Does anyone know of a provider that you can get an inexpesive data only plan for the viewpad? I spent several hours trying to get set up with a tablet plan with AT&T and their 15/month for 250MB. In the end they would only support the viewpad as a phone, for no less than $40/month. Im not really interested in a phone plan. I only need the data plan. Any suggestions?
gmeiring said:
I only need the data plan. Any suggestions?
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For US carrier, take a look at AT&T Gophone prepaid (which is what I've been using for several years) or T-Mobile prepaid. Gophone has 3 data feature (as add-on, optional to voice & SMS/MMS) packages and unused data allowance carryover after 30 days with additional purchase (deducted from available fund balance) - voice & text included, if you do not use it, you aren't charged. Depends on how much data you are or planning to use, and whether you have WiFi access too - don't believe you need to get into a contract plan at all with the Vpad7, both carriers don't really care what device you are using the sim card in - and you can switch it out as needed. Please start checking out their website's prepaid plans to get the basics for your research & planning .... be glad to help if you have specific issues or concern.
gmeiring said:
Does anyone know of a provider that you can get an inexpesive data only plan for the viewpad? I spent several hours trying to get set up with a tablet plan with AT&T and their 15/month for 250MB. In the end they would only support the viewpad as a phone, for no less than $40/month. Im not really interested in a phone plan. I only need the data plan. Any suggestions?
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Well my understanding if your bring your own hardware they had to give you what plan you wanted. I pressed Verizon and got voice and text only on my Eris I bought right out. Go into the att store with the ViewPad and force them.
Sent from my CM 7.1.0 G2x using XDA app
Thanks. The GoPhone seems to be working. I'm a little concerned about how much data will be used. Seems like it could get expensive. Anyway, I set up the 10cents/minute plan, which doesn't include data for "smartphones" until you add it later. Therefore, I shouldn't get charged for any phone or text usage if I don't use it.
I was a little confusing getting set up, but now that it's done, it should be pretty straight-forward to reload.
To set up, I had to create the account, which does not include data usage. Then I was able to add the "Data Package" after the device was activated.
Thanks for the tip.
I had the same experience with ATT. Their system automatically classifies the viewpad's imei as a "phone" and will reject monthly data plan signups. Had to go with their prepaid data plan which gets you less data for the samse amount. Jerks. Unfortunately the viewpad only gets edge service on t-mobile or id go with them.
Sent from my ViewPad7 using XDA App
Related
Is this possible? In a perfect world I could go to Best Buy, grab a GoPhone LG Thrive, pop my wifes non data family plan sim in there, somehow block 3g, and she could keep her current plan untouched and use WiFi for the occasionaly internet usage.
Thoughts?
I don't remember the settings in stock 2.2 Froyo, but on the CM7 roms there are widgets to set data 2G, 2G/3G, 3G and on/off. You can probably download an app that'll do that.
I'm pretty sure that will block the data, but my fear is that as soon as AT&T recognizes the model number on the phone they will add a data plan to the account.
Froyo 2.2 including LG Thrive has Data ON/OFF switch, so don't bother using the phone without data plan. You can also delete the APN settings, so the phone cannot use data even the latter is enabled. It sounds very wierd the operator to activate a data plan without your permission.
kopchev said:
Froyo 2.2 including LG Thrive has Data ON/OFF switch, so don't bother using the phone without data plan. You can also delete the APN settings, so the phone cannot use data even the latter is enabled. It sounds very wierd the operator to activate a data plan without your permission.
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So, wifi wont work either?
thewillb said:
So, wifi wont work either?
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Wi-Fi will work. Wi-Fi has a separate switch. There is a switch that turns on/off only the 3G/EDGE/GPRS data.
kopchev said:
Wi-Fi will work. Wi-Fi has a separate switch. There is a switch that turns on/off only the 3G/EDGE/GPRS data.
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cool, but I just hope it's not like the iphone in that they require a data plan to even pop you sim card in it.
1st review on amazon seems to confirm my fear... "Be aware AT&T will make you buy a data plan for $5 per month for 10 MB, even if you never use it because it's a smart phone. "
I read that LG Thrive goes with a prepaid plan, so you buy the phone and don't use the new sim...and you can insert your wife's sim.
thewillb said:
cool, but I just hope it's not like the iphone in that they require a data plan to even pop you sim card in it.
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I vaguely recall reading about this new "feature". Happened around the time the new iThing came out. Reading around a little, it seems that more recent contracts have clauses that let them do this.
Some posts mentioned that BEFORE you use the smartphone, to call ATT and place a data-block on the account. Seems to have worked for some.
