Swap SIM to get TMobile $30 unltd txt/web

**gplantam** · 05-07-2012, 09:17 AM

I'm new to smartphones. I recently bought an AT&T Avail but want to use T-Mobile's $30 unltd text/web(+100Min) plan (promoted through WalMart).
Once I have unlocked the AT&T, how do I procede? Can I just buy a TMobile SIM, swap it into my AT&T phone and have TMobile activate the service plan? Apparently the activation has to be done through the TMobile website or through a TMobile CSR.

The people in the WalMart store seem very uncertain/confused about this new plan, sometimes insisting that I have to buy a new TMobile phone from them to be eligible for the plan.

Searching the web, I've found lots of conflicting/frustrating information about signing up for this plan
( http://support.t-mobile.com/message/133211 ), so I would value advice from people who have actually had experience with this scenario.

This offer says it's for new activations only, so I would qualify right? Will I be able to renew this $30 unltd text/web plan each month for years to come, or is it likely to be discontinued soon?
Are all new TMobile SIMs the same or do I need a certain kind for this?
What is the difference between activating a SIM and activating a phone and activating a monthly plan?

**efparri** · 05-07-2012, 09:40 AM

This is from the Wal-Mart website:

New T-Mobile Monthly4G $30 Unlimited Web & Text with 100 min of talk •Fund your Monthly4G or Pay As You Go plans
•Exclusively at Walmart
•No Annual Contract, 30-day Monthly4G plan
•Great for Facebook, texting, games, and streaming music/video
•Nationwide 4G Network
•No Annual Contract
•The $30 Unlimited Web & Text with 100 min talk plan works only with T-Mobile Phones purchased from a Walmart store or from Walmart.com.

**gplantam** · 05-07-2012, 10:21 AM

Hmm. It doesn't specify that on the TMobile site. Again, I'd appreciate advice from people who have actually tried this themselves. If you look at the reviews out there, there is all kinds of conflicting information. Some people say it works with a new SIM. Some say it doesn't work at all. Some say you have to talk to a CSR but many say that the CSRs don't even know what to do.

**PL1** · 05-07-2012, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by efparri

This is from the Wal-Mart website:

http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-plans

$30/month 100 minutes Unlimited Unlimited*

*First 5GB at up to 4G speeds. New activations only. Available exclusively in-store at Walmart, on Walmart.com, and T-Mobile.com.

**PL1** · 05-07-2012, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by gplantam

Hmm. It doesn't specify that on the TMobile site. Again, I'd appreciate advice from people who have actually tried this themselves. If you look at the reviews out there, there is all kinds of conflicting information. Some people say it works with a new SIM. Some say it doesn't work at all. Some say you have to talk to a CSR but many say that the CSRs don't even know what to do.

I purchased a new SIM from T-Mobile.com. I tried to activate it on-line, but the activation code was invalid. I called T-Mobile suuport and told them this. They asked for my order number for the SIM. I told them I wanted the Walmart plan, which I realized HAD to be done on-line at T-Mobile.com. The CSR successfully added me to the Walmart plan with a new SIM. I am a new customer, but it is my undersatnding from other people that you only need a NEW SIM and a NEW ACTIVATION to get this plan.

**YDanish** · 05-07-2012, 10:44 AM

I did this a few weeks ago. All you have to do is buy a T-Mobile activation kit online. This comes with a SIM and an activation code to get your account started. Fill in all the necessary info, make sure you pick the $30 plan and you'll get a phone number when you're all done. Pop the SIM in your phone and you should be good to go. If you want to port a number over, just call up T-Mobile and tell them you want to transfer a number over to an existing account.

This works with any phone. It worked on my unlocked iPhone 4.

Here's a link to the activation kit: http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/p...Activation-Kit

**efparri** · 05-07-2012, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by gplantam

Hmm. It doesn't specify that on the TMobile site. Again, I'd appreciate advice from people who have actually tried this themselves. If you look at the reviews out there, there is all kinds of conflicting information. Some people say it works with a new SIM. Some say it doesn't work at all. Some say you have to talk to a CSR but many say that the CSRs don't even know what to do.

Wal-Mart is an authorized reseller of wireless services from multiple carriers. These resellers make their commission on the sale of phones. When you purchase at Wal-mart, you are bound by their rules.