Unable to get Data service on Unlocked iPhone 5

MMNY · ‎12-01-2012

I purchased a new unlocked iPhone 5 from the Apple store yesterday (they finally went on sale in the US yesterday). I went to the AT&T store to transfer my existing AT&T pre-paid mobile service, from my 4S, to a new Nano SIM card. The SC gave me the card, but the AT&T system would not recognise the IMEI for the new phone, so he could not complete the SIM card activation - he directed me to telephone support. Through perseverance I was able to complete the Nano SIM activation over the telephone and trasnfer my service.

However, after it was all complete, I was advised by AT&T that they are currently unable to provide data service to the unlocked iPhone 5 !!! She very cheerily advised me though that I can in fact continue to use my monthly minutes and unlimited text without any problem (marketing spin at it's best). Putting aside the fact that it would have been preferable to be aware of this issue PRIOR to completing the transfer, she also advised that AT&T would very much like to fix the problem, she was unable to elaborate on the problem, or even when/if it would be corrected.

Does anyone have any idea what the problem is, how big of an issue it is for AT&T, and whether it is likely to be fixed anytime soon? When I try to use a data service, I get an error message saying that I am not subscribed to a data service (when I query data balance though, it says I have a couple of Gb available).

I can live with it short term, but if there is no end in sight, I need to start looking at alternatives.

josephz2va · ‎08-10-2008

Go to an AT&T store and have them activate your iPhone again. They need to ensure the IMEI codes are right. If that fails, return the iPhone to Apple and see if you can trade your money for another iPhone with no contract requirement towards AT&T.

MMNY · ‎12-01-2012

Thanks. The phone appears to be activated just fine - phone and text are working and Data over wifi is fine. My account on AT&T web site, says I am subscribed for data service and data is available in my account etc.

AT&T Support were aware that there was an issue (which they described as a network issue specific to the unlocked iPhone 5), she just couldn't provide any details or timeframe.

MR_SMiT · ‎04-23-2011

You said transfer "pre-paid" mobile service to nano sim card for iPhone 5. It is said AT&T do not allow pre-paid service on iPhones. So if I'm not mistaken, you have to get a monthly service plan with iPhone LTE 4G Data Plan for your data to work.

wingrider01 · ‎05-26-2008

MMNY wrote:

Thanks. The phone appears to be activated just fine - phone and text are working and Data over wifi is fine. My account on AT&T web site, says I am subscribed for data service and data is available in my account etc.

AT&T Support were aware that there was an issue (which they described as a network issue specific to the unlocked iPhone 5), she just couldn't provide any details or timeframe.

if by pre-paid you mean a gophone account you will not get data at all, I am surprised that a att company store even did that for you since it is officially not supported, you may have stopped in to a authorized retailer.

wilcre · ‎06-01-2004

But it was also custom er care that finalized the transfer, and you are right, prepaid dont get data with the iPhone,to the OP it is a known issue and is directly related to what AT&T wants so till they decide 4G devices to be used on their prepaid system data is restricted from them, there are options but they can not be referenced here for what can be done to get the data to work, Google be your friend.

AT&T's return policy has changed effective 10/07/12. You have 14 days to return the device & cxl without a ETF. Policy info HERE.

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mirekti · ‎12-02-2012

I'm temporarily in the States and bought iPhone 5 unlocked. I've been using AT&T and I guess I'll have to switch. I don't get what the problem is in having prepaid and buying data separately. I won't stay here for two years so I could sign a plan. This sucks big time from AT&T. The other thing is I had an androit before and I was able to use data on prepaid.
...very unsatisfied!! What is wrong with AT&T banning iPhone data, this sucks big time. I guess I'll have to go to some other provider as I wont stay here not even close to get a contract and I surely won't sell my iPhone to be able to use AT&T's data.

jane697 · ‎09-18-2012

nvm...

Facci · ‎11-30-2005

If you bring your own phone to AT&T you don't need a contract! You can just get a month to month plan.

sandblaster · ‎08-15-2006

mirekti wrote:
I'm temporarily in the States and bought iPhone 5 unlocked. I've been using AT&T and I guess I'll have to switch. I don't get what the problem is in having prepaid and buying data separately. I won't stay here for two years so I could sign a plan. This sucks big time from AT&T. The other thing is I had an androit before and I was able to use data on prepaid.
...very unsatisfied!! What is wrong with AT&T banning iPhone data, this sucks big time. I guess I'll have to go to some other provider as I wont stay here not even close to get a contract and I surely won't sell my iPhone to be able to use AT&T's data.

You are not required to sign a 2 year contract. Since you already have your phone, you can switch to post paid service on a month to month basis and terminate whenever you want.

I am an AT&T employee and the postings on this site are my own and don’t necessarily represent AT&T’s positions, strategies or opinions.