3G in US and UK - Desire Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I regularly travel between the US and the UK so would like my next phone (looking at the Desire) to work on 3G in both places.
I have researched this as much as I can within my understanding, but it's now time to ask you guys who know a lot more about this than me....
So far, I think I need to buy the Desire A8183 variant which uses HSDPA 850 / 2100.
Can anyone confirm or deny that this will work in both UK and US (swapping for local SIM in each place)
Thanks

Related

Universal questions

Hi guys, i am getting a universal from the UK in about 2 weeks and i have some questions.
1. Is it unlockable yet?
2. Is bluetooth stable, not cutting off during calls and stuff?
3. Since it is WCDMA, does that mean i can use it with CDMA services here in the states like sprint and Verizon?
4. What is the best case for it
Thanks for reading my questions, you replies will be greatly appreciated.
obiesoft said:
Hi guys, i am getting a universal from the UK in about 2 weeks and i have some questions.
1. Is it unlockable yet?
2. Is bluetooth stable, not cutting off during calls and stuff?
3. Since it is WCDMA, does that mean i can use it with CDMA services here in the states like sprint and Verizon?
4. What is the best case for it
Thanks for reading my questions, you replies will be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Obiesoft,
1. Not yet to my knowledge... Keep an eye on the 'universal' unlocker from this forum. An app that is updated over and over to add support for new phones.
2. Did not try yet, sorry, one of the other ones ?
3. Most likely not. UMTS here in Europe is on 2100 Mhz, as radio bands are of course regulated per country, you might want to see with your wireless provider if they a) use 'UMTS or WCDMA' as a standard, and b) if they also operate on the 2100 Mhz band. In the phone there is only one band available for UMTS connections.
GSM in general is provided in bigger cities in the states, you have to check which wireless provider has it in your area, some might even have the Qtek 9000 with an interesting price if you take one of their plans.
(T-Mobile) Be carefull nevertheless, the USA has GSM services on 1900 Mhz and on 850 Mhz, the Universal can do w/o a problem the 1900 Mhz band, but to my knowledge not the 850 Mhz band. You would be out of luck if your cellular provider only provides services on this band. Check also if you have to be a lot in rural areas, as far as I notices coverage there is way less on GSM systems.
4. I'm happy with the 'leatherishlike' one it comes with. Sleek, and it does protect it very well. Snug, just no belt-clip, that's all.
Hope you'll be having fun with your device ! (Well, all depends of course if you can get it either sim-unlocked or from one of your local providers...)
Willem
Thanks
Thanks for your reply
I hope there will be an unlocker soon, i have Tmobile here in Florida, i will call to find out of they use 1900 or 850Mhz. I will probably try asking Tmobile UK or something.
The reason for me asking if it will work with USA CDMA is that i also have an account with a CDMA provider so it would be cool if i could use two providers on one phone, probably switching between them.
I have a MDAIII with WM5 and the bluetooth does not work, keeps d/c so i hope this one stays on with the MDA PRO.
Re: Thanks
obiesoft said:
Thanks for your reply
I hope there will be an unlocker soon, i have Tmobile here in Florida, i will call to find out of they use 1900 or 850Mhz. I will probably try asking Tmobile UK or something.
The reason for me asking if it will work with USA CDMA is that i also have an account with a CDMA provider so it would be cool if i could use two providers on one phone, probably switching between them.
I have a MDAIII with WM5 and the bluetooth does not work, keeps d/c so i hope this one stays on with the MDA PRO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that T-Mobile Germany sells the device w/o SIMlock. Might be an option. The QTEK versions of the device come also w/o SIMlock. I don't know if T-Mobile Germany ships the device outside europe, you might want to have a look at http://www.expansys-usa.com, they have a Spanish version of the QTEK you can easily reflash to the WWE version, new and not locked for a whopping 1045 USD.
P.S. I have no commercial relation to either T-Mobile or Expansys and both links are provided only for informational purposes.
Obiesoft, I have PM'd you.
simlock
t-mobile.germany has no SimLock - that's right!
but they did a NETLock!! - you#ve got to pay 100-300 € to get it unlocked for other networks. If You know where to find Band-Information i can tell you if it supports yours.
Universal is not working on CDMA One/CDMA 2000/EVDO networks.
In US, it will work for voice calls and GPRS on the 1900 networks like T-Mobile US. You will have to wait for T-Mobile US to launch UMTS (WCDMA) as it is planned, but I'm not sure they will use the same bands as in Europe.
MDA PRO
I did not check here sooner, my girlfriend is in london and she got the MDA PRO since she just renewed her contract. I am guessing it will be locked cause she is just shipping it and i will get it next week. Tmobile UK said they can unlock it for 15 pounds and it will take 28 days, so in the mean time i am hoping there is another way for me to unlock it.

