[Q] Flashing Verizon Prepaid onto SCH-i515? - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

I just got my graduation present; and it's a Samsung Galay Nexus. It's the 32gb Verizon 4g LTE model (SCH-i515)
Now, I don't want a contract at all, the phone is off eBay but has never been activated AFAIK.
My problem is; I don't want a contract on Verizon. I've been told by the tech at my local store it didn't support prepaid, and couldn't be unlocked to use with Straight Talk. Whereas Straight Talk said it could. Whereas Verizon wants a 400$ security deposit to activate this phone. I came across a few eBay listings and videos where people are flashing their phones to the 50$ a month Verizon Prepaid Wireless? The only catch is 3g data speeds and no 4g, which is absolutely fine.
I'm wondering if its at all possible to flash my model phone, and how I would go about doing it? I'm extremely new to android, coming from an iPhone. (Don't bash me, I'm not a fan of them either. )

Just curious if you ever got this figured out. I'm interested in picking up a Galaxy Nexus and using it on Verizon's prepaid plans. Seems like it should be a no-brainer, but with Verizon you never know. Thanks!

Related

SGSII and T-Zones - Help!

So my T-Mobile account uses T-Zones for data, and it's only $5.99 a month unlimited on the grandfathered plan. I had an iPhone 4 unlocked to Tmo, and it worked great. I just bought a T-Mo Galaxy SII, and using the SIM in that phone gets me no data. Voice works great, but no data at all. When putting a different active SIM in the SII it gets data fine. And I'm using a brand new 4G SIM so I know that's not the issue.
The question is - how can I continue on my current plan and use the SII with T-zones for my data? Will a custom ROM work? Do they use EIN to determine if you need the Android data plan? I'm rooted but on stock right now. I really really want to keep my current data plan because it's unlimited and cheapo.
Anyone know the answer to this one? Thanks so much for any help you can provide.
They told me I had to upgrade from my 19.99 unlimted Internet plan to use 4G on my old HTC Sensation. I can only imagine what they woudl say if you inquired about the 5.99 plan on your SG2.
Contact 611 & please keep us posted on the outcome
It looks like you need to manually enter the APNs.
http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/5381...ed-data-for-5-99-works-wiphone-and-nexus-one/
Hope it helps.
fbueller said:
So my T-Mobile account uses T-Zones for data, and it's only $5.99 a month unlimited on the grandfathered plan. I had an iPhone 4 unlocked to Tmo, and it worked great. I just bought a T-Mo Galaxy SII, and using the SIM in that phone gets me no data. Voice works great, but no data at all. When putting a different active SIM in the SII it gets data fine. And I'm using a brand new 4G SIM so I know that's not the issue.
The question is - how can I continue on my current plan and use the SII with T-zones for my data? Will a custom ROM work? Do they use EIN to determine if you need the Android data plan? I'm rooted but on stock right now. I really really want to keep my current data plan because it's unlimited and cheapo.
Anyone know the answer to this one? Thanks so much for any help you can provide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same plan as you on my Nokia N82 and after upgrading to Samsung Vibrant, I found out there is no way to use tzones with android phones except Nexus one. Now I pay for the android data plan, hopefully you have better luck.
mastapsi said:
It looks like you need to manually enter the APNs.
http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/5381...ed-data-for-5-99-works-wiphone-and-nexus-one/
Hope it helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried all the APNs out there for Tmo and none work. I'll call retentions tomorrow (I'm out of contract so they should take good care of me) and let you know what happens.
T-Zones is a grandfathered plan and it only works with phones that uses 2G, which are only the basic phones. The SGS2 requires the Android data plan/Smartphone data plan which if you call retention, they should offer you for 20$.
