Overview: H2O Wireless (800-643-4926) is a brand of Locus Telecomunications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan's second largest mobile operator KDDI. H2O has been operating as an AT&T Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) since 1998. In March, 2017, H2O claimed to have nearly one million MVNO customers.
Technology:
H2O uses AT&T's 850 and 1900 Mhz network with GPRS, Edge and HSPA+ data support. LTE data is available on bands 2 (1900 Mhz), 4 (1700 Mhz), 5 (1900 Mhz) 12/17 and 29 (700 Mhz) and 30 (2300 Mhz).
| Name | Price | Voice | Domestic Text/MMS | International | Data 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pay As You Go | $3.33/30 days and up. 1 | 5¢/min | 5¢/10¢ | 10¢/text | 10¢/MB |
| $25 Pay As You Go | $25/30 days | 2.5¢/min | 2.5¢/10¢ | 10¢/text | 10¢/MB |
| $30 Unlimited | $30/30 days | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited calls to 50+ countries, $10 Int'l Credit, unlimited texts | Unlimited, 1st 2 GB high speed 2, 3 |
| $35 Unlimited | $35/30 days | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited calls to 50+ countries, $10 Int'l Credit, unlimited texts | Unlimited, 1st 3 GB high speed 2, 3 |
| $40 Unlimited | $40/30 days | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited calls to 50+ countries, $20 Int'l Credit, unlimited texts | Unlimited, 1st 6 GB high speed 2, 3 |
| $50 Unlimited | $50/30 days | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited calls to 50+ countries, $20 Int'l Credit, unlimited texts | unlimited, 1st 8 GB high speed 2, 3 |
| $60 Unlimited | $60/30 days | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited calls to 50+ countries, $20 Int'l Credit, unlimited texts | unlimited,1st 10 GB high speed 2,3 |
2 LTE available. Additional high-speed data is available at 5¢/MB by adding a $10 "Feature Card" which can also be used for international text messaging at 10¢/text. Unused Feature Card balances expire at the end of the plan month.
3 Data speeds throttled to about 128 Kbps for the rest of the plan month after the high speed allotment is used.
4 "High speed" data is limited to a maximum of 8 mbps for LTE and 4 mbps for HSPA+.
Auto Pay Discount: H2O offers a 10% discount to customers who enroll in auto pay.
The Family Plan discount is only available through H2O dealers or by calling 1-800-643-4926. Auto pay is NOT available for family plans which must be renewed each month at a dealer or by calling H2O.
Other Fees: 411 Directory Assistance costs $3 per call and is only available on pay as you go plans. Use 1-800-FREE-411 instead.
International Rates:
Monthly plans include unlimited calls to landlines in 50+ countries (list) and a $10 to $20/month international call credit. On pay as you go calls to the same 50 countries are the same price as domestic calls. Additional credit can be purchased by calling 1-800-643-4926. Check international rates here. Sample rates per minute: Mexico landline 15¢, India landline 6.7¢, Philippines landline 35.9¢, UK mobile 24¢. H2O supports international direct dialing which reportedly doesn't always work. When direct dialing doesn't work monthly plan users can place international calls using the access number 1-213-808-6199. To make free calls to the 50+ supported countries the access number must always be used.
Calls to international numbers will be terminated at 60 minutes, although you can immediately recall the same number.
Unlimited International Mobile to Mobile: All of H2O's monthly plans.including the $30 plan include unlimited calls to mobile phones Mexico, India, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Israel, Portugal, Singapore and Pakistan. Mobile calling to Pakistan is described by H2O as a limited time offer so don't be surprised if it disappears one day. Calls to international mobile numbers will be terminated at 60 minutes, although you can immediately recall the same number.
International messaging: Monthly plans include unlimited international texts. International texts on pay as you go are are 10¢/each. International MMS (picture messages) are 10¢/each to send and receive on all plans. International texts and MMS on monthly plans are funded using a $10 Feature Card. Unused Feature Card balances expire at the end of the plan month.
Coverage: The coverage map on the H2O site is the AT&T postpaid map which shows coverage in partner (roaming) areas. However there is no roaming on H2O. Use the AT&T coverage map and select "GoPhone Pay As You Go" for an accurate depiction of H2O coverage.
Hotspot and tethering: H2O's Terms Of Service prohibit tethering and using your phone as a hotspot.
Devices: H20 sells phones including feature phones, refurbished iPhones and Android devices on their Website.
