Sorry for posting again ... my original post dissapered !!!
I have the following 2 options ... what do i do?
Calculations ...
Option 1 (buying unlocked phone)
Cost of unlocked phone - $700
Cost of plan - $50 per month in prepaid. Assuming 2 year stay ($50 * 24 = $1200)
Cost of some dumb phone for prepaid - $10
SO total cost is 700+1200+10=$1910.
Option 2 (buy from ATT)
Cost (expected) of phone - $300
Cost of plan - $40 for voice, $10 for messaging, and $25 for 2 GB per month data plan.
SO totally $75 + taxes = $80. For 2 years contract - $80 * 24 = 1920
SO total cost is 300+1920=$2220.
Thus, Option 1 is cheaper. Also in option 1 everything (including data) is unlimited .
Why is prepaid so much cheaper than postpaid!! Are there some disadvantages in prepaid that I dont know??
I heard that in prepaid, the 3G data speed will be slower that postpaid!! Is it TRUE !! ??
Also, I am buying the unlocked phone in INDIA, which uses the normal sized sim card. So, if ATT gives micro sim card, will it work in mine?
Here you go mate...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1166641
looks like the original thread went to then 2nd page ..
Anyway, can someone please reply to the query above?
gowtham.n.mail said:
Cost of plan - $50 per month in prepaid. Assuming 2 year stay ($50 * 24 = $1200)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true. AT&T only offers unlimited data to feature phones, not smartphones like the SGS2. Of course, you can always deceive AT&T and see if they notice. Your call.
yes, I think i can deceive ATT. Thats what many people say.
So, I will go for option 1 since it is cheaper. and buy an unlocked phone then buy a cheap prepaid phone from ATT, and then use that simcard in the unlocked galaxy s2.
Also, in the unlocked phone there is space for the normal size sim card. What if the prepaid phone from ATT has micro sim? How to make it work in the galaxy s2?
Is the internet speed slow for prepaid connections than postpaid?
The AT&T sim card fits the SGS2. The coverage is not quite the same for pre-paid plans. You gotta look it up and see if it affects you. It shouldn't in most metro areas. You get 4G (the AT&T non-LTE 4G) speeds.
I went into the AT&T store at told them I wanted a pre-paid plan. I didn't have to buy a pre-paid phone. They didn't even ask me what I kind of phone I had.
thanks,
I will stay at minneapolis ... and there is prepaid coverage there ..
So, u say that the 3g/4g speeds for prepaid is same as that of postpaid right?
Also, why is prepaid so much cheaper that postpaid? Are there some disadvantages with prepaid that i am not aware of?
gowtham.n.mail said:
thanks,
I will stay at minneapolis ... and there is prepaid coverage there ..
So, u say that the 3g/4g speeds for prepaid is same as that of postpaid right?
Also, why is prepaid so much cheaper that postpaid? Are there some disadvantages with prepaid that i am not aware of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
someone please correct me if im wrong..but i was told by a at&t employee that..
a prepaid phone ..which gives unlimited everything does not apply to smartphones..
which is why i believe its cheaper. again, someone may correct me..not sure if the at&t employee was just feeding me BS.
gowtham.n.mail said:
So, u say that the 3g/4g speeds for prepaid is same as that of postpaid right?
Also, why is prepaid so much cheaper that postpaid? Are there some disadvantages with prepaid that i am not aware of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The speeds are the same FOR ME. Actually, faster with the pseudo AT&T 4G. However, buyer beware. Don't blame me if your mileage varies.
Why cheaper? Competition. Lots of carriers are doing it and AT&T wants a piece of the pre-paid pie. Plus, AT&T doesn't have to recoup the cost of their subsidized phones. But again, AT&T is not offering unlimited everything to the SGS2.
Personally, I see the SGS2 as a mobile computer/internet device and emergency phone. So with a pre-paid plan I don't have to subsidize everyone else if I don't talk all day on the phone and stream Netflix movies.
defnow said:
a prepaid phone ..which gives unlimited everything does not apply to smartphones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. But people do it because they can get away with it. Sticking it to da man!
Hi. Is it illegal? I am not a US citizen. I caome fro india. So, dont want to get into any leagal troubles.
