3G on Straight Talk - G2 and Desire Z Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I have CM7 loaded, but doesn't really matter what rom I load, I can't seem to get 3G data speeds. I am getting internet, so that tells me the APN is setup correctly, just not 3G. Any thoughts?
Jason

probably need to look into a different radio

Any ideas? I tried 3 different ones!
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA

The model I have is A7272 and I have an AT&T sim. Do you think the sim tells the phone what band to use for 3G? They have the option of a T-mobile sim, does anyone think that will work?

look up the A7272 on gsm arena to see what 3G band it supports and cross reference it with ATT's 3G band
Sent from my Desire Z via XDA App

I think it was because I had an ATT sim. I got a T-mobile sim and now I'm getting "H" everywhere. Still doesn't seem as fast as Verizon's 3G, but for $45/month I can't beat it. So the A7272 supports HSDPA 900 / 2100, is that why with the T-Mobile sim I can get H, because they have a 2100 HSDPA Frequency?

AT&T uses the 850/1900 spectrum for 3g and the 700mhz spectrum for 4g.
Since your phone supports none of those, that's why.
T-Mobile uses 1700/2100 (requiring both) or 1900 for 3g/4g. now, you only have half of the 2 spectrum requirement so you probably only have "half" 3g. Tmobile uses one spectrum for upload and one for download. I don't know which one is which, but if you only have one, that means you'll only get 3g/4g speed on either uploads or downloads, but not both.

I guess I fell into this trap as well... I bought a desire z thinking I could use 3g on it with my ATT/Straight talk sim. After unlocking and re-roming, I now see the same issue, stuck on Egde, and really slow edge at that.
jch2os, did you see a difference in your service area/call quality switching to the tmobile sim? I've been really happy using an Inspire on Straight talk with ATT's network, do you feel the tmobile service is a downgrade from what you previously had with ATT/Straight talk?
Thanks for the info!

After some research via eBay and Amazon, it turns out that there is two versions of the Desire Z. There is the A7272 which supports the WCDMA 900/2100 MHz bands and the A7275 which supports the 3G 850/1900 MHz bands.
idenlover, if your device is getting EDGE on the Straight Talk sim that runs on AT&T's bands, your device is the A7272 and you should get the T-Mobile Straight Talk sim. I myself am a G2 user on T-Mobile and I can say service and calling is pretty much crystal clear except in school, where there are numerous concrete buildings. Then again, I'm based in Miami, FL so I wouldn't know how service would be on your end. I hope this helps!

if you want AT&T you need the A7275 from bell canada.

Hi all! Look like i have the same problem. I have Desire Z from Russia - with russian symbols in a hard-keyboard. And in FIDO network i have only EGDE signal - never 3G. My question: what a part of phone i need change? Antenna? GSM-module? or something other? Please don't advice me change the phone - i need this keyboard, with russian symbols!!! )
P.S. If anybody know solution this problem in software (any radio, ROM, or etc.) - please, answer me too. I don't want a lot open the phone and change any parts, only if this really needed. )
P.P.S. If it important - my h-boot is 0.84.2000.

Thread moved to Q & A section.

Create a separate thread so more people can help
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 04:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:14 AM ----------
From what I get from your problem is that your phone doesnt support the FIDO network 3g bands. I think that is hardware locked. Hopefully somebody can chime in
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda app-developers app

help! straight talk edge BS!
idenlover said:
I guess I fell into this trap as well... I bought a desire z thinking I could use 3g on it with my ATT/Straight talk sim. After unlocking and re-roming, I now see the same issue, stuck on Egde, and really slow edge at that.
jch2os, did you see a difference in your service area/call quality switching to the tmobile sim? I've been really happy using an Inspire on Straight talk with ATT's network, do you feel the tmobile service is a downgrade from what you previously had with ATT/Straight talk?
Thanks for the info!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
add another one to the list. how did you fix your problem, if at all? this stupid edge crap is garbage.

