Can it be used worldwide? - 8525, TyTN, MDA Vario II, JasJam General

Hi!Can i use an unlocked hermes,(apart from the tytn),in any country round the world?Anybody tried doing so??Thanks!

No mobile works in every country around the world.

I think that answer is a bit terse. A quad-band phone like the Hermes can be used in virtually any country. Take a look here, and you'll see that with the 850, 900, 1800 & 1900 MHz bands covered there's not many countries you can't get a signal in.
http://www.coveragemaps.com/gsmposter_freqbands.htm
I'm not familiar with Japanese requirements, but while it stands out as having a different set of requirements, I'm reasonably sure the Hermes works there too.
Testing it out in every single country could be a bit of a large proposition though.

totallytechie said:
I think that answer is a bit terse. A quad-band phone like the Hermes can be used in virtually any country. Take a look here, and you'll see that with the 850, 900, 1800 & 1900 MHz bands covered there's not many countries you can't get a signal in.
http://www.coveragemaps.com/gsmposter_freqbands.htm
I'm not familiar with Japanese requirements, but while it stands out as having a different set of requirements, I'm reasonably sure the Hermes works there too.
Testing it out in every single country could be a bit of a large proposition though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So add the countries with 850/1900/2100 UMTS to the GSM list, and you'll have a comprehensive list... and yes, Japan uses 2100 UMTS, so you can add that one, too.

That just leaves the wierd 1700 spectrum .. wonder if any country is running that ..

gravejoker said:
That just leaves the wierd 1700 spectrum .. wonder if any country is running that ..
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Click to collapse
Not yet and probably not for a few years...

So in short,if i unlock the device,i may be able to use its phone capabilities on any carrier in the whole world,provided the carrier uses one of the 4 bands for communicating.The carrier may be anyone apart from the tmobile,o2,orange,cingular,vodafone?!

Yes ... you can use an unlocked TyTN on any carrier in the world that has one of the 7 bands that TyTN supports (4 GSM + 3 UMTS) ..

Ok thanks...the reason behind that question is that i'm going to Mauritius(a lost island situated in the indian ocean, beside reunion island) for a few weeks..And i wanted to be sure that my unlocked m3100 would work perfectly there...Anyway, thanks for ypur kind support..

Ahha .. Mauritius .. You are lucky my friend .. what a beautiful place from what I have heard .. enjoy your trip ..

Thanks,mauritius,the paradise on earth,here i come!

Thanks,mauritius,the paradise on earth,here i come!

gravejoker said:
That just leaves the wierd 1700 spectrum .. wonder if any country is running that ..
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Click to collapse
goestoeleven said:
Not yet and probably not for a few years...
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Click to collapse
Update: At the end of Nov 2006 T-Mobile won FCC auctions in 120 US markets for spectrum licenses in the 2100 and 1700 frequency bands. It is reported they will start rolling out service during 2007 (Sources: T-Mobile US Press Releases and Wikipedia). So the answer now appears to be, yes, the 1700 spectrum will be used extensively by T-Mobile USA.
I am not personally aware of any HTC phones which support 1700 yet. I am no engineer, but my assumption is that this could not be done through software upgrades on any existing devices. I imagine it will require different radio hardware. Clarification from the experts on this forum would be much appreciated.

Just a note of caution I've tried to use an unlocked VPA compact III in Barbados on the Bmobile network, but I can't geta signal. If I use a vodafone card I manage to get a signal, so I'm not sure all carriers support this phone.

flamingcrumb said:
I am not personally aware of any HTC phones which support 1700 yet. I am no engineer, but my assumption is that this could not be done through software upgrades on any existing devices. I imagine it will require different radio hardware. Clarification from the experts on this forum would be much appreciated.
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Click to collapse
Yes, a software upgrade cannot physically synthesize circuitry to support the 1700Mhz frequency channel.
Looking at the hermes architecture, their LNA's have just enough frequency coverage to support the 7 bands. So the answer is a concrete no in re: 1700MHz.
It is possible to deisgn an LNA with a larger bandwidth, for example, to cover frequencies from 1500MHZ to 2300MHZ configurable via MEMS capacitors and inductors (I have a PhD student working on this atm, but he is facing the problem of keeping up the gain as well as linearity of the amplifier). Motivation for this: the fewer LNA's the less power a device will consuming yielding greater battery life.
HTC maybe should think about hardware re-configurability as well, but then again, they would like to make their devices obselete ASAP.

