Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

T-mobile phone on ATT?

by momo2790 May 30, 2011 6:57AM PDT

Alright so here is my actual question. I wanted to purchase an unlocked
t-mobile phone (LG Optimus T) and then slip in my ATT sim card. I know
that the service is compatible since they are both GSM, but what I want
to know is if ATT's network will recognize that it's a smart phone and
add a data service to my plan. I know that they do this if you try it
with one of their phones but I have heard that if you used a phone from
another provider they would not be able to recognize it.

And all of this trouble is to have a phone with wi-fi capabilities since
att doesn't offer anything like this without a data plan. And yes I
know their data plans start at 15$ a month, the person at the store was
very quick to point that out since they are all trained to answer very
specifically. I don't want or need data, I just want a phone with wi-fi.


If anyone knows about what would happen and if they can recognize it please fill me in. Thanks ahead of time!

Discussion is locked

7 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
Optimus T
by birdmantd Forum moderator May 30, 2011 11:22AM PDT

The phone will work for voice without trouble. Keep in mind that since the phone has the 1700 mhz data frequency, it will only achieve EDGE data speeds on At&t. Not likely it would be recognized by At&t as a smartphone, but no guarantees. Some LG phones sold by T-mobile have been recognized as smart phones by At&t.

- Collapse -
T-mobile phone on ATT?
by momo2790 May 31, 2011 10:31AM PDT

I have heard that they are able to track them based on their IMEI numbers. What I don't know is if they can recognize a similar IMEI, because since most companies have the same or similar phones which would most likely have either the same IMEI or something similar. T-mobile has the LG Optimus T, Sprint has the LG Optimus S, and ATT has the LG Phoenix, which are basically the same phone. If anyone knows what the IMEI's of these phones are or how to find them that would be helpful. Thanks for the response.

- Collapse -
Open battery door, remove battery
by Pepe7 Jun 1, 2011 12:35AM PDT

Voila!. Now you see the IMEI of an individual handset.

- Collapse -
I agree
by birdmantd Forum moderator Jun 1, 2011 4:43AM PDT

Good advice in this case.

- Collapse -
T-mobile phone on ATT?
by momo2790 Jun 1, 2011 6:29AM PDT

Thank you for the responses, I will try Howardforums like you suggested. Thanks

- Collapse -
t-mobile on ATT
by dragon5126 Jan 15, 2014 6:36PM PST

I the phone is unlocked and you are using it as a regular phone, and only using wifi for internet you are good to go. We use them that way here. and even got a thumbs up from the local ATT reps. They can not change your plan without your approval BUT the per minute data usage is outrageous in cost, soif your phone allows, lock it out, and turn on wifi. My wife uses an LG Optimus My Tmobile died but I got a deal on an ATT refurb that I dont remember the model of for 15 bucks,i locked out data and do wifi on it as a go phone, do messaging and pay15 bucks a month total since I rarely talk on the phone, but do use it as a connected PDA...


I realize this is an old post but it is quite relevant and this info is very pertinent.

- Collapse -
Not entirely true....
by birdmantd Forum moderator Jan 15, 2014 8:55PM PST

They can add a required data feature without user permission if the system detects the phone as a smart phone, even if the user does not use data. In my example, a user cannot "lock out" data as you described. Don't setup false expectations for most customers.

Back to Phones forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info