Straight Talk on GALAXY Note II - Galaxy Note II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Just wondering if anyone inside the US is doing a straight talk prepaid plan with a Note II. I really want to know what the best route to do this is. Such as where to get the phone, and how to transfer the number. Thanks in advance people!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

Just buy the straight talk SIM, and put it in your note 1 or 2 and your good to go
Obviously you note has to be SIM unlocked
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda app-developers app

I had a note 1 and a sgs3 that WASNT unlocked and it worked fine with st. I now have the n7100 and it also works fine. Go to www.straighttalk.com and order the AT&T compatible sim. When you get it in go back to the website and activate it and port your number.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

Note 2 and Straight Talk = Match made in Heaven

Twistedchild420 said:
Note 2 and Straight Talk = Match made in Heaven
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Ugh... I want to make the jump so bad from my Droid 3 but a hearty ETF stands in my way. I have the AT&T SIM card just decided if I'm going to get the international or wait for the US release...and pay the ETF.

Does it support the 4G rated speeds on AT&T or other networks?
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app

Jcossack88 said:
Does it support the 4G rated speeds on AT&T or other networks?
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app
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No LTE but does support HSPA+. 8Mbps down and 1Mbps up is the fastest I saw in my area. Don't expect unlimited data, 2GB seems to be the consensus on the ATT sim.

gedster314 said:
No LTE but does support HSPA+. 8Mbps down and 1Mbps up is the fastest I saw in my area. Don't expect unlimited data, 2GB seems to be the consensus on the ATT sim.
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Well then, looks like I'm sticking with Sprint. Thanks for the input!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

And be sure to port your number at the time of activation. I thought it was a two-step process and activated WITHOUT porting and they had to send me a new SIM, as its only good for 1 activation. BUT the good news is, they quickly answered my call & resolved my issue hassle free...i was worried having dealt with Cricket in the past, but this Straight Talk is the real deal, been happy as a clam for 5 mos with them. It was only me on the plan so my savings from AT&T is like $70.00 a mo, but the way i see it, Straight Talk paid for my Galaxy Note II with money leftover ST: $45x24 mos=$1080.00 + $725.00 cost of phone = $1805.00 ATT: $120x24=$2880.00 +$299 Cost of phone = 3099.00 Savings $1294.00
If you can give up LTE (i could) and walk-in service its a no brainer oh yeah - and 15.00 for activation, don't wanna redo all the math but just deduct $15 from total savings : )
Since G-Note II takes micro-sim and had to take a deep breath when i put the SIM in the cutter (purchased from e-bay $5.00) becuase if i had screwed it up i would had to wait for a new SIM but it went off without a hitch. As soon as i keyed in the APN of my Samsung Infuse, i had my lil H+ signal and was good to go....
Also, just a heads up to anyone who thinks 2 GB (approx 100MB a day) is not enough data, for me, i have 3 G watchdog set to disable data at 80% for 100MB a day and it has never come close to the limit... i use my internet on phone to search about 50 to 60 sites a day... One word of caution tho, if you land on a page that "automatically plays a video ad", you need to pause that sucker because that alone with eat up approx 1MB for each second or so it plays. All those ads have a pause button, but you have to hover over the ad to get it to appear.... : )

Ms.Dummbunny said:
And be sure to port your number at the time of activation. I thought it was a two-step process and activated WITHOUT porting and they had to send me a new SIM, as its only good for 1 activation. BUT the good news is, they quickly answered my call & resolved my issue hassle free...i was worried having dealt with Cricket in the past, but this Straight Talk is the real deal, been happy as a clam for 5 mos with them. It was only me on the plan so my savings from AT&T is like $70.00 a mo, but the way i see it, Straight Talk paid for my Galaxy Note II with money leftover ST: $45x24 mos=$1080.00 + $725.00 cost of phone = $1805.00 ATT: $120x24=$2880.00 +$299 Cost of phone = 3099.00 Savings $1294.00 If you can give up LTE (i could) and walk-in service its a no brainer oh yeah - and 15.00 for activation, don't wanna redo all the math but just deduct $15 from total savings : )
Since G-Note II takes micro-sim and had to take a deep breath when i put the SIM in the cutter (purchased from e-bay $5.00) becuase if i had screwed it up i would had to wait for a new SIM but it went off without a hitch. As soon as i keyed in the APN of my Samsung Infuse, i had my lil H+ signal and was good to go....
Also, just a heads up to anyone who thinks 2 GB (approx 100MB a day) is not enough data, for me, i have 3 G watchdog set to disable data at 80% for 100MB a day and it has never come close to the limit... i use my internet on phone to search about 50 to 60 sites a day... One word of caution tho, if you land on a page that "automatically plays a video ad", you need to pause that sucker because that alone with eat up approx 1MB for each second or so it plays. All those ads have a pause button, but you have to hover over the ad to get it to appear.... : )
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How are the speeds?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

BennyJr said:
How are the speeds?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
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Honestly they vary between 2MB and 6MB down, i never pay attn to up, but completely consistant connection. In the 5 mos i ve had them, never once have i had data connection drop. Since streaming & downloading videos isn't permitted anyway, just unlimited site surfing, those speeds are more than ample....
Many ppl don't realize if you select an AT&T Sim, Straight Talk will only only use AT&T towers, (At&t allows them to use them for a cost and then Straight Talk re-harvests them out, so to speak....) so if AT&T's coverage is good in ur area and you just need internet for surfing and emails and maybe maintaining your Instagram acct, you're golden : )

It's funny op opened this thread, I ordered my straight talk micro SIM card two days ago and it'll arrive tomorrow. I'm so excited to leave crappy gophone!
---------- Post added at 09:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:13 PM ----------
gedster314 said:
No LTE but does support HSPA+. 8Mbps down and 1Mbps up is the fastest I saw in my area. Don't expect unlimited data, 2GB seems to be the consensus on the ATT sim.
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Two gigs is more than enough for me. On AT&T gophone, I used 2 gigs in a little over 3 months doing heavy use ( for my use its heavy at least). People don't realize, forums like tapatalk and apps don't use that much data. When u do that you're good to go.