NO, you cannot use it worldwide
I could not receive a signal in Brazil with my 8525. Others reported the same problem with the Samsung Blackjack. Cingular has not provided a solution to our problem.
I hope the band select hack that I found on this great XDA forum will let me use my unlocked 8525 in Brazil next time I go in March.
Australia, if I recall, was also a problem for a Blackjack user. See the Blackjack thread on the Cingular forum for details on our tribulations.
Rgds
Ben

I have used my TyTN in the USA, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Philippines and Hong Kong all with no problems. All locations outside the USA were with pre-paid local SIM cards (except Japan and Taiwan, which were roaming on Cingular).
Are the people having problems using a Cingular SIM (and roaming), or using a local pre-paid card?

I got full coverage in the Geylang District in Singapore. full bars.

Am I right to understand that an 8525 purchased from Cingular is locked to Cingular and in order to use in another country it would need to be unlocked prior to inserting another sim card? Would I simply ask Cingular to provide the unlock code for such use?

I'm having a Problem using a local pre-paid SIM card in Barbados, if I Roam on Vodafone which is my original carrier then it's no problem at all

Related

X1a in Other Countries

Hello everyone,
This is my first post. Anyways, I have searched the forum, for this answer, but could not find it.
I understand that the X1a will be best in the US, as I understand it, because the network I will be on, AT&T, will be expanding their network to the 850MHz band. OK, well what I need to know is what kind of connectivity I should be expecting outside the US.
My new extended international family is all over the world. I don't travel real often right now, but I will be traveling more frequently over the next few years.
As I understand it, in the major cities in the US, the X1i will do fine on AT&T, as they have 3G on 1900MHz, but again, only in the big cities. This would be fine with me, I just don't want to be screwed as I move beyond the cities when traveling in the US.
So, for my situation, what is recommended? I fully understand the differences between the models, I am just not as familiar with the networks across the world.
Thanks,
-Steve
You should be able to get GSM reception world wide (quad band GSM) on either phone.
If you want 3G reception in the US go for the X1a, it also has UMTS2100, so you will be able to get 3G reception in many other parts of the world too.
buzz83 said:
You should be able to get GSM reception world wide (quad band GSM) on either phone.
If you want 3G reception in the US go for the X1a, it also has UMTS2100, so you will be able to get 3G reception in many other parts of the world too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that a garaunteed 3G Freq in the rest of the world? Can you give examples of where it would be used? or is it like 1900 in the US, where only major cities will broadcast on that Freq?
bluespire said:
Is that a garaunteed 3G Freq in the rest of the world? Can you give examples of where it would be used? or is it like 1900 in the US, where only major cities will broadcast on that Freq?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't problems with my SEX1 on Russia (my country) 3G, EDGE, GPRS, and in Europe (UK, Germany, France)
AlexDem said:
I haven't problems with my SEX1 on Russia (my country) 3G, EDGE, GPRS, and in Europe (UK, Germany, France)
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Click to collapse
Do you have the X1a or X1i? My question is specifically about the X1a Freqs.
bluespire said:
Do you have the X1a or X1i? My question is specifically about the X1a Freqs.
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Click to collapse
Oops, sorry, my official russian SEX1 exactly X1i
But I think difference between X1a and X1i only in ROM, you can change it to worldwide edition.
AlexDem said:
Oops, sorry, my official russian SEX1 exactly X1i
But I think difference between X1a and X1i only in ROM, you can change it to worldwide edition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know for a fact that what you just said is wrong, there is a hardware difference. Specifically, the radios are different.
bluespire said:
I know for a fact that what you just said is wrong, there is a hardware difference. Specifically, the radios are different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I can't catch a problem.
You can compare spec from Russian and US official SE sites
http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/products/mobilephones/specifications/x1?lc=en&cc=us
http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/products/mobilephones/specifications/x1?lc=ru&cc=ru
Networks / Поддерживаемые стандарты
No difference
AlexDem said:
Sorry, I can't catch a problem.
You can compare spec from Russian and US official SE sites
http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/products/mobilephones/specifications/x1?lc=en&cc=us
http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/products/mobilephones/specifications/x1?lc=ru&cc=ru
Networks / Поддерживаемые стандарты
No difference
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Click to collapse
The English version you linked to is indeed the X1i (900MHz), and not the X1a (850MHz).
Bump!!
Please, read my OP and let me know what you think.
Sorry to keeps asking this, but I really need a satisfactory answer before I choose which one to buy.
bluespire said:
My new extended international family is all over the world. I don't travel real often right now....
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Click to collapse
I recently purchased an additional Xperia, an X1i, to test 1900 MHz 3G proliferation in my part of the world.
In most of the area that I live, work and travel, the X1a got a perfect 3G signal and the X1i would only get EDGE. The only place the X1i picked up a truly usable "H" signal was in DC itself. As soon as I got outside the DC metro area, the phone would start using EDGE. Even if it showed an "H" it would immediately move to EDGE when I started to make a voice call or when I started to use data.
I do not think that most users of the Xperia are going to be happy unless they have an X1a. If you live in a metro 1900 MHz area that was developed in part of the older AT&T 3G rollout and you will seldom leave that metro area, then perhaps the X1i will work for you. Otherwise, I think you should spend the extra money for the X1a.
As for your overseas travel, perhaps people could be of a little more use to you if you could tell us what countries or major metro areas you'll be travelling in.
Most of Europe is using the 2100 MHz WCDMA frequency, if that helps. Your US edition X1a would work fine on that frequency.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UMTS_frequency_bands <--If you scroll down you will see the UARFCN settings for the UMTS frequencies. If one of your friends overseas can use fieldtest.exe from a Windows Mobile phone, they can check to see what channel they are on. I know the UARFCN will show up in the "3G Neighbour" screen. Cannot remember if it shows up elsewhere.

HTC Magic (Vodafone UK) - Trying to get 3g in the states?