So has anyone successfully purchased a LG Thrive, popped an AT&T post-paid SIM in and use it without a data plan?
You may want to consider buying an Optimus T, unlocking it and using it with ATT. Both are GSM. You'll then have access to all the dev here and not be bound to ATTs draconian crap.
Sent from my LG-P509 using Tapatalk
secretasianman said:
So has anyone successfully purchased a LG Thrive, popped an AT&T post-paid SIM in and use it without a data plan?
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it can be used without a dataplan if you use your own sim card. I bought one for my daughter and since I was at the end of my billing cycle I decide to wait until the new billing cycle to add the data plan, she was using the phone without problems for over a week, and was able to use wife for data. One thing is that when you call ATT to add the Data Plan you need to give a different IMIE cuz once they try to add the IMEI of the GO phone the system will say the phone can not provisioned with premium Data plans. What I did was just to gave her my Captivate IMEI since it was never registered with ATT.
Hello everybody, recently AT&T released a new pay as you go plan which is 50$ 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?
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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.....
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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?
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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 #.
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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 .
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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?
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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.
Hey guys, I was thinking about getting an Aria for my girlfriend. I have a few questions before I purchase one though:
1. I heard you could unlock it by talking to AT&T, but just in case, can anyone point me to a cheap/reputable place to get it unlocked online? Thanks
2. Is it easy to permanently disable Cellular Network data? She would be using it with no data plan, so we wouldnt want any data to get through.
roltzje said:
Hey guys, I was thinking about getting an Aria for my girlfriend. I have a few questions before I purchase one though:
1. I heard you could unlock it by talking to AT&T, but just in case, can anyone point me to a cheap/reputable place to get it unlocked online? Thanks
2. Is it easy to permanently disable Cellular Network data? She would be using it with no data plan, so we wouldnt want any data to get through.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you get the phone unlocked, it should work fine on any GSM network.
As far as data is concerned, I know that AT&T will detect your phone and may apply a smart-phone data plan (even if you don't want or use one).
One way around this is to put the SIM card into a dumb phone and disable the data plan on-line or call ATT to disable it.
Then pop the SIM card back into the Aria and you're in business.
It has worked for me like this for over 5 years of owning smart phones without data plans (which I don't use or need).
DanGeorges said:
One way around this is to put the SIM card into a dumb phone and disable the data plan on-line or call ATT to disable it.
Then pop the SIM card back into the Aria and you're in business.
It has worked for me like this for over 5 years of owning smart phones without data plans (which I don't use or need).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This will ONLY work if you have a very old plan with AT&T and you are grandfathered in.
If you switched plans or started your service after AT&T started requiring smartphones to have data plans, you will be automatically switched to a data plan if you put your SIM card into an Aria. There's no way around it.
drumist said:
This will ONLY work if you have a very old plan with AT&T and you are grandfathered in.
If you switched plans or started your service after AT&T started requiring smartphones to have data plans, you will be automatically switched to a data plan if you put your SIM card into an Aria. There's no way around it.
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Click to collapse
That's unfortunate. I will definitely keep my "old" plan just to make sure I'm still able to keep the data plan off.
I had, for a month, an unlimited ($15) plan, but since I really didn't see a need, dropped it and opted out. Looking back, I probably should have kept it in case there could be a day when I need a new plan.
When that day comes, I will be switching to a pay-as-you-go plan.
That would allow me to keep my Aria, WiFi, etc. - without subscribing to an unnecessary data plan. The only downside is losing my mobile number...
I just got a Galaxy SIII and my mom wants to use my Vibrant as a dumbphone. When I put the SIM card in it keeps saying "searching..." for a signal. She doesn't have a data plan. Is there any way to allow my mom to use the phone just to make calls and texts?
Try calling T-Mobile. When I leave my contract, they said that my web may be taken off of my phone and I can keep my vibrant. (Unlike AT&T)
T-Mobile claims that you need a data plan to use the Vibrant unfortunately.
No data plan is needed. I use mine without one and it works just fine. Are you sure you have reception at the location you tried it? I think (I may be wrong) that it says "no sim" if it doesnt like the sim, and "searching" if its really looking for a signal.
You should just be able to swap a sim card in though. I've temporarily swapped family members cards into my vibrant with no problem.
You could use T-Mobile prepaid plan $30/month 1500minutes or text. If its an extra line, maybe its cheaper to just get her a cheaper phone that don't require data and sell the Vibrant.
indiemixer said:
I just got a Galaxy SIII and my mom wants to use my Vibrant as a dumbphone. When I put the SIM card in it keeps saying "searching..." for a signal. She doesn't have a data plan. Is there any way to allow my mom to use the phone just to make calls and texts?
