yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[General Topics] Anderson2:
So it means tethering?

Maybe someone has figured a way to hook on to my phone when I'm in a public place. That would certainly be a major security risk.

I know I've been getting spam texts since I changed to T-Mobile a month ago. Never did before.
[General Topics] charesa39:
Yes, when you turn your phone into a mobile hotspot, you are basically turning it into a modem where other devices can connect to the data signal (whether wirelessly or through USB). I wouldn't worry about anybody connecting to it because you have to activate it on your phone first to broadcast the signal. Plus, I'm pretty sure our plan doesn't include the free tethering unless you "hack" it to allow you to tether. If you Google it, there are a few people who have posted in the support forums on T-Mobile's website saying this is happening to them to. I wouldn't worry about it.

Also, regarding the spam texts, I was getting those as well. You need to log in to your My T-Mobile account on their website and change your communication preferences so they don't send you spam.
[General Topics] Anderson2:
Thank you for the hint. I went to My T-Mobile account and disabled the marketing. Not nice of them to "opt you in" by default until you discover the setting.
[General Topics] charesa39:
Tell me about it. And the fact that it says it could take 10 days to "process the change" seems pretty lame too. But oh well. I couldn't be any happier with this plan.
[General Topics] Anderson2:
+1
[General Topics] fascinate:
I believe as long as your original SIM card is funded, the person will just receive your voicemail. Acts the same way as if your phone is turned off.
[General Topics] 530farm:
So I'm looking to make the switch to this from my ATT unlimited plan that ive been holding onto for a while. I apologize if these questions have been asked as I didn't have much success with the search and 120+ pages is a bit much to catch up on.

So i purchased the $30 prepaid sim starter kit, which is suppose to include the micro-sim and a $30 prepaid card.

1.I saw some reports saying you need a t-mobile phone's IMEI, is that correct or will I be fine w/ just using my Nexus 5's IMEI?

2. Once i get the Sim card I can sign up all on T-mobiles site? Is it easy to port your old ATT # to tmobile?

3. Is it easy to add extra minutes if the 100min isnt' enough?

4. What is the best solution that people have found for Calls over Data/WiFi? I would be using it mostly for calling out, would only be expecting maybe 1 or 2 people to use it to call me.

Anything else i'm missing or tips/tricks?

Thanks for your time!
[General Topics] wideasleep1:
Answers embedded
[General Topics] 530farm:
Thank you for your reply! Would really like to hear others opinion on their favorite calling over Wifi/Data solutions. I was just playing around w/ UppTalk which offers free calling to any US number, however there is about a .5-1 second delay between saying something and hearing something ( please let me know if this is normal w/ calls over Wifi, I figure there would be some delay but not sure what the norm is). Also my concern with these Calling Apps are wakelocks, as I don't want unnecessary drain when my phone should be in deep sleep.

Thanks
[General Topics] wideasleep1:
Well that's the rub...many of the solutions *can* work, but have drawbacks (lag, poor audio quality, hiss, echo, etc.). Some have good luck with SIP combos, some with Vonage (not me despite being a Vonage customer!), and I've found Skype to offer the most phone-like experience, but it costs.
[General Topics] tokuzumi:
Most of the free VOIP solutions will no longer work after May 14th of this year, since GV is removing XMPP support. I'm hoping Google will still allow free calls via Google Voice after that date, and will allow calls through the Hangouts app, like in iOS. I just wonder about incoming calls.

This has been kind of a crazy month for me, regarding voice calls. After 2 days, I had used up 88 minutes of my voice plan. I had started using Talkatone a few months prior for texting/calling on my Nexus 7, so I just started using that as my primary calling method. I've probably used a total of 300-400 minutes this month.
[General Topics] 530farm:
Has there been any updates on voice calling coming to hangouts? I would hope the whole Google Voice stoppage coming would be partly related to hangouts being updated with the calling feature.

