[Q]Can At&t force me to get data plan? - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Can at&t force me to get a data plan if I have an unlocked samsung s3? Can they detect that I am using a smartphone and will automatically add data plan? Will rooting the phone won't be able for them to detect the unlock phone? What is the best thing to do since I will be needing a micro sim as well, that they won't know that I am using an unlocked smartphone to prevent data plan charges. Because I don't need the data plan.

errr...what?

I don't think they will notice if you are unlocked, but problem in USA it seems unlock the phone is becoming illegal, and I think non of any operator in the whole world can add any data plan, or better to say "contract " without notify you first and have your permission (usually your bank count number , identification and signature )
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

qtwrk said:
I don't think they will notice if you are unlocked, but problem in USA it seems unlock the phone is becoming illegal, and I think non of any operator in the whole world can add any data plan, or better to say "contract " without notify you first and have your permission (usually your bank count number , identification and signature )
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not true. You can still use unlocked phones in the USA however now they have made it illegal to unlock a carrier branded phone. My I9300 was never locked to a carrier so it's not breaking the law to use an unlocked phone.
However AT&T does regular sweeps & if they determine that you have a S3 they will automatically add the 3 gig data plan. It doesn't matter if your phone is unlocked or rooted. If they sweep your area they and notice your IMEI they will add it. Some have managed to fly under the radar. I used my S3 for 6 months before they added the data plan to my account.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

Related

Unlocking Data

Does this new unlock procedure for the Xda II also unlock the data part of the phone. There are people who have bought O2 Xda II which are voice unlocked but data locked so the Xda II can't use gprs.
data lock
This is a new concept to me. I can't remember seeing anything like that. So the only way to investigate this is to get someone with such a phone in contact with me.
canuck51 said:
Does this new unlock procedure for the Xda II also unlock the data part of the phone. There are people who have bought O2 Xda II which are voice unlocked but data locked so the Xda II can't use gprs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whether or not you can use GPRS is a bit in the database at the provider end, and not a lock inside the phone. How could it be? You can swap your SIM to another phone... (It could theoretically be on the SIM, but then they'd need to talk to your SIM using SIMtoolkit whenever they wanted to change this.
And there's no need to do that: the GSM HLR (Home Location Register) has a list of features that you can and cannot use, and this list is checked every time you sign in.

