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Hi
I'm new to the US, and I'm not familiar with the wireless companies system here..
I have some question:
1. Which service provider is better? I'll be living in Berkeley, CA?? I keep hearing that At&T has bad reception.. which one should I go for??
2. The 30$ data plan: all companies say that this plan is unlimited, but I keep reading (at least for Verizon) it's 5 GB/month.. is this true?? and are there any companies that offer real unlimited data plan...
Because I was thinking of using my phone as a modem for my PC, I don't want to pay more 30-40$ for DSL if I already have a true unlimited data plan
3. Roll over minutes: does this apply only to AT&t, or all carriers?
Thanks in advance guys
duke911 said:
Hi
I'm new to the US, and I'm not familiar with the wireless companies system here..
I have some question:
1. Which service provider is better? I'll be living in Berkeley, CA?? I keep hearing that At&T has bad reception.. which one should I go for??
2. The 30$ data plan: all companies say that this plan is unlimited, but I keep reading (at least for Verizon) it's 5 GB/month.. is this true?? and are there any companies that offer real unlimited data plan...
Because I was thinking of using my phone as a modem for my PC, I don't want to pay more 30-40$ for DSL if I already have a true unlimited data plan
3. Roll over minutes: does this apply only to AT&t, or all carriers?
Thanks in advance guys
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Click to collapse
I just left AT&T due to extremely poor customer service. AT&T is the only carrier that offers rollover minutes, but their 3G coverage is spotty, and when switching from 3G to Edge or vise versa, you will experience a lot of dropped calls. If you want to use your phone as a modem with AT&T you have to get a tethering plan which will run you $60/month. Verizon has a much larger 3G coverage area, and you don't have to worry about the network being burdened by iPhone users. Sprint has rolled out 4G coverage in some areas with plans to expand. Sprint has cheaper calling plans, but their subsidized phone prices are higher. All in all, do your research, and check online for reviews of coverage, network speed, and customer service.
1. reception obviously varies by location. VZW probably has the best claim to the best nationwide coverage--their business model has very much focused on network building, and up until very recently, their phone selection sucked because they didn't invest as much in securing great smartphones. Alternatively, ATT has focused investment heavily on having great phones, and haven't focused investment as much on building any of their networks.
That said, ATT has great phone reception in a lots of metropolitan areas. There might even be some areas where they have better coverage. And while their 3G data coverage isn't nearly as broad, where it exists, it has been tested as being the fastest (especially when you're not using an iPhone).
2. No, all wireless carriers have a cap of some kind. Further most will charge an extra $30ish a month on top of the $30ish a month for smartphone data for tethering (using your phone as a modem), and they'll still have a data cap.
3. I don't know VZW's plans.
ive been with ATT for YEARS and their costumer service can kiss my ass because i never use it. why? because they offer best reception where im at. why would i want to find out how good t-mobiles costumer service is? i just want a reliable network. all carriers have crappy prices and conditions here. just find the one that works for you and dont listen to what anyone else says. why would you care if verizon has 3g in montana and att doesnt if you live in LA?? its irrelevant. find the least crappy one for you and stick with it.
Do some research on the difference between CDMA and GSM networks. One may work better than another in certain situations.
T-Mobile has cheap rate plans and free tethering.
Sprint has a WiMax network rolling out, although all of the carriers are working on LTE or some other standard of 4G- Not really a concern at this point, since few phones support it.
Verizon has the best customer satisfaction ratings, but their phones are often locked down with software.
AT&T has a history of dropping calls, but has the fastest recorded data speeds.
No matter whom you may chose, you will end up disappointed over some facet or another. You will need to get DSL or some other form of land-based internet, unless you can keep yourself constrained to the 5GB data caps that ALL of the carriers have.
I guess I'm gonna go with verizon then..
I asked a Veizon representative today about the Touch Pro 2, and he said it's only CDMA ... although on their websitethey say it's GSM Quad Band!!! Is there anything that I'm missing?
Will I be able to use out side the US if travel home?
cheers
duke911 said:
I guess I'm gonna go with verizon then..
I asked a Veizon representative today about the Touch Pro 2, and he said it's only CDMA ... although on their websitethey say it's GSM Quad Band!!! Is there anything that I'm missing?
Will I be able to use out side the US if travel home?
