Galaxy S3 wifi hotspot/ie tethering

**SLICKFLIER88** · 08-17-2012, 11:22 PM

Does anyone know if telus can differentiate whether data is being funneled through the phones wifi hotspot to my wifi ipad as oppose to the phones own data use? I am on an unlimited data plan (web, IM etc). I know tethering is not part of my plan. I am due up for contract renewal and researching my options. keeping my unlimited data is foremost, and getting tethering put in as well. Is tethering even a point to bring up with retention? (ie telus cant tell whether data is being funneled elsewhere as oppose to the phones own data use.)
Thanks...

**DennyCrane** · 08-17-2012, 11:52 PM

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Yes they can tell; no they don't care about how you use data on the HSPA network.

But...

I'm assuming you have a CDMA phone right now, so when you go to renew you won't be able to keep you unlimited data plan.

**SLICKFLIER88** · 08-18-2012, 01:46 AM

Yes, i am currently on an unlocked dual band blackberry cdma/gsm. I spoke to a CSR at the telus store, they looked up my plan on the system and they informed me that if i let the contract ride out over to month to month that my voice plan would go up but my data would remain the same. Thought that was a little strange. The CSR thought it made more sense to just buy a phone and go month to month. The only caveat was my voice plan go up another 15 bucks from what i am currently paying on contract, but my data plan would be untouched when transitioning over to month to month. Could you clarify why i wouldn't be able to transfer my current data plan over to a new contract? I wasn't quite sure what you meant by the last sentence.

**intlbizman** · 08-18-2012, 01:56 AM

Telus differentiates between CDMA vs HSPA/LTE data plans. Your current data plan is a CDMA data plan. The Galaxy S3 is a LTE device and will require a HSPA/LTE data plan. HSPA/LTE data plans from Telus do not differentiate between HSPA vs LTE and also does not differentiate between on-device usage or tethering.

Basically with a new phone you're going to need a new plan, regardless whatever kickass deal you have right now.

**DennyCrane** · 08-18-2012, 01:59 AM

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I'd be happy to try and help you figure this out. Can you please post your plan details as well as your phone model? It sounds like you might have a retention plan that has some free credits that are set to expire at the end of the contract.

As for the data plan, she's right about keeping the plan on a month-to-month basis, but I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume she meant by staying on the CDMA network. None of the unlimited data plans can be migrated over to the HSPA/LTE network (which the S3 runs on).

Again, by posting the plan details (core plan, data plan, add-ons) with prices would help us fully understand the situation here.

Edit: Looks like intlbizman beat me to it.

**SLICKFLIER88** · 08-18-2012, 12:22 PM

Trying to post my plan, but the system thinks i am posting video, links, and images. Will try again later.

**SLICKFLIER88** · 08-19-2012, 12:16 AM

Thanks for the help. I did not realize Telus differentiate the types of network so differently. For my voice plan, I am on the "super talk 10". It includes the SPARK sampler Unlimited, Evenings/Weekends free at 6pm, 250 anytime minutes, Free local birthday calls, Canadian LD at $0.35, Conference callling, Outbound Call, Display On, Call waiting. For Data, they put me on "Persona Email, IM & web 30". There is no detailed outline for my data plan. All this I got from my Telus mobility online acct. I am currently suffering on the BB 9530 Storm, and yes I know. Don't ask. My baseline cost is 53.42 ALL IN (10 for voice + 30 for data + saf + taxes). My data plan was actually $25 when I signed for the 3 year term. 6 months into the contract they upped it by 5. I was pretty livid. Won't go into details. That's for another thread. Been with Telus Mobility since '97. Hope this gives you something to chew on.

**intlbizman** · 08-19-2012, 02:11 AM

So call Retentions and get a new plan set up. probably SASK55 for 500 minutes and 5GB with unlimited stuff for $55. or the super6Gb for 6GB with 200 mins for $60

then get the S3

profit.

welcome to 2012.

**SLICKFLIER88** · 08-19-2012, 10:00 AM

Thanks Bizman for your input. Without having to state the obvious, what other reason would telus have for not extending my unlimited data plan over to the newer LTE network? At the time when I was haggling for my current contract, Telus grandfathered in this unlimited data plan that I have. It wasn't even a promo, at least a current one at the time anyways. My thought before discussing this on howardforums was to keep what I currently have and migrate over to the S3, get them to throw in "nationwide 10" and with a little luck with the right retention agent double my minutes or get something more than i currently have (250 right now). I recall HSPA, was being rolled out by the carriers during the time of my contract renew. I also recall asking them about being on the HSPA with my phone and the rentention agent said if I got a phone with HSPA capabilites(which I didn't get, f**king storm) migrating over was not an issue as far as Telus was concerned as it was treated the same. Could you or Denny elaborate. I like to know the details do I can figure out a strategy for renew haggling. Thanks for your time in replying....