DyingBlade said:
T-Zones is a grandfathered plan and it only works with phones that uses 2G, which are only the basic phones. The SGS2 requires the Android data plan/Smartphone data plan which if you call retention, they should offer you for 20$.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, but that'd be 2GB before throttle, correct? And 5GB for $30? Sucky.
fbueller said:
Yeah, but that'd be 2GB before throttle, correct? And 5GB for $30? Sucky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ask for the 5gb $20 plan.
Deebo took your bike too?
The_Biz said:
Ask for the 5gb $20 plan.
Deebo took your bike too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, if you've been a long time customer with T-Mobile, they should be able to offer you the 5GB 20$ plan.
DyingBlade said:
Yeah, if you've been a long time customer with T-Mobile, they should be able to offer you the 5GB 20$ plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's pretty much what I got. 5GB plan for $20 and $10 off each month for two years. It's basically $2 more a month than I was paying before, I can live with that. 2 year contract required.
Thanks for all the help!
on a side note, tzone won't work with phones that have tmobile logo on them because tmo scan the
imei #, a phone id.
it should work with phones that have international versions..check sensation, o3d ( make sure tmo version because they also have att version with same model p920)
The only Android phone I ever go to work on $5 and $10 unlimited internet was my HD2 which wasn't technically an Android phone . Was pretty pissed when I had to switch to the EM+ $20 5GB plan.
Any phone thats not branded tmobile will work. I would never get rid of that plan. If you get the galaxy s2 from telus it will work fine. For some reason the htc tmobile mytouch slide will work also just popped my sim in one and it's been working for over a month and other android phones on tmobile stop working right away. Data is data that android plan stuff from tmobile is a scam if they dont have your imei listed in there logs the phone will work.
Yep.... It's IMEI locked and not according to some fallacies that some people threw out there (only works with 2g/3g, older phones). It WILL work with new smartphones just not ones purchased from T-mobile. The European Sensation works with T-zones. The Telus SGS2 will work with T-Zones. The upcoming Galaxy Nexus will work with T-zones (if bought elsewhere BUT t-mobile) Do your own research before listening to other people's advice.
Never get rid of that plan. It's truly 100% unlimited and unthrottled. If you got rid of it because of people here, i feel sorry for you man. If I were you, I would return the phone, get the T-zone option back and purchase the Telus SGS2. It's more expensive but worth it in the long run ($15 savings every month). Alternatively, just wait for the penta-band GSM HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus from ATT, Sprint and directly from google.
goonx said:
Yep.... It's IMEI locked and not according to some fallacies that some people threw out there (only works with 2g/3g, older phones). It WILL work with new smartphones just not ones purchased from T-mobile. The European Sensation works with T-zones. The Telus SGS2 will work with T-Zones. The upcoming Galaxy Nexus will work with T-zones (if bought elsewhere BUT t-mobile) Do your own research before listening to other people's advice.
Never get rid of that plan. It's truly 100% unlimited and unthrottled. If you got rid of it because of people here, i feel sorry for you man. If I were you, I would return the phone, get the T-zone option back and purchase the Telus SGS2. It's more expensive but worth it in the long run ($15 savings every month). Alternatively, just wait for the penta-band GSM HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus from ATT, Sprint and directly from google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only set back with keeping the tzone plan and with the phones that would work on the plan are the download speed. With this phone, I can get 10mb easy, but with my N1, using tzone, the max I ever got was 3mb (average of around 1.6-2.0). If you get a unsubsidized phone for say $500, you'll need 2 years or so just to break even (assuming you get the tmobile version for $200. you can get it for way less now).
The only good thing about tzones are the real unlimited usuage, but not many ppl uses 5gb every month. I know cause I was using the N1.
safeplayer22 said:
The only set back with keeping the tzone plan and with the phones that would work on the plan are the download speed. With this phone, I can get 10mb easy, but with my N1, using tzone, the max I ever got was 3mb (average of around 1.6-2.0). If you get a unsubsidized phone for say $500, you'll need 2 years or so just to break even (assuming you get the tmobile version for $200. you can get it for way less now).
