i have an international unlocked Galaxy S2, i am heading to orlando florida in november for 3 weeks and looking for the best option for cheap calls/data
i have checked with my current provider (vodafone uk) and using my current sim will be to exspensive for data.
what are my options att or t-mobile
do they have an sim only plan that can be used for one month that has a decent data limit
t-mobile has very good prepaid plans
But with T-Mobile you won't get 3G on SGS II. See if you can get AT&T prepaid sim
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
With AT&T you have to pay 35 bucks of activation fee and the plan is more expensive than T-Mo, but you will only get edge.
I lived in the US and i got a T-Mobile plan but data connection it's pretty slow.
Lancez said:
But with T-Mobile you won't get 3G on SGS II. See if you can get AT&T prepaid sim
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
thanks
will probably go for AT&T(seen that t-mobile connects to edge) , is there apn details that i will need to setup.
checked the AT&T site and can see no way to get the gophone deal without the phone, so might need to just visit a store to see. happy to pay the $60 for data and international calls as long as there is no hidden activation charge
Related
Just got my shiny SGS2 and wonder - what is the best data plan price could be in Ontario (Toronto particularly).
Got my phone from Virgin Mobile unlock and connected to Fido.
A friend of mine told me that Wind has the best price - $10 a month for unlimited data (only throttling the channel after first 5Gb). Went to Wind booth and asked to put Wind demo SIM card into my Samsung. No luck, the phone can see the Wind Home Network but couldn't connect to it.
Fido has regular data plan $60 a month for 5Gb that is kinda expensive.
Found in Internet that Fido has retention plan $30 for 6Gb. Called the support but they told me - this is only if I buy new smartphone from them sign for 3 years contract, otherwise - no $30 for 6Gb even when I threatened that I would cancel and go to different provider.
Any thoughts about cheap data plans in Canada, Ontario, Toronto that DO work with Samsung Galaxy S2?
I would've stuck with Virgin as they currently have a limited time offer of 6GB data for $30 and they're plan offerings aren't bad at all if you don't have the luxury of a retention offer from your current provider.
I have accounts on three different carriers for me and my siblings and here's how they compare:
Brother's on Fido:
100/Unl.E/WE starting 7pm
Unl. txt msg
Call Display w/Name Display
Canadian LD Option 25 Minutes
6GB Data
=$75 after taxes
Sister's on Virgin:
200/Unl.E/WE starting 6pm
Unl. txt&pic msg
Fav 10 Canada-wide
Call Display w/Name Display
1GB Data
=$70 after taxes
Mine on Bell:
150/Unl.E/WE starting 6pm
Unl. txt&pic msg
Fab 10 Canada-wide
Call Display & Voice Mail
6GB Data
=$87 after taxes
Wow, holy expensive plans, batman.
30-45$ (Plus tax) here for:
300 minutes
unlimited fido to fido
Evenings and weekends at 6
2500 SMS/100 MMS
Voicemail + Call display
Evolutive data plan (100 megs, 10$, 500 megs, 20$, 1GB, 25$)
(Telus corporate plan + Retention = Win)
Do people really need 6GB? Retention works only if you've been with a carrier for a long time... Going on 6 years with fido, I'm sure if I call them they'll give me something free. haha
Wait until the iphone 5 is released... When it is, they'll have 6GB data plans for 30$... Virgin though seems to have a pretty good network. Fido/Rogers, not so sure anymore...
karendar said:
Do people really need 6GB? Retention works only if you've been with a carrier for a long time... Going on 6 years with fido, I'm sure if I call them they'll give me something free. haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been with Fido for 7 years now without interruption.
Call them today and they haven't given me the retention plan.
Not unless I bought a phone from them (I just got my SGS2 ha-ha, what Fido can offer me instead?), sign a contract for 3 years and other crappy terms...
Man, I am disapoint with Fido.
^ Strange, I got the 6GB/$30 retention plan by committing to 2 years of Data (eg an ECF is < 2yrs) without any hardware (I am using an unlocked SGS II from Europe now).
Unlocked SGS2 will only work on Rogers, Bell and Telus (and their sub-brands, Fido, Virgin, etc.) because SGS2 supports 1900/2100 MHz HSPA.
Wind and Mobilicity use 1700 MHz (AWS) HSPA frequency for their network, which the global version of the SGS2 does not support. You will have to wait for the T-Mobile USA version.
