Am I making a mistake? Changing service provider - Networking

For the short version, skip below
At the moment, I have a LG Optimus V on Virgin Mobile running some variant of CM 7.x that the dev doesn't support anymore. The current plan I have is the $45 ($49.84 with tax) per month 1200 minute plan of which I never go over. 3G seems slow running off of the Sprint network (tested just now it is 780kbps at my apartment). 3G seems to disappear sometimes, but that could be the ROM I am using. The phone has slow Wi-Fi and a majority of the time only has one bar.
Tomorrow, I will be receiving an unlocked Galaxy Nexus from Google ($391.86). Now here is where the tricky part comes in:
I was planning on going to T-Mobile and signing up for their "unlimited" talk, text and web (2 gigabyte) for $60 before taxes and fees on a 2 year contract. I would also get a discount from work of 15% which I assume would cover the taxes.
A co-worker mentioned that T-Mobile also has pre-pay. As far as I can tell, the only difference is that there is no contract, there is no data roaming and no work discount. If someone didn't have the discount offer I can't see a reason they would go with a SIM on contract unless I am missing something.
What should I do?
Short version:
Ordered a Google Nexus, what should I do now?
A. Return the Google Nexus for a restocking fee and stick with the $45 Virgin Mobile provider. (Save more, but with slow and spotty data)
B. Keep the phone, get T-Mobile pre-pay SIM @ $60 (no contract, assuming faster more reliable data, but 15% more over the 2 year contract and about $15 more than VM)
C. Keep the phone, get T-Mobile 2 year contract SIM @ $60 and a 15% discount. (More expensive than VM, less expensive then non-contract, assuming faster more reliable data, 2 year contract)
D. Other option I have not considered

hawkshot said:
For the short version, skip below
At the moment, I have a LG Optimus V on Virgin Mobile running some variant of CM 7.x that the dev doesn't support anymore. The current plan I have is the $45 ($49.84 with tax) per month 1200 minute plan of which I never go over. 3G seems slow running off of the Sprint network (tested just now it is 780kbps at my apartment). 3G seems to disappear sometimes, but that could be the ROM I am using. The phone has slow Wi-Fi and a majority of the time only has one bar.
Tomorrow, I will be receiving an unlocked Galaxy Nexus from Google ($391.86). Now here is where the tricky part comes in:
I was planning on going to T-Mobile and signing up for their "unlimited" talk, text and web (2 gigabyte) for $60 before taxes and fees on a 2 year contract. I would also get a discount from work of 15% which I assume would cover the taxes.
A co-worker mentioned that T-Mobile also has pre-pay. As far as I can tell, the only difference is that there is no contract, there is no data roaming and no work discount. If someone didn't have the discount offer I can't see a reason they would go with a SIM on contract unless I am missing something.
What should I do?
Short version:
Ordered a Google Nexus, what should I do now?
A. Return the Google Nexus for a restocking fee and stick with the $45 Virgin Mobile provider. (Save more, but with slow and spotty data)
B. Keep the phone, get T-Mobile pre-pay SIM @ $60 (no contract, assuming faster more reliable data, but 15% more over the 2 year contract and about $15 more than VM)
C. Keep the phone, get T-Mobile 2 year contract SIM @ $60 and a 15% discount. (More expensive than VM, less expensive then non-contract, assuming faster more reliable data, 2 year contract)
D. Other option I have not considered
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would buy the T-Mobile $30 for 100 min, Ultd Min and 5GB high speed data

