yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] _Motoki_:
I am on the $30 a month 100 minutes talk 5GB 4G plan from Walmart, which is the same plan as the one on that link, with the Note II and no issues here. Obviously I had to pay a huge unsubsidized chunk of change for the device itself but I'm glad to only be paying $30 a month for everything.

I almost never go over the 100 minutes and I do keep an extra $10 on the account just in case I do go over and run into the 10 cents a minute after the 100 minutes are up but I've only had to dip into that a little bit once.

BTW the 'unlimited' data you will find in the fine print is the first 5GB is 4G, then thereafter you get throttled to slower speeds, but I still find 5GB is plenty enough for me.

Also, you can do wifi calling if you use a different app like Google Voice + GrooveIP. IIRC you do have to root also to keep it from deducting from your minutes though. I did it on my old phone but I haven't messed with it on the Note II yet because like I mentioned I just really don't talk that much.

Hotspot you can also do either with root and some finagling or if you don't mind a cord you can do cabled usb tether.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] xpprofessional1:
Sorry to disappoint you buddy, but a lot of people here including myself is been using this plan for a long time now. I've been using it myself for almost a year and half, so far I have used this plan with the galaxy s 2, Galaxy Note AT&T, Galaxy note T Mobile, and now Galaxy Note 2 T Mobile. It's a great plan for people that doesn't talk much on the phone hahahahaha.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] deaffob:
We all have been using this plan for awhile lol.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] SMARTPHONEPC:
Thanks _Motoki_ are you rooted or will you root the Note2?

For those who would rather not pay the full unsubsidized price upfront, couldn't they buy the Note2 for that T-Mobile in store price of $250 +$20/mo for 20 mo interest free (total $650 over ~20 months) with the no contract $49.99/mo plan (500 Whenever Minutes + unlimited data or $59.99/mo for no throttling if needed) & then just do this $30/mo plan thereafter if their use case supports it (or would the store let you immediately do it on that $250 +$20/mo for 20 mo interest free price)?

T-Mobile seems to offer more plan flexibility than the other carriers but they certainly did not mention any $30/mo plan to me when I was in their store..is it really only $30/mo total including taxes & fees?
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] sashusmom:
The $250 down with $20/mo times 20 months=$650 for phone is only available thru the value plan which requires a 2 year contract. So you are locked into a contract and pay full price for the phone.

The $30 4g monthly plan unl data, text, and 100 min is a prepaid plan requiring no contract. You bring your own phone- any gsm will do. Better if it works on tmo 3g.

An there are no taxes or fees. If you buy thru calling mart, with the right discounts which are sent to you via email if you are on their customer list- you can get refils for $28.50/month!

Also this plan is only available online or thru walmart stores. T-mobile stores will not offer it to you. Strictly do it yourself online.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] SMARTPHONEPC:
Why would I be disappointed?:victory: Don't you think more people would consider trying the Note 2 on T-Mobile if they knew this plan was available for the Note2?

If the coverage isn't acceptable, the Note 2 could still be returned for a full refund within 14 days right with no activation fee right?

Sounds like a low risk way to try T-Mobile..:cool:

Also can't users just move up to other T-Mobile off contract plans if this $30/mo total plan doesn't best support their use case?:good:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] jjshinobi:
No sim fees, no activation fees? All you have to do is pay the first month?
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] SMARTPHONEPC:
Thanks Ok she didn't mention that price required a 2 year contract (& was within a broader conversation of plans available outside of contracts).. well I guess if someone is unsure of how the Note2 on T-Mobile would work for them, they can could still get it for the above deal to test out for 14 days & return it for full refund to get out of that contract & then buy it online for full $650+tax if satisfied right?

http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/monthly-4g-plans (not just Walmart it seems but $30/mo or $28.50/month for email discount refills is impressively less than I'm currently paying for my inferior EVO non-existent "4G"service on Sprint compounded by their slow 3G)..

Users can still easily go to other T-Mobile off contract plans if this $30/mo total plan doesn't best support their use case in following months right?

I don't think I want to deal with contracts if there is a better option for my use case..:cool:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] LucJoe:
Of course. It's a no-contract prepaid plan. Nothing keeping you from doing whatever you want. You could buy a Straight Talk sim and switch off between that and T-Mobile's $30 plan every month if you want.

