Ill be moving to japan by years end and was wondering what network could I use to work with the Atrix? And if anyone has any experiance living in japan, how does billing work?
From everything I've heard Japan has domestic market phones that make the Atrix look like old news. You might be better off getting a phone/plan locally when you get there.
...I beg to differ on that one.
Here in Japan, there are some good Android phones, but they're almost always locked down. For example my SH005. great phone except the battery won't last a whole day.
I picked up an Atrix I plan on unlocking and using that over here.
anything that has the 2100 band (pretty much all 3G phones in the US) will work on Softbank. if you're going there permanently, then if your phone is unlocked you can probably just drop the SIM in. if you're going temporarily then you will probably need to grab a prepaid SIM but it should still work in the phone. you pay for all minutes used, incoming calls are free, and softbank has a good deal on unlimited mail for prepaid (300 yen per month) plans.
shadowfalx had issues with softbank in JP.. he tried 2 Atrix handsets and couldn't get either of them to work with data..
It had to be his APN settings. I've used dozens of non-softbank phones over here, starting with my GSM WinMo Treo 750, and as long as the APN settings were correct, it worked on data fine. There's one other person with an Atrix I know here in Tokyo; He's a Google employee here. So I know it'll work.
Kueller said:
From everything I've heard Japan has domestic market phones that make the Atrix look like old news. You might be better off getting a phone/plan locally when you get there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like what?
Japan is behind the times these days, still loving flip phones, blackberries and just joining the iphone love.
Symbian is alive and well in Japan. That should tell you everything.
starrwulfe said:
It had to be his APN settings. I've used dozens of non-softbank phones over here, starting with my GSM WinMo Treo 750, and as long as the APN settings were correct, it worked on data fine. There's one other person with an Atrix I know here in Tokyo; He's a Google employee here. So I know it'll work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you ever heard of people getting extremely high charges for data? I read about that on another forum (gaijinpot, search for "softbank bill" on the title, I can't link to it). They say softbank will usually not allow you to use a cell phone they didn't sell on their data network if you ask them directly. The thread is 3 or so moths old, I don't think too much has changed since then.
Again, it's all in the plan/APN settings you start off with beforehand, along with checking My.softbank.ne.jp to see if you're getting ridiculous charges...
Some people go into the store, get a prepaid phone, then just swap the SIMs. No prepaid phone here comes with data!
Others are moving from a featurephone to a smartphone. Those have data, but are tied to a specific APN. When pulling down more data than allowed from that APN, they charge exorbitant fees. Hence plan changing is a good thing.
Finally, some people go from iPhone to another Android. iPhones here have totally different APNs they attach to.
It's all in the name controlling the plans for their customers, that's all. Connect to the one you're paying for, then you shouldn't have any problem.
Again, I used an AT&T treo 750, HTC Tilt, HTC Tilt 2, from T-mobile, and an out-the-box unlocked iPhone 3GS from Singapore with no issues. Of course you NEVER tell them that you're using a different phone from the one that's on their system. But as long as you're connected properly, they generally don't care.
That being said, theres another option called B:mobile here. They're an MVNO and use DoCoMo's network. They just sell you a prepaid SIM card. I may try them out, just to see what kind of service is there and if it could save me some ¥. This guy is test one right now actually:
http://softbanksucks.blogspot.com/
Wow, that was really informative starrwulfe. I was looking for this kind of info because I just got an Atrix off of ebay and I plan to use it with a Dell Streak's SIM which I got from softbank on the 2-year contract. You're saying that if I backup my APN settings from the Streak I should have no problems on the Atrix, correct?
For the record, I pay about 9,000 yen per month. That includes ~6,000 for the unlimited data plan, ~1800 for the phone, and all the crap you have to sign in when you make the contract.
OP, If you are going to stay in Japan long enough and you intend to use a lot of data on the Atrix you may want to consider getting a basic android smartphone from softbank on an unlimited data plan and swapping SIMs.
Exactly.
I have a Sharp Galapagos SH005 here now, but like you, I'm switching to an Atrix too (in fact it should be here before Saturday) and that's exactly what I plan to do.
Easy way to tell what APN you should connect to is to check the color of the SIM cards. Black ones are iPhone only cards, gray ones with green bands specifically say "SMARTPHONE" on them-- they go into the Android phones here. Feature phones have a regular gray card.
You can find the APN info and password easily by googling a little... But if you can back up your APN info, can you share it with me? mine is locked (current phone can't be rooted)
Ok, now I'm having trouble here with getting my Atrix set up on the Softbank network.
Phone calls and SMS work, but data doesn't.
Seems they have some unpublished APNs now with the new android phones. My Galapagos plugs into some other APN than what the normal silver cards did. Unfortunately I can't see what my APN is now on my current phone since they've locked that part out.
What I'm also afraid of is that they may have also started using things like imei checking and user agent binding as well. Great, now what can I do?
Sent from my SBM005SH using XDA App
Just so you know, I have this with sim card out of my iPhone and my atrix works on the softbank network. So it was see if only thing stopping me for connecting to softbank is apn info.
again if anybody has sharp galapogos APN information for softbank I would happily pay pal a donation
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
starrwulfe said:
It had to be his APN settings. I've used dozens of non-softbank phones over here, starting with my GSM WinMo Treo 750, and as long as the APN settings were correct, it worked on data fine. There's one other person with an Atrix I know here in Tokyo; He's a Google employee here. So I know it'll work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was APNs....sort of. Motorola Atrix requires you to add your Username and Password to a file in '/system/etc/ppp/peers/pppd-ril.options'. With out this you can call and use wi-fi but can not use mobile data.
and for APN's this site is helpful:
http://android.modaco.com/content/a...internet-mms-apk-for-softbank-users-in-japan/
Just remember is you want tethering and aGPS add them to the list in APN Type. So it should read default,supl,mms,agps,dun,tether remember NO spaces
Starrwulf do you have root on you Galappagos phone? if so you can look at the APNs.....Let me make a guide quickly and I will update this post.