hawkshot said:
For the short version, skip below
At the moment, I have a LG Optimus V on Virgin Mobile running some variant of CM 7.x that the dev doesn't support anymore. The current plan I have is the $45 ($49.84 with tax) per month 1200 minute plan of which I never go over. 3G seems slow running off of the Sprint network (tested just now it is 780kbps at my apartment). 3G seems to disappear sometimes, but that could be the ROM I am using. The phone has slow Wi-Fi and a majority of the time only has one bar.
Tomorrow, I will be receiving an unlocked Galaxy Nexus from Google ($391.86). Now here is where the tricky part comes in:
I was planning on going to T-Mobile and signing up for their "unlimited" talk, text and web (2 gigabyte) for $60 before taxes and fees on a 2 year contract. I would also get a discount from work of 15% which I assume would cover the taxes.
A co-worker mentioned that T-Mobile also has pre-pay. As far as I can tell, the only difference is that there is no contract, there is no data roaming and no work discount. If someone didn't have the discount offer I can't see a reason they would go with a SIM on contract unless I am missing something.
What should I do?
Short version:
Ordered a Google Nexus, what should I do now?
A. Return the Google Nexus for a restocking fee and stick with the $45 Virgin Mobile provider. (Save more, but with slow and spotty data)
B. Keep the phone, get T-Mobile pre-pay SIM @ $60 (no contract, assuming faster more reliable data, but 15% more over the 2 year contract and about $15 more than VM)
C. Keep the phone, get T-Mobile 2 year contract SIM @ $60 and a 15% discount. (More expensive than VM, less expensive then non-contract, assuming faster more reliable data, 2 year contract)
D. Other option I have not considered
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your worried about slow data then why would u get the unlocked Nexus?? Your data will be EVEN more SLOWER on T-Mobile, Cause you will only get EDGE unless tmobile has 1900 band in your area.
And also if your doing a 2 year contract why not just get a phone? thats usually the point of doing a contract as well

hyelton said:
If your worried about slow data then why would u get the unlocked Nexus?? Your data will be EVEN more SLOWER on T-Mobile, Cause you will only get EDGE unless tmobile has 1900 band in your area.
And also if your doing a 2 year contract why not just get a phone? thats usually the point of doing a contract as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong.
The Unlocked Nexus Is PENTABAND.
Meaning it supports the 1700/2100 AWS frequencies that T-Mobile requires as well as the 850/1900 NAM bands that AT&T uses PLUS the 900 band that used in some countries outside the US.
You are thinking about unlocked INTERNATIONAL phones that only get EDGE on T-Mobile unless you live in an area that T-Mobile has switched their 1900mHz band to HSPA+
Please do some more research before posting DISinformation. Thank you.
In regards to the OPs question, you have to take into consideration what's more important to you...fast data (and paying slightly higher monthly fees to get it), cheaper service (and slower data), or how you feel about contracts.
I would go with faster data....but that's just me. Contracts don't bother me. That may not be the case for you.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using xda premium

hawkshot said:
For the short version, skip below
At the moment, I have a LG Optimus V on Virgin Mobile running some variant of CM 7.x that the dev doesn't support anymore. The current plan I have is the $45 ($49.84 with tax) per month 1200 minute plan of which I never go over. 3G seems slow running off of the Sprint network (tested just now it is 780kbps at my apartment). 3G seems to disappear sometimes, but that could be the ROM I am using. The phone has slow Wi-Fi and a majority of the time only has one bar.
Tomorrow, I will be receiving an unlocked Galaxy Nexus from Google ($391.86). Now here is where the tricky part comes in:
I was planning on going to T-Mobile and signing up for their "unlimited" talk, text and web (2 gigabyte) for $60 before taxes and fees on a 2 year contract. I would also get a discount from work of 15% which I assume would cover the taxes.
A co-worker mentioned that T-Mobile also has pre-pay. As far as I can tell, the only difference is that there is no contract, there is no data roaming and no work discount. If someone didn't have the discount offer I can't see a reason they would go with a SIM on contract unless I am missing something.
What should I do?
Short version:
Ordered a Google Nexus, what should I do now?
A. Return the Google Nexus for a restocking fee and stick with the $45 Virgin Mobile provider. (Save more, but with slow and spotty data)
B. Keep the phone, get T-Mobile pre-pay SIM @ $60 (no contract, assuming faster more reliable data, but 15% more over the 2 year contract and about $15 more than VM)
C. Keep the phone, get T-Mobile 2 year contract SIM @ $60 and a 15% discount. (More expensive than VM, less expensive then non-contract, assuming faster more reliable data, 2 year contract)
D. Other option I have not considered
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Babydoll25 said:
Wrong.
The Unlocked Nexus Is PENTABAND.
Meaning it supports the 1700/2100 AWS frequencies that T-Mobile requires as well as the 850/1900 NAM bands that AT&T uses PLUS the 900 band that used in some countries outside the US.
You are thinking about unlocked INTERNATIONAL phones that only get EDGE on T-Mobile unless you live in an area that T-Mobile has switched their 1900mHz band to HSPA+
Please do some more research before posting DISinformation. Thank you.
In regards to the OPs question, you have to take into consideration what's more important to you...fast data (and paying slightly higher monthly fees to get it), cheaper service (and slower data), or how you feel about contracts.
I would go with faster data....but that's just me. Contracts don't bother me. That may not be the case for you.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh okay, Didnt see that
I still wouldnt see signing a contract AND bringing your own device.

