Unlocked on T-mobile to go. anything to know about compatibility?

I only crosspsosted to two groups as the phone is normally
sold by cingular but I want to try it with t-mobile-to-go. What I read
on the net is a little hazy. The lady at t-mobile said it would work
ok, for SMS and phone calls, no web access as they don't use the cdpd
system for the web. My questions are as follows:`
1. if you buy refils online it sends you a pin (via text message) to
you. Do you enter codes into the phone yourself or does the
phone read the message and set the refill up automatically?

2. Any other tricks/traps I would need to know?

I mentioned the above phone as I had one in the past before
but when my former provider (the old AT&T wireless) was forced to
divest its telephone numbers to Alltel (cdma provider) I had to trade
the phone in. It was a good solid phone that works like a champ when I
unlocked it and brought it from cingular to the old AT&T wireless
service.
I see loads of these units unlocked on Ebay and even some
t-mobile to-go unactivated starter sim packages for good prices. I
also see a few ACTIVATED pre-paid sim cards but I don't want Los
Angeles or New York City. I am in Torrington Connecticut.

I want to try the pre-paid plan as then I can try it without
getting locked into a contract obligation, if it isn't for me. no big
loss, I would be keeping my CDMA (alltel service) at the same time as
it still has a two year contract left on it.)

I grepped all I could on this on google and I didn't get a
clear understanding of how this pre-paid refill system works. I am
somewhat familiar with tracfone, but not with the t-mobile system.

Lastly T-mobile's coverage map shows my area as 4 to 5 bars og
signal strength. Being I am a pedestrian my "walking area" is well
covered. The number of minutes per $30 card is around 150 which is
fine for the service tryout I want to do.

Now for the Cingular guys, (you think I forgot I cross posted
this to you too?)

like the T-mobile pre-paid sims I see loads of yours on Ebay.
If I buy an unactivated card... Do I got to pay an activation fee to
use it? How is the refil information sent to my phone (nokia 6340i)?


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B'ichela

At 26 Jul 2007 23:10:52 +0000 B'ichela wrote:

> What I read
> on the net is a little hazy. The lady at t-mobile said it would work
> ok, for SMS and phone calls, no web access as they don't use the cdpd
> system for the web.

You mean CSD. That's slow first generation 9.6k data, (which T-Mo
actually does support for contract accounts, but not prepaid.)

> My questions are as follows:`
> 1. if you buy refils online it sends you a pin (via text message) to
> you. Do you enter codes into the phone yourself or does the
> phone read the message and set the refill up automatically?


I've never bought a refill over the phone from T-Mo, and neither should
you if you can help it! You can get 8-10% off using cheapphonecards.com
if in a hurry, or wait for a sale at Target stores. They run 10-15% off
airtime sales occasionally, free phone with $100 card purchase (less
frequently), or two $25 cards for $40 sales (20% off.)

> 2. Any other tricks/traps I would need to know?

You're probably aware of the "Gold Rewards" deal- once you've spent $100
on airtime, all refills get bonus minutes and are good for a year. So a
casual user could spend $100 the first year (1000 minutes) and only $10
(the smallest card) each year thereafter.

Once you hit "Gold" the $50 cards are the best value. T-Mo drops
fractions of cents when computing the airtime rate on refills, so while
they say a $50 card gives you "460 minutes," that works out to 10.9
cents/minute, which "doesn't compute." The computer drops the ".9" and
gives you 500 minutes, ($50 at 10.0 cents/min.) the same rate as a $100
card.

> I mentioned the above phone as I had one in the past before
> but when my former provider (the old AT&T wireless) was forced to
> divest its telephone numbers to Alltel (cdma provider) I had to trade
> the phone in. It was a good solid phone that works like a champ when I
> unlocked it and brought it from cingular to the old AT&T wireless
> service.
>
> I see loads of these units unlocked on Ebay and even some
> t-mobile to-go unactivated starter sim packages for good prices.

True, but you can usually buy a new low-end Nokia phone from T-Mo for
$29, and they run a promo every few weeks where they give you a free $25
card with any purchase. I bought two a few months ago just to get spare
handsets and the $25 cards.


> also see a few ACTIVATED pre-paid sim cards but I don't want Los
> Angeles or New York City. I am in Torrington Connecticut.

You can generally change the phone number once you get them. T-Mo lets
you change it once every x# of months for free, then charges a small fee
for additional changes.

> I want to try the pre-paid plan as then I can try it without
> getting locked into a contract obligation, if it isn't for me. no big
> loss, I would be keeping my CDMA (alltel service) at the same time as
> it still has a two year contract left on it.)

T-Mo is a very good deal- 10-cent airtime and long expirations make them
idea backup phones. I have three prepaid lines I rarely use anymore, but
I can't bear to let them expire when it only costs me $10/year to keep
them alive.


> I grepped all I could on this on google and I didn't get a
> clear understanding of how this pre-paid refill system works. I am
> somewhat familiar with tracfone, but not with the t-mobile system.