Required:
SQLite editor
Root
1) Open SQLite editor and accept the root permissions.
2) Go to Dialer storage.
3) telephony.db
4) carriers
This opens a database file with all the APNs preloaded on the phone. You should be able to look for the one that has a 'Yes' in the current field.
I assume this is the same or similar on the Galapagos (I don't have one specifically though)
Thanx _Dennis_ for being so helpful!
Unfortunately, this thing has no root-- or rather may have temporary root, but not full root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1054132
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=13747122
If I could gain just enough access to that file, then maybe theres a good chance it's in there.
I don't think SuperOneClick works... any suggestions?
maybe try gingerbreak? it may gain you root but you may not be able to change anything, which would be ok.
Or even better do you have adb access? if so I will find the correct .db file.
--edit: correct file is /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/telephony.db
or try these settings:
apn carrier="SoftBank Internet"
mcc="440"
mnc="20"
apn="andglobal.softbank.ne.jp"
user="andg001softbank"
password="pumbbghkpgyybsxa"
mmsc="http://mms/"
mmsproxy="andmms.softbank.ne.jp"
mmsport="8080"
type="default,mms"
preferred="true"
from: http://android.modaco.com/content-p...-mms-apk-for-softbank-users-in-japan/page/40/
I'm on the freenode IRC channel #moto-atrix, my name is shadowfalx do to someone already having _dennis_ registered though, if you want more real time help
You, another friend of mine here on Gtalk, and I found that MoDaCo thread all at the same time!
Those settings did the trick actually! So now I'm good to go. Now I need to figure out how to push that other mms.apk thru ADB to get my useragent changed...
BTW I'm new to the Android Mod scene. I started messing with WinMo back in the States, then moved here and had a very hacked Tilt 2 on softbank... when it gave up the ghost, I went into the iPhone jailbreak scene. Now I'm here! So I'll accept any and all advice you can give me, sensei/senpai!
You don't really need the mms app Download 'Handcent' from the market and change the UA in settings. Also I suggest getting 'market enabler' requires root but it allows you to fake a US sim card in the market and get US only apps.
I have Hancent... But I don't see anywhere to change the UA in the settings.... Am I missing something?
Related
I've been using an x10i on at&t and thinking of changing to an x10a so I can get 3g access. the problem I have is that I've been using the 15$/month unlimited for non smartphones. I know someone with an x10a that had att detect that they used a smartphone, I think it was because it used hspa. I'm wondering, does anyone know how at&t detects non smartphones?
They know what kind of phone you have whether its a dumbphone or smartphone from its IMEI number.
All AT&T phones have their IMEI numbers registered in their database.
Phones that are NOT AT&T phones they are unable to find out what kind of phone it is because the IMEI isn't in their database unless the manufacturer for some reason decides to send them then IMEIs for all their non AT&T devices. Google did this with the first couple of Nexus One runs. That's why some N1s would register on AT&T and some wouldn't. Bastards...........
Find a non AT&T X10a (Does Telus or Rogers have the X10 ?) and you should be golden.
Unless S/E gave AT&T a listing of their IMEIs for non AT&T variants for some odd reason............
I can tell you how to edit the international mobile electronic identification number on your x10.. I can remember the exact path to it since my x10 is dead/bricked/ibrokeithalfafter it happened anyways,I guess pm me if you want it and when my father arrives back from his place of employment I will give you the path to freedom.. all you need is one cmd from the big blue term emul. (echo $value >/path/I/will/provide/asap I believe its illegal but idgaf , when mine showed up0000000000000 I was kinda scared due to the fact I could **** up my phone.. also ATT knows its a smartphone due to the fact that your tunneling through their work using an APN.. they called me actually rofl when I lost my sim.. took over my little bros sim card due to the fact that to get a new one you have to send them the 15 digit number and my sticker got ****ed on the phone.. but they actually left me 2 messages sounded like a sophisticated african american that said Did you know that your smartphone requires a data plan lilbro had no data lmao then sent a text too and then charged me for ****ing two 2GB data plans... lmao their ****ing assholes they could of just chosen the 4GB but anyways yeah ATT has their phones on lockdown.. unless you spend all your time trying to bypass ATTs rules all day and night like me.. I had Hspa before they released the ****.. I was locating towers in africa.. which blew my mind.. I didn't know ATT was over there.. I thought they just ****ed us, U.S. citizens over.. anyways pm me ill tell you a cpl ways to piss ATT off.. e.g. edit the apn setiings with their I.p addresses and use diff ports.. (download a pinger from the market then type in the url for their apn to access their ip addresses.. gd I miss my x10 att discontinued it I think btw)
edit:// btw why the **** would you want 3G instead of the big H... 3G can't even hit 700 kbps in my town which of course a map verifies theres not much 3G coverage in my town.. which is right by STL.... tmobile sounds like a quite accelerated network atm from present customers I've spoken too.. and US cellulars 3G is actually quite fast from what I've seen.. (their just releasing it in the saint louis metro east.. but my buddy can get evdo when he roams......lol?)
lansingone said:
I've been using an x10i on at&t and thinking of changing to an x10a so I can get 3g access. the problem I have is that I've been using the 15$/month unlimited for non smartphones. I know someone with an x10a that had att detect that they used a smartphone, I think it was because it used hspa. I'm wondering, does anyone know how at&t detects non smartphones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it's a little late, but I had the same plan you have when I was using the AT&T tilt and then the tilt2. I got the Tilt by upgrading my plan and found out later I had a "smartphone" exclusion on my account (that was when they weren't forcing people to upgrade to a smartphone plan). It basically meant I was allowed to have a smartphone on my account without having to get the smartphone plan. Now, I used that plan for a few years with the unlimited data before buying the Tilt2 and they never did anything. I bought the tilt2 on ebay and they still didn't do anything to my account while I was using that one. They do, however, state in their TOS that if they find you are using an "inappropriate" data plan for your device they can change your plan accordingly if they choose to. They never did on mine though. I didn't get the smartphone plan until I upgraded to the lg expo a while back, and had to get it to get the phone since it was through RadioShack. I was told I could have called and reverted it back, but I didn't get around to it and time ran out.
