Develop Bugs

HSDPA and ROGERS

Using various WM6 Roms I have noticed I always see UMTS and 3G along with my ROGERS network. I have never seen HSDPA show up even though it is enabled.
Anyone have any suggestions? What am I missing?
Thanks,
Draven
PS - Currently on radio 1.51 but would like suggestions as best current ROM for ROGERS. I have seen several posts, but they are several months old. Need to know if 1.43, 1.47, 1.48 or 1.50 is best for ROGERS.

I'm on Rogers as well in Alberta. Where do you see 3G in Canada for Rogers? Just curious

3G is HSDPA.
You should see 3G in the golden horseshoe (Niagra to Bowmanville).
http://www.shoprogers.com/store/wireless/services/vision/intro.asp

I've got 3G a few places in downtown Edmonton.

down town toronto it always show 3g... but i am a pay as you go customer and i dont have access to it...

All along the Golden Horseshoe as NestorK said is 3G (Toronto down to St. Catharines and part of the falls).
I understand HSDPA is 3G but UMTS is as well just another flavorn (for lack of a better term) and its a bit slower.. I was just wondering if I should be seeing HSDPA instead of UMTS
Just curious.. thanks for the replies guys.
Draven

If it says 3G, its using UMTS not GSM. 3G has data, and it also has HSDPA similar to GPRS versus EDGE. If it says H than you are using the fastest data service called HSDPA. HSUPA is not available yet. the difference is under HSDPA the uplink is still slow
Toronto is covered.

I'm using an unlocked ATT 8525 on Rogers network. Does anybody here know the Rogers connection setup?
Thanks in advance

You guys talking like as if the display said so ( you are in 3G zone ) then it means you can access lightning speed ..etc
don't you have to have a data plan 1st ??
and here in Canada ... those plans are really at cut-throat prices !!!
as I understand it .. Rogers have a service called "VISION" ... but you don't just freely surf ... it's pre-packaged around their own broadcasting hub/server ..etc ... you can only access what they feed/provides ( limited )
anyone can show me differently ??
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
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200 MB wouldn't last me a week if browsing video ..etc !! and that's being conservative !!!
~~~

Yes, you do need a data plan, though you don't necessarily need Vision Data.
I've had data access for several years. (Back when it was called "Portage"). It's 20.00 for 1.5Mb. I live way outside of the 3G network in the GTA so I mainly have EDGE. My TYTN kicks into 3G when I'm in the area, though, and the speed difference is significant.
UnicornKaz, there are no feed restrictions that I'm aware of. I have no issues when I am in the GTA wrt browsing, and can access any site I desire. Even porn, or, umm... so I've heard.

draven, which diff wm6 roms have you tried? any specific ones you find works good with the tytn on rogers? i've got the tytn but havent had a chance to try out wm6, hoping to soon though.
all around the gta it shows 3g coverage.. really cant wait for a decent data plan. maybe if we're lucky apple will push rogers to intro some type of unlimited data plan in order for them to carry the iphone

profets said:
really cant wait for a decent data plan. maybe if we're lucky apple will push rogers to intro some type of unlimited data plan in order for them to carry the iphone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's something in the works for the iPhone this fall but I suspect it won't be anything fantastic. Maybe the hordes of iPhone owners complaining about the crappy data prices will force them to relent and actually price out plans that are useful. (The iPhone is practically useless without a decent data plan -- might as well own a regular phone)
I won't be holding my breath. Not until someone unseats Rogers as the sole GSM carrier in Canada or the gov't steps in will we see anything in terms of data prices that are even remotely similar to what they enjoy in the US (the irony being that most other countries look at the US plans and laugh at them).
On the technical side, have you tried radio 1.51.xx? on Rogers yet? I consistently get good 3G coverage in the Golden Horseshoe and at least one bar extra on the GSM/EDGE areas.

NestorK said:
Yes, you do need a data plan, though you don't necessarily need Vision Data.
I've had data access for several years. (Back when it was called "Portage"). It's 20.00 for 1.5Mb. I live way outside of the 3G network in the GTA so I mainly have EDGE. My TYTN kicks into 3G when I'm in the area, though, and the speed difference is significant.