H2O sells SIMs for $9.99 for regular and micro SIMs and $14.99 for nano SIMs with free shipping. SIMs are available for less than a dollar with free shipping from Amazon
and EbayData settings: There's a free H2O Config Android app that can be used to configure data and MMS older Android phones. The app doesn't work with Android 4.0 and latter. It's straight forward to manually setup data and MMS on Android (all versions) and Windows Phone 8 and later using the following settings:
For non-LTE capable phones:
APN - att.mvno (no user id or password)
Proxy IP Address: 66.209.11.33
Proxy Port: 80
MMSC - http://mmsc.cingular.com
MMS Proxy (aka WAP Gateway) - 66.209.11.33
MMS Port (aka WAP Gateway Port) - 80
Authentication Type - PAP
APN Type: default,supl,mms
APN protocol (aka IP type) - IPv4
Maximum MMS size: 10000
Bearer - Unspecified
APN protocol (aka IP type) - IPv4
Maximum MMS size: 10000
Bearer - Unspecified
For LTE capable phones (also reported to work on non-LTE phones):
APN - PRODATA
MMSC - http://mmsc.mobile.att.net
MMS Proxy (aka WAP Gateway) - proxy.mobile.att.net
MMS port (aka WAP Gateway Port) - 80
Authentication Type - PAP
APN type - default,mms,supl
APN protocol (aka IP type) - IPv4
Maximum MMS size: 10000
Bearer - Unspecified
As with other AT&T MVNOs that aren't Apple partners, data and MMS (picture messaging) does not work "out of the box" with iPhones on H2O. It's relatively easy to get iPhone data working using the configuration tool at www.unlockit.co.nz. MMS is harder as Apple hides the "Cellular data" menu which is where you need to enter H2O's settimgs. To get access to the settings you need to jail break, install "APN Editing" from Cydia and enter the data settings manually. If you are running iOS 7.0 or earlier you can use the "SIM Swap Method" to get access to the iPhone's APN settings without jail breaking. The SIM Swap method doesn't work with iOS 7.1 or later.
You can use a BlackBerry, however BlackBerry Internet Server (BIS) is not available so BlackBerry Mail and Messenger will not work.
How to Activate: If you aren't porting a number from another operator you can activate by calling 1-800-643-4926 from a different phone than the one you are activating or using the Chat option on the H2O website.
Porting In: If you are porting a number to H2O, use the online Number Transfer Request form or call 1-800-643-4926.
Porting Out: You need to call the Port-Out Hotline at 1-800-562-3229 and ask them to release your number for porting and tell you your account # and PIN. They will ask you to provide the 3 most recent outgoing calls to verify that it's your number.
Account Management: You can check your cash balance and expiration date and add funds and set up auto pay at h2owirelessnow.com. You can get a free USSD push message with your balance and expiration date by dialing *777# from your H2O phone. On monthly plans you can check how much data you have left by dialing *777*1#. There are free MyH2O Android and iPhone apps that display your expiration date and balance and lets you add PINs.
Call records are not available from H2O.
Usage Messages: On the Pay As You Go and $25 plans, the system sends a message (USSD Push) after every billable event (call, SMS, MMS or data session). These messages appear on the phone's screen and say how much the previous event cost. Some phones also vibrate or beep when the message is received. Most users find the messages disruptive and they can't be shut off at the system level. Android users running Android 4.2.1 and earlier can block them with the free Balance Update /USSD Blocker app. That app doesn't work on Android versions 4.2.2 and later but the USSD Notifications (99¢) app and the free USSD Blocker Xposed module (root required) do.
Payment Options: Instant refills using a credit or debit card are available by calling 1-800-643-4926.
You can set up automatic refills using a credit or debit card by calling or at h2owirelessnow.com.There's a 10% discount for using auto pay.
Airtime PINs can also be purchased at a discount from callingmart.com and other online retailers. You can top up a H2O account with a PIN code by calling 611 from the H2O phone or 1-800-643-4926 from any phone. You can also top up with a PIN by dialing *111* followed by the PIN number and #.
Call Forwarding, Call Waiting and 3-Way Calling
Call forwarding is available on all H2O plans. 3-Way calling is only available on pay by the minute plans, not on the unlimited plans.
To forward all calls to another number: Press **21*, the 10-digit number to which you wish to forward your calls, and # and SEND. For example: **21*1234567890# SEND, forwards your calls to the phone number 123-456-7890. You will receive a confirmation message. You will be charged for forwarded calls on pay as you go.
To cancel call forwarding: Press #21# SEND. You will receive a confirmation message.
To forward unanswered calls only (conditional call forwarding): Press **004* followed by the number you want calls forwarded to and # and SEND (**004*-123-456-7890# SEND) and wait for a confirmation tone or message. You will be charged for forwarded calls on PayGo.
