"To help support the explosion of mobile Internet usage and give customers a great experience, AT&T plans to fully discontinue service on its 2G wireless networks by approximately January 1, 2017."
"AT&T expects to fully discontinue service on our 2G network by approximately January 1, 2017. As AT&T progressively frees up valuable spectrum for our mobile broadband network, we may conclude that some markets or territories need to turn down 2G service prior to the nationwide turndown."
Source -AT&T Corporate Website
This is not an AT&T thing either. T-Mobile is also in the process of turning off 2G coverage and is expected to happen around the same time.
That sticks. Time to unload all these Chinese smartwatches. At least I can use the Pine, Truesmart and Gear S.
I'm currently in the market of getting a Smart Watch/Cell Replacement with WiFi Hotspot abilities in the USA. With these new changes to both AT&T and T-Mobile, are there any Smart Watch/Cell Replacements that work in the USA? And with what carrier?
Rodimus80 said:
I'm currently in the market of getting a Smart Watch/Cell Replacement with WiFi Hotspot abilities in the USA. With these new changes to both AT&T and T-Mobile, are there any Smart Watch/Cell Replacements that work in the USA? And with what carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You want 850Mhz (limited coverage area) or 1900Mhz 3G capable smartwatches. Those will work with AT&T.
Only 1900MHz 3G will work on T-Mo and that's if you are in a 1900MHz coverage area.
I won't provide a list as that would take days of research to do, and it would have to be done on a continuous basis to keep the list up to date.
I have a T-Mobile 4G HotSpot Z64. In my town it only connects to 2G. But if I go to the next town over it's on 4G. Suburb of Buffalo, NY here. I have a ZGPAX S8 coming tomorrow and that says 3G only on WCDMA 2100MHz. Was this a wasted purchase in my area on T-Mobile?
Rodimus80 said:
I have a T-Mobile 4G HotSpot Z64. In my town it only connects to 2G. But if I go to the next town over it's on 4G. Suburb of Buffalo, NY here. I have a ZGPAX S8 coming tomorrow and that says 3G only on WCDMA 2100MHz. Was this a wasted purchase in my area on T-Mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will get 2G until they turn it off and that's it. T-Mo doesn't use 2100 but 1700+2100 or 1900.
The specs on the Hotspot say it's GSM/EDGE:850/1900MHz - UMTS/HSPA: 850/AWS/1900MHZ. If it's 2G at my home but 4G in a different town, then would it be my tower hasn't had 1900 upgraded? And if so, will a Android Smartwatch with 2G 1900 work still?
I got the ZGPAX S8 yesterday. I threw in my SIM from a T-Mobile Hotspot and the watch was up and running on what the watch is calling 3 E. Home and abroad. Download speed is crap but I can stream music and make texts and calls. Wonderful little device.
Again, a friendly reminder to those buying cellular capable Chinese smartwatches in the U.S
AT&T 2G GSM 850/1900MHz network shutdown
To help support increasing mobile Internet usage and continue to provide you with a great customer experience, we started to discontinue service on our 2G wireless network as of December 31, 2016.
AT&T wireless customers attempting to use 2G devices on this network after the shutdown will be unable to:
Make or receive calls, including emergency calls.
Send or receive text messages.
Use data services.
Device Requirements Post-2G Shutdown
After December 31, 2016, the minimum requirement needed to operate on AT&T’s network is 3G WCDMA (UMTS) HSPA 850/1900 MHz Band 2 and Band 5.
In short. If you don't have working 3G support now, your device is a paperweight after December 31st 2016.
T-Mobile still works in Toledo on an A1 from Agptek. Its a $20 smartwatch. Not good for much but the mp3 player and the ability to make calls. Bluetooth allows headphones to be used when making calls, and hooks up to the hands free in my Mazda.
I have a Lemfo Lem5 which has 3G 850/1900/2100. Works in Canada on Koodo, which is 3G only. AFAIK, it's the only one of these phones that has that combo. I hope that changes this year.
Rodimus80 said:
I got the ZGPAX S8 yesterday. I threw in my SIM from a T-Mobile Hotspot and the watch was up and running on what the watch is calling 3 E. Home and abroad. Download speed is crap but I can stream music and make texts and calls. Wonderful little device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is it going with the ZGPAX S8 these days?
