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As the title says, is it possible to use a CDMA Xperia Play on Cellular South? I found literally ONE Xperia Play on eBay that had a CDMA band in it, so if I bought it and took it to Cellular South, would they be able to activate it? Or should I try to find one that is CDMA unlocked?
I've never worked with CDMA before, I only just got a Cell South phone a little earlier this year, I've always had AT&T, so I'm used to SIM cards.
Any help will be greatly appreciated!
EDIT: Here's the eBay post if it helps the cause any, http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Sony-Ericss...0593924808?pt=Cell_Phones&hash=item256424d2c8
WolfStar said:
As the title says, is it possible to use a CDMA Xperia Play on Cellular South? I found literally ONE Xperia Play on eBay that had a CDMA band in it, so if I bought it and took it to Cellular South, would they be able to activate it? Or should I try to find one that is CDMA unlocked?
I've never worked with CDMA before, I only just got a Cell South phone a little earlier this year, I've always had AT&T, so I'm used to SIM cards.
Any help will be greatly appreciated!
EDIT: Here's the eBay post if it helps the cause any, http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Sony-Ericss...0593924808?pt=Cell_Phones&hash=item256424d2c8
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I think you would have to see if Verizon and CellSouth (or whoever else) shared the same frequencies, as well as protocols (CDMA2000, etc). If so, there may be a possibility of it working. However, I'm going to say categorically no, as activating Verizon phones on other networks (unless they are "World Phones") generally is frought with peril.
ryocoon said:
I think you would have to see if Verizon and CellSouth (or whoever else) shared the same frequencies, as well as protocols (CDMA2000, etc). If so, there may be a possibility of it working. However, I'm going to say categorically no, as activating Verizon phones on other networks (unless they are "World Phones") generally is frought with peril.
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Bah.. I've seen so many mixed answers. People have said yes, just give them an ESN, others say no because they won't accept other cellphones, it's all so confusing. I'm calling them today to see if they can or not. I probably won't be able to get a straight answer unless I have an ESN but I'm not about to spend $500 and then not be able to use my phone.
I hate to double post, but I'd like to have a small bump. I went to a Cellular South store today and asked someone there about it, the guy said I could try it, but it's a 50-50% chance that it will work. He said that US Cellular phone will usually work without problems but that Verizon phone usually have a bit of a problem. Something like the network. So I can spend the money and risk it, but I just don't know.
That's all I got
Just wanted to post a public service here for y'all.
If you're buying a Nexus 6 and plan to activate it on Verizon, Sprint, or US Cellular, you should either buy it from your carrier of choice or from Google Play. Unless Google pulled off a miracle (unlikely), all the CDMA carriers will only have IMEI numbers whitelisted for devices sold from Google Play and devices sold by that carrier.
In other words, if you're planning to skip Google Play and instead buy one from T-Mobile at full price, then walk over to a Verizon store and activate it, it's not going to happen.
Further, if you're buying a Nexus 6 and expect to be able to activate it on any of the 5 supported carriers at the drop of a hat, buy it from Google Play and don't even consider buying it from a carrier.
If you want a more in-depth explanation, I made a video on this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cCT_ifWGLs
UPDATE
Now that people are getting their Nexus 6s, we've got some more concrete information. Keep in mind that every Nexus 6 sold in the US supports CDMA. The problem is, unless you buy it from specific places, the carriers' systems won't allow activation.
VERIZON:
Verizon is not officially allowing any Nexus 6 on its network yet, however, that's only through official channels.
If you have an already-active line, you can take your SIM card (cut it down to nano size if necessary), put it into any Nexus 6 (no matter where you bought it), and you're good to go. If you need a new line of service, you'll have to activate using an IMEI number of a display device that takes a nano SIM (I'd recommend an HTC One M8 or a DROID Turbo), then once you get your SIM card, put it in your Nexus 6 and you'll be golden. And no, this is not stealing IMEI numbers. The minute that SIM goes into your Nexus 6, the display model's IMEI number is freed up. There's nothing morally questionable about this method at all.
SPRINT:
Sprint will currently allow devices sold from Google Play, Motorola, Sprint, and AT&T. We aren't sure about devices purchased from T-Mobile, or US Cellular. Since Sprint whitelists devices at network level, your MEID must be in the system in order for your device to actually handshake with the network. The Verizon trick of using an already-activated SIM card won't work for Sprint.