The only good thing about tzones are the real unlimited usuage, but not many ppl uses 5gb every month. I know cause I was using the N1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure about the speeds.. but i don't know enough/read enough to see if they put you on a different speed profile. They talked a lot of T-zones on Howardforums and that's where i picked up the IMEI restriction. Probably a lot more info there if people want to check it out.
But the N1 vs. the GSG2 radios are way different. Perhaps it's just the phone. A fair comparison would be the telus vs. t-mo version. But i doubt anyone has both to compare.
Up to the OP, depends on his/her usage and what they're willing to pay.
from my understanding as far as speeds are concern, sg2 and htc amaze are the only fist ones that have 42mb data chipset build in. most other ones are either 14.4 or 21mb chip.
anduios said:
from my understanding as far as speeds are concern, sg2 and htc amaze are the only fist ones that have 42mb data chipset build in. most other ones are either 14.4 or 21mb chip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. I got the telus sgs2x.... amazing. The highest I ever got was only 10mbps though. But that might change with tmobile getting free crap from AT&T .
The T-Mobile SGS2 is definitely IMEI locked on the APNs, as i've learned the hard way. There is also a number of other limitations being imposed that i've only come across on this handset:
Tethering - Instead of stock Android tethering, there is a tethering manager app that checks for tethering subscriptions and prevents data on the phone from working while tethering. Easily frozen or removed with titanium backup to work.
Wifi Calling - claims to need a new sim card, but according to rep requires a newer data plan (currently on one of the legacy plans). my plan seems to work with the g2 and it's wifi calling app, however i haven't looked for a work around yet
There were some other things i noticed that were software enforced on the handset, but didn't make notes as I went along
@fg I was told by customer service that I don't need to change my data plan. I was told I can keep my 200mb data plan but I would need to go to tmobile store to pick up a new sim card for free to enable wifi calling.

Opinions please: Will At&t flag the GNEX in their systems

Will At&t flag the Galaxy Nexus in their systems, now that Google Play sells it unlocked? Because i remember back i first got my N1 from the Google a few years back, At&t flagged it and required me to add a smartphone data plan.
Do u guys think this will happen now? I'm thinking of getting the Gnex from google play for my brother, but he doesnt want to have to pay for a real data plan
*the reason that I am concerned about this is because I feel like the Google Play version of the GNEX is a whole new version due to new software version as well as the lack of 900mhz UMTS band (Band III)*
opinions pls ( and facts if possible)
Yes, if you have a smartphone it will eventually get flagged and you will have to add a data plan, this is not limited to the GN.
jopherr said:
Will At&t flag the Galaxy Nexus in their systems, now that Google Play sells it unlocked? Because i remember back i first got my N1 from the Google a few years back, At&t flagged it and required me to add a smartphone data plan.
Do u guys think this will happen now? I'm thinking of getting the Gnex from google play for my brother, but he doesnt want to have to pay for a real data plan
*the reason that I am concerned about this is because I feel like the Google Play version of the GNEX is a whole new version due to new software version as well as the lack of 900mhz UMTS band (Band III)*
opinions pls ( and facts if possible)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its the same exact device that's been on sale in Europe for 5 months now. Its not different. Still an i9250.
As the previous poster said, its not limited to the GNex, they'll kick you off of a non-smartphone plan sooner or later. Its not hard to figure out. Just switch to an AT&T MVNO and save yourself the trouble.
martonikaj said:
Its the same exact device that's been on sale in Europe for 5 months now. Its not different. Still an i9250.
As the previous poster said, its not limited to the GNex, they'll kick you off of a non-smartphone plan sooner or later. Its not hard to figure out. Just switch to an AT&T MVNO and save yourself the trouble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what is a MVNO? it seems to be that the only phones that At&t will add a mandatory data plans to are the ones in their system & of course iPhones. there were plenty of people in the SGS2 thread that were using the international SGS2 on At&t without data plans. same with the international Galaxy note but thanks for the input xD
MVNO is like someone who resells AT&T service.
