why is Sprint still advertising and selling WiMAX phones? especially for my zip code that not only dose not have it and never will! why on earth should someone pay $99.00 for evo3d, marry sprint for 2 years knowing darn well they will be forced to break contract! where is the FCC or there consumer groups?
seriously, there has to be a law. now if they gave them away, no contract, and no $10 data monthly, that would ale sense.
Sent from Photon 4G code name "Neo" using XDA Premium!
They still sell them cuz their wimax is still in use and they don't have any lte phones yet. So no it isn't illegal.
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
They're juuuust beginning to roll out LTE, and Wimax is in far more places right now.
Besides, sprint can't just throw all their existing phone inventory in the trash, especially when there are so few (if any?) LTE phones available yet.
No LTE phones, WiMax is still up. LTE won't even be large for another two years.
aamirani said:
No LTE phones, WiMax is still up. LTE won't even be large for another two years.
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what happens when I sign 2 year marriage and you shut down in 1.5 years? sucks cause that are what they are doing!
Sent from Photon 4G code name "Neo" using XDA Premium!
They are keeping WiMax up until 2015. They've already nixed any new WiMax phones this year. Everyone will be out of contract by the time they bring WiMax down.
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Draiko said:
They are keeping WiMax up until 2015. They've already nixed any new WiMax phones this year. Everyone will be out of contract by the time they bring WiMax down.
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This is exactly right. WiMax will be up until everyone's contract is up. I believe they stopped bringing more WiMax phones also.
So by 2015 WIMAX will be completely down?
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No idea. All we know is that they signed agreements with clearwire to keep it running until 2015.
Sent from my MB855 using XDA App
so the question remains, what happens to my Photon (or any WiMAX device) in 2015? What if I want to keep Photon? I used to work with a guy that had a 10 year old Sprint phone with SIM card (I know cause I lost 10 bucks to him!), maybe I want to keep photon for 10 years.
my point is, your double screwed by Sprint!!! You get screwed by Sprint by paying for a phone that everyone knows will be worthless in 2015. Then in 2015 your forced to pay them (or another carrier) again because what you have is junk?
im fairly sure what its gunna turn into (look at iden for proof) is that all the towers with wimax will have it until either they need that slot for something else, or the wimax card dies...
dsims7_2000 said:
so the question remains, what happens to my Photon (or any WiMAX device) in 2015? What if I want to keep Photon? I used to work with a guy that had a 10 year old Sprint phone with SIM card (I know cause I lost 10 bucks to him!), maybe I want to keep photon for 10 years.
my point is, your double screwed by Sprint!!! You get screwed by Sprint by paying for a phone that everyone knows will be worthless in 2015. Then in 2015 your forced to pay them (or another carrier) again because what you have is junk?
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Why would the Photon be junk/worthless just because of no Wimax? If what you are saying is true then my Photon (along with many others) is worthless right now because my area never has had nor will ever get Wimax. I still find it very useful and a great phone without it.
Sprint cannot continue to support older products forever. If they did then there wouldn't be enough money to put into newer technologies and therefore could not stay competitive. This is why everyone offers upgrade credits/new devices to customers after a few years. Sprint is no different than say, for example, Samsung, which released new model TVs every 4 months and drop support for older models around 6 months - 1 year. It sucks for the consumer but to keep up with competition they must pursue new technology and provide it to the public in a timely fashion. Old products don't make the money, newer products do.
CCallahan said:
Old products don't make the money, newer products do.
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That theroy is wack and I can prove it!! I'm 50 years old and went to Vegas and my "Old Product" worked just fine with and without the blue pill upgrade!!!!
It would be nice if we were offered the option to upgrade Photon, even if it cost $$$If you notice, you rarely see me in the Development Section here. I dont change ROMS every other day like some. Once I get my phone how "I" like it and it works, I leave it alone!
Well, maybe I'm missing the point here...but...I'm in the Midwest in a city (of almost 1M people) that was promised Wimax 4G 14 months ago. Sprint 4G has never come here. We even were shown on their coverage maps as 'Coming Soon'. My Photon works just fine on 3G & Wifi...I turned my 4G radio on once just to see if 4G was here, nada.
After 2015, when Wimax is turned off, my Photon will work just as it does today.
(BTW...I'm happy to continue to pay $10/mo so Sprint can build out 2 4g networks for all of you, while ignoring us entirely. Sarcasm intended.)
So...you might feel screwed in 2015...every bill I pay today...I pay to build out 2 4G networks that I might see by 2015 when you've started to feel pissed off. At least you'll have options for 4G phones that will work, and likely Free Phone options by then...I don't even have that option.
I mean, 3 years from now, who knows what technologies will be on our phones by then? Phones will likely be completely different, making our Photons dinosaurs, just like the Pre in my desk drawer...
The photon would become a 3g only worldphone until Sprint converts all of its spectrum to LTE.
You are paying the extra $10 for unlimited data. Sprint is the best bang for buck national carrier. Once you put it in those terms, you'll feel better about it.
All of the carriers are migrating to LTE-only. You're not going to have a mobile phone last you 10 years anymore regardless of carrier.
The good news is that your wireless experience is going to improve more often.
Stop crying about it.
Sent from my MB855 using XDA App
@dorelse, exactly my point! I buy a new car with navigation system, when car arrives it dose not have it and im promised they will get it. then you tell me that option is not available?
the above would not be bad BUT, by selling WiMAX sprint knows for a fact people in areas like ours don't have it and never will! take out the 4G promise. cool but now they are false advertising!
JMO!
Sent from Photon 4G code name "Neo" using XDA Premium!
You still get WiMax wherever it's available. It's not false advertising. You have a choice. Would you rather pay $300 for a Verizon phone that has bloatware, overpriced plans, unstable 4G network that goes down every month, data caps, and crappy battery life? How about an AT&T phone with data caps and crappy service? Maybe a t-mobile phone with throttled data speeds from a carrier that might not exist in 2 years?
You bought a phone that can be used anywhere in the world. You got a WORLDPHONE for the same price as any other top-shelf device Sprint offers even though it has the capability of having superfast data speeds in certain areas. You are paying a relatively low price for unlimited phone data which no other US carrier offers anymore. You can even use this phone as a netbook, nettop, and media center without paying extra plan charges.
Seriously, get a grip.
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I will tell you this and that's that I agree with you 110%. As someone who lives in an area that was promised 4G service by the end of 2010 and still does not have it and never will, I think Sprint sucks balls and has a lot of guts charging "premium data" charges. I pay the same amount as someone in L.A. who has 4G but they get much faster service. Is it fair? No. is there anything that the FCC or anyone else will do about it? Probably not but I do have a suggestion and I am willing to bet would work at some point. Someone needs to find a lawyer that is willing to take on a Class Action case and then the print customers who dont truly receive any "premium data" can join in and get compensated. If anyone wants to do it I'm in for sure.