[Q]X10 on 50$ AT&T unlimited pay as you go plan

Hello everybody, recently AT&T released a new pay as you go plan which is 50$ a month for unlimited everything. Unfortunately the unlimited data does not work on smartphones which is disappointing.
I recently switched to this plan because 50$ a month for unlimited everything is a great deal, what I was wondering was if someone could find a way to allow data to work on this plan\phone.
When you try to use firefox or similar browser it just says the page cannot be displayed, on the facebook android app it gives you a message that tells you data was refused.
I would gladly donate 20$ to anyone who could figure this out, and give me the fix. it seems like something a developer would know how to fix so if anyone has any ideas shoot them at me. If one of them works they will get a nice 20$ donation Thanks.
It sounds like AT&T itself is blocking the data connection.
Sent from my x10 Platinum
Exactly, but it doesn't block the connection if my pay as you go sim card is in a non-smart phone. There must be something that tells at&t you have a smartphone, and maybe there's a way to stop that.
What a rip off, i pay 15 bucks a month for unlimited.data
Sent from my X10a using XDA App
Cell service providers such as AT&T have the ability to know what phone you are using through your sim card.
so it'll be hard to find a way around it, but it's not impossible.
Sent from my x10 Platinum
It's because it's an x10a from at&t if so it's the IMEI that gave it away they have a log of all there numbers if you call an be real nice they will give you the unlock code for free (I did it and it was free any one can on at&t) Then flash a Stock rom and then wait a month or so an cancel that sim and go to another store or have your friend start up another sim. A wahoo
So Patricks_book you're saying all I have to do is unlock my phone and data will work on my smartphone even though the 50$ unlimited everything plan doesn't allow smartphones to have unlimited data?
I don't think unlocking the phone changes your phone's IMEI number, if that's what you are wondering.
I used to have a Nokia E72 that covered AT&T's 3G frequency bands but never sold by AT&T. I don't use that any more but when I did, it worked with their $15 unlimited data plan (for a post-paid plan) that can only be used for dumb phones. It seemed then that AT&T didn't recognize the E72's IMEI # as a smartphone.
I don't know if this works on GoPhone plans now.....
SacredUser said:
So Patricks_book you're saying all I have to do is unlock my phone and data will work on my smartphone even though the 50$ unlimited everything plan doesn't allow smartphones to have unlimited data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO But it's worth a try. Unlock it an update to like Wolfs 2.3.3 x10i and if nothing else you'll have a unlocked bad ares phone
hasei said:
I don't think unlocking the phone changes your phone's IMEI number, if that's what you are wondering.
I used to have a Nokia E72 that covered AT&T's 3G frequency bands but never sold by AT&T. I don't use that any more but when I did, it worked with their $15 unlimited data plan (for a post-paid plan) that can only be used for dumb phones. It seemed then that AT&T didn't recognize the E72's IMEI # as a smartphone.
I don't know if this works on GoPhone plans now.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when you sign up though you sign up using a sim, not an imei. so your account is only linked to your sim card.
I have switched phones three times and all I did was pop my sim into a different phone.
I think though that it recognizes you are using 3g or hspa data and that is why it blocks it. Aren't those plans for gsm only?
Its about what APN you connect via. Have a look @ this. Settings > Wireless and networks > Mobile Networks > AT&T and you'll need to configure the apn ... I have no idea which one ... But well , thats all I can help .
Sent from my X10i using xda premium
scoobysnacks said:
when you sign up though you sign up using a sim, not an imei. so your account is only linked to your sim card.
I have switched phones three times and all I did was pop my sim into a different phone.
I think though that it recognizes you are using 3g or hspa data and that is why it blocks it. Aren't those plans for gsm only?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you're right your account is linked only to your SIM card otherwise you won't be able to swap phones. But at least on AT&T they seem to be able to recognize if a smartphone (sold by AT&T) is being used.
A few years ago when AT&T only had a $30 unlimited data plan for smartphones or $15 ulmimited for dumbphones, they started forcing subscribers who use the $15 plan for smartphones switch to correct data plans. Many AT&Ters discussed this issue then and the only conclusion drawn based on their experience was that it was through their IMEI #.
hasei said:
Yeah you're right your account is linked only to your SIM card otherwise you won't be able to swap phones. But at least on AT&T they seem to be able to recognize if a smartphone (sold by AT&T) is being used.
A few years ago when AT&T only had a $30 unlimited data plan for smartphones or $15 ulmimited for dumbphones, they started forcing subscribers who use the $15 plan for smartphones switch to correct data plans. Many AT&Ters discussed this issue then and the only conclusion drawn based on their experience was that it was through their IMEI #.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmmm but if you never gave them your imei they would have no way of knowing...
I would say it has to do with either your apn, the bands you're using (and the fact that you're using 3g/hspa), or just they can recognize the pure volume of data you are using.
They have ALL the IMEIs for the phone from the manufactures and from the ones that are or where on their network and when you use your phone it comes up in their system like if you call in to support and they ask for it there just checking to see if it's the right one. So you can try an app like Privacy Blocker to change your IMEI I do not know if it will work but it is an option in the app ( not on the phone just on out going signals for apps ?) An if it does work PLEASE post it in the forum.
Good luck to us all if it does .
Patricks_book said:
They have ALL the IMEIs for the phone from the manufactures and from the ones that are or where on their network and when you use your phone it comes up in their system like if you call in to support and they ask for it there just checking to see if it's the right one. So you can try an app like Privacy Blocker to change your IMEI I do not know if it will work but it is an option in the app ( not on the phone just on out going signals for apps ?) An if it does work PLEASE post it in the forum.
Good luck to us all if it does .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not correct at all....
the imei does not pop up, I worked for a phone company before.
Unless you sign up with a phone and have given it to them, they do not have your imei...
If the phone was first purchased from AT&T then they have the IMEI. Or just like when an app has access to your account it can read your IMEI your sim card can read your IMEIs it's connected too your phone number contract/pay as you go. Anyone of them even Wally world (Walmart) who ever you get a sim card from can read your sim card/IMEI.
SacredUser said:
So Patricks_book you're saying all I have to do is unlock my phone and data will work on my smartphone even though the 50$ unlimited everything plan doesn't allow smartphones to have unlimited data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a bullsh!t plan. I got this plan, got data to work just fine, but had alot of trouble with it. ie- Market apps, took FOREVER to download.. That was the first downfall. Yesterday morning, I noticed my phone was in Edge mode. I proceeded to reset it, change the Network options in the debug menu, and play with the APN. This morning.. Still Edge. My conclusion? They obviously shut off my 3G. Now, The problem I have with this, is that I havnt used over 100 mb of data yet, and it hasnt even been a week since I got this service. Stay away from this plan.. GARBAGE. Now, as much as I loathe paying an EXTRA 20 bucks a month, Im taking the dive and goin with TMobile. I need my 3g....
I just kind of skimmed over this post (new here) and this alone made me sign up cause I just order X10 recently.
I have this question though; if is not IMEI# that at&t block you with, then is it possible a reflashing could fix it? I have heard of people use different firmware versions; like my old phone, Ericsson K850i there was just plain K850 version (no 'i') that could get 3G I think.
But assume I install new Sony 2.3.3 Android on my X10, would be the key to get around at&t unnoticed ja?
I too have unlimite 50usd plan and tried to use on HTC Aria that was brand with at&t junk. That did not work But I have not try to root it (updated to 2.2 already ) so I not know if reflash would have fix it or not.