I have just taken a job in the states and brought my phone with me. I was expecting to be able to get 3g when I insert an AT&T or T-Mobile sim card. Unfortauntely the best that the phone seems to be able to get is Edge.
After doing a bit of research it seems that in the US they are using differnt frequencies.
Does anyone know of a fix which would allow my phone to get 3g in the states?
kdrover said:
I have just taken a job in the states and brought my phone with me. I was expecting to be able to get 3g when I insert an AT&T or T-Mobile sim card. Unfortauntely the best that the phone seems to be able to get is Edge.
After doing a bit of research it seems that in the US they are using differnt frequencies.
Does anyone know of a fix which would allow my phone to get 3g in the states?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile are, I think, UMTS 900 / 2100 (perhaps like Vodafone in the UK and elsewhere, which is why we can all use T-Mobile-based rooted HTC ROMs in our phones).
AT&T is UMTS 850 and 1900.
At the moment no phone on earth can do both UMTS 850 *and* UMTS 900. These frequencies are used to provide longer range coverage in low-density service areas - in other words, most city-edge and countryside places.
UMTS 1900, 2100 and other higher numbered frequencies are used in higher-density areas to provide more calling / data capacity, but with the downside of more limited range.
It seems (googling) that AT&T do 850/1900 and T-Mobile do 1700 (as of May '08 sez Wikipedia), though the T-Mobile MyTouch3G does 1700 and 2100....so maybe T-Mobile now do 2100 as well (at least in some places). There doesn't appear to be much, if any overlap on 3G frequencies between carriers and users must be EDGE only on the telco that doesn't match their phone. Everyone does EDGE.
In New Zealand, where I am, one carrier does 850 and the other 900...but they both support 2100....and a 3rd carrier will soon be offering 2100 later this year.....so you do get *some* 3G on just one phone in built up areas where telcos need more capacity and use 2100....but you get nothing in the countryside and have to used EDGE/GPRS.
There are about 7 UMTS frequency bands all up (Wikipedia).....so any single device is going to be seriously challenged to support all those well.....and what telco would want their phones to do that anyway? Frequency incompatibilities prevent their customers from leaving.......which explains why there aren't any phones that do all 7.
linuxluver said:
T-Mobile are, I think, UMTS 900 / 2100 (perhaps like Vodafone in the UK and elsewhere, which is why we can all use T-Mobile-based rooted HTC ROMs in our phones).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If Vodafone (UK) & T-Mobile (US) are using the same UMTS frequencies, does this mean that I should be able to get 3g in the states? I am currently using a T-mobile (US) sim card but the phone is only getting an Edge connection. Maybe I need a ROM update??
maybe your in a area with no 3g coverage?
go to t mobiles website or better yet go here
http://coverage.t-mobile.com/default.aspx?pageType=idealer
and press the data coverage tab....are you in a purple place?
glendawg619 said:
maybe your in a area with no 3g coverage?
go to t mobiles website or better yet go here
http://coverage.t-mobile.com/default.aspx?pageType=idealer
and press the data coverage tab....are you in a purple place?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I checked on the t-mobile site and Tampa, FL appears to be all purple.
Have you checked your settings?
Settings -> Wireless controls -> Mobile networks -> Make sure 2G only is "Un-ticked"