Related

[Q] G2 3g on AT&T?

If i unlock my G2 using gfree or anyother method will i still have my 3G when i switch it to AT&T from T-Mobile? does anyone know of any problems with signal and what not when it gets unlocked? thanks.
Army_Spec_Ops said:
If i unlock my G2 using gfree or anyother method will i still have my 3G when i switch it to AT&T from T-Mobile? does anyone know of any problems with signal and what not when it gets unlocked? thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will only be to access 2G/edge data speeds, no 3G connectivity since AT&T uses different 3G bands.. assuming you are currently using a T-Mobile G2 with the carrier T-Mobile... :?
You won't have any signal issues unless AT&T has horrible coverage where you live.
you will not change anything hardware related... you just unlock/root your phone which allows you to modify hardware and software related things. But if you don't touch the antenna software then nothing will change
@CaliBoyPhillip; when I was in the states my phone switched from AT&T and T-Mobile all the time (roaming) and still had 3g reception, the phone supports most frequencies.
no im currently using a Aria with AT&T but im getting the G2 or the G2X tomorrow. and ok so i wont lose my 3G?
Army_Spec_Ops said:
no im currently using a Aria with AT&T but im getting the G2 or the G2X tomorrow. and ok so i wont lose my 3G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
G2x will work with At&ts 3g/4g. As for G2 I was told it doesn't support the 3g/4g from at&t. Remember the buy out isn't final yet.
Sent from my HTC Desire Z/G2 using XDA Premium App
SnowOokami said:
you will not change anything hardware related... you just unlock/root your phone which allows you to modify hardware and software related things. But if you don't touch the antenna software then nothing will change
@CaliBoyPhillip; when I was in the states my phone switched from AT&T and T-Mobile all the time (roaming) and still had 3g reception, the phone supports most frequencies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmmm Interesting... it was prob due to the reason that you were roaming but if he uses an AT&T SIM on his SIM unlocked G2 from T-Mobile, he won't have 3G access I think... The G2 runs on 850/900/1800/1900 for edge and 1700/2100 radio for 3G data, meanwhile AT&T operates on 850/1900 for EDGE and 850/1900 for 3G.... not compatible !
EDIT: source for the bands ATT uses for 3G gotten from here.. http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=14003
CaliBoyPhillip said:
hmmm Interesting... it was prob due to the reason that you were roaming but if he uses an AT&T SIM on his SIM unlocked G2 from T-Mobile, he won't have 3G access I think... The G2 runs on 850/900/1800/1900 for edge and 1700/2100 radio for 3G data, meanwhile AT&T operates on 850/1900 for EDGE and 850/1900 for 3G.... not compatible !
EDIT: source for the bands ATT uses for 3G gotten from here.. http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=14003
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THis is correct. The G2 WILL NOT work with ATT 3G. If you want 3G you need to purchase the NAM (North American Model) of the Desire Z. It is sold in Canada on the Bell Network. You can find it online unlocked and unbranded and it WILL work on ATT no problem. It is going to cost you though, 450-550 depending where you get it.
Same reason iphone won't connect to tmobile 3g...amazing people still don't understand this
Sent from my Vision using XDA Premium App
ok so stupid question but im gonna ask it anyways lol is there anything that i can do to make it work with 3G if i dont want to buy the desire z?
Not unless you know how and which chipset to replace on the board. Ie not possible.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Army_Spec_Ops said:
ok so stupid question but im gonna ask it anyways lol is there anything that i can do to make it work with 3G if i dont want to buy the desire z?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, the phone's hardware is what decides what bands it can use.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2
Get a desire Z from rodgers Canada the 3g bands are the same
To bad radio isn't software
It's to bad that phones don't have the radio frequencies programmable in software (much like an fm radio). Is that even possible?

