I have a lg v30 "us998" I bought off ebay. Rooted, bootloaders unlocked with magisk and software US99820h android version 8.0.0.
Been using ting for a long time, but I've come to a point where I need to make calls more and I can't use this phone on their new unlimited service. Anyone have suggestions on reasonably priced services that offer unlimited talk and text? I saw someone post something prepaid they bought off ebay but cannot find what it was. Open to all suggestions as long as I am able to bring this phone over as I don't want to shop for a new phone and deal with rooting again.
Thanks.
Is your Ting with T-Mobile network? If so, you might like Mint.
Phone Plans with Unlimited Talk, Text, & Data | Mint Mobile
Shop our phone plans with unlimited talk, text, and 5G•4G LTE data plans. With reliable nationwide coverage and a money back guarantee, you'll wonder why you didn’t switch sooner.
www.mintmobile.com
ChazzMatt said:
Is your Ting with T-Mobile network? If so, you might like Mint.
Phone Plans with Unlimited Talk, Text, & Data | Mint Mobile
Shop our phone plans with unlimited talk, text, and 5G•4G LTE data plans. With reliable nationwide coverage and a money back guarantee, you'll wonder why you didn’t switch sooner.
www.mintmobile.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, ChazzMatt. Looking over my ting customer support history looks like it is using a GSM sim card which is T-Mobile. I'll take a look at switching to mint. Thanks for always helping.
Any ideas on redpocket (this was the service I was originally thinking) or us mobile?
Red pocket has a plan gsmt 200 mins and 1000 txts 200mb for 2.50 a month. I don't see a way to check if my phone is compatible though.
SuperUser1010 said:
Any ideas on redpocket (this was the service I was originally thinking) or us mobile?
Red pocket has a plan gsmt 200 mins and 1000 txts 200mb for 2.50 a month. I don't see a way to check if my phone is compatible though.
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Click to collapse
It's compatible. I am using Red Pocket GSMA (AT&T) with US99820h. Others have posted about using Red Pocket GSMT (T-Mobile) also on US998.
I third user posted about Mint providing more features on US998 than Red Pocket (specifically Visual Voicemail). So definitely check them too.
Best Red Pocket deals are quarterly and annual plans on the Red Pocket eBay store. I have 100mins/100txt/500MB per month for $60/year. But they may have better deals since I bought that last summer.
Phenominal thank you. I was literally just reading a post of yours on an older thread of your thoughts on redpocket.
Do I need to do anything special for volte/wifi calling? I don't believe I've ever had that work on Ting; I only see an option for wifi calling which errors out if I try to turn on and don't see where volte option is. This could be very useful for me because my service is about 1 bar inside my house; if I can get calls via 4g or wifi (I'm usually home or at school so wifi everywhere) that would solve that issue.
VoLTE should be automatic on both GSMA (Red Pocket AT&T) and GSMT (Red Pocket T-Mobile). You won't see statusbar icons to confirm it, although I've enabled such icons in my phone's Hidden menu.
Red Pocket provides WiFi Calling (VoWiFi) if you ask them to activate it. US998 doesn't support it on AT&T (including GSMA) but DOES support it on T-Mobile (including GSMT). According to the user who recently confirmed it on GSMT there is a menu to enable it (like you are seeing with Ting, it just isn't provisioned by them). But still no statusbar icons, which is strange.
You really should read the last few pages of ChazzMatt's VoLTE thread for that discussion:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...mware-not-los-based-custom-roms-when.4138223/
Edit: Again make sure to also check out Mint. My wife had them a few years ago, and they worked well on an H932 (TMO V30). But we switched when their seemingly good price turned out to be just a 3-month intro offer.
TheDannemand said:
Again make sure to also check out Mint. My wife had them a few years ago, and they worked well on an H932 (TMO V30). But we switched when their seemingly good price turned out to be just a 3-month intro offer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phone Plans with Unlimited Talk, Text, & Data | Mint Mobile
Shop our phone plans with unlimited talk, text, and 5G•4G LTE data plans. With reliable nationwide coverage and a money back guarantee, you'll wonder why you didn’t switch sooner.
www.mintmobile.com
Yes, their intro 3-month plans are lower than the "regular" 3-month plans, but you can get that same price if you pay for 12-months in advance. The only reason you would want to do that, however, is if you try them for 3 months and like them very much and you don't anticipate changing providers for another year.
Or you can go with 6-month plan which splits the difference.
Or you can go with 3 months again, at the "regular" price.
Interesting that they don't seem to offer just monthly plans.
By the way, this is the MVNO bought by Ryan Reynolds. Well, not bought outright, but he owns a very large percentage (November 2019) and since has been appearing in their commercials: "In connection with the investment, Reynolds will help with Mint’s communications and marketing efforts as well as strategic decision-making."
Actor Ryan Reynolds Just Bought a Wireless Carrier. And His Reason for the Buy Makes Sense
Mint Mobile gets a celebrity boss.
www.inc.com
While every other tech titan is off chasing rockets, I’ll corner the budget-friendly wireless sector. Like most people, I only use rockets 10-12 times a year but I use my mobile service every day. – Ryan Reynolds
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Click to collapse
TheDannemand said:
VoLTE should be automatic on both GSMA (Red Pocket AT&T) and GSMT (Red Pocket T-Mobile). You won't see statusbar icons to confirm it, although I've enabled such icons in my phone's Hidden menu.
Red Pocket provides WiFi Calling (VoWiFi) if you ask them to activate it. US998 doesn't support it on AT&T (including GSMA) but DOES support it on T-Mobile (including GSMT). According to the user who recently confirmed it on GSMT there is a menu to enable it (like you are seeing with Ting, it just isn't provisioned by them). But still no statusbar icons, which is strange.
You really should read the last few pages of ChazzMatt's VoLTE thread for that discussion:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...mware-not-los-based-custom-roms-when.4138223/
Edit: Again make sure to also check out Mint. My wife had them a few years ago, and they worked well on an H932 (TMO V30). But we switched when their seemingly good price turned out to be just a 3-month intro offer.
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Click to collapse
I've just analyzed my ting bills over time and it seems like the 8.25/mo plan from red pocket would fulfill my needs best (1000 minute should be more than enough for me). I'll finish reading over that thread when I get some more free time. I tried to look at that hidden menu using *#*#4636#*#* but it doesn't seem to do anything on my phone. Is that just an alternate way to enter developer mode?
Here is a question, what is difference between using vowifi and volte? Is it just one is better depending on which is stronger for you?
SuperUser1010 said:
I tried to look at that hidden menu using *#*#4636#*#* but it doesn't seem to do anything on my phone. Is that just an alternate way to enter developer mode?
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Click to collapse
The dialer codes should work, but you have to enter them in the stock LG dialer. If you copy/paste them then make sure no spaces anywhere.
*#*#4636#*#* is the Android Testing menu, which merely shows some useful information, including whether VoLTE and VoWiFi are provisioned by the carrier AND picked up by the SIM card and the phone.
*#546368#*998# (998 to be replaced with your phone's model number) is the actual Hidden menu, which provides a number of technical controls meant only for LG themselves. Warning: There are plenty of ways to mess up your phone in there, some permanently! You shouldn't have to use Hidden menu with US998 on T-Mobile, including Mint and Red Pocket GSMT. Best to avoid it if you can!
These have nothing to do with Developer Mode, which is a useful menu for other things -- and mostly harmless.
SuperUser1010 said:
Here is a question, what is difference between using vowifi and volte? Is it just one is better depending on which is stronger for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VoLTE and VoWiFI (WiFi Calling) both operate the same way: They transmit voice calls over data. But VoWiFi has more extensive authentication since it gives you access to the carrier's network from any WiFi network. VoLTE requires an activated SIM card, so you're already authenticated through that.
You would normally prefer to use VoWiFi anytime you have a good WiFi connection, particularly indoors where cell signals can be challenged. If you always have good LTE signal, you generally don't have to bother with VoWiFi.
Some carriers use voice minutes when you use VoWiFi, others don't. Red Pocket GSMA (AT&T) does NOT count voice minutes on VoWiFi, but other Red Pocket networks (including GSMT) DO count them. See the Red Pocket support pages below:
VoLTE: https://help.redpocket.com/hc/en-us...-and-can-I-use-it-with-my-Red-Pocket-service-
VoWiFi: https://help.redpocket.com/hc/en-us...-and-can-I-use-it-with-my-Red-Pocket-service-
TheDannemand said:
The dialer codes should work, but you have to enter them in the stock LG dialer. If you copy/paste them then make sure no spaces anywhere.
*#*#4636#*#* is the Android Testing menu, which merely shows some useful information, including whether VoLTE and VoWiFi are provisioned by the carrier AND picked up by the SIM card and the phone.
*#546368#*998# (998 to be replaced with your phone's model number) is the actual Hidden menu, which provides a number of technical controls meant only for LG themselves. Warning: There are plenty of ways to mess up your phone in there, some permanently! You shouldn't have to use Hidden menu with US998 on T-Mobile, including Mint and Red Pocket GSMT. Best to avoid it if you can!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odd, the android testing menu code is accepted but menu does not pop up. Whereas the hidden menu works. I tried rebooting and trying again. Same results. Oddly when I rebooted, youtube music (from youtube vanced) installed. But that's something else lol.
I'll pull the trigger on red pocket's 8.25/mo plan probably this week.
I was just comparing plan prices now between Mint and Red Pocket, and BOY did things change a lot since last I looked: Red Pocket only has a fraction of the plans they used to on their eBay store. I assume the carriers have tightened their access.
Generally, if (A) you can use T-Mobile in your area and (B) are willing to pay $180/year or more ($15/month) Mint is the better deal, since they provide unlimited voice and 4GB/month starting at that tier.
