USA sim - Networking

I am from Israel and I am coming to the States on the next Monday. I need a sim with unlimited data, and about 100 minutes of talk and some messages.. I also need wifi tethring option to tether my tablet and laptop. I cant decide which carrier to choose. T mobile daily plan sounds nice but there are others like h2o, net10... Any suggestions?
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk 2

I would get the T-Mobile $30 unlimited data and texting with 100 minutes. The $3 a day plan is also a good option if you're going to use under 200MB a day.
All the plans AT&T MVNO's(H2o, Red Pocket, etc) have low data allowances and cost more than T-Mobile.
AT&T has 250 minutes and unlimited texting for $25 a month. You can add data for $25 a GB.

bar_rodoy said:
I am from Israel and I am coming to the States on the next Monday. I need a sim with unlimited data, and about 100 minutes of talk and some messages.. I also need wifi tethring option to tether my tablet and laptop. I cant decide which carrier to choose. T mobile daily plan sounds nice but there are others like h2o, net10... Any suggestions?
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk 2
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You should make sure your phone supports the AWS band (also known as band IV) for 3G before going on T-Mobile or band II or V for AT&T 3G.
T-Mobile checks UA string to detect tethering, so you will need to spoof it in your browser settings to get around it. Not sure about AT&T or any MVNO, however.
Would strongly suggest T-Mobile if your phone supports it and you plan to stay in a metro area. Otherwise, go with an AT&T MVNO.

While I have not had any experience with T-Mobile, all of my past experience with AT&T has been horrid. I would not recommend them for prepaid or postpaid usage

Rikairchy said:
While I have not had any experience with T-Mobile, all of my past experience with AT&T has been horrid. I would not recommend them for prepaid or postpaid usage
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As much as I would agree (I hate calling people who I know are on AT&T because the calls drop frequently), T-Mobile's 3G coverage is much smaller than AT&T's 3G coverage - leaving AT&T as the only GSM option in some areas. That said, if you spend most of your time in or around major cities, T-Mobile is superior both on performance and price.

I have LG P500, it has quad band and tri band.. should it work with T Mobile? I will be in major cities like NYC, Philly, DC...

bar_rodoy said:
I have LG P500, it has quad band and tri band.. should it work with T Mobile? I will be in major cities like NYC, Philly, DC...
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You won't be able to get 3G from any US carrier with that phone. It supports 900 / 2100 for 3G and none of the networks over here support those 3G frequencies.
You'll be on 2G no matter which carrier you choose.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

Mr.Mischief said:
You won't be able to get 3G from any US carrier with that phone. It supports 900 / 2100 for 3G and none of the networks over here support those 3G frequencies.
You'll be on 2G no matter which carrier you choose.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
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From what I know, T mobile uses 2100 MHZ...
By the way, how about Motorola Milestone 2?

bar_rodoy said:
From what I know, T mobile uses 2100 MHZ...
By the way, how about Motorola Milestone 2?
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Nope. T-Mobile uses 1700/2100 together. You can't just use 2100 on T-Mobile.
The international Milestone has the same bands as your P500. The US Milestone supports AT&T 3G.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

Mr.Mischief said:
I would get the T-Mobile $30 unlimited data and texting with 100 minutes. The $3 a day plan is also a good option if you're going to use under 200MB a day.
All the plans AT&T MVNO's(H2o, Red Pocket, etc) have low data allowances and cost more than T-Mobile.
AT&T has 250 minutes and unlimited texting for $25 a month. You can add data for $25 a GB.
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Click to collapse
The problem with the T-Mobile $30 unlimited data (up to 5Gb) plan is you won't be able to use any data on Edge and they don't really have 4G anywhere unless your phone does WCDMA on 1700Mhz then it will work at T-Mobile stores but that's all. You will need a newer Samsung Galaxy S2 or S3 phone to take advantage of 3G service on T-Mobile.