Let me get this straight - So TP2 is not a true "world phone"?

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)?
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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

Black HTC Desire - Work in Australia?

Hey,
I know less than I'd like about networks and what bands work where and what you need to use a phone in Aus, so I'm hoping one of you gents could help me out?
I'm just wondering if I buy this:
http://www.portagadgets.com/australia/product.php?productid=38238&cat=0&page=1
If it will work with my Vodafone sim here in Australia?
Cheers guys.
That link is dead
Wow ok yeah. They must have run out, I guess?
Telstra - 850MHz and 2100MHz
All other carriers 900MHz and 2100Mhz.
Two model of desire:
1. A8181 - 900MHz and 2100Mhz
2. A8183 - 850MHz and 2100MHz
Currently if you buy a desire locally it will be (2) because of Telstras exclusive deal with HTC. You can use this on networks other than Telstra on their 2100MHz networks in major cities, but when this tries to fall back to their rural 900Mhz networks you wont get 3G.
If you get a Desire overseas it will be (1). It will safely work on all non-Telstra netorks. It will also have the advantage of not having Telstra branded firmware, which is cleaner and you will not have to wait for Telstra to release custom firmware.
You can get (1) through grey importers such as mobicity.com.au, but the warranty will be through them, not HTC.
Hope this clears things up for you.
Thanks for all that info, that's what I was after
The link is back up, the only thing that concerns me is the differnt 3G freq listed between the black and brown models. But the serial is A8181 so I'll trust that.
Now whether I trust the site is another thing. The only Black Desires were from Orange in the UK, and this is the ONLY place I've seen unlocked versions for sale online, I'm not sure if I'll actually be getting a black one. Their customer service is pretty shoddy, reviews are mixed and all the bad reviews play right into the issues I'm afraid of (misrepresenative stock, not being able to return/exchange)
Anyone had any experience with them?

[Q] International Desire, American 3g?

