Cautionary Advise for would be 3G Tablet Buyers - Networking

A number of tablet manufacturers are now offering 3G capable tablets. However, trying to get the tablet to work in 3G mode can be a frustrating experience to say the least.
Here in the USA there are four primary players in the mobile networks arena, AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint. AT&T and T-Mobile operate WCDMA Band Networks, while Sprint and Verizon operate CDMA Band Networks.
From what I have seen thus far here in the USA the typical tablet with an internal 3G radio operates using the WCDMA band frequencys. If I use my PiPo M8pro 3G tablet as an example only, the printed M8 User Manual specifications are outlined as follows:
HSPA/WCDMA: 2100/900MHz
GSM/GPRS/EDGE Quad band: 850/900/1800/1900
Download maximum 7.2Mbit/s
Upload maximum: 5.76Mbit/s
All this simply means that the tablets are supposed to be totally suitable for use on an international basis. However, as they say, "There is a fly in the ointment".
First, in the USA the choice of carrier is limited to either AT&T or T-Mobile because only they support the WCDMA (HSPA & EDGE) 850/1900 frequency bands.
Second, note that the tablet only supports the Edge (2G) 850/1900MHz frequency bands, but does not support the WCDMA (HSPA) 3G 850/1900 frequency bands. And, in the case of my PiPo M8pro 3G tablet, based on its IMEI number, the AT&T provisioning system identifies it as a 2G device of "Unknown Manufacturer" and "Unknown GSM".
For the most part, to be able to utilize other than the very slow EDGE (2G) networks, you will now need to have a tablet that supports the 4G T-Mobile 1700MHz band or AT&T 2100MHz band. It is my opinion, that at this time there is no 3G advertised Chinese tablets that will work satisfactorily in the USA.

Related

Telus GSM Hero to ship with U.S. 3G support

Apparently, Telus likes to play nice with U.S. 3G networks since they are right across the boarder. http://htcsource.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=797&Itemid=50
Import, unlock, enjoy!
(1) This is an old news, and there are already a few threads about it here.
(2) Your article is wrong.
AT&T uses 850 AND 1900 for 3G, so it will on AT&T's 3G network.
T-Mobile USA, however, uses BOTH 1700 and 2100. 2100 alone is not going to make it work. This phone will NOT work on T-mobile USA's 3G network.
2G will work on both network, same as the European/Asian verison, since it is quad band.

[Q] question for 3G frequencies in Canada

I have a tmobile vibrant phone (hardware only). According to the phone specs i SHOULD be able to get 3g signal with my fido sim card since the phone seems to support all the same frequencies as the Canadian i9000.... but i only get edge.
If you guys are getting 3G with fido or rogers sim cards, did you have to set anything special in the phone settings?
Thanks!
Vibrant T-mobile 3G runs on 1700
that is why you only get EDGE (2G)
Fido, Rogers & Bell runs on 850 & 1900 for 3G
On my way to work today this is what i saw in the network box.
inside my house - EDGE
Outside my house - 3G
back country roads to work - i saw just G or no signal (normal i loose signal with my iphone and blackberry on there)
at work - back on edge
So i DO get 3g somehow! or is it just teasing me by showing 3G?
i read somewhere that the t-mo vibrant does have 1900 as one of its 3g bands, so this is why your phone has been able to pick up 3g at times. the problem for you is that rogers/fido mainly use the 850 band. i had the nokia n97 mini that had the 1900 but no 850 and while driving around most of the gta i would get 3g, but when i went into buildings, houses, etc, it would drop to edge.
Maybe your phone supports 1900 and not 850 MHz? Or the oposite? That would explain why you would get bad UMTS coverage.
@hondaguy you were faster than me
boravr6 said:
I have a tmobile vibrant phone (hardware only). According to the phone specs i SHOULD be able to get 3g signal with my fido sim card since the phone seems to support all the same frequencies as the Canadian i9000.... but i only get edge.
If you guys are getting 3G with fido or rogers sim cards, did you have to set anything special in the phone settings?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To my knowledge the T-Mobile Vibrant does not support the major Canadian 3g bands. It is quad band 2g, which is why you are able to get edge but it is only 2 band 3g, at least according to this spec sheet:
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=2439&c=samsung_sgh-t959_galaxy_s_vibrant
T-mobile uses the 1700 and 2100 UMTS bands for 3g, Bell/Rogers/Telus/Virgin/Fido use 850/1900 UMTS bands for 3g. Therefore the 3g radio on the Vibrant is not compatible with these networks.
