What does this mean...? - T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II

when I go through the specs for the AT&T and Tmobile variants for the note 2, I come across a difference in the following
AT&T,
GSM Quad-band: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
Tmobile
Frequencies and Data Type GSM Quad-band: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz UMTS: Band I ,band II, Band IV (Dual-band1700/2100 MHz), Band V
What does the dual band mean? Is it for Tmobiles 4G network?
I thought all the Note 2's in the US had the same LTE radio
please shed some light,
thanks

1700 MHz/2100 MHz UMTS (WCDMA) AWS is currently T-Mobile's 4G network.
T-Mobile will have LTE up and running sometime within next year (2013).
Yes T-Mobile Galaxy Note 2 devices do have LTE. But it is now not activated. T-Mobile will activate the LTE within T-Mobile's Galaxy Note 2 when they get their LTE service up and running within your area.
How to activate the LTE and running on another carrier is a good question. This I get bits and pieces. But not a full step-by-step process yet.

The T-Mobile Note II is pentaband; it will work on AT&T and T-Mobile 3G/4G (not LTE though as of now). I think that's what you're getting at.

Product F(RED) said:
The T-Mobile Note II is pentaband; it will work on AT&T and T-Mobile 3G/4G (not LTE though as of now). I think that's what you're getting at.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that we can get the LTE up and running with other carriers. I know that I got LTE working on my GN2 (SGH-T889). We just need to learn how to get the LTE running with other carriers. That is really the question. When we figure that out then this might be able to be applied to other GN2 devices.

Tmobile hasnt turned on lte yet. From what i understand once they do our note 2's should be able to utilize it.

winlinmac001 said:
What does the dual band mean? Is it for Tmobiles 4G network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tmobile uses 42.2 mbps dual channel hsdpa.
Afaik, At&t uses 21.1 mbps hsdpa.
Lte(long term evolution) is a different technology not yet active for Tmobile customers.
Real World, my friend with a Galaxy nexus on Tmobile network gets about 8mbps while I get 14mbps. Galaxy nexus has the 21.1mbps capable modem.

konceptz said:
Tmobile uses 42.2 mbps dual channel hsdpa.
Afaik, At&t uses 21.1 mbps hsdpa.
Lte(long term evolution) is a different technology not yet active for Tmobile customers.
Real World, my friend with a Galaxy nexus on Tmobile network gets about 8mbps while I get 14mbps. Galaxy nexus has the 21.1mbps capable modem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're talking about something called DC-HSPA (Dual Channel/Carrier), which is basically what you said: Using 2 frequencies of HSPA(+) to achieve basically double the throughput.

Is it a hardware limitation (as in slightly modified Qualcomm LTE Chipset) in the AT&T Note 2 that 42mbps is not supported compared to T-Mobiles version? Or it is software / firmware-controlled?

winlinmac001 said:
Is it a hardware limitation (as in slightly modified Qualcomm LTE Chipset) in the AT&T Note 2 that 42mbps is not supported compared to T-Mobiles version? Or it is software / firmware-controlled?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It could be software (on the modem level, which is low-level stuff and separate from the ROM); T-Mobile's Galaxy S II was basically AT&T's Skyrocket with LTE disabled. You could actually flash a T-Mobile S2's modem onto a Skyrocket to get it to work on T-Mobile frequencies (but you can't get LTE enabled on the T-Mobile S II as far as I know).

would you say the note 2 from verizon is any better since it also includes a CDMA radio? Also, though LTE only works in the upper 700 frequency, any change a modem update or firmware change will allow the verizon version to work on T-mobile or AT&T network?

winlinmac001 said:
would you say the note 2 from verizon is any better since it also includes a CDMA radio? Also, though LTE only works in the upper 700 frequency, any change a modem update or firmware change will allow the verizon version to work on T-mobile or AT&T network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No; CDMA is useless unless you're going to be using it on the carrier it came from. I'd say the T-Mobile version is the best (in terms of working with the most networks), then the AT&T version (because it has LTE), then the International version (because it's the AT&T version without LTE), and after that the Verizon one because Sprint are jerks because they use "embedded SIMs".

Related

[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.

