Develop Bugs

[Q] GT-N7100 T-Mobile USA Prepaid

Is anyone using the international version of the Note 2 (Which I gather has the model number N7100) on T-mobile in the US? I am only interested in makign sure HSPA+ "4G" speeds will work for me.
In case originating country matters, I am looking to import from India.

The 3g speed will not work on T-mobile only edge. I am using At&t and I am having hspa+.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

kojaraty said:
The 3g speed will not work on T-mobile only edge. I am using At&t and I am having hspa+.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried using it? The 7100 specs show support for 2100 band o 3G and wikipedia says T-Mobile runs on 1700/2100 for 3G. Do both bands need to be supported for it to work?

pvc104 said:
Have you tried using it? The 7100 specs show support for 2100 band o 3G and wikipedia says T-Mobile runs on 1700/2100 for 3G. Do both bands need to be supported for it to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, TMo US uses a split AWS band 1700/2100 for 3G and needs both to work.
However, in some cities TMo has refarmed some spectrum at 1900MHz for 3G use, and if you are lucky enough to be in one, you would get 3G.
Regards,
Dave
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

pvc104 said:
Have you tried using it? The 7100 specs show support for 2100 band o 3G and wikipedia says T-Mobile runs on 1700/2100 for 3G. Do both bands need to be supported for it to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For t-mobile USA, their HSPA+ network (or 4G you called) use AWS band, which refers to 1700/2100. The international version N7100 is UMTS/HSPA 800/850/1900/2100. This N7100 is missing the t-mobile USA magic number 1700. So you will not get their HSPA+ speed.
However, with recent t-mobile project on refarming their PCS1900 frequency in the US, the N7100 will work on HSPA+ network, BUT not at current moment in all states. Only specific cities such as Las Vegas, NV will work.
T-mobile USA promised the PCS1900 band will fully operate by end of 2012, so i would say NO for now, but yes in year 2013.
It will depend on how long you would like to wait but t-mobile does have galaxy note 2 (model SGH-T889) which might start selling on October 24, 2012.
Side Note - October 24, 2012 is a big day for US people who want galaxy note 2 as this is the day Samsung Mobile Electronics USA makes for the US Launch events in New York City for Samsung Galaxy Note 2 for all 5 US major wireless carriers. :good::good::good::good::good:

foxmeister said:
Yes, TMo US uses a split AWS band 1700/2100 for 3G and needs both to work.
However, in some cities TMo has refarmed some spectrum at 1900MHz for 3G use, and if you are lucky enough to be in one, you would get 3G.
Regards,
Dave
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
njfpolyr6 said:
For t-mobile USA, their HSPA+ network (or 4G you called) use AWS band, which refers to 1700/2100. The international version N7100 is UMTS/HSPA 800/850/1900/2100. This N7100 is missing the t-mobile USA magic number 1700. So you will not get their HSPA+ speed.
However, with recent t-mobile project on refarming their PCS1900 frequency in the US, the N7100 will work on HSPA+ network, BUT not at current moment in all states. Only specific cities such as Las Vegas, NV will work.
T-mobile USA promised the PCS1900 band will fully operate by end of 2012, so i would say NO for now, but yes in year 2013.
It will depend on how long you would like to wait but t-mobile does have galaxy note 2 (model SGH-T889) which might start selling on October 24, 2012.
Side Note - October 24, 2012 is a big day for US people who want galaxy note 2 as this is the day Samsung Mobile Electronics USA makes for the US Launch events in New York City for Samsung Galaxy Note 2 for all 5 US major wireless carriers. :good::good::good::good::good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys, I really appreciate the input. Gives me a better idea of what I am looking at. I spoke to T-Mobile and it looks like my area does not have 3G on 1900/2100 as yet. (Though a couple of towns close by seem to have gotten it recently).
I was looking at getting the phone quickly as I am stuck with a Nokia N9 with a cracked screen and need a new phone.
I really dislike the T-mobile branding on the phone. Are there any other issues like locked Bootloader or T-Mobile bloatware I should be worried about? And do they sell unlocked versions from day one?

