Help So I want to buy an unlocked Nexus 4.

[ArmageddonX]

I want to buy an unlocked Nexus 4. What is the best way to get 3G & 4G coverage for my device in Phoenix Arizona? Thank you.

~ ArmyX

 

[sx4dude2013]

I use straight talk via at&t sim. U can use T-Mobile, straight talk, at&t, etc.

 

[ArmageddonX]

So where do I get these Sim cards? Do I buy them at AT&T stores? Do I buy them through T-Mobile?

I am new to the Sim card world. Will the un-locked Nexus 4 get HSPA+?
I have been using a CDMA carrier for a decade.

Is there a reliable way to check the coverage in your area beforehand?

Lastly, can I take my unlocked Nexus 4 directly to T-Mobile & sign up with them contract-free?

Is this a truthful article about my options?
Google's Nexus 4: Understanding your carrier options | Computerworld Blogs

~ ArmyX

 

[Skyroket]

first of all get your hands on Nexus 4 ( like it's EZ unless you wanna drop $500 on craigslist)

No you do not go to t-mobile or att store and ask them to sign you up for contract! That would be silly!

order sim card
T-Mobile SIM Card Activation Kit | T-Mobile
plans
Monthly 4G Prepaid Plans | Compare Prepaid Data Plans | T-Mobile

Try to research prepaid plans on different carriers and find the one you like.

 

[ArmageddonX]

So I get a SIM card from T Mobile and then I contact T Mobile about getting on a prepaid plan? Is that all I have to do? Also, can I use mobile hotspoting on a prepaid SIM? Does the 4G work on a pre-paid SIM?

Thank you.

~ ArmyX

 

[Prosophobia]

You will go here to activate:
Activate Your Prepaid Phone | Prepaid Activation Guide | T-Mobile

Sadly the nexus 4 doesn't have 4g but it has HSPA+42

 

[ArmageddonX]

HSPA+ is plenty fast enough for me

So with this method I can buy an unlocked Nexus 4 directly from Google and take it to T-Mobile?

Thank you!

~ ArmyX

 

[cwhite803]

HSPA+ is plenty fast enough for me

So with this method I can buy an unlocked Nexus 4 directly from Google and take it to T-Mobile?

Thank you!

~ ArmyX

the nexus 4 is my first GSM device as well. i ordered a t-mobile microsim card from the t-mo website for $0.99 (with free overnight delivery ), activated and ported my old number and chose a plan right on the website. never went to the store. i have the $30 a month plan, and yes, hotspot works without root.

edit: the other link above is for a regular sim card, this is the one you want
http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phone/T-Mobile-Micro-SIM-Card-Activation-Kit

 

[Banished Angel]

Both AT&T and T-Mobile have coverage maps on their websites. I'd look there and see how it is for your area. If you have good T-Mobile coverage where you live i'd go with them as they have much faster data speeds. If you don't have good T-Mobile coverage you can still go with AT&T.

T-Mobile has a $30 a month pre-paid plan with unlimited data, unlimited texting, and 100 minutes. If you need unlimited minutes you can go through Straight Talk, which offers unlimited everything for $45 a month off contract. You can choose to run through either AT&T or T-Mobile with straight talk so you can still get T-Mobile's speeds with unlimited minutes.

No matter what you choose you should order the Micro SIM (this is important, Micro SIM) card online.

 

[ArmageddonX]

Thank you all for your help. =)

~ ArmyX

 

[Citizen Coyote]

The sim world can be a bit confusing to old-timer CDMA folks like ourselves, but it's not hard to get the hang of it. I went with T-Mobile's prepaid, as I have good T-Mo coverage where I go and you can't beat the price. Note that the $30/month plan mentioned above is only available online or by calling T-Mobile to activate your sim. Activation is pretty painless, the website does a good job of walking you through no matter what plan you choose.

Good luck and welcome to the awesome world of unlocked no-contract mobile!

 

[lunatic59]

For the Nexus 4 you want the one in the middle.

You can cut a full size sim down to fit and use adapters to make the smaller sims fit in phones that require larger ones, but it's best to get the right size.