Develop Bugs

World Phone Opinions

Hey guys, just wanted to see what peoples experiences have been with the world phone capabilities. I will be travelling to New Zealand this December and want to get an idea of the best way to go about using my phone there.
I am currently running UKB, but would plan on using something stock like andybonestock for my travels...(unless we actually get the ics source before XMAS and we have a stock ics ROM that is 100% functional). I was thinking about buying a certain amount of data while there so I don't have to rely solely upon wifi hotspots.
What have you fellow users been doing when going abroad and what was your experience?

I just got back from a 2 wk trip in Italy and ran AndyBoneStock just like you're thinking.
I simply used the preinstalled SIM card from Vzw and had them activate it so it would work with their European partner, Vodafone--more expensive than unlocking it and installing a local SIM card but I wasn't really planning to use the phone too much and this way I'd keep my own telephone number. I also signed up for Vzw's 100MB of global data for $25, as much for insurance against the occasional or accidental overcharge as anything else.
I was able to make and receive calls pretty much everywhere BUT the data connectivity SUCKED. Maybe it was the fault of their European partner, Vodafone or maybe I screwed up some setting, but I could only pick up a data signal the first couple of days and from then on, no data on the go (even in major cities like Venice, Florence and Rome). I kept getting notification that I'd lost data roaming but clicking the notification would only jump me to the mobile data settings page where I already had data roaming enabled, so I was never able to sleuth it out. I ended up relying on WiFi for email and web connectivity. And when I landed back in the US, my phone locked on to 3G within a few seconds, so I'm thinking it wasn't my settings. \_O_/
And another note, texts from the US always came through blank, with a "message format not supported" message. WTF?
So, what's the take-home lesson? See if you can talk to somebody who's traveled to NZ and get tips on whose carrier to use--Vzw's or a local SIM once you've unlocked your phone.

Not a problem
I've used the phone in Germany, France, Switzerland, London, and Malaysia with no problem. I called Verizon and had the SIM unlocked so I was able to use local SIM cards. I'm running rooted stock so I can't comment on any custom ROMs.

I've used the phone in India, Amsterdam and London - stock rooted worked fine in each location. I had VZ unlock the phone right after I got it, but used the built-in Vodafone SIM and never tried a pay-as-you-go SIM since there really wasn't any need.
On my last trip, CM 7.2.0 worked fine with an APN change to use the "VZW Embedded GSM" settings I pulled from the stock ROM. The phone would switch from Orange to O2 to Vodafone NL depending on whatever it found in the area. Speeds were pretty decent as well. Texting worked, but I never tested MMS so I can't comment there.
This phone has been excellent for those reasons: working CM7 port, world radios and decent speed/features/battery life. It will be a tough search to find a suitable replacement.
xene97 said:
I've used the phone in Germany, France, Switzerland, London, and Malaysia with no problem. I called Verizon and had the SIM unlocked so I was able to use local SIM cards. I'm running rooted stock so I can't comment on any custom ROMs.
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Click to collapse

joeinternet said:
I've used the phone in India, Amsterdam and London - stock rooted worked fine in each location. I had VZ unlock the phone right after I got it, but used the built-in Vodafone SIM and never tried a pay-as-you-go SIM since there really wasn't any need.
On my last trip, CM 7.2.0 worked fine with an APN change to use the "VZW Embedded GSM" settings I pulled from the stock ROM. The phone would switch from Orange to O2 to Vodafone NL depending on whatever it found in the area. Speeds were pretty decent as well. Texting worked, but I never tested MMS so I can't comment there.
This phone has been excellent for those reasons: working CM7 port, world radios and decent speed/features/battery life. It will be a tough search to find a suitable replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Are you guys referring to the stock froyo - downgraded root as the ROM? It would be nice to use something like CM7 over the froyo...more options and whatnot.

