several of us will stay. Once my contract is up 2 years from now, then I'll think about it (since a new contract would cost a lot more. Thanks AT&T&T)
That being said, I know sprint's coverage in other areas may be better, so experiences may differ. I thought I'd just offer my 2 cents
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Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Some valid points. Except that unlimited cap. The 5GB is gone. I'm not sure where you get that info.
I agree with the 4G being slow but wimax can be definitely faster than t-mobile 3.5G it's just, as I mentioned, sprint has been offering that for over a year now and has many devices on it. When a bunch of people access the same tower speeds go down. Hopefully they can expand and improve over time. So I disagree that it's all about speed. I think it's all about the technology which, with enough hardware/$$ can create a faster speeds.
As far as pricing goes... it changes from day to day but they are both competitive and offer low prices compared to the other two giants. But I think sprint's coverage all around is better. I guess it depends where you live.
Also, gsm is better in many ways but one thing it doesn't do well in contrast to cdma is switch between towers. Drive 70mph on a state highway while talking on a gsm phone and find out.
obsanity said:
Some valid points. Except that unlimited cap. The 5GB is gone. I'm not sure where you get that info.
I agree with the 4G being slow but wimax can be definitely faster than t-mobile 3.5G it's just, as I mentioned, sprint has been offering that for over a year now and has many devices on it. When a bunch of people access the same tower speeds go down. Hopefully they can expand and improve over time. So I disagree that it's all about speed. I think it's all about the technology which, with enough hardware/$$ can create a faster speeds.
As far as pricing goes... it changes from day to day but they are both competitive and offer low prices compared to the other two giants. But I think sprint's coverage all around is better. I guess it depends where you live.
Also, gsm is better in many ways but one thing it doesn't do well in contrast to cdma is switch between towers. Drive 70mph on a state highway while talking on a gsm phone and find out.
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It appears you are correct sir, 3g is not capped anymore either. Funny, it only lasted a few months. And it appears it was rarely enforced anyway.
I have to say I like sprint a lot. I bought the nexus s on T-Mobile after being lied to by their customer service that it was excellent cell and data coverage in my area. But after getting the phone, I had absolutely no coverage in my home....well to be honest I had 1 bar to none. Then the data was a joke...it was 2G.
I personally don't mind paying the $10 extra fee.
Sprint's plans is nice...and the 1500 minute family share plan is basically unlimited everything because you get free mobile to mobile minutes. I got ridof our house phone and got my wife and my daughter a cellphone....sprint is becoming a strong company...but this is all my opinion.
I'm sure people feel the total opposite and like T-Mobile, but to each their own.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
My biggest problem with sprint is the 3g speed ...wimax is fast but using it all the time sucks down battery...so most of the time you are using sprints slow 3g ....contrast that with T-Mobile where the speeds don't impact battery life or signal strength...on my nexus s I average 3mb down ...on sprint 3g I would be lucky to see 800kb down
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
well for sprint users a reason to change to the nexus s could be to get away from the rude evo community
Something I don't understand is why people will stay in a contract for 2 years because they do not want to pay the early termination fee. I can understand if you do not have the money right now. Simple math tells you what the cheapest answer is. I will make up some fictitious numbers for my example. Which is cheaper, paying 300 dollars for the early termination fee, or paying your cellphone bill of let's say 50 dollars a month for the next 24 months. Now granted when you change carriers, your first months bill is going to be pretty high. The reason behind that is, you are paying for a phone, a prorated month, a regular month, and all the fees associated with starting a new account.
But all that added together is still cheaper than paying 1200 dollars for 2 years of service. I do understand the differences between long term and short term cost. I also understand that many people may not have enough money to make the switch now. Regardless of you switching now or later, you will still pay the same amount of money when starting a new line of service with a new carrier.
mikeyinid said:
Great post, will definitely help inform people about sprint. Few things though. As far as unlimited data, the 5 gb cap still exists on 3g data, only 4g is uncapped. Also, nobody in USA has true 4g, not even Verizon's amazing LTE is true 4g. Wimax only pulls 10 Megs on average, thats about it. I think true 4g is like 4-6 x's that, or something. Either way, Sprint is not true 4g. You should also tell people the downside of sprint 4g, i.e., it really only works in cars/outside/or buildings with lots of windows. The bandwidth for Wimax doesnt penetrate at all.