Unlike Tracfone, there's nothing special about a T-Mo prepaid phone-you
can use any unlocked GSM phone. You don't get the on-screen balance
display, but you can hit #999# (send) to get your balance, or look it up
on the phone's web browser (if equipped) for free. (As you've already
learned, that won't work on the 6340.)

> Lastly T-mobile's coverage map shows my area as 4 to 5 bars og
> signal strength. Being I am a pedestrian my "walking area" is well
> covered. The number of minutes per $30 card is around 150 which is
> fine for the service tryout I want to do.

> Now for the Cingular guys, (you think I forgot I cross posted
> this to you too?)
>
> like the T-mobile pre-paid sims I see loads of yours on Ebay.
> If I buy an unactivated card... Do I got to pay an activation fee to
> use it? How is the refil information sent to my phone (nokia 6340i)?


Despite T-Mo telling you that phone would work, I'd be careful. That's a
GAIT phone- a combo GSM/TDMA/analog phone. IIRC, early models only ran
GSM at 1900MHz, not 800, where a lot of roaming coverage is. Lots of
good dual band GSM phones can be had for just a little more money on
eBay. The Nokia 3595 or 6010 for example.

Overall, if you want to try T-Mo2Go, check the T-Mo website every couple
of days for the free $25 card with any prepaid phone and take the Nokia
6030 for $29. It was on the website earlier this week and might still be
there now. I'd avoid the 6340 if possible.

Good luck!
--

"I don't need my cell phone to play video games or take pictures or double
as a Walkie-Talkie; I just need it to work. Thanks for all the bells and whistles,
but I could communicate better with ACTUAL bells and whistles."
-Bill Maher 9/25/2003

In article <cUfqi.3573$RW.2230@newsfe13.phx>, Todd Allcock wrote:
> I've never bought a refill over the phone from T-Mo, and neither should
> you if you can help it! You can get 8-10% off using cheapphonecards.com
> if in a hurry, or wait for a sale at Target stores. They run 10-15% off
> airtime sales occasionally, free phone with $100 card purchase (less
> frequently), or two $25 cards for $40 sales (20% off.)
I don't have a Target in Torrington. but the list of prepaid
card dealers (quite a few) include:
K-mart, Price Rite, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Rite-Aid,Brooks Drugs.
The closest to me is Brooks Drugs, (soon to become another Rite-Aid)
and of course Rite-Aid. the others are on the North end of Torrington
whereas I live in the South end.
>
> You're probably aware of the "Gold Rewards" deal- once you've spent $100
> on airtime, all refills get bonus minutes and are good for a year. So a
> casual user could spend $100 the first year (1000 minutes) and only $10
> (the smallest card) each year thereafter.
Yes I am aware of it.
>
> True, but you can usually buy a new low-end Nokia phone from T-Mo for
> $29, and they run a promo every few weeks where they give you a free $25
> card with any purchase. I bought two a few months ago just to get spare
> handsets and the $25 cards.
I had noticed that but the reviews of the 6030 seem to show
that it is kinda "flimsy". I want a phone that is built like a tank.
The Nokia 6340i is one of those "tanks". but if I were to get a newer
unit.. which models use the DKU-2 usb data cable? (I know the nokia
6340i does NOT. it uses another type of rs232 cable) ,something that is
supported by gnokii under Linux preferably, not a required feature but
it could be useful. I am not interested in another flip phone. My old
nokia 6255i (cdma phone) finally broke its hinge (the achillies heel of
these things.) I don't want ugly black (many new phones are black and
ugly). Nor a slider.
>
> Unlike Tracfone, there's nothing special about a T-Mo prepaid phone-you
> can use any unlocked GSM phone. You don't get the on-screen balance
> display, but you can hit #999# (send) to get your balance, or look it up
> on the phone's web browser (if equipped) for free. (As you've already
> learned, that won't work on the 6340.)
Thats true. but webbing isn't my main goal. but while we are
on webbing. does T-mo use edge or gprs? I know they got some more
licesed room to expand their 3G system. to HSDPA (forgive me if thats
not spelled right.) like your tagline says. I really don't need all of
those extra gee-gaws.
>
> Despite T-Mo telling you that phone would work, I'd be careful. That's a
> GAIT phone- a combo GSM/TDMA/analog phone. IIRC, early models only ran
> GSM at 1900MHz, not 800, where a lot of roaming coverage is. Lots of
> good dual band GSM phones can be had for just a little more money on
> eBay. The Nokia 3595 or 6010 for example.
My phone did both on GSM 800/1900. and if you used it with
cingular it could do all three networking types, if you had the full
gait service. On the old AT&T wireless it worked like a dream on GSM
800/1900. Not sure of the 6340 (without the i), despite its age it still
gets glowing reviews on ebay's review section.
I think U.S uses 850/1900 thougn, I used your terms to avoid
confusion. I have questions on that too but thats another message.
> Overall, if you want to try T-Mo2Go, check the T-Mo website every couple
> of days for the free $25 card with any prepaid phone and take the Nokia
> 6030 for $29. It was on the website earlier this week and might still be
> there now. I'd avoid the 6340 if possible.
I would avoid the Nokia 6340 myself as it is a little more
limited than the 6340i only I cannot remember what its limititations were.
T-mobile said to me that they are setting up another option,
similar to Cingular's "pick your plan" and pay monthly via checking
account/credit/debit card. The CSR told me it isn't quite ready yet
but it allows me to have a myfaves plan. (if it is like mycircle, on
Alltel, then why does their 6030 say myfaves compatible????)
As for the 6010... my friend has a Cingular version. she has
no problems with it, I might consider one myself but I like the look
of the 6340i. (I am very picking on appearance and construction
quality.). When a friend and I shared the old AT&T wireless plan he
also had the AT&T 6010. loved the blue and silver look. but silver on
grey looks nice too.