If it doesn't work, maybe you would like to consider selling your one on ebay and buying a Magic {or other handset} from the US

Which Nexus Model for UK O2 use.

Basically as the title suggests........possibly being a bit dim, but would prefer confirmation that I am about to buy the correct/best model for UK use.
There are 2 sim free models, which do I need...?
The 2nd one appears to me to be "The One"
Can someone please confirm this for me.. I am buying today
Presumably you do *not* want to buy the cdma one... You should buy the one that is compatible with the t-mobile network if the UK is the country you're going to be using it in.
peadarog said:
Presumably you do *not* want to buy the cdma one... You should buy the one that is compatible with the t-mobile network if the UK is the country you're going to be using it in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your post is appreciated...thanks
Choose the model that was first released, it works perfect on Orange and O2
nDrg said:
Choose the model that was first released, it works perfect on Orange and O2
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Click to collapse
And T-Mobile UK
If you plan on traveling to North America, the 850/1900 UMTS network here is bigger than the 1700/2100. If you plan on traveling to Asia and I think Australia, there are a few networks that use the 900 band.
It doesn't matter which GSM model you get if you are only counting UK networks.
My query revolves around the google ordering site, both options appear pretty similar...
Initially I thought it was option 2 I needed but now it doesn't really matter, if I understand the replies above. I will mainly be UK based but will be in Europe occasionally.
3G is essential for obvious reasons.
1. Compatible with 3G on T-Mobile (U.S.)
Supports three 3G/UMTS bands (900/AWS/2100 MHz) and four GSM radio frequencies (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
2. Compatible with 3G on AT&T (U.S.) and these wireless providers in Canada.
Supports three 3G/UMTS bands (850/1900/2100 MHz) and four GSM radio frequencies (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
Get the one that as originally released. I have one & am using it on O2 UK & work great. No issues.
JAW$ said:
Get the one that as originally released. I have one & am using it on O2 UK & work great. No issues.
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Argh.....this is my question ?? which one is that from the choice of 2 on the google site.
I have seen you post in a couple of Forums and from what I have read they say get the T-MOBILE version, that is the BEST for T-MOBIL UK O2, that is the first one released,
arimus said:
I have seen you post in a couple of Forums and from what I have read they say get the T-MOBILE version, that is the BEST for T-MOBIL UK O2, that is the first one released,
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Click to collapse
At last.........thanks for being clear and to the point.
Although both versions will work perfectly fine in the UK (all UK carriers use the 2100 UTMS band for 3G), it really depends if you ever plan on using it abroad.
Europe, Asia, Africas and Oceania (everywhere else but Americas basically) you are better off getting the 900/AWS/2100 "US T-Mobile" version as most carriers use 900/2100 band around the world.
Americas (both North and South) you are better with the 850/1900/2100 "US AT&T" version as the majority use the 850/1900 band.
I myself have the 900/AWS/2100 version because most of my usage abroad are either in Europe (France/Italy) or in Asia (Hong Kong/China). You can check the frequency band usage yourself at Wikipedia so you can lookup your favourite carriers if needed.

