Database Users

US T-Mobile's 3G freq vs the rest of the world?

Anyone getting the T-Mobile version tomorrow? With CDMA not SIM capable, and AT&T version still up in the air, I think I'm probably going to get one tomorrow!
I've got question regarding T-Mobile's werid 3G band tho. I think Samsung listed T-Mobile's version as AWS 1700/2100. I know 1700 is weird, but is that AWS 2100 same as the 2100 band that the rest of the world use? Sorry it's my first 3G T-mobile device, and looking on wiki or google is just kinda vague

2100MHz is the band used all across Europe as well as large parts of Asia.
So, yes, the T-Mobile one should give you 3G capability in other parts of the world, though if it's locked that may open up other issues.

Step666 said:
2100MHz is the band used all across Europe as well as large parts of Asia.
So, yes, the T-Mobile one should give you 3G capability in other parts of the world, though if it's locked that may open up other issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a TMo US G1, and it worked fine on 3G when I returned to the UK. The converse was not true of my TMo UK G2 (HTC Hero), which would only get Edge in the US because it did not support both bands of AWS (1700/2100).
So, I see no reason why a TMo US shouldn't work pretty much everywhere else in the world where 2100 3G is ubiquitous.
Regards,
Dave

Cool thanks, i guess that AWS threw me off. I thought there were a regular 2100, and then T-Mobile's AWS 2100

Step666 said:
2100MHz is the band used all across Europe as well as large parts of Asia.
So, yes, the T-Mobile one should give you 3G capability in other parts of the world, though if it's locked that may open up other issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually you're a bit off. Tmo's 3G runs on AWS 1700/2100 band which is not the same 2100 *frequency* as the rest of the world. Tmo uses 1700 for downloads and 2100 for uploads, so both bands (aws/band IV) are needed.
Now Europe (and rest of GSM world) use straight 2100 band for 3G but the exact frequency is not the same as Tmo's.
Basically a Tmo Galaxy Tab will only get you EDGE outside of the US. An ATT Galaxy Tab will get you 3G in the US and the rest of the world (as long as it's sim unlocked, ofcourse).

LordLugard said:
Basically a Tmo Galaxy Tab will only get you EDGE outside of the US. An ATT Galaxy Tab will get you 3G in the US and the rest of the world (as long as it's sim unlocked, ofcourse).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the T-mobile phones give you also 3G in Europe. All AWS chipsets do both Band I (2100) and Band IV (AWS 1700/2100).

I thought the galaxy tab is quad band, so you can simply swap your sim card with another european carrier and it should work on thier frequency
Am I wrong?

ahbvrh said:
I thought the galaxy tab is quad band, so you can simply swap your sim card with another european carrier and it should work on thier frequency
Am I wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right for 2G, not for 3G

So getting the unlock code for tmobile device and putting AT&T sim card will not give me 3g connectivity (using AT&T network)?

ahbvrh said:
So getting the unlock code for tmobile device and putting AT&T sim card will not give me 3g connectivity (using AT&T network)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, because it doesn't support the 850 or 1900 MHz bands.

Volker1 said:
No, the T-mobile phones give you also 3G in Europe. All AWS chipsets do both Band I (2100) and Band IV (AWS 1700/2100).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will not. Pls do some more reading on the subject. There's a very good writeup on it in these forum. Someone explained it better than I've probably done. If I find it I'll link to it.

LordLugard said:
It will not. Pls do some more reading on the subject.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One could say the same to you.
This is a link to T-Mobile US's support forum, in which someone has had it confirmed from T-Mobile themselves that all devices designed for their network have to be fully compatible with the 2100MHz band, meaning they will give you 3G capabilities in Europe.
Your previous post in which you claim that the 2100MHz band that T-Mobile use is not the same as the 2100MHz band the rest of the world uses is nothing short of ridiculous.
If the band T-Mobile used was different to the one used in the rest of the world, it would not be described as 2100MHz.

