PLEASE HELP ME. AT&T is so horable - Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III General

Ok im almost ready to sue AT&T for how long this is taking. I have spent 5 hr on the phone trying to get my data plan back...
Here is what happened. my 8125 with a 2 year old cingular unlimuted data plan (40$) included tethering and there access to isp.cingular. well my phone died so i went out and got a tilt. i bring it home and i look online and find that the (trying my best not to sware) horable sales men switched my plan to a 10$ more expensive one with out asking me. So then i have to spend time getting my plan back. so they revert it to a 40$ plan but i cant connect to the isp.cingular. i call back, go to there head it person and he says you can get it back. you need to spend 60$ on a plan that supports this. (im thinking you people messed this up, un mess it up) so i kall more times and i get nowhere. all them dont understand me and think im having a problem with wap.cingular even tho i say wap works. i mean i have been using the isp all through out the time i had my 8125 and loved it. now i get a diled isp.cingular. unable to connect.
so what do you think i should do. i have spent too much time on this but i want my old plan back. does anyone have any ideas or advice. (and yes i have gone to the manager wice... they were less helpfull then the others)

brianmay27 said:
Ok im almost ready to sue AT&T for how long this is taking. I have spent 5 hr on the phone trying to get my data plan back...
Here is what happened. my 8125 with a 2 year old cingular unlimuted data plan (40$) included tethering and there access to isp.cingular. well my phone died so i went out and got a tilt. i bring it home and i look online and find that the (trying my best not to sware) horable sales men switched my plan to a 10$ more expensive one with out asking me. So then i have to spend time getting my plan back. so they revert it to a 40$ plan but i cant connect to the isp.cingular. i call back, go to there head it person and he says you can get it back. you need to spend 60$ on a plan that supports this. (im thinking you people messed this up, un mess it up) so i kall more times and i get nowhere. all them dont understand me and think im having a problem with wap.cingular even tho i say wap works. i mean i have been using the isp all through out the time i had my 8125 and loved it. now i get a diled isp.cingular. unable to connect.
so what do you think i should do. i have spent too much time on this but i want my old plan back. does anyone have any ideas or advice. (and yes i have gone to the manager wice... they were less helpfull then the others)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you got your tilt, did you sign up for a new contract? If not then you should still have your old plan. They are grandfathered in. They CANNOT take it away unless YOU switch your plan. Just be aware that you cannot access 3G with the SIM card from your 8125, you will need a 3G SIM for that.

well i think i did sign up for the 2 year aggrement... but i did get a new sim card. but can they really change your plan with out telling you and make it 10$ more expensive?

Are you sure about that statement? There are no contracts for data plans like there are for voice plans to my knowledge anymore except for a few specialized data plans (most of those like some international data plans are 1yr commitments). Thats why you can add and cancel your data plan at any time without having to pay an Early Termination Fee.
I've gone thru some of my contracts for the past few years and I don't see anything stating any data plans have a commitment form either party. Only Voice.

well i mean i got the two year contract to keep the price of the phone low. (the 100$ off with 2 year contract) so yes it is for voice but the guy changed my data plan for some reason

Yeah this happened to me as well. When I got my tilt they chopped my old plan to hell and back and to get it working right I ended up having to pay more money than on my old plan. Sucked and for some reason it's a hit or miss whether or not I get pictures messages now.

Ok, well i guess i will try my best to have them give me the 60$ plan for 40$... just have to make them feel horable for it

they do it cuz they make commision off u
its in the contract u signed. they lie, cheat.
thats how corporate is though.
just ask them to switch you to a media net unlimited plan $15
tell them u have a regular phone not pda, and ask for the $15 media net unlimited
and teather, but i hear they put a cap on it.
i cant believe any of u guys would pay more than 20 bux for unlimited internet,

stealthj said:
just ask them to switch you to a media net unlimited plan $15
tell them u have a regular phone not pda, and ask for the $15 media net unlimited
and teather, but i hear they put a cap on it.
i cant believe any of u guys would pay more than 20 bux for unlimited internet,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about the fact that they are now monitoring the IMEI of the phone you are using and if it is in their database (AT&T Branded) then they'll know he should at least have the $30 plan. (Which is still a lot better than $50)
Anybody know what happens if AT&T figures out you are on the wrong plan? Do they switch you to the $30 plan or try to charge you outrageous fees?
I don't want to tether, and I'm offended that I should have to pay 2x for the same service just because I bought the wrong phone! Maybe somebody will come up with a way to repair our IMEI soon.
This post talks about the automatic device detection at AT&T: http://www.howardforums.com/showpost.php?p=10576027&postcount=28

imeihunter said:
Anybody know what happens if AT&T figures out you are on the wrong plan? Do they switch you to the $30 plan or try to charge you outrageous fees?
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Click to collapse
One time when i was in the At&t store talking to a rep making adjustments to my plan, he noticed the HIGH data usage and saw that i had a medianet plan and not pda connect on my 8525 (this was about 6 months ago).
He tried to force me to switch to the $49.99 pda connect plan but i just persisted that i bought the 8525 from them with that plan so he let it slide (although it was an imate jasjam and not att's branded 8525 )
BUT he warned me that if i get "Caught", and he said i will, they will charge me per KB which will have the bill break through the roof! But i know if this happens i can just go to the store with my bill and add the pda plan and have them cancel the charges. (i've done this before when i went over my minutes, messages, and kb when i was on a 5mb plan, not unlimitted)
I haven't been caught yet and last week i switched to the unlimited pda data plan for $30 so i'm playing it safe now (but still tethering )
ALso i can not connect to isp.cingular, i thought that was the point of the pda plan. Do i have to call and ask them to allow me to access isp.cingular?

