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I was wondering why I can only get EDGE on my TMobile G2 phone... is it because of the GSM incompatibility that some TMobile phones have with the ATT network or am I doing something wrong?
Does your phone support 1900 MHz UTMS? That would be a problem. If it does then use *#0011# and make sure the bands are unlocked.
Sent from my xt862 using xda app-developers app
MrObvious said:
Does your phone support 1900 MHz UTMS? That would be a problem. If it does then use *#0011# and make sure the bands are unlocked.
Sent from my xt862 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got "connection problem or invalid MMI code" when I ran that.
Edit: Did a bit more research and it turns out that it does *not* support 1900 MHz UTMS for 3G, so basically, this phone + ATT network = no 3G service, as the hardware is incompatible.
M!x said:
I got "connection problem or invalid MMI code" when I ran that.
Edit: Did a bit more research and it turns out that it does *not* support 1900 MHz UTMS for 3G, so basically, this phone + ATT network = no 3G service, as the hardware is incompatible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone doing their own research? Get the hell out.
Actually, I don't think the G2 even does 3G on anything but AWS. The HTC Desire Z (identical but without carrier branding) has a version that supports AT&T 3G, however.
luftrofl said:
Someone doing their own research? Get the hell out.
Actually, I don't think the G2 even does 3G on anything but AWS. The HTC Desire Z (identical but without carrier branding) has a version that supports AT&T 3G, however.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
MrObvious said:
Does your phone support 1900 MHz UTMS? That would be a problem. If it does then use *#0011# and make sure the bands are unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you explain what you mean by "use *#0011# and make sure the bands are unlocked"? My Samsung phone can't get 4g service here on T-Mobile and it doesn't do 3G so I'd really like to enable HSPA+ if that's possible. I don't see anything on that screen that I can unlock though.
stevec5000 said:
Can you explain what you mean by "use *#0011# and make sure the bands are unlocked"? My Samsung phone can't get 4g service here on T-Mobile and it doesn't do 3G so I'd really like to enable HSPA+ if that's possible. I don't see anything on that screen that I can unlock though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check which UMTS (3G) bands your phone supports - I suspect yours does not support T-Mobile's 3G band (IV). The information is usually available on wikipedia or gsmarena.
You do not "enable" 3G through software changes. Your phone supports it or it doesn't.
luftrofl said:
Check which UMTS (3G) bands your phone supports - I suspect yours does not support T-Mobile's 3G band (IV). The information is usually available on wikipedia or gsmarena.
You do not "enable" 3G through software changes. Your phone supports it or it doesn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does support band IV, 1700Mhz, but it doesn't do HSPA+ so it can't get 3G. That screen still doesn't tell me anything though.
GSMArena says it has 3G Networking on HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 2100 / 1900 but that's not true. There is no 2100Mhz band, not on mine anyway. Actually GSMArena isn't very complete or very accurate, it don't even list the model T959V!
stevec5000 said:
It does support band IV, 1700Mhz, but it doesn't do HSPA+ so it can't get 3G. That screen still doesn't tell me anything though.
GSMArena says it has 3G Networking on HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 2100 / 1900 but that's not true. There is no 2100Mhz band, not on mine anyway. Actually GSMArena isn't very complete or very accurate, it don't even list the model T959V!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not how HSPA+ works - it's essentially just faster 3G. Also, I found your phone on GSMArena, not sure how you searched but the information is all there and it supports band IV (1700/2100) and I (2100).
Are you sure you've enabled 3G (or deselected "Use only 2G networks")?
What is the history of the phone (bought new, used, etc.)? It should "just work" on T-Mobile as it's T-Mobile branded but, no offense, your details are a little vague.
luftrofl said:
That's not how HSPA+ works - it's essentially just faster 3G. Also, I found your phone on GSMArena, not sure how you searched but the information is all there and it supports band IV (1700/2100) and I (2100).
Are you sure you've enabled 3G (or deselected "Use only 2G networks")?
What is the history of the phone (bought new, used, etc.)? It should "just work" on T-Mobile as it's T-Mobile branded but, no offense, your details are a little vague.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry if I was vague but it doesn't "just work" on T-Mobile! At first I though all Exhibit II models would be the same however they could have different versions like the Galaxy 2 that has an older version for 3G and a newer version that also now gets 4G, who knows.