Hi,
What if i buy a phone from ATT in contract, then not pay the compulsary $15 per month, and insted throw away that sim, and use some another sim? Can ATT take any action against me?
do it for free
there is an app from chainfire that can unlock galaxy s2... its in the marketplace
So, if i unlock the ATT phone, then can i stop paying ATT completely? including the monthly $15 for data? So, its like I got the phone very cheaply and then I dont pay anything to ATT later? Is it even possible?!!
Related
I've just ordered the SGS2 and looking into ATT gophone plan but not sure which one to choose...I keep hearing this $15 ATT Dumb Phone plan but what exactly do you guys mean by that???
Anything by ATT will suck. Try T mobile
the $15 plan is with a 2 year commitment and is called "medianet" I believe. the pay as you go or prepaid service that you originally mentioned does not require commitment and does not come with that $15 option. Check their site for details.
goodwinod said:
Anything by ATT will suck. Try T mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what?? TMOB network will not support this phone fully.
kreoXDA said:
what?? TMOB network will not support this phone fully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nevermind, didn't read your post fully It only supports edge
You bought a unlocked phone right?
kreoXDA said:
the $15 plan is with a 2 year commitment and is called "medianet" I believe. the pay as you go or prepaid service that you originally mentioned does not require commitment and does not come with that $15 option. Check their site for details.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are u sure that it requires a 2 yr. commitment?
op-the dumb plan only includes messaging/data and does not include voice plans. research which one is better, prepaid or regular service + dumb plan.
wootek76 said:
I've just ordered the SGS2 and looking into ATT gophone plan but not sure which one to choose...I keep hearing this $15 ATT Dumb Phone plan but what exactly do you guys mean by that???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you go prepaid, they have a $50 unlimited voice, text, and data for featurephones. This is called the "$50 Monthly Unlimited Plan" GoPhone plan. Since they don't know your phone is a smartphone if will work with data. Technically smartphones are supposed to buy data separately for $25 more for 500MB (or you can buy less). But you don't have to.
If you are going to regular contract way then you pick the minutes you want, a crappy flip phone, and add the unlimited data package to it.
Or you might be able to get a SIM card for free from online or a store. But don't show them your phone. Then go home and activate the service and add the unlimited featurephone data. Tell them its a featurephone. If you just get the SIM card and no phone, then you might be able to signup without a contract at all. The data option is called "Data Unlimited for Non-Smartphones" for $15. If you want unlimited texting and data then get "Messaging & Data Unlimited for Non-Smartphones" for $30.
You could get unlimted everything (data included) for $50 with their prepaid plan.
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-plans/pyg-cell-phone-plans.jsp
Will that $50 unlimited everything work for smartphones like s2?
My plan is to buy a unlocked galaxy s2 from amazon, buy a $50 prepaid plan with some crap phone from ATT, and use that simcard in my unlocked galaxy s2. Will this work? Will I get 3g or 4g speeds for data if i do like this? For example, if I buy a crap phone like Sgh - a107 with $50 package, and use that simcard in galaxy s2, will i be able to use 3g? will 3g be disabled for that sim card, since sgh a107, does not support 3g?
Also, dont we get free phones in prepaid?
Killer Bee said:
You could get unlimted everything (data included) for $50 with their prepaid plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gowtham.n.mail said:
Will that $50 unlimited everything work for smartphones like s2?
My plan is to buy a unlocked galaxy s2 from amazon, buy a $50 prepaid plan with some crap phone from ATT, and use that simcard in my unlocked galaxy s2. Will this work? Will I get 3g or 4g speeds for data if i do like this? For example, if I buy a crap phone like Sgh - a107 with $50 package, and use that simcard in galaxy s2, will i be able to use 3g? will 3g be disabled for that sim card, since sgh a107, does not support 3g?
Also, dont we get free phones in prepaid?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you this is exactly what i wanted to know...i can get the Gophone 50 unlimited simcard without the phone no problem...
Here are the GoPhone plans:
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-plans/pyg-cell-phone-plans.jsp
You get HSPDA+ speeds where available.
I don't believe there is unlimited data for the SGS2. You have to purchase a data plan which is $5 for 10 MB or $15 for 100 MB. See link.