On the other hand, the unlocked global version of HTC Sensation will work on Wind and Mobilicity, but not on Bell or Telus, and only at EDGE speeds on Rogers network.
If you use the SGS2 on Wind network, it will probably roam on the Rogers/Bell/Telus network (whichever they have roaming partnership with) (Wind Away zone). Not sure though.
TWiTCommander said:
Wind and Mobilicity use 1700 MHz (AWS) HSPA frequency for their network, which the global version of the SGS2 does not support. You will have to wait for the T-Mobile USA version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this "T-Mobile version" has different chip and some kind of different hardware or it will be just another ROM, software update etc.?
I mean can we theoretically reprogram Bell SGS2 to work with Wind or this is hardware issue?
It's a hardware thing. The T-Mobile/AWS version will use a different cellular baseband radio chip and antenna. It's kind of like the iPhone - you get 3G on Rogers/Fido/Bell/Telus/AT&T, but only EDGE on Wind/Mobilicity/T-Mobile - because the iPhone cellular baseband radio does not support AWS frequencies.
sly2m said:
Been with Fido for 7 years now without interruption.
Call them today and they haven't given me the retention plan.
Not unless I bought a phone from them (I just got my SGS2 ha-ha, what Fido can offer me instead?), sign a contract for 3 years and other crappy terms...
Man, I am disapoint with Fido.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I manage a multi-carrier wireless store (Rogers, Fido, Bell, Virgin, etc) and suggest you call Fido back and talk to the cancellations department (also called customer retention). Tell them you are going to switch to Virgin because they will give you a better plan without contract. Speaking from experience, they can give you a plan with promotional discounts even without having to sign a contract.
If that doesn't work, PM me and I'll actually switch you to something better. Like Virgin for $75 (Unlimited Talk and Text, 6GB Data, Caller ID, Voicemail), no contract.
GetHyper said:
I manage a multi-carrier wireless store (Rogers, Fido, Bell, Virgin, etc) and suggest you call Fido back and talk to the cancellations department (also called customer retention). Tell them you are going to switch to Virgin because they will give you a better plan without contract. Speaking from experience, they can give you a plan with promotional discounts even without having to sign a contract.
If that doesn't work, PM me and I'll actually switch you to something better. Like Virgin for $75 (Unlimited Talk and Text, 6GB Data, Caller ID, Voicemail), no contract.
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deleted post
Hi
I am here visiting for about 3 months (maybe a bit more)
I have the intentional S II
Which plan will be best for me (want to enjoy at least 3G)?
I see that T-Mobile has a decent pre-paid plan (100MB in 4G speeds is enough) - unlimited for 50 a month.
But any help will be appreciated !!
Thank you all !!!
International version doesn't support T-Mobile bands, you'll only have EDGE data. AT&T is the only provider that will support the international version for 3g/4g speeds.
That's great to know!!! Those ATT are way more expensive though (for some reason).
Thank you!
They are the same price for prepaid, at&t gophone plan should work on the international version, but the speeds are capped at 500kb-1mb.
Disfected said:
They are the same price for prepaid, at&t gophone plan should work on the international version, but the speeds are capped at 500kb-1mb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But isn't this plan for people who want a phone as well? do i not have to get the phone (is this question retarded)??
Gophone = prepaid cheapo phone, you do get a phone I believe but it's an inexpensive toss away. There is a thread somewhere here that talks about it, with people buying one from walmart and just removing the simcard.
Greetings fellow forum peeps!
I am new to AT&T and the Note and have read so much that it's dizzying, LOL!
I think I am good and know what to do about changing the APN settings, however, I am not sure what to say to AT&T when I call them to set up the plan and activate. I do have an older AT&T cheapy prepaid phone that I bought for $5 late last year. I am under the impression that I should use my new SIM card w/the Note, but first activate the card in my cheap phone? Is this right?
What are the steps to take to activate the prepaid $50/Unlimited plan? Would you mind giving them to me in order of preference?
Also, I've read that some are on the $45/Unlimited Straight Talk plan. Is one better than the other? I was under the impression from talking to the guy at Worst Buy that AT&T may make you purchase a data plan, which I normally would have no problem with but they only offer the $30/500 mb plan.
Thoughts/Suggestions?
I appreciate your time and consideration.