i used my dinc2 both in germany and in india during a trip. i had two pretty bad mistakes during this time.
one was that i forgot to have my sim unlocked so i had to wait for a week before i could ask my family in the U.S to call verizon and get the unlock code. i did get a few calls before i got a local sim that i mistakenly took and was charged the ridiculous roaming fee. i think it was like 8 dollars for just 3 minutes of talking.
after unlocking it, making and receiving calls were fine, but my data connection was a pain in the a$$. apparently vzw phones cant get apn settings automatically, so unless you have internet to look them up your screwed. i didnt know this at the time and i kept annoying the cellular guy because i thought he messed something up, but it was in fact my phone. i'd recommend getting an app like tweakker to get your apn settings automatically, provided you do have wifi connection.
other than all that, the phone is pretty great abroad. but i would like to know if anyone else got a full 3G connection abroad. for some reason i was only getting edge speeds.
ps. make sure you put your phone in gsm mode and not in global mode once you get a local sim.

I'd like to know how this goes for people, too. I will be traveling to Mexico and buying a Telus SIM or two for the trip.
Plan to use my DInc 2 and a used Aria for me and my wife.
My DInc 2 is unlocked and rooted but my first attempt at using a T-Mobile SIM was unsuccessful (on Skyraider). Will flash rooted 2.3.4 OTA and install tweakker apk and see how things go. Thanks to all for their input on this thread.
Would love to hear if CM7 is working well with GSM networks.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

I've used mine in Europe with a sim from ekit. Reasonable price and good connectivity.
For New Zealand, they charge 49 cents per megabyte.

UK & Ireland
I unlocked my Dinc2 before heading to the UK and Ireland (really simple phone call to Verizon). I was running aeroevan's cm9 from 8/22 while I was overseas. While in the UK, I went to ASDA - the Walmart of Britain and bought a prepaid SIM (it's actually a Vodafone SIM) for 20 pounds that had 500MB of data, unlimited texts and 1000 minutes (I think). Popped the SIM in and filled out the APN settings under System Settings > Wireless & Networks: More > Mobile networks > Access point names. Changed the Network mode to GSM/WCDMA preferred and was good to go. While in Ireland, I got an O2 SIM for about the same price with a little more data. Changed the APN settings to O2 and was good to go there, too.
Hope that helps.

RangerSteve said:
I unlocked my Dinc2 before heading to the UK and Ireland (really simple phone call to Verizon). I was running aeroevan's cm9 from 8/22 while I was overseas. While in the UK, I went to ASDA - the Walmart of Britain and bought a prepaid SIM (it's actually a Vodafone SIM) for 20 pounds that had 500MB of data, unlimited texts and 1000 minutes (I think). Popped the SIM in and filled out the APN settings under System Settings > Wireless & Networks: More > Mobile networks > Access point names. Changed the Network mode to GSM/WCDMA preferred and was good to go. While in Ireland, I got an O2 SIM for about the same price with a little more data. Changed the APN settings to O2 and was good to go there, too.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks dude...I imagine NZ will be a similar scenario to the UK.
Sent from my ViperDinc

RangerSteve said:
I unlocked my Dinc2 before heading to the UK and Ireland (really simple phone call to Verizon). I was running aeroevan's cm9 from 8/22 while I was overseas. While in the UK, I went to ASDA - the Walmart of Britain and bought a prepaid SIM (it's actually a Vodafone SIM) for 20 pounds that had 500MB of data, unlimited texts and 1000 minutes (I think). Popped the SIM in and filled out the APN settings under System Settings > Wireless & Networks: More > Mobile networks > Access point names. Changed the Network mode to GSM/WCDMA preferred and was good to go. While in Ireland, I got an O2 SIM for about the same price with a little more data. Changed the APN settings to O2 and was good to go there, too.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you able to get 3G speeds doing this? I have read reports of some users stuck on edge when using GSM data.

