Database Develop

Should I buy an unlocked TYTN II now or wait for AT&T's 8925?

1) I heard some news a while back that three different Kaisers were submitted to the FCC; one was the full Kaiser as we know it, another had the front camera removed, and the third had something else removed as well (I think it was the rear camera). Does anyone know which of these three will be released as the 8925?
2) Does AT&T usually install bloatware with their ROMs? If so, could I flash an 8925 with a TYTN II ROM or would that run a risk of bricking the device?
3) if I decide to buy the 8925, it'll be without a contract. Still though, I'm wary. See, I'm currently using an unlocked HTC p3300 (Artemis), even though I'm still successfully using a "MEdia Max" smartphone data plan grandfathered back when I had a windows mobile smartphone, to get full internet access at a lower cost. I just slipped the simcard into the p3300 when I bought it and used the internet as I always did. I'd like to continue to operate 'under the radar' so to speak, but I'm afraid it won't go so smoothly this time if I buy a device straight from AT&T. Does anyone know if AT&T does some sort of owner / device lookup when you buy a new phone, to ensure you're using the "correct" service? In this case, they might force me to go with a PDA data plan, which costs twice as much - something I'd rather not do!
4) Will the kaiser's usage of HSDPA trigger a 'red flag' on this "Media Max" smartphone data plan I have and incur all sorts of extra charges? Or are there other smartphones out on the AT&T market already that feature HSDPA?

On 3), I posed a similar question a while ago:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=324535
In that thread someone suggests the best option is to tell the AT&T rep when you buy the 8925 that you just want to keep your existing plan 'as is'. Hopefully that will work!

warwickwebb said:
On 3), I posed a similar question a while ago:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=324535
In that thread someone suggests the best option is to tell the AT&T rep when you buy the 8925 that you just want to keep your existing plan 'as is'. Hopefully that will work!
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The easiest way if the ATT rep gives you a problem is to tell them you dont want any data plan, then go on the online account manager and add the MediaMax Plan yourself. And if the online manager does not list the MediaMax due to your phone being a PDA and not a phone (this happens sometimes but not usually) then borrow a friends phone (or in my case go to the closet and pick a random phone that is collecting dust) and transfer SIM and wait for ATT online to think you have a phone and then the feature for MediaMax will appear.

wpbear said:
The easiest way if the ATT rep gives you a problem is to tell them you dont want any data plan, then go on the online account manager and add the MediaMax Plan yourself. And if the online manager does not list the MediaMax due to your phone being a PDA and not a phone (this happens sometimes but not usually) then borrow a friends phone (or in my case go to the closet and pick a random phone that is collecting dust) and transfer SIM and wait for ATT online to think you have a phone and then the feature for MediaMax will appear.
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Interesting - so if you pop your SIM card into another phone, the system will automatically update to reflect this other phone? I always figured it just showed you the last phone you purchased....

I always just tell the AT&T rep that this is a gift for a girlfriend, and when you get home, just pop in your old sim... No harm no foul. Worked for me.

faustiano said:
I always just tell the AT&T rep that this is a gift for a girlfriend, and when you get home, just pop in your old sim... No harm no foul. Worked for me.
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hahah that's a good one!
although frankly i think hell will freeze over before any female will be caught lugging one of these big old HTC devices around..

demione said:
hahah that's a good one!
although frankly i think hell will freeze over before any female will be caught lugging one of these big old HTC devices around..
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We are waiting for the ladies to flame this guy. To add to it.....
I was on a plane and saw this business lady with her IBM laptop working on a spreadsheet and next to it was her 8525. She looked at a contact and then put it down on the tray table. The screen looked like she impaled it with her tweezers. It was such a stereo type moment to see such disrespect for such a high quality piece of electronics.