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As far as I know, no one in the world has true LTE yet. LTE theoretical shared rate is ~320 Mbit/s or ~172 Mbit/s in download and ~90 Mbit/s for upload, usually the "merchandised 4G" is a HSPA++ at 48 Mbit/s (where it can reach that rate) or some "early stage" 4G implementation as the entire standard involves deep core network changes.
At the moment it is... merchandise
Can someone explain if sprint is a mobile operator or another version of Nexus S.
I have nexus S bought with T-mobile, is it possible for me to get 4G on my phone? does it support 4G ?!?! If so, its Superb news, since we have 4G everywhere soon in Sweden.
mikeyinid said:
Sprint 4g is only $10 a month, their plans include data so its not 30 + 10. And I have to disagree with tmobile being cheaper. Sprint has unlimited plan starting at 69, add 4g you have unlimited evrything for less than 80 a month. Last time I was with tmobile I think unlimited plans were like 89 or 99. I am a huge fan of tmobile though and if they had a nexus s 4g also, I would go with them over sprint any day.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
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Sprint's 69.99 is 450 minutes and unlimited data, + the $10 fee which they swear is not for 4g (and technically it's not since they slap it on all smartphones), so really their cheapest plan is 79.99 for 450 minutes and unlimited data.
T-mobile has basically the same plan for the same price, 500 minutes, unlimited data (yes you're throttled after 5gig but you're not cut off), 79.99 if you're on contract.
If you're NOT on contract (ie; you bought your phone outright), you can get the same package for 59.99 with an Even More Plus plan (basically if you aren't subsidizing your phone, and thus are not on a contract, your plans are $20 cheaper across the board). Sprint doesn't do this. Even if you finish your full contract time on sprint, you'll still pay the same 79.99 per month.
You really don't want to try and claim that Sprint is cheaper than Tmo, they are not. They're about the same if you're on a contract, and Tmo is about $20 cheaper if you're not on contract.
Ultimately in the end it boils down to who has better service in your particular area as to which carrier you prefer.
In my case, I had sprint, the voice service in my area was good, but the data speeds were terrible, so I switched to Tmo, who has excellent voice and data service where I live, and I pay less per month since I own my nexus-s.
all depends on who your calling sprint offers any mobile any time with that 450..
also for sprint family plans its 20 bucks a line +10 bucks if they are smart phones.. how much are they for tmobile?
Raver27 said:
But they do charge an extra 10 dollars for 4g,and if T-Mobile does get gobbled up by att, who's to say if Verizon doesn't turn around and do the same to sprint...
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
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Sprint no longer has the $10 fee
Tapa tapa tapa
mlin said:
Sprint no longer has the $10 fee
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That is completely and totally false. Sorry.
Hey netarchy....
I thought tmo did away with off contract prices being 20 bucks cheaper? I can't find that anywhere on their site and I could have sworn that when I bought my nexus s the tmo reps telling me that buying it off contract won't save me on my monthly bills.
And yes sprint still hits you for the ten bucks a month.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Sprint's Network Loses Badly in National Speed Test

Sprint has proven once again that their Network vision upgrade needs to have happened yesterday. These results show not only that sprint's network is struggling in some areas but MOST areas.
They only managed a 480kbps average EV-DO (3G) speed, the slowest speed tested. Their 4g and 3g networks were also some of the least reliable networks tested.
Get the picture Sprint. We need a real 4g network on a real spectrum. A 2500mhz Wimax network spottily thrown together isn't going to cut it, neither is 10 year old backhaul. It's make or break time Sprint.
Are we looking at the same chart?
Sent from Godot's place.
All I care about is if I get good reception.
And I don't.
Should have come to Baton Rouge. They would have scored 0.05 megabit on the speedtest all day long!
