Unlocked in Canada for Virgin Mobile? - Moto Z Play Questions & Answers

Anyone know what the release timeframe is for an unlocked version of this phone, or whether I can just buy a Rogers version and unlock it via a code purchased online? Does the Rogers version support all the same bands that the Verizon one does (specifically B4 and B7 LTE, 850/1900 3g for Virgin Canada)?
The phone seems to be available for purchase right now, but I don't really want to rush into anything without knowing it'll work for sure.

I understand you want to use the Z Play on Virgin Mobile Canada. In that case, Rogers has it retail $650 CAD. Verizon Wireless is CDMA, meaning your worst option for LTE on other carriers. Watch for a promo on Koodo. Was $360 on subsidy during the holidays. Retail US for ~$605 CAD if you buy the unlocked version in the states. Not big savings as unlock codes are $3 on eBay.

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Question before buying

I'm looking to buy this phone from Amazon. It seems like a really good deal and it's unlocked to use on any GSM carrier. My only question is if it will work with US AT&T 3G. I currently have a Nexus S that I bought a while back unlocked and I've been fed up by the fact that I can only use EDGE on it. So, If I buy this phone will it support 3G on AT&T?
AT&T is a GSM carrier, is it not? As long as you put in the APN settings it should be fine.
Call them up and ask if they support hspa/wcdma. If so, you'll get 3g or hspa just fine.
Best thing to do is ask them directly.
Sent from Silent Earth 3
BestBuy is selling the 4g version for free with a contarct upgrade or new 2 year
Today for CYBERMONDAY!

Will T-Mobile S4 work on AT&T S4 LTE and HSPA networks and vice versa?