LordLugard said:
It will not. Pls do some more reading on the subject. There's a very good writeup on it in these forum. Someone explained it better than I've probably done. If I find it I'll link to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, but as I already said earlier in this thread, my T-Mobile US G1, which is an AWS device, worked perfectly well in the UK with full 3G. Similarly, I know of people who bought TMo Nexus Ones in the US, and these all worked fine in the UK.
That's not to say there isn't some subtle difference which not all chipsets can cater for, but it is certainly true that many TMo US handsets will give 3G capabilities in Europe.
Regards,
Dave

The normal UMTS 2100 is called "Band I" and t-mobile's AWS is called "Band IV":
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UMTS_frequency_bands
The AWS 3G module has already 2100MHz support, so there is no additional hardware necessary to support Band I as well. Theoretically it could be disabled, of course, but then T-mobile wouldn't be able to charge you an arm and a leg if you were to roam outside of the US

USA AT&T Galaxy Tab questions answered here

I created this thread because there seems to be some confusion as to the differences between the T-Mobile, Euro, and (soon to arrive) AT&T branded versions of the Galaxy Tab. I'm sure at some point enough information will exist for a proper XDA wiki entry, but for now, we need a thread for each variant with specs, and where possible, hack/flash options, including phone and data connections.
So this will be the US AT&T thread, where we can get the facts straight for those who wish to use AT&T as their carrier with a Galaxy Tab.
THIS THREAD IS FOR US AT&T GSM ONLY, DISCUSSIONS ABOUT CDMA (SPRINT, VERIZON, ETC) SHOULD BE IN ANOTHER THREAD!
Other carrier-specific threads:
US Tmobile Galaxy Tab flashed to make phone calls (currently phone works only, no 3G data)
(I would suggest to moderators that other non-AT&T and CDMA-related posts be removed or moved to a more appropriate thread.)
Alright, for starters, let me post the US AT&T frequency information, so that n00bs can be up to speed.
850 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE 2G
1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE 2G
850 MHz UMTS/WCDMA/HSPA 3G
1900 MHz UMTS/WCDMA/HSPA 3G
This should be helpful when we discuss the Galaxy Tab specs. I will be re-editing this post as new information comes in.
[future verified information can be placed here]

[reserved for FAQ]

[reserved for links as needed]

Actually, the SGH-I987 version that AT&T is getting has already launched. In Canada. On two carriers.
The Bell version has two model numbers on the back, the GT-P1000M (firmware is different, and presumably less crippled than what AT&T will release, hello sideloading), and the FCC model number of SGH-I987 on the back cover, so the internals are identical to the AT&T unit.
And you missed a few bands, any Galaxy Tab with a SIM card will work on 2100 UMTS as well as 900 and 2100 GSM/GPRS/EDGE.

AT&T should be releasing their branded version of the Galaxy Tab on the 21st (just a few days from this posting). If I understand right (this is where the value of this thread will come into play), the specs for the T-Mobile version are different in terms of the 3G radio frequencies.
IF this is true, then it would mean that if you plan to use AT&T as your US carrier:
You must run an AT&T branded Galaxy Tab
You must run a Euro-spec Galaxy Tab*
*specific procedure for this to work is unverified at this time
Price
At this time, the price for an AT&T branded Galaxy Tab will be $650 from AT&T. It will have two pay as you go plans--$14.99 for 30 days and up to 250MB of storage or $25 for 30 days of up to 2GB. This is similar to how they currently handle the iPad plans.
HOWEVER, as many people here on XDA-devs know, it has always been possible to take a GSM SIM and move from phone to phone, and provided that the frequencies are compatible, the services should carry over and the device change remains largely in the control of the owner. Of course, they can detect the IMEI at the carrier, but in most cases they are not blocking IMEI's. If your device has the right radios and frequencies, it should work. In the past, this has been the case with most devices.
So the question is: Does the Euro-spec Galaxy Tab have the same frequencies as the AT&T branded Galaxy Tab? It should, considering that the specs for the Euro version seem to reflect the same frequencies that AT&T uses.
In theory, getting the software right on the Euro-spec Galaxy Tab should be a matter of flashing a working cooked ROM to enable phone and 3G connectivity.
As of the time of this post, one or two people have managed to get a Galaxy Tab phone service working with AT&T, although I am unsure about 3G.
Again, the purpose of this thread is to clear up these questions, and keep it focused on getting a fully-functional Galaxy Tab on the AT&T carrier. Meaning both phone and 3G working as normal with any other device.