---------- Post added at 11:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:51 AM ----------
Draiko said:
You still get WiMax wherever it's available. It's not false advertising. You have a choice. Would you rather pay $300 for a Verizon phone that has bloatware, overpriced plans, unstable 4G network that goes down every month, data caps, and crappy battery life? How about an AT&T phone with data caps and crappy service? Maybe a t-mobile phone with throttled data speeds from a carrier that might not exist in 2 years?
You bought a phone that can be used anywhere in the world. You got a WORLDPHONE for the same price as any other top-shelf device Sprint offers even though it has the capability of having superfast data speeds in certain areas. You are paying a relatively low price for unlimited phone data which no other US carrier offers anymore. You can even use this phone as a netbook, nettop, and media center without paying extra plan charges.
Seriously, get a grip.
Sent from my MB855 using XDA App
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He's got a valid point especially about the premium data charges we all pay and dont all receive service for. Sprint claims they are because of the phones capabilities but they have phones that do not incur the charges and have some of the same data results on 3G. Premium data should only apply to 4G areas. Bottom line.
MikeyLee said:
He's got a valid point especially about the premium data charges we all pay and dont all receive service for. Sprint claims they are because of the phones capabilities but they have phones that do not incur the charges and have some of the same data results on 3G. Premium data should only apply to 4G areas. Bottom line.
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Makes a point but the $10/month extra is not for WiMax but unlimited data whether it be 3g/4g. At least, that is what Sprint tells us even though the WiMax data is what really costs them the most.
As far as I know there is only one Android phone in Sprint's lineup that doesn't incur the extra charge which is the Samsung Replenish and that was set to change anytime if it hasn't already.
But put all that aside for a moment, even with the extra 10/month it is still a cheaper plan than anyone else. If they weren't already charging the extra 10 I would bet their rates would have been raised already to cover it so the point is basically moot.
The stock part of my phones says 3g .. But the custom rom says 1x ... Sucks when it says you're covered but really not.. And please let's not start on 4g..
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Related
http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/sprint-converts-its-cdma-network-to-lte/#disqus_thread
This means our Photon will be 4G WORTHLESS come Mid 2012, since we all just got the Phone and are connected to a 2 year contract, we are Screwed. This also gives Sprint the OUT it wants as far as Unlimited. Those who get these NEW LTE Phones will be surprised when they DON'T HAVE Unlimited Data. Very Sneaky Sprint. Assholes.
Sneaky? This news has been out for months, before the Photon, GS2 and 3D even came out. People could have waited. They have to make a change over sometime.
Zooomg no wayz new 4geeees?!?!?!
WTH. People ARE Supposed to wait on Sprint to make up heir minds. We Photon owners just Grabbed our Ankles. Bottom Line.
Well I am still under my 30 days on my photon so I'm just gonna take it back and the 200 dollars worth of accessories I bought for it....then lock into the simply everything plan and get grandfathered in
Sent from my MB855 using XDA App
Nah, if you have WiMax coverage now, you will for a good long while. Probably until the hardware at the cell site takes a crap and they decide not to replace it.
If you don't currently have WiMax coverage, then you are waiting on LTE coverage.
By the time you actually get it you'll be close to an upgrade, and if not you could force the issue with CS and have them move your upgrade date so you can get an LTE device.
And if you are in one of the large markets that doesn't have WiMax yet, but will be getting LTE way before an upgrade date - like 8/2012 - (Do those exist?) I am really sure that Sprint would move your upgrade to get an LTE device since you bought a useless WiMax device in your area. Sprint has really good Customer Support and will do you right on it.
Now if your like me and live in the sticks, and barely get 3G, and can only get 4G with an hour drive....I'm some one who is a little upset by the fact that there is no 3G upgrades in the works.
#1, From what I read, Photon will still work.
#2, I had my Evo for a year and Photon like August 2nd, I have used 4G exactly THREE times. I know, I know, YouTube, Videos, Movies, Netflix...........I have a 55" and 40" LCD TV's, Laptop, Gaming Desktop, and 160Gb PS3. I really have no need to kill my battery.............(I just bought a Truck. GPS on 4G I might need, but I just purchased Car Dock so Battery is not an issue.!
Doesn't the photon support the 1900mhz frequency? Why would it not be compatible with Lte?
jeriel05 said:
Doesn't the photon support the 1900mhz frequency? Why would it not be compatible with Lte?
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Because Sprint would prefer you buy a new phone then pay to write a new radio for it.
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Just because Sprint is moving from WiMax doesn't mean you'll stop getting the service. They are just going to stop selling new devices at the end of 2012, and stop funding Clearwire for new markets. Current devices will continue to use the WiMax they do now.
This really doesn't worry me because I am not under contract on my photon. I am greatful for sprint actually doing something to make their network better but at this point I think it's too late for some people. If I had to guess 3g is not going to get better anytime soon. The focus is LTE and will continue to be.
Wifi calling would be a much better choice for myself to hold me over. I have a airave but that things is huge and drains a lot of electricity. I don't have the little airave because I wanted more than just the option to make calls. I wanted to be able to pull in data, which it does pretty well. I shouldn't have to have that thing running just to get cell reception in my house. I'll take the wifi calling for now and have the hope that LTE will come quicker than expected.
I think the biggest problem this will bring is the support for sprints current lineup. Why would motorola continue to dump money into developing for it's current Photon and same goes with the other manufacturers. If the phones cease to work on the new network, why would motorola keep making "older phone" current and up to date.
Y'all need to just chill. WiMAX isn't going anywhere for quite awhile. If you bothered to listen to the announcement you'd know that.
WiMAX = Clear
LTE = Sprint
If you want to know if your WiMAX phone is going to work you should probably look at what Clear is doing and stop dogging Sprint for building a BETTER 4G network in ADDITION to Clear's.
Not worried, by then I'll be on another device, sorry but I switch pretty often. Although this photon is just impressive so I might just keep it until I am convinced that I need to replace it, and the SGS2 is not it. Neither is another phone on sprint, nope not the iPhone either.
I probably won't be changing until a Quad Core phone comes out. At which point I may go ahead and do that. But for now. I'm square on the phone I have.
ghodzilla5150 said:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/sprint-converts-its-cdma-network-to-lte/#disqus_thread
This means our Photon will be 4G WORTHLESS come Mid 2012, since we all just got the Phone and are connected to a 2 year contract, we are Screwed. This also gives Sprint the OUT it wants as far as Unlimited. Those who get these NEW LTE Phones will be surprised when they DON'T HAVE Unlimited Data. Very Sneaky Sprint. Assholes.
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Click to collapse
Not I, I bought mine outright from a person off craigslist
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ghodzilla5150 said:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/sprint-converts-its-cdma-network-to-lte/#disqus_thread
This means our Photon will be 4G WORTHLESS come Mid 2012, since we all just got the Phone and are connected to a 2 year contract, we are Screwed. This also gives Sprint the OUT it wants as far as Unlimited. Those who get these NEW LTE Phones will be surprised when they DON'T HAVE Unlimited Data. Very Sneaky Sprint. Assholes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously you haven't been reading the news about Sprint and LTE. It was no secret that Sprint was going LTE especially when Wimax was not expanding to new markets anymore. If you watched the Oct 7th conference, they said that Wimax will still be around and in fact they will continue to sell Wimax devices throughout 2012 and there will be support for Wimax for another couple years (my guess is 2015). In 2013, we will all be eligible for an upgrade and at that point I will grab a LTE phone since by Aug 2013, LTE on sprint should have a ton of markets.