[MENTION=311120]wideasleep1[/MENTION] With skype, do you just pay the monthly 2.99/month fee or do you pay by the minute? Does having skype open affect battery significantly?
[General Topics] tokuzumi:
We are still in the dark, with regards to making VOIP calls via Hangouts. I hope we find out soon.
[General Topics] wideasleep1:
I pay the $30 annually for unlimited US/Canada, and I haven't noticed unusual battery draw, since Skype app was overhauled initially (version 1 was major battery hog, we're now at 4.6.0.+). IIRC, the Skype number is also about $30 annually.
[General Topics] AndrasLOHF:
This is awesome to know. Thanks for this.
[General Topics] kopower:
I'm still happy with the coverage from T-Mobile. The biggest difference from Verizon is definitely the coverage inside buildings. I had a good idea tmo's wasn't the best, but it's not horrible. For $40/month with 100 extra minutes added on is perfect for me.
[General Topics] andy o:
Anyone has figured out how the "use by" date works for the account credit? Mine has been stuck on May for months, I thought it was gonna go up when I added credit but it didn't. I added like $180 last time and it's not gonna be spent by May.
[General Topics] 530farm:
I've seen people mention issues w/ MMS with this plan. Is that true? I currently use hangouts as my default MMS app.

Also, is it possible to tether? Not sure if the ROM matters or not, but i currently use slimkat.
[General Topics] bozzykid:
I've never heard of any MMS issues with this plan. I use MMS all the time.
[General Topics] 530farm:
Possibly what I've seen is in regards to Google voice numbers only?

---------- Post added at 06:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:34 PM ----------

Can you point me into the direction of this trick for tethering? Thanks
[General Topics] bozzykid:
If you are using Google Voice it doesn't really matter what carrier you are on. You can't send MMS and can only receive MMS pictures (no groupchat) from Sprint and T-Mobile users. And even then it comes over email. As for T-Mobile itself, MMS works just fine on the Nexus 5.
[General Topics] charesa39:
No problem. Here you go: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=47203432&postcount=70

If you'd prefer a visual guide, check out this post from the same thread: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=47875143&postcount=246

It's the same exact thing as the original fix, but has pictures and was really helpful in conjunction with the original post.
[General Topics] Ash359:
Had anyone tried the magic jack app?

Looks pretty cumbersome for receiving calls but might be useful for outgoing at least.

In May Google voice is going away so I am looking for an alternative.

Sent from my Jedi MasterX Note 2
[General Topics] FuMMoD:
Have you tried textplus? I enjoy it a lot actually and great quality calls.
[General Topics] Playe:
+1
[General Topics] br0adband:
You'd want to get T-Mobile to issue a new microSIM since that older one won't allow for access to their LTE capability - you'd get the typical 3G stuff and perhaps even some 4G (HSPA perhaps, but not HSPA+ but it depends on the SIM card you have now).

Best course of action: get a new microSIM for the Nexus 5, have T-Mobile move the info over and you're good to go.
[General Topics] Lythandra:
Well they are flat out not letting me order a Micro Sim.

I've tried multiple times and they eventually say they cannot process my order.

Probably has to do with a zero dollar order with the credit card information.
[General Topics] 954wrecker:
Keep trying and don't use chrome browser to place the order. T-Mobile website has had issues for years and they run the free Sim promo Evey few months.

Sent from my HTC One XL
[General Topics] ms0chez:
Just ordered the free micro sim this morning after ordering the nexus 5 yesterday. We'll see how it works in my location. Live close to Tampa Bay and work in Tampa Bay so hoping for good reception and LTE.
[General Topics] Lythandra:
I switched to IE and it still hates me.

No huge hurry as my phone doesn't even get shipped till Nov 8th and I have an 2 year old SIM (same $30 plan) that I'm currently using in the GN.

I'll try some more in the next few days.
[General Topics] :
Are they still throttling you to EDGE after your LTE allotment is up? Or does it go to HSPA+/HSPA?
[General Topics] zephiK:
Don't need to call or go to the store for TMo to move the info over. Just go to http://www.t-mobile.com/sim and you can do it without talking to anyone :)
[General Topics] jnbanda:
Using Skype plans for voip

Warning: the following paragraph is about voip options, and how to stretch those 100 minutes.

