Database Users

[Q] Verizon Samsung S4 SIM Card Unlocked?

I've been hunting for an answer to this semi-simple question everywhere, and have found about 4 answers (all different ones - somehow :silly: ) So I'll try asking here.... I'm going to study abroad in Spain this semester, and I just bought a Samsung Galaxy S4 from Verizon (it was an upgrade contract, not full price). When I asked the sales rep he said that the SIM card would have to be unlocked. However, when I talked to Verizon "technical support" they said, no, they're already unlocked and ready for international use. What I've seen in other forums is that people say it seemingly takes SIM cards but won't pick the network up. Does anybody here have experience with the Verizon S4 being used internationally? Can it be done? Do I need to unlock it? Thanks for any insights!

BelowAverage355 said:
I've been hunting for an answer to this semi-simple question everywhere, and have found about 4 answers (all different ones - somehow :silly: ) So I'll try asking here.... I'm going to study abroad in Spain this semester, and I just bought a Samsung Galaxy S4 from Verizon (it was an upgrade contract, not full price). When I asked the sales rep he said that the SIM card would have to be unlocked. However, when I talked to Verizon "technical support" they said, no, they're already unlocked and ready for international use. What I've seen in other forums is that people say it seemingly takes SIM cards but won't pick the network up. Does anybody here have experience with the Verizon S4 being used internationally? Can it be done? Do I need to unlock it? Thanks for any insights!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a Verizon phone uses a CDMA signal, I don't think it is going to work anywhere in Europe where they use GSM signals. Sorry.

bsam55 said:
As a Verizon phone uses a CDMA signal, I don't think it is going to work anywhere in Europe where they use GSM signals. Sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S4 is equipped with a GSM radio, I checked on that much at least.

Yes
I went ahead and just bit the bullet and bought a SIM card here, and good news: it works :good:
HOWEVER, I believe the problem that others who tried to use it globally were having is that it defaults to Global mode, which doesn't really seem to work (No clue what Global mode is, but I got a signal with no data connection). For anyone who wants to use it internationally, you will have to manually switch to GSM/UMTS by going to Settings>Connections>More networks>Mobile networks>Network mode>GSM/UMTS

What's the very best version of the Note 3?

I'm using an ATT Note 2 and I want to upgrade, mainly because of the better RAM and ROM. But I'm confused by the choices and Knox and locking and all that.
I am going too want to root my phone for sure, and unlock to use on different providers.
Not to worried about the cost.
What's the very best version out there, in your opinion?

capite said:
I'm using an ATT Note 2 and I want to upgrade, mainly because of the better RAM and ROM. But I'm confused by the choices and Knox and locking and all that.
I am going to want to root my phone for sure, and unlock to use on different providers.
Not to worried about the cost.
What's the very best version out there, in your opinion?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since the LTE bands tend to be very different from one provider to another the differences are only relevant once you know who is your carrier - so you should probably look / ask in the OTHER Note 3 forums:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-att
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-sprint
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-note-3
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-tmobile
Also see this to get a start on the matter of portability (or almost complete lack thereof) among those:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2464498

Thanks. When I mean I will want to use the phone on 'other providers,' I really just mean the GSM-based ones like ATT/T-mo and overseas carriers. I understand that Tmo and ATT use different LTE bands, just hoping that there's at least one unlocked and rootable model that covers both sets of LTE bands.
xclub_101 said:
Since the LTE bands tend to be very different from one provider to another the differences are only relevant once you know who is your carrier - so you should probably look / ask in the OTHER Note 3 forums:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-att
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-sprint
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-note-3
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-tmobile
Also see this to get a start on the matter of portability (or almost complete lack thereof) among those:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2464498
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

capite said:
Thanks. When I mean I will want to use the phone on 'other providers,' I really just mean the GSM-based ones like ATT/T-mo and overseas carriers. I understand that Tmo and ATT use different LTE bands, just hoping that there's at least one unlocked and rootable model that covers both sets of LTE bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, the ATT and TMOBILE gnote3 cover each others LTE bands too. Infact, after unlocking your tmobile gnote3, achieving LTE on ATT should be as easy as popping in a sim card.