UnicornKaz, there are no feed restrictions that I'm aware of. I have no issues when I am in the GTA wrt browsing, and can access any site I desire. Even porn, or, umm... so I've heard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What the heck can you do with 1.5Mb ??? or are you referring to the speed ??
browsing a couple of videos ( not even )- will be more then that !!!
we need "unlimited" data transfer though !! ... I remembered the one & only time I downloaded a regular JPG and it cost me like $3 ... so I stay away from any data plan at all !!

UnicornKaz said:
What the heck can you do with 1.5Mb ??? or are you referring to the speed ??
browsing a couple of videos ( not even )- will be more then that !!!
we need "unlimited" data transfer though !! ... I remembered the one & only time I downloaded a regular JPG and it cost me like $3 ... so I stay away from any data plan at all !!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good for you.
I don't spend my time straining my eyes watching videos on a 2.8" screen, so the plan works for me. If it doesn't work for you then don't get it. I was pointing out the Rogers Vision plans aren't necessary to get into the game. I also pointed out I don't have 3G where I live so it's pointless considering something beyond what I have.

Tried a few different radios as per some suggestions here in the forums and found that 1.47 seems to be the best radio for Rogers on the TyTN with WM6.
I am using DopodLiteV1.1WM6 at the moment.. nice and small, very quick and leaves it open to customize the way you like which is nice. Not a ton of apps you dont need.
I am also currently using EMOZE for push email and it is working like a charm.
Hope this helps.
Draven

Hopefully now that Bell has started to offer unlimited data plans on their network rogers will feel the pressure to come up wiht something comparable. I am still on fido because I dont get charged roaming fees for data in the USA, but with only 5mb's its kinda limiting on what I can do with the phone. Let's hope the iphone forces ROgers to come up with something better that we Hermes owners can use.

Fido HSDPA
I'm on the Fido network in Montreal (I'm assuming that its the same network as Rogers) and I see the H icon for HSDPA. I'm reluctant to see if it actually works since under my plan I'd have to pay $35 per MB downloaded. Their prices are bloody murder.

We ALL should get HSDPA
As long as you have 3G enabled in the ROM you will connect on HSDPA.
I live in the GTA and I get HSDPA most of the time.
What may be an issue for you lot is that you do not have the HSDPA icon enabled on your OS. So you may be on HSDPA, but just don't realise it. There is a registry setting for it, or if you use Schap's ROM there is a checkbox for it under advanced config. Once set you will better see if you are using HSDPA or not.
As for plans....I agree hopefully when the iPhone is release (dec is the rumour) there will better data plans....but I'm not holding my breath.

Special on Rogers 5$ ONLY for 10MB on their Vision Plan per month, instead of 10$.. This includes FREE Local Video Calling using your 3G phone for 3 YEARS, 3 month of email and I think 3 months of browsing (not true browsing, it only brings you to their sites that take very few megabytes to bring up). Emails somehow bring you to their specific email site, and I think there is very little functionality in the email app. So, all in all, I might try the Vision plan, if only for the Free Video calling for 3 years. I don't need the other stuff because it is really low calibre apps. I will continue to use my other data package. Not sure you they count the MB on the Vision, because apparently it is not using your typical data connection, but somehow they must be able to find out. Free Local Video means everything that is not typically counted as a Long distance call,, so that is a little more generous that I thought at first. Also,, most important,, I will try it out, but must make sure that if it does not perform to my satisfaction, that I can CXL without a penalty (max 100$) if you cxl Vision before 3 years. and last but not least,, I found out from a CRS that there are bugs with Hermes Tytn using Vision right now (not sure how serious they are). I am not sure that they will spend too much energy on trying to fix Vision for the Tytn,,maybe spending more on the Kaiser if they bring that in,, and on many more HSDPA phones that they are bringing in in the next month or so that can work with Vision. So,, that is the scoop.. If I have gone astray in my explanation of this, please feel free to comment or correct me. Thx

I'm on Rogers and my data plan is 500MB for 80$

[Q] G2 on AT&T?

Hey guys, new to Android and T-Mobile. I got a G2 last week, and I live and work in kind of a fringe area for T-Mo coverage. AT&T has good coverage out here, but the G2 doesn't roam over to ATT, I can't even register on their system when I select it in the mobile networks settings. My question is- how can I set the phone to roam onto their system when I lose T-Mo coverage? (I have heard that T-Mo can roam to ATT on EDGE). Thanks!