However, WIND mobile uses the 1700/2100 UMTS bands for 3g and you can use unlocked T-Mobile phones to their full ability on Wind's network. Wind is only in major urban centres though so this may not help you if you're not in the city. Hopefully you are as Wind has a pretty sweet unlimited data plan!
http://shop.windmobile.ca/
On the other hand according this this article from Engadget:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/22/confirmed-galaxy-s-unlock-codes-are-stored-in-your-phone-vibra/
If they're right that the Vibrant is somehow capable of AT&T 3g, it would mean the phone has to be tri-band UMTS: 850, 1700, 2100 (or 1700,1900,2100) as AT&T uses the 850/1900 bands like Rogers/Bell/Telus.
This doesn't make sense to me why T-Mobile would do this. The 850/1900 bands are really only used in North America on competing carriers, so it doesn't give the phone "world" capabilities, the 2100 band does that. Why they would add a feature who's only purpose is to make the phone work on competitors' networks is a mystery to me but Engadget seems to have a picture that confirms it. If this is true than an unlocked Vibrant should technically be able to work on Rogers/Bell/Telus/Fido/Virgin 3g, but only if it is unlocked. I'm pretty sure that T-Mobile sells their phones SIM locked to their network, have you unlocked yours?
~Edit if it does have 1900 as the third band the above posters are correct in that you will get minimal 3g coverage as 850 is the primary in Canada.
yeah i wanted to switch to Wind Mobile for the $35 true unlimited data plan, until i found out they don't work with normal 850/1900/2100 phones
only 1700 / 2100

[Q] Which USA Note 3 Variant to get?

I'm planning on jumping on to the Note 3 bandwagon, but before that,
I was wondering what the best option would be in order to cover my bases in terms of network coverage?
I've read that the best option for the Note 2, was the T-Mobile Note 2,
because it pretty much supports all the LTE frequencies of the major carriers.
Would that be a fair assessment of the note 3 also?
AssassinsLament said:
I'm planning on jumping on to the Note 3 bandwagon, but before that,
I was wondering what the best option would be in order to cover my bases in terms of network coverage?
I've read that the best option for the Note 2, was the T-Mobile Note 2,
because it pretty much supports all the LTE frequencies of the major carriers.
Would that be a fair assessment of the note 3 also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess it depends upon where you live, but I use Verizon which I think has the best overall coverage. However, Verizon is not offering the 64GB version, only the 32GB. Are you able to find a 64GB version anywhere?
If you are a GMS user, T-Mo or ATT you may be able to find an unlocked unit, try www.mobilecityonline.com they have had unlocked units that work on US networks in the past with US radio's. Can't speak to the GN3 though and LTE since I am on Verizon.
I also knew when Samsung went with 32/64GB option Verizon would NOT sell a 64GB version, and fortunately for us Samsung killed the 16GB otherwise Verizon would be selling ONLY the 16GB.
You still won't explain why Verizon would not sell higher memory note III?
KruseLudsMobile said:
You still won't explain why Verizon would not sell higher memory note III?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it won't budge profit margins, they don't care if customers can get more choices. Just my opinion.
Note3 is currently my top pick. To me memory doesnt really matter as pretty much everything is in "the cloud"..
T-Mobile FTW!!!!!
Dalboz said:
Note3 is currently my top pick. To me memory doesnt really matter as pretty much everything is in "the cloud"..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you've got an unlimited data plan, storage in the "cloud" can really eat into your monthly data limit...Especially if you like video. Personally, I prefer to get the SMALLEST storage option and use a 3rd party upgrade...Which ends up usually being cheaper and faster vs. buying it initially with the larger capacity.
Looking on these sellers specs ATT has more LTE options
AssassinsLament said:
I'm planning on jumping on to the Note 3 bandwagon, but before that,
I was wondering what the best option would be in order to cover my bases in terms of network coverage?
I've read that the best option for the Note 2, was the T-Mobile Note 2,
because it pretty much supports all the LTE frequencies of the major carriers.
Would that be a fair assessment of the note 3 also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking on these sellers specs ATT has more LTE options, see these links and compare the LTE spectrum of both phones:
T-Mobile 4G Network LTE 700 / 1700 / 2100
http://negrielectronics.com/samsung-galaxy-note-3-32gb-lte-t-mobile-unlocked-black.html#.Uj1UvYZ6bkh
ATT 4G Network LTE 700 / 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100
http://negrielectronics.com/samsung-galaxy-note-3-32gb-lte-at-t-unlocked-jet-black.html#.Uj1UvYZ6bkh
That's assuming that the specs these sellers put on their site are correct and if so that the same frequencies will work on both phones... If you find the specs on another site, pls let me know... As I am wondering also what to get!