I think your choice would be between ATT and Tmo and I believe both can be rooted without tripping Knox. Even thought Tmo supposed to have unlocked bootloader, they use ATT rooted ROMs (since the name delavega root). Personally I would stick with the carrier: Tmo phone will give you Wifi calling, but only on Tmo network, so you can call home for free from anywhere in the world over WiFi. ATT is just beginning to test voice over LTE, no other US carrier has yet. And if you have call issues, are you going to call t-mo complaining their phone doesn't work well on ATT network, or you going to call ATT, that their network signal sucks with T-mo phone? And for example it would be difficult to buy new T-mo phone without at least some temporary t-mo service.

capite said:
Thanks. When I mean I will want to use the phone on 'other providers,' I really just mean the GSM-based ones like ATT/T-mo and overseas carriers. I understand that Tmo and ATT use different LTE bands, just hoping that there's at least one unlocked and rootable model that covers both sets of LTE bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not have a lot of experience on the US market but my last link seems to suggest that the TMo version is 100% compatible with ATT LTE (and the other way around), so generally (given the much bigger bootloader freedom on TMo vs ATT) I would say that TMo Note 3 should be a good choice. It will also work on ATT up to the full 4G and worldwide for voice over normal GSM, maybe 3G in many places. Also that last link suggests that once you unlock it (which is IMHO rather inexpensive and worth it) you will be able to use (almost) any GSM SIM in the world.

Is Verizon S5 unlocked? Can it be used on T-Mobile?

Hey guys. Is the Verizon S5 CDMA + GSM?
Is it factory unlocked?
Can it be used on T-mobile with everything working correctly (LTE/4G)?
Thanks

nthydro said:
Hey guys. Is the Verizon S5 CDMA + GSM?
Is it factory unlocked?
Can it be used on T-mobile with everything working correctly (LTE/4G)?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know the answer to your question but I can confirm that the Galaxy S5 that I received from TMobile was in fact LOCKED.
I called the support # and was told that I had to have service and use it for 40 days before it could be unlocked.
I PAID THE FULL PRICE ($720 with tax)!!!
I asked to speak with a supervisor -- after 10 minutes on hold -- no change.
I told the store that I was going to bring it back because I didn't pay $700 for a locked phone. Everyone has been nice but it's locked for policy issues and not for technical reasons. I flew to Canada when I bought my iPhone4.
And, AT&T is worse -- one guy told me 3 months and tech support said it had to be active for 6 months.
>> So, my AT&T sim card is not working in my SM-G900T model.

It is GSM/LTE unlocked (as are all Verizon LTE devices), but I'm pretty sure it doesn't have T-Mobile's LTE bands (or at the very least it doesn't have all of their bands).

From what I have been reading, on a Verizon phone, calls and data using GSM and WCDMA bands would work. But LTE bands are Verizon specific hence would not work.
Tl; Dr Voice /data using GSM/WCDMA. No LTE.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 07:30 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:26 AM ----------
alex_tytn said:
I don't know the answer to your question but I can confirm that the Galaxy S5 that I received from TMobile was in fact LOCKED.
I called the support # and was told that I had to have service and use it for 40 days before it could be unlocked.
I PAID THE FULL PRICE ($720 with tax)!!!
I asked to speak with a supervisor -- after 10 minutes on hold -- no change.
I told the store that I was going to bring it back because I didn't pay $700 for a locked phone. Everyone has been nice but it's locked for policy issues and not for technical reasons. I flew to Canada when I bought my iPhone4.
And, AT&T is worse -- one guy told me 3 months and tech support said it had to be active for 6 months.
>> So, my AT&T sim card is not working in my SM-G900T model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this mean, once unlocked, T-Mobile and AT&T versions would work on each other's networks including LTE?
I also noticed that with S5, there aren't GSM carrier specific versions. Meaning they are going IPhone route with making all GSM phones enabled that for that country's LTE bands. Is that right reading?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

it is unlocked
I am using the verizon s5 on tmobile. It is unlocked and can be used on tmobile LTE. However there are only set modes. LTE/CDMA GSM/UMTS AND GLOBAL. Which means you can't use lte and gsm at the same time (no lte data and voice calls). I usually keep it on gsm, and when I need speedy data I switch it to lte.