US CELLULAR:
USCC will activate devices that they sell, as well as ones purchased from Google Play. I attempted to activate my AT&T-purchased phone on USCC and the MEID (IMEI minus the last digit) was not in their system, therefore it could not be activated. Since USCC, like Sprint, whitelists devices at a network level, the Verizon trick of using an already-activated SIM card will not work. There is presently no word on whether or not USCC will activate phones purchased from Motorola, but I'd bet the answer is no, at least for now.
Great explanation. Thanks. I'll definitely be buying mine from the Play Store for use on Verizon.
So your implying that one cannot buy a T-Mobile Nexus and then use it on ATT? I would have to say BS in this particular scenario IMO.
Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk
chipstien said:
So your implying that one cannot buy a T-Mobile Nexus and then use it on ATT? I would have to say BS in this particular scenario IMO.
Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk
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You fail at understanding "CDMA".
chipstien said:
So your implying that one cannot buy a T-Mobile Nexus and then use it on ATT? I would have to say BS in this particular scenario IMO.
Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk
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So you're implying that ATT is now a CDMA network? I would have to say BS in this particular scenario IMO.
Given that they don't know where you bought the device..... and the fact that you can buy a device from Google, that's designed and advertised to work on all carriers..... and the fact that there is only one sku for all NA variants.... and they aren't making you choose a carrier when you order one..... This myth is busted. If I buy one from TMobile and take it to Verizon I can simply say I bought it from Google..... In which case they have to honor it because Google is selling it as compatible with all carriers.... Do you see? There isn't a "verizon" N6. If there was you would have to provide your carrier of choice at checkout. Otherwise the idea that they are comparing IMEIs is bunk.
lets say this is all true and u cant do that......what if i get from motorola site?
neyenlives said:
Given that they don't know where you bought the device..... and the fact that you can buy a device from Google, that's designed and advertised to work on all carriers..... and the fact that there is only one sku for all NA variants.... and they aren't making you choose a carrier when you order one..... This myth is busted. If I buy one from TMobile and take it to Verizon I can simply say I bought it from Google..... In which case they have to honor it because Google is selling it as compatible with all carriers.... Do you see? There isn't a "verizon" N6. If there was you would have to provide your carrier of choice at checkout. Otherwise the idea that they are comparing IMEIs is bunk.
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seems it was the case for the N5. https://community.sprint.com/baw/thread/150262
So it is very likely the same case would happen to the N6.
I planned on buying from the play store anyways.
Thanks for confirming my suspicions.
Honestly, anything at this point is purely speculation. I don't think you can confidently say that buying from t-mobile means your phone won't work on sprint or vzw...
I just hope vzw hasn't done something really dumb and only recognize IMEI numbers sold through THEM (not even google).
oldblue910 said:
Further, if you're buying a Nexus 6 and expect to be able to activate it on any of the 5 supported carriers at the drop of a hat, buy it from Google Play and don't even consider buying it from a carrier.
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elkay said:
You fail at understanding "CDMA".
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f1ip said:
So you're implying that ATT is now a CDMA network? I would have to say BS in this particular scenario IMO.
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Quite the contrary, I understand CDMA well enough to not consider it if it was the last technology left still in use. (Ex Red subscriber). I totally agree that CDMA providers will need to whitelist the imei#. But by the OP's quote that I highlighted he said "any of the 5 supported carriers". Last I checked, 2 of the 5 supported carriers were GSM. (AT&T and T-Mobile in case you didn't know). I specifically was saying that I call BS that a T-Mobile phone would have any issues what-so-ever starting up and working on a AT&T network. So either you'll are misunderstanding me or I am more tired than I thought and have misread the OP in which case my bad...
Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk
Typo? No longer carrying it?
https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/6102470
halon17 said:
Typo? No longer carrying it?
https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/6102470
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I would hope typo....Still showing verizon on here.....https://www.google.com/nexus/6/
funkyboy1281 said:
I would hope typo....Still showing verizon on here.....https://www.google.com/nexus/6/
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Yep. I noticed that. Moto site still has cdma supported also. There better be some clarification later today. I belive VZ also told Kellex at droidlife they were going to offer the NexSix?
halon17 said:
Yep. I noticed that. Moto site still has cdma supported also. There better be some clarification later today. I belive VZ also told Kellex at droidlife they were going to offer the NexSix?
