Database Users

US version on European 3G Networks

Hey Everyone,
So I live in Germany but I will be visiting the USA for Thanksgiving weekend. I am contemplating buying the Tab for $550 at Best Buy on black Friday. So if I find it worth it, should I get the Sprint or T-Mobile one? Or can I even use either of them unlocked so I can use 3G with my German Fonic SIM card (I think it uses the O2 networks)?
Thanks

T-Mobile US and AT&T are your only options. You will have to SIM unlock them.
Sprint and Verizon use their own wireless transmission protocol that is, with a few exceptions, incompatible with the rest of the world. In particular, no SIM card

The biggest issue you will find is the lack of phone functionality on the US models.
You should however be able to flash a Euro firmware, and it's quite likely that you get both phone and 3G data on a European network. I couldn't definitively state that this is the case though!
Caveat Emptor!
Regards,
Dave

OK, so you think I would be able to get T-Mobile version, and it should work with the 3G connections in Europe? And if so, can I easily unlock it and put in my SIM card as I have done with other American smartphones I use here?
Thanks

I think you're better of getting the AT&T Tab since it will have the UMTS 850, 1900, 2100 bands, EU uses the 2100, you will have to flash the eu rom on it though... Wait, the TMO Tab also has 2100... IDK someone will have to chime in...
Here's a comparison of the US models and the international Tab:
http://www.phonearena.com/phones/compare/Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-T-Mobile,Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-AT-T,Samsung-Galaxy-Tab/phones/4901,4900,4898

Stevv said:
Hey Everyone,
So I live in Germany but I will be visiting the USA for Thanksgiving weekend. I am contemplating buying the Tab for $550 at Best Buy on black Friday. So if I find it worth it, should I get the Sprint or T-Mobile one? Or can I even use either of them unlocked so I can use 3G with my German Fonic SIM card (I think it uses the O2 networks)?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might double check.... cus based on my local store and the best buy website... they are only selling Verizon and Sprint tabs... I don't think the will be selling Tmos, according to a Best Buys rep.
But of course Tmo should have them in stock...

If the standard Euro Tab is available in your airport departure lounge, you should be able to pick one up on your outward bound journey VAT free. It might still be more expensive than a US one, but not by much (assuming they are priced similarly to the UK) and would probably be a better bet all round.
Regards,
Dave

xexes said:
You might double check.... cus based on my local store and the best buy website... they are only selling Verizon and Sprint tabs... I don't think the will be selling Tmos, according to a Best Buys rep.
But of course Tmo should have them in stock...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh man you are right sorry my mistake. Thanks for the suggestion Dave I will look for it at the airport and see what the price is.

Stevv said:
OK, so you think I would be able to get T-Mobile version, and it should work with the 3G connections in Europe? And if so, can I easily unlock it and put in my SIM card as I have done with other American smartphones I use here?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how bout you buy the euro tab and ill trade you for my tmous tab

tmobile or ATT is ur only option buddy unless u buy and sell it for some extra cash and uby what u really want

SiL3nTKiLL said:
tmobile or ATT is ur only option buddy unless u buy and sell it for some extra cash and uby what u really want
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Click to collapse
Hi from italy....
One question: if i'll buy a Sprint gtab, will it work in italy like a simple wifi device? or i need some sort of activation?

spino1970 said:
Hi from italy....
One question: if i'll buy a Sprint gtab, will it work in italy like a simple wifi device? or i need some sort of activation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=10538263&postcount=3
already answered

is possible to buy xoom in the Usa and use it in Italy

Hi, tomorrow I will be in NY for a couple of days and I want to buy a Motorola Xoom, is possible to use it outside of the Us? And if it's possible could I use my sim for the 3g connection?
Thanks you in advance for your kind reply

If you buy it here, you will only be able to use it with WiFi. It doesn't support 3G sim cards.

Sorry for the dumb question, it's a wifi only model the one sold in Usa?

mcreego said:
Sorry for the dumb question, it's a wifi only model the one sold in Usa?
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Click to collapse
No, its Wi-Fi and 3G, but it is Verizon only which has the Verizon 3G "Sim Card" built in.

