yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] :
Any time guys. I'll keep my ears and eyes on it. The nasty elephant in the room is the prepaid TOS that states that everything can change at any time. So far, though you guys are still smooth sailing.

Glad I could help.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] jonathan3579:
Well we can also ride that elephant onto another carrier if they switch things up and negatively impact our plans. I am hoping the insurance rumors for us Monthly4G users does pan out. I'd be extremely happy actually.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Headcase_Fargone:
I just recently picked up a Samsung Exhibit II for my wife along with this plan and ended up using the SIM in my Galaxy Nexus (going Straight Talk for her Exhibit since she needs the minutes).

I'm curious though if I might need to change the APN settings because on both phones I've never seen over .9mb/s down. It's always right at 900kb/s.

I'm seeing people in this thread claiming 10+mb/s speeds, using the same speed test app no less. Are you using a different radio or APN settings or was this just "out of the box" speed?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
My APN is the stock T-Mobile US one.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Headcase_Fargone:
Appreciated. Maybe all cellular networks just suck in Houston.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
That could be; also trying a different radio (I've had really nice results with UGLC1) could help a bit - particularly if you're still on a XX-region one.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Headcase_Fargone:
I flashed that radio and it didn't make any difference with my speeds, unfortunately.

It's almost like the rates are capped on this plan. I'll hit the Begin Test button and it jumps up to 2-3mbps for a second then slows to right at 900kbps. It never goes above 900, and I've run speed tests all over town. Very strange.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Mrcojocaru:
I'm hoping to switch to this plan when my contract expires, port my number to Google voice and not have to pay for texting or anything. I've been testing google voice and am having great success.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Headcase_Fargone:
That's exactly what I did. Had I to do it over again I would have just ported my number to the new plan though. Turns out you can only use the Voice app to send text messages from your GV number. That app happens to be complete ass.

I didn't know this because I was coming from Sprint, where the GV number is merged with my Sprint account.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Well yes, of course you can only use your GV # in the GV app lol. You have your separate Messaging app for your carrier SMS. The assumption is this isn't an issue because you're

only using your GV #

, and would have no use for your carrier one. If you're using your GV # as your primary #, why would you want to use your carrier # (other than MMS)?

I'd have to disagree with the GV app being "complete ass". I'm using it every day with about 99% of my text messages, and its really really good. They've made a couple updates in the last month that have polished it even more. Not to mention that you can seamlessly SMS between the app and the desktop client.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Mrcojocaru:
I've used the voice app to troll my brother with cat facts and I agree, it works quite well. I'm actually excited to make this move. I contacted tmobile and they told me that in June I can cancel my account at 100 a line.

By Bundling google voice with the pre paid plan in the OP i will be saving more than 140 a month. Sounds unbelievable
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Netou:
Quick question before I pull the trigger on this $30 plan.

Im currently a Verizon customer with a Nexus....playing around $120 with everything unlimited.

I dont really care if I keep my number since I do everything thru GoogleVoice... I would also be getting the $30 plan.

I'd have to order a SIM Card Activation Kit.

Purchase a new GSM Nexus. Would any GSM Nexus work? I was looking into getting the White GSM Nexus from Newegg. Just wanting to confirm there arent different GSM versions of the same phone.

...once I receive both. I go into tmobile's pre paid activation page and activate the sim card or would it be better to call cust service to set up the correct plan?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Headcase_Fargone:
Complete ass may have been hyperbole. My primary complaint about the GV app (and GV in general) is the complete lack of an empty trash option. I've found no way, even on the GV desktop site, to clear out trash easily. I don't want my texts sticking around forever. I need to be able to delete them completely right after reading them.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
Most GSM Nexuses will work; the one from Newegg should be fine. You'd just need to be careful of the few carrier-locked ones that are out there - mostly European carriers, I believe.

