Database Users

M on AT&T/StraightTalk, GSM Frequencies, Verizon blocks?

I've heard that Verizon phones, though "global" are locked from the US GSM frequencies.
I'm considering getting a Razr M and using it on StraightTalk AT&T or T-Mobile prepaid.
It appears the frequencies should be fine. 850/1900 UMTS/HSPA + GSM.
Anyone have any thoughts on that?
I'll need to trim the SIM down to MicroSIM size, and get the phone unlocked, but besides that...?

rancur3p1c said:
I've heard that Verizon phones, though "global" are locked from the US GSM frequencies.
I'm considering getting a Razr M and using it on StraightTalk AT&T or T-Mobile prepaid.
It appears the frequencies should be fine. 850/1900 UMTS/HSPA + GSM.
Anyone have any thoughts on that?
I'll need to trim the SIM down to MicroSIM size, and get the phone unlocked, but besides that...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just get the RAZR i.
-Sent from my Razr i on AT&T.-

phositadc said:
Just get the RAZR i.
-Sent from my Razr i on AT&T.-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it's an atom processor not A15, lower graphics performance by far, less apps in the market and can't get it in White.

See my post on your question in the Q&A board, and posts 18 and 19 in this thread.

freak4dell said:
See my post on your question in the Q&A board, and posts 18 and 19 in this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Righto-,thanks. I read somewhere else (maybe it was you?) that the NV settings in the radio block MNC 230 (tmo) and 150 (at&t). There was a guy who had looked all through them and couldn't find where it was happening.
Is this MNC blocking something that would be remedied by buying the Austrailian version? I want an A15 CPU + GPU not the Atom one, simply because I like sticking it to Intel, and because I like the white phone not the black one.
Does the developer edition work with AT&T/T-mobile? Maybe I'll just buy that. This phone certainly is slick. I hope whatever fix we get will let us keep the stock ROM, always a bit more exciting (and stable it seems, usually) to me than CM(X)

rancur3p1c said:
Righto-,thanks. I read somewhere else (maybe it was you?) that the NV settings in the radio block MNC 230 (tmo) and 150 (at&t). There was a guy who had looked all through them and couldn't find where it was happening.
Is this MNC blocking something that would be remedied by buying the Austrailian version? I want an A15 CPU + GPU not the Atom one, simply because I like sticking it to Intel, and because I like the white phone not the black one.
Does the developer edition work with AT&T/T-mobile? Maybe I'll just buy that. This phone certainly is slick. I hope whatever fix we get will let us keep the stock ROM, always a bit more exciting (and stable it seems, usually) to me than CM(X)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, the Australian one will work just fine with AT&T or T-Mobile (no 3G on T-Mobile unless you're in a refarmed area, though). Worst case, it's locked to Australian bands, and you need to get an unlock code to make it work internationally. The reason the Verizon ones are locked for US bands is because Verizon doesn't want you buying their phone and then switching to their competition. Telstra obviously doesn't have the same problem, since they're not competing with AT&T or T-Mobile. Of course, what I'm saying isn't guaranteed to be true, since I don't have an Australian M myself (but I'm trying to decide whether to import that one or the RAZR i). I'm like 99% confident you wouldn't have any issues, though.
The developer edition does not work on AT&T or T-Mobile, either. We should be able to keep the stock ROM. That's how it worked on my Droid Pro and other Verizon Motorola world phones. We just flashed a file that modified the baseband. There was even a file to flash that would return the baseband to stock. ROM flashes didn't affect the baseband once it was modified.
What I'm wondering is if it may just be possible to take the Australian radio and flash it to the Verizon M to make it work on our GSM networks. That would pretty much disable the CDMA radios, but we wouldn't need them anyway. I think some of the previous phones have gotten around the band lock by flashing a Chinese radio, so it seems like the same concept could be used here. I'm nowhere near smart enough to know how to do any of this, though. All we can do at this point (well, me anyway) is just let Team Black Hat and other Motorola developers know that we are patiently waiting for a solution.