From my experience, wap.cingular is faster than isp.cingular.
I have the $45/mo PDA Unlimited Plan (includes 500 any-type messages), and I tether using wap.cingular. I get 50-100kb/sec download speeds on my laptop when tethered.

imeihunter said:
What about the fact that they are now monitoring the IMEI of the phone you are using and if it is in their database (AT&T Branded) then they'll know he should at least have the $30 plan. (Which is still a lot better than $50)
Anybody know what happens if AT&T figures out you are on the wrong plan? Do they switch you to the $30 plan or try to charge you outrageous fees?
I don't want to tether, and I'm offended that I should have to pay 2x for the same service just because I bought the wrong phone! Maybe somebody will come up with a way to repair our IMEI soon.
This post talks about the automatic device detection at AT&T: http://www.howardforums.com/showpost.php?p=10576027&postcount=28
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just keep changing my phone on AT&T Billing and everything works okay thus far

brianmay27 said:
well i mean i got the two year contract to keep the price of the phone low. (the 100$ off with 2 year contract) so yes it is for voice but the guy changed my data plan for some reason
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Click to collapse
oh I do believe that is with their data plan. Your paying $10 more a month for $100 off in 6 months or something.

PDA Connect Unlimited still available, AFAIK
brianmay27 said:
. . . i want my old plan back. does anyone have any ideas or advice. (and yes i have gone to the manager wice... they were less helpfull then the others)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Speak to an AT&T rep that knows about this, and cares, and knows the tricks. I suggest Gyngabread Man here on this forum - send him a PM. He got me fixed up properly with the PDA Connect Unlimited plan for $39.95/mo. and I have access to isp.cingular as well as wap.cingular.
Good luck!

brianmay27 said:
Ok im almost ready to sue AT&T for how long this is taking. I have spent 5 hr on the phone trying to get my data plan back...
Here is what happened. my 8125 with a 2 year old cingular unlimuted data plan (40$) included tethering and there access to isp.cingular. well my phone died so i went out and got a tilt. i bring it home and i look online and find that the (trying my best not to sware) horable sales men switched my plan to a 10$ more expensive one with out asking me. So then i have to spend time getting my plan back. so they revert it to a 40$ plan but i cant connect to the isp.cingular. i call back, go to there head it person and he says you can get it back. you need to spend 60$ on a plan that supports this. (im thinking you people messed this up, un mess it up) so i kall more times and i get nowhere. all them dont understand me and think im having a problem with wap.cingular even tho i say wap works. i mean i have been using the isp all through out the time i had my 8125 and loved it. now i get a diled isp.cingular. unable to connect.
so what do you think i should do. i have spent too much time on this but i want my old plan back. does anyone have any ideas or advice. (and yes i have gone to the manager wice... they were less helpfull then the others)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Typically if you read the two year agreements or rebate agreements they will say that it's only valid with a specific data and voice plan of at least $X value. That's not uncommon.
As for getting back a grandfathered plan. I know at Sprint, depending on how old the plan was, once it was deprovisioned the system just was no longer capable of reprovisioning it. No matter how much you wanted it to.
My guess is though that you did in fact agree to have your plan changed. They just didn't make it any more clear than they legally have to.

cushcalc said:
Speak to an AT&T rep that knows about this, and cares, and knows the tricks. I suggest Gyngabread Man here on this forum - send him a PM. He got me fixed up properly with the PDA Connect Unlimited plan for $39.95/mo. and I have access to isp.cingular as well as wap.cingular.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My mistake... I am on the $39.99 PDA Unlimited plan. I was on a strange combination of Data and Messaging plans until I went into an AT&T store to buy a pair bluetooth headphones, and the rep looked at my account and pointed out that I could save money by combining my 2 options into this 1 plan.

this wut i did....i got a crappy phone ( real crappy) not a pda or smartphone and got the data plan 25 bucks i think unlimited internet and text now its 30 cuz i added 5 to get unlimited text and they asked me y do u want unlimited for my phone and said cuz i like it and then i changed to the tilt on craigslist bout mine for 250 and just put my sim with all my data plan and no problems

rico002 said:
this wut i did....i got a crappy phone ( real crappy) not a pda or smartphone and got the data plan 25 bucks i think unlimited internet and text now its 30 cuz i added 5 to get unlimited text and they asked me y do u want unlimited for my phone and said cuz i like it and then i changed to the tilt on craigslist bout mine for 250 and just put my sim with all my data plan and no problems
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a cute trick, but you are not the first to think of it. AT&T can tell that your are on the tilt. The browser requests contain information about what OS you are using. You probably are not using ridiculous amounts of data, so they have no reason to look. If they ever do look tho, they will see you are on WM, and they will switch you to the correct plan without warning.

I work for AT&T Tech Support. For the sake of keeping my job i'll call my self BoB.
Anyway you can still tether with wap.cingular as mentioned before. The only way we'd catch you is if you were downloading torrent or excessive amounts of data. We recently changed our data features which I think is retarded.
One thing they don't tell you is that the new Tethering plans which cost money out the ass have a 5GB soft limit.
What this means is that after 5GB of data you have used, AT&T will monitor any usage past the 5gb. The reason for this is so that they could price their data plans accordingly, hopefully for the better but in this world probably will be for the worse.
If you are casually browsing just use internet sharing in your phone to tether. Go to File Explorer-Windows-Scroll down about halfway to Internet Sharing then hit connect.
YOu could also go to wmwifirouter.com and download the app straight from the phone, it turns your phone into a router and you can just tether like that. I think it's ridiculous to charge so much for data. Sprint (even though I would never switch) Has their unlimited everything for 99 dollars, data, gps, voice, tv, etc. That just goes to show you how much unlimited data is actually worth.
Get a 19.99 Medianet Unlimited Plan, 19.99 Unl Messaging and you are set
Just get a RaZR and switch your sim card out, place a couple of test calls, and boom call in to have it changed or go online to make the change. After you have both features on put SIM back into TILT and you're done. I feel so bad when I tell a customer that in order to tether they need a 60 dollar feature. I'd feel insulted if that were me.

Thanks everyone for this help... after reading i guess my new question is what is so different between isp and wap... i thought it was like wap goes through a proxy and is not "THE internet" where as isp is "THE internet". is that right? also i would run a speed test too but well i cant.