BTW I'm on the $30 plan, bought the phone in store for $650. Best choice for me by far. The cost savings over 2 years will make the initial high price pay for itself several times over.

Also, don't completely discount T-Mobile stores. Some of them are greedy but mine had no problems activating the $30 plan. They even gave me the sim for free and had no problem adding insurance ($7) for me. My total in store was $649.99 + $30 + $7 + tax. Everything was set up in under 5 minutes. Maybe I just got lucky!
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] SMARTPHONEPC:
Wow that's fast thanks, just wanted to make sure there are no complications-fine print (the T-Mobile store didn't mention the $250+$20/mo for 20 months would involve contracts & seemed to rather laud that it was an interest free way to buy the Note2 unsubsidized in these days of low interest rates)

Do you think it would be best to call some local T-mobile stores to see if they'll do it before showing up or will they be more likely to do it impulsively (there is at least one T-Mobile close to a frequented shopping center locally here)?

I actually noticed the $7/mo insurance including theft, loss, accidental damage etc..anything we should be aware of besides the below (people have had good experiences with it?):

Thnx:cool:

http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-additional-services#Monthly4GHandsetProtection

http://www.t-mobile.com/Company/pdf/WP24276B_T-Mobile_NY_6.11.12.pdf

"Handset Protection* you won’t

miss a beat if your device is:

•	Lost

•	Stolen

•	Accidentally damaged

(including water damage)

•	Malfunctioning due to mechanical

or electrical failure**

Live Your Life With Confidence.

Enroll Today!

You can enroll in Monthly4G Handset Protection within

14 days of purchasing your T-Mobile®

phone with

an accompanying Monthly4G rate plan.

***

Handset

Protection is optional and is not required to purchase

the device or obtain T-Mobile wireless services.

* Benefits may also be purchased separately through an insurance

program that offers coverage in the event of accidental damage,

loss, or theft and is underwritten by American Security Insurance

Company for a monthly charge of $6; or through an extended

service contract that offers coverage against mechanical breakdown

for a monthly charge of $2. To enroll in the separate insurance or

extended service contract programs, please call 1-866-778-1044.

**Excludes mechanical or electrical breakdown covered by the

manufacturer’s warranty.

***Monthly4G Handset Protection is not available on the iPhone®

;

not all devices sold by T-Mobile are eligible for Monthly4G

Handset Protection Coverage.

More fine print:

http://wac.04c7.edgecastcdn.net/000...s/pdf/WP24276B_T-Mobile_All_States_online.pdf
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] _Motoki_:
I'm not rooted on the Note II. I don't want to risk messing anything up for the LTE software update T-Mobile should hopefully push, eventually.

I was rooted on my last phone which was just a cheap Samsung Exhibit II that bought when I switched over from Virgin until I could get something better.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] mdt73:
For what it's worth, I am running Solavei($49 unlimited everything including 4G) vs the $30 plan from T-Mobile (although I have the t-mobile sim, just in case). I am loving the coverage... and I am even more impressed with the download speeds. Attached a pic to show how good it is. (the 11mb speed is sitting in a dave and busters in columbia, MD, the slow 600k speed is sitting in the back corner of a pizza joint in columbia for lunch, with edge connectivity).

If you ask me, it's a better deal than the $30 plan.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] sashusmom:
It depends on your individual needs. I don't use much more than 100 min and if I need more, I have a little extra balance and just pay 10 cents per minute. 5gb of 4g data is good for me, then it switches to unl. at edge speeds. $20 savings for 12 months is $360- half the cost of the phone off contract! A much better deal for me than Solavei's $50/month
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] shojus:
I just got done making a Loss claim with them about 2 weeks ago and they were VERY quick and the deductible was $130 and they shipped me a BRAND NEW Note 2 in it's original box w/all accessories included... Not too shabby.... Although seeing as the Note 2 just came out they def do not have any refurbs yet... I am sooooo glad I had it on my account cause I just paid almost $700 w/tax for the phone and I would much rather pay $130 rather then lose a brand new $700 phone! I woulda **** myself if I lost it with no recourse...