Looks like I wasn't far off with my hypothesis. If the community can provide the radio image, we should know pretty soon whether it would work on the M or not.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=33850862&postcount=11

And it's been done:
https://twitter.com/P3Droid/status/266727420718108674
https://twitter.com/P3Droid/status/266732294000242689
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVmmx5Kh7pw&feature=youtu.be
This is on the Dev Edition.

freak4dell said:
And it's been done:
https://twitter.com/P3Droid/status/266727420718108674
https://twitter.com/P3Droid/status/266732294000242689
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVmmx5Kh7pw&feature=youtu.be
This is on the Dev Edition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It also works on the stock unrooted and unlocked Dev device so it should work fine on the stock locked bootloader devices.
Right now it appears to break eHRPD authentication when using a VZW LTE SIM with AU radio image. GSM service is fully functional with no modifications except the AU radio.

cellzealot said:
It also works on the stock unrooted and unlocked Dev device so it should work fine on the stock locked bootloader devices.
Right now it appears to break eHRPD authentication when using a VZW LTE SIM with AU radio image. GSM service is fully functional with no modifications except the AU radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well then...that pretty much settles it. I will be buying a Verizon RAZR M...Dev Edition if I can find one for a good price, or if not, a regular one. I hate that Verizon logo, but I'll save a couple hundred dollars by just dealing with it.

freak4dell said:
Well then...that pretty much settles it. I will be buying a Verizon RAZR M...Dev Edition if I can find one for a good price, or if not, a regular one. I hate that Verizon logo, but I'll save a couple hundred dollars by just dealing with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been searching for a way to buy this awesome phone in a *truly unlocked* state (bootloader + carrier), and it seemed to be, before now, that my best option was to get the australian one (it also doesn't have the ugly verizon logo on the front But, it's very hard to get it from here in the US, so getting the verizon dev edition and reflash the radio may be better. I'm currently with T-mobile, yes I know about the refarm ... I'll deal with that.
So, does anybody have a link for said radio image? freak4dell, have you gotten yours and tried to flash the radio?
Thanks, you guys are awesome!
(noob alert: I am an experience desktop/embedded developer, but I have never messed with cellphones before, although it's been a while that I want to start...)

aslomagic said:
I've been searching for a way to buy this awesome phone in a *truly unlocked* state (bootloader + carrier), and it seemed to be, before now, that my best option was to get the australian one (it also doesn't have the ugly verizon logo on the front But, it's very hard to get it from here in the US, so getting the verizon dev edition and reflash the radio may be better. I'm currently with T-mobile, yes I know about the refarm ... I'll deal with that.
So, does anybody have a link for said radio image? freak4dell, have you gotten yours and tried to flash the radio?
Thanks, you guys are awesome!
(noob alert: I am an experience desktop/embedded developer, but I have never messed with cellphones before, although it's been a while that I want to start...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, haven't gotten mine. I'm out of the country until mid-December, so I won't be able to get my hands on one until then anyway. I am keeping an eye out for deals, though, so that if I see a good price, I can buy it and have it waiting for me.

freak4dell said:
Nope, haven't gotten mine. I'm out of the country until mid-December, so I won't be able to get my hands on one until then anyway. I am keeping an eye out for deals, though, so that if I see a good price, I can buy it and have it waiting for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me know if you find a good deal (actually, any deal at all) for non-verizon razr m! I've also been looking on australian ebay, there are a few auctions for the telstra razr m, but they don't ship overseas...
But back to topic: are the image files in these two following posts any good to flash the radio, or do I need anything else, like a complete telstra fastboot image, or something like that (re-noob-alert: I'm a dev, but I've never messed with phones before):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=33867978&postcount=30
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=33871175&postcount=33
Also, these being "official" and probably signed radios (at least I hope they are), do I need to unlock the bootloader to flash them?
Note: I haven't gotten any phone yet, just gathering all the pieces together before dropping the cash
Thanks anyone!

aslomagic said:
Let me know if you find a good deal (actually, any deal at all) for non-verizon razr m! I've also been looking on australian ebay, there are a few auctions for the telstra razr m, but they don't ship overseas...
But back to topic: are the image files in these two following posts any good to flash the radio, or do I need anything else, like a complete telstra fastboot image, or something like that (re-noob-alert: I'm a dev, but I've never messed with phones before):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=33867978&postcount=30
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=33871175&postcount=33
Also, these being "official" and probably signed radios (at least I hope they are), do I need to unlock the bootloader to flash them?
Note: I haven't gotten any phone yet, just gathering all the pieces together before dropping the cash
Thanks anyone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will let you know if I see anything, but if I find a one-time deal, I'm grabbing it for myself. I wish I knew someone in Australia that could ship to me.

freak4dell said:
I will let you know if I see anything, but if I find a one-time deal, I'm grabbing it for myself. I wish I knew someone in Australia that could ship to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need, I just ordered my razr m developer edition from motorola.com We'll see how fast I can void my warranty
Speaking of which: do I need to unlock the bootloader (and void the warranty) to flash the radio? My understanding is that, since it's signed by the manufacturer, it should work without unlocking the bootloader. That way I can use the phone for a while and return it if it has any problems. Does anybody know?

