Related
For those people on US GSM carriers (AT&T and T-Mobile) who can't or don't want to switch to Verizon and are waiting for or interested in a Galaxy Nexus cheaper, better than an imported GN, read on.
This purpose of this thread is to compile some data for turning a Verizon Galaxy Nexus into a working phone for GSM carriers. This thread will be updated often. The Verizon GN might turn out to be cheaper and better than importing a $700 phone if we turn a Verizon GN (dual CDMA/LTE) into a phone for GSM with some hacking and tinkering.
Think about it. So far, the main differences between the international and Verizon GN are:
International Galaxy Nexus
GSM/HSPA+
16GB storage
1750 mHz battery
slightly thinner than Verizon GN
$700 (imported, unlocked)
Verizon Galaxy Nexus
CDMA/LTE
32GB storage
1850 mHz battery
slightly bulkier than GSM GN
$199 (2-year contract, data, rumored)
Overall, the Verizon GN appeals more because of the bigger storage (which is better because of the lack of SD card or USB mass storage support), 1850 mHz battery (more juice), and LTE (which you can always turn off by rooting if you don't like the battery drain).
Ultimately, if we can early terminate the Verizon contract and fully unlock the Verizon GN with some hacking and tinkering, we may be able to get a cheaper, better, fully functional 32GB, LTE supporting Galaxy Nexus for the people on GSM carriers.
All we need to confirm is if the Verizon Galaxy Nexus has the hardware that can support the GSM bands. Google and Samsung have said that all Galaxy Nexus variants are penta-band (which might mean support for GSM in the Verizon GN).
Questions that are already answered:
1. Does the Verizon Galaxy Nexus have a SIM-card slot?
Yes, it does. See here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPzoSgTYxc4
The regular SIM can be resized and works in a micro SIM slot. See here:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/09/how-to-resize-your-sim-and-drink-the-sweet-nectar-of-mobile-fre/
Questions that need answering:
1. Can you use a GSM sim card in a Verizon GN (dual CDMA/LTE)?
dnlsmy said:
I don't think so, but the Radio on my GSM Galaxy Nexus is defaulted to GSM/CDMA Auto, so it may be possible. I think it might just be calls and no data though, or maybe edge speeds. Actually, I don't think it will be at all possible IMHO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Raibyn said:
The Verizon Galaxy Nexus will definitely have a SIM card slot. All LTE phones have to have a SIM. Even some non-LTE Verizon phones have a spot for a SIM card and have a GSM radio for use as a world phone. However, I thought I read somewhere that the Verizon Galaxy Nexus will not be a world phone, which would indicate no support for GSM networks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
JCopernicus said:
Verizon model is SCH i515. (No GSM)
International Model (GSM out already) is i9250 (pentaband)
2nd GSM Models is i9250T (850/1900 - ATT compatible only)
3rd GSM i9250M (pentaband)
So, by stealing a phone from Verizion you will have a phone that you'd have to imei fake in order to use on another compatible LTE carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks to these guys above for enlightening the issue, so my conclusion is that
you can't do ***t with a Verizon Galaxy Nexus on GSM carriers. TOO BAD FOR THE PEOPLE ON AT&T and T-MOBILE. JUST BUY THE $700 PHONE with 16 GB, 1750 mHz, and BLAH BLAH.
neok44 said:
the verizon version that passed the FCC has NO GSM bands in it. so this is never happening.
an AT&T ONLY version of the GNex just passed the FCC, so if your on AT&T you can wait and get your own.
if your on t-mobile, go buy the international one or wait god knows how long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Solution for people on AT&T:
Wait for release of AT&T version (possibly in Dec., but then again, AT&T just got on the train, so most likely before end of Jan.)
It just cleared FCC
http://www.phonesreview.co.uk/2011/12/02/galaxy-nexus-for-att-only-passes-fcc/
Solution for people on T-Mobile:
Buy the international, pentaband GN
I am not responsible for your device and not promoting any hacking
The Verizon version probably won't even have a GSM radio. Or sim card slot.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
I'm not sure that the Verizon variant of the Galaxy Nexus even has a sim-card slot. It's my understanding that CDMA phones usually do not. It wouldn't make any sense for Verizon to put one in their phones.