Yup, you can activate it online. It's really painless. You will need to call customer service afterwards to have your voicemail service turned off (so that missed calls to your GVoice number will fall back to your GVoice voicemail).
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Headcase_Fargone:
The I9250 from Newegg is the one you want. I'm running the $30 prepaid plan on that one myself. Also, it's penta band so it will work on AT&T's network too if you decide 100 minutes isn't enough.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Any GSM model will do. The white ones are just i9250 with different color back, so they work just the same.

Activating online couldn't be easier. You only have to call in if you need number porting or have a problem. The SIM activation kit is the easiest way to go, and costs you nothing (the prepaid balance is more than the cost of the card)

Any item you put in the trash is automatically deleted after 30 days in the trash. Hardly a reason to judge the entire GV app on the lack of an "empty trash" button. They've made huge strides in improving the GV app lately.

View attachment 1009853
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Headcase_Fargone:
Yeahhhh, 30 days doesn't work for me. I need that stuff gone immediately.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
If you seriously have something to hide in GV.... then I think you shouldn't be using GV. But if you must, its pretty easy to just delete them forever manually. Although I don't see how that's ever a good policy, considering that messages are 2 (or more) way. Recipient(s) have a copy too, and may not be as diligent in deleting them.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] bpm2000:
My real problem with switching to GV, which I wish I had done more research about, was the poor re-integration with your existing apps and text/msg.

If you port to GV and try to use this plan, and DONT want to use google voice to handle your texts and calls, you will have a bad time because now there is a google voice # and a tmobile # to cross between, and contacts start appearing as phone numbers rather than contacts.

Functionality and all that is still there, but the integration got sloppy. Not really GV's fault since Tmobile wont forward voicemails on prepaid but one should note this before making the swap if you are into using Handcent or something.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Yeah its not a good idea to try and do both GV and T-Mobile #. You really need to just go all in with one of the #'s.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Developer451:
GV:

I've been using GV for some time, but I've also only ever had unlimited plans. It was my understanding that GV outgoing calls still use the cell minutes. Is that still true? If so, my plan was to use GrooveIP. I wouldn't mind paying for a SIP number though, if there are any recommendations and which can port a number.

TMobile $30/unlimited plan:

I now have the $30/unlimited plan on an old unlocked phone.

I had to eventually just go into a tmobile store and explained what I wanted armed with a printout of the offer on tmobile.com and I only needed to state one time that "it also says available on tmobile.com so I'd like to purchase the plan from tmobile.com and not walmart".

They called customer service to work it out. 10 minutes later it was done.

I just puchased another activation kit for another phone i have and I'll try someones previous steps to do it all online. But if it doesn't work I'll just go back to the store once again.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Headcase_Fargone:
GV:

If you don't want to use minutes you need to use something like GrooveIP in conjunction with GV. It works great over a stable WiFi connection, but using it on 4G is very hit or miss.

TMobile:

I discovered that they had signed me up for a completely different service using the "Family Mobile" branding. Once I heard about this I activated the T-Mobile SIM that came with the prepaid phone I bought and was able to activate the $30 plan that I wanted.

After flashing a new radio at someone's suggestion on another forum I'm getting 9.0mb down and 3mb up. :D
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Yes it does take up minutes unless you use a VoIP services like GrooVe IP. If you're going to be making lots of calls I wouldn't recommend GrooVe IP or Talkatone. Just not consistent enough. Might be better off with a paid SIP service (or just a different plan with more minutes).

Easiest to do it online w/ activation kit. Even if you're a current customer its best to activate a new line there then port your old #.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Developer451:
Thanks everyone. I tested GrooveIP but it had heavy echoes. I'll look into a SIP service.

I'll try the online method again once the kit arrives.

tmobile data speed is great in the DC area. I also have a Verizon 4G mifi device and tmobile offers much lower latency. Over tmobile, Remote Desktop works as if I'm local to the remote machine; while on Verizon there is clear lagging.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Netou:
Awesome! Thanks for the replies yall.

Had one last quick question.

