Hi,
I have just bought a Galaxy Ace whilst in the UK (Carphone Warehouse), they say it is unlocked and can be used with any SIM card.
I'm now back in Japan and want to take my Docomo SIM card out of my Japanese mobile phone (FOMA P902is) and use the Galaxy Ace.
I'm on a standard contract with Docomo (5+ yrs) and when I actually put the SIM card in I can make and receive calls on the NTT Docomo network but cannot connect to the net.
Is it wise to go into Docomo and tell them I want to use this new phone?
Any help would be great.
Thanks
C.
craigom said:
Hi,
I have just bought a Galaxy Ace whilst in the UK (Carphone Warehouse), they say it is unlocked and can be used with any SIM card.
I'm now back in Japan and want to take my Docomo SIM card out of my Japanese mobile phone (FOMA P902is) and use the Galaxy Ace.
I'm on a standard contract with Docomo (5+ yrs) and when I actually put the SIM card in I can make and receive calls on the NTT Docomo network but cannot connect to the net.
Is it wise to go into Docomo and tell them I want to use this new phone?
Any help would be great.
Thanks
C.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to manually set the SIM card APN (Access Point Network) Settings
Sent from my Ultima Weapon© using XDA App
If you use the correct APN and still can't connect you may not have the right Ace that works with 3G on Docomo's network.
And 5 years' contract? Ouch. I thought 18 months was ridiculous
You can see the different Frequency bands on Wikipedia. Standard Galaxy Ace (s5830, no after letter) supports
Code:
2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 900 / 2100
Thanks for the quick response.
I've not signed up for a 5 yr contract, it's just I have had it for over 5 years on the same billing plan... never really used it for anything more than calls.
I want to use a smartphone with all the bells and whistles.
How do I get the APN settings for NTT Docomo Japan?
Is it a good idea to goto Docomo and ask them for help?
I see in the "mobile network settings" an option Access Point Names, but it is empty and when I choose to add New APN it gives me a list (Name, APN, Proxy, Port... etc all as Not Set), no idea what to do with those.
C.
craigom said:
Thanks for the quick response.
I've not signed up for a 5 yr contract, it's just I have had it for over 5 years on the same billing plan... never really used it for anything more than calls.
How do I get the APM settings?
C.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=564459
I went to the "GPRS/Internet Connection Settings for the whole world" thread but nothing for Japan in those 7 pages, so I left a post asking for them.
My model is the GT-S5830 (no letters after the name).
I'm completely lost as to the freq bands, but it must work as I have made/received calls today.
Are the APN settings all I need?
I read about people getting huge bills when they use other phones than the issued one Docomo gave them, how can I check this?
Will try Docomo tomorrow, and even Softbank as people say they have reasonable charges... maybe time to change carrier.
any further help would be appreciated.
Thanks
C.
This blog will tell you how to use SIM free phone with docomo including APN set up.
yukotan.blogspot.com/2010/05/docomosim.html
I have this phone in Japan (but using it as a second phone with a roaming sim from Philippines and no data plan).
Be aware that the cheapest full-speed data plan you're going to get out of Docomo is 10,000 yen/mo. (>4000 yen/mo surcharge for using a non-Docomo handset for data) There are a number of APNs you could possibility be using depending on which data plan you have.
Its actually cheaper to get a subsidized Galaxy S II on contract than pay the surcharge.
As you're probably aware, Softbank's data network is pretty bad, though they aren't surcharging for BYO handset now.
To answer your question, you won't exactly be causing trouble by talking to the staff at the docomo shop, but the amount of help they can give you will be limited to explaining the charge scheme and telling you the APN info to set.
Thanks EvilDave_666, so it seems I can get the Ace to have internet... but Docomo want 10,000yen a month as you said.
They also said if I want the Galaxy S II it would cost me 60,000yen to buy, then 7,000yen a month for the current plan I'm on (family).
Not sure what to do now.
If you're eligable for a new installment plan the handset part should only end up costing you 2470/mo - 1300/mo subsidy + 5250 initial payment, so 1170x24 + 5250 = 33,330 yen.
By not having the 10,000 yen/mo data plan you're saving 4935/mo x24 = 118,440 yen over the 24 months, giving you a net savings over your plan of 81,960 yen after the 3150 unlock fee (so you'll have an unlocked handset when its over same as the Ace) + whatever you can sell the Ace for and getting a Galaxy S II on subsidy.
You never want to take the lump-sum option, installment plan always works out better in the end.
Hi,
I am trying to do the same thing... bring a Ace to Japan.
Currently, I have a Docomo contract without data plan.