[Q] AT&T (G900A) - Did I screw up by buying this one?

I can't seem to find any legitimate way to root my G900A from AT&T.
I was with Sprint with my S4, and never had an issue. I made the switch to AT&T before buying the S5.. Was that mistake?
In all the threads I've combed through here there is one common, glaring, issue.. The G900A is not included in the supported devices.
Am I missing something obvious or am I screwed? Or am I just looking too soon?
Already gave the S4 to my daughter.
Thanks for any information or insight.

ACiD0N said:
I can't seem to find any legitimate way to root my G900A from AT&T.
I was with Sprint with my S4, and never had an issue. I made the switch to AT&T before buying the S5.. Was that mistake?
In all the threads I've combed through here there is one common, glaring, issue.. The G900A is not included in the supported devices.
Am I missing something obvious or am I screwed? Or am I just looking too soon?
Already gave the S4 to my daughter.
Thanks for any information or insight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a universal root method.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2717061
Try to talk with a recovery developer to check your partition table.
(Other variant may have matching partition table with your variant)
I guess, @PlayfulGod can help you with it.

ACiD0N said:
I can't seem to find any legitimate way to root my G900A from AT&T.
I was with Sprint with my S4, and never had an issue. I made the switch to AT&T before buying the S5.. Was that mistake?
In all the threads I've combed through here there is one common, glaring, issue.. The G900A is not included in the supported devices.
Am I missing something obvious or am I screwed? Or am I just looking too soon?
Already gave the S4 to my daughter.
Thanks for any information or insight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SandeepEmekar said:
Here is a universal root method.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2717061
Try to talk with a recovery developer to check your partition table.
(Other variant may have matching partition table with your variant)
I guess, @PlayfulGod can help you with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure eventually a root method will come about for that model. Unfortunately tho, the vzw & att models have a locked bootloader and most likely locked down with knox as well and currently no way to boot custom recoveries or kernels.

PlayfulGod said:
I'm sure eventually a root method will come about for that model. Unfortunately tho, the vzw & att models have a locked bootloader and most likely locked down with knox as well and currently no way to boot custom recoveries or kernels.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@PlayfulGod is absolutely right. Even if an exploit is found for the AT&T or Verizon models, it is unlikely that you'll ever have full root access - thanks to the combination of locked bootloaders, KNOX, and SELinux.
Check your contract - most carriers have a 14-day "buyer's remorse" period in which you can return your handset. You might be faced with a $35-$50 "restocking fee", but depending on how desperate you are for custom ROMs and/or Recovery, it may be worth it to you. Please note that your carrier may try everything they can to stop you from leaving (in terms of talking you out of it). Your contact with AT&T should also have a "back-out" period of 30 days (unless that's changed recently).
Couple other notes:
1) That's the primary reason I switched from AT&T to TMO when I jumped from the S4 to the S5 - I was sick of locked bootloaders. Otherwise, I really just like TMO a lot more as a company, including some of their political standpoints.
2) I've heard of several people now buying TMO S5's and taking them over to AT&T. It's a lot of money up front, but might be worth it to you.
Good luck.

