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13NOV: CDMA Rhodium Q&A: GSM, 3G Bands, SIM UNLOCK, ESN, IMEI, HARDSPL, ROMS, FM, GPS

13NOV: CDMA Rhodium Q&A: GSM, 3G Bands, SIM UNLOCK, ESN, IMEI, HARDSPL, ROMS, FM, GPS
I've seen a million (not a million literally, but close enough) of these threads in all shapes and sizes around the forum, yet there still doesn't seem to be a definitive answer to everyone's questions.
Telephony Network & 3G band compatibilty
SIM Unlocks
HARD-SPL & ROM compatibility queries
Domestic (US) and International Usage
Usability of Both CDMA and GSM radios
GPS
FM Radio
As someone that shares most of the comunities queries about the Rhodium CDMA's compatibility, I am listing all the questions that I have encountered around the forum and a format in which the answers must be provided in order to eliminate any unwanted chatter in order to be able to get to the "bottom of this" ASAP.
ANSWERING FORMAT
1. Please indicate the Q number to which you will be providing your answer
2. If you are going to describe compatibilty with any service provider, please indicate the following before you start answering or asking any questions.
Name of the Serive Provider: Verizon / AT&T etc.
Country of the Serive provider:
Network Type: CDMA / GSM
3G Bands supported by the service provider:
QUESTIONS
Q1. Are the Verizon, Sprint and Telus versions of the TP2 identical as far as the hardware is concerned? The only difference I can find between the 3 of them as compared on PDADB is that the Verizon and Telus versions support only UMTS2100 instead of both UMTS 900 / 2100 like the Spint version. We need this sorted out. Is the info at PDADB not accurate?
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Q2. As far as I know, ESN is used for CDMA phones and IMEI is used for GSM phones. Can anyone check to see if the CDMA Rhodiums come with 2 identifications numbers, one for each radio?
A2. Seems like it does come with both, although the ESN in this case is referred to as as an MEID
Read This
Q3. Again, as far as I know most CDMA service providers around the world offer phones without a SIM card (or even a SIM Card holder). They program the "SIM Card equivalent identification number" (maybe the ESN itself is used as identification) into the phone and that is how it identifies itself on the network. More recently, I have started to notice that CDMA phones are coming out with SIM card slots and even CDMA service providers (like Verizon) are offering CDMA SIM cards. Now multiple questions arise from this.
a. Does the Rhodium allow your Verizon / Sprint / Telus telephone number to be programed into it or do you receive a SIM card for your telephone number?
A. All CDMA Rhodium's that come from the carrier are programmed with the telephone number on them (Well it's not exactly that, but for the noobs that just means that you don't need a SIM Card.) Some users (Verizon and Sprint) receive a GSM SIM card along with the phone. That is just for roaming purposes. If you are ever in a country where Sprint / Verizon don't have a roaming agreement with a CDMA provider, then it will seek out a GSM carrier that they do have a roaming agreement via the GSM radio and SIM card. That's the only reason it's there. It (the SIM Card) serves no purpose while you're in the US.
b. Does the SIM card slot accept SIMs for both GSM and CDMA networks?
A. Ok First things first...
I'd like to correct something here regarding the "SIM" for CDMA. It's called an "UIM" or "RIM" for CDMA networks. It looks identical to a GSM SIM card but believe it or not, United States, or in North America, the UIM/RIM is integrated into the phone, where the rest of the world such as China, the users can remove the UIM/RIM just like GSM-counter parts.
We still don't have a concrete answer if the SIM slot will accept UIM/RIM cards although chances are very slim that it can.
c. If the Rhodium supports having the telephone number programed into it, does that mean that I can have another CDMA service provider (in a different country of course) delete the existing number and program in a new telephone number?
A. Of course you can. It just depends on the service provider although not all of them might co-operate and would be willing to do this. Why? Simply beacuse it might affect their phone sales.
If you are willing to do most of the work yourself, check out this thread at PPCgeeks.
Further Reading
d. Essentially, the question I want answered here is, can I use 2 telephone numbers (one CDMA number programmed into the phone and another GSM / CDMA number via use of a SIM card). I understand you cannot have both radios active at the same time and that's not what I am asking.
