Is it true: $80/mo unlimited data only for PC Card?

[TambourineMan]

After pretty much deciding to switch away from AT&T wireless, I came back around to considering them.

I was all set to go with a T616 (plus a S46 so I would have backup TDMA for non-GSM areas) with AT&T Wireless to use via bluetooth with my Ipaq 2215.

But I found that even though I was willing to spend $80/month for the unlimited internet access, they wouldn't take my money unless I also bought an air card and then they said that the sim from the air card would not work in the T616.

The air card only works with a laptop and I don't want to have to lug that aound - that's why I got a PDA. they don't offer a compact flash (or SD) GSM/GPRS radio modem card.

The best cell phone data plan they offer is 8 MB/mo. for $20. I wanted to try the unlimited for a few months to see if I could then step down to the cheaper plan.

The cell phone salepeople all gave me different answers to various other questions, so I don't know who to believe.

For instance some stores told me that in order for the S46 to work on TDMA I had to first set up my account with the S46, and then replace it with the T616, so then if I put the sim back in the S456, the account would allow the S46 to work in TDMA mode. Some sad I could not set up an account with a T616 first and then add an S46. Others said "yes" it can be done.

But is there a way to get the $80/month unlimited data plan with a just a cell phone like the T616?

[JustJoe]

It's possible to get it as an add on (like mMode) for 79.99. I double checked in the system.

Additionally, if you want to use your S46 properly, it SHOULD be the only device listed on the account. That will not prevent you from using your sim in any other device (except for blackberry, but that's another story).

TambourineMan- Check yer PMs

[mch]

You don't need the card. You can add the option to your voice plan.

Well, more precisely, I think you add the voice plan to the unlimited data option. In any case, I have an unlimited data plan together with a voice plan on one phone number/one SIM. It can be done.

A lot of the customer care reps don't know this.

[vgill]

Originally posted by mch
You don't need the card. You can add the option to your voice plan.

Well, more precisely, I think you add the voice plan to the unlimited data option. In any case, I have an unlimited data plan together with a voice plan on one phone number/one SIM. It can be done.

A lot of the customer care reps don't know this.

this is precisely the scheme I have. One sim with the unlimited data + a large voice plan.

Actually having missed several calls while using mmode, I am looking forward to the 6230 which I think can recieve calls while actively xferring data

/v

[AGoddess]

The only problem you will have is with the S46 you need to have a multiband plan in order for the TDMA side of the phone to work and that will not work with a T616. You would need to change the plan in order for the T616 to work. The S46 would work on the GSM only plan but you would not be able to use TDMA since it is GSM only. As for the data plan anyone can add the mobile internet 79.99 plan it's not restricted to just the aircards.

[MobileAGBell]

I have a Multi Band plan with an S46 and several other handsets. I lock the S46 in TDMA-only mode, insert an unused SIM card and the handset will work on TDMA just fine. The original S46 SIM card is installed in a T721 (or SWAC 750 or t68i) and the GSM/GPRS service works fine on that handset or card.

However, you cannot have the S46 and another handset with the same number turned on at the same time.

[TambourineMan]

I understand a T616 won't work on TDMA. I think the S46 would remain as the only phone on my account as I would just use the T616 by putting the S46's SIM in it where there is GSM signal.

One store told me it was important to first set up the multiband account (both GSM and TDMA) first with the S46. Then I can remove the S46's GAIT (no AMPS) SIM and put it in the T616 for use in GSM areas. Then if I travel to a TDMA only area, I can put the SIM back into the S46.

The problem is that they say the S46 cannot be set up for the unlimited data plan (especially as a multi-band account) as it is not a PC Card or Blackberry and those are the only ones that show as having unlimited data plans available for them. So I can't do that and then add voice to the data plan.

Also they say a PC Card, Blackberry, or PDA phone (or presumably their SIM's) cannot be setup as a multiband (GSM & TDMA) account as they are GSM only devices. This at least seems like a correct answer as they would not have GAIT sims. I don't want to go this route anyway because they only have PCMCIA cards, and I would want a CF (compact flash) card (like the ConvergenTech one) so I could use it in both my Ipap 2215 (and also my laptop with a PCMCIA adapter).

Would a GAIT sim programmed for multi-band work in a PC Card?

[MobileAGBell]

I can use the SIM from my S46 in my Sierra Wireless AirCard 750. The AirCard was purchased direct from Sierra Wireless and is unlocked. I doubt the S46 SIM would work in the new ATTWS EDGE card.

I puchased a blank SIM from a local ATTWS store to use in my S46 for TDMA-only service. They charged $25 for the SIM. They wanted to know why I needed it and I explained I wanted to move the original S46 SIM to other GSM/GPRS handsets but still be able to use the S46 in TDMA mode.

Technically speaking, the S46 is not a GAIT phone.

[red daw]

The info that the sim for the edge card is different is bogus. I currently have a 6590 and I use the sim that came with that phone, standard Shlumberg (what ever) in the edge card all the time. One thing to note is that the edge card did come with a sim made by a new company. Oh well point is the s46 sim would work fine in the edge card.

[ibclubbin]

JustJoe is correct.

[TambourineMan]

Can you ATT people please recheck your systems to see if a change has removed availability of the $80/month unlimited data plan for a GSM phone (not a PC Card or Blackberry)?

If so, is this available for just one phone is a family plan.

I am now being told that this is no longer showing as available even though it may have been available a week or so ago.

[JustJoe]

As I was adding mMode for a customer I double checked and it WAS there as a 79.99 add-on. It's also PER service, so if you wanted it on more than one service you would pay 79.99 x2 (you're not doing that, right?)

[SubaruPlanetCom]

I have a T616 since Sept 03, and have been on a 550 min $39.95 + unlimited data $79.95 without any problems - use the BT to connect with my T3 and powerbook.

Find another sales rep to help you.

[ivwshane]

I have a friend who will put it on for you.

[ibclubbin]

when i looked the other night it wasnt available in the product catalog under add ons......and i have added it before in the past so i know where to look....

i guess ill have to quadruple check on thursday