I live in the USA and will be spending 6 days in Edmonton in August. My Verizon plan doesn't include any international roaming/data benefits, and I don't want to call Verizon and risk them forcing me to "upgrade" my ancient plan to a current plan (i.e. more expensive, less benefits) in order to get roaming. I only need it for a week anyway!
The other thing I was thinking was just to turn my Rezound radio off and buy a pre-paid phone from a local Wal-Mart once I arrive, and only use my Rez on Wi-Fi. Someone suggested I buy a pre-paid SIM with a small data allowance and pop it in my Rezound. Will that work without a Global ROM?
I've never needed to deal with this situation before, what should I do? I want to avoid modifying my plan if at all possible. I think buying a temporary pre-paid phone is the best option...
Thanks!
md303 said:
I live in the USA and will be spending 6 days in Edmonton in August. My Verizon plan doesn't include any international roaming/data benefits, and I don't want to call Verizon and risk them forcing me to "upgrade" my ancient plan to a current plan (i.e. more expensive, less benefits) in order to get roaming. I only need it for a week anyway!
The other thing I was thinking was just to turn my Rezound radio off and buy a pre-paid phone from a local Wal-Mart once I arrive, and only use my Rez on Wi-Fi. Someone suggested I buy a pre-paid SIM with a small data allowance and pop it in my Rezound. Will that work without a Global ROM?
I've never needed to deal with this situation before, what should I do? I want to avoid modifying my plan if at all possible. I think buying a temporary pre-paid phone is the best option...
Thanks!
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Click to collapse
yes but you can buy just the sim card for alot cheaper than buying a phone with sim in it...i only ever really used the rezound here in the USA with a gsm network with no issues...
REV3NT3CH said:
yes but you can buy just the sim card for alot cheaper than buying a phone with sim in it...i only ever really used the rezound here in the USA with a gsm network with no issues...
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Click to collapse
Ok, so I guess the main question then: I'm running CM10.1, does that ROM work in Canada or do I need a "Global" patch of some kind?
Actually it's a moot point - the company I'm working with up there will provide me with an iPhone for the week! :good:
I recently visited Canada with my Rezound (CM11) and regular US plan. The following are some potentially useful notes:
Verizon users can use SMS (to US numbers) while in Canada at no additional charge. Soon after crossing the border, Verizon automatically sent me a SMS confirming this.
Before crossing, I turned off mobile data and kept it off until I got back.
MMS messages use data, so there would be an additional charge. Disabling data also blocks notifications that a MMS message is available.
I forgot if I had to select a different network setting (CDMA, GSM, etc). However, I had no signal issues once I had the right setting.
I use Google Voice. When I had access to WiFi, I could check voicemail and from my laptop I could place calls (to US or Canada numbers) for free.
Related
Hi everyone. I just wanted to mention that I am new to unlocked phones and was wondering if I can get some assistance on this issue. I tried reading the topic regarding the data plan below mine, but I didn't quite understand and not sure if it could answer my questions.
I recently received an Unlocked HTC Aria from Amazon for $339, but the box in which the phone was stored looks like an ordinary AT&T box, so I am doubting whether or not my phone is actually unlocked.
The Aria came with all the AT&T applications like AT&T Hotspot, AT&T Navigation, etc., so this puts me into further doubt.
I currently have an AT&T $10/month unlimited data plan for my Samsung Impression (non-smartphone, and did a SIM swap into the Aria. Everything was going smoothly until I decided to check out Google Navigation. I then received two text messages: The first one indicating that AT&T knows I'm using a smartphone and then one saying that AT&T automatically changed my data plan (I'm assuming to the $15/mo 200MB data plan). I went to my AT&T account and changed the HTC Aria back to the Samsung Impression, hoping maybe they will change it back automatically.
So, I have a few questions:
(1) Was the HTC Aria I received from Amazon actually unlocked?
(2) How can I avoid being detected my AT&T if I swap my SIM card again back into the Aria? Am I able to just use Wi-Fi and limit the amount of data I use?
(3) Should AT&T recognize my IMEI even if my phone is unlocked or will they know regardless because HTC Aria is supported by them?
(4) Even though I switched the phones back in the AT&T online account, will I still have to call them up?
I apologize for all these questions, but if anyone can please assist me, it'll be greatly appreciated.