I may not be fully informed, but does paying an extra $30 a year for unlimited land and mobile calls over wifi in the US with skype seem like a viable option for anybody else? included with the skype number for $30 (50% off $60 for having a plan) which would allow you to accept calls from any landline or mobile number, that's a total of $60 dollars extra per year, or $5 per month extra. granted, more bills, but a simpler setup. I was reading all the other posts about GV, Groove, etc., and I wanted some feedback. I have the calling plan already with skype for business purposes, and I was concerned about call quality with the other voip providers. has anyone tried this already?
[General Topics] No thanx:
One thing that I don't understand is how I'll be able to add minutes after choosing this plan. I thought I read somewhere that T-mobile charges $0.10 per minute, so if I purchased the $30 a month and added $25 to my account totaling $55 I should be allowed 350 minutes, right? But, they also sell those airtime cards which give you like 130 minutes for $25 which in my opinion is a rip off. This plan would be perfect if I could buy minutes at $0.10 per minute.
[General Topics] br0adband:
Been using the T-Mobile $30/month plan for close to 2 years now with Google Voice + Talkatone without issues. It even works quite well if I put my phone (currently an LG Optimus G) in 2G/EDGE mode as T-Mobile gives pretty good speeds here in Las Vegas on 2G/EDGE (I average about 175Kbps, with lows in the 50-100 range and highs about 225-250). Never been an issue for me, I prefer Talkatone myself although I've heard comments from people that use GrooveIP and a few other such VoIP/SIP apps.

Google is going to be making some changes to how third party companies can use Google Voice in the coming months, there was something about it yesterday mentioned during all the Nexus 5 hoopla, so they may restrict things a bit more tightly after April of 2014, we'll see what happens.

I've rarely ever used the actual 100 mins each month so, that $30 plan for T-Mobile is IMO still the best overall deal in wireless service in the US for the price. I sure hope they don't drop that plan anytime soon but T-Mobile is changing constantly these days, it's always a possibility.

If you want additional minutes on the $30 plan, they're $.10 a minute as you noted so yes you have to have the credit available in the account to push over the 100 min limit or else it just alerts you that your balance is "low" and won't push through the call. As just explained, there are VoIP/SIP options that make the plan more useful for voice calling if 100 mins isn't enough for you without requiring you to spend another dime (no pun intended). If you did the $30+$25 thing you just mentioned, technically that would be $30 for the month and the option of using the $25 for additional minutes if you go over the 100 - if not then that credit would apply towards the next month's service when 30 days is up.
[General Topics] Lockeskidney:
did anyone confirm if the n5 used a micro or nano sim?
[General Topics] elpmet27:
I have been a subscriber to this plan for more than a year on two different phones and I like it very much. It's a great deal with good service and fast speeds. I switched over from Solavei due to the price and better LTE support without needing to manipulate the APN settings. I recommended this to a friend today who just signed up for 2 new free SIMs . He used the web address provided in this forum earlier today. I'll be using it with the N5 once it arrives (soon).

Thanks T-Mo..!
[General Topics] jnbanda:
The changes with GV were my primary concern, as I currently also use GV linked to my sprint number, but just for sending and receiving SMS messages (convenience for when I'm out of the country and don't want to use third party apps and new numbers to text with people). I have read up on several configurations for other VoIP options, but my concern there is about the changes Google might implement and the included workarounds we might have to do. I guess I'm just looking for something that'll offer a bit of stability through the coming months as I wait for my Nexus 5. Thanks for the suggestion with Talkatone. I'll look into that. No doubt this plan is a steal.
[General Topics] Ajfink:
Have you ordered multiple SIMs before? They cut you off after a certain number. You might have to get a friend or family member to let you borrow their card.
[General Topics] quadomatic:
Is there a guide to where to buy the $30 reload from and how to set up calls via data?
[General Topics] Lockeskidney:
anyone know if they fixed the VOIP microphone issues that the nexus 4 had. I know a lot of developers were not allowed to adjust gain while on VOIP when using the nexus 4
[General Topics] Bob Smith42:
Maybe not your credit card? I wish I knew what is was. Same happened to me.

But, I already ordered two SIM from t-mobile website in the last month, and I used a promo code discount for $0.99. It has something to do with my previous order. I went to a neighbors house and had them order another x2 for me with their address and credit card. I reimbursed them.

I tried different credit cards, failed. I think the credit card address is tracked by t-mobile with some sort of SIM order limit. One of my credit cards has a PO Box address and they would not process the order to a PO Box. Based on the combinations I tested, including different email and phone number, it almost has to be t-mobile limiting based on address from credit card.