Posters in this thread have pointed out differences in storage capacity of phones retailed by the carriers. But storage capacity is not variation by carrier.
Variants by carrier per se shouldn't differ except by supported radio frequencies and bands. In that sense, FCC documents are the final authoritative source in tech spec accuracy.
To quote myself on a different thread:
StarTAC Fan said:
In the links to the FCC filings, the documents called "Test Report" lists the following bands and frequencies. It's either on the first page or in the section called EUT Description of the relevant document for each of the carriers.
https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/repo...ame=N&application_id=736794&fcc_id=A3LSMN900A
AT&T version (SM-N900A) supports the following (GSM omitted).
WCDMA Band 2 1900 MHz (tx and rx)
WCDMA Band 5 850 MHz (tx and rx)
LTE Band 2 1900 MHz (tx and rx)
LTE Band 4 1700/2100 MHz (tx/rx)
LTE Band 5 850 MHz (tx and rx)
LTE Band 17 700 MHz (tx and rx) This is of course different that Verizon's 700 MHz band.
https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/repo...ame=N&application_id=134996&fcc_id=A3LSMN900P
Sprint version (SM-N900P) supports the following (GSM/CDMA omitted).
WCDMA Band 2 1900 MHz (tx and rx)
WCDMA Band 5 850 MHz (tx and rx)
LTE Band 25 1900 MHz (tx and rx)
https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/repo...ame=N&application_id=566535&fcc_id=A3LSMN900T
T-Mobile vesion (SM-N900T) supports the following (GSM omitted).
WCDMA Band 2 1900 MHz (tx and rx)
WCDMA Band 4 1700/2100 MHz (tx/rx)
WCDMA Band 5 850 MHz (tx and rx)
LTE Band 2 1900 MHz (tx and rx)
LTE Band 4 1700/2100 MHz (tx/rx)
LTE Band 5 850 MHz (tx and rx)
LTE Band 17 700 MHz (tx and rx) Note this is also the band for AT&T but not Verizon which is band 13 700 MHz.
https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/repo...ame=N&application_id=956586&fcc_id=A3LSMN900V
Verizon version (SM-N900V) supports the following (GSM/CDMA omitted).
WCDMA Band 2 1900 MHz (tx and rx)
WCDMA Band 5 850 MHz (tx and rx)
LTE Band 4 1700/2100 MHz (tx/rx)
LTE Band 13 700 MHz (tx and rx) This is of course different that AT&T's 700 MHz band.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From the above, the following conclusions can be made.
The 2G (GSM/CDMA) technology is probably no longer relevant to most people hence I omitted their comparison but generally they are all nearly identical for GSM.
AT&T and T-Mobile versions are most alike for 3G and 4G. Sprint version is the most isolated.
The T-Mobile version is wholly compatible with both the T-Mobile and AT&T networks. It even supports AT&T's primary LTE band 17, 700 MHz. T-Mobile's only native LTE band is 4, 1700/2100 MHz. AT&T also uses that in part of their network, I believe in high density areas, as an adjunct to their band 17.
But the AT&T version is missing 3G band 4 1700/2100 MHz to be wholly compatible with T-Mobile That said, T-Mobile is reframing part of their 1900 MHz network for 3G in some areas to take congestion away from their band 4 1700/2100 for more LTE, so the AT&T phone will work on part of T-Mobile's 3G network.
AT&T and T-Mobile versions are not compatible with Sprint LTE band 25 even though it's the same frequency of 1900 MHz. It's a different band. However, they will be compatible with Sprint's 3G network. On the other hand, Sprint's phone will not be wholly compatible with T-Mobile's 3G network. It will be on AT&T's 3G.
AT&T and T-Mobile versions are compatible with Verizon's LTE band 4 1700/2100. But at the present time, Verizon has yet to activate their band 4 network, which even when so will be limited at first.
AT&T and T-Mobile versions are not compatible with Version's primary LTE band. Even though the same frequency range around 700 MHz, it's a different band, 13 vs 17 - something to do with "upper" and "lower" frequencies.
All versions, including Verizon, support 3G 850 and 1900 Mhz. Verizon however does not natively have a 3G network at any frequency.