Right now there is no news on which markets will get LTE starting mid 2012. I expect Sprint will announce those initial deployed markets sometime in April-May next year. Hopefully the initial deployment includes the big markets who do not current have Wimax support such as San Diego, Phoenix, New Orleans, Detroit, Oklahoma City, etc.
Yeah. San Diego would be great. But. I am not gonna hold my breathe.
Sent from my Photon via XDA
Nextelian said:
If you bothered to listen to the announcement you'd know that.
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No, easier to pick the points I want to complain about and ignore the facts so I can harp about getting screwed. If you want a screw job, try to get Verizon to set a price anywhere near what many Sprint owners pay.
FACTS:
- WiMax will be available for years, possibly beyond Sprint's involvement
- LTE is 'scheduled for completion' in mid-2013, around the time most Photon owners will be out-of-contract anyway, if it mattered in the first place
- The majority of users don't get a 4G signal to start with
RESULT:
-Sprint is taking my not-4G-service away? Darn.
I think what everyone is missing is the effect this will have on your phones value. I personally keep my phones looking brand new so I can make a profit when it's time to upgrade. I personally haven't paid for a phone in a long time because I sell the old to get the new.
With this upcoming change this will hurt value and will make all phones running 4g look like old news. Sure there are people out there that have no clue about 4g 3g and just want a phone but that doesn't mean there aren't a lot that do know about it.
For instance, if you were on a carrier and they got bought out and your phone was working just fine on your original carrier and then all of a sudden the new carrier says your phone will be obsolete once we swich over to another band...What would you say?? Would this be a simple oh well i'll be good for a little while longer and then I'll just buy another phone. I think there would be more people complaining then. Sprint did the old bait and switch and I can't believe the amount of people who sit back supporting it. They increased the cancel fee, the upgrade fee, took away upgrades yearly, cancelled discounts for premium customers at stores, taking away 4g next year and providing crappy 3g service. What will it take for some people to realize that your being bent over. I just don't get why some people just take it laying down. So we paid the $10.00 fee to build the 4g service (which I know it's not a 4g fee)..which we all know it was and a bunch of bull was pushed to make it look otherwise. Now they want you to build their LTE service because the F'd up.
I know someone will say, well why are you with sprint then? Well that might be changing soon. Also I have to pay a cancellation fee and that is not fun and that's why there is a delay up to this point. I posted earlier in this thread and after really thinking about all the crap sprint is doing, I think I just woke up. I had my eyes open before but now they are wide open.
The photon is a good phone but I really think at this point the manufacturers will be focused on building LTE phones and will dump support on these now aging phones. Motorola is going to be the leader in LTE and is working on building the first LTE for sprint. Why are they going to keep throwing all these updates at the photon?
For everyone's sake, I hope LTE doesn't end up killing the 100k download speeds we get on our unlimited plans from sprint now. Someone's going to have to pay for the big switch going on.
That's true. But I personally keep my old phones so that I can have spares/backups. Etc. That's just me though.
Sent from my Photon via XDA
I was told by an undisclosed source from motorola that the reason the mopho isnt getting ics till late this year is because of the "wimax slash lte " change. Also was told that the phone was manufactured with 2 different radio chipsets and those who dont have the wimax lte chipset will be replaced with ones that do or be given the option to upgrade early to one. Like i said this is coming from a undisclosed source. So take it as u will until its released its just a rumor.
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Dude, lay off the 'shrooms. I see unicorns too, but my meds help with that
sent from my Kick Ass MIUI MoPho using XDA premium
I could see them doing that. My mom was offered an early upgrade due to Verizon buying out altell. Also my brother got an early upgrade 4 months after he signed a contract through either at&t or sprint or some major carrier due to technology change or contract revisions. Either way I'm pretty sure if I called sprint after they release their first LTE phone I would most likely be able to get it at least as an early upgrade and I just signed in February. I was paying a forced charge of 10 extra a month for the ability to use 4G that I don't even have in my area lol after a few phone calls to sprint I now get a credit of $10 on each bill. They can't take it off my bill but they have it set up to automatically apply each month. Sprint can be major push overs
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tsdeaton said:
I could see them doing that. My mom was offered an early upgrade due to Verizon buying out altell. Also my brother got an early upgrade 4 months after he signed a contract through either at&t or sprint or some major carrier due to technology change or contract revisions. Either way I'm pretty sure if I called sprint after they release their first LTE phone I would most likely be able to get it at least as an early upgrade and I just signed in February. I was paying a forced charge of 10 extra a month for the ability to use 4G that I don't even have in my area lol after a few phone calls to sprint I now get a credit of $10 on each bill. They can't take it off my bill but they have it set up to automatically apply each month. Sprint can be major push overs
Sent from my MB855 using XDA
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Howd you manage the $10 credit.. its a "premium data plan" or whatever they call it, it nowhere actually calls out 4g, for mine atleast. I mean it started around time they launched their WiMax so in reality it is essentially a 4g charge but worded without actually it claiming to be that anywhere in writing. And as far as a second Photon with LTE coming im somewhat skeptical.. I guess that *might* explain the EOL announcement to the Photon we have now..? Still don't quite think that there will be a LTE Photon for Sprint though.. And im sure if you raise enough hell with Sprint that'd they'd be semi useful for once and be able to help you out with upgrading early to a LTE device once their network is up.
Well according to a few sprint employees i spoke to, when the mopho gets ics the lte update will come with it..but thats just what they say, i doubt it but i sure hope its true..and the $10 monthly fee is just because its a smart phone and uses more data "premium data" charge..
Sent from my rooted mofo running on sprints 4g network
tsdeaton said:
I could see them doing that. My mom was offered an early upgrade due to Verizon buying out altell. Also my brother got an early upgrade 4 months after he signed a contract through either at&t or sprint or some major carrier due to technology change or contract revisions. Either way I'm pretty sure if I called sprint after they release their first LTE phone I would most likely be able to get it at least as an early upgrade and I just signed in February. I was paying a forced charge of 10 extra a month for the ability to use 4G that I don't even have in my area lol after a few phone calls to sprint I now get a credit of $10 on each bill. They can't take it off my bill but they have it set up to automatically apply each month. Sprint can be major push overs
Sent from my MB855 using XDA
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That is the ONE thing I've been trying to get, but to no avail. I did get let off contract for 11 lines and several brand new devices though, so I think I'm still coming out ahead. Cheers to you!
motorolatriumph said:
Well according to a few sprint employees i spoke to, when the mopho gets ics the lte update will come with it..but thats just what they say, i doubt it but i sure hope its true..and the $10 monthly fee is just because its a smart phone and uses more data "premium data" charge..