**intlbizman** · 08-19-2012, 12:19 PM

i can't possibly speak on telus as i do not work for them nor do know how they think but offering unlimited data would kill their network? having said that sprint offers unlimited data in the US so i'm not sure how they manage that.

reading through your last post, i agree with everything you said. the only caveat not told to you was that HSPA requires a different plan... if you search the forums you will probably find the discussions back when HSPA were launching and how everyone was complaining about the lack of unlimited data carrying over.

if i recall correctly, this is how things went down... telus offers unlimited data (around the time of HTC Diamond). Telus then launches HSPA. Telus offers LIMITED data plan. most people still on CDMA. CDMA data users flip out, thinking we're taking a step backwards. you can't offer a dog human food and go back to dog food!

then we find out the LIMITED data plans are for HSPA and the unlimited data plan is still available via retentions or something on CDMA for a short time. a short time because telus started to heavily market or push users onto HSPA network by offering 6GB data and saying no one will ever use 6GB data or how most unlimited data users don't hit 6GB. etc

anyway, you can save yourself sometime. SASK55 and Super6GB plans are you best bet right now.

**SLICKFLIER88** · 08-20-2012, 12:32 PM

Bizman, thanks for the tips. I take it on your word that this unlimited data is rather futile, though I will using baseball analogy, swing for the fences and see if I can hit a home run. And if not at least get it out as far into the outfield and make it to third base. As a fall back position, I'll take your suggested plan advice. Don't ask, don' get I suppose.Much apprec.

**intlbizman** · 08-20-2012, 05:21 PM

i would LOVE for you to prove me wrong and negotiate an unlimited data plan on LTE!!!!

i will cut my home internet so fast.

**themobilekid** · 08-20-2012, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by intlbizman

i will cut my home internet so fast.

And this is why they won't offer unlimited data. Currently TELUS network is not robust enough to handle the amount of capacity that would allow people to use their phone as their home internet connection. This is especially true when it comes to rural areas where people are using things like smart hubs for home internet and the network isn't able to cope with all the users causing disconnects, slow speeds and network shrinkage. I technically have an unlimited plan that works on HSPA/LTE which is no longer available, however it's more like a no overage plan and not really unlimited. The previous version of the ipad plan was $15 for 500MB and after you go over that it jumps to $35 with no overage fees but has a soft cap of 5GB. When I used 10+GB per month for the first few months I got a call from TELUS saying to stay under 5GB or they will terminate my account.

**SLICKFLIER88** · 08-20-2012, 08:17 PM

Bizman, no disrespect regarding your thoughts about the unlimited data. It's more about me trying to get the same deal I have right now on a new plan, or as you suggested and with my thoughts fall back on the 6gig plan as you suggested. There has to be some value for being with telus for 14 years. Swing for the fences is what I say. Just gathering my thoughts and strategy before calling retention.
Hey mobilekid, didn't think of using it as home connection, at least in an urban area. I can see if living on a farm perhaps. I was under the guise that smartphones were not designed to be 24/7 wifi hotspots. I was told that this will accelerate the wear on the components. A CSR at a telus store I went to brown nose happened to mentioned that he tried the always on wifi with the company phone. It only lasted a couple months according to him. Not only did data fail but couldn't even make or receive a call. The phone died. Is this a normal expectation, or chalk it up to a bad manufactured batch?

**SLICKFLIER88** · 08-21-2012, 07:26 PM

So after spending a half hr with retention, they offered this for my new 3 year contract. My Baseline price point remained the same as before $53.42 ALL IN. They capped my data plan to 6gigs. Data type, though is unlimited ie text, web etc.(as per my current contract). They threw in 100 anytime LD, though not sure if this is limited to Canada. Should check. Can't say I am totally satisfied, nor am I really upset about it either. Just feels like they were still holding back more. Was gonna sit on it, and call back iin a week give or take as this offer was open for 30 days. Then I see future shop unloading the S3 for $0 on the 23rd, making me reconsider. Bizman, denny, others, any other ideas?