For example.... Boost Mobile and Virgin resell Sprint's service.
Straight talk uses at&t
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2
Yes. I got my gf a Samsung Vibrant to put in her ATT family plan. She had previously been using a feature phone that had Web access but no smartphone data plan. It was flagged the second month in.
She switched to Simple Mobile. A MVNO of T-Mobile. $40/month unlimited voice text 3g data.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Disregard att, acquire straight talk.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
jopherr said:
Will At&t flag the Galaxy Nexus in their systems, now that Google Play sells it unlocked? Because i remember back i first got my N1 from the Google a few years back, At&t flagged it and required me to add a smartphone data plan.
Do u guys think this will happen now? I'm thinking of getting the Gnex from google play for my brother, but he doesnt want to have to pay for a real data plan
*the reason that I am concerned about this is because I feel like the Google Play version of the GNEX is a whole new version due to new software version as well as the lack of 900mhz UMTS band (Band III)*
opinions pls ( and facts if possible)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course they will, it's a smart phone. If you want more control over your service, go with pre-paid from any number of vendors.
Also, JBQ verified it's the same pentaband hardware, just a marketing typo.
WiredPirate said:
Yes, if you have a smartphone it will eventually get flagged and you will have to add a data plan, this is not limited to the GN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My sister's vibrant hasn't been flagged for almost a year. This is because the Vibrant's IMEI range is not available to at&t.
The OP is asking whether we think AT&T will be given that imei range now that the GNEX is officially for sale, unlocked in the US, like the nexus one was. IE. Can I get away with dumb phone true unlimited data? This is never monitored or metered, (trust me my sister constantly tethers to 40 gigs of usage per month).
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2
martonikaj said:
Its the same exact device that's been on sale in Europe for 5 months now. Its not different. Still an i9250.
As the previous poster said, its not limited to the GNex, they'll kick you off of a non-smartphone plan sooner or later. Its not hard to figure out. Just switch to an AT&T MVNO and save yourself the trouble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have been using my Galaxy Nexus on the AT&T $50 unlimited everything, including internet for dumbphones, GoPhone plan for quite a while now and my data still works. Still averaging 5mpbs or more. The good thing about it is that it's not metered. Last month, I used over 6gb of internet and have never been throttled or shut off.
I am concerned that Google will provide AT&T the IMEI numbers of all the Galaxy Nexus that they sell in the play store. If that's the case, then my days of $50 truly unlimited are over. I find that I don't use many minutes, so I might just go back to the $30 T-Mobile plan.
seriously?? I would have thought they would have been more strict about not having smartphones connected to the $50 unlimited everything plan.
Yeah, there are two ways to go about it. $15 internet for quick messaging phones on postpaid or $50 unlimited everything on prepaid.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2
DOHCtor said:
Have been using my Galaxy Nexus on the AT&T $50 unlimited everything, including internet for dumbphones, GoPhone plan for quite a while now and my data still works. Still averaging 5mpbs or more. The good thing about it is that it's not metered. Last month, I used over 6gb of internet and have never been throttled or shut off.
I am concerned that Google will provide AT&T the IMEI numbers of all the Galaxy Nexus that they sell in the play store. If that's the case, then my days of $50 truly unlimited are over. I find that I don't use many minutes, so I might just go back to the $30 T-Mobile plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this was exactly what I'm asking about. :/ I have a feeling that Google might give the carriers the IMEI numbers of the gnex as to not piss them off. I doubt the carriers are happy with Google selling an unlocked phone that is interoperable with the GSM carriers in the US.(similar thing happened two years ago with the nexus one but that was two years ago n Google might be bolder about their reentry into the unlocked phones business)
I wanna keep my $10 data plan D:
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
So, has anyone that just received the U.S. Galaxy Nexus test this out on AT&T dumphone plan yet?