alex_tytn said:
I don't know the answer to your question but I can confirm that the Galaxy S5 that I received from TMobile was in fact LOCKED.
I called the support # and was told that I had to have service and use it for 40 days before it could be unlocked.
I PAID THE FULL PRICE ($720 with tax)!!!
I asked to speak with a supervisor -- after 10 minutes on hold -- no change.
I told the store that I was going to bring it back because I didn't pay $700 for a locked phone. Everyone has been nice but it's locked for policy issues and not for technical reasons. I flew to Canada when I bought my iPhone4.
And, AT&T is worse -- one guy told me 3 months and tech support said it had to be active for 6 months.
>> So, my AT&T sim card is not working in my SM-G900T model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile isn't locked.
Sent from my SM-G900T

drworsley said:
I am using the verizon s5 on tmobile. It is unlocked and can be used on tmobile LTE. However there are only set modes. LTE/CDMA GSM/UMTS AND GLOBAL. Which means you can't use lte and gsm at the same time (no lte data and voice calls). I usually keep it on gsm, and when I need speedy data I switch it to lte.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How? If you put a TMobile SIM in the phone, or any other foreign SIM, it boots but receives no service. This is in line with almost all other Verizon branded phones (excluding Apple) -- where the phone works (unlocked) outside the US, but won't roam to ATT/TMo in the US.
Pictures please. For the record, my S5 doesn't register on a network with a TMobile or Australian SIM. The Australian SIM in a Nexus 5 roams to TMobile.
-- Dan

Cpudan80 said:
How? If you put a TMobile SIM in the phone, or any other foreign SIM, it boots but receives no service. This is in line with almost all other Verizon branded phones (excluding Apple) -- where the phone works (unlocked) outside the US, but won't roam to ATT/TMo in the US.
Pictures please. For the record, my S5 doesn't register on a network with a TMobile or Australian SIM. The Australian SIM in a Nexus 5 roams to TMobile.
-- Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was probably true about a year ago but the recent releases from Verizon, e.g. iPhone 5/5s and galaxy s4 has been fully unlocked world phones. I'm sure there are a few other phones... I think lg g2? I'm not exactly sure. But I have personally stuck my sim(T-Mobile) into my friend's Verizon phones (s4 and iPhone 5s) and they work right away after a reboot. Only problem might be an edit in APN for data and mms. Just sharing my experience, you should check out your phones again.

Teo032 said:
This was probably true about a year ago but the recent releases from Verizon, e.g. iPhone 5/5s and galaxy s4 has been fully unlocked world phones. I'm sure there are a few other phones... I think lg g2? I'm not exactly sure. But I have personally stuck my sim(T-Mobile) into my friend's Verizon phones (s4 and iPhone 5s) and they work right away after a reboot. Only problem might be an edit in APN for data and mms. Just sharing my experience, you should check out your phones again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not trying to be a jerk, but unless you tried this process in the actual phone in question, then you don't really know if it works. The phone DOES NOT just magically work on TMobile if you put a SIM in, you receive NO service. Now, I didn't go mess around with APNs -- typically those are only for MMS/Data. This is also true for several other phones:
Razr HD / Maxx HD
Galaxy S3
In the past, when the phones were SIM locked, a foreign SIM would prompt for an unlock code before the phone even booted into "normal" Android. That's not the case here -- because the phone is not SIM locked -- but I do believe it is network locked to VZW only when in the US.
For the record, I did try this in my S5. I will be going to Australia next week and will try a Telstra (or perhaps Optus) SIM over there to see what happens.
-- Dan