3G international compatibility

Hi there guys! Now that the phones are finally shipping, can anyone please test the real band compatibility? I want to buy an unlocked G2 and use it here in Italy, but only if I can get at least a fully working 3G connection.
Please fellas, I badly need this info..
Thanks
Neuromansa said:
Hi there guys! Now that the phones are finally shipping, can anyone please test the real band compatibility? I want to buy an unlocked G2 and use it here in Italy, but only if I can get at least a fully working 3G connection.
Please fellas, I badly need this info..
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No such luck chief. The only 3G band on the G2 is AWS. It will only work on carriers like T-Mobile (USA), and Wind (Canada).
The stock Desire Z, however, has HSDPA 900 / 2100 and should work in most non-US countries on 3G, but check your carriers bands first. The downside, Desire Z has 1.5 GB storage, the G2 has 4 GB.
Neuromansa said:
Hi there guys! Now that the phones are finally shipping, can anyone please test the real band compatibility? I want to buy an unlocked G2 and use it here in Italy, but only if I can get at least a fully working 3G connection.
Please fellas, I badly need this info..
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I think you are going to be disappointed. I posted a buzz about this a while back. You can look at page 3 of the test report in the FCC submission. The nutshell summary is that the device will only support Band IV for 3G, or in other words T-Mo US' UMTS 1700. This is unfortunate since I used my unlocked G1 quite a lot overseas, thanks to its UMTS 900/2100.
You'll probably have to go with a Desire Z if you want this device with European radios.
Can't believe it's for real...I mean, the 2-year-old G1 does that...and what about people working overseas?
That's a MAJOR fault from T-Mobile, and it's totally weird to say the least.
Neuromansa said:
and what about people working overseas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps tmo figures that frequent int'l travelers are a small enough percentage of their userbase that omitting the Band I poweramp was worth the cost savings?
Oh, it gets better. I only paid attention to the UMTS bands when I read the report, assuming that any modern smartphone would be a quad-band GSM device. Turns out the G2 is only GSM 850/1900, which means this device is truly unusable in Europe and Asia.
Wait a minute, what GSM bands are used in Asia?
The HTC site says otherwise : http://www.htc.com/us/products/t-mobile-g2#tech-specs
According to T-Mobile and HTC sites specs, the phone is GSM quad band (850, 900, 1800, 1900).
The HTC site says "UMTS: Yes"
Superfrag said:
Wait a minute, what GSM bands are used in Asia?
The HTC site says otherwise : http://www.htc.com/us/products/t-mobile-g2#tech-specs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Europe and Asia are GSM 900/1800, generally. What is interesting is that the HTC page claims the G2 is quadband, but the FCC testing documents don't show any 900/1800 data at all. The phone cannot legally operate in the U.S. in that band unless testing data has been submitted to the FCC. I'm wondering if HTC marketing just c&p from the Desire Z specs and forgot to edit the GSM infos. We'll see soon enough I suppose.
it doesn't make sense why they would release a phone that wasnt quad band. it must be a mistake. it is like power seats on a luxury car. it's just there lol.
So a unlocked G2 could be used on WINDs network here in Canada (because they use the same frequency), can some one confirm this please
PremiumReview said:
So a unlocked G2 could be used on WINDs network here in Canada (because they use the same frequency), can some one confirm this please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wind uses AWS (UMTS Band IV)... So, yes. But if they do not have HSPA+ enhancements you won't get the famed and promised super speed. The phone should be able to be used on USA (T-Mobile, Cincinnati Bell Wireless), Canada (WIND Mobile, Mobilicity, Videotron)
Based on the G1 test reports...
... the bands listed in the FCC test reports are not at all definitive.
I pulled the FCC exhibits for the G1 and they listed:
GSM 850
GSM 1900
WCDMA Band IV
(plus 802.11 etc)
In other words, no Band I.
However, I've been successfully using my G1 on 3G in both Europe and Asia for over a year now, so it actually has Band I.
