T-Mobile will throttle users exploiting tethering workarounds
Under the leadership of its always-entertaining CEO John Legere, T-Mobile has undercut its competitors, rebranded as an “Uncarrier,” and generally painted itself as a champion of the people. Not so today. Legere has penned an open letter highlighting users that are getting around the company’s tethering limits. Apparently, this “small group” of customers use “as much as two terabytes of data per month,” and this makes John Legere very sad.
The issue stems from the company’s “unlimited data” policies, which allow customers to download or stream whatever they like on their smartphones. When it comes to tethering, though, the plans are limited. Enterprising users have taken to using apps, rooting devices, and generally doing everything they can to hide the fact they’re tethering, avoid the aforementioned limits, and “steal” data. Legere posits that, with 2TB per month, the users could be “stealing wireless access for their entire business, powering a small cloud service, providing broadband to a small city, mining for bitcoin — but I really don’t care!”
T-Mobile is gearing up to take action against the rogue tetherers, who apparently make up less than 0.01 percent of its total subscriber base. Legere’s letter is a pretty transparent way to try and prevent negative headlines and articles about T-Mobile throttling data. By painting these users as thieves and hackers, it’s clear he hopes to mitigate any damage the throttling policy will have on T-Mobile’s “Uncarrier” reputation. The great throttling of 2015 will begin today, with “3,000 users who know exactly what they are doing” being the first to get hit.
“We started this wireless revolution to change the industry for good and to fight for consumers,” Legere ends his open letter. “I won’t let a few thieves ruin things for anyone else. We’re going to lead from the front on this, just like we always do. Count on it!” Sounds to us like, as T-Mobile grows, it’s running into the same problems that the likes of AT&T have been facing for decades.
Via:
Slashgear
Source:
T-Mobile
Tags: carrier, JohnLegere, mobilepostcross, open letter, t-mobile, tethering, throttling, uncarrier
T-Mobile to tackle customers who abuse unlimited data
T-Mobile’s John Legere has published an open letter to its consumers, informing them about upcoming action to be taken against individuals who have been “stealing data from T-Mobile”. While that might sound a little odd, the company is actually planning to target customers who have been abusing its unlimited data plans, by consuming as much as 2 terabytes of tethered data each month.
According to Legere, only a small fraction of consumers are abusing the rules. They have apparently been doing so by concealing tethered connections in an attempt to use high-speed LTE data as an alternative to a traditional broadband. Mobile bandwidth is a more limited resource, so these high consumption users are hogging resources that should be spread across a wider selection of T-Mobile customers.
“These aren’t naive amateurs; they are clever hackers who are willfully stealing for their own selfish gain. It’s a small group – 1/100 of a percent of our 59 million customers – but some of them are using as much as 2 terabytes (2,000GB!) of data in a month.”
To combat the issue, T-Mobile has apparently developed technology that is able to detect when customers are trying to hide their tethering activity. The company will be warning suspected customers about their activity before moving them over to a limited 4G LTE data plan, where it can more effectively cap their usage. T-Mobile has already identified 3,000 users who will begin hearing from the company this week.
“We’re warning these customers that they are violating our terms and conditions. If they continue to break the rules at any time, they’ll lose access to our Unlimited 4G LTE smartphone data plan and we’ll move them to a limited 4G LTE plan.”
The carrier is keen to point out that this decision is not about throttling the data of the vast majority of users who make sensible and fair use of their data plans. The company actually has a 7GB tethering limit on its unlimited data plan, after which speeds are already throttled down. T-Mobile is only after those customers which are deliberately trying to circumvent the contract rules regarding tethering.
Legere states that he “won’t let a few thieves ruin things for anyone else”, but do you feel that T-Mobile is treating its customers fairly?
Samsung Pay beta arrives on every major carrier but Verizon
Samsung has opened the public beta of its new phone-based Pay service ahead of its official launch late next month. Beta participants will need to have a Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, Note 5, or S6 Edge+ (unrooted, mind you) as well as a credit or debit card from US Bank (Visa) or Bank of America (Visa or MasterCard). Additionally, they’ll need cellular service from AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, or US Cellular. Verizon subscribers are SOL as the company is still “evaluating” Samsung’s system. There’s no word yet on when or if Verizon will actually participate.