Good luck.
[General Topics] bob60626:
I've been using the same sim that came with my Exhibit 2 in that, an S2, an AT&T Captivate, two different AT&T Notes (LTE worked without any changes, model also not recognized by T-Mobile), a T-Mobile 7.0+ tablet (texting works, data does not), and now cut down in a T-Mobile Note 2 with no speed issues. Has anyone else had that issue? I think my sim is almost two years old.
[General Topics] apristel:
T-Mobile has completely free sims right now, free shipping..everything... I have 3 on the way.

http://www.t-mobile.com/add-to-cart.step2.individual.2869def5-9925-4f25-8521-6b35e14f1f69.html
[General Topics] ZooBaAr:
How did you get that?? I keep trying to buy a micro from tmo site ( have a nano) and I am getting no where, EDIT

OK found it but holymarymotherofjesus what hoops you have to jump through. tried 3 different searches and links before i could get a sim card for free.

oi

http://phandroid.com/2013/09/30/t-mobile-kills-off-classic-plans-at-3rd-party-retailers/
[General Topics] sirxdroid:
Why not sign up for one of the cheap but good VOIP services such as voip.ms, callcentric, localphone, anveo, callwithus, etc.? They are way cheaper than the TMo 10c/min., usually about 1-2c/min. you can configure them in the stock dialer if you want to or you can use something like CSipSimple for more flexibility. Now I'm not sure which provider supports the good codecs that work reasonably well even over 3G connections.

If you are mostly concerned with outgoing calls, then the Vonage app is pretty good with its 2000 free minutes per month.

As a side note, I wish TMo didn't bill in 1 min. increments. So many minutes get wasted on very short calls or on the residual part of a call, e.g. if you talk for 4 min. 1 sec. you get taxed for 5 min. This may not be important to most of their customers though as they have unlimited voice & txt.
[General Topics] 530farm:
I was testing Vonage to vonage calling with the gf and it works nicely. Do they really allow 2000 free minutes a month to non Vonage customers/app users?
[General Topics] Joshmccullough:
Outgoing, yes. You can't receive calls with the Vonage app unless you're a Vonage customer.
[General Topics] 530farm:
Outgoing to non vonage customers/users? Do you have a link to any statement about that from vonage? I can't seem to find anything about that.
[General Topics] Joshmccullough:
Yup, you can use the Vonage app (not Vonage Extensions, just plain ol' Vonage) to make out-going calls over WiFi without using your minutes. I've used it myself many a time. Just hit the App Store; I think they've changed the description so as not to advertise that, but it's been working for me.
[General Topics] 1dtms:
What happens when you use up 5GB (on the tmobile $30/month unlimited data/100min)?

Do they throttle you to 3g or 2g?
[General Topics] sirxdroid:
Yes. About 100kbps.
[General Topics] herosemblem:
Like 2G speeds once you're throttled. Good enough for occasionally loading a web page in 3 minutes, but not good enough for audio podcast streaming, and also not even fast enough to make the Google Play store app load. OK, it does load like 10-20% of the time.
[General Topics] sirxdroid:
Good enough for email, but forget web browsing, Google Maps, Navigation or the likes.
[General Topics] charesa39:
Yes, as it states in the first link, you need to change your APN protocol. I changed mine to "IPv4/IPv6" under "APN protocol". You don't need to change the "APN roaming protocol" since it's already set to IPv4.
[General Topics] 1dtms:
Is there an APN or setting we can do/change so that once we're throttled after out 5GB limit we can still use speeds relative to 3g instead of speeds relative to 2g?
[General Topics] HarryCooter:
Not sure if this has been discussed here yet but does T-Mobile throttle LTE on this plan? I can consistently get faster DL speeds on HSPA than on LTE, but its reversed on the UL speeds. Is it just me?
[General Topics] herosemblem:
When you get throttled after 5GB, your LTE is reduced down to 2G.
[General Topics] HarryCooter:
I am talking about during the 5gb of data before throttling.
[General Topics] herosemblem:
4G speed during the 5 gigs. My nexus 5 displays the LTE symbol up top
[General Topics] Fire Ball:
No they do not throttle LTE. You're probably just connected to LTE on a more distant tower than when you're connecting to HSPA+.
[General Topics] SwiftLeeO:
Once I pay off my phones on my post paid plan I might have to check this out... (I had to do postpaid at first because of the ETF reimbursement deal). I rarely ever talk on the phone and 5GB of data is more than enough. Unlimited texting is great.
[General Topics] SurlyGnex:
I am on this plan and love it, especially for the price. I must admit, I was a little worried about the service when I switched from Verizon; Verizon worked almost anywhere I took my phone, but I was tired of giving them so much money.