All above said, the T-Mobile version has potential for being the most cross-compatible on other carriers' 3G and 4G networks.
A few other notes:
LTE frequencies and bands by carriers are listed here (to help understand the 'conclusions' above): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks . The 3G list is here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UMTS_networks.
Posters in other threads have noted that T-Mobile, unlike the others, has a history of not locking the boot loader. This will not matter to most consumers.
There may be carrier branding on the case. Verizon is notorious for this. Although cosmetic in nature not affecting end-user features, this may or may not matter to consumers who intend to use their phone carrier-unlocked.
As mentioned at the start of this post, there should not be differences in end-user features between the various carrier versions.
StarTAC Fan said:
Posters in this thread have pointed out differences in storage capacity of phones retailed by the carriers. But storage capacity is not variation by carrier.
Variants by carrier per se shouldn't differ except by supported radio frequencies and bands. In that sense, FCC documents are the final authoritative source in tech spec accuracy.
To quote myself on a different thread:
From the above, the following conclusions can be made.
The 2G (GSM/CDMA) technology is probably no longer relevant to most people hence I omitted their comparison but generally they are all nearly identical for GSM.
AT&T and T-Mobile versions are most alike for 3G and 4G. Sprint version is the most isolated.
The T-Mobile version is wholly compatible with both the T-Mobile and AT&T networks. It even supports AT&T's primary LTE band 17, 700 MHz. T-Mobile's only native LTE band is 4, 1700/2100 MHz. AT&T also uses that in part of their network, I believe in high density areas, as an adjunct to their band 17.
But the AT&T version is missing 3G band 4 1700/2100 MHz to be wholly compatible with T-Mobile That said, T-Mobile is reframing part of their 1900 MHz network for 3G in some areas to take congestion away from their band 4 1700/2100 for more LTE, so the AT&T phone will work on part of T-Mobile's 3G network.
AT&T and T-Mobile versions are not compatible with Sprint LTE band 25 even though it's the same frequency of 1900 MHz. It's a different band. However, they will be compatible with Sprint's 3G network. On the other hand, Sprint's phone will not be wholly compatible with T-Mobile's 3G network. It will be on AT&T's 3G.
AT&T and T-Mobile versions are compatible with Verizon's LTE band 4 1700/2100. But at the present time, Verizon has yet to activate their band 4 network, which even when so will be limited at first.
AT&T and T-Mobile versions are not compatible with Version's primary LTE band. Even though the same frequency range around 700 MHz, it's a different band, 13 vs 17 - something to do with "upper" and "lower" frequencies.
All versions, including Verizon, support 3G 850 and 1900 Mhz. Verizon however does not natively have a 3G network at any frequency.
All above said, the T-Mobile version has potential for being the most cross-compatible on other carriers' 3G and 4G networks.
A few other notes:
LTE frequencies and bands by carriers are listed here (to help understand the 'conclusions' above): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks . The 3G list is here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UMTS_networks.
Posters in other threads have noted that T-Mobile, unlike the others, has a history of not locking the boot loader. This will not matter to most consumers.
There may be carrier branding on the case. Verizon is notorious for this. Although cosmetic in nature not affecting end-user features, this may or may not matter to consumers who intend to use their phone carrier-unlocked.
As mentioned at the start of this post, there should not be differences in end-user features between the various carrier versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would you be kind as to also include GSM/UMTS comparisons? I travel frequently to Europe, and I want to get a version that supports 4G in the us and 3G where I travel to in Europe (3g @ 2100MHZ band). SO would you please advise me on which variant I should be getting based on my needs? In any case, I only want a bootloader unlocked phone. keeping that in mind, should I get a US variant (please tell me which) or the international N9005 version ?
Thanks in advance for your time
sharl1987 said:
would you be kind as to also include GSM/UMTS comparisons? I travel frequently to Europe, and I want to get a version that supports 4G in the us and 3G where I travel to in Europe (3g @ 2100MHZ band). SO would you please advise me on which variant I should be getting based on my needs? In any case, I only want a bootloader unlocked phone. keeping that in mind, should I get a US variant (please tell me which) or the international N9005 version ?
Thanks in advance for your time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you referring to GSM/EDGE, not GSM/UMTS? Or are you saying you want info for GSM (2G) and also info for UMTS (3G)?