I can confirm that the European Tab works fine on at&t with full 3G and Voice dialing.
It is model GT-P1000
FCC ID: A3LGTP1000
I have been using it for the past few weeks and it seems to support all the required frequencies. It has operated in every mode including (G)PRS, (E)DGE, (3G) and (H)SPA

Stupid question then. Doesn't Canadian Rogers use the same frequencies as AT&T?
They sell Galaxy Tab too right? Does their Galaxy Tab have voice call capability?
I am interested in buying Galaxy Tab that could do 3G on AT&T and can make voice calls so I could use it as my phone ;-)

Technomancer said:
Stupid question then. Doesn't Canadian Rogers use the same frequencies as AT&T?
They sell Galaxy Tab too right? Does their Galaxy Tab have voice call capability?
I am interested in buying Galaxy Tab that could do 3G on AT&T and can make voice calls so I could use it as my phone ;-)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No voice calling on any of the North American Tabs. The Rogers and Bell units are the same units AT&T will be getting next week.

Can someone post att apn settings

feisley said:
I can confirm that the European Tab works fine on at&t with full 3G and Voice dialing.
It is model GT-P1000
FCC ID: A3LGTP1000
I have been using it for the past few weeks and it seems to support all the required frequencies. It has operated in every mode including (G)PRS, (E)DGE, (3G) and (H)SPA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
However, keep in mond, the EUR does NOT support the 850 3G band, only 1900.

Croak said:
Actually, the SGH-I987 version that AT&T is getting has already launched. In Canada. On two carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to be mistaken with SGH-I897, which is an Eclair (Android 2.1) -based device as far as I can tell:
http://opensource.samsung.com/ ("mobile" section)

shollywood said:
However, keep in mond, the EUR does NOT support the 850 3G band, only 1900.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
feisley said:
I can confirm that the European Tab works fine on at&t with full 3G and Voice dialing.
It is model GT-P1000
FCC ID: A3LGTP1000
I have been using it for the past few weeks and it seems to support all the required frequencies. It has operated in every mode including (G)PRS, (E)DGE, (3G) and (H)SPA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting news... I bought an unlocked device in Kuwait City and it matches that FCC id number, but it had some Arabic apps loaded onto it, does this mean the euro and middle east versions are the same?
Also, how much of AT&T's network is is 850?? I didnt think the 3G would work back in the states... btw, my home is in the DC area is that helps.. Thanks!

the FCC says the GT-P1000 models support 850 3G
shollywood said:
However, keep in mond, the EUR does NOT support the 850 3G band, only 1900.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The FCC docs actually say that the GT-P1000L, N, T models do support 850GSM and 850WCDMA(3G):
Type the device's FCC ID info in, (A3L is the manufacturer code for Samsung). Look at the documents in the 824.20 (GSM "850") and 826.40 (WCDMA "850") lower frequency ranges.
The actual test report docs list GT-P1000L and GT-P1000N and a clarification doc from Samsung says the GT-P1000T model is just a renamed L one.

This is great, it's exactly why I wanted to start this thread. SO, one person at least has a Euro-spec (GT-P1000) machine wortking with voice and 3G data on a US AT&T network.
Someone needs to post specs on the GT-P1000. Because right now, it would seem that the P1000 is the best bet for those who want to use FULL functionality on a US AT&T network.
My personal motivation for this thread is to get solid information on what model Galaxy Tab will have full US AT&T functionality (voice and good 3G data connect), and HOW to achieve that (choosing the right Galaxy Tab and flashing the right ROM). Once this is nailed down, I'll buy one. I just need to know which to buy and what to do to it.

