Walmart and Straight Talk Wireless Now Carrying iPhone 5

[Bob Coxner]

if you did that and you put in a BYOD SIM from ST i'm willing to bet dollars to donuts that you dont have access to the Cellular Data Network menu (ST SIM cards register as "unknown AT&T", then force the phone to load the ATT_US carrier profile) and are therefore stuck in the same boat as everyone else using a GSM iPhone on ST.

It might be the same boat but most of the people in that boat seem to be pretty happy with their situation. I just wonder if it will have a SIM slot at all or be a Sprint iP5. There's speculation that Sprint has been unable to sell those millions of iPhones they bought and will soon offer them on VM. I wonder if they might have also sold a boatload to Walmart to use on ST?

I'm sure it's a pipe dream but if these were VZW with LTE it would be a spectacular deal and I would be standing in line to buy one. Of course, the day VZW (or AT&T) allows LTE on an MVNO is probably a cold day in hell.

 

[bboyredcel]

Aside from the mind numbingly frustrating bandaid hacks for MMS, i am satisfied with the BYOD coverage. I think, judging from the coverage maps, the CDMA coverage is significantly worse, so i wont be exchanging my GSM iPhone for one anytime soon. I DO think that im gonna try out Simple Mobile which works seamlessly with the iPhone. I just dont understand how thats possible, but with ST you have to jump through hoops for MMS. I guess its a difference between how at&t and t-mo deal with MVNOs.

 

[nfl46]

Do you get LTE?

No.

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So no mms? If streaming is prohibited then no facetime, no gps, no audio/video like pandora and youtube? No thanks.

Not sure about others, but I do all of the above you mention on ST with my iPhone 5.

 

[mrbrown]

Aside from the mind numbingly frustrating bandaid hacks for MMS, i am satisfied with the BYOD coverage. I think, judging from the coverage maps, the CDMA coverage is significantly worse, so i wont be exchanging my GSM iPhone for one anytime soon.

It depends. If they're using the Sprint network, then it'll be limited to Sprint's native network, which absolutely sucks - Sprint postpaid relies on roaming on Verizon and regional carriers, which a Straight Talk phone using Sprint will not be able to access. If it's using Verizon, then it'll be be decent -- Verizon's native network is pretty much the same size, if not larger, than AT&T's.

 

[maxosx]

that's a heck of a deal. at&t can't be too happy about this.

Actually it was AT&T that was very involved in making this happen. They get a percentage of airtime fees & an even greater number of lines activated. Its win win for both these companies. This is not as inexpensive as it initially appears but it provides another choice for those that cannot qualify for AT&T or do not require the best service. Several MVNO's have folded in the past, but none have had the vast customer base of Walmart.

There's another distinct advantage that's not so obvious now. If the rumors are true & Apple builds a cheap plastic iPhone, that will be ideal for the typical demographic that these companies attract.

 

[zach1900]

Actually it was AT&T that was very involved in making this happen. They get a percentage of airtime fees & an even greater number of lines activated. Its win win for both these companies. This is not as inexpensive as it initially appears but it provides another choice for those that cannot qualify for AT&T or do not require the best service. Several MVNO's have folded in the past, but none have had the vast customer base of Walmart.

There's another distinct advantage that's not so obvious now. If the rumors are true & Apple builds a cheap plastic iPhone, that will be ideal for the typical demographic that these companies attract.

With a saturated market, AT&t should be happy to have any customer, retail or mvno, they aren't exactly known for a quality network

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Why all the asumption this will run on At&T's network?

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It depends. If they're using the Sprint network, then it'll be limited to Sprint's native network, which absolutely sucks - Sprint postpaid relies on roaming on Verizon and regional carriers, which a Straight Talk phone using Sprint will not be able to access. If it's using Verizon, then it'll be be decent -- Verizon's native network is pretty much the same size, if not larger, than AT&T's.

CDMA coverage is worse, but only Sprint's CDMA coverage, Verizon(CDMA) blows AT&T(GSM) and Sprint(CDMA) away.

 

[BiggAW]

lol, a David 100% reliant on buying airtime from Goliath? T-mobile dropping subsidies (if they actually stick to that) is perhaps a more meaningful bet.

America Movil currently offers phones that run on at least four US carriers. Even though they are partly owned by AT&T, they have massive bargaining power over the carriers. ST so far has relied heavily on Sprint, even though it started as a Verizon thing (albeit without smartphones). However, they seem to be moving more and more to AT&T with the SII and now this.

I see no reason for LTE ever unless you have a truly unlimited plan which does not exist on paper, anywhere - read the fine print. My 1Mbps to 4Mbps on ST is just fine for $45pm PLUS TAX folks.

You assume the network is working properly. At a large event, or in Midtown Manhattan on any business day of the year, AT&T's HSPA+ network will, at times have less than 50kbps of throughput, and sometimes just stop working completely.

So unless I am missing something this is an AT&T compatible carrier unlocked iPhone 5.

So as an AT&T customer this is NO RISK to try out.