Part 1: General Non-4G Support
http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/devices/samsung/galaxy-note-3-jet-black.html
2G: 800, 850, 1800, 1900
3G: 850, 1900, 2100
http://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/samsung-galaxy-note-3.html
GSM frequencies supported said as being "quad band" without needing to specify what they are, no doubt same as AT&T's 2G
UMTS/HSPA same as AT&T's 3G with addition of 1700 MHz
Verizon and Sprint have not yet posted 2G and 3G frequency specifications, indeed any details of the Galaxy Note 3, on their websites. However, FCC documents show that 2G 850 and 1900 MHz have been tested.
Part 2: 2G
GSM/GPRS/EDGE is 2G and therefore can't really provide usable data speed. So I'm unsure if this is what you want or if you just want to use it for voice (without GPRS and EDGE extensions). However, general rule of thumb, nowadays all GSM capable phones are "quad band" (850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz). Indeed, AT&T and T-Mobile which have posted specs on their website confirm this. 850 and 1900 are frequencies used in North America among other places while 900 and 1800 are used in Europe and other places as you are probably already aware.
Whether they have posted specs on their website or not already, for all 4 major American carriers, the FCC documents show testing was performed only for 2G 850 and 1900 MHz. That's a little misleading because to meet American regulatory requirements, the 900 and 1800 European frequencies don't have to be tested although support for them may be present in the device. That's why carrier and manufacturer specs can claim additional frequencies not of interest to the US FCC - not any of the other regulated frequencies.
Part 3: 3G
Your were concerned about 3G support in Europe. The Band 1 2100 MHz is universal for 3G for all phones, or should be. With insignificant exception, Band 1 is used by all European carriers as well as pretty much the rest of the world for 3G as you seem to be aware (you specifically mentioned looking for Band 1 support). The FCC documents don't specify and don't need to whether 3G Band 1 testing was carried out for transmission and reception. However, 2100 MHz is used as half of the Band 4 supported by the AT&T and T-Mobile models. That said, 3G Band 1 support should be present for both up and downlink.
Indeed the specs posted at AT&T and T-Mobile sites confirm that there is support for 3G Band 1 (implicitly up and down). With Sprint and Verizon, they have not yet confirmed support for 3G Band 1. But if they want their phones roamable on 3G networks elsewhere in the world, they must include Band 1 support at minimum. FCC documents submitted by the manufacturer, Samsung in this case, don't have to indicate support for 3G Band 1 because, again, it doesn't exist in the FCC's jurisdiction.
UMTS (also called WCDMA) is an early form of 3G theoretically capable of up to 384 kb/s. HSDPA and HSUPA were backward compatible improvements (D for downlink and U for uplink, and where HSDPA + HSUPA = HSPA) to which pretty much all the original UMTS carriers have upgraded. A further improvement is HSPA+ to which many HSPA carriers have upgraded. Although not the exact same, UMTS, WCDMA, HSPA and HSPA+ are interchangeably referred to as 3G. Modern phones are HSPA+ capable, therefore automatically backward compatible with UMTS (WCDMA) and HSPA carriers.
Part 4: Other Remarks
We'll know in a few weeks which phones are bootloader locked or unlocked. As mentioned, T-Mobile has historically not locked it.
LTE frequencies throughout the world are fragmented like no other. And we used to think quad band 2G and penta band 3G were excessive. But you're interested in quad band GSM and 3G at 2100 MHz, not universal 4G support - that's good.
I cannot tell you which carrier's GN3 or the International to get or not get particularly for US 4G + at minimum 2G/3G for international travel, only provide information for you to arrive at your own informed decision. That said, here is a summary:
AT&T and T-Mobile have already explicitly published that their Note 3 phones will be 2G quad-band.
AT&T and T-Mobile have published their phones will be 3G Band 1 2100 MHz capable in addition to their native 3G network frequencies.
Sprint and Verizon should also be quad-band 2G and, at minimum, Band 1 3G capable for roaming outside the US. FCC test reports cannot verify this for reason cited. It would be foolish for these 2 carriers to not to support minimal international roaming but we just have to wait.
As long as whatever variant you get has quad 2G and 3G @ 2100, you'll be fine for voice and data pretty much anywhere outside the Americas.
StarTAC Fan said:
Are you referring to GSM/EDGE, not GSM/UMTS? Or are you saying you want info for GSM (2G) and also info for UMTS (3G)?