The phone was purchased new a few months ago and is still stock. I know HSPA+ is faster 3G since I can get it on 1700Mhz on another device using the T-Mobile SIM from the Exhibit 2. Can't get HSPA+ or 3G on the Exhibit 2 though.
Yes the phone is on GSMArena but the info is not accurate, it claims the phone gets 3G and has a 2100Mhz band but that's not true. It only supports band IV on 1700.
There is no option to enable 3G or "Use only 2G networks". It has options for WCDMA (for 4G on 1700) or GSM (for Edge on 1900) but there is no setting in between for 3G or HSPA+. I tried setting it to WCDMA only but it defaults back to Auto using Edge unless I go to a T-Mobile store where they have a strong 4G signal that gives 5 bars. If I leave the store and go down the street there's no signal though.
I have verified that WCDMA for 4G is on 1700 and GSM for Edge is on 1900 using a spectrum analyzer but it never uses 2100 and has never used 3G anywhere in the Phoenix, Mesa or Scottsdale area, just Edge. There may be other modes and frequencies but I haven't been able to verify them.
If there is a way to turn on 3G I'd like to know what it is? Someone suggested dialing *#32489# clicking #3 then UTMS but that didn't do anything.
stevec5000 said:
Sorry if I was vague but it doesn't "just work" on T-Mobile! At first I though all Exhibit II models would be the same however they could have different versions like the Galaxy 2 that has an older version for 3G and a newer version that also now gets 4G, who knows.
The phone was purchased new a few months ago and is still stock. I know HSPA+ is faster 3G since I can get it on 1700Mhz on another device using the T-Mobile SIM from the Exhibit 2. Can't get HSPA+ or 3G on the Exhibit 2 though.
Yes the phone is on GSMArena but the info is not accurate, it claims the phone gets 3G and has a 2100Mhz band but that's not true. It only supports band IV on 1700.
There is no option to enable 3G or "Use only 2G networks". It has options for WCDMA (for 4G on 1700) or GSM (for Edge on 1900) but there is no setting in between for 3G or HSPA+. I tried setting it to WCDMA only but it defaults back to Auto using Edge unless I go to a T-Mobile store where they have a strong 4G signal that gives 5 bars. If I leave the store and go down the street there's no signal though.
I have verified that WCDMA for 4G is on 1700 and GSM for Edge is on 1900 using a spectrum analyzer but it never uses 2100 and has never used 3G anywhere in the Phoenix, Mesa or Scottsdale area, just Edge. There may be other modes and frequencies but I haven't been able to verify them.
If there is a way to turn on 3G I'd like to know what it is? Someone suggested dialing *#32489# clicking #3 then UTMS but that didn't do anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know where to begin but let me get this straight...
-You bought a new Exhibit II from T-Mobile.
-It doesn't get 3G outside of the store.
-Your other T-Mobile compatible device gets 3G outside of the store.
-You've owned this same Exhibit II which hasn't been connecting to 3G for months.
On these points alone, am I understanding you correctly?
luftrofl said:
I don't know where to begin but let me get this straight...
-You bought a new Exhibit II from T-Mobile.
-It doesn't get 3G outside of the store.
-Your other T-Mobile compatible device gets 3G outside of the store.
-You've owned this same Exhibit II which hasn't been connecting to 3G for months.
On these points alone, am I understanding you correctly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Close but not quite correct, it doesn't get 4G outside of the store.
It can't get 3G at all anywhere!
Since there is no 4G network is there a way to turn on or enable 3G or is it hopeless?
stevec5000 said:
Close but not quite correct, it doesn't get 4G outside of the store.
It can't get 3G at all anywhere!
Since there is no 4G network is there a way to turn on or enable 3G or is it hopeless?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In a previous post you said that you "know" what I'm talking about but clearly that is not the case.
What T-Mobile calls 4G is actually 3G with improvements to the backhaul as well as the radios on the phones - where T-Mobile has 4G, it also has 3G.
The point of my last post was to make it obvious that you have a defective phone. I shouldn't have assumed you would figure it as you haven't figured it out in the months you've owned a phone that obviously has reception issues.
luftrofl said:
In a previous post you said that you "know" what I'm talking about but clearly that is not the case.
What T-Mobile calls 4G is actually 3G with improvements to the backhaul as well as the radios on the phones - where T-Mobile has 4G, it also has 3G.
