T-mo US going to UK. 3G compatibility? - Networking

Hey guys,
I spoke with a sales guy at carphonewarehouse who mentioned there were PAYG SIMs with daily data plans with a fair usage of 50MB per day. Which with limited use is doable, I average a little over 60MB right now. But he was not able to advise on 3g compatibility with a T-mo USA phone.
I have a Samsung Vibrant (T-mo USA's Galaxy S), which uses 1700/1900/2100 for 3G.
Can anyone help with the compatibility question, or even recommend a UK PAYG provider?

I'm pretty sure the Vibrant has extra radios in it and is compatible with both the European standard 3g and AT&T US 3g... Don't quote me though

europe mostly uses 2100 for 3g so your should be good

Related

Nexus One and Telus

I currently have an old HTC Diamond and am ready for an upgrade.
Telus' new 3.5G network runs HSDPA / WCDMA 1900/850.
I read that ATT runs on 1900/850? Or at least 850? If I got an unlocked ATT Nexus one would it have both the 1900 and the 850 band?
DeadShawn said:
I currently have an old HTC Diamond and am ready for an upgrade.
Telus' new 3.5G network runs HSDPA / WCDMA 1900/850.
I read that ATT runs on 1900/850? Or at least 850? If I got an unlocked ATT Nexus one would it have both the 1900 and the 850 band?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And what, might I ask, is an "ATT Nexus one"? Nexus one is sold and branded by GOOGLE. It has UMTS 900/1700/2100. This is NOT the same as ATT frequencies, which are, as you mention, 850/1900.
The difference is that ATT has an EDGE network and GN1 supports EDGE at 850/900/1800/1900. BELUS does NOT.
If you want to use GN1 in Canada, I recommend you switch providers to WIND. Their rates are WAY better, and they run on UMTS 1700/2100, which is compatible with GN1.
I get a really *really* good deal with Telus. Unlimited data, more txt and minuets then ill ever use, all the extras (caller id, voice mail) and all for under $45. I make good use of the unlimited data via tethering.
Switching from telus isn't an option.
Oh, and sorry for calling it an ATT Nexus One, I was simply implying it was available on the ATT network, my mistake.
The version of the nexus one that works on ATT's 3g has not been released yet. It recently passed through the FCC, but AFAIK the only one available now is the T-mobile version.
You should be good though buying an ATT 3g version when they come out. Who knows maybe sales to Canada will be open by then.
altarity said:
The version of the nexus one that works on ATT's 3g has not been released yet. It recently passed through the FCC, but AFAIK the only one available now is the T-mobile version.
You should be good though buying an ATT 3g version when they come out. Who knows maybe sales to Canada will be open by then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's pretty much the information I was looking for, thank you.

[Q] Bell Samsung Galaxy S in Europe

Hi everybody.
I'm currently in Canada, but I'm from Europe. I noticed Bell is offering Samsung Galaxy S for only 500 CAD without contract (thats 380 euros) which is not much, and I'm really tempted to buy it. The trouble is Bell is CDMA carrier, and europe is GSM. Bells site claims that Galaxy S is "Global Phone" which should mean that it supports european GSM frequences (I Guess). Does anybody know anything about this ? Would this phone work ok in Europe? Would I be able to use GPRS/EDGE/UMTS data connections in Europe?
I was surprised at first but the Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant from Bell is actually a GSM phone!
I'm reading straight from the box:
EDGE / GPRS / GSM Quad band AND HSPA Tri band (850/1900/2100).
So it rocks in Canada and Europe! On 3G and 2G!
I got mine from Best Buy for $560 (including taxes, still a good deal compared to Europe I think).
And now using a Fido monthly plan without contract ^^
Love it !
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App
I recon you would get the best answer by asking a sales person in the store.
maybe even get it in writing incase it turns out to be bull****, so you can get a refund by shipping it back or something
3G runs on 850/1900/2100
you might only get the 1900 if you live in Europe
so it will be mostly 2G unless you are in good ares with 1900 signal to get 3G
defufna said:
Hi everybody.
I'm currently in Canada, but I'm from Europe. I noticed Bell is offering Samsung Galaxy S for only 500 CAD without contract (thats 380 euros) which is not much, and I'm really tempted to buy it. The trouble is Bell is CDMA carrier, and europe is GSM. Bells site claims that Galaxy S is "Global Phone" which should mean that it supports european GSM frequences (I Guess). Does anybody know anything about this ? Would this phone work ok in Europe? Would I be able to use GPRS/EDGE/UMTS data connections in Europe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your really tricky, you will discover that the bell i9000m is actually a QUAD band gsm/wcdma phone.
850/900/1900/2100 WCDMA, and 850/900/1800/1900 GSM
The extra frequencies have to be enabled in the service menu though. (does not require root)