BTW: Their Monthly4g prepaid plans are through a different provider (insurance company) than their contract plans and I have heard of people having hassles with the other company but not through Assurance...
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] mdt73:
I use ensquared for my insurance. $58 a year. $75 deductible. 2 phones can be replaced. Covers loss, theft, accidents and the normal coverage. Hard to beat.

---------- Post added at 11:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:31 PM ----------

Recheck your math. Also, do you have a house phone?
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] dwntwnall4u:
Wish I signed up that $30 plan before signed my contract.

Is there a way to sign up for 2nd line under the $30 dollar plan and port my number to that 2nd line then cancel the 1st line?

I want to keep my same number.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] SMARTPHONEPC:
Sounds like an interesting alternative but I'd have to read that fine print:

http://www.ensquared.com/catalog/phone-insurance/1-year-phone-insurance-smartphone

http://www.ensquared.com/1_Year_Phone_Insurance_Terms.htm

http://www.ensquared.com/catalog/phone-insurance/2-year-phone-insurance-smartphone

http://www.ensquared.com/2_Year_Phone_Insurance_Terms.htm
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] mrpickem:
I picked up A Note II Saturday off CL for a decent price. White too...all the stores had were the grey ones. I had preordered a sim activation kit from T-Mobile http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phone/T-Mobile-Prepaid-SIM-Activation-Kit for .99 cents and then did the activation online when I got the phone. Smooth as silk and I am getting surprisingly good data speeds. 8-16MB

Cheers
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] SMARTPHONEPC:
Good to read, so the deductible shouldn't be more than $130? I might not be as happy about getting a refurb in the future however. If it didn't cover theft, loss, accidental damage I wouldn't bother considering it but at $7/mo over T-Mobile competitive plans sounds like a more reasonable consideration to take some of the sting out of some unfortunate event.

I'm still somewhat debating the $30/mo prepaid for the Note2 which you point out uses a different insurer or some of their reasonable contract plans. I'm also considering a Nexus 4 as a second device which I'd likely do on this $30/mo prepaid plan likely without insurance considering its lower unit cost, are you planning on getting insurance for your Nexus 4?

Could you comment on your experiences with T-Mobile Vs your Verizon service? Thnx:cool:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] xylene:
For those having issues trying to activate their prepaid sim kits online that were purchased on the tmobile website - I activated by calling the number on the sites error page, explained error with online plan activation and immediately asked for a supervisor to help me. I Was put on hold for a few minutes...magically (LOL) they were able to take my info to activate. If you dont do this the rep will give you BS about having to go to wallmart when it sais on the site you can activate online.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] DWhite456:
I am sure this has been discussed but I searched the thread and it seems all over the place. So any help would be appreciated.

I just purchased a TMobile Note 2.

I want to get the $30 100/text/data plan.

I need a SIM also.

1) can I go to a T-Mobile store and get a sim and get this plan? I see it on the website for options but I tried once a while ago on daughters phone and they said they did not do that plan that I had to go to Walmart.

2) is there downside to getting a SIM and $30 plan from Walmart? Does it offer the same service/towers

3) Anything else I should be aware of for this plan?