StuMcBill said:
No, its Wi-Fi and 3G, but it is Verizon only which has the Verizon 3G "Sim Card" built in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no theres no Verizon sim card in it. There is a placeholder for where the LTE sim card will go once the upgrade happens, however at the moment its just an embedded CDMA radio

chaoscentral said:
no theres no Verizon sim card in it. There is a placeholder for where the LTE sim card will go once the upgrade happens, however at the moment its just an embedded CDMA radio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah sorry, we don't have CDMA in the UK, so I wasn't 100% sure about it!
Stew

I don't understand very well...It has a slot for SIM but only for Verizon's SIMs...?

No. It uses CDMA. No SIM card. CDMA is different from GSM and it doesn't exist in Europe.

Basically you can use it in Italy over wifi as your data connection.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App

gimj01 said:
I don't understand very well...it has a slot for SIM but only for Verizon's SIMs?
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Click to collapse
In the US there are basically 2 systems:
1- CDMA which is used by Verizon (xoom). There is not chip to be attached by the user. However the Xoom has an slot for the upgrade to 4g and that is the slot that you see in the tablet.
2- GMS used by other carriers and the standard in the EU.
You can use the xoom in Italy as a wifi only.

i want to change the system software in Italian of my xoom buyed in US on amazon...how can do it ?

Were the heck did this thread come from?? XDA members have people so afraid to start new threads this guy piggybacked this one.

[Q] Anybody waiting for a GSM Xoom?

Although the majority seems to be waiting for the wifi xoom. I wonder if is just me waiting for the gsm model. I have the galaxy tab unlocked from tmo which I used without any problems recently in Germany. I got my xoom from Costco therefore (90 days return); so the CDMA is no going to make it if you want to use it abroad. I know you can tether but I prefer interchanging chips. Anybody else?
No more "grand master silicon"

Grand Master Silicon? Hell yeah. I also might buy one of those gsm-enabled versions... as I'm on tmobile..but the vzw device itself is in fact gsm capable.. to some extent

Blades said:
Grand Master Silicon? Hell yeah. I also might buy one of those gsm-enabled versions... as I'm on tmobile..but the vzw device itself is in fact gsm capable.. to some extent
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 Grand Master Silicon. LOL.
But seriously, yes I'd want a GSM model to be able to put in a SIM card, but only if it had all bands, not just 1900/2100 for T-mobile. I'd like to have it be capable for all bands but we can dream right?
They're already making a GSM Xoom, but its being released in Germany first. We already know the GSM exists its just up to Verizon to decide when to release the grip on Motorola's balls for the US launch.

Blades said:
Grand Master Silicon? Hell yeah. I also might buy one of those gsm-enabled versions... as I'm on tmobile..but the vzw device itself is in fact gsm capable.. to some extent
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately the xoom is not "Grand Master Silicon" capable as it is a different technology, unless I got all this wrong? Let's hope verizon release moto balls soon.

knut150 said:
Unfortunately the xoom is not "Grand Master Silicon" capable as it is a different technology, unless I got all this wrong? Let's hope verizon release moto balls soon.
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lol.... he's making light of the fact that you misspelled "GSM" as "GMS" in your post like 5x, including the title.

yea I'm currently waiting for GSM xoom, would buy the wifi version instead but I'm on unlimited data plan so why not get 3G model and turn my xoom into a wireless hotspot when I'm not using it

ixemun said:
yea I'm currently waiting for GSM xoom, would buy the wifi version instead but I'm on unlimited data plan so why not get 3G model and turn my xoom into a wireless hotspot when I'm not using it
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who do you have as your carrier? iam wondering cause iam paying for a 2nd blackberry with unlimited data with att and i am wanting to use that sim with a tablet.
thanks

hkwong said:
who do you have as your carrier? iam wondering cause iam paying for a 2nd blackberry with unlimited data with att and i am wanting to use that sim with a tablet.
thanks
Click to expand...
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nah I'm not from the US, so my carrier is alien to you all, my carrier has a student plan for data only (which I use for internet) about 30USD per month (7.2Mbps)

ixemun said:
nah I'm not from the US, so my carrier is alien to you all, my carrier has a student plan for data only (which I use for internet) about 30USD per month (7.2Mbps)
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hehe, seems you are coming from HK