T-mobile s4 in nz

Hi, I'm planning on going on a long trip to nz and would like to use my phone over there. I know it has to be unlocked and stuff, but once that is all said and done, would I still have to change the radio to have good signal? The last time I went on my vacation with my sensation, the signal wasn't all that great until I flashed a radio that worked well for nz users, was wondering if that'll apply to the s4 as well. Thanks.

bump

I am an American living in Australia. (very similar mobile infrastructure w/ NZ. Kiwis to Aussies are just like Canadians to Americans)
I actually ordered the Tmo m919 sent here because all the avail bands for tmo (I still have tmo in the US). I bought it in full. Just got it a few days ago and after unlock it works great! IMO I think the tmo variant is one of the best out there. The octocores are a joke as they do not save anything on battery life not to mention performance gains. I've used tmo S3 and the tmo S4 has just about all the avail international bands out there. The only thing is there are not many dev in tmo based roms but plenty can be ported over from the i9505 variant.
On stock firmware:
1) no need to change APNS. After unlock I popped the local SIM here works great. The beauty is I pop my Tmobile SIM in, turn on wifi calling. Turn off roaming and make calls home w/ 100% clarity over wifi dialing direct US numbers w/o incurring any international fees.
Wifi calling really shines here. Will only work with active Tmobile SIM (tmo phone number).
2) All data, mms works great
3) AU and NZ do not have LTE. Just be thankful they just rolled out 4G for most networks here. There are plenty of patchy areas of 3G. Sometimes really bad in the city.
On custom firmware:
1) works even better!
2) wifi tethering hack is really good when u don't have decent internet access.
3) a lot of cheap prepaid packages here. cellular communications is about the only inexpensive thing here in AU/NZ compared with other commodities/services in the US.
*** You should call Tmo and get the unlock code well in advance. It has taken from 5-14 days to get an unlock code. My phone is newer so the free unlock method does not work (manufacture date 8/10/13). A good thing I do unlocking on the side so I plug it into my programmer box and unlock in about 3 secs.
Hope this helps

G3 Hotspot.

Has anyone had any experience with the G3's hotspot rooted or non-rooted? Any experience with signals or stability would be greatly appreciated.
A little sob story background: I live in a neighborhood that the Teleco companies have completely neglected. Even though I live in america I only have dial up. Our phones get the very Edge of sprint's LTE network but I'm running a Galaxy S2 with Wimax (which wonderful sprint discontinued a month after I bought the phone) So our only means of internet is a 3G and what little LTE my family can pick up with their various phones. I'm a gamer so I'd like to be brought into the highspeed age finally. Hotspot reliability will make or break buying the LG G3 and I'd love to get a little feedback of what to expect.
Thanks!

Osseon said:
Has anyone had any experience with the G3's hotspot rooted or non-rooted? Any experience with signals or stability would be greatly appreciated.
A little sob story background: I live in a neighborhood that the Teleco companies have completely neglected. Even though I live in america I only have dial up. Our phones get the very Edge of sprint's LTE network but I'm running a Galaxy S2 with Wimax (which wonderful sprint discontinued a month after I bought the phone) So our only means of internet is a 3G and what little LTE my family can pick up with their various phones. I'm a gamer so I'd like to be brought into the highspeed age finally. Hotspot reliability will make or break buying the LG G3 and I'd love to get a little feedback of what to expect.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works just the same as any other device for me, been using it a lot for my chromebook had no dropouts or issues.

Would I be able to use this phone as a hotspot out of the box like I can with my Nexus 5 or would I have to go through my carrier for that? I use my Nexus 5 as a hotspot for my Nexus 7 when I'm out and about. I wouldn't want to have to start paying monthly for that function.

partylikeaninjastar said:
Would I be able to use this phone as a hotspot out of the box like I can with my Nexus 5 or would I have to go through my carrier for that? I use my Nexus 5 as a hotspot for my Nexus 7 when I'm out and about. I wouldn't want to have to start paying monthly for that function.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should work out of the box like any android phone

Are you Verizon unlimited, and that's why you're asking? If you just need something, what about FreedomPop? I know, I know - sleazy company - but they're wedded to Sprint's LTE/WiMax exsting network (if you're close), and you might be able to rig an antenna/amp to pull in that LTE. It's what I do to get V (and formerly AT&T) in my basement.
I'm keeping an eye on this thread, too, as I'm curious. I've got a JB iPhone to get the hotspot and keep my unlimited. I actually use the hotspot about once every 2-3 months, and usually for less than 1/4 of my phone-only data, so it galls me to consider adding ~$500/yr for those couple times I need a sip of data when I'm on the road. I'll be switching to the G3 as soon as its released, and seeing how it's like on the android side of things.