pvc104 said:
Thanks guys, I really appreciate the input. Gives me a better idea of what I am looking at. I spoke to T-Mobile and it looks like my area does not have 3G on 1900/2100 as yet. (Though a couple of towns close by seem to have gotten it recently).
I was looking at getting the phone quickly as I am stuck with a Nokia N9 with a cracked screen and need a new phone.
I really dislike the T-mobile branding on the phone. Are there any other issues like locked Bootloader or T-Mobile bloatware I should be worried about? And do they sell unlocked versions from day one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, in my opinion i would say i will get the t-mobile branded t-mobile galaxy note II. Reason why is the FCC report for SGH-T899 shows it is LTE ready. N7100 is LTE capable, but you wont be able to use T-mobile LTE network when they finsihed deploying. Again, T-mobile LTE magic number is 700 and 1700 for their LTE band frequency. I am not exactly sure if N7100 has 700 mhz band, but if not, then it will be stuck in HSPA+ while others can enjoy the LTE speed.
Yes, SGH-T899 does have t-mobile bloatware, and bootloader might be unlocked but since you are in this forum, so i am sure great developers in this forum can get easily fixed.
They dun sell unlocked version, but if you are the t-mobile primary account holder, you can call them for the unlock code. They will email you unlock code and instruction with 48 hours.
Side Note - N7100 UMTS/HSPA max speed is 21Mbps. T-mobile branded SGH-T899 is 42.2Mbps max speed for HSPA+.

pvc104 said:
Is anyone using the international version of the Note 2 (Which I gather has the model number N7100) on T-mobile in the US? I am only interested in makign sure HSPA+ "4G" speeds will work for me.
In case originating country matters, I am looking to import from India.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am currently using my GT-I9300 on T-Mobile's 1900 band in Las Vegas and i'm getting "ok" speeds of about 4-6mbps down and 1mbps up in certain areas and at certain times. For example during night time i get that speed but throughout the day i get 2-4 down and 1 up. It's ok, not that great...not awful either but it works. I'm honestly tired of having a beast phone with a crap internet connection. Take the bad with the good if you can.

I'm a little confused. I thought (and was pretty sure) N7100 does not support 4G LTE.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

pvc104 said:
Is anyone using the international version of the Note 2 (Which I gather has the model number N7100) on T-mobile in the US? I am only interested in makign sure HSPA+ "4G" speeds will work for me.
In case originating country matters, I am looking to import from India.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I am.
I live in the DC area and usually get h+. Only problem is that when I am moving around and going into an area that hasn't been refarmed, I pass to edge...
It got so annoying that I bought a nexus 4 and started using that, which always worked on h+ seamlessly.
Too bad I got tired of it after two weeks and went back to the note2! I'm hoping that tmobile will improve the areas it covers with h+...

EDGE only
njfpolyr6 said:
For t-mobile USA, their HSPA+ network (or 4G you called) use AWS band, which refers to 1700/2100. The international version N7100 is UMTS/HSPA 800/850/1900/2100. This N7100 is missing the t-mobile USA magic number 1700. So you will not get their HSPA+ speed.
However, with recent t-mobile project on refarming their PCS1900 frequency in the US, the N7100 will work on HSPA+ network, BUT not at current moment in all states. Only specific cities such as Las Vegas, NV will work.
T-mobile USA promised the PCS1900 band will fully operate by end of 2012, so i would say NO for now, but yes in year 2013.
It will depend on how long you would like to wait but t-mobile does have galaxy note 2 (model SGH-T889) which might start selling on October 24, 2012.
Side Note - October 24, 2012 is a big day for US people who want galaxy note 2 as this is the day Samsung Mobile Electronics USA makes for the US Launch events in New York City for Samsung Galaxy Note 2 for all 5 US major wireless carriers. :good::good::good::good::good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish this was true..I have a Galaxy Note II GT-N7105T:
2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - N7105
4G Network LTE 800 / 900 / 1800 / 2600 - N7105
I live in an area in Las Vegas where 1900 is supposedly refarmed but I am only still getting EDGE.

Can I use unlocked ATT S3 on tmobile $30 monthly 4g?