Is tmobiles' wifi call assistance available for the prepaid plans??
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] babymatteo:
No sir.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] talawahdotnet:
Tmobile sim

Has anyone purchased a sim card directly from tmobile (online) and activated the plan (online).

t-mobile.com/shop/phones/cell-phone-detail.aspx?cell-phone=t-mobile-sim-card

The sim card is currently advertised as free with free shipping. Seems like a good deal to me, but I also notice it has some fine print:

Is that just boiler plate or do they really charge you if you don't sign-up for a post-paid account?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
I purchased a second sim card directly from t-mobile (online) and activated the $30 plan online as well. Works fine :)
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Headcase_Fargone:
GrooveIP has a number of echo-reducing settings, in case you haven't tried those yet. The codec that GV supports is pretty old though, so it'll likely never work well over a cellular data connection.

If you do get another SIP service set up and running well would you mind posting that here? I know I and I'm sure others would be interested in hearing some experiences with other providers.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] BinkXDA:
I use a SIP service with my GN and this T-Mobile plan—more details and a good thread on this is at http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1583120&highlight=voip.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Pretty sure you want a "SIM Activation Kit" (not just the card). Found here: http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phone/T-Mobile-Prepaid-SIM-Activation-Kit

I bought it back when it was like $4 and it worked 100% perfect activating online. It comes pre-loaded with about $4 of prepaid credit too.

---------- Post added at 01:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:11 PM ----------

The issue is that the GrooVe IP codec isn't a very efficient one, and requires really consistent, low latency speed to work properly. It is not at all reliable over HSPA+. Talkatone uses a bit more efficient one and doesn't have as much delay, but its still not as good as native voice calling.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
Good catch, sorry I didn't spot that difference. You do need the Activation Kit, which is the SIM card and an activation packet. You'll need the code from the activation packet to be able to activate the SIM on your own.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Yup! Its a subtle but important difference! Many times in this thread people have been stuck with a SIM card and no activation kit to start the service with.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] joackie27:
I was a T-Mobile postpaid customer before switching to this prepaid plan last night. I didn't bought a new sim card + activation kit. I'm still using my old sim card and phone number. Good thing I saw this thread! :)
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Developer451:
I decided to go with voip.ms and I set it up on my Nexus S using the built-in SIP capability. It works really well.

I simply couldn't remove the echoing from GrooveIP.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] tomprc:
I have tried 3CXPhone, CSipSimple. But Bobsled is the best for outgoing calls. It is developed by T-mobile. Maybe they are using something in the network only available and known to Tmobile.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
so what's the catch on Bobsled?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ericshmerick:
I went ahead and bought a SIM activation kit off of eBay for $3 and change shipped.

It's worth it to try a month of the $30 plan to see how it does for me...
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Kinda sexy... might give them a call about it. What was the process? Did you start your plan on your own then call? Or did they set up the plan over the phone too?

How is GrooveIP working for you? Seems to be the one that people recommend, but theres still issues with call quality over 3G. The big thing I wanna know is if it works well on WiFi (I'd assume it does?).
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] rock7632:
for me grooveip works really well on both 3g and wifi. on 3g I normally get around 1.5 mbps so its not like I'm in an area with great hspa+ coverage but I still have not had any problems with grooveip
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] jagwire:
I had been on the previous even more plus plan for years but switched to this one when i called. Only took about 2 minutes I just mentioned the terms details of the plan and she knew exactly what i was talking about. Said my number and account would be switched over within 24 hours and it was.

GrooveIP works great for me on WiFi haven't been able to test it on 3g yet though.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] claud_face:
So I wanna get this phone. Thing is I'm on a family tmibile plan and am under contract as one of the family members.

If I wanted to go to this plan would my only choice be to drop outta the family plan and pay the fee? ?

I just wanna be on my own and I could actually afford this plan and it fits me perfectly. I get hurassed by parents for everything and just want out.

Thing is with the fee its alot right?

Like 200bux?

Truthfully with my income I shouldn't be getting a gnex but I sacrifice to have latest phone technology or I'd lose my mind.