Sim card slot is present. See here:
youtube watch?v=iPzoSgTYxc4
As for the GSM radio, it's still needs confirmation and it's just rumors at this point. It needs confirmation, people
The Verizon Galaxy Nexus will definitely have a SIM card slot. All LTE phones have to have a SIM. Even some non-LTE Verizon phones have a spot for a SIM card and have a GSM radio for use as a world phone. However, I thought I read somewhere that the Verizon Galaxy Nexus will not be a world phone, which would indicate no support for GSM networks.
psero said:
For those people on US GSM carriers (AT&T and T-Mobile) who can't or don't want to switch to Verizon and are waiting for or interested in a Galaxy Nexus cheaper, better than an imported GN, read on.
This purpose of this thread is to compile some data for turning a Verizon Galaxy Nexus into a working phone for GSM carriers. This thread will be updated often. The Verizon GN might turn out to be cheaper and better than importing a $700 phone if we turn a Verizon GN (dual CDMA/LTE) into a phone for GSM with some hacking and tinkering.
Think about it. So far, the main differences between the international and Verizon GN are:
International Galaxy Nexus
GSM/HSPA+
16GB storage
1750 mHz battery
slightly thinner than Verizon GN
$700 (imported, unlocked)
Verizon Galaxy Nexus
CDMA/LTE
32GB storage
1850 mHz battery
slightly bulkier than GSM GN
$199 (2-year contract, data, rumored)
Overall, the Verizon GN appeals more because of the bigger storage (which is better because of the lack of SD card or USB mass storage support), 1850 mHz battery (more juice), and LTE (which you can always turn off by rooting if you don't like the battery drain).
Ultimately, if we can early terminate the Verizon contract and fully unlock the Verizon GN with some hacking and tinkering, we may be able to get a cheaper, better, fully functional 32GB, LTE supporting Galaxy Nexus for the people on GSM carriers.
All we need to confirm is if the Verizon Galaxy Nexus has the hardware that can support the GSM bands. Google and Samsung have said that all Galaxy Nexus variants are penta-band (which might mean support for GSM in the Verizon GN).
Questions that need answering:
1. Can you use a GSM sim card in a Verizon GN (dual CDMA/LTE)?
My thoughts on this is that both the GSM GN and CDMA GN are dual GSM/CDMA. Only difference is the HSPA+ for the GSM GN and LTE for the CDMA GN. But ultimately, this is just rumor and we need confirmation that Verizon GN (dual CDMA/LTE) can support GSM bands.
2. Can you terminate the $199 verizon GN as soon as you get it? What is Verizon's early termination policy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has a SIM card for the LTE radio. It has NO GSM radio, it has a CDMA radio (it's not a "worldphone" containing a GSM AND a CDMA radio). It won't operate on a GSM network without a GSM radio.
At best you'll be able to get AT&T's LTE service in the 5 cities that it's live in. I don't know off hand if AT&T does voice over LTE. If they don't you won't get any voice service even in LTE areas.
Dude spent all that time writing this post and the Verizon Nexus doesn't even have GSM radios.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Damn.. That would suck for Verizon customers traveling internationally.
Arcadia310 said:
Dude spent all that time writing this post and the Verizon Nexus doesn't even have GSM radios.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, thanks for your input
mstyle88 said:
Damn.. That would suck for Verizon customers traveling internationally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well this is nothing new for Verizon users. Most people don't travel internationally often, so no big deal. Just pick up a cheap $30 prepaid cell if you go.
Why can't phones made to just work on all carriers? CDMA + GSM Penta-Band. I know some phones have CDMA and GSM (for international on Verizon)... why not just do it right and make it available globally at the same time. Then carriers can subsidy it or not... but it would reduce people from buying on a carrier's subsidy, paying an ETF, and leaving.
psero said:
Haha, thanks for your input
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hah, it was a good thought if it were a world phone. All signs so far though have said it's not a world phone though.