The point of my last post was to make it obvious that you have a defective phone. I shouldn't have assumed you would figure it as you haven't figured it out in the months you've owned a phone that obviously has reception issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again not true! What they call 4G is using WCDMA but 3G is using HSPA+. 3G using HSPA+ has improvements that will allow it to go up to 20Mb but my Android phone doesn't have an option for 3G, just 4G using WCDMA. The people at the T-Mobile stores would beg to differ with you about the phone being bad since I've been to 5 T-Mobile stores and they say the phone works OK since it can get 4G on 1700Mhz in the store.
stevec5000 said:
Again not true! What they call 4G is using WCDMA but 3G is using HSPA+. 3G using HSPA+ has improvements that will allow it to go up to 20Mb but my Android phone doesn't have an option for 3G, just 4G using WCDMA. The people at the T-Mobile stores would beg to differ with you about the phone being bad since I've been to 5 T-Mobile stores and they say the phone works OK since it can get 4G on 1700Mhz in the store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your posts are too long to be trolling, but it still feels like you are because everything you post is wrong.
In case you're not trolling:
-Your phone has hardware defects that are affecting how well it connects to 3G.
-The fact that you get reception in stores is likely because stores have signal boosters.
-Retail employees are idiots. They are trained to use the products just enough to sell them (read: not much) and aren't paid enough to attract anyone with half a brain to the position. Walk a block away from the store and show them that your phone doesn't connect to 3G (or "4G" if you still want to call it that).
stevec5000 said:
Again not true! What they call 4G is using WCDMA but 3G is using HSPA+. 3G using HSPA+ has improvements that will allow it to go up to 20Mb but my Android phone doesn't have an option for 3G, just 4G using WCDMA. The people at the T-Mobile stores would beg to differ with you about the phone being bad since I've been to 5 T-Mobile stores and they say the phone works OK since it can get 4G on 1700Mhz in the store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
luftrofl said:
Your posts are too long to be trolling, but it still feels like you are because everything you post is wrong.
In case you're not trolling:
-Your phone has hardware defects that are affecting how well it connects to 3G.
-The fact that you get reception in stores is likely because stores have signal boosters.
-Retail employees are idiots. They are trained to use the products just enough to sell them (read: not much) and aren't paid enough to attract anyone with half a brain to the position. Walk a block away from the store and show them that your phone doesn't connect to 3G (or "4G" if you still want to call it that).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both of you are feeling like you're trolling.
It may be a tower issue or your phone. The only way to check is to use another phone.
Hey guys, I picked up this phone to test out a winphone a while ago and like it, but I'm having a huge issue.
I cannot get any network other than Edge to show up, and my speedtests are incredibly slow! On my Galaxy Nexus on Tmo's network I had to have the IMEI number updated somehow when I started my account, but it appears Tmo is closed today. Is there a way of doing this, or something else I need to do to get my Quantum to speed up, or is it hopeless?
It originally was an ATT phone that I unlocked to run on Tmo.
TheRandom1 said:
Hey guys, I picked up this phone to test out a winphone a while ago and like it, but I'm having a huge issue.
I cannot get any network other than Edge to show up, and my speedtests are incredibly slow! On my Galaxy Nexus on Tmo's network I had to have the IMEI number updated somehow when I started my account, but it appears Tmo is closed today. Is there a way of doing this, or something else I need to do to get my Quantum to speed up, or is it hopeless?
It originally was an ATT phone that I unlocked to run on Tmo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because AT&T and T-Mobile use different bands. AT&T phones are only compatible with T-Mobile 2G. If you're lucky, T-Mobile will be refarming spectrum in your area, so you can get 3G, but apparently this isn't the case for you.
Source: I have a Quantum on T-Mobile
Are you positive about that? I have a Galaxy Nexus that worked just fine once they updated the IMEI number, and now I have full use of Tmo's network on it. It was an ATT phone initially...
TheRandom1 said:
Are you positive about that? I have a Galaxy Nexus that worked just fine once they updated the IMEI number, and now I have full use of Tmo's network on it. It was an ATT phone initially...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Galaxy Nexus: Supported Bands
2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100
LG Quantum: Supported Bands
UMTS/HSDPA Tri-band (850/1900/2100 MHz)
T-Mobile:
850 MHz/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSPA 2G
1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE 2G
1700 MHz UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+ 3G/4G
1900 MHz UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+ 3G/4G
1700 MHz LTE
The Quantum supports the italicized bands.
The Nexus supports the bolded bands.