I suspect the FCC tests only cover the frequencies that the device is going to be used on *in the US*. Frequencies the device may or may not be capable of using outside the US just aren't relevant.
That being said, the more significant detail is that the T-mobile site lists the G2 as only having Band IV, even though it lists the Vibrant as having Bands I and IV. Looking at other phones, it seems that T-mobile isn't terribly consistent in how they list their frequencies, but that's a (relatively) slim thread to hang onto.
crr127 said:
it doesn't make sense why they would release a phone that wasnt quad band. it must be a mistake. it is like power seats on a luxury car. it's just there lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is quad-band -- for GSM -- as all (most?) modern non-CDMA phones (and some of those) are. But the OP question is about 3G.
ravi_n said:
I suspect the FCC tests only cover the frequencies that the device is going to be used on *in the US*. Frequencies the device may or may not be capable of using outside the US just aren't relevant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good sleuthing. I didn't consider this possibility.
That being said, the more significant detail is that the T-mobile site lists the G2 as only having Band IV, even though it lists the Vibrant as having Bands I and IV. Looking at other phones, it seems that T-mobile isn't terribly consistent in how they list their frequencies, but that's a (relatively) slim thread to hang onto.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't put it past T-mo to have just messed up the detail.
I suppose the easiest way to determine would be for someone with an unlocked G2 (or even a locked unit) to take it to Europe or Asia and see if the system status shows UMTS signal or not.
Unlocked G2 Australian user
Hey Guys,
I actually received my G2 a few days ago. Yesterday i purchased an unlock code and entered this in to the phone which it advised was accepted.
The device then rebooted, however once the system loaded i noticed my signal bar had an "x" through it.
Browsed to Network Operators and tried selecting to search for networks and also to select automatically. Both of these selections returned an error "error searching for network" or every second try it would say "unable to connect to network".
I tried a factory reset of my phone but still the same issue.
I tried dialing *#*#4636#*#* which opens a testing screen. I noticed on this screen i can see i have a signal of -85 dBm which is similar to on my galaxy s.
Tried playing with the settings on this screen, i had the option to select network band to which i alternated between all options including auto and AUS, AUS2.
I can confirm this is a Vodafone simcard and it works perfectly in other phones.
I tried a Telstra, 3 and a friends Vodafone simacard all of which produced the same error.
I noticed there are several Australian sites selling unlocked Tmobile G2's.
At this point i would like to try flashing the stock rom on again however i am not sure on the button combo to access the recovery screen.
Last thing to note is yes i have spoke with Vodafone, HTC AU and HTC US, none of the techs were able to help me. =(
TheRiceKing said:
I tried dialing *#*#4636#*#* which opens a testing screen. I noticed on this screen i can see i have a signal of -85 dBm which is similar to on my galaxy s.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What was the network type when you saw the -85 dBm signal?
jashsu said:
What was the network type when you saw the -85 dBm signal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just checked right now and it says,
Signal stregth -91dBm 11 asu
Under Network Type it says unkown CID is also unkown.
Would a G2 work on Softbank (Japanese Carrier) They use the 2100 band IV I believe. I know my T-Mobile Nexus One worked fine on there 3G.
I could care less if the HSPA+ worked just 3G would be fine.
Okawa said:
Would a G2 work on Softbank (Japanese Carrier) They use the 2100 band IV I believe. I know my T-Mobile Nexus One worked fine on there 3G.
I could care less if the HSPA+ worked just 3G would be fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Band IV is commonly referred to as AWS 1700. From the gsmworld entry, it looks like Softbank is running on Band I ("UMTS 2100"). The G1 and Nexus One both had UMTS 900 & UMTS 2100 (the global bands) in addition to T-Mo specific AWS 1700. We're trying to determine if the G2 also has 900&2100 radios, but right now it's not looking very good.