Is it still expensive like that to use the data plan of Docomo with a BYO smartphone?
Cheers, Chris
Related
Just got my shiny SGS2 and wonder - what is the best data plan price could be in Ontario (Toronto particularly).
Got my phone from Virgin Mobile unlock and connected to Fido.
A friend of mine told me that Wind has the best price - $10 a month for unlimited data (only throttling the channel after first 5Gb). Went to Wind booth and asked to put Wind demo SIM card into my Samsung. No luck, the phone can see the Wind Home Network but couldn't connect to it.
Fido has regular data plan $60 a month for 5Gb that is kinda expensive.
Found in Internet that Fido has retention plan $30 for 6Gb. Called the support but they told me - this is only if I buy new smartphone from them sign for 3 years contract, otherwise - no $30 for 6Gb even when I threatened that I would cancel and go to different provider.
Any thoughts about cheap data plans in Canada, Ontario, Toronto that DO work with Samsung Galaxy S2?
I would've stuck with Virgin as they currently have a limited time offer of 6GB data for $30 and they're plan offerings aren't bad at all if you don't have the luxury of a retention offer from your current provider.
I have accounts on three different carriers for me and my siblings and here's how they compare:
Brother's on Fido:
100/Unl.E/WE starting 7pm
Unl. txt msg
Call Display w/Name Display
Canadian LD Option 25 Minutes
6GB Data
=$75 after taxes
Sister's on Virgin:
200/Unl.E/WE starting 6pm
Unl. txt&pic msg
Fav 10 Canada-wide
Call Display w/Name Display
1GB Data
=$70 after taxes
Mine on Bell:
150/Unl.E/WE starting 6pm
Unl. txt&pic msg
Fab 10 Canada-wide
Call Display & Voice Mail
6GB Data
=$87 after taxes
Wow, holy expensive plans, batman.
30-45$ (Plus tax) here for:
300 minutes
unlimited fido to fido
Evenings and weekends at 6
2500 SMS/100 MMS
Voicemail + Call display
Evolutive data plan (100 megs, 10$, 500 megs, 20$, 1GB, 25$)
(Telus corporate plan + Retention = Win)
Do people really need 6GB? Retention works only if you've been with a carrier for a long time... Going on 6 years with fido, I'm sure if I call them they'll give me something free. haha
Wait until the iphone 5 is released... When it is, they'll have 6GB data plans for 30$... Virgin though seems to have a pretty good network. Fido/Rogers, not so sure anymore...
karendar said:
Do people really need 6GB? Retention works only if you've been with a carrier for a long time... Going on 6 years with fido, I'm sure if I call them they'll give me something free. haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been with Fido for 7 years now without interruption.
Call them today and they haven't given me the retention plan.
Not unless I bought a phone from them (I just got my SGS2 ha-ha, what Fido can offer me instead?), sign a contract for 3 years and other crappy terms...
Man, I am disapoint with Fido.
^ Strange, I got the 6GB/$30 retention plan by committing to 2 years of Data (eg an ECF is < 2yrs) without any hardware (I am using an unlocked SGS II from Europe now).
Unlocked SGS2 will only work on Rogers, Bell and Telus (and their sub-brands, Fido, Virgin, etc.) because SGS2 supports 1900/2100 MHz HSPA.
Wind and Mobilicity use 1700 MHz (AWS) HSPA frequency for their network, which the global version of the SGS2 does not support. You will have to wait for the T-Mobile USA version.
On the other hand, the unlocked global version of HTC Sensation will work on Wind and Mobilicity, but not on Bell or Telus, and only at EDGE speeds on Rogers network.
If you use the SGS2 on Wind network, it will probably roam on the Rogers/Bell/Telus network (whichever they have roaming partnership with) (Wind Away zone). Not sure though.
TWiTCommander said:
Wind and Mobilicity use 1700 MHz (AWS) HSPA frequency for their network, which the global version of the SGS2 does not support. You will have to wait for the T-Mobile USA version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this "T-Mobile version" has different chip and some kind of different hardware or it will be just another ROM, software update etc.?
I mean can we theoretically reprogram Bell SGS2 to work with Wind or this is hardware issue?
It's a hardware thing. The T-Mobile/AWS version will use a different cellular baseband radio chip and antenna. It's kind of like the iPhone - you get 3G on Rogers/Fido/Bell/Telus/AT&T, but only EDGE on Wind/Mobilicity/T-Mobile - because the iPhone cellular baseband radio does not support AWS frequencies.
sly2m said:
Been with Fido for 7 years now without interruption.