As you can see, the Quantum's supported bands are used for 2G.
That is unfortunate... so everyone else using this phone is using it on ATT's network, not Tmo's?
Also incredibly disappointing since I was told that the networks were the same and that a phone that worked properly on one would work on another...
TheRandom1 said:
That is unfortunate... so everyone else using this phone is using it on ATT's network, not Tmo's?
Also incredibly disappointing since I was told that the networks were the same and that a phone that worked properly on one would work on another...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, most users are on AT&T. And as to your second point, I've never heard anybody say that...
I'll go ahead and bump this with one more question. With the announced merger between MetroPCS and T Mobile, is it safe to assume that MetroPCS' frequency spectrum will work with T Mobile phones? I believe I saw at least one band that the Quantum would be able to use.
I get Tmobile 3g on my Quantum, I'm in an area where they have 1900MHz coverage though.
I updated my Verizon XT1060 4.4.2 to the 4.4.4 with the posted method in the other thread. [FXZ] Moto X 4.4.4 212.55.26 (XT1060)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/fxz-moto-x-4-4-4-212-55-26-t2827307
Now it works flawlessly with my T-Mobile sim using the unlocked GSM function.
Previously with 4.4.2 it would say "unknown sim", have LTE, MMS, SMS and voice call switching issues. Even forcing HSPA was inconsistant. Now all's well with my experience.
good to know, just picked up a tmo sim yesterday, but have it in my att note 2 right now
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
I'll have to try it with my T-Mobile SIM later
After further testing, I had to change preferred network type to LTE, GSM, UMTS. default settings were flaky after driving around town.
Rebooted a few times and airplane mode a few times. Still good for now. Settings stick unlike 4.4.2
Sent from my XT1060 using XDA Free mobile app
I'll test it the next time I'm in an LTE area. The nearest one is 35 miles away. I could do everything on HSPA, but I had issues in LTE areas on 4.4.2.
I wonder if that means the Maxx will work perfect on T-Mobile when it gets triple 4
SymbioticGenius said:
I wonder if that means the Maxx will work perfect on T-Mobile when it gets triple 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The maxx already has 4.4.4, had it before the X. According to several posts over there, LTE is still broken
The default APN on the XT1060 with 4.4.4 is now fast.t-mobile.com, so a manual entry is no longer needed. I still put one in though because I like to customize the APN type settings.
It now correctly falls to HSPA/GSM from LTE when calling out too, instead of locking you to CDMA voice. So, you can use the phone as a phone now, even when connected to LTE.
I'd consider this fixed now.
Did your set preferred network type to global or LTE,GSM,UMTS?
I originally had it at Global, but it started acting like 4.4.2 (problems switching between phone and data) after I started moving around town.
LTE, GSM, UMTS works good but takes a long time to find a signal if I come out of a no signal zone
Sent from my XT1060 using XDA Free mobile app
HJC73734 said:
Did your set preferred network type to global or LTE,GSM,UMTS?
I originally had it at Global, but it started acting like 4.4.2 (problems switching between phone and data) after I started moving around town.
LTE, GSM, UMTS works good but takes a long time to find a signal if I come out of a no signal zone
Sent from my XT1060 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did set it to LTE/GSM/UMTS, and I added my own APN even though the default (hidden) APN is correct.
Yeah, even on Verizon, the phone is slow to switch networks. If I get dropped from LTE, it'll stay on 3G or 1X even though LTE is available; sometimes I get no data on Verizon for a while. Seems the same with LTE and HSPA switching.
I should add that Global mode doesn't lock to EDGE now, but it is sketchy, as you say.
I've been having calling issues using 4.4.4 when connected to tmobile LTE on my xt1060 dev edition. If I force GPRS, calls work fine, if I switch to LTE/GSM/CDMA auto (prl) I connect to LTE, but then can't make or receive calls. I haven't been able to figure out how to force H+ which seems like it would fix the problem, any ideas?
Also OP mentioned a "unlocked GSM" function, could you elaborate? I search these forums all the time but have never posted anything until now.
might work on AT & T? It may be possible?
Enviado desde mi XT1058 mediante Tapatalk
Think it should work as it is supposed to be a GSM unlocked world phone.
For me 4.4.4 fixed some of the phone/data switching problems and issues with the gsm settings resetting after reboots.
Sent from my XT1060 using XDA Free mobile app
Well Verizon is currently doing testing because I made a complaint against them with the FCC.