If you are looking to pay less than $180/year OR service on other networks, Red Pocket is a better choice. Such as 1000mins/1GB LTE for $99/year ($8.25/month, available on all 4 carriers); 100mins/500MB LTE for $60/year ($5/month, available on GSMA/ATT, CDMA/VZ, CDMAS/Sprint); 200mins/200MB LTE for $30/year ($2.50/month, available on GSMT/TMO).
For quarterly/monthly plans, Mint becomes expensive after the 3-month intro: Their smallest plan is quarterly $25/month. Red Pocket has several regular monthly plans, starting at $10 for 1000mins/1GB LTE, available on all networks.
My wife has been on Red Pocket's $19/month Unlimited/3GB LTE plan for a couple years now, and it looks like that's still the best deal for her.
SuperUser1010 said:
Odd, the android testing menu code is accepted but menu does not pop up. Whereas the hidden menu works. I tried rebooting and trying again. Same results. Oddly when I rebooted, youtube music (from youtube vanced) installed. But that's something else lol.
I'll pull the trigger on red pocket's 8.25/mo plan probably this week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are on a custom ROM or have mods installed, that may explain it. Otherwise I don't know why.
Unfortunately I haven't used GSMT (or TMO) in several years so I won't be able to help you much beyond general pointers. But from other reports you should be OK.
TheDannemand said:
If you are on a custom ROM or have mods installed, that may explain it. Otherwise I don't know why.
Unfortunately I haven't used GSMT (or TMO) in several years so I won't be able to help you much beyond general pointers. But from other reports you should be OK.
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Click to collapse
I don't think I'm on a custom ROM. I believe it is a stock. I remember when I bought phone I just followed ChazzMatt's frankenstein's guide to unlock bootloaders and install magisk; never wanted to put the time in to try those custom roms. Only module I have installed per magisk is systemless hosts. I have greenify and few other "rooted" apps istalled, but none that should do anything funky.
SuperUser1010 said:
I don't think I'm on a custom ROM. I believe it is a stock. I remember when I bought phone I just followed ChazzMatt's frankenstein's guide to unlock bootloaders and install magisk; never wanted to put the time in to try those custom roms. Only module I have installed per magisk is systemless hosts. I have greenify and few other "rooted" apps istalled, but none that should do anything funky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose Greenify and other root apps could interfere with the Testing menu, although I am surprised if they do.
You shouldn't need these Hidden menus on TMO, though. Just ask Red Pocket chat to activate VoLTE and WiFi Calling on your account and enable it in the phone menu.
Related
to day I stated to have problems with my internet on my SGP621 LTE I'm on T-Mobile and i'm getting the connect me messages basically t-mo want's me to get a separate tablet data plan. I was wondering if there is a work around so that I can use my tablet as a regular phone with data internet access without an additional data plan which I would not pay for. is there a way to make my tablet SPG621 to show as the regular Z3 phone and not as a tablet so that I can use the internet 3G/4G LTE thank you:crying:
I think that's just an offer. You don't have to do this. As far as i know you can use your SIM in any device you like. And ... Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact can be considered as a big phaplet.
jaime4272 said:
to day I stated to have problems with my internet on my SGP621 LTE I'm on T-Mobile and i'm getting the connect me messages basically t-mo want's me to get a separate tablet data plan. I was wondering if there is a work around so that I can use my tablet as a regular phone with data internet access without an additional data plan which I would not pay for. is there a way to make my tablet SPG621 to show as the regular Z3 phone and not as a tablet so that I can use the internet 3G/4G LTE thank you:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jaime4272 said:
to day I stated to have problems with my internet on my SGP621 LTE I'm on T-Mobile and i'm getting the connect me messages basically t-mo want's me to get a separate tablet data plan. I was wondering if there is a work around so that I can use my tablet as a regular phone with data internet access without an additional data plan which I would not pay for. is there a way to make my tablet SPG621 to show as the regular Z3 phone and not as a tablet so that I can use the internet 3G/4G LTE thank you:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with nico_las. I use my SGP621 on T-Mobile USA as well, and it's not mandatory I switch over to a tablet plan. It's just an offer you can refuse.
Is there a way to refuse this offer? Like, my data no longer works as of maybe two hours ago, and I am not the only one reporting this. Can I refuse an offer and retain it? I called 611 but as usual the pre-paid support folk never know anything outside of their scripts...
the problem is that t-mo knows is a tablet and the internet wont work, calls ant and text does work but not mms and everything that requires internet, if any body know how to disguise as a phone/phablet like the z ultra by modifying the IMEI or something. thanks
Yes, I am currently Experiencing this Issue as well, and I told T-mobile Rep to stop forcing people like this. I can just sell this phone and buy a note 4, with smaller screen and it will work just fine.....but they basically want to force people into it, so they can make money out of it.
I am interested in how to disguise the tablet as a phone as well.
I really really want to kick Tmobile in the ass and never come back as a customer........but they know other carriers do the same thing......We are at the losing ends
we need to ask to devs if we can get help on this issue. what we need is to disguise out tablet as phone or phablet
I think you're being overly optimistic. I appreciate it. But we barely have support enough on this device to get a proper root, much less ROM support. I feel like it should be possible to pass this off as a normal Z3... But not sure. In any case it will take root at minimum and most likely an unlocked bootloader... Which I don't plan on pursuing until I know I can keep remote play, DRM, cast support, etc.
I hope it happens... And I'm with you... But I think it's a lost cause. I'd like to hear from an actual Dev about it though... Just not a lot of them in the English world with this tablet not on shelves outside of Asia.
Hey guys, a few thoughts.
First, there is chatter about this in 3 or 4 different threads. It doesn't have to be this thread, which I created yesterday, but we should band together and use a single thread for longer-term discussion.
Second, I actually don't think that this is an attempt by T-Mo to gauge more money out of us; we are a tiny percentage of their user base and are probably an attractive demographic for T-Mo in a sense. This is simply bureaucratic disorganization (I think they simply don't know how to provide 'free data for life' without considering the 621 a 'data only device,' damn you all who rallied for that), and unfortunately execs are not going to make an immediate priority of satisfying a tiny percentage of prepaid customers on cheap plans. What I personally expect will happen at some point, T-Mo will act in accordance with its 'uncarrier' mantra and be the first carrier to recognize that there is increasingly no difference between a phone and tablet. They will offer substantially the same plans for any data enabled device and will be the first carrier to officially support "phablets.'
Third, I am also very curious what can be done to trick T-Mo's system, in the mean time. I can say firsthand that altering the device model # inside your build.prop file will do nothing. Switching up the APN, nothing. But I didn't personally get that creative before giving up. One thing to note, on an older device, I downloaded a root app to ltyer my DNS servers (switched from T-Mo to OpenDNS). Within X many minutes of rebooting I could not make phone calls or receive texts and no data icon appeared either, but I did have data and T-Mo was probably unable to meter my data usage. Try at your own risk.
Fourth, *****ing accomplishes nothing. The great thing about buying unlocked, is the ability to switch carriers at the drop of a dime (which is coincidentally what T-Mo deserves from us right now). AT&T has LTE on four frequencies and the 621 supports all of em. I already made the switch to AT&T, and everything is smooth at the moment. And I can always switch back. As a light talker I miss my $30 plan (and the small $$ I had left over in my acct), but $60 for talk, text, and a tetherable 4 GBs of LTE isn't terrible when you can buy 5-10% off discounted refill cards from Calling Mart. Cricket is also on AT&T's network now and $60 will get you 20 GBs of <= 8Mbps LTE, $10 more if you want to tether without worry. I would be curious for an expanded discussion regarding our options, since I am only so familiar with the ins, outs, and possible pitfalls of them.
good one
Would anyone like to test for compatibility/pitfalls/etc on Harbor Mobile? $50/mo for unlimited talk/text/LTE and 3GB tethering on T-Mo's network, purportedly.
https://www.harbormobile.com/plans/
They also have a good looking tablet data plan ($15 for 5GB) that would be more useful if we had dual sim slots.
MetroPCS would be the other competitive T-Mo pre-paid option. Not sure how these companies detect phones/tablets. They don't offer free data for life, which might or might not make a difference.
Possible Solution?
jaime4272 said:
to day I stated to have problems with my internet on my SGP621 LTE I'm on T-Mobile and i'm getting the connect me messages basically t-mo want's me to get a separate tablet data plan. I was wondering if there is a work around so that I can use my tablet as a regular phone with data internet access without an additional data plan which I would not pay for. is there a way to make my tablet SPG621 to show as the regular Z3 phone and not as a tablet so that I can use the internet 3G/4G LTE thank you:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I work for T-Mobile and have also have the same issues with my Z3tc I, being a store manager, have limited resources available to me but i plan to submit a ticket in hopes of resolving this issue, it would help if i had multiple issues to report however. If you folks are willing to help me out with this (power in numbers as they say) i think we may have a chance of getting a fix, what i need from each of you is your T-mobile telephone number that you've been using your Z3TC on and i can submit this ticket. Email your name and phone# to [email protected] and I'll do my best
I was about to e-mail Tyson, and just saw this posted (by a post-paid customer) to a T-Mo Support thread I had participated in:
"Just got off with customer service with the solution. To fix the problem you need to get a new sim card. The customer service rep said T-Mobile will provide them for free then everything should work fine. What happened is the info on the sim says its a tablet, once the sim info gets changed on T-Mobile's end there is no way to change it back and the only solution is to get a new sim card. Hope this helps you guys."
(https://support.t-mobile.com/thread/86423?start=15&tstart=0)
thref23 said:
I was about to e-mail Tyson, and just saw this posted (by a post-paid customer) to a T-Mo Support thread I had participated in:
"Just got off with customer service with the solution. To fix the problem you need to get a new sim card. The customer service rep said T-Mobile will provide them for free then everything should work fine. What happened is the info on the sim says its a tablet, once the sim info gets changed on T-Mobile's end there is no way to change it back and the only solution is to get a new sim card. Hope this helps you guys."