To cancel conditional call forwarding: Press #004# SEND and wait for a confirmation tone or message.
To answer Call Waiting: To put the first call on hold, press "SEND." You'll automatically be connected with the second call. To return to the first call, press "SEND" again. To switch between the two calls, press "SEND."
3-Way Calling: Lets you create a conference call between yourself and two other people. You will be charged for both calls if you are not on an unlimited plan.
- While on the first call, dial the 10-digit number of the second person and press "SEND." The first person is automatically put on hold while the call is made.
- When the 2nd person answers, press "SEND" to create the conference call.
H2O "Secret" Codes:
All are free to use
*777# - to display current balance and plan expiration date
*777*1# - to display data used ($30 - $60 monthly plans only)
*#62# - to display your alternate voice mail access number
Free information services calls
611 - H2O customer care
711 - Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) for the hearing and speech impaired
911 - Emergency services
Customer Service: H2O customer support has a reputation for long hold times and representatives who are often unable to fix problems.
Phone support: 1-800-643-4926 9 AM - 12 Midnight ET Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 11 PM Sat-Sun
Online Chat: Click the chat button in the top right corner of the h2owirelessnow.com homepage.
All are free to use
*777# - to display current balance and plan expiration date
*777*1# - to display data used ($30 - $60 monthly plans only)
*#62# - to display your alternate voice mail access number
Free information services calls
611 - H2O customer care
711 - Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) for the hearing and speech impaired
911 - Emergency services
Customer Service: H2O customer support has a reputation for long hold times and representatives who are often unable to fix problems.
Phone support: 1-800-643-4926 9 AM - 12 Midnight ET Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 11 PM Sat-Sun
Online Chat: Click the chat button in the top right corner of the h2owirelessnow.com homepage.
Email support: [email protected]
Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, YouTube
Sales and General Information Web Site: h2owirelessnow.com
Locus Private Labels: There are a number of private label companies that act as MVNOs of Locus Telecomunications (itself an MVNO), reselling the same plans as H2O. Private labels include KDDI Wireless (mostly Japanese language Website) and V247 Mobile.
H2O Pros: pricing, coverage, BYOD, good international voice rates, international direct dialing, support for call forwarding.
H2O Cons: No detailed call records. misleading website (incorrect postpaid coverage map.
Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, YouTube
Sales and General Information Web Site: h2owirelessnow.com
Locus Private Labels: There are a number of private label companies that act as MVNOs of Locus Telecomunications (itself an MVNO), reselling the same plans as H2O. Private labels include KDDI Wireless (mostly Japanese language Website) and V247 Mobile.
H2O Pros: pricing, coverage, BYOD, good international voice rates, international direct dialing, support for call forwarding.
H2O Cons: No detailed call records. misleading website (incorrect postpaid coverage map.
Updated 7-Nov-2017: New phone number to call to release number when porting out.
Too bad no conditional call forwarding. We use youmail for our voice mail service. Can't use it with h2o. Sticking with airvoice wireless.
ReplyDeleteDoes Airvoice have call forwarding on monthly plans now? Last time I checked they didn't.
DeleteAirvoice does have conditional call forwarding on the monthly plan (we're on the $30 plan). We're currently with them. H2o offers the same but doesn't require the nonsense of calling in for the 2nd half of your data allowance.
ReplyDeleteBeen using H2O for several months now and I have had few problems other than not getting the 10% discount last month, despite following the directions on the website, signing up, etc. CS on chat said they would fix it. We'll see. I think it's the best deal on the AT&T network at the $30 price point. Black Wireless, a sister service, has the same offerings.
ReplyDeleteTwo comments as a long-time H2O user:
ReplyDelete1. YMMV on the alleged "ineffective customer service." First, the service is solid so you will have little need to call. Second, when I have had to call (switching to a new SIM on a new phone), I have always received prompt and competent service. In fact, I've moved one of our phones from PTel to H2O because PTel phone and customer services have gone down the tubes since their move to GSM.
2. The USSD usage messages on PAYGO are indeed annoying. There really should be a way to make them optional after all this time.
I know this has nothing to do with h2o wireless .But what is going on with Sprint MVNO Prepayd wireless what are they suing Sprint for ? Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt's old news now but PrepaYd got shut down by Sprint for reasons unknown but most likely for non-payment.
DeletePrepaYd threatened to sue Sprint but as far as I know never did.
More information: here.
I'm interested in the $30 and $40 plans. Do you know if they still throttle at the half-way points of the individual plans?