Suleeto said:
This is great, it's exactly why I wanted to start this thread. SO, one person at least has a Euro-spec (GT-P1000) machine wortking with voice and 3G data on a US AT&T network.
Someone needs to post specs on the GT-P1000. Because right now, it would seem that the P1000 is the best bet for those who want to use FULL functionality on a US AT&T network.
My personal motivation for this thread is to get solid information on what model Galaxy Tab will have full US AT&T functionality (voice and good 3G data connect), and HOW to achieve that (choosing the right Galaxy Tab and flashing the right ROM). Once this is nailed down, I'll buy one. I just need to know which to buy and what to do to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not FULLY working on at&t's 3g network. The 850 band for 3g is still missing and 850 is their primary 3g band and it's slowly replacing the 1900 3g band. The reason they changed was because the 850 3g band can cut thru walls better and give you a better 3g signal. I remember when my area had only 1900. My 3g sucked. Very spotty unless I was outside. I instantly noticed when the 850 upgrade took place. Solid 3g even in the darkest areas of my basement @ work. There will be an unlocked 850/1900 3g band version on the tab but it looks like it was pushed off until early 2011. Probably because they knew they would never sell any of the current north american models with the 850/1900 3g bands (bell, rogers & at&t) For what it's worth, you can pre-order that version here:
http://www.mobilecityonline.com/wireless/store/productdetail.asp?productid=26929

Raspster said:
Not FULLY working on at&t's 3g network. The 850 band for 3g is still missing and 850 is their primary 3g band and it's slowly replacing the 1900 3g band. The reason they changed was because the 850 3g band can cut thru walls better and give you a better 3g signal. I remember when my area had only 1900. My 3g sucked. Very spotty unless I was outside. I instantly noticed when the 850 upgrade took place. Solid 3g even in the darkest areas of my basement @ work. There will be an unlocked 850/1900 3g band version on the tab but it looks like it was pushed off until early 2011. Probably because they knew they would never sell any of the current north american models with the 850/1900 3g bands (bell, rogers & at&t) For what it's worth, you can pre-order that version here:
http://www.mobilecityonline.com/wireless/store/productdetail.asp?productid=26929
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who said at&t's primary 3G is 850Mhz?
That is just false information.
Their primary is actually 1900Mhz and they are beefing it up with new 850Mhz towers, not instead of current 1900Mhz existing in infrastructure.
Places who only recently got 3G service might be on 850Mhz but all those who got 3G up until 2 years ago are all 1900Mhz with the addition of 850Mhz.

clubtech said:
Who said at&t's primary 3G is 850Mhz?
That is just false information.
Their primary is actually 1900Mhz and they are beefing it up with new 850Mhz towers, not instead of current 1900Mhz existing in infrastructure.
Places who only recently got 3G service might be on 850Mhz but all those who got 3G up until 2 years ago are all 1900Mhz with the addition of 850Mhz.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I need to find the artical that says they are slowly changing over the entire 3g network to the 850 band. Stay tuned.
UPDATED: Read on
http://www.intomobile.com/2009/02/24/att-3g-network-going-850mhz-nationwide-by-2010/

Raspster said:
I need to find the artical that says they are slowly changing over the entire 3g network to the 850 band. Stay tuned.
UPDATED: Read on
http://www.intomobile.com/2009/02/24/att-3g-network-going-850mhz-nationwide-by-2010/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea this article and all the others stating the same are copying the same wrong source.
At&t never said they will be replacing 1900mhz with 850mhz...they said they will be ADDING towers and expending their network on 850mhz.
Here in the sf bay area the netwrok is mainly 1900mhz but they are ADDING new 850mhz towers so now we get mixed frequencies in places where signal was bad. They are certainly not removing 1900mhz towers.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App