The old adage holds true, you get what you pay for..
Well, first I'd like to mention these stats offer no souce or details on how/where and how many times these figures were tested, which I usually like to see (I'm the skeptical type)
That being said, I agree. I'm lucky to be in Chicago, pretty decent 4g and 3g coverage, but 3g's been slowing down more and more and it shows in many places. They need to pick it up on 3g (their main network). No reason for a tower to only offer 1.2 (1 T1 line minus 300kbps for sprint control) even at 4am on a Tuesday in the suburbs, when Verizons almost always 2mpbs or more with full bars on 3g (and has been for years), same network technology. Its data speeds on 3g I've never been quite happy with.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
makes me miss verizon =[
Ya know, they all suck right now. Verizon's going metered and is cdma (less support), T-mobile's going to get eaten by AT&T because our government can't do the only thing it's supposed to do while it's busy doing everything it isn't supposed to do, Sprint is suffering 3g data slowdown, and again is cdma which means less support.
I've been toying with an idea lately to get the World version GSII, do the iphone trick (get an att sim card with basic voice, pop that in a 2g orig iphone to get on the edge data plan which is ONLY available as unlimited, pop that in a 3g iphone to get auto-upgraded to the $30, grandfathered unlimited data plan) and use it on AT&T with unlimited data. The ONLY issue I have with this (as I'd have my unlimited data, GV for sms) is I'd be paying money to a truly terrible entity (AT&T) and I sincerely morally object to everything they're doing. And yet it would mean a much much larger community...
ksmullins88 said:
makes me miss verizon =[
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know someone who says they can see their data speeds die on Verizon with evry new phone launch. Especially the 4g signal.
compuw22c said:
Ya know, they all suck right now. Verizon's going metered and is cdma (less support), T-mobile's going to get eaten by AT&T because our government can't do the only thing it's supposed to do while it's busy doing everything it isn't supposed to do, Sprint is suffering 3g data slowdown, and again is cdma which means less support.
I've been toying with an idea lately to get the World version GSII, do the iphone trick (get an att sim card with basic voice, pop that in a 2g orig iphone to get on the edge data plan which is ONLY available as unlimited, pop that in a 3g iphone to get auto-upgraded to the $30, grandfathered unlimited data plan) and use it on AT&T with unlimited data. The ONLY issue I have with this (as I'd have my unlimited data, GV for sms) is I'd be paying money to a truly terrible entity (AT&T) and I sincerely morally object to everything they're doing. And yet it would mean a much much larger community...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My sister is doing an even easier and cheaper trick. Get a t-mobile vibrant or motorola defy for $200 then unlock it your self and use it with a $15 a month medianet unlimited data plan. You could take advantage of at&t's $50 unlimited everything prepaid plan too. You just need to make sure to get a phone which works with att's 3g frequency bands (moto defy/vibrant/i9000/sgs 2/rogers nexus s) but isn't on their system as a recognized smart phone ,(in other words one they don't sell).
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Until Sprint gets rid of their unlimited data plan, I will tolerate them for now.
Jayavarman said:
Until Sprint gets rid of their unlimited data plan, I will tolerate them for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 Hopefully they won't go the route of everyone else. If they did I'm going back to a dumb phone because unlimited data is the main reason I have a smartphone.
lynyrd65 said:
My sister is doing an even easier and cheaper trick. Get a t-mobile vibrant or motorola defy for $200 then unlock it your self and use it with a $15 a month medianet unlimited data plan. You could take advantage of at&t's $50 unlimited everything prepaid plan too. You just need to make sure to get a phone which works with att's 3g frequency bands (moto defy/vibrant/i9000/sgs 2/rogers nexus s) but isn't on their system as a recognized smart phone ,(in other words one they don't sell).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only problem with this is I don't believe the i9000 or gsII (or any world phone) works on tmo 3g aws bands. Only att plus they'll be att soon...