Verizon model is SCH i515. (No GSM)
International Model (GSM out already) is i9250 (pentaband)
2nd GSM Models is i9250T (850/1900 - ATT compatible only)
3rd GSM i9250M (pentaband)
So, by stealing a phone from Verizion you will have a phone that you'd have to imei fake in order to use on another compatible LTE carrier.
the verizon version that passed the FCC has NO GSM bands in it. so this is never happening.
an AT&T ONLY version of the GNex just passed the FCC, so if your on AT&T you can wait and get your own.
if your on t-mobile, go buy the international one or wait god knows how long.
neok44 said:
the verizon version that passed the FCC has NO GSM bands in it. so this is never happening.
an AT&T ONLY version of the GNex just passed the FCC, so if your on AT&T you can wait and get your own.
if your on t-mobile, go buy the international one or wait god knows how long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odd they would have make an ATT version in addition to the penta band international version. On second thought, I bet ATT version will have LTE as well. That makes the most sense
JCopernicus said:
Verizon model is SCH i515. (No GSM)
International Model (GSM out already) is i9250 (pentaband)
2nd GSM Models is i9250T (850/1900 - ATT compatible only)
3rd GSM i9250M (pentaband)
So, by stealing a phone from Verizion you will have a phone that you'd have to imei fake in order to use on another compatible LTE carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We don't know that it's AT&T only. FCC doesn't seem to test GSM900 and 1800, so it could have those. It's definitely missing AWS though.
Chirality said:
We don't know that it's AT&T only. FCC doesn't seem to test GSM900 and 1800, so it could have those. It's definitely missing AWS though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T = Australia/Mexico
M = Canada
Looks like the US still won't be getting a GSM version officially for a little bit longer.
Update: It seems the Verizon GN is a global phone:
http://www.phonebuff.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/galaxy-nexus-verizon-32gb.jpg
Isn't IMEI faking discussion illegal here? Reported.
psero said:
Update: It seems the Verizon GN is a global phone:
[/QUOTE]
Don't see where it says it works on anything but Verizon on that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
psero said:
Update: It seems the Verizon GN is a global phone:
http://www.phonebuff.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/galaxy-nexus-verizon-32gb.jpg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is only going to work on a CDMA network and what the chart means that it is global on any international network that supports CDMA (which there are many that I cannot think of off the top of my head).
Curious, do the LTE batteries work in GSM phone? Also does the GSM nexus get HSPA+ on AT&T?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
No, GSM and CDMA phones have different battery shapes, so batteries from one won't work on the other. Can't help with the HSPA+ question, though, sorry!
no they dont but i read somewhere that the droid charge batteries fit, but if they do that would mean no NFC but cheaper samsung brand Batts
I switched from T-Mobile's Galaxy S II to Verizon's Galaxy Nexus, and the batteries are the same...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
the gsm version supports hspa+ as long as the carrier provides it.
Yes, the GSM Galaxy Nexus can get HSPA+ on AT&T, but the thing is, you have to be on an HSPA+ plan to do this. In order to get on an HSPA+ plan with AT&T, you have to have an IMEI registered to your number that corresponds with one of their HSPA+ or LTE phones (Inspire, GS2, Skyrocket, etc). Once you are on one of these '4G' data packages, then you will be provisioned with the appropriate APNs on AT&T's end, and you can get the higher data speeds. Otherwise, you will be stuck on 3G speeds.
Basically what I'm saying is: get an IMEI number for one of AT&T's 4G phones (HSPA+ or LTE, doesn't matter). Call into customer care and tell them you're using that phone, and they will switch you to the corresponding 4G data package. Your price will be the same, unless you have the $10 unlimited data package for non-smartphones.
On my line, for example, it shows me as using a Skyrocket, so my account is provisioned so that I can access the HSPA+ network. However, if I would have gave them the IMEI number for the Galaxy Nexus, it just shows up as Unknown Device, and just gets provisioned with the 3G APNs.
