My Old Window Mobile Phone Died and I want to Switch to Android

[ssedgwick]

OK, here's the deal. My very very old Sprint HTC 6700 Windows Mobile 5.0 phone died today. The reason why I have not switched to Android is becasue I have the $15 data package and I need to keep it if at all possible. I'm asking here because I'm sure Sprint is going to try to force me to a higher cost plan that I don't want. I have a couple questions I hope someone can answer.

Question #1: Is there anyway to keep my $15 dollar data package and switch to a Android phone?

Question #2: Besides using my phone for normal phone calls, I use it as a tethered modem and for watching my slingbox while on the road. The Sprint windows mobile phone works fine as a tethered modem using the $15 data package. Do any of the Android phone offer tethered modem operations for no addtional cost?

Question #3: I see Slingbox had an android app. Do all Sprint Android phone work with the Slingbox app?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[BenChase7]

Question #1: Is there anyway to keep my $15 dollar data package and switch to a Android phone?

That's a pretty old plan, so probably not. But I'm not sure. If you have to switch, the Everything Data 450 (for 69 + 10 = $79) is the plan to get... its virtually unlimited everything, including data which is next impossible to find at this rate. But, maybe you'll get lucky. Also, check to see if you are eligible for employee discounts... I get 25% off my Sprint bill each month just for working where I work. http://androidforums.com/sprint/81670-do-i-qualify-discount.html

Question #2: Besides using my phone for normal phone calls, I use it as a tethered modem and for watching my slingbox while on the road. The Sprint windows mobile phone works fine as a tethered modem using the $15 data package. Do any of the Android phone offer tethered modem operations for no addtional cost?

No. You'll will have to add the tether plan (Sprint HotSpot) for 29 bucks/month. Or you can use an app called EasyTether... it allows you to tether via USB cable for free (its in the Android market). EasyTether works GREAT. Or, root you phone and you can use the wireless hot spot (keep in mind, rooting voids warranty and the carriers dont like it, so shhh).

Question #3: I see Slingbox had an android app. Do all Sprint Android phone work with the Slingbox app?

I would think all the "high-end" phones should do this no problem (i.e. EVO 4G/Shift/3D, Photon 4G, Epic, Nexus S 4G). I use the Sling Adapter with Dish Network and the Dish app, and it works great on my EVO 4G. You'll want a high end phone anyway... don't make that mistake.. always buy a high end Android.

Hope this helps... Good luck!

 

[330D]

BenChase answered all questions pretty well, except that you will not be able to keep your $15 data plan. New activations require a new plan... You will be roped into the $10/month data surcharge as well. (unless you know someone who can get you a break through sprint)

 

[ssedgwick]

Thanks for the information BenChase7. I do get a discount thru my wifes work. Total bill for 3 phones and the $15 data plan on one phone is $95. I'm thinking it's going to be a bunch higher with the new phone. I'll give Sprint a call and see what they say.

Question #1: Is there anyway to keep my $15 dollar data package and switch to a Android phone?

That's a pretty old plan, so probably not. But I'm not sure. If you have to switch, the Everything Data 450 (for 69 + 10 = $79) is the plan to get... its virtually unlimited everything, including data which is next impossible to find at this rate. But, maybe you'll get lucky. Also, check to see if you are eligible for employee discounts... I get 25% off my Sprint bill each month just for working where I work. http://androidforums.com/sprint/81670-do-i-qualify-discount.html

Question #2: Besides using my phone for normal phone calls, I use it as a tethered modem and for watching my slingbox while on the road. The Sprint windows mobile phone works fine as a tethered modem using the $15 data package. Do any of the Android phone offer tethered modem operations for no addtional cost?

No. You'll will have to add the tether plan (Sprint HotSpot) for 29 bucks/month. Or you can use an app called EasyTether... it allows you to tether via USB cable for free (its in the Android market). EasyTether works GREAT. Or, root you phone and you can use the wireless hot spot (keep in mind, rooting voids warranty and the carriers dont like it, so shhh).

Question #3: I see Slingbox had an android app. Do all Sprint Android phone work with the Slingbox app?

I would think all the "high-end" phones should do this no problem (i.e. EVO 4G/Shift/3D, Photon 4G, Epic, Nexus S 4G). I use the Sling Adapter with Dish Network and the Dish app, and it works great on my EVO 4G. You'll want a high end phone anyway... don't make that mistake.. always buy a high end Android.

Hope this helps... Good luck!

 

[ssedgwick]

Thanks 330D. I have another identical Windows mobile phone that I purchased as a spare many years ago. Do you know if I can switch from the broken windows mobile phone to the spare windows mobile phone without changing my plan. Not the option I want, but need to keep the cost down if possible.

BenChase answered all questions pretty well, except that you will not be able to keep your $15 data plan. New activations require a new plan... You will be roped into the $10/month data surcharge as well. (unless you know someone who can get you a break through sprint)

 

[330D]

I am not 100% certain, but I think that any activation will mess up your cheap plan. Call them and ask, they will be straight with you. I have always had good luck with the CS reps from Sprint.

I think that no matter what, sooner or later you are going to have the $129/month + $10/phone data surcharge. The days of cheap data are coming to an end.

 

[BenChase7]

Thanks for the information BenChase7. I do get a discount thru my wifes work. Total bill for 3 phones and the $15 data plan on one phone is $95. I'm thinking it's going to be a bunch higher with the new phone. I'll give Sprint a call and see what they say.

Ok, well, you're looking at exactly what I got... 3 line family plan w/ 3 Android smartphones... I got the Everything Data 1500 plan (all Androids) and I'm paying about 170 out the door... this includes all taxes, fees and insurance on all 3 lines (my employer discount included, too). Sounds like a lot, but compared to the other guys, its a steal. ...Just trying to give you an idea of the cost if you upgrade all 3 lines. It would be about 20 bucks less if the other 2 lines are not smartphones and then if you do not add insurance, you can take off another 24 bucks (8 bucks per line).

 

[catpowrd]

I thought you could swap phones online yourself without making any changes to your plan if they are the same type phone!

 

[rambo47]

I thought you could swap phones online yourself without making any changes to your plan if they are the same type phone!

Nope. The only exception is a TEP replacement phone. A different IMEI means a different device to Sprint and all bets are off.