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
yeah Verizon did this test.. and im sure they did it in Verizon areas.. These test are like benchmarks on our phones... yeah its cool to say.. hey I have the fastest internet on my phone.. but truthfully it doesn't mean anything.. I personally use my WIFI for the most part and use my 3g/4g randomly when im bored shopping with my wife.. besides... I have unlimited 3g/4g.. I guess sprint lost bc of that too?
Spring is the new tmobile
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App
xTmDarren said:
yeah Verizon did this test.. and im sure they did it in Verizon areas.. These test are like benchmarks on our phones... yeah its cool to say.. hey I have the fastest internet on my phone.. but truthfully it doesn't mean anything.. I personally use my WIFI for the most part and use my 3g/4g randomly when im bored shopping with my wife.. besides... I have unlimited 3g/4g.. I guess sprint lost bc of that too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also use wifi most often when I am surfing with my phone. This test was performed by Verizon? I didn't catch that part. Where did you see that?
In the end Sprint will show us that sticking with them meant nothing. As soon as Verizon gets their tiered data underway. Sprint will go that route too, and give us just a little more than ATT and Verizon. They know we will have nowhere else to go! I just wish I had ditched sprint in February when I started too. Verizon 4G is in my area and i'm stuck with slow speeds.
nebrando said:
I also use wifi most often when I am surfing with my phone. This test was performed by Verizon? I didn't catch that part. Where did you see that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the whole line is highlighted and there's no source listed so, probably. We still haven't seen any testing method data so I call shenanigans til I see a source named.
That said, my moms droid charge pulls in 16/4 (my home internet is only 12/1.5). But that's 4g and not all their new phones are...
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
The test was done by PCMag (http://www.pcmag.com/Fastest-Mobile-Networks-2011)
That being said, my work is a VZW Deadzone, where-as I get at least some Spring signal. I average 9mb/1.5mb down/up on 4G in and around my neighborhood and if my 3G signal can be slower than what is on the chart, its still far faster than anything I need to do daily. If I need more, I'll go 4G/Wifi and be done with it. I abuse the hell outta my unlimited, averaging upwards of 6GB a month data on my phone alone (the wifey also has a Epic on the plan) and I've now thrown a GTab 10.1 into the mix and tether of the phone.
compuw22c said:
Well, the whole line is highlighted and there's no source listed so, probably. We still haven't seen any testing method data so I call shenanigans til I see a source named.
That said, my moms droid charge pulls in 16/4 (my home internet is only 12/1.5). But that's 4g and not all their new phones are...
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Undoubtedly there is a correlation between the all-you-can-eat data and the slow speeds - ie burden on the network.

Leaving Unlimited LTE - Going Prepaid Nexus 4?

Who else is leaving Verizon and the comfort of Unlimited Data - LTE no less - and going prepaid?
I'm 99% certain I'm doing this. I'm more worried about coverage in the pre paid plans then about leaving Verizon. Good riddance! But still scary!
Who else is going through this and what plan are you going to try?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Depends on which prepaid you are going for. I left my unlimited data since I could save a hell lot more money with prepaid. (around 40 dollars a month)
I abandoned my Verizon Galaxy Nexus (and ate the ETF) for a Play Store Galaxy Nexus and a Straight Talk (AT&T) prepaid plan in May. I haven't looked back since. Got all the updates and cut my bill in half. Good things with prepaid is you dont have to commit. I say try out AT&T and T-Mo based prepaid plans in your area and see if you'll be happy with the service. When the Nexus 4 is released, all I need to do is put my SIM card in it...done.
I'm leaving sprint with their unlimited data
.I work at a t mobile retailer and will probably use T-Mobile prepaid and get the phone..
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
You should really make sure what type of coverage/data speeds you'll be getting on T-Mobile or AT&Ts networks before you make the jump. We all want the N4, but unfortunately, it's just not going to be viable for some people.