Thanks guys
Thank you for the informative replies. They confirmed what I had already gathered, piece by piece, in a decent comprehensive manner so I appreciate it.
Unfortunately, this time around we gamed the system a bit and went in on this as a 'group' for the services and phones. As far as I can tell, as an individual, I don't have any options of returning the unit in favor of moving to another provider.
Besides that, I finally have good service where I live. I am in the middle of a city but my actual home was in a crap spot with Sprint. After doing research we found that we'd all have great service with AT&T. If the trade-off is no root, so be it I suppose. (Though I have heard that T-Mo has the same service in the same areas due to using the same connectivity)
The knox deal doesn't concern me so much.. This may be a bit cocky (and a little stupid), but I have yet to have to replace a galaxy since they started putting them out *knock on wood*. But it sounds like that's only one issue in a sea of others.
Long-winded story short, Thanks guys. I am much more informed on my situation than before. :good:

ACiD0N said:
I can't seem to find any legitimate way to root my G900A from AT&T.
I was with Sprint with my S4, and never had an issue. I made the switch to AT&T before buying the S5.. Was that mistake?
In all the threads I've combed through here there is one common, glaring, issue.. The G900A is not included in the supported devices.
Am I missing something obvious or am I screwed? Or am I just looking too soon?
Already gave the S4 to my daughter.
Thanks for any information or insight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I expressly bought a G900W8 model because of the locked bootloader issue with AT&T. I've come from Verizon on the S4, and I wasn't doing the whole locked thing again - it was annoying and I just wasn't going to have it. What I did was buy an S5 from AT&T on a $25/month installment plan, turn around and sold it on Swappa for full price, and bought an unlocked W8 model the same day. I payed virtually nothing except shipping, I get a nice unlocked phone ready for AOSP when it comes out, and I didn't have to pay the ridiculous $650 price for what would be essentially a developer unlocked phone.
If your phone is still new and you think you could sell it and get mint condition pricing on it, do your research on the G900T model. That's TMobile's phone, but it has an unlocked bootloader, can be rooted/flashed/whatever you like, and if I remember correctly (please someone correct me if I'm wrong), it works on all the bands that AT&T does and will be virtually the same as far as mobile data goes. If you already have your service activated on your current AT&T phone, you can literally just swap the SIM card out and you shouldn't have any issues after that. There might be a little caveat as far as having an AT&T SIM in a Tmo phone, but as far as I've read on the forum, this is very easy to get past; you may very well not have any problems whatsoever.
You could look for the W8 model, which wouldn't have any carrier branding on it, but those were hard to come by for me on Swappa, and the unlocked listing the main page gives you is for a phone that doesn't support 4G.
So like I said, if you think you could sell it, and you find a good listing on Swappa for an unlocked phone, I say go for it. Having an unlocked bootloader is going to put your device in a good place as far as updates go, and once developers start pushing out polished custom ROMs, you'll be happy to use your device for longer than the year's use that is generally expected.

[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

New S4 Recommendations

I'm looking to buy a new phone but don't want/need the latest and greatest. I'm happy with the performance of my HTC One Mini, my work HTC One X/XL and my wife's S4 Active, all AT&T phones used in the U.S. My One Mini just suffered a horrible mountain bike crash which busted the screen up pretty bad, then too, my old eyes are tired of that tiny screen. I've also had bad luck with the built in battery and lack of SD card slot. So I was thinking S4 would be ok by me. Asking on the device forum I've gotten 50-11 answers some of which are conflicting answers. I was thinking the i9505 would be the right phone until someone piped up stating it wouldn't work on LTE here. From all I've seen it looks to me like that senior member don't know what they're talking about. Here's my criteria:
1. 4.5" to 5" screen
2. Unlocked/unlockable and can easily accept custom ROMs
3. Prefer to stick with a Kit Kat Rom as it gets along with my Do Not Disturb app better than Lollipop due to the built-in app on Lollipop
4. Removable battery
5. SD Slot
6. LTE service on AT&T/T-Mobile and Caribbean and South American Countries
7. Custom ROM must allow hotspot w/o AT&T controlling my use (I have unlimited internet on my plan and want to make use of it)
Background: I'm almost green having only installed a custom ROM on my work phone an HTC One X/XL from AT&T. Apparently it's one of the harder phones to unlock the bootloader and permanent Root is impossible I think. I 1st installed CM12.1 on the HTC ONE X and ran into conflicts and buggy operations. After a few weeks of testing I backed it up, wiped it and installed CM11 which I truly like. No experience or much understanding of KNOX, ODIN or ODEX. I only read bits and pieces on those while trying to figure out which S4 variant will fit my need. Lastly, were can I get a new phone off contract? Anybody purchased from www.Cell2Get.com? I was about to buy this phone prior to the member claiming it wouldn't work on AT&T.
http://www.cell2get.com/samsung-galaxy-s4-i9505-16gb-unlocked-gsm-android-cell-phone-p-5122.html