Related

New Contract

im elegible for a new contract with att and i wanna get the tilt but idont wanna get those pda plans, do i have to get that or is there a way around it? i just want unlimited internet and 1500 texts that i have and i dont want anything extra. thanks
Upgrade through newegg.com, thats what I've done. Worked like a charm.
I've upgraded on their christmas sale, got brand new Kaiser for $150 (rebate for $100 just came) with 2 year contract. They tried to make me pay $40/mo for unlimited internet, but after some haggling they gave it to me for $20/mo.
I've installed Gutty's ROM, enabled HSDPA and voila - unlimited HSDPA for $20/mo.
Currently NewEgg is only requiring a Voice plan with their upgrade price. Not data. That is the very reason I went with them as opposed to LetsTalks.com or wirefly.com. Not one time did they even suggest the PDA connect plan. My upgrade was done one month ago through their website.
i dont want a voice plan though... iwnat to keep wha ti have just the device upgrade and not have the pda plans but still get the 3G wit media max 1500 text and unlimited video and internet.....i heard online from the att website lets u update just the device and not add a plan but i have seen that option and still give u the price u want.
i just upgraded my 8125 to the 8925 through buy.com for $149. kept the same minutes and got the unlimited date plan for $24.99/month. Not too bad, but I had the data plan with my 8125 for only $19.99. So they had to charge me $5 extra a month. Probably BS but its not that big of a deal.
rico002 said:
i dont want a voice plan though... iwnat to keep wha ti have just the device upgrade and not have the pda plans but still get the 3G wit media max 1500 text and unlimited video and internet.....i heard online from the att website lets u update just the device and not add a plan but i have seen that option and still give u the price u want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A PDA plan IS the data plan...I think what you are asking is if it can be done without getting a voice plan while keeping a data/pda/media net plan. Is this correct? Honestly, if so I would just hop on the phone and call at&t or even wirefly/letstalk.com, I've never seen that offered online, but I haven't looked either.
no person that you talk to at AT&T is going to let you put the mediamax $20 plan on the tilt.. i even talked to a friend of a friend trying to get the hookup, and he said they will NOT do it..
however, there are ways to get it done by changing the plan yourself online perhaps (start new plan with no data, then add data - mediamax $20 - via their website), but those aren't garaunteed - and if they ever closed those gaps then you would be stuck..
i bit the bullet and i pay the full $40/mo for data.. i may try to switch to the $20/mo plan to give it a whirl, but i know that there are no guarantees that AT&T won't change it back.
smartyP said:
no person that you talk to at AT&T is going to let you put the mediamax $20 plan on the tilt.. i even talked to a friend of a friend trying to get the hookup, and he said they will NOT do it..
however, there are ways to get it done by changing the plan yourself online perhaps (start new plan with no data, then add data - mediamax $20 - via their website), but those aren't garaunteed - and if they ever closed those gaps then you would be stuck..
i bit the bullet and i pay the full $40/mo for data.. i may try to switch to the $20/mo plan to give it a whirl, but i know that there are no guarantees that AT&T won't change it back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ummm, just change your data plan to $20 media max on the Account Management website. If it won't show you the Media Max as an option, change your device type to something like a Samsung SYNC. You can always change it back to a Tilt if you need to RMA.
here it is: my cuz i had 8525 bought an 8925 and didnt notify att and kept his data plan it was 1500 text wit unlimited everything, but they didnt know he had the tilt ( iguess) and i want to upgrade to the tilt and keep the same voice and the data plan that i have (same as above for 29.99) and not get that extra pda plan that they told me i have to get...but online i heard it says device upgrade only but i cannot find that option and pay a cheaper price like the blackjack 2 i could get for 100 after rebate and keep the same data plan w/o changing anything.

question about Media Net with ATT?

Hi, I was wondering how much a data plan with ATT would cost me on a tilt, I currently dont have one and am relying on WiFi most of the time. The reason I initially did not want a data plan is because I thought they started at $40 a month or so.
On ATT's website, they have unlimited Media Net plans starting at $15 a month...is this the same as the data plans most of you guys have? Will I be able to do everything requiring a 3g connection?
Thanks in advance for any help
I use the unlimited media net with 200 text. I can do everything! Don't let them con you into getting the way more expensive PDA service.
I have unlimited media net (max I think) with unlimited messaging ($35/month). I was conned for several months with the persoanl pda bundle ($50/month) until I found out I can use media net max. Live and learn I guess.
moto2000 said:
Hi, I was wondering how much a data plan with ATT would cost me on a tilt, I currently dont have one and am relying on WiFi most of the time. The reason I initially did not want a data plan is because I thought they started at $40 a month or so.
On ATT's website, they have unlimited Media Net plans starting at $15 a month...is this the same as the data plans most of you guys have? Will I be able to do everything requiring a 3g connection?
Thanks in advance for any help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am a tech for att. here is the trick, i am assuming you have a tilt, therefore the imei of the tilt is registered with att, so what you will need to do is put your sim in a crap phone (non pda) then call cust care ant tell them that you want media net, make sure your tilt is not registered with att if it is go to a store with your sim in the non tilt phone and ad media net. its that simple. i do it for people all the time because the pda plan and media net has no technical difference just the money...
I been having Media Net for the longest time, proably since they started having it. I been having PDA phones for it for many years as well. With Media net ($15/m) yes you get to use all the 3g connectivity all you want with no problem.
mchapman007 said:
I use the unlimited media net with 200 text. I can do everything! Don't let them con you into getting the way more expensive PDA service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that is the package i have and i get charged fo rinternet use... hmmmm
hey i see what your saying. i have the family messaging plan. in my account can i not just put my sim card in my old razr then go to add feature and select the 15.00 media net... will that work or will i need to call them....
thanks
i just added unlimited media net for $15 by calling the after hours center.
rdt1999 said:
hey i see what your saying. i have the family messaging plan. in my account can i not just put my sim card in my old razr then go to add feature and select the 15.00 media net... will that work or will i need to call them....
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u need to call afterhours center here is the number if you want to call today
866-801-3600
rdt1999 said:
that is the package i have and i get charged fo rinternet use... hmmmm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't, it's unlimited.....
mchapman007 said:
I don't, it's unlimited.....
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Click to collapse
me neither...
here's all the data plans they have in my zip..
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-ph...10009&LOSGId=&catName=Data/SmartPhone+Connect
perhaps that 15 buck plan is an old "grandfathered" plan that is not available anymore like the 1000 mins I get for $39 plus rollover since 2003
So tell me again how to get unlimited data for $15 ? Wud b nice
fizzie said:
me neither...
here's all the data plans they have in my zip..
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-ph...10009&LOSGId=&catName=Data/SmartPhone+Connect
perhaps that 15 buck plan is an old "grandfathered" plan that is not available anymore like the 1000 mins I get for $39 plus rollover since 2003
So tell me again how to get unlimited data for $15 ? Wud b nice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just got it read previous posts by me
will do thanks for all th info...
I am a sales rep in a AT&T store. On the 15 dollar plan, don't go over 5gb a month. If you do AT&T will charge additional fees and remove your current data plan. They will call before they change your plan.
Already signed up for $40 data plan - Can I "downgrade"
My wife and I each have a Tilt. I have the $40 per month data plan and my wife has no data plan. Is there any way I can "downgrade" my data plan and possibly add a dataplan to my wife's phone to "break even" or possibly even save some money?
atsitalian said:
My wife and I each have a Tilt. I have the $40 per month data plan and my wife has no data plan. Is there any way I can "downgrade" my data plan and possibly add a dataplan to my wife's phone to "break even" or possibly even save some money?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call ATT, tell them you have a regular phone, like the W580i, and want to downgrade your data to the standard $15 a month MediaNet.
atsitalian said:
My wife and I each have a Tilt. I have the $40 per month data plan and my wife has no data plan. Is there any way I can "downgrade" my data plan and possibly add a dataplan to my wife's phone to "break even" or possibly even save some money?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you use text messages?
How is the best way to check to see if your getting close to the 5gb amount,is it on the phone or ?
[email protected] said:
How is the best way to check to see if your getting close to the 5gb amount,is it on the phone or ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are only browsing on your phone, you are never going to use 5gb a month. That is mainly if you are going to connect it to your computer for the internet.
Hey thanks for the reply well at 15.00 i think ill get the service on my old cell phone and switch over to the tillt,thanks man....

