Mobile data on an iPhone 4 while visiting the US

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Satch

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Topic # 109842 27-Sep-2012 18:44

Hi,

After reading as many of the "mobile data in the US" threads as I could on GZ, I landed and went straight into an AT&T outlet this morning to get a prepaid micro-SIM. I was told that AT&T do not sell prepaid SIMs which work for mobile data with the iPhone or any other smartphones.

I'm here for two weeks so would like to get local mobile data somehow. Anyone have some recent successes in doing so? (I'm currently in LA)

Cheers.

johnr

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Reply # 692403 27-Sep-2012 18:44

I would speak to another sales person

KevinL

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Reply # 692410 27-Sep-2012 18:58

This page is quite useful - http://prepaidwithdata.wikia.com/wiki/USA

"The AT&T sales reps can be reluctant to sell you a pay as you go plan if you have an iPhone. Say that you come from another country (like Italy, Belgium, Canada) where iPhones are sold factory unlocked. That argument usually works. AT&T reps will sell you a SIM for an unlocked iPhone but will not guarantee that you can use it with a data plan -- don't be daunted though; they either don't know or won't tell you how to change the APN.

Once you have the SIM you need to set up your iPhone properly:

Create a custom APN on a Mac/PC computer using Apple's (free) iPhone Configuration Utility, as described here.
Or, if you have wifi access you can download a pre-prepared APN directly to your iPhone by visiting Craig Whitmore's excellent iPhone APN Changer site in the phone's web browser. Choose: Custom APN > Carrier = US - AT & T > Create Profile, then install it"

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Satch

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Reply # 692580 28-Sep-2012 03:09

So I can go into AT&T, purchase one of their GoPhone micro SIMs, change the APN settings on my iPhone and it will work for data even though their website says the GoPhone plan specifically doesn't work on smart phones?

PenultimateHop

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Reply # 692585 28-Sep-2012 04:19

Yes it works fine. Speaking from experience. Just ignore the sales person - in fact don't even tell them it is for an iPhone. The $25 voice/text + $25 1GB data pack works wonderfully.

dickytim

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Reply # 692602 28-Sep-2012 06:58

Satch can you please confirm this works, I am in the US next year and plan on doing the same thing.

Satch

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Reply # 693524 30-Sep-2012 03:21

UPDATE: I've been in the US for a few days now and haven't been able to get back to an AT&T store yet. I seem to be getting by with the wifi at the hotel so at this stage I don't think I'll bother getting a US sim now. Will update this thread if I change my mind...

PenultimateHop

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Reply # 693525 30-Sep-2012 04:55

dickytim: Satch can you please confirm this works, I am in the US next year and plan on doing the same thing.

It works fine. I did this a week ago. The only extra step required was to configure the APN, as pointed out.

code15

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Reply # 693536 30-Sep-2012 08:20

Straight Talk, MVNO that uses AT&T. I'm using it now, $45 a month for unlimited calls, txt and data. Data is even '4G' on my 4S (which is really just HSPA+). It's really the only option for iPhone uses who want prepay, pick up a micro sim from Walmart for $15. Highly recommended.

dickytim

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Reply # 693855 1-Oct-2012 07:44

code15: Straight Talk, MVNO that uses AT&T. I'm using it now, $45 a month for unlimited calls, txt and data. Data is even '4G' on my 4S (which is really just HSPA+). It's really the only option for iPhone uses who want prepay, pick up a micro sim from Walmart for $15. Highly recommended.

Hi Code 15. Did the Walmart store have the card in stock? Another thread suggests that you need to order it for overnight delivery. Also where were you?

Thanks.