I think you need to go back in and take a closer look at your account online and see what they actually did to your features, you may have just been screwed. When they transfered you over to the $15 200MB play i think you lost your $10 unlimited plan and may never get it back.
They still know you have your Aria on the account, you have to put your chip back in the old phone, wait about a few hours then check it online to see if it picked it up correctly, then call them and have them remove the data plan and put back your old plan "which they may not be able to do". After that switch back your sim to your Aria. If you get another text alert call them up and tell them you do not have a smartphone on the account and give them your Samsung Impression IMEI number.
Your Aria may not be unlocked just full price off contact, to see if its unlocked put a Tmobile or another non ATT sim in it and see if it picks up a signal.
I had a similar experience with the scanning process removing a feature and putting on the data plan here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7146488#post7146488
That's exactly what I did. As soon as I got the 2 text messages, I removed the SIM from the Aria and put it back the Samsung Impression. I actually changed the phone manually on my AT&T online account as AT&T did know that I was using the Aria. However, I do not have the option to change my data plan back to $10/mo unlimited as only the $15/mo 200MB data plan option is available. So, I will be calling AT&T in the morning to have it switched back.
I read your other post, but I do not think I have the Medianet bundle. I'm running on a Family plan with Unlimited Family Messaging and Unlimited Family Data ($10/mo for each non-smartphone). I checked the other phones on the plan and nothing has changed in terms of messaging/data plan. Only my phone was affected by the smartphone data plan.
Is there a way to get around this or is it just luck? I don't mind paying $15/mo for 200MB, but if I can avoid it, then why not?! Is it possible to completely disable 3G when Wi-Fi is in use? I heard some Aria owners who said that their 3G was actually still in use even though Wi-Fi was connected. From what I saw on my Aria, there was a check mark under 3G instead of the 2 illuminated arrows when Wi-Fi was connected. How about yours?
My Aria constantly have the chcek under the 3G icon when wifi is on, the only time the 2 arrows show up is when i send or receive a MMS. To disable 3G data there is a mobile data option when you hold down the power button after the unlock screen. There is also an option inside menu - settings - wireless & network - uncheck mobile internet to disable 3G data and use wifi only.
The check just means you are connected to the network it has nothing to do with wifi and data transmission on 3g has up/down arrows.
There's no sure fire way to avoid the at&t data nazis especially since they've already caught you once.there's another topic about aria with no data with more info.
Sent from my HTC Liberty using XDA App
So I contacted HTC and gave them my S/N. They told me the HTC Aria "unlocked" I purchased at retail price was still locked. Now, I'm trying to figure out whether or not there are even unlocked HTC Aria's out there!
call the place you bought it from they will usually send a replacement next day free of charge samething happened to me with my phone not the aria though
Unlimited MOBILE WEB is an entirely different thing from a DATA plan. A mobile web restricts 3g usage to specific applications on the Impression while a data plan allows any app downloaded to use AT&T's network.
Your phone doesn't sound like it was unlocked but even if it was, AT&T can immediately tell which phone is connected to the network via your SIM. There's no real practical way to get out of paying 15 dollars a month. You could try turning off 3g on the Aria, which you can do allowing you to still send/receive calls and texts, but limits you to wifi for any apps that require the internet. Even if you turn it off though i have a feeling AT&T will still charge you 15 for the data plan just because it is a smart phone.
To be quite honest what is 5 more dollars anyway? That's my opinion...
Well, the Aria is branded under AT&T, so there is no such unlocked Aria right now. The HTC representative told me the only way to obtain an unlocked Aria is to actually have someone physically unlock it via unlock code.
As far as I can tell, the phone purchased through Amazon is not unlocked. It actually never was listed as Unlocked, so it was a mistake on my part.
I don't know if I will be able to return the phone though. I guess I can always tell them that there is something wrong with it and then they might allow a refund.
Oh, I don't mind paying the extra $5/mo. It's just that 200MB of data is not enough for me and of course unlimited beats it. However, if I do decide to keep the Aria, then I won't have a choice but to pay the $15.
Even if you get an unlocked Aria you will be saddled with the data plan for smartphones since it is an At&t branded phone the imei is in their database and eventually it will either scan it or if you use data services not covered by your existing plan it will switch you.
I was able to bypass the smartphone data plan and pay the $30 for unlimited data and messaging for non-smartphones but it was because I was using an unlocked T-Mobile G1 over EDGE.