ReplyDeleteI heard that H2O no longer throttles the $30 and $40 plans.
DeleteH20 still carries the $30 and $40 plans
Deleteof course they throttle the 30/40 plan, I think its throttled to 128k after the first 500mg, but who can complain for unlimited talk/text and 500 high speed date for $27 a month
ReplyDeleteI love these operator profiles, and especially appreciate the inclusion of caveats and workarounds - something most users won't be aware of until AFTER signing up. As of 2 years ago I had never used a GSM MVNO, but had been using CDMA MVNOs for years. Even after my switch to Straight Talk (on AT&T), then GoPhone, I had not encountered these USSD messages until after setting up 2 lines with AirVoice. We found them so annoying that I switched both lines to $30 plans while looking for an alternative.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the detailed profiles.
I had $40 plan on h2o and they did not throttle after 500 mb. I left becauSe the 5 line fAmily plan was $160 with 1000mb per line. Now at att value share I pay $160 after corp discount for 5 lines sharing 10gb.
ReplyDeleteGot that right with ineffective customer service. On a par with Tracfone. Dismal, horrible, incompetent.
ReplyDelete"ineffective customer service" more like terrible customer service.
ReplyDeleteIt would make things better for everyone if they would get automated for basic stuff, have decent online account management . I presume being part of a large company they have the resources to do this.
I've had good luck with H2O customer service. I use the Chat feature for it, but I've called too, and mostly had short wait times.
DeleteDid Pure Talk buy H2O?
DeleteThe phone now says 'Pure Talk' instead of H2O.
I got SIM card coming in the mail. Paid 1 cent for it. Dennis, how does anyone make any money selling a SIM card for a penny? Does the seller get some kind of commission when the card is activated?
ReplyDeleteMost prepaid operators pay dealers a "spiff" (comission) for every SIM they sell that gets activated. $10 spiffs are typical but some brands pay a lot more particularly during promotions.
DeleteFor more competent customer service I would recommend Airvoice.
ReplyDeleteThe USSD messages are meant to keep the customer informed of their remaining balance in real-time so they do not keep calling in saying that, "I didnt know" etc., and then moaning and whining thinking that a credit is coming their way or something is the fault of the MVNO carrier.
ReplyDeleteThat might be the intention but they are extremely annoying. They are also unnecessary as customers can check their balances using *777# and *777*1#. The USSD messages should be optional as they are on GoPhone.
DeleteYou can call customer service and turn off the USSD balance notifications, as of 2015 sometime. Apparently this wasn't possible before, but AT&T changed the rules at some point. You call 1-800-643-4926, then hit 3 and 5 I think, to get a configuration expert. They ask for three phone numbers in your recent call history to verify ownership. I did it today; the whole thing took 10 minutes.
DeleteI posted on HOFO...Target stores are now selling H2O, Redpocket & Lycamobile sim cards and refill cards.
ReplyDeleteHi Dennis, great review! Do you know if the 10% auto pay discount enrollment deadline of 4/19/14 still applies? I just talked to a csr at H2O and he said he couldn't find any deadline for enrollment for the 10% autopay discount. He says I should still get the discount even if I enroll in 3 weeks. It's possible he's mistaken, but I wanted your expert opinion. Thank you for your info!
ReplyDeleteWhen the 10% auto recharge promotion was announced on Feb 19 there was a banner on the H2O site advertising it. When you clicked the banner you landed on a page that said:
Delete"Sign-up in the next 60 days and get 10% off your wireless payments by enrolling in H2O’s Auto Recharge service!
This 10% off promotional offer applies to the all H2O plans, except those plans that are already enrolled in H2O’s Auto Recharge. The offer will be applied on the first payment due after the date you enroll in H2O’s Auto Recharge; however, you must make at least one payment through H2O’s Auto Recharge to continue receiving the promotional offer. Other conditions and restrictions may apply. Offer may not be combined with other promotional offer on the same service(s). This 10% promotional offer is good for a year of payments made on H2O’s Auto Recharge (i.e. the offer will expire 12 months after you sign-up). Promotional offers are good for a limited time and are subject to change without notice."
That message seems to be gone so perhaps H2O extended the promotion.
Never got the 10% discount despite two attempts with CS and getting told that it would happen with the next billing cycle. Not a total deal killer, but rather annoying. It will certainly make me look closer at other providers, but I don't see any competition at the $30 price point (no taxes either).
ReplyDeleteIf you auto-recharge every 29 days for the 10% discount ($3 off on the $30 monthly plan) does that mean you get shorted 17 days (approx. $15 assuming $30 monthly plan) every year?