I tried it with my brother's sim and the HSPA was pretty fast but no LTE.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

I use wayy too much data....too much YouTube and Google Currents reading stacks my usage up pretty high. So, unfortunately I cannot dig on 2GB a month...I use that in like 4 days. I thought they had an unlimited data plan at $45 a month?

Jcossack88 said:
I use wayy too much data....too much YouTube and Google Currents reading stacks my usage up pretty high. So, unfortunately I cannot dig on 2GB a month...I use that in like 4 days. I thought they had an unlimited data plan at $45 a month?
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Well apparently that unlimited data is really 2gigs of data. Personally that's more than I can use, there's wifi everywhere I go (work, home, Starbucks you name it).

Jcossack88 said:
..... I thought they had an unlimited data plan at $45 a month?
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The devil is in the details...lol Its actually "unlimited web", not unlimited data (in other words no downloading videos or streaming, but doing everything else (web searches, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, gmail etc) to your hearts content shouldn't be a problem
EvoYas said:
I tried it with my brother's sim and the HSPA was pretty fast but no LTE.
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Nope, no LTE but for the above actions LTE is completely unneccessary and you'd barely notice the diff
barondebxl said:
Two gigs is more than enough for me. On AT&T gophone, I used 2 gigs in a little over 3 months doing heavy use ( for my use its heavy at least). People don't realize, forums like tapatalk and apps don't use that much data. When u do that you're good to go.
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2GB really can be a lot more than MOST ppl need which is why they are doing so well. Cutting a cell phone bill in half as they advertise is worth it to a lot of ppl to reign in their data consumption. I know for me i just wait till i'm on wi-fi to upload or watch my vids and i'm good.
And not having to deal with a cell phone company everrrrrrrr is awesome. I just have S.T. on autopay and 3G Data Watchdog installed set with a DAILY 100MB limit to alert me when i reach 75% (in 5 months i have never reached that limit) and i never think about either one : )

Related

just replaced my vzw with a gsm variant for prepaid. looking for voip tips.

So i got tired of paying 190 a month for my phones and made the plunge for the gsm nexus and tmobiles 30 a month plan. I am looking to use a voip system to hopefully not go over my new 100 min plan. I plan on trying this over 3g and am wondering what people recommend for voip solutions for there phone. I have tried groove ip but discovered I had terrible latency. Any tips? Thanks!
Just get the unlimited $50 plan from simple mobile. Either way every gsm company has a data limit of like 2-3gbs and then they slow u down
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
I cannot remember the name of it for the life of me, but they just added ICS/JB support
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Bloodykiller86 said:
Just get the unlimited $50 plan from simple mobile. Either way every gsm company has a data limit of like 2-3gbs and then they slow u down
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Data is the reason to go with the $30 T-Mobile plan, you get 5gb before slow down.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
VOIP is just never going to be as consistent or useful as the regular cell network calls, especially if you're talking about calls over HSPA+. Its unfortunate but it is how it is right now. Any VOIP solution you find will be a convoluted hack to help you get by if you're close to your monthly usage limit, and really shouldn't be relied on as your main source of calls. Don't get this plan expecting to make 800 minutes of calls every month using VOIP. The $30 T-Mobile plan is a fantastic value if you truly don't make a lot of calls (or have a land line at home), but its definitely not for everyone.
Hop over to a plan with unlimited calls if you need to make a lot of calls every month. Straight Talk $45, Net10 $50, Simple Mobile $50, T-Mobile $60/$70 are all good options, and are still drastically cheaper than carrier plans.
If you're interested in VOIP though, they've dove into it for dozens of pages here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1646755
I can say that the call quality on Straight Talk Sim Att is great and its not that much more than Tmo per month. Calling is unlimited. Att coverage isn't as good as VZW but its pretty darn close for me. Well worth the $45+ per month I am saving over VZW.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
well i bought a tmobile plan and I was going to try that with the VOIP but that sounds like it isnt the way to go. What is the data cap on simple mobiles plans? I just called there customer service and she told me its fully unlimited but I dont believe that for a second.
I thought about straight talk since theres is $45 but I can only get 2GB on there unlimited plan. Thanks
ml3000 said:
well i bought a tmobile plan and I was going to try that with the VOIP but that sounds like it isnt the way to go. What is the data cap on simple mobiles plans? I just called there customer service and she told me its fully unlimited but I dont believe that for a second.
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Really depends on your market and usage. People report 3GB-5GB.
I thought about straight talk since theres is $45 but I can only get 2GB on there unlimited plan. Thanks
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People keep saying Straight Talk has a 2GB cap like it's gospel. This really isn't the case. It depends on your usage over the month and the network saturation of other ST users in your area. Lots of people Regularly push 3GB per month. It's just not set in stone.