stevec5000 said:
The problem with the T-Mobile $30 unlimited data (up to 5Gb) plan is you won't be able to use any data on Edge and they don't really have 4G anywhere unless your phone does WCDMA on 1700Mhz then it will work at T-Mobile stores but that's all. You will need a newer Samsung Galaxy S2 or S3 phone to take advantage of 3G service on T-Mobile.
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When the OP made the thread and mentioned T-Mobile, I figured he had a T-Mobile compatible phone. If you reqd the post above, you'd see I pointed out that T-Mobile 3G/4G wouldn't work on his phone.
But, don't have to be at a T-Mobile store to get 4G. That's absurd. Also, there's no need for a new T-Mobile phone to get fast data, any T-Mobile 3G phone will work.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Mr.Mischief said:
When the OP made the thread and mentioned T-Mobile, I figured he had a T-Mobile compatible phone. If you reqd the post above, you'd see I pointed out that T-Mobile 3G/4G wouldn't work on his phone.
But, don't have to be at a T-Mobile store to get 4G. That's absurd. Also, there's no need for a new T-Mobile phone to get fast data, any T-Mobile 3G phone will work.
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I disagree, it may sound absurd until you realize they don't really have any 4G network anyplace but they need service inside the stores so they can display the phones working. In the Phoenix, Mesa and Scottsdale areas the only place you can get 4G on T-Mobil is in or near the T-Mobil stores where they have a 5 bar signal. They claim they aren't using an amp or anything but if you leave the store and go down the street a few blocks there's no signal and it's not available anywhere else.
As for saying "any T-Mobile 3G phone will work" you know they haven't sold 3G phones since 2010, right? None of the new Samsung 4G phones can get 3G either, at least none of the ones I looked at in the store could get it since they don't have an option for HSPA or HSPA+, just GSM and WCDMA with nothing in between.

stevec5000 said:
I disagree, it may sound absurd until you realize they don't really have any 4G network anyplace but they need service inside the stores so they can display the phones working. In the Phoenix, Mesa and Scottsdale areas the only place you can get 4G on T-Mobil is in or near the T-Mobil stores where they have a 5 bar signal. They claim they aren't using an amp or anything but if you leave the store and go down the street a few blocks there's no signal and it's not available anywhere else.
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Tinfoil hat much? Nuff said.
I get T-Mobile 4G all over Alabama, miles away from the T-Mobile store. I also travel yearly to TN, LA, MI, and GA, and I get T-Mobile 4G in those states as well.
stevec5000 said:
As for saying "any T-Mobile 3G phone will work" you know they haven't sold 3G phones since 2010, right? None of the new Samsung 4G phones can get 3G either, at least none of the ones I looked at in the store could get it since they don't have an option for HSPA or HSPA+, just GSM and WCDMA with nothing in between.
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All T-Mobile smartphones phones are capable of 3G. You confusing T-Mobile 4G with LTE. T-Mobile doesn't have LTE, and their 4G network is nothing more than fast 3G. The icon in the corner of your screen might only show 4G, but there are many instances where it's actually getting 3G I get 3G with my Galaxy Nexus on T-Mobile.
You really need to do some serious research.

Lets try and keep this on topic of the thread bout sim card and not go off about how good the actual networks are etc.

The fact of the matter is, you'll only get 3G/4G (HSPA+) on AT&T and AT&T MNVO's. If OP needs fast data, I'd recommend a Straight Talk AT&T-Compatible SIM from http://straighttalk.com. It's $50 for a month of unlimited everything (just don't go too crazy with data). When you fill in the APN, ignore any proxy fields except for "MMS Proxy".

Product F(RED) said:
The fact of the matter is, you'll only get 3G/4G (HSPA+) on AT&T and AT&T MNVO's. If OP needs fast data, I'd recommend a Straight Talk AT&T-Compatible SIM from http://straighttalk.com. It's $50 for a month of unlimited everything (just don't go too crazy with data). When you fill in the APN, ignore any proxy fields except for "MMS Proxy".
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His phone runs on 900MHz and 2100MHz, doesn't AT&T 3G run on 850MHz and 1900MHz?

Oh wow, he has some funky frequencies. He'll need a different phone for 3G/4G on any network then. Basic functions and EDGE should work though.

Related

Best version of the Tab?