[Image Credit: FilmMagic]
Filed under:
Cellphones, Wireless, Samsung, Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile
Via:
Android Central
Source:
Samsung
Tags: att, bankofamerica, galaxy, mastercard, note5, rooting, s6, s6edge, s6edge+, samsung, sprint, t-mobile, usbank, uscellular, verizon, visa
Ditch carrier contracts with these smartphones
Carriers are expensive, and they’re only getting worse. Two-year contracts are on their way out in favor of device payment plans, thanks to revolutionary initiatives from T-Mobile. These payment plans, however, are essentially the same thing as the two-year contract options, only more expensive.
It looks cheaper on surface level, but carriers are making up for those lower prices through additional charges, upgrade fees, and so on. That begs the question: how can you ditch your carrier and save thousands of dollars on your phone bill?
It’s common knowledge that we’re paying out thousands of dollars for our smartphones over the course of a two-year contract, but, unfortunately, it’s hard to break way from that since many off-contract phones just don’t offer a premium package similar to that of the Galaxy S6 Edge+ or LG G4.
While that may be true, there’re now some devices out there that do offer that same premium quality.
Google Nexus 6
Google’s Nexus 6 features a 6-inch 2560 x 1440 AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 805 chipset, a 2.7GHz quad-core Krait 450 processor, 3GB of RAM, a 13-megapixel camera, and it comes in 32/64GB storage sizes. As with all Nexus devices, it’s running the latest version of Android Lollipop, and will receive quick and timely updates.
Starting at $499, it’s a steep price, but that’s the only price you’ll be paying for this premium package. No contracts, no device fees, and so on. It’s 100% yours and you can take it to any of the big four carriers in the United States to find yourself the cheapest data package.
Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3
Alcatel OneTouch’s Idol 3 features a 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS LCD display, a Snapdragon 615 chipset, a quad-core 1.5GHz Cortex-A53 and quad-core 1GHz Cortex-A53 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 13-megapixel rear camera, and it comes in 16/32GB storage options with microSD support up to 128GB.
As far as performance goes, it’s definitely up there with the Google Nexus 6, especially with how clean Alcatel OneTouch left the software on this device. It’s also significantly cheaper at $249 while still offering a premium package.
Be sure to check out our review here.
Motorola Moto G
The Motorola Moto G (2015) features a 5-inch 1280 x 720 IPS LCD display, has a Snapdragon 410 chipset, a quad-core 1.4GHz Cortex-A53 processor, a 13-megapixel rear camera and comes in two options: 8GB of storage with 1GB of RAM or 16GB of storage with 2GB of RAM. The device also supports microSD cards up to 128GB.
Prices start at a meager $179.99 for this mid-range unlocked device, and while it may not have the sheer processing power of a higher-end phone, do you really need all that power for your basic smartphone tasks?
Be sure to check out our review here.
Making the leap
Making the leap to the off-contract life can be difficult, especially if you’re in the process of a two-year contract or device payment plan. Early termination fees or paying off the remainder of your balance can be expensive all in one chunk, especially if you want to purchase a new, unlocked smartphone immediately after.
You have two options: wait your contract out or bite the bullet and pay that lump sum. In doing the latter, you’ll save a lot of money on all sorts of fees, interest, and so on, but you won’t notice the affects of this saving for a few months down the road.
If contracts or device payment plans aren’t an issue for you, the obvious first step is to pick out and buy a smartphone.
Setting up your new smartphone
Setting up an unlocked device is extremely easy. In most cases, if you have a SIM card already, you can just pop your old one into your new smartphone, given that it’s the same size. On AT&T, I swapped the SIM out of my LG G3 and put it in the Idol 3–it worked right away, no setup involved.
If you don’t have the correct size SIM card, it’s as simple as heading to your chosen carrier’s website and ordering one of the correct size.
It may be a bit trickier to get it to work on a CDMA carrier like Verizon, however, the company has recently made it an easier process. Unfortunately, you still have to be cautious when bringing your own device to Verizon, as many phones don’t have all the necessary CDMA and LTE radios to work properly with the carrier. The same goes for Sprint.