[Q] Caught Red Handed - Data Plan

Was there a way around this: Didn't have a smartphone before so I had a fifteen dollar "unlimited" plan. Then bought the captivate sans contract off ebay. Received a text this morning that I was switched to an appropriate limited smartphone data plan.
What really irks me is I haven't been using AT&T's data! I've been strictly wi-fi at the house since putting the SIM in.
Was that the sound of inevitability since they know the IMEIs of all Captivates? Or would rooting / custom mod helped? I hate being forced into the age of data caps.
AT&T's policy is if it's a smartphone you have to have a data plan.. period..
And yes, they know if you are using one by the IMEI.
Sucks yes.. and not much you can do. I had a Tilt for a long time without a plan and lived quite nicely by just using wifi.. ahh.. those were the days..!!
You may be eligible to be grandfathered in and keep your plan. Call 611 and ask for the cancellation department (I think they refer to themselves as "Customer Relations/Care/whatever") and let them know you aren't happy and why. Can't hurt to try, right?
I doubt seriously that you'll be able to keep your MediaNet plan. Most of us think that data is data is data, but not where AT&T is concerned. They tend to place this magical premium on smartphone data in the name of maximizing revenue.
If you don't use more than 200 mb a month then the $15 plan should be fine. If you think you'll use more, which is very likely with these phones, you'll want to get the 2gb plan.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I won a Samsung Epix a year ago and signed up for the MediaNet plan on my old feature phone. I swapped in the SIM, and I have been on $15 unlimited data ever since. This is a WinMo smartphone, and they have never caught on.
You have a pretty good argument if you bought the phone from e-bay. AT&T didn't subsidize your phone and you didn't agree to any plan changes. You just have to call them on their BS be firm but polite and see where you get. You should also check your account and see if they actually changed it. I received one of those text messages too but still have my mediamax plan.
Charging different $$ amounts for the same thing simply because you MIGHT use more is absurd. Hopefully one day they'll be called out on price fixing along with the other cellular carriers. Data IS data, just because you consume it using a smartphone instead of a dumbphone or a laptop doesn't make it any different or more costly for them. Data plan prices are a subject that will instantly send me into a frenzy.
Yeah, I might just let them win this one. Was using a Nokia E71 on the MediaMax and they were never the wiser. I guess this will end my long run with AT&T.
I absolutely love this Captivate and will hate to part with it...but because of their "smartphone" logic I'll be switching carriers within 6 months (as soon as T-mo has a good android HSPA+ or Metro has a good LTE). In the meantime I'll be wary of the 200 MB limit and use lots of wifi.
Thanks for the input! I love discussing corporate cents (non-sense)
ScottyNuttz said:
I won a Samsung Epix a year ago and signed up for the MediaNet plan on my old feature phone. I swapped in the SIM, and I have been on $15 unlimited data ever since. This is a WinMo smartphone, and they have never caught on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You were grandfathered in. Before september 09 you could easily switch plans. They restricted this and customers who had already done it now have a smart phone exclusion soc code on their account.
Essentially if you had already cheated the system your grandfathered. If you hadn't then youre screwed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
ag4vr said:
Most of us think that data is data is data, but not where AT&T is concerned. They tend to place this magical premium on smartphone data in the name of maximizing revenue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't it obvious? Bits and bytes and packets that go to a smartphone device are inherently more expensive to produce and transmit than bits and bytes and packets that go to a "feature" phone!
nbohmer said:
Essentially if you had already cheated the system your grandfathered. If you hadn't then youre screwed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn... maybe I should buy w/o a new contract then...
ScottyNuttz said:
Damn... maybe I should buy w/o a new contract then...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Won't matter. If you use the captivate on ATT at all they will add the $15 plan to your account.
dontshakepandas said:
Won't matter. If you use the captivate on ATT at all they will add the $15 plan to your account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true. But once you're on a smartphone plan, it doesn't really matter which one. FWIW, I am running my Captivate on my Blackberry Enterprise Plan. They insisted it wouldn't work but it does. I often switch between a Bold 9700, 3GS and the Captivate for testing purposes on the same SIM. All work on the same account.
You can call em and they may credit you back the money and take the plan off your account, but next month it will just go right back on...its a completely automatic system and they don't currently have a way to override that from happening.
they are doing this with all smartphones now. Once I got my captivate, I gave my old Fuze to my little brother. Within a day, AT&T had signed him up for a data plan. I had bought my phone subsidized from AT&T and had it with them up until the release date of the captivate without a problem, but as soon as my brother put his SIM card in the phone, AT&T decided it was a smartphone... They also charged the $18 upgrade fee too, which I thought was f***ing obnoxious...
ag4vr said:
I doubt seriously that you'll be able to keep your MediaNet plan. Most of us think that data is data is data, but not where AT&T is concerned. They tend to place this magical premium on smartphone data in the name of maximizing revenue.