My friend does it on his international galaxy nexus (uses a gophone sim with a 50/month prepaid), I'm thinking about doing it myself.

Thinking about switching from VZW...Will it ever get another Nexus?

Hey everybody my Verizon contract is up this year and I was wondering what other people's experience is with other carriers. I love having a nexus but I doubt VZW ever gets another one. Also, I'm grandfathered into unlimited data so I'd never be able to upgrade without paying full price.
To sum it up, what are people's experience with GSM carriers that have unlimited data? Do you think Verizon ever gets another Nexus?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
only GSM carrier with unlimited data is T-Mobile, they offer unlimited and "limited" plans.
do i think verizon will get another one? i dont know, just wait and find out. next nexus devices will be announced soon.
regardless i wouldnt want a vzw nexus device as it isnt a true nexus device in terms of ota. if you dont get otas then vzw nexus is alright. (vzw still has to approve of the update before it gets OTA'd to VZW Nexus devices)
Google is probably pissed off at Verizon by now.
Verizon: So, where's my new Nexus?
Google: Screw you. Talk to the hand, b****h.
Livebyte said:
Google is probably pissed off at Verizon by now.
Verizon: So, where's my new Nexus?
Google: Screw you. Talk to the hand, b****h.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If there isn't another Nexus on Verizon it'll be because that's the way Verizon wants it, not the other way around.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Kazba1626 said:
I love having a nexus but I doubt VZW ever gets another one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you are a decision maker at Verizon or Google, it really makes no sense to speculate about future smartphone offerings. Do tech sites paint a negative picture for the future? Always, but that shouldn't matter if you are happy with everything in the present. There is no definitive details on the nexus line so wait and see is your best option.
Remember, when the galaxy nexus came out, it was announced that it would be exclusive to Verizon, and that turned out to be wrong in the end.
I left Verizon after being with them for about 10 years, for the Google Play GSM Nexus. I am using it on Straight Talk Sim (Att). I get updates, have no contract, have a lot of data, unlimited calls and text...and I am only paying $45 per month. Couldn't be happier. Verizon sux big time, I am so glad I don't have to deal with their BS anymore.
avinyc said:
Unless you are a decision maker at Verizon or Google, it really makes no sense to speculate about future smartphone offerings. Do tech sites paint a negative picture for the future? Always, but that shouldn't matter if you are happy with everything in the present. There is no definitive details on the nexus line so wait and see is your best option.
Remember, when the galaxy nexus came out, it was announced that it would be exclusive to Verizon, and that turned out to be wrong in the end.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure that this exclusivity was within the U.S. only as internationally phones were distributed.
I guess the contract ended and expanded to Sprint and ultimately their Play Store devices section.
I agree with you that exclusivity was stupid on both Google and Verizon's part. Never a fan on why two companies would even bother doing phone exclusivities.
stelv said:
I left Verizon after being with them for about 10 years, for the Google Play GSM Nexus. I am using it on Straight Talk Sim (Att). I get updates, have no contract, have a lot of data, unlimited calls and text...and I am only paying $45 per month. Couldn't be happier. Verizon sux big time, I am so glad I don't have to deal with their BS anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's an awesome deal. Gonna have to look into that in the future, if that will indeed exist in the future.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
phaze one said:
That's an awesome deal. Gonna have to look into that in the future, if that will indeed exist in the future.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am pretty sure it will. Works on either Att or Tmobile networks. Straight Talk is one of the bigger no contract carriers. Here is a link to Straight Talk Sim
Here is a link from my sig on prepaid sim carriers, there are a good amount of them now.
stelv said:
I am pretty sure it will. Works on either Att or Tmobile networks. Straight Talk is one of the bigger no contract carriers. Here is a link to Straight Talk Sim
Here is a link from my sig on prepaid sim carriers, there are a good amount of them now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup works on both AT&T and T-Mobile. HSPA+ (4G) compatible.