[Q] Changing GSM Band Lock

Hi Guys,
Well, this is my first time posting here, so hello to you all!
Anyway, down to my problem. I have a Desire Z A7272 running on the Australian Telstra network. I just bought a new sim card today that is Next G activated.
I have a few problems which I am hoping to solve by asking you experts First of all note that the Telstra Next G network runs on the 850mHz bandwidth, which I believe my phone does not support. Seeming as I live in regional Australia, this is undesiarable because although 21000mHz is supported and available, Telstra only runs it in the metro area, where it doesn't reach me.
I was searching the net for a couple of days until I found a forum where it explained how to lock the GSM bands. I can't link it as I have lost the page. What I did was dial *#*#4643#*#* and change the network lock to "United States". This was because in the US they don't have the 900mHz band they use the 850mHz band and I was hoping to get my phone to use the 850mHz band.
Now to my 2 problems.
1. When I locked the phone to the 850mHz band, it seems that I can't access *#*#4643#*#* anymore. I type the number in, and nothing opens. I was wondering how to fix this so I could set it up to "Automatic" again.
2. I was wondering if there is anyway hardware or software wise to be able to access and use the 850mHz network. If you could link or quote some reliable/trusted sources that would be excellent. I will take unknown sources but will do with caution, I don't want to break my 2 week old phone.
Thanks guys, sorry for the essay.
Haash.
EDIT: Please note that my phone is running Android 2.3.3 with HTC Sense 2.1.
Your phone is only capable of accessing whatever bands your hardware is designed to. I don't know the specs for your Desire Z, but if the bands you want are not listed in the hardware specs, you will NEVER get them. You would need to investigate whether there is a desire z model built to run on the gsm spectrum you need.
For example, here in the US, Tmobile and AT&T phones can be unlocked to use on each other's EDGE network. But no magic code can ever give them the hardware needed to run each other's 3G network.
Sent from my T-mobile G2 using Tapatalk
Nospin said:
Your phone is only capable of accessing whatever bands your hardware is designed to. I don't know the specs for your Desire Z, but if the bands you want are not listed in the hardware specs, you will NEVER get them. You would need to investigate whether there is a desire z model built to run on the gsm spectrum you need.
For example, here in the US, Tmobile and AT&T phones can be unlocked to use on each other's EDGE network. But no magic code can ever give them the hardware needed to run each other's 3G network.
Sent from my T-mobile G2 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, now all I need to do is get my *#*#4643#*#* working again so I can change it back to the 21000mHz network that I can use.
For anyone wondering:
Europe:
HSPA/WCDMA: 900/2100 MHz
GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
Asia Pacific:
HSPA/WCDMA: 900/2100 MHz
GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
BUT, for the Tmobile G2 (American version)
GSM:
850, 900, 1800, 1900
UMTS:
1700/2100, 2100
Thanks, does anyone know how to unlock *#*#4643#*#*?
Sent from my HTC Desire Z
It could possibly be that the code you're using isn't correct. I believe it is *#*#4636#*#*
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
hellorufino said:
It could possibly be that the code you're using isn't correct. I believe it is *#*#4636#*#*
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh wow thank you so much. I feel like a complete idiot now. Thanks a ton.
Sent from my HTC Desire Z
i wish the new roms can make this possible, i want to force 3g sometimes..