Protagoras said:
Should work out of the box like any android phone
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Click to collapse
But does every phone work out of the box with tethering? I'm on T-Mobile with an older unlimited data plan, if that helps.
Coming from a Nexus 4 and 5, tethering was always an option in the settings. My concern is whether or not it's still an option in a skinned version of Android or will I need to add tethering to my plan and use a T-Mobile branded app?

partylikeaninjastar said:
But does every phone work out of the box with tethering? I'm on T-Mobile with an older unlimited data plan, if that helps.
Coming from a Nexus 4 and 5, tethering was always an option in the settings. My concern is whether or not it's still an option in a skinned version of Android or will I need to add tethering to my plan and use a T-Mobile branded app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some of T-Mobile's older unlimited plans don't like you using wifi tethering. I'm on an older unlimited and once in a while I get a webpage telling me to upgrade my plan. I'm currently using an HTC Sensation though and thinking of getting the G3.

overzeetop said:
Are you Verizon unlimited, and that's why you're asking? If you just need something, what about FreedomPop? I know, I know - sleazy company - but they're wedded to Sprint's LTE/WiMax exsting network (if you're close), and you might be able to rig an antenna/amp to pull in that LTE. It's what I do to get V (and formerly AT&T) in my basement.
I'm keeping an eye on this thread, too, as I'm curious. I've got a JB iPhone to get the hotspot and keep my unlimited. I actually use the hotspot about once every 2-3 months, and usually for less than 1/4 of my phone-only data, so it galls me to consider adding ~$500/yr for those couple times I need a sip of data when I'm on the road. I'll be switching to the G3 as soon as its released, and seeing how it's like on the android side of things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does freedom pop have true unlimited? No hidden data charges and all the data I can handle? I've used about 30gb in the last month on my 3G connection and probably another 20GB in the last 4 days on my mother's LTE. This is using Sprint's unlimited data plan. I burn through the GB and 5-10gb a month just wouldn't do.
EDIT: Just checked and no Freedom pop doesn't Calculating the data charges for my current useage would cost me about $2000 a month. No thanks.

sykozylot said:
Some of T-Mobile's older unlimited plans don't like you using wifi tethering. I'm on an older unlimited and once in a while I get a webpage telling me to upgrade my plan. I'm currently using an HTC Sensation though and thinking of getting the G3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why I need to know how native tethering works on a G3.

Tethering is the same as any other android phone. The G3 supports wifi, blue tooth and USB tethering. How this works with US versions of the phone I dont know. In the UK tethering is monitored and controlled by the network not the phone, so the phone still has the capability. If you have a plan that allows tethering, and you dont have a crippled version of the phone there's no difference, its just like any other android phone.

Dubhar said:
Tethering is the same as any other android phone. The G3 supports wifi, blue tooth and USB tethering. How this works with US versions of the phone I dont know. In the UK tethering is monitored and controlled by the network not the phone, so the phone still has the capability. If you have a plan that allows tethering, and you dont have a crippled version of the phone there's no difference, its just like any other android phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you're saying the ability to turn the G3 into a hotspot can be found in the settings menu?

partylikeaninjastar said:
So you're saying the ability to turn the G3 into a hotspot can be found in the settings menu?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What provider are you using?

partylikeaninjastar said:
So you're saying the ability to turn the G3 into a hotspot can be found in the settings menu?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless your using some carried modified version of the G3 it should be under the settings menu as "tethering & networks"

partylikeaninjastar said:
So you're saying the ability to turn the G3 into a hotspot can be found in the settings menu?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's correct.