Closing
The Wall Street Journal reported in 2012 that the average household spends $1226 annually on smartphone plans, and that’s no doubt increased in the past three years. I personally spend around $350/mo on my smartphone plan with AT&T, and by going off-contract, you could be spending as little as $30 per line, no matter what carrier you choose.
Prices do vary depending on how much data you need, but it still ends up being cheaper than a contract or device payment plan, as most prepaid plans for smartphones are without all of the added fees.
While it doesn’t look like much, over the next few years you could see thousands of dollars in savings. And for many of us, that couple thousand could go to things much more important.
Come comment on this article: Ditch carrier contracts with these smartphones
T-Mobile offering plenty of back-to-school Android offers, but only for 2 days!
Are you looking to buy yourself a new smartphone now that classes are back in gear? Surely, it’s not easy to put money aside for a smartphone after spending all that cash in school accessories, but T-Mobile is making it easier to walk into the classroom with a shiny new handset. The Uncarrier is holding a 2-day sale event in which many of their smartphones are significantly discounted.
The 2-day deals are only available on August 24-25, so you better hurry if you want a good deal on a new phone. Also, you will need to use the listed coupon codes, which are not applicable in-store. The purchase will need to be done either online or by calling 1-877-362-6635.
Without further ado, let’s show you some of our favorite T-Mobile back-to-school deals!
- Samsung Galaxy S6 – $80 off with coupon code “DEAL80OFF”.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4 – $50 off with coupon code “NOTE4DEAL”.
- ZTE ZMAX (Certified Pre-Owned) – $48 off with coupon code “CPO48DEAL”.
- LG Leon – $49.99 off with coupon code “LEON50OFF”.
They have plenty of other deals, so go ahead and check out the T-Mobile deals page to see more offers. There’s plenty more. And hurry, these deals will end soon!
T-Mobile is having a back to school day sale for two days only
T-Mobile is having a back to school day sale from August 24-25th. The sale includes many Android phones, ranging from entry level all the way up to flagships.
To receive the discount you can order online or call T-Mobile by phone (1-877-362-6635). T-Mobile will even cover the shipping cost.
The list of phones on sale are:
- Samsung Galaxy S6: Enter DEAL80OFF at checkout and you’ll get $80 off the cost of the phone as well as a free T-Mobile 3.1Amp microUSB car charger
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4: Enter NOTE4DEAL to save $50
- Samsung Galaxy S5: Code DEAL80OFF will knock $80 off the cost of the phone
- ZTE ZMAX (Certified Pre-Owned): Enter CPO48DEAL at checkout for $48 off
- Kyocera Hydro WAVE: Code DEAL36 will take $36 off the phone price
- Samsung Galaxy Core Prime: Code DEAL40 will reduce price to $99.99 and get you a free T-Mobile 3.1Amp microUSB car charger
- LG Leon LTE: Enter LEON50OFF to get the Leon LTE for $49.99
- LG G Stylo: Code SAVEBIG will knock $90 off, get price down to $199.99
Source: T-Mobile
Come comment on this article: T-Mobile is having a back to school day sale for two days only
T-Mobile launches 2-day Back-to-School sale, Galaxy S6 for $499
T-Mobile is acknowledging the new school year with an opportunity to get rid of their inventory some good deals for that new phone you’ve been eyeing. Some of its inventory has already seen a price drop, so T-Mobile is hoping additional moolah off via a promo code will get you to make the jump.
Front and center, we have the Galaxy S6, which was launched with a full price of $679 (32GB version). With the $100 price drop and $80 promo code “DEAL80OFF”, the price falls down to $499.
To further entice you, T-Mobile is throwing in a free car charger.
“Just enter promo code “DEAL80OFF” at checkout. Plus you will receive a FREE T-Mobile 3.1AMP Micro USB Car Charger – Black and Silver – SRP value of $ 29.99“
If you demand more storage space, the 128GB has a $200 drop from its retail $859 price tag. Together with the $80 off promo, you’re looking at $579. $80 more (than the 32GB version) ain’t bad for a 96GB increase in internal storage.
If the S6 Edge is more your cup of tea, it will cost you an extra $100 (32GB version) with the same promotion, at $599.