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it's kind of misleading. The Verizon Touch Pro2 is actually a CDMA/GSM hybrid device, which works on Verizon's CDMA network or any GSM network. In theory, you should be able to use it on any GSM network in any country as long as you have a valid SIM card.
you cant trust advertising. it makes it appear that all options are shiney. verizon claims all of its wireless technologies as 3g no matter what they are, whether they have speeds slower than atts 2g or worse. the verizon touch pro will not actually work in the us or canada on gsm. you also need to pay for vodofone service separately to get international coverage. you can flash a radio that will let you use atts network but youll loose the cdma network verizon uses. sprints 4g network is not as promising as i hoped. its slower than atts 3g network and to use it you have to buy a $10 1-day pass that will let you use 4g in about 10 or so cities. its also not on any phones. in terms of data or unlimited plans, i would probably have to recommend t-mobile. even though i think they have the ugliest version of the touch pro 2. verizon does limit there unlimited plans to 4gb a month i think. and yes att is the only one with roll over. i never use my minutes so i up to about 10000 minutes rolled over. i will never be charged overage as long as i live.
I was with ATT when they were known as Cingular for three years. One day I got a call and they said I was using it off their network too much and I had to stop it or they would cancel me. Since I was not even living in their area, it was not going to happen.
So I signed up with Verizon, which did not even sell phones within a hundred miles of where I would be using it. That was in March of 2007. I went to Alaska for 16 months where it roamed constantly. Not a peep from Verizon about not being on their network. When going to a remote village for more than a month where no cell phone would work, I would just call them and they would suspend my phone for the time I was there. No bill at all and no charge for turning it off. So I have to say the customer support from Verizon is the best there is and ATT is the absolute worst.
texascbx said:
I was with ATT when they were known as Cingular for three years. One day I got a call and they said I was using it off their network too much and I had to stop it or they would cancel me. Since I was not even living in their area, it was not going to happen.
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they wouldnt say something like that. the entire gsm network is theirs.
btw att, verizon, and sprint all have horrible customer service. youre going to always loose with any provider.
The Jack of Clubs said:
they wouldnt say something like that. the entire gsm network is theirs.
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Last I checked, Tmobile's network isn't owned by ATT.
thanks a lot for your help guys, I really appreciae that.
I have one final question: Is there a way I can buy verizon touch pro 2 without a contract, and use it with verizon prepaid service (if that is possible in te first place)?
I'm new here and I don't have many people to speak with, and since I'm a student, I could use any some extra money
Cheers
duke911 said:
thanks a lot for your help guys, I really appreciae that. I have one final question: Is there a way I can buy verizon touch pro 2 without a contract, and use it with verizon prepaid service (if that is possible in te first place)? I'm new here and I don't have many people to speak with, and since I'm a student, I could use any some extra money
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Click to collapse
I purchased my VZW off contract. Unsubsidized is probably about $500.
Different carriers have different rules for their prepaid services. With GSM carriers, TMo and ATT, it's easy to pop a prepaid sim into any phone. With CDMA (Sprint and VZW), I'm not sure. Best bet is to call and ask.
well i had sprint for ever...I switched to tmobile.. to get that tp2 free through wmdeals.com even though coverage sucks at my house im happy.. I have wifi for data when im home.. when i leave my home i have edge service everwhere.. til i start getting close to mesquite ( texas ) it goes to 3g.. but edge works great with opera mini.. and for updating certain things.. but so far tmobile rocks..
The Jack of Clubs said:
they wouldnt say something like that. the entire gsm network is theirs.
btw att, verizon, and sprint all have horrible customer service. youre going to always loose with any provider.
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That's where you are wrong. They did cancel me and one of my brothers living in another town shortly after I got the call and letter. The explanation was they had contracts with other providers to cover you when your were roaming. And roaming was fine, as long as you did not do it too much. I roamed all the time, for about three years.
I called Verizon today, and the representative said that I can't use their prepaid service on a smart phone... although I'm not really sure about, as she sounded clueless, and I had to do lots of explanation until she got the basic idea..
anyway... I like really the verizon version of the Touch Pro 2..
If I go for month-to-month and get it for full retail (490$).. can I cancel with Verizon after that, and unlock my phone, then use it with some other network like T-mobile or At&T????
I never used CDMA before, and after reading some info, I think GSM is better for me, at least for now...
duke911 said:
I called Verizon today, and the representative said that I can't use their prepaid service on a smart phone... although I'm not really sure about, as she sounded clueless, and I had to do lots of explanation until she got the basic idea..