You can find some details on a post from The Verge. Just Google "how to get HSPA+ on AT&T galaxy nexus" and a post from that site should be one of the top results.
Hey guys I was wondering if anyone knew what network modernization meant for us as phone buyers. I am really interested in picking up an S3, but want to continue to use my web2go/tzones plan. I was considering buying either an AT&T or international version and saw http://blog.t-mobile.com/2012/06/14/fast-progress-on-4g-network-modernization/ this article and was wondering the implications. Will the 1900 replace the 1700 in HSPA+? Does that mean phones that work on AT&T(1900/2100) will now work on Tmobile(1700/2100)?
Thanks for any info you guys can provide!
That is correct. Once the refarm is complete we will be able to use phones with the international att bands at full speeds on tmobile. 1700/2100 will be used for LTE
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
I would not get the AT&T or International version just yet. It is quite likely that you will experience slow speeds due to lack of proper frequency support at this time. Eventually T-Mobile's HSPA will be moved over to the 1900 band, however, this is a transition, not a on/off type of thing. There will still be HSPA on 1700 bands for well over a year from now, probably more like two. I think it will be a mix of 1900/1700 bands for HSPA in a couple of years, with LTE in the 1700 band exclusively. So, if you get the AT&T version now, you should hope that your city or region is one of the first for the transition, and don't plan to have good support while traveling. If you are on T-Mobile, you will have to choose great HSPA support now with no LTE ever (T-Mobile version), or no HSPA support now, and maybe some mixed LTE and HSPA support down the road (AT&T version; no LTE on International version).
I would personally get the T-Mobile version if I were you. LTE is not going away, and there will be plenty of LTE phones on T-Mobile in a couple of years. But HSPA has great speeds now, and will still have decent speeds in a couple of years.
The T-Mobile version already supports HSPA+ over 1900 MHz..so it's ready if you're planning on using it on Tmobile.
Just when I thought about dumping T-Mobile, looks like they might be heading in the right direction.
T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S3 SGH-T999 Tapatalk 2
Which Note 2 supports more networks and frequencies; and therefore, which would be more suitable for international travel. Is the Verizon Note 2 even pentaband?
T mobile version because it's gsm which is going to work overseas. Verizon is a CDMA and I haven't read that it has gsm support.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Rhiannon224 said:
T mobile version because it's gsm which is going to work overseas. Verizon is a CDMA and I haven't read that it has gsm support.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, the T-Mobile version will work in more places overseas -- Especially Europe. Just in case, you might want to ask this in the Verizon area also just to make sure. :good:
I'm confused because on Samsungs website, http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones/SCH-I605TSAVZW-specs
the Verizon Model has the GSM frequencies,
is it GSM if unlocked; i believe the Note 2 is already unlocked by verizon, will it work on GSM frequencies internationally?
correct me if I'm wrong, thanks
the verizon Galaxy Note II apparently has the GSM radios,
also has LTE; doesn't AT&T LTE work along same frequencies as verizon LTE
or is the verizon LTE exlusively to CDMA?
All Galaxy Note 2 devices seem to have all WCDMA, GSM, and LTE bands.
But what I understand is that Verizon version is considered as a "world" phone. I know that they tell me that I can use their Galaxy Note 2 on the European Networks.
I have played around with the bands on my T-Mobile Galaxy Note 2 and can get the WCDMA and LTE working. So I don't know if the Modem firmware in all Galaxy Note 2 are the same and just need to be activated by the carrier's sim card or not. Someone please educate us on the this. I know that their is talk of needing OTA update to activate the LTE within T-Mobile GN2. But if the Modem is all the same then can just updating or exchanging the sim card could do the same? Or does the nv file also needs to be updated to activate the band/s as well?
The question is not if Galaxy Note 2 (all verisons) have the bands. But how to (the actual process) activate the band, in question, and get the Galaxy Note 2 in working order with the carrier of choice? What is the method? How to do the process of this method?
Please correct me if I am getting this wrong.