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Yea they sure did. I'll definitely be holding off now until I'm 100% sure it's a go on Verizon.
funkyboy1281 said:
I would hope typo....Still showing verizon on here.....https://www.google.com/nexus/6/
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I'm wondering if the Play Store units are only compatible with TMo and ATT. Look at the way the carriers are listed on that image. TMo and ATT are above the line with the Play Store link. The CDMA carriers are below the line on their own. That can't be an accident.
Alright guys, time out.
Every Nexus 6 sold in the US, no matter where it's purchased from, will technically work on all 5 carriers. The issue is, the CDMA carriers won't have IMEI numbers white listed for stock sold from other carriers. Based on the IMEI number of your phone, I can tell what color it is, how much storage it has, and where it was sold.
You can activate any Nexus 6 purchased anywhere on AT&T or T-Mobile because they're GSM and don't care where it's from.
You cannot buy a device from anywhere and activate it on Verizon, Sprint, or US Cellular, though. You can lie and tell then you bought it from Play but it won't matter. If you purchased your phone anywhere other than Play or the CDMA carrier you're trying to activate with, they won't have your phone's IMEI in their database, thus no activation.
As for devices purchased from Motorola, I'm not going to speculate because I have no history to go on, but I would imagine that those would be OK as well.
T-Mobile and AT&T will take any Nexus 6 sold anywhere.
Verizon will take a Nexus 6 sold from Play or Verizon.
Sprint will take a Nexus 6 sold from Play or Sprint.
US Cellular will take a Nexus 6 sold from Play or US Cellular.
It doesn't matter that your Nexus 6 that you bought at T-Mobile works fine on al the CDMA carriers (and it will). The CDMA carriers will not activate it purely because the phone won't have a whitelisted IMEI number due to the fact that it wasn't purchased from that carrier or Play. It's no more or less complicated than that.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 4 using Tapatalk
neyenlives said:
Given that they don't know where you bought the device..... and the fact that you can buy a device from Google, that's designed and advertised to work on all carriers..... and the fact that there is only one sku for all NA variants.... and they aren't making you choose a carrier when you order one..... This myth is busted. If I buy one from TMobile and take it to Verizon I can simply say I bought it from Google..... In which case they have to honor it because Google is selling it as compatible with all carriers.... Do you see? There isn't a "verizon" N6. If there was you would have to provide your carrier of choice at checkout. Otherwise the idea that they are comparing IMEIs is bunk.
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That sounds logical, except its not how the cdma carriers work. The iphone 4s (and now the 6 and 6 plus in the US, though sprint has a different model, but verizon uses the same model as att/tmobile) was the same model for cdma and gsm, but it wouldn't work on cdma networks unless originally purchased from a cdma network. Basically they whitelisted imei numbers to only activate iphones that were orignally purchased on cdma networks even though the model was capable of both gsm/cdma.
munkle said:
That sounds logical, except its not how the cdma carriers work. The iphone 4s (and now the 6 and 6 plus in the US, though sprint has a different model, but verizon uses the same model as att/tmobile) was the same model for cdma and gsm, but it wouldn't work on cdma networks unless originally purchased from a cdma network. Basically they whitelisted imei numbers to only activate iphones that were orignally purchased on cdma networks even though the model was capable of both gsm/cdma.
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I think what a lot of people don't understand is that you can tell by a phones IMEI number where it was purchased, it's color, the storage, and model number. So you're exactly right. The CDMA carriers only whitelist the devices that they sell, and they enforce that via the IMEI number.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 4 using Tapatalk
tsy87 said:
Honestly, anything at this point is purely speculation. I don't think you can confidently say that buying from t-mobile means your phone won't work on sprint or vzw...
I just hope vzw hasn't done something really dumb and only recognize IMEI numbers sold through THEM (not even google).
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The only time I have ever heard of Verizon allowing a non-Verizon or non-Play Store sold device on their network is by someone having an insider connection and white-listing it. I think it's pretty safe to say that if you buy a device from T-mobile, it will not work on Verizon, unless Verizon changes the policy that is has had in place for years.
chipstien said:
So your implying that one cannot buy a T-Mobile Nexus and then use it on ATT? I would have to say BS in this particular scenario IMO.
Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk
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An N6 bought from T-Mobile will work on AT&T and vice-versa. The OP was specifically referring to CDMA carriers.