I am reading it might work on edge only is that true?

Different Bands... no 4g, just E... Maybe someone know more than me but IMO you cant use 4g

You can use the phone but you will be restricted to Edge data speeds. ATT and Tmo use different freq bands for 3G/HSPA.
ATT uses 850/1900
Tmo uses 1700/2100
You may be able to get 3G/HSPA speeds once Tmo refarms its 2G bands as 3G, but who know when that will be.

You will only get EDGE in MOST areas, T-Mobile is "re-farming" the 1900mhz spectrum from 2g to 3g/HSPA. They are doing this in order to be able to use the iPhone on their network, but it would have the same effect for any unlocked phone. They say they'll have their entire network re-farmed by the end of next year. I haven't found an official map, but this has places where it has been sighted: http://www.airportal.de/

dj_spore said:
You will only get EDGE in MOST areas, T-Mobile is "re-farming" the 1900mhz spectrum from 2g to 3g/HSPA. They are doing this in order to be able to use the iPhone on their network, but it would have the same effect for any unlocked phone. They say they'll have their entire network re-farmed by the end of next year. I haven't found an official map, but this has places where it has been sighted: http://www.airportal.de/
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Click to collapse
Looks like there are many spots in Bay Area, CA.

I tried this on my att S3 and got the sim card and was on the phone with tmobile tech for hours...it never worked and he was trying to tell me it was my phone....not...my phone works great with straight talk.

It definitely works on the AT&T phones. I unlocked mine and bought a tmobile prepaid sim the other day. Able to get 3g in San Jose but still only Edge where I live. Will be switching and dropping at&T once the refarm hits my area.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

i live in brooklyn ,NY and i get t-mobile 4g on my at&t s3 i get about 10mbps down and about 1.5 up

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msgnyc said:
You can use the phone but you will be restricted to Edge data speeds. ATT and Tmo use different freq bands for 3G/HSPA.
ATT uses 850/1900
Tmo uses 1700/2100
You may be able to get 3G/HSPA speeds once Tmo refarms its 2G bands as 3G, but who know when that will be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a unlocked phone right now...is there any way to change how the phone receives the freq.??
My phone is asus padfone 2
LTE/WCDMA
HSPA+ UL:5.76 Mbps/DL:21 Mbps
LTE UL:50 Mbps/DL:100 Mbps
3G :
WCDMA :
900/2100
2G :
EDGE/GPRS/GSM : 850/900/1800/1900,
4G:
LTE:
800/1800/2600

[Q] Should I get ATT or TMobile GS3

So I am looking to switch to T-Mobile from sprint and want to get the S3. I understand the T-Mobile GS3 works on HSPA+ and operates on the 1700 Band. I also see that the T-Mobile version does not have LTE. Now the ATT version operates on the 1900 Band and will only work on slower speeds until T-Mobile activates the 1900 Band here. Spoke to several reps and they state sometime this month. Will the ATT GS3 have the LTE that will work on T-Mobile when they activate it? So would it be better for me to get an ATT GS3 so that I have LTE when it becomes available? Thanks in advanced

mastercpt said:
So I am looking to switch to T-Mobile from sprint and want to get the S3. I understand the T-Mobile GS3 works on HSPA+ and operates on the 1700 Band. I also see that the T-Mobile version does not have LTE. Now the ATT version operates on the 1900 Band and will only work on slower speeds until T-Mobile activates the 1900 Band here. Spoke to several reps and they state sometime this month. Will the ATT GS3 have the LTE that will work on T-Mobile when they activate it? So would it be better for me to get an ATT GS3 so that I have LTE when it becomes available? Thanks in advanced
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have Tmobile and it works ok, It depends on the service coverage cause where I live I don't get 4G on any carrier lol.