I told the Verizon guy that I can connect to T-Mobile LTE on 4.4.4 (though I had issues with 4.4.2), but that I didn't test voice capability very thoroughly while connected to LTE (fallback to GSM may still be sketchy). So, he said he'd get back to me after they've done some testing on this particular issue. I did say that 4.4.4 fixed a lot of the issues I was having though, mainly getting connected to LTE, and having overall GSM/HSPA network issues when the phone was trying to connect to LTE.
Looks like my issue is that I'm not in the so called "refarmed" spectrum area for HSPA+, so I can either get LTE, or EDGE, nothing in between. I've tinkered with the build.prop to no avail. Guess I'll keep tinkering.
RAZRBL8DE said:
Looks like my issue is that I'm not in the so called "refarmed" spectrum area for HSPA+, so I can either get LTE, or EDGE, nothing in between. I've tinkered with the build.prop to no avail. Guess I'll keep tinkering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's interesting considering the same amplifier for band 4 AWS LTE is the one used for HSPA. Band 4 AWS LTE operates on 1700/2100 MHz, the same frequency as the non-refarmed T-Mobile areas.
I think I'm also in a non-refarmed area, but I do have access to HSPA. The download speeds are just highly limited (0.05Mbps), so there's likely some baseband setting preventing full speeds. The last time I had reliable HSPA+ in my area was on 4.2.2 where I could pull just over 1Mbps down. In better areas, I get 5-15Mbps on HSPA+. These are certainly 1900/2100MHz areas.
Jason.DROID said:
That's interesting considering the same amplifier for band 4 AWS LTE is the one used for HSPA. Band 4 AWS LTE operates on 1700/2100 MHz, the same frequency as the non-refarmed T-Mobile areas.
I think I'm also in a non-refarmed area, but I do have access to HSPA. The download speeds are just highly limited (0.05Mbps), so there's likely some baseband setting preventing full speeds. The last time I had reliable HSPA+ in my area was on 4.2.2 where I could pull just over 1Mbps down. In better areas, I get 5-15Mbps on HSPA+. These are certainly 1900/2100MHz areas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm confused. Are you using a Verizon device? The XT1060?
While perhaps the same amplifier is being used (I have no info to either confirm or disprove this statement), the XT1060 (according to all relevant FCC data) lacks the actual physical radio hardware to support UMTS on 1700mhz. Additionally, 0.05Mbps sounds MUCH more like EDGE data than HSPA/HSPA+ data.
I'm very curious now. Would you mind trying out this app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.roaderster.mrf&hl=en
And seeing which UMTS (WCDMA) band/frequency it says you are using when your phone supposedly says you are using HSPA on 1700mhz?
We already know for a fact that the XT1060 does indeed support UMTS band 2 (1900mhz). I also *thought* we knew for a fact that the XT1060 does NOT support band 4 (1700mhz). LTE, yes, but UMTS, no.
I'm anxious to see what this app has to say...
samwathegreat said:
I'm confused. Are you using a Verizon device? The XT1060?
While perhaps the same amplifier is being used (I have no info to either confirm or disprove this statement), the XT1060 (according to all relevant FCC data) lacks the actual physical radio hardware to support UMTS on 1700mhz. Additionally, 0.05Mbps sounds MUCH more like EDGE data than HSPA/HSPA+ data.
I'm very curious now. Would you mind trying out this app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.roaderster.mrf&hl=en
And seeing which UMTS (WCDMA) band/frequency it says you are using when your phone supposedly says you are using HSPA on 1700mhz?
We already know for a fact that the XT1060 does indeed support UMTS band 2 (1900mhz). I also *thought* we knew for a fact that the XT1060 does NOT support band 4 (1700mhz). LTE, yes, but UMTS, no.
I'm anxious to see what this app has to say...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Skyworks 77619-12 is a penta-band amplifier that provides bands 1, 2, 4, 5, 8 support for HSPA/LTE and is used in the XT1053 and XT1060, among others. See here: http://www.skyworksinc.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=1024
I don't have root, so I used an older LTE phone without band 4 support, and put in a T-Mobile SIM. There was no signal at all, and T-Mobile says this will be so if a phone doesn't support 1700MHz even if it supports 2100MHz. So, I only deduced from that that I'm in a 1700/2100MHz area rather than a more typical 1900/2100MHz area. The limited down speeds are on HSPA+, but upload speeds are around 1Mbps.
