Database Users

Being Deployed to Germany - Can I Keep US T-Mobile Plan?

Hey guys,
So I'm being deployed to Germany for 2 years, and I would like to know if I can keep my US T-Mobile service and use it over there. The dude at T-Mobile said that my G1 will not work in germany. He said I would have to get a new, German G1 and get a new service plan with the provider over there.
My phone is currently rooted and I use Cyanogen's roms. I have no idea who the provider is over there.
Guessing I would be roaming?
G1 not a world phone?
Would tethering still work?
Any information or help is greatly appreciated. I leave next Tuesday and need to get things squared away before I go.
Thanks!
EDIT: Maybe this needs to be moved to Q&A, my bad. If so, mod please move it. Sorry

lol the provider over there is T-Mobile.... they're a german company
as for the phone I think (but not 100%) it will work.
Your plan is with T-Mobile US and thus you will be in roaming when in Germany, will cost you a heck of a lot of money, would be cheaper to cancel it maybe?

T-Mobile originated in Germany.
A quick google search shows that T-Mobile 3G operates on the 1700/2100 frequency in both the US and in Germany. So looks like your phone will have all its features in both countries.

you can call tmobile and tell them that you are being deployed, and you may be able to suspend but as mentioned above, you will be roaming and it will cost a ton, you can get a prepaid sim with service in germany and get your phone unlocked? may be an option, check the carrier in germany's website and see if they say what radio bands they use.

thanks for the replies. The d-bag at the t-mobile kiosk is obviously unaware the history of the company he works for.
He did mention though that it would cost a ton to stay on my US plan and use the phone over there. He said it can be done if the phone is unlocked. I'm not sure what that means, but, like I said, it is rooted.
Also, I don't want to suspend my plan, cause I'll still get to use it a lot. I'm not going into combat, just a medical station in Heidelberg, so I'll have off duty hours and would like to use sms.
Maybe did he mean I'd have to carrier unlock it, like I did to my old Dash? I dunno...god I'm a noob.

d0m1n0 said:
thanks for the replies. The d-bag at the t-mobile kiosk is obviously unaware the history of the company he works for.
He did mention though that it would cost a ton to stay on my US plan and use the phone over there. He said it can be done if the phone is unlocked. I'm not sure what that means, but, like I said, it is rooted.
Also, I don't want to suspend my plan, cause I'll still get to use it a lot. I'm not going into combat, just a medical station in Heidelberg, so I'll have off duty hours and would like to use sms.
Maybe did he mean I'd have to carrier unlock it, like I did to my old Dash? I dunno...god I'm a noob.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you go to Germany and use a prepaid SIM, your phone will prompt you for the unlock code. Your phone comes locked to T-Mobile US, and SIM cards from any other providers (including T-Mobile Germany) will prompt for the unlock code.
You can get the unlock code by calling T-Mobile, if you've been a customer for longer than 90 days. As for root, it's unrelated to lock/unlock.

cigar3tte said:
When you go to Germany and use a prepaid SIM, your phone will prompt you for the unlock code. Your phone comes locked to T-Mobile US, and SIM cards from any other providers (including T-Mobile Germany) will prompt for the unlock code.
You can get the unlock code by calling T-Mobile, if you've been a customer for longer than 90 days. As for root, it's unrelated to lock/unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I understand. maybe I'll just get rid of the G1 plan and go back to my Dash, that's completely unlocked. Or maybe I'll just say F it and buy a new device when I get over there. Like I said, the only reason I'll be using it is for sms to my buddies, and an occasional call back to the US. But I might get an internet service for phone calls, I dunno.
I appreciate all the quick replies. I'll get it figured out. Probably just change to a German plan and get a new phone when I get there. Get a pretty good cost of living pay that I can buy a new phone with

d0m1n0 said:
Ok, I understand. maybe I'll just get rid of the G1 plan and go back to my Dash, that's completely unlocked. Or maybe I'll just say F it and buy a new device when I get over there. Like I said, the only reason I'll be using it is for sms to my buddies, and an occasional call back to the US. But I might get an internet service for phone calls, I dunno.
I appreciate all the quick replies. I'll get it figured out. Probably just change to a German plan and get a new phone when I get there. Get a pretty good cost of living pay that I can buy a new phone with
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, keep your phone, it costs nothing but time to get it unlocked with T-Mobile, just tell them you need to use the phone overseas. I think it took 2 or 3 days to get the code after I made the request.

