yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android General] lovem:
As a lot have said, if you disable data before getting flagged you'll be able to use the phone without being forced into an outrageously priced data plan. I did not disable data, as I needed the phone's connection a lot as my primary internet source for all things tethering (LoL.) Upon being flagged, then reverting to a medianet plan, no flagging would occur if the mobile data was never enabled. This is evidenced by the use of Note N7100 used for over a year with data disabled. The hindrance to that would be that MMS is disabled with no mobile data. WhatsApp:D can be used to do MMS with WiFi data present though.

I will have to say that I wonder if having used the Huawei Mate on a T-Mobile prepaid plan had anything to do with the flagging. Before t-mobile updated their plans, I periodically used the Mate with the $30 plan available from Walmart when I was need of a secondary & temporary line. I was using the tethering like a dog in heat, until T-Mobile blocked me and said the plan did not support tethering. I was just wondering if T-Mobile maybe shared the IMEI with a$hit&t; but then again I'm probably over analyzing things.
[Android General] kaijura:
I have also noticed the recently updated flagged list, Razr I and M are now out. They added more Samsungs in the past months, went as far back as to GS3 Korean variants and perhaps the IMEIs of rarer variants.

I also saw that OLAM doesn't give you an option to select a $10 unlimited data now, it's $30 for "unlimited messaging and data". Either this may be a bug or something is changing.

So the MI3 is now detected? What does it show up as under OLAM?

This doesn't sound well if they have the IMEI series of Xiaomi, who is not even in the GSM alliance.
[Android General] ErieTrack:
Mine doesn't show up at all on the site. I had is set up as a V2 razr on Linux but when my account was swept

it defaulted to unknown device. I put my sim in my nokia 6550 and it automatically changed online to the nokia.

The next day I put my sim back in the mi3 but nothing changed. It's been a week with the sim in my mi3and it

still says I'm on the 6550. I don't think they have an imei list, I think they may have some new way of figuring

it based on data, maybe with certain apps. Although, I did read in another forum on xda that someone was

having problems getting there xiaomi to work right on att and they gave them the imei to get it working. Maybe

they're using deductive reasoning to figure out similar devices based on imei's they currently have? :confused:
[Android General] bedwa:
As a former employee, I've mentioned this more than once, but even when I left in May of 2012, there was a part of the program that let us look into the switch activity that if going through the correct data pathways let me see when someone was using a T-Mobile G1 even though it wasn't in the IMEI database OR recognized by the main IMEI system. It seems as if AT&T is starting to use more of their systems when trying to detect devices and file systems. As T-Mobile's network gets better, and I swap to devices compatible with their network, I'll be jumping ship. I will not overpay for my services, no matter how much data I actually use.

Note: While I do use more than the average user, I do this only due to the options in my area for home internet are Overpriced (39.99 promo price) for Cable internet or Dialup through AT&T themselves. My Medianet Data plan serves me well in this aspect for much cheaper on my wife's and my phones combined.

Secondary Note: I only put the APN in my settings, I NEVER use the proxy, and never the username and password. I think those are the primary ways that they detect the information. As the device authenticates, it provides the android version and device identifier (as in the story above being DRExxx) With new versions of Android this is getting more common without modified roms (Ex: Tethering being reported to the network when being used, regardless of the gateway). It's getting harder folks and I for one plan to reward those who cater to me, despite not having the best coverage. :/
[Android General] Mephisto Zap:
I recently picked up a mi3 and its been working great so far in my go phone plan. I've used a few gbs so far.

Also of anyone is looking for a good compatible phone I've got my xiaomi mi2 listed on swappa if anyone is interested.
[Android General] gtmaster303:
If a particular phone has been flagged already, can it still be used as a normal phone without data, if a data block is put on?
[Android General] bedwa:
Unless they have changed to phone call IMEI tagging like with the iPhones, yes. Since data will not he used, the IMEI tagging will not work.
[Android General] walkinhotdog:
sony xperia z1 compact got flagged in 6 days. so sad. back to my old htc sensation :(
[Android General] lovem:
Sony always gets flagged. I wish it didn't because I sure would have loved to try the Xperia z ultra at 6.4". Nice!
[Android General] walkinhotdog:
Dam, wish i knew that before. but it was nice to try out a diff brand for a week. any idea what brands are more promising? im thinking about a bell samsung galaxy s5 or htc one e8 when it becomes available. thanks
[Android General] bedwa:
Best options are anything not Samsung, HTC, Sony or Moto. Any of the major name brands will get flagged quickly. Best bet are ones like Oppo, Into Blu, Xoami, and ones like the OnePlus (if you can get an invitation).
[Android General] damianjproject:
samsung mythic