If you don't use more than 200 mb a month then the $15 plan should be fine. If you think you'll use more, which is very likely with these phones, you'll want to get the 2gb plan.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget the 30 dollar surcharge for the "privilege" to tether your computer to your phone and use "your" data.
I've been kicked back and forth through various AT&T departments for the past month over this...
According to AT&T's official line, if you were using a smartphone on a non-smartphone data plan before November of last year, you have a 'smartphone exclusion' added to your account. This will keep you from automatically getting 'upgraded' to a smartphone data plan as long as you don't change to a different smartphone.
Actually, it's a bit more complex than that. The above is true... as long as you're talking about AT&T smartphones. They have a database with the IMEI number for all of the smartphones they offer... but it does not include smartphones that they don't offer. As a result, if you plugged your SIM into a Nexus One, AT&T would be perfectly happy letting you continue on a 'featurephone data plan'. Same goes if you picked up a sim-unlocked HTC Desire from Telus.
Anyway, if you get stuck that way, just move your sim back to your featurephone and give customer support a call. They can get you back on the cheap data plan.
Actually, there's been reports of people trying to add a smartphone data plan to an account using a Nexus One and having AT&T refuse because 'it's not a smartphone' - or rather it's not in their list of smartphones. AT&T insisted on putting them on a featurephone data plane instead.
Now what's really nasty (and what happened with me) is that if you had ben running on an ancient data plan (like a $20 per month plan that provided unlimited data, unlimited text, and 200 mms), and you stuck your sim in a Captivate, you're screwed. Actually it was the AT&T rep who stuck my sim in and tried to process the upgrade. And before the upgrade had even completed, my old data plan was gone and a 2gb smartphone plan was stuck in it's place. What's worse, when told to cancel the upgrade if I can't keep my old data plan, it was too late. Once that data plan is gone, it's gone for good. I tried to get it back for the next month, going through about 9 support cases and hitting multiple levels of support in 3 different divisions. About the best they could do was to give me a heavy discount on the Captivate and put me on the old smartphone unlimited plan.
With the amount of jerking around I was given before anybody could give me a straight answer, I'm seriously considering returning my Captivate anyway and giving Verizon a shot. Except that they're going to cost the same amount I'm paying now, and they don't (yet) have any good android phones that work international.
mesasone said:
Don't forget the 30 dollar surcharge for the "privilege" to tether your computer to your phone and use "your" data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or the $20 "privelege" of connecting to an "enterprise" email system
ag4vr said:
I doubt seriously that you'll be able to keep your MediaNet plan. Most of us think that data is data is data, but not where AT&T is concerned. They tend to place this magical premium on smartphone data in the name of maximizing revenue.
If you don't use more than 200 mb a month then the $15 plan should be fine. If you think you'll use more, which is very likely with these phones, you'll want to get the 2gb plan.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on this plan and it's not too bad. Only things I don't really do with my phone while I'm on data: browse the web, use google navigation, or use pandora radio. those things seem to eat up bandwith more than anything else.
Also, use a program like NetMeter, it'll let you know how much data you're using via data plan and wifi, very handy. It let's me monitor my use so I can be sure I won't go over.
And last thing to consider: The way AT&T's billing plan is that you're paying 15$ a month for the first 200mb of data that you use. If you go over that 200mb, they're going to charge you another 15$ for the next 200mb of data, and so on..
It really sucks they've done it like that, but they definitely had a lot of leaks in their network as far as data goes, which is why they've cracked down on it so much. I used to have the same 15$ unlimited data plan for the longest time ever and enjoyed it with my various HTC phones (Wizard, 8515, tilt), but ultimately, I hurt myself in the end since I didn't bother to get on an unlimited smart phone data plan back then, which would have cost me more at the time, but would more than make up for it as far as being grandfathered in goes.
The best way around it is getting a Tmobile phone because you dont need 3g and ATT usually doesnt mess aorund with there imei numbers. But Att has made data plan very cheap $15 and if u usually use wifi then u will never go over. I have never gone over 200 in the past year and its basically i download apps on wifi using other features in moderations u should be good.
First off, this is my first post on these forums.. second. I had the unlimited data plan on a dumbphone, switched to the smartphone. Was told I couldn't keep my plan. Called customer support. Explained I had been with ATT since 1998 and I don't understand why I couldn't keep my plan. They said I couldn't, agent was rather rude IMHO, I said, well I can change carriers, can I speak to a manager. She put me on hold. Came back rather quickly and said in a nice voice. Sir, I spoke to my manager and they agree to give you your plan back, since you have been with us for so long. But you know, it will cost you 5 dollars more a month. I laughed and said, that's not the point."

[Q] Ready to buy a Captivate but...

