New to Straight Talk

[Sevreth]

Hi all,

I just started Straight talk last Thursday. I also am blogging my research and experiences, so check it out and let me know what you think.

I will keep everyone update with my experiences.

Prepaid wireless service, a better option than the big carriers?: Give it to me Straight

-Sev

 

[damewolf13]

Very nice blog.

 

[oldnoob2]

Nice write up, I only noticed one minor detail. You mention that ST gives unlimited data, but I don't remember that phrase when I signed up. They stated unlimited web browsing, or unlimited mobile web. Their TOS specifically excludes certain types of data.

 

[Sevreth]

Nice write up, I only noticed one minor detail. You mention that ST gives unlimited data, but I don't remember that phrase when I signed up. They stated unlimited web browsing, or unlimited mobile web. Their TOS specifically excludes certain types of data.

Direct from Welcome | Straight Talk:
Why Straight Talk?

Unlimited GSM service on the best nationwide networks
$45 per month

 

[gale65]

Direct from Welcome | Straight Talk:
Why Straight Talk?

Unlimited GSM service on the best nationwide networks
$45 per month

 

[UncleMike]

Hi all,

I just started Straight talk last Thursday. I also am blogging my research and experiences, so check it out and let me know what you think.

I will keep everyone update with my experiences.

Prepaid wireless service, a better option than the big carriers?: Give it to me Straight

-Sev

Nice blog post. I enjoyed reading it. I have a few corrections/clarifications though:

• A Verizon shared plan for a single line would be $100 per month for unlimited voice & text + 2GB of data. The $119.99 price reflects older plan pricing.
• The Straight Talk Android coverage map is for Straight Talk branded Android phones; these run on Sprint. This map does not reflect coverage for BYOD devices (including Android devices), since these would run on either AT&T or T-Mobile.

 

[oldnoob2]

Direct from Welcome | Straight Talk:
Why Straight Talk?
... snip ...
Unlimited Data, Talk & Text
... snip ...

You're right, thank you! Your blog just taught me something.

Either I'm losing a lot more brain cells than I thought, which is possible, or they changed this recently. When I signed up a month ago they very clearly stated unlimited WEB, not unlimited data. Apparently they are modifying their practices to be more in line with the other prepaid carriers.

 

[xTye]

Right away I spotted an error. They don't advertise unlimited data. It's web.

Data usage is very limited. No streaming which they neglect to mention out of box.

 

[gale65]

Right away I spotted an error. They don't advertise unlimited data. It's web.

Data usage is very limited. No streaming which they neglect to mention out of box.

Do you mean an error in the blog post? Because what he copied and pasted above is directly from the Straight Talk website and it clearly does say unlimited data. I'm attaching an actual screen shot (in case they change it ) and you can see under where it says Why Straight Talk the 2nd item down says unlimited data.

 

[UncleMike]

Do you mean an error in the blog post? Because what he copied and pasted above is directly from the Straight Talk website and it clearly does say unlimited data. I'm attaching an actual screen shot (in case they change it ) and you can see under where it says Why Straight Talk the 2nd item down says unlimited data.

Additionally, the last item says "Works with SMS, IM, social networks, email, web." IM, social networks, and email are not "web browsing", and "web" could mean anything. On their plans page they refer to "Mobile Web Access". To me, anything I access that's not on my phone is "web access." Maybe what they really mean is "access using your web browser". I can't think of any way they could phrase it and sound reasonable, yet make it clear that certain traffic is prohibited.

But even if you and the carrier agree on what these words mean, the nature of no-contract service allows them to stop offering (or change the terms of) this plan tomorrow if they wish. You're not obligated to keep paying for the service, and they're not obligated to keep offering it. Competition *should* keep prices down and terms reasonable, but there are no guarantees.

 

[xTye]

Do you mean an error in the blog post? Because what he copied and pasted above is directly from the Straight Talk website and it clearly does say unlimited data. I'm attaching an actual screen shot (in case they change it ) and you can see under where it says Why Straight Talk the 2nd item down says unlimited data.

Ah, I indeed missed that. Good eye.

I'd note that down and use as much data as you like. When they cut you off, that's a lawsuit for false advertising.

 

[Sevreth]

Things that I can confirm work on ST mobile network:

-Grooveshark streaming (but Grooveshark also has an awesome offline mode and features)
-Youtube (I found the full length movie Groundhog Day and that streamed)
-Pandora
-TuneIn Radio Pro
-Netflix!!