hyelton said:
oh okay, Didnt see that
I still wouldnt see signing a contract AND bringing your own device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can sign a contract with T-mobile and get their VALUE plan(s). There are no device subsidies (as with the classic plans) but you DO SAVE a significant amount on your monthly service (ex: I pay 59.99$ for 1000 min, 20$ unlimited texts (i'm on a family plan, this would be less for an individual plan) and 30$ unlimited (no more 5gb cap)
For a value plan this would be 49.99$ for the minutes and 20$ for the data (not sure about the texts although i'm pretty sure that would be less as well...for a savings of AT LEAST 20$ (probably more if you include texts) a MONTH over the classic plans. Those of us who prefer device subsidies (like myself) can opt to pay less upfront for devices and more per month...
Options....it's all about options
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

Think
1) Try to think whats better for you
2) Use Google in help
3) Also use youtube, there are more help for you dude

Try T-Mobile using prepaid first to see if you like the coverage and that way you aren't locked in a contract for two years. I honestly am not a big fan of postpaid anymore because the prepaid plans have gotten quite comparable to postpaid. You can get the $60 prepaid plan and get the same service (except roaming) but if you decide you don't like it, changing providers won't cost you the ETF. Plus ordering the Nexus means you can have a nice phone and go where the service is great (for GSM anyway).

personally i would sign a contract and get the best free android phone you can get, install a good rom and unlock it, and sell it on craigslist to pay for a portion of the nexus you already bought. I wouldn't get T-Mobile though. Never again, too many bad experiences with them. Not to say anyone else is any better, i just really don't want to deal with them again. I have AT&T, and while i have never had a messed up bill, or the crappy customer service i received with T-Mobile, i do drop a lot of calls... So there are pros and cons to all providers. Also, i recommend testing out the areas you are in all day (home/work) with a friends phone, on all major carriers and see which carrier works best in your area as far as speed and signal... I don't so much have the option in my area, i am pretty much stuck with either ATT or Verizon, and since i have the grandfathered unlimited plan on att, i am not going to switch to verizon and pay MUCH more... But my point is that every carrier has pros and cons overall, it all depends on your preference and which has the best coverage in your area. But no matter who you sign up for, get the best cheap android, add a rom and unlock it and sell on craigslist.

Related

Data plans with Rogers?