This thread encapsulates my concerns exactly. I want to use my tab as a phone, and am on ATT, so will wait to see how to best implement this agenda before purchasing anything. I have a couple of concerns:
1) I think that the Galaxy Tab forum should be split amongst various carriers, since future roms and such will likely be device specific.
2) Now that more information is coming out with regards to the Nexus s and Galaxy 2, I am wondering whether I should hold out. I do want a large screen, but the development community/google support for the next Nexus phone is hard to pass up... maybe I will buy both!

Regarding splitting up the forums, I don't think that's a good idea. We tried it for the Galaxy S models and it is something of a clusterfuck, and not as much knowledge is being shared IMHO.
Sent from my GT-P1000M using XDA App

[Q] GT full GSM bands

Hello All,
I am wondering if anyone knows which GT that would have the brands for both AT&T & T-Mobile? Euro ??
I only have like 5ish days before I would need to return both Tabs from AT&T & T-Mobile.
Thanks ahead of time!
Christopher

Both the AT&T tab and the T-mobile tab both work on both carriers if they are unlocked. You of course will not be getting 3g on the carrier opposite of what the tab was designed for. There are no tabs, or probably phones either for that matter, that will work on both the T-mobile AWS 3G bands AND the typical straight 2100Mhz 3g bands that AT&T and most of Europe operate on. One or the other.

Would it be safe to say the AT&T one is more likly to work with companys overseas?
Christopher

scottprotege said:
There are no tabs that will work on both the T-mobile AWS 3G bands AND the typical straight 850Mhz 3g band that AT&T operates on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fixed it for you.
They both work on European 2100MHz UMTS (after SIM-unlocking).

scottprotege said:
Both the AT&T tab and the T-mobile tab both work on both carriers if they are unlocked. You of course will not be getting 3g on the carrier opposite of what the tab was designed for. There are no tabs, or probably phones either for that matter, that will work on both the T-mobile AWS 3G bands AND the typical straight 2100Mhz 3g bands that AT&T and most of Europe operate on. One or the other.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Essentially correct, but as far as I'm aware, AT&T don't use 2100MHz for 3G - it's 1900MHz and 850Mhz. In addition, both TMo and AT&T Tabs should work ok in Europe with 3G.
Regards,
Dave

foxmeister said:
Essentially correct, but as far as I'm aware, AT&T don't use 2100MHz for 3G - it's 1900MHz and 850Mhz. In addition, both TMo and AT&T Tabs should work ok in Europe with 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nobody serves 2100MHz ONLY (UMTS) in the US. Its 1700/2100 AWS or completely different bands.
The TMoUS tab definitely works in Europe (after SIM-unlocking) because thats what I'm using right now

Unlock Galaxy S4

Hey guys. Have a chance to take GS4 but is there any info how to unlock it to use on TMobile?
DOes it have AWS bands for supporting TMobile HSPA?

escknx said:
Hey guys. Have a chance to take GS4 but is there any info how to unlock it to use on TMobile?
DOes it have AWS bands for supporting TMobile HSPA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why just not get T-Mobile's version?

MattMJB0188 said:
Why just not get T-Mobile's version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great idea but there are no TMo offers yet. They plan to put it in their stores around 8-15 May. So if there is no chance to unlock ATT one I'll wait for TMo.

I'd wait. With the AT&T version you'll only get 850mhz/1900mhz HSPA, whereas the LTE would work fine. You'd definitely want AWS HSPA+ if your on T-Mobile. Their 1900mhz refarming is very spotty and not matured.

MattMJB0188 said:
I'd wait. With the AT&T version you'll only get 850mhz/1900mhz HSPA, whereas the LTE would work fine. You'd definitely want AWS HSPA+ if your on T-Mobile. Their 1900mhz refarming is very spotty and not matured.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes anyway I need HSPA+. I use ATT Note2 that supports it. But it is unknows if ATT GS4 supports it as well.