Like msgnyc said, they detect the phone based on the IMEI number. No sooner than you put your sim in your phone and sign in on the AT&T website, your new device will show up there. It's not like they instantly say "Woah! This person has a smartphone. We have to upgrade the data plan on the account right now!".
If you put your sim in a smartphone, as long as you don't go nuts on the data, you should be good sticking with the plan you have. (BTW l3as3ballel2 is a troll and I wouldn't listen to a thing this person posts)
Wao some of these things sound so illegal, like altering the serial no. (IMEI) of the phone to mimic detecting it like a non smartphone "awe"
Why go to such great extends to get in trouble even with law enforcement, just get an unlocked smartphone. I have a galaxy s2 and I'm hapily on the $15/mo Ulmt data plan but of course I had to lurchase the device at front.
Sent from my GT-I9100
changing your IMEI is very illegal and such talk isn't allowed on XDA.
Sent from my Xperia X10a using Tapatalk.
Hello everybody, recently AT&T released a new pay as you go plan which is 50$ a month for unlimited everything. Unfortunately the unlimited data does not work on smartphones which is disappointing.
I recently switched to this plan because 50$ a month for unlimited everything is a great deal, what I was wondering was if someone could find a way to allow data to work on this plan\phone.
When you try to use firefox or similar browser it just says the page cannot be displayed, on the facebook android app it gives you a message that tells you data was refused.
I would gladly donate 20$ to anyone who could figure this out, and give me the fix. it seems like something a developer would know how to fix so if anyone has any ideas shoot them at me. If one of them works they will get a nice 20$ donation Thanks.
It sounds like AT&T itself is blocking the data connection.
Sent from my x10 Platinum
Exactly, but it doesn't block the connection if my pay as you go sim card is in a non-smart phone. There must be something that tells at&t you have a smartphone, and maybe there's a way to stop that.
What a rip off, i pay 15 bucks a month for unlimited.data
Sent from my X10a using XDA App
Cell service providers such as AT&T have the ability to know what phone you are using through your sim card.
so it'll be hard to find a way around it, but it's not impossible.
Sent from my x10 Platinum
It's because it's an x10a from at&t if so it's the IMEI that gave it away they have a log of all there numbers if you call an be real nice they will give you the unlock code for free (I did it and it was free any one can on at&t) Then flash a Stock rom and then wait a month or so an cancel that sim and go to another store or have your friend start up another sim. A wahoo
So Patricks_book you're saying all I have to do is unlock my phone and data will work on my smartphone even though the 50$ unlimited everything plan doesn't allow smartphones to have unlimited data?
I don't think unlocking the phone changes your phone's IMEI number, if that's what you are wondering.
I used to have a Nokia E72 that covered AT&T's 3G frequency bands but never sold by AT&T. I don't use that any more but when I did, it worked with their $15 unlimited data plan (for a post-paid plan) that can only be used for dumb phones. It seemed then that AT&T didn't recognize the E72's IMEI # as a smartphone.
I don't know if this works on GoPhone plans now.....
SacredUser said:
So Patricks_book you're saying all I have to do is unlock my phone and data will work on my smartphone even though the 50$ unlimited everything plan doesn't allow smartphones to have unlimited data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO But it's worth a try. Unlock it an update to like Wolfs 2.3.3 x10i and if nothing else you'll have a unlocked bad ares phone
hasei said:
I don't think unlocking the phone changes your phone's IMEI number, if that's what you are wondering.
I used to have a Nokia E72 that covered AT&T's 3G frequency bands but never sold by AT&T. I don't use that any more but when I did, it worked with their $15 unlimited data plan (for a post-paid plan) that can only be used for dumb phones. It seemed then that AT&T didn't recognize the E72's IMEI # as a smartphone.
I don't know if this works on GoPhone plans now.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when you sign up though you sign up using a sim, not an imei. so your account is only linked to your sim card.
I have switched phones three times and all I did was pop my sim into a different phone.
I think though that it recognizes you are using 3g or hspa data and that is why it blocks it. Aren't those plans for gsm only?
Its about what APN you connect via. Have a look @ this. Settings > Wireless and networks > Mobile Networks > AT&T and you'll need to configure the apn ... I have no idea which one ... But well , thats all I can help .
Sent from my X10i using xda premium
scoobysnacks said:
when you sign up though you sign up using a sim, not an imei. so your account is only linked to your sim card.
I have switched phones three times and all I did was pop my sim into a different phone.
I think though that it recognizes you are using 3g or hspa data and that is why it blocks it. Aren't those plans for gsm only?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you're right your account is linked only to your SIM card otherwise you won't be able to swap phones. But at least on AT&T they seem to be able to recognize if a smartphone (sold by AT&T) is being used.
A few years ago when AT&T only had a $30 unlimited data plan for smartphones or $15 ulmimited for dumbphones, they started forcing subscribers who use the $15 plan for smartphones switch to correct data plans. Many AT&Ters discussed this issue then and the only conclusion drawn based on their experience was that it was through their IMEI #.
hasei said:
Yeah you're right your account is linked only to your SIM card otherwise you won't be able to swap phones. But at least on AT&T they seem to be able to recognize if a smartphone (sold by AT&T) is being used.
A few years ago when AT&T only had a $30 unlimited data plan for smartphones or $15 ulmimited for dumbphones, they started forcing subscribers who use the $15 plan for smartphones switch to correct data plans. Many AT&Ters discussed this issue then and the only conclusion drawn based on their experience was that it was through their IMEI #.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmmm but if you never gave them your imei they would have no way of knowing...
I would say it has to do with either your apn, the bands you're using (and the fact that you're using 3g/hspa), or just they can recognize the pure volume of data you are using.