IRBent said:
I'm looking to buy a new phone but don't want/need the latest and greatest. I'm happy with the performance of my HTC One Mini, my work HTC One X/XL and my wife's S4 Active, all AT&T phones used in the U.S. My One Mini just suffered a horrible mountain bike crash which busted the screen up pretty bad, then too, my old eyes are tired of that tiny screen. I've also had bad luck with the built in battery and lack of SD card slot. So I was thinking S4 would be ok by me. Asking on the device forum I've gotten 50-11 answers some of which are conflicting answers. I was thinking the i9505 would be the right phone until someone piped up stating it wouldn't work on LTE here. From all I've seen it looks to me like that senior member don't know what they're talking about. Here's my criteria:
1. 4.5" to 5" screen
2. Unlocked/unlockable and can easily accept custom ROMs
3. Prefer to stick with a Kit Kat Rom as it gets along with my Do Not Disturb app better than Lollipop due to the built-in app on Lollipop
4. Removable battery
5. SD Slot
6. LTE service on AT&T/T-Mobile and Caribbean and South American Countries
7. Custom ROM must allow hotspot w/o AT&T controlling my use (I have unlimited internet on my plan and want to make use of it)
Background: I'm almost green having only installed a custom ROM on my work phone an HTC One X/XL from AT&T. Apparently it's one of the harder phones to unlock the bootloader and permanent Root is impossible I think. I 1st installed CM12.1 on the HTC ONE X and ran into conflicts and buggy operations. After a few weeks of testing I backed it up, wiped it and installed CM11 which I truly like. No experience or much understanding of KNOX, ODIN or ODEX. I only read bits and pieces on those while trying to figure out which S4 variant will fit my need. Lastly, were can I get a new phone off contract? Anybody purchased from www.Cell2Get.com? I was about to buy this phone prior to the member claiming it wouldn't work on AT&T.
http://www.cell2get.com/samsung-galaxy-s4-i9505-16gb-unlocked-gsm-android-cell-phone-p-5122.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- AT&T has it's own variant of the S4. It's called the "SGH-I337".
- The I9505 will not work with LTE on the AT&T network. It support different bands. So the member was correct. You can see it here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S4#Model_variants
- The "SGH-I337" has a locked bootloader and cannot be unlocked. Only some old devices will have an unlocked bootloader because they never upgraded their software. Thus you cannot use custom roms like CM.

Lennyz1988 said:
- AT&T has it's own variant of the S4. It's called the "SGH-I337".
- The I9505 will not work with LTE on the AT&T network. It support different bands. So the member was correct. You can see it here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S4#Model_variants
- The "SGH-I337" has a locked bootloader and cannot be unlocked. Only some old devices will have an unlocked bootloader because they never upgraded their software. Thus you cannot use custom roms like CM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is the GT-I9505G the preferred phone to have and to mod and if so, can I buy new one without getting a fake?
"Google Play Edition
At the Google I/O 2013 keynote, Samsung and Google revealed that an edition of the U.S. S4 would be released on June 26, 2013 through Google Play, initially featuring stock Android 4.2.2, later updated to 4.4.4, with Samsung provided updates; it has an unlockable bootloader (similar to Nexus devices) and supports LTE on AT&T and T-Mobile's networks. The model number is GT-I9505G."