As far as I know, the only way to use AT&T on the G2 would be to SIM unlock the phone and use an AT&T SIM with an AT&T account. The TMO SIM won't just allow you to roam because they don't have a reciprocal billing agreement --- though I am no expert on this.
I believe, though I could be wrong, that the G2 does not have the ability for 3G (UMTS) data on AT&T. As you stated, if you could connect to the network, Edge should work.
One solution would be to switch to an AT&T SIM and use the Samsung Vibrant, which has the ability to connect to one of the two AT&T 3G bands. Of course, if you want to use AT&T regularly, getting an AT&T phone would be a better solution. So, for you, unless you want to switch to AT&T, wifi might be your only solution.

Ugh! That is exactly what I was hoping I wouldn't read lol. Well, I do really want to stick with tmo, just wish my phone would auto roam to att when I lose the tmo signal. Thanks for the reply!
Sent from my G2 using XDA app

I asked around at work a bit, and there are cases where you can roam on AT&T's network. These cases exist in areas where T-Mobile has not, cannot, or will not build out a network. In these cases, they contract with AT&T to provide their customers with network access. Some phones will show roaming, but I think the software, at this point, has made it a seamless experience, and you don't even know you are attached to AT&T's network. For billing, purposes, if you have a national plan, you are not roaming.
This doesn't help you, but I wanted to clarify my blanket statement above.

Check out the coverage map (Select NO for Are you a Rep, then go to the Data Coverage Map):
compass(DOT)t-mobile(DOT)com
Unfortunately in your area of CA, there is no roaming partner.
The only roaming in CA is in some parts of N. CA up Hwy 1 and 101, towards the Oregon border, and in the 395 corridor.

I'm thinking of upgrading from my HTC Rhodium on ATT to a Desire Z (also on ATT). Is there anything I should be looking for to make sure it will play nice with the 3G network?
Thanks
nnvpears

nnvpears said:
I'm thinking of upgrading from my HTC Rhodium on ATT to a Desire Z (also on ATT). Is there anything I should be looking for to make sure it will play nice with the 3G network?
Thanks
nnvpears
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll need to buy the Canadian version of the DZ (from Bell Mobility).

GN users on AT&T...here's how I got a 4G HSPA+ plan

EDIT: A user mentioned that if you have unlimited data, trying to get on the correct HSPA+ plan could mess with that, so don't try this unless you want to risk losing unlimited data. I'm completely unsure if it would keep your unlimited data or not, but I thought I'd throw that out there.
So for those of you who are either coming from the iphone or another non-4g hspa phone (or are new to AT&T) and using the galaxy nexus, you will be put on the regular smartphone data plan. First of all, there are 3 different data plans for smartphones:
regular smartphone data
smartphone data for 4G phones
smartphone data for 4G LTE phones
The data plan you want to be on with the GN is the "smartphone data for 4g phones" which is the HSPA plan. Like I said, most of the people activating a GN on AT&T will automatically be put on the regular smartphone data plan, which will limit your speeds, even if your phone shows it's on HSPA.
After spending about an hour on the phone with AT&T customer service, I FINALLY found someone who knew EXACTLY what the GN was and what I wanted to do. Basically, the AT&T systems DO NOT allow employees to even manually override and put a 4G data plan on our account for the GN, so the guy had to do a workaround and he activated an atrix on my account, put my account on the 4g HSPA plan, and then reactivated my GN which KEPT the 4g plan on there.
After this, my speeds have dramatically improved. I always thought the phone would only switch to "H" in the signal bar when using heavy data (I thought it was a phone feature...you guys know how it always switches from 3g to H constantly? This is what I'm talking about), but after getting the 4g hspa plan on my account, the phone stays on H for MOST of the time. It'll still switch to 3g, but before making the change, it was showing 3g most of the time.
In conclusion, there are two ways to do this which the guy explained to me:
1. You can find someone with an AT&T 4g phone (atrix, insprie, infuse, s2, etc), pop in your sim in THEIR phone to activate that phone on your account, go to "manage features" on your account, switch to smartphone data for 4g phones, and submit. After that, pop the sim back in your nexus and it will keep the 4g plan.
2. Or if you don't know anyone who has one of these phones, call up 611 and have them do it for you (which is what I did). I'll be honest, it's a pain in the ass because you actually have to find someone who knows what you are trying to do and knows what the galaxy nexus is (not to be sexist...but I spoke to 3 women and they had no idea what I was trying to do...the first guy I talked to knew exactly what I wanted).