I was waiting... but finally i bought the wi-fi version, i heard there is a Brazilian gsm version however...
knut150 said:
Although the majority seems to be waiting for the wifi xoom. I wonder if is just me waiting for the gsm model. I have the galaxy tab unlocked from tmo which I used without any problems recently in Germany. I got my xoom from Costco therefore (90 days return); so the CDMA is no going to make it if you want to use it abroad. I know you can tether but I prefer interchanging chips. Anybody else?
No more "grand master silicon"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

There's a thread (... or two?) where people have been playing around with turning their devices into GSM devices, some with more success than others. I personally wish it had been released with GSM/UMTS (provided it's unlocked and quad-band) as I travel a fair amount to GSM countries and it'd be nice to buy a local SIM and use my Xoom there, too. If such a device is released for the US market I'll probably get one, if there's a large enough gap between that one and the Xoom 2 (or maybe that'll be the one they release as GSM?)
The hardware does appear to be there in the CDMA VZ version (the same chip is used for both, but based on what one hacker has done, there's apparently some minor remaining issues with the baseband code).

Just get an MZ601? They're quadband, and everything.

ydaraishy said:
Just get an MZ601? They're quadband, and everything.
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No ****?! Huh. Now you tell me (But on the real, I bought like the 3rd day they were out, so it wasn't ready yet.)

kcrudup said:
No ****?! Huh. Now you tell me (But on the real, I bought like the 3rd day they were out, so it wasn't ready yet.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was more meaning to answer the thread rather than your post specifically, though anyway...

[Q] Rogers Nexus 4/Sim Card

Right now I have an Xperia Play with a regular SIM. Does the Nexus use micro or nano? and can I cut it myself or do I have to go to Rogers?

GetPatriotized said:
Right now I have an Xperia Play with a regular SIM. Does the Nexus use micro or nano? and can I cut it myself or do I have to go to Rogers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a micro sim. The simplest route is to purchase a micro sim from Rogers and use their client website to transfer your service to the new sim. You could cut it yourself but why bother?

I'm going to be cutting my Koodo sim into a micro sim when I get the Nexus 4. Much quicker than having to talk to someone on the phone.

special.k said:
I'm going to be cutting my Koodo sim into a micro sim when I get the Nexus 4. Much quicker than having to talk to someone on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not specifically familiar with Koodo, but Bell, Rogers, Fido, and Telus allow you to change your sim card using their website - no need to talk to anyone. I just picked up a new Bell sim for $5 - way less hassle than cutting.

comminus said:
I'm not specifically familiar with Koodo, but Bell, Rogers, Fido, and Telus allow you to change your sim card using their website - no need to talk to anyone. I just picked up a new Bell sim for $5 - way less hassle than cutting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was trying to figure out how to order a micro sim on the rogers site. Would you order the LTE sim?

hoponpop said:
I was trying to figure out how to order a micro sim on the rogers site. Would you order the LTE sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For a phone with no LTE? Why?
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda app-developers app

hoponpop said:
I was trying to figure out how to order a micro sim on the rogers site. Would you order the LTE sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just walk in to a Rogers store and ask to purchase a micro sim. They should be able to sell you the correct one. They also sell an "iphone 4" sim card which should work fine in andy 3G device, you'll just have to ignore the silly branding.

comminus said:
Just walk in to a Rogers store and ask to purchase a micro sim. They should be able to sell you the correct one. They also sell an "iphone 4" sim card which should work fine in andy 3G device, you'll just have to ignore the silly branding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll have to take a second look at the iPhone 4 sims. I don't really feel like going into a rogers store but I can't find a non-lte sim on website.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda app-developers app

What's with Canadian carriers charging their customers for SIM cards?? That's crazy. I know AT&T, you walk in store ask for one and you walk out with one, simple, and its FREE.
Also this question has been answered 100 times already on these forums.

eep2378 said:
What's with Canadian carriers charging their customers for SIM cards?? That's crazy. I know AT&T, you walk in store ask for one and you walk out with one, simple, and its FREE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You think paying for a SIM card is bad? You should see how expensive our plans / data rates are.