Sent from my rooted mofo running on sprints 4g network
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Lol well our current Photons have no LTE radio hardware.. So ICS (if we actually do end up getting it) won't be able to bring us LTE, UNLESS they release a whole new version of Photon with newer/different radios. We have the Beceem BCSM350-L radio in our Photons.. aka no LTE capability..
To be fair my source works for motorola and is in the hardware division so unless u opened the photon and seen it was the 350 which it is not. We will all see. And motorola has no plans im aware of of making a photon 2.
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eavs2009 said:
To be fair my source works for motorola and is in the hardware division so unless u opened the photon and seen it was the 350 which it is not. We will all see. And motorola has no plans im aware of of making a photon 2.
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I haven't personally taken mine apart.. but someone has.. Here Not trying to start an argument just saying that I personally find it pretty unlikely that we will ever end up with LTE on the Photon, as sad as that truth is.. And that I have decent reasoning behind thinking that.
Here it is in Lokifish Marz "All things Mopho" post as well.
w0lf215 said:
I haven't personally taken mine apart.. but someone has.. Here Not trying to start an argument just saying that I personally find it pretty unlikely that we will ever end up with LTE on the Photon, as sad as that truth is.. And that I have decent reasoning behind thinking that.
Here it is in Lokifish Marz "All things Mopho" post as well.
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Click to collapse
#1. Thank you for both of your post.
#2. No matter how many times it's posted and proven, the "We have LTE with software radio upgrade" comes up. kennypow3rs even have photos from FCC of stripped down Photon! This dead horse was beat to death during the Nov-Dec timeframe.
dsims7_2000 said:
#1. Thank you for both of your post.
#2. No matter how many times it's posted and proven, the "We have LTE with software radio upgrade" comes up. kennypow3rs even have photos from FCC of stripped down Photon! This dead horse was beat to death during the Nov-Dec timeframe.
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Yes, this has been argued over and over again throughout the past months. lets not start it again, its getting old.
R2DeeTard said:
Yes, this has been argued over and over again throughout the past months. lets not start it again, its getting old.
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That's why most senior members quit responding to these threads ;-) im just bored!
Sent from my Bone Stock MoPho 4G on XDA Preimum
w0lf215 said:
Howd you manage the $10 credit.. its a "premium data plan" or whatever they call it, it nowhere actually calls out 4g, for mine atleast. I mean it started around time they launched their WiMax so in reality it is essentially a 4g charge but worded without actually it claiming to be that anywhere in writing. And as far as a second Photon with LTE coming im somewhat skeptical.. I guess that *might* explain the EOL announcement to the Photon we have now..? Still don't quite think that there will be a LTE Photon for Sprint though.. And im sure if you raise enough hell with Sprint that'd they'd be semi useful for once and be able to help you out with upgrading early to a LTE device once their network is up.
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I just called sprint and talked to them about the photon going on EOL and simply asked sense I just signed on in February and this phone going on the EOL and them dropping wimax support if I could have an early upgrade to an LTE supported device when one is released and they placed me on hold for a few minutes and came back and said that my account was noted and I will be able to upgrade if I wanted but I would lose my 10 credit each month for the premium data if I upgraded to an LTE device
Sent from my MB855 using XDA
Let me explain this pic. We can see in the lower right area of the pic there is a 4g wimax tower. A little farther up and to the left you can see my location. This is Bremerton, WA, a city that is a hour ferry from downtown Seattle. There are no other wimax towers for miles.
If I am walking by this building on the way to the ferry, I get 12 Mb download speeds.
If its anytime during daytime hours from morning until 9 or 10PM and I am in my house which is only blocks away my speeds are around 1-3 down, and maybe .5 up.
The only time I can get decent speeds is late at night between 12AM until 7. At those hours I can get a decent speed of 6-7 Mb down and up to 1.5 up.
And in my house it constantly just drops out, having to wait on average about 60 seconds before reconnecting.
So, wimax is line-of-sight, no doubt about that. Damn buildings all to hell.
Now I guess I would consider myself an average consumer, meaning that when I went into Radio Shack in FEBRUARY this year, what I wanted was 4g speeds and a higher end device.
I was actually looking to get the Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch which was 200 bux. The guy there said because they had a special deal on the Photon that I should go with that. I got the photon for 49.99 with a 2 year plan and it came with a zagg invisible shield and a 16 gig micro SD card. I did put down a $250 dollar deposit.
My plan comes to about 79.99 a month. Mind you my first bill last month was $193 dollars. I pay a ten dollar fee supposedly for my phone being "SO SMART" and "4g" speeds.
I DO NOT consider myself to be getting "4g" speeds.
Its more like "3.232845 g".
So I wasn't thrilled with the first month of service. My Phone? Couldn't be happier. This phone is a beast. My life is now complete and I have purpose (Hahaha!) And with the forums here at XDA, I don't get much sleep.
Now here is what really pisses me off and I am writing this to you today to get your advice and opinions on a few things.
Did Radio Shack know the EOL for the Photon was in April just two months after buying it? I had no idea and if I would have I would not have bought it. He also sold me on the FACT? that it would be receiving the "ICS" Android update.
That might not even happen.
He also never once mentioned that Sprint was saying F--K it to WIMAX and chasing the LTE bandwagon instead.
The first 30 days has come and gone and I feel totally deceived being conned into buying a "LEGACY" phone with wireless technology that is being SCRAPPED.
And even tho I love my phone...if I could walk in there and cancel without a fee and get a full refund, I would.
I bought the photon 4g thinking it was a current high end phone. It is, but IT ISNT.
I signed a plan expecting 4g coverage where I live.
I DONT.
What can I do? Am I just screwed. I don't want to believe that since this is pretty fresh.
Can we here at XDA put our brains together and find a way to strengthen the 4g signal and range by a DIY method. Meaning an signal booster? Or an antenna? Is this possible? It might sound silly but here is the thing. I have many friends that have houses all around bremerton. We have to have something that could be cheaply built and put on top of our roofs to get better 4g signal. Is that even legal?
Anyway just wondering if you feel the same frustration as I am.
Thanks.
This is why its always a good idea to do a lot of background research on things like this. As for a solution I'd call up Sprint, they've been known to send out 3g airaves free of charge to customers in spotty service areas, this would get you good solid 3g in your house. Doesn't do anything to touch your 4g issue though, and not quite sure what you could do other than once again call Sprint telling them all this and see what they offer/say. They may credit you something or offer you an early upgrade to an LTE device once their networks up and running. And I don't know how the phone rep you bought it from could have not known about the EOL of the Photon, I'm sure they don't care too much they just want to push as many units out the door as possible. If you don't get anywhere decent with Sprint try taking it up with Radio Shack, not sure what all they could/would be willing to do for you though since its been a bit since you purchased it.
How many times are we going to have this discussion... EOL does not mean no more manufacturer updates. Other phones have gotten updates past EOL. Motorola has a timeline for the Photon/Electrify to get ICS.