Anyone have experience with the HTC Desire and AT&T non-smartphone data plan?
To add up to the conversation, one thing you need to understand, the ATT $10 non-smartphoine dataplan is not grandfather and so you can still added up to a non-smartphone at anytime,the unlimited for $30 for smartphone is no longer availabel and so you will need to chose from the $15 for 200mbs or the on2 for $20 for 2gbs... in regards to the a smartphone been unlocked or not, it makes no difference to ATT or any other service provider, a smartphone is a smarphone and yes they detect this via the IMEI which is syncronyze in the databse thru the SIM card as soon as you device registers on their network...you can change the device you have registered at any time it makes no difference...why because you will still be using a smartphone...it is inevitable my friend! the only way I see it happening is changing the IMEI of your device or not using a smartphone at all...sad but true!
why would you buy an unlocked at&t phone to use on at&ts network?
if you put your sim card in any at&t phone, they will detect your IMEI number, find out if its a smart phone or not, and charge you accordingly. they will be more than happy to charge you MORE for using a smartphone, but they certainly will not charge you LESS because you switched back. if you don't plan on using the aria, just put your sim in your old phone, call at&t and get the data plan switched back to the not-smart-phone plan.
if you want a smartphone on at&t, but do not want to pay for the at&t data plan, your only real option is to get a t-mobile branded phone, such as the g1 or mytouch, and unlock it.
Hello everybody, recently AT&T released a new pay as you go plan which is 50$ 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?
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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.....
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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?
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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 #.
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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 .
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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.
Hey guys, I was thinking about getting an Aria for my girlfriend. I have a few questions before I purchase one though:
1. I heard you could unlock it by talking to AT&T, but just in case, can anyone point me to a cheap/reputable place to get it unlocked online? Thanks
2. Is it easy to permanently disable Cellular Network data? She would be using it with no data plan, so we wouldnt want any data to get through.
roltzje said:
Hey guys, I was thinking about getting an Aria for my girlfriend. I have a few questions before I purchase one though:
1. I heard you could unlock it by talking to AT&T, but just in case, can anyone point me to a cheap/reputable place to get it unlocked online? Thanks
2. Is it easy to permanently disable Cellular Network data? She would be using it with no data plan, so we wouldnt want any data to get through.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you get the phone unlocked, it should work fine on any GSM network.
As far as data is concerned, I know that AT&T will detect your phone and may apply a smart-phone data plan (even if you don't want or use one).
One way around this is to put the SIM card into a dumb phone and disable the data plan on-line or call ATT to disable it.
Then pop the SIM card back into the Aria and you're in business.
It has worked for me like this for over 5 years of owning smart phones without data plans (which I don't use or need).
DanGeorges said:
One way around this is to put the SIM card into a dumb phone and disable the data plan on-line or call ATT to disable it.
Then pop the SIM card back into the Aria and you're in business.
It has worked for me like this for over 5 years of owning smart phones without data plans (which I don't use or need).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This will ONLY work if you have a very old plan with AT&T and you are grandfathered in.
If you switched plans or started your service after AT&T started requiring smartphones to have data plans, you will be automatically switched to a data plan if you put your SIM card into an Aria. There's no way around it.
drumist said:
This will ONLY work if you have a very old plan with AT&T and you are grandfathered in.
If you switched plans or started your service after AT&T started requiring smartphones to have data plans, you will be automatically switched to a data plan if you put your SIM card into an Aria. There's no way around it.
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Click to collapse
That's unfortunate. I will definitely keep my "old" plan just to make sure I'm still able to keep the data plan off.
I had, for a month, an unlimited ($15) plan, but since I really didn't see a need, dropped it and opted out. Looking back, I probably should have kept it in case there could be a day when I need a new plan.
When that day comes, I will be switching to a pay-as-you-go plan.
That would allow me to keep my Aria, WiFi, etc. - without subscribing to an unnecessary data plan. The only downside is losing my mobile number...
I bought the atrix when it came out and left my family and their plan for it (I was still using a first gen Razr and wanted a smartphone/data), I need to save money so I'm joining back up with my family, my choices are to have them switch over to ATT or have me switch over to Tmobile. (Comparable price, so that's not the concern)
I would not be able to use 4g with tmobile so would need a new phone.