[Q] Samsung Spica or HTC Magic/Hero?

Hi. So I finally decided to purchase my first Android OS based phone. At the moment, the two phones available to me and in my price range (used, $200 and under,) are the Samsung I5700 Galaxy Spica and HTC Magic (plus a Hero I found for very cheap.)
Custom ROMs aren't too important to me, the stock apps (browser, calender, SMS,) built into Android easily meet my needs, but the Spica's spec sheet is very nice. Obviously the Magic/Hero is fairly dated now, so it doesn't really match up. But the Spica's 3G radio is not compatible with Canadian providers. I need a phone that I can switch from network to network here in Canada. Two to 3 years plans are out of my means currently, plus I don't really like contracts.
I guess what I'm really asking for is: is the Spica worth potentially paying more money for - is its support for Divx, its form factor, its display and its beefier CPU worth an extra $5 a month? Or should I just settle for a Magic/Hero?
EDIT: According to GSM Arena there's a NA version that supports, HSDPA 850 / 1900. Can I verify what bands the Spica supports by checking a menu in Android?
I have a non-NA Spica in Canada. The only networks it doesn't work for are Windmobile and Mobilicity because they use 1700MHz.
Right. And the other UTMS networks available all operate on 850/1900. So if you're using the non-NA version, which has HSDPA 900/2100, you wouldn't be able to use any 3G network in Canada? Please correct me if I'm wrong, I'm just learning this stuff at the moment.
Personally, I'm going to go with either Koodo or Solo, because at the moment, because of where I'm at, they have the best available prepaid plan.
There are 2 versions of the Spica and 3 of the Magic -
Magic: Rogers, T-Mobile USA (myTouch 3G), international
Spica: Rogers, international
As it would suggest, the Rogers versions of each of these phones works on the Rogers 3G network, as well as that of Telus, Bell and now Sasktel, as well as all of their subsidiaries, such as Solo, Koodo, Virgin, Fido, etc.
The T-Mobile USA myTouch will work with Wind Mobile, Videotron and Moblicity, providing you're in one of their coverage areas. Otherwise it will work with Rogers (and Fido) on their 2G network.
The international (anywhere but North America) versions of these phones won't work on any 3G network in Canada, so you can use only Rogers (and Fido) on 2G.
Similarly, there are 3 versions of the Hero, a Telus one that will work with Rogers, Telus and Bell; an international one that will work with Rogers on 2G and a Sprint one (that looks cooler too) that will only work with Sprint in the US, and doesn't take a SIM card.
Hope this helps