I use the $0.10 minute plan and I do 100 MB for $15 each month. You should purchase $100 at a time because the expiration is a year instead of 90 days or less. Data plans can be set to automatically renew each month.
Basically, I pay $20 per month. I use GrooveIP for over Google Voice when I'm on WiFi. I'm not a big talker. I prefer email and texts (unlimited free texts over Google Voice by the way).
We can deceive ATT right? Many people do that. I will buy some dumb phone with a prepaid plan, and use that sim card in my unlocked galaxy s2 .
the whole point of the dumb phone plan is that you get unlimited data for 15 dollars by using the dumbphone media net plan. i guess going pre paid is a decent idea too. but really the benefit is getting unlimited data for 15 bucks.
RogerPodacter said:
the whole point of the dumb phone plan is that you get unlimited data for 15 dollars by using the dumbphone media net plan. i guess going pre paid is a decent idea too. but really the benefit is getting unlimited data for 15 bucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it still exist? I just searched for Media Net on AT&T and lowest I found was $30 unlimited for non-smartphones. Maybe it's buried away in a hard to find place.
We can deceive ATT right? Many people do that. I will buy some dumb phone with a prepaid plan, and use that sim card in my unlocked galaxy s2.
In prepaid for $50 we get unlimited everything for non-smartphones. I will deceive ATT ad use it in galaxy s2...
Has anyone actually tested and used the GoPhone plan with an SGS2? I guess in theory it should work but most of us are either on a grandfathered plan or using the Data for non-Smartphone (aka: dumb-phone) plan on a prepaid account.
Edit:
Have you even looked at the GoPhone data plans? They're pretty ridiculous. 500MB is $25.00. Add that to the $50 unlimited voice and messaging and you're already at $75.00. A prepaid plan with less voice but unlimited data is a better value.
http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?p...ticleid=31797&mapcode=consumer|mobile-devices
BarryH_GEG said:
Has anyone actually tested and used the GoPhone plan with an SGS2? I guess in theory it should work but most of us are either on a grandfathered plan or using the Data for non-Smartphone (aka: dumb-phone) plan on a prepaid account.
Edit:
Have you even looked at the GoPhone data plans? They're pretty ridiculous. 500MB is $25.00. Add that to the $50 unlimited voice and messaging and you're already at $75.00. A prepaid plan with less voice but unlimited data is a better value.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, me. I dropped my family plan and switched to a GoPhone plan. First, I ported my number to Google Voice and then went in an AT&T store and got a new SIM and $100 worth of voice and data. FYI, you can prepay up to $500 if you only want to be bothered occasionally.
The GoPhone plans are good if you don't talk on your phone much and don't watch Netflix movies over 3G. With Google Voice and Groove IP, you can make free VOIP calls. With Google Voice, you get unlimited free texts. Good enough for me.
^ why should we not talk much? With $50, everything including data is unlimited ...
kbiz90 said:
Yes, me. I dropped my family plan and switched to a GoPhone plan. First, I ported my number to Google Voice and then went in an AT&T store and got a new SIM and $100 worth of voice and data. FYI, you can prepay up to $500 if you only want to be bothered occasionally.
The GoPhone plans are good if you don't talk on your phone much and don't watch Netflix movies over 3G. With Google Voice and Groove IP, you can make free VOIP calls. With Google Voice, you get unlimited free texts. Good enough for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
500MB of data is $25.00. You're paying $100 for 2GB of data that you can get on a prepaid plan without scamming for $25.00. How in anyway is that a "good deal?" I easily can blow through 500MB in a couple days with moderate use.
Sgs2 Sgh-i777
Can somebody tell me if the gophone plan for 50$ works and does it have internet?
Thanks.
Mom's AT&T go-phone ($25 plan) runs on call minutes. Not sure about $50 plan or T-Mobile, but I think internet is a no-go on go-phone.
Of course, you could go Google go-phone and find out... I just wanted to say no-go go-phone...
Since GoPhone is an AT&T service:
1) No need to unlock. However:
2) AT&T will detect that it is a smartphone based on IMEI and will block the $50 unlimited plan.