I have used a samsung mythic for ATT since 2009. I recently had that phone stolen. I am now at a loss for my business is all through that phone and tethering as bad a connection as I might get is all I had since I travel everyday. Now I am faced with either getting another samsung mythic or playing russian roulette with one of these phones you have listed on here. I would love to enjoy all facets of ATT wireless services limitlessly and thus why I have been grandfathered into the non smartphone unlimited plan for 10 dollars. My question to you the members of the board now is, as of today July 18th, 2014, with things the way they are right now with ATT's new investigation tactics, what are my safest bets in smartphones that I can purchase unlocked, put in my SIM and bam! everything works just like a mythic or a non smartphone with regards to unlimited data being undetected by ATT to every other facet of the smartphone life. I am ready to transcend all I need is the right smartphone. Thank you so much, I look forward to your response, whoever, my twitter is damianjproject
[Android General] bedwa:
It would almost be best to get another Mythic if you can find one as it was a non-smartphone device. Elsewise, my wife is currently using a Blu Studio S 5.0, has been using since Christmas and hasn't gotten tagged. Dropped SIM into it out of the box and didn't look back. I myself have swapped back to a Motorola Droid Bionic, but one of these takes extensive modifications, but can be picked up for less than $100. Just depends on the needs.

http://www.amazon.com/Unlocked-Quad...&qid=1405721659&sr=1-11&keywords=Blu+Studio+S

Swappa is highly recommended as well.

http://swappa.com/buy/blu-studio-50-unlocked/us

http://swappa.com/buy/motorola-droid-bionic-verizon/us

http://swappa.com/buy/xiaomi-mi-2-unlocked/us

If you need any other suggestions, let me know. I'll be happy to be bounced off of. :)
[Android General] damianjproject:
thank you so much for your help!!

Thank you so much for your help!

well there is one question, when they do catch up with you can you revert back to the old phone and save your plan if you call and explain....

other than that I assume that the blu studio your wife got is the best choice for most bang for your buck and still keep the unlimited plan, is there tethering on that phone? And lastly is there any samsung from the last couple years that is still under the radar?

Thanks again

Damian J
[Android General] damianjproject:
pick a phone

Within these phones that are the most advanced smartphones still on the list, does anyone vouch for having them and being successful without losing the unlimited plan and that the phone is a fast, good, reliable phone?

Blu Studio

Oppo Find 5

Xiaomi MI2, MI1, or MI3

Meizu MX 4 or MX

Alcatel One Touch Idol or Ultra

Lenovo K900

Xolo X500 or X1000

I am trying to decide which will be the best bang for your buck and decision for the long run which we don't know for sure how long before we are discovered, so in taking this risk I must be sure of what I will be getting, thank you all once again

damian j

Damian J
[Android General] Mephisto Zap:
Xiaomi phones are excellent phones and work well on this plan. I've been using my mi2 since last September on the media net plan and recently got a mi3 and its working well.

The mi2 is a excellent phone and has a 4.3 inch 720p screen, a snapdragon s4 pro 1.5ghz quad core, 2gb of ram and 16gb of space. I also have a extended battery with it. I have mine listed on swappa if your interested. Its a very solid phone and will work on medianet perfecfly. Also miui the software it comes with is my favorite android variation it works well. Check it out if your interested.

swappa.com/buy/xiaomi-mi-2-unlocked/us
[Android General] damianjproject:
interested in phone

I am interested. How do I do swapped though? Also are there any scratches on the screen? did you purchase a screen protector? Also what is the difference between the mi2 and mi3? Processor speed? I am tethering using dialup networking can I do this using the mi2. I am sure it will still beat my old samsung. Thank you
[Android General] Mephisto Zap:
OK awesome, you need to use PayPal, its fairly easy to set up a account if you don't already have one. The phone does have one small scratch its not on the screen portion though. I've used a screen protector and a case since I've had it.