You should definitely wait. Or if you're buying outright full price, just get the international I9505.

Well thanks i9505 is too expensive
1-2 more weeks not a big deal then

If you live in Queens there are some T-Mobile stores launching the fone on the 1st... Actually only 3 stores in Queens launching on the 1st.

It does not support the AWS 1700 band, so wait for the TMobile version. The hardware is not there.

The ATT S3 and Note 2 did not support AWS HSPA out of the box, but a quick tweak using the Qualcomm software fixed this.
Perhaps the same fix applies to the new chipset in the S4?

WorldIRC said:
The ATT S3 and Note 2 did not support AWS HSPA out of the box, but a quick tweak using the Qualcomm software fixed this.
Perhaps the same fix applies to the new chipset in the S4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On Note 2 AWS HSPA can be enabled through service menu so I've made. Do not know about GS3..

Tmobile or ATT version S4
Will T-mobile S4, which I am sure will come as locked, work on ATT network (3G/4G/LTE) once unlocked? It appears that ATT version lacks Tmobile's 1700 band for 3G/4G. But does Tmobile version S4 comes with 1700/1900/2100 plus LTE band that works at both carriers provided that it is unlocked? If not is there an S4 unlocked version that can be purchased so that it works at both carrier's 3G/4G/LTE?

superiorbeefjerkey said:
Will T-mobile S4, which I am sure will come as locked, work on ATT network (3G/4G/LTE) once unlocked? It appears that ATT version lacks Tmobile's 1700 band for 3G/4G. But does Tmobile version S4 comes with 1700/1900/2100 plus LTE band that works at both carriers provided that it is unlocked? If not is there an S4 unlocked version that can be purchased so that it works at both carrier's 3G/4G/LTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4g lte shoukd work straight out of the box since tmobile uses the same lte band as at&t. and im pretty positive hspa should work too cause you dont need 3 bands all time. I have tmobile note 2 on att and i have all 2g hspa and lte.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

plznote said:
It does not support the AWS 1700 band, so wait for the TMobile version. The hardware is not there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please provide a source for this? I've been looking but can't find any confirmation. I was thinking both phones would have the same hardware (cheaper to manufacture) but the modem firmware would simply disable some bands on the AT&T model.

plznote said:
It does not support the AWS 1700 band, so wait for the TMobile version. The hardware is not there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Turns out the hardware is identical on both the AT&T and the T-Mobile models. More info on this post. Cross-referencing posts to avoid duplicating info, and in case someone is interested.

what about unlocking the phone(t-mobile version)? anything available besides buying the code?

noob question
WorldIRC said:
The ATT S3 and Note 2 did not support AWS HSPA out of the box, but a quick tweak using the Qualcomm software fixed this.
Perhaps the same fix applies to the new chipset in the S4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi there, what QUALCOMM software would this be? sorry for the noob question

[Q] Using my Galaxy S5 G900F in Canada?

Hi all, I'm wondering if I may trouble you with a quick question.
I recently bought a Galaxy S5 (Galaxy S5 G900F) in the hopes to have it future proof as I move to Canada next year and would like to have a solid phone for about two - three years. I'm based in Ireland at the moment and wondering can the phone be used in Canada without issue?
I was looking at a phone company (Koodo) who offer great rates and once I inputted my IMEI it stated my phone wouldn't work on their network.
Surely the S5 would work on any network throughout the globe? Last year my Note 3 worked perfectly in America and it was an international edition also.
Is this a hardware issue (radios) or software (were a simple flash of a different rom could fix)?
Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
Regards