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The vibrant does NOT require you to have a data plan. I had my phone cut off for awhile and decided to cut it back on but with no data plan. T mobile did make me buy a new sim card though, take the phone to them and tell them to activate it without data. If its anything like my experience you will just have to buy a new sim card even though yours is perfectly fine, not sure why they make you do that. You may also just be able to "unlock" you're phone and the sim card you have now might work, I have never unlocked my vibrant so you would have to google that. Good luck ...
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium
indiemixer said:
I just got a Galaxy SIII and my mom wants to use my Vibrant as a dumbphone. When I put the SIM card in it keeps saying "searching..." for a signal. She doesn't have a data plan. Is there any way to allow my mom to use the phone just to make calls and texts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This may sound dumb.. but make sure the sim card is inserted in the right direction. I've been in a hurry myself a few times and put it in wrong. The first time I spent a few hours troubleshooting before figuring it out.
I felt pretty dumb afterwards lol
Also my wife uses her vibrant with no data plan just fine.
You do have to watch out though because on our plan T-Mobile refuses to block data so if you accidentally use something that pulls data using the phone data instead of wifi then they charge all sorts of overages.
The way we got around that was using the built in miui firewall to disable phone data for everything and allow Wi-Fi.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda app-developers app
It is definitely possible. I've been doing that for the past 5 years with my smartphones (yeah I know I'm cheap). I am always around a wireless hotspot so I figured...do I really need a data plan? No!!! I am currently using a pay as you go plan with my Gnex on Tmo I only pay for the number of minutes i may need and text are like 15ยข or something. The best part about it is that I have saved hundreds of dollars not paying for a useless data plan (at least in my case). So yeah back to your question yes you can use your vibrant without a data plan. You may just have to visit your local Tmo store so they can get you on a pay as you go plan or a similar prepaid plan that does not require a a data plan. They will give you a new sim card and you may be able to keep you number but you must ask them. The guy or girl at the Tmo store will try to convince you to stay on the data plan and will probably say that it is necessary to have one on every smartphone...but that is bull**** so just ignore them...good luck. One more thing just to save you the hassle you also have the option to buy a sim card activation kit online at T-Mobile.com but I don't know how that works.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Very possible. I was on T-Mobile and just switched sim cards without telling them. I used mine without a data plan for half a year with no problems. Just makes using it on the road or while driving a little harder.
Yes, it's possible. I've used my Vibrant on pay as you go all along. I'm actually on prepaid plus the unlimited text plan (extra $15 a month).
firefly6240 said:
This may sound dumb.. but make sure the sim card is inserted in the right direction. I've been in a hurry myself a few times and put it in wrong. The first time I spent a few hours troubleshooting before figuring it out.
I felt pretty dumb afterwards lol
Also my wife uses her vibrant with no data plan just fine.
You do have to watch out though because on our plan T-Mobile refuses to block data so if you accidentally use something that pulls data using the phone data instead of wifi then they charge all sorts of overages.
The way we got around that was using the built in miui firewall to disable phone data for everything and allow Wi-Fi.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Tmobile refuses to block data for you, really? I have two smart phones without data plans, and I simply had to just tell them to remove pay as you go data from those lines, and include something called data blocker feature (forget what exactly it's called). After that, it wasnt possible for me to use data anywhere but at a hotspot.
So I've read enough about the GS4 being Sim unlocked from Verizon. We are traveling to St Maarten in the Caribbean in April, and I'm just trying to confirm that its really as simple as purchasing a local sim and popping it in. My GS4 is unlocked and rooted since the MDK bootloader, but my wife's is a work provided phone, and I'm not allowed to touch it (although she always asks me how I tether....sorry dear...I'm not allowed to touch yours). Our resort has wifi but only in the lobby, and I'm not interested in data (I'll be on vaca) but I want to just be able to text my wife if need be while exploring the island.
Anyone know what I can expect to pay for a local sim? Don't even need a lot of minutes....just be able to text back and forth if we need to.
My FIL is on my Verizon plan. He's leaving in a few days for Aruba and Curacao.
He contacted Verizon and was told he could pay $5 for cheaper phone and texting rates while on his trip. I think it is $1.49 or $1.99 per minute for calls and .50 to send text and .05 to receive them.
Data is crazy expensive ($25/100mb with Int'l plan or $22ish per mb without) so I would turn off data sucking apps or seriously limiting it (turn off background sync, etc) even if you opt for the Verizon data plan. Also, if you don't turn off the data before you leave you will most likely get hit with data charges as soon as you land.
I would recommend getting local data sim and using Hangouts or some other non-texting data based chat service instead of texting each other.
gadzooks64 said:
My FIL is on my Verizon plan. He's leaving in a few days for Aruba and Curacao.