(https://support.t-mobile.com/thread/86423?start=15&tstart=0)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think this is correct. I already got a new SIM for mine because that's what Tmobile support had me do originally. It didn't fix the issue. However I noticed under my account that it had my device listed as a Xperia Z tablet as in the old version when I got the new SIM. So maybe if you change it to a Z3 and get a new one it will work... But I doubt it.
The tech support I most recently talked to said they updated their systems with the Z3TC information and classified it as a tablet so the data won't work unless you get on a tablet data plan. But if I get on a tablet data plan then I can't have phone and text on the same SIM. He said there was no way for them to accommodate both.
And I tried explaining that the only difference between tablet and phone is phone capabilities... Which we have... So it should be a phone.
I see that more and more people are having this problem and being that t-mo knows that our SGP621 is a tablet the only thing to do is to disguise it as something else other then a tablet. I know that phablets do work fine like the xperia z ultra. we need some technical help on doing this guys.
Need more help
tysontthompson said:
I work for T-Mobile and have also have the same issues with my Z3tc I, being a store manager, have limited resources available to me but i plan to submit a ticket in hopes of resolving this issue, it would help if i had multiple issues to report however. If you folks are willing to help me out with this (power in numbers as they say) i think we may have a chance of getting a fix, what i need from each of you is your T-mobile telephone number that you've been using your Z3TC on and i can submit this ticket. Email your name and phone# to [email protected] and I'll do my best
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got about 5-6 people's info so far, if i could get 10 or so i think we could make some headway here. I have tried SIM swaps, tried using a regular z3 for a couple days and switching back, tried rooting and IMEI changing nothing has worked thus far... this seems like the best chance here.
tysontthompson said:
I've got about 5-6 people's info so far, if i could get 10 or so i think we could make some headway here. I have tried SIM swaps, tried using a regular z3 for a couple days and switching back, tried rooting and IMEI changing nothing has worked thus far... this seems like the best chance here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you still looking for folks for this?
I just ordered one and will be trying to use it on Tmo.
Just sent you my contact information, I'm also having the same issue with T-mobile.
Thank,
Scott
tysontthompson said:
I've got about 5-6 people's info so far, if i could get 10 or so i think we could make some headway here. I have tried SIM swaps, tried using a regular z3 for a couple days and switching back, tried rooting and IMEI changing nothing has worked thus far... this seems like the best chance here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This won't be a problem on AT&T's network. Why not just switch? For high data users, Cricket has competitive prices, for low use folks there are several mvnos to choose from.
afblangley said:
This won't be a problem on AT&T's network. Why not just switch? For high data users, Cricket has competitive prices, for low use folks there are several mvnos to choose from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does anyone have an update on this? I think I got hit too. My internet stopped working this morning and I've been calling T-Mo and they said they don't know what the problem is.
If you have an old Verizion (USA) unlimited data plan (or perhaps other "older" phone plans) that you've been holding onto AND you plan on buying unlocked phones you may want to read about what I learned today... This is mostly a PSA, but if anyone knows of a way to actually "fix" the issue please reply.
The short version is that apparently the old (original) unlimited data plans are setup to only work with locked down "Verizon" phones. I'm still working out all the ramifications of this and could use some help further down in this thread. What this means is that you can NOT activate a NEW sim card in an "non-Verizon" (unlocked) phone IF you're also on an original unlimited data plan (and perhaps any other older plans beyond a certain date?). You CAN; however, activate a NEW sim card in an OLD Verizon phone and after setup is complete you can then move that sim over to your new phone. This should not be a problem for NEW Verizon phone plans OR locked down phones that are considered "Verizon phones" by Verizon software.
As far as I can tell (so far), activating a new sim in an old phone and then moving to the new phone doesn't cause any issues with your service, but I could use some help testing this out in greater detail to confirm.
Here's my story:
I've been on a Verizon unlimited 4G data plan since they first offered them many years ago. I've remained on this plan through price increases and the removal of unlimited only to watch them return it (I almost switched to a new plan months ago... almost). I used to have a Droid Razr Maxx which got rooted and I enjoyed root for awhile. I eventually upgraded to the Droid Turbo (employee edition) which took a long time to gain root so I simply never tried. I decided I wanted root access again and all the joys that brings so after much research into my next phone I landed on the LG V30 unlocked edition. I got my order from B&H Photo a few days ago. I also decided that I wanted a new sim card as I've always felt my old one was "touchy". Could never put my finger on, but mostly I just wanted to start fresh with the V30.
A couple days ago I went into an official (USA) Verizon store and made my request to get a new sim activated on my V30. I didn't think this would be an issue as they sell V30s and I know others have been running "non-Verizon" phones without issues. The CS rep was supportive of this, but after inserting the new card and trying to activate it the Verizon software on his employee tablet shot back something about "this phone does not support this data plan" (or something similar). He tried to troubleshoot the issue for about 10 minutes, but then gave up since I was able to get the V30 working by using my old sim from my Droid Turbo. I accepted this and decided I'd just try again in a few days.
During this time I had no issues with the V30 using my data or making phone calls. I did eventually "kill" the V30 by exploring the band selection screen in the service menu, but a hard factory restore later and I was up and running again. Today I decided to try and get a new sim card again, only this time I decided to head to Best Buy since they sell the unlocked V30 online. My thought was "if they sell the unlocked V30, maybe they'll better understand my issue with a new sim activation"....
After finding the "sim card expert" I requested we went to work. He pulled our a new SIM, dialed up his Verizon contact number and we waited. Once the Verizon rep was on the phone we continued onto activating the sim only to be met with the same error "phone & plan don't like each other". The Verizon rep was stumped after many trial and error attempts on getting it to go through. My issue was eventually escalated to a tech that had more power to get things working and even he was stumped. After nearly 2 hours of digging into provisions and my account info he informed me that my "old" data plan was setup in such a way that it ONLY allows new activations with "Verizon" phones. Of course he suggested I move to a new unlimited data plan (with all the new fine print and prioritizations after 22GB intact of course, ha). He added that there was nothing he could do to change my plan settings to allow new "non-Verizon" phones. He was supportive of activating the new sim on my old Droid Turbo and then placing it into the V30 though. Once we did that the V30 was up and running again. On some quick tests everything appears to be working as well (would like some help to verify this though).
So there's the info I learned today, hopefully this helps someone else avoid any headaches later. How accurate this info is depends on the Verizon tech on the other end of the phone though as I'm only repeating what I was told. The tech did say that he never ran into this before (as I assume most people simply keep swapping in their old sim cards) and he did add that newer plans and phones shouldn't run into this issue and that it's strictly my old plan causing the hiccups on their system. He did check into moving me to the new data plan for activation and then putting my back into my old plan, but came back with "it's not possible".
Now then... all the above said I could use some help ensuring that my unlocked V30 is working correctly on Verizon with my current phone plan.
I've installed an run "RX Monitor", but what I notice is that I see no CDMA options listed under "operator" or "registered cells" or "Neighbor cells". All I see are "LTE" connections that seemingly only use "Band 13". I've driven between different cities from corn fields to the center of town and any time I check I see only "LTE" and "Band 13". Based on what I've read this seems odd... but I don't know enough about it to say for certain.
What I can say is that I can make phone calls (though they seem to be going over LTE and using HD Voice) and I send/receive SMS and MMS texts. I can go online and download and all the good stuff.
Is there a way to further test my phone? When I run RX Monitor on my wife Droid Turbo I can see a CDMA option and other LTE cells, but her phone does not report enough data to compare (ie, it doesn't list the band anywhere in the data) that I can see.
Is there another program or some other way to test or check this? My concern is that I've yet to see "3G" or "1x" on my V30 and I worry that if I end up in an area with more limited coverage that the V30 will simply not work vs switching to 3G or lower (something my Droid Turbo has done in the past).
Any thoughts?... and thank you.
teknomedic said:
The short version is that apparently the old (original) unlimited data plans are setup to only work with locked down "Verizon" phones.
What this means is that you can NOT activate a NEW sim card in an "non-Verizon" (unlocked) phone IF you're also on an original unlimited data plan (and perhaps any other older plans beyond a certain date?). You CAN; however, activate a NEW sim card in an OLD Verizon phone and after setup is complete you can then move that sim over to your new phone. This should not be a problem for NEW Verizon phone plans
After finding the "sim card expert" I requested we went to work. He pulled our a new SIM, dialed up his Verizon contact number and we waited. Once the Verizon rep was on the phone we continued onto activating the sim only to be met with the same error "phone & plan don't like each other".
After nearly 2 hours of digging into provisions and my account info he informed me that my "old" data plan was setup in such a way that it ONLY allows new activations with "Verizon" phones. He added that there was nothing he could do to change my plan settings to allow new "non-Verizon" phones.
He was supportive of activating the new sim on my old Droid Turbo and then placing it into the V30 though. Once we did that the V30 was up and running again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for all the information.
ChazzMatt said:
Thank you for all the information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it was a long read, but hopefully it made sense.
With full root access would it be possible to label an unlocked V30 as a "Verizon" V30 in software to trick the Verizon registration process into direct activation?
I don't know. The two have different FCC ID, so that would be one way for Verizon to tell the difference.
On the U.S.Moto Maxx 1225, people could unlock the bootloader, then flash Verizon firmware over it to turn it into a Droid Turbo XT1254 because they had the exact same FCC ID and were exactly the SAME device. Verizon just rebranded theirs as a "Droid Turbo" to pretend it was some kind of exclusive. It wasn't even exclusive in the U.S.!
Until Sunshine came along to unlock the Droid Turbo bootloader (a year after release), the Moto XT1225 served as the "dev" version of the Droid Turbo.
