Is this possible?
We know that AT&T uses the 850/1900/2100 MHz US 3G bands, while T-Mobile uses the 1700/2100 MHz US 3G bands, therefore making each carrier's hardware incompatible with the other's 3G network, however I had a discussion with someone seemingly very tech savvy, who said this is most definitely NOT true.
He was certain you could flash an AT&T radio on an unlocked T-Mobile phone and get the T-Mobile phone to connect on the AT&T 3G network, and this is exactly what he plans to do once T-Moble releases the HD2/Leo this spring. He says from a hardware perspective they only stamp one type of chip at the factory, so it's the radio software that dictates whether the phone works on an 850, 1900, 1700, etc frequency.
Obviously there are early termination fees, and carrier penalties to consider, but from a pure technical perspective, is this even feasible?
no it isnt true.
countless people have tried to flash the g1 to at&t only to get edge and be disapointed.
It is sorta true. There was a phone that HTC released at one point in time that was only triband GSM which works fine with T-Mobile, since it only uses one of the American bands for its native network, 1900. Europe uses 900 and 1800 and so this phone (I think it was the Diamond Europe) was released initially only as triband GSM as well as Europe's 3G Networks. A while later HTC actually did release a radio update that unlocked 850 (which AT&T uses together with 1900 for its GSM network).
Of course my theory is that this phone was only scheduled for Europe release, especially sine it did not have any US 3G support in that varriant and due to a bug or whatever HTC's radio hid the 850 network. But because enough people imported the phone, or to improve roaming the bug or whatever was fixed and the 850 network supported.
However, this has never been done with 3G networks. Is it possibly, yes it could be. You have to remember though, that even though you enable AT&T 3G, the internal attenna needs to be able to pick it up as well so there is additional hardware design.
I'm gonna doubt this is possible.
azwildcat98 said:
He was certain you could flash an AT&T radio on an unlocked T-Mobile phone and get the T-Mobile phone to connect on the AT&T 3G network, and this is exactly what he plans to do once T-Moble releases the HD2/Leo this spring. He says from a hardware perspective they only stamp one type of chip at the factory, so it's the radio software that dictates whether the phone works on an 850, 1900, 1700, etc frequency.
Obviously there are early termination fees, and carrier penalties to consider, but from a pure technical perspective, is this even feasible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well then this person is only talking out of there ass. Making it not even feasible possible. The hardware is different. Go look at the fcc website. You will see the chips are not the same. Nothing to do with a damn "stamp"
Yeah not to use the big i too much around here, lol, but the best example is the Iphone. My wife has an Iphone jailbroken and unlocked to work on our Tmo account, and I spent a good amount of time figuring all that jailbreaking stuff out because it was interestingly similar to XDA's manipulation of Windows Mobile. I unlocked her phone. At one point I considered buying an Iphone and was really dissappointed to realize none of the Iphones on Tmobile have 3g. Althogh it sounds possible on some really technical firmware level, honestly theres millions of dollars going into jailbreaking iphones for the 30million or so on Tmo. And no one is getting 3g. Because it seems to be a problem that cannot be solved with some simple hack or crack.
Also go look at the radio threads. everyone flashes radios from any carrier looking for batt life and reception in their area. none of them seems to have magically gotten 3g out of their radios, or lost it for flashing the wrong carrier.
trevorwhopkins said:
Yeah not to use the big i too much around here, lol, but the best example is the Iphone. My wife has an Iphone jailbroken and unlocked to work on our Tmo account, and I spent a good amount of time figuring all that jailbreaking stuff out because it was interestingly similar to XDA's manipulation of Windows Mobile. I unlocked her phone. At one point I considered buying an Iphone and was really dissappointed to realize none of the Iphones on Tmobile have 3g. Althogh it sounds possible on some really technical firmware level, honestly theres millions of dollars going into jailbreaking iphones for the 30million or so on Tmo. And no one is getting 3g. Because it seems to be a problem that cannot be solved with some simple hack or crack.
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Click to collapse
There is alot of things the iDont phone Dont do.
from what I have heard and seen though a friend who does development for blackberry, all the carriers use different channels for 3G. The software on blackberries show that 3G for ATT is channels 1,2,3,5 and 7 if I remember correctly. T-mobile has different ones and sprint+verizon the same. I don't think it's as easy as just swapping software...
