T-Mobile Data plans.
 

Since we all know that the n900 is going to work with only T-mobile USA 3G it is best to know what is the best data plan for the phone.

i have been using the AT&T media net plan at 15$/month to tether my n810.

So is there anything similar with T-mobile?

http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/addons/...ab_OtherPhones

Unlimited Web + Unlimited Messages for phones $19.95/month*

Get Unlimited Web access, bundled with unlimited domestic messages.

Includes:

* Unlimited Web access
* Unlimited domestic text, picture, e-mail, and instant messages


Do I need unlimited Web access?

Do you consider yourself tech savvy and want regular access to news and information on-the-go? We recommend the unlimited web2go service for frequent Internet users who regularly access the mobile Web to browse their favorite Websites, search for music and videos, and stream videos from YouTube, etc.


Unlimited Web for phones $9.99/month*

Get Unlimited Web access.

T-Mobile Shadow Unlimited Web + Unlimited Messages $19.95/month*

Get Unlimited Web access, bundled with unlimited domestic messages.

Includes:

* Unlimited Web access
* Unlimited domestic text, picture, e-mail, and instant messages


Guys who already use T-mobile data please help us choose the right plan if we buy the phone unlocked.

Thanks

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

Do we really get unlimited web for 9.95$? Or do they just block you after crossing a set value like 1 Gb?

This is because the subsidized phone will have to purchase the unlimited data + 400 messages plan which is 25$ by itself. So 25-10 = 15$ savings per month

If that is the case we can save about 15$ * 24 = 360$ over a 2 year contract.

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

T-Mobile usually has the best plans, but they're not THAT good. That plan shown in the link is for certain phones only, in this case the T-Mo Shadow (look toward the left above the price). Also, notice the active tab above is 'Other phones' and there are other tabs for different models. The 'Smartphone' tab is the one that would apply to an unlocked N900.

Currently I think the only choices are $25 for unlimited data, no messages included, or $35 for unlimited data + unlimited messages. I'm on a $25 unlimited data + 400 message plan, but I'm grandfathered in, I don't think it's available for new users. And by 'unlimited' I hear (though I can't prove it) that T-Mo doesn't get nervous 'til you cross the 5GB usage line. That's pretty hard to do with a phone, I've never come anywhere near that with my G1. So, yeah, it's basically, though not totally, 'unlimited. Close enough, I guess.

Still, I've been with T-Mo about 12 years and always gotten as good or better a deal as anyone, never had a messed up bill, always good service. No plans to change.

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

What if we dont mention it as a smart phone? Then can we have the 9.95$ plan?
Is there are limit to the unlimited 10$ plan?

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

Aw...c'mon...do ya really think T-Mo is that dim?

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

I asked a T-Mobile data question yesterday in this thread:
http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p=321263&postcount=8

Are N900 users going to be required to have voice plus data, or does anyone know of a data only plan for just mobile web consumption sans voice. Something like $30-ish per month I would presume.

I haven't spoken to T-mobile directly, but was wondering if anyone knew any details about it. Thanks.

Joe

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

I don't get you...... what if i order the plan online... they will not be able to see what plan i am already on...

Can you please explain what you meant... i ve never used data on t-mobile.

Thanks

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

Well, like I said, it's a plan for a specific phone, in this case the Shadow - a locked, T-Mo Shadow to be exact. If you have anything else, it doesn't qualify. And obviously, they'll know if you're connecting using a locked phone or not and what model it is.

So, the 'Smartphone' plans are the ones that would apply to an unlocked N900, etc.

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

You'd have to talk to T-Mo CS to verify this, but I believe you can use a phone without a data plan, but cannot get a data plan without at least a minimal voice plan. I think those start at like $20/mo.

Maybe you could get a deal on data + pay-as-you-go or something. I dunno, I've always been on a contract.

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

Ok. But there are seperate plans for the shadow and other phones. The plan for shadow is clearly mentioned as T- mobille shadow unlimited internet. But the other plan just says unlimited internet for mobile phones..
So i believe they are different..... please correct me if i am wrong.

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

If that were true, why would anyone ever spring for one of the more expensive 'Smartphone' data plans? Why would they even be offered?

The $19.95 plans are only for 'feature +' phones, ones that T-Mo knows aren't capable of the kind of data usage true smartphones are. And only locked ones, I'd wager.

Trust me, the smartphone plans apply to the N900.