Entropy512 said:
Since GoPhone is an AT&T service:
1) No need to unlock. However:
2) AT&T will detect that it is a smartphone based on IMEI and will block the $50 unlimited plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tmobile does the same... I have [email protected] phone with tmobile unlimited plan with tzone but it only gets edge.. And I want to move to 3g or 4g data. I am looking into this http://www.straighttalk.com/
It appears to be a great and cheap unlimited plan, do not know if it will work with 3g or 4g network..
secret GoPhone user? Entropy?!?
I didn't start that rumor...
Najuto9tail said:
Tmobile does the same... I have [email protected] phone with tmobile unlimited plan with tzone but it only gets edge.. And I want to move to 3g or 4g data. I am looking into this http://www.straighttalk.com/
It appears to be a great and cheap unlimited plan, do not know if it will work with 3g or 4g network..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible but difficult. The carrier used by ST varies from phone to phone - some are T-Mo, some are AT&T, some are CDMA!
Also, many have SIMs that are device-locked (kind of the opposite of a SIMlocked device).
As I understand it, there are two $200 Nokia models that you can purchase which have non-locked AT&T-compatible SIMs. These will work in unlocked (and maybe locked?) AT&T phones. HOWEVER - you must NEVER activate another SIM in the original Nokia - if you do, your old SIM will get deactivated. So the $200 Nokia needs to sit collecting dust.
A few guys in the Infuse forums did this, I never did though.
Entropy512 said:
It's possible but difficult. The carrier used by ST varies from phone to phone - some are T-Mo, some are AT&T, some are CDMA!
Also, many have SIMs that are device-locked (kind of the opposite of a SIMlocked device).
As I understand it, there are two $200 Nokia models that you can purchase which have non-locked AT&T-compatible SIMs. These will work in unlocked (and maybe locked?) AT&T phones. HOWEVER - you must NEVER activate another SIM in the original Nokia - if you do, your old SIM will get deactivated. So the $200 Nokia needs to sit collecting dust.
A few guys in the Infuse forums did this, I never did though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a conversation via email with support from straight talk and they will send me a sim card for use with at&t network using their 45$ unlimited plan. They explained to me with details how it works and I am really happy for their support.
Compared to the offer they give here where I live 50+ 25 of data= 75$ and the same with them for 45. I am saving 30$ every month.
Najuto9tail said:
I had a conversation via email with support from straight talk and they will send me a sim card for use with at&t network using their 45$ unlimited plan. They explained to me with details how it works and I am really happy for their support.
Compared to the offer they give here where I live 50+ 25 of data= 75$ and the same with them for 45. I am saving 30$ every month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait... They sent you a SIM card to use with an arbitrary smartphone???
That surprises me...
gotta watch data usage tho on st. theyll kill the card first time warning then they kill the phone
Entropy512 said:
Wait... They sent you a SIM card to use with an arbitrary smartphone???
That surprises me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah they advertise this every where....
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
Najuto9tail said:
I had a conversation via email with support from straight talk and they will send me a sim card for use with at&t network using their 45$ unlimited plan. They explained to me with details how it works and I am really happy for their support.
Compared to the offer they give here where I live 50+ 25 of data= 75$ and the same with them for 45. I am saving 30$ every month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't mind, can you pls post the ST info in detail?
I've never heard of ST until lately but couldn't find any info about it.
All I know that people keep saying ST has $45/month UNLIMITED but have no clue how that unlimited got defined.
Thanks
Update:
Got it here, StraigthTalk plan but still wondering it is truly unlimited or any restriction behind.
I was going to buy this phone without a contract and get a T-Mobile 4G prepaid plan, but to my surprise the T-Mobile rep told me they don't allow the SGSIII on their no-contract plans.
I went to T-Mobile's website and confirmed, once you're in the prepaid section the SGSIII isn't on the available list of phones.
From there I went to AT&T and Verizon's websites and took a look at their prepaid sections. They don't offer any high-end phones.
Who offers prepaid 4G with this phone?
You'll have to buy one out of contract, which you can do without buying anything but the phone. If I were you, I'd get the international version (make *SURE* it will work with the network you want), then get the prepaid plan. You'll have no LTE, but you will have HSPA+, which should be fine for most.