I don't need mobile internet but I'd like to have a small data plan when I'm on the go. I have Wi-Fi at home but I would love to get weather, Gmail, Hotmail and Wapedia (wikipedia mobile, try it!) when I need it without having to worry about breaking the limit.
I'm a student and I don't earn a lot (and I save most of it) so I don't really know which plan is the best.
I heard the 6GB for 30$ plan is available for WinMo but it's slightly too expensive (because we all know it's more like 40$ once they charge you the "being a human" fee and the "just for the sake of it" fee). What data plan did you take or suggest for me?
bell for like $10 has unlimited mobile browsing (internet) if you are willing to switch cost more initially. I think that $30 6 gig rogers plan ended aug 30th, unless they brought it back
Yes the rogers 30 dollar plan was suppose to end at the end of August; however, I saw it still advertised only a few weeks ago on their website still. The problem with switching from Rogers to Bell is that Rogers uses GSM phones with SIM Cards and Bell uses CDMA phones. You cannot take your Rogers device and use it on Bell or even Telus as far as I have been told and I have not been able to find any way of doing it though my searches.
you can now get $25 for 500 mb with rogers on no term. i know its only $5 less and its 5500 mb less, but if you dont need all that bandwidth, and every bit really does help, this as of not would be your best option. only dsp cheaper than this is 15$ for 2 mb + unltd email, but that is no good either.
hope this is of help to you
hotrod101 said:
Yes the rogers 30 dollar plan was suppose to end at the end of August; however, I saw it still advertised only a few weeks ago on their website still. The problem with switching from Rogers to Bell is that Rogers uses GSM phones with SIM Cards and Bell uses CDMA phones. You cannot take your Rogers device and use it on Bell or even Telus as far as I have been told and I have not been able to find any way of doing it though my searches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NEVER!
I hate CDMA. They have great prices but you're attached to your carrier and unless you're with Sprint, it sucks.
I hadn't heard about the 25$ plan, that's interesting.
I might subscribe once I get a job with standard schedules.
Rogers(GSM) and Bell/Telus (CDMA) phones are NOT interchangeable. In the future, there are plans for Bell and Telus to migrate to GSM, but nobody I know is certain when. I would strongly advise against investing in a CDMA phone in Canada (or anywhere for that matter) as GSM has better coverage here.
Also, the 30$ 6gb plan has only expired for blackberry for sure. It was extended until 30th of September, then October 6th, and may still be going indefinitely.
The 6gb plan is only available on a 36 month term though, otherwise for $30 you are receiving 1gb, or for $25 you receive 500 mb
is really useful for me, I am glad to read it here.

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!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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