Once you find a person who knows about the GN and unlocked phones in general, explain that your account has the regular smartphone data plan on there which is limiting you to 3g speeds even though you have an HSPA phone (this is where the customer service person knowing what the GN helps out a lot), and you need him to manually put the 4g plan on your account. Since the system won't allow this, he needs to use an IMEI number from any of their 4g phones (atrix, infuse, inspire, etc), actiivate that on your account, then switch it over (basically same as step one except you aren't physically putting your sim in another phone).
Hope that helps. I'm happy as hell now because it was bothering me to be limited to 3g speeds even though I have an HSPA phone.
I tried to get a direct line for you guys to call the guy I spoke to, but unfortunately he didn't have one.

My speeds on a regular (unlimited grandfathered data) are very fast. 5-6 mbps.
I just popped my sim in and went (on the Cingular 410 or whatever).
I added the manual HSDPA+ access point, and noticed no difference. Still 5-6 mbps on average.
What are you getting that requires these hoops? I can't imagine much faster?

ericshmerick said:
My speeds on a regular (unlimited grandfathered data) are very fast. 5-6 mbps.
I just popped my sim in and went (on the Cingular 410 or whatever).
I added the manual HSDPA+ access point, and noticed no difference. Still 5-6 mbps on average.
What are you getting that requires these hoops? I can't imagine much faster?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Around 10mbps in good areas, and more than double what I was getting at my house before changing the plan (low signal area).
Like I said, even if your phone shows it on HSPA (by either the "H" in the signal bar or "HSPA" in signal settings), AT&T is STILL limiting your speeds because you only have the regular data plan on your account. You need the correct data plan on YOUR ACCOUNT to get the speeds you deserve.
Nothing to do with APN's....I am using the stock APN. It's all about AT&T limiting your speed (automatically...by what data plan you have on your account), so you need to get the correct plan on there.

nice post, i just got off the phone with them and they originally put me on a 4G LTE plan instead of just 4G HSPA.
Was getting tons of service issues. Hopefully this solves my problems.

Thanks bro. I'm calling now.

I'm super nervous about having someone across the world monkey with my grandfathered unlimited data, so I'll pass. Just not worth the risk of someone changing my plan to tiered...

ericshmerick said:
I'm super nervous about having someone across the world monkey with my grandfathered unlimited data, so I'll pass. Just not worth the risk of someone changing my plan to tiered...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understandable if you have unlimited data, but I don't, so I didn't mine someone doing whatever they could to get me on the correct plan.
Edited the OP also.

i had them email me our changes at the end of the call and told them to specifically include unlimited data.

brian85 said:
(not to be sexist...but I spoke to 3 women and they had no idea what I was trying to do...the first guy I talked to knew exactly what I wanted).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am pretty sure that's sexist! But good how to all the same.

ianwood said:
I am pretty sure that's sexist! But good how to all the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I know it is, but I really am not trying to be.
It's just guys seem to know more about smartphones and stuff...just like girls would know about clothing or something.

brian85 said:
Well I know it is, but I really am not trying to be.
It's just guys seem to know more about smartphones and stuff...just like girls would know about clothing or something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude you've crossed the line with that last statement. The last female on XDA just left thanks to you!
Joe

LOL, oh well.

ericshmerick said:
I'm super nervous about having someone across the world monkey with my grandfathered unlimited data, so I'll pass. Just not worth the risk of someone changing my plan to tiered...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're in the US who across the world is messing with your AT&T grandfathered plan?
Anyway, I jsut called AT&T and the rep knew exactly what I wanted to do and hooked me up. When I get off work I'll test the speeds. I'm thinking about getting a new SIM card for the heck of it.
BTW: the rep was a woman LOL at OP.

Have to find someone to do for me again. I've been switching back and forth from the iPhone. Good to know it still works. There was a gentleman on XDA who works for AT&T that got referrals or something for doing it. Cool dude, I wish I could remember his user name.

bmstrong said:
Have to find someone to do for me again. I've been switching back and forth from the iPhone. Good to know it still works. There was a gentleman on XDA who works for AT&T that got referrals or something for doing it. Cool dude, I wish I could remember his user name.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just call AT&T they will set you up.

Gary86 said:
Just call AT&T they will set you up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but I like to hook up members first.