In North America and on GSM? The T889 is the one to grab

Looking at the Specs for the 4 versions and if you live in North America and use GSM the T889 seems to be your best choice. You get all North American HSPA bands and DC-HSPA 42Mbps not just HSPA 21Mbps as well as North American 700/1700 LTE.
Looking at the AT&T variant i317 seems we are getting the shaft. You get quad band HSPA only and 2 extra LTE bands you'd never use unless you travel a lot off the continent. My how quickly AT&T put the failed merger behind them.
There are 4 versions of Note:
1. International (+LTE): SGH-7100 / SGH -7105
2. SGH-i317 : ATT+(Rogers+Bell + Telus): HSPA 850/900/1900/2100, LTE: 700/850/1700/1900
3. SCH-i605 : CDMA + LTE 700
4. SGH-T889 : T-Mobile+Mobilicity+Wind : HSPA: 850/900/1700/1900/2100, LTE: 700, 1700
So why does T-Mobile's get DC-HSPA and not the other 2 GSM variants?
So do you know how to unlock the sim slot on this. i use simple mobile and straight talk but I want the t-mobile version because it has hspa+42 and the others dont which I find to be rather stupid. But Simple said I need to unlock it even though it is a t-mo hone and they use their network. Will T-mo unlock it for me if I call them since I am buying it out right.
mr mystery said:
Looking at the Specs for the 4 versions and if you live in North America and use GSM the T889 seems to be your best choice. You get all North American HSPA bands and DC-HSPA 42Mbps not just HSPA 21Mbps as well as North American 700/1700 LTE.
Looking at the AT&T variant i317 seems we are getting the shaft. You get quad band HSPA only and 2 extra LTE bands you'd never use unless you travel a lot off the continent. My how quickly AT&T put the failed merger behind them.
There are 4 versions of Note:
1. International (+LTE): SGH-7100 / SGH -7105
2. SGH-i317 : ATT+(Rogers+Bell + Telus): HSPA 850/900/1900/2100, LTE: 700/850/1700/1900
3. SCH-i605 : CDMA + LTE 700
4. SGH-T889 : T-Mobile+Mobilicity+Wind : HSPA: 850/900/1700/1900/2100, LTE: 700, 1700
So why does T-Mobile's get DC-HSPA and not the other 2 GSM variants?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
abrcrmdl23 said:
So do you know how to unlock the sim slot on this. i use simple mobile and straight talk but I want the t-mobile version because it has hspa+42 and the others dont which I find to be rather stupid. But Simple said I need to unlock it even though it is a t-mo hone and they use their network. Will T-mo unlock it for me if I call them since I am buying it out right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't help you there friend, I'm in Canada. I know T-Mobile used to be pretty good about unlocking devices bought outright but not sure if policies changed. A T-Mobile member should be able to answer that question though.
I've been out of the phone game for awhile, so i'm a little confused. I'm currently on ATT, and as a matter of course, I would pick up there's, but if it doesn't have LTE in the states (I have ATT LTE in my area), then that's just one more reason to switch to T-mobile.
I'm already considering switching due to the cheaper plan and the ability to pick up the phone on a payment plan, which is VERY attractive to me and my current financial situation.
So,, Explain this to me like i'm five.. what exactly is the problem with the ATT Note 2?
nothing if you have AT&T. The t-mobile one only has an advantage if you use it as an unlocked device on pre-paid carriers like straight talk or simple mobile or solavei. The main difference is that if you use a t-mobile prepaid carrier like simple mobile and get the international note 2 it will be edge/hspa+21 onlyin refarmed, if you get ATT it is edge only unless you live in a 1900 re farmed market then it will only do hsap+21, if you get the t-mobile variant it is hspa+42 and has not active lte for when and if prepaid carriers get access to t-mobile lte when it comes online next year. The other thing is the t-mobile variant is a penta band phone which means it will run at full hspa+ data speed on any carrier. ATT or t-mo.
abrcrmdl23 said:
nothing if you have AT&T. The t-mobile one only has an advantage if you use it as an unlocked device on pre-paid carriers like straight talk or simple mobile or solavei. The main difference is that if you use a t-mobile prepaid carrier like simple mobile and get the international note 2 it will be edge/hspa+21 onlyin refarmed, if you get ATT it is edge only unless you live in a 1900 re farmed market then it will only do hsap+21, if you get the t-mobile variant it is hspa+42 and has not active lte for when and if prepaid carriers get access to t-mobile lte when it comes online next year. The other thing is the t-mobile variant is a penta band phone which means it will run at full hspa+ data speed on any carrier. ATT or t-mo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, so since I have ATT in a LTE area (Phoenix), i'll get LTE (42?) on my phone, and no issues unless I decide I want to switch to a pre-paid carrier? But if I did get the T-mobile version of the phone, I could switch it around and I have more options as far as speed goes. Sound approximately correct?