Can't help you on the WiMAX issue, though.
Use wifi?
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk
I understand not being happy with the 4G I guess, though it's always been pretty spotty and hogged during the day in my experience so a little research would have told you that I think. Contact Sprint is the best you can do.
As far as the Photon being EOL'd, if you are happy with it then who cares? The phone is great, they all get EOL'd at some point. As far as the life span of WIMAX, yes they are moving away from it but the towers are not going away anytime real soon, you will still have WIMAX coverage for a while yet.
First: let me say I use this phone in Canada, and with Cyanogen Mod 7 and I bought this phone for $380 unlocked (SIM) and without contract.
Regarding WiMAX: I don't care because
a) I don't use 4G anyways,
b) I CAN'T use 4G because it's not provided in my area,
c) Unlocked bootloader,
d) For fast speeds I can just use WiFi.
e) Abandoning WiMAX means better technology is coming
f) Honestly, do you NEED to have hundreds of Mbps speeds on your PHONE?
For EOL:
I don't care/I appreciate it because:
a) It doesn't affect MY phone use whether or not Motorola stops making this phone
b) Accessories will be cheaper
c) It's still a good phone and I'll be able to get it for cheaper (on eBay, etc)
d) We're still getting ICS
e) Motoblur sucks and even if they don't do it, CM9 is always going to be there
Therefore, I don't care on both accounts.
as far as a signal booster or repeater, I think it may be possible. I did a google search, and found some interesting links. I would read carefully before purchasing to be sure the bandwidth matches.
about your 4g connection/speed problem, I can help a bit
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1365058
Use that to thread to find your msl code, ull need it to change a few things
Go into "##DATA#" in your dialer, using your msl code as the password,(hit nenu nd edit) in data profile turn reverse tunneling off, set device IP to 0.0.0.0, in multimedia set RSTP and HTTP to 0.0.0.0 and set the two ports to 0, set the buffer length to 20, in Wiimax set Entry CINR (db) to 2/4
Note - this should help your signal problem, it is the required signal strength to connect to wiimax
And also before changing everything id recommend backing up the original settings if you ever need to switch back, this should help your 3g and 4g
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
I posted this on another thread but it really fit better here
===============================================
Look..
The bootloader is unlocked..... it just breaks wimax..
And with with wimax dead... (I.E. no more build out).... if you don't have it now you never will....
So this is now the best sprint unlocked 3g CDMA/GSM world phone there is....
So punt on 4g on this phone....
Go unlocked (no wixmax)
If we can get cm9 on this phone .... and get gsm unblocked for US you have a killer 3g world phone.....
Considering sprint screw us on wimax I say we have a right to recover some of our investment....
Sprint can give some of the value back to this phone now that wimax is dead by unblocking the damm GSM for the US market then we have something worth selling or keeping as a backup world phone
I say class action at min at Sprint.. demand unlock and unblock gsm to recover our investment in a phone sprint made a 4g promise they never met
Sprint...We lost a service you sold us for use in the US (Wimax 4g) so give us back a service for use in the US (GSM) that gives back some value to the phone...its as cheap and easy as a radio firmware update....
In fact for any Wimax phone Sprint has sold...
Sprint should an mim unlock any and all services it can on those phones as some kind of compensation to buyers so they salvage back some of the investment lost as buyers of that hardware...
We as buyers of Sprint Wimax phones have a business case to be made to demand as such
redhatter said:
I posted this on another thread but it really fit better here
===============================================
Look..
The bootloader is unlocked..... it just breaks wimax..
And with with wimax dead... (I.E. no more build out).... if you don't have it now you never will....
So this is now the best sprint unlocked 3g CDMA/GSM world phone there is....
So punt on 4g on this phone....
Go unlocked (no wixmax)
If we can get cm9 on this phone .... and get gsm unblocked for US you have a killer 3g world phone.....
Considering sprint screw us on wimax I say we have a right to recover some of our investment....
Sprint can give some of the value back to this phone now that wimax is dead by unblocking the damm GSM for the US market then we have something worth selling or keeping as a backup world phone
I say class action at min at Sprint.. demand unlock and unblock gsm to recover our investment in a phone sprint made a 4g promise they never met
Sprint...We lost a service you sold us for use in the US (Wimax 4g) so give us back a service for use in the US (GSM) that gives back some value to the phone...its as cheap and easy as a radio firmware update....
In fact for any Wimax phone Sprint has sold...
Sprint should an mim unlock any and all services it can on those phones as some kind of compensation to buyers so they salvage back some of the investment lost as buyers of that hardware...
We as buyers of Sprint Wimax phones have a business case to be made to demand as such
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just curious, why do you want Domestic GSM unlocked when it's only useful out of the country? Sprint has no GSM towers and they don't have an incentive to unlock it because if it's unlocked, you will be using a SIM Card from another provider like AT&T or T-Mobile... meaning providing competition from a Sprint phone...
Why you blame photon not getting LTE no sprint phone to this moment are available even some are on a horizon tho, even SGII if you would of got couldn't get you better signal or LTE. This phone still be good for awhile especially the way sprint moving the things forward.
Sent from my MB855 using XDA
ArchangelRenzoku said:
Just curious, why do you want Domestic GSM unlocked when it's only useful out of the country? Sprint has no GSM towers and they don't have an incentive to unlock it because if it's unlocked, you will be using a SIM Card from another provider like AT&T or T-Mobile... meaning providing competition from a Sprint phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes which mean it usable on other networks so it has more value....look I payed money for a Sprint 4g phone....Sprint now is making my 4g hardware, 3g hardware forever...pure loss of value...how to recover some value...let the hardware I OWN work on other carriers like AT&T or T-Mobile.....
I did not break my part of the deal with Sprint... Sprint broke the deal to provide 4g on the hardware they sold me
If you had a phone geting 4g in your area and the phone hardware failed and was no longer able to get 4g that would be a warranty issue for the phone right?
The phone would be replaced with one that worked as you were sold.... and if they could not replace or repair.... you would be offer a phone of same or greater value....
However I would not be warranty if I deliberately broke the phone
But Sprint is deliberately breaking there side of the network so why do I not Sprint take the loss?
This is not what I was sold or told when I bought....
So replace or repair or offer a phone of same or greater value or let me move on to another carrier with the hardware I bought
Look Im a network engineer of 30+ years....(in fact im posting while on a test bridge, telecommute in, since 4AM...boring)....Ive turned down many customer on data services...
A customer in good standing, you do not sell them a hardware investment on thier side of the link...
Then turn around and turn it down and just tell them "tough ****!"
"And Oh by the way we are going to hold you to your part of the deal, while you will not get the services and the growth of services and service network contracted for, you must keep paying the same rate with all penaltys for early cancellation"
Any business that pulled that on another business would be in court in a heartbeat.....
Hell in someways this is what Clearwire did to Sprint ... Clearwire could not provide the services and the growth of services and service network contracted for...
Did Sprint just let Clearwire keep charging them as all was contracted for? ...So why should we?