this is what my plan shows now
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"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
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Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App

Gary86 said:
If you're in the US who across the world is messing with your AT&T grandfathered plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you suggesting 100% of AT&T's call centers consist of US based workers?
I think not. I don't want to gamble with a language barrier with "Peggy" (i.e. Rackashana) going into my account and making changes. I just don't trust that a perfect preservation of my unlimited plan will be the outcome from the hokey language barrier conversation.

brian85 said:
1. You can find someone with an AT&T 4g phone (atrix, insprie, infuse, s2, etc), pop in your sim in THEIR phone to activate that phone on your account, go to "manage features" on your account, switch to smartphone data for 4g phones, and submit. After that, pop the sim back in your nexus and it will keep the 4g plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has anyone tried this? How long does this take to take effect? I can try this, but it would be a real pain if it were to take a while.

ianwood said:
I am pretty sure that's sexist! But good how to all the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it's not. Making a statement like "keep hanging up until you get a guy on the phone, the women have no clue what they're talking about" would be sexist.
He merely pointed out a fact - three women he spoke to had no clue, the first guy he talked to immediately helped. Any inference or conclusions drawn from this pattern would be on the reader.

AT&T vs Sprint for Note 2

I am looking to purchase the Note 2 and I have the option of Sprint or AT&T, is there any real benefit of one carrier vs the other for this particular phone?

noitall77 said:
I am looking to purchase the Note 2 and I have the option of Sprint or AT&T, is there any real benefit of one carrier vs the other for this particular phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im pretty sure the phones are the exact same but with at&t your service may be better depending on your location. Sprint is behind on 4g and 4g lte coverage. Sprint has unlimited data and I don't think at&t offers that. So if I were you I would ask friends that live in your area to get their opinions or even google search and see if you can find any forums that tell about at&t coverage in your area. Hope I helped some!
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

noitall77 said:
I am looking to purchase the Note 2 and I have the option of Sprint or AT&T, is there any real benefit of one carrier vs the other for this particular phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are the same I woukd go with sprint they are way cheaper and with a phone of this caliber you need unlimited. They are launching LTE pretty fast I got a great lte connection in Tampa Florida pretty much everywhere i go it suoer fast and consistent.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

Sprint also supposedly claims they want lte running anywhere 3g is eventually.... getting it everywhere I go anymore
~swyped from my galaxy note 2 on the now network

scottypeterson said:
Im pretty sure the phones are the exact same but with at&t your service may be better depending on your location. Sprint is behind on 4g and 4g lte coverage. Sprint has unlimited data and I don't think at&t offers that. So if I were you I would ask friends that live in your area to get their opinions or even google search and see if you can find any forums that tell about at&t coverage in your area. Hope I helped some!
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much this.

DarkManX4lf said:
Pretty much this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an unlimited data plan with AT&T that I have had for years so it looks like I will stick with AT&T due to coverage

noitall77 said:
I have an unlimited data plan with AT&T that I have had for years so it looks like I will stick with AT&T due to coverage
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Coverage is exactly what you should look at.
We have an att note 2 and a sprint note 2....equally fantastic. Coverage in my area is pretty much the same here, the wife just wants to stick with att since she has had them so long.
If one didnt have unlimited on att ...I would def look towards sprint
Is att still throttling after 5gb of use? Thats a huge factor on why I gave up my line
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

Since AT&T throttles all unlimited data plans (except those that were grandfathered in) past 5gb/mo. But Sprint doesn't yet have the extensive LTE coverage that AT&T does. If you live in an area where Sprint has rolled out its 4G LTE network, or predominantly use Wifi, I'd suggest Sprint. On the other hand, if Sprint only has 3G in your home zone and you can't rely on wifi consistently when you need the higher speeds, AT&T may be the way to go. I've been with Sprint for nearly 15 years and don't mind waiting for their LTE network. (tho I certainly hope for sooner rather than later) For me, the bandwidth throttling on downloads over the 5GB/mo is a deal breaker. I typically use 25+GB/mo on my phone and Sprint never throttles by bandwidth.
* I'm Rick James, *****! *

I can confirm no throttling by Sprint. Since getting the GN2, I''m using over 50GB of data per month. It's up from the 25GB or more when I had the Evo 4G and used 3G almost exclusive; I had access to WiMax if I went to certain towns. I live in area LTE, but it's not everywhere, so I bounce between both all the time.
