WiFi Usage on Tmobile

[charleslynn]

I recently moved from a sidekick lx to a dash. I just liked the look, size and everything else about the dash. In the process i had to make some sacrifices with the plans. I don't use the email function so i didn't miss that but had some other issues. I went from 19.99 internet, email, and text message unlimited on the sidekick plan to the $9.99 1000 text messages. My question is simply this, if i don't want to use the internet through T-mobile for $19.99 a month extra, can i use my wifi to connect to a router and not be charged? I called tmobile and they said any data transfers like that would incur billing but i have spoke with others who use it and it doesn't effect them. I just want to make sure before i connect to the internet at home for the next month, if im going to be charged tremendous rates?

[Jerro]

Originally Posted by charleslynn

I recently moved from a sidekick lx to a dash. I just liked the look, size and everything else about the dash. In the process i had to make some sacrifices with the plans. I don't use the email function so i didn't miss that but had some other issues. I went from 19.99 internet, email, and text message unlimited on the sidekick plan to the $9.99 1000 text messages. My question is simply this, if i don't want to use the internet through T-mobile for $19.99 a month extra, can i use my wifi to connect to a router and not be charged? I called tmobile and they said any data transfers like that would incur billing but i have spoke with others who use it and it doesn't effect them. I just want to make sure before i connect to the internet at home for the next month, if im going to be charged tremendous rates?

Did you call
T Mobile and ask?

[charleslynn]

Originally Posted by charleslynn

...I called tmobile and they said any data transfers like that would incur billing but i have spoke with others who use it and it doesn't effect them. I just want to make sure before i connect to the internet at home for the next month, if im going to be charged tremendous rates?

surely did

[tech411]

I use a T-Mobile ToGo (prepay) and do not use any of my cell minutes and use wifi all the time.

[clock3687]

Originally Posted by charleslynn

I recently moved from a sidekick lx to a dash. I just liked the look, size and everything else about the dash. In the process i had to make some sacrifices with the plans. I don't use the email function so i didn't miss that but had some other issues. I went from 19.99 internet, email, and text message unlimited on the sidekick plan to the $9.99 1000 text messages. My question is simply this, if i don't want to use the internet through T-mobile for $19.99 a month extra, can i use my wifi to connect to a router and not be charged? I called tmobile and they said any data transfers like that would incur billing but i have spoke with others who use it and it doesn't effect them. I just want to make sure before i connect to the internet at home for the next month, if im going to be charged tremendous rates?

You will not be charged for any internet usage on your phone over wifi. Just remember to make sure that you are actually connected to your wireless network before you start using it. I do not think that t-mobile will allow you to use the internet on their network unless you are subscribing to either t-mobile web ($5.99/mo) or total internet ($19.99/mo). I couldnt find any info on their website regarding data rates w/o a plan.

[RadioRaiders]

I don't see how or why T-Mobile would bill you for using your own WiFi connection
If you really want to be sure, pop out your SIM card and try it.

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

let me clarify a few things here.....T-Mobile's Internet services that are like $20 and $30 are just the regular T-MobileWeb with their Hotspot service tacked on so just get the $6 T-MobileWeb plan.....if you are using your own WiFi network you will not incur billing charges cuz its your network.......if its a T-Mobile HotSpot then that's a different story

[Mobile Mike]

Originally Posted by SmArTeStChIlD421

let me clarify a few things here.....T-Mobile's Internet services that are like $20 and $30 are just the regular T-MobileWeb with their Hotspot service tacked on so just get the $6 T-MobileWeb plan.....if you are using your own WiFi network you will not incur billing charges cuz its your network.......if its a T-Mobile HotSpot then that's a different story

No, it doesn't work that way. For WAP web use (non-smartphones), the $6 plan would work. For ANY smartphone, only the $19.99 plan works, doesn't matter if HotSpot is used or not. It's just the way they bundle it. This includes the Dash. There's no way around it. Using home Wi-Fi is free.

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

then why does T-Mobile offer it on a Smartphone checkout?

[Mobile Mike]

Originally Posted by SmArTeStChIlD421

then why does T-Mobile offer it on a Smartphone checkout?