Cpudan80 said:
Not trying to be a jerk, but unless you tried this process in the actual phone in question, then you don't really know if it works. The phone DOES NOT just magically work on TMobile if you put a SIM in, you receive NO service. Now, I didn't go mess around with APNs -- typically those are only for MMS/Data. This is also true for several other phones:
Razr HD / Maxx HD
Galaxy S3
In the past, when the phones were SIM locked, a foreign SIM would prompt for an unlock code before the phone even booted into "normal" Android. That's not the case here -- because the phone is not SIM locked -- but I do believe it is network locked to VZW only when in the US.
For the record, I did try this in my S5. I will be going to Australia next week and will try a Telstra (or perhaps Optus) SIM over there to see what happens.
-- Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I haven't tried it on the s5, but I was pointing out fact that it does work on recent releases which someone confirmed worked on s5 by just plugging it in. I'm also correcting your statement " This is in line with almost all other Verizon branded phones (excluding Apple) -- where the phone works (unlocked) outside the US, but won't roam to ATT/TMo in the US." because Verizon apple does work in the US on T-Mobile and AT&T beginning from iPhone 5. I believe the 4s was still carrier locked.
I was a wireless agent not to long ago, so I know how these things work, not that it magically just works... I'm just sharing you how some recent releases from Verizon has been world unlocked and a few others have mentioned that they just plugged it in and it worked. So good luck and have fun in Australia.

Teo032 said:
Yes, I haven't tried it on the s5, but I was pointing out fact that it does work on recent releases which someone confirmed worked on s5 by just plugging it in. I'm also correcting your statement " This is in line with almost all other Verizon branded phones (excluding Apple) -- where the phone works (unlocked) outside the US, but won't roam to ATT/TMo in the US." because Verizon apple does work in the US on T-Mobile and AT&T beginning from iPhone 5. I believe the 4s was still carrier locked.
I was a wireless agent not to long ago, so I know how these things work, not that it magically just works... I'm just sharing you how some recent releases from Verizon has been world unlocked and a few others have mentioned that they just plugged it in and it worked. So good luck and have fun in Australia.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK Thanks.
It is odd that the apple phones -- and some of the Android phones -- are totally unlocked so that you can use them on ATT/TMobile in the US -- but some (like the S5, apparently) are not. I still am interested to know how some of the other users in this thread got their S5s working on TMobile...

Why would anyone want to buy a Verizon GS5 and use it on T-Mobile? The bootloader is locked and there is currently no unlock method available.

Would you like to exchange?
Would you like to exchange your verizon s5 with my tmobile s5?
i wanted to use it for verizon but the phone is locked to tmobile and at&t.
It would be ideol if i can find someone to exchange it with someone who has a verizon s5 and is looking for tmobile or at&t s5.
thanks,

sy3dal29 said:
Would you like to exchange your verizon s5 with my tmobile s5?
i wanted to use it for verizon but the phone is locked to tmobile and at&t.
It would be ideol if i can find someone to exchange it with someone who has a verizon s5 and is looking for tmobile or at&t s5.
thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could check out Swappa. There may be some people that are interested.

nthydro said:
Hey guys. Is the Verizon S5 CDMA + GSM?
Is it factory unlocked?
Can it be used on T-mobile with everything working correctly (LTE/4G)?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm the Verizon GS5 is compatible with T-Mobiles LTE network I'm using one now with LTE all you have to do is go to settings mobile network and switch to Global mode some times you'll have to toggle LTE then back to global to get LTE to kick in.

I am able to successfully use my VZ Galaxy Note 3 and my wife uses her VZ Galaxy S5, both devices on T-mobile Edge, HSPA, HSPA+ (21mbps), and LTE (band 4) frequencies. These devices unfortunately will not do DC-HSPA+ (42mbps), but that's not a big deal for us because LTE coverage is good where we live. We have no issues with making voice calls, or sending SMS/MMS, and don't have to switch APN's or toggle between Global Mode or GSM/UMTS mode. We leave them on Global Mode with the correct APN settings.
Here's the guide I followed for both (with correct APN settings screenshots to accommodate for MMS on page 4 or 5 i believe):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2582747

..