Cheers
I have a Straight Talk ATT Sim coming as well as T-Mobile Prepaid. I will try both and see. I only have the coverage maps to go by and a few friends. I live in Spokane Washington so if anyone knows about that area let me know!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Go t mobile that way you get hspa 42
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
emuneee said:
I abandoned my Verizon Galaxy Nexus (and ate the ETF) for a Play Store Galaxy Nexus and a Straight Talk (AT&T) prepaid plan in May. I haven't looked back since. Got all the updates and cut my bill in half. Good things with prepaid is you dont have to commit. I say try out AT&T and T-Mo based prepaid plans in your area and see if you'll be happy with the service. When the Nexus 4 is released, all I need to do is put my SIM card in it...done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did this same thing about three months ago. Between me and my wife we are saving about $100 per month for smart phone service. I wont argue that Verizon is the king as far as coverage goes but they are just too proud of their services and they are punishing long term loyal customers which I won't stand for.
I would say we are receiving about 90% of other service we had with Verizon for about half the cost. It was a no brainer for me. Even with the etf, I'm already saving money!
Eddog4DROID said:
Who else is leaving Verizon and the comfort of Unlimited Data - LTE no less - and going prepaid?
I'm 99% certain I'm doing this. I'm more worried about coverage in the pre paid plans then about leaving Verizon. Good riddance! But still scary!
Who else is going through this and what plan are you going to try?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not going pre paid but going to t-mobile unlimited.
Straight Talk looks good but I keep hearing about strict data policies. I use like 1 gig a month usually. Its the 100 MB a day that seems limiting. Occasionally, I need that.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Eddog4DROID said:
Straight Talk looks good but I keep hearing about strict data policies. I use like 1 gig a month usually. Its the 100 MB a day that seems limiting. Occasionally, I need that.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its more like 2gb a month. I don't put much stock in the 100mb a day thing because I've busted that bunches of times with no reprocussions. YMMV.
If data is a concern, get a T-Mobile sim if their coverage is good in your area. I read all the time about people using 5-7gb a month without being throttled.
I actually have a T Mobile sim coming as well. That 30 dollar plan looks awesome. I just don't know if I can do 100 minutes and how their coverage is.
I keep reading that pre paid plans do not have roaming either, does anyone know what that actually means? For example, what if I leave my state and I go to another city that has good coverage with the same prepaid carrier is that considered roaming?
Sent from my GT-P7510 using xda premium
Eddog4DROID said:
Who else is leaving Verizon and the comfort of Unlimited Data - LTE no less - and going prepaid?
I'm 99% certain I'm doing this. I'm more worried about coverage in the pre paid plans then about leaving Verizon. Good riddance! But still scary!
Who else is going through this and what plan are you going to try?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am doing this. I have a plan for me and the wife. My contract is up in January so ill be buying a Nexus 4 in late december to test it out/port my number before my contract ends effective 2/2. If all is good my wife will be making the transition as well. Right now we pay $150 for our plan through Verizon for 700/unlmtd/unlmtd. We only use like 100 minutes a month so im paying for the data/messaging... all of which I cant use data inside my home, so its Wifi only, and messaging at home hardly works anyways... wifey stays home with the baby and only uses like 100mb a month on the data package.......
All said and done I cannot believe I didnt make this switch earlier. Ill be saving over $900 this year alone incl the cost of the devices. Cant beat that..
That said - Anyone interested in a Galaxy Nexus in Mint condition (I mean mint.. its a Refurb that just got sent to me last week and rebuilt 2 weeks ago, not a knick or scratch) or a RAZR Black 16gb
Anyone in SE Michigan using T-Mobile $30 plan? Checking the coverage map looks very sketchy once you get off the e-ways.
AT&T used currently, so Straight Talk is an option, but use hardly any minutes so the T-Mobile plan looks enticing, but do travel a bit to the UP and Minnesota which looks like it would be hit or miss on coverage compared to AT&T/Straight Talk.
T-Mobile's HSPA+ is faster than Verizon LTE. I wish T-Mobile had the coverage Verizon did though.
UnlockedNand said:
T-Mobile's HSPA+ is faster than Verizon LTE. I wish T-Mobile had the coverage Verizon did though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
H+ is such a sketchy network compared to LTE though. Very inconsistent and can be literally polar opposites in terms of data speeds in one spot to ten feet away. From my parking spot at work to the door I go from 8down to 1down with no obstructions. Same can be said in my house. With an LTE phone I don't see those kinds of fluctuations.