[Q] Question about Unlocked SIM

Ok so over spring break I'm going to be going away, specifically, the Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, and I went before and ran up like a $100 or something on data charges and texting.. But now my SIM card is unlocked as per the guide with the app off the market, so will I still get charged for roaming data, voice and sms? I just want to find out if anyone knows if I still need to go to AT&T and get it worked out there or what?, I'm just not sure exactly how this works.
thanks
If roaming charge not being applied then international rate will do
Or you can use the local network in Bahamas, hope they have GSM there.
androidobsessed said:
Ok so over spring break I'm going to be going away, specifically, the Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, and I went before and ran up like a $100 or something on data charges and texting.. But now my SIM card is unlocked as per the guide with the app off the market, so will I still get charged for roaming data, voice and sms? I just want to find out if anyone knows if I still need to go to AT&T and get it worked out there or what?, I'm just not sure exactly how this works.
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you have to unlock your sim and use a sim card from the local network that they have there (and if you used their network before, it should be compatible anyways)
votinh said:
If roaming charge not being applied then international rate will do
Or you can use the local network in Bahamas, hope they have GSM there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the OP has used their device there previously then I'd say they support GSM.
Just make sure your phone has been unlocked and buy a SIM from a local carrier there and you should be good to go to use their network.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using Tapatalk
I'm not concerned with compatability with the network, Im mostly just wondering about data charges, Im guessing I'll just have to either plan it out at the store or deal with international charges whatever that's gonna be
You can get the international packages from at&t for a month (its prorated, so if you pay for a week, you only get 1/3 of the whole month), just don't forget to cancel it after you're done. It depends on how much data you use... and 50mb is not alot, I would rather just face the overage charges and try to use as little as you can (use wifi alot or something).
http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/roaming/affordable-world-packages.jsp#data
problem is im pretty sure at a hotel like this its gonna be like 30 dollars a day for wifi haha
androidobsessed said:
problem is im pretty sure at a hotel like this its gonna be like 30 dollars a day for wifi haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just grab a local Sim and use their data network.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using Tapatalk
twiggums said:
Just grab a local Sim and use their data network.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Any idea how I could get my hands on a local Sim?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using Tapatalk
Go to your destination resort, ask them what mobile phone companies they use there. Or go to a gas station @ your destination & maybe they will sale prepaid mobile phone cards there.
androidobsessed said:
Any idea how I could get my hands on a local Sim?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just about every airport I've been through lately has a kiosk for the local cell phone company. Easiest to grab one there.
Yeah, to clarify you sim card is not unlocked, your phone is sim unlocked. Meaning you can use other carriers sim cards. Even if you unlock, if you have the att sim in while international, you are still roaming, and att will bill you. You should remove your att sim before you depart the us, then look for local Sims upon arrival. As others mentioned make sure the local sim includes data. Also note your phone number will change, and you may need to add the international prefix to text and call people in the us. I would set up a textfree + skype account or similar and use that while traveling for texting or calling, that way you can use your contacts as-is and it uses data vs texting. You can send someone a text via textfree to tell them to hop on Skype, and video call over data or wifi.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
androidobsessed said:
I'm not concerned with compatability with the network, Im mostly just wondering about data charges, Im guessing I'll just have to either plan it out at the store or deal with international charges whatever that's gonna be
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Click to collapse
Your data charges will be for whatever network you buy a SIM for, look at that carrier's pricing.
SIM-Unlocking an AT&T phone and then continuing to use an AT&T SIM changes *nothing*.