How
drworsley said:
I am using the verizon s5 on tmobile. It is unlocked and can be used on tmobile LTE. However there are only set modes. LTE/CDMA GSM/UMTS AND GLOBAL. Which means you can't use lte and gsm at the same time (no lte data and voice calls). I usually keep it on gsm, and when I need speedy data I switch it to lte.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you unlock the Verizon S5? BTW theres a bounty on doing so.

..

This is all new info to me. I have an AT&T galaxy S5 that I want to use on Verizon. Is it possible or do I need to trade for a Verizon-specific model?

[Q] [Q&A] Trying to get Simple Mobile SIM to work on Note 3

Hello,
This is has been a very frustrating situation but here is where I am at currently. I use a carrier called "Simple Mobile" and they are an under carrier to TMobile. I want to own and use a Samsung Note 3 but can not get my SIM to work. That is the short introduction. I am providing some more information because this has been a long drawn out process but the bottom line is I want to continue using Simple Mobile AND use a Note 3.
Background: Back in late June 2014, I bought a used Note 3 N900V from ebay after I broke my Note 1. I love my Note 1 and it was the ATT branded model. I had the phone (Note 3)and it worked but had a very poor signal compared to using the same SIM card with my Note 1 (those threads are still available under my username). After many failed attempts to correct the situation and being educated about the phone model and so forth I found it in my best interest to return the phone for a refund and just repair my Note 1.
Currently: I repaired my Note 1 after the fiasco with the N900V model. However, my screen went purple recently and then wouldn't light up at all anymore. So I am where I was last time and looking to replace it. This time, armed with my knowledge from last time, I bought another Note 3 (model N900T this time), thinking it would be more compatible with my Simple Mobile (sub carried by T Mobile) as the N900T is a T-Mobile friendly phone. NOTE: I bought the phone used and through a mistake of the seller, what I have is actually a N900W8. The seller had replaced the screen and did a motherboard swap. The result is a phone with markings that say N900T but after a boot up provides software descriptions showing N900W8.
Why do I want to use Simple Mobile so bad? : Simple mobile charges me 40.00 + tax for Unlimited Data, Calls and Texts domestically + limited international texting to certain countries. For me, that is a great deal and I dont have to do a contract or pay extortionate fees to other providers. Yes, I am a cheap Bas*&^d as evidenced by me buying used phones to save a few hundred $$$'s here and there.
Dilemma: In my bid to purchase a Note 3 that works I looked at the Simple Mobile site. They do indeed sell a new model N900T, Link here: <http://www.mysimplephones.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Note-III-Simple-Mobile.html> HOWEVER, when you look at another page for compatible phones you will find that the N900T is not even a compatible model for Simple Mobile's 4G LTE service. YOU WILL HOWEVER FIND that there are two models of Note 3 that WILL work. The N900W8 (Canadian Model) and the N900A (ATT). This link shows those compatible 4G LTE phones: <http://simplemobileinfoblast.com/4glte/phones.php>
Interesting note: While I do actually have a 4G LTE compatible phone technically, since the phones software shows it is a N900W8 despite the shell being embossed N900T, it will not work AT ALL on my carrier. All attempts result in "NOT REGISTERED ON NETWORK" messages. My research thus far seems to indicate that the N900W8 Models come unlocked as new so I do not feel that my phone is locked.
Conclusion: My Note 1 is broken and I don't want to repair it so I will sell it as is elsewhere. I have a Note 3 N900W8 that will not work that I am going to return to the seller since it is not even the right model to begin with. It should be noted that the screen on the N900W8 WAS replaced but not very well and there are some annoying defects on the underside of the screen as a result. So after all of this expostition, Can anyone please tell me what model of Note 3 to get that will work with my simple mobile SIM?
It is my sincere hope that someone has gone through this same situation and can help guide me a bit.
Thank you