Look this is business.... provide what was contracted for or that deal is void...you can have the phone back and I get my money payed back...or let make a new deal
FYI... Do not expect to see any real performance difference at first beween Sprint /Clearwire 4g WIMAX and Sprint /Clearwire 4g LTE (unless they mask it with QOS for LTE traffic have priority over WIMAX traffic for thier internet bandwidth)...the issue was never WIMAX vs LTE as the layer 2 datalink itself ... Clearwire issue was Clearwire (I interview with them...for a while it seemed like they would call , via the headhunters, for new contract engineers ever other month...they have got issue and it was not WIMAX)
Redhatter, were what you're saying completely correct, then I would mostly agree. However, it's not quite correct. From what I've read, Sprint IS going to provide you with what they sold you. The 4g Wi-Max infrastructure is supposed to stay functional until 2015. So Sprint sold you a phone that's going to be fully functional (4g) until 2015, which I think I'm safe to assume, is past the contract you've signed with them. Not looking to start a fight here, but I just wanted to clear up that 4g will still work until 2015
318Charger said:
Redhatter, were what you're saying completely correct, then I would mostly agree. However, it's not quite correct. From what I've read, Sprint IS going to provide you with what they sold you. The 4g Wi-Max infrastructure is supposed to stay functional until 2015. So Sprint sold you a phone that's going to be fully functional (4g) until 2015, which I think I'm safe to assume, is past the contract you've signed with them. Not looking to start a fight here, but I just wanted to clear up that 4g will still work until 2015
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in Phoenix...Phoenix was to be build out as part of the 4g wimax network but was not and now never will be therefore I will never received the services sold the network was never built as presented....
Simple question would I have payed the premium for a service I never would get..
Or even better...sprint is now goint to sell LTE phones...but the LTE network is not built it just a promised at this point...so what if they sell LTE phones but then never deliver on the promised LTE...how is that diffrent then never delivering on the promised WIMAX network...
FYI Sprint still advertise in all their Phoenix stores all the Wi-Max products as 4G...something that will never work for most all of the customer in those stores
If Sprint doesn't keep their promises on the LTE this is their last chance before
they go down, hell BestBuy is on the verge go down.
As to the OP comments, it is frustrating that Sprint is so far behind in the 4G game, but 3G is plenty fast enough for me. I would love 4G, but not having it is not a huge deal to me.
dtaylorr said:
As to the OP comments, it is frustrating that Sprint is so far behind in the 4G game, but 3G is plenty fast enough for me. I would love 4G, but not having it is not a huge deal to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
#1. I feel the same way, I'v only used 4G 3 times, once on EVO and 2 on Photon.
#2. With that said, you need to thank me, I *****ed an moaned enough and I guess someone saw/heard it. Photon is off the EOL list!!!
http://www.technobuffalo.com/compan...f-life-list-reveals-evo-4g-is-on-its-way-out/
I guess I don't know exactly what the language is in the contract, but I don't think 4g is ever explicitly promised. The way I understand it is you pay for whatever your talk/text is and then for unlimited data, and then $10 extra bc smartphones use more data. So while maybe it was pretty crappy of Sprint to act like 4g was ever going to happen or advertise heavily about it when it's service is so sparse, I don't think they're contractually obligated to provide it.
Let me tell you why I think this is good news. 1. It means Sprint and Motorola may be still talking. #2. I think the conversation would go a little something like this:
Sprint: "We have a EVO 4G LTE coming out, Samsung Galaxy LTE, **** or git off the pot!"
Motorola: "We will if you give us the same advertising pull you give them!"
I tell you another reason this is Great News, In order to trump the other 2, Niviara (sp?) is working on Quad-Core 1.5Gzh that WILL work on LTE 4G, and to top that off, maybe new Photon will still be CDMA/GSM with 32Gb memory, which will make it top dogg!! (Hey, I can dream like everyone else!)
http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/sprint-cancelling-early-upgrades/
(memo is in the link above)
Like dominoes, Sprint's consumer-friendly policies continue to fall one at a time. Citing "high costs," the Now Network will begin discontinuing its practice of allowing customers to upgrade their phone 10-14 days prior to the official date of eligibility. According to the memo leaked by TechnoBuffalo, the program will cease to exist as of June 1st. It sounds like this policy change is an unfortunate consequence of the company's large investments in iPhones and its still-dormant LTE network. It may not be enough to convince many Sprint customers to jump ship, but this isn't the first cost-cutting measure put forth by Dan Hesse's team -- and we have a hard time believing it will be the last. We've reached out to Sprint for official comment and will update you as soon as we have word.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Next thing you know they will start limiting data...
Sent from my Evo 3D on Sprint's blazing fast 3G network with 4G coverage everywhere
not sure why this is that big of a deal? is that really that much of an incentive?
unless your early eligibility window directly coincided with a major phone release (like the iphone5 which i hear has the same cloaking capability as Predator and is run by cold fusion with a display that beams directly to your brain) and you HAVE to be the first one to get it...then who cares if you have to wait until you are actually eligible for the upgrade to get it??
yousefak said:
Next thing you know they will start limiting data...
Sent from my Evo 3D on Sprint's blazing fast 3G network with 4G coverage everywhere
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not happening
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
You waited 20+ months, what is another 10-14 days?
tuscani1821 said:
Not happening
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it will definitely happen at some point. everywhere the iPhone goes eliminates the "unlimited Data Plan".
Verizon today also said that they're no longer allowing people to be grandfathered in. So no unlimited for anyone.
But i agree, this isn't that big of news too me but it is somewhat heartbreaking to see. First they destroyed the Premiere Members plan and now this.
yousefak said:
Next thing you know they will start limiting data...
Sent from my Evo 3D on Sprint's blazing fast 3G network with 4G coverage everywhere
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMO that'd be their kiss of death. It's the ONLY advantage they have compared to ATT and VZ. With all the other niggling changes (the change in how discounts are applied, the change in how shared plans are accounted for, etc) they are barely ahead of VZ in price for me (4 4G phones - what where's 4g?? - and 1 basic phone, and i can get away with 4gb data most months no problem) and if the network doesn't get better, i'm gone, let alone how fast I'd bail if they limited their unlimited...
---------- Post added at 12:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:00 PM ----------
Joey_UFC said:
Yes it will definitely happen at some point. everywhere the iPhone goes eliminates the "unlimited Data Plan".
Verizon today also said that they're no longer allowing people to be grandfathered in. So no unlimited for anyone.
But i agree, this isn't that big of news too me but it is somewhat heartbreaking to see. First they destroyed the Premiere Members plan and now this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here's an idea - TIER THE ISHEEP
leave us real smartphone users alone and limit/tier/throttle the iSheep users.
P_M_G said:
IMO that'd be their kiss of death. It's the ONLY advantage they have compared to ATT and VZ. With all the other niggling changes (the change in how discounts are applied, the change in how shared plans are accounted for, etc) they are barely ahead of VZ in price for me (4 4G phones - what where's 4g?? - and 1 basic phone, and i can get away with 4gb data most months no problem) and if the network doesn't get better, i'm gone, let alone how fast I'd bail if they limited their unlimited...