Thanks
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Yes to leave the contract, the ETF (early termination fee) is probably $200+, depending what stage of the contract you're in.

So no, its really not worth it, as it'll take longer to break even on breaking the contract than just letting the contract run out the switching.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] claud_face:
Darn!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Bronk93:
Will the simcard that is purchased on Amazon work on any T-Mobile phone?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] rock7632:
yeah it will
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] vince2398:
When you activated this plan online, did you have to enter the GN's IMEI number on tmobile's site? Or did you enter any valid IMEI number and used the sim card on the GN? Thanks in advance.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] rock7632:
yeah I entered my Nexus One's IMEI number because I had not gotten the Galaxy Nexus then. I did this like a month ago. But its working great on my GNEX as well
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] regulate23:
Partnerweb?

Great thread, I've been thinking of going this route myself. Does anybody know if data on this plan works in areas marked as Partnerweb on the Tmobile Monthly 4g coverage map? Or if these areas are considerd as data roaming, which is listed as not included? I've contacted customer service 3 times now and gotten 3 different answers. Thanks in advance!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Luxferro:
I entered my Nexes S IMEI when I activated. No problems using it. Haven't got my Galaxy Nexus yet.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] audi09:
Ive read all the pages and its still a little confusing. Can someone clear this up before I try it? The steps on putting the Galaxy Nexus on this walmart plan.

1) Buy a sim card from t-mo (or amazon/online stores)

2) Take the sim card to walmart and have them put you on the no contract $30 plan

3) Enjoy the phone.

Thats all it takes?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] milan03:
Bought SIM card from Amazon, bought the Activation kit/code from 3rd party T-Mobile retailer for $5, activated online, used old RazR IMEI.

Popped the SIM into GN, APN was already set, getting 15mbps speeds. Amazing!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Nice I'm thinking about trying this out. Dealing with using Google Voice + GrooveIP to make calls is worth it to me in order to save $35-$40 per month on my phone bill. Don't think I'm going to port everything over to Google voice just yet, as the majority of my phone calls come from just a couple people, and I can cut my minutes by about 95% just by giving GV number to those people.

---------- Post added at 11:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:37 PM ----------

From what a couple of the other posters have said, if you're already on T-mo they can move you to the plan and you can keep your SIM you have now...
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] clearym:
1) Get SIM card (it's easier if you buy it from T-mobile)

http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phone/T-Mobile-Prepaid-SIM-Activation-Kit

2) When you have your SIM card kit from above AND a T-mobile phone (any should work), go here to activate

http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/plans/ActivateCodes.aspx

It's my understanding that Wal-Mart will only activate that plan on phones purchased from them. For T-mobile, the plan is a web-only option, and I don't think that T-mobile retailers will usually sell you a SIM card activation kit without activating it at the store.

I've been on the $30 plan since about a week after it began and just popped the SIM from my Nexus S into my recently arrived Galaxy Nexus!!!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] catpunt:
fyi i purchased a cheap sim card from amazon (seller abe-123) and activated it via t-mobile.com/prepaidactivation and used the imei from my galaxy nexus and picked this plan just fine.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] vince2398:
Has anyone been able to port their number from another carrier to this $30 Tmobile plan? Thanks.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] :
That's insane and I work at Walmart. I think I even get a discount on this stuff. Might be worth it to break my AT&T contract and pay the ETF. I recoup the cost in a couple months.

What kind of speeds are you getting? After you hit the cap it drops to 3G speeds?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] tomprc:
it's free. no catch. you cannot take incoming calls. Oops, sorry I posted in wrong thread! Please ignore these OT posts.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Oh I see. So its outgoing only and with your T-Mobile #?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] _atlien_:
So what's the catch?