So my question is: Can I still use the atrix over wifi without using either att, tmobile or any carrier? Since I paid so much for it and its better than any free phone I would like to keep using it for wifi if i switch to tmobile.
OR
Should I just have my family switchover to ATT since they don't care and I can keep my phone/service? The monthly price is pretty much the same and they definitely get all new phones with ATT.
I'm thinking to have everyone switch to ATT unless tmobile offers something great, but I still want to know if its possible to use if I have to switch.
uisgdlyast said:
I bought the atrix when it came out and left my family and their plan for it (I was still using a first gen Razr and wanted a smartphone/data), I need to save money so I'm joining back up with my family, my choices are to have them switch over to ATT or have me switch over to Tmobile. (Comparable price, so that's not the concern)
I would not be able to use 4g with tmobile so would need a new phone.
So my question is: Can I still use the atrix over wifi without using either att, tmobile or any carrier? Since I paid so much for it and its better than any free phone I would like to keep using it for wifi if i switch to tmobile.
OR
Should I just have my family switchover to ATT since they don't care and I can keep my phone/service? The monthly price is pretty much the same and they definitely get all new phones with ATT.
I'm thinking to have everyone switch to ATT unless tmobile offers something great, but I still want to know if its possible to use if I have to switch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can, you just have to disable insert sim card screen. Follow the instructions in the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXDj-h1DEAM
You could just sim unlock it, flash a European radio, since those support tmobile bands and use the atrix on tmobile.
crnkoj said:
You could just sim unlock it, flash a European radio, since those support tmobile bands and use the atrix on tmobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. T-Mobile uses different frequencies in Europe than they do in the US so flashing a radio wont change a thing. You'd still get edge/2G though. And T-Mobile has started adopting AT&T's 3G/FauxG bands so depending on where you live, you might luck out and get 3G.
But yes, just download a VoIP app like Skype, Groove IP or Talkatone and you're set for wifi calls.
If you drop AT&T, get the unlock code first (even if you are going w/o any cell sefvice and do not need the code now). This is free, and will no longer be an option once you cancel with AT&T.
I use my ATRIX without service, using wifi only and use sipdroid with my google voice number for voip calling and you could use gv for texts as well. There is even an app, GV Full Integration, which you can use your gv number for texting through your native sms app or Go Sms. If you rather an inexpensive service, straight talk, $45 a month unlimited, just watch your data consumption, I believe they consider 2 GB a month "excessive usage" and will cut off your data as a warning but will restore it by calling customer service. Second time, no more service period.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA
I'm using mine right now without mobile data.
Save more battery power by installing Network app by philipp mangelow to shut off the cell radio.
So I've read enough about the GS4 being Sim unlocked from Verizon. We are traveling to St Maarten in the Caribbean in April, and I'm just trying to confirm that its really as simple as purchasing a local sim and popping it in. My GS4 is unlocked and rooted since the MDK bootloader, but my wife's is a work provided phone, and I'm not allowed to touch it (although she always asks me how I tether....sorry dear...I'm not allowed to touch yours). Our resort has wifi but only in the lobby, and I'm not interested in data (I'll be on vaca) but I want to just be able to text my wife if need be while exploring the island.
Anyone know what I can expect to pay for a local sim? Don't even need a lot of minutes....just be able to text back and forth if we need to.
My FIL is on my Verizon plan. He's leaving in a few days for Aruba and Curacao.
He contacted Verizon and was told he could pay $5 for cheaper phone and texting rates while on his trip. I think it is $1.49 or $1.99 per minute for calls and .50 to send text and .05 to receive them.
Data is crazy expensive ($25/100mb with Int'l plan or $22ish per mb without) so I would turn off data sucking apps or seriously limiting it (turn off background sync, etc) even if you opt for the Verizon data plan. Also, if you don't turn off the data before you leave you will most likely get hit with data charges as soon as you land.
I would recommend getting local data sim and using Hangouts or some other non-texting data based chat service instead of texting each other.
gadzooks64 said:
My FIL is on my Verizon plan. He's leaving in a few days for Aruba and Curacao.
He contacted Verizon and was told he could pay $5 for cheaper phone and texting rates while on his trip. I think it is $1.49 or $1.99 per minute for calls and .50 to send text and .05 to receive them.