The other big difference, Sprint is CDMA and has the simcard built in. ATT is GMA, which is used world wide. ATT may not have the simcard build in, and thus world travel friendly. Something to consider if you plan on traveling.
Beyond that, I would just look at your data usages, carrier coverage, and reliability.
Lastly, you do realize we're going to be bias to Sprint.

lovekeiiy said:
I can confirm no throttling by Sprint. Since getting the GN2, I''m using over 50GB of data per month. It's up from the 25GB or more when I had the Evo 4G and used 3G almost exclusive; I had access to WiMax if I went to certain towns. I live in area LTE, but it's not everywhere, so I bounce between both all the time.
The other big difference, Sprint is CDMA and has the simcard built in. ATT is GMA, which is used world wide. ATT may not have the simcard build in, and thus world travel friendly. Something to consider if you plan on traveling.
Beyond that, I would just look at your data usages, carrier coverage, and reliability.
Lastly, you do realize we're going to be bias to Sprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A slight correction here, the Sprint GN2 can be used "worldwide," but only in certain areas I believe. And you'll be paying out the ass for the service, as you cannot put a cheapy sim in there, you have to pay for Sprint's world service. Sucks
So yes if travel is something that you need to do with your GN2, ATT may be the better carrier. But you'll probably save a good $30 a month with Sprint, which is more than enough to cover a cheap burner phone purchase for when you're traveling. Keep the note on ya for wifi connectivity, use the burner for phone calls, save money

the above is correct that the phone as some kind of GSM radio in it. And that you pay a mighty fee to use it too. I wasn't thinking about that when I wrote my post. I know a lot people prefer to just sim card swap and be able to use the local, and cheap, service. Also, GSM is used workd wide. Whereas, CDMA is not. Some carriers in the USA used. There are a couple others carriers outside the USA, but they're far and few.

If you can hold out for Sprint LTE to get some decent nationwide coverage, go with Sprint. Unlimited data is CRUCIAL. 3G is manageable for now.

I would check with speedtest on an att and Sprint phone. Also check Sprint 4g lte coverage in your area. If they have it or are on list to get it then choose Sprint. Sprint keeps improving every week. But if it looks like Sprint won't be good for a while in your area and att is already good and you don't mind higher prices and tiered data then choose att.
Sent from my Amazing Galaxy Note 2!

If you have unlimited At&T right now then by all means don't switch to sprint. My friend has a grandfathered at&t plan and im really jealous. Everywhere in texas that I actually have lte his speed test beats mine 15 mbs or more. His has 4g lte EVERYWHERE. I can't speak on behalf of the entire United States but as for Texas, you should go with at&t if you have unlimited.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

As I'm unsure where you are located, I'm sure this won't help you, but here is a Sprint lte speed test. At my house, just south of Baltimore.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
~swyped from my galaxy note 2 on the now network

What's the coverage like in your area? How much data do you use? How much are you willing to pay?
If you do have "unlimited" grandfathered data, it is still throttled after a couple gigs, meaning you'd likely be better off with Sprint if they have the coverage.
Regarding price, Sprint is usually cheaper for family plans, but not necessarily for individuals.

[Q]Help me understand how domestic GSM roaming works

My history with phones has been CDMA for over 15 years. Only now have I made the jump to T-Mobile and GSM. So I'm not familiar with how roaming is supposed to work.
The way I understand it works on CDMA is that the PRL file contains the list of preferred towers. When you are near a home network tower, your phone uses that tower. When home network is not available, but a compatible network is, your phone will roam to that network. Then with edits to the PRL or apps like Roam Control, you can force your phone to roam on another network (to the dismay of your provider).
With GSM I find that there is no app like Roam control. Is this true? But built into the settings, I see that you can scan for available networks. So I've done this and ATT is in the list. If I try to switch to ATT, it tries to register on ATT, but then gives some warnings and then tells me that it can't connect. Why is this? Is it just my phone or are do they all behave this way?
I've been in areas with the N3 where T-Mobile has no network (not even E or G) and the phone stays without a network connection. It does not pick up ATT when I see people with ATT service able to access data just fine.
Am I doing something wrong? How does this roaming on ATT work?
(if it matters, I'm on the stock rom rooted de la Vega)

hdad2 said:
My history with phones has been CDMA for over 15 years. Only now have I made the jump to T-Mobile and GSM. So I'm not familiar with how roaming is supposed to work.