EDIT: Ninja'd by oldblue910
This is a bounty- $100 if you get the new Moto G 2015 fully working on Verizon. I assume the Sprint version should partially work having similar bands though the lte band 13 is missing. Since the bootloader is unlockable, I have hope someone will tinker around with the software to get this working on Verizon postpaid. I really want this phone and am really pissed I cant get use it. I have no interest in a phablet (new moto x). If you figure this out, the $100 is yours, via google wallet, paypal, or bitcoin. I'll just leave this here for now....
If I'm correct, you cant truly activate a phone on Verizon unless they have the IMEI number in their system already. I may be wrong though.
Rarscaryfrosty said:
If I'm correct, you cant truly activate a phone on Verizon unless they have the IMEI number in their system already. I may be wrong though.
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As far as I understand as well you are correct. I've heard of folks popping in a VZW SIM for LTE and getting hit with a fee for an "unknown IMEI" as well. It's Verizon's gateway you have to pass through, the phone has no way to force itself on their network.
that was not what i heard for the unlocked nexus 6 running on verizon
nexus7lte said:
that was not what i heard for the unlocked nexus 6 running on verizon
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That's because the phone was already registered with Verizon's network.
The iPhone 6 has all radio bands, but if it doesn't come from the Verizon network (Say from AT&T, Tmobile) it will not be registered on their network. I would imagine that if any N6 works on Verizon its because Google setup a deal to register all IMEI's with them .. but I've not heard this.
Bump for answers.
Anyone put a Verizon sim in their moto g and try it?
Has anyone tried to use the Verizon variant on a GSM network yet? We've gotten lucky in the past with other Verizon prepaid LTE phones working.
I don't think the XT1609 is GSM capable. It has no 3G UMTS bands enabled, though it does have the full range of GSM 2G/EDGE bands enabled.
So, pretty much unless you're in a VoLTE area, you might be out of luck for voice calls if it is unlocked. I'm not even sure if this phone does VoLTE anyway though.
Sent from my Moto G Play using XDA Labs
somebody has a moto g4 play to try the same method of moto e 2º generation ?? following the steps with Network app to get gsm capable in the phone.
moto g4 play verizon
i bought one moto g4 play verizon and their coming locked i need a imei code for unlock help me
kamelsouki said:
i bought one moto g4 play verizon and their coming locked i need a imei code for unlock help me
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did you try the "network" app and follow the same method than moto e 2° verizon?
best buy have them $64.99 at the moment hurry hurry someone please completely confirm if unlockable to work on gsm lol
http://www.android.gs/sim-unlock-verizon-moto-e-2015/
this is what you mean a possible unlock method?
mrw187 said:
best buy have them $64.99 at the moment hurry hurry someone please completely confirm if unlockable to work on gsm lol
http://www.android.gs/sim-unlock-verizon-moto-e-2015/
this is what you mean a possible unlock method?
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It would probably be a waste of time and $. Someone already bought one in the other Verizon moto g4 play thread and returned it because it looked like a no go. And without unlocking the bootloader, how would you flash a custom or alternate ROM to use the bands needed for GSM (as mentioned above). That's if it's a firmware thing and not a hardware limitation. If we want an unlocked Moto G4 play, the only option looks like we're shelling out $100 to Amazon for the one with ads or $150 without ads.
ryanl2299 said:
It would probably be a waste of time and $. Someone already bought one in the other Verizon moto g4 play thread and returned it because it looked like a no go. And without unlocking the bootloader, how would you flash a custom or alternate ROM to use the bands needed for GSM (as mentioned above). That's if it's a firmware thing and not a hardware limitation. If we want an unlocked Moto G4 play, the only option looks like we're shelling out $100 to Amazon for the one with ads or $150 without ads.
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please show me in the above link where there is any mention of a needed bootloader unlock or custom rom? stop spreading your negative bs without any factual backup other than your negative assumptions
mrw187 said:
best buy have them $64.99 at the moment hurry hurry someone please completely confirm if unlockable to work on gsm lol
http://www.android.gs/sim-unlock-verizon-moto-e-2015/
this is what you mean a possible unlock method?