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You never know with reps. I seem to recall that VZW's prepaid might have some unlimited data intended for dumbphones, which of course they wouldn't want you to use with a smartphone.
There are MVNOs, like Page Plus, that use VZW's network, but have prepaid plans where they probably wouldn't be concerned about smartphone usage (pay per kb instead of unlimited).
If I go for month-to-month and get it for full retail (490$).. can I cancel with Verizon after that, and unlock my phone, then use it with some other network like T-mobile or At&T????
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Click to collapse
You can get it unlocked here and use it on ATT or TMo (minus 3g, 2g data still works), and as to whether you can cancel after the fact without penalty, it depends on exactly what you signed up for at VZW.
texascbx said:
That's where you are wrong. They did cancel me and one of my brothers living in another town shortly after I got the call and letter. The explanation was they had contracts with other providers to cover you when your were roaming. And roaming was fine, as long as you did not do it too much. I roamed all the time, for about three years.
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fortunz said:
Last I checked, Tmobile's network isn't owned by ATT.
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well then double check because att hardware can not utilize tmobile 1700 band. if you in the country you are never going to use another carriers network. and roaming only applies to out of country. even if you stand anywhere on the canadian or mexican borders, you wont be charged roaming. the system isnt that fd up.
The Jack of Clubs said:
well then double check because att hardware can not utilize tmobile 1700 band. if you in the country you are never going to use another carriers network. and roaming only applies to out of country. even if you stand anywhere on the canadian or mexican borders, you wont be charged roaming. the system isnt that fd up.
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Well, that's not entirely true. AT&T devices can use T-Mobile's network, just not HSPA (3G), and vice versa. Before I got my 8925, my main phone was an old T-Mobile Blackberry 7200 which I unlocked to use on AT&T. It could make phone calls and browse at EDGE speeds just fine. The 3G bands are f*cked up internationally since they often differ by country and carrier, but the EDGE and basic GSM bands are pretty much compatible with any GSM phone (since most GSM phones are Tri-band or Quad-band capable).
In addition, it's perfectly possible to use another network in the same country. If a company like AT&T doesn't have infrastructure in a remote area and wants to add service there, they'll often strike a deal with a local carrier who does. It's usually a seamless transition for the user, and it doesn't generally cost the user a cent. Rather, AT&T is the one paying the local cellular operator for allowing the AT&T customers use the local carrier's network as opposed to the alternative of having no coverage in that area. AT&T got mad at texascbx because he was costing AT&T money by roaming on these local carriers, which AT&T had to pay.
Lastly, I know people who live near the borders and they always are careful to see which operator they are using. One of them lives near the Mexican border, and has to make sure he's on AT&T's network before he makes a call. If he doesn't check, he might be roaming on the TelMex network and will get billed outrageous fees for a simple call, even though he's in the US.
I was at the mall today, and I talked to a T-Mobile guy, and he said I can get the T-mobile version of touch pro 2 for full retail, and I can use it with their prepaid plan without any porblems.
Then I spoke with a Verizon representative, and he said that I can't do that on their network, however I can buy the device with out a contract and without any plan...
So my Final question (and I guess fortunz answered before,but I still feel like asking coz I don't want to through 500$ away)... If I get the Verizon Touch Pro 2, and get it unlocked here
http://rhodiumw.htc-unlocks.com/
or here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=578642
will I be able to use it with any carrier?? prepaid or plan??
I don't really mind about the data, as I'll be using WiFi mainly
Thanks a lot
Hey guys, new to Android and T-Mobile. I got a G2 last week, and I live and work in kind of a fringe area for T-Mo coverage. AT&T has good coverage out here, but the G2 doesn't roam over to ATT, I can't even register on their system when I select it in the mobile networks settings. My question is- how can I set the phone to roam onto their system when I lose T-Mo coverage? (I have heard that T-Mo can roam to ATT on EDGE). Thanks!
As far as I know, the only way to use AT&T on the G2 would be to SIM unlock the phone and use an AT&T SIM with an AT&T account. The TMO SIM won't just allow you to roam because they don't have a reciprocal billing agreement --- though I am no expert on this.
I believe, though I could be wrong, that the G2 does not have the ability for 3G (UMTS) data on AT&T. As you stated, if you could connect to the network, Edge should work.