Greetings from Flensburg, Germany
KrautHolg
Not worth the hassle. Replacing SD card, putting everything back together, and then just using the damn thing always lead to me wanting my phone for control which defeated the purpose of the watch. I suggest trying a higher priced device. But I have no experience with those. I'll be jumping back into the watch game maybe in another year or two. Right now it's beta.
DZ09 smartwatch
Does the DZ09 smartwatch use only 2G network?
Microsoft Cortana
Rodimus80 said:
Not worth the hassle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried to install various personal assistants without success, but then got Microsoft Cortana to work. I can just ask the watch pretty much anything, so long as I have Internet. Oh yeah, it has to be in English, too. Voice recognition works almost 100%, whereas answering by voice only works about 2/3 of the time. The other 1/3 I get a list of links. This is still pretty useful, as I simply have to touch to open them without the need to type anything on that tiny screen. I could well get used to this! In fact, I am convinced that this is the future and sooner or later many of us will go this way.
Oh, and BTW, I use watch as a standalone device, not connected to my phone.
Cheers!
KrautHolg
hi
Rodimus80 said:
I'm currently in the market of getting a Smart Watch/Cell Replacement with WiFi Hotspot abilities in the USA. With these new changes to both AT&T and T-Mobile, are there any Smart Watch/Cell Replacements that work in the USA? And with what carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi
2G works in Toledo
2G from T-Mobile (and Mint, which uses T-Mobile) still works in Toledo Ohio as of today. I have an A1 smartwatch from AGPtek. It's a cheapo $20 watch, but it does make calls, send texts and the Bluetooth works with my wireless headset. Hands free works in my car. None of the Apps work but that will be no surprise to anyone here.
Lokifish Marz said:
"To help support the explosion of mobile Internet usage and give customers a great experience, AT&T plans to fully discontinue service on its 2G wireless networks by approximately January 1, 2017."
"AT&T expects to fully discontinue service on our 2G network by approximately January 1, 2017. As AT&T progressively frees up valuable spectrum for our mobile broadband network, we may conclude that some markets or territories need to turn down 2G service prior to the nationwide turndown."
Source -AT&T Corporate Website
This is not an AT&T thing either. T-Mobile is also in the process of turning off 2G coverage and is expected to happen around the same time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go for a 4G WCDMA/LTE watch as I did with the DM2018.
Related
Just wanted to know what service plans would be good for JasJar in the USA.
I use T-Mobile but of course we americans are lagging behind on mobile technology communications. I find I cannot use half of the features and it doesnt even have EDGE support. So wondering if any of you have T-Mobile in the USA and what service/internet plans are you using? :?:
I find I cannot use half of the features
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a bit of an exageration. The only thing you cannot use is 2100MHz UTMS. Everything else works fine.
You really only have Cingular and T-Mobile from which to pick in the US. Cingular has more coverage, but there are some 850MHz areas where the JasJar will not function as a phone. The TMo $20 unlimited gprs plan is pretty sweet. As others have lamented, the only thing this phone is missing (mostly for those of us on this side of the pond) is a quad-band radio, and EDGE or 1900MHz UTMS.
gadgetgirl said:
The TMo $20 unlimited gprs plan is pretty sweet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely have to second this. I've looked at other plans, Cingular as well as going something "non-sim" before I got the Jasjar, and nothing seemed to come close to the $20 unlimited data with TMo. My minutes and data combined with TMo are less than the unlimited data alone with some others.
It all depends on your needs though. I don't spend a lot of time in areas that aren't covered by TMo, so that issue is moot and price can play a larger factor for me.
USA service plans
ahh I see your point. I just got the $20.00 unlimited data plan. Is there anything special needed to get it started. Does anybody know if Tmo will start coming out with 3G networks?