ReplyDeleteYes, but according to the H2O site you can now auto-recharge every 30 days. The "monthly" plans are actually 30 day plans so you only lose 5 days, (6 in leap years) but that happens whether you are on auto-pay or not.
DeleteMany prepaid monthly plans are 30 days, BTW.
Thank you - great site BTW - bookmarked!!
DeleteDid you update/edit the 29 days to 30? I swear I read 29 days before I posted my ?above.
DeleteYes, when I saw your question I checked the H2O site and saw that it had been changed from 29 to 30 days and updated the my post.
DeleteH2O makes you wait till the exact date of expiration to add airtime or else your 30 days gets added from the date you entered it. Seems absurdly inconveniant that you can't add airtime before expiration without getting shortchanged? Simple programmer could solve this in a day.
DeleteAny information about Toll-free calls?
ReplyDeleteDennis--Do u know if H2O data speeds r the same on pay-as-u-go vs. their different monthly plans? In my area on paygo H2O speeds r not only slow but more importantly very inconsistent! Bin testing consumer cellular speeds & initial results indicate they r much more consistent and faster since they r 4g lte in my area.(however only monthly plans available)
ReplyDeleteSee www.howardforums.com/showthread.php/1834736-Does-h2o-throttle-paygo-data Users have reported lower speeds on pay as you go. But with all operators speeds can vary widely even with the same phone in the same location so it may be a fluke.
DeleteAbsolute worst customer service and data throttling.Need more ATT MVO competiton.
ReplyDeleteHi Dennis! Do you happen to know if H2O still does the 10% discount with auto-recharge? I am thinking that it might be a good deal since cricket is 25 and does not have any data. And do you happen to know if taxes and fees are included if I do auto-recharge?
ReplyDeleteThe H2O auto pay discount is still availlable. There are no taxes or fees.
DeleteIs the data for the $30 unlimited?
ReplyDeleteBy that I mean after 500 mb data, will we be throttled down to 2G?
Does H2o offer LTE?
Like it says in the post, LTE is not available and the 500 MB is hard limit. Additional data is available the rate of 5¢/MB by adding a $10 "Feature Card"
DeleteDoes H2O offer SMS short codes?
ReplyDeleteLike be able to send texts to (an example) 28989?
And receive them from banks, social media site.. ?
H2O supports short codes. There's no guarantee that every short code will work but most that are free should.
DeleteI purchased a new $ 30 monthly card to refill my account, it consist of 10 digit , i tried dialing *111* 10 digit code # but it says invalid pin please help me out
ReplyDeleteCall H2O at 611 or 1-800-643-4926
DeleteNever got my auto pay discount is spite of many rounds ("promises") with CS. I have recently ported out to Cricket . I am really sorry that h2o has my CC info on file.
ReplyDeleteMost Abysmal CS. Skyview and Black wireless too.(Subsidiaries of H2O)
ReplyDeleteMy sim card is yellow and simply says H2O with no sim I'd #. Is that normal? My sister bought her cell prior to buying mine and she has a regular sim card with numbers on it..Why is mine different?
ReplyDeleteI've seen SIMs without the number on the SIM itself. It should be on the larger card you break the SIM out of. With H2O the SIM ID doesn't really as you can activate using the Act Fast code
DeleteDoes H2O allow tethering ? Thanks for all you do for the prepaid wireless community !
ReplyDeleteH2O's Terms Of Service prohibit tethering.
Deleteplease update article to include this tethering info. Are people able to tether at all eventhough its prohibited? in other words, if I bring a BYOD phone which will tether, will it work anyway, or do they somehow block it?
DeleteWith any carrier that are some phones that can tether even though the carrier prohibits it. I have not heard of anyone getting penalized by H2O for tethering.
DeleteAbysmal and I mean abysmal CS!!!! Includes Skyview and BlackWireless. All Subsidiaries of LOCUS which is H2O
ReplyDeleteHi Dennis,
ReplyDeleteI'm a recent convert from PagePlus and like the service so far. I would like to have a "90 day" auto pay option similar to the Kitty Wireless service for PPC.
H2o offers a 30 day auto-refill but not 90 day.
Do you know of any 90 day auto-pay options available?
Thanx, Boomer
Regarding 411 service, H2O (or AT&T) seems to block access to 1-800-FREE-411. "Number cannot be completed as dialed." Same goes for a couple of international calling card access numbers: 1-888-661-3502 and 1-877-864-3828. I encountered this using H2O's pay-as-you-go plan in the Baltimore area. Might be old news. I found some old posts on HowardForum from 2006 about some companies blocking access to free 411 services.