Sent from my LG-US998 using Tapatalk
I assume I'm not the only grandfathered Verizon data plan with an unlocked V30... can anyone else confirm that simply moving the sim over from another phone allows the V30 full access to the Verizon network.. CDMA, LTE, 3G, etc?
As I've said so far I only ever seen LTE with 4G. Though I did see CDMA once shortly after activation.. but then nothing
I recently got a Note 8 (at best buy, 300 off,but a down payment, and device payment plan). The sim activated on the Note 8, but my previous active sim was on an Unlocked S8 Plus (g955u1). I then activated the Note 8 Sim on my wife's back up S5, and then put the sim in my S8 plus unlocked. Inhave used the Note yet, because I dont have a glass protector yet and in case I have buyers remorse, I can return the Note 8.
If you have the grandfathered plan (which I do), you jusy simply have to get a 4g Verizon smart phone with a nano sim slot , activate it in there and put it in the Unlovked Lg v30. You should be able to get CDMA and 4g LTE connection.
Sent from my SM-G955U1 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Hmm I've had the same sim (just shaved down) since my OG Droid. Would this make a difference?
Ooo yeah here we go
Per Verizon's agreement with the FCC when they purchased radio band frequencies, Verizon must allow any compatible device to work on their network. If your device has CDMA and the LTE bands (2, 4, 13) then it will FULLY work. You will be able to make CDMA calls, LTE calls if VoLTE is functional on your device, and use data.
It is true that they are stingy on activation and there is NOTHING the techs can do to activate an unlocked phone. They did't write any code to block it let alone are aware of it. Don't bother even trying. Just get an old Verizon phone that takes nano SIM or go to a store and find an employee willing to activate it in a display phone then give it to you.
I've been using the same SIM for years from my Droid Turbo. It's been in a Nexus 6, Nexus 5x, Moto G4 Play, and an HTC One M8 without any usability issues.
---------- Post added at 12:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:38 AM ----------
Charlie_Don't_Surf said:
Hmm I've had the same sim (just shaved down) since my OG Droid. Would this make a difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that SIM card you have is still considered a mini SIM and will not activate in newer phones that take nano SIM.
I shaved down a micro SIM to fit a nano Sim slot. I tried to have it reactivated and Verizon was unable to. I informed the tech that it was actually a micro SIM and he activated it in a dummy Galaxy S3 and it worked.
---------- Post added at 12:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:43 AM ----------
teknomedic said:
I know it was a long read, but hopefully it made sense.
With full root access would it be possible to label an unlocked V30 as a "Verizon" V30 in software to trick the Verizon registration process into direct activation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon and probably the others use the IMEI number to check if it is a VZW or non-VZW phone before activation. Unless you obtained another IMEI number and used it, they can always tell it is a non-VZW phone. But I'm pretty sure that is illegal.
I'm on an unlocked/google Nexus 6. It wasn't purchased from Verizon. I also have an old unlimited data plan. Once a stockish rom comes out for the LG V30 I'll take the plunge and test this out. Hopefully my sim will work in the v30, since it already works with an unlocked phone.
All good info. Thanks everyone.
How could I test the phone though? Is there a way to force CDMA calling vs LTE.... Also... Using RX monitor why would I only be seeing band 13 with no CDMA listed?
I'll update here what I learn comparing a "Verizon V30" vs my B&H unlocked V30. I purchased a second V30 using the Verizon $300 off deal to combine it with the $400 rebate from LG. I know, I know.. it's locked down... but for a cheap backup phone I'm not complaining. I'll run as many comparisons for cellular service as I'm able to.
I know of RX Monitor... hopefully that will confirm or deny that my unlocked V30 is using the network in the same way as the "Verizon" V30.
Any requests or other programs I should use for comparison??
From what I understand, the grandfathered Unlimited has nothing to do with it. As far as I know, Verizon has only activated NEW sim cards on Verizon branded equipment. Once your number is provisioned on a Verizon phone, there is no issue moving the sim between unlocked phones.
Guyinlaca said:
From what I understand, the grandfathered Unlimited has nothing to do with it. As far as I know, Verizon has only activated NEW sim cards on Verizon branded equipment. Once your number is provisioned on a Verizon phone, there is no issue moving the sim between unlocked phones.
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Click to collapse
THIS. This is what I've always been told the past few years. Recently someone said Verizon had changed their policies and they somehow activated a SIM card on a 2015 Moto X Pure, but I think that was some kind of fluke. I would still use this policy as the guiding principle for control freak Verizon.
AT&T and T-mobile don't care where your phone came from, they'll activate your phone. I'm on AT&T and have never had an AT&T branded phone. I even brought in two Moto XT1225 from other countries; the Moto XT1225 is the "international" version of the Verizon Droid Turbo XT1254. It was also basically a 5.2" version of the Moto Nexus 6. AT&T didn't have the XT1225 in their database. I said call it a Moto Nexus 6, which they did have in their database. BOOM. Activated. Two of them. And not just on AT&T, but AT&T Prepaid, because I own my phones and only want to pay for monthly service not pay an arm and a leg to subsidize some AT&T branded phone I will NEVER buy.
I'm not here to bash carriers (but I will bash most MVNOs), but the CDMA twins Sprint and Verizon are more trouble than they're worth, in my opinion. I want to use a carrier's signal, but I don't want to buy a carrier's locked down, often overpriced, devices. I don't want to have to buy a carrier phone just to be able to activate a non-carrier phone on that carrier. That's ridiculous.
Does the hot spot work out of the box on the unlocked V30 US998 on the old verizon unlimited plan?
bugswray said:
Does the hot spot work out of the box on the unlocked V30 US998 on the old verizon unlimited plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, it does.
I have the B&H US998 V30+ on Verizon, but I gave up unlimited a year or two ago. Still not on the new unlimited yet.
Are you able to get any VM notifications on this phone?
I only get garbled text messages from Verizon, and there is no VM indication.
I have to check for missed calls and manually call *86 to see if I have any voicemail.
Other than that I think it is functioning fully. However I have never seen a 3G icon in the status bar.
I have a Verizon 4G Network Extender in my house, and I get good 4G at work.
teknomedic said:
I assume I'm not the only grandfathered Verizon data plan with an unlocked V30... can anyone else confirm that simply moving the sim over from another phone allows the V30 full access to the Verizon network.. CDMA, LTE, 3G, etc?
As I've said so far I only ever seen LTE with 4G. Though I did see CDMA once shortly after activation.. but then nothing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am a Grandfathered user with 450 anytime minutes and paying for text messages still. I moved from an LG G4 to an HTC 10 to an LG V30 just fine. Popped the simcard out of my HTC 10 and installed it into my unlocked V30 and it works perfectly. I don't have any wifi calling though and I'm assuming because I'm not installing any verizon apps what so ever. I don't require wifi calling so i'm good. But it drops to 3G when it has no LTE signal just fine and VoLTE works perfectly. Hope that helps you out.
dvgb173 said:
I have the B&H US998 V30+ on Verizon, but I gave up unlimited a year or two ago. Still not on the new unlimited yet.
Are you able to get any VM notifications on this phone?
I only get garbled text messages from Verizon, and there is no VM indication.
I have to check for missed calls and manually call *86 to see if I have any voicemail.
Other than that I think it is functioning fully. However I have never seen a 3G icon in the status bar.
I have a Verizon 4G Network Extender in my house, and I get good 4G at work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the same for me... just messed up text messages. I even tried to source the Verizon Voicemail app, but it refused to install... sooo... I setup Google Voice instead and after some tweaking it's working great, Google AI or whatever even gives me its best translation of the voice mail too in text form so I don't need to listen
The one thing I have noticed with Google Voice and normal voicemail is that if I let the phone ring through Google voice works perfectly, BUT if I decide to swipe the "ignore" or whatever button, then the normal voicemail picks it up. It's kinda nice in a way having two voice mail boxes... but also wish I knew how to fix that issue and force everything to google voice.
FunktasticLucky said:
I am a Grandfathered user with 450 anytime minutes and paying for text messages still. I moved from an LG G4 to an HTC 10 to an LG V30 just fine. Popped the simcard out of my HTC 10 and installed it into my unlocked V30 and it works perfectly. I don't have any wifi calling though and I'm assuming because I'm not installing any verizon apps what so ever. I don't require wifi calling so i'm good. But it drops to 3G when it has no LTE signal just fine and VoLTE works perfectly. Hope that helps you out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does help, thank you.
Hi all,
Thanks to all you guys who make these devices perform far and beyond, and then hold a dumbass's hand such as myself and walk me through the steps to do the same.
I have a V30 I am working on. I had a previous one but my little boy slobbered into the charge port as well as dropped it 1000 times and the touch screen finally quit. So I am working on a new one while I use the old Turbo back up.
Here is my dilemma.
I have a grandfathered VZ unlimited data plan that I pay 153 bucks a month for. Depending on the month, I may exceed 30-50 GB on my Hotspot, but it really doesn't happen very often.
With my previous V30, I was running US998. Native tethering with 998 works great but of course there is no Volte, and from what I understand I am going to have to be on VS996 by December because of the network changes. The only problem is on VS996, my hotspot doesn't pass VZ's subscription check.
Has anyone out there gotten Hotspot capabilities on VS996? I have tried every trick I can find on the forums to get it to work, to no avail. I think my situation is growing ever more unique because most people are on a newer plan and don't have to worry about the sub check. I am not going to pay VZ another 30 bucks a month for the sub, (and I have never had to thanks to you all).
So my options are:
Keep my current plan and use PDA net for computer internet and throw my sim in my old Turbo when I need to Roku, etc.
Keep my current plan and roll with US998 until Dec and then maybe try a different phone with native tethering capabilities?
Change my VZ plan. I really don't think I need the true unlimited plan anymore. I would solve my V30 hotspot issues as well as save myself about 100 dollars a month.... But dammit it's kind of the principle of the matter. I like having the ENDLESS data capacity at my disposal!