Jason.DROID said:
The Skyworks 77619-12 is a penta-band amplifier that provides bands 1, 2, 4, 5, 8 support for HSPA/LTE and is used in the XT1053 and XT1060, among others. See here: http://www.skyworksinc.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=1024
I don't have root, so I used an older LTE phone without band 4 support, and put in a T-Mobile SIM. There was no signal at all, and T-Mobile says this will be so if a phone doesn't support 1700MHz even if it supports 2100MHz.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link. As you already know (no doubt), an amplifier can do nothing if the underlying radio doesn't support the band/mode (UMTS on band 4, in this case). Likely, they use that same amp in all the Moto X variants (except, of course the Sprint variant, which uses band 25 on TDD-LTE).
The fact that the phone won't work unless both 1700 and 2100 are supported by the radio itself makes perfect sense since they are using FDD-LTE (Frequency division - requires 2 seperate bands - one for uplink and downlink).
Did you try the app I suggested? The description doesn't say it requires root...
And finally - you never confirmed: are you using the XT1060, or the XT1053?
samwathegreat said:
Thanks for the link. As you already know (no doubt), an amplifier can do nothing if the underlying radio doesn't support the band/mode (UMTS on band 4, in this case). Likely, they use that same amp in all the Moto X variants.
The fact that the phone won't work unless both 1700 and 2100 are supported by the radio itself makes perfect sense since they are using FDD-LTE (Frequency division - requires 2 seperate bands - one for uplink and downlink).
Did you try the app I suggested? The description doesn't say it requires root...
And finally - you never confirmed: are you using the XT1060, or the XT1053?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app only lists possible bands and converts them to frequencies. It won't tell you what bands the phone is using.
On 4.2.2, my XT1060 reported using bands 1 and 4 for HSPA, which is 1700/2100MHz. I figured it was misreporting.
I got an N910U for use on AT&T in the US. All the phones in my house get full bars since I am on a hill near a lot of cell towers. Except the N910U usually has 0 to 1 bars and only rarely gets LTE. I used LTE discovery app to see that it is almost always on band 2 where the signal is very poor, but very ocassionally switches to band 17 and gets full bars! Then it quickly switches back to band 2 and gets 0 or 1 bars. I tried flashing the other two modems I could find, but it did not change how it acted. I am about to send it back for a refund and get an N910T instead to see if that works better, but it would be much easier to find a solution to why it won't use the strongest signal,
Nevermind. I thought I did adequate research on this phone before I bought it for AT&T, and every Q&A on Amazon asking if the U worked on AT&T LTE said it did. But were wrong. The U does not have 700MHz band 17. So I must return it.
phoneturf said:
I got an N910U for use on AT&T in the US. All the phones in my house get full bars since I am on a hill near a lot of cell towers. Except the N910U usually has 0 to 1 bars and only rarely gets LTE. I used LTE discovery app to see that it is almost always on band 2 where the signal is very poor, but very ocassionally switches to band 17 and gets full bars! Then it quickly switches back to band 2 and gets 0 or 1 bars. I tried flashing the other two modems I could find, but it did not change how it acted. I am about to send it back for a refund and get an N910T instead to see if that works better, but it would be much easier to find a solution to why it won't use the strongest signal,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SM-N910U Galaxy Note 4 does not support band 17, therefore the device does not support AT&T's main LTE band. The device, however, supports several AT&T's supplemental LTE bands, which include band 2, band 4, and band 5. You will only receive LTE signal if you are located in the area where one of these three bands is broadcasting.
Also, you will never receive the strongest signal that AT&T provides because AT&T utilizes device prioritization. The cell tower that you are connected to is programmed to provide best service to AT&T devices. The tower will constantly inform your phone to connect to 3G which is less congested in order to allocate network bandwidth for AT&T branded devices on its LTE network.
LTE-X said:
Also, you will never receive the strongest signal that AT&T provides because AT&T utilizes device prioritization. The cell tower that you are connected to is programmed to provide best service to AT&T devices. The tower will constantly inform your phone to connect to 3G which is less congested in order to allocate network bandwidth for AT&T branded devices on its LTE network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. Does that mean I would still have a low priority if I got a N910T to use on AT&T?
phoneturf said:
Thanks for the info. Does that mean I would still have a low priority if I got a N910T to use on AT&T?