Line it up with a 2000 mAh extended battery (~$35) from shimshop on eBay. Comes with a extended battery cover that makes the phone feel much much much better in the hand.
Version will most likely be then first CDMA carrier to receive the nexus. Especially with the Optimus G launching on Sprint. I doubt ATT or T-Mobile will offer it subsidized on contract. That's leave Verizon or Unlocked versions
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Run away and don't look back!
I switched from Verizon to T-Mobile to get the Sensation and then finally the Galaxy Nexus. I'm happy and I have no regrets leaving Verizon.
Main points are: having an unlocked phone with no contract gives me peace of mind. I hear people talk about their "contracts" all the time.. not having to worry about this is great. Verizon has good service, but T-Mobile's is no slouch for me. My service has been great.. and better in some areas where Verizon didn't work. And it's cheaper. Finally, my phone is cutting edge tech.. even after being a year old. I have the latest software and every feature I could ask for. It's also nice being able to go to another country, pop in a SIM and go on your way (if needed).
When I heard Verizon got the Nexus first after I left, initially I was upset.. but then I found out Verizon was still Verizon and they screwed the whole Nexus experience up the only way they know how. I'll never go back to that mess.
I switched to ATT and back to VZW, the service here in my area is just way better on verizon. On top of the service being better, 4G here is widespread and very fast, not even available with ATT.
I too left Verizon for Straight Talk. LTE is fast and sweet, but hspa+ is good enough for me. If I have to download something large I do it at home on wifi. I had the t-mobile $30 prepaid plan and their hspa+ speeds are amazing, but their coverage is very spotty where I live. I love not having a contract and also am paying less than half of what I paid Verizon.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

[Q] MetroPCS?

I bought D851 from swappa and its coming Thursday this week, I would like to know if MetroPCS would work if the phone is locked tmobile..? Do I need to get it unlocked? I wanted to use it on $60 plan
Any reason why you wouldn't do the T-Mobile prepaid?
Sent from my LG-D851 using Tapatalk
Why would you choose metro over t mobile?
Because I'm born deaf then got hearing aid implant, I rarely talk on the phone so I text and use data more. $60 seems good for me rather than $30 plan 5GB since I am out of the house a lot. I'm not used to being on the phone and talk to people because they say something and I don't hear them well so I always needed someone by my side for it. I've been testing on MetroPCS and I was seeing if $30 5GB was good for me but I don't know. I'm sorry if its a bother. Its first time buying a unlocked phone I've saved up for outside of my family's contract plan.
I'm on the MetroPCS $60 Plan. I had no problems using the phone. I was coming from Sprint.
The first t mobile store I went to wouldn't sell me the phone unless I signed up for T-Mobile service. I even got corporate customer service on the office with them, telling them that I could buy the phone without contract.
I ended up leaving, went down the street to a car toys store, and bought the phone for $50 less then the T-Mobile price.
I went into a mwtropcs branch, paid $10 for as sim card, and ported my number from Sprint.
Great coverage in my area (metropcs uses t Mobile towers).
The t mobile phone comes unlocked, so you shouldn't have any problems. Only thing to note is that each version of the g3 has different radios. So the t mobile version might not have as good of coverage on at&t's network.
Braaainz said:
I'm on the MetroPCS $60 Plan. I had no problems using the phone. I was coming from Sprint.
The first t mobile store I went to wouldn't sell me the phone unless I signed up for T-Mobile service. I even got corporate customer service on the office with them, telling them that I could buy the phone without contract.
I ended up leaving, went down the street to a car toys store, and bought the phone for $50 less then the T-Mobile price.
I went into a mwtropcs branch, paid $10 for as sim card, and ported my number from Sprint.
Great coverage in my area (metropcs uses t Mobile towers).