No one atm so u have to buy international version but international version doesn't support 3g or 4g in T-Mobile. You can get 3g using straighttalk which is $45 a month.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
FrankAbagnale said:
I was going to buy this phone without a contract and get a T-Mobile 4G prepaid plan, but to my surprise the T-Mobile rep told me they don't allow the SGSIII on their no-contract plans.
I went to T-Mobile's website and confirmed, once you're in the prepaid section the SGSIII isn't on the available list of phones.
From there I went to AT&T and Verizon's websites and took a look at their prepaid sections. They don't offer any high-end phones.
Who offers prepaid 4G with this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah.. Don't get the international version .. you're gonna be stuck with EDGE speeds.
Like the above poster said, you have to buy the phone off-contract to use TMO's prepaid plan. The problem is, it's $629.99 + TAX! Then, you'll need a TMO prepaid activation kit & sim card .. which I'm not sure if the SGS III comes with a sim card .. I know the SGS II did (if not they sell them for like $10).. Once you have your sim, and prepaid activation kit (order it from Amazon for like $5..its mandatory you have the code to signup), you can activate the prepaid plan from TMO's website .. you won't need to speak to a rep.
Note: The prepaid activation kit comes with a sim card, however, when the SGS II came out, you had to activate the SIM that came with the phone in order to use wifi-calling .. but you use the prepaid activation code that you buy from the kit.
As for myself, I just bought a AT&T version off-contract for $549.99 from Amazon and I'm going to sign up on a month-to-month, no contract plan.
SwervFusion said:
Yeah.. Don't get the international version .. you're gonna be stuck with EDGE speeds.
Like the above poster said, you have to buy the phone off-contract to use TMO's prepaid plan. The problem is, it's $629.99 + TAX! Then, you'll need a TMO prepaid activation kit & sim card .. which I'm not sure if the SGS III comes with a sim card .. I know the SGS II did (if not they sell them for like $10).. Once you have your sim, and prepaid activation kit (order it from Amazon for like $5..its mandatory you have the code to signup), you can activate the prepaid plan from TMO's website .. you won't need to speak to a rep.
Note: The prepaid activation kit comes with a sim card, however, when the SGS II came out, you had to activate the SIM that came with the phone in order to use wifi-calling .. but you use the prepaid activation code that you buy from the kit.
As for myself, I just bought a AT&T version off-contract for $549.99 from Amazon and I'm going to sign up on a month-to-month, no contract plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes I'm totally aware I need to buy the phone off-contract for full price, I'm fine with that. I was just thrown off by the fact that the TMO rep told me the SGSIII couldn't be used with their prepaid plans whatsoever.
But you're telling me, all I need to do is buy the phone, and get the activation kit off amazon and bypass speaking to a rep all together, and that the phone will work?
I just don't want to be stuck with a $700 phone and crappy speeds if I choose to go the no-contract route.
I'm using an S III on T-Mobile's Monthly 4G and it works great. I use the $30 5GB, 100 minutes, UL Text Walmart exclusive plan. Just buy the T-Mobile S III off contract (check eBay if you want it cheaper than $630) and then buy a T-Mobile Monthly 4G sim activation kit. If you are interested in the Walmart plan, the easiest thing to do is buy a cheap $30 T-Mobile prepaid phone at Walmart, activate it on the $30 5GB plan, then move the sim over to the S III. You can either cut the sim or go to a T-Mobile store and have them give you a new micro sim.
FrankAbagnale said:
But you're telling me, all I need to do is buy the phone, and get the activation kit off amazon and bypass speaking to a rep all together, and that the phone will work?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I just came from a SGS II doing the same thing, on the same plan as the person I've quoted below. If you can get good coverage with TMO .. that $30 plan is a keeper and can only be done by activating online .. no rep can offer it.