They have ALL the IMEIs for the phone from the manufactures and from the ones that are or where on their network and when you use your phone it comes up in their system like if you call in to support and they ask for it there just checking to see if it's the right one. So you can try an app like Privacy Blocker to change your IMEI I do not know if it will work but it is an option in the app ( not on the phone just on out going signals for apps ?) An if it does work PLEASE post it in the forum.
Good luck to us all if it does .
Patricks_book said:
They have ALL the IMEIs for the phone from the manufactures and from the ones that are or where on their network and when you use your phone it comes up in their system like if you call in to support and they ask for it there just checking to see if it's the right one. So you can try an app like Privacy Blocker to change your IMEI I do not know if it will work but it is an option in the app ( not on the phone just on out going signals for apps ?) An if it does work PLEASE post it in the forum.
Good luck to us all if it does .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not correct at all....
the imei does not pop up, I worked for a phone company before.
Unless you sign up with a phone and have given it to them, they do not have your imei...
If the phone was first purchased from AT&T then they have the IMEI. Or just like when an app has access to your account it can read your IMEI your sim card can read your IMEIs it's connected too your phone number contract/pay as you go. Anyone of them even Wally world (Walmart) who ever you get a sim card from can read your sim card/IMEI.
SacredUser said:
So Patricks_book you're saying all I have to do is unlock my phone and data will work on my smartphone even though the 50$ unlimited everything plan doesn't allow smartphones to have unlimited data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a bullsh!t plan. I got this plan, got data to work just fine, but had alot of trouble with it. ie- Market apps, took FOREVER to download.. That was the first downfall. Yesterday morning, I noticed my phone was in Edge mode. I proceeded to reset it, change the Network options in the debug menu, and play with the APN. This morning.. Still Edge. My conclusion? They obviously shut off my 3G. Now, The problem I have with this, is that I havnt used over 100 mb of data yet, and it hasnt even been a week since I got this service. Stay away from this plan.. GARBAGE. Now, as much as I loathe paying an EXTRA 20 bucks a month, Im taking the dive and goin with TMobile. I need my 3g....
I just kind of skimmed over this post (new here) and this alone made me sign up cause I just order X10 recently.
I have this question though; if is not IMEI# that at&t block you with, then is it possible a reflashing could fix it? I have heard of people use different firmware versions; like my old phone, Ericsson K850i there was just plain K850 version (no 'i') that could get 3G I think.
But assume I install new Sony 2.3.3 Android on my X10, would be the key to get around at&t unnoticed ja?
I too have unlimite 50usd plan and tried to use on HTC Aria that was brand with at&t junk. That did not work But I have not try to root it (updated to 2.2 already ) so I not know if reflash would have fix it or not.
I have searched and searched and cannot find an answer. I recently acquired a Verizon Droid X2 and had it switched to my Alltel plan. Phone works great, but I cannot fix the dreaded no 3g no mms issues.
I have tried everything I could think of, but nothing. Wifi works fine, dialing out and receiving calls work fine, and sms text works fine.
I looked at the apn setting, which are not easy to find without the help of a 3rd party program on the market (apn shortcut), but now what I see is 5 entries for Verizon related services:
Verizon CBS
Verizon DUN
Verizon FOTA
Verizon IMS
Verizon Internet
But they all have a lock icon next to them, so I can't change any settings. I have tried creating a new entry but it doesn't save for some reason (my wife has the milestone x for alltel, works fine, I used tried to use her settings)
I have tried updating the prl, tried things like ##778 and all that, but none of these work for alltel.
Can anyone offer any help? Phone is almost worthless for me if I can have 3g and mms.
Thanks,
andyw123,
If you are subscribing to these service's that's something you should call Alltel / Verizon about. Verizon ownes Alltel I'am not sure if you know that.
{In early 2009, Verizon Wireless acquired Alltel, although the Alltel brand will remain until it is gradually phased out through the middle of 2009. Alltel was a large regional CDMA carrier offering service in 33 states, primarily in the south, midwest, and west. In 2005, the company acquired Western Wireless, a smaller carrier that operated under the Cellular One brand with service in 19 western states.}
Hope's This Help's
Thanks for the quick reply!
Ya, I tried that. They basically told me in a polite way that I shouldn't have taken a phone that wasn't part of Alltel's current line up and activated it on Alltel. Alltel told me that they could activate it, but couldn't guarantee that it would even work at all, which doesn't suprise me at all coming from Alltel.
I stopped at a total of 3 places, 2 alltel's and 1 verizon store. The first alltel told me they couldn't activate the x2 at all, but he tried, which messed up my current phone (he somehow deactivated it). Then went to Verizon next, they told me that I couldn't activate it at all because it wasn't part of Alltel's line up. Then I went to a corp store to get my old phone fixed, and somehow they were able to activate my x2, but with no data and no mms. Told me I was basically out of luck.
So, trying to decide if I should just sale the x2, which I don't want to do because currently the best phone Alltel has is the milestone x, which my wife has and it is dreadfully slow, slower than my old htc desire.
Anyone know of any other options that I might have?
Thanks
To access the programming menu open the dialer and dial ##PROGRAM the spc code is 000000
Sent from OH MY GOD IS THAT A SQUIRREL!
Thanks Juhde,
I've already been in that menu, made sure ALL (except for my phone number) settings matched my wifes milestone x phone, and still nothing. I'm not an expert, but sounds to me like it has something to do with the APN settings, which I cannot seem to change.
Funny thing about this is, I can "copy" the apn-conf.xml file or whatever it is called from the system/etc folder on the phone, and it shows my custom settings that should work (the same file was on my HTC phone, which worked). But, when I use the program from the market called "APN Shortcut" to view my apn settings, it doesn't show anything other than the verizon defaults. I have tried to add a new APN entry, but when I click save, it acts like it did save it, but no new entry.
I'm wondering if there is another location that is saving these entries and somehow verizon has figured out a way to bypass the default location to save apn settings. Later, I'm going to search on the phone and see if there is another xml file that contains those settings.