One solution would be to switch to an AT&T SIM and use the Samsung Vibrant, which has the ability to connect to one of the two AT&T 3G bands. Of course, if you want to use AT&T regularly, getting an AT&T phone would be a better solution. So, for you, unless you want to switch to AT&T, wifi might be your only solution.
Ugh! That is exactly what I was hoping I wouldn't read lol. Well, I do really want to stick with tmo, just wish my phone would auto roam to att when I lose the tmo signal. Thanks for the reply!
Sent from my G2 using XDA app
I asked around at work a bit, and there are cases where you can roam on AT&T's network. These cases exist in areas where T-Mobile has not, cannot, or will not build out a network. In these cases, they contract with AT&T to provide their customers with network access. Some phones will show roaming, but I think the software, at this point, has made it a seamless experience, and you don't even know you are attached to AT&T's network. For billing, purposes, if you have a national plan, you are not roaming.
This doesn't help you, but I wanted to clarify my blanket statement above.
Check out the coverage map (Select NO for Are you a Rep, then go to the Data Coverage Map):
compass(DOT)t-mobile(DOT)com
Unfortunately in your area of CA, there is no roaming partner.
The only roaming in CA is in some parts of N. CA up Hwy 1 and 101, towards the Oregon border, and in the 395 corridor.
I'm thinking of upgrading from my HTC Rhodium on ATT to a Desire Z (also on ATT). Is there anything I should be looking for to make sure it will play nice with the 3G network?
Thanks
nnvpears
nnvpears said:
I'm thinking of upgrading from my HTC Rhodium on ATT to a Desire Z (also on ATT). Is there anything I should be looking for to make sure it will play nice with the 3G network?
Thanks
nnvpears
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll need to buy the Canadian version of the DZ (from Bell Mobility).
I want to know if this is possible at all, does anyone know of any ways to put a verizon phone on sprints network? I think it has been done before, I will buy this phone if I can get 3g to work on sprint
Nope, VZW and Sprint operate at 2 different frequencies AND if you could somehow do it I don't think Sprint allows Third Party/Unlocked Phones.
actually they are teh same frequencies. how else would our roaming on verizon's network work?
shakuyi said:
actually they are teh same frequencies. how else would our roaming on verizon's network work?
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Yea I actually think you are right because verizon and sprint share a tower here in Virginia. But sprint would never allow it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
I've been told different things by different reps at different Sprint locations. One guy in-store told me that it's "very possible" but that the customer has to do all the unlocking, etc. Another rep at one of their call centers reiterated the same. "If you unlock it, we can do it. Otherwise, there's nothing we can do."
So the question remains, how can we unlock it? I'd LOVE to stay with Sprint. Does anyone have expertise in this area? I've seen a few threads on this and they all seem to go unanswered...wondering if it's not a popular topic or if it's something we shouldn't be discussing?
Thanks!
Run around clockwise half naked below freezing while chanting "goosfrabah"...
Seriously no need to be posting such a thread. It's been posted and debated and talked about. Google and such should be your friend.
Either make googley eyes (and maybe much "more") at someone deep inside Sprint to add a VZW ESN to their database, NOT GOING TO HAPPEN, or murk in the underworlds of ESN cloning and modification, NOT HAPPENING HERE on XDA...
Posting from another thread.
No, the ESNs are in a computer database. If the rep enters an incorrect ESN or, in this case from their point of view invalid, the system will not move forward.
Even if that wasn't the case, I don't believe Verizon and Sprint operate on the same CDMA frequencies. Not to mention LTE. EVEN if that wasn't the case, the Galaxy Nexus pulls its subscriber information(like the phone number, data plan, etc) from its SIM card(just like GSM phones).
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
http://phandroid.com/2011/12/20/spr...e-given-the-green-light-for-activation-rumor/
Possible, YES. Depends only on if sprint want to activate it or not. Phones generally support the entire spectrum and not just the subset that carrier uses.
For example on GSM, phones either support ALL of the 900 spectrum or none of it. The fact that the spectrum is split in two and used by different operators doesn't make a difference - thats just handled by the simlock/Activation of ESN.
It wouldn't make much sense for a hardware manufacturer to cripple a radio baseband to part of the spectrum if it can handle all of it, otherwise they would need to make new mainboards for each operator.
