$45 Unlocked SIM Data Limit

**rvsidekick6** · 02-24-2012, 08:57 AM

Has anyone tried the AT&T smart wifi app? I downloaded it, and it pulled up my straight talk account just as if it were an actual at&T account, which isn't so strange (it even reported my data plan as unlimited). However, what is worisome is that it reports my data usage as ~1500 mbs... I've only had the phone a week! I installed 3G watchdog and it reported my data usage at about 400 mbs since installation... So should I trust the offical AT&T app, or what? I downloaded a bunch of music from Google music (I accidently fogot to turn of sync in settings...), and tethered a teensy bit (8 minutes on school website). I did 1 youtube video and a good bit of pandora over the last week. I'd like my other ho-fo members to try the app, because it actually turns your wifi on and off according to location, and autoconnects it to all of my saved networks and any att wifi hotspot. It's pretty neat! and it apparently reports cellular data usage according to their system...
https://market.android.com/details?i...martwifi&hl=en

**Pabster** · 02-24-2012, 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by stonedcold

But then ask the question who wants to dump AT&T plus save anywhere from $20-$30 over those other mvno charging $60 for the same service. You'll find a lot of people jump for the opportunity to sign up for that.

Well, value is a relative proposition. I know folks who gladly pay $200 to AT&T every month because they want the postpaid coverage and the native tethering via AT&T data plan. It is worth the premium to them.

Also, Red Pocket is pretty damn close to ST pricing. Since you pay taxes on ST your monthly refill winds up at nearly $50. I can buy Red Pocket $60 PINs for ~$58. Is that $8 worth it to me not to have to worry about some invisible 'limit' and losing my service at any time with no refund? Sure is, for me, at this time. Not to mention I only paid 99 cents for the Red Pocket SIM.

I guess my point is different strokes for different folks. Straight Talk is indeed a good value proposition (assuming you are familiar with the policies and errata of ST) *BUT* it is most definitely not for every one.

**bsharitt** · 02-24-2012, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by Pabster

Well, value is a relative proposition. I know folks who gladly pay $200 to AT&T every month because they want the postpaid coverage and the native tethering via AT&T data plan. It is worth the premium to them.

Also, Red Pocket is pretty damn close to ST pricing. Since you pay taxes on ST your monthly refill winds up at nearly $50. I can buy Red Pocket $60 PINs for ~$58. Is that $8 worth it to me not to have to worry about some invisible 'limit' and losing my service at any time with no refund? Sure is, for me, at this time. Not to mention I only paid 99 cents for the Red Pocket SIM.

I guess my point is different strokes for different folks. Straight Talk is indeed a good value proposition (assuming you are familiar with the policies and errata of ST) *BUT* it is most definitely not for every one.

The set data limits are why I'll probably stay on T-mobile for my own phone(plus the $30 plan is still cheaper and gets you 5GB). Too bad Red Pocket is too "minutes first" on their plan pricing. It seems like until VM's $25 plan and now T-Mobile, it was nearly impossible to get a decent amount of no contract data without unlimited minutes.

**stonedcold** · 02-24-2012, 12:20 PM

ST is cheaper by far if you do the promos. When available you get 3 months for 99 which comes with a phone you offload for about 35 bucks. So something like $64 for 3 months is fairly good. Which comes out to about $22 per month. I can honestly say I have 2 of these promos.

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**Pabster** · 02-24-2012, 12:26 PM

Originally Posted by stonedcold

ST is cheaper by far if you do the promos. When available you get 3 months for 99 which comes with a phone you offload for about 35 bucks. So something like $64 for 3 months is fairly good. Which comes out to about $22 per month. I can honestly say I have 2 of these promos.

Except the 99 offer doesn't come all the time, you still pay taxes, and who wants to mess around selling crap phones? Most folks don't have time or the want to do things that way. Again, different strokes for different folks.

**silentjudge** · 02-24-2012, 01:28 PM

I pay taxes on 3-month refills from ST and it costs $128.xx. Thats still less than $45/mo.

**stonedcold** · 02-24-2012, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by Pabster

Except the 99 offer doesn't come all the time, you still pay taxes, and who wants to mess around selling crap phones? Most folks don't have time or the want to do things that way. Again, different strokes for different folks.

You a long way outta the minor leagues billy. This a different sort of forum section.

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**Dust N Bones** · 02-25-2012, 08:02 AM

Originally Posted by rvsidekick6

Has anyone tried the AT&T smart wifi app? I downloaded it, and it pulled up my straight talk account just as if it were an actual at&T account, which isn't so strange (it even reported my data plan as unlimited). However, what is worisome is that it reports my data usage as ~1500 mbs... I've only had the phone a week! I installed 3G watchdog and it reported my data usage at about 400 mbs since installation... So should I trust the offical AT&T app, or what?
https://market.android.com/details?i...martwifi&hl=en

Wow that's interesting and it's a really good question. That is a huge difference in what the 2 apps are reporting for data usage.