Thanks for the help!
I'm no expert at this, but a lot of the times "replacement" files won't function unless the permissions are set correctly. I'm not sure what the permissions should be for that file but you might want to look into it.
EDIT: after taking a closer look, the app APN Manager seems to be a better program for adding an apn. Wither it works I can't say but when I used it to swap apn it stuck after reboot.
Sent from OH MY GOD IS THAT A SQUIRREL!
This isnt alltel but i got my phone activated on another carrier.like you talk and txt worked. It wasn't until I flashed a few prl's and found one that got my 3g and mms working.mms still works spotty sometimes ,however.
I have 4 Verizon branded phones (mine is an x2) all using an alltel plan. I don't understand why you are having any problems at all
Do you mind give me some info from your x2? Like what the apn settings are set to and what prl you have?
Thanks!
i also have an alltel dataplan with an X2, no issues,
and no offense, but i dont know what is privileged info and what is not, so i wont be sharing
sorry
fischb22 said:
i also have an alltel dataplan with an X2, no issues,
and no offense, but i dont know what is privileged info and what is not, so i wont be sharing
sorry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WTF do you mean privileged info? I think he is just wanting to compare the numbers, what is he going to do with the info from your phone, besides compare to his current setup?
There is nothing that I can do with your apn settings or your prl version that you are running. This is just so I can see if my setting are the same as your working settings. I have compared them to my wifes Milestone X and they are the same.
On another note. Here is something wierd. I was able to erase all the apn setting from verizon (i think) and then I added the apn setting from my wifes phone, clicked on save, and then it went back and didn't actually save them.
The more and more I think about it, I am wondering if it is a PRL problem instead of the apn settings problem. Seems alot of people got this problem fixed on their phone by doing the prl change. Problem with that is, most people say to do a ##prl to fix it, that doesn't work on this phone. The only code I can get to work is *#*#program#*#* or something like that. So, anyone know of a way to manually change my prl on my phone?
The prl update number for Verizon is *228 since Verizon owns Alltel I think it's the same.
Sent from my Android device.
Ya, thats it if you want to download whichever one that want to give you, but it won't let me put one on there that I got, if that makes any sense at all.
Basically, is there a file location that I can copy it to or maybe a way to install it like I would a zip from recovery or anything like that? I already have the file download that I want to try to use, but basically going to try a few to see if I notice any difference.
p.s. Now I think my phone is actually only ringing part of the time, the other times it seems to go straight to voice mail even though I have 4 bars and not in roaming...
Thanks for the input everyone by the way!
Sooooo you have dialed *228 and it didn't work? Verizon also has forced and secondary prl update numbers. Try *22898 & *22899. Also what does your network banner say? Alltel? Extended network? If it says Extended network you might call Alltel up and ask them where the nearest Alltel owned tower for you is, drive to its area, reboot and try to update again. 3rd party towers *usually* don't carry the data encryption key your phone needs to activate the data plan.
Sent from my Android device.
Ok, well... I called both the other *228xx numbers, and I was greeted by alltel. I clicked on 2 and it said "Your phone already contains the latest update" and that was it. and as far as my banner, it doesn't actually "say" alltel, or anything like that. Just shows with the 4 bars, or a triangle if I am in roaming. I know from past that in a near by big city does have alltel towers around, and I was there but no difference.
So, still back to square one.
Thanks again for all your help!!
Another quick update. I finally found a way to update just the prl file. So, I tried 41003.prl and updated it manually (was not too difficult, just alot of trial and error). Phone worked just fine, but still no 3g coverage. Next I went to 31005.prl which is an actual alltel prl, but still the same effect - no 3g.
So, I went back to the latest prl from alltel which is 31011.
So, I am pretty sure that the prl file is not the problem. I guess now I need to figure out the apn setting issue that I am having, which is basically the default verizon settings are not working for me, even if I am in a verizon territory (like columbus ohio, big city). Using an app that was suggested to me on this thread I was able to delete the verizon apn settings fine. But when I went to create new apn settings, I went through it all and clicked on save, but it didn't actually save them. So, back to square one.
It would be nice if someone who is currently using a stock x2 from verizon on alltel would tell me what their prl version number is and their apn settings are (using an app like apn shortcut - found on the market).
On a side note. One difference I noticed. Looking at my old android phone (htc desire), it shows the same apn setting basically as my wifes phone, but the MNC number is 120, mine is currently set to 004, which is not changeable.
Several weeks later, and still no 3g data at all. Wireless works flawless, and phone calls work (actually phone works better than an alltel phone)
One thought that I had but not sure if I posted about yet...When I got the phone from the guy I got it from, he said he "thinks" it has a bad esn. So, I got it on a chance, afterall I could sell it on ebay for more than I paid for it with a bad esn. Anyway, if it does have a bad esn on verizon, I'm not entirely sure that Alltel would check it or even care about that. So, since alltel is owned basically by verizon, but still a separate company as of now, I wonder if verizon is blocking data access because it might have a bad esn.
I guess my next step is to call verizon and see if they can tell me if the esn is bad. I have tried a verizon store, and they were NO help to me at all, and actually very rude. Alltel just tells me that "I won't be able to get data because I am not using one of their phones" which is crap.
So, I think ultimately we have eliminated the prl possibility, apn is still my number one concern, but now I am leaning towards a bad esn. If that is the case, does anyone have any ideas on what I might be able to do with a bad esn? I know it is illegal to "change" an esn, and I don't think it is possible right now with the x2, but do I have any other options besides going back to my old phone (htc desire - not a bad phone, just want the larger screen and faster performance).
Thanks again everyone. Everyone has been alot of help!
If you wanna take drastic measures, search for a program called radiocomm, it's what motorola uses to program the radio.
A word of warning: if you change something with radiocomm and do it wrong the radio will become useless and the software is VERY complex to use. It could take you literally years to figure out but who knows, maybe you can find out exactly what parameter needs tweaking. I'd advise caution using radiocomm though. I just wanted you to know of the option.