Part 1: General Non-4G Support
http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/devices/samsung/galaxy-note-3-jet-black.html
2G: 800, 850, 1800, 1900
3G: 850, 1900, 2100
http://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/samsung-galaxy-note-3.html
GSM frequencies supported said as being "quad band" without needing to specify what they are, no doubt same as AT&T's 2G
UMTS/HSPA same as AT&T's 3G with addition of 1700 MHz
Verizon and Sprint have not yet posted 2G and 3G frequency specifications, indeed any details of the Galaxy Note 3, on their websites. However, FCC documents show that 2G 850 and 1900 MHz have been tested.
Part 2: 2G
GSM/GPRS/EDGE is 2G and therefore can't really provide usable data speed. So I'm unsure if this is what you want or if you just want to use it for voice (without GPRS and EDGE extensions). However, general rule of thumb, nowadays all GSM capable phones are "quad band" (850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz). Indeed, AT&T and T-Mobile which have posted specs on their website confirm this. 850 and 1900 are frequencies used in North America among other places while 900 and 1800 are used in Europe and other places as you are probably already aware.
Whether they have posted specs on their website or not already, for all 4 major American carriers, the FCC documents show testing was performed only for 2G 850 and 1900 MHz. That's a little misleading because to meet American regulatory requirements, the 900 and 1800 European frequencies don't have to be tested although support for them may be present in the device. That's why carrier and manufacturer specs can claim additional frequencies not of interest to the US FCC - not any of the other regulated frequencies.
Part 3: 3G
Your were concerned about 3G support in Europe. The Band 1 2100 MHz is universal for 3G for all phones, or should be. With insignificant exception, Band 1 is used by all European carriers as well as pretty much the rest of the world for 3G as you seem to be aware (you specifically mentioned looking for Band 1 support). The FCC documents don't specify and don't need to whether 3G Band 1 testing was carried out for transmission and reception. However, 2100 MHz is used as half of the Band 4 supported by the AT&T and T-Mobile models. That said, 3G Band 1 support should be present for both up and downlink.
Indeed the specs posted at AT&T and T-Mobile sites confirm that there is support for 3G Band 1 (implicitly up and down). With Sprint and Verizon, they have not yet confirmed support for 3G Band 1. But if they want their phones roamable on 3G networks elsewhere in the world, they must include Band 1 support at minimum. FCC documents submitted by the manufacturer, Samsung in this case, don't have to indicate support for 3G Band 1 because, again, it doesn't exist in the FCC's jurisdiction.
UMTS (also called WCDMA) is an early form of 3G theoretically capable of up to 384 kb/s. HSDPA and HSUPA were backward compatible improvements (D for downlink and U for uplink, and where HSDPA + HSUPA = HSPA) to which pretty much all the original UMTS carriers have upgraded. A further improvement is HSPA+ to which many HSPA carriers have upgraded. Although not the exact same, UMTS, WCDMA, HSPA and HSPA+ are interchangeably referred to as 3G. Modern phones are HSPA+ capable, therefore automatically backward compatible with UMTS (WCDMA) and HSPA carriers.
Part 4: Other Remarks
We'll know in a few weeks which phones are bootloader locked or unlocked. As mentioned, T-Mobile has historically not locked it.
LTE frequencies throughout the world are fragmented like no other. And we used to think quad band 2G and penta band 3G were excessive. But you're interested in quad band GSM and 3G at 2100 MHz, not universal 4G support - that's good.
I cannot tell you which carrier's GN3 or the International to get or not get particularly for US 4G + at minimum 2G/3G for international travel, only provide information for you to arrive at your own informed decision. That said, here is a summary:
AT&T and T-Mobile have already explicitly published that their Note 3 phones will be 2G quad-band.
AT&T and T-Mobile have published their phones will be 3G Band 1 2100 MHz capable in addition to their native 3G network frequencies.
Sprint and Verizon should also be quad-band 2G and, at minimum, Band 1 3G capable for roaming outside the US. FCC test reports cannot verify this for reason cited. It would be foolish for these 2 carriers to not to support minimal international roaming but we just have to wait.
As long as whatever variant you get has quad 2G and 3G @ 2100, you'll be fine for voice and data pretty much anywhere outside the Americas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't thank you enough for your troubles for this complete and well written answer, must have taken you quite some time. Anyhow, the reason I am concerned about UMTS (excuse the error from my previous post) is that my international galaxy S III will only get EDGE on T-mobile, this has confined me to the use of AT&T's network. I know that is because AT&T utilizes the 1900Mhz band for 3G, where TMO has just started doing that and was running on a different band before ( and still is,I think it was the 1700Mhz band). That's why I am trying to make sure I get at least 3G service in Europe and 4G in the states
muqali said:
If it won't budge profit margins, they don't care if customers can get more choices. Just my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it is about the profit margins for the Big Red. Less onboard storage space = more cloud usage = more bandwidth use = profit $$$. They may have forgotten the usd card storage option as it may be a blanket policy they apply to all smartphones not branded Apple.