Call them today and they haven't given me the retention plan.
Not unless I bought a phone from them (I just got my SGS2 ha-ha, what Fido can offer me instead?), sign a contract for 3 years and other crappy terms...
Man, I am disapoint with Fido.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I manage a multi-carrier wireless store (Rogers, Fido, Bell, Virgin, etc) and suggest you call Fido back and talk to the cancellations department (also called customer retention). Tell them you are going to switch to Virgin because they will give you a better plan without contract. Speaking from experience, they can give you a plan with promotional discounts even without having to sign a contract.
If that doesn't work, PM me and I'll actually switch you to something better. Like Virgin for $75 (Unlimited Talk and Text, 6GB Data, Caller ID, Voicemail), no contract.
GetHyper said:
I manage a multi-carrier wireless store (Rogers, Fido, Bell, Virgin, etc) and suggest you call Fido back and talk to the cancellations department (also called customer retention). Tell them you are going to switch to Virgin because they will give you a better plan without contract. Speaking from experience, they can give you a plan with promotional discounts even without having to sign a contract.
If that doesn't work, PM me and I'll actually switch you to something better. Like Virgin for $75 (Unlimited Talk and Text, 6GB Data, Caller ID, Voicemail), no contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
deleted post
Greetings fellow forum peeps!
I am new to AT&T and the Note and have read so much that it's dizzying, LOL!
I think I am good and know what to do about changing the APN settings, however, I am not sure what to say to AT&T when I call them to set up the plan and activate. I do have an older AT&T cheapy prepaid phone that I bought for $5 late last year. I am under the impression that I should use my new SIM card w/the Note, but first activate the card in my cheap phone? Is this right?
What are the steps to take to activate the prepaid $50/Unlimited plan? Would you mind giving them to me in order of preference?
Also, I've read that some are on the $45/Unlimited Straight Talk plan. Is one better than the other? I was under the impression from talking to the guy at Worst Buy that AT&T may make you purchase a data plan, which I normally would have no problem with but they only offer the $30/500 mb plan.
Thoughts/Suggestions?
I appreciate your time and consideration.
I remember reading that AT&T won't allow smartphones on the prepaid plans. They automatically upgrade you to the lowest monthly plan.
Sent from my AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note using the XDA Premium app.
If you have an at$t branded phone on their prepaid and its a smartphone ...they make you carry some sort of a data plan....
Straight Talk is a better value at around 49 to 51 depending on taxes.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
If you have the AT&T Note (four buttons on the bottom), you can't do this. If you have the International Note (One physical button, two soft buttons), you can absolutely do this! I am using it right now.
Do NOT activate the SIM card with the crappy prepaid phone. Just activate it with the International Note using the International Note's IMEI online and you will be fine.
Just curious what kind of speeds are you getting on the international Note on this unlimited ATT data plan? Thanks in advance.
joshnichols189 / ALL said:
If you have the AT&T Note (four buttons on the bottom), you can't do this. If you have the International Note (One physical button, two soft buttons), you can absolutely do this! I am using it right now.
Do NOT activate the SIM card with the crappy prepaid phone. Just activate it with the International Note using the International Note's IMEI online and you will be fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi JoshNichols189,
What do you mean by Int'l version? Setting up on AT&T Prepaid? I was told that H20 (an AT&T MVNO) is easy to activate on the AT&T Note.
I also read (on this forum) that it's easy to unlock this device. I was planning on possibly using on Tmobile but I was told by TMO that this device will only work on 2G or Edge, 3G/4G doesn't work on non-TMO phones.
So, it sounds like I am stuck w/AT&T or H20 (BUMMER, unless there are other alternatives???).
So, with that, should I unlock and pray for the best with an Edge connection? I'm looking to spend about $50-$60/month.
I may also try Straight Talk --- if I do, do I have to order the SIM card, or can I simply walk into a Walmart, buy a cheap phone and use that SIM card?
Thanks so much for your advice.
I'll be more than happy to pay small reward/fee (via Paypal) to get some strong/solid advice on setting this up, APN settings and all (PM me).
MrJinx said:
I may also try Straight Talk --- if I do, do I have to order the SIM card, or can I simply walk into a Walmart, buy a cheap phone and use that SIM card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out my recent post all about setting up straight talk with at&t galaxy note for just 45$ unlimited with 3G data.
PM me if you need more info or specific help as I am glad to share my knowledge
vince2398 said:
Just curious what kind of speeds are you getting on the international Note on this unlimited ATT data plan? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About 1.5-3 mbps down in Dayton, Ohio.