I remember reading that AT&T won't allow smartphones on the prepaid plans. They automatically upgrade you to the lowest monthly plan.
Sent from my AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note using the XDA Premium app.
If you have an at$t branded phone on their prepaid and its a smartphone ...they make you carry some sort of a data plan....
Straight Talk is a better value at around 49 to 51 depending on taxes.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
If you have the AT&T Note (four buttons on the bottom), you can't do this. If you have the International Note (One physical button, two soft buttons), you can absolutely do this! I am using it right now.
Do NOT activate the SIM card with the crappy prepaid phone. Just activate it with the International Note using the International Note's IMEI online and you will be fine.
Just curious what kind of speeds are you getting on the international Note on this unlimited ATT data plan? Thanks in advance.
joshnichols189 / ALL said:
If you have the AT&T Note (four buttons on the bottom), you can't do this. If you have the International Note (One physical button, two soft buttons), you can absolutely do this! I am using it right now.
Do NOT activate the SIM card with the crappy prepaid phone. Just activate it with the International Note using the International Note's IMEI online and you will be fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi JoshNichols189,
What do you mean by Int'l version? Setting up on AT&T Prepaid? I was told that H20 (an AT&T MVNO) is easy to activate on the AT&T Note.
I also read (on this forum) that it's easy to unlock this device. I was planning on possibly using on Tmobile but I was told by TMO that this device will only work on 2G or Edge, 3G/4G doesn't work on non-TMO phones.
So, it sounds like I am stuck w/AT&T or H20 (BUMMER, unless there are other alternatives???).
So, with that, should I unlock and pray for the best with an Edge connection? I'm looking to spend about $50-$60/month.
I may also try Straight Talk --- if I do, do I have to order the SIM card, or can I simply walk into a Walmart, buy a cheap phone and use that SIM card?
Thanks so much for your advice.
I'll be more than happy to pay small reward/fee (via Paypal) to get some strong/solid advice on setting this up, APN settings and all (PM me).
MrJinx said:
I may also try Straight Talk --- if I do, do I have to order the SIM card, or can I simply walk into a Walmart, buy a cheap phone and use that SIM card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out my recent post all about setting up straight talk with at&t galaxy note for just 45$ unlimited with 3G data.
PM me if you need more info or specific help as I am glad to share my knowledge
vince2398 said:
Just curious what kind of speeds are you getting on the international Note on this unlimited ATT data plan? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About 1.5-3 mbps down in Dayton, Ohio.
MrJinx said:
Hi JoshNichols189,
What do you mean by Int'l version? Setting up on AT&T Prepaid? I was told that H20 (an AT&T MVNO) is easy to activate on the AT&T Note.
I also read (on this forum) that it's easy to unlock this device. I was planning on possibly using on Tmobile but I was told by TMO that this device will only work on 2G or Edge, 3G/4G doesn't work on non-TMO phones.
So, it sounds like I am stuck w/AT&T or H20 (BUMMER, unless there are other alternatives???).
So, with that, should I unlock and pray for the best with an Edge connection? I'm looking to spend about $50-$60/month.
I may also try Straight Talk --- if I do, do I have to order the SIM card, or can I simply walk into a Walmart, buy a cheap phone and use that SIM card?
Thanks so much for your advice.
I'll be more than happy to pay small reward/fee (via Paypal) to get some strong/solid advice on setting this up, APN settings and all (PM me).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The International Note is from Europe, which is what I have and am using on the $50 AT&T prepaid unlimited everything plan. I don't think the AT&T Note will work on the prepaid plan, because AT&T can tell what your IMEI number is and force you to upgrade to another smartphone plan. The only reason what I"m doing works is because it is a European IMEI, so AT&T doesn't know it's a smartphone. You won't be able to get T-Mobile 3/4G, but H20 should work just fine if you get an unlock code for the phone and unlock it to work I think Straight Talk is a T-Mobile MVNO, so that won't work either. You should get 3/4G on H20 since it is an AT&T MVNO.
joshnichols189 said:
About 1.5-3 mbps down in Dayton, Ohio.
I think Straight Talk is a T-Mobile MVNO, so that won't work either. You should get 3/4G on H20 since it is an AT&T MVNO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, Straighttalk uses ATT network and so att.mvno.
shaolinx said:
Nope, Straighttalk uses ATT network and so att.mvno.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight talk uses both ATT network and T-mobile network, they give you a choice to pick a sim card and which MVNO service suits your needs.