Unlocking Dell Venue Pro?

Hi!
I'm planning to visit the US and want to pick myself a DVP Unlocked for $499(16GB).
I spoke to a Dell rep who basically told me that when you buy a contract free DVP , it will still be locked to T-mobile.
I'm wondering if T-mobile will provide an unlock for it as I plan to use it in Sweden.
If they don't, has anyone tried the alternative unlock websites that exist on the internet? Are they a scam?
They are probably a scam or just a template for now. Someone will probably call T-Mobile for it when they get it, then post the code for us here
I'm in the same boat as you are and BTW already ordered the phone as I'm pretty sure I'll be able to unlock it.
Not sure if the websites are all scam, there are also posts here of people who actually used them in the past. But let's say that if we can get the unlock code for free from T-mobile it will be best.
From my understanding the unlock code is unique per handset based on the IMEI number, so don't expect anyone posting an unlock code. However, look on the T-mobile web site for their SIM FREE Policy.
When you buy the phone for full price, it makes you actually a "former customer" for T-Mobile as you do not have any contract with them anymore so they should have no problem giving you the unlock code. I also think that legally they need to do it.
Kotlicki said:
I'm in the same boat as you are and BTW already ordered the phone as I'm pretty sure I'll be able to unlock it.
Not sure if the websites are all scam, there are also posts here of people who actually used them in the past. But let's say that if we can get the unlock code for free from T-mobile it will be best.
From my understanding the unlock code is unique per handset based on the IMEI number, so don't expect anyone posting an unlock code. However, look on the T-mobile web site for their SIM FREE Policy.
When you buy the phone for full price, it makes you actually a "former customer" for T-Mobile as you do not have any contract with them anymore so they should have no problem giving you the unlock code. I also think that legally they need to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please PM me once you get it, and tell me how it went.
Anyone else knows the shipping times for within the US? I have until Jan 11.
is the $499 version unlocked?
The 2 units I used, both were unlocked.
these were the 8 gig 449 ones
Canadian here: I spoke to T-Mobile yesterday. They are currently unable to unlock the phone, even if purchased outright. They suggested contacting Dell.
Called Dell america (dell canada is clueless) and they will not be giving unlock codes for a while at least.
expected release in canada is hopefully before the end of the 'holliday season' according to one of the reps.
I work for T-Mobile USA. They WILL NOT UNLOCK the device unless you have service for longer than 90 days. It is manadtory to have T-Mobile service before asking for an unlock , also you need to have the phone you want unlocked on T-Mobile service for that 90 days
eyan15 said:
The 2 units I used, both were unlocked.
these were the 8 gig 449 ones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They were the ones sold in stores. The ones sold by Dell are locked.
michael871410 said:
I work for T-Mobile USA. They WILL NOT UNLOCK the device unless you have service for longer than 90 days. It is manadtory to have T-Mobile service before asking for an unlock , also you need to have the phone you want unlocked on T-Mobile service for that 90 days
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Since you work for T-Mobile, are you aware of the issues with activating this phone through the Dell site? Is T-Mobile acknowledging that the problem is on its end, or is it a problem on Dell's side?
What does it matter if you have the unlock code or not? The phone only has T-mobile radio bands for UMTS.
I think it has 2100 (for Europe/Asia) also.
tai4de2 said:
I think it has 2100 (for Europe/Asia) also.
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Click to collapse
I don't believe that will work as the 2100 radio is set up for AWS.