Well I need closer to 5 to make this usable. So straight talk or simple mobile? What are the recommendations? I can confirm... VOIP=Not really usable for day to day use.
ml3000 said:
Well I need closer to 5 to make this usable. So straight talk or simple mobile?
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Out of those two if you need 5GB I'd suggest Simple Mobile, but I doubt you'll be able to consistently go that high (Simple Mobile was bought by Straight Talk a couple months ago). If you need to have 5GB of guaranteed data you need to either use the $30 T-Mobile plan and pay for minute overages, or go with the $70 T-Mobile plan. No one else will guarantee that much data.
I can confirm... VOIP=Not really usable for day to day use.
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As is the case for most people.
Why do you need 5 gigabytes to make it usable? Are you streaming a lot, do you not have access to WiFi, are you downloading large files? I was using 3 to 5 when I was on Verizon but found myself using way less when I started managing my data use.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Here's a wild idea...now bear with me here but wait for it......ONLY USE DATA WHEN YOU NEED IT!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Get the unlimited talk+text and the new truly unlimited data 4G speed(coming sept 5th) from T-Mobile for $74.99
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Smokeey said:
Here's a wild idea...now bear with me here but wait for it......ONLY USE DATA WHEN YOU NEED IT!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That idea doesn't go over well in these forums lol.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
ml3000 said:
Well I need closer to 5 to make this usable. So straight talk or simple mobile? What are the recommendations? I can confirm... VOIP=Not really usable for day to day use.
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Click to collapse
If you can get by until next month you might try Solavei they are launching Sept 21 and have unlimited data, talk and text. You get 4 Gb of 4G data then unlimited at 2G/edge. Many other features and benefits as well. I'm using Solavei now and it is the best thing I have tried so far. I hope to do a full review next week sometime. If you have any questions feel free to PM me.
I do a lot of surfing, a lot of streaming of Pandora, I have a stupid long commute so I also download a lot of apps and ROMs via my connection. So between simple mobile and straight talk, everyone prefers simple mobile it looks like. I just don't want to be kicked off
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I drive an hour to work everyday so I can understand wanting to stream music. I just rip radio streams off the internet to my computer over WiFi then transfer to my phone as local music. Haven't tried with Pandora.
You are going to have to pick up a WiFi connection somewhere with straight talk or simple if downloading large rom files and streaming a lot. You could always just leave proxy blank in APN setting and hope they don't notice.
I would give the $30 tmo a try with VoIP. Its only $30. Maybe the call quality will be good enough for you who knows. You can use Google voice or talk for free messaging if you need too.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Most of my calls are unimportant (I.E., family/friends). So I was able to make PBxes.org + SipDroid work very well for outgoing calls reliably over 3g/4g and Wifi (if I wasn't moving past cell towers). For 'real' calls to the bank and such, I just used up the 100 minutes allocated to me.
Recently, I switched to paying ~$2-5/month extra through VOIP.MS for way better VOIP calling. I can even call on 2G (edge) reliably. Though I am still working on it a bit more to really configure it well and I might be using extra battery atm since it uses UDP instead of TCP connections... So again a work in progress.
This thread, as mentioned earlier is helpful:
[INFO][GSM] Own Your Cell Service ..with Prepaid and the Galaxy Nexus [UPDATED 5/24]
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1455014
However, this thread is the bread and butter for configuring VOIP imo. There was heavy discussion near the last 5-20 pages, but I would start with the first post and 6th post(the FAQ post).
[GUIDE] Smartphone Service for just $30/month
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1646755
VOIP works fine imo and worst case, they go to my GVoice voicemail and I call them right back, at least with my newer setup using VOIP.MS.
I've used the $30/mo plan since March and just recently picked up 4 months of prepay for $28.50/month (notice no tax and 5% more savings). The savings of a $45/mo plan for unlimited talk is ~$180/year (assuming a little more then 28.50/mo due to my VOIP.MS being another $2-5/month). I am willing to sacrifice a little on missed calls for that kind of extra savings.
Enjoy!
@stelv, please excuse my ignorance. What is the function of the APN on a gsm phone? I come from being on vzw forever.
Also, simple mobile use T-Mobile? I'm leaning towards straight talk att. Discovering T-Mobile really sucks in north Idaho :-/ hopefully I won't use over 3GB....
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
ml3000 said:
So i got tired of paying 190 a month for my phones and made the plunge for the gsm nexus and tmobiles 30 a month plan. I am looking to use a voip system to hopefully not go over my new 100 min plan. I plan on trying this over 3g and am wondering what people recommend for voip solutions for there phone. I have tried groove ip but discovered I had terrible latency. Any tips? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Talkatone. In my experience, it works much better than Groove Ip. Used to use Talkatone on my iPod as well.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Straight Talk