Are you wanting to buy it at the 2yr contract pricing? Or are you buying it at full retail(no commitment) pricing? If you want to buy it full retail, I would most definitely buy an unlocked phone elsewhere. If you're wanting the discount, you can buy the phone, sign the contract and then if you're made to switch your plan, take an old phone, call up CS and tell them you want to change your IMEI and also switch to the 19.99 Media Max plan. It's really that simple. As far as them flagging your account for HSDPA usage(I've never seen something like that in the 4 yrs I've worked for att/cingular), if you get ridiculous ie over 100mb's then you may need to worry, but to be perfectly honest with you, if you put your sim in a phone...they can tell what kind it is...doesn't matter if you call in to change the IMEI or not. If you need more details, feel free to PM me.

i didn't wait...i'm using my Tytn II w/Smartphone Connect data plan as I had been with my Trinity for the last year. this includes tethering with data usage averaging 600MB+ per month over the last 9 months. i purchased a 3125 from ATT last Sep/Oct and got the Smartphone data plan at that time... wifey has the phone now and i'm using the SIM with my Tytn II. it's my experience that tethering will connect using HSDPA by default and work down to UMTS and/or Edge if the faster services are not available... so far no issues with MaMa Bell (a.k.a., ATT)....

N1 owners! How long have you gotten away with the $15 data plan?

I'm sure there's been plenty of posts regarding this (and I'll probably get some flack from moderators), but I thought I should revisit this issue and get everyone's thoughts before I jump on the bandwagon.
Anyone here got the dreaded text, automatically switched, or loss data services altogether simply because you were using the AT&T $15 MediaNet plan? Or better yet, the $10 family plan?
I'm on the $15 plan that was originally used by a lowly 3G featurephone, and have never upgraded to a branded smartphone with AT&T. Just wondering if there are folks with my same situation who've taken the plunge into Nexus One waters. So...are you still swimming?

I've had the $4.99 T-Zones plan since 2008 and it still is going strong. I've never bought a subsidized phone. Not one single complaint. Not on AT&T obviously. Oops.

jacka$$1 said:
I'm sure there's been plenty of posts regarding this (and I'll probably get some flack from moderators), but I thought I should revisit this issue and get everyone's thoughts before I jump on the bandwagon.
Anyone here got the dreaded text, automatically switched, or loss data services altogether simply because you were using the AT&T $15 MediaNet plan? Or better yet, the $10 family plan?
I'm on the $15 plan that was originally used by a lowly 3G featurephone, and have never upgraded to a branded smartphone with AT&T. Just wondering if there are folks with my same situation who've taken the plunge into Nexus One waters. So...are you still swimming?
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In short, your account needs to have smartphone exclusion on it to prevent your data plan from jumping to the $30 smartphone data plan. If it doesn't have this rare SOC code, it's difficult to get, and you won't be able to do much of anything to stop the change from happening.

j.bruha said:
In short, your account needs to have smartphone exclusion on it to prevent your data plan from jumping to the $30 smartphone data plan. If it doesn't have this rare SOC code, it's difficult to get, and you won't be able to do much of anything to stop the change from happening.
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I'm aware of the smartphone exclusion status. But no one seems to have a clear answer as to "how" to get that status. Multiple stories abound: I've heard that you have to have had a smartphone with no data prior to Sept '09. I've also heard that folks who have a dumbphone (featurephone) with a 3G data plan ($15) are also excluded because they've never upgraded to a branded smartphone thru ATT. I'm on the latter situation. Does anyone here used to be on the $15 MediaNet+dumbphone combo and are now using a Nexus One?

jacka$$1 said:
I'm aware of the smartphone exclusion status. But no one seems to have a clear answer as to "how" to get that status. Multiple stories abound: I've heard that you have to have had a smartphone with no data prior to Sept '09. I've also heard that folks who have a dumbphone (featurephone) with a 3G data plan ($15) are also excluded because they've never upgraded to a branded smartphone thru ATT. I'm on the latter situation. Does anyone here used to be on the $15 MediaNet+dumbphone combo and are now using a Nexus One?
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If it helps, I never purchased ANY phone through AT&T since I started service with them in mid-2008 since I always used unlocked phones and I still got hit with the text. The only reason I have the smartphone exclusion is because I called AT&T when they switched my data plan automatically and pitched a huge fit. I still can't get them to add it to the other line on my account.
So I guess try to talk to the customer "solutions" team about canceling your service and see if they'll add it for you?