Will LTE 1700Mhz work on HSDPA+ 1700MhZ

So I heard LTE is backwards compatible with GSM and HSDPA + My carrier supports AWS band 4. Will this work? Has anyone tried it?
So you're basically asking if the AT&T Optimus G will work with T-mobile's 4G Network, right? The answer is NO. Or at least not by default. That's because, even though the phone has the correct band (1700/2100), you would still need the correct radio to be able to use that specific frequency (again 1700/2100) with your carrier. Much like the AT&T Galaxy Note I717. It supports the 1700 frequency, but in order to have that working band with Tmobile, we had to flash a Tmobile specific baseband/radio from the Galaxy s2, Galaxy S Blaze 4G and/or Tmobile Galaxy Note to be able to use the phone on the 1700 freq. So in this case, Unfortunately, Tmobile won't be releasing the LG Optimus G, so there won't be any radios available to use. But, the LG NExus 4 actually has the exact hardware specs or SOC as the LG Optimus G, so a radio/baseband port might be possible.
I hope this post made sense to you.
So what is the difference than taking a locked phone, unlocking it to another network that shares the same GSM frequency?
Nuxtux said:
So what is the difference than taking a locked phone, unlocking it to another network that shares the same GSM frequency?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually the two networks don't share the same GSM freq. Yes the AT&T LG Optimus G does have the AWS 1700 band in the hardware, but it is not enabled by default in the software. In order to enable the AWS 1700 freq, you'll need to use/flash the correct radio that carries the AWS 1700 freq. Like i said in the earlier post, one might be able to possibly port the a radio/baseband from the LG Nexus 4. Since it supports all pentaband frequencies.
So why would they disable it if the carrier uses 1700/2100 for LTE? I'm still not understanding its limitation
The carrier I want to bring it to uses AWS 1700/2100 3.5G.
Are they selling a phone that doesn't work with LTE on there network? Or can the phone only do 1700/2100 in LTE ?
Nuxtux said:
So why would they disable it if the carrier uses 1700/2100 for LTE? I'm still not understanding its limitation
The carrier I want to bring it to uses AWS 1700/2100 3.5G.
Are they selling a phone that doesn't work with LTE on there network? Or can the phone only do 1700/2100 in LTE ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not that the 1700/2100 bands are disabled. They are very much enabled but the radio is set to use them for LTE.
So you are saying even though LTE is backward compatible the band installed is software limiting the hardware to only allow LTE 1700/2100?
Nuxtux said:
So you are saying even though LTE is backward compatible the band installed is software limiting the hardware to only allow LTE 1700/2100?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LTE phones are backwards compatible because they support other bands for HSPA and GSM. For example, a carrier using 1700 MHz for LTE may use 850 and 1900 for HSPA but the 1700 will only work with LTE.
Nuxtux said:
So you are saying even though LTE is backward compatible the band installed is software limiting the hardware to only allow LTE 1700/2100?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You somewhat got it. It is the same problem with AT&T's HTC ONE X. The phone as the 1700 band for LTE, but when used with Tmo it only picks up 2G using the 1900 GSM. But with Tmo merging with Metro PCS, and partnering with Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Network, the H+ 1900 Spectrum will be available everywhere very soon. I read an article on tmonews.com that it should be done by the end of this year.
maybe the Canadian Telus version would work with T-Mo's AWS
it'll work you'll have to use the modem firmware from the N4 in order to use hspa+
vdub804 said:
it'll work you'll have to use the modem firmware from the N4 in order to use hspa+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'll buy the att optimus g once this is confirmed working :good:
Any one got this one working? Got my Att OG, but edge is very slow. the T-Mo refarmed areas are OK though

[Q] Using T-Mobile Galaxy Note 2 on AT&T's LTE (Will It Work if I do the Following?)

[Q] Using T-Mobile Galaxy Note 2 on AT&T's LTE (Will It Work if I do the Following?)
Can't you flash an AT&T firmware on a T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 2 handset to get the necessary AT&T LTE Frequencies since the LTE radios on both AT&T's and T-Mobile's Note 2's are the exact same? Or is unlocking the Note 2 via T-Mobile more than enough to take advantage of AT&T's LTE Network?
Tread carefully, I'm currently trying to get my phone out of a rather nasty bootloop/corrupt IMEI situation after trying just that earlier today.
But I did get it to work, even pulled 35 Mbps on a speedtest.
Things went to hell after trying to revert back to the T889V modem. (In case I needed the AWS HSPA, for proof of concept and also warranty purposes).
so our phone's LTE modem is compatible with AT&T LTE bands? sweet.
^^^ Did an LTE status show up when you ran the Speedtest; this was with an AT&T Sim, right? ?
^^^ Did an LTE status show up when you ran the Speedtest; this was with an AT&T Sim, right? ?
Darkshado said:
Tread carefully, I'm currently trying to get my phone out of a rather nasty bootloop/corrupt IMEI situation after trying just that earlier today.
But I did get it to work, even pulled 35 Mbps on a speedtest.
Things went to hell after trying to revert back to the T889V modem. (In case I needed the AWS HSPA, for proof of concept and also warranty purposes).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Virgin Mobile Canada LTE SIM (previously confirmed working in an Galaxy S III), and yes the LTE icon showed up immediately, Speedtest says LTE too, and the speeds are way beyond what I had with HSPA in the same location.
Doesn't AT&T's LTE run on different frequencies; so will T-Mobile's Note 2 match with AT&T LTE Frequencies after flashing to AT&T's Firmware?
Darkshado said:
Virgin Mobile Canada LTE SIM (previously confirmed working in an Galaxy S III), and yes the LTE icon showed up immediately, Speedtest says LTE too, and the speeds are way beyond what I had with HSPA in the same location.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
winlinmac001 said:
Doesn't AT&T's LTE run on different frequencies; so will T-Mobile's Note 2 match with AT&T LTE Frequencies after flashing to AT&T's Firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tmobile's T889 supports LTE on AWS and 700 (band 17).
AT&T's i317 supports LTE on AWS, 700 (band 17) and also on 850 and 1900 (band 2).
So yes, our phone has the ability to work on SOME of AT&T's LTE network, but not all of it; it will just depend on which frequencies they're using in your area. I believe AWS and 700 are new for AT&T, so they're probably fewer and more between at the moment, whereas their current network is mostly 1900 and 850. Not sure what kind of upgrade they have to do to switch their old HSPA 1900 towers to LTE support.
Silly question, so is a tmobile note 2 capable of handling AT&T's LTE network on the 850 and 1900 bands; is this something controlled by software, or a hardware limitation, I thought the Qualcomm radios on the AT&T variant and tmobile variant were the same.
distortedloop said:
Tmobile's T889 supports LTE on AWS and 700 (band 17).
AT&T's i317 supports LTE on AWS, 700 (band 17) and also on 850 and 1900 (band 2).
So yes, our phone has the ability to work on SOME of AT&T's LTE network, but not all of it; it will just depend on which frequencies they're using in your area. I believe AWS and 700 are new for AT&T, so they're probably fewer and more between at the moment, whereas their current network is mostly 1900 and 850. Not sure what kind of upgrade they have to do to switch their old HSPA 1900 towers to LTE support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Verizon Note 2 Vs. T-Mobile Note 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.

[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
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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
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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

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