Using Media Net ($15) for a Smart phone (E71),then to a 3G iphone possible?

[rusher557]

To knowledge givers:

I want to get an iphone 3G from craigslist and just put in my sim card from my current phone (nokia E71 unlocked) with the a unlimited media net plan for $15 dollars that I activated on an older Samsung sync. I've been using the E71 for about 8 months and I haven't any data problems except I can't receive or send picture messages. Otherwise everything else works... tethering, email,etc. I'm willing to unlock/jailbreak the iphone if necessary. Does anyone foresee any potential problems?

I just believe that the cost of ownership with a 2 year iphone data contract is ridiculous if you're getting the same type of 'data' through a media net plan. Although the 'unlimited' media net plan is actually capped at 5 GB/ month I'll be sure to stay under that if all goes well.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[rdiddy_25]

The $15 data plan will work fine in the iPhone. U just won't have visual voicemail. But AT&T may catch u when the system does it's random sweeps and automatically change ur plan. btw, u don't need to jailbreak the phone in order for it to work. Good luck.

 

[rusher557]

Thanks for the useful information rdiddy_25.

Is there a full proof way to 'trick' ATT indefinitely? How do they do a sweep anyway? Can one scramble the IMEI number to make detection impossible? I hear that apple has an app for everything...is there an 'app' for that?

 

[Jeremy]

Just purchase the correct plan. You will get caught and they will change your plan and/or charge you more as well. Best to be safe as AT&T constantly sweeps to make sure you are on the correct plan based on the device you are using.

 

[flyingember]

Thanks for the useful information rdiddy_25.

Is there a full proof way to 'trick' ATT indefinitely? How do they do a sweep anyway? Can one scramble the IMEI number to make detection impossible? I hear that apple has an app for everything...is there an 'app' for that?

Apple won't allow an app to do that

if there was a way to change your IMEI, ATT uses it to determine how to bill you. Imagine them thinking it's a prepaid phone, thus your minutes don't apply and the data plan is not usable and they charge you full rates for every minute you use and every KB of data.

 

[sting7k]

It will work for awhile but AT&T will know you are using the iPhone and do not have the correct data plan. Every phone has a unique ID number called an IMEI number that they can read when you connect to their network.

After a certain period you will get a text msg from AT&T saying you are using the iPhone without the correct plan and to visit an AT&T store to fix it. After that they will either turn off the data on your plan or simply upgrade you to an iPhone plan anyway.

 

[ericUT]

I agree with purchasing the correct plan. If it's too expensive for you, you might consider a different phone. AT&T can tell what phone you're using and will switch your billing and they don't technically have to give you notice when they do. The $15 data plan is not intended for smartphones. Is $30 a month worth it? I'd say the iPhone is worth it any price and I know a lot of people will agree with me.