ReplyDeleteQuestions about call forwarding. This (excellent) profile show that call forwarding is a billed service on PAYG. Is it 1 minute ($0.05) per call that's deducted? Same for CCF? And for CCF, which message does the caller hear if the call is not answered at all--the H2O line's or the number that the call is being forwarded to? Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteForwarded calls, including CCF, are charged the same as non-forwarded calls - 5¢/min on PAYGO.
DeleteIf a forwarded call is not answered it will go to the target number's voicemail or forwarding target if one is set up, otherwise it will ring unanswered.
Thank you for the reply, Dennis. Would I be billed 5¢/min, or a flat 5¢ (one minute?) In other words, if I'm not answering on my H2O phone, would they still know how long the call was and bill me accordingly?
Delete5¢ for every minute the forwarded call lasts.
DeleteI just started the H2O pay-as-you-go service with a Nokia 635 with a newly assigned number. I'm getting calls and texts from numbers not in my contacts. I have not setup voicemail yet so I don't get charged for the calls if I don't answer but I still get charged for the texts. I can block individual numbers but have not found a way to block ALL calls/texts from any number NOT in my contacts. Do you know of any such solution for Nokia/Windowsphone?
ReplyDeleteNo. Just ask H20 for a new phone number.
DeleteGetting a new number is the best solution. Or if you are only getting calls and texts from a few regular people (not telemarketers or bill collectors) maybe telling the callers and replying to the texters that that they have the wrong number.
DeleteEven if you find an app that will block the calls and texts, you will still be charged for texts sent to your number.
Is there any way to block ALL texts (not using smartphone)?
ReplyDeleteYou could ask H2O to disable texting on your account. I don't know if they can or will do it however.
DeleteI just called customer service for a block on all SMS and they put it in place after a quick check of my security profile. I have not tested it yet though.
DeleteHi! I have been on $30 a month unlimited plan but I have problems with unconditional call forwarding, which doesn't work. Can I anyway enable unconditional call forwarding with change of plan? Any help would be appreciated.
ReplyDeleteIn the overview section the phone # is incorrect.
ReplyDeleteThe correct one is 1-800-643-4926
Also, I can't get my mms to work on my unlocked AT&T branded Nokia Lumia 635. The 4G LTE smart SIM didn't configure anything so I tried the manual configuration page at the H20 website. I've also called H20 twice and the agents game the same settings as the website.
Website says/Agent said
MMS APN: Prodata/PRODATA
Username: none/leave blank
Password: none/leave blank
Proxy Address: proxy.mobile.att.net/same
MMSC Address: HomePage Address/http://mmsc.mobile.att.net
Proxy port: 80/same
Now my phone has the following blanks/options
APN
User name
Password
Authentication type: Cannot change if username is blank, PAP/CHAP if username is written
WAP gateway (URL)
WAP gateway port
MMSC (URL)
MMSC port
Maximum MMS size
IP type: 3 options are available - IPv4, IPv6, IPv4v6
APN and MMSC should never be blank,
DeleteI believe the correct values under Settings > Cellular > MMS APN should be:
APN - PRODATA
WAP Gateway: proxy.mobile.att.net
WAP Gateway Port: 80
MMSC - http://mmsc.mobile.att.net
MMSC port - 80
Everything else should be left at its default value
You can also try 66.209.11.33 or 66.209.11.32 in WAP Gateway.
Thanks for the phone number correction.
MMS still doesn't work for me, maybe my internet APN is wrong?
DeleteWhen APN settings are erased and set to default everything is blank except for authentication which is set to PAP by default.
APN
User name
Password
Authentication type
Proxy Server (URL)
Proxy Port
For MMS APN - everything is blank except for authentication is set to PAP, and IP type is set to IPv4v6 when settings are erased and set to default.
Everytime I changed the settings, I erased previous settings and rebooted phone after erasing and after new settings where applied.
If the browser works with WiFi off, the Internet APN settings are OK.
Delete"It's relatively easy to get iPhone data working using the configuration tool at www.unlockit.co.nz. Enabling MMS requires manual configuration using the "SIM swap" method..."
ReplyDeleteCan someone please explain this in more detail. I tried the configuration tool at www.unlockit.co.nz and still can't get MMS to work on the iPhone.
unlockit.co.nz can only enable data not MMS.
DeleteFor MMS you need to jailbreak, install "APN Editing" from Cydia and enter the data settings in the post. If you are running iOS 6 or earlier you can use the "SIM Swap Method" without jailbreaking.