Why did you choose your current cell phone carrier

Just wondering why people choose a certain carrier. I'm on AT&T. For me, it's because I get a 23% discount off my monthly bill because of my employer/company. What are your reasons for being with X carrier?
1. Financial i.e. monthly discount, cheapest plan, ect.
2. Reception
3. Family/friend related or family plan
4. LTE in your area?
5. Specific/high end phones?
6. Loyalty
7. Customer service
8. Other
Pick one, any, or all if applicable.
For T-mobile i would have to say #1,6,7, and occasionally #5
Because of my mom, it was easier to buy one (I am only 14 years old) and almost everyone I talk the most have TIM. But the rest, every Brazilian carrier sucks.
Sent using Mini CM7 Pro by Paul
I've been on T-Mobile for about a decade I think. T-Mobile's pricing is what attracted me as a customer. Their desperation is what keeps me. These guys will bend over backwards to keep me happy and have. I appreciate the things they've done for me that I see people on other carriers getting refused with. Such as very early upgrades just because I was unhappy with my current phone.
My carrier (telus) has better service while traveling yet after signing with them i found i have no service in my school -_- thankfully i'm out of there next yea so i''m cool with it and I got a good loyality plan out of them (i hope)
200min, Unlimited texting , Voicemail (Not visual ;( ) unlimited evenings and weekends and 6 gigs data, for like $65 the only thing I would like them to improve is visual voicemail and Caller ID but I don't want to spend $10 more a month for that.
#4 and #5
10char
At&t
#2. Coverage is the primary factor for me
AT&T
20% discount at work, same carrier as my fiance, best voice coverage in my area, fastest data in my area, decent plan prices, good phone selection, good business customer service.
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
I have Sprint. It was more of a legacy thing for me. My parents had it so I got it.
Plus they do a 15% discount for my work and were the cheapest single plan with the discount.
Of course now that I'm married, the plans of other carriers are a bit closer in price. Even with unlimited data, I only use maybe 1.5 or 2 gigs at the most per month, so it's not as worth it to shell out as it once was.
Many of my family and friends are in the same network. That's why.
~ Sent from iOS/Android device
1. AT&T offered us a plan with unlimited everything (cept data, but I got that one) for cheaper then T-Mobile if we switched, and even paid our ETF's, needless to say, we did it.
2. Better reception.
4. Yep, I have an LTE enabled phone and live in an LTE market, obviously I would take advantage of that.
At&t because its the only carrier with signal where I live...
Enviado desde mi Samsung Galaxy Note
cheaper, unlimited data and special offer to switch from helio when i was shut down
Because I was an employee of my carrier up until June of this year and got waived the activation fee, 50% off my bill and a 1-year contract but 2-year pricing on my 4G phone. I also wanted to get grandfathered into unlimited data which is worth its weight in gold! No throttling here nor snooping into my 3rd party tethering unlike ATT.
2. Reception - In my area AT&T has the best service, followed by Sprint and then a large drop to Verizon. Causes me to get a bit irked when people say AT&T is universally bad and Verizon can do no wrong since I constantly see the exact opposite, but whatever.
6. Loyalty - My family has been on AT&T since the Cingular days, so we're grandfathered into an ancient family plan that's really cheap. If we were to switch carriers our bill would go way up.
Aldi Talk
Because its the best in my town !
1. Internet usage is for free
Verizon seems to have the best coverage in my area (Atlanta, OTP north side). Also, I'm grandfathered in for unlimited data.
cuz Monopoly nothing else LOL
AT&T
3. Family/friend related or family plan