I'm currently in a AT&T Family Plan and my line has the old unlimited data plan. While my wife was in the local AT&T store buying a new Blackberry Torch, I was checking out the Captivate and really loved what I saw.
So I started talking to the AT&T guy, asking about data plans and such if I was to update my phone now. He stated that if I bought the Captivate I wouldn't be able to keep my old unlimited data plan, and that I'd have to either change to the 200MB or 2GB data plan. Is this really true, or is the rep just trying to get me into one of the new plans?
Also, I'm curious about the Captivate's GPS - the box states it's aGPS. Now I know this can mean a few things, but I'm curious if the Captivate has a "real" GPS chip in it, or does the Captivate's aGPS just use cell tower triangulation for navigation purposes?
I thought I'd get other's opinions before actually getting the phone - which I really do want!
Rambler358 said:
I'm currently in a AT&T Family Plan and my line has the old unlimited data plan. While my wife was in the local AT&T store buying a new Blackberry Torch, I was checking out the Captivate and really loved what I saw.
So I started talking to the AT&T guy, asking about data plans and such if I was to update my phone now. He stated that if I bought the Captivate I wouldn't be able to keep my old unlimited data plan, and that I'd have to either change to the 200MB or 2GB data plan. Is this really true, or is the rep just trying to get me into one of the new plans?
Also, I'm curious about the Captivate's GPS - the box states it's aGPS. Now I know this can mean a few things, but I'm curious if the Captivate has a "real" GPS chip in it, or does the Captivate's aGPS just use cell tower triangulation for navigation purposes?
I thought I'd get other's opinions before actually getting the phone - which I really do want!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think either the rep is trying to trick you, or he may just not know. When I bought my Captivate I was able to keep my existing unlimited plan, so I'd assume it'd apply to you as well. And yes the GPS receiver is actual GPS, however there are some issues with it at the moment (problems with holding a lock and tracking, etc.), and Samsung is trying to fix them.
KCutrer1 said:
I think either the rep is trying to trick you, or he may just not know. When I bought my Captivate I was able to keep my existing unlimited plan, so I'd assume it'd apply to you as well. And yes the GPS receiver is actual GPS, however there are some issues with it at the moment (problems with holding a lock and tracking, etc.), and Samsung is trying to fix them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - maybe I can just go to another AT&T store, as there's a few around me and see if the reps give me the same "you must change data plan" story.
I've read about the GPS issues, and it seems some have them and some don't. I also see there's a couple fixes for the Captivate's GPS issue, but do they really work? The GPS feature is something I really want/need, as I'm not planning on buying a standalone GPS as well.
That's a lie. When i purchased my Captivate on my renewal, i ended up having to call AT&T directly as they wouldn't give me the deal price in the store and when the representative on the phone tried to sell me on one of their new plans, i immediately said, "No.. i want the unlimited plan transferred to the Captivate from my iPhone." It took him a few minutes of putting on hold to talk to his supervisor to come back and tell me it was done. So don't believe the AT&T rep in the store, they're probably told to tell you it's not possible. I'm telling you it is.
Remember.. once the unlimited plan is gone.. you can't get it back.
terrigan said:
That's a lie. When i purchased my Captivate on my renewal, i ended up having to call AT&T directly as they wouldn't give me the deal price in the store and when the representative on the phone tried to sell me on one of their new plans, i immediately said, "No.. i want the unlimited plan transferred to the Captivate from my iPhone."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, this jogs my memory a bit now. The rep did say that if I was coming from an iPhone that I could keep my unlimited plan, otherwise I'd need to get one of the new plans. I currently have a HTC Advantage, but a Motorola Razr is showing up on my account as my current phone - which I was using until I got the Advantage, but obviously not from AT&T.
So even with the above would I still be able to retain my current unlimited data plan? I just want to have my ducks in a row before going back to the AT&T store.
I would call AT&T on the phone and inquire. I don't know about that, I had an iPhone and they didn't give me a hard time at all.
terrigan said:
I would call AT&T on the phone and inquire. I don't know about that, I had an iPhone and they didn't give me a hard time at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, just got off the phone with AT&T. According to the rep, if I previously had a "smartphone" with the unlimited data plan then I could keep that plan. But unfortunately my old Motorola Razr was not classified as a smartphone, and I'd need to choose one of the 2 new data plans available if I got the Captivate. And they're not able to back-date the IMEI number of the HTC Advantage.
So do you guys with the 2GB data plans come close to exceeding that at all? I'm now beginning to wonder if I should drop AT&T and go with another carrier for unlimited data.
Depends on how you use the phone
If you are jumping ship for a different carrier do it soon. I know for a fact Verizon will be doing that soon from a friend that works there. T-Mobile doesn't have a "cap" but they may as well, you get throttled after you use so much bandwidth. I don't know about Sprint, but if you are in a 4G Sprint area, that may be your best bet. The Epic is supposed to be the best Galaxy S phone.
Over the past 10 months, I have only had one month less than 2GB, at 1.4GB. My max was 4.8GB, and it appears I average about 3GB. My wife on the other hand, ranged from 90MB to 550MB, with most months at around 250MB. We both use our phones a lot. We both had iPhones until the Captivate came out. Once we switched to the Captivate both our data usages spiked. The difference is HOW we use our phones. We both use the web, a lot. But I stream Pandora almost daily for hours at work, and I download a lot of Podcasts. Sometimes I download podcasts on my phone when I am home even though I have WiFi just so I feel like I am getting my $$ from AT&T.
Sure you can survive on the new $15 data plan, but I wouldn't do it.
quarlow said:
Sure you can survive on the new $15 data plan, but I wouldn't do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I was to stick with AT&T I'd definately get the $25 2GB data plan. Unfortunately AT&T isn't offering any higher data plans - even for business users!
If I did drop AT&T, I was thinking about Sprint and the HTC EVO (for the larger screen). But I just checked Sprint's 4G coverage for the west coast, and it's very slim. So Verizon would be my other option. I'll talk to the wife and see what she thinks. I'd definately be paying more for service by leaving my current AT&T Family Plan though, so that's something I need to consider as well.
Rambler358 said:
Okay, just got off the phone with AT&T. According to the rep, if I previously had a "smartphone" with the unlimited data plan then I could keep that plan. But unfortunately my old Motorola Razr was not classified as a smartphone, and I'd need to choose one of the 2 new data plans available if I got the Captivate. And they're not able to back-date the IMEI number of the HTC Advantage.
So do you guys with the 2GB data plans come close to exceeding that at all? I'm now beginning to wonder if I should drop AT&T and go with another carrier for unlimited data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in a similar predicament as I have an unlimited non-smartphone data plan that I am still using. Recently I put my sim into my friends Captivate to see if it would still work. I lose internet on some programs will retain it on others. For example, Google Maps works and connects fine, but FriendsStream does not, and most if not all widgets. The Android browser also doesnt work, but there is a workaround (Opera Mini). I'm always surfing the web, and like someone said earlier I stream music from Pandora about 6 hours a day, and I feel bad for my friends who have the capped plan when I see them run like roaches when we are at a WiFi available restaurant. I dont know if the 2GB plan will be enough for me.