I agree. Tmobile unlocked my G1 when I traveled no problem. So call them and ask for an unlock code. Then just sign up with T-Mobile Germany when you get there. All will be well and you get to keep the g1

d0m1n0 said:
Hey guys,
So I'm being deployed to Germany for 2 years, and I would like to know if I can keep my US T-Mobile service and use it over there. The dude at T-Mobile said that my G1 will not work in germany. He said I would have to get a new, German G1 and get a new service plan with the provider over there.
My phone is currently rooted and I use Cyanogen's roms. I have no idea who the provider is over there.
Guessing I would be roaming?
G1 not a world phone?
Would tethering still work?
Any information or help is greatly appreciated. I leave next Tuesday and need to get things squared away before I go.
Thanks!
EDIT: Maybe this needs to be moved to Q&A, my bad. If so, mod please move it. Sorry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you move outside T-Mobile USA's calling area (out of the country counts) and you can show them you did (call 800-937-8997) they will let you pass on the early termination fee.
Just ask a customer care rep know what you need to provided them to show you moved out of their coverage area to get your ETF fee waved.
Also if you have had TMO for more then 90 days you can reqeust a SIM unlock code. I would do this before you cancel service...

HD2 T-Mobile version...Will it work on AT&T 3G?

Out of the box, will the US T-Mobile version out this Wednesday work on the AT&T fast 3G network by just poping in the sim card already set up for 3G use? If not why not?

Look at other threads, and do your research. I won't give you an answer, because its easy to see.

in a non mean way, nope. only edge.

unfortunately not, since tmobile uses a diffrent 3g band than att means you will be without 3g service, so you can only use EDGE (which we all know is not good) however you could put the phone on your wi-fi connection, and you will need to unlock the phone before you can use your att sim, (call tmobile and tell them your moving out of the country to london, its what i do )

with EGDE ... no 3G

The_inked_battosai said:
unfortunately not, since tmobile uses a diffrent 3g band than att means you will be without 3g service, so you can only use EDGE (which we all know is not good) however you could put the phone on your wi-fi connection, and you will need to unlock the phone before you can use your att sim, (call tmobile and tell them your moving out of the country to london, its what i do )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to have service with them for a while before you can unlock phones.

or take it to a repair shop and they can unlock for you. usually like $30

~~Tito~~ said:
You have to have service with them for a while before you can unlock phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:O I saw in your sig that you said "hopefully my mom doesn't change her mind"
I have the same situation, my g1 for her hd2 that she's upgrading to

~~Tito~~ said:
You have to have service with them for a while before you can unlock phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since we live in the same city, do you know of anyone to unlock this phone?

hiddengopher said:
:O I saw in your sig that you said "hopefully my mom doesn't change her mind"
I have the same situation, my g1 for her hd2 that she's upgrading to
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully I can prove my case tommorow lol. Cause when wednesday comes along, I am going to tell her to go to the store!

babyhemi said:
Since we live in the same city, do you know of anyone to unlock this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Find a friend with T-Mobile, buy the phone, ask them to ask cs to unlock it for them, since they are "Going our of town" or it "says sim locked, please enter sim code". Either will work, since they will happily oblige, id try the 2nd one first since its more of a I need the code for the phone to work type of thing.

T-Mobile G1 in Europe?

I live in the US and I have a trip planned to London, Paris and Rome in May. I own a T-mobile G1 and was wondering what my best option was for using my G1 in those cities. I know there are a lot of European users here on XDA so I was hoping somebody could give me some advise from experience. I do realize that the 3G won't work over there no matter what I do.
Thanks for any and all help!

NickPDX said:
I live in the US and I have a trip planned to London, Paris and Rome in May. I own a T-mobile G1 and was wondering what my best option was for using my G1 in those cities. I know there are a lot of European users here on XDA so I was hoping somebody could give me some advise from experience. I do realize that the 3G won't work over there no matter what I do.
Thanks for any and all help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3G should work fine. When you get there, buy a local prepaid simcard.

You need to unlock it first, call T-Mo and tell them what you just posted and they will give you the unlock code.

Your best bet for London (once you've got the phone unlocked) is a "pay as you go" sim from three. Just put £10 credit on it and you'll get a 150mb, 90day internet allowance. If you need to top it up again you get that allowance renewed every time.