Thank you for any and all suggestions!
I understand your dilemma. Couple of choices I can think of:
1) Switch to an MVNO such as Red Pocket that will give you what you need at a better price, and which works with US998. If you really need Unlimited everything, there is the following for $60/month using either AT&T (GSMA), Sprint (CDMAS) or Verizon (CDMA) as your carrier. (These are just their names for the networks, since they're not allowed to name the carriers.)
https://www.redpocket.com/plans/add/M060
I use them (although much more meager $60/year plan) with US998 on GSMA, which works great, not throttled, tethering, VoLTE. Their plans include WiFi Calling too, but I haven't been able to make it work on GSMA unless I flash a H931 ROM. There may be a way, I'm still experimenting.
2) Get a much slimmer plan that includes only what you need on the phone, such as 3GB at $19/month or $8GB at $30/month, available on the same networks. Links below:
https://www.redpocket.com/plans/add/M020
https://www.redpocket.com/plans/add/M030
Then complement that with a separate Data Only plan for your Turbo, such as $40 for 20GB/month, although only available on GSMA (AT&T).
https://www.redpocket.com/gsma/add/b040
3) Stay on Verizon with the above plans using CDMA as network. They give you VoLTE and WiFi Calling, as long as your phone supports it, but require a VZ IMEI to activate. I would *expect* that you can get at least VoLTE and tethering working on US998, although I haven't tried on VZ. But they ARE officially included in the plans.
4) Deep dive into IMS settings on US998 (through the hidden menu) and see if you can't get VoLTE working. It doesn't show up in the Network menu, but you can enable an icon in the statusbar to confirm when it's working. See my post linked below (and the following discussion) for what I did to make it work.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg...tock-firmware-los-based-t4138223/post83155603
5) Get a VS996 (or Frankenstein a US998) for your phone needs and complement it with a separate Data Only plan in your Turbo instead of tethering.
In other words various combinations I could think of. The only thing I cannot tell you is if GSMA (AT&T, which I have) has good reception in your home. And if CDMA (Red Pocket on VZ) provides the same speed you're used to on VZ postpaid.
V30 remains an awesome phone for the price, but newer models may be more compatible as the carriers switch over their networks.
For what you're currently paying at VZ, you could buy another V30 every month
You might want to see if the old hack to disable the subscription check works on the VZW rom.
* Open "build.prop" in the system folder.
* Look for or add at the bottom
net.tethering.noprovisioning=true
* Reboot and see if you can enable hotspot/tether without a subscription check.
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I have tried the build.prop edit on VS99630b with no luck. I know another user @schwinn8 has had success with this trick on Oreo 20k I believe. It's looking more and more like I'm just going to give up my plan for a cheaper one. My wife and I are saving for a house and every little bit would help! Unfortunately where I live (rural Montana) Verizon is far and wide the best carrier to go through due to their coverage so looks like I'm stuck with them for now!
I may try going back to 20k and see if the build prop trick works on it because I'll hate myself if I don't at least try
kfa670 said:
Unfortunately where I live (rural Montana) Verizon is far and wide the best carrier to go through due to their coverage so looks like I'm stuck with them for now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're NOT stuck with Verizon as far as your plan, even if they have the only network where you live. One of the points I was trying to make is that most of Red Pocket's plans are available on any of the four big networks, including Verizon.
So you could get a $60 Unlimited Everything plan using the same network you now have. That's $90 saved every month. Or you may be able to save more if you don't need 30-40GB every month, by combining a lower allotment cell plan with a Data Only plan for your WiFi/tethering needs.
If you're willing to lock in a rate for 12 months, there are annual plans which provide further savings. They're often on sale if you have patience to watch them for a while.
Really, I'm not a salesman for these guys, just a user on a low budget. My wife too
As I mentioned, TW is the winner for me - uses VZ towers and is low cost (my wife and I have unlimited calling, and 30GB "fast" data (after that it's like 1x speed or something, so it's technically unlimited, but useless at those speeds). We don't use that much, and we pay about $60 for our two lines.
As for the build.prop change, interestingly enough, I tried running hotspot on my wife's phone, and it just worked... I checked her build.prop and she does NOT have the noprovision in there anywhere. As I mentioned in PM, I didn't have it before, and when I tried to use hotspot it originally told me I had to activate that... clearly that is no longer the case. (TW allows tethering now, but they didn't originally).
Like others suggest, I say switch carriers and be happy - you'll be on VZ towers, and save cost. And not have to deal with the liars at VZ (who will likely tell you your V30 can't be used on their network, even though it can). Win-win.
Thanks again for the input. I guess ive never really researched any providers outside verizon but i know for a fact that ATT doesnt work well here but obviously we are talking other carriers that use VZ towers. Will start looking into this...
I agree verizon is a bunch of crooks.
I am now currently using the V30 with Micromods debloated VS996 pie Rom. No hot spot of course but everything is working butter smooth. Its so much faster than the Turbo its laughable but hey, that old girl gave me 5 years of solid service!
Has anyone ever tried the A.I.S ir A.I.X roms ? Where does a guy even download or acquire these? I did some brief searching but couldnt find but a few references to Telegram, which I joined and briefly tried to find where to download either one but I'm fairly tech incompetent and ran out of time... Would A.I.X be worth looking into and where would i find it?
kfa670 said:
I am now currently using the V30 with Micromods debloated VS996 pie Rom. No hot spot of course but everything is working butter smooth. Its so much faster than the Turbo its laughable but hey, that old girl gave me 5 years of solid service!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I LOVED the 2014 Moto Quark. Droid Turbo was the Verizon variant, but I had three of the "international" Moto Maxx (also sold as Moto Turbo) XT1225 which had more LTE bands (including all of AT&T's LTE bands), no CDMA bands, and all had 64GB internal memory. Some of the Verizon Droid Turbo XT1254 had 64GB, but most people in 2014 bought the 32GB version from Verizon.
Used it daily for 3 years before I got the V30. I researched for a year to find a worthy replacement and the 2017 V30 (especially the 128GB V30+) seemed to be the spiritual successor to the Moto Quark (Droid Turbo, Moto Maxx, Moto Turbo). The V30 Joan series is something the Motorola of 2014 would have made if they hadn't been sold to and cannibalized by Lenovo.
kfa670 said:
Thanks again for the input. I guess ive never really researched any providers outside verizon but i know for a fact that ATT doesnt work well here but obviously we are talking other carriers that use VZ towers. Will start looking into this...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right. You would still be using Verizon while not directly paying Verizon.
MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) use the major carriers towers but offer their own branded service. They are paying AT&T, Verizon, T-mobile (and now Sprint) wholesale prices, then packaging it for you. Some are carrier specific -- like T-mobile or Verizon only. Others use all 4 (now 3) major carriers.
All are not alike.
Some MVNOs try to hide the underlying carrier, as if it makes no difference (but it does, due to geographical differences). 2 years ago my mother's Net10 flip phone stopped receiving texts. (Don't freak, I know it was her phone not the service.) But rather than replace the phone, their customer service script entailed sending a new SIM card. OK... But I told them, it HAS to be an AT&T tower SIM card like she has now. They sent a T-mobile SIM card. She can't get T-mobile where she lives. Then, their replacement to the replacement never arrived. Tired of Net10's crap, I gave her one of my spare US998 V30 phones, and put her on my AT&T Prepaid account. (Lot less money than "regular" AT&T postpaid, if you already own your phone. It seems to be a well-kept secret. Just stay away from AT&T Prepaid "unlimited" plans. Explained below.)
My point, which I almost buried, is there are good MVNOs and bad ones. Some of the bad ones don't tell you clearly WHICH major carrier you are using. The good ones do and let you choose. Some that use Verizon towers may make you use Verizon branded phones (with Verizon IMEI) if you get their "Verizon" SIM card. Others don't care and will let you use Verizon as long as your phone is compatible. Like say, a Sprint LS998 V30+ Frankensteined to a US998. Or LS998 V30+ Frankensteined to a VS996.
If you have a native VS996 V30, then that requisite won't matter. But many Verizon customers bought LS998 V30+ (128GB) and converted them to US998 or bought them off eBay already converted to US998. (Those will never have Verizon-eligible IMEI.) BUT with an already-activated Verizon SIM card -- like switched over from Droid Turbo -- until now that didn't matter. :silly: (I am not sure whether your current phone is native VS996 or one just flashed to VS996 firmware?)
Since Verizon 3G CDMA is shutting down, those people are facing a choice by end of 2020:
* Run stock VS996 firmware on their non-Verizon branded V30 to get VoLTE with their Verizon SIM cards.
OR
* go to an "Verizon" MVNO which will still give them both Verizon service and VoLTE, especially if the "Verizon" MVNO allows non-Verizon branded phones.
OR
* go to another major carrier or carrier MVNO if geography allows.
Total Wireless recommended by @schwinn8 for example allows carrier unlocked phones for their Verizon SIM card and some plans have hotspot.
REVIEW (05/2020)- Total Wireless Review: Cheap Cell Phone Plans on Verizon’s Network
https://clark.com/technology/total-wireless-review/
Plans and Pricing
Total Wireless recently added an “unlimited plan” that provides 25GB of high-speed data for $50 a month.
This budget carrier also offers a number of single and family data plans. I chose the unlimited talk, text and 5GB of data plan that costs $35 a month or $33.20 with auto-refill, plus taxes and fees.
One of the volunteers at Team Clark’s Consumer Action Center made the switch from Verizon to Total Wireless. He told me that he lowered his bill for two lines of service from $130 to $60 a month — an annual savings of $840!
For those who use Wi-Fi at home and work, the 5GB data plan is probably the best choice. Customers can also buy 5GB of add-on data for $10 that rolls over from month-to-month.