Update, the SIM Swap method works with iOS 7 but not 7.1 or later.
DeleteTypo to correct in the chart for the new $65/month plan, which is of course $65/month, not $60/month. You should mention the 10% AutoPay discount for anonymous plans. Also, I checked my wife's iPhone 6 and she gets VoLTE?!?
ReplyDeleteAnyone knows what is the SKU_ID for this carrier?
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know only individual products like a phone or an airtime card have SKU IDs, not entire companies like H2O.
Deleteh2o wireless has a Feature Card ($5 and $10 Denominations) that is a add-on that you can purchase to compliment your existing monthly plan. Things to know:You must have a valid h2o wireless number that is registered under a Monthly Unlimited plan or a $25 Pay-As-You-Go Plan with a positive account balance. Also the data and international text and picture messaging on your Feature Card will be activated after you use ALL of your existing features. International MMS & Text 10 cents/msg & Data 2 cents/MB.
ReplyDeleteCan the feature card be used for international talk credit?
ReplyDeleteH20 customer service was able to convert my feature card balance over to international talk credit balance. It turns out prepaid H20 cards don't add money to the international balance. Only to add money to the international balance is by calling H20 customer support and telling them. Exact same steps as paying for a family plan.
Deletei mistakenly recharged my h20 phone for 3 times and it charged me around 93$ so can i get my rest of 60$ as refund?
ReplyDeleteYou could ask but prepaid airtime is generally considered non-refunable. The good news is you don't have to recharge again for 3 months.
Deletedoes unused minutes etc. rollover with paygo on h2o.. or is it lost as monthly access fee?
ReplyDeleteUnused pay as you go balances roll over as long as a top up is made at least every 90 days. There's no access fee.
Deletewill a new unactivated att gophone work right out of the box with a h2o sim card & activation? or just the regular att phones?? (and can you get wiif only data with such a phone on pay go for mostly talk n text??? thanks...
ReplyDeleteA new unactivated GoPhone will work on H2O.
DeleteWiFi works on any carrier or even with no cellular service at all.
Good to know... really appreciate Dennis taking the time to read the individual comments and making the effort to often reply...
Deletesharing his knowledge and INFORMED info to help his readers (.whatever their tech or usage level ) make more educated decisions.. & saving us some BUCKS too!
as the deal of the week & articles do consistently....
think about sharing his link to support his site with a few more increased hits?
Dennis any idea what the shelf life of H2O PIN refills is, before the refill purchase expires (if not applied to an account?) T-Mobile cards, as an example need to be applied 90 days from activation/purchase. Thanks, as always.
ReplyDeleteHas H20 changed the terms of their pay as you go plans? The fine print at https://www.h2owirelessnow.com/mainControl.php?page=planMin now states: "Unused balance does not roll over." This has not been my experience in the past. In other words, if I top up $10 with 90 days expiration, will any unused balance still in my account expire at the end of the previous expiration date. Many thanks in advance for your answer.
ReplyDeleteI cannot get data to work on my iPhone 5 running iOS 9 beta. No help from h2o CS. Have installed new profiles. I am on a pay as you go plan. Do I need to go back to ios8?
ReplyDeleteI woull, a Beta is by definition unfinished and possibly buggy.
DeleteCan I use H20 wireless phones abroad with a sim abroad
ReplyDeleteIf your phone is unlocked if will accept a foreign SIM. It also needs to support the international bands (GSM 900 amd 1800 and for 3G UMTS 2100)
DeleteMy data doesn't work anymore! How can I fix it? I am on the pay as you go.
ReplyDeleteDid you use up your balance? If that's not it, turn your phone off and on. If that doesn't fix it the problem is probably on H2O's end and you will have to contact them.
DeleteI noticed that Amazon is selling at least four H2O SIM and BLU phone bundles in an interesting marketing move. The $53 BLU Advance 4.0L includes $10 paygo airtime is the lowest priced. Top priced bundle is the BLU Studio Mini LTE for $91.
ReplyDeleteI am planning to conver to h2o, will this support the 6 digit messages example bank messages....?
ReplyDeleteI haven't see any recent reports of short codes not working on H2O.
DeleteI'm helping a current customer transition from a micro SIM phone to a nano SIM. Is activating the new SIM against their number/account just as easy as buying a smart SIM and sticking it in the new phone or is it done online?
ReplyDeleteH2O quietly reduced the size of the rollover data bucket to 5 GB when they changed the monthly plan data allotments on July 1.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.h2owirelessnow.com/mainControl.php?page=rolloverData
Thanks, I've updated the post.