Sent from my Android device.
I've been making a few searches in hopes of finding a solution to this, but came out empty handed. I'm using a Photon 4G (stuck on Electrify 2.3.5) on GSM mode in Argentina. I'm unable to receive data no matter what settings i tinker with. I also tried setting up APNs to no avail.
Anyone has ideas on why this may be happening? Doesn't the Photon support 3G data over GSM worldwide?
Thanks
Anyone ?
Try GSM roms
Sent from my MB855 using XDA
I think you officially have to call Sprint, ask them to remove your phone's SIM lock so you can use other SIM cards overseas, politely sit through their sermon about the dangers of using foreign SIM cards, repeat your request, and call back if necessary to get a more cooperative customer service representative.
From what I've read, all Photons are SIM-locked by default, but Sprint doesn't really fight if you ask them to unlock it for you. However, they MIGHT refuse to remove the SIM lock unless you either purchased the phone without a contract, purchased it used without an ESN-block, or purchased it with a contract 30+ days ago and have already paid your first bill post-purchase. I believe the FCC or FTC made it a law, but left them enough of a loophole so that you couldn't buy a subsidized Sprint phone on contract with a prepaid credit card, then leave the country and cancel the card.
I'm guessing that the inability to use data is because Sprint's SIM has data disabled while roaming by default, so they can make you sit through ANOTHER sermon listening to horror stories about Americans who used their phones in Canada and got hit with $1,000+ bills for a few hours of data use.
You can't totally blame sprint for the default Data block while roaming on their SIM... Android phones use lots of data in the background that most Americans never even notice (because we generally have unlimited data). Using the same phone with charges like 10c/kilobyte can get insanely expensive within just a few minutes.
Or, you could check out the GSM unlock thread somewhere around here. If you're already back in Argentina, it's probably easier. ;-)
Be VERY careful about reflashing a "GSM ROM", and MAKE SURE you've seen confirmation from at least one other user that it has been successfully flashed to a PHOTON -- not an Atrix, Atrix2, or Electrify. Flashing "alien" ROMs is playing with fire, and you can EASILY brick (soft or otherwise) your phone by blindly experimenting.
bitbang3r said:
I think you officially have to call Sprint, ask them to remove your phone's SIM lock so you can use other SIM cards overseas, politely sit through their sermon about the dangers of using foreign SIM cards, repeat your request, and call back if necessary to get a more cooperative customer service representative.
From what I've read, all Photons are SIM-locked by default, but Sprint doesn't really fight if you ask them to unlock it for you. However, they MIGHT refuse to remove the SIM lock unless you either purchased the phone without a contract, purchased it used without an ESN-block, or purchased it with a contract 30+ days ago and have already paid your first bill post-purchase. I believe the FCC or FTC made it a law, but left them enough of a loophole so that you couldn't buy a subsidized Sprint phone on contract with a prepaid credit card, then leave the country and cancel the card.
I'm guessing that the inability to use data is because Sprint's SIM has data disabled while roaming by default, so they can make you sit through ANOTHER sermon listening to horror stories about Americans who used their phones in Canada and got hit with $1,000+ bills for a few hours of data use.
You can't totally blame sprint for the default Data block while roaming on their SIM... Android phones use lots of data in the background that most Americans never even notice (because we generally have unlimited data). Using the same phone with charges like 10c/kilobyte can get insanely expensive within just a few minutes.
Or, you could check out the GSM unlock thread somewhere around here. If you're already back in Argentina, it's probably easier. ;-)
Be VERY careful about reflashing a "GSM ROM", and MAKE SURE you've seen confirmation from at least one other user that it has been successfully flashed to a PHOTON -- not an Atrix, Atrix2, or Electrify. Flashing "alien" ROMs is playing with fire, and you can EASILY brick (soft or otherwise) your phone by blindly experimenting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not the correct statement. I owned Photon and recently travel to Asia 2 times. The Photon work fine when I pop the prepaid SIM card in. The Photon came with Global GSM unlock. It's only lock the GSM on US Carriers. It's best to contact the provider of the GSM carrier he is using and ask to see if there are certain settings that need to be done.
Can you make voice call and SMS ? ( I see that you are on a Electrify 2.3.5.. don't know if that is an issue)
I just checked Argentina network. They do have 3G supporting 850 and 1900 frequency band. I advise to take the phone to the provider and ask them for help to set up the 3G network parameters if you do have voice and sms.
Try this link and look for the network provider that you are using in Argentina: They showed most of the settings for 2G/3G: http://nxwiki.blogspot.com/2011/08/movistar-gprs-mms-wap-settings-apn.html
roadster92 said:
That's not the correct statement. I owned Photon and recently travel to Asia 2 times. The Photon work fine when I pop the prepaid SIM card in. The Photon came with Global GSM unlock. It's only lock the GSM on US Carriers. It's best to contact the provider of the GSM carrier he is using and ask to see if there are certain settings that need to be done.
Can you make voice call and SMS ? ( I see that you are on a Electrify 2.3.5.. don't know if that is an issue)
I just checked Argentina network. They do have 3G supporting 850 and 1900 frequency band. I advise to take the phone to the provider and ask them for help to set up the 3G network parameters if you do have voice and sms.
Try this link and look for the network provider that you are using in Argentina: They showed most of the settings for 2G/3G: http://nxwiki.blogspot.com/2011/08/movistar-gprs-mms-wap-settings-apn.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your response. Yes, other than not receiving data, the phone works pretty much flawlessly: SMS and voice work just fine (wifi is a bit moody since it won't connect unless you go to the wi-fi settings and let it look at all your available networks, but I blame this issue on the ROM I'm sitting on).
I'll try APN settings again and see how it fairs. Thanks a bunch for your input guys.
Oh, and BTW, I bought my Photon through Ebay (my girlfriend brought it from New York where she was doing her MA), so I'm not expecting any kind of support from Sprint. Do they actually provide customer service to not-on contract phones?