Eddog4DROID said:
I actually have a T Mobile sim coming as well. That 30 dollar plan looks awesome. I just don't know if I can do 100 minutes and how their coverage is.
I keep reading that pre paid plans do not have roaming either, does anyone know what that actually means? For example, what if I leave my state and I go to another city that has good coverage with the same prepaid carrier is that considered roaming?
Sent from my GT-P7510 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No that's not considered roaming. I used my gnex on straight talk at&t & postpaid t-mobile. Here is an example of roaming: when I go upstate, there is literally no tmo coverage. In those areas (about 3 hrs north of westchester county in ny), my postpaid tmo account will roam onto at&t. At that moment, I am a tmo customer roaming onto at&t. If I were on tmo prepaid, I would not get any service at all. I would not roam onto at&t. However, on my straight talk at&t sim, I had service up there. Data speeds are slower that tmo, but there at&t has a bigger footprint.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
emuneee said:
I abandoned my Verizon Galaxy Nexus (and ate the ETF) for a Play Store Galaxy Nexus and a Straight Talk (AT&T) prepaid plan in May. I haven't looked back since. Got all the updates and cut my bill in half. Good things with prepaid is you dont have to commit. I say try out AT&T and T-Mo based prepaid plans in your area and see if you'll be happy with the service. When the Nexus 4 is released, all I need to do is put my SIM card in it...done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will need a new Sim, or have to cut your old one....
Sent from my HTC Sensation using Tapatalk 2
Eddog4DROID said:
Who else is leaving Verizon and the comfort of Unlimited Data - LTE no less - and going prepaid?
I'm 99% certain I'm doing this. I'm more worried about coverage in the pre paid plans then about leaving Verizon. Good riddance! But still scary!
Who else is going through this and what plan are you going to try?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did just this about two weeks ago. I went with tmobile $50 unlimited and cut my bill in half. I'm really sorry I didn't do it sooner to be honest. I paid my ETF, but that's ok because I'll make it up in like 3 months of having a lower bill. It was worth it to me, because verizon's anti-consumer nonsense was really starting to bother me, and their customer service has never been great in my experience.
Coverage with tmobile has actually been pretty good in Indianapolis. However, I'm currently on an Iphone 4 and can only get edge speeds as the network farm isnt done in my area. I really like the iphone a lot, considerably better than my incredible 2, though I will probably grab a nexus 4 when it comes out, if only for variety. It's nice being able to pop a sim card out of one phone and into another without the hassle of dealing with locked up, overpriced phones.
Do it, but you might want to think about keeping a spare phone around in case you have to have your nexus 4 repaired. an older android im sure would be fine, assuming it's a model with decent build quality that can stand the test of time.
cbutt said:
No that's not considered roaming. I used my gnex on straight talk at&t & postpaid t-mobile. Here is an example of roaming: when I go upstate, there is literally no tmo coverage. In those areas (about 3 hrs north of westchester county in ny), my postpaid tmo account will roam onto at&t. At that moment, I am a tmo customer roaming onto at&t. If I were on tmo prepaid, I would not get any service at all. I would not roam onto at&t. However, on my straight talk at&t sim, I had service up there. Data speeds are slower that tmo, but there at&t has a bigger footprint.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tmo prepaid has voice/text roaming, just not data roaming.
Sent from my A100 using xda app-developers app

Changing carriers

Hi, XDA
Needed a little help currently here in the good old U.S.A and on verizon wireless i am thinking about switching carriers one reason is my phone of choice is the Htc One, also thinking of switching because of the things that i can do on some of the other networks here in the states like talk and surf at the same time not only on 4g lte but also on 3g hspa+, which is another thing that i liked because if im in an area that 4g lte is not available i can fall back on hspa+ which is faster than verizon cdma 3g network that tops out at 1.5-2mb down and .4mb up.