Related
Having owned several HTC phones, it seems to me that if they want to be a leader, then why release the TP2 with no 3G speeds in the US market? I have read that there is some talk about a release on T mobile's carrier for a TP2 with 3G. If so, hey ATT get with it.
fredm said:
Having owned several HTC phones, it seems to me that if they want to be a leader, then why release the TP2 with no 3G speeds in the US market? I have read that there is some talk about a release on T mobile's carrier for a TP2 with 3G. If so, hey ATT get with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've got it there. There is no US 3g on the euro devices as per basic agreements with the carriers to let their branded versions come out. The local carrier versions are coming so just hang on.
first of all, the TP2 wasn't released in the US market. the model that you're talking about that has no US 3G is the European model. some people just preferred to buy it unlocked and save themselves a lot of waiting time.
secondly, yes, T-Mobile is getting it around August 12 here in the US. you would know that for sure if you read the very, very numerous posts around the Rhodium forum. all the major US carriers are getting the phone, including AT&T, Sprint and Verizon. there are speculated release dates about the other 3, but they will come eventually.
to me, this seems like a redundant thread. just my opinion. I vote for thread to be closed.
fail...
why wouldnt att not have 3g with the fuze when they have 3g on older phones?.....
fredm said:
Having owned several HTC phones, it seems to me that if they want to be a leader, then why release the TP2 with no 3G speeds in the US market? I have read that there is some talk about a release on T mobile's carrier for a TP2 with 3G. If so, hey ATT get with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The better solution would be for ATT to embrace the same 3G standard that Europe and Asia have, and change to 850/1900.
850/1900 isn't Europe nor Asia, but North American bands actually
As for the "fail" comment or criticism:
The current phone available is the EUROPEAN model, it works in EUROPE. The same goes for many many other phone makers. They make dual band 3G phones (quad-band GSM) for Europe and then make the specialty ones for the US and possibly Canada.
Originally they tried to make 850/1900 the standard for North America, but so many companies are planning alternatives like 1700 and whatnot. It's like that one company in Australia using 850/2100 instead of 900/2100. If you HAVE to blame somebody it would be ATT for starting the usage of 1700 as a 3G band, or blame the lack of spectrum which caused ATT to opt for 1700.
To make a phone truly universar 3G-wise it would need to use 6 different bands, and personally I've only seen specs with up to 3 bands (though I heard about mysterious 3G 4 band phones).
If you HAVE to blame somebody it would be ATT for starting the usage of 1700 as a 3G band, or blame the lack of spectrum which caused ATT to opt for 1700.
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ATT uses 850/1900 and are moving to add 2100. T-Mobile use 1700.
I agree it will be good if ATT does actually get 2100 going.
Oops, my bad, I get the two confused. And yeah, it'd be good if they had the 2100 going, especially if it meant interoperability, even if limited, with European models (and they could reap the benefits of charging for 3G data roaming).
solsearch said:
850/1900 isn't Europe nor Asia, but North American bands actually
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Click to collapse
I stand corrected. Too much coffee, too little brains.
I'm a little green when it comes to 3G stuff, but please correct me if I am wrong...
Yes, you can put foreign SIM cards in US TP2's but not get 3G coverage in Europe. On the other hand from what I have read, European TP2's (even the unbranded ones) will not work with 3G is the US.
And if I am wrong... can someone please point me to a TP2 that will work on 3G networks in most of the world?
Or does one have to have two TP2's to enjoy 3G.. one for the US, and one for Europe, etc.?
quid246 said:
I'm a little green when it comes to 3G stuff, but please correct me if I am wrong...
Yes, you can put foreign SIM cards in US TP2's but not get 3G coverage in Europe. On the other hand from what I have read, European TP2's (even the unbranded ones) will not work with 3G is the US.
And if I am wrong... can someone please point me to a TP2 that will work on 3G networks in most of the world?
Or does one have to have two TP2's to enjoy 3G.. one for the US, and one for Europe, etc.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where have you heard that a NA TP2 won't work with 3G in EU?
The only limitation I'm aware of is a NA TP2 won't work w/ NA GSM 3G.
Oh SoS said:
Where have you heard that a NA TP2 won't work with 3G in EU?
The only limitation I'm aware of is a NA TP2 won't work w/ NA GSM 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Until someone hacks it
I can't remember where I read it. But someone said if you wanted 3G in Europe, better to get a Euro unbranded model.
So perhaps this is under the assumption that it isn't hacked... not sure.
Slightly, off-topic Q but rather than start a new thread.... once a HardSPL is out for both the CDMA and GSM TP2's... will they effectively be "equal" devoces?
I really would like to pick-up a TP2 in the next few days... I like the VZ unit, but it's CDMA and since I travel quite a bit, really prefer and need more of a GSM phone, but don't like the TMO as no 3.5mm jack.
quid246 said:
I can't remember where I read it. But someone said if you wanted 3G in Europe, better to get a Euro unbranded model.
So perhaps this is under the assumption that it isn't hacked... not sure.
Slightly, off-topic Q but rather than start a new thread.... once a HardSPL is out for both the CDMA and GSM TP2's... will they effectively be "equal" devoces?