I'm moving to the U.S. (california if that matters) in a couple of weeks and it's time for me to buy a desire. Being from Sweden I'm used to having great 3g service and use it well. What happens if i buy the phone here (not a U.S. specific model) and bring it overseas? Will 3g work? If so, can I choose from any carrier?
Woppe said:
I'm moving to the U.S. (california if that matters) in a couple of weeks and it's time for me to buy a desire. Being from Sweden I'm used to having great 3g service and use it well. What happens if i buy the phone here (not a U.S. specific model) and bring it overseas? Will 3g work? If so, can I choose from any carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it won't - a European Desire won't give you 3G on any US Network.
Regards,
Dave
Woppe said:
I'm moving to the U.S. (california if that matters) in a couple of weeks and it's time for me to buy a desire. Being from Sweden I'm used to having great 3g service and use it well. What happens if i buy the phone here (not a U.S. specific model) and bring it overseas? Will 3g work? If so, can I choose from any carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it all depends on which carrier you use. I have ATT and I bought my Telstra (made for AUZ) that uses the same band for 3g as ATT does and I get great 3g in SO CAL.
if you buy one in Sweden it will not work on 3g here. You can buy one from US Cellular and it will work here but they don't have that great of coverage. You can buy a EVO from Sprint, but you won't have a sim card.
If you buy a Telstra for the US it will work in Sweden (not sure about 3g) but you will have 3g in US on ATT when you get here. I bought my from here
Thank you, that was helpful information!
Is a Desire using the 850MHz band what I need?
Woppe said:
Thank you, that was helpful information!
Is a Desire using the 850MHz band what I need?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, the 850 will work on ATT 3g
I'm going to Florida on holiday next year. I intended on buying a prepaid sim for my Desire (from Orange, debranded and unlocked). I did intend using 3G if it were available but after reading some of these posts I'm now unsure this will work.
Much appreciated if anyone could give me any advice.
Many thanks.
or8it said:
I'm going to Florida on holiday next year. I intended on buying a prepaid sim for my Desire (from Orange, debranded and unlocked). I did intend using 3G if it were available but after reading some of these posts I'm now unsure this will work.
Much appreciated if anyone could give me any advice.
Many thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you have an EUR desire it will not work on 3g in the US, it has different bands. it will work for Edge. If the phone's bandwidth (networks) don't match the carrier's it does not matter what sim card you have. Most EUR world phone's will work in US but just not on 3g, it must be same bandwidth.
if you must have 3g for your hoilday then you are better buying a prepaid phone, but that won't be a Desire
Thanks for explanation, very helpful.
Hi!
Type *#*#4636#*#* in dial pad, you will get to a screen where some information and hidden settings placed in; then tap on the first item which is "telephone information", and there press "menu" button, here in the android menu the first item is "select radio-band"! when you choose this menu option you will see a list of GSM/UMTS radio-band alternatives; Automatic, EURO, USA, JAPAN, AUS, AUS2 bands"
Well I'm not expert on this particular issue, just wondering what these radio-band options are for(?) Maybe you can change your Desire's radio band to USA band and try if it works in the USA (appreciate if you supply feedback whether or not it really works)
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
You can't change bands that's hardware related, its cheaper to buy a TELUS desire, it has 850, 1900 bands
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
htc fan89 said:
You can't change bands that's hardware related, its cheaper to buy a TELUS desire, it has 850, 1900 bands
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately when the Telus Desire goes back to Sweden, it won't have 3G.
The US Cellular Desire won't work in Sweden at all since there's no CDMA carrier.
If it weren't so hard now to get a Nexus One I'd suggest that to you. Both version support Euro 3G and you'd use it on AT&T or T-Mobile in the US depending on which version you acquire.
The problem is, as far as I know, there are no tri-band 3G HTC Desires. There is 850/1900 (Telus), 850/2100 (Telstra) and 900/2100 (Euro). So Telstra is the only one that gives you some compromise of 3G on both continents.
On the other hand I'm pretty sure all the GSM North American Samsung Galaxy S phones (Bell Vibrant, AT&T Captivate, T-Mobile Vibrant) support the Euro 2100 band.

HTC Desire in USA

Hi everybody, I am going to live in the US for a semester and I want an american number. I found the possibility of buying a Sim Card on T-Mobile and use it with my unlocked phone. The problem is that my phone does not appear in the list of compatible phones. My phone is HTC Desire (Bravo), European model. In the box it appears the following: GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and HDSPA/WCDMA 900/2100.
Will I get 3G? I've talked to several operators, each one tells me a different thing. There was even one who asked for my IMEI and told me 3G would work 100% sure. Others tell me that I won't only get EDGE speed.
Who can clarify this? It is REALLY important. I LOVE my cellphone, I don't want one of those prepaid phones that are crap, I'd only buy another phone if it would be better than mine, but they are really expensive and it has no sense to buy a cellphone for 4 months when I have one cellphone that I love.
WHAT CAN I DO? I will use data on a daily basis to connect with my family overseas!
Most of US carriers use 850 and 1900MHz for GSM and 1700 and 1900 for HSPA and WCDMA, so I think you won't have luck with 3G, but the rest will do perfectly.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA

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