All Total Wireless plans include unlimited talk and text, and some plans now support mobile hotspot.
Total Wireless supports Wi-Fi Calling on some devices, but my carrier unlocked Moto G6 didn’t allow me to test this feature.
However, I was able to try its Enhanced 4G LTE Mode, which appears to be another name for VoLTE (Voice over LTE). Once enabled, I could talk on the phone and use data at the same time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RedPocket recommended by @TheDannemand is an excellent MVNO for AT&T (using the GSMA SIM card. The A means AT&T). Great "annual plans" for Red Pocket -- for ALL MAJOR CARRIERS -- on ebay. See this note about VoLTE on Red Pocket "Verizon". ("CDMA SIM" is their code word for "Verizon".)
Q: Is this change limited to Red Pocket Mobile?
A: No. This change effects all MVNOs using the same underlying carrier as the Red Pocket CDMA network (i.e. Verizon).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, seems like this will affect all "Verizon" MVNOs?
AT&T Prepaid (sold and serviced in AT&T stores) is another excellent source for AT&T. The only caveat is their "unlimited" plans are capped to lower LTE speeds, while their 8GB plan and lower is completely uncapped (70 - 90 Mbps).
kfa670 said:
Has anyone ever tried the A.I.S ir A.I.X roms ? Where does a guy even download or acquire these? I did some brief searching but couldnt find but a few references to Telegram, which I joined and briefly tried to find where to download either one but I'm fairly tech incompetent and ran out of time... Would A.I.X be worth looking into and where would i find it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A.I.X. -- based on stock LG V30 Pie -- is found on the V30 Telegram thread. It's like stock on steroids. A.I.S. was the Oreo based version. You have to ask for permission to access the specific A.I.X. thread, maintained by the dev. You have to follow the installation instructions completely. To be honest, it's not for beginners. For instance, he replaces Google Play app with a modified one and as a result you can't accept Google Play app updates until he makes a newer one. If you have any problems with the ROM, don't complain. Make sure you've read all the documentation. If you complain, the dev will ban you.
A few things I would add about Red Pocket:
1) They are not ALLOWED to name the carriers whose networks they use. I presume because the carriers consider their brands so precious, they don't want MVNOs to use them in their marketing (as in "we provide service on the Verizon network").
2) While they are indeed pretty great on AT&T (GSMA) I think their T-Mobile service (GSMT) is an even better choice for US998 users as the phone fully and easily supports VoLTE and VoWiFi (WiFi Calling) on the TMO network, with proper Network settings menus and all. On GSMA (and I presume other networks too) you have to rely on the hidden menu to configure it. Unfortunately T-Mobile has become more protective of their service and is currently not available on all Red Pocket plans.
3) I can confirm what ChazzMatt posted that you need a Verizon IMEI to activate Verizon service on Red Pocket (CDMA). I tried a few months ago to switch my plan from GSMA to CDMA using my US998 (converted from LS998) but the system refused based on the IMEI. The agent quietly confirmed that I would need to activate on a VZW phone, then move the SIM over. I wish I had made that switch last year before before their policy changed, but back then I had H932, which doesn't support CDMA. While AT&T has decent reception in my home (better than TMO) it is not as good as it was two years ago. I would expect VZW to be better.
4) When I first got my US998 early this year, I checked its IMEI on their website, and it was compatible with GSMA (AT&T), GSMT (TMO) and CDMAS (Sprint). The Device Compatibility Check is no longer on their website, so I cannot confirm it now.
5) You can switch between the different carriers available on your plan, as long as your phone supports it. You do this through their Customer Service Chat, preferably on the last day of the plan month, since you lose the remaining days of that month. You need an unused SIM card for the carrier you want to switch to. If you don't have one from a starter kit, you'll have to order it from their website ($5 free shipping). Note that old SIM cards can NOT be re-used, so if you need to switch back, make sure you have an unused SIM card.
6) VoLTE is officially provided on all networks. See this. VoWiFi (WiFi Calling) is officially provided on GSMA (AT&T), GSMT (TMO) and CDMAS (Sprint), but NOT CDMA (Verizon). See this. Of course it has to be supported by the phone on the chosen network, but Red Pocket does NOT restrict access to these features. You simply ask them to enable them on your account. GSMA (AT&T) VoLTE works on my US998, but NOT on my wife's H932 (at least not easily). I have not been able to make VoWiFi work on US998 ROM, but it DOES work when flashing H931 ROM on the same phone. Others have confirmed that both VoLTE and VoWiFi work with US998 on TMO. I would definitely try a switch to CDMA (Red Pocket Verizon) with my US998 if I had a VZW IMEI on which to activate. It might work right out of the box (again, since Red Pocket DOES provide it). Otherwise I have enough experience now messing with IMS settings that I think I might be able to make it work.
7) Tethering with US998 works on GSMA by adding "dun" to the APN type. Others have confirmed that it works on genuine Verizon, and we can assume it will work on CDMA, CDMAS and GSMT as well.
8) One benefit I haven't mentioned in previous posts is that international calling is not only supported but FREE on all their plans: As long as you have minutes, you can call most of the world on those minutes at no extra cost. OTOH, sending international SMS has always been unreliable, for some reason.
9) Starting earlier this year Red Pocket began pushing iPhone sales, and downplaying BYOD, which I find annoying. I wonder if the carriers are squeezing them and they're looking for alternate revenue sources.
Alright, there's my Red Pocket write-up. All I can think of
I am on Verizon 's unlimited data plan with my v30 vs996 Frankensteined to us998. So, I will have to permanently go to the vs996 at the end of the year, as you are. Right now we (my wife and I) use her phone as our hot spot paid thru Verizon. We do not have a router for internet services. We pay Verizon for that service. When we first subscribed to it, it was $10.00 a month (not sure what it is now). We also use my phone as a Hotspot for free until the end of the year. I will then check to see if I can subscribe my phone as a hot spot, too, hopefully for the $10.0 per month.
My unlimited plan is thru a business/government plan, though. I don't know if that is why we pay only $10/month or not.
It would be nice if we could keep it the way it is now, but it doesn't appear so.
gimpy1 said:
I am on Verizon 's unlimited data plan with my v30 vs996 Frankensteined to us998. So, I will have to permanently go to the vs996 at the end of the year, as you are. Right now we (my wife and I) use her phone as our hot spot paid thru Verizon. We do not have a router for internet services. We pay Verizon for that service. When we first subscribed to it, it was $10.00 a month (not sure what it is now). We also use my phone as a Hotspot for free until the end of the year. I will then check to see if I can subscribe my phone as a hot spot, too, hopefully for the $10.0 per month.
My unlimited plan is thru a business/government plan, though. I don't know if that is why we pay only $10/month or not.
It would be nice if we could keep it the way it is now, but it doesn't appear so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have "genuine" Verizon with official hotspot, couldn't you just use the VS996 ROM and stay that way? It should give you VoLTE, WiFi Calling (I presume), and official hotspot. Something I am missing here?
Yes, I guess I could. But, it does not give me the hot spot at no cost. There is a charge for using the hot spot. ($10.00 last I looked). My wife's phone is an iPhone. Her phone does have the official Hotspot from Verizon at a cost of $10.00 per month. I have not checked the pricing, etc., in a couple of years, but my options at the time were:
1. get my internet thru another carrier at a cost, using a router (I originally had internet thru Qwest-, but, had problems with them and their support, which upset me - - another story, so discontinued them and went totally with Verizon).
2. get Verizon's hot spot device at a cost of $40 per month + a charge for the device itself ($200.00 + it seems?).
3. Use either my phone and/or my wife's phone as the hot spot. ($10.00 per month per phone).
We went with option 3. Use my wife's phone as a hot spot. That way, she always has the option to take/use it anywhere with her iPhone. I also have that option on us998 at no cost.
There are pros and cons with this option, but it's the least expensive for me right now. I do have 4 lines on my plan and pay over $240. a month for my plan.
I do not know how Verizon will work when it changes. I suppose I can have my phone as a hot spot as along with my wife's for the same charge, but have not checked. Or not. But, then if she travels and I stay home, I would be unable to connect another device to the internet (new computer or iPad).
Again, I am on a business/government plan. Which does have its perks.
Sorry for the long winded post.
I understand now. That bit about $240/month was the missing context :laugh:
Why not get a hotspot device from Verizon for $40/month to provide WiFi for the house, then get MUCH cheaper plans on Total Wireless or Red Pocket for the four phones, including only the allotments you actually need. Unless you need Unlimited Everything on all four lines, you'll still save money AND have the convenience of permanent WiFi.
Edit: Of course for the WiFi you could also get a Data Only plan on Red Pocket or TW, using a US998 or other device for the tethering.
Well, I've been on this plan for a few years now. I'm not real sure how that would work, since we have the government account. I just haven't checked. That would also affect the two other lines (not at home here).
Except for on here, I have never heard of the Red Pocket option.
And, last, but not least, I have to have the OK of my wife :>(=). She already does not trust me and my "hacked" phone. She won't let me touch our brand new computer, yet. I want to "clean" it up. (do away with bloat and advertisements, etc.).
So....
I will check into it, but, everything has to be cleared (for Verizon's part) thru our government contract person.
Anyway, I'm sorry, did not mean to hijack the thread from the OP. I thought he might check the option of using his phone as a hotspot for a minimal charge?
gimpy1 said:
And, last, but not least, I have to have the OK of my wife :>(=). She already does not trust me and my "hacked" phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha!
As you know, your "hacked" phone gives you free hotspot (at least for now).
With my wife, it's when it's something she needs. Then she asks for my help. "I know you can figure it how to do this..."
Until then she pretends my hobbies are a waste of time.