I was told that if I bought a Simm card from them for $12 I could still use the T-Mobile service? Its $45 a month unlimited. If I pay 200 to term my T-mobile Account, I break even in 5 months??? Vs. the *0 a month I spend now. Is this true?????
ScottBroker said:
I was told that if I bought a Simm card from them for $12 I could still use the T-Mobile service? Its $45 a month unlimited. If I pay 200 to term my T-mobile Account, I break even in 5 months??? Vs. the *0 a month I spend now. Is this true?????
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I'm gonna guess you meant $80 since that is where the star key is on the keyboard and you are more than likely on a post paid plan. Yes, Straight Talk is just a virtual carrier of T-Mobile/AT&T. It is prepaid and there is limitations. T-Mobile also has prepaid Unlimited for $50 just so you have options here.
But there is a catch to Straight Talk – unlimited is actually limited. If you start using too much data, you WILL be cut off, and will lose your prepaid time, and they will disable your sim card / phone from working on their virtual network. Read fine print to understand the details of unlimited “web browsing” (that is no tethering, no downloading, no youtube). In a nutshell – Straight Talk will cut off heavy data users after about 2-3 GB in one month, and if you are not cut off right away, there is always that chance. If you use mobile web moderately, you are safe.
By contrast – T-Mo gives you 5GB of full speed data (up-to 42Mbps, which is comparable with LTE speeds), and even if you go over 5GB, they will throttle your speed to 2G – not cut you off or charge you extra.
Straighttalk WILL THROTTLE you even if you consume less than 1gb. I was 2 days into my month when my service was throttled. I called and it was fixed. (had consumed less than 200mbs) and then i was throtteled again the next day. They said i was being throttled and my regular speeds were gonna return when my service plan ended (which was like 27 days latee). I told them hell no and that i wanted the service i paided for. They said i had violated some terms for data usage and that i could not use tethering. Since then ive only used my cell to browse my emails and check news and its being throttled once again. Im moving to tmobile once my month is up.
If you use your phone moderately, you should be fine.
Im using a att micro sim.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
kobe4rings said:
Straighttalk WILL THROTTLE you even if you consume less than 1gb. I was 2 days into my month when my service was throttled. I called and it was fixed. (had consumed less than 200mbs) and then i was throtteled again the next day. They said i was being throttled and my regular speeds were gonna return when my service plan ended (which was like 27 days latee). I told them hell no and that i wanted the service i paided for. They said i had violated some terms for data usage and that i could not use tethering. Since then ive only used my cell to browse my emails and check news and its being throttled once again. Im moving to tmobile once my month is up.
If you use your phone moderately, you should be fine.
Im using a att micro sim.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
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This has been reported using a StraightTalk SIM using at&T's network not the ones using T-Mobile's network though. StraightTalk service with a T-Mobile SIM rocks assuming TM has good coverage in your area.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
jlczl said:
This has been reported using a StraightTalk SIM using at&T's network not the ones using T-Mobile's network though. StraightTalk service with a T-Mobile SIM rocks assuming TM has good coverage in your area.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
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Wow A lot to consider. I used 12 gigs last month w/o tethering. I was planning on buying a T-mobile Simm. But now, I have read 2 people saying I will be throttled. I guess I will call them and see. Someone mentioned a $50 T-mobile plan? I pay I think 80 for mine with the new unlimited data....
I have been using straight talm byop for like 8 months now. First with my htc amaze now with my galaxy s3 and I average close to 15gb a month. I have never been throttled.
sent via galaxy s3 in boss mode @ 2.1ghz
ScottBroker said:
Wow A lot to consider. I used 12 gigs last month w/o tethering. I was planning on buying a T-mobile Simm. But now, I have read 2 people saying I will be throttled. I guess I will call them and see. Someone mentioned a $50 T-mobile plan? I pay I think 80 for mine with the new unlimited data....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Research this thread :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1455014
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
I used 8 gigs last month no throttle att straigthtalk sim
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
tgamble160 said:
I have been using straight talm byop for like 8 months now. First with my htc amaze now with my galaxy s3 and I average close to 15gb a month. I have never been throttled.
sent via galaxy s3 in boss mode @ 2.1ghz
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Most ive used was like 3GBs and then the next cycle i got throttled for a whole month. I live in Puerto Rico btw but my brother lives in Orlando and he gets throttled too.
kobe4rings said:
Most ive used was like 3GBs and then the next cycle i got throttled for a whole month. I live in Puerto Rico btw but my brother lives in Orlando and he gets throttled too.
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If I cancel my T-Mobile now, my cycle reset today, will I get a credit, or do they make you pay the whole month?
ScottBroker said:
If I cancel my T-Mobile now, my cycle reset today, will I get a credit, or do they make you pay the whole month?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if your talking about straighttalk. its non refundable.
They recently revamped their throttling...
I used to be able to get a reset when I called in to them.
Last week when I got throttled, I called them and they told me I was in violation of the agreement and it would be reset at the end of the cycle.
Called again and the rep did the reset... The very next day I got throttled again and I can't get anybody to give me a reset. (12 calls).
I am thinking that they give 2 resets per refill card or they are cutting off resets all-together.
Has anybody here got a reset since yesterday?