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yes, i have 2 moto e 2º from verizon 4G LTE and it work completely in Movistar Mexico, but a relative bring a samsung j1 , from verizon too and it can´t be unlocked, the menu "network" is disable and if yiu try to run network app, it close..... so, i don´t know if all verizon 4G LTE can be unlocked to get gsm signal like the moto e 2 , samsung s4,etc.....
mrw187 said:
please show me in the above link where there is any mention of a needed bootloader unlock or custom rom? stop spreading your negative bs without any factual backup other than your negative assumptions
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What link do you need, the link to the product page? Did you even research this phone one little bit before posting or was it a case of post now, think later? What network are you even looking to use this phone on? I'll tell you right now that several of the bands used for other networks are completely missing for this phone (can see this clear as day on any product or spec listing for this phone). Then there's the matter of this phone being carrier locked (it's not as simple as popping in a different sim anymore - Verizon changed their policy this year). People need to stop comparing this to the Moto e from last year because this clearly isn't. What else do you need to know?
ryanl2299 said:
It would probably be a waste of time and $. Someone already bought one in the other Verizon moto g4 play thread and returned it because it looked like a no go. And without unlocking the bootloader, how would you flash a custom or alternate ROM to use the bands needed for GSM (as mentioned above). That's if it's a firmware thing and not a hardware limitation. If we want an unlocked Moto G4 play, the only option looks like we're shelling out $100 to Amazon for the one with ads or $150 without ads.
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EDIT: NEVER MIND. I just realized you were saying they'd need to flash a rom to enable the GSM 2G bands the phone hardware IS capable of. I thought you were trying to say you could magically enable 3g/UMTS bands that it's NOT capable of with a rom lol. Disregard the parts below about enabling bands the hardware isn't capable of, that's my misunderstanding!!
Original post:
I don't know what you're smoking bro. It most certainly IS a hardware limitation. You can't just enable bands that the antenna isn't capable of. SOME devices, very rarely, have antennae capable of more bands than are enabled in the radio firmware(NOT the Rom) but those are very few and far between.
Simply put, you can't make a 1609 into a 1607 just by flashing a new radio. If you could, then hell... I'd make every one of my old phones work with all carriers by turning on the bands they don't already have. Sadly, this is not possible.
As I said earlier in the thread, it's capable of EDGE (2g), and some of the GSM LTE bands that CDMA carriers use for data, BUT you wouldn't be able to call/text over LTE and it would fall back to EDGE for voice and sms (so no simultaneous voice and data) if you got a carrier unlock code from Verizon, but most GSM carriers are phasing out EDGE for postpaid accounts so if it's not a prepaid SIM it likely wouldn't register to the network at all for voice calling.
tl;dr unlocking the XT1609 for use on GSM carriers would be a very painful and unpleasant experience on prepaid where calls would go to voicemail when you're using data, and the SIM wouldn't register at all on a contract/postpaid account.
what about international use? is it possibly just locked in usa unlocked international for roaming?
mrw187 said:
what about international use? is it possibly just locked in usa unlocked international for roaming?
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I'm afraid that you're misunderstanding the meaning of "locked" in this scenario. It's probably carrier locked to Verizon prepaid no matter where you take it, but that can be remedied very easily (it was brought to my attention last night in a different forum that there are now unlock codes for these on eBay for around $2.50, so buying an unlock code takes care of that problem). But the real issue is the bands that this phone is capable of using and what is available where you're going and what network you'll be using. I believe the bands Verizon uses are more prevalent over seas, but I'm sure you can find this out with a quick web search.
ryanl2299 said:
It would probably be a waste of time and $. Someone already bought one in the other Verizon moto g4 play thread and returned it because it looked like a no go. And without unlocking the bootloader, how would you flash a custom or alternate ROM to use the bands needed for GSM (as mentioned above). That's if it's a firmware thing and not a hardware limitation. If we want an unlocked Moto G4 play, the only option looks like we're shelling out $100 to Amazon for the one with ads or $150 without ads.
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ryanl2299 said:
I'm afraid that you're misunderstanding the meaning of "locked" in this scenario. It's probably carrier locked to Verizon prepaid no matter where you take it, but that can be remedied very easily (it was brought to my attention last night in a different forum that there are now unlock codes for these on eBay for around $2.50, so buying an unlock code takes care of that problem). But the real issue is the bands that this phone is capable of using and what is available where you're going and what network you'll be using. I believe the bands Verizon uses are more prevalent over seas, but I'm sure you can find this out with a quick web search.
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I see. Need to find out what 3g bands get unlocked if any because according to gsmarena the 4g bands on this model are not applicable in my country and rolling 2g only is not worth it.
agentfusion said:
EDIT: NEVER MIND. I just realized you were saying they'd need to flash a rom to enable the GSM 2G bands the phone hardware IS capable of. I thought you were trying to say you could magically enable 3g/UMTS bands that it's NOT capable of with a rom lol. Disregard the parts below about enabling bands the hardware isn't capable of, that's my misunderstanding!!