---------- Post added at 12:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:00 PM ----------
here's an idea - TIER THE ISHEEP
leave us real smartphone users alone and limit/tier/throttle the iSheep users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still do not believe that iPhone has made connection slow for others and Sprint has said (if their truth to it or not) that iPhone has not slowed down data speeds for us other phones.
iPhone is not the problem, it's people who are with VZW who obviously don't mind paying a premiere price for their phone bills. Sprint is playing catch up with these other companies and becoming more and more of a elite company. no more of this VZW>ATT>SPRINT crap. they will be the 3 headed monsters in due time
tgruendler said:
You waited 20+ months, what is another 10-14 days?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True but reverse the question, does it hurt Sprint to keep something that small of a perk?
It probably cost more money to update the staff & the system on the few minutes they took to address it.
XDA Since 2007...
Joey_UFC said:
Yes it will definitely happen at some point. everywhere the iPhone goes eliminates the "unlimited Data Plan".
Verizon today also said that they're no longer allowing people to be grandfathered in. So no unlimited for anyone.
But i agree, this isn't that big of news too me but it is somewhat heartbreaking to see. First they destroyed the Premiere Members plan and now this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the burden that is iPhone I think sprint would dump the ifrown before the only ace sprint has
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
yousefak said:
Next thing you know they will start limiting data...
Sent from my Evo 3D on Sprint's blazing fast 3G network with 4G coverage everywhere
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very possible it will. I've read an article (PCWorld, I think it was) that explained it clearly. Each carrier purchases/rents a certain amount of data spectrum. Verizon and AT&T started throttling and limiting data because usage on their respective spectrums were getting close to the limit. NOW, taking that into consideration, Sprint very literally owns/rents half of the spectrum that Verizon and AT&T do. So, what does that tell you? Eventually, even though they are not ready to state it publicly, chances are Sprint will abandon unlimited data.
tuscani1821 said:
Not happening
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See above.
tgruendler said:
You waited 20+ months, what is another 10-14 days?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True story, sir.
The thing is that Sprint always releases their flagship HTC phone in about the middle of May. Many people's upgrade date is June 1st, so that 14 days allows people who want to upgrade have the ability too pre-order. Now I hope that Sprint and HTC work together and make their flagship phone released on June 1st.
------
3(d)vo one s
Newts my hero.
Honestly guys do you really think the Iphone is what pulls in the data? I'll give you an example. With my evo 3D, I pulled in over 9GB's last month on 3G and a little 4G(no torrenting) but both of my sisters own the iphone and they used 4 GB's together on our shared plan. One is somewhat tech-savvy but is on it constantly while the other uses it mainly for phone and pandora. Most iphone users don't know how to rape the unlimited data plans like I do. It's only going to be unlimited for so long so why not use it up. You want to complain you should complain to the average user on this site. We are the people using up the data not most of the iphone users.
daprospecta said:
Honestly guys do you really think the Iphone is what pulls in the data? I'll give you an example. With my evo 3D, I pulled in over 9GB's last month on 3G and a little 4G(no torrenting) but both of my sisters own the iphone and they used 4 GB's together on our shared plan. One is somewhat tech-savvy but is on it constantly while the other uses it mainly for phone and pandora. Most iphone users don't know how to rape the unlimited data plans like I do. It's only going to be unlimited for so long so why not use it up. You want to complain you should complain to the average user on this site. We are the people using up the data not most of the iphone users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd rather not look at it as a "use as much as I can while it's still free" situation. If I need to download something significant, I'll use my home computer on broadband. I rarely download new ROMs directly with my phone. I'd rather not contribute to Sprint even having to consider throttling by only downloading what I need to with my phone so I can use more when I really have to.
conradcbrown said:
I'd rather not look at it as a "use as much as I can while it's still free" situation. If I need to download something significant, I'll use my home computer on broadband. I rarely download new ROMs directly with my phone. I'd rather not contribute to Sprint even having to consider throttling by only downloading what I need to with my phone so I can use more when I really have to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sprint shouldn't consider throttling because people are downloading things with their phone, thats the whole point of havnig an unlimited data plan, to not have to nit pick when and which files to download
it'd be different if i was downloading movies to my phone, to then transfer to my computer instead of just using my computers broadband, but why wouldn't a user with unlimited data download a file through the phone, when the file is for the phone?
lets all stop streaming music also, i mean we could download it with our computers, then transfer it to our phones, then make a playlist, that'd save sprint from having to throttle!
Joey_UFC said:
VZW>ATT>SPRINT crap. they will be the 3 headed monsters in due time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you fit a gsm head on a cdma dragon body?
Sent from my EVO 4G LTE
I currently have a rooted HTC Evo 4G LTE with Sprint, the contract is over and Sprint no longer wants to offer unlimited data. So it is time for me to find a new provider, a new phone.
Which provider has the best 4G LTE signal, which would be the best phone.
My requirements are that the phone be able to be rooted, and that I have control of the bootloader.
As far as I know HTC is the only bootloader that you can have control.
I think I want to go with T-Mobile, since they have a sensible unlimited plan...which would be the best phone for this project.
bgduece22 said:
I currently have a rooted HTC Evo 4G LTE with Sprint, the contract is over and Sprint no longer wants to offer unlimited data. So it is time for me to find a new provider, a new phone.
Which provider has the best 4G LTE signal, which would be the best phone.
My requirements are that the phone be able to be rooted, and that I have control of the bootloader.
As far as I know HTC is the only bootloader that you can have control.
I think I want to go with T-Mobile, since they have a sensible unlimited plan...which would be the best phone for this project.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I switched over to T-Mobile and a n5. Fabulous coverage and insane speeds. Although of course T-Mobile coverage isn't as great as Verizon and AT&T. Check sensorly for your area. But I do highly recommend T-Mobile. Also, Nexus boot loader isn't controllable. But the amount of development for the device is through the roof. If you're a flashaholic like me, then the n5 is the phone for you.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
bgduece22 said:
I currently have a rooted HTC Evo 4G LTE with Sprint, the contract is over and Sprint no longer wants to offer unlimited data. So it is time for me to find a new provider, a new phone.
Which provider has the best 4G LTE signal, which would be the best phone.
My requirements are that the phone be able to be rooted, and that I have control of the bootloader.
As far as I know HTC is the only bootloader that you can have control.
I think I want to go with T-Mobile, since they have a sensible unlimited plan...which would be the best phone for this project.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why is sprint making you change your plan? Did you go to the store? Because upgrading doesn't always entail a new plan, if you went to the store they may be trying to sell you more than the phone. Just my 2 cents.
Sent from my EVO using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Maybe they were promoting their new Easy Pay plans.
aarsyl said:
Maybe they were promoting their new Easy Pay plans.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like it.
Sent from my EVO LTE
aarsyl said:
Maybe they were promoting their new Easy Pay plans.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what they're doing. However, contact Sprint before you purchase a new phone and inform them that you would like to be grandfathered into your old plan. From what I was told, this can be done, but only BEFORE you purchase a new phone.