Unless I am mistaking, the phone is rooted and is running a non stock rom, thus it is unlocked. I will look into the prepaid sim cards. Will I have to get a different one for each of the countries/cities?
@lbcoder: are you sure about the 3G? since this is a t-mobile phone I was under the impression that the bands it uses for 3G are only the N. American Bands and would only work over here.

Not unlocked for other networks, you need to get it unlocked to use other networks.

NickPDX said:
Unless I am mistaking, the phone is rooted and is running a non stock rom, thus it is unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sim unlock isn't the same thing as root.. You need a code from t-mobile for that. They'll give you one if you tell them what you've told us.
NickPDX said:
I will look into the prepaid sim cards. Will I have to get a different one for each of the countries/cities?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's going to be the cheapest way to do it.. You'll get brutally raped for roaming charges otherwise. In the UK the cards are usually free, you just have to buy the calling credit.

TMO will give you your SIM unlock code for free if your account has been paid up for 90 days or longer. They take up to 7 days. I had to get this from TMO via my American friend when I bought my G1 off him. There are places online where you can pay $25 or so and get an unlock code within hours. SIM unlock is not the same thing as root.
I'm also just about to go to Europe! Vodafone turned on global roaming for free (I just pay for calls) and they sells packs of roaming data, I got 25Mb for $50, which is way cheaper than their usual rate of $10 per 1Mb! For me this is easier than stuffing round with pre-paid SIM cards, changing number and whatever, I also don't know if a pre-paid SIM gives mobile data access? Give TMO a call and see what they offer.
I will turn off Sync and use DroidWall to make sure stuff doesn't update in the background and use all my allowance. It's really only to update Facebook to let people know I am still alive

Your G1 will most definitely work and use 3G in London. You can grab a T-Mo prepaid SIM from the multiple vending machines in the airport when you arrive in London, and swap it in and start using it immediately. I did exactly this at both Gatwick and Heathrow. Do like the other posters said and call T-Mobile in the US and get the unlock code before you fly. It's free that way. I did that too, and they are cool about it. It took about 24 hours after my request and it was emailed to me. The one thing that confused me at first was my G1 kept asking for a "SIM unlock code" or something like that after I had unlocked it using the T-Mobile code. Turns out it was a security setting that I could disable, to prevent someone from using the phone if they stole it. Two totally different "SIM unlocks". Now I know.

unlocking t-mobile G2

Anyone know how or where to unlock the new G2? I want to use it with ATT LOL
Is there a method or a website I can get the unlock code?
Thanks!
Ps. I had the samsung captivate but the gps and lag on that thing made me return it. That's why I bought the G2.

You do realize that it won't work on ATT's 3G ; only EDGE?
Also, you might want to wait for the NA version of the Desire Z going to Canada ; you might pick up one of those since they have the 850Mhz band used for ATT's 3G.
About the unlock, you will have to wait for the phone to officially launch all over, and then unlock codes should pop up soon on eBay and other such sites.

Superfrag said:
You do realize that it won't work on ATT's 3G ; only EDGE?
Also, you might want to wait for the NA version of the Desire Z going to Canada ; you might pick up one of those since they have the 850Mhz band used for ATT's 3G.
About the unlock, you will have to wait for the phone to officially launch all over, and then unlock codes should pop up soon on eBay and other such sites.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I'm aware that it will only work on edge.
The disire z is running sense which I don't want. I want as much stock android 2.2 on the phone. Besides the discontinued nexus one, this is my only choice.
Thanks for your reply.

Superfrag said:
About the unlock, you will have to wait for the phone to officially launch all over, and then unlock codes should pop up soon on eBay and other such sites.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or.....if you're an existing T-mobile customer you can call them and request the unlock code.....That always seems to be the easiest way.

Yup, if you've bought it from them, and have been a customer for quite a while, just tell them that you need the unlock code since you travel a lot, and they should give it to you.
I see your point about being totally stock, however, some users have flashed the G2 ROM on the Desire Z with no hiccups, and thus getting Stock Android.

would you guys say that t-mobile can give me the unlock code even if did not buy the phone from them? lets say i bought it at best buy. i do have t-mobile account for my brother. but i bought the g2 full price from best buy.