Wallace Bagwell said:
Hello,
This is has been a very frustrating situation but here is where I am at currently. I use a carrier called "Simple Mobile" and they are an under carrier to TMobile. I want to own and use a Samsung Note 3 but can not get my SIM to work. That is the short introduction. I am providing some more information because this has been a long drawn out process but the bottom line is I want to continue using Simple Mobile AND use a Note 3.
Background: Back in late June 2014, I bought a used Note 3 N900V from ebay after I broke my Note 1. I love my Note 1 and it was the ATT branded model. I had the phone (Note 3)and it worked but had a very poor signal compared to using the same SIM card with my Note 1 (those threads are still available under my username). After many failed attempts to correct the situation and being educated about the phone model and so forth I found it in my best interest to return the phone for a refund and just repair my Note 1.
Currently: I repaired my Note 1 after the fiasco with the N900V model. However, my screen went purple recently and then wouldn't light up at all anymore. So I am where I was last time and looking to replace it. This time, armed with my knowledge from last time, I bought another Note 3 (model N900T this time), thinking it would be more compatible with my Simple Mobile (sub carried by T Mobile) as the N900T is a T-Mobile friendly phone. NOTE: I bought the phone used and through a mistake of the seller, what I have is actually a N900W8. The seller had replaced the screen and did a motherboard swap. The result is a phone with markings that say N900T but after a boot up provides software descriptions showing N900W8.
Why do I want to use Simple Mobile so bad? : Simple mobile charges me 40.00 + tax for Unlimited Data, Calls and Texts domestically + limited international texting to certain countries. For me, that is a great deal and I dont have to do a contract or pay extortionate fees to other providers. Yes, I am a cheap Bas*&^d as evidenced by me buying used phones to save a few hundred $$$'s here and there.
Dilemma: In my bid to purchase a Note 3 that works I looked at the Simple Mobile site. They do indeed sell a new model N900T, Link here: <http://www.mysimplephones.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Note-III-Simple-Mobile.html> HOWEVER, when you look at another page for compatible phones you will find that the N900T is not even a compatible model for Simple Mobile's 4G LTE service. YOU WILL HOWEVER FIND that there are two models of Note 3 that WILL work. The N900W8 (Canadian Model) and the N900A (ATT). This link shows those compatible 4G LTE phones: <http://simplemobileinfoblast.com/4glte/phones.php>
Interesting note: While I do actually have a 4G LTE compatible phone technically, since the phones software shows it is a N900W8 despite the shell being embossed N900T, it will not work AT ALL on my carrier. All attempts result in "NOT REGISTERED ON NETWORK" messages. My research thus far seems to indicate that the N900W8 Models come unlocked as new so I do not feel that my phone is locked.
Conclusion: My Note 1 is broken and I don't want to repair it so I will sell it as is elsewhere. I have a Note 3 N900W8 that will not work that I am going to return to the seller since it is not even the right model to begin with. It should be noted that the screen on the N900W8 WAS replaced but not very well and there are some annoying defects on the underside of the screen as a result. So after all of this expostition, Can anyone please tell me what model of Note 3 to get that will work with my simple mobile SIM?
It is my sincere hope that someone has gone through this same situation and can help guide me a bit.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so the Note N9005 is the same as the T and w8 models except for the radio differences. From the sounds of it the N3 you pruchased may have been blocked as it's carrying the not registered on network error (which is the common one for this) however. it's possible it's locked down but my understanding is the w8 is quite unrestricted.
IN regards to what model you should/need to use, if your carrier is under the T-Mo umbrella/piggy backs of their network then you need the N900T which is T-Mo's device. - But you may wanna ring T-Mo and ask to be 100% positive.
EDIT You wanna avoid the N900A (ATT) unless you're 100% sure you can get LTE with your provider, there's been a few people who have bough the A model and haven't been able to use it due to it being for ATT only (again, radio issues.)
After re-reading, I think the N900T is the one for sure (especially as Simple sell it (doubt they'll sell a device that isn't LTE compatible?), and I would ring Simple and T-Mo for 100% clarification as obviously, dropping a few hundred $$ on a phone which may not work isn't nice.