That's a tough question to answer. Is it a matter of want or need LTE on your mobile device?
Arguably, at&t has better service than t mobile. But since t mobile is still at the stage of refarming their antennas/towers, Tmo could be just the same as their counterpart after its done. I have t mobile and coverage has been excellent. Data speeds are speedy but not quite as fast as at&t's LTE.
On HSPA+, i get great to decent speeds that can get all of my mobile needs online. It would be a plus to have LTE but i don't need it.
Do you get what i trying to get at?
Sorry i had to write this quickly.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

mastercpt said:
So I am looking to switch to T-Mobile from sprint and want to get the S3. I understand the T-Mobile GS3 works on HSPA+ and operates on the 1700 Band. I also see that the T-Mobile version does not have LTE. Now the ATT version operates on the 1900 Band and will only work on slower speeds until T-Mobile activates the 1900 Band here. Spoke to several reps and they state sometime this month. Will the ATT GS3 have the LTE that will work on T-Mobile when they activate it? So would it be better for me to get an ATT GS3 so that I have LTE when it becomes available? Thanks in advanced
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I say go for the Tmobile S3. T-mobile's LTE rollout won't be for a long while, and even when it does become available we don't know if it uses the same LTE band as ATT. My guess is that it won't. Tmobile's HSPA+ is plenty fast where I live for all my needs. You will only get EDGE (2G) speeds with TMobile on the ATT version of the S3 until Tmobile refarms their network. But even if they do refarm where you live by the end of the month, the many other places will still only be covered with the 1700 spectrum.

S3 on Edge is a pointless phone. Even with the 1900 mhz bands rolling out, your data will be spotty at BEST. Even in NYC Manhattan, the 1900 mhz bands are probably 20% complete. Go with the TMO version and you won't regret it.

I get up to 25mbps I average about 7-12 who cares about LTE? Go with T-Mo its cheaper and you will get faster speeds. At my home I get faster data speeds than my baby mama on ATT with her HoX soon to be OG Note
sent from my Samsung Gangster S III on the T-Mobile network

I also have the same dilemma.
If T-Mobile will use LTE on the same frequency as ATT currently does, won't using the ATT SGS3 future proof it for LTE on T-Mobile network?
Am I missing something or do these devices have same specs (except T-Mo having 1700) once 3G moves to 1900 on T-Mo?
OP, I suggest you test T-Mo's network for coverage and speed in your area. I will be doing the same.

Get the T-Mobile version if you value fast data speed.
Don't buy a phone and hoping that it will have the correct technology to work on a network that has not even start to build yet.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

Anybody got T-mobile?

What's up guys. Really thinking of pulling the trigger on the N5100 from eBay or negrielectronics.
But, my question is how well will my data/voice coverage be on T-mobile? I know the phablet uses the 1900Mhz spectrum.
I also know T-Mobile has some 1900Mhz spectrum but I've been wondering about My hometown of ATL, GA.
Anybody here in the ATL metro area? How's your coverage? I'd hate to drop $500+ for a device I can't really use.

I cant remember where I read it but I think that data will only be edge. I hope somebody corrects me if Im wrong but I might wanna wait and see what the new LTE model has in store.

apollostees said:
What's up guys. Really thinking of pulling the trigger on the N5100 from eBay or negrielectronics.
But, my question is how well will my data/voice coverage be on T-mobile? I know the phablet uses the 1900Mhz spectrum.
I also know T-Mobile has some 1900Mhz spectrum but I've been wondering about My hometown of ATL, GA.
Anybody here in the ATL metro area? How's your coverage? I'd hate to drop $500+ for a device I can't really use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will likely be restricted to 2G(edge) only. The N5100 supports the 1900mhz frequency, but not the 1700mhz. Support for both are required for 3G/HSPA+ service on T-Mobile.

unremarked said:
You will likely be restricted to 2G(edge) only. The N5100 supports the 1900mhz frequency, but not the 1700mhz. Support for both are required for 3G/HSPA+ service on T-Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the verification! Haha I remember that guy in yur sig from the HTC One forums. Craziness!