Raibyn said:
I'm using an S III on T-Mobile's Monthly 4G and it works great. I use the $30 5GB, 100 minutes, UL Text Walmart exclusive plan. Just buy the T-Mobile S III off contract (check eBay if you want it cheaper than $630) and then buy a T-Mobile Monthly 4G sim activation kit. If you are interested in the Walmart plan, the easiest thing to do is buy a cheap $30 T-Mobile prepaid phone at Walmart, activate it on the $30 5GB plan, then move the sim over to the S III. You can either cut the sim or go to a T-Mobile store and have them give you a new micro sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, this is exactly what I said .. but why waste $30 on a crap phone .. go on Amazon to purchase the activation kit, and take the rest of the money and do what you like.
All of you guys have been a huge help. Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it.
SwervFusion said:
but why waste $30 on a crap phone .. go on Amazon to purchase the activation kit, and take the rest of the money and do what you like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought that the only way to get the $30 Walmart plan was to get a SIM from Walmart? If that is not the case, then yeah, you don't need to get the cheapo phone from Walmart, go to Amazon. Although, my toddler likes to play with the cheapo phone.
I have been getting absolutely HORRIBLE service with T-mobile lately so I was thinking of switching to Straight Talk with an AT&T SIM card. I just unlocked my Amaze, and I saved the thread for unlocking my DH's Galaxy S4G. My daughter is getting an unlocked phone I won on eBay in a cpl days.
So my current contract with T-mobile is up in January 2014. That is 17 months. I have 3 lines on my family plan that I currently pay $240 a month for.
$240/month * 17 months = 4080 I would pay to finish my contract
3 * $200 = $600 ETF (Early Termination Fee)
$4080 left - $600 ETF = $3,480
$45/month (Straight Talk) * 3 lines = $135
$135/month * 17 months = $2,295
$3,480 - $2,295 = $1,185 savings
That's a whole lotta dough...
The only problem with this comes purchasing phones in the future.... I typically don't have $500+ to shell out for a new phone. Also I would no longer have the insurance on my phones.
Before I present this to my husband, I was wondering if anyone here has any input on it? Have you made the switch? What did you do to get a new phone when your phone was obsolete?
If you are getting poor reception in your house, then you can likely get out of your contract.
As for phones, the Galaxy Nexus from Google is only $349. Nice phone, no contract, unlocked, works with ATT and T-Mobile. Not sure what future phones from Google will cost, but it's a reasonable assumption that something near the $350 price point will be available.
Also read that if you overdo the data or tether, the SIM will be suspended. Its rare. But possible.
Also, if you use the Straight Talk cards, you got to do it the day your 30 days expire. Do it earlier, and you lose the time remaining on your previous card.
I believe if you have it automatically charge your credit card its easier. However every time you add your 45 Time Card, it resets your 30 days. Its only annoying part.
But seems the website makes it easier so that this doesn't happen.
I used this service. Personally was OK. Or you could go and use Straight Talk $40 unlimited talk text and data.
But.... MMS stopped working on me. Wouldn't send MMS after my 10th MMS message.
As long as you have a bunch of unlocked phones/spares and not afraid it will break/accidents you are good. Personally I've not had phones die on me. LG (Never again), HTC, Samsung. They are reliable all reliable. And if any of them do break is if I mess up when flashing/rooting.
What is your current plan. I'm a former Rep and I can probably save you guys a lot of money by giving you my suggestions.
I still get great phone service with T-Mobile. The crappy part is the customer service (phone services). You should walk into a T-Mobile store and have them look over your plan and see if they can make any adjustments to get your bill down. I only pay $145 for my 3 lines. You should also check if they offer a discount with your company.
hasoon2000 said:
What is your current plan. I'm a former Rep and I can probably save you guys a lot of money by giving you my suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Classic Unlimited Talk & Text 5GB Web 2 lines
4G Web on daughter's line. It doesn't give a GB amount...
We also have the insurance on all 3 lines
brainbone said:
If you are getting poor reception in your house, then you can likely get out of your contract.
As for phones, the Galaxy Nexus from Google is only $349. Nice phone, no contract, unlocked, works with ATT and T-Mobile. Not sure what future phones from Google will cost, but it's a reasonable assumption that something near the $350 price point will be available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope... my house is the only place I get really good service. Its work and when I'm visiting my friend about 45min away that I get crappy service. I checked the map and it says 2G for her entire town. Maybe I should tell t-mobile I live there so I can get out of the contract LOL
My DH is the one who always loses his darn phone. Leaves it places LOL. The only time mine broke was when my little one thought it was a teething toy and got it all wet. My 15 year old goes through phones like clothes... I already put in a claim for her this year and got her a sidekick in which she cracked the screen shortly after. So now the adapter isn't working to charge it but I can't do a warranty exchange because the screen is broken and I wasn't about to shell out another $100 insurance copay for the POS sidekick so I bought her one on eBay for $30.