Thanks again!
firtermish said:
Thanks for your response. Yes, other than not receiving data, the phone works pretty much flawlessly: SMS and voice work just fine (wifi is a bit moody since it won't connect unless you go to the wi-fi settings and let it look at all your available networks, but I blame this issue on the ROM I'm sitting on).
I'll try APN settings again and see how it fairs. Thanks a bunch for your input guys.
Oh, and BTW, I bought my Photon through Ebay (my girlfriend brought it from New York where she was doing her MA), so I'm not expecting any kind of support from Sprint. Do they actually provide customer service to not-on contract phones?
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if you call Sprint. I do not think they will be able to help you. The phone is unlock and work with voice call. It's the network provision that's not allow you to connect with Argentina carriers. The best way is contact the Argentina carrier that you are using and ask them to provide or help to provision that for you. I was having difficulty connect to 3g in Vietnam when I was there (I was doing APN on my own and did not work) I have to contact the Vietnam carrier and they show me how to connect to 3g by using text message send to their server to initiate the automatic provisioning. I recommend that you do the same.
Success!
My stupid fault! I was entering outdated settings on the APN section, which is why it wasn't working before. I have now tried several settings and finally made 3G work! Thanks a million to everyone who contributed, especially roadster92.
For future reference (Claro 3G Argentina users), the configuration I used was the following one:
Connection Name: Claro 3G AR
Authentication: CHAP and PAP
Access Point (APN): gprs.claro.com.ar
UserName: hsdpa
Password: hsdpa
Cheers.
to day I stated to have problems with my internet on my SGP621 LTE I'm on T-Mobile and i'm getting the connect me messages basically t-mo want's me to get a separate tablet data plan. I was wondering if there is a work around so that I can use my tablet as a regular phone with data internet access without an additional data plan which I would not pay for. is there a way to make my tablet SPG621 to show as the regular Z3 phone and not as a tablet so that I can use the internet 3G/4G LTE thank you:crying:
I think that's just an offer. You don't have to do this. As far as i know you can use your SIM in any device you like. And ... Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact can be considered as a big phaplet.
jaime4272 said:
to day I stated to have problems with my internet on my SGP621 LTE I'm on T-Mobile and i'm getting the connect me messages basically t-mo want's me to get a separate tablet data plan. I was wondering if there is a work around so that I can use my tablet as a regular phone with data internet access without an additional data plan which I would not pay for. is there a way to make my tablet SPG621 to show as the regular Z3 phone and not as a tablet so that I can use the internet 3G/4G LTE thank you:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jaime4272 said:
to day I stated to have problems with my internet on my SGP621 LTE I'm on T-Mobile and i'm getting the connect me messages basically t-mo want's me to get a separate tablet data plan. I was wondering if there is a work around so that I can use my tablet as a regular phone with data internet access without an additional data plan which I would not pay for. is there a way to make my tablet SPG621 to show as the regular Z3 phone and not as a tablet so that I can use the internet 3G/4G LTE thank you:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with nico_las. I use my SGP621 on T-Mobile USA as well, and it's not mandatory I switch over to a tablet plan. It's just an offer you can refuse.
Is there a way to refuse this offer? Like, my data no longer works as of maybe two hours ago, and I am not the only one reporting this. Can I refuse an offer and retain it? I called 611 but as usual the pre-paid support folk never know anything outside of their scripts...
the problem is that t-mo knows is a tablet and the internet wont work, calls ant and text does work but not mms and everything that requires internet, if any body know how to disguise as a phone/phablet like the z ultra by modifying the IMEI or something. thanks
Yes, I am currently Experiencing this Issue as well, and I told T-mobile Rep to stop forcing people like this. I can just sell this phone and buy a note 4, with smaller screen and it will work just fine.....but they basically want to force people into it, so they can make money out of it.
I am interested in how to disguise the tablet as a phone as well.
I really really want to kick Tmobile in the ass and never come back as a customer........but they know other carriers do the same thing......We are at the losing ends
we need to ask to devs if we can get help on this issue. what we need is to disguise out tablet as phone or phablet
I think you're being overly optimistic. I appreciate it. But we barely have support enough on this device to get a proper root, much less ROM support. I feel like it should be possible to pass this off as a normal Z3... But not sure. In any case it will take root at minimum and most likely an unlocked bootloader... Which I don't plan on pursuing until I know I can keep remote play, DRM, cast support, etc.
I hope it happens... And I'm with you... But I think it's a lost cause. I'd like to hear from an actual Dev about it though... Just not a lot of them in the English world with this tablet not on shelves outside of Asia.
Hey guys, a few thoughts.
First, there is chatter about this in 3 or 4 different threads. It doesn't have to be this thread, which I created yesterday, but we should band together and use a single thread for longer-term discussion.
Second, I actually don't think that this is an attempt by T-Mo to gauge more money out of us; we are a tiny percentage of their user base and are probably an attractive demographic for T-Mo in a sense. This is simply bureaucratic disorganization (I think they simply don't know how to provide 'free data for life' without considering the 621 a 'data only device,' damn you all who rallied for that), and unfortunately execs are not going to make an immediate priority of satisfying a tiny percentage of prepaid customers on cheap plans. What I personally expect will happen at some point, T-Mo will act in accordance with its 'uncarrier' mantra and be the first carrier to recognize that there is increasingly no difference between a phone and tablet. They will offer substantially the same plans for any data enabled device and will be the first carrier to officially support "phablets.'
Third, I am also very curious what can be done to trick T-Mo's system, in the mean time. I can say firsthand that altering the device model # inside your build.prop file will do nothing. Switching up the APN, nothing. But I didn't personally get that creative before giving up. One thing to note, on an older device, I downloaded a root app to ltyer my DNS servers (switched from T-Mo to OpenDNS). Within X many minutes of rebooting I could not make phone calls or receive texts and no data icon appeared either, but I did have data and T-Mo was probably unable to meter my data usage. Try at your own risk.