The t mobile phone comes unlocked, so you shouldn't have any problems. Only thing to note is that each version of the g3 has different radios. So the t mobile version might not have as good of coverage on at&t's network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you SO MUCH for your reply, I was worrying a lot but you gave me a relief. I bought the T-Mobile G3 in mint condition for good price without original box as the seller have good ratings on swappa, but it hasn't even arrived today because USPS wasn't updating much on the phone tracking and got all the way to Florida passing my state from New York. I live in Virginia and I gotten really upset, I was like never again with Swappa.. I never had any issues with eBay but I was wary about that.. Thank you so much for your reply though. Both of my phone case and sim card coming in now I will have to wait for it tomorrow tomorrow or the weekend, sigh. :crying:

[Q] Getting an S6E on T-Mo (USA) Prepaid

Has anyone had any luck pre-ordering an S6 Edge from T-Mobile USA on a pre-paid plan?
There doesn't seem to be any way to do this on their website. I went to 2 different stores and they both said I would have to wait until a couple months (!) after launch before I could get one on a prepaid plan. I complained about this on twitter and a t-mo rep said that I should be able to get one on launch day so I guess we'll see about that.
I don't care about financing (I'd actually prefer to buy it outright) so I figured there must be a way to get one, but it doesn't look like it.
I put in a pre-order at gsmnation.com but I don't have a ton of faith anything will come of that.
Other options I've considered:
1. Signing up for a post-paid plan and then cancelling it right away. Kind of a pain, plus it means paying $50 for the first month of service and $15 for the sim card (I can't believe they actually charge you for the sim card when you're signing up for a plan. Total rip).
2. Buying one from AT&T and then getting them to unlock it immediately (they say they'll do it - https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/). The AT&T price is $35 more than T-Mo and it doesn't include the "free" year of Netflix that T-Mobile is offering.
I might end up doing one of those two but I just feel like I'm getting ripped off. Anyone have any better suggestions?
I went the tmobile route. Paid the 870 plus the 50 and the 15 and the 62 for tax. Bought it outright to use with cricket wireless. Just waiting on the unlock code to be delivered hopefully sometime soon. Will likely not be able to get a prepaid one unless you get the metro pcs or the cricket wireless s6
Sent from my SM-G925T using Tapatalk
I tried this very thing. I called TMO and they would not budge on it. The only option i can find is to do what @osmosizzz suggested.
smaskell said:
Has anyone had any luck pre-ordering an S6 Edge from T-Mobile USA on a pre-paid plan?
There doesn't seem to be any way to do this on their website. I went to 2 different stores and they both said I would have to wait until a couple months (!) after launch before I could get one on a prepaid plan. I complained about this on twitter and a t-mo rep said that I should be able to get one on launch day so I guess we'll see about that.
I don't care about financing (I'd actually prefer to buy it outright) so I figured there must be a way to get one, but it doesn't look like it.
I put in a pre-order at gsmnation.com but I don't have a ton of faith anything will come of that.
Other options I've considered:
1. Signing up for a post-paid plan and then cancelling it right away. Kind of a pain, plus it means paying $50 for the first month of service and $15 for the sim card (I can't believe they actually charge you for the sim card when you're signing up for a plan. Total rip).
2. Buying one from AT&T and then getting them to unlock it immediately (they say they'll do it - https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/). The AT&T price is $35 more than T-Mo and it doesn't include the "free" year of Netflix that T-Mobile is offering.
I might end up doing one of those two but I just feel like I'm getting ripped off. Anyone have any better suggestions?
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Click to collapse
Will AT&T unlock it right away? What's with the part under prepaid that says it must be active for 60 days before unlocking? I'm also T-Mo prepaid ($30 plan) but am unable to buy it at full retail price without buying a simple choice plan. In the end the extra $35.00 would be cheaper than the $50.00 deposit plus $15.00 sim card with the simple choice contact-free plan. But I wouldn't want to use it for 2 months on AT&T lol.
