New 4G data only plans--work on a phone?

[mec31]

I would like to know whether I can use a sim from the new (5/20) data only plans (3.5G/35, 5G/50) on a Galaxy Nexus from Google. I am interested in setting up a phone to use GVoice and Talkatone. In other words, I want to use this data sim as the only sim I will ever put in the phone, not as an add on. So in effect, the Galaxy Nexus would become a voip-only phone. Can/does tmobile lock out devices by imei? I am interested in hearing from someone who has actually put a new data sim in the phone, and not a report based on speculation. I would love to make this work. Minutes and texts seem like such outdated topics, and I'd really like to go data-only. Thanks for any reports!

[jet1000]

I would like to know whether I can use a sim from the new (5/20) data only plans (3.5G/35, 5G/50) on a Galaxy Nexus from Google. I am interested in setting up a phone to use GVoice and Talkatone. In other words, I want to use this data sim as the only sim I will ever put in the phone, not as an add on. So in effect, the Galaxy Nexus would become a voip-only phone. Can/does tmobile lock out devices by imei? I am interested in hearing from someone who has actually put a new data sim in the phone, and not a report based on speculation. I would love to make this work. Minutes and texts seem like such outdated topics, and I'd really like to go data-only. Thanks for any reports!

If you want to use a Galaxy Nexus, just get the $30 plan with 100 minutes, and 5GB of data that they sell online or through WalMart. There's plenty of information on using that with the voip in the prepaid T-Mobile forum:

http://www.howardforums.com/forumdis...Mobile-prepaid

The new data plans cost more than the phone plan mentioned above and would only be needed if you have a USB stick or portable hotspot device.

[mec31]

If you want to use a Galaxy Nexus, just get the $30 plan with 100 minutes, and 5GB of data that they sell online or through WalMart. There's plenty of information on using that with the voip in the prepaid T-Mobile forum:

http://www.howardforums.com/forumdis...Mobile-prepaid

The new data plans cost more than the phone plan mentioned above and would only be needed if you have a USB stick or portable hotspot device.

Yes, I'm well aware of that, but there are reasons the data plan only may be better for some users. For instance, since the number would be controlled by GVoice, I wouldn't have to worry about keeping the card active. I assume that the 100/5G plan has to be paid every month or the plan goes away, right? Plus, if usage turns out to be minor, the 5G (or even 3.5G) can be stretched to 60 days when purchased from Walmart. So if this works, you're down to $17.50/mo. Plus, on the 100/5G plan, if you have a heavy call month, you'll have to monitor when you hit 100 minutes, and then switch over to voip anyway. Which would happen pretty soon since there's no night or weekend.

I still need to know whether the data only sim works in phones (not what tmo says--whether it actually works if you stick it in a phone).

[libran28]

I use 39.99 $ WebConnect More Plus ( 5GB data plan , meant for laptop , hotspot and Tablet) with GN.. No problem. But again... I use my other voice line with MyFaves to make unlimited calls.

[jet1000]

Plus, if usage turns out to be minor, the 5G (or even 3.5G) can be stretched to 60 days when purchased from Walmart.

The press release says those plans are good for 30 days:

http://www.tmonews.com/2012/05/t-mob...oadband-plans/

I couldn't find anything on the walmart website that if you buy it from them it's not 60 days.

I still think the $30 100 min/5GB plan provides superior value if you're using it with a phone. As for paying each month, if you don't pay right at the end of the month, T-Mobile still keeps the number reserved in your name for like an additional 90 days. So if you there are gaps in between when you need it, that's fine too.

[mec31]

The press release says those plans are good for 30 days:

http://www.tmonews.com/2012/05/t-mob...oadband-plans/

I couldn't find anything on the walmart website that if you buy it from them it's not 60 days.

I still think the $30 100 min/5GB plan provides superior value if you're using it with a phone. As for paying each month, if you don't pay right at the end of the month, T-Mobile still keeps the number reserved in your name for like an additional 90 days. So if you there are gaps in between when you need it, that's fine too.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/T-Mobile-3...0-Day/20896235

[mec31]

And to get back on track, if anyone has popped one of these into an appropriate phone, say an Exhibit II or a Nexus, please let us know the results. Thanks!

[ziddey]

http://gigaom.com/mobile/galaxy-nexu...rt-free-calls/

I pulled the T-Mobile SIM out of my Samsung Galaxy Tab. I’m glad I did because I discovered a very appealing scenario. By using the data-only SIM — which costs me $40.00 per month for unlimited texts and data — with a new Android 4.0 feature, I’ve turned the Galaxy Nexus into a VoIP phone: I can get or receive calls solely through Wi-Fi and mobile broadband networks without subscribing to a voice plan.

[scooterh]

And to get back on track, if anyone has popped one of these into an appropriate phone, say an Exhibit II or a Nexus, please let us know the results. Thanks!

I am a disgruntled minimal voice usage (literally make 1 call every other month) ATT GoPhone customer that is looking for new options. I too was wondering if this solution would be possible through the walmart purchase, using GV and Groove IP to make and receive calls on a the data only plan. Anybody try this yet with the new TMo/Walmart deal? Curious how the call quality is over 4G data, and how much data a typical 5 minute VOIP call eats up (if anybody knows).

[ziddey]

Don't know about GrooveIP but sip calling with ulaw codec works fine with good hspa signal. Of course, once you start moving around, especially at faster speeds than walking, you'll get in trouble easily.

I switched to the $30 100min 5gb plan last month, and have made over 90% of my calls over wifi/4g.