Yes, they can tell what kind of phone you are using based off the IMEI number. (You can view the IMEI by dialing *#06# from your phone). I know "someone" who works for T-Mobile, and "they" have seen people using data with an Android phone, but on a Sidekick plan. They just aren't an engineer or specialist, and aren't exactly sure how it all specifically is routed in the system, and how it blocks specific data use, depending on your phone and plan. My guess is your phone should work with the $10 plan.

Thanks for the respone. I have heard that can tell what kind of phone you are using based on some IME number (not sure what that is). I have the N82 on it way so I just added a $10. free data plan for a month just to check it out and see if makes a difference or even works on my N82. The n82 does not have 3g so it would only work on the EDGE network and since I would have WIFI I am not sure edge is even worth an additional $10. a month, definately not work $30. Thanks for the reply.

They can't force you to use the $30 for the non T-Mobile phone, so yes your idea should work. However, all services may not work for the non T-Mobile phone, as I'm not sure how the backend works with the two different data features. It's worth a shot though.

I am thinking about buying a unlocked phone off of ebay. I currently have a Samsung Katalyst phone and was thinking of going with a Nokia N82 or maybe a Sony 905A unlocked and debranded.

I called T-Mobile and asked them about adding a data plan. They said if I add the data plan to a T-Mobile phone it would $10.00 month and to a non-T-mobile phone it would be $30.00 per month.

My question is how do they know what kind of phone I have? What would stop me from adding a $10. data plan onto my Samsung Katalyst and then just transfering the SIM card over to and unlocked N82?

Do you think T-mobile would catch it and make me pay extra for the data plan?

Thanks for your help.