Coming from 16gb GS3, 32gb is enough for me. I would definitely get the 64gb version if offered, but am more concerned about things like radio quality and overall performance of VZW GN3
sharl1987 said:
hat's why I am trying to make sure I get at least 3G service in Europe and 4G in the states
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems to me that either all carriers will support the Band 1 3G (2100 MHz) whether they have already posted it up on their website or not. To not allow such basic international is...well...just dumb. They should all have 3G Band 1.
Therefore your choice depends on which 4G frequencies you need, ie. on which carrier(s) you intend to use the phone at home in the US. Your decision, again something I cannot make for you, comes down to being that simple.
T-Mobile's Note 3, also Support LTE Band 7 (2600), as detailed spec indcates http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-9056
So the Best US/International Note 3 is the one Sell by T-Mobile, besides AWS 3G/4G, support All AT&T LTE Bands, most European 3G and some European/SouthAmerican LTE (2600).
I'm planning to get the Note3 besides his little older brother Note1 (AT&T version - I717).
I only have a question and it's related to the subject I believe; does the UNLOCKED version can get the AT&T 4G network?
I'm thinking of buying the unlocked version because I'm from middle east and I always came back to my country for visiting, but currently I live in USA
FWIW the best option is probably at&t, if you are ok with shacking up with evil incarnate. The thought process is as follows (based on your request for best network coverage), verizons seems to be monoband even though it passed the fcc as dual band and secondly the eirp is apparently poor for the note 3 so even though you will have access to lte on a sub 1000MHz band, the phone will be the weak link. TMO has nothing sub 1000MHz and their rural coverage isn't as great although I do personally use tmo. Sprint went monoband on the note 3, no sub 1000MHz. The only provider offering sub 1000MHz LTE that doesn't have a crippled radio is at&t.
YMMV but that was pretty much the thought process I went through, digging through fcc docs and then realising screw it, I get decent service on tmo and unlimited plus (limited) tethering without breaking my contract is nice.If you really want coverage more than anything else at&t is probably the best bet, followed by verizon and a wilson sleek 4g booster if there are areas you need coverage that only vzw cover.
richym82 said:
FWIW the best option is probably at&t, if you are ok with shacking up with evil incarnate. The thought process is as follows (based on your request for best network coverage), verizons seems to be monoband even though it passed the fcc as dual band and secondly the eirp is apparently poor for the note 3 so even though you will have access to lte on a sub 1000MHz band, the phone will be the weak link. TMO has nothing sub 1000MHz and their rural coverage isn't as great although I do personally use tmo. Sprint went monoband on the note 3, no sub 1000MHz. The only provider offering sub 1000MHz LTE that doesn't have a crippled radio is at&t.
YMMV but that was pretty much the thought process I went through, digging through fcc docs and then realising screw it, I get decent service on tmo and unlimited plus (limited) tethering without breaking my contract is nice.If you really want coverage more than anything else at&t is probably the best bet, followed by verizon and a wilson sleek 4g booster if there are areas you need coverage that only vzw cover.
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If you really need ATT, I would get the tmo note 3 and use straight talk which is an ATT MVNO. They use ATT's LTE and are much much cheaper. ATT does not have any plans that strip the subsidies for new phones out. Also, the tmo s4 worked on ATT"s LTE but no one has tested the tmo note 3 yet. I'm still getting the tmo version though because I'm willing to take the chance. Everything so far says it will.
AcostaJA said:
T-Mobile's Note 3, also Support LTE Band 7 (2600), as detailed spec indcates http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-9056
So the Best US/International Note 3 is the one Sell by T-Mobile, besides AWS 3G/4G, support All AT&T LTE Bands, most European 3G and some European/SouthAmerican LTE (2600).
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Beautiful. That means it will support the ultra fast LTE networks on Rogers and Bell in Canada.