I really would like to pick-up a TP2 in the next few days... I like the VZ unit, but it's CDMA and since I travel quite a bit, really prefer and need more of a GSM phone, but don't like the TMO as no 3.5mm jack.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon unit already has international GSM bands unlocked, AND international (2100MHz 3G). If you've been a Verizon customer for 60 days or more you can call them up and get an unlock code for free and use any SIM card in your phone so you can get a cheap prepaid SIM and not pay the high Verizon roaming costs. There's also a small (I'd say around 25%) chance that the NA 3G bands will be found/unlocked, but at this point who really knows if they are there or not.
Actually the Telus CDMA TP2 supports the European 3G bands but not the American ones becuase technically you will be using it in North America on CDMA and outside America on GSM. So its the other way around
It seems that if you have the Sprint TP2 that it won't register at all on US GSM networks, but comes unlocked by default.
On Verizon (which I have) a simple phone call to support they'll give you the unlock code and you're good to go. I use an Orange (UK) Sim in mine just fine in the US and others in other forums have reported that using US SIM's from TMobile/AT&T work fine also in the US.
--chris
TP2 = best 'World' phone I've ever owned.
quid246 said:
I'm a little green when it comes to 3G stuff, but please correct me if I am wrong...
Yes, you can put foreign SIM cards in US TP2's but not get 3G coverage in Europe. On the other hand from what I have read, European TP2's (even the unbranded ones) will not work with 3G is the US.
And if I am wrong... can someone please point me to a TP2 that will work on 3G networks in most of the world?
Or does one have to have two TP2's to enjoy 3G.. one for the US, and one for Europe, etc.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an unbranded HTC factory TP2, and it works in 3G mode anywhere I take it that has the 3G network... and I travel all over the US/Caribbean and back to EU/UK. Have not found one spot it hasn't worked (inlcduing some of the very obscure Carib countries), and I like the fact that it automatically picks up HS when within range without having to change any settings.
Just have to make sure that your provider gives you a 3G SIM (most of them are these days) and that you have the 3G service enabled on your account in the respective country.
Many people say they can't pick it up yet don't have it on their account, or think that their EU provider will automatically provide it as part of the roaming service... which is not a good assumption to make.
TyTanIc said:
I have an unbranded HTC factory TP2, and it works in 3G mode anywhere I take it that has the 3G network... and I travel all over the US/Caribbean and back to EU/UK. Have not found one spot it hasn't worked (inlcduing some of the very obscure Carib countries), and I like the fact that it automatically picks up HS when within range without having to change any settings.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3G in North America? I doubt that. The phone does not support North American 3G bands. Are you sure it was 3G in North America??
Man, this is all confusing... I swear somebody has to come up with an HTML table of what phones work with what and where and stickify it.
Can people just put this to bed already!!!
The Sprint (North America) TP2 is suppossed to be used on CDMA in the US and GSM worldwide, hence the GSM radio is unlocked for outside America GSM use. This is how it comes default. If that is so hard to grasp, then there is no hope for some, sadly.
As for the title, the TP2 is a world phone, it works in the US (and North Ameria) on CDMA and elsewhere unlocked on GSM. That to me is the true definition of a World phone from a U.S CDMA perspective (and especially moreso as this is the CDMA version).
To put it in perspective, a Sprint customer (in this case, moi) gets the best of CDMA in the U.S and when traveling to visit his sister in High Wycombe in the U.K (like i'll be doing this Autumm) gets to pop in a PAYG U.K sim in the same phone and use it while over there. This phone doesn't get any "worldlier" to me than this scenario!!
Is the O.P attempting to specifically define a dual mode CDMA/GSM-unlocked World phone as not world phone because it's locked by default from doing GSM in it's primary market which happens to be CDMA (and in this case Sprint)?
This is not rocket science folks, it really isn't.
LordLugard said:
Is the O.P attempting to specifically define a dual mode CDMA/GSM-unlocked World phone as not world phone because it's locked by default from doing GSM in it's primary market which happens to be CDMA (and in this case Sprint)?
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Click to collapse
Point taken. It's just that with that same Sprint phone (correct me if I am wrong), you can't travel to Canada pop in a Rogers SIM card and get Rogers 3G.
Wouldn't the phone want to swing towards it's CDMA cousin, Telus or Bell?
mmmhhh86 said:
3G in North America? I doubt that. The phone does not support North American 3G bands. Are you sure it was 3G in North America??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T 3G runs on 850/1900 GSM, the TP2 supports both of those bands, how would it not work with 3G on AT&T in the US?
T-Mobile runs 3G on 1700/2100 GSM bands, both of which aren't included on the TP2, as far as my research has lead me to believe.