What if I bought the phone from T-mo and switched it to AT&T? Is that even possible and would it have any pros or cons? (Buying full-price phone from T-mobile on their payment plan, using it on AT&T until my contract was up in Feb, then switching the phone to T-mobile with the cheaper plan?
Kreiger1981 said:
I've been out of the phone game for awhile, so i'm a little confused. I'm currently on ATT, and as a matter of course, I would pick up there's, but if it doesn't have LTE in the states (I have ATT LTE in my area), then that's just one more reason to switch to T-mobile.
I'm already considering switching due to the cheaper plan and the ability to pick up the phone on a payment plan, which is VERY attractive to me and my current financial situation.
So,, Explain this to me like i'm five.. what exactly is the problem with the ATT Note 2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has LTE, but the HSPA bands are limited to 21mbps vs the 42 mbps HSPA of the T-Mobile variant (which works with AT&T's network on both LTE and HSPA).
Essentially, a faster HSPA radio, nothing else changes
Does anyone know if there will be modem problems like the Att i717 had when switching to tmobile? We waited a long time for a decent working modem which was a hacked blaze modem that worked the best with limited upload speeds, but great download speeds.
Or will the tmobile variant work like the galaxy nexus pentaband on Att or tmobile OOB? I'm tempted to get the tmobile, but will wait for the price to drop.
Torn due to accessories that now are not compatible with the new noteII.
sashusmom said:
Or will the tmobile variant work like the galaxy nexus pentaband on Att or tmobile OOB? I'm tempted to get the tmobile, but will wait for the price to drop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The T-Mobile variant is Pentaband according to FCC filings
So, If I buy the T-Mobile Note II non-contract price; it will work on AT&T's LTE and HSPA network?
3_D said:
So, If I buy the T-Mobile Note II non-contract price; it will work on AT&T's LTE and HSPA network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't the T-Mobile one have LTE disabled in the firmware?
I am on AT&T. I bought the TMOB Note II and unlocked it on cellunlocker.net. very easy.
I don't get LTE even though the device specs show LTE.
I tried different APNs but it always goes back to the default one on my micro sim.
Any ideas on how to get LTE are welcome!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
ekerbuddyeker said:
I am on AT&T. I bought the TMOB Note II and unlocked it on cellunlocker.net. very easy.
I don't get LTE even though the device specs show LTE.
I tried different APNs but it always goes back to the default one on my micro sim.
Any ideas on how to get LTE are welcome!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I stated above:
http://www.androidauthority.com/t-mobile-galaxy-note-2-lte-125982/
The Galaxy Note II features a Qualcomm 9215M chipset which provides the hardware capability to support both HSPA+42 and LTE. T-Mobile plans to reach more than 200 million Americans with LTE by the end of 2013. The Galaxy Note II will not automatically access T-Mobile’s LTE network. We will share more information on how and when the Galaxy Note II will support T-Mobile’s upcoming LTE network when the network is available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if anyone cares, but I purchased the international version of the Galaxy Note II. I currently am using it on AT&T network and I maintain hspa+ the entire time. I work in Dallas, Texas but live 45 miles away, and I have awesome coverage all the time. The reason I post this is because all of you wanting LTE, should know more facts about it. LTE is nice, but it's a battery hog. Granted 4G speeds are nice, but in practicality, HSPA+ is obviously not as fast, but it's pretty danged fast and my battery life is pretty darned good as well.
If you are going to shell out the money for the phone itself, buy the International version. You can get them for around $660 dollars, and the price is dropping every day. Don't spend the same amount on a Carrier branded, bloatware infested phone. Just buy the unbranded one and you will be quite happy, I guarantee it.
***disclaimer***
My guarantee only offers cookies as reimbursement, and you have to show up in person to receive them.
ekerbuddyeker said:
I am on AT&T. I bought the TMOB Note II and unlocked it on cellunlocker.net. very easy.
I don't get LTE even though the device specs show LTE.