Xperia play 4g on tmobile usa

Hey I was wondering if u unlock sim card on the at&t xperia play if it will connect to tmobiles 4g or at least the 3g, I will be gettin the r800at soon and wanna know if anyone has it on tmobile and if they are getting 3g or 4g.
If someone already posted this I'm sorry I searched but couldn't find anything
Thanks
You'll be getting EDGE or 2G whatever you want to call it. T-Mobile runs on a special frequency that AT&T doesn't.
That sucks that's the reson I wanted the r800at ohwell thanks for the info
Hope 3g or 4g will work once the merger happends with at&t and tmobile lol
coronasailor said:
Hope 3g or 4g will work once the merger happends with at&t and tmobile lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-mobile in the US uses the same band it uses in the UK. Thats why it differs from the other US GSM networks If you buy a EU device you can use T-Mobile 3G.
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk
I dont mean to rain on anyones parade, but i thought id go and check this out because that didnt sound correct.
Tmobile 3g seems to require the AWS band, no available model of the xperia play carries that band.
Tmobiles setup uses one band for uplink and one for down, not one or the other, these bands being 1700 and 2100, the r800i carries 900/2100 and the r800a and r800at carry 800/850/1900/2100.
as you can see theres no 1700 band available on any xperia play model afaik. so it appears you might be sol sorry :/
Thanks for all the info so its stupid tmobile that sucks they should have just came out with a tmobile one when the one for at&t came out such jerks well at least I can play games lol ill just have to conect to wifi when I wanna download stuff or watch videos ohwell
T-Mobile needs to step up and get OFF 1700! NOBODY uses that freq! I WANT 3G
Hell ya I agree I only got tmobile cuz they had the sidekick 2 back in the day and just never changed kept doin the 2 year contract thing ohwell
"I dont mean to rain on anyones parade, but i thought id go and check this out because that didnt sound correct.
Tmobile 3g seems to require the AWS band, no available model of the xperia play carries that band.
Tmobiles setup uses one band for uplink and one for down, not one or the other, these bands being 1700 and 2100, the r800i carries 900/2100 and the r800a and r800at carry 800/850/1900/2100.
as you can see theres no 1700 band available on any xperia play model afaik. so it appears you might be sol sorry :/""
When I flashed my R800at to 2 different generic stock firmwares (which changed my model number to R800i & R800a)my mobile connection changed to Edge. It also changed when I went into the settings>network mode& change it to "GSM only". It only went back to H or HSPA & 3g when I changed the APN's & changed network mode back to WCDMA (preferred)/GSM. Does that mean that the AT&T XPlay can connect to an Edge(2g) network but not Tmobile's 3g network?? What if we changed the APN? If anyone tries this please post the results here.
Ok so I was wrong & I can confirm that the Att Xperia Play will not work on Tmobile's 3g or 4g under any circumstances. Only edge/2g data will work due to the difference in bands as was mentioned here.
Sent from my R800a using XDA App
well... that sucks. looks like i'll be getting an amaze 4g when i get back from Africa in spring!
(i only ordered the no-contract AT&T xperia play 4g to use on the "orange" network here, i don't want to have AT&T in the states. only t-mobile and verizon have 4g in my area, and i want to keep GSM for next time i travel, so t-mobile it is)