No catch. You can't take incoming calls.

lolololol
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] tomprc:
Yes for outgoing only direct dial. No for T-mobile. I believe it works for everybody.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Ya figured it out. Not very useful. Meh.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] tomprc:
It's about 50% useful. The thing is all the apps are not so reliable in taking incoming calls due to network changes. So to me they are useless anyway. This app appears to be better at outgoing at least.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
For sure could be useful in a pinch. Depending on the quality compared to other VOIP services I suppose.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Archpope:
I have a question that I am hoping one of you who's been through this can answer. My girlfriend is on a T-mobile postpaid plan, and I'd like to switch her to the no-contract plan. One thing no one who succeeded mentioned is whether they had to pay an ETF to transfer the contract. Did you have to pay the ETF to get the contract transferred?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] DOHCtor:
Prepaid is contract-free. You can not transfer the contract. That means you will have to pay ETF if you are still on contract.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Archpope:
I may not have understood what was going on, but it sounds like ivoniko was able to transfer from postpaid to prepaid. Just no mention was made of having to pay an ETF.

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=22731328&postcount=282
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
The only way to prevent paying an ETF is to be out of contract. You will pay an ETF if you switch to prepaid. You're leaving your current contract for a new service plan without a contract.

Its probably not worth paying an ETF unless you're close to the end of your contract.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] harveydent:
Depends if she's still in the contract lock-in period. If she's eligible for an upgrade, she's out and there's no ETF. If not, there's probably a $200 to $350 ETF depending on how much time is left in the lock-in period (how long before she's eligible for an upgrade).

If she's out, the easiest thing to do would be to cancel the account and then get a new prepaid sim and activation kit. If she wants to keep her number though, she has to call TMo and try the methods posted in the last few pages
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] BrianDigital:
There ways out of contracts, if your on sprint you could flash the altel prl and torrent some Linux distros. That would def do the trick
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] talawahdotnet:
I'm having a lot of trouble ordering the tmobile prepaid sim from t-mobile.com. I've tried multiple cards and keeps saying that it encountered an issue and that I should double check my info.

Any body else have issues? I'd really rather not order from some third party on ebay or amazon.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] bobsbbq:
I ha issues last night as well. I just called them and they processed the payment.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] talawahdotnet:
Good point. Thanks. Seem to be having trouble ordering though...

---------- Post added at 08:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:15 PM ----------

Ok cool. I'll give em a call tomorrow.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] noneone:
Just unlocked my iphone from att, got this plan, voice works fine, data is stuck at 2g, so picked up a used 4g tmobile device.

1) note, its been hinted at, but, there is no need to go to walmart, in fact, for most folks, going to walmart is exactly the wrong thing to do ..... at least near me (just south of Boston) three different walmarts do not carry the activation kit, just phones. Walmart's here don't have sim cards. (as others have done, you can buy a full cheap $30 phone at walmart, or anywhere else, and use that phone).

2) I didn't see it mentioned but, BEST BUY does sell tmobile activation kits. More expensive than amazon, but, if you want it today .... Best Buy does, Walmart doesn't.

I'm using grooveip and a htc sensation, voice calls are clear, but voice quality sounds a little "thin". Anyone use grooveIP and something else (e.g. talkatone) and find anything better than grooveip for quality on non wifi?

Thanks!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] thetrailofdead:
Activation

I just activated my $30 account. I got the kit from t-mobile.com for $0.99. It came with an invalid activation code. I had to call the 800-672-5390 to try to speak with someone, and eventually I got to speak to a human and they activated my account over the phone.

I found it strange that they wouldnt let me activate online and said I had to fund my account over the phone. Good thing I already had a refill card. I kept trying to not fund it over the phone because I didnt want to give my information and because I thought the card came with 10 minutes already on it.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] JUSMEJOSE:
I'm paying $70.00 unlimited everything (5GB 4G speed data) I wish I could pay less but I'm on the phone all the time
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] earlyberd:
You can pay less. Get a SIP account to pay for your minutes. Most providers charge fractions of a cent per minute, or flat unlimited plans for ~$10 a month.

Edit: Skype Premium is also on sale for $4.99/month, allowing for unlimited calls to US & Canada.