LTE is a different situation. As the spectrum is not split, and each operator use an entirely different spectrum. It would be more costly to add other spectrums on a Verizon device with no real benefit, if they have no plans to offer it on any other operator. Also it may be more cost or design effective to make two different boards if for example they can't fit an antenna that can handle both frequencies.
unremarked said:
Posting from another thread.
No, the ESNs are in a computer database. If the rep enters an incorrect ESN or, in this case from their point of view invalid, the system will not move forward.
Even if that wasn't the case, I don't believe Verizon and Sprint operate on the same CDMA frequencies. Not to mention LTE. EVEN if that wasn't the case, the Galaxy Nexus pulls its subscriber information(like the phone number, data plan, etc) from its SIM card(just like GSM phones).
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
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Click to collapse
VZW and Sprint operate on the same CDMA frequencies, 1x CDMA 2000 and 3G. How else do Sprint and VZW roam off each other for voice and data? When it comes to 4G, that's where they differ, LTE vs WiMax (for now). Even when Sprint goes LTE, they'll be running on a different LTE frequency than VZW and AT&T, so LTE roaming shouldn't be on anyone's radar for the foreseeable future.
And NO, the VZW GNex does not pull "its subscriber information (like the phone number, data plan, etc) from its SIM card(just like GSM phones)." Subscriber info is pulled from the ESN/MEID unique to any CDMA phone (VZW and Sprint included) to authenticate on the network. The SIM in VZW LTE phones is for LTE purposes ONLY, 4G data only and nothing else.
Why dont you get the galaxy s II? Wish I could get it for Verizon
LordLugard said:
VZW and Sprint operate on the same CDMA frequencies, 1x CDMA 2000 and 3G. How else do Sprint and VZW roam off each other for voice and data? When it comes to 4G, that's where they differ, LTE vs WiMax (for now). Even when Sprint goes LTE, they'll be running on a different LTE frequency than VZW and AT&T, so LTE roaming shouldn't be on anyone's radar for the foreseeable future.
And NO, the VZW GNex does not pull "its subscriber information (like the phone number, data plan, etc) from its SIM card(just like GSM phones)." Subscriber info is pulled from the ESN/MEID unique to any CDMA phone (VZW and Sprint included) to authenticate on the network. The SIM in VZW LTE phones is for LTE purposes ONLY, 4G data only and nothing else.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the clarification on the frequencies thing. I wasnt 100% sure what Sprint operated on.
As for the SIM, I am 100% sure. Trade SIM cards with a friend, even to another microSIM device like a Samsung Stratosphere Restart your phone and then call eachother. The numbers will be swapped. Heck, even easier. Yank your SIM out and make a test call or check under the About Phone options.
EDIT: I know that Sprint uses CDMA(1x) and EVDO(3G). But what bands do they operate on? Just like AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM(aka edge) and HSPA(3G) but on different bands so not all their phones are entirely cross compatible.
EDIT2: Found my own answer. VZW operates on 850mhz, and 1900mhz. Sprint is 800mhz and 1900mhz. So you may in theory use a 3G Verizon phone on Sprints network with limited capability. I'd imagine it would be just like if you put an ATT iPhone on T-Mobile and be able to make calls but only get 2G.
Regardless of the frequencies you still have the ESN lockout as well as the SIM card issue.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Sprint not going to activate the phone no matter what you do.
CDMA carriers have the last say so of what goes on their network and what does not. They chose what you use not you. They base the their phones off of the ESN/MEIDs if those do not match up to a "clean" one in their system then no go. Its their way of forcing contracts, "if you have to get a sprint phone may as well get the contract with it." they thing. GSM on the other hand you can do it because the identification of the carrier is on the SIM card rather then the phone. However, some carriers will "flash" a phone over like Criket or metro pcs (however they can brick the phone and then you can't even do anything with it.)
MetroPCS lets you bring in any CDMA phone and activate it on their network. I'm sure sprint could do the same if they wanted to.
tommyz2kool said:
MetroPCS lets you bring in any CDMA phone and activate it on their network. I'm sure sprint could do the same if they wanted to.
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Click to collapse
Emphasis on "IF THEY WANTED TO." If past behavior is indicative of the future then reason says they don't.