DanRyb said:
Will AT&T unlock it right away? What's with the part under prepaid that says it must be active for 60 days before unlocking? I'm also T-Mo prepaid ($30 plan) but am unable to buy it at full retail price without buying a simple choice plan. In the end the extra $35.00 would be cheaper than the $50.00 deposit plus $15.00 sim card with the simple choice contact-free plan. But I wouldn't want to use it for 2 months on AT&T lol.
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AT&T's site says this
Non-AT&T Mobility Customers
You’ve never had an AT&T wireless account and you meet the General Requirements for unlock requests.
Not sure how that works if you previously had an account that you cancelled but that doesn't apply to me. You should be able to just buy the phone outright and then get it unlocked immediately. The 60 day thing only applies to current AT&T customers.
Oh I didn't even see that! I just tried to buy it for retail price but even AT&T's website won't let me purchase just the phone. They want me to select a plan. Did you try or are you just going the T-Mobile route?
DanRyb said:
Oh I didn't even see that! I just tried to buy it for retail price but even AT&T's website won't let me purchase just the phone. They want me to select a plan. Did you try or are you just going the T-Mobile route?
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Ah, that sucks. I haven't decided what I want to do yet. Probably going to wait until the 10th and see if anything changes.
Mine came with an app called device unlock from tmobile and I just tapped unlock and it unlocked for my phone. No unlock codes needed.
Sent from my SM-G920T using XDA Free mobile app
iPathik said:
Mine came with an app called device unlock from tmobile and I just tapped unlock and it unlocked for my phone. No unlock codes needed.
Sent from my SM-G920T using XDA Free mobile app
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Have you tested it at&t sim card? and did you purchase it at full price as a t-mobile customer?
Be Careful with Unlocked Flagship Phones on Different Carriers
On Tmobile Flagships you will have VoLTE and WiFi calling.
IF you get an AT&T Device and unlock it - and use on Tmobile or another Carrier you may not have VoLTE so phone will drop to 3G on calls and may interrupt temporarily your Internet Data and Connection..
Your speed on a fast Network like Tmo may be slower with a non carrier optimized Device.
Your speed and performance on a Flagship Device on ANY Network is unlikely to be equal to a Device Software Optimized for that Network.
If you are buying a Powerhouse Phone for a specific Carrier - you need the Carrier Software to get ALL the features and speed.
The exceptions to this are rare.
All the info about BYOD and all the Internet Articles about Bands and Towers and etc. do NOT mention this.
For example is there ANY DEVICE that has VoLTE across multiple Carriers ?
Or even VoLTE on AT&T and Tmobile ?
robertkoa said:
On Tmobile Flagships you will have VoLTE and WiFi calling.
IF you get an AT&T Device and unlock it - and use on Tmobile or another Carrier you may not have VoLTE so phone will drop to 3G on calls and may interrupt temporarily your Internet Data and Connection..
Your speed on a fast Network like Tmo may be slower with a non carrier optimized Device.
Your speed and performance on a Flagship Device on ANY Network is unlikely to be equal to a Device Software Optimized for that Network.
If you are buying a Powerhouse Phone for a specific Carrier - you need the Carrier Software to get ALL the features and speed.
The exceptions to this are rare.
All the info about BYOD and all the Internet Articles about Bands and Towers and etc. do NOT mention this.
For example is there ANY DEVICE that has VoLTE across multiple Carriers ?
Or even VoLTE on AT&T and Tmobile ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good info, but I'm doubting most people who are doing this care about carrier optimizations. Most are buying T-mobile devices for the unlocked bootloader so they can run custom ROMs that likely wouldn't have this software anyways.
I went to a T-mobile store this morning and they refused to sell me one. They said I could order one from Samsung but that's just not true. This is so annoying.
smaskell said:
I went to a T-mobile store this morning and they refused to sell me one. They said I could order one from Samsung but that's just not true. This is so annoying.
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Click to collapse
Went to another store after work and they sold me one. I don't know what the deal is here but I'm happy I got one.

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