If anyone wants me to check out any other service, I will gladly do so. Streaming radio/music is most important to me.

For those that cannot live without lots of mobile Netflix, check out my blog entry Prepaid wireless service, a better option than the big carriers?: A study in magenta

T-Mobile should have no limitations on their network and you can snag a 2GB plan with unlimited minutes and texts for $60 per month (5GB for $70).

-Sev

 

[UncleMike]

So some sad news. I tried Netflix on the mobile network and it does not work. A little further research shows that Straight Talk does not allow Netflix.

When you setup your phone did you use the Proxy and Port from the instructions? If so, try removing them.

 

[Sevreth]

When you setup your phone did you use the Proxy and Port from the instructions? If so, try removing them.

Thank you so much Mike. As soon as I deleted the Proxy and Port #s, I could sign into Netflix.

I am still certain that if it is abused, I could be cut off of data for the month, so I will make sure to be sparing if I do use it.

-Sev

 

[gale65]

Removing the proxy and port numbers don't mess up anything else? I'm not planning to stream netflix but in case other things don't work and I have to remove them.

 

[oldnoob2]

I created 2 APNs, one with a proxy and one without so I could easily switch if I had to. I've been using the one without the proxy for almost a month without any problems.

 

[gale65]

Great idea. So it's the regular port and proxy and not the MMS port and proxy that you delete?

 

[oldnoob2]

Yes. The mms proxy and port are required to be able to send mms. The other proxy routes all your other data calls through their server. Without it the phone communicates directly with whatever site you're trying to reach.

 

[traderbob]

Nice wright-up. I am getting ready to buy the Galaxy Nexus gsm/hspa+(Google toy store) and a sim card from straight talk website. Seems like i will save $45 a month going with Straight Talk and have a great phone. Is this going to be an easy to setup? and is this phone a good choice for $350? This will be my first smart phone, it will be sad to retire my 5 year old Sprint flip phone. If I go this route will i need a cutter or adapter for the sim card? What do youall think.

 

[gale65]

I have the Nexus and I got the regular (not micro) sim from ST and it fits fine. Mine is for AT&T but I would think the T-Mobile one would be the same.

 

[traderbob]

I was just looking on Straight Talk website and saw they carry the standard sim. Hope the setup will be easy.

 

[glock29guy]

Yes. The mms proxy and port are required to be able to send mms. The other proxy routes all your other data calls through their server. Without it the phone communicates directly with whatever site you're trying to reach.

So what's the point of them including a proxy server if it works fine without it?

 

[Sevreth]

Hi Traderbob,

Thanks for the kind words, I hope you will continue to follow.

The Nexus is fantastic. You will always have the most up to date software, which is the reason I got it. It will be an amazing first smartphone for anyone.

No need for a sim adapter or cutter. I just ordered my sim (the T-Mobile one) and it slips right in. Make sure to choose the sim based on the best coverage in your area.

Straight Talk is proving to be a superior service in my opinion. I am writing as I go detailing my first full month with them. Coverage in the Philly area has been awesome and I rarely see Edge speeds (2G). Either way, I feel always covered and have easy access to calls and texting always.

I hope you consider the Nexus and let us know about your experiences. The one thing that made me unsure was the lack of SD card, but with cloud storage for my photos and files, I realize it is pretty easy. I would prefer 32GB just to be more comfortable, but I currently have 8 GB left (of the original 13 or so GB that is available.

Cheers,

-Sev

 

[Sue Nuss]

I have a Straight Talk Samsung phone, my daughter has Virgin Mobile prepaid. She downloaded Quick Settings app and now has a hot spot. I have tried doing it on mine, but the hot spot won't work. Anyone else using this app on this phone?

 

[Sevreth]

I have a Straight Talk Samsung phone, my daughter has Virgin Mobile prepaid. She downloaded Quick Settings app and now has a hot spot. I have tried doing it on mine, but the hot spot won't work. Anyone else using this app on this phone?

Hi Sue,

I have had no trouble with my Hotspot. I have stock android Jelly Bean on my Nexus, so it is an included feature (be aware that it is officially against the rules of straight talk )

Try the app FoxFi. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.foxfi&hl=en

This app is really nice and easy to use.

-Sev