Osseon said:
Does freedom pop have true unlimited? No hidden data charges and all the data I can handle? I've used about 30gb in the last month on my 3G connection and probably another 20GB in the last 4 days on my mother's LTE. This is using Sprint's unlimited data plan. I burn through the GB and 5-10gb a month just wouldn't do.
EDIT: Just checked and no Freedom pop doesn't Calculating the data charges for my current useage would cost me about $2000 a month. No thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn, that's serious (mobile) data! No, FP would be just to get you connected, not an all-you-can-eat buffet. (I used it as backup on the road, but their coverage around me sucked)

[Q] Use Note 3 as modem in Germany?

Hi,
I'll be taking my TMo Note 3 to Germany, and will use a local Sim there (Fonic).
It comes with 5Gb of data, and I'd like to use my phone as a modem for my laptop.
Do I need an app for that, or will the Tmobile tethering option work?
I'm on lycamobile here, and when connected via wifi, I can use Tmo usb tethering to share with my laptop.
Not sure if it will work with a 3G data connection.

If you are on a custom rom the tethering provision should allow it to work perfectly (if included). If your stock it'll check the carrier provisioning and eww to fonic...thats O2 (which is EDGE in 90% of the country, 3G is just in major areas....and midsized towns basically) unless you are going to south germany or going to like munich.
Tmobiles 3G coverage is much much more extensive there, 4G too! a lot of it.

nxneko said:
If you are on a custom rom the tethering provision should allow it to work perfectly (if included). If your stock it'll check the carrier provisioning and eww to fonic...thats O2 (which is EDGE in 90% of the country, 3G is just in major areas....and midsized towns basically) unless you are going to south germany or going to like munich.
Tmobiles 3G coverage is much much more extensive there, 4G too! a lot of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, if I'm rooted stock, are there apps that will work?
So far, I've had no problems over there, using Fonic or O2 in the Duesseldorg/Koeln area, but I'd be happy to try something else.
I'll check into tmobile over there.

siskiou said:
So, if I'm rooted stock, are there apps that will work?
So far, I've had no problems over there, using Fonic or O2 in the Duesseldorg/Koeln area, but I'd be happy to try something else.
I'll check into tmobile over there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it does not work you can just try FoxFi. Anyways, if it works in that area it works. When I go I get dragged around so I need "Anywhere" type of reliability, I go in Aug but also to london so I think this time im just using the stock 128kbps free international. its faster then ISDN .shrug.
But O2 - Roaming from Verizon - was severely spotting for me when I was in pfalzgrafenweiler area....that edge....so much edge....so much loading. from the maps O2 is strong in cities and large towns but if your staying in a small village its a toss up

nxneko said:
If it does not work you can just try FoxFi. Anyways, if it works in that area it works. When I go I get dragged around so I need "Anywhere" type of reliability, I go in Aug but also to london so I think this time im just using the stock 128kbps free international. its faster then ISDN .shrug.
But O2 - Roaming from Verizon - was severely spotting for me when I was in pfalzgrafenweiler area....that edge....so much edge....so much loading. from the maps O2 is strong in cities and large towns but if your staying in a small village its a toss up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe I'm just used to slow speeds!
My parents live in a smaller town, but o2 seems okay there. I don't do anything like streaming videos, while over there, and for email, websurfing and skype, it seems to work okay.
I'll install a couple of tethering apps, and hope, something works. *g*
Giffgaff worked well for me in London the past 2 years, but I'm always on the lookout for cheap!
If I had Tmobile here, I might go for the simple plan, but they told me that they might cut me off, if I only use it here for a few days, before going to Germany for 2 months.

Supplementary services not working on N975F/DS with AT&T

Hey so I am having an issue where the Supplementary Services on my N975F/DS are not working with AT&T but seems to work fine with a T-Mobile SIM. Whenever I try to open Supplementary Services with my AT&T SIM inserted it gives me an error "Failed to read data. Something went wrong. Check your SIM card or network connection, then try again."
I have already tried the following:
Replaced my AT&T SIM card twice
Reset Network settings
Spoke with multiple AT&T representatives who allegedly changed some stuff on the "backend" to fix it but in reality it did nothing.
I am on Android 10 running Dr.Ketan rom Q07. Only have 1 SIM card inserted, the other slot has my MicroSD card.
So any ideas on what I could try to get this fixed?
Thanks!