Re: USA service plans
xda_dev said:
ahh I see your point. I just got the $20.00 unlimited data plan. Is there anything special needed to get it started. Does anybody know if Tmo will start coming out with 3G networks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, the news on 3G networks in the USA is not very good for us Universal owners. Cingular has already started to implement their 3G service in a few markets in the US and will be expanding their 3G service in 2006. I haven't heard anything about T-Mobile's 3G plans yet. Unfortunately, however, Cingular's 3G network works at 1900MHz and T-Mobile's most likely will as well. This means that even if Cingular or T-Mobile provide 3G service the Universal won't work with it, because the Universal only supports 3G at 2100MHz.
In the US, the 2100MHz band currently belongs to the US Military and there are rumors that that band may be made available to cell phone providers in 2007, but even if that happens, but the time the band is available and the service providers start using it I'm sure that my universal will be obsolete.
I'm using a Universal in the USA right now, but I don't expect to ever be able to use it on a 3G network here.
Brett
EDGE on MDA Pro/JasJar
So you're saying EDGE won't work on the MDA Pro? According to T-Mobile, EDGE is already in place in most of its US network. Also, GPRS to EDGE from the providers standpoint basically involved a software update. Can this be done on the MDA Pro as well?
One final question. Anyone know how I can find out if my MDA Pro has the latest rom and where to get updates. My phone came from Germany (T-Mobile)?
The Universal does not do Edge afaik. The HTC Wizzard does do edge. So the only difference between the two for US users (who cant use 2100MHz UMTS) is the low res screen on the wizzard, and the fact that the wizzard is a whole lot more portable. Oh and the mini SD port!
Here in the UK, none of the networks support edge, which is a bit of a pain for wizzard owners! I would have had a wizzard for the smaller size if edge were available in UK, or if wizzard was 3G !
Nigel
Thanks
If I choose then to sell may MDA Pro, what would you recommend as being the most comparable item that will at least work with EDGE and UMTS @ 1900 in the USA. I am otherwise very satisfied but one reason why I paid a premium price was to have something that would not be obsolete too soon, be able to work with the next generation (3G) and be downward compatible (EDGE, GPRS).
I am happily using T-Mobile in the USA. I bought the jasjar knowing that I would be limited to GPRS on the data side. Its many other advantages make the compromise worth it to me.
I am happily using T-Mobile in the USA. I bought the jasjar knowing that I would be limited to GPRS on the data side. Its many other advantages make the compromise worth it to me.
US Carriers
I too am using my JasJar with T-Mobile in the US and am quite happy with the service. I recognize that I will not be able to use 3G with this device, but I'm OK with that. For me the features of the device far outweigh that single drawback.
I am off to Florida for a month and would like to have internet access on my laptop using gprs(Universal as modem). My problem is that I am not sure what the necessary setup is(can i have gprs on a prepaid, what network, settings etc) . I have tried to investigate the possiblilty of a sidekick sims in the Universal but got nowhere. Hope you can help.
Unfortunately, you won't have much luck. The majority of the networks in Florida are using the 850 MHz band, which the Universal doesn't support. You'll have intermittent luck using the 1900 MHz band, but it's not as widely used. If you visit Florida later this year, you'll be able to use Cingular's 3G network that they will be rolling out.
The two biggest GSM/GPRS providers here are Cingular and T-Mobile. You can purchase pre-paid service from them so you don't have to enter any contracts.
What part of Florida will you be in?
But wait, there's more! You can't use the 3G access in the US because Cingular's 3G frequency is 1900mhz and UK/Asia/Europe uses 2100mhz that the Universal has. So, you're still out of luck.
Shame!
There goes my beautiful plan! I am doing the Disney Tour so will be mainly round Orlando/Kissimmee area.
I am assuming that although the GPRS is looking grim, I can still use my Exec as a normal phone, right?
Re: Shame!
terapixels said:
There goes my beautiful plan! I am doing the Disney Tour so will be mainly round Orlando/Kissimmee area.
I am assuming that although the GPRS is looking grim, I can still use my Exec as a normal phone, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are covered for international calls on your plan with O2, yes. Having been in and around the Orlando area several times, it seems that T-Mobile was the service available most often (as opposed to Cingular, with whom I subscribe.