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Yes that is correct. If you ran a speedtest with N910T and N910A (AT&T version) side by side on AT&T's network, you will notice around 5mbps - 20mbps difference between the two. As far as I know, AT&T is the only carrier in the US that utilizes this practice.
Can we change it to get the full Band access? I believe there was no any hardware limit on it, Most is on the software settings.
Hi,
So, I'm interested in getting a cheap 4.7" Android phone to use in the United States and sometimes in Canada. I zeroed in on the Galaxy A3 2017. The model that works best in North America is the A320Y, but so far I've only been able to find it online at some store in New Zealand. Since finding the answer to the question, Will shipping the device from NZ to the United States cost customs fees (and if so, how much)? is a question harder to answer than the question, Where is Jimmy Hoffa?, I've begun considering getting one of the models listed in the title of this thread.
But there's a problem. Those models in the title don't work on US LTE. Actually, according to frequencycheck.com, the A320FL has one LTE band (Cricket/AT&T) and the other models have none of the LTE frequency bands. I wonder if frequencycheck.com is accurate. I'm also wondering if there are other differences between those models. I'm also wondering what happens if I put a Cricket SIM inside these phones. Even though frequencycheck.com says I will get no LTE bands, will putting a Cricket SIM inside suddenly activate an LTE band?
The other question I was wondering: Do I even need LTE if I don't care much about download speed? Maybe HSPA+ or whatever it is will be good enough? If I don't have LTE, will I get less reception indoors or outdoors, or will I get the same exact reception/coverage but just be relegated to 3G/4G/HSPA+ service? What is the benefit of LTE besides data speed?
Finally, which one of these models has the most ROM support? Can they all be bootloader unlocked?
I know I'm asking a whole bunch of questions at the same time. Sorry. I appreciate any help I can get with this!
To answer some:
That website appears to be accurate. Doesn't only list AT&T for a320fl once expanded.
As for SIMs activating bands, I haven't seen it on Samsung, only RRC Release, VoLTE, LTE CAT, maybe individual CA combos. The disabled bands are shown as CAL_DEFAULT vs CAL_PASS. Guess it's like Snapdragon.
HSPA+ vs LTE
The range of 3G/4G is close with the same frequency, but 4G performs better at cell edge (low signal).
Speed (anyway)
Well, 3G is usually given its own spectrum at first, then the 2G is refarmed into 3G. Today, 3G gets refarmed to 4G. This leaves 3G with a small amount of spectrum, it becomes prone to interference. It's bit like multiple tv/fm stations on the same channel number. Other 'tv/fm stations' have to be filtered out by the phone, this lowers the speed. 4G gets some too, along with echoed complex signals, but it gets less.
3G supports up to 5MHz per carrier, 4G up to 20MHz. 3G can have carrier aggregation, so 5+5+maybe 5. Expect up to 2 carriers (not every combo) on 4G, unless a specific SIM is detected in specific phone models. Along with that, 4G can have better spectral efficiency.
If you are going with 3G(HSPA, sometimes called '4G') anyway, you should know that there are these states (usually called fast dormancy) to save power.
DCH = Full speed.
FACH = Up to 32kbps. 4kB/s. Maybe RRC Release downgrade is visible (H+ to H).
PCH = No data.
Anything below is further away from data.
For high performance, keep the speed above 4kB/s, at the cost of battery. LTE has a faster start.
Sometimes, the speed is simply constrained by backhaul, the internet access that goes to the tower.
Thanks. So, to your knowledge, the F and F DS variants shouldn't work on LTE in the United States? I was in a live chat session with someone on Samsung's UK website and she said that the F variant would work on LTE in the United States. I then sent them an email to confirm and they replied with:
As per our resources from our technical review, the following Network is available in our Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) for the US.
Network
Band: Quad
GSM 850: YES
GSM 900: YES
GSM 1800: YES
GSM 1900: YES
UMTS 2100: YES
GPRS: YES
4G: YES
HSDPA: YES
Works in the US: YES
I replied to ask them why frequencycheck.com lists no LTE frequencies in common for the F variant on AT&T. I'm so confused.
sm-a320f / sm-a320f/ds
According to every other (not alternating) source the LTE band 2 and band 5 is supported in the US (and the entire spectrum of these bands). So, it supports some bands. Check if the signal of those bands (for your mobile network operator) are available in your location. Ask again, specifically for band 2 LTE(4G).