[Q] Unlocked Desire HD won't find network/get signal

Hi all,
I was hoping someone could help me with a problem I've had with my HTC Desire HD. I've unlocked the phone (but not rooted) having moved from the UK to Canada and wishing to use a Canadian sim card in my phone.
However, I don't get any signal or any network with my Canadian (Virgin) sim card. It accepts the sim card and allows me to use the phone, but I get no signal whatsoever. I've tried taking the battery out and waiting 30 minutes, and have gone off and onto airplane mode to attempt to get it to connect to a network, but nothing.
Is this something that rooting the phone could help with? Is the fact that I'm in a different country anything to do with it? The only network it can even find is called 'EXT' but it won't connect. Anyone able to help?
Some extra info:
Model Number: HTC Desire HD a9191
Android Version: 2.3.5
HTC Sence Version: 3.0
Software Number: 3.13.61.5
Any help would be so greatly appreciated.
I'm going to cover the obvious first, you put the sim cover back on right? Its needed for the antenna
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA
marsdta said:
I'm going to cover the obvious first, you put the sim cover back on right? Its needed for the antenna
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the cover is back on.
The other strange thing, is that the phone recognizes a Canadian number in the Phone Identity.
I've tried a different Canadian sim card, and that works. The sim card that is not getting signal works in other phones too.
It's all a bit odd.
Sounds like its the sim card is the issue. I had a similar encounter a while back, my sisters tmo sim wouldn't work but my brothers tmo would. So it could be just needing a new sim or the carrier might have some kind of lock on their Sims. Just because a phone is sim unlocked d doesn't guarantee any sum will work its kind of a trial and error sometimes
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA
marsdta said:
Sounds like its the sim card is the issue. I had a similar encounter a while back, my sisters tmo sim wouldn't work but my brothers tmo would. So it could be just needing a new sim or the carrier might have some kind of lock on their Sims. Just because a phone is sim unlocked d doesn't guarantee any sum will work its kind of a trial and error sometimes
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks mate. Perhaps I'll take it down to where I got the sim card, see if they're able to help me out or not.
Desire HD from UK will not work at all in Virgin Mobile Canada.
VM Canada as being a virtual operator uses the Bell Mobility Network.
Bell Mobility works in LTE band and 3G but 850 MHz and 3G 1900 MHz.
Desire HD does not have those bands in 3G (only 900 and 2100 MHz).
Desire HD has 850 MHz and 1900 MHz band but only for GSM 2G. But Bell Mobility does not have GSM network. Only 3G and LTE.
Here is the list of the mobile operators in Canada. You can use SIM card from any operator which has GSM 850, 900 or 1900 MHz or 3G 900, or 2100 MHz.
http://maps.mobileworldlive.com/network.php?cid=88&cname=Canada
(but please check if any of those compatible operators have any coverage in your area. From the network you found it seems that Execulink Telecom has the coverage but it will be only 2G).
You may see people using there Desire HD in VM network, but if you take a closer look, this is actually HTC Inspire 4G which is basically Desire HD but for the North American market with LTE and different band radio modules.
Hmm learn something new everyday. Didn't know virgin didn't have an 2g network, that explains the op issue
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA
marsdta said:
Hmm learn something new everyday. Didn't know virgin didn't have an 2g network, that explains the op issue
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be completely honest, Bell Mobility has a 2G network, but it's CDMA (also with Ev-DO) so completely another story, not related to Desire HD or Inspire 4G

[Q] R800at for USA T-Mobile - Anyone using this setup?