The GPRS down there wasn't half bad.
thefunkunfaked,
I am on a monthly plan so I think I am covered for international calls. But what I would like to happen is for me to buy a PAYG US sim card and be able to call cheaply within the US(+GPRS if poss).
So if I get a T Mobile PAYG sim card, are you saying I will be able to get GPRS?
Yes, T-Mobile USA uses 1900 according to http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/net_uswe.shtml
The map for Cingular seems to indicate their 1900 network fully covers Florida http://www.gsmworld.com/cgi-bin/ni_map.pl?cc=us&net=be
But a local probably know better than trusting the map.
I plan on getting one through Craigslist and will most likely be using it on Wi-Fi only.
Is there any difference between them besides the carrier markings? Which one can make voice calls after rooting?
(I'm on TMO)
If you want to make calls, you're gonna want an ATT tab. The gsm variants (att and tmob) both have 16gb of internal storage with a card slot free. The cdma variants (sprint, verizon) have 2gb of internal storage and a 16gb card. That's about the only difference between the carriers.
Bluetooth keyboard and mouse will work with the T-Mobile version.
info about devices I've gathered from these forums so far:
Verizon and Sprint have no Bluetooth HID support (this means you can't pair a mouse or keybaord - not sure about bluetooth headsets though), and VZN/Sprint only have 2GB of internal storage. tmo/att tabs have 16GB internal storage.
Tmobile has the fastest 3g data, but Verizon has the most data coverage on the continental us map, and is generally the slowest 3G data. Tmobile has the cheapest prepaid option at $10 for 7 days/150mb. ATT prepaid will cost minimum of $20 for 1 month/250mb. verizon i believe starts at $20/month, and with sprint there is no prepaid option.
Tmobile can be hacked to use voice minutes and data, but only edge works with that voice hack enabled, no 3G. You can turn off the voice hack and get 3G data speeds without resetting. ATT voice and 3G will work without the hack(still needs to be flashed though).
Sprint tablets usually sells for the cheapest. AT&T tablets generally sells for most expensive.
AT&T 3G also works in Europe, as well as tmobile 3g.
Tmobile has the most search results in the galaxy tab forum, tmobile is mentioned twice as much as any of the other carriers.
GSM models have more xda development support than CDMA.
As stated previously, there is no switch hacking necessary for the modem on the AT&T model if you want to use voice minutes. Just flash rom, modem and go. If you have the euro version you don't even need to flash to use this capability. Tmobile, on the other hand, requires a switch hack in order to use minutes from your plan.
Tmobile is a great choice if you don't plan on using it as a phone, and are in an area with 3G coverage. Tmobile is an ok choice if you do plan to use voice minutes. Note that in order to use voice with 3G on AT&T, you need to have a contract plan which starts at $55/month. Some people don't use the phone minutes but instead use skype or some other VOIP service over 3G. For VOIP in the continental US, Tmobile is probably the better choice due to faster speeds if you're not moving around too much. IF you plan on traveling all over the place then ATT is probably the better choice.
with ATT and tmobile you can surf 3G AND talk at the same time when using cellular voice minutes. you cannot talk and surf at the same time with EDGE.
daveymark said:
AT&T 3G also works in Europe. Tmobile tab will not have 3G in Europe, only edge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Small correction here - TMo US Tab *does* have 3G in Europe.
Regards,
Dave
foxmeister said:
Small correction here - TMo US Tab *does* have 3G in Europe.
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for pointing that out. after researching it more it looks like there is confusion with tmobile because in the U.S. tmobile uses 1700 frequency AND 2100 frequency, and in europe/asia it's just the 2100 frequency that is used.
daveymark said:
info about devices I've gathered from these forums so far:
Tmobile has the fastest 3g data.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Droid X (Verizon) and a Galaxy Tablet (T-Mobile). Here's what I've observed. Verizon's 3G service coverage is pretty much everywhere. I can't find anywhere that I don't have 3G with the Droid X. T-Mobile's 3G coverage is more limited. For example, I work in Greensboro, NC and live in Burlington, NC. I have 3G coverage in Greensboro but lose it and go on EDGE when I get to Burlington. However, in the places where I have 3G with T-Mobile, it's 3 - 6 times faster than Verizon's. It really smokes.....where it's available. If they could get their coverage as widespread as Verizon's, they would definitely be the carrier of choice.