I've had the $30 prepaid Tmo plan since I got my nexus 5 in December and haven't looked back. I have been using the Speed Test app to test network speeds around town and, dollars to Mbps, Tmo beats Verizon. That is, Verizon's slightly higher up/down speeds were not in proportion to the monthly bill.

If you are thinking of trying it, do what I did: borrow a phone (or buy a cheap one) just to test their network.
[General Topics] hoktrillian:
Vonage has stopped offering free call to PSTN for a while, see http://www.vonage.com/vonagemobile/apps/vonage-mobile-app please.
[General Topics] sirxdroid:
Maybe for new accounts? I just tried it and it still works for me, but I installed it a while back.
[General Topics] ericv99:
Has anyone experienced "no sim or network error" when trying to make a call?

I just got the nexus 5 flashed Cataclysm rom. everything else works fine..

thanks
[General Topics] Johnny Broccoli:
Finally got throttled with this plan for the first time. 0.06mbps down and between 0.0mbps and 0.09mbps upload. Way slower than I was expecting (for some reason I thought I'd be throttled to 3G speeds, not 2G). Will definitely be keeping closer tabs on my data usage from here on out. Surprised how "well" the phone still loads stuff up at such ridiculously low speeds but obviously a massive drop off from the 25-30mbps I was getting prior to the throttle.

---------- Post added at 02:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:39 PM ----------

It actually still shows the LTE symbol when you are being throttled too. Threw me off initially; didn't realize the throttle had been enacted until repeatedly trying to get pictures from my Instagram feed to load unsuccessfully....then I finally put it together.
[General Topics] herosemblem:
That's correct.
[General Topics] 1dtms:
Where does the fine print say it will throttle to 2g speeds after 5GB?
[General Topics] herosemblem:
I don't remember where they say this on the website, but what I do remember is they send you a text every time you reach 5gb, and the text specifically says "you will now receive unlimited data at basic 2G speed".
[General Topics] david279:
Always read the fine print
[General Topics] herosemblem:
Does anyone know if the $70 "unlimited everything" plan has throttling?

I've had the $30 plan for something like 3 months, and I have found that I exhaust the entire plan on the first day, then spend the next 29 days at the PAYG voice rate, and the "internet" at unusable speeds.

I'm looking for an unlimited plan for myself that is NOT throttled, if it exists. Thank you.
[General Topics] Fire Ball:
Yes, the $70 plan is unlimited and unthrottled. My gf uses 30+ GB a month all the time on that plan.
[General Topics] herosemblem:
Thank you so much! Looks like I know what my next plan is.
[General Topics] david279:
All plans throttle after going pass the allotment. Except the unlimited plan. $70 plan.
[General Topics] 1dtms:
is that unlimited unthorttled $70 plan monthly also? or do you have to do a contract
[General Topics] david279:
That's a off contact plan I believe.
[General Topics] wideasleep1:
Correct..off contract. If you choose the $70 plan, you have to activate a new SIM and port number if you want to return to this $30/mo 5GB/100 minute plan.
[General Topics] david279:
Here is a breakdown of the plans

http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-plans

I
[General Topics] paperWastage:
Both prepaid and postpaid have the $70 truly unlimited plan (unlimited voice/text/4g data)

Postpaid has a version that requires a credit pull, but in return you get better roaming agreements/ 10mb roaming data, uncarrier benefits like overseas free 2g data/text and "cheaper" rates if you add more lines
[General Topics] Alttwo:
For those interested, T-Mobile has the simcard and the activation kit for free again
[General Topics] akmsr:
hi all, this is not strictly about $30 plan but about all prepaid monthly plans on t-mobile.

what happens if you are late 10 days to pay your bill? i understand that you will be disconnected and reconnected after you pay but will you get one full months of service? or you will loose 10 days? with boost you get a full month. with metro you loose 10 days. you gotta pay 5$ + tax to change your billing renewal date :eek:
[General Topics] FuMMoD:
Are you really going to pay late every time that it's such a big concern? Serious question though. Why not just pay a few days early to prevent late payment? My bill is due the 23 but I always pay the 19th.
[General Topics] drewwonu:
I currently use talkatone and the 30$ plan, everything has been fine for the past 4 months! My question is what happens when google stops supporting third party VIOP apps in May? Any google voice alternatives? What does google plan to do? (not that any of us would know)