As long as you have an account they should do it.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

Circazero said:
would you guys say that t-mobile can give me the unlock code even if did not buy the phone from them? lets say i bought it at best buy. i do have t-mobile account for my brother. but i bought the g2 full price from best buy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have your brother call them and tell CS that he bought the G2 and is planning an international trip and wants the unlock code. Simple

you should buy a desire z and flash a vanilla ROM on it so you'll get 3G support. Why get a super nice smart phone and only use EDGE?

funkadesi said:
have your brother call them and tell CS that he bought the G2 and is planning an international trip and wants the unlock code. Simple
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't even need to say that. Just say you want it unlocked--you just need 40 days of active service. Check T-Mobile's SIM Unlock policy, it's the first hit on Google for "T-Mobile SIM Unlock".

Well my brother has had his account for over 5 years already. Well try calling and ask
For the unlock code because I "am leaving the country for travel" lol

Circazero said:
Well my brother has had his account for over 5 years already. Well try calling and ask
For the unlock code because I "am leaving the country for travel" lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i tell them this all the time you will have to wait about a wk for your unlock code it will be sent you via email from htc

xile6 said:
i tell them this all the time you will have to wait about a wk for your unlock code it will be sent you via email from htc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once they give you the unlock code The phone will be unlocke for ever? I should save the Code somewhere right?

Circazero said:
Once they give you the unlock code The phone will be unlocke for ever? I should save the Code somewhere right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once its unlocked its unlocked . I always get mines done via tmobile live chat because u dont get all that chit chat just and ok all put that order n for u an ur have the code in 1-7days.
Also note to enter the code u must put a non tmobile sim n the phone then it will ask for unlock code. Thats how they all have worked but I havent unlocked my g2 yet tho
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

xile6 said:
Once its unlocked its unlocked . I always get mines done via tmobile live chat because u dont get all that chit chat just and ok all put that order n for u an ur have the code in 1-7days.
Also note to enter the code u must put a non tmobile sim n the phone then it will ask for unlock code. Thats how they all have worked but I havent unlocked my g2 yet tho
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do they ask for exactly?
Do they charge u for the unlock code?

stupid question but....
I don't get signal in my new house, but my friends on verison and att do. If I unlock my sim, does that mean I can use those towers when i don't have signal, or does that just mean I could switch my carrier and keep my phone? I had a rooted G1 and when I traveled to my mom's house who's town did not have t-mobile yet, I was able to use thier local carriers signal, I didn't know if everyone could do that, or if it was because my phone was rooted or what. anywho, sorry for rambling, but if someone could kindly make me less stupid be answering my question...

tekkaman_01 said:
stupid question but....
I don't get signal in my new house, but my friends on verison and att do. If I unlock my sim, does that mean I can use those towers when i don't have signal, or does that just mean I could switch my carrier and keep my phone? I had a rooted G1 and when I traveled to my mom's house who's town did not have t-mobile yet, I was able to use thier local carriers signal, I didn't know if everyone could do that, or if it was because my phone was rooted or what. anywho, sorry for rambling, but if someone could kindly make me less stupid be answering my question...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when we say "Unlock" we mean that you can put any simcard and the phone will pick up signal depending on the carrier.
if there are no towers near you, if you have roaming enabled, your phone will roam using other towers but they may charge you for that as far as i know.

Just called Tmobile to unlock
They said I could, that they would give me the code, but that the G2 is still not in their system, so they can't request unlock codes for this phone.
They asked me to call again in a few days.
Does that make sense?

Circazero said:
What do they ask for exactly?
Do they charge u for the unlock code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U call/live chat. I say hi I will like to get the unlick code for my phone as I will be going out if the counrty for vacation, and would like to use my phone.
They normally say let me check our acc. Then they say they will put the order n. They need your phone # and last 4 ss#
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

im planning on calling tmo tomorrow since thats when the g2 will officially be in their system

Wind - root?

Any one able to unlock the boot loader (and/or root the device) of the Wind variant V20? I know there are not many Canadians with this phone yet so maybe not.