I plan on getting one through Craigslist and will most likely be using it on Wi-Fi only.
Is there any difference between them besides the carrier markings? Which one can make voice calls after rooting?
(I'm on TMO)
If you want to make calls, you're gonna want an ATT tab. The gsm variants (att and tmob) both have 16gb of internal storage with a card slot free. The cdma variants (sprint, verizon) have 2gb of internal storage and a 16gb card. That's about the only difference between the carriers.
Bluetooth keyboard and mouse will work with the T-Mobile version.
info about devices I've gathered from these forums so far:
Verizon and Sprint have no Bluetooth HID support (this means you can't pair a mouse or keybaord - not sure about bluetooth headsets though), and VZN/Sprint only have 2GB of internal storage. tmo/att tabs have 16GB internal storage.
Tmobile has the fastest 3g data, but Verizon has the most data coverage on the continental us map, and is generally the slowest 3G data. Tmobile has the cheapest prepaid option at $10 for 7 days/150mb. ATT prepaid will cost minimum of $20 for 1 month/250mb. verizon i believe starts at $20/month, and with sprint there is no prepaid option.
Tmobile can be hacked to use voice minutes and data, but only edge works with that voice hack enabled, no 3G. You can turn off the voice hack and get 3G data speeds without resetting. ATT voice and 3G will work without the hack(still needs to be flashed though).
Sprint tablets usually sells for the cheapest. AT&T tablets generally sells for most expensive.
AT&T 3G also works in Europe, as well as tmobile 3g.
Tmobile has the most search results in the galaxy tab forum, tmobile is mentioned twice as much as any of the other carriers.
GSM models have more xda development support than CDMA.
As stated previously, there is no switch hacking necessary for the modem on the AT&T model if you want to use voice minutes. Just flash rom, modem and go. If you have the euro version you don't even need to flash to use this capability. Tmobile, on the other hand, requires a switch hack in order to use minutes from your plan.
Tmobile is a great choice if you don't plan on using it as a phone, and are in an area with 3G coverage. Tmobile is an ok choice if you do plan to use voice minutes. Note that in order to use voice with 3G on AT&T, you need to have a contract plan which starts at $55/month. Some people don't use the phone minutes but instead use skype or some other VOIP service over 3G. For VOIP in the continental US, Tmobile is probably the better choice due to faster speeds if you're not moving around too much. IF you plan on traveling all over the place then ATT is probably the better choice.
with ATT and tmobile you can surf 3G AND talk at the same time when using cellular voice minutes. you cannot talk and surf at the same time with EDGE.
daveymark said:
AT&T 3G also works in Europe. Tmobile tab will not have 3G in Europe, only edge.
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Small correction here - TMo US Tab *does* have 3G in Europe.
Regards,
Dave
foxmeister said:
Small correction here - TMo US Tab *does* have 3G in Europe.
Regards,
Dave
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thanks for pointing that out. after researching it more it looks like there is confusion with tmobile because in the U.S. tmobile uses 1700 frequency AND 2100 frequency, and in europe/asia it's just the 2100 frequency that is used.
daveymark said:
info about devices I've gathered from these forums so far:
Tmobile has the fastest 3g data.....
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I have a Droid X (Verizon) and a Galaxy Tablet (T-Mobile). Here's what I've observed. Verizon's 3G service coverage is pretty much everywhere. I can't find anywhere that I don't have 3G with the Droid X. T-Mobile's 3G coverage is more limited. For example, I work in Greensboro, NC and live in Burlington, NC. I have 3G coverage in Greensboro but lose it and go on EDGE when I get to Burlington. However, in the places where I have 3G with T-Mobile, it's 3 - 6 times faster than Verizon's. It really smokes.....where it's available. If they could get their coverage as widespread as Verizon's, they would definitely be the carrier of choice.
One additional observation....about a mile from my home in Burlington, there's a T-Mobile store. They've got all kinds of flyers in their windows about how fast their 3G and 4G speeds are. Interesting thing is that where this store is located and for about 12 miles going towards Greensboro, you don't have anything but EDGE. So, if you go into the store and want to see an example of their "blazing speeds" they can't provide it....unless they're doing it with WiFi and fooling the customer.
Guitar4Him said:
I have a Droid X (Verizon) and a Galaxy Tablet (T-Mobile). Here's what I've observed. Verizon's 3G service coverage is pretty much everywhere. I can't find anywhere that I don't have 3G with the Droid X. T-Mobile's 3G coverage is more limited. For example, I work in Greensboro, NC and live in Burlington, NC. I have 3G coverage in Greensboro but lose it and go on EDGE when I get to Burlington. However, in the places where I have 3G with T-Mobile, it's 3 - 6 times faster than Verizon's. It really smokes.....where it's available. If they could get their coverage as widespread as Verizon's, they would definitely be the carrier of choice.
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Well said, lack of 3G coverage is one of the reasons I did not go with a Tmobile Tab. I was going to originally pick up a verizon model since it seems to work in more places. Unfortunately the lack of Bluetooth HID support and no coverage in europe forced me to avoid VZW. ATT has more 3G coverage than tmobile and has the option of voice with 3G, so I went that route.
here are two up to date maps of current 3G coverage, ATT vs Tmobile:
TMobile:
http://www.cellularmaps.com/image/tm_3g_10c.jpg
ATT:
http://www.cellularmaps.com/image/att_3g_11a.jpg
as you can see ATT is the clear winner here, for now.
for reference, here's verizon's 3G coverage:
http://www.cellularmaps.com/image/vzw_3g_c.jpg