I have used both Sim's Tmobile as well as ATT, and i found that speeds on Tmobile network are superior than ATT network when when using Straight Talk sims.
But then again it will depend upon your location.
Get original iphone 2g and activate with your number on at&t which will give you $20 unlimited plan.
Use it couple of days then purchase at&t smartphone from craigslist and goto at&t store, tell them it's gift and you want to use it with your unlimited plan.
You will have $30 unlimited plan on lte, 4g, 3g whatever.
Enjoy.
If you want original iphone 2g, i can rent you one or you can buy one.
I did this and this still works.
Moved To Q&A
Please post questions in the Q&A section
Hi everyone, I'm hoping for some good advice and opinions on what I should do.
I want to purchase a Galaxy Note II on Verizon and use it on their prepaid service, I would buy the phone outright, but I have been told Verizon's prepaid does not support 4G devices. (Is this true?)
If I still purchase a Verizon Galaxy Note II what other prepaid service could I activate it on, even if I unlock the phone?
Or should I just go buy the Galaxy Note II outright from AT&T and go the SIM/GSM route?
I really do want the phone with Verizon because I believe in the near future they will accept 4G devices on their prepaid service.
THANKS EVERYONE!!
Sidiously said:
Hi everyone, I'm hoping for some good advice and opinions on what I should do.
I want to purchase a Galaxy Note II on Verizon and use it on their prepaid service, I would buy the phone outright, but I have been told Verizon's prepaid does not support 4G devices. (Is this true?)
If I still purchase a Verizon Galaxy Note II what other prepaid service could I activate it on, even if I unlock the phone?
Or should I just go buy the Galaxy Note II outright from AT&T and go the SIM/GSM route?
I really do want the phone with Verizon because I believe in the near future they will accept 4G devices on their prepaid service.
THANKS EVERYONE!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try PagePlus since they use 3G and Verizon towers. Finding someone to activate it is another story since it's a 4G phone that is 3G compatible. I recommend just going to Sprint or T-Mobile since they have 4G and your bill will be cheaper than Verizon or AT&T. But again, this is just my opinion.
The vzw version of the note 2 is unlocked and once rooted can be used with just about any carrier. Simple mobile is a good one to try or any tmo based mvno will work. I know with simple I was pulling 15mbs down at times. Just depends if tmos spotty coverage is good enough for your needs.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Sidiously said:
Hi everyone, I'm hoping for some good advice and opinions on what I should do.
I want to purchase a Galaxy Note II on Verizon and use it on their prepaid service, I would buy the phone outright, but I have been told Verizon's prepaid does not support 4G devices. (Is this true?)
If I still purchase a Verizon Galaxy Note II what other prepaid service could I activate it on, even if I unlock the phone?
Or should I just go buy the Galaxy Note II outright from AT&T and go the SIM/GSM route?
I really do want the phone with Verizon because I believe in the near future they will accept 4G devices on their prepaid service.
THANKS EVERYONE!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless Verizon changes their prepaid options, you will not get anything other than 3G from them.
I would get either a VZW Note 2 and go to another GSM prepaid carrier as it is a global phone from the start and will work with any GSM carrier.
Or, get a Note 2 from AT&T and use a GSM prepaid option.
I use a Verizon Note 2 on AT&T prepaid right now.
This is my responses to similar questions in other threads about my experience with connectivity and data speeds on a VZW Note 2 on a GSM network.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=42880422&postcount=2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=42953285&postcount=4
I hope this helps you.
Milimbar said:
Unless Verizon changes their prepaid options, you will not get anything other than 3G from them.
I would get either a VZW Note 2 and go to another GSM prepaid carrier as it is a global phone from the start and will work with any GSM carrier.
Or, get a Note 2 from AT&T and use a GSM prepaid option.
I use a Verizon Note 2 on AT&T prepaid right now.