It says "T-Mobile Web", which means going through T-Mobile's little portal, NOT the internet. It's basically T-Zones. Regular internet access is $19.99 at it's cheapest.

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

yeah it goes through T-Mobile's little portal but that doesnt mean the access type is restricted...my friend had the T-MobileWeb for her RAZR and went to all different kinds of websites........

honestly i would say try to add the $6 T-MobileWeb feature and see of it works on your Dash. If not then yeah you are stuck with the T-Mobile Total Internet for $20

EDIT: in case you're curious she used Opera Mini to view full pages.......worked very well.......disappointing that the RAZR she had was GPRS only....

[clock3687]

Originally Posted by SmArTeStChIlD421

yeah it goes through T-Mobile's little portal but that doesnt mean the access type is restricted...my friend had the T-MobileWeb for her RAZR and went to all different kinds of websites........

honestly i would say try to add the $6 T-MobileWeb feature and see of it works on your Dash. If not then yeah you are stuck with the T-Mobile Total Internet for $20

EDIT: in case you're curious she used Opera Mini to view full pages.......worked very well.......disappointing that the RAZR she had was GPRS only....

I've seen people use the $6/mo t-zones on Dashs and Wings, you just have to enter the proxy into your phone and you should be all set. There are plenty of tutorials on the internet on how to do this. It will not work for everyone though, so YMMV, but you cant beat it if it does.

[Mobile Mike]

Originally Posted by SmArTeStChIlD421

yeah it goes through T-Mobile's little portal but that doesnt mean the access type is restricted...my friend had the T-MobileWeb for her RAZR and went to all different kinds of websites........

honestly i would say try to add the $6 T-MobileWeb feature and see of it works on your Dash. If not then yeah you are stuck with the T-Mobile Total Internet for $20

EDIT: in case you're curious she used Opera Mini to view full pages.......worked very well.......disappointing that the RAZR she had was GPRS only....

You might want to be cautious with your suggestion. If T-Mobile offers it as an option when purchasing a smartphone, then there must be a limitation on it. Unlimited internet is a whole different story.

You said it yourself, your friend has a RAZR, not a smartphone. I would recommend the OP speak with tech support if he REALLY wants to know what he's in for regarding their plans.

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

well its simple......just go online and add it.......it cant hurt to add it and see if the internet will work....and if it doesnt then just switch to Total Internet........if the Dash is programmed to connect to different servers and proxies than the ones used by T-Mobile Web and tzones then the Internet simply won't work......the OP can then switch.......what bad could come of it?

[Mobile Mike]

Originally Posted by SmArTeStChIlD421

well its simple......just go online and add it.......it cant hurt to add it and see if the internet will work....and if it doesnt then just switch to Total Internet........if the Dash is programmed to connect to different servers and proxies than the ones used by T-Mobile Web and tzones then the Internet simply won't work......the OP can then switch.......what bad could come of it?

Probably nothing or major charges. The OP is free to do what he wants. We've expressed our opinions, so let's move on.

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

yeah but T-Mobile wouldnt charge extra data......i've never seen them do that.......i mean if they dont have the T-Mobile Total Internet on their account and you need that to do Internet on a smartphone T-Mobile will simply block them from using the internet......they wont let that internet go and charge per kilobyte....

now that i think of it.....does T-Mobile outline a per KB rate anywhere in any of their "publications"?

[clock3687]

Originally Posted by SmArTeStChIlD421

yeah but T-Mobile wouldnt charge extra data......i've never seen them do that.......i mean if they dont have the T-Mobile Total Internet on their account and you need that to do Internet on a smartphone T-Mobile will simply block them from using the internet......they wont let that internet go and charge per kilobyte....

now that i think of it.....does T-Mobile outline a per KB rate anywhere in any of their "publications"?

AFAIK, no. I tried finding something on their website about paying per KB, but it was only for international data. There was no mention of it for the US.

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

exactly.....cuz if you dont have a $19.99 Internet plan or the $6 T-MobileWeb plan then you are just restricted to the T-Mobile portal t-zones........so i say go for it........if they dont outline a ber Kb rate then how are they gonna rack up a bill???