[Discuss] OT: a Noplan Phone?

[Richard Pieri]

On 7/10/2012 4:24 PM, Tom Metro wrote:
> You'd think with the way carriers are more than willing to meddle with
> the internals of Android that they'd have put in some controls to
> completely shut down the data modem if there isn't an active data plan.

The telcos assume -- correctly -- that handsets can be modified.  The 
telcos fear -- correctly -- that modified handsets could be used to 
obtain service without paying for it.  Thus they don't bother with 
security in the handsets other than carrier lock.  It's all server-side.

What your handset is doing is either trying to negotiate with with a 
provider's tower for service or maintaining the minimum necessary for 
911 emergency calling.  Or to get you to the portal so that you re-up 
your service. :)

High data costs?  Those are just to discourage you from ditching your 
wired ISP the way you ditched your wired telco.

By the by.  Android already has a radio and IMS shutoff.  Always has. 
No meddling needed.  Open the dialer and key in "*#*#4636#*#*".  That 
will bring up the Test menu.  Drill down into Phone info.  Airplane mode 
may or may not do the same thing; depends on the OS version, I think.

-- 
Rich P.