Hello,
I'm in a dilemma where I have personal T-Mobile service, and AT&T service with my work. I want to purchase the variant of the S4 that will have the best compatibility with both networks (including HSPA, HSPA+, LTE). T-Mobile LTE has also already gone live in my market.
It seems the international i9505 support's T-Mobile's LTE bands (AWS 1700 / 2100 MHz LTE)
However, AT&T's variant (SGH-i337) supports AT&T's LTE (LTE 700 MHz Class 17) and possibly the additional T-Mobile bands.
Can anyone confirm if the international model also supports AT&T's LTE 700 MHz Class 17 Network?
Thanks!
The T-Mobile version is pentaband. I cannot confirm LTE, but it should pick up AT&T bands. T-Mobile does use 850/1900 in some areas, primarily to support older iPhones, and you should be able to roam on their frequencies. The AT&T version does not support T-Mobile bands (AWS, also used by some Canadian carriers).
The T-Mobile version supports all of atts bands (including LTE) but adds support for AWS HSPA and LTE.
If you use an att S4 on T-Mobile, you will be locked to 1900 PCS only. No LTE, EDGE in most places, HSPA in refarm markets (but not DC-HSPA+ which means you will average 3-7 down)
It is much more advantageous to get the T-Mobile version than the att version as they are identical otherwise.
Sent from my SGH-T999
EtherealRemnant said:
It is much more advantageous to get the T-Mobile version than the att version as they are identical otherwise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Save the critical bootloader difference.
Adam's teardown shows that the AT&T and T-Mobile versions are literally the same hardware. So it should be possible to unlock AWS on AT&T's model (might be as simple as flashing the T-Mo modem/firmware, as on the Note 2).
Thanks for all the responses. I bought the T-Mobile S4 and was happy to learn it is the pentaband variant. Since I travel abroad and also own an AT&T SIM through work.. it looks like I made the right choice!
ker0zene said:
Thanks for all the responses. I bought the T-Mobile S4 and was happy to learn it is the pentaband variant. Since I travel abroad and also own an AT&T SIM through work.. it looks like I made the right choice!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi!
Did it work with AT&T SIM? I'm assuming that the sim is locked but I was am wondering if T-Mobile (If you buy at full prize) makes the device SIM unlocked or not?
If this is the case, TMo would be a smarter choice right now to use in AT&T to avoid that bootloader BS.
keplenk said:
Hi!
Did it work with AT&T SIM? I'm assuming that the sim is locked but I was am wondering if T-Mobile (If you buy at full prize) makes the device SIM unlocked or not?
If this is the case, TMo would be a smarter choice right now to use in AT&T to avoid that bootloader BS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a T-Mobile S4 and I can confirm it does get LTE on AT&T. I got a SIM unlock pin from an online site and then the device accepted my AT&T SIM. The only thing I had to do after that was change the APN to use "phone" instead of "wap.cingular" and LTE is working great!
intrepresentation said:
I have a T-Mobile S4 and I can confirm it does get LTE on AT&T. I got a SIM unlock pin from an online site and then the device accepted my AT&T SIM. The only thing I had to do after that was change the APN to use "phone" instead of "wap.cingular" and LTE is working great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
whelp... looks like I'm getting the tmobile variant after all
keplenk said:
Hi!
Did it work with AT&T SIM? I'm assuming that the sim is locked but I was am wondering if T-Mobile (If you buy at full prize) makes the device SIM unlocked or not?
If this is the case, TMo would be a smarter choice right now to use in AT&T to avoid that bootloader BS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah tmobile phones are network locked, and if you are doing the monthly pay plan, tmobile wont give you the unlock code until it is paid off.
im the kind of person who likes to unlock my phone regardless of me leaving or staying with a specific network or not.
i chatted with tmobile and they wouldn't give me my code, so i went to cellunlocker (dot) net and got my code in ~7 hours.
(im not affiliated with cellunlocker in any way)
intrepresentation said:
I have a T-Mobile S4 and I can confirm it does get LTE on AT&T. I got a SIM unlock pin from an online site and then the device accepted my AT&T SIM. The only thing I had to do after that was change the APN to use "phone" instead of "wap.cingular" and LTE is working great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The question I have is that if you plan to use the phone on AT&T's network all of the time, will AT&T add the T-Mobile's phone IMEI to your AT&T account so it reflects the correct device on your line for account and possible insurance purposes?
scott14719 said:
The question I have is that if you plan to use the phone on AT&T's network all of the time, will AT&T add the T-Mobile's phone IMEI to your AT&T account so it reflects the correct device on your line for account and possible insurance purposes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not a native at&t device so you won't get any help from at&t or Asurion. Its not even worth keeping the device insurance if you arent using an at&t branded device. Huge waste of money.
Sent from my SGH-T999
My plan is to just purchase Tmobile version of S4 (no contract), then purchase unlock code, then purchase squaretrade warranty ... Then use an AT&T sim.
My only question is, one you purchase the sim unlock code from a different company, will you purchase again if you (for example) flash CM, AOSP Roms - that includes modem firmware updates?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
If you are buying off contract, they should go ahead and give you unlock code or it may already be unlocked.
bookmonke said:
If you are buying off contract, they should go ahead and give you unlock code or it may already be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'd be surprised. There is apparently some confusion with T-Mobile as to what exactly their unlocking policies are. I purchased my S4 from T-Mobile's website at full retail price. According to their website (support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1588) if you purchase the phone at full retail price, they will unlock it provided only that you have an account in good standing.
However, when I tried to get it unlocked yesterday the rep I was chatting with online said I had to have service active for at least 40 days (I am switching over to T-Mobile from Sprint) so she wouldn't even submit an unlock request. I went to the store and while they submitted an unlock request but were told on the phone that the 40 day period may apply (even though it does not say that on their website).
I am supposed to find out by Monday if they will unlock it or not. If they don't I will just buy an unlock code from one of the unlocking websites. Kind of crazy T-Mobile makes you jump through these hoops when you can just buy a code for $25.
What T-Mobile's Sim Unlock Department answered to my request..
BillBurn said:
You'd be surprised. There is apparently some confusion with T-Mobile as to what exactly their unlocking policies are. I purchased my S4 from T-Mobile's website at full retail price. According to their website (support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1588) if you purchase the phone at full retail price, they will unlock it provided only that you have an account in good standing.
However, when I tried to get it unlocked yesterday the rep I was chatting with online said I had to have service active for at least 40 days (I am switching over to T-Mobile from Sprint) so she wouldn't even submit an unlock request. I went to the store and while they submitted an unlock request but were told on the phone that the 40 day period may apply (even though it does not say that on their website).
I am supposed to find out by Monday if they will unlock it or not. If they don't I will just buy an unlock code from one of the unlocking websites. Kind of crazy T-Mobile makes you jump through these hoops when you can just buy a code for $25.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I paid for the phone in full, and requested the unlocked code by phone. They told me it could take from 24 hours to 14 days.
This is the response they sent me thrue email yesterday"
"T-Mobile Sim Unlock Request
Sim Unlock Reference: *******
IMEI: **********************
Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide the unlock code at this time. After review of the account we have determined that the device is not in use with the corresponding mobile number. T-Mobile policies and procedures state that the device must be in use on the mobile number requesting the unlock code. If this is a new device please allow 3-4 business days prior to submitting a new request to allow your usage to update in our system.
Thank you,
SIM Unlock Department
Thank You,
Sim Unlock Department
T-Mobile USA, Inc."
scott14719 said:
The question I have is that if you plan to use the phone on AT&T's network all of the time, will AT&T add the T-Mobile's phone IMEI to your AT&T account so it reflects the correct device on your line for account and possible insurance purposes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Asurion (the company most USA cellular networks go thur) is too expensive...you should look into squaretrade, ensquared, or buy it thru BestBuy and get BestBuy's warranty
wavrunrx said:
yeah tmobile phones are network locked, and if you are doing the monthly pay plan, tmobile wont give you the unlock code until it is paid off.
im the kind of person who likes to unlock my phone regardless of me leaving or staying with a specific network or not.
i chatted with tmobile and they wouldn't give me my code, so i went to cellunlocker (dot) net and got my code in ~7 hours.
(im not affiliated with cellunlocker in any way)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
intrepresentation said:
I have a T-Mobile S4 and I can confirm it does get LTE on AT&T. I got a SIM unlock pin from an online site and then the device accepted my AT&T SIM. The only thing I had to do after that was change the APN to use "phone" instead of "wap.cingular" and LTE is working great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how'd you manage to add the APN? i'm in the same situation and cannot add the APN. i'm trying to use an AT&T iPhone5 SIM in my T-Mo unlocked Galaxy S4 ... getting phone service, but no data. am confused.
jerzyboy2421 said:
how'd you manage to add the APN? i'm in the same situation and cannot add the APN. i'm trying to use an AT&T iPhone5 SIM in my T-Mo unlocked Galaxy S4 ... getting phone service, but no data. am confused.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on the stock Galaxy S4, you just open apps drawer, go to <SETTINGS> <CONNECTIONS><MORE NETWORKS><MOBILE NETWORKS><ACCESS POINT NAMES> then hit the "menu button" on your phone and choose "New APN" type in your data and hit the "menu button" again and choose "Save"