He contacted Verizon and was told he could pay $5 for cheaper phone and texting rates while on his trip. I think it is $1.49 or $1.99 per minute for calls and .50 to send text and .05 to receive them.
Data is crazy expensive ($25/100mb with Int'l plan or $22ish per mb without) so I would turn off data sucking apps or seriously limiting it (turn off background sync, etc) even if you opt for the Verizon data plan. Also, if you don't turn off the data before you leave you will most likely get hit with data charges as soon as you land.
I would recommend getting local data sim and using Hangouts or some other non-texting data based chat service instead of texting each other.
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Click to collapse
Hangouts I can do....but that uses data. And I'm not going to have wifi on the beach.....MAYBE the beach at our resort....but I've read over and over that wifi is only in the lobby....so who knows where the range will end until I get there. I guess your saying leave data off until I get a local sim in it. Once the local sim is in it, I'll stop getting my verizon data? or will I have to stop gmail, and disable all other data apps?
I know what my phone does, and what apps use what data....and how you can set some up for wifi only....but my wife is clueless tech wise. I guess I'm not going to find a local sim with unlimited texting huh (or even a reasonable number of texts).
Once you replace the Verizon sim (keep it and make sure you know which is yours and which is the wife's because it does matter and you'll be putting them back in as soon as you get home) then your connection to Verizon is gone.
As soon as you install the local sim you will have data and/or phone coverage based on what you bought. If you can get two cheap data only sims that would be the way to go. Then use data services for doing instant messaging to contact each other.
All your data using apps will work just as they did at home. They don't care how you connect to the internet. GMail, Hangouts etc will all work as long as you have a data service.
Enjoy.
gadzooks64 said:
Once you replace the Verizon sim (keep it and make sure you know which is yours and which is the wife's because it does matter and you'll be putting them back in as soon as you get home) then your connection to Verizon is gone.
As soon as you install the local sim you will have data and/or phone coverage based on what you bought. If you can get two cheap data only sims that would be the way to go. Then use data services for doing instant messaging to contact each other.
All your data using apps will work just as they did at home. They don't care how you connect to the internet. GMail, Hangouts etc will all work as long as you have a data service.
Enjoy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I gotcha now. I would love to find a data only Sim. It will be pretty easy to tell which sim is which upon return... I'll just make a test call to see whose phone rings when I dial my number :laugh: Thanks for your help. I don't want to pay Verizon $25 for 100MB as I'm sure some app I forget about will run me over.....and my wife's phone is run by her work....so local sim is the only way to go....or bring her rezound along.....but I'm not sure that phone was ever truly SIM unlocked without a specific Rom...and my rezound hacking days are long behind me.
I came across this site and while it doesn't say how much the sim will cost to purchase, it gives me an idea of the data packages I'll need to buy.
http://wiredsailor.com/new/broadband-internet/3g-services/
318sugarhill said:
Ok, I gotcha now. I would love to find a data only Sim. It will be pretty easy to tell which sim is which upon return... I'll just make a test call to see whose phone rings when I dial my number :laugh: Thanks for your help. I don't want to pay Verizon $25 for 100MB as I'm sure some app I forget about will run me over.....and my wife's phone is run by her work....so local sim is the only way to go....or bring her rezound along.....but I'm not sure that phone was ever truly SIM unlocked without a specific Rom...and my rezound hacking days are long behind me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just did this last week in the UK - stock GS4 running MK2, with a SIM from ekit.com.
All I did was to insert the SIM, set the phone to GSM mode, define the APN, and you're done. Finding a cheap carrier for data in the Caribbean is tough, however.
k1mu said:
I just did this last week in the UK - stock GS4 running MK2, with a SIM from ekit.com.
All I did was to insert the SIM, set the phone to GSM mode, define the APN, and you're done. Finding a cheap carrier for data in the Caribbean is tough, however.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I've been reading on some travel forums about queen of SXM. She is a part time resident of St. Maarten that does rental phones. I emailed her and for $8 for the week I am renting a SIM card. Any voice/data must be added after that in $5 increments. But data is mostly 2g (and expanding to 3g but likely not widely available). It's only $0.55 per day for the data and it's unlimited (since its so slow, its not like your going to be using a lot anyway). So basically for $13 a phone I can get data and no voice so we can message back and forth. Is Hangouts or what's app going to be reliable on a 2g network? I've read that wechat has designed their app for better use on 2g networks (in places like India and other emerging markets). On my Rezound I was able to force the phone into 1x only mode, but not so much on the S4 to be able to test it.....unless I can find an area with a really crappy signal.