Flex Data Plan for Tablets

[Dave32]

Hi,

I wanted to confirm something regarding Flex Data Plan for Tablets.

I have 7GB data on my current plan, I know and am able to tether my android phone to use data for my laptop and iPad2.

I have as well a Zoom Mobile router and data stick that I use sometimes in place of tethering (works better for VOIP). In order to facilitate this, I purchased a prepaid plan and throw $10 in each month for voice when my SIM is installed in data stick.

I was thinking I may be better off with Flex Data Plan for Tablets, I think I have read some posts from Que_Ball that I could use Flex Data Plan for Tablets with data stick/Mobile internet key.

Could someone verify this will work, I know if Telus checks my account, they will see Mobile Internet Key listed, do they care or check?

[cedqc418]

you can use internet stick tablet any device you want ... with tablet flex plan using the correct apn : isp.telus.com !

[Dave32]

Great, Telus does not push you to use the Internet stick plan, why would anyone buy Internet stick plan knowing the flex plan for tablet will do same thing

[turbogeek]

If you try to use the Tablet flex plan on a Telus sold device (IMEI in their system) they'd probably object. If you use an unlocked device they won't be certain it's not a tablet and probably won't hassle you (at least they haven't yet).

[Dave32]

Ok

I called Telus to setup flex plan for tablet, Keeping in mind the goal is to use on Internet stick, Telus will only activate plan with sim inserted in tablet.

Questions:

Was is probability of Telus catching customers gaming the system of using flx plan for tablet in Internet stick?

Do others who use this strategy of setting up flex plan for tablet purchase and return a sim enabled tablet?

Comments would be appreciated.

Dave32

[Dave32]

Hey TurboGeek,

Thank You for the info, Telus has no tablets except the Galaxy Tab.

I was thinking about either purchasing and returning a device or going to store and inserting my SIM, calling Telus and activating.

I am wondering how Que_Ball got around this issue.

Once other question, if I go with Flex Plan for iPad, will I have issue with installing in my internet stick

[Que_Ball]

Just go to a dealer, ask them to setup the plan for you on a SIM card and that's it.
If you want to phone in to get activated and you have a fresh SIM card to use already then go ahead and call in and specifically ask them to activate you on the Flex plan for tablets.
You cannot activate this plan through self service, but it's very simple to just call and ask for the plan specifically. I would even ask them to waive the activation fee by telling them you tried to do it online and it even says "No fee when you activate online." but the plan you wanted is not listed so you were forced to call in instead of doing it free online.

I put it in all kinds of official Telus hardware and it shows up on the website telling me exactly which device it is using. But as long as the correct APN is being used there is no problem.

I use it all the time in the following Telus branded devices:
Sierra Wireless AC319U
Sierra Wireless 306
Samsung Galaxy S Fascinate 3G+
Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray (I even signed a 3yr contract on the tablet plan to get this one)

I swapped plans to the "Cost Assure™ North America for Tablets" version of the plan when I went to the USA
I swapped back again to the regular Flex plan for Tablets when I returned. No problems doing that and the whole time it said I was using the Sierra Wireless aircard devices.

The probability of Telus catching you is 100% if they cared to strictly enforce only allowing the Tablet plan on specific tablet devices. It's not like there is much risk to you, what is the worst thing that would happen?
I have been using it with official Telus hardware and their system shows exactly what equipment I'm using and I have not had problems with them. I know lots of people doing the same thing, no problems.
If you need official support from Telus and need to be able to call into tech support for every little thing then you would not be a good candidate for this plan. You need to be self supporting.

Nobody on this forum, myself included, can predict if Telus will suddenly go crazy and send a hit squad to your house because you are not using the "correct" data plan.
If they force you to switch plans or cancel 6 months from now would that ruin your life?

Enough questions, either get the plan and take the "risk" or do not get the plan. Up to you.

[turbogeek]

My concern about Telus sold devices is if they decide to start enforcing and begin charging PPU rates. With unknown IMEIs at least there's room for doubt.

[Que_Ball]

They would have to give you 30 days notice if they were going to change anything like billing.

No risk of unexpected pay per use charges except when you screw up and use the wrong APN.

[turbogeek]

That would not be a change, just executing the existing policy. I don't think it's very likely - at least not without warning in the interest of customer service - but they're not under any obligation. From this other thread

From a purely technical perspective, you may use your iPhone for voice calls on a tablet data plan and TELUS is aware of this. From a business perspective, it was necessary to introduce an airtime rate of $1.00 per minute, which by the way, far exceeds the regular $0.40 cents additional airtime rate for a regular voice rate plan, to plug this apparent loophole. TELUS has already thought out the possibility that a voice device may be activated on a data only plan either in error or as a result of a deliberate and conscious choice.