I am using AT&T Nexus One from the day they were out (about 3 weeks now), I am still on $10 family MediaNet plan.
I have never bought smartphone from AT&T, perhaps that is the reason, or they haven't done their sweep yet.

j.bruha said:
If it helps, I never purchased ANY phone through AT&T since I started service with them in mid-2008 since I always used unlocked phones and I still got hit with the text. The only reason I have the smartphone exclusion is because I called AT&T when they switched my data plan automatically and pitched a huge fit. I still can't get them to add it to the other line on my account.
So I guess try to talk to the customer "solutions" team about canceling your service and see if they'll add it for you?
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That makes sense. But have you, or ever, upgraded your plan from a $15 to a $30 plan, and then back down to $15? (Or something to that effect.) I'm just wondering that since you never bought a device from them, a change in your data plan might also trigger the auto-switch? Just covering all bases how an auto-switch (or change in the smartphone exclusion status) can be triggered by either device upgrade or data plan upgrade thru AT&T.

rome425 said:
I am using AT&T Nexus One from the day they were out (about 3 weeks now), I am still on $10 family MediaNet plan.
I have never bought smartphone from AT&T, perhaps that is the reason, or they haven't done their sweep yet.
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Excellent! Good luck on that. Please keep us posted if the status on your data ever changes. I'm gonna try using the N1 under the $15 MediaNet and see how much mileage I can get out of it.

Well; I have some bad news for you guys that think your getting lucky by tricking them.
At&t does not have this phone registered in their system. So if you call them and have them change the IMEI number to reflect this phone, it will come up as unknown. So the only option they have for a data plan is the $15 plan ($10 if you have a family plan).
The only reason why I know this: I came from an iPhone to this, so I had to call them and change the IMEI number.
Sorry to rain on your parade, but as long as At&t does not register this in their system, we will get the cheaper plan.
And usually, unless they sell it, they won't register it. So we are good to go for the life of this phone.

Squeaky369 said:
Well; I have some bad news for you guys that think your getting lucky by tricking them.
At&t does not have this phone registered in their system. So if you call them and have them change the IMEI number to reflect this phone, it will come up as unknown. So the only option they have for a data plan is the $15 plan ($10 if you have a family plan).
The only reason why I know this: I came from an iPhone to this, so I had to call them and change the IMEI number.
Sorry to rain on your parade, but as long as At&t does not register this in their system, we will get the cheaper plan.
And usually, unless they sell it, they won't register it. So we are good to go for the life of this phone.
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You should have a look at: AT&T automatically addining $30 Smartphone Data plan to the unbranded Nexus 1!?

jacka$$1 said:
That makes sense. But have you, or ever, upgraded your plan from a $15 to a $30 plan, and then back down to $15? (Or something to that effect.) I'm just wondering that since you never bought a device from them, a change in your data plan might also trigger the auto-switch? Just covering all bases how an auto-switch (or change in the smartphone exclusion status) can be triggered by either device upgrade or data plan upgrade thru AT&T.
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I'm glad you asked because I did buy two 3GS's from them and flipped them on eBay for a ridiculous profit. I had to call AT&T right after I bought them to have them remove the smartphone data plan since I wasn't using the iPhones anymore.
This could be part of the reason why my account triggered the change.

I have been on a grandfathered-in mediaworks package for ~8 years now ($20 for unlimited data, 1500sms and 200mms). AT&T has never once changed my plan on me and they never will. I'm out of contact

I had the T-Mobile version on ATT shortly after the tmobile versions launch. I was using the 10$ medianet plan for about a week until I got the dreaded text. I thought it was a glitch so I went online and changed it back. A few minutes later, I got the text again. I sold my nexus and bought a milestone until the ATT version came out. I came to the conclusion that I would pay for the 30$ smartphone plan if I was using the ATT version because I would be getting 3G. I just got the ATT version in today and havnt switched plans yet. My buddy works for ATT and asked for my IMEI number to get credit for the switch from medianet to smartphone plan. He called me back saying that my new ATT nexus' IMEI number wasn't registering meaning I could use the media net plan. There have been some rumors that ATT put a cap on the speeds of the media net plan, so he asked me to run a speed test. My speeds show that I was getting normal 3g speeds for my area(786 dl). Ill post again if ATT gets ahold of this batch of IMEI numbers and auto adds the smartphone plan.