unremarked said:
You will likely be restricted to 2G(edge) only. The N5100 supports the 1900mhz frequency, but not the 1700mhz. Support for both are required for 3G/HSPA+ service on T-Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not exactly true! TMo US has historically used the split 1700/2100 AWS band for 3G, meaning a device needs to support both bands for 3G access. However, since TMo got hold of some spectrum at 1900MHz from AT&T, they've been re farming to provision 3G over that band.
What this means is if you have a device that supports 1900MHz *and* you are in an area where TMo has re farmed the spectrum, you should get 3G.
Regards,
Dave
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD

foxmeister said:
Not exactly true! TMo US has historically used the split 1700/2100 AWS band for 3G, meaning a device needs to support both bands for 3G access. However, since TMo got hold of some spectrum at 1900MHz from AT&T, they've been re farming to provision 3G over that band.
What this means is if you have a device that supports 1900MHz *and* you are in an area where TMo has re farmed the spectrum, you should get 3G.
Regards,
Dave
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sort of. It's not so much that TMobile got a hold of the spectrum from AT&T as much as they've always had it, but it was only used for GSM(aka EDGE aka 2G) service. Yes, they quite a bit from that failed merger which had sped their plans along quite nicely. You're right that the y're refarming/repurposing that frequency for use on their faster data networks but... correct me if I'm wrong, my understanding is that the refarming is being done to support LTE? As the 5110 lacks an LTE antennae, it won't be able to make use of it.
OP, to find out if you're in an area where this refarming is being done check out this website.

[Q] I9500 S4 on American Tmobile Network with missing 1700 Frequency

I live in America and was thinking about ordering the S4 GT-i9500 for Wolfson Audio chip reason. I wanted to use Tmobile because they have the best prices. I saw that the i9500 network is:
Network: 2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE): 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz; 3G (HSPA+ 42Mbps): 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz
And from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-Mobile_US#HSPA.2FHSPA.2B_.224G.22_upgrade, I see that HSPA+ uses 1700/2100 Mhz. It also saids:
Band IV AWS consists of the 1700 / 2100 MHz band pair. Data is transmitted upstream on 1700 MHz and downstream on 2100 MHz. A device must support both frequencies to access T-Mobile's AWS data services.
I don't understand, but sellers on ebay are claiming i9500 will work with Tmobile's 4G in America. How would the i9500 work on the American Tmobile network if it doesn't use the 1700 frequency? What would be the draw back?

Tmobile is refarming its 1900Mhz band for hspa+. If you're in an area that has it you could get 4G with that and pretty good speeds. You won't get LTE and if you're in an area without the 1900 you'll get 2g speeds.

Here's a more technical explanation.
T-Mobile used to exclusively use the AWS (1700/2100) spectrum for DC-HSPA+42mbps. They are currently refarming this for LTE use.
HSPA+21mbps is being moved to the 1900mhz spectrum. So, in areas that have been refarmed, you will have HSPA+ access (NOTE, no 42mbps). In areas that are not refarmed, you'll be limited to EDGE service.
I have a Galaxy S2 GT-i9100, so I have the same limitation. I signed up with T-Mobile about 2 months ago and on a weekly basis, I'm seeing towers refarmed. They intend to have it nearly completed by end of 2013, thus limiting the areas you'll be on Edge only. Eventually, their entire 1900mhz network will be HSPA+ 21, with their AWS network being LTE.

jaykresge said:
Here's a more technical explanation.
...you will have HSPA+ access (NOTE, no 42mbps).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If not 42mbps, what speed?

dman777 said:
If not 42mbps, what speed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Their HSPA+ network on 1900mhz is limited to 21mbps.
Basically, their network prior to refarming was:
1900mhz (PCS) - EDGE
1700/2100mhz (AWS) - DC-HSPA+ 42mbps
They have since acquired a TON of PCS and AWS spectrum from; failed AT&T merger, Verizon spectrum swap, and MetroPCS merger.
This will allow them to expand to new markets currently not served, as well as expand bandwidth in existing markets. So, their current plans are to refarm the network to;
1900mhz (PCS) - HSPA+ 21mbps
1700/2100mhz (AWS) - LTE
There will be some limited spectrum for the old EDGE (PCS) and DC-HSPA+ 42 (AWS) available for legacy devices, but that will eventually (at least 2020, most likely) go away. The goal is to have LTE over their core network by mid-2014, and HSPA+ 21mbps being the expanded fallback network. T-Mobile will also be taking part in the 600mhz auction in mid-2014. Their network plans will be made more clear (VoLTE, LTE-A) after that auction. Lower frequencies allow for better building penetration. T-Mobile is currently silently lobbying the FCC (through other groups) to remove Verizon and AT&T from that spectrum auction for the sake of competition.

