Galaxy S3 and HTC phones

[idiota115]

Hey guys,

Recently I went to a local wireless dealer to renew my phone service which means I am getting a new phone!

They had several deals; I asked about the galaxy S3 and latest HTC smartphones, and the salesperson said that data plan MUST BE included with the cellphones even if the cellphones are OEM international cellphones. The salesperson said that even if they dont report it to ATT about my smartphone, ATT will detect my cellphone to be a smartphone automatically; this is true to Galaxy S3 and ALL HTC smartphones, but not Galaxy S2.

I think this is a bit weird. Can anyone confirm this? This is my first smartphone so I have absolutely no experience.

Thank you!

 

[ImDonly1]

I say they do not know what they are talking about.

This thread lists the International One X as working on Medianet (the flip phone data plan).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1446373

Here is a thread on the galaxy
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1696025&page=135
Most people appear to be using it on medianet? Some were having trouble (few)? I didn't look into it. Look through the thread. You might be able to use the T-mobile version on there without them knowing too (it supports ATT 3g bands). Look into that too as I am not sure on it.

It also depends where you get the phone from I think. Usually world phones are OK, but sometimes phones from Canada (Rogers) are detected by ATT.

 

[Ravynmagi]

I've heard the same thing about T-Mobile as well. But if you don't want a data plan and you are buying an unlocked International phone (I assume paying the full price), then why bother with AT&T's contract plans with the data requirement. Seems like a pre-paid plan would be a much better choice if you just want phone service.

If you are buying a subsidized phone, then you are at the mercy of the carriers.

 

[ImDonly1]

I've heard the same thing about T-Mobile as well. But if you don't want a data plan and you are buying an unlocked International phone (I assume paying the full price), then why bother with AT&T's contract plans with the data requirement. Seems like a pre-paid plan would be a much better choice if you just want phone service.

If you are buying a subsidized phone, then you are at the mercy of the carriers.

Agree with this. But there are times when postpaid would be a better choice. These are when...
You are on a family plan and it costs $20 extra to add a phone or whatever.
You want unlimited(?) data and no QOS issues (you can sign up for the medianet data plan for $10 it is listed as unlimited).

 

[zerocool84]

I say they do not know what they are talking about.

This thread lists the International One X as working on Medianet (the flip phone data plan).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1446373

Here is a thread on the galaxy
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1696025&page=135
Most people appear to be using it on medianet? Some were having trouble (few)? I didn't look into it. Look through the thread. You might be able to use the T-mobile version on there without them knowing too (it supports ATT 3g bands). Look into that too as I am not sure on it.

It also depends where you get the phone from I think. Usually world phones are OK, but sometimes phones from Canada (Rogers) are detected by ATT.

AT&T is known for scanning its network to check for phones to make you pay. T-Mobile AFAIK doesn't do that.

 

[idiota115]

thanks guys! So i guess it is safe to say that ATT does automatically detect any smartphone that is not "registered" and apply data plan to it?

My friend's using a HTC smartphone but he's not been charged. However, his dad did put a data block on the cellphone.

The reason why I am sticking with this dealer is because they give us a rebate so the S3 might just cost 100 bucks with 2 year contract, and it's an international version phone too.

Should I take a risk and get the S3 and see if ATT will detect it?

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

if you block data you should be ok. i have my parents on an iphone without data.

 

[ImDonly1]

AT&T is known for scanning its network to check for phones to make you pay. T-Mobile AFAIK doesn't do that.

Post link for proof.

AT&T does not detect international phones and it is well known they do not bother doing so. There are a few exceptions.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Post link for proof.

AT&T does not detect international phones and it is well known they do not bother doing so. There are a few exceptions.

It depends whether or not they add those phones to their database or not. My i9020a got caught in sweeps.

 

[ImDonly1]

It depends whether or not they add those phones to their database or not. My i9020a got caught in sweeps.

The nexus s was one of the few exceptions.