I don't pay a single cent since I'm on my uncle's business/familty plan thing
however, AT&T does suck and the second I can afford it I'm getting Verizon...

Seeking input on US-based GSM carriers.

I'm currently in the group of people still using an unlocked phone (Galaxy SII GT-i9100) on AT&T's $10/mo medianet plan. My wife uses an iPhone 4s on the grandfathered $30/mo unlimited plan. Between the two of us, 550 minutes, and unlimited text, our bill comes to $125.20 every month. It's not bad at all and I have no complaints. However, I'd like an exit strategy in case AT&T yanks the medianet plan as they've recently done to SGS3 and Galaxy Nexus owners.
Two of my options are to accept the $30/mo 3GB limit, or move to the 4GB family share plan. My wife typically uses 200-500MB of data and I average about 1.2GB a month with spikes up to 2GB. Getting raised to the $30/plan brings our bill to about $145/mo (our discount seems to negate the taxes), whereas going to the 4GB family share plan will put us at about $150, and takes away my wife's unlimited. Also, me going to the $10 medianet plan was out of principal, as I previously had the $30/mo unlimited plan, suspended my account during deployment, and then AT&T took it away, claiming that "military lose their grandfathered plans on deployments." I know that's not true, I just got a bad CS rep, but that's what I was told and I've been paying AT&T back ever since.
So, my other options are to try another GSM carrier. I'm in the Seattle area now and T-Mobile has excellent coverage up here, and by proxy, their MVNO carrier, Simple Mobile. In the case of Simple Mobile we could save quite a bit of money as well. But, as many people know, neither the iPhone 4S nor the SGSII support AWS bands. However, T-Mobile has been switching over to 1900mhz lately. Ideally, our phones should already support 3G/fake 4G in this area on T-Mobile. Can any Simple Mobile users comment on whether or not SM is using this new (to them) frequency?
Lastly, in the case of not being able to use 3G/fake 4G on Simple Mobile, are there any other GSM MVNOs worth considering?
I believe Straight Talk is unlimited everything for $45/month, and has support for (your choice of) AT&T, T Mobile, and Verizon (?).
So if you were to take both your phones, dumb them on two different ST plans for $45, you'd end up spending $90 a month for both your phone. Blam!
(Btw, I heard something about cutting you off or throttling at 3 to 4 GB of data usage, but since that's not in your range, I wouldn't worry)
Sent from my MB508 using xda premium
T-Mobile refarmed Seattle already I think (check airportal.de to verify) so I would switch to them. If you both get on the $30 plan and port your number to Google Voice you can use Talkatone or GrooveIP to talk on the phone. And if you get stuck on Edge Talkatone still works good.
Found what I want from T-Mobile.
http://explore.t-mobile.com/phone-sim-card
Two lines, 1000 minutes, unlimited text, unlimited data w/throttling after 2GB for $79.98/mo. No throttling if you pay $99.98/mo. In both cases, I'm eligible for a 15% military discount, unlike prepaid plans like Simple Mobile and straight Talk. However, I believe T-Mobile hides more below the line fees, making it nearly a wash in terms of advertised price. The difference being, unlike SM and ST, T-Mo won't kill my account for using more than 2Gb on an unlimited plan.
Also, they require a 2-year contract with a $200/line cancellation fee despite it being "bring your own phone," which is some straight up bull****.
As of today, I can save $25/mo moving to their unlimited plan, or $45/mo if I go to the 2GB throttling plan. I'd prefer the unlimited, so at $25/mo, it's only $300/year saved. However, I'd get slightly less coverage, and my wife wouldn't get her $200 iPhone upgrade every 2 years, which pretty much negates the savings (and she would miss her visual voice mail). So, unless AT&T rate jacks me by taking me off Medianet, we're not switching to this plan.