Original post:
I don't know what you're smoking bro. It most certainly IS a hardware limitation. You can't just enable bands that the antenna isn't capable of. SOME devices, very rarely, have antennae capable of more bands than are enabled in the radio firmware(NOT the Rom) but those are very few and far between.
Simply put, you can't make a 1609 into a 1607 just by flashing a new radio. If you could, then hell... I'd make every one of my old phones work with all carriers by turning on the bands they don't already have. Sadly, this is not possible.
As I said earlier in the thread, it's capable of EDGE (2g), and some of the GSM LTE bands that CDMA carriers use for data, BUT you wouldn't be able to call/text over LTE and it would fall back to EDGE for voice and sms (so no simultaneous voice and data) if you got a carrier unlock code from Verizon, but most GSM carriers are phasing out EDGE for postpaid accounts so if it's not a prepaid SIM it likely wouldn't register to the network at all for voice calling.
tl;dr unlocking the XT1609 for use on GSM carriers would be a very painful and unpleasant experience on prepaid where calls would go to voicemail when you're using data, and the SIM wouldn't register at all on a contract/postpaid account.
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Part of me says that the disabled bands is a firmware thing rather than a hardware thing since it's much cheaper for moto to make "one phone" with different programming, but it's probably just wishful thinking on my part. Either way, I'm sure Verizon locked these phones down so we'll because of the whole moto e thing last year (hordes of zombies flocked to bestbuy to buy $10 Verizon branded phones only to use them on other networks). All it took was a couple of commands in abd from what I remember (there was an ultra long thread about it at the time). Probably pissed off Verizon and I hope they lost their shirts. I'm sure that these types of phones are subsidized in some way since the unbranded ones are almost always double or more in price (especially with verizon- they usually have cheaper phones but more expensive service - great way to hook you).
And I know exactly what you're talking about with using this in stock form on gsm carriers. If you're in need of a laugh, go check out the thread for Verizon moto g4 play over on slickdeals. There was one poster who got this phone unlocked (via eBay) and was going to try to use this for VOIP with Google voice or something (data only I suppose) since he claimed to have excellent LTE in his region. I believe that he's in for an underwhelming experience and constant missed/dropped calls. I guess it might work if you stand in one spot all day. To each his own. Some people would do just about anything to save a few bucks. Here's a link and their username was TheLao :http://slickdeals.net/f/9195543-16g...ipping-free-store-pickup-best-buy-ebay?page=7
Just got off live chat with motorola with 2 different csrs neither knew anything outside of public info on what bands the xt1609 has or it truely has no 3g gsm bands.
may have to wait until someone who physically has this and can confirm what bands it has once unlocked? i tried searching for an app on store that can tell you available bands on the device but gave up after about 4-5 apps.
ryanl2299 said:
Part of me says that the disabled bands is a firmware thing rather than a hardware thing since it's much cheaper for moto to make "one phone" with different programming, but it's probably just wishful thinking on my part. Either way, I'm sure Verizon locked these phones down so we'll because of the whole moto e thing last year (hordes of zombies flocked to bestbuy to buy $10 Verizon branded phones only to use them on other networks). All it took was a couple of commands in abd from what I remember (there was an ultra long thread about it at the time). Probably pissed off Verizon and I hope they lost their shirts. I'm sure that these types of phones are subsidized in some way since the unbranded ones are almost always double or more in price (especially with verizon- they usually have cheaper phones but more expensive service - great way to hook you).
And I know exactly what you're talking about with using this in stock form on gsm carriers. If you're in need of a laugh, go check out the thread for Verizon moto g4 play over on slickdeals. There was one poster who got this phone unlocked (via eBay) and was going to try to use this for VOIP with Google voice or something (data only I suppose) since he claimed to have excellent LTE in his region. I believe that he's in for an underwhelming experience and constant missed/dropped calls. I guess it might work if you stand in one spot all day. To each his own. Some people would do just about anything to save a few bucks. Here's a link and their username was TheLao :http://slickdeals.net/f/9195543-16g...ipping-free-store-pickup-best-buy-ebay?page=7
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I'm sure in some phones it is probably just a firmware thing. I remember some of the early Kindle fire models that were on the low end were really underclocked high end models with a smaller NAND. If you rooted them and flashed a new kernel, you could enable Bluetooth and set the clock speed up to match the higher end model and all you'd be missing is some storage. In the case of the Moto g4 play, though, it's probably cheaper to just leave out the physical antenna hardware for non VZW bands than disabling them via firmware. That's likely just a matter of dropping a step from the assembly process, so it wouldn't cost them any extra... Might even save a few pennies per run. But I'd imagine on high end flagship devices where it's a different model for every carrier, it's just a firmware thing. That's probably the REAL reason some phones have locked bootloaders. Like the LG G4, the only one with bootloader unlock is the international version with all bands enabled. I bet if I COULD unlock the bootloader on my sprint LG G4, I could turn it into a GSM phone.