T-Mobile SGSII

hey all, i was wondering if anyone had any information on the SGSII potentially coming to T-Mobile in the US. I read online that we might not get an actual SGSII and the we might get the Hercules and i've also heard that the Hercules will be the T-Mo version of the SGSII. I really would love to get one so i'm just hoping that they come stateside.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App
Havent heard of anything for tmobile, just sprint/bell and possibly att lte sgs2.
Juls317 said:
hey all, i was wondering if anyone had any information on the SGSII potentially coming to T-Mobile in the US. I read online that we might not get an actual SGSII and the we might get the Hercules and i've also heard that the Hercules will be the T-Mo version of the SGSII. I really would love to get one so i'm just hoping that they come stateside.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App
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The Hercules is a variant of the U.S. market Infuse with a dual-core TI SoC. What other features it has haven't been confirmed. It's due out in September. T-Mobile won't be getting a version of the SGS2.
http://thisismynext.com/2011/05/17/exclusive-samsung-hercules-t-mobile-dual-core-infuse-4g/
would it be possible to buy an I9100 and unlock it and use it on tmobile
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Juls317 said:
would it be possible to buy an I9100 and unlock it and use it on tmobile
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App
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You'd only get EDGE data speeds. Your only hope for a version that works on T-Mobile's bands is if Wind Canada gets one. But the Canadian's on the forum have said it's a Bell Canada exclusive so it's a long shot.
BarryH_GEG said:
You'd only get EDGE data speeds. Your only hope for a version that works on T-Mobile's bands is if Wind Canada gets one. But the Canadian's on the forum have said it's a Bell Canada exclusive so it's a long shot.
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Just got SGS2, it is connected to t-mobile usa, and it does only get EDGE speeds, and no HSPA+.
I can still keep it for trying out stuff for a bit, and would install any custom mods to try. If won't work, I may want to return it.
Is Wind Canada the only one with HSPA+ which is an option here?
There is no way to add only that support on top of a stock android?
The other feature that's needed to make it an excellent offering it T-Mobile Wi-Fi calling.
Any suggestions?
Ok, got an att sim and hspa+ works getting 6mbit downloads wih sgs2 now. Will only have that sim for test for three days. Though att is definitly costlier than tmobile for data and phone plans and they charge for overage rather than throttle.
Still my preference would be to hspa+ on tmobile, get tmobile wifi calling to work etc.
Also noted that tmobile wifi calling wont show as an app that backup software can see.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
arntgur said:
Ok, got an att sim and hspa+ works getting 6mbit downloads wih sgs2 now. Will only have that sim for test for three days. Though att is definitly costlier than tmobile for data and phone plans and they charge for overage rather than throttle.
Still my preference would be to hspa+ on tmobile, get tmobile wifi calling to work etc.
Also noted that tmobile wifi calling wont show as an app that backup software can see.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
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I don't see AT&T being quite more expensive unless you really need the unlimited minutes. Otherwise you could get the medianet plan since the S2 isn't detected as a smartphone, which will solve your data problem for overages.
On tmobile i pay $25 for 'unlimited' data which means after 5gb it is throttled. I am on a no contract plan. Price for contract plan is $30 for the same data plan.
If i dont pay for overage its great. Yet them not recognizing it as smartphone may not hold for too long, as us flavors of s2 are being prepared.
While it does last that they dont recognise it as a smartphone, are you also on smallest data plan and pay the minimum?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
arntgur said:
On tmobile i pay $25 for 'unlimited' data which means after 5gb it is throttled. I am on a no contract plan. Price for contract plan is $30 for the same data plan.
If i dont pay for overage its great. Yet them not recognizing it as smartphone may not hold for too long, as us flavors of s2 are being prepared.
While it does last that they dont recognise it as a smartphone, are you also on smallest data plan and pay the minimum?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
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There is an unlimited non smartphone data plan in att for just $15 and many of us are on that plan.
We do get hspa+ speeds on this plan. Pretty good deal compared to tmobile.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App
I just bought an unlocked SGSII http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875176292 from Newegg on "sale." It states that it has UMTS 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz.
I thought T-mobile used 900 and 2100. Can anyone explain why it doesn't work with T-mobile?
Thanks.
gspears said:
I just bought an unlocked SGSII http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875176292 from Newegg on "sale." It states that it has UMTS 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz.
I thought T-mobile used 900 and 2100. Can anyone explain why it doesn't work with T-mobile?
Thanks.
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Click to collapse
T-mobile uses 1700 and 2100, not 900 and 2100.
That would explain it.
Rrr, guess i missed the same point about tmobile's bands. There was a list of the 4 freauencies and no distinction of which one is for voice, data etc.
So running a speed test using AnTuTu benchmark clearly shows sgsii is a great pick performance wise as it is dominating the charts. Though that app lack a distinction for original cpu speeds. I may overclock it if i get time as its a fun game, thouhgh not right now.
Data plan wise, on att usa, you are on $15 for non smartphone. The its ar their mercy, and they could identify sgsii as smartphone anytime in which case we'd loose that excellent option, right?