The way I understand it works on CDMA is that the PRL file contains the list of preferred towers. When you are near a home network tower, your phone uses that tower. When home network is not available, but a compatible network is, your phone will roam to that network. Then with edits to the PRL or apps like Roam Control, you can force your phone to roam on another network (to the dismay of your provider).
With GSM I find that there is no app like Roam control. Is this true? But built into the settings, I see that you can scan for available networks. So I've done this and ATT is in the list. If I try to switch to ATT, it tries to register on ATT, but then gives some warnings and then tells me that it can't connect. Why is this? Is it just my phone or are do they all behave this way?
I've been in areas with the N3 where T-Mobile has no network (not even E or G) and the phone stays without a network connection. It does not pick up ATT when I see people with ATT service able to access data just fine.
Am I doing something wrong? How does this roaming on ATT work?
(if it matters, I'm on the stock rom rooted de la Vega)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't pick up ATT because the sim card you're using is a Tmobile one. You need an ATT sim card to use ATT service. GSM is not like CDMA in that way. If you have no Tmobile connection, you have no connection, there's no way around it.
Another reason that ATT doesn't work is that the phone is locked to tmobile's network. You cant use straighttalk, or at&t with it unless you get the unlock code.

aooga said:
It doesn't pick up ATT because the sim card you're using is a Tmobile one. You need an ATT sim card to use ATT service. GSM is not like CDMA in that way. If you have no Tmobile connection, you have no connection, there's no way around it.
Another reason that ATT doesn't work is that the phone is locked to tmobile's network. You cant use straighttalk, or at&t with it unless you get the unlock code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, wait, wait....
I was told that a difference between a pre and post paid plan was the ability to roam. This is domestic roaming, not international. So my assumption is that means when I look at a coverage map and see areas that are labeled as "service partner", this is where T-Mobile has agreements to poach off of ATT's network. So this wouldn't be available to prepaid customers, but should be to post paid. Isn't that true?
On CDMA, when I roam from Sprint to Verizon, there is an indicator that tells me I'm on a roaming connection. I still have service, it may be throttled, but service nonetheless. What happens when I go to a T-Mobile "Service Partner" area. Does it tell me that I'm roaming, or does it still say it is a T-Mobile connection? And shouldn't it connect automatically? And would it only roam on those "Service Partner" towers or would it pick up ATT in a T-Mobile area where T-Mo's connection sucks (say in a building where ATT works and T-Mo doesn't)?

hdad2 said:
Wait, wait, wait....
I was told that a difference between a pre and post paid plan was the ability to roam. This is domestic roaming, not international. So my assumption is that means when I look at a coverage map and see areas that are labeled as "service partner", this is where T-Mobile has agreements to poach off of ATT's network. So this wouldn't be available to prepaid customers, but should be to post paid. Isn't that true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will use the "Service Partner" network which (you're right) is usually AT&T but can be other smaller carriers as well.
And would it only roam on those "Service Partner" towers or would it pick up ATT in a T-Mobile area where T-Mo's connection sucks (say in a building where ATT works and T-Mo doesn't)?"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the part that you're confused on. Tmobile will never do that. It will only switch to a partner network where tmobile has agreements to do so. So if you're in a building in San Francisco and there is no tmobile coverage, but there is ATT coverage, you're stuck with no service. But If you're in Montana, there is no Tmobile service but tmobile has an agreement with ATT to use their service, it would use it then.

aooga said:
This is the part that you're confused on. Tmobile will never do that. It will only switch to a partner network where tmobile has agreements to do so. So if you're in a building in San Francisco and there is no tmobile coverage, but there is ATT coverage, you're stuck with no service. But If you're in Montana, there is no Tmobile service but tmobile has an agreement with ATT to use their service, it would use it then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was afraid that was the answer. So instead of being controlled tower by tower on the device itself (with a PRL like CDMA), it is controlled tower by tower on the towers themselves?

hdad2 said:
I was afraid that was the answer. So instead of being controlled tower by tower on the device itself (with a PRL like CDMA), it is controlled tower by tower on the towers themselves?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but to be honest though in most areas its going to allow roaming because of the fact that there is a big metro area or widely known or h re any coverage area. Everywhere I've gone that I was roaming on AT&T network AT&T was big in that area. Like for example upstate New York its pretty much either Verizon or AT&T and I was roaming on AT&T near Dansville, Arkport, Etc... Buffalo and Rochester area great when it came to LTE.