Thanks
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] xylene:
Everything recent that I have read indicates you cannot get this plan activated at a T mobile store. Maybe if you know someone or are lucky they will do it. I purchased a prepaid sim off the tmobile site (99 cents special) a few weeks ago and tried to activate online. Even though it sais on the website that you can activate this plan online you will be sent to an an error page with a number to call. The rep will tell you the its only for Wallmart BS (I'm in nyc there aint no freaking Wallmarts near here!!! lol) I'm guessing this plan wont be available much longer and they want to discourage new activations. I called back, explained error/wanted to activate this plan with a tmobile.com prepaid sim and asked for a supervisor to help me with this so it was done over the phone . You can do what I did and read the site verbatim to a supervisor if they give you BS or buy the tmobile/wallmart $30.00 sim starter kit at store or online... I was paying 70 bucks a month for Sprints SLOW Wimax/4G and now I'm paying less than half for Tmobile's LTE/4G which is light years faster! Good luck!
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] DWhite456:
ok, ended up going to Walmart. Tmobile said it was part of the Walmart Family Mobile plan. It was not. It is simply a Tmobile $30 starter kit sold exclusively at Walmart. It has nothing to do with the Walmart family mobile. I got the SIM and $30 activation code for $31.xx
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] smithjohnatpa:
Do you have links or anything to buy discounted price cards?
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] upengan78:
Nope. I just know callingmart dottt com and have good experience with them. Refills worked immediately.:good:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] xylene:
Anyone know how or if we will be able to use voip for voice on this plan after Google officially kills xmpp/google talk in May 2014? Maybe voip once we get the function in hangouts?
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] shojus:
That's the max deductible that they charge for smartphone users and there are other tiers that are less expensive depending on what phone you have... But, they will only cover their own models of course. My account has only one number attached to it and I have a few T-mobile phones that I switch out so I just keep the insurance on there in case one of my phones takes a dump on me... I would def not get coverage if the Nexus 4 was my only phone cause it's not expensive to replace....(or as expensive anyways) :) My S3 on Verizon gets about 40-50mbps down and 14-25mbps upload so it is NO comparison in terms of speed and coverage areas but my T-mobile plan is dirt cheap and I can play with the latest GSM phones that come out.... :D I only have Verizon cause I am on the unlimited data plan and if that was taken away they would be dumped like the rest of my ex's... lol Hope this helps ya!?
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] SMARTPHONEPC:
Did you consider getting the Note 2 on Verizon Nov 27th? Is there a significant experience difference between your impressive Verizon speeds if T-Mobile speeds (> 5 Mbps) could also support high bandwidth activities like streaming HD video (assuming you're not frequently downloading-uploading large files)?

What are you paying for Verizon Vs. T-Mobile?

If Verizon still offered unlimited data options &/or more flexible plans I wouldn't be as attracted to T-Mobile..
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] shojus:
I am paying about $70/month (after taxes) for Verizon on the 450 min/month plan w/unlimited data and NO text messaging but I also pay for insurance so that is a pretty good monthly rate but I get 20% off for being with the company I am with too... T-mobile is just fine if you just wanna use your smartphone and DON"T need LTE everywhere you go... They do have some outstanding speeds in some areas but my speeds are about 4-7 mbps down and 1-2 mbps up so that is still PLENTY of bandwidth to get the job done for most users... They get a bad rep for being slow to get the best tech but I think that when they start catching up they will be a great provider if their prices remain the same...? I pay $37.00/month for the T-mobile plan w/ insurance and I think that plan cannot be beat for the price especially since you can find refill cards on the internet (ebay) to save you taxes and a lil money off of your bill... :good:

Also, I probably won't get the Verizon version of the Note 2 cause the booloader will probably be locked and I just really hate Verizon for their updates and how they masacre their phones with bloat and that hideous branding!
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] mrpickem:
I currently have Verizon and just started tis t-mobile plan.

Verizon coverage can't be beat here in N.Florida

I get 900 minutes, 1000 text, 5 friend/family numbers, unlimited data(grandfathered in) and 20% company discount. My bill is still $96 per month after taxes!

T-Mobile coverage is much improved, especially the data coverage. It is adequate but no where near the speed of Red. For $30 per month this is a great deal. The only issue is the voice minutes and I know there are workarounds with voip setup...but they are a pain.

Red data- 30-40MB most of the time...occasionally it may drop to around 15MB but never seen lower.

Tmobile data is constantly over 6MB and sometimes as high as 16 or so.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] SMARTPHONEPC:
You scored some good deals there shojus, so you never feel constrained by T-Mobile speeds-plans vs Verizon?

Did you consider getting the Note 2 on Verizon Nov 27th?

BTW, T-Mobile claims they will have LTE in my area in 6-12 months but since my experience with the EVO 4G (Sprint exclusive) I will not buy into promises, rather if the service plan currently meets my use case..