Or just go to an Apple store and buy the device straight up. Except that's a terrible deal. It's a better deal to just go on a contract and get it for $200.

As for the data limits, they just shut data off or throttle it hard now, they don't terminate the account.

So, this may be old news but... will my AT&T iPhone 4 work with Straight Talk?

Yes. Just like it would have for quite some time now with ST SIM.

With a saturated market, AT&t should be happy to have any customer, retail or mvno, they aren't exactly known for a quality.

AT&T has the same coverage, on average, nationwide as Verizon. Depends on the state.

Other than NYC, AT&T has a very good network. It depends on the city, some are better than Verizon, some worse. Here in CT, AT&T is the best, although Verizon is very good as well.

 

[zach1900]

America Movil currently offers phones that run on at least four US carriers. Even though they are partly owned by AT&T, they have massive bargaining power over the carriers. ST so far has relied heavily on Sprint, even though it started as a Verizon thing (albeit without smartphones). However, they seem to be moving more and more to AT&T with the SII and now this.



You assume the network is working properly. At a large event, or in Midtown Manhattan on any business day of the year, AT&T's HSPA+ network will, at times have less than 50kbps of throughput, and sometimes just stop working completely.



Or just go to an Apple store and buy the device straight up. Except that's a terrible deal. It's a better deal to just go on a contract and get it for $200.

As for the data limits, they just shut data off or throttle it hard now, they don't terminate the account.



Yes. Just like it would have for quite some time now with ST SIM.



AT&T has the same coverage, on average, nationwide as Verizon. Depends on the state.

Other than NYC, AT&T has a very good network. It depends on the city, some are better than Verizon, some worse. Here in CT, AT&T is the best, although Verizon is very good as well.

Personally at home (St.Louis), all the carriers give me good service, but when I travel to all corners of the country, Verizon was by far the most reliable, granted this was during 2010-2 months ago, I had VZW as a business phone and AT&T as my personal, at times AT&T had zero service and Verizon showed almost full coverage.

 

[jimsowden]

Actually it was AT&T that was very involved in making this happen. They get a percentage of airtime fees & an even greater number of lines activated. Its win win for both these companies. This is not as inexpensive as it initially appears but it provides another choice for those that cannot qualify for AT&T or do not require the best service. Several MVNO's have folded in the past, but none have had the vast customer base of Walmart.

There's another distinct advantage that's not so obvious now. If the rumors are true & Apple builds a cheap plastic iPhone, that will be ideal for the typical demographic that these companies attract.

Can you source this please?

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I spoke with Straight Talk this morning. The iPhone 5 from Wal-Mart is powered by the Verizon LTE network. So, its CDMA.

Everyone who has a GSM iPhone 5 on Straight Talk is S.O.L. when it comes to editing MMS APN settings.

if you need personal verification, call 18008765753. Its the miami call center for straight talk. You dont need an account to talk to someone and there is usually very little hold time. Ask them which network the iPhone 5 from wal-mart uses.

This sounds too good to be true. Hope it's verified.

 

[Aqua Bliss]

Just want straight talk nano sim.

Where did you find the nano sim on straight talk website? Can't find it.

 

[mrbrown]

Where did you find the nano sim on straight talk website? Can't find it.

They don't have one. I think he's wanting them to release one.

 

[slu]

You'll have to fool around to get MMS to work (texting is fine as is, but MMS you'll need to fool).

I've been on their network for almost a year with two 4S's - ATT network of course and a 2GB network limit per month, works great for us - haven't had issues with phone calls or messages (since my wife and I use these for primary communication throughout the day we'd notice if we did) etc..

Basically to get MMS to work I had to get a basic pay as you go T-Mobile Micro SIM (with $5 on it etc.)...using instructions from the web, (my memory is a little hazy here so this could be wrong in some way - be sure to verify before you do it) you basically booted up the 4S with Straight Talk SIM, started to open the data settings page, then swapped in the T-Mobile SIM (which now allows you to modify the MMS data settings needed), then modify the data settings to needed setup, then swapped back in the Straight Talk SIM, rebooted and off you go with MMS.

From what I understand if you update to iOS 6 from 5 you have to redo the MMS settings again (smaller point updates to 5 didn't require it).

What's needed for the 4 (not sure if it'll be the same) - be sure to check the web before diving in.

I'm intrigued that Apple is selling the 5 as a Straight Talk phone and makes me wonder if they have a Straight Talk bundle (for settings) on board (that would make MMS setup automatic). It'd be interesting to find out.

Well, I activated my ST Sim today and ported my number from AT&T. It was quite easy. I used the Sim swap technique with a T-Mobile Sim to get MMS working. Everything works great so far and the experience was quite easy. After I run a test for a month, I will switch my wife to ST as well. We got a 20% corporate discount with AT&T and even with that, after switching to ST, we will save over $450 per year.