One additional observation....about a mile from my home in Burlington, there's a T-Mobile store. They've got all kinds of flyers in their windows about how fast their 3G and 4G speeds are. Interesting thing is that where this store is located and for about 12 miles going towards Greensboro, you don't have anything but EDGE. So, if you go into the store and want to see an example of their "blazing speeds" they can't provide it....unless they're doing it with WiFi and fooling the customer.
Guitar4Him said:
I have a Droid X (Verizon) and a Galaxy Tablet (T-Mobile). Here's what I've observed. Verizon's 3G service coverage is pretty much everywhere. I can't find anywhere that I don't have 3G with the Droid X. T-Mobile's 3G coverage is more limited. For example, I work in Greensboro, NC and live in Burlington, NC. I have 3G coverage in Greensboro but lose it and go on EDGE when I get to Burlington. However, in the places where I have 3G with T-Mobile, it's 3 - 6 times faster than Verizon's. It really smokes.....where it's available. If they could get their coverage as widespread as Verizon's, they would definitely be the carrier of choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said, lack of 3G coverage is one of the reasons I did not go with a Tmobile Tab. I was going to originally pick up a verizon model since it seems to work in more places. Unfortunately the lack of Bluetooth HID support and no coverage in europe forced me to avoid VZW. ATT has more 3G coverage than tmobile and has the option of voice with 3G, so I went that route.
here are two up to date maps of current 3G coverage, ATT vs Tmobile:
TMobile:
http://www.cellularmaps.com/image/tm_3g_10c.jpg
ATT:
http://www.cellularmaps.com/image/att_3g_11a.jpg
as you can see ATT is the clear winner here, for now.
for reference, here's verizon's 3G coverage:
http://www.cellularmaps.com/image/vzw_3g_c.jpg
Hey! I live in Israel and I am traveling to the US in July. I need an internet acces most of the time so I thought about purchase a sim card from T-Mobile with unlimited data, text and talk for 3 USD per day. I carry other devices like laptop and my Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 WIFI model so I need them to get WIFI... I thought about tethering WIFI by using my LG P500 phone, but I heard that all the carrieres in the US charge more money for tethring... I heard that its only that way in the carriers stock roms, is that true?
bar_rodoy said:
Hey! I live in Israel and I am traveling to the US in July. I need an internet acces most of the time so I thought about purchase a sim card from T-Mobile with unlimited data, text and talk for 3 USD per day. I carry other devices like laptop and my Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 WIFI model so I need them to get WIFI... I thought about tethering WIFI by using my LG P500 phone, but I heard that all the carrieres in the US charge more money for tethring... I heard that its only that way in the carriers stock roms, is that true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While it's true that U.S. carriers restrict tethering (unless you pay for tethering) on their own ROMs, they also take efforts to detect tethering on unbranded devices, such as yours.
There are a few things I'd worry about for you:
- T-Mobile USA currently checks UA strings in web browsers to detect tethering. It even does this when you use Chrome Beta for Android in desktop mode. Be sure to get an extension that changes your browser to a mobile browser if you're using your laptop. Your tablet will probably be okay.
- Your phone needs to support the AWS band to run on T-Mobile's 3G (1700/2100Mhz). Some areas have support for the PCS (1900Mhz) band on T-Mobile 3G, but those areas are limited and you shouldn't rely on them. I don't think that your model of the LG P500 supports this- in fact, I don't know if your phone even supports AT&T's 3G bands. UMTS band I, which your phone supports, is not used in America, I have no idea why T_T
- Depending on where you're going, you may want to use AT&T (3G on: PCS band or band V(850Mhz)), which has a larger 3G network. I have T-Mobile and love it, but the coverage outside of cities sometimes drops to EDGE.
Hope this helps. Glad to see an actual "networking" question in the Networking forum. Instead of "omg which phone should I buy"
I use tethering on my G2 all the time, yes I am running CM7 , not stock but never had an issue with tether. Pretty much though, using a different tethering app works fine with no issues.