Now got my previous smartphone, mytouch 4g with tmobile on a family plan. And that one would likely not fit on att hspa+ eigher. I can validate it later with my test card from att.
Phone plan wise att family starts at $69 for 700 min for two lines, and they also got 550 min unadvertized for $10 less. This is still $10 above t mobile base for family at $49, yet no big deal if att data is cheaper at $15 with the mentioned 'non smartphone' option.
With att data on hspa+, you vuys easily use the mobile access point without limitations? Have anyone tried vpning and working on that, remote desktop to work machine for a significant time, full working day, etc?
With my att test sim, hspa+ downloads are fine, anywhere from 1.5 to 6 mbits, uploads sometimes were slow around 300
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
... uploads were around 300 kbit.
Will test it some more today and tomorrow from more locations in the area.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
arntgur said:
Now got my previous smartphone, mytouch 4g with tmobile on a family plan. And that one would likely not fit on att hspa+ eigher. I can validate it later with my test card from att.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To save you and everyone else the trouble, as of now:
- There is no AT&T phone that supports HSPA+ on T-Mobile's network
- There is no T-Mobile phone that supports HSPA+ on AT&T's network
- There is no unbranded phone that supports HSPA+ on T-Mobile and AT&T, you have to pick one or the other. The SGS2 does not support, and most likely will never support, T-Mobile's funky AWS bands.
The Hercules is rumored to have AT&T's bands. So was the G2X and it didn't.
Thanks, that clarifies.
To maintain at least HSPA+ speeds, I can either Of two options:
- keep sgsii, move to AT&T, find how to migrate another existing smartphone since my tough 4g won't work with AT&T's data. *Maybe sell it and get another AT&T phone.
- return sgsii and stay on tmobile.
Have talked to AT&T support, and they confirmed that data plans for non smartphones begin at $10. *And that sgsii does not show as anything in their systems now neither a smartphone nor a non-smartphone. *And that it is correct that they can't guarantee anything about not identifying it as a smartphone in future.
So the best chance of the $15 data for non smartphones to last is if we get lucky enough that when they do launch the us AT&T version of sgsii, then the international one will be left out.
I am not exactly clear why the $15 non smartphone plan is needed over the $10 one. *Though, cant test too much with my AT&T temp sim, as they didn't want to change the plan the store gave me due to being on a trial period.
Still got today to try att sim out and can return with no fees, so will call or step by the store and check if that would be possible. *One challenge is that they already saw the phone and got excited, and listed it as a smartphone plan. * ..., we'll see how it goes...
Then I am also reading that AT&T talks about a dual LTE/HSPA+ support, yet that lte may take time to be battery friendly (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1162330&page=2). *
So possibly waiting for LTE to mature is not practical, in which case maybe no point in waiting for AT&T us version of sgsii which may only add LTE.
Coming from tmobile hspa+ usage since nov 2010, now when testing AT&T, it is more influenced from during the day traffic and speeds are slower vs faster speeds at less conventional hours. *Also seeing some sporadic speed tests issues coming from another device using the wifi hotspot - usually the upload, sometimes download too is near zero speed. *While most speed tests are decent. *Then have not seen any of that on tmobile.
One issue making me consider moving to AT&T is that tmobiles speeds in my new place are very bad for hspa+ if it at all it gets an*hspa signal. *Used to never need wifi and get consistent 4-6 mbits downloads ..., now getting even 1 from tmobile is a challenge.
Then, would like fast Internet when traveling overseas. *And tmobiles phone worked well last time with fast speeds. * Then I have seen some mentioning that tmobiles bands could be better for world traveling than AT&T, is that so?
(For instance*http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/android/thread?tid=4d1bbd0f46632e8d&hl=en has:
I can only say I use T-Mobile version and it IS working. I don't have AT&T one, can say nothing about it. Reason I have in mind while selecting model - in the most of the world T-Mobile version will have better coverage.
)
arntgur said:
Thanks, that clarifies.
To maintain at least HSPA+ speeds, I can either Of two options:
- keep sgsii, move to AT&T, find how to migrate another existing smartphone since my tough 4g won't work with AT&T's data. *Maybe sell it and get another AT&T phone.
- return sgsii and stay on tmobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- The $10 plan requires an unlimited messaging plan. The $15 plan is a stand-alone.
- The carrier versions of the SGS2 will have different model numbers and a different series of IMEI codes so I doubt that would effect the international SGS2 in AT&T's database.
- Our SGS2 won't support LTE. But it's going to take AT&T at least a year and a half to get any meaningful LTE penetration.
- I came from T-Mobile. AT&T's HSPA+ clocks a lot slower than T-Mobile's and isn't as widely available. For some reason though, things like video buffer less for me even though the speeds clock slower.
- AT&T is far better for international travel. They have roaming data plans you can pre-purchase that are less than 1/4 of what T-Mobile charges. Also, because the SGS2 is unlocked, you can pick up a SIM locally if you want to.
I'm surprised T-Mo isn't getting the GSII, they're usually good with Android.Well, this sucks...
jasonleb1 said:
I'm surprised T-Mo isn't getting the GSII, they're usually good with Android.Well, this sucks...
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Click to collapse
No offense, but they're also the smallest carrier and are in the process of going away. I'm guessing they're getting an Infuse variant instead because Samsung's got the production capacity and probably cut them a deal.