**clockcycle** · 02-25-2012, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by silentjudge

I really want to get a better idea of what the Straight Talk data limit truly is. I've tried calling their Miami corporate office a few times and have never gotten a "straight" or correct answer. They keep telling me its unlimited except no tethering. I specifically asked if streaming Youtube or Pandora is ok, and they said yes. We know those 2 activities are not ok per ST's terms and conditions.

Theres been many reports from users asking ST, the limit is 2GB, maybe 5GB. A Hofo user, Antenna reported that he was shut off after using around 300MB in a single day but still being under 2GB for the month. (http://www.howardforums.com/showthre...8#post14541478) Other users have reported being shut off while also being under 2GB a month, but it could very well be they went over 100MB of data in a day or maybe was using the phone while "roaming" on another GSM provider ST has agreements with. Heres another user who emailed ST about the limit: http://www.howardforums.com/showthre...about-data-use. Also got a run around answer.

I've personally concluded that the safest way to keep your ST $45 unlocked SIM is to keep it within 2GB a month and 70MB (possibly 100MB) a day. But perhaps thats overly conservative and I want to get a better idea, so if you have ever been cut off by ST and know how much data you used or they told you, please post here.

PS. I am NOT starting a discussion about what unlimited means or how this isn't unlimited and its not fair. We already know ST's $45 plan is not unlimited. Thanks

I like I mentioned in the loophole thread, I've used 395mb in one day - in a week's time, I used about 600mb total, averaging 80mb / day.

Use, don't abuse. Don't tether, download your app bulk while on wifi. You should be fine.

From what I have read, they warn you, just like other providers do. i.e. Sprint would warn you, close your account and waive the ETF, if you continue to abuse their *unlimited*. Even though they charge just about everyone on a smartphone an extra $10 for "Premium Data" (not 4G access)..

When I activated my Straight Talk BYOP SIM, it clearly stated "unlimited MB for WEB".

Same goes with other carriers offer, there is a difference between WEB /phone use and "streaming". They usually have difference in plan cost as well.

**clockcycle** · 02-25-2012, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by rvsidekick6

Has anyone tried the AT&T smart wifi app? I downloaded it, and it pulled up my straight talk account just as if it were an actual at&T account, which isn't so strange (it even reported my data plan as unlimited). However, what is worisome is that it reports my data usage as ~1500 mbs... I've only had the phone a week! I installed 3G watchdog and it reported my data usage at about 400 mbs since installation... So should I trust the offical AT&T app, or what? I downloaded a bunch of music from Google music (I accidently fogot to turn of sync in settings...), and tethered a teensy bit (8 minutes on school website). I did 1 youtube video and a good bit of pandora over the last week. I'd like my other ho-fo members to try the app, because it actually turns your wifi on and off according to location, and autoconnects it to all of my saved networks and any att wifi hotspot. It's pretty neat! and it apparently reports cellular data usage according to their system...
https://market.android.com/details?i...martwifi&hl=en

Hey mind putting that on a download site, none of my devices show as compatible with that app, so the market won't let me download it. I am gonna see if I can find the .apk online.

**stonedcold** · 03-02-2012, 11:18 PM

So the big T had officially raised it limits on throttling unlimited customers to 3GB from 2GB. So who wanna test that new limit with me on ST.

This is my plan. I'll do the 1st 2GB so you can sit back chill and relax and then some one else take it from there and do the 3rd GB 👍

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**silentjudge** · 03-03-2012, 12:31 AM

Originally Posted by stonedcold

So the big T had officially raised it limits on throttling unlimited customers to 3GB from 2GB. So who wanna test that new limit with me on ST.

This is my plan. I'll do the 1st 2GB so you can sit back chill and relax and then some one else take it from there and do the 3rd GB 👍

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Read my reply here:
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?p=14742063
(Its a few posts down)

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**stonedcold** · 03-03-2012, 12:56 AM

Originally Posted by silentjudge

Read my reply here:
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?p=14742063
(Its a few posts down)

Sent from my LG Nitro HD

Ah crap. Damn biz ness models. Suits with their projections.

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**AndroidFoneFan** · 03-03-2012, 05:46 AM

I have to wonder how many people who are not using a wifi hotspot on their phones actually use two gigs a month.

I have two phones, one work and one personal. So my total data usage is divided, I have data counters on both phones so I know pretty much what I use between the two phones.
I feel like I use a fair amount of data between the two phones but even between them I only use 1gig or less every month. I can't emagen what a person must be doing short of wifi hotspotting that could use so much data.

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**freedomspopular** · 03-03-2012, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by AndroidPhoneFan

I have to wonder how many people who are not using a wifi hotspot on their phones actually use two gigs a month.

I have two phones, one work and one personal. So my total data usage is divided, I have data counters on both phones so I know pretty much what I use between the two phones.
I feel like I use a fair amount of data between the two phones but even between them I only use 1gig or less every month. I can't emagen what a person must be doing short of wifi hotspotting that could use so much data.

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Youtube, Netflix, Pandora, etc...

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