I'm currently on VW with a GN but thinking about switching to GSM version and getting Straight Talk (ST) like several folks on this forum have suggested. On the ST site there are 2 maps. The one labled "Non-Android Coverage" is great, but when I look at the ST Android coverage map, it doesn't give me a lot of comfort. Why would there be a difference based on phones? Isn't GSM just GSM? Anyone using ST - how is the coverage outside of the few major metro areas shown on the map. Thanks.
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Straight Talk
- Thread starter john30308
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- galaxy nexus
ritchea
Well-Known Member
I live in a semi-rural area--on the edge of the "rural" areas. I have had Sprint for over 10 years but recently started to make the switch (2 of 4 phones to date) to prepaid partially for $, but mostly because our signal has gotten much worse over the past 6 months. I just finished a month on the T-Mobile $30/4G plan. I really wanted that to work, and two miles from my house it did; however, I wasn't getting enough of a signal inside to even send a text message (even Sprint beat that). Today I activated AT&T through Straight Talk. My reception is so much better--not great, but hovering around -100dBm for around 20% signal. T-Mobile gave me 0% signal. I use wifi for calls via Talkatone through Google voice when I'm in the house. I believe I will have a more satisfactory experience in upcoming travels with the AT&T sim. I ported my number from Sprint. Nothing on any maps seemed to tell me anything very accurate. I take it that for Straight Talk, voice coverage is fairly ubiquitous while the data (smartphone) map is more limiting. That may have to do with far fewer roaming agreements related to data signals. I also tried Virgin Mobile for several months, but, since it used Sprint where we live, it wasn't an improvement.
GalaxyNexus
Android Enthusiast
If you choose an AT&T sim you'll get AT&T coverage. If you choose a T Mobile sim you'll get T Mobile coverage.
Agreed, you get their pre-paid coverage which is very close to their regular coverage map. The Android phone coverage map on the ST site is only for the Android phones that they sell which i believe runs on Sprint. The BYOP plan where you choose your sim card will be whatever the pre-paid coverage map for AT&T or T-Mobile is with roaming voice coverage but not data. I've been using the AT&T sim on ST since February and have zero complaints, it's even cheaper when you purchase three months at a time.
Correct. Also, when you set up the APN leave proxy blank or else speedtest apps and Google Wallet won't work. Here is a good guide on most MVNO. [INFO][GSM] Own Your Cell Service ..with Prepaid and the Galaxy Nexus [UPDATED 5/24] - xda-developers
SlyFerret
Android Enthusiast
I just switched to ST this past week. Bought the GN from Google directly.
I ported my number from Sprint and the port processed in less than 30 minutes. I had an issue with my data connection not being provisioned right, but a call to ST and a quick transfer to another department put me in touch with a CSR who fixed it in about 3 minutes. Not too bad.
Coverage and signal have been great. In fact, if I log into the play store from my laptop, the GN is listed in my available devices drop down menu as being an AT&T device.
Data speeds have been great. Much better than 3G on my Epic were on Sprint.
-SF
I ported my number from Sprint and the port processed in less than 30 minutes. I had an issue with my data connection not being provisioned right, but a call to ST and a quick transfer to another department put me in touch with a CSR who fixed it in about 3 minutes. Not too bad.
Coverage and signal have been great. In fact, if I log into the play store from my laptop, the GN is listed in my available devices drop down menu as being an AT&T device.
Data speeds have been great. Much better than 3G on my Epic were on Sprint.
-SF
I know I've seen reports of some apps not being visible in the market on certain device - usually based on the carrier. Can you tell if you're experiencing this as if you were an actual AT&T customer?
SlyFerret
Android Enthusiast
I haven't noticed any of my normal apps not being available, but I may just not happen to use any apps that are affected. Do you know of any apps that would be blocked in the Play Store for AT&T customers? I can do a search and see.
I would assume that with pre-paid wireless providers, it would not be possible to bill app purchases to the account. My Google account is setup to bill Play Store purchases to my Google Checkout account, so all works properly still.
-SF
Bren S.
Android Expert
Actually I'm currently with Boost which is pre-paid and any App purchases are billed through my google account...and would be that way with Straight Talk as well.
What I'm questioning is whether some Apps are blocked by or incompatible with AT&T as it sounded like from the earlier post in this thread.
Straight talk is great if you have a gsm phone with good coverage for either
Tmobile or ATT. check with your neighbors and forget the maps on the websites.