I'm likely "that member", because I have an I9505 (not I9505G) running on Straight Talk, which is a US MVNO that rents bandwidth from all the major US carriers. The I9505 will not work on LTE here in the US because the LTE frequencies used worldwide (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20) are not the frequencies used by the carriers here in the US. The I9505G is a different story. It has the LTE frequencies needed to work here in the US, and does not have Touchwiz as it uses stock Android.
You can't purchase one new because they've been discontinued for some time now. You may want to check out Swappa (link at the top of the page) and see if they have a used one you can purchase.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
I'm likely "that member", because I have an I9505 (not I9505G) running on Straight Talk, which is a US MVNO that rents bandwidth from all the major US carriers. The I9505 will not work on LTE here in the US because the LTE frequencies used worldwide (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20) are not the frequencies used by the carriers here in the US. The I9505G is a different story. It has the LTE frequencies needed to work here in the US, and does not have Touchwiz as it uses stock Android.
You can't purchase one new because they've been discontinued for some time now. You may want to check out Swappa (link at the top of the page) and see if they have a used one you can purchase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really good and interesting reply. Being new to this stuff and having not kept up with cellphone technology, some of the things you guys just know, I'm having to try to understand. At first I assumed all 9505's were the same, but apparently I was wrong there. Then I also thought that since most cellphone review sites showed a plethora of Freq. and bands, with at least on or two being those that AT&T and most other North American GSM carriers use, I assume that meant I could get that model of phone. little did I know that those two lines of freqs and bands were for different versions of that same model, one for here and being a carrier locked phone and the other line being and international phone without the proper band for use here. So now after learning that difference it appears to me that there may be now way possible to purchase a new S4 and turn it into a custom ROM phone. So if I understand you and the carrier stuff correctly, you're using a plain 9505 and piggybacking off AT&T by way of StraightTalk like so many of us do. However since your phone is an international version you don't have LTE, is that right? One last thing I've yet to read or learn about but saw when I was putting CM11 and 12.1 on my HTC One X/XL (AT&T), I kept seeing stuff about "the radio". The way it read made me think they were NOT talking about an FM radio for music, but the freqs the phone itself uses. I think I recall them flashing "radios" which I assume they meant they were able to change the original freqs/bands that the model came with to one more useful here. Is that something that truly exists and can be done even on an S4 variant? My assumption is that it CANNOT be done or else you'd have done so already on your i9505.

IRBent said:
So if I understand you and the carrier stuff correctly, you're using a plain 9505 and piggybacking off AT&T by way of StraightTalk like so many of us do. However since your phone is an international version you don't have LTE, is that right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.
IRBent said:
My assumption is that it CANNOT be done or else you'd have done so already on your i9505.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again correct. With Samsung, their firmware loading software, Odin, actually checks and makes sure the parts of the firmware match the model of the S4 connected to the PC. If they don't match, Odin will instantly fail. The only way to try and enable LTE on the I9505 is to delve into the low-level firmware for the LTE chip and attempt to rewrite it so it can see the added frequencies. However, I don't recommend it. Not only is it a very intricate process compared to something like rooting, it's also quite possible that you could render the LTE chip non-functional. I tried it, and nearly lost the ability to use my phone at all due to having my phone's SIM lock restored.
If you do decide to get an S4, an I9505G is likely your best bet. Not only does it have the AT&T frequencies, it's also got an unlocked bootloader (unlike the AT&T model) and is also carrier unlocked right out of the box. That last means you can use it on T-Mobile and carriers which use GSM SIM cards. Other choices would be the T-Mobile S4 (SGH-M919) or the North American S4 (SGH-I337M). All these phones include the AT&T frequencies and also have an unlocked bootloader so customization is easier.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
If you do decide to get an S4, an I9505G is likely your best bet. Not only does it have the AT&T frequencies, it's also got an unlocked bootloader (unlike the AT&T model) and is also carrier unlocked right out of the box. That last means you can use it on T-Mobile and carriers which use GSM SIM cards. Other choices would be the T-Mobile S4 (SGH-M919) or the North American S4 (SGH-I337M). All these phones include the AT&T frequencies and also have an unlocked bootloader so customization is easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thank you so much sir. This answer is direct and explains exactly what I wanted to know. I only wish it were possible to purchase one of those models new so I could ensure years of use void of glitches due to possible abuse by the previous owner. If I can't find one of the above models I will probably be looking for some other make/model, preferably a new phone not used. Do you know if it's possible to get a new phone that meets the criteria below?
1. Unlocked bootloader or one that can be unlocked
2. Removable battery
3. 4.7" - 5" screen
4. SD card
5. Capable of being used as a hotspot ( I have unlimited internet but need to thwart AT&T from controlling my use)
6. Rootable and custom ROM capable
7. Can be used in U.S, South America and Caribbean (I think most of those places all use the same freqs/bands as U.S.)