WIND sells their SIM cards for $25, why are you guys whining about $5 SIM cards?
deltatux

deltatux said:
WIND sells their SIM cards for $25, why are you guys whining about $5 SIM cards?
deltatux
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've paid as much as $30 for a micro sim card from Rogers for an iPhone 4.
My dad just paid $9 for an LTE regular sim card on the Samsung Galaxy S2 LTE
Sorry to hijack this thread but I did a Google Search and I came to this "canadian sim card" thread.
But can someone verify if I can use my Rogers Micro Sim Card that is a voice sim card but has a 3G data plan on it work on the Nexus 7 Mobile? Because it works on iPad 1 + Data versions.
It's kinda hard to find the answer but I'm still searching.

leafsacc said:
I've paid as much as $30 for a micro sim card from Rogers for an iPhone 4.
My dad just paid $9 for an LTE regular sim card on the Samsung Galaxy S2 LTE
Sorry to hijack this thread but I did a Google Search and I came to this "canadian sim card" thread.
But can someone verify if I can use my Rogers Micro Sim Card that is a voice sim card but has a 3G data plan on it work on the Nexus 7 Mobile? Because it works on iPad 1 + Data versions.
It's kinda hard to find the answer but I'm still searching.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should. Phones are backwards compatible for sure (LTE sim in an HSPA+-only phone will just use HSPA+), but you won't get LTE/4g/HSPA+
An LTE microsim is all of $10 from rogers. They don't even offer other sims anymore

hoponpop said:
I'll have to take a second look at the iPhone 4 sims. I don't really feel like going into a rogers store but I can't find a non-lte sim on website.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I walked in today and the lovely employee told me it would be $35. Screw Rogers in the face, I'm cutting my card.

I ordered mine online for $10. Just go to their website
Sent from my Nexus S using xda app-developers app

Just download the template online and cut it. took a whole 5 minutes. no need to mess around with paying or even walking into a store.
I did mine during my lunch break at work lol. Ahh good times

Speed test: Nexus 4 vs Samsung S3
I've been on Rogers for ages so they didn't charge me for a micro-sim for my Nexus 4 that arrived yesterday.
I've done some speed tests of the Nexus 4 against a Rogers Samsung S3 and LTE Hotspot and posted them on our blog if you're interested. I'm a new member here so I can't post outside links yet. Visit blog dot interlockit dot com
Cheers,
t3xboar said:
Just download the template online and cut it. took a whole 5 minutes. no need to mess around with paying or even walking into a store.
I did mine during my lunch break at work lol. Ahh good times
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Click to collapse

Purpose of Sprint SIM card??

What exactly is the purpose of the Sprint sim card? I went to Russia and got the phone unlocked by Sprint, put in a Megafon gsm sim when I got there and accidentally allowed my Sprint sim to get destroyed in the washing machine. So when I got home I expected my phone to not work, but I figured I would switch it over to CDMA just to see what would happen and it works perfect! So I am confused as to why the Sprint sim is even there, is it just a dummy card with no real purpose?

The SIM is for LTE service. CDMA will work without it.
jmana said:
What exactly is the purpose of the Sprint sim card? I went to Russia and got the phone unlocked by Sprint, put in a Megafon gsm sim when I got there and accidentally allowed my Sprint sim to get destroyed in the washing machine. So when I got home I expected my phone to not work, but I figured I would switch it over to CDMA just to see what would happen and it works perfect! So I am confused as to why the Sprint sim is even there, is it just a dummy card with no real purpose?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2

nivron said:
The SIM is for LTE service. CDMA will work without it.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That cant be true. I had a galaxy nexus on sprint and the sprint variant had no sim slot and connected to 4g lte when I was in the area.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Back then, the sim was "integrated" into the phone.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2

robogoflow said:
That cant be true. I had a galaxy nexus on sprint and the sprint variant had no sim slot and connected to 4g lte when I was in the area.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Different phone different configuration.