VoLTE should work on Verizon if you have the US998...
jptV30 said:
VoLTE should work on Verizon if you have the US998...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VoLTE works for T-Mobile on US998. No one has been able to do it on Verizon with a US998 V30 that was not originally a Verizon branded VS996. Have you?
ChazzMatt said:
VoLTE works for T-Mobile on US998. No one has been able to do it on Verizon with a US998 V30 that was not originally a Verizon branded VS996. Have you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on a Verizon MVNO and VoLTE has been working on my US998. I have read others who are direct Verizon customers saying the same thing. Just to be clear, I am talking about a true US998 and not a phone crossflashed to US998...
jptV30 said:
I am on a Verizon MVNO and VoLTE has been working on my US998. I have read others who are direct Verizon customers saying the same thing. Just to be clear, I am talking about a true US998 and not a phone crossflashed to US998...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting.
Yes, direct Verizon customer on native US998 and still on US998 firmware is what we're talking about.
So far it appears that only tmobile networks allow this phone, since at&t does not support VoLTE with this phone (must set to 3g in order to receive texts/calls). I love this phone, but tmobiles cell towers don't offer a good signal in my area (using straight talk w/ tmobile card). So this got me wondering, which wireless carriers can this actually use now days? What do you personally use with this phone, and how is the service? Verizon definetly won't work either, so it looks like I am out of options... Any replies to this would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!
You sure? Here's the AT&T white list, more may have been added since...
I am positive. And yes, I have seen my phone on the list. no phone calls or text messaging when on LTE (and at&t). I looked into changing the IMEI so that I could use a random generated one that matches an s20 or some other phone that is more compatible, then gave up on it. At this point Im looking to sell my s10 lite so I can buy a oneplus 8T/Pro, just so I get better compatibility. Supposedly AT&T is also dropping support for international versions of cell phones, which this is. I went through 3 different at&t sim cards and all have the same result. I just wish there was a way to change my IMEI (or somehow spoof a different phone some other way)
On The Go Repairs said:
I am positive. And yes, I have seen my phone on the list. no phone calls or text messaging when on LTE (and at&t). I looked into changing the IMEI so that I could use a random generated one that matches an s20 or some other phone that is more compatible, then gave up on it. At this point Im looking to sell my s10 lite so I can buy a oneplus 8T/Pro, just so I get better compatibility. Supposedly AT&T is also dropping support for international versions of cell phones, which this is. I went through 3 different at&t sim cards and all have the same result. I just wish there was a way to change my IMEI (or somehow spoof a different phone some other way)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is VoLTE enabled etc in hidden phone settings?
Did you have AT&T reset it on their end?
Talk to AT&T advanced tech support.
If white listed it should work!
I have straight talk which gives three options: at&t, TMobile, or Verizon (so I can't call att directly). I went into the hidden menu settings and VoLTE was turned off and greyed out. I even opened a file and added a few lines (might have been build.prop or something like that, don't remember) and all that did was switch it on in the settings (but still greyed out).
When I called straight talk tech support and asked them to provision VoLTE, all they would say is that the sim card is provisioned, and that's all they can do. Phone and text used to work if I set it on 3g (instead of lte), but this was less than optimal. I also read a reddit post today from someone four hours away that said they killed off the 3g now, so I'm not going to try using another at&t card until I get a different phone that is compatible. I know this phone is capable of VoLTE but at&t sucks, and they want to force a bunch of people to upgrade to newer phones for whatever reason.
I've even had this phone work with a Verizon sim card swapped from a different phone, but after a few days it gets shut off. So it's not a question of compatibility more than it is at&t just being jerks.
OnTheGoRepairs said:
I have straight talk which gives three options: at&t, TMobile, or Verizon (so I can't call att directly). I went into the hidden menu settings and VoLTE was turned off and greyed out. I even opened a file and added a few lines (might have been build.prop or something like that, don't remember) and all that did was switch it on in the settings (but still greyed out).
When I called straight talk tech support and asked them to provision VoLTE, all they would say is that the sim card is provisioned, and that's all they can do. Phone and text used to work if I set it on 3g (instead of lte), but this was less than optimal. I also read a reddit post today from someone four hours away that said they killed off the 3g now, so I'm not going to try using another at&t card until I get a different phone that is compatible. I know this phone is capable of VoLTE but at&t sucks, and they want to force a bunch of people to upgrade to newer phones for whatever reason.
I've even had this phone work with a Verizon sim card swapped from a different phone, but after a few days it gets shut off. So it's not a question of compatibility more than it is at&t just being jerks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight talk maybe the issue. I don't know for sure. Maybe it's the sim card.
Both my N10+'s N975U, N975U1 made the jump seamlessly, no changes were needed on my side.
However the N975U was configured for 4G VoLTE already.
On the new N975U1 all I did was plug the N975U sim card in and it was online.
I feel you... this was an unwanted learning curve for me and had me doing a lot of Google searches.
Hello!
Can someone please help me with this?
Everything was fine until 2-3 days ago. When all of a sudden I was unable to send text messages or make phone calls. All the while I could access internet without any issues.
If I switch to 2G or EDGE for the Subnetwork, I can make calls and send SMS.
How can I fix this?
Could dropping the phone have caused this?
Dropping could certainly break something, of course, but let's assume that's not it.
What carrier? Is the phone officially supported by them (ie, IMEI matches the carrier)? Are you on their official ROM? Does/did your VOLTE work (before and after the "few days ago")?
Some carriers are switching over to VOLTE-only setups, so they may be testing that to see what works/doesn't before they make it final. In other words, maybe your phone is not "officially" supported by VOLTE on the carrier, which is why it's failing? Without VOLTE, I think text may fail as well (even if you're not actively on a call?)
That would be my first guess. In my case, for example, I was on a US998 phone (per IMEI) running VS996 on Verizon. Since the IMEI didn't match a VZ phone, they refused to say it was compatible (even though it worked fine for many years). The IMEI stuff is a bunch of BS, but that's a whole separate topic... but I wonder if this is what you're running into. It's the carrier's way to force you into "their" device, even though it's not any different from any other variant (when the proper ROM is installed).
schwinn8 said:
Dropping could certainly break something, of course, but let's assume that's not it.
What carrier? Is the phone officially supported by them (ie, IMEI matches the carrier)? Are you on their official ROM? Does/did your VOLTE work (before and after the "few days ago")?
Some carriers are switching over to VOLTE-only setups, so they may be testing that to see what works/doesn't before they make it final. In other words, maybe your phone is not "officially" supported by VOLTE on the carrier, which is why it's failing? Without VOLTE, I think text may fail as well (even if you're not actively on a call?)
That would be my first guess. In my case, for example, I was on a US998 phone (per IMEI) running VS996 on Verizon. Since the IMEI didn't match a VZ phone, they refused to say it was compatible (even though it worked fine for many years). The IMEI stuff is a bunch of BS, but that's a whole separate topic... but I wonder if this is what you're running into. It's the carrier's way to force you into "their" device, even though it's not any different from any other variant (when the proper ROM is installed).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrier texts should theoretically still work as they are "data". It's the "voice" part of VoLTE that won't work. That's why I can still receive carrier texts on my Galaxy Note 9 with AT&T -- which still has older firmware (so I can be rooted). A few months ago, I lost the ability to make/receive phone calls on my AT&T number when 3G towers were decommissioned in my area... But luckily I have Google Voice number, which also uses "data" (VoIP) so I make/receive all my Google Voice phone calls. (That's been my main phone number for years.)
However, I no longer can make/receive AT&T phone number calls -- which is fine. I switched Google Voice settings to data/Wi-Fi only instead of piggy backing on carrier phone number. Yet, I still receive AT&T texts, which is good because my bank insists on using a "real" (carrier) phone number for SMS security code confirmation.
Amer28 said:
Hello!
Can someone please help me with this?
Everything was fine until 2-3 days ago. When all of a sudden I was unable to send text messages or make phone calls. All the while I could access internet without any issues.
If I switch to 2G or EDGE for the Subnetwork, I can make calls and send SMS.
How can I fix this?
Could dropping the phone have caused this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are in Portland? What carrier are you using that still has 2G and Edge?
ChazzMatt said:
You are in Portland? What carrier are you using that still has 2G and Edge?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm with a company that uses T-Mobile towers. I connect just fine with 4G LTE, and get reasonably good speeds over it. But when I'm on 4G, I cannot make or receive calls or text. It says Emergency Calls Only.
So far, I've tried everything. I resettled network. I looked for different APN values that may fix the issue. When I couldn't think of anything else, I did a factory reset. (I mean, I wiped Data, and all other partitions in TWRP except for System and SD Card.) There have been no changes.
I'm starting to think the issue may be hardware, I did drop the phone a couple of times the day it stopped working. Though I usually end up dropping the phone once a day or every two days. I can't believe the screen hasn't cracked yet, at all. Could a drop from 3-4 feet on hard surface like tiles damage the antenna in such a way that only 4G data works?
I'm ready to give up and buy a new phone even though I can't really afford it. It would be awesome if I can get this to work.
schwinn8 said:
Dropping could certainly break something, of course, but let's assume that's not it.
What carrier? Is the phone officially supported by them (ie, IMEI matches the carrier)? Are you on their official ROM? Does/did your VOLTE work (before and after the "few days ago")?
Some carriers are switching over to VOLTE-only setups, so they may be testing that to see what works/doesn't before they make it final. In other words, maybe your phone is not "officially" supported by VOLTE on the carrier, which is why it's failing? Without VOLTE, I think text may fail as well (even if you're not actively on a call?)
That would be my first guess. In my case, for example, I was on a US998 phone (per IMEI) running VS996 on Verizon. Since the IMEI didn't match a VZ phone, they refused to say it was compatible (even though it worked fine for many years). The IMEI stuff is a bunch of BS, but that's a whole separate topic... but I wonder if this is what you're running into. It's the carrier's way to force you into "their" device, even though it's not any different from any other variant (when the proper ROM is installed).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on T-Mobile towers with the US998. I don't think there is an issue with IMEI. How would I connect to data with 4G if that was the case?