[Q] Which note 3 for these connections

I need a note 3 that can:
connect to AT&T LTE here in the USA
And connect to T-Mobile NL in Holland
And unlocked bootloader
ATT:
850 MHz CLR 5 UMTS/HSPA+ 21Mbit/s 4G In service
1900 MHz PCS 2 UMTS/HSPA+ 21Mbit/s 4G In service
700 MHz Block B 17 LTE 4G In service Main LTE band providing complete coverage
1700/2100 MHz AWS 4 LTE 4G In service Additional LTE band for more bandwidth in select markets
1900 MHz PCS 2 LTE 4G Service starts by the end of 2013 Additional LTE band for more bandwidth in select markets[31]
2300 MHz WCS 30 LTE 4G Approved for deployment in Oct 2012[32]
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TMO:
This company uses GSM1800 as their main frequency band for communications. In 2010 T-Mobile Netherlands had some problems with 3G capacity, but after investing in the network modernization they have managed to deal with this problem. So now they provide 3G services using 2100MHz band
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Am I restricted to the N900-T? or is there another one you know of.
sorry for the noob question i don't know about all the bands.
Thanks!
T-Mo NL uses the 900Mhz for 2G, 2100Mhz band for 3G, and are in the process of updating to the 900Mhz band for both 2G and 3G. (Should be finished by the end of 2016.) LTE runs on the 1800Mhz band. (I can dream these numbers by now...)
You can find the bands per phone version here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2574886
Does the TMo US version even work with AT&T?
Both N900-t and N9005 work in terms of frequency for 2G.
You will probably not be able to use the N900T for 3G once the network upgrade is finished here, as we're going to be using the 900Mhz as the main frequency for 3G. The N900T can't see that one. The 2100Mhz will be serving as a bandwidth increaser, not as the main band.
There's a chance you won't get 4G everywhere on the N9005 when using it in the US, as it can't see the 700/1700/1900/2300Mhz frequency.
And you're going to have to root to get rid of the region lock either way if you want to use both SIMs.
Tmo version 4G will not work with AT&T 4G. I tried with my wife's phone
T-Mobile (US) devices support the same frequencies as AT&T devices. This is coming from experience and from the fact that I've pretty much memorized all the band numbers that carriers use and phones support.
If you want a Note 3 that supports AT&T LTE in the US and HSPA+ in NL, you can either get the AT&T model or the T-Mobile model. The T-Mobile model supports one extra band (1700 MHz HSPA+) that is only used on T-Mobile US (nowhere outside of North America), so it wouldn't make a difference. Just know that it CAN be used on AT&T. The other differences between the two:
1. The T-Mobile version supports Wifi Calling (if used on T-Mobile), AT&T model doesn't.
2. AT&T removes the "Network Mode" menu from the Settings menu (so you can't force EDGE for example).
3. AT&T version has a locked bootloader. T-Mobile version doesn't.
In many instances, although 900 MHz WCDMA/HSPA+ isn't listed, it's supported. I can't confirm it because I'm in the US, and GSM carriers use (total) 850/1700/1900/2100 MHz for WCDMA, not 900 MHz. I think it's just unlisted to discourage people from exporting the US models. The only LTE frequency that North America shares in common with Europe is 2600 MHz, which is supported by the phone. I believe that's only used in urban areas in Europe.
Overall the T-Mobile model is the most open in terms of bootloader and supported frequencies (though either model would work in your case).

Looking for a smart watch that will run Android and be on the 1700/2100 Frequency

Currently I am on Freedom mobile in Canada. I am looking for a standalone smart watch that has the sim capability to run 3g, 4g, lte, whatever I can get basically. I currently have a DM98 and its a really cool smart watch, but the sim will not work in it as its the incorrect frequency. I would for sure need AWS 1700 band to allow 3g and lte on older devices I assume. If anyone knows what might work it would be great. - Frequency info here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_Mobile#Radio_frequency_summary
700 MHz C block (upper) 13 LTE 4G Active / Being Deployed[102] Additional LTE band that will provide service in deeper buildings and hard to reach places. Acquired from Quebecor
1,700 MHz AWS 4 UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA+/DC-HSPA+/LTE 3G/4G Active (3G) Main band for providing 3G services. (LTE) Secondary Band that provides LTE for older devices.
1,700 MHz AWS-3 66 LTE 4G Active Primary band used for LTE service in all regions except eastern Ontario.
2,500 MHz IMT-E 7 LTE 4G Active/ Being Deployed[103] Main Band that will provide fastest LTE speeds for older devices. Acquired from Quebecor.
Thank you very much
Only ones I have found are possibly an intex which is small and dated and an LG Sports Watch 2 it looks like. If anyone has any options it would be great. Was hoping for some of the new ones like huawei smartwatch 2 but they are not compatible either. Real bummer.

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