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

I'm on T-Mobile in Sacramento California and here is a statement of my services and fees associated with it (maybe it can help shed some light on the subject):

Monthly charges $69.98
Block S/MMS SUB $0.00
Get More 3000 $49.99
Total Internet Addon $19.99
Use charges $6.88
LOCAL AIRTIME, LONG DISTANCE and INTERNATIONAL CHARGES $6.88
One-time charges $0.00
Credits & adj. $0.00

Other charges $1.21
Regulatory Programs Fee* $1.21
Taxes and Fees $6.96
CA Advanced Services Fund $0.13
CA Relay Service and Communications Device Fund $0.11
California High Cost Fund - A (CHCF-A) $0.06
California High Cost Fund - B (CHCF-B) $0.13
California Teleconnect Fund $0.04
City Utility Users Tax $4.15
Emergency Telephone Users Surcharge Tax (911) $0.29
Universal Lifeline Telephone Service Surcharge $0.62
Total New Charges $85.03
Previous Balance $79.17
Whenever Minutes 3000
Data Usage Unlimited

Geesh, I couldn't get the formatting to fit correctly. My normal monthly bill is $79.17 after taxes for 3000 minutes and unlimited data.

The phone I use is the Sony TM506 but T-Mobile only knew that after I told them. Until then, they thought I had a five year old phone with this plan.

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

The smartphone plans aren't so much "offered" as "forced down your throat" when you buy a subsidized smart phone from them on contract. AFAIK, they are the same "internet"...just different prices due to the increased usage that the typical smartphone user incurs.

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

To end all this, the regular internet package is edge access only, while the smartphone plans have fast edge or 3G. Some non smartphones can also access 3G, but qualify for the regular internet because of their low data usage, and are usually branded phones.

The real secret is that if you have an unlocked phone, just walk in, pay a plan's first month bill, and go home. Once you're on for 24 months, you can get a loyalty plan that gives you unlimited voice for $55 a month for one line, $95 for two, and adding data for both is just $70, making it $125 for one or $165 for two lines with unlimited messages and data.

They don't heavily enforce data caps unless the network is congested, and it never is, but its 5GB I think. TMobile is very open and lenient on data. I've used their data cards for torrenting and P2P, and it never caused an issue.

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

There's a difference in the plans. One gives only Edge access except for select feature phones, and the other is
3G with full open ports.

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

I was doing a little research on the pay-as-you-go plans,and I saw something that caught my eye. It appears you can pay by the day for $1 per day, for each day that you use t-mobile's service. Down towards the bottom of the webpage (see link below) it talks about sidekick users getting unlimited IM, texting, messaging, and web browsing for $1 per day, and talk time is $.15 on top of that. That means pre-tax, you could theoretically use the N900 everyday always on for around $30 depending on the month, if t-mobile put the phone on the sidekick plan. Under the prepaid phones, you can also buy just a GSM sim card to activate and slip in the N900 for $6.99 w/online discount. Does this whole scenario sound reasonable, or am I missing something? Would this really work for the N900 to be a "data only" internet tablet for around $30/month sans voice?

Here is the website talking about the pay as you go plans.

http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/plans/prepaid-plans.aspx

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

Do some Google searches on this plan. Until recently, some iPhone owners were doing exactly as you propose. Due to that though, T-Mobile recently began "fixing" the the PAYG Sidekick plan.

T-Mobile has at least blocked port 80, and I've read conflicting forum posts regarding what else they may have done--and what they may be doing in the future. Actual Sidekick users have been unaffected by the changes, but most of the iPhone folks appear to be fleeing back to AT&T.

In a few forum posts, there's been talk of slipping past T-Mobile's blockades via proxy servers or VPN connections, but most of the writing appears to be speculative.

There may well be a suitable workaround, but please be aware going in that the PAYG Sidekick plan may not be an "drop the SIM in and go" solution.

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

I broke down and called t-mobile. I explained the situation, and they said to do data only on a "device" like what I described, the T-Mobile Total Internet plan was the way to go. No annual contracts, just straight up internet unlimited, and voice calls if you wanted. 39.99 per month, so around $50 with fees and taxes depending on state. That's higher than I want to pay per month just for the novelty, plus I get way better coverage with Verizon and tethering my EVDO rev.A BB up to it. I just hope they get the BlueZ team gets the DUN protocol up and running for the N900 for us weird tether a phone to a phone kind of folks. What can I say, Verizon's service and more importantly coverage are too vast to compete with. Food for thought anyways.

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

Monthly charges - $99.96
Faves Unlmtd Loyalty $49.99
HotSpot Unlim-Monthly $9.99
Intl Disc Call Mobile $5.00
Msg Value Bundle UNL $14.99
VPN Total Int Addon $19.99
WorldClass Int'l Rate $0.00

I spend on average 4000 minutes of talk and 100-300M data a month w/ my 5800. I expect data to increase with an n900

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

I've been tethering my n810 over the $25 Unlimited plan for a few months. No complaints.