Lets assume Sprint suddenly changes its mind after years of hemorrhaging customers and move beyond that, as I've previously said the Galaxy Nexus(and all 4G LTE phones) behave more like GSM phones than CDMA and pull their subscriber information from the SIM card. Don't believe me? Try to use your VZW Galaxy Nexus without your SIM. Mine didn't work. Further my theortical point about the supported bands still stand. Who wants a Galaxy Nexus on 1X data?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
I thought that Sprint was going to offer the Gnex at some point. Was I just dreaming that? Does anyone know if Sprint is going to get the GN?
I could have sworn I heard that Sprint was getting it somewhere....
unremarked said:
Emphasis on "IF THEY WANTED TO." If past behavior is indicative of the future then reason says they don't.
Lets assume Sprint suddenly changes its mind after years of hemorrhaging customers and move beyond that, as I've previously said the Galaxy Nexus(and all 4G LTE phones) behave more like GSM phones than CDMA and pull their subscriber information from the SIM card. Don't believe me? Try to use your VZW Galaxy Nexus without your SIM. Mine didn't work. Further my theortical point about the supported bands still stand. Who wants a Galaxy Nexus on 1X data?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
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The reason your LTE VZW phone will not work without the SIM has nothing to do with pulling subscriber info but more to do with just authenticating with the LTE network, period.
Once again, your subscriber info is more hard coded to your ESN/MEID.
The LTE network could go down (like it has done now several times) and your phone will work fine with CDMA voice and 2G/3G. If the CDMA network goes down then you're screwed because all authentication starts there.
Sent from my SPH-D710
bradm23 said:
Why dont you get the galaxy s II? Wish I could get it for Verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That.
+1 char
LordLugard said:
The reason your LTE VZW phone will not work without the SIM has nothing to do with pulling subscriber info but more to do with just authenticating with the LTE network, period.
Once again, your subscriber info is more hard coded to your ESN/MEID.
The LTE network could go down (like it has done now several times) and your phone will work fine with CDMA voice and 2G/3G. If the CDMA network goes down then you're screwed because all authentication starts there.
Sent from my SPH-D710
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I'd love to hear your explaination for the following behaviors. The only thing I changed was I took out my SIM card. You'll notice now even the time is wrong since the phones sync their time with the carrier.
EDIT: removed pictures because I'm paranoid/OCD about personal info.
You can post as many pics as you want. Your "subscriber info" is tied to your esn/meid in the system. Without those, whether you have an LTE sim or not on a CDMA network like VZW, your phone will not function. The LTE sim doesn't handle voice or any calling functions, just data.
When your phone connects to a cell tower (or the network), certain parameters are sent for a sort of handshake, which are your esn/meid.
I think you need to better familiarize yourself with the fact that VZW is a CDMA network first and foremost (and with all that entails, esn/meid/msid etc) with an LTE based data-only network (for now) built alongside it.
Sent from my SPH-D710
Here is the full cause of the issue after much research (probably an amalgamation of all the information above + some more)
When you pop in your 4G AT&T SIM and give AT&T the new IMEI (SIM1) to update in the database, they cannot 'see' this device as an LTE capable device and cannot activate/provision LTE for this phone, even though the phone supports all the required AT&T LTE Bands.
Arguing with them using logic is futile as even the most technologically adept 'Tech Support' representatives will repetitively claim, ''We can only guarantee LTE service on an AT&T device'' This is why you can only see H+ (HSPA+) on your device.
There are now two ways to proceed: (first make sure your APN settings or correct)
1) Use an older AT&T device (LTE capable), pop your SIM back into this device. Call customer care and ask them to update the IMEI to this older handset. Restart your phone, verify the LTE/4G signal on your notification bar/ confirm with LTE discovery/ (your favourite tool)
Now, take the sim card and re-insert it in your Zenfone 2. You should now see the '4G' icon on your Zenfone.
Note: AT&T will conduct occasional system-wide sweeps to verify if their SIM cards are actually inserted in the device whose IMEI they have registered and if not, they will update the IMEI on their database and you may lose 4G and rollback to HSPA+.
2) WAIT. I've spoken to Asus regarding the issue and this is a known issue to them. I've been told to expect a modem firmware update (no ETA - don't ask me) after which, somehow, this issue should not be a concern and AT&T will be able to provision the Zenfone 2 IMEI as an LTE capable device.
3) Some amazing workaround by a technically adept AT&T representative who can 'force' LTE registration to the device
4) You tell me.