The warnings expressed by previous representatives in their e-mail replies regarding the incompatibility of the device and your data plan stems from the very real possibility of billing errors. In fact, your account has already been flagged by our automated billing systems. In the event of a billing dispute, TELUS will not debate any data or airtime usage charges or apply any credits for these as they shall be deemed valid and legitimate charges. In short, the billing is at your own personal risk.

In addition, the TELUS Service Agreement indicates on Section 5 under "Use of the service" which reads in part:

"You will use the service in compliance with law and with service rules adopted by TELUS. You will use the service for customary voice, messaging and wireless mobile Internet usage purposes only... You agree that you will not abuse any flat rate or unlimited use service plan offered by TELUS. You will use only compatible equipment on the service...Equipment and software may have to meet certain TELUS standards.

it is clear that

1. Telus knows it is possible to use this plan with other devices.
2. That is not an intended use, and Telus has already taken some steps to discourage it.
3. If they do crack down, they may not show mercy.

[Sneakz]

This is why you sign up with Bell's tablet data for iPad and use the sim. It's prepaid and its the same $35 for 5GB. They have no way of billing you for unauthorized usage.

[Dave32]

Just go to a dealer, ask them to setup the plan for you on a SIM card and that's it.
If you want to phone in to get activated and you have a fresh SIM card to use already then go ahead and call in and specifically ask them to activate you on the Flex plan for tablets.
You cannot activate this plan through self service, but it's very simple to just call and ask for the plan specifically. I would even ask them to waive the activation fee by telling them you tried to do it online and it even says "No fee when you activate online." but the plan you wanted is not listed so you were forced to call in instead of doing it free online.

I put it in all kinds of official Telus hardware and it shows up on the website telling me exactly which device it is using. But as long as the correct APN is being used there is no problem.

I use it all the time in the following Telus branded devices:
Sierra Wireless AC319U
Sierra Wireless 306
Samsung Galaxy S Fascinate 3G+
Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray (I even signed a 3yr contract on the tablet plan to get this one)

I swapped plans to the "Cost Assure™ North America for Tablets" version of the plan when I went to the USA
I swapped back again to the regular Flex plan for Tablets when I returned. No problems doing that and the whole time it said I was using the Sierra Wireless aircard devices.

The probability of Telus catching you is 100% if they cared to strictly enforce only allowing the Tablet plan on specific tablet devices. It's not like there is much risk to you, what is the worst thing that would happen?
I have been using it with official Telus hardware and their system shows exactly what equipment I'm using and I have not had problems with them. I know lots of people doing the same thing, no problems.
If you need official support from Telus and need to be able to call into tech support for every little thing then you would not be a good candidate for this plan. You need to be self supporting.

Nobody on this forum, myself included, can predict if Telus will suddenly go crazy and send a hit squad to your house because you are not using the "correct" data plan.
If they force you to switch plans or cancel 6 months from now would that ruin your life?

Enough questions, either get the plan and take the "risk" or do not get the plan. Up to you.

I was able to accomplish this task.

Some others may have business accounts and have an easier time.

I was told by Telus customer care I needed to have my device connected in order to sign up for Flex Plan for Tablets/iPad.

I was able to get a retailer to let me try out an iPad2 3G in store. In order to to this, I needed to call Telus and have them move my prepaid SIM and plan to post paid Flex Plan. That worked fine.

Once the post paid plan was on my account, they asked me to install and start up iPad 2 3G to capture the IEMI number from iPad2. Once that was complete, it looks like the Flex Plan for iPad is now active on my account.

I do need to test to make sure my internet stick/zoom router will connect with this plan. I need to change the APN from sp.telus.com to isp.telus.com on the internet stick and router.

For others thinking about doing this process, if you do not want to always tether your smartphone, this looks like a good option, more money I am giving to Telus..but, simpler that removing SIM from phone and installing in internet stick/zoom router.

I guess that may provide an option as well, fingers crossed, if LTE comes to my area to upgrade SIM and internet stick to LTE and likely have to go through same process again to capture IEMI.

Based on the experiences of others in HF, I have lots of confidence the billing will not be an issue.

I will update if billing becomes an issue.

Thank You

Dave

[s.ferreira]

hmmmm,

Interesting way to get Flex Plan for Tablet on a mobile stick



Scott