Speed tests show about 20-25Kbytes down, 12kbytes or so up.

I'm told the difference between the 25 plan and the 9.99 is that the 25 has zero port restrictions, ie IM voice p2p https ssh etc work. The other is run through a bandwidth/port restriction limiting proxy.

I'm currently using google voice to make all my calls with my GV number set as a MyFaves (meaning unlimited minutes)...so for the cost of a data plan (I share a family plan with others) I get unlimited minutes, texts, and data!

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

Thanks for that info. You've cleared things up for a lot of people, I'm sure. I knew there were differences but not the details.

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

Can someone who really knows answer this question. What USA T-Mobile data plans
will apply to the N900? I'd like one that supports HSDPA (3G), not EDGE/GPRS
and allows tethering the N900 to a laptop. I'd like one that allows general
TCP/IP including web, POP3, IMAP, ssh, and tunneling X and rsync over ssh. And
I'd like one that is not throttled or proxied, one that provides a high
bandwidth low latency connection. With a data limit of at least 5G per month
and ideally unlimited (though my actual data usage will usually be about
500M-1G per month).

And I'd like one that could be coupled with a voice plan.

My goal is to select a legitimate plan consistent with the above intended
use. I need to be able to rely on the above for daily use and I don't want to
be saddled with unexpected charges or have service terminated or reduced for
violations of T&C.

http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/plans/C....mc_t=OnsiteAd

lists Total Internet at $39.99/mo giving Unlimited data and email and
webConnect Data Plan at $59.99/mo giving only 5GB data and no email. I don't
understand why the more expensive plan appears to offer less.

http://www.t-mobile.com/Templates/Po...n_Lst_DataPlan
seems contradictory in a number of ways. It disallows tethering (which would
appear to be the only mode of operation one would use for a laptop connection
card on one of the above plans) and discusses a 10GB limit instead of the 5GB
limit for the webConnect plan.

Re: T-Mobile Data plans.
 

The following answer assumes that you will also buy a voice plan. I will also not touch on messaging bundles, though that should not impact the answer to "what data plans work".

The short answer is: The $24.99 smartphone plan is your safest bet for a data plan that will work long-term with the n900, or any other unlocked smartphone.

The longer answer (based primarily on discussions on this topic on Howard Forums):
1. Both the $9.99 unlimited "dumbphone" and the $24.99 unlimited "smartphone" plans have been known to work with unlocked phones.

2. As others have mentioned, the main disadvantage to the $9.99 plan is that you are somewhat limited by port restrictions, though most of the web is unrestricted. Some enterprising users have managed to get around this, but if you want things to "just work", the $24.99 plan is a safer bet

3. 3G access is not contingent on having a certain plan. I believe that debranded/unbranded phones with AWS 1700 have been used successfully on the cheaper plan, with 3G speeds. You just need a phone with the requisite bands, and 3G coverage in your area.

4. These plans are billed as "unlimited", but the fine print in the TOS states that T-mobile can throttle down your data speeds if they view your usage as excessive. In practice, this appears to be rarely enforced--probably because there aren't that many devices out there that can tax the network (like the n900 probably would)

5. T-mobile has really tried to clamp down on tethering, but if your phone has that function, they really can't stop you other than throttling your data due to excessive use

6. The $19.99 Total Internet plan (which I use right now with an unlocked phone + n800 combination) also should work, and is a great value since the TOS does not explicitly prohibit tethering, does not mention a data-cap (though admittedly, probably will not stop T-mobile from doing something if they believe usage is too high) and has unlimited hot-spot access. But, I believe this is no longer offered to new customers.

7. The other watch out for using the $9.99 plan which has come up recently is that it will probably eventually stop working if T-mobile decides to subsidize a version of the device. Generally, T-mobile doesn't care if you have an unlocked phone (there is a debate in the Howard Forums community as to whether T-mobile is unable to detect the IMEI codes of unlocked phones, or whether they can but just don't care). But, in the experience of the purchasers of unlocked Android phones that were later picked up by T-mobile: the $9.99 plan (and even the $5.99 plan) worked perfectly for awhile on these unlocked devices, but as the release dates of the T-mobile branded versions of these phones drew closer, the owners of the unlocked versions saw their data shut off. T-mobile won't do anything drastic to you (like remove you as a customer) in addition to that, they will simply send you a message to upgrade to the $24.99 plan if you want to regain access to data. You should be good to go after that, without any repercussions.