Basically while it may be a quad band GSM phone, it is only a dual band 3G device. It comes in two flavours - UMTS 900+2100 or UMTS 1900+850
The 900/2100 version is far more common than 850/1900
.mak said:
AT&T 3G runs on 850/1900 GSM, the TP2 supports both of those bands, how would it not work with 3G on AT&T in the US?
T-Mobile runs 3G on 1700/2100 GSM bands, both of which aren't included on the TP2, as far as my research has lead me to believe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It supports those bands for HSDPA CDMA not GSM 3G
Network 3G EVDO Rev A (800/1900 MHz), UMTS/HSPA (2100 MHz), GSM/ EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
This is the Telus version btw
quid246 said:
Point taken. It's just that with that same Sprint phone (correct me if I am wrong), you can't travel to Canada pop in a Rogers SIM card and get Rogers 3G.
Wouldn't the phone want to swing towards it's CDMA cousin, Telus or Bell?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"it Depends"
The US CDMA phone operates in 3 modes.
1 CDMA Only
2 GSM Only
3 'Global' (whatever it can find).
If you have it in Global it will generally take the CDMA local carrier over anything else. However, not always. I've had mine switch to GSM for a bit then go back to CDMA. But mine is Verizon and unlocked so it works everywhere in the US and I also have a UK sim card in it. So I'm a little 'different'.
But, in any case, you can tell the phone which mode to use if you want. All upto you.
--chris
(verizon TP2)
here we go again... (tp2 3g na)
"I have an unbranded HTC factory TP2, and it works in 3G mode anywhere I take it that has the 3G network... and I travel all over the US/Caribbean and back to EU/UK. Have not found one spot it hasn't worked (inlcduing some of the very obscure Carib countries), and I like the fact that it automatically picks up HS when within range without having to change any settings."
So, maybe he's wrong. But either way...
You wanna know why this keeps coming up again and again?
(not because we're all dumb and thick headed, which we may very well be)
But,
Because we just have trouble imagining them hardware "band amplifier" hobbling the hardware when it's so much easier to do it somewhere in firmware.
We all know that the less you fiddle with the hardware for multi-region functionality the less you have to fiddle with the production line and fiddling with the production line is the Last Thing a manufacturer wants to do.
Someone even once said that there wasn't room in the Rhodium platform for quad band data support. But now we're expecting the tilt 2 to do just that.
So, all protestations aside, those of us who paid ~700 us clams for this beauty, and who like the kbd layout.
And who have like me (as quite the Early Adopter), forked out for an sx56, sx66, 8135, x7510((quad band data)
Just feel a leetle wee bit of a sense, dare I say it, of Entitlement for the TP2 to be enabled into a fully world wide phone.
So we keep hunting, and digging, and dreaming, and .... posting.....
well here is my two cents i have the original unlocked euro version of the tp2 and all i get in the us it edge. it is really impossible to get 3g in the US (2100) because this version of the phone literally does not have the attena for it. and so that you can see all the different types of tp2s and the technical and physical differences between them here is a link: http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=pdacom...&id3=1792&id4=1829&id5=1766&id6=1989&id7=1751
drae1980 said:
well here is my two cents i have the original unlocked euro version of the tp2 and all i get in the us it edge. it is really impossible to get 3g in the US (2100) because this version of the phone literally does not have the attena for it. and so that you can see all the different types of tp2s and the technical and physical differences between them here is a link: http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=pdacom...&id3=1792&id4=1829&id5=1766&id6=1989&id7=1751
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Click to collapse
3g in the USA must be on the 1700 band then, as thats the only gsm band that the euro version doesn't support.
Euro version
GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900, UMTS900, UMTS2100
TMOUS version
GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900, UMTS1700, UMTS2100
Anyone know of a good site to order a prepaid SIM card? I plan on using my VZW TP2 in Spain and France. I was also wondering if I should or could disable data and use my TP2 with Garmin XT so I don't get nailed for data usage. Your thoughts would be appreciated...
Mugs
Exactly what cellular radios does this phone [Telus TP2] have?
My carrier [Telus] has recently completed their 3G overlay, and I'm still showing "EV".
Should I be talking to them about fixing this, or...?
It was (is?) my understanding that this phone was fully 3G capable.
Can someone help me with this?
As far as I can tell, my phone should support the Telus overlay of HSPA on their CDMA network, however I'm showing "EV" an my network type on the notification bar.
I visited a Telus store, and talked to a rep, who just babbled to me about how my SIM was "registered" as a CDMA phone, and therefore I couldn't use HSPA.
>_>
Thoughts?
EDIT: The rep also fed me this convoluted bullsh*t about how when I'm roaming, I'll be able to be on HSPA networks, so I'll get better bandwidth roaming than on my home network...
Wow no one knows the answer to this?