That is why on Swappa you search for the ones labeled Mint or New. My device was Mint off Swappa, and the main reasons were that it was always in a case, and had a tempered glass screen protector installed.
For a current flagship-level device, looking at your laundry list, I believe you need to adjust your expectations. Not because of the software, but because of the hardware. LG is perhaps the only manufacturer still offering both removable batteries and MicroSD card slots, but their flagship device has a larger screen than you want. Motorola doesn't have removable batteries. Google provides neither, just like Samsung. Sony is an unknown, but their devices are not common here in the US.
Your best option is to go with a larger screen size and get an LG G4. If you absolutely MUST have the smaller screen, then you want a used Galaxy S4 or S5, so long as they aren't AT&T devices.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
For a current flagship-level device, looking at your laundry list, I believe you need to adjust your expectations. Not because of the software, but because of the hardware. LG is perhaps the only manufacturer still offering both removable batteries and MicroSD card slots, but their flagship device has a larger screen than you want. Motorola doesn't have removable batteries. Google provides neither, just like Samsung. Sony is an unknown, but their devices are not common here in the US.
Your best option is to go with a larger screen size and get an LG G4. If you absolutely MUST have the smaller screen, then you want a used Galaxy S4 or S5, so long as they aren't AT&T devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I should have made it clear too that flagships, latest and greatest wasn't necessary. I'm happy with the speeds my older HTC ONE X and HTC ONE Mini supply. But closing in on 50 years old, my eyes and the Mini's screen don't get along so well anymore.

If you have bad eyesight, a bigger screen can be a godsend.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
If you have bad eyesight, a bigger screen can be a godsend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. I need a bigger screen but a smaller phone because my hands can't reach around my HTC ONE Mini. Sometimes it sucks being 5'4". LOL

IRBent said:
Exactly. I need a bigger screen but a smaller phone because my hands can't reach around my HTC ONE Mini. Sometimes it sucks being 5'4". LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would not recommend someone buying the S4 anymore. It was and still is a great phone, but newer models are just way better. The battery life is to short with the standard battery.
Based on your preferences I would recommend one of the following:
- LG Nexus 5
- Oneplus one
- Motorola X Play
But then again, maybe they are to big for you. The LG is the smallest but doesn't have a sd slot.

Lennyz1988 said:
Based on your preferences I would recommend one of the following:
- LG Nexus 5
- Oneplus one
- Motorola X Play
But then again, maybe they are to big for you. The LG is the smallest but doesn't have a sd slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazing discovery by me just now. Yes, I've seen folks here talk about the brand OnePlus but I didn't know who or what OnePlus was until just now. I used to keep up with all things electronics related, reading review sites and forums like this. 10 years ago or so a DVD manufacturer named OPPO was the talk. Excellent brand but unheard of. I just learned that OnePlus is a company started by an OPPO founder. I'm so out of the loop.

What bands for each of the big 4 providers?

Anyone know for sure what bands each will have? I know the unlocked will have them all. Will every US version have all of the bands as well? Researching online for some reason right now is not giving me any info. The FCC filling for the unlocked U version is all I've found so far after a day of searching online.
http://www.androidguys.com/2017/03/...s-pass-through-the-fcc-supports-all-carriers/

I think I may have finally figured it out. Samsung hopefully did what moto and apple and nexus has done for years and made them all universal. I'm surprised nobody has mentioned this all before but here is what info I'm going off.
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/phones/galaxy-s/s/_/n-10+11+hv1rp+zq1xa/
T-Mobile
SM-G950UZKATMB
Verizon
SM-G950UZKAVZW
Sprint
SM-G950UZKASPR
AT&T
SM-G950UZKAATT
So the carrier versions are all the same just a different bloat package on all 4.
When an unlocked one arrives again the only difference might be less bloat.
This could be really good news for people who don't like contacts like myself.
Maybe faster updates from Samsung? I mean they can't possibly get slower than they already are can they?

They didn't. I have inside info from Samsung that it's the same as the GS7. They just changed the model numbering scheme to be more universally discernible. I was hoping for one phone with carrier customization but nope... they again made it impossible to get all features and bands on a different carrier.
The good news is the Verizon model doesn't have carrier branding any longer. I confirmed that today by unboxing an actual retail model.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

sillyphillie said:
They didn't. I have inside info from Samsung that it's the same as the GS7. They just changed the model numbering scheme to be more universally discernible. I was hoping for one phone with carrier customization but nope... they again made it impossible to get all features and bands on a different carrier.
The good news is the Verizon model doesn't have carrier branding any longer. I confirmed that today by unboxing an actual retail model.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So when do they finally release what bands each carrier model supports? Seems odd that no info exists on the phones releasing in 3 weeks. The unlocked model has all its bands published online but no official release date.