nephroid said:
I've had the $4.99 T-Zones plan since 2008 and it still is going strong. I've never bought a subsidized phone. Not one single complaint. Not on AT&T obviously. Oops.
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Do you get 3G with t-zones?

superninjaquan said:
I had the T-Mobile version on ATT shortly after the tmobile versions launch. I was using the 10$ medianet plan for about a week until I got the dreaded text. I thought it was a glitch so I went online and changed it back. A few minutes later, I got the text again. I sold my nexus and bought a milestone until the ATT version came out. I came to the conclusion that I would pay for the 30$ smartphone plan if I was using the ATT version because I would be getting 3G. I just got the ATT version in today and havnt switched plans yet. My buddy works for ATT and asked for my IMEI number to get credit for the switch from medianet to smartphone plan. He called me back saying that my new ATT nexus' IMEI number wasn't registering meaning I could use the media net plan. There have been some rumors that ATT put a cap on the speeds of the media net plan, so he asked me to run a speed test. My speeds show that I was getting normal 3g speeds for my area(786 dl). Ill post again if ATT gets ahold of this batch of IMEI numbers and auto adds the smartphone plan.
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Excellent! That definitely got me on the bandwagon. Just ordered the N1 and should be getting it Wednesday. I'll keep ya'll posted with the hopes that the IMEI batch for these new N1's will be kept hidden from ATT. Good luck to all!

GldRush98 said:
I have been on a grandfathered-in mediaworks package for ~8 years now ($20 for unlimited data, 1500sms and 200mms). AT&T has never once changed my plan on me and they never will. I'm out of contact
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Incredible! Grandfathered plans are always the best. How long have you had your N1?

I'm confused... Why were you guys giving att the imei #s? I bought my tmobile version unlocked through google and never had to let tmo know... I just dropped my SIM card in from my G1 and went on my way.

So how much data do you guys get for $15?

liam.lah said:
So how much data do you guys get for $15?
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UNLIMITED*
Spoiler
*5 gigs

liam.lah said:
So how much data do you guys get for $15?
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Tons. Lotsa lotsa tons.

[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!
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

Captivate without Data Plan

Hey guys,
I'm thinking about getting the Captivate and I was wondering if I can get it without the $15/$30 per month data plan because 90% of the time I'm surrounded with wifi. I did some research and it says that AT&T will be able to track what phone your using with the IMEI number. I was wondering if I can bypass that if I get the Samsung Vibrant and then unlock it so I can use it with AT&T.
I also heard that data block might work is that true? Thanks for all the advice.

Seems kinda silly to get a smartphone and then cripple most of its functionality by not getting at least a minimal data plan. Even if you have ready access to wifi, there are situations where a little data access comes in handy.

I've got around att's data plan by taking a free dumbphone which i got with the "Add-a-line" option, and I swapped it out with an unlocked, not att branded device. Its been over 1.5 years, and I haven't had any data charge.
Just be careful the phone doesn't get any push email or anything like that. I once got charged for getting an email, because when you dont have a data plan, its pay per mb used
Its weird though, my friend did the same exact thing as me, but he bought a different phone, and he gets charged a data plan
EDIT: Actually, I think I got "grandfathered" in. You're most likely going to end up being forced into a data plan. Look at this article

It may sound silly but I am literally surrounded with free wifi wherever I go. Is there no way around this? What happens if I get a different smartphone instead?

If you use wifi there is no data plan utilized. AT&T has no idea what you do when you use wifi. Turn on wifi and enjoy email, the market, surfing...whatever you want.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

I'm using edge on mine. I have tmobile and just unlocked the captivate so that i could bypass the data plan. You could probably do it the other way around
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

just get the phone, you will have to add the data plan to be able to buy it, but a few days later, tell them you lost it and you want to cancel the data, but tell them not only to cancel it, but to block it, because if they do not block it and you go online, they will charge you per MB of usage, but if they block it, there is no way to get any traffic if it isn't thru wifi

is that possible? wont they still be able to detect thatI'm using the Captivate?