I will be finishing my contract with VZ in about 2 months and I have seriously been considering getting a R800at (AT&T Xperia PLAY) and unlocking the bootloader to also remove the simlock. So that I can use it on T-Mobile here where I live. VZ has sucky service in my area and I hate them anyways.
My question is are there anyone people here using the AT&T 4G (I know its not 4G but 3.5G Xperia PLAY) on T-Mobile and with TMo converting their 2G to AT&T 3G compatibility are you able to use the 3G service on your PLAYs?
I know the service coverage is all subjective to where you live, just curious if anyone is doing this and what their feedback / thoughts are on it.
Thank you in advance
ozzmanj1 said:
I will be finishing my contract with VZ in about 2 months and I have seriously been considering getting a R800at (AT&T Xperia PLAY) and unlocking the bootloader to also remove the simlock. So that I can use it on T-Mobile here where I live. VZ has sucky service in my area and I hate them anyways.
My question is are there anyone people here using the AT&T 4G (I know its not 4G but 3.5G Xperia PLAY) on T-Mobile and with TMo converting their 2G to AT&T 3G compatibility are you able to use the 3G service on your PLAYs?
I know the service coverage is all subjective to where you live, just curious if anyone is doing this and what their feedback / thoughts are on it.
Thank you in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the R800a on T-mobile USA and im stuck on Edge which is 2g. If you want 4G or 3.5G for your play your stuck with At&t otherwise if you go to t-mobile usa your stuck with 2g on your R800at the same boat as me.
I get 4g fine with an att sim on straight talk but sadly only 2g with t mobile sim. Suppose it doesn't matter to me though since in using r800i firmware. Stuck on 3g
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
CrypticRook said:
I get 4g fine with an att sim on straight talk but sadly only 2g with t mobile sim. Suppose it doesn't matter to me though since in using r800i firmware. Stuck on 3g
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight supports at&t frequences and towers.
ozzmanj1 said:
I will be finishing my contract with VZ in about 2 months and I have seriously been considering getting a R800at (AT&T Xperia PLAY) and unlocking the bootloader to also remove the simlock. So that I can use it on T-Mobile here where I live. VZ has sucky service in my area and I hate them anyways.
My question is are there anyone people here using the AT&T 4G (I know its not 4G but 3.5G Xperia PLAY) on T-Mobile and with TMo converting their 2G to AT&T 3G compatibility are you able to use the 3G service on your PLAYs?
I know the service coverage is all subjective to where you live, just curious if anyone is doing this and what their feedback / thoughts are on it.
Thank you in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you considered using your 800X on another CDMA network instead of buying an 800AT?
Xperia Player said:
Have you considered using your 800X on another CDMA network instead of buying an 800AT?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Most of my family has switched to tmobile. That and I can get an awesome rate as I have a relative who can hook us up n
Sent from my GT-P7510 using xda premium
ozzmanj1 said:
No. Most of my family has switched to tmobile. That and I can get an awesome rate as I have a relative who can hook us up n
Sent from my GT-P7510 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An awesome rate stuck on 2G doesn't sound worth it to me.
I would look into: Sprint, Boost Mobile, Metro PCS.
(Not sure if Virgin Mobile and Straight Talk are CDMA tho)
There's a list of current locations where T-Mobile support the 1900MHz band, you'll have to check it to make sure you're in one of those area, and to be on the safe side, not on the edge but within the city zone. http://www.androidcentral.com/tags/t-mobile
I live in Miami which is one of the supported location so I did exactly that. I cancelled my LG Nexus 4 preorder since it's taking a long time to ship and bought an R800i, talk about vast gap in performance. I will report on it once it get here, but I'm already certain it'll work in my area since already tested it on other devices.
Not sure if it's possible to unlock the R800at through Sony website method though.
I'm using the $30 100min and 5gb T-Mobile plan, usually keep an extra $10 deposited which give an extra 100min, and using the Vonage app to make free outgoing VoIP call.
Sent from my R800x
*Edit Note: R800i do not work on ATT nor T-Mobile 3G!
eksasol said:
There's a list of current locations where T-Mobile support the 1900MHz band, you'll have to check it to make sure you're in one of those area, and to be on the safe side, not on the edge but within the city zone. http://www.androidcentral.com/tags/t-mobile
I live in Miami which is one of the supported location so I did exactly that. I cancelled my LG Nexus 4 preorder since it's taking a long time to ship and bought an R800i, talk about vast gap in performance. I will report on it once it get here, but I'm already certain it'll work in my area since already tested it on other devices.
Not sure if it's possible to unlock the R800at through Sony website method though.