[Q] Best mobile provider USA?

So I'm from Belgium, Europe but am going to study at Northwest Missouri State University from January till the end of April, but of course I need a mobile provider while I'm there, but since I know **** about the carriers in the USA, and well, websites of the carriers don't always mention everything, I'm just asking you guys, which mobile provider and/or plan should I take for those 5 months?
I don't care if it's prepaid or a contract or whatever, as long as it stops after 5 months.
I've got a HTC Sensation, so would like some data with that.
Thanks in advance for responding!
then ur only choices here in the USA is T-Mobile or At&t. If u like to pay more u can go to att and can get 3G data due to the tmobile us frequency is 1700 so you may only get EDGE speed. But with tmobile prepaid cost $50 a month for unlimited talk text and data (i believe 2GB).
your not going to be able to get contact cuz u need a SS# and credit.
t-mobile is great since its parent company its t-mobile deucthe telcom
Sprint, never had a problem
A: Verizon
Sent from my Dinc2
He needs a carrier that uses GSM. Verizon and Sprint are not the droid your looking for.
It doesn't matter if it uses gsm or wcdma i bought my sensation on ebay from usa, it was branded and stuff, so i think it would work with any provider in usa.
You won't actually be able to use Verizon or Sprint with the Sensation because CDMA technology requires completely different radios. To be able to use either standard, your phone would have to be a (what CDMA providers in America call) "world phone", like the iPhone 4S or the Motorola Photon.
Since you already have a phone, you could do either a T-Mobile value plan or a Simple Mobile unlimited plan. Both run on T-Mobile's network, so the coverage should be exactly the same. T-Mobile isn't the absolute best carrier, so I'd check coverage in the area that you'll be spending the most time in. However, T-Mobile's 4G and 3G speeds are pretty good, and better than AT&T (the only major GSM alternative) in most places. I have no idea how (or even if they offer them) AT&T's SIM card-only plans work.
Thanks, I search some more and found this page:
http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/monthly-4g-plans
So the unlimited web & text with 100 minutes talk $30 plan would be perfect?
Even though I feel they are the better carrier, AT&T likely wouldn't be a viable option as their prepaid plans do not support smartphone as well as the others.
Postpaid could be an option, but they would likely want a cash deposit since you lack a social and credit history.
yes but NOTICE AFTER 2G tmo slows your data but ur school must have wifi networks built in so that wouldn't really be a problem and u can enable wifi calling at the store (free calls) or use google voice to call
xtrem88 said:
yes but NOTICE AFTER 2G tmo slows your data but ur school must have wifi networks built in so that wouldn't really be a problem and u can enable wifi calling at the store (free calls) or use google voice to call
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WiFi calling still uses plan minutes.
I'll probably call with skype, so that isn't a problem, I've also noticed on the tmo site that tmo has a fast mobile connection at northwest missouri state university, is this 3g?
Its 4g 21 or 42 mbps
Sent from my SGH-T839 using XDA App

[Q] What are some good prepaid service providers in the US?