 

[BiggAW]

Personally at home (St.Louis), all the carriers give me good service, but when I travel to all corners of the country, Verizon was by far the most reliable, granted this was during 2010-2 months ago, I had VZW as a business phone and AT&T as my personal, at times AT&T had zero service and Verizon showed almost full coverage.

Depends on where you go. NYC on AT&T is a mess, but my travels through CA, MI, WA, AK, and New England have had nothing but excellent results with AT&T.

 

[einmusiker]

this is tempting to me for a few reasons. But I have a few questions...

1. Since the plan is contract free I just want to confirm that I can cancel the plan and then restart it at will?

2. Can I throw my verizon sim in this and get voice and data? (I know probably not LTE but 3G)?

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I spoke with Straight Talk this morning. The iPhone 5 from Wal-Mart is powered by the Verizon LTE network. So, its CDMA.

Everyone who has a GSM iPhone 5 on Straight Talk is S.O.L. when it comes to editing MMS APN settings.

if you need personal verification, call 18008765753. Its the miami call center for straight talk. You dont need an account to talk to someone and there is usually very little hold time. Ask them which network the iPhone 5 from wal-mart uses.

if this is true I will be purchasing immediately

 

[maxosx]

Can you source this please?

There's lot of articles about AT&T's more that three year involvement as Strait Talks Primary service provider. Along with AT&T, in a few markets ST uses secondary providers Sprint & Verizon.

Here's an article.

http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/t-adding-support-straight-talk-prepaid-service/2010-07-27

 

[Aqua Bliss]

They don't have one. I think he's wanting them to release one.

Hmmmm ya, I read somewhere else that this starts on Friday so maybe we can get it online then.

 

[bboyredcel]

Can you source this please?

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This sounds too good to be true. Hope it's verified.

Its been verified by the tracfone website. The phone activates using an MEID. That means without a doubt that it is CDMA. The only debate remains whether or not you get LTE. The rep i spoke to said it was LTE but hes a customer service rep and could have had no idea what LTE even is. But its been confirmed by several sources that the walmart iPhone 5 is powered by Verizon.

 

[vartanarsen]

Aside from the mind numbingly frustrating bandaid hacks for MMS, i am satisfied with the BYOD coverage. I think, judging from the coverage maps, the CDMA coverage is significantly worse, so i wont be exchanging my GSM iPhone for one anytime soon. I DO think that im gonna try out Simple Mobile which works seamlessly with the iPhone. I just dont understand how thats possible, but with ST you have to jump through hoops for MMS. I guess its a difference between how at&t and t-mo deal with MVNOs.

You'll be forfeiting HSPA+ if you move your iPhone to Simple/Solevei. Are you ok with just Edge?
The 1900 MHz Refarming isnt large enough yet...veryy spotty

 

[CaneCollegeboy]

Its been verified by the tracfone website. The phone activates using an MEID. That means without a doubt that it is CDMA. The only debate remains whether or not you get LTE. The rep i spoke to said it was LTE but hes a customer service rep and could have had no idea what LTE even is. But its been confirmed by several sources that the walmart iPhone 5 is powered by Verizon.

Just a guess but it will have LTE depending on the verizion coverage in your area

 

[jimsowden]

Its been verified by the tracfone website. The phone activates using an MEID. That means without a doubt that it is CDMA. The only debate remains whether or not you get LTE. The rep i spoke to said it was LTE but hes a customer service rep and could have had no idea what LTE even is. But its been confirmed by several sources that the walmart iPhone 5 is powered by Verizon.

This deal isn't mentioned on either tracphone's website (especially since straight talk isn't tracphone) or straight talk's. So again, source please.

 

[Bob Coxner]

A user on HoFo has actually had one in his hand. It's VZW 3G. So, great coverage, lousy data speed.

http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...fficial-straight-talk-iphone-on-1-11-13/page4

Can confirm that the Straight Talk iPhone 5 is Verizon with 3G service. Model A1429. Carrier name on upper left is TFW.

I just activated one to test.

 

[.JahJahwarrior.]

Will it change the process for moving over to Straight Talk on an ATT 4s? The hassle of it has kept me away so far.

 

[Bob Coxner]

And more info from HoFo:

Yes, same iPhone 5 so there is a sim slot. The phone is GSM unlocked. A Verizon sim card will get you LTE with Verizon service. T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon have been tested.

 

[einmusiker]

And more info from HoFo:

Yes, same iPhone 5 so there is a sim slot. The phone is GSM unlocked. A Verizon sim card will get you LTE with Verizon service. T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon have been tested.

GSM Verizon LTE? I thought vzw was CDMA?

 

[Bob Coxner]

GSM Verizon LTE? I thought vzw was CDMA?

No, he's saying the phone comes stock on Verizon 3G with Straight Talk. You can add sims for VZW LTE or AT&T/Tmo HSPA/4G. If you want LTE you would have to do with it with VZW outside of Straight Talk. You can get HSPA/4G with Straight Talk if you use AT&T/TMo sims.

Remember the VZW version of the i5 works both as a CDMA and a GSM phone. It's unlocked for both by default.