Very informative regarding LTE provisioning on AT&T. In my experience, once they contenders and remove the LTE. a new SIM will need to be used to get back LTE. Even though the account is provisioned for LTE.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using XDA Free mobile app
AT&T stated they will be offering the ZenFone 2 soon with a contract.
That's crazy! There should be no need for these shenanigans on a GSM carrier. I'm sure the service is leaps better, but I did not have this problem on T-Mobile. I do have a prepaid SIM, so that could make all the difference.
Has to be an issue with certain ZP2's i used an att straightalk sim, and had no issue connecting to LTE at all, i just pop the sim in, searched for networks, registered on att added the straightalk att apns and boom done got full LTE signal on 06610.
Had the same issue with my Nexus 5 originally, a real hassle dealing with support to correct (especially on a corporate account). Currently waiting on ZF2 to arrive, but hoping this is corrected in the latest firmware:
"32. Using HW encode for 4G SKU."
http://www.asus.com/zentalk/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=12194&extra=page=1
I am tracking this thread and a related thread and wondering if I need to call AT&T and tell them to delete my ZF2's IMEI. I definitely am only showing H+ symbols and when I did a speed tests, uhm, tests definitely reveal I am not getting LTE speeds. AT&T tried to tell me I am seeing H+ symbol because the ZFT is not an AT&T branded product but I didn't really think this was true. H+ is not the worst of the worst and I really would notice it if I had two phones side by side, but I can live with it more or less if I have to, although yes-I want my LTE back if I can get it - the point is that the ZF2 is capable of LTE and I am very much still on an AT&T contract and honoring my contract on a line that has had LTE for at least 2 years or more now. I just merely bought my own phone this time and needed a new SIM card for it as I had nano on the last one. So-would telling AT&T to lose my IMEI and give me a new SIM put LTE on my ZF2? The APN information matches what is already listed so that is of no use-it seems universal to either H+ or LTE.
babsk said:
I am tracking this thread and a related thread and wondering if I need to call AT&T and tell them to delete my ZF2's IMEI. I definitely am only showing H+ symbols and when I did a speed tests, uhm, tests definitely reveal I am not getting LTE speeds. AT&T tried to tell me I am seeing H+ symbol because the ZFT is not an AT&T branded product but I didn't really think this was true. H+ is not the worst of the worst and I really would notice it if I had two phones side by side, but I can live with it more or less if I have to, although yes-I want my LTE back if I can get it - the point is that the ZF2 is capable of LTE and I am very much still on an AT&T contract and honoring my contract on a line that has had LTE for at least 2 years or more now. I just merely bought my own phone this time and needed a new SIM card for it as I had nano on the last one. So-would telling AT&T to lose my IMEI and give me a new SIM put LTE on my ZF2? The APN information matches what is already listed so that is of no use-it seems universal to either H+ or LTE.
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They need to have an LTE capable AT&T phone first. Then you can switch sim into the ZF2. Had to use my Lumia 635 imei. Unfortunately, once I swith to a non LTE phone, for example, my nexus 4, their system detects it and removes the LTE profile. So, I have to call them again if I want to get LTE on the ZF2.
Sent from my XT1033 using Tapatalk
mrcamp said:
They need to have an LTE capable AT&T phone first. Then you can switch sim into the ZF2. Had to use my Lumia 635 imei. Unfortunately, once I swith to a non LTE phone, for example, my nexus 4, their system detects it and removes the LTE profile. So, I have to call them again if I want to get LTE on the ZF2.
Sent from my XT1033 using Tapatalk
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I have heard that before-hmmm. I would have needed a nano adapter to put the sim from my previous very LTE capable got LTE all the time Lumia phone first and didn't know that ahead of time. But
I did call them and my guess is I am being lied to that they gave me LTE? I now at least can prove it with speed tests and demand that they fix it but how do they do this is at this point
Sent from my K010 using XDA Free mobile app?
Hi all, I have Sprint and I get awful reception in my new home. Back in the day, we used to have an option to manually update the PRL file on the phone and it would connect to Verizon or another cell provider. Is there a chance that this option or modification is still available? I guess my question is, do any ROMs offer roam only settings, or is there a way to manually roam. Sprint doesn't seem to care whether I get service or not, so I have to do some manual intervention on this. Any insight would be appreciated.
southernstyle said:
Hi all, I have Sprint and I get awful reception in my new home. Back in the day, we used to have an option to manually update the PRL file on the phone and it would connect to Verizon or another cell provider. Is there a chance that this option or modification is still available? I guess my question is, do any ROMs offer roam only settings, or is there a way to manually roam. Sprint doesn't seem to care whether I get service or not, so I have to do some manual intervention on this. Any insight would be appreciated.