radicalisto said:
OK, so the Note N9005 is the same as the T and w8 models except for the radio differences. From the sounds of it the N3 you pruchased may have been blocked as it's carrying the not registered on network error (which is the common one for this) however. it's possible it's locked down but my understanding is the w8 is quite unrestricted.
IN regards to what model you should/need to use, if your carrier is under the T-Mo umbrella/piggy backs of their network then you need the N900T which is T-Mo's device. - But you may wanna ring T-Mo and ask to be 100% positive.
EDIT You wanna avoid the N900A (ATT) unless you're 100% sure you can get LTE with your provider, there's been a few people who have bough the A model and haven't been able to use it due to it being for ATT only (again, radio issues.)
After re-reading, I think the N900T is the one for sure (especially as Simple sell it (doubt they'll sell a device that isn't LTE compatible?), and I would ring Simple and T-Mo for 100% clarification as obviously, dropping a few hundred $$ on a phone which may not work isn't nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for reading and replying...
Im quite torn but what you say makes plenty of sense.
I am under the same thought process as yours thinking that the N900T version they sell in their own shop is the model to get.... but then I read about the compatible devices with "4G LTE" and dont even see it, but instead see the N900W8 and N900A models instead. I had the N900V model Note 3 before and it "worked" on my network but the coverage and signal strength suffered greatly and displayed +H most of the time. So the N900V at least worked with my SIM vs the N900W8 not even using the network (it does show ATT and Simple Mobile networks under the network settings but cant register on either one).
I know they are different phones completely but the ATT branded Note 1 gave me no problems at all with my Simple SIM. My wife has the same model Note 1 as me and her phone actually shows 4G LTE next to the bars whereas mine only shows 4G. I called and spoke to CS a few months ago to figure out the disparity and it would seem that since I bought her SIM card more recently that mine (hers 2014 vs mine 2011) that the SIM itself makes the network 4G LTE more friendly somehow. So with that in mind I have ordered a new micro SIM from Simple thinking that it might solve some issues. The only reason I never ordered a new SIM sooner is because I wasnt really worried about the 4G LTE vs 4G problem as my UL/DL speeds were more than adequate. Hence, I am seriously thinking of trying out the N900A model.
I guess the easiest answer is that I think the N900T model "would work" but the compatible model page shows the other 2 models and not the N900T with regards to 4G LTE coverage and NOT general signal coverage.
I am going to ring T mobile and see if this model is locked down, thanks for that, good advice.
In regards to me being 100% sure about the ATT model being LTE compatible, I am thinking it would be possible (not 100% though) with regards to my wife's N1 and newer SIM (hers is also a branded ATT N1 like my broken ATT N1. with an older SIM).
Any thoughts? Thanks again...

The Note 3, changed a lot in regards to the hardware and radios used. Samsung and the carriers in their infinite wisdom trying to lock people down via either region lock, sim lock and boot loader lock downs.
It is possible that the A model will work, it could be that Simple has a deal with T-Mo and ATT in which it can use both carriers towers for H+ and LTE.
See what T-Mo say, and even give ATT a ring also, no harm in asking them direct.
Also as you've stated the sim may also have something to do with picking up LTE straight of the bat.
Ring T-Mo/ATT see what they say, then that way you know which way to go and at least doing it that way you have the comfort in knowing that the provider themselves have assured you what will and won't work.
Sent from my Spectrum ZX +2

radicalisto said:
The Note 3, changed a lot in regards to the hardware and radios used. Samsung and the carriers in their infinite wisdom trying to lock people down via either region lock, sim lock and boot loader lock downs.
It is possible that the A model will work, it could be that Simple has a deal with T-Mo and ATT in which it can use both carriers towers for H+ and LTE.
See what T-Mo say, and even give ATT a ring also, no harm in asking them direct.
Also as you've stated the sim may also have something to do with picking up LTE straight of the bat.
Ring T-Mo/ATT see what they say, then that way you know which way to go and at least doing it that way you have the comfort in knowing that the provider themselves have assured you what will and won't work.
Sent from my Spectrum ZX +2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm looking up the contact numbers for T Mobile now and will probably try to look at what ATT has to say/can do.
Simple Mobile, bless their hearts, to keep things so cheap use a calling center in the Philippines and have been of very little help to me trying to figure this out.
I'll keep this thread updated but I'm still torn between the N900V and N900A, only leaning towards the N900A because of the link I shared earlier with regards to 4G LTE compatibility. :/
Thanks again Radicalisto.