I currently have my non-smartphone plan on my blackberry, and although I cant use BB apps like BBM, or the BB Browser... Opera Mini does the job, and 3rd Party apps including Google maps and Pandora work fine. I miss out on not being able to use some cool apps because of this, but the Captivate for sure is an internet-friendly phone.
quarlow said:
If you are jumping ship for a different carrier do it soon. I know for a fact Verizon will be doing that soon from a friend that works there. T-Mobile doesn't have a "cap" but they may as well, you get throttled after you use so much bandwidth. I don't know about Sprint, but if you are in a 4G Sprint area, that may be your best bet. The Epic is supposed to be the best Galaxy S phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny part is, AT&T is the only carrier with a truly unlimited data plan. (If you still have the unlimited data plan that is) Verizon, T-mobile, Sprint, all of their "unlimited" data plans are capped at 5gb.
I just got my captivate a week ago. They never said i had to change my data plan if upgrading. My unlimited plan just carried over. I switched from the htc pure.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
nuwayman said:
I just got my captivate a week ago. They never said i had to change my data plan if upgrading. My unlimited plan just carried over. I switched from the htc pure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If AT&T had your HTC Pure indicated on your account previously, then you're good to go. Unfortunately when I got my HTC Advantage, I never called in to get the IMEI switched over. Now that's hurting me because I want to upgrade and keep the unlimited plan.
I had a Samsung A-737 (not a smart phone) and the $15 unlimited data plan. When I upgraded at an AT&T store, I was not allowed to keep that plan; I decided to go with the 2 gb, $25 plan. Additional usage is charged at $10/gb.
Though I'm sure I went over in the first month, for some reason AT&T was not able to track my usage. This second month, I'm approaching my limit; I've downloaded a lot of apps and other files, watched quite a number of youtube videos, surfed a lot, but I never stream audio, preferring to play from my own collection.
Regardless of whether 2gb is enough, having to watch data usage is a hassle... If, somehow, you can keep your unlimited plan as others have, that would be preferable. My counsel is to not give in so easy as I did. Perhaps, try upgrading by phone, direct to AT&T.
gary_lankford said:
I decided to go with the 2 gb, $25 plan. Additional usage is charged at $10/gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bad part is anything over 2GB is charged the extra $10, even a byte over will be charged extra.
Perhaps, try upgrading by phone, direct to AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I tried this as well to no avail.
Though what's interesting is that I've been using my phone's SIM card in my Alienware M11x laptop (with the Gobi WWAN card) for data when WiFi isn't available. And it doesn't seem like the laptop's data usage is being recorded by AT&T for some reason. If that's the case, then maybe the 2GB plan just for the Captivate won't be an issue.
This is my second month with the Captivate on the 2gig plan. The first billing cycle was only 2 weeks and I totaled 465mb. Not bad, I though; I figured I could keep it under 2 gigs. However, two weeks into this billing cycle I got a warning message from att that I was nearly at my limit. I have no idea how I could have used 2000mb in two weeks. I don't stream anything and I kill tasks that might use background data. Even so, 2gigs is a lot.
This was my first smartphone. I truly regret signing on with ATT for two years. If I could do it again, I'd go with T-Mobile for the Vibrant or Sprint with the Epic (which wasn't out yet when I got my phone).
ATT's plan is a rip-off.
DemonWav said:
Funny part is, AT&T is the only carrier with a truly unlimited data plan. (If you still have the unlimited data plan that is) Verizon, T-mobile, Sprint, all of their "unlimited" data plans are capped at 5gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still better than AT&T's 2GB data plan, for not much more money.
Ordered ours over the phone (after lots of hassle to get them to cave and allow an early upgrade from the 3GS) and it seems our unlimited data carried over. However, I didn't put in the new SIM they sent or "activate" it as they say to do... was worried it would require changing the data plan.
A couple months ago my iPhone 3gs got stolen and I had to use a razr as a backup phone for a couple weeks. They removed my unlimited data and changed me to unlimited Media Net... When I called to inquire and be sure I could change back over to unlimited smart phone data with no problem, they assured me there would be no hassle and they'd note the account. When I did get another iPhone, it actually ended up taking me about an hour on the phone with several reps that went through a few managers to get them to put my unlimited smart phone data package back on. They argued over whether they should be allowed to do it or not :-/ So I'm worried about losing it again, even though I actually don't even use much data at all in reality (I don't have 3g in my area, just EDGE, and I'm often around wifi... but just never know when I may need that unlimited )
Keeping Your Unlimited Data Plan
I was able to keep my unlimited data plan on AT&T. I had an iPhone which i gave to my wife when her Blackberry broke. I acquired an old Blackberry Bold 8800 from work to use until I got ready to upgrade. I moved jobs and had to return the phone. Stuck my SIM card in an old LG flip phone for the weekend until i was able to get to a store to upgrade. The rep switched me over to a 200 MB plan without saying anything. When I checked my features online the next day as I never trust the sells reps, I found the change. I immediately called AT&T. The cust. serv. rep began to explain that since I had switched from a smartphone to a non-smartphone I was no longer eligible to continue my Unlimited Data plan. I immediately asked for a manager. Within a few short mins I had my Unlimited Data Plan restored. I believe if you press them hard enough they will give in. It may take a call to AT&T customer service waiting for a manager and making your case, but he seemed ready to help and didn't want to lose a customer.
natedog75 said:
I was able to keep my unlimited data plan on AT&T. I had an iPhone which i gave to my wife when her Blackberry broke. I acquired an old Blackberry Bold 8800 from work to use until I got ready to upgrade. I moved jobs and had to return the phone. Stuck my SIM card in an old LG flip phone for the weekend until i was able to get to a store to upgrade. The rep switched me over to a 200 MB plan without saying anything. When I checked my features online the next day as I never trust the sells reps, I found the change. I immediately called AT&T. The cust. serv. rep began to explain that since I had switched from a smartphone to a non-smartphone I was no longer eligible to continue my Unlimited Data plan. I immediately asked for a manager. Within a few short mins I had my Unlimited Data Plan restored. I believe if you press them hard enough they will give in. It may take a call to AT&T customer service waiting for a manager and making your case, but he seemed ready to help and didn't want to lose a customer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've spoke to 2 different reps and each time they spoke to their managers. Unless your unlimited data plan was previously on a iPhone, then they won't (they specifically said can't) switch you over.
This is the main reason I think I'm going over to Sprint, as well as moving the wife over once her contract is up this December. Oh well, it's AT&T's loss not mine.