Phone not Allowed MM#6

Hi,
After using a CL purchased At&T Galaxy S3 for 14 days, the phone now says "Phone not allowed MM#6", and does not allow any calls.
I verified the IMEI number with T-Mobile and AT&T and the number is not Blacklisted / Reported Stolen (had to confirm this before I tried anything). AT&T even gave me an unlock code for the phone (no use, as the phone is already unlocked through UMTS/Debug Screen/......./Network Lock settings).
I have also refreshed the IMEI data.
Any advise on how to get rid of this message.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
neerajyadav86 said:
Hi,
After using a CL purchased At&T Galaxy S3 for 14 days, the phone now says "Phone not allowed MM#6", and does not allow any calls.
I verified the IMEI number with T-Mobile and AT&T and the number is not Blacklisted / Reported Stolen (had to confirm this before I tried anything). AT&T even gave me an unlock code for the phone (no use, as the phone is already unlocked through UMTS/Debug Screen/......./Network Lock settings).
I have also refreshed the IMEI data.
Any advise on how to get rid of this message.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I also have been having the same problem with a Samsung Galaxy Note (first version), I bought used. I have confirmed that mine wasn't blacklisted with T-Mobile. Another indication that it is not blacklisted is if the phone "comes back" to the network. I would at times get the MM#6 error and my phone would not see the network.. Luckily in about 1-2 hours my phone would magically connect back to T-Mobile.
I talked this over with T-Mobile and they believe in my case it is probably the phone. I had to clean the SIM contacts to see if that made a difference (didn't really). I am running ICS on the phone and it is rooted and unlocked. I am also using the TMART extended battery..
What seems to help me a bit is going into Titanium Backup and under Batch Actions , going to MANIPULATE DATA and then CLEAR CACHE for USER & SYSTEM APPS and then reboot the phone. I also take the battery out for a minute or two after I clear cache. Mine started happenign when I started using the T-MART extended battery so it is possible that my phone is getting pretty hot, but I am just speculating. After doing this, my phone typically comes back and I have fully connectivity.
According to T-MOBILE if the phone isn't blacklisted, and the SIM card works in another phone (mine did) it could the SIM card contacts. Since they think the phone is having trouble reading the SIM card. Hope this helps.
same problem
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[Q] Using the Galaxy Note without a data plan?