Given, you'll still deal with the Easy Pay, but same plan. You could also possibly just get your phone from Best Buy Mobile and still get a phone under the normal discounted rates for a two year plan.
I've heard that the Easy Pay is the new plan for everyone, and Sprint with no longer issue contracts, but month-to-month service. Payments for your phone will be divided over a course of 2yrs, I think, but it is not the same as an actual plan. You will have to pay the remaining balance for you phone as opposed to a termination fee.
I'm not sure how I feel about that...they told me that I can upgrade through Easy Pay, but I need to speak to them in person to find out the actual details and the benefits.
aarsyl said:
I've heard that the Easy Pay is the new plan for everyone, and Sprint with no longer issue contracts, but month-to-month service. Payments for your phone will be divided over a course of 2yrs, I think, but it is not the same as an actual plan. You will have to pay the remaining balance for you phone as opposed to a termination fee.
I'm not sure how I feel about that...they told me that I can upgrade through Easy Pay, but I need to speak to them in person to find out the actual details and the benefits.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I've just experienced, you don't have to do easy pay. I changed my plan to the new "my way" plan and I can get my upgraded device anyway I want. I could use easy pay or purchase it outright at the discounted rate. I also have the option to use a third party vendor, like wirefly or on Amazon, which is what I'm doing. With easy pay, as it was explained to me by sprint rep, you pay a small amount up front. Then they bill you monthly, over 24 months and you end up paying full (non discounted) price for the device you choose. But I didn't have to change my plan, I chose to.
EVOlved human
atheistevofreak said:
From what I've just experienced, you don't have to do easy pay. I changed my plan to the new "my way" plan and I can get my upgraded device anyway I want. I could use easy pay or purchase it outright at the discounted rate. I also have the option to use a third party vendor, like wirefly or on Amazon, which is what I'm doing. With easy pay, as it was explained to me by sprint rep, you pay a small amount up front. Then they bill you monthly, over 24 months and you end up paying full (non discounted) price for the device you choose. But I didn't have to change my plan, I chose to.
EVOlved human
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easy Pay sounds similar to the now-defunct "One-Up" plan. I believe you had to pay the taxes on the full, non-discounted price up front when upgrading, and then paying for the phone over the next two years, as I recall. Any remaining balance at the end of the two year period had to be paid in full.
Sent from my EVO LTE
I'm kind of hesitant to switch to another carrier mainly because of what is going on with a merger between them and T-mobile. T-mobile recently bought all of Verizon's 700MHz bandwidth, meaning better LTE coverage for Sprint as soon as the merger goes through, if it goes through at all.
I am skeptical about the success of the merger. Sprint will finally be a powerhouse, and I don't think that the regulators want that to happen.
I'm curious about what all the last 2 posters are privy to. I'm about to upgrade my device, and when I look on sprint site, it would be only 100$ for n5 or HTC One. But I went to sprint store and it was 50$ + 16/no and get 12/mo upgrade, but will also F up all other lines on my family plan. I don't wanna pay monthly for device, I wanna pay up front and forget about it, but I do want 12moupgrades.
All that said,on a 25mi trip, I just compared my LTE speed tests with my girls tmo speed tests, and hers were consistently higher than mine. And her device is a 4yr old pyramid that doesn't even have radios to accept tmo LTE. But hers kicked my ass. I wanna hear from anyone who has ideas on how to test them, or any secret info about why they think sprint may be about to be awesome. Again, while my LTE service speed tested about 3mbps on avg, her old tmo (no LTE) consistently got way better than my LTE in same places.
Word love tohearsome thoughts,cuz I'm ready to jump ship.
Sent from my EVO 4G LTE using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
scottspa74 said:
I'm curious about what all the last 2 posters are privy to. I'm about to upgrade my device, and when I look on sprint site, it would be only 100$ for n5 or HTC One. But I went to sprint store and it was 50$ + 16/no and get 12/mo upgrade, but will also F up all other lines on my family plan. I don't wanna pay monthly for device, I wanna pay up front and forget about it, but I do want 12moupgrades.
All that said,on a 25mi trip, I just compared my LTE speed tests with my girls tmo speed tests, and hers were consistently higher than mine. And her device is a 4yr old pyramid that doesn't even have radios to accept tmo LTE. But hers kicked my ass. I wanna hear from anyone who has ideas on how to test them, or any secret info about why they think sprint may be about to be awesome. Again, while my LTE service speed tested about 3mbps on avg, her old tmo (no LTE) consistently got way better than my LTE in same places.
Word love tohearsome thoughts,cuz I'm ready to jump ship.
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My thoughts on this: if the merge was ever to come to pass, then you would technically be starting over as a new customer with Sprint. While I don't think that the merge will be successful, just keep that in the back of your mind.
More importantly, how is voice service with Tmo compared to Sprint? Which had more dead/low signal zones? And which device gives you better service at home? Yes, data is vital, but these are still phones, primarily. You have no idea how much you need good voice service until it starts to mess up, then you'll wish that you didn't make the jump.
Try using different apps, like SignalCheck Lite from the play store to compare the signal difference in various locations. Use both phones to leave voicemails on a third phone (land line or cell phone, doesn't matter), and replay both to see which is clearer. This last test will be a little skewed, of course, since you are using two different devices, and your LTE has newer tech inside it.
Lastly, if you want to make the jump, just take the time to test the Tmo network (or any other network) before you decide. This is not the type of mistake that you will want to regret. On another note, if the money being saved is worth the potential aggravation, then go for it. I'm not bashing Tmo in any way whatsoever, for I have been considering making the jump as well, but I'm quite comfortable with my Sprint service, and the repair center that I go to tends not to ask too much questions. Just don't bring them a rooted phone, and all is well.
Appreciate the lengthy feedback. My nearest sprint repair center loves seeing the cool sh1t on the ROMs I bring in, lol. Lucky me. That said, tmo looks like it'd be a little cheaper, not much. But their data speeds, even on 3g are 20x faster than the LTE I get from sprint. So many pros, so many Con's. Actually, they'll pay my etf, and there aren't many Con's. Prob be switching soo. And yearly upgrades, which I like. That said, I like that sprint leans on OEMZs t9 get the hardware they know customers want.
Sent from my EVO 4G LTE using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
scottspa74 said:
Appreciate the lengthy feedback. My nearest sprint repair center loves seeing the cool sh1t on the ROMs I bring in, lol. Lucky me. That said, tmo looks like it'd be a little cheaper, not much. But their data speeds, even on 3g are 20x faster than the LTE I get from sprint. So many pros, so many Con's. Actually, they'll pay my etf, and there aren't many Con's. Prob be switching soo. And yearly upgrades, which I like. That said, I like that sprint leans on OEMZs t9 get the hardware they know customers want.
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You've sparked my interest. How does T-Mobile do data? Is it truly unlimited? Or do they cap your speed after a certain usage?