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There are apps like Signal Spy that are made for Project Fi users to manually switch networks since that service is supposed to pick the strongest signal from among 3 networks used on Fi. But there are a lot more networks listed than the ones Fi uses. If you have roaming enabled on your phone maybe you could switch to a different network manually even though you aren't a Fi customer.
By the way, I'm assuming you have a Pixel XL based on where you posted your question. It's more likely an issue with the phone than Sprint. I was on Sprint for years via Virgin Mobile and 100.00 CDMA only phones were much better at picking up the Sprint signal than my 900.00 Pixel XL is. I'm on Fi where Sprint is one of the carriers and Sprint shows no service all over the city which I know is not the case.
I believe with sim cards now, the prl is automatically updated, at least that is what Verizon told me
jhs39 said:
There are apps like Signal Spy that are made for Project Fi users to manually switch networks since that service is supposed to pick the strongest signal from among 3 networks used on Fi. But there are a lot more networks listed than the ones Fi uses. If you have roaming enabled on your phone maybe you could switch to a different network manually even though you aren't a Fi customer.
By the way, I'm assuming you have a Pixel XL based on where you posted your question. It's more likely an issue with the phone than Sprint. I was on Sprint for years via Virgin Mobile and 100.00 CDMA only phones were much better at picking up the Sprint signal than my 900.00 Pixel XL is. I'm on Fi where Sprint is one of the carriers and Sprint shows no service all over the city which I know is not the case.
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Thank you for the info. I'm on the Pixel XL, but my gf has the same problem on an S7 edge. I put in my project fi Sim to see if t mobile was any better, but both seem to be weak at my house. I'll give the app a try. Thanks again
chapelfreak said:
I believe with sim cards now, the prl is automatically updated, at least that is what Verizon told me
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I had a feeling that was the case. I wish there was a way to modify the SIM card. Thanks for verifying that, it must be easier for them to keep us from editing the files.
chapelfreak said:
I believe with sim cards now, the prl is automatically updated, at least that is what Verizon told me
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Verizon works that way, but this is one of the areas where Verizon and Sprint are different in how they implemented 4G LTE. Another example is that customers can switch sim cards between 4G LTE phones on Verizon, while you have to follow Sprint's procedure to switch service between LTE phones.
southernstyle said:
Hi all, I have Sprint and I get awful reception in my new home. Back in the day, we used to have an option to manually update the PRL file on the phone and it would connect to Verizon or another cell provider. Is there a chance that this option or modification is still available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't used Sprint, and I also haven't tried to pull a PRL off this phone, yet this is what Sprint's website returns.
https://support.sprint.com/support/...pixel |All&question_box=update prl pixel |All
alluringreality said:
Verizon works that way, but this is one of the areas where Verizon and Sprint are different in how they implemented 4G LTE. Another example is that customers can switch sim cards between 4G LTE phones on Verizon, while you have to follow Sprint's procedure to switch service between LTE phones.
I haven't used Sprint, and I also haven't tried to pull a PRL off this phone, yet this is what Sprint's website returns.
https://support.sprint.com/support/...pixel |All&question_box=update prl pixel |All
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I've never used sprint because they always roam off Verizon where I live. The nearest native coverage is about 25 miles from where I live. That's good to know.
Sometimes if you aren't stuck with a contract it's a matter of finding who has the best network near you. I was on Sprint via Virgin Mobile for over 10 years and the network was great everywhere I went. Unfortunately Virgin Mobile won't let you bring your own phone so when I got a Nexus I switched to AT&T via Cricket. I couldn't get any phone reception at all in whole rooms in my apartment. It was brutal. After months of putting up with that I switched to Project Fi. I get good reception in my apartment with both Sprint and T-Mobile, although my Nexus 6P preferred T-Mobile and for some reason the Pixel XL prefers Sprint. Sometimes I have to manually switch to T-Mobile because Sprint reception is much spottier than it should be and Fi doesn't always switch on its own.