Other deals include:
- $50 off a Note 4, at $499 (promo code: “NOTE4DEAL”)
- $80 off Galaxy S5, at $399 (promo code: “DEAL80OFF”)
- $120 off LG G4, at $479 (no promo code)
- $80 off LG G Stylo, at $199 (promo code: “BIGDEAL”)
- $50 off LG Leon LTE, at $49 (promo code: “LEON50OFF”)
Are you going to be picking up one of these hot deals and start off the school year right? Keep in mind that you have only two days to decide.
Source: T-Mobile
The post T-Mobile launches 2-day Back-to-School sale, Galaxy S6 for $499 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
AT&T, DirecTV deal to set the trend according to analyst
This summer’s deal that brought DirecTV into the AT&T fold is a sign of coming mergers or acquisitions involving wireless carriers and pay TV companies is going to be the wave of the future according to Oppenheimer analyst Tim Horan. In particular, Horan thinks the next one on the block will involve either Comcast or Charter buying T-Mobile.
Horan thinks it is highly likely that Comcast and T-Mobile will strike a deal despite claims by sources close to Comcast saying reports of talks were not accurate. If that combination does not come to pass, Horan thinks Charter is the next most likely company to acquire T-Mobile even as they are in the process of trying to acquire Time Warner Cable. Horan thinks a deal between T-Mobile and DISH is unlikely.
According to Horan, “regardless of the timing, we expect all four wireless carriers to align with a paid TV provider in some form.” This would put all of the carriers in a position to offer bundles like AT&T is now doing with their wireless plans and satellite service from DirecTV.
source: FierceCable
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T-Mobile’s HTC One M9 receives Android 5.1 update, will include Stagefright fix
According to an HTC executive, Mo Versi, T-Mobile HTC One M9 users will soon get a patch for the Android Stagefright virus. The update is slated as Android 5.1, meaning it will also bring new enhancements to the Android system.
The update will be made available via OTA to T-Mobile One M9 users tomorrow. If you don’t feel like manually installing the update, you can wait for the notification or check in your About phone settings.
Included in the update will be a patch to the Stagefright virus along with a slew of other added features. With Android 5.1, One M9 users will now get access to a native battery saver in addition to new animations for quick settings. The new One M9 update will also include a new flashlight quick toggle.
The update is being sent out in waves so if you don’t get it tomorrow just be patient, it may be the next day. HTC recommends to charge your One M9 to at least 50% prior to installing the update and connect to a Wi-Fi network to prevent overages. It seems the update will take up a bit of storage.
Source: Mo Versi (Twitter)
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BlackBerry ‘Venice’ allegedly coming to the Big Four U.S. carriers in November
BlackBerry’s upcoming Android-powered phone, codename Venice, is starting to unofficial make appearances on a frequent basis. Alleged images of the device, including a new one showing the curved display and physical keyboard (seen above), have been appearing online since early July. Between Tuesday night and today, Evan Blass has shared an abundance of information regarding BlackBerry’s product that is tasked with turning around the company’s misfortunes.
Customers of the four largest carriers in the United States will be happy to know that Venice is expected to available this November from Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint. Rather than partnering with a single carrier to keep the device exclusive, BlackBerry would be going for mass availability by allowing the major carriers to sell Venice.
Blass also shared what looks to be a promotional image highlighting select software features from Venice. BlackBerry will include Content Transfer, a method to bring files from one device to Venice. Based on the description, Content Transfer will move values with Google Drive. BlackBerry Hub will be the place for users to see messages, emails, and notifications from apps and services to be housed in a single place. And, along with Chromecast support, Venice will ship with at least Android 5.0 Lollipop.
And here are two promotional teasers that Blass obtained:
Eye candy. pic.twitter.com/GtJwOfOus8
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) August 19, 2015
.@halfnibble More of an “Android Maya job,” innit? pic.twitter.com/4Fhll0Bfv0
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) August 19, 2015
Is anyone else getting excited to see what BlackBerry is going to do with Android?
Source: Evan Blass (Twitter)
Come comment on this article: BlackBerry ‘Venice’ allegedly coming to the Big Four U.S. carriers in November
AIVAnet 