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XxLostSoulxX said:
Yeah but to be honest though in most areas its going to allow roaming because of the fact that there is a big metro area or widely known or h re any coverage area. Everywhere I've gone that I was roaming on AT&T network AT&T was big in that area. Like for example upstate New York its pretty much either Verizon or AT&T and I was roaming on AT&T near Dansville, Arkport, Etc... Buffalo and Rochester area great when it came to LTE.
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But did those areas have any T-Mobile service at all? I was hoping that roaming meant att would pick up the T-Mobile holes around me (big holes in buildings). From what I'm learning, that will never happen. Unless there is some sort of trickery that can accomplish this I don't know about....

hdad2 said:
But did those areas have any T-Mobile service at all? I was hoping that roaming meant att would pick up the T-Mobile holes around me (big holes in buildings). From what I'm learning, that will never happen. Unless there is some sort of trickery that can accomplish this I don't know about....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In some areas I was getting edge, in other parts it would have no service at all and it would roam on AT&T.
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app

hdad2 said:
But did those areas have any T-Mobile service at all? I was hoping that roaming meant att would pick up the T-Mobile holes around me (big holes in buildings). From what I'm learning, that will never happen. Unless there is some sort of trickery that can accomplish this I don't know about....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, sadly there is no trickery or anything that can be used to roam on AT&T when Tmobile hasn't partnered with them.

hdad2 said:
But did those areas have any T-Mobile service at all? I was hoping that roaming meant att would pick up the T-Mobile holes around me (big holes in buildings). From what I'm learning, that will never happen. Unless there is some sort of trickery that can accomplish this I don't know about....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. To put it simply. If at&t allowed tmob users to roam on their network like you wanted, everybody would jump on T-Mobile and save some money. Those roaming agreements cost money. Usually these smaller carriers, T-Mobile included, figure the cost to profit to population density ratio and decide where they should buy roaming from bigger carriers. And I am sure this situation is very few and far between, but I wouldn't be surprised if Verizon and at&t have a handful of roaming agreements with sprint or T-Mobile in a few areas for whatever reason. And these would likely be in the Midwest, possibly northwest america since the pop. density can be so low in many areas it is more economical to for them to do that than build out. Remember the major 4 carriers we have now bought up a lot of smaller carriers on there way to being the major players they are now.
sent from my sm-900t.

@rbiter said:
Lol. To put it simply. If at&t allowed tmob users to roam on their network like you wanted, everybody would jump on T-Mobile and save some money. Those roaming agreements cost money. Usually these smaller carriers, T-Mobile included, figure the cost to profit to population density ratio and decide where they should buy roaming from bigger carriers. And I am sure this situation is very few and far between, but I wouldn't be surprised if Verizon and at&t have a handful of roaming agreements with sprint or T-Mobile in a few areas for whatever reason. And these would likely be in the Midwest, possibly northwest america since the pop. density can be so low in many areas it is more economical to for them to do that than build out. Remember the major 4 carriers we have now bought up a lot of smaller carriers on there way to being the major players they are now.
sent from my sm-900t.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps, but this is in effect how CDMA roaming works. It is not so specific as GSM apparently. Even in a sprint saturated area, if I was in a building where only Verizon was available, it would roam to Verizon. And knowing how it works means that prl edits make it possible to put the phone on the network you want (although it's a sure way to get slapped with charges or booted from the carrier of you abuse it).

aooga said:
No, sadly there is no trickery or anything that can be used to roam on AT&T when Tmobile hasn't partnered with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, to the OP - I'm in the same boat; big wake up call! I'm coming from Sprint, who I'd been with since 2002... free roaming was their saving grace as I had service pretty much everywhere. In Colorado, this is huge in the mountains (Estes Park specifically for me). Switched to Tmo in January and couldn't be happier -- even used free international roaming for a week in Nicaragua and was blown away with how good of a feature this is! Decent data coverage nearly everywhere in a 3rd world country! Now here I am 60 miles from home and I have no service anywhere in Estes Park!
I tried the suggestion here, by a Tmo rep stating the Note 3 won't roam due to a 'bug' ( http://www.pocketables.com/2014/02/enable-data-roaming-t-mobile-samsung-galaxy-note-3.html ), but no luck. I do a search, try to connect, but it fails every time. See attached pics.

good explanations everyone, good info for starters