The reason why i am holding on to verizon is that I have unlimited data no throttling or data overages and I am planning to buy my phones at full retail to keep me out of contracts with these companies and also keep my unlimited data because i use alot of data i mean 8gb a month avaerage over 4months i guess if i stay with verizon i would have to settle for the samsung plastic s4 or wait for the google x phone. just want to hear some opinions or advice thanks in advance.
Sprint is your only option for unlimited data. They don't have HSPA, but are substantially cheaper than Verizon.
I just switched from Verizon to ATT yesterday coming from Unlimited as well.
I switched mainly because of the lack of service in my area of work and lack of availability of phones. Does going from Unlimited to 5Ggb suck, yes, but I also have service where I work and will be able to get the beloved HTC One. I'll just need to keep an eye on my usage from now on.
I pay $10 for every GB I go over which doesn't sound too bad to me.
jammicphi said:
Hi, XDA
Needed a little help currently here in the good old U.S.A and on verizon wireless i am thinking about switching carriers one reason is my phone of choice is the Htc One, also thinking of switching because of the things that i can do on some of the other networks here in the states like talk and surf at the same time not only on 4g lte but also on 3g hspa+, which is another thing that i liked because if im in an area that 4g lte is not available i can fall back on hspa+ which is faster than verizon cdma 3g network that tops out at 1.5-2mb down and .4mb up.
The reason why i am holding on to verizon is that I have unlimited data no throttling or data overages and I am planning to buy my phones at full retail to keep me out of contracts with these companies and also keep my unlimited data because i use alot of data i mean 8gb a month avaerage over 4months i guess if i stay with verizon i would have to settle for the samsung plastic s4 or wait for the google x phone. just want to hear some opinions or advice thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight Talk is AT&T MVNO and offers "unlimited" everything at $45/month, no contract. I have been using it with Galaxy Nexus for over a year.
When my unlocked HTC One arrives I will trim the sim and use it.
I'm joining my fiance's AT&T plan here in NY, there data for two lines isn't horrible. $150 for Unlimited Talk/Text and 4GB shared data for $150 for a few business/pleasure phones isn't too bad, she's paying $100 a month for her non-smartphone though, ****ing crazy!
Witek_M said:
Straight Talk is AT&T MVNO and offers "unlimited" everything at $45/month, no contract. I have been using it with Galaxy Nexus for over a year.
When my unlocked HTC One arrives I will trim the sim and use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you order the HTC One on locked can you provide link plz, and i did not even think about staright talk that looks really promising same network as AT&T unlimited calls and text plus data unlimited? now im sure they throttle usage over a certain amount just not sure what that amount of data would be.
Witek_M said:
Straight Talk is AT&T MVNO and offers "unlimited" everything at $45/month, no contract. I have been using it with Galaxy Nexus for over a year.
When my unlocked HTC One arrives I will trim the sim and use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Straight Talk that ATT doesn't provide sims for or with T-Mobile?
Sent from my SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Marcismo55 said:
The Straight Talk that ATT doesn't provide sims for or with T-Mobile?
Sent from my SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You order a sim card from straight Talks website
Straight Talk uses Verizon towers where I live, my wife too uses it with her gnex
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
ok just looked over somethings, thinking im staying with the plan to go with AT&T 1. I would get 4g lte with them 2. wont get throttled after 100mb-300mb of data usage.
Marcismo55 said:
The Straight Talk that ATT doesn't provide sims for or with T-Mobile?
Sent from my SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does but HTC One 801e I have ordered does not have frequencies that are needed with T-Mobile.
jammicphi said:
ok just looked over somethings, thinking im staying with the plan to go with AT&T 1. I would get 4g lte with them 2. wont get throttled after 100mb-300mb of data usage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What city do you live in? Based on your answer I can better give a suggestion.
blane237 said:
What city do you live in? Based on your answer I can better give a suggestion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chicagoland area or should I say Chicago surrounding suburbs
jammicphi said:
Chicagoland area or should I say Chicago surrounding suburbs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then I say Sprint. They are about 90% done with their Network Vision upgrade in Chicago.
You can visit Sensorly.com so that you can see how their LTE coverage is in your area.

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