- Thnx:cool:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] shojus:
It all comes down to what type of a user you are... If you NEED the speed and coverage then Verizon cannot be beat but if you are willing to sacrifice a little bit of coverage and speed then T-mobile is the way to go cause they now offer unlimited data too and if you are primarily in their HSPA+ coverage area then you are golden! I have both so I know first hand about the differences but I don't NEED 40mbps down as it is just something to brag about and if you are getting a solid 5-10 down from T-mobile you really won't notice a difference... (unless you are tethering) :D I keep the Verizon plan cause I am still under a contract and I have a good pricing plan w/unlimited tethering!! ( I mean data) LOL

btw SMARTPHONEPC: I Don't think I will be spending another $700 on a Note 2 just because Verizon offers it... I will keep my T-mobile Note 2 and get the next greatest device that hits Verizon...
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] SMARTPHONEPC:
I've tested T-Mobile speeds as high as 22 Mbps in their store but in my neighborhood seems to be 5-10 Mbps which according to my AT&T tests last night is 10x faster than AT&T again in my neighborhood test. My sister should be getting the iPhone 5 on Verizon soon so I will test her speeds in this neighborhood as well but according to people I've spoken with Verizon is the only carrier with LTE in my neighborhood.

Bottomline however is do you feel constrained by T-Mobile speeds-plans vs Verizon?

If user wants plan to include unlimited talk also (without VOIP) it's $50:

http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/monthly-4g-plans

Not sure how these prices can include all taxes & fees, is this some kind of special prepaid loophole?

- Thnx :cool:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] shojus:
I do not feel constrained at all.... Like I said, if I got booted from Verizon's unlimited plan than I would be strictly with T-mobile. Also, the prices they show do not include taxes.... If you did a refill through their website the would charge you about $54 for a $50 refill (depending on your state) and that is why I buy my refills online because last month I scored a $50 card on ebay for $40 w/NO taxes... :good: Every little bit helps!
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] SMARTPHONEPC:
Makes sense. Apparently T-Mobile unlike AT&T has HSPA+ in my neighborhood (AT&T does have HSPA+ a few miles out & LTE ~22 miles out) but AT&T speeds in my neighborhood are shockingly unusable to me (< 1 Mbps).

When I ran neighborhood T-Mobile tests on someone's Galaxy S at 5-10 Mbps (avg ~ 8 Mbps down ~ 2Mbps up) I included mobile hotspot tethering tests which worked great for general use including streaming video but I wasn't downloading massive files (& I have 75 Mbps/35 Mbps FIOS Wi-Fi anyway).

BTW, I wasn't suggesting another Note2 on Verizon rather had you considered getting it on Verizon in the first place rather than T-Mobile (considering your unlimited grandfathered status where new users no longer have such option) ?

- Thnx :cool:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] shojus:
Ya maybe if it didn't have a locked bootloader (most likely) and had a home button that says "Verizon" on it.... I had the International version first and then switched to T-mobile's when it came out so I could have waited for Verizon's version to come while keeping the International N7100 but I think that T-mobile is a tad bit faster on updates and they are def cheaper on new plans and I have the option to go with AT&T as well (Straight Talk) because of the bands that it supports so it's a win win for me cause my Note 2 is unlocked and I have choices versus having a model that will only work with Verizon... Just my opinion
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] SMARTPHONEPC:
I didn't feel significantly constrained either (by my 1 hr tests anyway) hence my consideration of T-Mobile Vs Verizon.:good:

Price "includes taxes and fees" has been mentioned & confirmed in this thread, but I guess it could be down to a state issue then..?

The standard T-Mobile flyer handed to me lists "Taxes approximately 6-28% of your monthly bill" yet perhaps buying online in alternative places like eBay etc could offer additional options:

" For $30 per month, including taxes and fees, I could get unlimited messaging and Web. The plan includes just 100 minutes of voice calls per month, but that’s plenty considering my use-case for this phone. Extra minutes cost just 10 cents each. The mobile hotspot feature is a $15 add-on."http://www.gottabemobile.com/2012/07/04/t-mobile-monthly-4g-review-30-per-month-bargain
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] SMARTPHONEPC:
Well your opinion is appreciated & is further persuading me to give T-Mobile a chance..

How did you go about unlocking your T-Mobile Note2 (you returned your initial international model or still using it)?

- Thnx :cool:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] mrpickem:
That $50 plan only includes 100MB at 4G. To get the 5GB at 4G it is $70! http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/monthly-4g-plans