I've searched, and there's no answer, per se, just descriptions of Telus' technology and the antennae in the TP2, which seems to indicate that the TP2 should be able to get on the Telus HSPA network...
I have a SIM-unlocked Telus Touch Pro2 I bought off Craigslist, figuring it'd be good to go when the HSPA network rolled out (Only four months later!). As I understand it, the telus model can make and receive calls on quad-band GSM frequencies, but only use EDGE speeds for data. Has to do with the firmware for the chipset inside the phone. The only HSPA 3G band the phone can use is 2100 Mhz, which is the bad used in Europe, not Canada. It's a major piss-off, especially when a month ago the stores made this out to be the top-of-the-line phone, perfect for ever and ever.
It would seem that should Telus decide to plug in some firmware upgrades, they could activate the new 3G bands, but why bother? We've already signed away our souls to the company.
Who knows, maybe they'll fix it when they release Windows 6.5 for our rig. Because that's on the top of the to-do list, right?
Well there are new radios that we could flash...would that change anything?
Now I may be misinformed but I think that the Telus version is a CMDA phone with GSM capabilites on some frequencies. I do not think it will work on HSPA in Canada as they use different frequencies (850 and 1900). This is why so many people were waiting for the ATT version to come out as it uses those frequencies.
Remember GSM does not equal 3G.
What I would like to know is whether the distinction between 3G and GSM is on the hardware side, firmware side, or software side. Telus would have you assume it's all the hardware's fault, but I'm not sure on that one.
From everything I have read its the chip in the phone that isnt programmed/capable of doing the frequencies required. It may actually be a second chip but I cant confirm that. Other posts have stated that there wont be a software fix to "unlock the frequencies" needed.
GSM is a cellular line and 3G is a data connection.
I just purchased an At&t Tilt 2 unlocked for use on Telus 3G+ network. The Telus Touch Pro 2 is a CDMA , Quadband GSRM and UMTS/HSDPA 2100. The Telus TP2 will only work with EVDO data on the Telus network. If you unlock it for use with Rogers it will work on GSRM with Edge data. That is why I have ordered the At&t Tilt 2. Unfortunately Telus won't honour my unlimited data plan and say it is only for EVDO and that I have to change to one of their current plans to have HSDPA. Like all of the networks, they get your money one way or the other. I'm pleased that with the Tilt 2 I am free to switch providers here in Canada and still get 3G as well as when I travel in Europe.
Importing phones is obviously possible now because tons of carriers all over the world share AT&T's GSM and UMTS/HSPA bands.
When LTE starts to become the dominant source for cell-phone signals (especially when Voice-over-LTE appears), will AT&T still share bands with the rest of the world like it does now?
In other words, will AT&T still have the advantage over Vzw and T-Mobile that early adopters of phones will be able to import them and use them months before they show up in the US? Or will the proliferation of LTE cause AT&T to suffer from the same problem from which Verizon suffers: You will ONLY be able to use phones designed specifically for the AT&T network?
I ask because right now I have AT&T and Verizon, and I have unlimited data on both. I'm going to be canceling one of them within the next week or so. Right now I actually prefer AT&T's service, and I love the fact that I can import phones that are not available in the US. But if the "importing phones" advantage of AT&T disappears, perhaps Verizon becomes the more desirable carrier for me.
You haven't read much about LTE, I guess. By conforming to the LTE standards, a multi-band LTE phone will be able to be as much of a "world phone" as a multi-band GSM phone. While there are some differences in frequency spectrums around the planet, there are many in common.
The allocated frequencies are 700 and 1700 MHz in North America; 800, 1800, 2600 MHz in Europe; 1800 and 2600 MHz in Asia; and 1800 MHz in Australia.
So, a quad-band LTE phone with frequencies of 700/1700/1800/2600 would get you coverage almost anywhere.
The end result is this: If the manufacturers want to make an LTE "world phone" just like they have in the past with GSM, they certainly can (within the laws of physics, if the antenna technologies will allow it). The same economics apply for the manufacturers, and possibly better - since there are a smaller set of frequencies with greater chance of coverage - and a greater market potential for a single design.
I suspect that with modern fractal antenna technology, this won't be a huge issue.
In North America, are the 700 and 1700 different carriers, or is it better for a phone to support both like the current att 850/1900?
¿GotJazz? said:
You haven't read much about LTE, I guess. By conforming to the LTE standards, a multi-band LTE phone will be able to be as much of a "world phone" as a multi-band GSM phone. While there are some differences in frequency spectrums around the planet, there are many in common.
The allocated frequencies are 700 and 1700 MHz in North America; 800, 1800, 2600 MHz in Europe; 1800 and 2600 MHz in Asia; and 1800 MHz in Australia.
So, a quad-band LTE phone with frequencies of 700/1700/1800/2600 would get you coverage almost anywhere.