^ good point, and also just to ask about the verizon note 2 again, i thought it carries carries an an additional radio for CDMA, does this mean that the verizon note 2 model has better capabilities worldwide' since it is virtually compatible with all networks in the world (simply tweaks to the frequencies to the radio can get the verizon variant working virtually anywhere) please correct me if I'm wrong here. thanks
N/m ...
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
Problem I have seen in the past with Verizon world phones is that the game frequencies only work overseas. And lte is gsm band. Which is one of the few reasons Verizon phones have a sim slot to begin with
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
All recent Verizon LTE phones have GSM radios built in as well as their own CDMA/LTE radio. The LTE radio is only compatible with their network.
Some of these phones are even shipped out of the box unlocked and can be used immediately on GSM networks in the U.S.
If you do get the Verizon Note II and want to use it on T-Mobile, it will not have support for their HSPA+ 42mbps network, I believe it maxes out at 21mbps, as with all other Note II's around the world except for T-Mobiles.
But doesn't Verizon use LTE on the 700 band just like AT&T and future TMobile LTE?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks
Please correct me if I'm wrong, thank you.
nerdydesi said:
All recent Verizon LTE phones have GSM radios built in as well as their own CDMA/LTE radio. The LTE radio is only compatible with their network.
Some of these phones are even shipped out of the box unlocked and can be used immediately on GSM networks in the U.S.
If you do get the Verizon Note II and want to use it on T-Mobile, it will not have support for their HSPA+ 42mbps network, I believe it maxes out at 21mbps, as with all other Note II's around the world except for T-Mobiles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the Verizon Note2 is like the AT&T Note2 & Sprint Note2 (supporting 21Mbps HSPA+ but not 42Mbps like T-Mobile) but all only with their own respective LTE?..wouldn't it be more cost effective for Samsung just to make 1 phone with all the hardware to support all (isn't the iPhone5 like that now?) or is it cost prohibitive or do carriers not want to make it easier to unlock?
Are we still confident that the T-Mobile Note2 is the best if we want the flexibility to use on all carriers? How often is >21Mbps HSPA+ seen in real world use & why is the disabled LTE not listed at http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1877 ?
So, which is better then, Verizon or T-Mobile? Verizon's Note 2 also includes a CDMA radio whereas the T-Mobile version does not. If you are using the Note 2 in the US, wouldn't you have more flexible options in terms of which carrier to use?
nerdydesi said:
All recent Verizon LTE phones have GSM radios built in as well as their own CDMA/LTE radio. The LTE radio is only compatible with their network.
Some of these phones are even shipped out of the box unlocked and can be used immediately on GSM networks in the U.S.
If you do get the Verizon Note II and want to use it on T-Mobile, it will not have support for their HSPA+ 42mbps network, I believe it maxes out at 21mbps, as with all other Note II's around the world except for T-Mobiles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So do we consider the Verizon Note2 even more carrier flexible than T-Mobile's Note2 (as I was about ready to buy the T-Mobile Note2 to try their $30/mo plan but now having some doubts..if I want this tomorrow I need to order soon) ?
-Thnx
Well LTE On the Verizon Note 2 is only compatible with Verizon's Network. Even if unlocked; the phone's firmware only recognizes LTE if only the Verizon 750 band is detected. Verizon has its own exclusive LTE bands compared to AT&T and Future T-Mobile LTE (sharing the same LTE bands)
SMARTPHONEPC said:
So do we consider the Verizon Note2 even more carrier flexible than T-Mobile's Note2 (as I was about ready to buy the T-Mobile Note2 to try their $30/mo plan but now having some doubts..if I want this tomorrow I need to order soon) ?
-Thnx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cannot speak to the CDMA radio issue, but I am positive that Verizon LTE will not work with any GSM LTE phone. The frequencies are similar, but Verizon is using a different LTE protocol. I asked that question a long time ago, thinking that LTE would finally allow roaming between Verizon and AT&T, but they are too clever to allow such a democratic system to function. They will remain fundamentally incompatible, not because they need to be, but because they want it that way to keep you locked to your carrier by your choice of device. Nice, eh?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
The Verizon NoteII will (in theory) connect to any gsm carrier. How to do so, I don't know.