I tried different APNs but it always goes back to the default one on my micro sim.
Any ideas on how to get LTE are welcome!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe have to wait on the AT&T Note II ROM dump. Then flash it to T-Mobile Note II.
tmobile always unlock my phones
abrcrmdl23 said:
So do you know how to unlock the sim slot on this. i use simple mobile and straight talk but I want the t-mobile version because it has hspa+42 and the others dont which I find to be rather stupid. But Simple said I need to unlock it even though it is a t-mo hone and they use their network. Will T-mo unlock it for me if I call them since I am buying it out right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all you have to do is wait like maybe a week or four days, for their system to recognize that you are using the note 2 on their system. then you call them and tell them that you will be going out of the country and they will ask you for your IMEI number and your email. and you will get your unlock code the next day, hope this help you.
ekerbuddyeker said:
I am on AT&T. I bought the TMOB Note II and unlocked it on cellunlocker.net. very easy.
I don't get LTE even though the device specs show LTE.
I tried different APNs but it always goes back to the default one on my micro sim.
Any ideas on how to get LTE are welcome!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try this:
1) With phone on, take off back cover and press your SIM card so it releases from the spring. It won't come all the way out as it's blocked by the battery. This seems fine - I didn't bother trying to force it out as I didn't want to break anything...
2) Once you see the message that the SIM card is removed, go to the dialer and dial *#2263#
3) You should see a menu with band selections. The current setting is "Automatic". If you switch to "GSM All", you will be EDGE (2G). If you switch to "WCDMA All", you will be on HSPA+ (3G, though AT&T and others call it 4G) and you will have lte too
4) Press the SIM card back into place until it clicks. For whatever reason the phone will not recognize it until you reboot. Upon reboot you should see your new setting in effect.
Let me know if this works!
So let's clear all of this up. Will the T-Mobile edition work on T-Mobile AND at&t (hspa+) StraightTalk here in the States? Just seemed a bit confusing and that is what I know is my big question. All help is appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Jordan
jordan123hi said:
So let's clear all of this up. Will the T-Mobile edition work on T-Mobile AND at&t (hspa+) StraightTalk here in the States? Just seemed a bit confusing and that is what I know is my big question. All help is appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Jordan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's my understanding that the T-Mo Note 2 runs on T-Mo's HSPA+42 network while the international runs on ATT's HSPA+21 network but only on T-Mo's 2G network. T-Mo is currently refarming areas of the country so that the international Note 2 will pick up T-Mo's HSPA+ network. I assume they mean T-Mo's HSPA+42 network.
EDIT: This was from a chat session with a T-Mo rep:
Me: So once the 1900Mhz refarming is complete, does that mean I'd have access to your HSPA+42 speeds?
Mary G: Yes, once the process has been complete, you will have the best service about the calls and most especially the data.
Now, we all know how misinformed reps can be but from what I've been reading, this seems to be legit. So my plan is to get the international Note 2. I get HSPA+21 now, an option for T-Mo HSPA+42 later as I know for a fact my area is currently being refarmed, more developer support, and no bloatware.
If I'm wrong about any of this, please someone let me know.
bengadget said:
It's my understanding that the T-Mo Note 2 runs on T-Mo's HSPA+42 network while the international runs on ATT's HSPA+21 network but only on T-Mo's 2G network. T-Mo is currently refarming areas of the country so that the international Note 2 will pick up T-Mo's HSPA+ network. I assume they mean T-Mo's HSPA+42 network.
EDIT: This was from a chat session with a T-Mo rep:
Me: So once the 1900Mhz refarming is complete, does that mean I'd have access to your HSPA+42 speeds?
Mary G: Yes, once the process has been complete, you will have the best service about the calls and most especially the data.
Now, we all know how misinformed reps can be but from what I've been reading, this seems to be legit. So my plan is to get the international Note 2. I get HSPA+21 now, an option for T-Mo HSPA+42 later as I know for a fact my area is currently being refarmed, more developer support, and no bloatware.
If I'm wrong about any of this, please someone let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will you get TMo HSPA+21 or only on AT&T?