DeleteTheir terms and conditions still say 10GB though. maybe they just have not changed that still...
Deletehttps://www.h2owirelessnow.com/mainControl.php?page=Tc
say I order a sim thru amazon for 1 cent, then want to join 'monthly unlimited' $40 plan with auto-recharge, is there a way to do that? I am asking since on the h2o site when you choose monthly unlimited, it will automatically add the "free" sim to the cart and will then charge shipping (i think about $10).
ReplyDeleteI've never used H2O and their online activation form seems to have disappeared.
DeleteYou should be able to activate by calling 800-643-4926 or using the Chat button on the H2O homepage. During activation you will be asked for your SIM ID and an H2O airtime PIN (which you can get from Callingmart.com) or a credit/debit card number to pay for for the first month or set up autopay.
Thanks
DeleteThe Activation forms are under the Services button at the top of H2O's web page. You have to register an account first -- just name, email, and alternate phone -- then you'll see the forms to enter the SIM, funding method, plan, etc.
DeleteH2O is adding an extra 1 GB per month for three months to new monthly plan activations between 11/1/2016 – 1/31/2017. The $35 plan is no longer listed.
ReplyDeleteWhat is going on with H2OWireless? Their promotional plan expires tomorrow. The website says nothing.
ReplyDeleteTypo in the $35 plan row. The price should be $35/30 days.
ReplyDeleteCorrected, thanks.
DeleteDoes H2O Wireless provide calling over WIFI similar to most of the big cell carriers so that if the cellular signal is not great inside the house it will use the house wifi to make the call?
ReplyDeleteNo, none of the AT&T MVNOs offer WiFi calling.
Delete
ReplyDeleteGet ready to lose your phone number if you want to transfer to other carrier, they takes forever to reach the port out department to get the act #. Suck service
Good Day Valued Customer,
Thank you for contacting H20 Wireless customer service and for being a valuable and loyal customer.
Effective November 13th, all requests for account numbers will be processed by calling 1-800-562-3229 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EST.
Our process and operations have changed in efforts to best assist all of our customers; we apologize for any inconvenience.
Regards,
Customer Relations Department
P: (800) 643-4926
Locus Telecommunications, LLC.
Hours of Operation: 9:00am - 12:00am EST.
www.h2owirelessnow.com
Tracy, I am having lot of trouble with porting two numbers out of H2O but H2O is not giving account number/PIN via chat on phone and no one picks up the port out 800 number. Any ideas? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteFirst try contacting H20 on social media:
DeleteMessage them on Facebook h2o Wireless - Home
or DM or @message @h2oWireless on Twitter
or private message View Profile: h2owireless on HowardForums
If you don't get help using social media, file an FCC Complaint
Thanks, Dennis, for your reply. I will try these.
DeleteH2O is running a half price, double data (mostly) for one month promotion on plans with new activations through the end of March. Lots of fine print, so visit their website for more info.
ReplyDeleteNew plans: https://www.h2owirelessnow.com/mainControl.php?page=planMonth
ReplyDelete1Promotion req’s new svc line or ported number and activation of one (1) h2o® Wireless $20, $35, or $40 Monthly Unlimited Plan between 12/1/2017 – 7/31/18 (Eligible Plan) to be eligible to receive free 4G LTE data (Bonus Data). No code req’d. Fees, charges, & restr’s apply. After initial recharge the data allotments are reverted back to the following: 500MB for $20 plan; 3GB for $35 plan; 6GB for $40 plan for subsequent plan cycles.
DeleteH2O Wireless is running a promotion on Data offering until Aug 31st, 2019. The $20 Plan offers 1GB at 4G LTE Speed, the $30 offers 6GB at 4G LTE Speed, and the $40 Plan offers 8GB at 4G LTE Speed. This applies to new customers with new phone numbers or porting their numbers from another service to H2O. The Data offer will be valid for 3 consecutive months with refills, and the activation must complete by August 31, 2019. Thank you, Vue Communication, H2O Wireless Master Agent.
ReplyDeleteUpdate: H2O Wireless is running a promotion on Data offering until Dec 31st, 2019. The $20 Plan offers 1GB at 4G LTE Speed, the $30 offers 6GB at 4G LTE Speed, and the $40 Plan offers 8GB at 4G LTE Speed. This applies to new customers with new phone numbers or porting their numbers from another service to H2O. The Data offer will be valid for 3 consecutive months with refills, and the activation must complete by Dec 31, 2019. Thank you, Vue Communication, H2O Wireless Master Agent.
ReplyDelete