I just got an unlocked galaxy note that I want to use without a data plan so I tried transplanting my AT&T flip phone sim to the note but I get a message saying "sim not allowed mm#3". So of course I can't make any calls other than emergency. Does AT&T restrict smart phones to use only sims that have data plans? Do I need to root and use cyanogen to get this to work? Does anyone if that will even work?
Thanks
Hish
U sure it's unlocked? That message usually means it isn't...
Use the free unlock available, I used it without issue on my note. You'll should be able to use ANY Sim with an unlocked phone, regardless of data or no data.
The Amazon seller advertises it as unlocked. That's all I can say for sure. Does the unlock you refer to require root? Would you happen to have a link to the unlock?
Thanks for the help.
icenight89 said:
U sure it's unlocked? That message usually means it isn't...
Use the free unlock available, I used it without issue on my note. You'll should be able to use ANY Sim with an unlocked phone, regardless of data or no data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A little searching goes a long way sir. Googling "i717 Sim unlock xda" would have got you what you needed.
You don't need root, but you do need a custom recovery. Twrp is easily installed via Odin.
http://str8pt.blogspot.ca/2013/06/unlock-simfree-method-for-galaxy-note.html?m=1
Sure, you are right and normally I do search...everyone's run a stop sign at least once right?
Thanks for the help ice.
Hish
icenight89 said:
A little searching goes a long way sir. Googling "i717 Sim unlock xda" would have got you what you needed.
You don't need root, but you do need a custom recovery. Twrp is easily installed via Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, at&t won't let you use any smart phone without a data plan. They will just add it to your bill.
But this phone won't connect to the network without an updated sim card.
You don't need root access or network unlock to run an at&t sim, you just need a sim made for a smartphone.
rangercaptain said:
Yes, at&t won't let you use any smart phone without a data plan. They will just add it to your bill.
But this phone won't connect to the network without an updated sim card.
You don't need root access or network unlock to run an at&t sim, you just need a sim made for a smartphone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm fairly certain you are incorrect. Its your sim card and you can put it in whatever phone you choose.
With that being said I am in Canada and on Rogers, so I can't very well confirm this. Maybe someone else can weigh in?
If an unlocked phone uses another carrier sim you get a screen to enter unlock code.
He is using an at&t sim so its going to connect to the voice/sms network automatically in an at&t branded phone if the sim is compatible.
That old flipphone sim won't work in a smartphone. The OP either needs to upgrade the sim or call at&t and have the sim reprovisioned (if they can).
---------- Post added at 12:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:29 PM ----------
And when the OP calls at&t they will tell him to use that phone he will have to buy a data plan.
rangercaptain said:
If an unlocked phone uses another carrier sim you get a screen to enter unlock code.
He is using an at&t sim so its going to connect to the voice/sms network automatically in an at&t branded phone if the sim is compatible.
That old flipphone sim won't work in a smartphone. The OP either needs to upgrade the sim or call at&t and have the sim reprovisioned (if they can).
---------- Post added at 12:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:29 PM ----------
And when the OP calls at&t they will tell him to use that phone he will have to buy a data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that's true, I'm not disagreeing with you here on the connectivity.
The later however is false. I know for a fact LTE capable smart phones are backwards compatible with "3g only Sims" aka his flipphone sim, so what you're saying is incorrect. I work with this kind of equipment on a daily basis at work.
The later is also false. All he needs to do is go to a corporate store and say he lost his old phone and sim with it, and needs a replacement. They'll provide a new one, and link it to his existing account and merely charge him a replacement fee.
I thought Canadians were polite . . . Amigo, you're just offering your opinion, but I just went through this with at&t for my sister-in-law. She had an old HTC flipphone and wanted my HTC smartphone with a great keyboard. We put her old sim in and got that error code. We went to an at&t corporate store, and they gave us a new sim and we left with a working phone. After a day of using it she got a text message saying a two gig data plan was required. When she didn't acknowledge that, they cut off the account.
The sim was free. Don't tell me I'm wrong when you don't really know what you're talking about.
I can sim swap between my work phone which is a flip phone and an iPhone 3GS both are on at&t without any issues so I'm not sure what you guys are having trouble with. I believe what the OP is asking for would require spoofing an IMEI of a flip phone aka dumb phone.
There should be some info on how to do that in the at&t Galaxy Tab forums.
Good luck
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
You can use an old flip phone sim card in the Note. I have an older Cingular 3G Sim card (now at 8yrs old or maybe older) that I have been using in my last few smartphones. Including the Note. Worked perfectly fine. And because my phone was Canadian I was able to add the MediaNet unlimited data plan for only $10 a month. Been using it that way for years without an issue. I have even tested it in AT&T branded smartphones briefly and never had any issues.
Edit: Searching the web, that error may mean there is an outage in your area. If you physically look at the Sim Card what color, words, and pic is on the card? Sim could be worn out also. But in the end ATT will not let you use that plan with this phone for long before charging you.
rangercaptain said:
I thought Canadians were polite . . . Amigo, you're just offering your opinion, but I just went through this with at&t for my sister-in-law. She had an old HTC flipphone and wanted my HTC smartphone with a great keyboard. We put her old sim in and got that error code. We went to an at&t corporate store, and they gave us a new sim and we left with a working phone. After a day of using it she got a text message saying a two gig data plan was required. When she didn't acknowledge that, they cut off the account.
The sim was free. Don't tell me I'm wrong when you don't really know what you're talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The two posts following yours confirmed what I was originally saying sir, and quite frankly I do know what I'm talking about. I work ICT for a North American wide company and regularly travel to the states supporting events that require this kind of connectivity.
As for you're sister in law, she probably got that message because a background app was attempting to use data, and it wasn't disabled on the phone, thus the text. This I have also encountered.
Back on topic, I agree there may be a network outage in your area. But if all else fails a visit to the AT&T store can't hurt. Worst case scenario just sell the note on Craig list
Lol here in the US we dont have kijiji, but an alternate called craigslist. I do believe using the sim unlock method plus deactivating data might work. Try using the phone in another area to confirm ices theory of an outage.

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