The end result is this: If the manufacturers want to make an LTE "world phone" just like they have in the past with GSM, they certainly can (within the laws of physics, if the antenna technologies will allow it). The same economics apply for the manufacturers, and possibly better - since there are a smaller set of frequencies with greater chance of coverage - and a greater market potential for a single design.
I suspect that with modern fractal antenna technology, this won't be a huge issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. That was actually pretty helpful. But for instance, it is my understanding that AT&T runs in the low-700s, and Vzw runs in the high-700s. And Vzw has tentatively stated that its LTE phones will not be compatible with AT&T's. So I guess when you say they could make a multi-band LTE phone, it would need to cover "all of" 700 MHz for it to have both AT&T and Vzw compatibility.
In any event, does this favor AT&T or Vzw for future phones? My guess would be for at least the next several years, if not decade or more, all LTE phones will have 3G radios in them as well. And those 3G radios, just like today, are going to be GSM. So I guess you could start seeing phones world phones that are both quad-band GSM and quad-band LTE, and theoretically these would work on AT&T, but not Vzw.
Am I on the right path here? Do you agree that it seems likely at least until GSM/3G completely die (if ever), most/all LTE phones will continue to have 3G radios, and this would suggest that if anything, importing international phones will still be possible on AT&T but not Vzw?
chrikenn said:
Thanks. That was actually pretty helpful. But for instance, it is my understanding that AT&T runs in the low-700s, and Vzw runs in the high-700s. And Vzw has tentatively stated that its LTE phones will not be compatible with AT&T's. So I guess when you say they could make a multi-band LTE phone, it would need to cover "all of" 700 MHz for it to have both AT&T and Vzw compatibility.
In any event, does this favor AT&T or Vzw for future phones? My guess would be for at least the next several years, if not decade or more, all LTE phones will have 3G radios in them as well. And those 3G radios, just like today, are going to be GSM. So I guess you could start seeing phones world phones that are both quad-band GSM and quad-band LTE, and theoretically these would work on AT&T, but not Vzw.
Am I on the right path here? Do you agree that it seems likely at least until GSM/3G completely die (if ever), most/all LTE phones will continue to have 3G radios, and this would suggest that if anything, importing international phones will still be possible on AT&T but not Vzw?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Almost every LTE deployment other than VZW runs alongside an existing 3GPP (GSM) network and most all chipsets will natively support the combination. Therefore, I doubt you will see many devices without the UMTS radios. No one is turning their 3G networks off any time soon. Verizon will be one of very few sources for LTE devices WITHOUT any other GSM radios.
As for LTE frequencies, there are A LOT of them. What chipsets will support which radio combinations is still a subject of much debate. Don't expect full interop out of the box.
You can always import regardless
the only risk you face is all the different LTE radio bands that you might or might not get with certain phones
chrikenn said:
Importing phones is obviously possible now because tons of carriers all over the world share AT&T's GSM and UMTS/HSPA bands.
When LTE starts to become the dominant source for cell-phone signals (especially when Voice-over-LTE appears), will AT&T still share bands with the rest of the world like it does now?
In other words, will AT&T still have the advantage over Vzw and T-Mobile that early adopters of phones will be able to import them and use them months before they show up in the US? Or will the proliferation of LTE cause AT&T to suffer from the same problem from which Verizon suffers: You will ONLY be able to use phones designed specifically for the AT&T network?
I ask because right now I have AT&T and Verizon, and I have unlimited data on both. I'm going to be canceling one of them within the next week or so. Right now I actually prefer AT&T's service, and I love the fact that I can import phones that are not available in the US. But if the "importing phones" advantage of AT&T disappears, perhaps Verizon becomes the more desirable carrier for me.
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Does the Galaxy Nexus LTE version also support the Penta-Band GSM bands for international travel?
Verizon version = GSM + LTE?
Sorry I'm a noob at Verizon's ways.
player911 said:
Does the Galaxy Nexus LTE version also support the Penta-Band GSM bands for international travel?
Verizon version = GSM + LTE?
Sorry I'm a noob at Verizon's ways.
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Don't think so. Verizon version = CDMA + LTE. So it will only work in the US, on Verizon.
chrikenn said:
Don't think so. Verizon version = CDMA + LTE. So it will only work in the US, on Verizon.
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I always thought that Verizon always had bands for international travel also? I mean not really a big deal. Verizon is the clear winner for coverage nationally and since my work is paying for it, its even sweeter.
Right now I just have a blackberry
player911 said:
I always thought that Verizon always had bands for international travel also? I mean not really a big deal. Verizon is the clear winner for coverage nationally and since my work is paying for it, its even sweeter.