gbyrne2011 said:
Surely the S5 would work on any network throughout the globe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, let me ask you this question. If the S5 should work around the world.. why does Samsung have a dozen S5 variants?
Figured it out yet? Ironically the hardware is capable of supporting all GSM and LTE bands world wide. But Samsung endeavors to sell their phones for higher prices in more affluent countries. And carriers don't want to make it easy for you to jump ship and sign your phone up to another network. So they have artificial restrictions in the firmware and other measures e.g. region locking, SIM locks, to limit what you can do. They have to allow enough compatibility that you could usually roam when traveling. But not complete compatibility or you might buy a cheaper S5 from another country. Or change carriers willy nilly.
Yup, great system.
And so it is for your phone. It will work most of the time in Canada. But it isn't 100% compatible and you may find that it can't operate on the necessary bands in fringe areas or for niche carriers.
Most of the bands are the same between the S5 900F (yours) and the S5 900W8 (Canada)
The differences, I believe are:
2G: same for both
3G: Most bands are the same. But you have B8(900) in place of Canadian band B4(1700 aka AWS)
4G: Most bands are the same. But you have B5(850), B20(800) instead of Canadian bands B4(1700 aka AWS), B17(700)
In the case of Fido, their site says:
Fido said:
Things to Know
Your device must be compatible with the Fido network, which uses GSM, UMTS, HSPA and HSPA+ at 850 MHz and 1900 MHz and LTE at 2100 MHz and 2600 MHz. If you are unsure of how to check the frequencies your device supports, try the manufacturer's official website and search for the specifications for your particular phone/smartphone model;
If your device is currently locked, it needs to be unlocked by the carrier you bought it from;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears to me that your phone supports all of the Fido bands. And most, but not all of the bands on other Canadian carriers. I don't believe that your phone will work at all on niche carriers Wind or Mobilicity.
.

fffft said:
Okay, let me ask you this question. If the S5 should work around the world.. why does Samsung have a dozen S5 variants?
Figured it out yet? Ironically the hardware is capable of supporting all GSM and LTE bands world wide. But Samsung endeavors to sell their phones for higher prices in more affluent countries. And carriers don't want to make it easy for you to jump ship and sign your phone up to another network. So they have artificial restrictions in the firmware and other measures e.g. region locking, SIM locks, to limit what you can do. They have to allow enough compatibility that you could usually roam when traveling. But not complete compatibility or you might buy a cheaper S5 from another country. Or change carriers willy nilly.
Yup, great system.
And so it is for your phone. It will work most of the time in Canada. But it isn't 100% compatible and you may find that it can't operate on the necessary bands in fringe areas or for niche carriers.
Most of the bands are the same between the S5 900F (yours) and the S5 900W8 (Canada)
The differences, I believe are:
2G: same for both
3G: Most bands are the same. But you have B8(900) in place of Canadian band B4(1700 aka AWS)
4G: Most bands are the same. But you have B5(850), B20(800) instead of Canadian bands B4(1700 aka AWS), B17(700)
In the case of Fido, their site says:
It appears to me that your phone supports all of the Fido bands. And most, but not all of the bands on other Canadian carriers. I don't believe that your phone will work at all on niche carriers Wind or Mobilicity.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for your reply. I figured it would be something to do with the radio.. Will check the bands for the network Koodoo, if it falls in ok and I can find a firmware to flash which hopefully should do the trick. Hell I might even just sell before I go, make it easier.
Cheers

gbyrne2011 said:
Will check the bands for the network Koodoo
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Click to collapse
Koodo is a secondary brand of Telus.
They use 3G 850 CLR/1900 PCS
And 4G /LTE 1700/2100 (and possibly 700 in the future)
You are missing their 1700 LTE band, sometimes referred to as AWS. So you will have to find out how extensively they use that band and whether it is a sole frequency in any areas.
.

fffft said:
Koodo is a secondary brand of Telus.
They use 3G 850 CLR/1900 PCS
And 4G /LTE 1700/2100 (and possibly 700 in the future)
You are missing their 1700 LTE band, sometimes referred to as AWS. So you will have to find out how extensively they use that band and whether it is a sole frequency in any areas.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for all your help fffft, it's much appreciated.