And LOLOLOL about that link. Dude is going to hate life. When my LG G4 was in for repair and the Moto G4 Play hadn't shipped yet, I was using a LG G Pad F7 LTE tablet with Google voice, using hangouts and hangouts dialer for sms and voice. Missed calls SO many times because it would take too long to start ringing on my end, and I'm in one of the major US markets so LTE coverage is literally everywhere.
Welp, TIFU. I bought two of the Moto g4 play at walmart... got home and found out that Verizon locks 4g phones again. Paid for an unlock, found the phone doesn't allow connecting to GSM networks, but that is because even with a GSM sim in the phone it still only connects to Verizon. With my t-mobile sim in the phone, I make a call and get the "your call is being transfered to a representative who will take your credit card info to complete this call". Leave it to verizon to only allow the phone to connect to their network even after you unlock it...
Xt1609 doesn't have connection of gsm or 2g
Hi! I bought a "Moto 4G play" of Veirzon USA (XT1609). Unfortunately, My network operator in Mexico (Telcel) hasn't compatible with the VoLTE.
The cellphone doesn't have connection of GSM or 2G only LTE 4G. I did unlocked it and use everything, photo, video, WhatsApp. The cellphone recognize my SIM Card and network carrier, but I can't make, or receive, calls.
Shrraga said:
Welp, TIFU. I bought two of the Moto g4 play at walmart... got home and found out that Verizon locks 4g phones again. Paid for an unlock, found the phone doesn't allow connecting to GSM networks, but that is because even with a GSM sim in the phone it still only connects to Verizon. With my t-mobile sim in the phone, I make a call and get the "your call is being transfered to a representative who will take your credit card info to complete this call". Leave it to verizon to only allow the phone to connect to their network even after you unlock it...
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Well, that's what the Moto E 2nd gen did out of the box as well, they removed the setting to swap CDMA/GSM in the menu, but the folks over in that part of the forum figured out that using the app "Network" from the play store, and a sequence of turning on/off airplane mode, they were able to switch it from CDMA to GSM and make it stick. Otherwise, it would keep trying to connect to Verizon just like you describe.
So it doesn't mean anything that you didn't get it to work immediately after unlocking. You probably have to force it off CDMA in a similar fashion. Bigger issue is whether or not the phone will be able to actually access the appropriate bands you'd need, whether because the hardware doesn't support it or because it is disabled in firmware. We don't really know for sure yet. But if you've come this far and have a penchant for torture but don't want to give up until you know for certain, give it a try!
I am a Verizon customer that wants a current-gen bootloader-unlocked phone. Enter the US996. It retails for $800, but there are some eBay auctions that are selling them for much less (used in excellent/mint condition). However, the auctions say that they can ONLY be used on US Cellular service. I asked one seller what the deal was, and this is the response I got:
Thank you for your question. We are not selling the phone as compatible with other carriers or carrier-unlocked. We can't guarantee that the phone will work with an another carrier. We are only saying the phone will work with the carrier US Cellular. We can only guarantee that it works with US Cellular.
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It sounds like they're just playing it safe, since they are a US Cellular authorized reseller, and they don't want to take on the responsibility (or policy ramifications) of selling a device that's advertised to work on other carriers. You know... maybe they're not allowed to sell phones that are advertised to work on anything other than USC.
I asked this question in another thread, and at least 1 user thought they had heard that there are US996s out there that are locked to a carrier. This doesn't make sense to me, because the model numbers should reflect conclusively what the capabilities are, and LG would have no reason to muddy those waters. I can, however, conceive that US Cellular could buy a bulk of US996 phones, and flash a sim lock on them somehow. Perhaps because LG didn't have a SKU for USC set aside. Or perhaps there's a process that, once a USC SIM is used on the phone, it's locked to USC until some subsequent unlock procedure is carried out. (Similar to unlocking a carrier-locked phone for use on another carrier) I don't know, this is all speculation.