I'm curious to know if the Verizon model is the same as the unlocked one.

954wrecker said:
Anyone know for sure what bands each will have? I know the unlocked will have them all. Will every US version have all of the bands as well? Researching online for some reason right now is not giving me any info. The FCC filling for the unlocked U version is all I've found so far after a day of searching online.
http://www.androidguys.com/2017/03/...s-pass-through-the-fcc-supports-all-carriers/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you get it unlocked, insert a different carrier's sim, factory reset and it will boot with the splash screen and preinstalled apps of the carrier. I've seen the Att to Tmobile and verizon to att swap

That's interesting . I will try that when I get it. But I'm not sure that would effect the boot logo? I'm imagining it would stay the same, no?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

954wrecker said:
I think I may have finally figured it out. Samsung hopefully did what moto and apple and nexus has done for years and made them all universal. I'm surprised nobody has mentioned this all before but here is what info I'm going off.
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/phones/galaxy-s/s/_/n-10+11+hv1rp+zq1xa/
T-Mobile
SM-G950UZKATMB
Verizon
SM-G950UZKAVZW
Sprint
SM-G950UZKASPR
AT&T
SM-G950UZKAATT
So the carrier versions are all the same just a different bloat package on all 4.
When an unlocked one arrives again the only difference might be less bloat.
This could be really good news for people who don't like contacts like myself.
Maybe faster updates from Samsung? I mean they can't possibly get slower than they already are can they?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did You check AT&T or T-Mobile have cdma support if they do they you are right if they don't may be carrier are going to release updates

sillyphillie said:
They didn't. I have inside info from Samsung that it's the same as the GS7. They just changed the model numbering scheme to be more universally discernible. I was hoping for one phone with carrier customization but nope... they again made it impossible to get all features and bands on a different carrier.
The good news is the Verizon model doesn't have carrier branding any longer. I confirmed that today by unboxing an actual retail model.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think your wrong. If you go check tmobiles website the software version is G950USQU1AQC9. There is nothing mentioning tmobile specifically there. I think that they will all come with carrier animation BUT be uninstallable.

I would hope so but I received this info from a Samsung Knox Development Manager who is an internal employee. I am crossing my fingers he is full of it.

I've got the bands for the AT&T and Verizon phones. Those companies had the decency to post the info online. Samsung chat was useless and told me some BS as usual about not knowing until the phone was released. Is it possible the T-Mobile bands listed on the website are the only bands it supports? 2,4,5,12?

If the websites are accurate and just considering bands alone it looks like the AT&T one has the best support.

I'm really Curious about exynos working on Verizon and can't find any info. I'm in Korea for another 8 months and was hoping to get the Korea model S8 and take it back to the states and use it on my Verizon network. I have a feeling it won't work just like the S7 did not.

The s8 Will be just like the note 7 was.... Internals are EXACTLY the same, just different SW, and can be flashed with any carrier SW to "make" them that carriers phone.

suzook said:
The s8 Will be just like the note 7 was.... Internals are EXACTLY the same, just different SW, and can be flashed with any carrier SW to "make" them that carriers phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what I was thinking based on the 1 and only FCC filing with just the 'U' and no other carrier letters.

Bad news all 4 carriers support slightly different bands just like always
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=71771523

954wrecker said:
Bad news all 4 carriers support slightly different bands just like always
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=71771523
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's bs...Trust me. Note 7 on Samsung website showed the same. A simple flash of carrier FW makes it whatever FW is on it.

suzook said:
It's bs...Trust me. Note 7 on Samsung website showed the same. A simple flash of carrier FW makes it whatever FW is on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does that mean that if say I pre-order the AT&T S8+ from Best Buy because I have in store credit and place a T-Mobile sim, it can possibly work?

nexus.knightly said:
Does that mean that if say I pre-order the AT&T S8+ from Best Buy because I have in store credit and place a T-Mobile sim, it can possibly work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash it with TMO SW, and it will be a "TMO" phone.

suzook said:
Flash it with TMO SW, and it will be a "TMO" phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. I think the best course of action for me would be to wait for the Unlocked version of the S8 to arrive in May, hopefully.