Sent from my very "non-stock" TP.
^^^ Well, the Verizon Note 2 will not be able to work with another carrier's LTE than itself.
my experience
Hey folks,
I've got the Verizon Note 2 and I love it. If you're willing to unlock the bootloader and then install a hack onto your device, you'll easily be able to swap the SIM card out and use it just about anywhere. Yes, the phone is carrier unlocked (not the same as bootloader unlocked). The issue is that in the settings, they won't let you add the specific APNs for the carriers you need. I"m not sure how else to get around that without installing some of the hacks. I managed to do it and it works beautifully on Canada's Bell Mobility, HSPA+ is screamingly fast and the LTE on VErizon in the States is just insanely fast. My recommendation: get the Verizon version because they've built out their LTE much more than their rivals at this point.
On anantech the reviewer stated that the tmobile version would be the most compatible. If you get vzw note2 and switch you wont get lte on tmob or att. Quite frankly vzw is too expensive and the coverage from tmobile is getting better by the month. Not to mention their business pricing is better than any of the other carriers.
Hi,
I am thinking about moving my Galaxy S4 and moto RAZR from Verizon wireless to iwireless (a t-mobile affiliate). I understand that I need to unlock my phone but I am unable to find out if I move it to iwireless if I will still have 4G data. The iwireless sales rep said that I will still have voice and 2.5G service but couldn't tell me if I would still have 4G.
I was looking at this table I found on a site explaining how to unlock the phone but I don't know enough about the subject to make an informed decision.
Samsung Galaxy S4
Can someone confirm whether or not my Verizon S4 or RAZR can be unlocked to work with the iwireless/t-mobile 4G network?
sgibbers17 said:
Hi,
I am thinking about moving my Galaxy S4 and moto RAZR from Verizon wireless to iwireless (a t-mobile affiliate). I understand that I need to unlock my phone but I am unable to find out if I move it to iwireless if I will still have 4G data. The iwireless sales rep said that I will still have voice and 2.5G service but couldn't tell me if I would still have 4G.
I was looking at this table I found on a site explaining how to unlock the phone but I don't know enough about the subject to make an informed decision.
Samsung Galaxy S4
Can someone confirm whether or not my Verizon S4 or RAZR can be unlocked to work with the iwireless/t-mobile 4G network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems as though your grasp of the subject is strong enough to know that it might work as you'd like - and it might not. You need to call back and ask to speak to a CSR that actually knows what bands their service works on so they can give you accurate information. That's kind of their job...
Also -
Verizon LTE operates on Band 13 while T-Mob operates on Band 17, both of which carry completely different spectrums; this means no LTE on either of your unlocked phones.There's a slim possibility that you will get intermittent 3G but the most likely scenario is that you will get talk, text and 2G / 2.5G only.
Band 17? My Verizon branded S4 is getting T-Mobile LTE. I'm fairly sure its on band 4.
T-mobile is band 4 which is 1700/2100 mhz. The Verizon s4 is not capable of 1700mhz. But if you are getting 4G it may be because your area is using 2100 mhz. I am specifically moving to iwireless and I was told they use the 1700 mhz band.
Bsliv, how did you unlock you phone?
sgibbers17 said:
Bsliv, how did you unlock you phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many Verizon phones are sim unlocked, so it's most likely unlocked as well
serio22 said:
Many Verizon phones are sim unlocked, so it's most likely unlocked as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I think all Verizon LTE capable phones are unlocked.
The I545 (Verizon S4) can receive LTE on band 4. T-Mobile serves LTE on band 4. The coincidence works well.
bsliv said:
Yes, I think all Verizon LTE capable phones are unlocked.
The I545 (Verizon S4) supports LTE on band 4. T-Mobile serves LTE on band 4. The coincidence works well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My RAZR MAXX HD definitely wasn't SIM unlocked... For the life of me I couldn't get it to work when I moved to ATT from Verizon... Not even GSM would work.