MMac said:
Any one able to unlock the boot loader (and/or root the device) of the Wind variant V20? I know there are not many Canadians with this phone yet so maybe not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No there's no unlock of the bootloader yet for our H915 version, and perforce no root. There's a thread in the Guides, News, & Discussion section about unlocking the bootloader for the AT&T and Sprint versions, and if they can come up with an answer it would probably apply to our version too. Here's the link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/v20/how-to/sprint-att-locked-bootloaders-root-t3491498

Hey if you guys have the wind 915 did they remove any if the LG apps like some of the us carriers did? I'm looking to get one and I may have to get a wind one. I've gotten confirmation that unlocked wind 915 will work with bell and gets LTE just fine.

markbencze said:
Hey if you guys have the wind 915 did they remove any if the LG apps like some of the us carriers did? I'm looking to get one and I may have to get a wind one. I've gotten confirmation that unlocked wind 915 will work with bell and gets LTE just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Mark,
The LG apps are all there and I'm using mine with Bell (on LTE) just fine - it doesn't pick up the data settings for some reason so I've had to manually hard-code the BELL APN settings but other than that it's perfect! I purchased from a Wind in Toronto and the lady actually was nice enough to unlock the phone with me (she called Wind and I paid the $30 to unlock it). I ended up having to spend $25 on a plan because they won't sell the phone outright (ie. you have to be a wind customer).
So far I'm happy, I have my 2nd battery charging right now (I bought that online!)
M

MMac said:
Hey Mark,
The LG apps are all there and I'm using mine with Bell (on LTE) just fine - it doesn't pick up the data settings for some reason so I've had to manually hard-code the BELL APN settings but other than that it's perfect! I purchased from a Wind in Toronto and the lady actually was nice enough to unlock the phone with me (she called Wind and I paid the $30 to unlock it). I ended up having to spend $25 on a plan because they won't sell the phone outright (ie. you have to be a wind customer).
So far I'm happy, I have my 2nd battery charging right now (I bought that online!)
M
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, you got totally ripped off. I purchased the LG V20 outright from Wind the very first day the V20 went on sale. I did NOT need to activate on a plan and I paid $15 from unlockguy dot ca to unlock the phone. It's a great phone for sure, but Wind totally ripped you off by forcing you to purchase a plan.

tveith said:
Dude, you got totally ripped off. I purchased the LG V20 outright from Wind the very first day the V20 went on sale. I did NOT need to activate on a plan and I paid $15 from unlockguy dot ca to unlock the phone. It's a great phone for sure, but Wind totally ripped you off by forcing you to purchase a plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hardly... checked 3 stores, they all did the same, plus they supplied the $200 B&O headphones. I'm pretty happy with it - battery could be better

MMac said:
Hey Mark,
The LG apps are all there and I'm using mine with Bell (on LTE) just fine - it doesn't pick up the data settings for some reason so I've had to manually hard-code the BELL APN settings but other than that it's perfect! I purchased from a Wind in Toronto and the lady actually was nice enough to unlock the phone with me (she called Wind and I paid the $30 to unlock it). I ended up having to spend $25 on a plan because they won't sell the phone outright (ie. you have to be a wind customer).
So far I'm happy, I have my 2nd battery charging right now (I bought that online!)
M
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MMac said:
Hardly... checked 3 stores, they all did the same, plus they supplied the $200 B&O headphones. I'm pretty happy with it - battery could be better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They gave me the B&O headphones too. Don't you find it odd that they forced you to purchase a plan while others did not need to activate a plan? I unlocked in 15 minutes, applied the APN settings, and was active on the Telus network within minutes. Having to pay for a 2nd plan that you don't need seems like a rip off to me. Just saying.

Yeah I get that - I was just happy to get the phone to be honest. No one in Toronto had it - like no one and every wind store I called gave me the same line - and I visited 3 of them! What's $20 on $1k? I'm not too upset, but I hear you, they're just trying to make some $$$.

can one get the headphones with a trade up?

So, did anyone manage to get the Wind version of the LG V20 915 rooted?
Still searching for a big phone, with removable battery that has root.
I run Android firewall, Titanium Backup, and tons of other Root needed Apps, like the App blockers, etc.
My next choice is probably the Pixel XL, but that doesn't have the option to swap battery. fast charging is not fast enough.
Swappable battery is INSTANT 100%, not like wait 45min fast charge later for 100%.

AllGamer said:
I run Android firewall
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about Firewalls that work using localhost VPN server?
Those don't require root.

klau1 said:
What about Firewalls that work using localhost VPN server?
Those don't require root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not the most efficient way to go about things, and it will not work when you actually need to VPN somewhere else, which I do often to work/home/clients networks.
so that's not a viable option for me, Droid Wall is still by far the simplest and fastest solution, without conflict issues when having to VPN elsewhere.

Anybody know if there's a root bounty for this device; ideally a root method that doesn't disable Band 66/AWS3 LTE?