Hope you get it sorted, let me know the outcome I'm quite curious now myself. Good luck!
Sent from my Spectrum ZX +2

radicalisto said:
Hope you get it sorted, let me know the outcome I'm quite curious now myself. Good luck!
Sent from my Spectrum ZX +2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I have finally reached a solution.
After all of the hassle and trial and error, I was able to get a Note 3 to work with 4G LTE by using a Note 3 model N900A and an updated Simple Mobile Sim card.
It seemed a little counter intuitive to use an ATT branded phone versus a T Mobile branded phone knowing that Simple is undercarried by T mobile but that is just what it took.
It should be known that I did not try and use my "old" SIM from Simple but ordered a new one and had my number transferred to the new SIM before the phone arrived. The rational behind purchasing a new SIM was based on the experience of my wife and I using our Note 1(s). Both of our Note 1(s) were ATT branded (i717). Though I bought her Simple SIM about 2 years after my own. The result was my phone only showed 4G while hers would should 4G LTE. Strange being they are both the same model phone with the same carrier but that was the fix: updated SIMs, whether it was embedded software or something else.
So for now, I can close this little chapter and enjoy my Note 3.
If anyone else is reading this, please feel free to message me and I will be happy to share anything I may have forgotten to share here.
Thanks to everyone who helped as well, I know I have a few threads on XDA looking for solutions. :/
Wallace

Good stuff, glad you got it sorted

Mobile Networks Are Currently Blocked..?

Hey everyone, I could really use some help. (Sorry if this is in the wrong place)
I'm in the USA, on Verizon. I got a note FE the other day (SM-N935L) and went to put in the sim card but it keeps telling me the mobile networks are currently blocked and to contact customer service but I can't do that because I can't currently make calls or have data. Any help would be appreciated. If you need more info to possibly help, just let me know.
Thank you

This device doesn't work for Verizon or sprint it's GSM only.

scrumptyous said:
This device doesn't work for Verizon or sprint it's GSM only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... darn it... Do any of the models? And why doesn't it work? (Just asking so I can learn)

Jedibkj said:
Well... darn it... Do any of the models? And why doesn't it work? (Just asking so I can learn)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably not,AT&T & T-Mobile are your best bets for using international phones on their networks & associated MVNOs.
Not trying to sound like a jerk,but,Google is your friend on the subject.
Here's a fairly recent write up giving a Readers Digest summary:
https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhon...y-verizon-sprint-phone-on-a-different-network
Also,try these sites for specific device compatibility:
https://www.frequencycheck.com/
https://willmyphonework.net/
@Jedibkj :
Here's another older article attempting to clear the air on the subject of Verizon & phones from elsewhere/not branded/specific to their network:
https://www.cnet.com/news/bringing-your-own-smartphone-to-verizon-what-do-i-need-to-worry-about/
Also,here's Verizon's BYOD Compatibility page:
https://www.verizonwireless.com/bring-your-own-device/

Jedibkj said:
Well... darn it... Do any of the models? And why doesn't it work? (Just asking so I can learn)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah as stated above google helps you out tons when you are in the market for a new device. I never looked for international devices or non-carrier branded phones while I was with Verizon and Sprint they are CDMA and most unlocked devices are GSM. For me I just knew for most functions to work on my phone they had to have the sprint or verizon logo on them some where.
I have not looked back since I left both of the above companies because I feel I have so many more options now. There are others who have made the same mistake and I have seen their listings on ebay. There are lots of people looking for this device so at least you can get your money back by selling it if you need to. (swappa is a good option for selling as well)

Thank you for all the info! I thought it was CDMA compatible but I guess I was wrong.. :/ I need to check more before buying! Live and learn I guess... I'll probably end up reselling it.
Thank you for all the help!

My K model gets full LTE signal and bars on Cricket. I'm in Phoenix.