MrJinx said:
Hi JoshNichols189,
What do you mean by Int'l version? Setting up on AT&T Prepaid? I was told that H20 (an AT&T MVNO) is easy to activate on the AT&T Note.
I also read (on this forum) that it's easy to unlock this device. I was planning on possibly using on Tmobile but I was told by TMO that this device will only work on 2G or Edge, 3G/4G doesn't work on non-TMO phones.
So, it sounds like I am stuck w/AT&T or H20 (BUMMER, unless there are other alternatives???).
So, with that, should I unlock and pray for the best with an Edge connection? I'm looking to spend about $50-$60/month.
I may also try Straight Talk --- if I do, do I have to order the SIM card, or can I simply walk into a Walmart, buy a cheap phone and use that SIM card?
Thanks so much for your advice.
I'll be more than happy to pay small reward/fee (via Paypal) to get some strong/solid advice on setting this up, APN settings and all (PM me).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The International Note is from Europe, which is what I have and am using on the $50 AT&T prepaid unlimited everything plan. I don't think the AT&T Note will work on the prepaid plan, because AT&T can tell what your IMEI number is and force you to upgrade to another smartphone plan. The only reason what I"m doing works is because it is a European IMEI, so AT&T doesn't know it's a smartphone. You won't be able to get T-Mobile 3/4G, but H20 should work just fine if you get an unlock code for the phone and unlock it to work I think Straight Talk is a T-Mobile MVNO, so that won't work either. You should get 3/4G on H20 since it is an AT&T MVNO.
joshnichols189 said:
About 1.5-3 mbps down in Dayton, Ohio.
I think Straight Talk is a T-Mobile MVNO, so that won't work either. You should get 3/4G on H20 since it is an AT&T MVNO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, Straighttalk uses ATT network and so att.mvno.
shaolinx said:
Nope, Straighttalk uses ATT network and so att.mvno.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight talk uses both ATT network and T-mobile network, they give you a choice to pick a sim card and which MVNO service suits your needs.
I have used both Sim's Tmobile as well as ATT, and i found that speeds on Tmobile network are superior than ATT network when when using Straight Talk sims.
But then again it will depend upon your location.
Get original iphone 2g and activate with your number on at&t which will give you $20 unlimited plan.
Use it couple of days then purchase at&t smartphone from craigslist and goto at&t store, tell them it's gift and you want to use it with your unlimited plan.
You will have $30 unlimited plan on lte, 4g, 3g whatever.
Enjoy.
If you want original iphone 2g, i can rent you one or you can buy one.
I did this and this still works.
Moved To Q&A
Please post questions in the Q&A section
(This is kind of a repeat of a post I put in the Q&A section - but figured that here might be a better place for it)
I'm vacationing in the US in the Fall (October) and I'd really like to be able to use my International-spec S3 over there for some data usage (Google Maps, but more especially these apps that give the queue times at attractions).
Now I know that T-Mobile (my UK carrier) is a non-starter - because apparently they (for lord knows what reason) use two frequency bands for data - one being a 1700MHz band that the non-US S3 doesn't support.
AT&T seemed to be okay, but I don't see any way to get a plan with a decent amount of data allowance that doesn't need you to setup a monthly contract against a US address.
Only option at the moment seems to be this "Straight Talk" company which was mentioned/recommended by someone else here in reply to a comment I made on an article. But I don't know much about them.
So - anyone out there in xda-land got any advice for me? Ideally what I'm looking for is some company that'll let me have a pre-paid plan with 250MB+ of data that I can use for two weeks, and only uses the 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 bands which my S3 supports. Oh, and if they happen to do international shipping too, then that'd be spectacular.
Where are you going to traveling to? There are different carriers in different regions of the USA. At&t does have prepaid plans without commitments.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
bluebobx said:
(This is kind of a repeat of a post I put in the Q&A section - but figured that here might be a better place for it)
I'm vacationing in the US in the Fall (October) and I'd really like to be able to use my International-spec S3 over there for some data usage (Google Maps, but more especially these apps that give the queue times at attractions).
Now I know that T-Mobile (my UK carrier) is a non-starter - because apparently they (for lord knows what reason) use two frequency bands for data - one being a 1700MHz band that the non-US S3 doesn't support.
AT&T seemed to be okay, but I don't see any way to get a plan with a decent amount of data allowance that doesn't need you to setup a monthly contract against a US address.
Only option at the moment seems to be this "Straight Talk" company which was mentioned/recommended by someone else here in reply to a comment I made on an article. But I don't know much about them.