The difference is the mi3 has a bigger 5inch screen and is 1080p and has a snapdragon 800 processor. A new one runs about $300. A new mi2s runs about $250-260 and its the same as the mi2 just has a 1.7ghz and same graphics card. I got the mi3 for the bigger screen and I just like to change up phones a lot.

Also there are a lot of fakes phones and some Chinese sellers are not honest. This is genuine phone. You can definitely tether with 3g speeds. There's a setting in the menu to make the phone a WiFi hotspot or you can tether with Bluetooth or by USB. Also the extended battery is nice, you could more than easily get 2 days on one charge with medium usage.
[Android General] kaijura:
Just checked with agent the other day, $10 for unlimited data is still available at the moment as long as unlimited messaging is applied on the account without a detected smartphone.

The other option is pay-as-you-go, which was $2/MB.
[Android General] chrism.brunner:
AT&T Free Msg: Your device's Internet access may not be working optimally. Give us a call within the next 7 days at 866-224-6514 so we can help you update your data settings so you don't lose access to the Internet.

Anyone else gotten this?
[Android General] Mephisto Zap:
Are you on go phone and don't have have Samsung phones with changed imeis?
[Android General] chrism.brunner:
Yes. My phone shows up as a flip phone......
[Android General] Mephisto Zap:
I'm on go phone too with my mi3, still working great and no weird message. I've used about 13gb this month too. I hope they can't start picking up android phones that arnt in their database.
[Android General] chrism.brunner:
Me too man... nothing in my connectivity has changed, just the message. ..... we'll see next week. I have 2 plans going, the other didn't get the message.
[Android General] andTab:
Does anyone know if the moto g international works?
[Android General] Mephisto Zap:
I wouldn't even bother with any manufacture that att sells phones from, you should go for oppo, xiaomi, meizu, one plus one.
[Android General] ccrows:
Well after 3 good years of using the i9100 (international SGSII) I got hit with the dreaded text. :(

Wasn't using data when it happened, and I live in Chicago if that helps anybody out.

Right after I got the text I switched my SIM to my old Motorola Atrix from Bell Canada, and ATT saw that phone too on my online account.

Talked to my brother today, he's still rocking an old Nokia e72 and hasn't been hit... (I've heard other Symbian's got flagged already like the N8)

---------- Post added at 12:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:29 AM ----------

So after playing the Media net game for almost 10 years, I'm now completely lost on what I should do.

If I were to order a Xiaomi that's gonna take a couple of weeks (at least) to get here.

Will I even still have the Media Net option? & Would it be a simple as popinng in my SIM and getting switched automatically or would I have to call?...

^ (I know how that used to work, but obviously times have changed lately)
[Android General] Mephisto Zap:
If you order a phone from China you can pick dhl/expedited shipping and get it in a like 3-5 days. But I found this meizu mx2 32gb on swappa for $120, its a decent phone that will work great on media net.

swappa.com/listing/VZU204/view

You can still get media net for $10 if you have unlimited messaging on your account.
[Android General] iDOhateme:
I'm sure this is a stupid question but can you please specify the exact "APN" settings that you use?
[Android General] Droiiiiiiiiid:
Moto XT910 from Claro in Brazil got flagged on friends acct. Had him on it for a few months now but it seems they've finally got him. Device shows up under 'learn how to use a device'.
[Android General] ccrows:
^ Thanks for the reply. :)

I was "really close" to pulling the trigger on that phone, but I have the 200 messaging plan. (don't know if that would make a difference or not - but that wasn't the deciding factor anyway)

For me "deciding factor" was the uncertainty of how much longer these Asian phones are gonna stay off the grid...

---------- Post added at 08:30 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:29 AM ----------

After lots and lots of thought, I decided to waive the white flag. I had a good run of almost 10 years guys.

Over those years I've been helped, and I definitely paid it back by helping MANY people with this on both XDA and Howardforums.