Data is crazy expensive ($25/100mb with Int'l plan or $22ish per mb without) so I would turn off data sucking apps or seriously limiting it (turn off background sync, etc) even if you opt for the Verizon data plan. Also, if you don't turn off the data before you leave you will most likely get hit with data charges as soon as you land.
I would recommend getting local data sim and using Hangouts or some other non-texting data based chat service instead of texting each other.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hangouts I can do....but that uses data. And I'm not going to have wifi on the beach.....MAYBE the beach at our resort....but I've read over and over that wifi is only in the lobby....so who knows where the range will end until I get there. I guess your saying leave data off until I get a local sim in it. Once the local sim is in it, I'll stop getting my verizon data? or will I have to stop gmail, and disable all other data apps?
I know what my phone does, and what apps use what data....and how you can set some up for wifi only....but my wife is clueless tech wise. I guess I'm not going to find a local sim with unlimited texting huh (or even a reasonable number of texts).
Once you replace the Verizon sim (keep it and make sure you know which is yours and which is the wife's because it does matter and you'll be putting them back in as soon as you get home) then your connection to Verizon is gone.
As soon as you install the local sim you will have data and/or phone coverage based on what you bought. If you can get two cheap data only sims that would be the way to go. Then use data services for doing instant messaging to contact each other.
All your data using apps will work just as they did at home. They don't care how you connect to the internet. GMail, Hangouts etc will all work as long as you have a data service.
Enjoy.
gadzooks64 said:
Once you replace the Verizon sim (keep it and make sure you know which is yours and which is the wife's because it does matter and you'll be putting them back in as soon as you get home) then your connection to Verizon is gone.
As soon as you install the local sim you will have data and/or phone coverage based on what you bought. If you can get two cheap data only sims that would be the way to go. Then use data services for doing instant messaging to contact each other.
All your data using apps will work just as they did at home. They don't care how you connect to the internet. GMail, Hangouts etc will all work as long as you have a data service.
Enjoy.
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Ok, I gotcha now. I would love to find a data only Sim. It will be pretty easy to tell which sim is which upon return... I'll just make a test call to see whose phone rings when I dial my number :laugh: Thanks for your help. I don't want to pay Verizon $25 for 100MB as I'm sure some app I forget about will run me over.....and my wife's phone is run by her work....so local sim is the only way to go....or bring her rezound along.....but I'm not sure that phone was ever truly SIM unlocked without a specific Rom...and my rezound hacking days are long behind me.
I came across this site and while it doesn't say how much the sim will cost to purchase, it gives me an idea of the data packages I'll need to buy.
http://wiredsailor.com/new/broadband-internet/3g-services/
318sugarhill said:
Ok, I gotcha now. I would love to find a data only Sim. It will be pretty easy to tell which sim is which upon return... I'll just make a test call to see whose phone rings when I dial my number :laugh: Thanks for your help. I don't want to pay Verizon $25 for 100MB as I'm sure some app I forget about will run me over.....and my wife's phone is run by her work....so local sim is the only way to go....or bring her rezound along.....but I'm not sure that phone was ever truly SIM unlocked without a specific Rom...and my rezound hacking days are long behind me.
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I just did this last week in the UK - stock GS4 running MK2, with a SIM from ekit.com.
All I did was to insert the SIM, set the phone to GSM mode, define the APN, and you're done. Finding a cheap carrier for data in the Caribbean is tough, however.
k1mu said:
I just did this last week in the UK - stock GS4 running MK2, with a SIM from ekit.com.
All I did was to insert the SIM, set the phone to GSM mode, define the APN, and you're done. Finding a cheap carrier for data in the Caribbean is tough, however.
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So I've been reading on some travel forums about queen of SXM. She is a part time resident of St. Maarten that does rental phones. I emailed her and for $8 for the week I am renting a SIM card. Any voice/data must be added after that in $5 increments. But data is mostly 2g (and expanding to 3g but likely not widely available). It's only $0.55 per day for the data and it's unlimited (since its so slow, its not like your going to be using a lot anyway). So basically for $13 a phone I can get data and no voice so we can message back and forth. Is Hangouts or what's app going to be reliable on a 2g network? I've read that wechat has designed their app for better use on 2g networks (in places like India and other emerging markets). On my Rezound I was able to force the phone into 1x only mode, but not so much on the S4 to be able to test it.....unless I can find an area with a really crappy signal.