I'm using the $30 100min and 5gb T-Mobile plan, usually keep an extra $10 deposited which give an extra 100min, and using the Vonage app to make free outgoing VoIP call.
Sent from my R800x
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My brother works for HP, but knows the Utah state Region Director. (Southern ID, and UT) With the deal I would be able to get a plan with 5 lines, 3 with 500 minutes and up to 5gb of data on each, then 200 minutes on the last two phones with only 200mb of data. As it would only be my wife and I, we would be able to set it up for about $45 for both phones with the 500 each, and 5gb of data for about $50-55 a month. Currently we are paying $120 a month for VZ and its service blows.
Yes, currently where I live there is no converted 2G from T-Mobile but eventually it will roll out. I am pretty sure I can live with 2G until its converted, couldnt be any slower then VZ where I live (50-70kbps)
Did some digging, this is T-Mobile USA's spectrum chart for 2G
850 MHz/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSPA 2G/3G
1900 MHz UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+ 3G/4G
AT&T Spectrum
Frequencies used on the AT&T Network
850 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE 2G
1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE 2G
850 MHz UMTS/HSPA 3G
1900 MHz UMTS/HSPA 3G
I realize that T-Mobile service is again, subjective, but I really do love this phone and despite borrowing a S3 for about a week, and a couple other phones, I really just dont have a strong desire to jump to another phone. I really enjoy this phone for what it was designed, gaming. And each time i use a a phone to play touchscreen gaming I want to scream.
On a side note, the Region Director did mention that he estimate sometime between second to 3rd quarter of next year where I live we should go live on the 2G conversion.
Actually 2G atleast on T-Mobile is more like average of 20-30kbps, at least from my experience. You will be able to use email and xda app, and slow webbrowsing, and Google Maps. Downloading apps from the Play Store is out of the question unless its small or you want to wait long.
Edit Note: Actually the speed is faster at 80-100kbps after speedtest.
I was considering rebuying the unlocked version of the S3 as well because of this 1900mhz support, but then there is a thread in its forum with tons of people S3 having hardware death.
Sent from my R800x
eksasol said:
Actually 2G atleast on T-Mobile is more like average of 20-30kbps, at least from my experience. You will be able to use email and xda app, and slow webbrowsing, and Google Maps. Downloading apps from the Play Store is out of the question unless its small or you want to wait long.
Sent from my R800x
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I am always around wifi, at home and or at work (I work about 60 hours a week) I dont generally download from the PLAY store via 3G. And its not VZ's terribly slow data that driving me nuts its their service, I have had so many dropped calls, my wife too (Droid X)
But I guess what I am asking is, when the conversion is completed in my area, would I then be able to have 3G on this device? I guess we wont know for sure until it happens, but again T-Mobile did start converting it to give unlocked iphones on their service 3G.... and to free up spectrum for the planned rollout of their own LTE network.
I will let you know when I get my R800i in a few days, but I'm pretty certain of it. Many people have been utilizing this such as ATT iPhone owners and T-Mobile 3G worked on my Samsung Captivate.
Edit Note: Found out the R800i do not work with ATT nor T-Mobile 3G, but an unlocked R800at does.
Sent from my R800x
eksasol said:
I will let you know when I get my R800i in a few days, buy I'm pretty certain of it. Many people have been utilizing this such as ATT iPhone owners and T-Mobile 3G worked on my Samsung Captivate.
Sent from my R800x
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mention R800i. While I am looking at the R800at. Should I be looking into the R800i rather then the R800at for T-Mobile in the USA?
Also any feedback you can provide when you get your R800i would be appreciated.
Here is whats listed as the bands for the R800i:
Band
GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband)
So guessing that with those bands in mind I should be looking into the R800i if I want to utilize T-Mobile USA's 3G network, and perhaps even maybe their 3.5...?
Actually the bands you listed are GSM bands, GSM are 2G.
The 3G bands for ATT and on the R800at are: 850/1900/2100MHz. Either having 850 and/or 1900 + 2100 support will get you 3G.
For T-Mobile, 3G bands are: 1700/2100 (known as AWS or UMTS). Some area have support for 1900 like we discussed. This is where the interlap come in and where unlocked phones that support 1900/2100 bands can get 3G on both T-Mobile and ATT.
There are different levels of 3G, the coverage area might be different. Lowest level usually is UMTS, have the widest coverage and use less battery, but slowest speed, I usually get an average of 3Mbps. Then there is HSPA and HSPA+, which have a large range of speed depending on the version (check Wikipedia). T-Mobile have Dual Cell HSPA which have theoretical capability of 42Mbps, but realistically you will get half of that, and not all devices support it, I get up to 26Mbps with this, outdoor and close to the cell tower of course. From experience, I find T-Mobile obviously have faster 3G speed, but sometimes poorer building penetration.