A data plan is now required for any smartphone sold by AT$T or one of its authorized agents. So long as the SIM card is in it (it will show what phone it is in on the system and online in your account) they will not cancel the data plan for you. What some people do is put the SIM in a dumb phone, call and cancel their data plan, and then reinstall the SIM to their smartphone. Better be sure you don't use any data, though.
I found a couple of things that absolutely require a data plan and can not be done over wifi. For one, I have Market setup to bill to my AT$T account. When I buy an app this way I have to be on data connection, not wifi, or the charge does not go through. I'm guessing my account info needed to approve the purchase is not accessible via wifi. I also had a program tell me to turn off wifi so it could connect. Can't remember what it was, but it could not work over wifi, only the data connection. aGPS needs a data connection, as well, so you'd be rendering all your GPS apps useless without a data plan.

Process of putting a sim into a dumb phone used to work but it no longer does. Only customers that are grandfathered in can use a smartphone without a data plan provided they did not sign a new 2 year contract agreeing to the new terms and conditions. With a recent upgrade to their system they can detect what type of device the sim is in resulting in a text :data will be automatically added your account.

so nothing can be done?

kenwarez said:
so nothing can be done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only way is purchasing an unlocked smartphone from a different country. At&t system goes by imei and if it can't recognize the serial it will not classify it as a smartphone. I'm sure there is another way with all the custom options out there but not sure about that one.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk

I'm not from USA and I don't know much about your carriers, but coudn't you alegate that the data service drains your battery till the.point you find your phone unusable and ask for at&t to block it threatening of changing your provider? The last part works for almost anything in my country. Also with a good excuse you can build up a consumers defense case asking to be removed from the plan. Like phone racism, all phones should be able to access all plans, and if for example you are on a no data area they are charging you more for the same service.
Just a few ideas... not sure if any of them could work

rastanthology said:
I'm not from USA and I don't know much about your carriers, but coudn't you alegate that the data service drains your battery till the.point you find your phone unusable and ask for at&t to block it threatening of changing your provider? The last part works for almost anything in my country. Also with a good excuse you can build up a consumers defense case asking to be removed from the plan. Like phone racism, all phones should be able to access all plans, and if for example you are on a no data area they are charging you more for the same service.
Just a few ideas... not sure if any of them could work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i thought the iphone was the only ATT phone they could force you to have a data plan on even when purchased off contract? I know they may try to turn on your data plan if you are using an off contract but in my past experience when you raise a fuss they take it back off and say it was a mistake (this was on my last phone...a TILT 2). I had purchased it off contract and after a about 1.5 years use without data plan one day i got a text saying it was required and had been added. Logged onto my account and couldn't disable. Called them and told them i did not want the plan added, that i had purchased the phone off contract, and had been completely happy using it for the past 1.5 years without a data plan. They said it was a mistake and removed it. Continued to use it for another 6 to 7 months without data plan then finally decided to add an unlimited plan before they disappeared.
Unless something has changed (which it may have) the iphone was the only phone that they forced the data plan on even when you purchased it without any discount or part of a 2 year agreement to have a plan.

alaimar said:
Process of putting a sim into a dumb phone used to work but it no longer does. Only customers that are grandfathered in can use a smartphone without a data plan provided they did not sign a new 2 year contract agreeing to the new terms and conditions. With a recent upgrade to their system they can detect what type of device the sim is in resulting in a text :data will be automatically added your account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ah..sounds like it has changed this use to only apply to iphone...didn't matter how or when you purchased them once the system saw it you were getting a data plan like it or not.

Look at any smartphone on the AT$T site. All have an asterisk stating that a data plan is required. You used to be able to request a data block, but their thinking now is that if you buy a smartphone on contract, you are doing so knowing that some level of data plan is required. AT$T has no obligation to customers that buy phones from other sources like eBay and Craig's List. I had a grandfathered $15 unlimited data plan since February 2009 that I used with my LG Incite. Last July I bought an HTC Tilt 2 off eBay. Almost as soon as I put my SIM into it AT$T tried to upgrade my data plan (since it was not a smartphone plan) I told them I did not want them to change anything as I would not be using the Tilt 2 for long and would probably be using my upgrade (new contract) in December. They weren't happy about it, but they left me alone until I did just that and got the Captivate a couple weeks ago. They are trying to close the loopholes and move people to one of the current data plans they offer. What does piss me off is that they still have the true unlimited data plans (no caps) available just for iPhone customers.