So... what is the consensus? Who here is using a US996 on Verizon? Any chance you got it advertised as a US Cellular-only device and it ended up working? Was it an easy process? (ask me about my failed attempt to activate a USC Note 4 - beyond the scope of this thread, but it gives me some contextual knowledge on this topic) I know there are other threads about using the US996 on Verizon, but I'm asking specifically about the possibility that USC has somehow locked them to their service, and in spite of the model number matching the "unlocked version" I wouldn't be able to use it on Verizon.
Thanks for your time at attention.
DrPhant0m said:
I am a Verizon customer that wants a current-gen bootloader-unlocked phone. Enter the US996. It retails for $800, but there are some eBay auctions that are selling them for much less (used in excellent/mint condition). However, the auctions say that they can ONLY be used on US Cellular service. I asked one seller what the deal was, and this is the response I got:
It sounds like they're just playing it safe, since they are a US Cellular authorized reseller, and they don't want to take on the responsibility (or policy ramifications) of selling a device that's advertised to work on other carriers. You know... maybe they're not allowed to sell phones that are advertised to work on anything other than USC.
I asked this question in another thread, and at least 1 user thought they had heard that there are US996s out there that are locked to a carrier. This doesn't make sense to me, because the model numbers should reflect conclusively what the capabilities are, and LG would have no reason to muddy those waters. I can, however, conceive that US Cellular could buy a bulk of US996 phones, and flash a sim lock on them somehow. Perhaps because LG didn't have a SKU for USC set aside. Or perhaps there's a process that, once a USC SIM is used on the phone, it's locked to USC until some subsequent unlock procedure is carried out. (Similar to unlocking a carrier-locked phone for use on another carrier) I don't know, this is all speculation.
So... what is the consensus? Who here is using a US996 on Verizon? Any chance you got it advertised as a US Cellular-only device and it ended up working? Was it an easy process? (ask me about my failed attempt to activate a USC Note 4 - beyond the scope of this thread, but it gives me some contextual knowledge on this topic) I know there are other threads about using the US996 on Verizon, but I'm asking specifically about the possibility that USC has somehow locked them to their service, and in spite of the model number matching the "unlocked version" I wouldn't be able to use it on Verizon.
Thanks for your time at attention.
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Although it doesn't seem to make much sense, there are in fact 2 us996 versions. One is the unlocked US version and the other is locked to us cellular. From what I've read they are not interchangeable.
The 996 unlocked is the one that also has the official lg unlockable bootloader.
No idea why they gave 2 different phones the same number but from everything I've read since the phones came out... They did exactly that.
planetbeen said:
Although it doesn't seem to make much sense, there are in fact 2 us996 versions. One is the unlocked US version and the other is locked to us cellular. From what I've read they are not interchangeable.
The 996 unlocked is the one that also has the official lg unlockable bootloader.
No idea why they gave 2 different phones the same number but from everything I've read since the phones came out... They did exactly that.
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Ha… the only way I can fathom that this happened is that verizon got their own CDMA model number that is denied bootloader unlock, and US Cellular sim-locks the other CDMA-capable model themselves. Maybe there's a monetary cost that USC didnt want to assume associated with having an exclusive model number provided from LG.
In any case… I won't spend much more time pontificating on it if there's no way to use the USC version on Verizon.
Thanks for the response.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
DrPhant0m said:
Ha… the only way I can fathom that this happened is that verizon got their own CDMA model number that is denied bootloader unlock, and US Cellular sim-locks the other CDMA-capable model themselves. Maybe there's a monetary cost that USC didnt want to assume associated with having an exclusive model number provided from LG.
In any case… I won't spend much more time pontificating on it if there's no way to use the USC version on Verizon.
Thanks for the response.
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I can't say definitively that you can't use it on another network... Only that there's definitely 2 different versions with the same number.
Hopefully someone with more knowledge than me can give some input on that subject...
planetbeen said:
I can't say definitively that you can't use it on another network... Only that there's definitely 2 different versions with the same number.
Hopefully someone with more knowledge than me can give some input on that subject...
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Check this info:
https://www.uscellular.com/site/legal/mobile-wireless-device-unlocking.html
So V20 US Cellular it's already unlocked?