jaykresge said:
Here's a more technical explanation.
T-Mobile used to exclusively use the AWS (1700/2100) spectrum for DC-HSPA+42mbps. They are currently refarming this for LTE use.
HSPA+21mbps is being moved to the 1900mhz spectrum. So, in areas that have been refarmed, you will have HSPA+ access (NOTE, no 42mbps). In areas that are not refarmed, you'll be limited to EDGE service.
I have a Galaxy S2 GT-i9100, so I have the same limitation. I signed up with T-Mobile about 2 months ago and on a weekly basis, I'm seeing towers refarmed. They intend to have it nearly completed by end of 2013, thus limiting the areas you'll be on Edge only. Eventually, their entire 1900mhz network will be HSPA+ 21, with their AWS network being LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so eventually you'll be able to access the 21mb range? Thus, if in a refarmed area, you could get 21mb with a i9500?

For explanatory purposes: Ever noticed how, if connected to a 100mbps LAN, you don't ever see 100mbps? That's link speed, not real world.
Applied here, HSPA+ has a top link speed of 21mbps (assuming both ends are compatible). DC-HSDPA has a top link speed of 42mbps. Real world performance will be 3-8mbps on the former, and 5-15mbps on the latter. I've seen spikes up around 12mbps and 25mbps, but those are incredibly rare. Bottom line is, do not expect LTE speeds. I currently have a phone that has 21mbps HSPA support on PCS (1900mhz), and on T-Mobile, I get 6-7mbps in most HSPA areas.
I hope that helps.

Im getting 20-30 m.b.p.s. dwn anf 10-15 m.b.p.s. up Lte.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app

rp56 said:
Im getting 20-30 m.b.p.s. dwn anf 10-15 m.b.p.s. up Lte.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shouldn't it be more? Are you using the Snapdragon version on the American Tmobile network?

jaykresge said:
For explanatory purposes: Ever noticed how, if connected to a 100mbps LAN, you don't ever see 100mbps? That's link speed, not real world.
Applied here, HSPA+ has a top link speed of 21mbps (assuming both ends are compatible). DC-HSDPA has a top link speed of 42mbps. Real world performance will be 3-8mbps on the former, and 5-15mbps on the latter. I've seen spikes up around 12mbps and 25mbps, but those are incredibly rare. Bottom line is, do not expect LTE speeds. I currently have a phone that has 21mbps HSPA support on PCS (1900mhz), and on T-Mobile, I get 6-7mbps in most HSPA areas.
I hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, kind of considering the I9500 again. I live in Austin, Texas. How will I know if Tmobile converted here and if I can get the 6-7mpbs in HSPA where ever I am here? Also, right now I have a Nexus S with 3G. I have to admit that I only am able to get 3G(Tmobile) about 50% of the time and the rest is edge speed. Would HSPA consistency be this bad?

dman777 said:
Wow, kind of considering the I9500 again. I live in Austin, Texas. How will I know if Tmobile converted here and if I can get the 6-7mpbs in HSPA where ever I am here? Also, right now I have a Nexus S with 3G. I have to admit that I only am able to get 3G(Tmobile) about 50% of the time and the rest is edge speed. Would HSPA consistency be this bad?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you got the Nexus S model sold for T-Mobile, that has AWS support. That means that switching to a PCS 3G phone like the i9500 means that AT BEST you will have the same Edge/3G coverage ratio you have now, and at worse you'll have mostly Edge coverage. Your 3G data speeds will be faster in the areas you get it though. It will be a tradeoff.
EDIT: Here's a user-generated map of areas that have had 3G and HSPA+ refarmed to PCS. Looks like a few rowers directly in Austin have been refarmed. This is a massive project by T-Mobile and is nowhere near being complete. However, an areas HAS to be refarmed in order for them to launch LTE, so refarmed markets (that already offered 3G/4G AWS service) are the ones that are getting LTE eventually.
http://www.airportal.de/