alaimar said:
Only way is purchasing an unlocked smartphone from a different country. At&t system goes by imei and if it can't recognize the serial it will not classify it as a smartphone. I'm sure there is another way with all the custom options out there but not sure about that one.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry but no. If AT&T decides to carry that phone later, it will be sweep into the AT&T data plans. It happened to my Rogers X10a. Once AT&T decided carrying it, I got a text message that they were switching me to the proper data plan. So hope that whatever unlocked phone you want to buy will never be sold by AT&T.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Like I said before, are you sure you can't just unlock the Vibrant from T mobile and use that without the data plan? Sure, it isn't the captivate, but it is basically the same thing and could work. I purchased my captivate from some guy off contract and all I had to do was unlock it and it works perfectly without a data plan on T-mobile.

does the sim card affect anything because I have a Cingular SIM card.

I bought a locked at&t captivate on ebay for my girlfriend and she's been using it for almost 3 months now with no data plan and at&t has not added one to her line yet. the asterisk on the at&t website saying a data plan is required is only to get that discounted price on the phone itself. ($200 instead of $500 or whatever)

[Q] Help: AT&T Wants to disconnect my Galaxy Note

I've had the galaxy note now for about 2 weeks on AT&T...Everything working really well...then:
I got a strange text today that said my phone does not match my data plan and service would be interrupted if I didnt call them.
I called AT&T and the rep said my IMEI matches a galaxy tab (ie. NOT a phone) and I cant keep my data plan. He said the only thing he could give me was a DATA ONLY PLAN and that I wouldnt be able to make calls!
What can I do? Did I just get a stupid rep?
Please help!
I love the Note, BTW and do NOT want to loose it!
EDIT: I did install the Samsung 2.3.6 OTA update about 4 days ago...in case that makes a difference
UPDATE:
I spoke to a different rep who went through all the same crap again. But after much wait time said that he opened a case number for support to address it and that it should be taken care of in 3 business days.
I do have my old unlimited data plan, so I wonder if that is causing the problem.
Just curious though are others having this issue on AT&T?

ATT does not give a **** about what you want. that's the problem. Do consider switching the hell away from them.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

The galaxy note is a cross between a phone and a tab. That's probably why they want to kick you out of your plan and put you in a new one. The irony is that it's going to probably be making an appearance eventually. Try talking to a nother rep.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

Danm I hope this doesn't happen to me.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

Let's guess - you are trying to use the dumbphone plan and got busted.
Usually this happens by:
1) Not using the dumbphone APN and using the smartphone/4g APN. (the dumbphone APN is the cingular 410 one in my FAQ)
2) Accidentally warning AT&T by telling the rep you have a smartphone, or asking for a 4g/smartphone sim card.
When either of the above happens, they generally block medianet to your phone and require you to get a smartphone.
You may be able to play dumb and say, 'oh, I didn't know I couldn't use that phone' then use a dumbphone till they reactivate your data. Then switch back.
But you'll need to figure out what you did wrong or you'll just get locked out in 2 weeks (or sooner) again.
Actually, I am guessing you are totally screwed - they apparently have the IMEI your note registered as a smartphone/tablet.
Even if they reactivate your data with another phone, as soon as you use your Note again, it's going to send its IMEI (which they now know about) and you'll get blocked again.
You're going to have to bite the bullet and get a regular smartphone data plan.
I have always thought it would be a matter of time before either:
1) AT&T starts looking up IMEI numbers differently so they recognize international smartphones. (it's shouldn't be that hard, to be honest)
2) They monitor data usage - dumbphones shouldn't be pulling massive amounts of data, although my friend with a featurephone says she can watch movies.
- Frank

ChodTheWacko said:
Let's guess - you are trying to use the dumbphone plan and got busted.
Usually this happens by:
1) Not using the dumbphone APN and using the smartphone/4g APN. (the dumbphone APN is the cingular 410 one in my FAQ)
2) Accidentally warning AT&T by telling the rep you have a smartphone, or asking for a 4g/smartphone sim card.
When either of the above happens, they generally block medianet to your phone and require you to get a smartphone.
You may be able to play dumb and say, 'oh, I didn't know I couldn't use that phone' then use a dumbphone till they reactivate your data. Then switch back.
But you'll need to figure out what you did wrong or you'll just get locked out in 2 weeks (or sooner) again.
Actually, I am guessing you are totally screwed - they apparently have the IMEI your note registered as a smartphone/tablet.
Even if they reactivate your data with another phone, as soon as you use your Note again, it's going to send its IMEI (which they now know about) and you'll get blocked again.
You're going to have to bite the bullet and get a regular smartphone data plan.
I have always thought it would be a matter of time before either:
1) AT&T starts looking up IMEI numbers differently so they recognize international smartphones. (it's shouldn't be that hard, to be honest)
2) They monitor data usage - dumbphones shouldn't be pulling massive amounts of data, although my friend with a featurephone says she can watch movies.
- Frank
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what the official data plan name is called, but I dont think it's a "dumbphone" plan...It's unlimited data & text, and I've used it for years, lastly for 18 months with the dell streak 5 without issue (well, without issues beyond the usual with AT&T!)

I hate the fact that the force you to have a data plan. I'm on tmo and they offer a pay as you need plan. Cost me zero bucks unless I need data. I also have mifi from Vzon if im not by a wifi spot. This works great for me and my family.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

Go to an AT&T store, show them your phone & get a real smartphone plan.

I just got the same text and email today. I have had my phone for about 5 days now. I have the iPhone unlimited data plan. I'm wondering if it has to do with flash being on the note or maybe the h+ speeds I'm getting. Are there specific apn settings that I'm supposed to put in? I want to call them but I also don't want to give them my imei number. I paid to much for this phone not to be able to use it.

danteusel said:
I'm not sure what the official data plan name is called, but I dont think it's a "dumbphone" plan...It's unlimited data & text, and I've used it for years, lastly for 18 months with the dell streak 5 without issue (well, without issues beyond the usual with AT&T!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which one, though? how much are you paying for month?
- Frank

Funny, I also got this text/email from AT&T today. I opened a new thread at the Q&A forum. Didn't know there was a thread already.
Quote
I just received a text and email from AT&T today saying they disabled my data because they detected that I put my sim card into a data connect device. When I called to question them about it, they said their system detected my phone as the Samsung GT-P7501. I googled this model # and it's the new Germany version of the Samsung Tab 10.1. I really don't understand how or why their system detected this model. I don't think it's even possible to buy this tablet at the moment! Did any one else encounter a similar problem?
I was on the $10 unlimited data plan and used the wap.cingular APN setting.
Unquote
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1371969

This could be a huge problem.
They could be lumping the Galaxy Note with the Galaxy Tab 7.
I recall AT&T isn't allowing the Galaxy Tab 7 to receive phone calls, as they consider it a tablet even though it has a cellular antenna. They only offer a data plan for it.
If they try to pull the same stunt on the Galaxy note, this could be trouble.
This will have to be escalated somehow. Keep us informed.
- Frank

starbuck123 said:
Funny, I also got this text/email from AT&T today. I opened a new thread at the Q&A forum. Didn't know there was a thread already.
Quote
I just received a text and email from AT&T today saying they disabled my data because they detected that I put my sim card into a data connect device. When I called to question them about it, they said their system detected my phone as the Samsung GT-P7501. I googled this model # and it's the new Germany version of the Samsung Tab 10.1. I really don't understand how or why their system detected this model. I don't think it's even possible to buy this tablet at the moment! Did any one else encounter a similar problem?
I was on the $10 unlimited data plan and used the wap.cingular APN setting.
Unquote
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1371969
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's your problem. I bet if you had a legit 4G smartphone plan, you would of never gotten a call from AT&T.
ChodTheWacko said:
This could be a huge problem.
They could be lumping the Galaxy Note with the Galaxy Tab 7.
I recall AT&T isn't allowing the Galaxy Tab 7 to receive phone calls, as they consider it a tablet even though it has a cellular antenna. They only offer a data plan for it.
If they try to pull the same stunt on the Galaxy note, this could be trouble.
This will have to be escalated somehow. Keep us informed.
- Frank
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Galaxy Note on an unlimited 4G plan using the 4G APN & I have yet to get a call from AT&T. I'm sorry but if the OP was using a MediaNet plan & used the wrong APN, its his fault & not AT&T.