Both the gnex and evo 4g lte had embedded sim cards.
robogoflow said:
That cant be true. I had a galaxy nexus on sprint and the sprint variant had no sim slot and connected to 4g lte when I was in the area.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2

nivron said:
Both the gnex and evo 4g lte had embedded sim cards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, the SIM card in SG4 is for LTE.

new sim is $50 so you might be more careful next time

Edited
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lafester said:
new sim is $50 so you might be more careful next time
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Click to collapse
Dang! Is it really that much? Not only is $50 many, many times what it costs Sprint to procure the SIM card (which I would guesstimate at less than 50 cents a piece), it is also a lot more than what the other US carriers charge for a SIM.

obender said:
Yep, the SIM card in SG4 is for LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought the purpose of the Sprint SIM card was to enable Sprint's Worldwide services. Where does it show you need a sim for LTE?
Sent from my icrap 2 using Tapatalk HD

cruise350 said:
I thought the purpose of the Sprint SIM card was to enable Sprint's Worldwide services. Where does it show you need a sim for LTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can ask Sprint (I wouldn't count on the clear answer though) or just get to the LTE coverage area, Sprint stores have LTE 4G and pull the SIM out to verify that you cannot get 4G without it.

cruise350 said:
I thought the purpose of the Sprint SIM card was to enable Sprint's Worldwide services. Where does it show you need a sim for LTE?
Sent from my icrap 2 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The primary purpose of the SIM card in recent Sprint phones is to provision LTE. While previous Sprint LTE Android handsets did not have a SIM slot, they still had a SIM, it's just that it was an embedded/soldered/non-removable type of SIM card.
If you take the SIM out you will not be able to register on Sprint's LTE network.

dont need sim
myphone12345 said:
The primary purpose of the SIM card in recent Sprint phones is to provision LTE. While previous Sprint LTE Android handsets did not have a SIM slot, they still had a SIM, it's just that it was an embedded/soldered/non-removable type of SIM card.
If you take the SIM out you will not be able to register on Sprint's LTE network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you do not need a sim card fir lte. You do not need the sim at all while in USA. It will connect to the lte network without it.

rtresh said:
you do not need a sim card fir lte. You do not need the sim at all while in USA. It will connect to the lte network without it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure about this? When running a Verizon ROM on sprint without the proper tweaks, you will get am error about LTE not being able yo connect because it doesn't detect a Verizon sim card. 3G works though.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

rtresh said:
you do not need a sim card fir lte. You do not need the sim at all while in USA. It will connect to the lte network without it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are completely wrong. The phone will definitely not connect to Sprint's LTE network if you take the Sprint SIM out. You will only get CDMA service.

you are wrong
myphone12345 said:
You are completely wrong. The phone will definitely not connect to Sprint's LTE network if you take the Sprint SIM out. You will only get CDMA service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using the phone and do not have a sim card. so please tell me how i am wrong? I am on sprint and use lte in any are that has it as Michigan is limited at this time. The phone will auto connect to the 4g service

rtresh said:
I am using the phone and do not have a sim card. so please tell me how i am wrong? I am on sprint and use lte in any are that has it as Michigan is limited at this time. The phone will auto connect to the 4g service
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you provide a screen capture showing the notification bar with the "no SIM" and 4G indicators both on at the same time?

no sim
myphone12345 said:
Can you provide a screen capture showing the notification bar with the "no SIM" and 4G indicators both on at the same time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i will when in a 4g area. i am not sure how to show the sim status at the same time as it is not displayed. Since you dont believe, you can contact radio shack in the twelve oaks mall in novi Michigan. They do not have sprint sims and I was in shock when they actually activated the phone because I was thinking I would need to go get a sim card, but it is not needed.