Right now I just have a blackberry
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It's possible that the Verizon version has GSM/UMTS radios, it's also possible that it has those but are disabled somehow. We really don't know all that much about the LTE version of this phone, we don't even know the exact dimensions of it and what battery it comes with. So we'll just have to wait until it passes through the FCC or is released.
Chirality said:
It's possible that the Verizon version has GSM/UMTS radios, it's also possible that it has those but are disabled somehow. We really don't know all that much about the LTE version of this phone, we don't even know the exact dimensions of it and what battery it comes with. So we'll just have to wait until it passes through the FCC or is released.
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+1 for storming Google HQ
G2x - 2.3.7 CM7
Transformer - 3.2 Revolver OC/UV
Chirality said:
It's possible that the Verizon version has GSM/UMTS radios, it's also possible that it has those but are disabled somehow. We really don't know all that much about the LTE version of this phone, we don't even know the exact dimensions of it and what battery it comes with. So we'll just have to wait until it passes through the FCC or is released.
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I do recall seeing a negatory on the world phone status in Verizon's inventory system. And I suppose there is still the option for dormant or disabled radios but I ain't holding my breath.
I thought people in the US looking to use the One X will love this, and I hope this will answer people's question regarding phone compatibility on T-Mo USA.
Today we have more than one million unlocked iPhones running on our network. T-Mobile currently offers microSIMs for customers who already have a GSM phone they want to use on the T-Mobile network, including an iPhone. In order to set up an unlocked iPhone on T-Mobile’s network, customers simply need to purchase a microSIM card and select a T-Mobile Value plan that suits their needs.
T-Mobile’s Value plans enable customers who bring their own smartphone, such as the iPhone, to save money. For example, T-Mobile’s Value family plan with unlimited talk, unlimited text and unlimited data with 2 GB of high-speed data is just $49.99 per line for two lines.
In addition, we will continue to deliver more value to customers as we expand and modernize our 4G network. Beginning this year, we will introduce HSPA+ service in our 1900 MHz PCS spectrum. When we do, our 4G network will be compatible with a broader range of devices, including the iPhone.
Source
this is actually good news for some people! I'm lucky enough to live in an area where the 1900MHz frequency is in used
Thank you for posting. This quote from the press release had many T Mo USA customers like me very excited of the possibilities. I import lots of cellys and only recently began to really focus on the appropriate 3g bands on my carrier as I simply cannot put up with 2g at alll.
I am very close to saying goodbye to my Sensation XE in favor of the One X....
Sadly, Boston Ma is still operating Edge/2g data from the 1900 band
What frequency does Tmobiles 2G/Edge service use? That's all that's available in my town
I think the 2G/Edge is 850/1900?
knightsray said:
What frequency does Tmobiles 2G/Edge service use? That's all that's available in my town
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gwuhua1984 said:
I think the 2G/Edge is 850/1900?
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Yup.
So will the one x work with T-Mobile hspa+
Sent from a guy living in a van down by the river
This is good news - IF we can get confirmation where they have actually rolled out the update.
Also, I wonder whether this phone can get a radio upgrade to enabled AWS on 1700? I know some Samsung devices (like the Note) can get flashed to add the band, would this be possible on the One X?
ScottC said:
This is good news - IF we can get confirmation where they have actually rolled out the update.
Also, I wonder whether this phone can get a radio upgrade to enabled AWS on 1700? I know some Samsung devices (like the Note) can get flashed to add the band, would this be possible on the One X?
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The AT&T version will have the AWS and 2100 band on it so my hope is we will be able to swap the radio/modem with the One XL and get the bigger internal SD and built-in radio........crossing fingers!!!!
I don't believe that will be possible. There have been instances where a phone has landed on multiple carriers with certain bands disabled, however in this case, HTC has released separate architecture for the US/AT&T variant and so it's not like the 1700 AWS band is included in the LTE version and simply software disabled.
I did see that AT&T's version has the same exact radios as T Mobile's Amaze 4g (same AWS bands) so it will be interesting to see the phone itself can simply be unlocked and used with T Mo without flashing.
One last thing, T Mo has confirmed the refarming/reframing of their 1900 bands from 2g into 3g, it will only be a matter of time before we see the full deployment of 3g via 1900 band. Both phones may end up in the same price range (unless purchasing an AT&T model used) and so I'd rather have the unbranded 32 gig version.
The only thing is how long will you wait and be stuck on 2G until the refarm hits your area. Right now it's a slow roll out since most time is being spent on the LTE 2013 launch.
I do a lot of data things while i'm out and about, so EDGE speeds would kill me. I'm thinking now of just waiting to see what the SGS3 has to offer or the LG Optimous 4HD. I don't want to speed almost $700 for a phone i can't use data on.
If an unlock would open the AWS band for use on T-Mobile on the AT&T version then we could be able to flash the international version that has the S4 chip with the AT&T radio.