This isn't the answer you want but change carriers. I have the same device and AT&T didn't play nicely with it. Slow data and no wifi calling. I switched to TMobile (and mint for a cheap second line) and it works perfectly.

sansnil said:
This isn't the answer you want but change carriers. I have the same device and AT&T didn't play nicely with it. Slow data and no wifi calling. I switched to TMobile (and mint for a cheap second line) and it works perfectly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've thought about it for a while now, just didn't want to pull the trigger since I have everything with AT&T (been with them since they were CIngular/Pac-Bell). How's the coverage and signal strength compared to AT&T? Any downsides/issues after switching?

eL_MeXiCaNo said:
I've thought about it for a while now, just didn't want to pull the trigger since I have everything with AT&T (been with them since they were CIngular/Pac-Bell). How's the coverage and signal strength compared to AT&T? Any downsides/issues after switching?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a good question. I was an AT&T customer for 10+ years before bailing and I had some concerns about T-Mobile's coverage and network but I was pleasantly surprised their coverage was right there with AT&T and the Verizon phone I use for work. Coverage probably varies for everyone based on where they live but I've been using T-Mobile for almost a year and no regrets. It's a nice perk getting Netflix for $2 a month and they support RCS for text and Wifi calling. Btw, I don't work for T-Mobile or even own stock, just sharing my experience with them.

sansnil said:
This isn't the answer you want but change carriers. I have the same device and AT&T didn't play nicely with it. Slow data and no wifi calling. I switched to TMobile (and mint for a cheap second line) and it works perfectly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sansnil said:
That's a good question. I was an AT&T customer for 10+ years before bailing and I had some concerns about T-Mobile's coverage and network but I was pleasantly surprised their coverage was right there with AT&T and the Verizon phone I use for work. Coverage probably varies for everyone based on where they live but I've been using T-Mobile for almost a year and no regrets. It's a nice perk getting Netflix for $2 a month and they support RCS for text and Wifi calling. Btw, I don't work for T-Mobile or even own stock, just sharing my experience with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't own stock? Well too bad, I'm sure my extra $50 a month would of made you a billionaire :laugh: xD
But yeah after extensive troubleshooting with multiple AT&T reps, replacing my SIM card multiple times and even trying my sisters AT&T SIM with the same error it is official that AT&T does not like non-AT&T phones. I got a prepaid T-Mobile SIM and popped it in to try it our for a month and boom Supplementary services works like a charm with it. So looks like I have to live with it until I decide to pull the trigger and switch to T-Mobile.
For everyone else who stumbles into this thread via google, you will get nowhere really with AT&T reps, nothing they do will fix this as it is an issue with AT&T itself and not the phone. So if you want to use call forwarding you will need to reach out to AT&T directly and have them set it up as not even MMI codes work... or just switch to T-Mobile. Hopefully AT&T does some backend changes to fix this and get it working but not holding my breath.

eL_MeXiCaNo said:
You don't own stock? Well too bad, I'm sure my extra $50 a month would of made you a billionaire :laugh: xD
But yeah after extensive troubleshooting with multiple AT&T reps, replacing my SIM card multiple times and even trying my sisters AT&T SIM with the same error it is official that AT&T does not like non-AT&T phones. I got a prepaid T-Mobile SIM and popped it in to try it our for a month and boom Supplementary services works like a charm with it. So looks like I have to live with it until I decide to pull the trigger and switch to T-Mobile.
For everyone else who stumbles into this thread via google, you will get nowhere really with AT&T reps, nothing they do will fix this as it is an issue with AT&T itself and not the phone. So if you want to use call forwarding you will need to reach out to AT&T directly and have them set it up as not even MMI codes work... or just switch to T-Mobile. Hopefully AT&T does some backend changes to fix this and get it working but not holding my breath.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you get ATT VoLTE working with N975F? If yes, how?