Straight Talk

So I have my Unlocked T999. I was all set to pop a sim for Staright Talk into it to get the $45 unlimited everything Vs. my $80 a month I pay now to TMO. Many people have said I will get throttled if I use a lot of data. I use about 8 gigs a month. Has anyone been throttled, and or not?
Thanks
ScottBroker said:
So I have my Unlocked T999. I was all set to pop a sim for Staright Talk into it to get the $45 unlimited everything Vs. my $80 a month I pay now to TMO. Many people have said I will get throttled if I use a lot of data. I use about 8 gigs a month. Has anyone been throttled, and or not?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't get throttled on straight talk you get your service shut off. Read their terms of service it says not to exceed 2gb in one month and like 100 mb a day (I think) but 8gb is too much for straight talk. I too was wanting to switch but googled a lot. Type straight talk data cap into Google and read everything
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
T-mo monthly 4g plan?
elesbb said:
You don't get throttled on straight talk you get your service shut off. Read their terms of service it says not to exceed 2gb in one month and like 100 mb a day (I think) but 8gb is too much for straight talk. I too was wanting to switch but googled a lot. Type straight talk data cap into Google and read everything
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
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That would really suck. Why advertise unlimited if it is not?
ScottBroker said:
That would really suck. Why advertise unlimited if it is not?
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Because they are idiots yeah I feel ya man it's so freaking stupid
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
elesbb said:
Because they are idiots yeah I feel ya man it's so freaking stupid
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
So I guess I am stuck paying 75 a month!
elesbb said:
You don't get throttled on straight talk you get your service shut off. Read their terms of service it says not to exceed 2gb in one month and like 100 mb a day (I think) but 8gb is too much for straight talk. I too was wanting to switch but googled a lot. Type straight talk data cap into Google and read everything
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you need to read Straight Talk's terms of service. Nowhere does it mention "2GB" or "100MB". It doesn't mention any limit at all except no streaming.
People using Straight Talk have determined that it is safe to use 100MBs a day, no more than 2GBs a month. There are exceptions to this rule, some people get away with 3-12GBs.
I would go with AT&T GoPhone. They offer unlimited everything for $50 a month. You can find the $50 refill cards for $47.50 on eBay.
I've been using GoPhone for 14 days now. I used about 350MBs my second day. I didn't get throttled or kicked. With 16 days left, I've used 1.35GBs. Still no throttling.
The catch is that you must use a T-Mobile phone. If you use an AT&T phone, they'll block the data.
Sent from my HTC One S
ScottBroker said:
So I guess I am stuck paying 75 a month!
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Click to collapse
WHich plan do you have? mines about 67 a month. I have the value plan 500 mintues, unlimited text, and unlimited data. And being a college student on an extremely tight budget it took a lot to convince me to leave my 100 min, unlimitied text, and 5G of data for 30 bucks a month PREPAID But after upgrading to the current plan, im glad i did. Especially since my phone is the only internet source i have. Doing school reports, online banking, online anything, has gotten much simpler now that im not throttled or concerned about using my data lol.
elesbb said:
WHich plan do you have? mines about 67 a month. I have the value plan 500 mintues, unlimited text, and unlimited data. And being a college student on an extremely tight budget it took a lot to convince me to leave my 100 min, unlimitied text, and 5G of data for 30 bucks a month PREPAID But after upgrading to the current plan, im glad i did. Especially since my phone is the only internet source i have. Doing school reports, online banking, online anything, has gotten much simpler now that im not throttled or concerned about using my data lol.
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Click to collapse
I have classic 500 minutes 39.95 unlimited data 30, unlimite text 10, and a corporate discount which puts me about 76 a month with the taxes....
St blows. I just switched to tmo from st and I'm soo glad I did. I pay 15 more a month but I have truly unlimited data. On st I was afraid to use data for fear of being throttled or booted. Stay with tmo
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
elesbb said:
You don't get throttled on straight talk you get your service shut off. Read their terms of service it says not to exceed 2gb in one month and like 100 mb a day (I think) but 8gb is too much for straight talk. I too was wanting to switch but googled a lot. Type straight talk data cap into Google and read everything
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FALSE. Straighttalk will throttle you. I have never been shut off but i am constantly throtted even without using 2gb.
kobe4rings said:
FALSE. Straighttalk will throttle you. I have never been shut off but i am constantly throtted even without using 2gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They aren't throttling you. Straight Talk has been having network issues in a few areas. Straight Talk doesn't have the ability to throttle even if they wanted to.
Sent from my HTC One S
Mr.Mischief said:
I think you need to read Straight Talk's terms of service. Nowhere does it mention "2GB" or "100MB". It doesn't mention any limit at all except no streaming.
People using Straight Talk have determined that it is safe to use 100MBs a day, no more than 2GBs a month. There are exceptions to this rule, some people get away with 3-12GBs.
I would go with AT&T GoPhone. They offer unlimited everything for $50 a month. You can find the $50 refill cards for $47.50 on eBay.
I've been using GoPhone for 14 days now. I used about 350MBs my second day. I didn't get throttled or kicked. With 16 days left, I've used 1.35GBs. Still no throttling.
The catch is that you must use a T-Mobile phone. If you use an AT&T phone, they'll block the data.
Sent from my HTC One S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How are your speeds on att arent they 3G ?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Mr.Mischief said:
I think you need to read Straight Talk's terms of service. Nowhere does it mention "2GB" or "100MB". It doesn't mention any limit at all except no streaming.
People using Straight Talk have determined that it is safe to use 100MBs a day, no more than 2GBs a month. There are exceptions to this rule, some people get away with 3-12GBs.