The Play support: HSDPA 7.2Mbps and HSUPA 5.76Mbps, so that's the max speed this device will be getting on 3G.
You can check the device specs on gsmarena.com for bands support, but they are not always accurate so beware.
This is also why I recommend Nexus phones, because the last two Nexus are pentaband 3G devices, which mean they can get 3G on every GSM carrier in the world. There are few pentaband devices and fewer good pentaband phones.
Well I got my R800i, but disappointingly it doesn't get 3G with T-Mobile, but I checked the spec again and it seem the R800i only support the HSDPA 900 / 2100 bands, I didn't realize this sooner since all other international phones I have bought do support the 1900 band so I just assumed.
But the AT&T version do support the 1900 / 2100 bands, so I'm still confident if you buy that version and figure out how to unlock it, you will be able to get 3G on T-Mobile in the 1900MHz supported areas.
I did a speedtest of the 2G speed and I get around 80-100kbps download speed. So about 10kilobytes per second.
Side note, on the dialer, you can dial: *#*#4636#*#* which will bring you to a menu where you can set which band the phone will use, although it is labeled by region (you'll have to press the Menu button to bring up the option).
eksasol said:
Well I got my R800i, but disappointingly it doesn't get 3G with T-Mobile, but I checked the spec again and it seem the R800i only support the HSDPA 900 / 2100 bands, I didn't realized this sooner since all other international phones I have bought do support the 1900 bands so I just assumed.
But the ATT version do support the 1900 / 2100 band, so I am still confident if you buy that version and figure out how to unlock it, you will be able to get 3G on T-Mobile in the 1900MHz supported areas.
I did a speedtest of the 2G speed and I get around 80-100kbps download speed. So about 10kilobytes per second.
Side note, on the dialer, you can dial: *#*#4636#*#* which will bring you to a menu where you can set which band the phone will use, although it is labeled by region.
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Thank you for the info and thank you for clarifying.
Sent from my R800x using xda premium
So after that I went on ebay looking for an unlocked R800at. Found one, not great price, but it was at a pawn shop 1.5miles from my house so I picked it up.
Here are the results: (see attached images).
Somethings I found:
-You have to search for the network operators and select specifically the 3G T-Mobile network. Might need to manually enter the APN for data/mms to work.
-With stock AT&T rom, I only seem to see the phone switching between E (2G) and H+. Since HSPA+ coverage isn't as abundant and you might see the signal deteriorate quickly depending on your location coverage. Edit: I see the 3G and H logo with R800i rom, may be it was just cosmetic?
-With stock AT&T rom, I can't seem to log into Google's Market at all regardless with Data or WiFi while using the T-Mobile sim. Maybe a limitation ATT specifically put in? But this is no problem after flashing another rom.
-As expected, Bootloader Status: Not_Rootable. So I can not get into fastboot mode meaning it require the test point method to unlock the bootloader. Still, I can easily flash the R800i ftf which will allow the NXT rom to be bootable (the ftf that work for me is the R800i_4.0.2.A.0.58_Enhanced). Then root it using "SuperOneClick", had to use x-Parts's CWM installer version 5 to correctly install cwm.
Still will have to fiddle with it more to see what else I can find. As for the R800i I will have to suck up the 15% restocking fee.

			
				
chery2k said:
I have the R800a on T-mobile USA and im stuck on Edge which is 2g. If you want 4G or 3.5G for your play your stuck with At&t otherwise if you go to t-mobile usa your stuck with 2g on your R800at the same boat as me.
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How did you unlock it for use with t-mobile? I searched the forums to no avail. The only way I can find is to use a code you have to buy or you have to request through at&t and I don't have at&t so they won't provide me with one.
I can find ways to unlock the bootloader... is that the same thing?
Sorry I'm not familiar with sony ericsson
blu422 said:
How did you unlock it for use with t-mobile? I searched the forums to no avail. The only way I can find is to use a code you have to buy or you have to request through at&t and I don't have at&t so they won't provide me with one.
I can find ways to unlock the bootloader... is that the same thing?
Sorry I'm not familiar with sony ericsson
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Click to collapse
With the code your thinking of the sim unlock. Which you can get from AT&T, if you want the bootloader unlocked you need to get in touch with Alejandrissimo to unlock it... its a free service he offers.
Check you PM

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