I'm going to drop this here since I know it applies for the S5.
Should apply for any Sprint phone with the GSM support though as well.
----------------------------------------------
I've been a big advocate for Sprint's purchase by Softbank, it's why I stayed with them.
I also expected a roaming deal on Softbank's networks to eventually surface. It finally has.
$5/month will get you unlimited roaming (voice,text and data) in Japan now on Softbank's network.
You have to switch to GSM/UMTS after land in Japan though for it to use Softbank, or you'll end up on KDDI and get charged.
No word on if B41 (Derp on 46) LTE is supported, guess I'll have to try it out and see. Hoping that's good to go as well.
This is great news for those who visit Japan often. Wouldn't try it though for a longer period.
garwynn said:
I'm going to drop this here since I know it applies for the S5.
Should apply for any Sprint phone with the GSM support though as well.
----------------------------------------------
I've been a big advocate for Sprint's purchase by Softbank, it's why I stayed with them.
I also expected a roaming deal on Softbank's networks to eventually surface. It finally has.
$5/month will get you unlimited roaming (voice,text and data) in Japan now on Softbank's network.
You have to switch to GSM/UMTS after land in Japan though for it to use Softbank, or you'll end up on KDDI and get charged.
No word on if B41 (Derp on 46) LTE is supported, guess I'll have to try it out and see. Hoping that's good to go as well.
This is great news for those who visit Japan often. Wouldn't try it though for a longer period.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great news, I'll be heading to Japan at the end of next month and I was wondering what my options were while there. Thank you for sharing!
I should have more info on this soon.
I know it's running on the 2100 band GSM/UMTS. Just hoping they give access to the LTE bandwidth.
I called Sprint in March to activate the international roaming provision for my S5 and was surprised to hear $5/month unlimited talk/text/data plan in Japan. I traveled to Tokyo in mid-April and enjoyed a solid 3G signal the entire trip. Just a heads up that after landing and switching over to GSM/UMTS at first I wasn't getting any data. I had to update my PRL & profile and after that everything worked great for the entire trip. Meanwhile, my buddy with AT&T ended up renting a mobile hotspot which cost him around $60 for the week.
Guzmantis said:
I called Sprint in March to activate the international roaming provision for my S5 and was surprised to hear $5/month unlimited talk/text/data plan in Japan. I traveled to Tokyo in mid-April and enjoyed a solid 3G signal the entire trip. Just a heads up that after landing and switching over to GSM/UMTS at first I wasn't getting any data. I had to update my PRL & profile and after that everything worked great for the entire trip. Meanwhile, my buddy with AT&T ended up renting a mobile hotspot which cost him around $60 for the week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What kind of speeds were you getting on 3G? Did you disable LTE or was it not picking up LTE?
Isn't the roaming plan 2G? Did you buy a pack of 3G data? Or is Japan special since it's our parent company's homeland?
sent from an underwater dust storm from my Sprint S5
mmark27 said:
What kind of speeds were you getting on 3G? Did you disable LTE or was it not picking up LTE?
Isn't the roaming plan 2G? Did you buy a pack of 3G data? Or is Japan special since it's our parent company's homeland?
sent from an underwater dust storm from my Sprint S5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't test extensively because I was on vacation and quite frankly just happy to have a solid signal. From outside my hotel in Shibuya I was getting 1.1 Mbps down consistently when I tested mid-day. I never had trouble with my signal wherever I was in Tokyo, or at Narita airport. I didn't disable LTE, but I only ever received 3G the entire trip. I didn't buy any extra 3G data, just the $5 monthly charge from Sprint.
Weird (maybe stupid) question about this: does the unlimited voice and text include calls to numbers based in Japan and the US? So in Japan, calling home to the US would be free, but also calling a friend in Japan on his/her cell would be free?
I'm sure you guys have seen this, but
http://newsroom.sprint.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=11970
http://www.sprint.com/landings/openworld/index.html?ECID=vanity:openworld
This is taking the place of the value international roaming as far as I'm gathering across the interwebs. Seems like a pretty solid deal and still includes Japan on there, but I think that data is now charged out $30 for 1gig in Japan and other non-latin american countries.