I have to get off of Straight Talk and their awful speeds. Calling and texting is fine but the data is throttled horribly down to less than 1 mbps. Any suggestions? I can't go with T-Mobile because I know their speeds are awful where I live (Princeton central NJ area).
What about prepaid AT&T?
You're going to find the best deals on an MVNO, which is just a company like StraightTalk that uses one (or more) of the Big Four's networks to provide their service. You can find a great list of them on Wikipedia (sort them by "Wireless technology" and look at the GSM ones):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_US_MVNO
I'm currently with H2O Wireless on their Minute Plan (I don't use a lot of minutes/texts and I'm mostly on WiFi), but I switched my parents over to their $30 unlimited plan (unlimited talk + text, no data or MMS). They offer other plans with data as well (they use AT&T). If you're looking for pay-per-minute/text/MB, the newly-rebranded Ptel (PlatinumTel) has the best rates, but they use T-Mobile.
Once you've picked the company you would like to use, purchase a SIM on eBay and cut it to a micro SIM (very easy to do; use the template here), then activate it on their website.
Good luck, and I hope this helps! :laugh:
Out of curiosity, is there a MVNO that uses multiple gsm networks at the same time to provide coverage (say at&t and tmobile)? I have the tmobile $30 prepaid plan but in some areas at&t provides coverage where tmobile doesn't. So it would be great if a MVNO provided coverage at the same time on both networks.
$65/mo for 1 GB is too little. I'll need at least 2 GB.
Jungsoo said:
$65/mo for 1 GB is too little. I'll need at least 2 GB.
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Click to collapse
I'd recommend the tmobile $30 prepaid 4g plan. It gives you 100 voice minutes, unlimited text, and 5gb of 4g speed data (then you get throttled). The 100 min of voice is a bit disappointing in my opinion but I make it work by routing most of my calls over data.
Looks like you didn't even read my post.
Jungsoo said:
I have to get off of Straight Talk and their awful speeds. Calling and texting is fine but the data is throttled horribly down to less than 1 mbps. Any suggestions? I can't go with T-Mobile because I know their speeds are awful where I live (Princeton central NJ area).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Solavei! $49 unlimited talk,text, data! And you get the 42 MBPS T-Mobile network!
Ptel $40 unlimited
lazer155 said:
Out of curiosity, is there a MVNO that uses multiple gsm networks at the same time to provide coverage (say at&t and tmobile)? I have the tmobile $30 prepaid plan but in some areas at&t provides coverage where tmobile doesn't. So it would be great if a MVNO provided coverage at the same time on both networks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Solavei offers free roaming when off t-mobile, I think it's at&t. It's included in the 49 unlimited plan. it's what clinched it for me.
https://support.solavei.com/docs/DOC-1256
edit: they do warn against excessive roaming.
H2O Wireless/Black Wireless and Red Pocket are you only other (AT&T MVNO) options. All the rest use T-Mobile which will give you the same speed issues in general.
http://www.solavei.com/benjaminbribies
Heres the link for more info on Solavei! If you have any questions you can as me too!
I personally use Simple Mobile with my Nexus. Its Unlimited Everything (text, talk, data) for $40(+tax)/mo.
If you want 4g the price bumps up by $10 I think, but it's worth it right? Also the first 250MB on the default ($40/mo) plan runs at 4g speeds, then they throttle you back down to 3g speeds.
I been a customer for a few months now, I love the data speeds when I'm not around any wifi connection.
P.S. Simple Mobile is based off of T-Mobile.
eservant said:
Solavei offers free roaming when off t-mobile, I think it's at&t. It's included in the 49 unlimited plan. it's what clinched it for me.
https://support.solavei.com/docs/DOC-1256
edit: they do warn against excessive roaming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this mean I wouldn't be able to use the ATT service too much?
Does H2O throttle data?
Jungsoo said:
Does this mean I wouldn't be able to use the ATT service too much?
Also is H2O Wireless using the ATT network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes! When there's no T-Mobile coverage you will roam on at&t network! Other MVNO don't provide roaming or call forwarding!
Jungsoo said:
Does this mean I wouldn't be able to use the ATT service too much?
Does H2O throttle data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you live outside the coverage area they will dissuade you from joining at that time, If my primary residence is in the coverage area,
I wouldn't worry to much. But you can always talk that over with someone, before you signup. I made sure I understood their terms of service.
I signed up because everything was clearly defined, and for the roaming, which not to many prepaids allow.
So if I'm understanding correctly, H2O uses services from both tmo and att, but they don't like me using the att covered areas.
famoustito said:
http://www.solavei.com/benjaminbribies
Heres the link for more info on Solavei! If you have any questions you can as me too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jeez he said T-Mobile sucks in his area what part of that don't you understand.
Jungsoo said:
So if I'm understanding correctly, H2O uses services from both tmo and att, but they don't like me using the att covered areas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No h20 Is att only. The only companies that do both is patent co of st and net10 from what I remember. Seriously did you click the link of wiki someone posted on first page. Just look who carries att since you said tmo stinks in your area. Then goo too their website and Get best plan for you.
Sent from galaxy tab.
H2O is looking good. Can anyone post a speedtest for me?