RMXO said:
I have a Galaxy Note on an unlimited 4G plan using the 4G APN & I have yet to get a call from AT&T. I'm sorry but if the OP was using a MediaNet plan & used the wrong APN, its his fault & not AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem and I NEVER used the 4G APN setting. I know better, I always use the wap.cingular APN setting. The strange thing is, they didn't detect it as a smartphone, they detected as a tablet from another country that was just released a couple of weeks ago?
---------- Post added at 05:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:32 PM ----------
RMXO said:
That's your problem. I bet if you had a legit 4G smartphone plan, you would of never gotten a call from AT&T.
I have a Galaxy Note on an unlimited 4G plan using the 4G APN & I have yet to get a call from AT&T. I'm sorry but if the OP was using a MediaNet plan & used the wrong APN, its his fault & not AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would I be on a legit 4G plan when they shouldn't be able to detect it as a smartphone? This is part of the beauty of buying an international phone, AT&T can't detect (usually) what you're using so you can use the cheapest plan possible. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who does this. I been doing this since the original galaxy phone came out and never had a problem.

starbuck123 said:
I have the same problem and I NEVER used the 4G APN setting. I know better, I always use the wap.cingular APN setting. The strange thing is, they didn't detect it as a smartphone, they detected as a tablet from another country that was just released a couple of weeks ago?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T is getting smart & starting to crack down on ppl having an international phone & using a medianet plan. AT&T probably has people reading sites like this & know of the loophole.

So would it be better for us to go to an AT&T store or to just call customer service from our phone? I figured that if we went to the store then they could at least see that it's a phone and not a tablet.

Darrius777 said:
So would it be better for us to go to an AT&T store or to just call customer service from our phone? I figured that if we went to the store then they could at least see that it's a phone and not a tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to an AT&T store & have the rep see it's actually a phone & get a 4G smartphone plan. Don't deal with CS on the phone because they can't see the Note for themselves.
I brought my Note to an AT&T store & they initially asked me if it was a tablet. I told them, "nope, it's a phone". They said, cool & gave me a new sim card after I used my upgrade on an iP4s.

Darrius777 said:
So would it be better for us to go to an AT&T store or to just call customer service from our phone? I figured that if we went to the store then they could at least see that it's a phone and not a tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That depends on what kind of data plan you want to be on. Do you want to try to get the $10 unlimited non smartphone plan back (assuming you were on it) or just use the "smartphone data" plan? If you don't mind being on the 2gb smartphone data plan for $25, go to the store and show it to them.

RMXO said:
That's your problem. I bet if you had a legit 4G smartphone plan, you would of never gotten a call from AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please reread the original post.
The issue is not 'you should be on a more expensive unlimited data plan'.
The issue is AT&T Is saying 'your device can't have voice. Just data.'
This is similar to this:
www.groubal.com/att-is-price-gouging-by-disabling-device-features-must-read/
---------- Post added at 05:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:42 PM ----------
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starbuck123 said:
That depends on what kind of data plan you want to be on. Do you want to try to get the $10 unlimited non smartphone plan back (assuming you were on it) or just use the "smartphone data" plan? If you don't mind being on the 2gb smartphone data plan for $25, go to the store and show it to them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the OP's case, I don't think he has an option.
AT&T's lookup system thinks the IMEI is a tablet that doesn't get phone service.
The only way for him to disprove that is to go into a store and show them the note and point out it's running Gingerbread, and therefore it is a phone not a tablet. Once they do that, they will allow voice again, but he'll have to use a smartphone plan after that.
- Frank

starbuck123 said:
That depends on what kind of data plan you want to be on. Do you want to try to get the $10 unlimited non smartphone plan back (assuming you were on it) or just use the "smartphone data" plan? If you don't mind being on the 2gb smartphone data plan for $25, go to the store and show it to them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'm the the iPhone unlimited data plan and I don't want to lose it.