We'll see, since right now all we can do is hopeful speculation.
Same boat I was on when I imported my Desire HD. I was stuck on Edge until I got to my home or office. For most apps I utilize, it was not such a big deal, however YouTube and a few others was pure torture on just 2g.
I was so close to ordering a One X too... I'll keep my XE a little while longer though. I'm really not at all impressed with the One S. The One X is def my choice.
ge3kswag said:
The only thing is how long will you wait and be stuck on 2G until the refarm hits your area. Right now it's a slow roll out since most time is being spent on the LTE 2013 launch.
I do a lot of data things while i'm out and about, so EDGE speeds would kill me. I'm thinking now of just waiting to see what the SGS3 has to offer or the LG Optimous 4HD. I don't want to speed almost $700 for a phone i can't use data on.
If an unlock would open the AWS band for use on T-Mobile on the AT&T version then we could be able to flash the international version that has the S4 chip with the AT&T radio.
We'll see, since right now all we can do is hopeful speculation.
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If previous trends continue, the international SGSIII won't have T-Mobile bands either :/
joshnichols189 said:
If previous trends continue, the international SGSIII won't have T-Mobile bands either :/
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LOL!!!! I was thinking that too but i actually think that due to the LTE rollout the end of the year and beginning of next year will be awesome for T-Mobile. I know the G4X and the SGS3 has to be on T-Mobile, it's their best phone. I actually think that the next big windows phone will be something HTC and be on T-Mobile also. Also, I heard a lil hint from the Samsung rep of a T-Mobile Note. Guess we'll have to wait for CITA to see.
And a few years back you would have laffed at me but dude, the Huawei Ascend D is coming to T-Mobile and from rumors the processor kills all.........so lets be slightly optimistic hahahahahah
Not sure how helpful this is in clarifying anything, but there's a new post about this today at the T-Mobile forums.
http://support.t-mobile.com/thread/21487?start=30&tstart=0
atvxda said:
I don't believe that will be possible. There have been instances where a phone has landed on multiple carriers with certain bands disabled, however in this case, HTC has released separate architecture for the US/AT&T variant and so it's not like the 1700 AWS band is included in the LTE version and simply software disabled.
I did see that AT&T's version has the same exact radios as T Mobile's Amaze 4g (same AWS bands) so it will be interesting to see the phone itself can simply be unlocked and used with T Mo without flashing.
One last thing, T Mo has confirmed the refarming/reframing of their 1900 bands from 2g into 3g, it will only be a matter of time before we see the full deployment of 3g via 1900 band. Both phones may end up in the same price range (unless purchasing an AT&T model used) and so I'd rather have the unbranded 32 gig version.
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It's just reiterating what they've said before. The question still remains as to what the timing and geography will be. I'd imagine it'll be great for people in major markets where T-Mobile will focus the majority of their energy. But people who travel a lot, especially to secondary and tertiary markets, may have a long wait until T-Mobile's 1900Mhz coverage is everywhere. It's better than nothing but still a long ways from being competitive.
"Select areas of Washington State, California, Nevada and Arizona are currently the only places with refarmed spectrum. Users in those affected areas are reporting reliable, HSPA+, 4G level speeds on their iPhones within the currently, largely undocumented, coverage area.
According to my source, it is anticipated that by as early as October of this year that T-Mobile will have their spectrum refarming efforts completed. At that point, T-Mobile's network will support all quad-band GSM/UMTS banded handsets, including Apple's iPhone."
http://www.informationweek.com/byte/news/personal-tech/smart-phones/240000527
Yeah, Its going to be a while. I think there are a few places in Cali somewhere that they have done this already. By the time they finish this a good majority of us will probably be on a different phone so it doesnt really do anything for us.
I was with t-mobile until I Purchased the One X international and moved to straight talk. I will probably move back to T-mobile once they finish this and plan on buying unlocked phones from now on.
Being on AT&Ts network in Downtown Chicago Sucks ass. Although when Im downtown Im usually on wifi at work so its not a huge deal. Still annoying though.
so if I were to get a One X now which one should I buy for it to work with 4g when t-mobile refarms the 1900 band? ATT or International?
AT&T's One X and the international One X will both give you 2g/Edge data for the time being.
Considering T Mobile USA is reframing 3G & HSPA+ traffic to 1900 MHz (currently utilized by T Mobile USA exclusive for 2g), both are solid options as at some point later this year, both will be receiving 3g data. However, AT&T's One X will have to be unlocked in order for you to use it with T Mobile whereas the international One X is already unlocked.
Remember, both devices are not identical. The international One X has a QUAD core Tegra 3 processor vs AT&T's DUAL core Snapdragon and the international One X has 32 Gigs of internal vs AT&T's 16