I would go with AT&T GoPhone. They offer unlimited everything for $50 a month. You can find the $50 refill cards for $47.50 on eBay.
I've been using GoPhone for 14 days now. I used about 350MBs my second day. I didn't get throttled or kicked. With 16 days left, I've used 1.35GBs. Still no throttling.
The catch is that you must use a T-Mobile phone. If you use an AT&T phone, they'll block the data.
Sent from my HTC One S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hello there. you are correct. no where int he TandS does it say anything about a limit at all.. infact becauase of what people were saying about the limits i called straight talk AND emailed them and both times they told me that there are no limits. but that you CANNOT tether. so i just got new service with them.. if they cut me.. then ill cut them.
hope all goes well though.
Mr.Mischief said:
I think you need to read Straight Talk's terms of service. Nowhere does it mention "2GB" or "100MB". It doesn't mention any limit at all except no streaming.
People using Straight Talk have determined that it is safe to use 100MBs a day, no more than 2GBs a month. There are exceptions to this rule, some people get away with 3-12GBs.
I would go with AT&T GoPhone. They offer unlimited everything for $50 a month. You can find the $50 refill cards for $47.50 on eBay.
I've been using GoPhone for 14 days now. I used about 350MBs my second day. I didn't get throttled or kicked. With 16 days left, I've used 1.35GBs. Still no throttling.
The catch is that you must use a T-Mobile phone. If you use an AT&T phone, they'll block the data.
Sent from my HTC One S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course it doesnt say a data cap in their TOS if it did they couldnt advertise "unlimited data". Just google it. They block you after so many bytes.
But how did you get that data to work on the ATT go plan? did you buy the go phone then swap SIM cards? I figured if the IMEI didnt match the SIM then they would block it. Mind pming me and explaining? As i dont know if XDA would like if you posted in the general forums. Just being safe. lol
xxjrsmith3xx said:
How are your speeds on att arent they 3G ?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's 3G/4G. Expect 3MB down, 1MB up. Max I've seen is B down, 2MB up. It's more than fast enough to watch HD YouTube. More reliable than T-Mobile, in my opinion.
I'm loving the coverage. AT&T has way better coverage vs. T-Mobile.
elesbb said:
But how did you get that data to work on the ATT go plan? did you buy the go phone then swap SIM cards? I figured if the IMEI didnt match the SIM then they would block it. Mind pming me and explaining? As i dont know if XDA would like if you posted in the general forums. Just being safe. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I activated the sim using my One S's IMEI. I purchased a regular orange/white AT&T sim from eBay for $10. AT&T GoPhone will block data if you use an AT&T branded phone, or some international phones. The only phones that have consistently worked for me are rmobule phones. I purchased a T-Mobile S III last week.
Basically, activate your GoPhone sim with your T-Mobile phone IMEI, and use it in a T-Mobile phone.
I've swapped my sim into AT&T phones and then back into my T-Mobile One S, and data still works.
Sent from my HTC One S
Mr.Mischief said:
It's 3G/4G. Expect 3MB down, 1MB up. Max I've seen is B down, 2MB up. It's more than fast enough to watch HD YouTube. More reliable than T-Mobile, in my opinion.
I'm loving the coverage. AT&T has way better coverage vs. T-Mobile.
I activated the sim using my One S's IMEI. I purchased a regular orange/white AT&T sim from eBay for $10. AT&T GoPhone will block data if you use an AT&T branded phone, or some international phones. The only phones that have consistently worked for me are rmobule phones. I purchased a T-Mobile S III last week.
Basically, activate your GoPhone sim with your T-Mobile phone IMEI, and use it in a T-Mobile phone.
I've swapped my sim into AT&T phones and then back into my T-Mobile One S, and data still works.
Sent from my HTC One S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, imma have to try this.. And i agree with you their coverage is wayyyy better than t-mobiles. And you have unlimited data unlimited talk and unlimited text? You havent gotten throttled or capped?
elesbb said:
Hmm, imma have to try this.. And i agree with you their coverage is wayyyy better than t-mobiles. And you have unlimited data unlimited talk and unlimited text? You havent gotten throttled or capped?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No throttling and data still works. Unlimited everything.
The only catch, like I said, is you can't use an AT&T or some international phones. That means no iPhone
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Straighttalk doesnt have network issues because they dont have a network to begin with. They are an att mvno atleast with the att sim. They WILL throttle you if you abuse the per day limit of MBs and tether. I can validate this as ive been warned twice already for going over the limits (which are no where to be found even though they say its in the ToS) and tethering. I am currrently being throttled to 0.15mbps for more than a week. Everytime i call and ***** about being throttled they warn and unthrottle me but start to do it again a few days later. If you dont think im being throttled please explain how my connections download speed is always 0.15mbps and why the customer service rep told me i was being throttled for being in violation with att's terms and conditions?! you can see my previous speeds vary from 2-8mbps and when im throttled it is garbage.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
kobe4rings said:
Straighttalk doesnt have network issues because they dont have a network to begin with. They are an att mvno atleast with the att sim. They WILL throttle you if you abuse the per day limit of MBs and tether. I can validate this as ive been warned twice already for going over the limits (which are no where to be found even though they say its in the ToS) and tethering. I am currrently being throttled to 0.15mbps for more than a week. Everytime i call and ***** about being throttled they warn and unthrottle me but start to do it again a few days later. If you dont think im being throttled please explain how my connections download speed is always 0.15mbps and why the customer service rep told me i was being throttled for being in violation with att's terms and conditions?! you can see my previous speeds vary from 2-8mbps and when im throttled it is garbage.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cant you take them to court for that ?? Getting throttled when you know they have faster speeds and no where in there TOS says anything about that ?? They cant just do that idk my 2 cents
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