Fourth, *****ing accomplishes nothing. The great thing about buying unlocked, is the ability to switch carriers at the drop of a dime (which is coincidentally what T-Mo deserves from us right now). AT&T has LTE on four frequencies and the 621 supports all of em. I already made the switch to AT&T, and everything is smooth at the moment. And I can always switch back. As a light talker I miss my $30 plan (and the small $$ I had left over in my acct), but $60 for talk, text, and a tetherable 4 GBs of LTE isn't terrible when you can buy 5-10% off discounted refill cards from Calling Mart. Cricket is also on AT&T's network now and $60 will get you 20 GBs of <= 8Mbps LTE, $10 more if you want to tether without worry. I would be curious for an expanded discussion regarding our options, since I am only so familiar with the ins, outs, and possible pitfalls of them.
good one
Would anyone like to test for compatibility/pitfalls/etc on Harbor Mobile? $50/mo for unlimited talk/text/LTE and 3GB tethering on T-Mo's network, purportedly.
https://www.harbormobile.com/plans/
They also have a good looking tablet data plan ($15 for 5GB) that would be more useful if we had dual sim slots.
MetroPCS would be the other competitive T-Mo pre-paid option. Not sure how these companies detect phones/tablets. They don't offer free data for life, which might or might not make a difference.
Possible Solution?
jaime4272 said:
to day I stated to have problems with my internet on my SGP621 LTE I'm on T-Mobile and i'm getting the connect me messages basically t-mo want's me to get a separate tablet data plan. I was wondering if there is a work around so that I can use my tablet as a regular phone with data internet access without an additional data plan which I would not pay for. is there a way to make my tablet SPG621 to show as the regular Z3 phone and not as a tablet so that I can use the internet 3G/4G LTE thank you:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I work for T-Mobile and have also have the same issues with my Z3tc I, being a store manager, have limited resources available to me but i plan to submit a ticket in hopes of resolving this issue, it would help if i had multiple issues to report however. If you folks are willing to help me out with this (power in numbers as they say) i think we may have a chance of getting a fix, what i need from each of you is your T-mobile telephone number that you've been using your Z3TC on and i can submit this ticket. Email your name and phone# to [email protected] and I'll do my best
I was about to e-mail Tyson, and just saw this posted (by a post-paid customer) to a T-Mo Support thread I had participated in:
"Just got off with customer service with the solution. To fix the problem you need to get a new sim card. The customer service rep said T-Mobile will provide them for free then everything should work fine. What happened is the info on the sim says its a tablet, once the sim info gets changed on T-Mobile's end there is no way to change it back and the only solution is to get a new sim card. Hope this helps you guys."
(https://support.t-mobile.com/thread/86423?start=15&tstart=0)
thref23 said:
I was about to e-mail Tyson, and just saw this posted (by a post-paid customer) to a T-Mo Support thread I had participated in:
"Just got off with customer service with the solution. To fix the problem you need to get a new sim card. The customer service rep said T-Mobile will provide them for free then everything should work fine. What happened is the info on the sim says its a tablet, once the sim info gets changed on T-Mobile's end there is no way to change it back and the only solution is to get a new sim card. Hope this helps you guys."
(https://support.t-mobile.com/thread/86423?start=15&tstart=0)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think this is correct. I already got a new SIM for mine because that's what Tmobile support had me do originally. It didn't fix the issue. However I noticed under my account that it had my device listed as a Xperia Z tablet as in the old version when I got the new SIM. So maybe if you change it to a Z3 and get a new one it will work... But I doubt it.
The tech support I most recently talked to said they updated their systems with the Z3TC information and classified it as a tablet so the data won't work unless you get on a tablet data plan. But if I get on a tablet data plan then I can't have phone and text on the same SIM. He said there was no way for them to accommodate both.
And I tried explaining that the only difference between tablet and phone is phone capabilities... Which we have... So it should be a phone.
I see that more and more people are having this problem and being that t-mo knows that our SGP621 is a tablet the only thing to do is to disguise it as something else other then a tablet. I know that phablets do work fine like the xperia z ultra. we need some technical help on doing this guys.
Need more help
tysontthompson said:
I work for T-Mobile and have also have the same issues with my Z3tc I, being a store manager, have limited resources available to me but i plan to submit a ticket in hopes of resolving this issue, it would help if i had multiple issues to report however. If you folks are willing to help me out with this (power in numbers as they say) i think we may have a chance of getting a fix, what i need from each of you is your T-mobile telephone number that you've been using your Z3TC on and i can submit this ticket. Email your name and phone# to [email protected] and I'll do my best
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got about 5-6 people's info so far, if i could get 10 or so i think we could make some headway here. I have tried SIM swaps, tried using a regular z3 for a couple days and switching back, tried rooting and IMEI changing nothing has worked thus far... this seems like the best chance here.
tysontthompson said:
I've got about 5-6 people's info so far, if i could get 10 or so i think we could make some headway here. I have tried SIM swaps, tried using a regular z3 for a couple days and switching back, tried rooting and IMEI changing nothing has worked thus far... this seems like the best chance here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you still looking for folks for this?
I just ordered one and will be trying to use it on Tmo.
Just sent you my contact information, I'm also having the same issue with T-mobile.
Thank,
Scott
tysontthompson said:
I've got about 5-6 people's info so far, if i could get 10 or so i think we could make some headway here. I have tried SIM swaps, tried using a regular z3 for a couple days and switching back, tried rooting and IMEI changing nothing has worked thus far... this seems like the best chance here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This won't be a problem on AT&T's network. Why not just switch? For high data users, Cricket has competitive prices, for low use folks there are several mvnos to choose from.
afblangley said:
This won't be a problem on AT&T's network. Why not just switch? For high data users, Cricket has competitive prices, for low use folks there are several mvnos to choose from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does anyone have an update on this? I think I got hit too. My internet stopped working this morning and I've been calling T-Mo and they said they don't know what the problem is.