American AWS UMTS phone radios are set up to transmit signal in "2100" (2110-2155)Mhz range and receive signal in the "1700" (1710-1755)MHz range.
While EU UMTS "2100" phone radios are set up to receive signal in "2100"(2110-2170)Mhz, and transmit signal in "1900" (1920-1980)MHz range.
Actually since the Venue Pro has UMTS 900 support that should indicate the unit has been configured for at least some Asia and European UMTS support. UMTS 900 is not a American UMTS band.
sureloch said:
I don't believe that will work as the 2100 radio is set up for AWS.
American AWS UMTS phone radios are set up to transmit signal in "2100" (2110-2155)Mhz range and receive signal in the "1700" (1710-1755)MHz range.
While EU UMTS "2100" phone radios are set up to receive signal in "2100"(2110-2170)Mhz, and transmit signal in "1900" (1920-1980)MHz range.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But according to Lionel's blog post stated that the phone spec
Bands/Mode: UMTS 900/1700/2100/AWS
Would it means that is a dual band UMTS support for AWS and Band I 2100Mhz?
My guessing only...
Will wait til Jan 11th and buy it from either Clove or Expansys.
Although I could have saved a couple of dollars on buying it in the us
A couple of dollars? The 8GB DVP is $450 in the US and £440 in The UK, that's a massive difference. Someone will figure out how to unlock it I'm sure.
Peew971 said:
A couple of dollars? The 8GB DVP is $450 in the US and £440 in The UK, that's a massive difference. Someone will figure out how to unlock it I'm sure.
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Wow - that's a massive difference . Hope Orange UK stock it for my upgrade then !
sureloch said:
I don't believe that will work as the 2100 radio is set up for AWS.
American AWS UMTS phone radios are set up to transmit signal in "2100" (2110-2155)Mhz range and receive signal in the "1700" (1710-1755)MHz range.
While EU UMTS "2100" phone radios are set up to receive signal in "2100"(2110-2170)Mhz, and transmit signal in "1900" (1920-1980)MHz range.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have got it backwards. Both AWS and EU 2100 UMTS use 2100 MHz for download; they just use different frequencies for upload. See the table here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UMTS_frequency_bands
The more recent posts are correct. The facts are these:
1. When a phone's specs list "UMTS xxxx" (850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100, etc.) it generally isn't a listing of the exact frequecies, but rather the 3G "bands" that are supported. Thus a European phone that lists "UMTS 900/2100" actually supports 3G downloads in the 1920-1980 MHz range, since that is part of Band I or "UMTS 2100".
2. The WHOLE POINT of AWS in North America is to make it super-easy for manufacturers to support the European and Asian UMTS 2100, by using largely overlapping download frequencies. PhoneScoop has a good article on this: http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=99&p=1493. For this reason, you will rarely or never see an AWS phone that doesn't also support 3G in Europe.
3. Even if surelock and others were correct in their mistaken info that AWS transmits on 2100, that wouldn't make it impossible to support both. Many "3G world phones" for AT&T and Rogers support UMTS 850/1900/2100. 1900 is the PCS band, and it receives on 1930-1990, while Band I (or 2100) transmits on 1920-1980, which overlaps. These phones have radios that can switch between transmitting and receiving on overlapping frequencies. You'll just rarely see these two types of networks operating on the same continent.
In closing:
The Dell Venue Pro supports one North American 3G band (UMTS 1700 or "AWS") and two European/Asian 3G bands (UMTS 900 and UMTS 2100).
Thank you for clarifying. As far as I know all the releases WP7 can be unlocked one way or another so it will only be a matter of time until we can unlock the DVP. A Dell Venue Pro 16GB bought in the US would be over £50 cheaper to get than a 8GB one bought in the UK. If you have means of importing one that's a no brainer.

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