Nevermind you can't afford to go Prepaid option because there is no insurance.
Best you could do is threaten to port all your lines to T-Mobile prepaid service. When I did that, I got offered the 49.99 with Unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of data.
What my phone bill really is the $59.99 with a 10 dollar discount. Actually, my plan is the Value, meaning I can't get discount on upgrades. Need to pay full price for phone. I managed to add device insurance but I see it as waste since I haven't really broken any of my devices or damaged them by accident.
Just threaten to walk and you might get a better deal. Did that over a year ago.
Personally, I recommend going to the value plan. Much cheaper. You will save a lot in the log run. You can still add insurance to the phones but no discounts. Hell, I buy all my phones off of eBay and Craigslist. Much cheaper in the long run. Whoever's name is on the account may qualify for a discount program. Who's name is on the account and if they work at a company/go to school, you may be eligble to receive a discount on your plan ranging from 6% - 18%
I bought a year with my straight talk service. You prepay for eleven months and get twelve months service.
Straight talk offers:
CDMA phones = Verizon = 3G ^Cap Risk
GSM SIM = ATAT = 3G Lower
GSM SIM = T-Mobile = 4G Least risk
T-mobile sim will provide fastest data connection assuming you get equal or better signal and possibly true unlimited data!
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using xda app-developers app
Edit: dumbed down for 'ghost'
FutureAirways said:
Straight talk offers Atat, t-mobile sim cards for gsm phones right..but what you don't know t-mobile is the only company to get truly unlimited data on st. Also an this is big the t-mobile sim provides 4g service something the Atat one can't, because they have 3g , were t-mobile does not. But if you don't get service I guess it won't matter just food for thought. Same 45$ for 4g vs. 3g
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wat?
this entire post is confusing.
rachelm920 said:
I have been getting absolutely HORRIBLE service with T-mobile lately so I was thinking of switching to Straight Talk with an AT&T SIM card. I just unlocked my Amaze, and I saved the thread for unlocking my DH's Galaxy S4G. My daughter is getting an unlocked phone I won on eBay in a cpl days.
So my current contract with T-mobile is up in January 2014. That is 17 months. I have 3 lines on my family plan that I currently pay $240 a month for.
$240/month * 17 months = 4080 I would pay to finish my contract
3 * $200 = $600 ETF (Early Termination Fee)
$4080 left - $600 ETF = $3,480
$45/month (Straight Talk) * 3 lines = $135
$135/month * 17 months = $2,295
$3,480 - $2,295 = $1,185 savings
That's a whole lotta dough...
The only problem with this comes purchasing phones in the future.... I typically don't have $500+ to shell out for a new phone. Also I would no longer have the insurance on my phones.
Before I present this to my husband, I was wondering if anyone here has any input on it? Have you made the switch? What did you do to get a new phone when your phone was obsolete?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jeez, $240 for three lines seems really high. That's a car payment right there. We have three lines on AT&T, and our bill averages $160 month. You must have every possible option available.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice"
Sent from my HTC One X, using XDA Premium
http://forum.xda-developers.com/announcement.php?a=81
hasoon2000 said:
What is your current plan. I'm a former Rep and I can probably save you guys a lot of money by giving you my suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to hear your suggestions sir. Im planning on making the switch to straight talk as well. I have one line at&t, and i go over my 3 gb of data a lot!!! So it seems smart to switch for 45 a month unlimited everything! Right? Thanks man!
RATTLED FROM MY TEAM VENOM POWERED AT&T HTC ONE X USING ICS TAPATALK 2
zounduser said:
Im planning on making the switch to straight talk as well. I have one line at&t, and i go over my 3 gb of data a lot!!! So it seems smart to switch for 45 a month unlimited everything! Right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This Straight Talk review seems to imply that their "unlimited" is really limited to 100MB per day and/or 2GB per month, after which you receive an excessive usage notification and service termination threat.