This is my responses to similar questions in other threads about my experience with connectivity and data speeds on a VZW Note 2 on a GSM network.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=42880422&postcount=2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=42953285&postcount=4
I hope this helps you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went to the links you provided, but is it absolutely possible to run a Verizon Galaxy Note II on an AT&T prepaid service? Do I need to root the phone? Or just change the APN settings? I am very new to all this, and like I have said I really prefer to buy a VZW Note II
THANKS
From my experience using my verizon note 2 on t mobile. I was only able to get hspa (sometimes hspa+). It was pretty slow roughly around 2-3mb down and my phone would get really warm.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
Sidiously said:
I went to the links you provided, but is it absolutely possible to run a Verizon Galaxy Note II on an AT&T prepaid service? Do I need to root the phone? Or just change the APN settings? I am very new to all this, and like I have said I really prefer to buy a VZW Note II
THANKS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As i said I am currently using a Verizon Note 2 (SCH-i605) on AT&T prepaid now.
I do not get LTE but I do get HSPA+ (3.5G) of around 4mb/s down and 1.5mb/s up consistently.
I do not have any issues with my phone heating up at all.
For me HSPA+ is plenty fast enough. When I was with Verizon my 3G there would top out at 1mb/s down, it was pretty horrible.
---------- Post added at 05:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:53 PM ----------
Another post about the actual speeds I have been getting.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=42880422&postcount=2
I am a real newbie when it comes to most of what you guys are doing but anyway I have a few questions I wonder if someone could answer.
I was considering getting the international version of the Mega 6.3 but I really would like to get the fastest download speeds I can so the discussions on using the ATT and MetroPCS Megas on the T Mobile network really interests me.
Questions:
After unlocking the phone, is the MetroPCS Mega more compatible with T Mobile than the ATT version? Is there an advantage buying one over the other? I understand that I may have to change the network settings also to have the phone fully functional on LTE, etc.
Does unlocking the phone void the warranty?
Also, I get a lot of misinformation from cell phone stores I was wondering if this is correct; a T Mobile store in my local mall said that in order for me to get LTE I would have to get on one of there more expensive plans (I am on the $30 "Walmart" plan with my Note 2).
Thanks.
bkkcnxsi said:
I am a real newbie when it comes to most of what you guys are doing but anyway I have a few questions I wonder if someone could answer.
I was considering getting the international version of the Mega 6.3 but I really would like to get the fastest download speeds I can so the discussions on using the ATT and MetroPCS Megas on the T Mobile network really interests me.
Questions:
After unlocking the phone, is the MetroPCS Mega more compatible with T Mobile than the ATT version? Is there an advantage buying one over the other? I understand that I may have to change the network settings also to have the phone fully functional on LTE, etc.
Does unlocking the phone void the warranty?
Also, I get a lot of misinformation from cell phone stores I was wondering if this is correct; a T Mobile store in my local mall said that in order for me to get LTE I would have to get on one of there more expensive plans (I am on the $30 "Walmart" plan with my Note 2).
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After unlocking, the MetroPCS Mega is more compatible with T-mobile than ATT (MetroPCS these days uses T-mobile's network). The MetroPCS version has the compatible frequencies for T-mobile's native 3G/4G hspa and 4GLTE network while the ATT version only has support for Tmo's 4GLTE and unless you live in a refarmed area (1900mhz) you won't be getting 3G/4G hspa coverage.
Sim unlocking a phone does not void warranty and the person at the mall is wrong. I'm currently using the $30 "Walmart" plan and once you edit the APN settings, you'll get LTE on T-mobile (I tested this on an Atrix HD I own which support Tmo's LTE network).
I'm in the same boat as you, contemplating picking up the international version, but the MetroPCS version is highly tempting. Right now, if you're a new Metro customer, the price of the Mega is $349 ($499 - $100 instant rebate - $50 off new activation) - can't really beat that price. Also, supposedly, MetroPCS will unlock the phone for free after three months of using their service.
bkkcnxsi said:
I am a real newbie when it comes to most of what you guys are doing but anyway I have a few questions I wonder if someone could answer.
I was considering getting the international version of the Mega 6.3 but I really would like to get the fastest download speeds I can so the discussions on using the ATT and MetroPCS Megas on the T Mobile network really interests me.
Questions:
After unlocking the phone, is the MetroPCS Mega more compatible with T Mobile than the ATT version? Is there an advantage buying one over the other? I understand that I may have to change the network settings also to have the phone fully functional on LTE, etc.
Does unlocking the phone void the warranty?
Also, I get a lot of misinformation from cell phone stores I was wondering if this is correct; a T Mobile store in my local mall said that in order for me to get LTE I would have to get on one of there more expensive plans (I am on the $30 "Walmart" plan with my Note 2).
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2526041