I just need to get some clarification from you guys. Are your VZW phones bought in the US and being in the US on t-mobile's or iwireless's 4g network. Because after I made the first post I went to the phone unlocking place in my local mall and talked to there techs, they said that the VZW S4 will not get 4g. I have also been doing extensive searches online and keep finding half saying it will work and half saying it won't. I have a feeling that the ones that work are working outside of the US as I found posts saying as such.
I read some where that the razr you had to flash the radio FW to get GSM to work properly.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I got my vzw S4 off craigslist but 99% sure it was purchased in the USA. I'm on T-Mobile's $50/mo plan.
Verizon's LTE phones are sim unlocked due to an agreement with the FCC when vzw purchased some bandwidth.
I think there was an update around 03/2014 that enabled band 4 on the I545. Then had to make some apn changes and tell the modem to use gsm/lte on band 4.
The one quirk I have is it will say "no service" after a reboot and until I make or receive a voice call. Then I get the "T-Mobile" instead of "no service" and things work as they should.
bsliv said:
I got my vzw S4 off craigslist but 99% sure it was purchased in the USA. I'm on T-Mobile's $50/mo plan.
Verizon's LTE phones are sim unlocked due to an agreement with the FCC when vzw purchased some bandwidth.
I think there was an update around 03/2014 that enabled band 4 on the I545. Then had to make some apn changes and tell the modem to use gsm/lte on band 4.
The one quirk I have is it will say "no service" after a reboot and until I make or receive a voice call. Then I get the "T-Mobile" instead of "no service" and things work as they should.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll have to go to iwireless and have one of the tech put a SIM card in my s4 and razr to give it a try.
The only options I have for the network mode on my s4 is
Global, LTE/CDMA, and GSM/UMTS. Can you post you settings?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I was just at iwireless today and tested my phone with their network and was unable to get it to work. iwireless is a t-mobile affiliate but they do not use 4G LTE in my area. Their system runs on a 3.8G 1700MHz which the VZW S4 does not have. I am told that they will be starting to switch all the 2G radios in the area to 4G LTE later this year, which should work with my VZW S4. So I am just going to have to wait till the end of the year and go back and test it again.
Frankenscript said:
My RAZR MAXX HD definitely wasn't SIM unlocked... For the life of me I couldn't get it to work when I moved to ATT from Verizon... Not even GSM would work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That phone was before VZW bought the band 4 spectrum and cut the deal with the FCC. All VZW LTE phones are SIM unlocked. Any AWS capable VZW phone is SIM unlocked and can use LTE on band 4. The S4 got it with an update last year.
I am probably going to do the $30 plan soon and plan to use my VZW S4. I am not going to port my number right away in case the service in my area sucks (doubtful, live in DFW in dense surburbia).
I went out off town this weekend and went to a t-mobile store and was able to get 4g service after adding the correct APN. But it is too bad that iwireless that is in my area does not use that band yet, they are staring to upgrade to that band later this year. Until then my s4 will only get edge service.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I was able to get H+ on my s4 from Verizon to tmobile by changing the network mode to global and the App to fast.T-mobile.com
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
With the announcement of the T Mobile $100 2 line unlimited everything, I'm also interested in bringing my Verizon S4 MDK boot loader phone to T Mobile, but want to do my research first-- is it as simple as signing up for T Mobile and getting one of their SIMs and then-- would I be able to flash any of the ROMs in the S4 T Mobile Dev forum or is the T Mobile S4 a completely different device? Any caveats? Would I have to LokiDoki after the flash? Would I need to flash a T Mobile specific radio too (currently on i545vrufnk1)? Or is that all just overcomplicating things? Would i be able to just adjust the APNs on my current ROM after inserting a T Mobile SIM?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Quick reply to my post and for anyone else interested-- there's a post here that talks about using a 4.4.2 T-Mobile ROM by Fenny on the a Verizon S4: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=57453019 I've tried it and LTE works great, MMS works properly, phone calls work as well. I'm on the Verizon i545vruamdk bootloader and Verizon i545vrufnk1 radio. The ROM is a T-Mobile m919uvufnb4 by Fenny.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk