Once I realized the Galaxy Nexus and T-Mobile’s Monthly 4G plan were for me, it was only a matter of ordering (online), inserting (SIM card, battery), then activating and configuring (online, via phone). Never: went to a store, waited on hold, talked to a human, paid a fee.
1. Choose Device Google's Galaxy Nexus HSPA+
- $349 for this Unlocked Phone
- Means my choice of service provider!
- Swap SIM card when traveling abroad
- Newest Android with Latest Hardware
- Updates to Jelly Bean (4.1.1) on 1st run
- Macho enough to play games, etc
- Order phone from Google Play Device Store
- Includes hands-free set, battery, charger
- Check coverage in your area on T-Mobile Coverage Map
- I chose: $30/Month Pre-Paid Monthly 4G
- Unlimited Web + Text (1st 5 GB/month at 4G Speed)
- 100 Minutes Talk
- No Contract means free to change plans or provider any time
- Order T-Mobile SIM Card Activation Kit
- SIM Card for New Activation: 99¢ at time of writing
4. Insert SIM Card
5. Insert Battery
6. Charge it!
7. Sign Up and Activate T-Mobile Service
- Fill out T-Mobile Activation Form:
- Activation Code provided on form
- SIM Card Serial # provided
- Phone IMEI # and Security PIN
- Activate online: T-Mobile Activation Page
- Activation was easy and instantaneous
- First text within seconds on configuring voicemail, etc.
- Ready to roll..
Glitches in the process were minimal:
The End..- T-Mobile Activation Card Step #3 tells you to pick the plan you want, but doesn't show the awesome plan: $30/Month 4G. Fix: This plan is offered online, so follow the online activation instructions which are more up-to-date
- Serial Number on Google Invoice does not match the IMEI number on the box or on the phone. Fix: Confirm the phone IMEI # matches the number on the box, then use IMEI # for activation
So far I am waaaaaay happy with my phone and service :) Welcoming questions and your shared experiences..