I never had Volte on this phone. I do recall seeing it when I first got it but I'm running stock rooted Android 9.
When I say it used to work a few days ago, I mean it just stopped working at one point. I wanted to make a phone call, and all of a sudden, I couldn't. I noticed then that it says Emergency Only sign, so I walked around the house for about 15 mins to try to get signal. Then I went to my car and drove around, but nothing.
I messed around with Network settings, and figured out that Voice and TXT worked when I switch to a lower 'Sub-Network' setting that says, "GSM / GSPR / EDGE Only".
To get 4G Data back, I have to switch it back to "LTE/Legacy 3GPP multi"
These two are found under "GSM/UMTS Settings", after clicking on "System Select" in "Mobile Networks ".
I want to also mention that my carrier website has been talking about a data migration that would affect phones using their old SIM Card.
When I saw that, I called them and had them send me a new SIM. I thought surely this must be it, but the new SIM works exactly like the old one.
Perhaps the migration or whatever it is they did that required new SIM cards just doesn't work well with my phone? Even though, before putting the order in, the rep I spoke to did check my IMEI and said that my phone is compatible.
Agreed, it doesn't sound like an IMEI issue.
FWIW, I showed a 4G connection on a phone (I don't remember if it was my V30 or a Galaxy S10+ that I was going to replace it with). On that phone, at one point, but there was no actual connection. So, the indicators aren't always accurate. That's why I thought maybe the data isn't really working, and if data isn't working then VOLTE won't work... and with many of the carriers switching off non-VOLTE calling, that could kill the ability to make calls?
In your case, you said data worked... but if VOLTE was never enabled, and the carrier dropped non-VOLTE, then, again, you may lose calling.
In any case, these were my theories. I think you're on top of the situation but I don't have any other ideas for you to try...
Instead of buying a new phone, have you considered installing and setting up Google Voice, as ChazzMatt said? I recently had to do that because AT&T's 3G shutdown meant that I could no longer place or receive calls. My quick guide on doing that is here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...-based-custom-roms-when.4138223/post-87342453
I don't know why you can't also send or receive texts, but the Google Voice app has the ability to do that, so maybe try using that after you've set it up.
Amer28 said:
I'm on T-Mobile towers with the US998. I don't think there is an issue with IMEI. How would I connect to data with 4G if that was the case?
I never had Volte on this phone. I do recall seeing it when I first got it but I'm running stock rooted Android 9.
When I say it used to work a few days ago, I mean it just stopped working at one point. I wanted to make a phone call, and all of a sudden, I couldn't. I noticed then that it says Emergency Only sign, so I walked around the house for about 15 mins to try to get signal. Then I went to my car and drove around, but nothing.
I messed around with Network settings, and figured out that Voice and TXT worked when I switch to a lower 'Sub-Network' setting that says, "GSM / GSPR / EDGE Only".
To get 4G Data back, I have to switch it back to "LTE/Legacy 3GPP multi"
These two are found under "GSM/UMTS Settings", after clicking on "System Select" in "Mobile Networks ".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's been reports T-Mobile which is now merged with Sprint has borked the ability for VoLTE/VoWiFi calling on US998 firmware phones (native or Frankenstein'ed). Apparently they only allow it now on T-Mobile H932, whereas pre merger they were happy to give VoLTE and voWi-Fi calling to "US998" phones
First, it was reported with new SIM cards they were distributing earlier this year. Then people who kept their old SIM cards found they didn't work after a forced "security update."
This seems to have also trickled down to the T-Mobile MVNOs.
This is why we told someone else recently they should probably convert their phone from US998 on T-Mobile to Verizon VS996 firmware.
Then get a Verizon sim card or Verizon MVNO SIM card, and activate it in an old cracked screen Verizon phone off eBay, then put that already-activated SIM card into their "VS996" V30.
They will have VoLTE and VoWi-Fi calling.
Alternatively, if you really want to stick with T-Mobile network, you can do what @osprey00 suggested -- which is get a Google Voice number and use it as a tool to forward your carrier calls to it.
You can read his post, see his experiences, and see if this would apply to you.
For ME -- I've been using Google Voice for the past 10 years as my main phone number. I ported my carrier phone number at the time to Google Voice. Then got throwaway carrier numbers (whoever had cheapest plan) but never gave those to my friends. To my friends nothing ever changed. I've had the same "number" for the past two decades.
But within the past couple years, I had to start giving my bank and my cable company my carrier phone number for SMS security codes. Very annoying, because in the past they used my Google Voice number to text me with no problem.
So, even though under my current firmware (on my rooted Note 9) I cannot get carrier phone calls, I still have LTE data. And with the LTE data, I can use Google Voice (calls and texts) because it's VoIP. I also get AT&t carrier texts, as that is also data. It's just AT&T phone calls I cannot send or receive.
AT&T deactivated the SIM card in my native US998 V30+ and sent me a replacement phone, which is a Samsung Note 9. I'm staying with AT&T for a reason. Otherwise I would probably pull the "V30" Verizon trick also.
I bought both my wife and my elderly mother 64GB V35 phones -- which is basically an upgraded 64GB V30. (They previously had native US998 V30.) AT&T gives V35 VoLTE and WiFi calling, and for them there was nothing new to learn.
ChazzMatt said:
There's been reports T-Mobile which is now merged with Sprint has borked the ability for VoLTE/VoWiFi calling on US998 firmware phones (native or Frankenstein'ed). Apparently they only allow it now on T-Mobile H932, whereas pre merger they were happy to give VoLTE and voWi-Fi calling to "US998" phones
First, it was reported with new SIM cards they were distributing earlier this year. Then people who kept their old SIM cards found they didn't work after a forced "security update."
This seems to have also trickled down to the T-Mobile MVNOs.
This is why we told someone else recently they should probably convert their phone from US998 on T-Mobile to Verizon VS996 firmware.
Then get a Verizon sim card or Verizon MVNO SIM card, and activate it in an old cracked screen Verizon phone off eBay, then put that already-activated SIM card into their "VS996" V30.
They will have VoLTE and VoWi-Fi calling.
Alternatively, if you really want to stick with T-Mobile network, you can do what @osprey00 suggested -- which is get a Google Voice number and use it as a tool to forward your carrier calls to it.
You can read his post, see his experiences, and see if this would apply to you.
For ME -- I've been using Google Voice for the past 10 years as my main phone number. I ported my carrier phone number at the time to Google Voice. Then got throwaway carrier numbers (whoever had cheapest plan) but never gave those to my friends. To my friends nothing ever changed. I've had the same "number" for the past two decades.
But within the past couple years, I had to start giving my bank and my cable company my carrier phone number for SMS security codes. Very annoying, because in the past they used my Google Voice number to text me with no problem.
So, even though under my current firmware (on my rooted Note 9) I cannot get carrier phone calls, I still have LTE data. And with the LTE data, I can use Google Voice (calls and texts) because it's VoIP. I also get AT&t carrier texts, as that is also data. It's just AT&T phone calls I cannot send or receive.
AT&T deactivated the SIM card in my native US998 V30+ and sent me a replacement phone, which is a Samsung Note 9. I'm staying with AT&T for a reason. Otherwise I would probably pull the "V30" Verizon trick also.
I bought both my wife and my elderly mother 64GB V35 phones -- which is basically an upgraded 64GB V30. (They previously had native US998 V30.) AT&T gives V35 VoLTE and WiFi calling, and for them there was nothing new to learn.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it was a hardware problem, honestly.
No matter what I did, I even tried different ROM to ensure I didn't mess around with root settings and somehow enabled or disabled something that I should not have. I tried flashing stock radios, and no, nothing would fix it.
I took my brothers phone to see if the SIM card would work with his phone, an unlocked Google FI phone. As soon as I installed the SIM, and booted up the phone, I could tell it was working perfectly even on the lock screen. Right away the status showed the name of the wireless company, and active 5G data icon on the status.
I must have damaged the internal radio or the LTE data modem when I dropped the phone last. The screen of the phone never broke even though I dropped the phone countless times, though the back glass has cracked lines all over even if the surface is still smooth and the phone continued being waterproof (I tested).
Anyway, I have since bought a new phone and the Data/Text/Talk all work perfectly on it.
I'm not sure what I'll do with this phone, as selling it wouldn't be ethical. And I doubt anyone would buy a phone with the warning that service may not work.
Ah well, I may just keep and use it as a test device.
Thanks to all who tried to help.
Amer28 said:
I think it was a hardware problem, honestly.
No matter what I did, I even tried different ROM to ensure I didn't mess around with root settings and somehow enabled or disabled something that I should not have. I tried flashing stock radios, and no, nothing would fix it.
I took my brothers phone to see if the SIM card would work with his phone, an unlocked Google FI phone. As soon as I installed the SIM, and booted up the phone, I could tell it was working perfectly even on the lock screen. Right away the status showed the name of the wireless company, and active 5G data icon on the status.
I must have damaged the internal radio or the LTE data modem when I dropped the phone last. The screen of the phone never broke even though I dropped the phone countless times, though the back glass has cracked lines all over even if the surface is still smooth and the phone continued being waterproof (I tested).
Anyway, I have since bought a new phone and the Data/Text/Talk all work perfectly on it.
I'm not sure what I'll do with this phone, as selling it wouldn't be ethical. And I doubt anyone would buy a phone with the warning that service may not work.
Ah well, I may just keep and use it as a test device.
Thanks to all who tried to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tried a rom on a j7 2015 because android 6 is going to be left and I only get emergency calls on lte and on 3g, no problem. It's not imei problem maybe exynos processor. I went back to 6.0.1 and no problem with 4g lite. By the way, I'm not in the USA.