So for me, I've decided to gracefully bow out. (I'll still be keeping an eye on this thread on and off)

For everybody else, FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, and I sincerely hope that you guys are able to stay under the radar for many more years to come... :)
[Android General] Mephisto Zap:
Yeah well these Asian phones are the only ones that will work as att can't possibly get there hands on a imei list when there only officially sold in Asia. I've been using xiaomi phones since September without a hiccup. Its a good deal if you ever decide you need a data plan because you can get basically unlimited. This is the best deal of unlimited data I've heard of I'm on the $35 gophone plan and its a steal for what I pay. They discontinued it and I'm grandfathered in so I plan to hold onto it as long as I can and I hope it works for a long time. But I'd pick up one if you ever need the data. There make some very nice phones too.
[Android General] lovem:
Go get an at** dum dum phone until you get a better phone delivered so you stay on medianet with your 200 messaging plan. That's what I would do. Some vzn phones work...à lâ check out the signature. Just have a dum dum phone on backup.
[Android General] anips:
I was wondering if anyone tried the Oneplus One phone yet? Does ATT detect it since I read somewhere they were working with AT&T to get the IMEI's in their system so LTE works for people with LTE plans?
[Android General] Mephisto Zap:
I would buy a Chinese version then, but there's the possibility that they could detect them, I would go for a xiaomi or meizu. With lenovo buying Motorola and att selling Motorola phones they could maybe get a imei list. The mi4 just came out and the meizu mx4 is supposed to be very nice too.
[Android General] anips:
I've been using the mi2 for the past 1.5 years and it's time for an upgrade.. I have been waiting for the mi4, but the oneplus price is just so tempting.
[Android General] ccrows:
^ Solid advice from both of you guys.

Believe me I went back and forth on what I was planning to do.

I spent a lot of time looking at the Xiaomi phones. The Mi2s, Mi3, and Mi4 all look great.

IDK I played it safe and got a SGS4, and yeah "the old me" from 10 years ago would have kicked my current ass for doing this.

*sigh* I used to tell people that unlocked phones were untouchable, and then the N1 (and my i9100) got sniped.

I used to tell people that Canadian phones were untouchable (I had 4 different phones) and they're flagged too.

To me it seems that AT&T is dropping bank to get these IMEI lists.

If Canadian phones from Bell/Rodgers/Telus can get sniped, then IMO AT&T has the motivation to buy IMEI's from other countries too...

---------- Post added at 12:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:30 AM ----------

By all means I am NOT trying to discourage or tell others to give up hope. I had the Medianet for Smartphones for almost 10 years.

it's hands down the best bang for your buck, but "for me personally" I'm just tired of looking over my shoulder with AT&T. I even thought about leaving for T-Mobile too since I stream music on and off. (My contract with AT&T has expired, so that option is available) One thing is for sure, and that I will not be locking myself back into another contract with AT&T anytime soon.

Anywhoo.. You guys that are still sticking around, I tip my hat to you. I hope that you guys get years and years of "Off the radar" greatness, and I'm rooting for you guys too... :)
[Android General] anips:
I've also thought about leaving for T-Mobile since they offer the most competitive rates, but I was wondering if anyone has had experience with their reception lately? I used to use them around 4 years ago but switched due to many dead spots in a big city. The unlimited international text and data is also a big plus since I do travel and it would eliminate getting sim cards abroad.
[Android General] killme2:
The quality really depends on your area. I hear it works excellent in the bigger cities. Unfortunately, I don't live in one of those. I just signed up for the T-Mobile 7-day free trial and when I heard myself on the T-Mobile phone it was breaking up and not coherent. I just got the phone today, but it's not a good start if it's not going to get a good signal while I'm at home.
[Android General] Mephisto Zap:
I've come from a mi2 to a mi3, I think its a better deal for the money. Because mi3 and mi4 spec wise are basically the same, and you can find one for easily for $270-$300. I really enjoy mine its a good upgrade from the mi2.

---------- Post added at 10:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:21 PM ----------

This about sums it up, lots of edge or no coverage in rural areas, works well in the major city's. And also they have very fast data, its just not worth it to me for the coverage. But it works well when it works.
[Android General] pakom8:
I've come from a mi2 to a mi3, I think its a better deal for the money. Because mi3 and mi4 spec wise are basically the same, and you can find one for easily for $270-$300. I really enjoy mine its a good upgrade from the mi2.
[Android General] anips:
Right I've heard that too. I'm in Los Angeles so it is a big city and 4 years ago it was really bad, most noticeable for me was my apartment in the living room, or my roommates bedroom, and another one was inside the Target that I frequent where I lost my friend and couldn't call to find him so I had to walk around the whole store lol. This was pre-LTE days and I know they've done many upgrades since then so maybe it's a lot better now which is why I was wondering about other people's experience recently. Maybe I will give the 7-day trial a try some time soon.
[Android General] ccrows:
Like killme2 said, it varies by your area, but yes their data plan is nice which is why I'm not locking in another contract with AT&T.