[Q] Version clarification.

I know this is in the FAQ but I am in need of some clarification. I intend to buy an unlocked international Note 3 (Negri, Amazon, etc.) and would like to know which model(s) (N9005/N900W8) will work best if I just swap out SIM cards from a previous T-mobile device to work on T-Mobile's networks.
Sm900 T (T mobiles version) is the only one that will get lte as for the n9000 if you live in a refarmed area you will beable to get 3g. If you dont live in a refarmed area youll only get edge
Yeah. You're probably better off getting the 900t.
sent from my sm-9005.
Okay so I went ahead and ordered the unlocked N900T from Negri Electronics and the order is currently being processed but with one major warning. They have warned me about the device possibly being black listed via IMEI on T-mobile's own networks. Is there a legitimate cause for concern here that my device will be blacked out, or should I be fine?
The only reason I could see that a carrier would black list a device is if it is reported stolen or misused/abused on the carrier's network.
That is very interesting for Negri to do that. Is Negri implying they source their phones from a shady source? You're better off buying a 900t from T-Mobile directly and spending ~$3 using chain fires region unlock app to sim unlock your phone.
sent from my sm-9005.

[Q] Have unlocked SM-217A. Any good data-only alternatives to AT&T?

Anyone using an unlocked SM-217A with a carrier other than AT&T? I am exploring if there are cheaper or more cost-effective plans other than AT&T. I also don't know what carriers this tablet would be compatible with, besides T-Mobile.

Need help US Carrier unlock VS T-Moble model phone

I'm looking to upgrade to the S9+ and looking for advice on whether or not to get the US carrier unlock version or the T-Mobile version. So those of you who went with the US carrier unlocked S8+, What are the Pros and Cons of it please?
You need to get an Exynos S9+, better performance and bootloader unlocking
I would check and make sure the international version supports bands 66 and 71 first (600 mhz). I've looked all over but I can't find that info anywhere yet.
If you are financing I'd buy unlocked from Samsung.com, If paying full price buy it directly from T-Mobile directly. If you plan to have it SIM unlocked T-Mobile branded phones from Samsung.com are harder (not impossible, but not instant when you are eligible through the Unlock App). If the S9 is like the S8 you should be able to switch to each carriers firmware automatically after it's unlocked. I found the carrier bloat to be very light on the S8, and doesn't prevent you from using most features compared to the factory unlocked model (Verizon excluded).

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