Question about Nexus 7 3G + Prepaid T-Mobile

[lopri]

I am looking to replace my Nexus 7 Wi-Fi with the one with a wireless modem. At $300, it no longer feels like a bargain, but it's still the least expensive tablet that is unlocked, and lets me use any GSM-based carrier.

I am looking at T-mobile prepaid plans, can anyone advise me as to what steps do I take?

From what I read elsewhere, those cheap voice + unlimited data plans from T-mobile do work with Nexus 7, without T-mobile's official sanctions. That's understandable since Nexus 7 doesn't support voice calls, but it shouldn't stop me from using data plan, I suppose?

How should I go about this? Do I take my Nexus to a local T-mobile store and ask for a SIM? Do I order a SIM and a plan online and have it delivered? How much information does T-mobile needs to know what I am doing with the SIM + plan, when activating the SIM?

Thanks in advance.

 

[lopri]

Of, if anyone knows a better option around NY/NJ (north jersey) area, please feel free to share your suggestions. I originally had Straight Talk in mind, but after learning that they're using AT&T's network, I want to try out different carrier. I had AT&T for a long time and am not too fond of its service.

How is Virgin? Is it GSM-based?

 

[cronos]

From what I read elsewhere, those cheap voice + unlimited data plans from T-mobile do work with Nexus 7, without T-mobile's official sanctions.

Where did you hear about this? If you're talking about T-Mobile's 'Walmart plan' with 100 minutes and unlimited data, it will not work with a non-phone device. Unless something has changed in the past few months that I'm not aware of.

How should I go about this? Do I take my Nexus to a local T-mobile store and ask for a SIM? Do I order a SIM and a plan online and have it delivered? How much information does T-mobile needs to know what I am doing with the SIM + plan, when activating the SIM?

If it is the 'Walmart plan' you're looking for, the number one 'don't' is to involve T-Mobile store. They can't help you. Go to a Walmart store that offers it and take care of your business there, or buy the SIM card online and do the activation from the web.

However, as I mentioned above. This plan does not work with non-phone devices/tablets.

Of, if anyone knows a better option around NY/NJ (north jersey) area, please feel free to share your suggestions. I originally had Straight Talk in mind, but after learning that they're using AT&T's network, I want to try out different carrier. I had AT&T for a long time and am not too fond of its service.

How is Virgin? Is it GSM-based?

Straight Talk uses multiple carriers, they're not AT&T exclusive.

Virgin Mobile is a division of Sprint, so it's not GSM-based. Also, with Virgin Mobile you have to use one of their approved devices, so it's not an option for you.

 

[lopri]

Hmm.. I will have to find out more about Straight Talk in my area.

I thought I read somewhere (probably @XDA) someone got the $30 plan (100 minute talk, unlimited data) to work on Nexus 7. Maybe I misread? Yes, I was looking at the web option from both AT&T and T-Mobile. They seem to have comparable plans. For example, AT&T has the following data plans:

https://buyasession.att.com/sbd/Common/ShopRatePlans.action

I suppose I don't need unlimited data since I am mostly on Wi-Fi anyway, but figured it wouldn't hurt to have it just in case, especially when the price difference is negligible.

 

[pcsavvy]

Unfortunately, your options most likely will be the following:

Buy a tablet from AT&T with their mark ups and have a 2 yr contract.
or

Get a phone that can be used as a mobile hotspot
or

Get a mobile hotspot.

Personally, I have the Boost Mobile HTC Evo Design 3G/4G phone and I use that as a mobile hotspot. It is on the Sprint network, I just pay $10 a month extra for that feature.

Boost charges $55 a month for smartphones for unlimited talk, text and data. Though if you go over a certain amount of data per month, they will throttle your data speed. Every 6 months after paying on time your bill goes down $5 after 18 months your base phone bill could be $40 a month.

 

[lopri]

Another question: I have just given my dad my iPhone and I am phoneless.. ^^ Been using Nexus 7 as my phone for two days, using GV, rofl. I looked around to get something to tide me over until Nexus 4 comes back in stock, but I found nothing whose value remotely comes close to Nexus 4 yet, so I am kind of stuck.

A quick question: What happens if I port my phone number to Google Voice? I don't have any contract or unpaid bills. Can I simply keep my number that way and cut AT&T out without any repercussion?

 

[vshah]

yup, att will just cancel your line and you won't be charged anything since you're out of contract. you will lose the ability to send/receive MMS though.

 

[lopri]

@pcsavvy: Yes, that's the plan. I wanted a simple phone that will act as a hotspot for my tablet. I just can't seem to pick up a year old, used phone for $200 when Nexus 4 is $300.

Edit: I don't think I will take a 2 year contract again. ever.