Any US Users on MediaNet since the "tablet fix"?

I am guessing this will show up as a smart phone on ATT now and require the Smart Phone $15 200MB plan. I use about 800MB a month. Not sure another $10-$15 is worth 600MB of Carrier data, I like the idea of not having to worry about data use JIC.
tbong777 said:
I am guessing this will show up as a smart phone on ATT now and require the Smart Phone $15 200MB plan. I use about 800MB a month. Not sure another $10-$15 is worth 600MB of Carrier data, I like the idea of not having to worry about data use JIC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may run into issues using the $15/month plan honestly. I know that AT&T is able to see that the N7000 is a smartphone, so you could well be hassled for that and possibly automatically "upgraded" to a smartphone data plan.
Unfortunately, AT&T no longer honours upgrading unlimited data if you're coming from the old $15/month medianet plan, so it'd have to be a tiered plan.
Now, having said all that, there's still the GoPhone option that some people have taken. Basically, $50 a month for unlimited everything, pay-as-you-go.
Jade Eyed Wolf said:
You may run into issues using the $15/month plan honestly. I know that AT&T is able to see that the N7000 is a smartphone, so you could well be hassled for that and possibly automatically "upgraded" to a smartphone data plan.
Unfortunately, AT&T no longer honours upgrading unlimited data if you're coming from the old $15/month medianet plan, so it'd have to be a tiered plan.
Now, having said all that, there's still the GoPhone option that some people have taken. Basically, $50 a month for unlimited everything, pay-as-you-go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks...That is what I was afraid of. IF I even used 1.9GB of data it would be worth it. But I am caught in the middle. Over 200MB under 1GB Maybe I cam port both device numbers to the GoPhone. We are paying about $100 a month for both phones with 750 minutes UL data and no messaging plan. (we use FB messaging and GoChat) Can't imagine how we could get unlimited everything for $50 each or why it would be less expensive....on a pay as you go plan except for the fact that we don't need subsidized phones.
If you don't mind paying for a backup phone, you can get a refurb Nokia E71 on Straight Talk and be on AT&T network with unlimited everything for $45/month. Their unlimited data is not truly unlimited but there is a safe threshold of 100MB/day. That particular device (E71) comes with an unlocked sim card that can be used in the note with the correct APN settings, whereas a lot of their devices come with a sim that is locked to the device. I have been using the plan for almost two months now myself.
If you do this it is important to activate and use the service on the E71 to make sure there aren't any kinks, probably a few days at least, before migrating the sim to the note. If you have problems with the service, be sure to move the sim back into the E71 before calling support.
beestee said:
If you don't mind paying for a backup phone, you can get a refurb Nokia E71 on Straight Talk and be on AT&T network with unlimited everything for $45/month. Their unlimited data is not truly unlimited but there is a safe threshold of 100MB/day. That particular device (E71) comes with an unlocked sim card that can be used in the note with the correct APN settings, whereas a lot of their devices come with a sim that is locked to the device. I have been using the plan for almost two months now myself.
If you do this it is important to activate and use the service on the E71 to make sure there aren't any kinks, probably a few days at least, before migrating the sim to the note. If you have problems with the service, be sure to move the sim back into the E71 before calling support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what I plan on doing- waiting to pick my e71 up from UPS after winter session exams are over. I'll report on results.
guitarplayerone said:
This is exactly what I plan on doing- waiting to pick my e71 up from UPS after winter session exams are over. I'll report on results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Saw those packages at Wal Mart.$45 unlimited everything. I m guessing its the same MediaNet plan and APN I am already on with the SGS II Last speedtest run was 2.8MB DL. 520K up. Not bad for MediaNet.
tbong777 said:
Saw those packages at Wal Mart.$45 unlimited everything. I m guessing its the same MediaNet plan and APN I am already on with the SGS II Last speedtest run was 2.8MB DL. 520K up. Not bad for MediaNet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I range from 1-4Mb DL, usually steady 1Mb UL. Some get higher, it depends on area I guess. My requirement was that most Youtube videos don't need to buffer for more than a second or two, so I'm more than happy with the result.
I don't think its the same APN, but that doesn't mean that the APN isn't 'treated the same way' so-to-speak.
At the end of the day, it's a great plan- the only reason I'm not on MediaNet I guess is that I didn't want to have to root and delete my EFS folder to guarantee being 'safe' (at least while my warranty is still available after all the trouble I went arranging for it).
It's also interesting to note- I have yet to actually power on the E71- I just removed the SIM and microsd. It looks like a nice 'backup phone' that I will use while I lifeguard during the summer (beach weather killed the old Iphone 3G)

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