Switching to ATT Postpaid

Using T-Mobile is very fun, and I love pink and everything, but there is no coverage at my college of choice. ATT has mad heavy LTE down there, and I wish to switch. Any guides/tips for how to do this? The website is pretty difficult to navigate (I think most carriers do this).
Any help would be appreciated!
Imagination is for turbo-nerds who can't handle how kick-butt reality is!
Are you asking how to switch to AT&T, or how to enable LTE?
For AT&T, see this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2021401
For LTE, see this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2211618
The Nexus 4 only (unoffically) supports Band 4 LTE (1700 MHz), while AT&T mostly uses Band 17 (700 MHz)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UMTS_frequency_bands
HSPA+21 on AT&T is your best bet if Magenta T-Mobile (or i wireless) has no service there.
http://www.iwireless.com/
SpookyTunes said:
Are you asking how to switch to AT&T, or how to enable LTE?
For AT&T, see this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2021401
For LTE, see this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2211618
The Nexus 4 only (unoffically) supports Band 4 LTE (1700 MHz), while AT&T mostly uses Band 17 (700 MHz)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UMTS_frequency_bands
HSPA+21 on AT&T is your best bet if Magenta T-Mobile (or i wireless) has no service there.
http://www.iwireless.com/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was a fantastic post, and I feel bad to not have clarified earlier. I meant hspa+21 instead of LTE.
Right now I'm using the 30 dollar tmobile plan and wanted the ATT equivalent. I just didn't know what plan, or how to even get ATT service. There is very little information on that topic.
upstandingcitizen said:
That was a fantastic post, and I feel bad to not have clarified earlier. I meant hspa+21 instead of LTE.
Right now I'm using the 30 dollar tmobile plan and wanted the ATT equivalent. I just didn't know what plan, or how to even get ATT service. There is very little information on that topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would start by doing some
Settings > More... > Mobile network > Network operators (phone will search for GSM carriers)
and see what shows up (on campus, dorm, etc.).
AT&T has no cheep data options (pre or post paid). Their BIG BLUE, so they DON'T HAVE TO!!
i wireless is a T-Mobile affiliate company, and the maps show excellent coverage in the DesMoines / Ames / Iowa City areas (although maps do not always reflect reality), they do have some better pre-paid plans for data users.
If your set on AT&T, try http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/plans/prepaidplans.html
or you can look into a MVNO like Net10 (Unlocked 850 & 1900 MHz band AT&T SIM).
The main issue with T-Mobile is they hate roaming. They put a few towers in places they don't market to (like Des Moines and Omaha) for business travelers, and even deliberately disable roaming in Iowa City.
One final though, you could tell AT&T you have a Nexus 7 tablet and get the 3GB of data for $30 pre-paid tablet deal.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2024204
Your best bet would be to go to an at&t store so you can walk out with a sim and a working phone. But two issues with that. One IIRC, at&t's cheapest smart phone plan is like 70 bucks a month. And two, I haven't heard if at&t had fixed the issue with not giving the N4 the proper data plan yet (speed wise 3G vs HSPA+)
Good luck!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
gotzaDroid said:
Your best bet would be to go to an at&t store so you can walk out with a sim and a working phone. But two issues with that. One IIRC, at&t's cheapest smart phone plan is like 70 bucks a month. And two, I haven't heard if at&t had fixed the issue with not giving the N4 the proper data plan yet (speed wise 3G vs HSPA+)
Good luck!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is post paid, there is no problem getting hspa+ data speeds on the AT&T network. One just has to enter the proper APN. Prepaid could still be an issue, I'm not sure. But, since AT&T now has a prepaid smartphone data plan, I would think it should be possible.

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