If you don't use allot of talk time, t-mobile's 5GB / 100 Min for $30 pre-paid may be a better deal.
brainbone said:
This Straight Talk review seems to imply that their "unlimited" is really limited to 100MB per day and/or 2GB per month, after which you receive an excessive usage notification and service termination threat.
If you don't use allot of talk time, t-mobile's 5GB / 100 Min for $30 pre-paid may be a better deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya dont think imma do the straight talk thing now!!!! I piss 2gb everymorning!!! lmfao!!!!
RATTLED FROM MY TEAM VENOM POWERED AT&T ONE X USING ICS TAPATALK 2
brainbone said:
This Straight Talk review seems to imply that their "unlimited" is really limited to 100MB per day and/or 2GB per month, after which you receive an excessive usage notification and service termination threat.
If you don't use allot of talk time, t-mobile's 5GB / 100 Min for $30 pre-paid may be a better deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please see my previous post, if you use a straight talk branded phone (verizon network) or the atat sim card there is a higher chance you will get a cap. Ive read reports of Tmobile sim card users going over 7GB in a month with no problems!! Obviously straight talk pays these companies, when your data is costing them more than 45 dollars a month you get cut off. The Tmobile sim provides the least risk for that as they are currently the cheapest network provider!!
FutureAirways said:
The Tmobile sim provides the least risk for that as they are currently the cheapest network provider!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is that there is apparently no clear language from Straight Talk on this, for any of the networks they resell. The service may be called "Straight Talk", but just try to get a "Straight Answer" from them on their limits.
The 5gb prepaid you speak of. Do those mins count towards texting. ?
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using xda app-developers app
codey895 said:
The 5gb prepaid you speak of. Do those mins count towards texting. ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For t-mobile?
http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/monthly-4g-plans
The $30 "Unlimited Web & Text with 100 Talk Minutes" gets you 5GB data before being throttled, "unlimited" texts, and 100 min. talk time.
Yes its possible. It can be a bit of a pain but I insisted that I had to have it, mainly because it's the best deal I know of.
100 minutes (we have WiFi calling too)
Unlimited text
Unlimited data (throttled after 5gb)
If you originally were forced to sign one of their no contract unlimited plans like I was then all you have to do is call T-Mobile. 611 if you already have service. Talk to a representative and they will likely tell you that it is a Walmart and online exclusive. If you can't convince him to switch you over then ask for a supervisor. Explain to them your situation that you were told by the people at the store that you can switch over by calling 611. They will probably tell you that you were misinformed. Just keep pushing that you wanted this plan to begin with or any other excuse that you see fit. I eventually got through to him and he made an exception and very easily switched me over from the unlimited plan to the $30 prepaid plan.
Good luck
Sent from my HTC One
Did you buy the phone outright or on the payment plan?
xcharles718 said:
Did you buy the phone outright or on the payment plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an easier route to all of this. Just leave your $30 plan UNTOUCHED. This means when you first buy the phone don't switch from prepaid to post-paid at all. Let them sign you up on hopefully the lowest $50 plan and be proud of your phone. They cant charge you anything if you dont activate you sim! <---------------------- IF YOU PAID FULL PRICE OF THE PHONE
Option A (regular sim to micro-sim)
Now, all you have to do is Call T-Mobile Prepaid (611) using existing prepaid account and tell them you want to switch your sim card to the micro-sim. They will ask you for the sim number and you will be on your way.
Option B (Micro-Sim on Existing Prepaid Account)
Just slip in micro sim of pre-paid and it just works. If not, reboot
xcharles718 said:
Did you buy the phone outright or on the payment plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is my question too... I ordered the phone and all but i did the monthly plan.. Wondering if i can get off that and get on the prepaid.. hmmm
LostMyMarbles said:
This is my question too... I ordered the phone and all but i did the monthly plan.. Wondering if i can get off that and get on the prepaid.. hmmm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EIP is monthly. You would have to just settle the balance and get the right rep in order to migrate to prepaid.
Thanks for the response! Now i know what to do