Nexus 7 HSPA+ compatible w/ Pay by the Day $3 plan?

Hello,
I'm planning on purchasing the Nexus 7 w/ HSPA+ once it's available. As as far pre-paid plans go, it would seem T-Mobile has the best 4G plans available. I know T-Mobile has specific pre-paid tablet plans available, but the amount of data per dollar seems less then what I could get with their "Pay By The Day" $3/day plan.. Now obviously that plan is setup with phones in mind as it includes Talk + Text, but I don't plan on using the cell radio everyday on the tablet because on most days I'm covered by Wifi.
I don't like their tablet broadband plans because the data is offered in 7 day blocks and I'd rather pay a premium price for unlimited data for the day vs paying 5x the cost for a measly 300MB of data.
I'm just curious, Is there any reason why this plan wouldn't work w/ a tablet?
Thanks in advance,
- Mitalis
Since this is not a T-mobile device you may get away with a SIM set up with a phone plan. But it's popularity may induce t-mobile to block it as they have done recently blocking Nexus Phones to be used with broadband plans. It's a wait and see really.
On the other hand, I'm my self planning to use my planned Nexus 7 3G with a combination of ATT Broadband plan, Tmobile broadband and freedom pop.
I will have to see....with broadband plans only you get more data for your money...the bad side is the period limit.
Tip: Tmobile has a special 60 days vs 30 days if you buy your broadband card from Walmart only on the $35 3.5gb and 50 5gb plans. After that you can renew them online without having to go thru Walmart.
The other option I will look into...(which negate the benefit of 3G Nexus) is the Internet on the go plans which use Sprint...but recent changes make them very competitive in a sense you pay like 1.13 cents per MB.....and the gb you buy will never expire....The cons are you have to buy a $80 hotspot device, carry it around and you only get EVDO Rev A...thru sprint...Not as fast as tmobile.
Mitalis said:
Hello,
I'm planning on purchasing the Nexus 7 w/ HSPA+ once it's available. As as far pre-paid plans go, it would seem T-Mobile has the best 4G plans available. I know T-Mobile has specific pre-paid tablet plans available, but the amount of data per dollar seems less then what I could get with their "Pay By The Day" $3/day plan.. Now obviously that plan is setup with phones in mind as it includes Talk + Text, but I don't plan on using the cell radio everyday on the tablet because on most days I'm covered by Wifi.
I don't like their tablet broadband plans because the data is offered in 7 day blocks and I'd rather pay a premium price for unlimited data for the day vs paying 5x the cost for a measly 300MB of data.
I'm just curious, Is there any reason why this plan wouldn't work w/ a tablet?
Thanks in advance,
- Mitalis
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats about $80 a month (assuming you go a few days without using the 3G Coverage)
You are going to realize after getting your Nexus 7 it will be used more often than you think... I bought mine, thinking it would be something to keep around the house, watch movies, listen to music on occasion, and take it on road trips. But it turned out I hardly put it down, I use it more than my cell phone. So I will certainly be getting the 3G model as soon as google makes it available for order.
The T-mobile "Classic – Overage-Free Plus" has a 2gb 4G limit, but it doesn't cut you off or charge you more when you use of the 2gb, it just drops you to 3G (maybe 2G) speeds until the next month. So you have Unlimited Data, just not always a High(er) speeds. Its gonna cost you 40$/mo but atleast it doesnt charge you more or cut you off completely like most other Wireless Carriers do. (http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/plans/mobile-broadband-plans.aspx)
I ordered a StraightTalk (US Based) SIM Card, and will see how well it works, and how service is in my small town.
But if that does not work, I have T-mobiles Completely Unlimited Service Plan (Unlimited Talk/Text/Data) for $89. I can just add a new line (to get a another SIM Card) for $10 more a month, and share the Data with the Nexus 7 3G
nashi20002003 said:
Since this is not a T-mobile device you may get away with a SIM set up with a phone plan. But it's popularity may induce t-mobile to block it as they have done recently blocking Nexus Phones to be used with broadband plans. It's a wait and see really.
On the other hand, I'm my self planning to use my planned Nexus 7 3G with a combination of ATT Broadband plan, Tmobile broadband and freedom pop.
I will have to see....with broadband plans only you get more data for your money...the bad side is the period limit.
Tip: Tmobile has a special 60 days vs 30 days if you buy your broadband card from Walmart only on the $35 3.5gb and 50 5gb plans. After that you can renew them online without having to go thru Walmart.
The other option I will look into...(which negate the benefit of 3G Nexus) is the Internet on the go plans which use Sprint...but recent changes make them very competitive in a sense you pay like 1.13 cents per MB.....and the gb you buy will never expire....The cons are you have to buy a $80 hotspot device, carry it around and you only get EVDO Rev A...thru sprint...Not as fast as tmobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You dont want to do that sprint EVDO is slower than a snail... Its unlimited but your battery on the device will run out before you can get anything real accomplished.
Mitalis said:
Hello,
I'm planning on purchasing the Nexus 7 w/ HSPA+ once it's available. As as far pre-paid plans go, it would seem T-Mobile has the best 4G plans available. I know T-Mobile has specific pre-paid tablet plans available, but the amount of data per dollar seems less then what I could get with their "Pay By The Day" $3/day plan.. Now obviously that plan is setup with phones in mind as it includes Talk + Text, but I don't plan on using the cell radio everyday on the tablet because on most days I'm covered by Wifi.
I don't like their tablet broadband plans because the data is offered in 7 day blocks and I'd rather pay a premium price for unlimited data for the day vs paying 5x the cost for a measly 300MB of data.
I'm just curious, Is there any reason why this plan wouldn't work w/ a tablet?
Thanks in advance,
- Mitalis
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any updates from anyone on this.... Curious if you can use the Nexus 7 3g on a $3 daily plan... I just want to use it when I travel in the states...
It won't work. Tmo will block the tablet. Use a prepaid broadband plan instead, or tether to a phone.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

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