Verizon vs T Mobile plan

My current T mobile plan is: Unlimited Minutes, Unlimited Text, and Unlimited Data (2GB of 4g, then throttled) for $79.99/month, plus a discount, so I pay $78 every month.
Now I never looked at Verizon plans because I have always heard they were so much more expensive.. so tonight I decide to look into it.. and I don't know If I am looking at them wrong or what..
But I see a plan.. SHARE EVERYTHING UNL TALK & TEXT 4GB $70 0612
Which I would read as Unlimited Minutes, Unlimited Text, and 4GB of LTE/4G Data for $70???
Is this correct or what? If it is that means I can get more with Verizon for less than T-Mobile? OR am I not seeing some extra fees and what not?
and BTW, with the 2GB on T mobile, I never go over, the most I used was about 1.8GB a month.. so I don't need unlimited data.
I just made a plan through their mobile website and it looks like they charge an extra $40 per smartphone on top of the plan price. The total for a 4Gb plan would be $110.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Their "share everything" plans are a great concept, but you probably overlooked the device fee ($40 per smartphone).
They charge a fixed fee for each device that ties into it, and then all devices share all data/voice/text allotments and you simply purchase enough for your combined usage.
It's a great concept for families where everyone uses just a little more than one tier gives them and so instead of all of them having to pay for the next higher tier, they can aggregate and their average ends up with a cheaper combined tier. As an example, if they have a tier at 500MB and everyone uses 600-700MB then they might all have to individually upgrade to the 2GB plan. But, if they combine then they can get away with a single 2GB amongst 3 family members.
One of the big benefits for individual users is that you can share data between your smartphone and your tablet and the tablet only had a $10 fee to buy in. Typically you access things on your tablet or your smartphone, so the usage on both is usually not much higher than the usage on a single plan with one device. Essentially, you could probably get a tablet and add it to your plan for only $10 a month total.
But, at $40 per smartphone I'm not sure how much of a boon it is for families compared to the "add a tablet for $10/month" scenario.
Wow! That's a joke! 40$ a month just because you're using one of their devices, that doesn't even make sense.
So after all the mobile is cheaper
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Yea the plans are REALLY deceptive. I think it's $30 per dumbphone and $40 per smart ON TOP of the $70 for the plan. So even when you share with a flip it's almost like adding a whole nother plan. Tmo is cool because you can add lines and NOT give them data/texting.
Yes, Verizon works well if you have three phones and not much data, ie two people is $75 per person shared 4GB. But for three smartphones it would be $64 for 4GB shared. t-mo is cheaper, but omg you better like edge and gprs even.
joederp said:
Yes, Verizon works well if you have three phones and not much data, ie two people is $75 per person shared 4GB. But for three smartphones it would be $64 for 4GB shared. t-mo is cheaper, but omg you better like edge and gprs even.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dunno what you're smoking, I set up a wifi hotspot with my S3 and tether my Nexus 7 to it all the time, no problems streaming hd from Netflix.
Actually, I guess it's all depending on your market. I never have any issues anywhere around the Minneapolis area.
joederp said:
Yes, Verizon works well if you have three phones and not much data, ie two people is $75 per person shared 4GB. But for three smartphones it would be $64 for 4GB shared. t-mo is cheaper, but omg you better like edge and gprs even.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uhhh.. grandfathered with data for one phone 2GB and two flips was $140, shared plan was $170. I went with tmo for $95.
Ohh you said PER PERSON. The difference is huge still.
Yeah I'll just stay away from them. To get the same plan with Verizon that I have with the mobile it would be 100$ plus tax... And right now I pay 78.
When I renew my contract I'll most likely get the 500mins (I checked my bills for the last three months and I never go over) unlimited text and unlimited 4G for 79.99$.
Orrr I might switch to simple mobile... Unlimited everything 50$ a month and they use the t mobile towers. I've had them before and had no problems.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Verizon is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Sprint is probably cheaper than Tmobile for the most part + unlimited, but it's very deceptive advertising as their LTE is hardly rolled out anywhere. Their 3G is almost like Dialup too. Just keep Tmobile.
Aria807 said:
Verizon is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Sprint is probably cheaper than Tmobile for the most part + unlimited, but it's very deceptive advertising as their LTE is hardly rolled out anywhere. Their 3G is almost like Dialup too. Just keep Tmobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I've heard plenty bad things about sprint data. Yep ill most likely stick with t mobile or switch to their son simple mobile lol
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Crisisx1 said:
Yeah I've heard plenty bad things about sprint data. Yep ill most likely stick with t mobile or switch to their son simple mobile lol
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used Sprint for years and their data is PAINFULLY slow. Even "4g" was giving me 1ish Mbps. I switched to VZW and the service is awesome but the cost is really bothering me. I'm currently on VZW paying $75.00 a month for 4gigs of data 450min and 1000 text messages. Every month I go over in texts and it pushes me to $80ish
I just ordered a S2 from Tmo and I'm going to check out the $30.00 prepaid for a couple of weeks to see how well the service compares to VZW. Upon telling my boss this he laughed and told me Tmo sucks in our area and he just switched to VZW from Tmo so I might be stuck on VZW for the forseable future.
joe_sun said:
I've used Sprint for years and their data is PAINFULLY slow. Even "4g" was giving me 1ish Mbps. I switched to VZW and the service is awesome but the cost is really bothering me. I'm currently on VZW paying $75.00 a month for 4gigs of data 450min and 1000 text messages. Every month I go over in texts and it pushes me to $80ish
I just ordered a S2 from Tmo and I'm going to check out the $30.00 prepaid for a couple of weeks to see how well the service compares to VZW. Upon telling my boss this he laughed and told me Tmo sucks in our area and he just switched to VZW from Tmo so I might be stuck on VZW for the forseable future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would switch to Verizon but they are just too expensive. 2gb data unlimited mins and text=100$ plus tax.
On tmobile I get that for 78$. And don't have to worry about over fees because t mobile just throttles you. The highest speed test I got was 30mb. But average is 10mb and about 2.5 up
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
If you want cheap T-Mobile is the way to go. The 2 line unlimited plan for $99 cant be beat, unless you go prepaid. But you probably wouldn't be in the s3 forums if you were wanting prepaid.
If you haven't, try to see if you can get any work discounts. It would probably help a bit on costs.
Lol don't know why people make such a big stink over Verizon. I had them for the last 8-9 years and I switched to Tmobile. It was easier than expected honestly. Sure their network isn't as good as Verizon but it's not so distinctly different where if you put the same phone and did a Web browsing test that someone would tell a difference. If I am downloading a huge rom then it's noticeable but for forum surfing and websites (don't do much more than that at work since... Well I'm working lol and I have wifi at home) its just fine.
It's funny because if you knew me then you would know this doesn't sound like me because I am a spec freak... Also it isn't the cost that bothers me. I work 60 hours a week and I can afford Verizon its just the lack of value. Maybe it's because Verizon doesn't give a **** about its customers and they don't try to hide it. Maybe it's because I do work so many damn hours and if I don't see value in my spending I won't buy it. Idk. Either way I'm thrilled with Tmobile and have no reason to go back. Also, I'm in a sort of crappy Tmobile area where everywhere around me gets 5-25mbs and I'm in the one patch that gets less than 2 lol
Sent from my T999 GS3 @ 2GHZ
For 3 lines with ins.:
Sprint had me at $222 (15% off)
Verizon would have been $228 (25% off data)
Tmobile has me at $180 (15% off)
The speeds are way better than what I had on Sprint even with the EvoLTE and the download speeds are on par with every Verizon phone I have come across. Verizon's upload speeds are faster (like 5 to 2)
Sent from my GS3 via TapaTalk 2
AB33 said:
For 3 lines with ins.:
Sprint had me at $222 (15% off)
Verizon would have been $228 (25% off data)
Tmobile has me at $180 (15% off)
Tbe speeds are way better that what I had on Sprint even the EvoLTE and the download speeds are on par with every Verizon phone I come accross. Verizon's upload speeds are faster (like 5 to 2)
Sent from my GS3 via TapaTalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just left sprint for t-mobile, so far so good, I live in Northern New jersey work in queens, haven't had any signal issues yet, strong signal indoors. Defintely a better data experience. I can actuality get a signal and use at my job in LIC. Nice to have functional service. Still have to test in philly where I go a lot, but for right now sprint < tmobile.
akasan said:
Just left sprint for t-mobile, so far so good, I live in Northern New jersey work in queens, haven't had any signal issues yet, strong signal indoors. Defintely a better data experience. I can actuality get a signal and use at my job in LIC. Nice to have functional service. Still have to test in philly where I go a lot, but for right now sprint < tmobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I'm with sprint now. I switched from tmobile from being customer for 6 years. And I gotta say worst mistake!! I'm so upset with the speeds. I mean I cant even get Pandora to work.
Needless to say I will be turning this pretty gs3 back to best buy and cancel my sprint. And reactivate my T-Mobile account.
Can't believe I shot my self in the foot like that.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
For some who don't know T-Mobile is undergoing a huge network upgrade so expect some big changes soon with service its only getting better from here guys jump on the Tmo express