--

From the Desk of the Sysop of:
Planet Maca's Opus, a Free open BBS system. telnet://pinkrose.dhis.org
Web Site: http://pinkrose.dhis.org, Dialup 860-618-3091 300-33600 bps
The New Cnews maintainer
B'ichela

At 27 Jul 2007 22:30:39 +0000 B'ichela wrote:

> I don't have a Target in Torrington. but the list of prepaid
> card dealers (quite a few) include:
> K-mart, Price Rite, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Rite-Aid,Brooks Drugs.
> The closest to me is Brooks Drugs, (soon to become another Rite-Aid)
> and of course Rite-Aid. the others are on the North end of Torrington
> whereas I live in the South end.

While convenient, those retailers don't run any sales on prepaid airtime.
I'd stick with internet discounters like cheapphonecards.com, then.

> I had noticed that but the reviews of the 6030 seem to show
> that it is kinda "flimsy". I want a phone that is built like a tank.


The 6030 is a solid little phone IMHO, but rather featureless.

> The Nokia 6340i is one of those "tanks". but if I were to get a newer
> unit.. which models use the DKU-2 usb data cable? (I know the nokia
> 6340i does NOT. it uses another type of rs232 cable) ,something that is
> supported by gnokii under Linux preferably, not a required feature but
> it could be useful.

I've used Nokias exclusively until recently, but rarely messed with data
cables- I tended to stick with IR, or more recently, BT for connectivity.
The 6030 has what looks like a non-standard (smaller) 4-pin mini-USB-
type connector, whatever Nok cable that is...

> I don't want ugly black (many new phones are black and
> ugly).
> Nor a slider.

T-Mo's 6030 is silver, though Cingular's is black.

> but webbing isn't my main goal. but while we are
> on webbing. does T-mo use edge or gprs?

EDGE, but it doesn't really matter- T-Mo2Go users don't get real data.
Just a free "walled garden" of WAP sites to check account balance, buy
ringtones, and a small limited selection of news- CNN, ESPN and ABC news.

> I know they got some more
> licesed room to expand their 3G system.
> to HSDPA (forgive me if thats
> not spelled right.) like your tagline says. I really don't need all of
> those extra gee-gaws.


Then TM2G will be perfect for you- you don't get them! ;-)

> My phone did both on GSM 800/1900. and if you used it with
> cingular it could do all three networking types, if you had the full
> gait service. On the old AT&T wireless it worked like a dream on GSM
> 800/1900. Not sure of the 6340 (without the i), despite its age it still
> gets glowing reviews on ebay's review section.
> I think U.S uses 850/1900 thougn, I used your terms to avoid
> confusion.

It's confusing regardless. 800 and 850 are the same thing. For whatever
reason, analog, CDMA, and TDMA carriers call it 800, while GSM calls it
850, but they refer to the same frequency range.

> I would avoid the Nokia 6340 myself as it is a little more
> limited than the 6340i only I cannot remember what its limititations
> were.

The non-i version is probably the one that can't do 800 on GSM (only TDMA
and analog.)

> T-mobile said to me that they are setting up another option,
> similar to Cingular's "pick your plan" and pay monthly via checking
> account/credit/debit card. The CSR told me it isn't quite ready yet
> but it allows me to have a myfaves plan.

The new option is a no-credit check/no-contract option that uses the
regular contract rate plans. You pay each month's fee in advance, and
get shut-off (rather than pay overages) if you run out of minutes. It's
called "flex pay" and I think it launches next week (it's already missed
two "launches" however- the 18th and the 26th!)

>(if it is like mycircle, on
> Alltel, then why does their 6030 say myfaves compatible????)

T-Mo has a goofy software applet on their recent phones that has
scrolling icons representing your 5 "faves" that get updared
automatically if you change them. This eliminates any question of
whether it's a free call (i.e. you called a fave's work phone instead of
cell etc.)

> As for the 6010... my friend has a Cingular version. she has
> no problems with it, I might consider one myself but I like the look
> of the 6340i. (I am very picking on appearance and construction
> quality.). When a friend and I shared the old AT&T wireless plan he
> also had the AT&T 6010. loved the blue and silver look. but silver on
> grey looks nice too.

I have the blue Cingular one, as well as a virtually identical looking
grey AT&TWS 3560 TDMA model. Both performed very well.


--

"I don't need my cell phone to play video games or take pictures or
double
as a Walkie-Talkie; I just need it to work. Thanks for all the bells and
whistles,
but I could communicate better with ACTUAL bells and whistles."
-Bill Maher 9/25/2003