So - anyone out there in xda-land got any advice for me? Ideally what I'm looking for is some company that'll let me have a pre-paid plan with 250MB+ of data that I can use for two weeks, and only uses the 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 bands which my S3 supports. Oh, and if they happen to do international shipping too, then that'd be spectacular.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I currently use H2O Wireless, which is an MVNO for AT&T. You can pickup a sim card from any best buy and activate online in less than 10 minutes. You get unlimited voice/text and 2GB of data for $60 a month. I'm in California, not sure where you will be visiting but it works for me. I had Red Pocket when I was using my Nexus and they worked great also. Just a bit less convienant in getting a sim card.
One note tho, you will need to cut down the H2O sim to work with the S3, I found a template online and with a sharp pair of scissors was done in about 2 minutes.
dstech said:
Where are you going to traveling to? There are different carriers in different regions of the USA. At&t does have prepaid plans without commitments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
krichek said:
I currently use H2O Wireless, which is an MVNO for AT&T. ... I'm in California, not sure where you will be visiting but it works for me. I had Red Pocket when I was using my Nexus and they worked great also. Just a bit less convienant in getting a sim card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the replies - I'm on a sand, sea and theme parks visit - so it's Florida - specifically Orlando area.
krichek said:
One note tho, you will need to cut down the H2O sim to work with the S3, I found a template online and with a sharp pair of scissors was done in about 2 minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought a SIM cutter from eBay a couple of months back (when I got my S3, because my then-current SIM was the full sized variety and I didn't want the hassle/expense of requesting a new one from the carrier)
I just recently bought a Korean Galaxy S2 (SHW-M250K) on eBay. It's unlocked and in great condition. I've been thinking of switching from Verizon to T-Mobile for a long time now because I don't do a whole lot of calling, and I'm paying $70 a month for a flip phone from Verizon with only 450 minutes and no type of data access at all. With that said, I'm pretty sure this new phone will work in the states with a local SIM, but I wasn't aware that some phones are only able to achieve 2G speeds (can't remember why exactly). Does anyone know specifically if this model will be capable of 3G or not? Thanks in advance.
My brother has an iPad pro and on the tablet in the settings he can browse many available plans from verizon, att, tmobile etc. He is able to purchase it and then immediately use the cellular data plan. I specifically like the $20 for 5GB for 5 months plan that he has access to. Do Samsung tablets have similar functionality (probably with esim)?
invinciblegod said:
My brother has an iPad pro and on the tablet in the settings he can browse many available plans from verizon, att, tmobile etc. He is able to purchase it and then immediately use the cellular data plan. I specifically like the $20 for 5GB for 5 months plan that he has access to. Do Samsung tablets have similar functionality (probably with esim)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. It uses a nano SIM. Find the best deal, get a nano SIM from the provider, and you're off to the races. There are no LTE versions being sold in the U.S. currently and the overseas versions don't work on CDMA so no Verizon and Sprint although they may work on their LTE networks for data because it supports their bands. The dialer and MMS definitely won't work. When the U.S. versions are released they'll be locked to the carrier you bought it from, loaded with their crap on it, the dialer will be disabled, and you can't reflash it using an international ROM because the model numbers are different.
BarryH_GEG said:
No. It uses a nano SIM. Find the best deal, get a nano SIM from the provider, and you're off to the races. There are no LTE versions being sold in the U.S. currently and the overseas versions don't work on CDMA so no Verizon and Sprint although they may work on their LTE networks for data because it supports their bands. The dialer and MMS definitely won't work. When the U.S. versions are released they'll be locked to the carrier you bought it from, loaded with their crap on it, the dialer will be disabled, and you can't reflash it using an international ROM because the model numbers are different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So no phone/SMS/MMS function even if you have the right sim? I was going to look at the T-Mobile tab today but if those functions are disabled why would I want to pay $100 more for a tab with half the storage? I'll just get the WiFi version and run it if need be from my hot spot on my phone for internet access.
You can get genuine LTE versions from E-Bay no problem, why would you buy a 'carrier specific' one that then locks you to that carrier.
Note that, as mentioned earlier in the thread, that the S6 does NOT have an unlocked CDMA version so even with LTE certain carriers won't work.
In the UK using the LTE 256GB S6 with Giffgaff means unlmtd calls and SMS and 8GB data for $12 month, rolling 30 day contract (so no long term commitment). I'm always shocked that my US friends pay fortunes for phone and cable services compared to the UK.
When I travel in the States I use a UK Three sim in roaming mode that allows me to use my UK calls/SMS/Data allowance without any surcharge, still works out loads cheaper then using a US SIM.