T-Mobile Unlimited GLOBAL data and text!!!

T-Mobile is changing its service starting on October 31st. Unlimited global data and text will be free, but voice calls will be 20¢ a minute. Link below.
Discuss.
http://mobile.theverge.com/2013/10/...imited-global-data-roaming-at-no-extra-charge
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 4
Very Awesome!!!!
they just dropped a bomb on the other big 3. Lets see how quickly they copy this like they copied jump!. cuz we all know if tmobile would of never introduced it, the other 3 wouldnt of either
This has me thinking.
What about an International Rom with a cool boot animation
like the regular one but with a globe spinning in the background.
Then, add some kind of control panel that tells you all sorts of info about the carrier you are roaming on.
TheAtheistOtaku said:
they just dropped a bomb on the other big 3. Lets see how quickly they copy this like they copied jump!. cuz we all know if tmobile would of never introduced it, the other 3 wouldnt of either
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah, definitely. I give it less than a month.
xPwn said:
This has me thinking.
What about an International Rom with a cool boot animation
like the regular one but with a globe spinning in the background.
Then, add some kind of control panel that tells you all sorts of info about the carrier you are roaming on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This sounds really neat actually. It'd be pretty cool if T-Mobile themselves did that for all phones.
Lets Assume said:
Oh yeah, definitely. I give it less than a month.
This sounds really neat actually. It'd be pretty cool if T-Mobile themselves did that for all phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tmobile could be the "world" carrier. not literally of course, since they have no choice but to roam on other carriers. but it would make a great marketing campaign and bring in allot of international business customers
T-Mobile is deff becoming a contender for the top spot. They also are doing another LTE rollout. Happy I left Verizon. Saving 150$ and I feel like my carrier works for my money.
Sg4
And I'm about to dump them because of terrible coverage. I was at a restaurant in downtown Chicago where people with att and Verizon got data and I couldn't even place a call.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
"Free" international data, but only at 2G speed. Ever tried to get anything done with 2G data? Pointless.
Sent telepathically
RiverCity.45 said:
"Free" international data, but only at 2G speed. Ever tried to get anything done with 2G data? Pointless.
Can you provide a source where you got this from? Thanks
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
princeasi said:
RiverCity.45 said:
"Free" international data, but only at 2G speed. Ever tried to get anything done with 2G data? Pointless.
Can you provide a source where you got this from? Thanks
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure. I wasn't able to find the article I read earlier, so here it is from TMO: http://www.t-mobile.com/simple-choi...CzczywEwllCjC_Dn5kzElLCjCfFBjkzEpbET5zTwj5kzE
Scroll to find the link: see all countries and coverage
In the pop up, scroll to the fine print at the bottom: "Data at up to 2g speeds. No tethering."
Edit: found one. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57...ffer-free-unlimited-international-data-texts/
The article states, "While the data is free, it won't be particularly fast. Customers can expect network speeds at around the same level that they get in the US after they are throttled. Chief Marketing Officer Mike Sievert said the average speed customers would get would be around 128 kilobits a second."
Sent telepathically
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't this still better than not having any free international data at all. It doesn't cost you anything more, so I really don't see what you all are complaining about.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
Meh, this doesn't matter to me because I never venture outside of the USA.
I think its great. Can now use whatsapp and magicjack app without having to find wifi. Especially in a place like central america where its very scarce
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 4
iakeco said:
Isn't this still better than not having any free international data at all. It doesn't cost you anything more, so I really don't see what you all are complaining about.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. It is fast enough to communicate through Google hangouts.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 4
When roaming, you will be on HSPA+ that's throttled to 128kbps. Ping won't be too bad.
Couple of points.
1. It's free if you're already paying extra for a postpaid plan. Those start at $50/mo for 500Mb of data. If you're on the $30/mo 5Gb prepaid plan, which is not included in this new international freebie, you'd have to start paying $70/mo, or an extra $480 per year, to get your 5Gb and "free" 2G international roaming .
2. As noted by others the "free" roaming speed is 2G. For the apps I use when traveling that's useless. So I'd have to pay for the extra 3G/4G speed anyway. And the prices they quote are not close to competitive with buying a local SIM in other countries.
3. If you use little data, don't care about speed, rely mostly on text, calls and email, and are already on a postpaid plan, then it's a nice addition when traveling. Otherwise, not so much.
I'm happy they're doing this as it could begin opening up the competition for real, usable universal coverage, but it's not there yet.
samnada said:
Couple of points.
1. It's free if you're already paying extra for a postpaid plan. Those start at $50/mo for 500Mb of data. If you're on the $30/mo 5Gb prepaid plan, which is not included in this new international freebie, you'd have to start paying $70/mo, or an extra $480 per year, to get your 5Gb and "free" 2G international roaming .
2. As noted by others the "free" roaming speed is 2G. For the apps I use when traveling that's useless. So I'd have to pay for the extra 3G/4G speed anyway. And the prices they quote are not close to competitive with buying a local SIM in other countries.
3. If you use little data, don't care about speed, rely mostly on text, calls and email, and are already on a postpaid plan, then it's a nice addition when traveling. Otherwise, not so much.
I'm happy they're doing this as it could begin opening up the competition for real, usable universal coverage, but it's not there yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No prepaid plans work with this offer. Also, the $70/mo plan is unlimited everything (no throttling either). None of the other carriers have anything like this. I remember the good ol' days when EDGE on a blackberry was very usable for basic web overseas. Unless you are watching Netflix, or using skype, you'll be fine. Save the Netflix for the hotel, and use 2G for basic web browsing. One thing you didn't mention was the $0.20/min local calling rate. This is BIG. Most prepaid local sims are around 7 to 12 cents a minute anyway. This plan is seamless, you keep your number, and no crazy bills.
xPwn said:
No prepaid plans work with this offer. Also, the $70/mo plan is unlimited everything (no throttling either). None of the other carriers have anything like this. I remember the good ol' days when EDGE on a blackberry was very usable for basic web overseas. Unless you are watching Netflix, or using skype, you'll be fine. Save the Netflix for the hotel, and use 2G for basic web browsing. One thing you didn't mention was the $0.20/min local calling rate. This is BIG. Most prepaid local sims are around 7 to 12 cents a minute anyway. This plan is seamless, you keep your number, and no crazy bills.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just trying to put this in a bit of perspective. I realize the $70/mo plan is unlimited, but the next plan down is still $60/mo for only 2.5Gb unthrottled. So to get just half the data limit I have now I'd have to pay $360 more per year to qualify for the "free" international roaming.
I'm quite aware of how 2G speed works with my apps. I don't watch movies on my phone. Even cached Google Maps just dies if you do a search or try navigating. Try standing in front of someone waiting 2-3 minutes for the translation of a word to come up. 2G is simply not fast enough for my needs, period. So this new "free" feature makes no practical or economic sense for me. But we each have our own needs and usage patterns, and I'm happy they've done it as it's a good deal for some users.
samnada said:
I'm just trying to put this in a bit of perspective. I realize the $70/mo plan is unlimited, but the next plan down is still $60/mo for only 2.5Gb unthrottled. So to get just half the data limit I have now I'd have to pay $360 more per year to qualify for the "free" international roaming.
I'm quite aware of how 2G speed works with my apps. I don't watch movies on my phone. Even cached Google Maps just dies if you do a search or try navigating. Try standing in front of someone waiting 2-3 minutes for the translation of a word to come up. 2G is simply not fast enough for my needs, period. So this new "free" feature makes no practical or economic sense for me. But we each have our own needs and usage patterns, and I'm happy they've done it as it's a good deal for some users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I explained earlier, the 2G speeds are actually HSPA+, but throttled. So ping probably won't be an issue. Apps that are transferring small amounts of data that need a quick response will be just fine (such as map directions, translators). The plan requirement is somewhat dumb, but they aren't asking you to pay an additional $10/mo for roaming. In my opinion, $60 for 2.5GB data and UL talk/text is a great price. But as you said, you can't please everyone.

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