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I’m looking for a good used AT&T Android phone to use with their GoPhone prepaid service. I wanted to “sideload” APKs. Basically, I want to install Android apps from places other than the Android Market.  AT&T previously had a block on that feature, but immediately after the Amazon Appstore came out, they said they were removing the block. I couldn’t find out if AT&T had allowed sideloading on the Sony Xperia Play.  So I got in a (relatively) long and painful chat to get an answer.

Amy [CENSORED]: Thank you for contacting att chat. I understand you have questions regarding sideloading applications?
Andrew LD: Yes
Amy [CENSORED]: I apologize for any frustration and inconvenience. I will be more then happy to help you. I appreciate your business and patience. One moment while I access your account.
Andrew LD: I don’t have the phone right now. I just have a question about a phone I may buy.
Amy [CENSORED]: I understand.
Amy [CENSORED]: You do have the capability of sideloading music and pictures.
Amy [CENSORED]: Applications we cannot guarantee as not all applications work with all phones.
Andrew LD: OK, I understand an app may not work with the phone. But will AT&T allow it to be installed at all?
Andrew LD: From a source besides the Android Market.
Amy [CENSORED]: If it is in compatible format yes it will. You will also have the option of using the Amazon app store as well.
Andrew LD: Okay, so you allow it. Thanks!

So there you have it. She dodged and weaved as best she could, but I wriggled an answer out of her! The Xperia Play on AT&T allows you to sideload APK files.

Republic Wireless’s teaser page looks interesting. $20/month unlimited cell phone plan? Sounds good, but they aren’t saying what phones are available. However, there may be a hint. The first image on the site are two hand assembling an Android phone. You can barely make out a 3.2 MP camera sensor. A bit of Googling reveals that the phone is the LG Optimus V or S. The V is on Virgin Mobile, and the S is on Sprint. The phone is old, with a 600 MHz processor in a sea of 1+ GHz competitors. On top of that, the phone runs Android 2.2, while other phones run 2.3 or 4.0. If this is their only phone at launch, I will be very disappointed.

Update: Yep, it’s the Optimus! Check out their site at republicwireless.com!