Anywhoo my advice if you are thinking about switching to T-Mobile:

!.) Check their coverage map first:

http://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/pcc.aspx/

2.) If you think that your area is fine/gotten better, then go to a local store and give it a 7 day test drive. (during those 7 days check those areas that were spotty for you the last time)

Like for me I know all my dead zones by my house, but they have gotten better.

^ For example I recently got a text by AT&T that they recently put up a new cell tower by my house, and that helped a little. A couple of my friends have also told me that their areas with T-Mo that were spotty have gotten better too, sio they might have out a tower by one of your dead zones as well since your last go round.

TL;DR - Talk to your friends in your area, check out the coverage map above, and give the 7 day trial a shot before making the official switchover... :)
[Android General] andTab:
Does anyone know if the Blu Life One (and similar Blu) phones work with this?

I noticed that Blu phones are suddenly available from a ton of retailers (maybe due to Net10 using them?), so I am wary that they might be flagged/get flagged soon.

Otherwise, I am considering the Xiaomi MI3 but the lack of ROMs for that device is a major turn-off.

Any other suggestions.

Would prefer to spend $100-$200, though I might go up to $250 (maybe sub $300) for a nice modern phone (like the Mi3 if it had AOSP/CM ROMs).
[Android General] Mephisto Zap:
I would avoid blu phones its not worth the risk, you find some good deals on a xiaomi mi2 and mi2s they have official cygenomod build for it.

The mi3 is a good phone too. Miui is a excellent ROM and in my option better then asop/cygenomod, also since the mi4 came out they should be releasing the mi3 source soon so hopefully custom Roms soon.
[Android General] andTab:
Are you sure about them releasing the source for MI3?

Based on my google-fu, it was never released for the MI1 and there are no assurances that they will release it for the MI3 ...

It seems the MI2s sells for $220-$250 and the MI3 sells for $270-$300 ...

While I like the smaller screen of the MI2s, the improved camera, faster speed, and addition of NFC seem like they are worth $20-$50 ... (if only the source for the MI3 was released).
[Android General] Mephisto Zap:
I've just gone off of what other people have said on xiaomi english forums but it makes sense for them too soon.

Also there's a xiaomi mi1s on eBay for like $96, I'd look at that plus it has the Roms you want for it.
[Android General] andTab:
Thanks. I ended up ordering an MI2s for $slightly below $200.

Couldn't find many roms for the Mi1s but the MI2s has official CM support, so I should be good.

Will let people know how it works out.

Too bad about the Blu phones.

They look like a VERY nice alternative (if AT&T doesn't blacklist them).
[Android General] ErieTrack:
In response to the people thinking of going to T-Mobile but don't like the voice quality.

Can't you use a dual sim phone with ATT for voice and T-Mobile for data?
[Android General] Mephisto Zap:
Yes you sure can.
[Android General] Aegis89:
Another Nokia N8 user here that just got flagged for the smartphone data plan. I'd flown under the radar for a year using 50 or more GB a month tethering on the MediaNet Plan. It was a good run. I noticed that AT&T is now correctly identifying my phone as an N8-00 (though without a picture) on my online account. They're really cracking down if they're going after N8 users!

I put my sim in my Nokia E71 and it went back to displaying the generic dumbphone icon. I'll see if I can fly under the radar with the E71. Surely they won't start going after an six year old phone. I'll just have to put up with a 3.6 Mbps max dl speed.

I wish I could go to T-Mobile's $30/Month plan, but they have no coverage where I live. AT&T's got me by the balls even without a contract.:( It sucks living in a rural area with no broadband access.
[Android General] z3ds:
My samsung i9001 and blu d610a just got tagged by at&t please add on list. I used to have a lg prada p940 that was undetected.