Verizon User switching to Prepaid GSM...

Alright guys I am switching from Verizon to a prepaid GSM ... I have been with Verizon for a long time and Im wanting to get the N4. Im needing to know what is the best prepaid GSM carrier out there. Where I live ATT has the better coverage over Tmo. So with that said, leaning toward an ATT network branded carrier. Such as straight talk...will I be getting HSPA+ with straight talk or just 3G?
magicriggs said:
Alright guys I am switching from Verizon to a prepaid GSM ... I have been with Verizon for a long time and Im wanting to get the N4. Im needing to know what is the best prepaid GSM carrier out there. Where I live ATT has the better coverage over Tmo. So with that said, leaning toward an ATT network branded carrier. Such as straight talk...will I be getting HSPA+ with straight talk or just 3G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HSPA+ also
alnova1 said:
HSPA+ also
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great! thanks for the reply, so it looks like I'll be getting all the stuff that the big carriers offer (ATT) but be paying less..
Just be aware that without LTE, you will only be getting 21Mbps on AT&T. Tmobile provides 42Mbps where coverage allows. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm a current Verizon customer who will also be switching.
Speaking of HSPA+ im on the website of Straight Talk and it has the option to choose an unlocked sim that runs off 850 and 1900....or i can buy the ATT or Tmo exclusive....Which one should i pick? Im wanting 3G and 4G (hspa+) if possible. And i have been searching online to see what the frequency is for HSPA+ no luck...
They only offer two (well 4 since each comes in two sizes) SIMs.
The T-Mobile version which will work on any unlocked phone or T-Mobile phone and run off T-Mobile Towers; or
AT&T which will work on any unlocked phone or AT&T phone and run on AT&T towers.
If you choice the unlocked device option it will pick the AT&T or T-Mobile SIM based solely on which offers better coverage in your zip code.
I picked AT&T since despite there HSPA+ having half the theoretical throughput of T-Mobile, T-Mobile's availability of HSPA+ in my area is very poor.
The phone determines the frequency that it can run on, not the SIM card, so running an unlocked AT&T phone with a T-Mobile SIM (and vice-versa) can lead you to not get all speeds available on the network. Since the Nexus 4 is compatible with all frequencies your choice is down to who offers the best coverage/speed in your area.
jakejm79 said:
They only offer two (well 4 since each comes in two sizes) SIMs.
The T-Mobile version which will work on any unlocked phone or T-Mobile phone and run off T-Mobile Towers; or
AT&T which will work on any unlocked phone or AT&T phone and run on AT&T towers.
If you choice the unlocked device option it will pick the AT&T or T-Mobile SIM based solely on which offers better coverage in your zip code.
I picked AT&T since despite there HSPA+ having half the theoretical throughput of T-Mobile, T-Mobile's availability of HSPA+ in my area is very poor.
The phone determines the frequency that it can run on, not the SIM card, so running an unlocked AT&T phone with a T-Mobile SIM (and vice-versa) can lead you to not get all speeds available on the network. Since the Nexus 4 is compatible with all frequencies your choice is down to who offers the best coverage/speed in your area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the reply you given me the answer I was looking for. It seems as though what sim card i want to purchase is the ATT one. Cause ATT in my area is much better than TMO. And if i pick the ATT i will get the 3G and 4G (HSPA+) thanks again.

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