A. Yes, you most certainly can although I doubt youll be able to stick a CDMA UIM/RIM into the SIM Card slot and gain access to a second CDMA carrier.
Q4. This might sound like a silly question, but a lot of people including myself aren't a 100% sure about it. Once HARD-SPL is introduced for the CDMA Rhodium, can we use all the ROMs cooked here at XDA, or do we have to use ROMs that are specific to these CDMA models?
A. NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT! You cannot use a GSM ROM for a CDMA device. You might brick it! Of course if you do something silly like that, you might be able to recover it, but why do it in the first place?
Q5. Leaving T-Mobile and AT&T aside, most GSM 3G networks around the world use 900 / 2100 bands. The CDMA Rhodium (atleast the Sprint version) supports both. Does this automatically mean that 3G would work on this where ever 900 / 2100 is available? or is there more voodoo magic to this? If I understand it correctly, then this phone is exactly the same as the HTC European version (except the Front CAM) + the fact that it has a CDMA radio as well?
A. Yes, it should work!
Misc Questions
Q6. Is there a SIM Unlock tool (or any other kind of paid service / hack) available to make this phone compatible with the US GSM service providers?
A. YES YES YES! Olipro and Cmonex have made this happen for real. Works with all CDMA Rhodiums.
General SIM Unlock (for worldwide use): Read This
Sim Unlock for Domestic US carriers: Read This
Alternatively you can do the following (There's no point really with the unlocker now available)
Verizon: Call Global Services Customer Care (1. Customer in good standing can get it done immediately after purchase. 2. New customers or defaulters need to wait for 60 days) After it is unlocked, you'll have no problems making it work with any US GSM carrier.
Sprint: It's already unlocked, but won't work with US GSM carriers.
Telus: I'm not sure if Telus does that for you but thankfully enough there are a lot of paid unlocking services available starting from as low as $13.00.
Option #1: eBay
Option #2: Others
Q7. This phone seems far more superior to the International version simply because it supports CDMA and has everything else that the International version has (except the Front CAM). Is there any reason why this is not the preffered phone for ALL?
A. It's just a matter of taste and also some people really want that Front CAM from the HTC Branded Rhodium.
Q8. What is the deal with the FM Radio?
a. Is the hardware built-in for it or not?
A. Nobody is entirely sure about it yet, although based on some of the digging around that the folks over at PPC Geeks have done, it seems the hardware might be present. You can follow the development for that here. Get's interesting around Page 5.
b. If the hardware is present, then which port needs to be used as the antenna? Ext USB or the 3.5mm jack?
A. We'll find out when someone figures out how to make it work.
c. A lot of people report that it's locked or doesn't work. Any sign of a hack for it yet?
A. Not yet. There is one available for the GSM versions but that doesn't work for the CDMA Rhodiums.
Q9. GPS...
a. Is it locked to only Sprint's or Verizon's navigators or can Google maps or any other third party navigation / map software be used?
A. It's NOT locked. 2 Confirmed reports state that both Verizon and Sprint TP2s work with every navigation and map software under the sun with pretty accurate locks.
b. If it is locked, where is the hack for it?
A. Not required. It's NOT Locked
c. I'm having issues with getting accurate locks.
A. Follow the links to these discussions.
Read This #1 (PPC Geeks)
Read This #2 (XDA)
Q10. Front Camera. There isn't one, is there?
A10. Nope. No Front Camera for CDMA Rhodiums.
Q11. Headset
a. Do you get audio (stereo output) from the Ext-USB port like with the GSM versions?
b. Can an old headset with the Ext-USB connector work as a handsfree?
c. Telus comes with a 3.5mm based handsfree. What are Verizon and Sprint customers (who don't get one) doing about it?
A. Click HERE

Answer to Q9 in regards to the VERIZON version - no, it is not locked to the VZ programs. I've successfully used the GPS (with nearly instant locks) on both Google Maps and Garmin MobileXT.

Q9 GPS is unlocked on sprint TP2... All gps applications work accuratly

I want to know the answer to whether the UMTS900 in the Verizon phone simply isn't installed or if it was just an omission at PDADB.

Q4: You need to flash CDMA phones with CDMA roms. Flashing with a GSM rom will probably brick it.

dweidman said:
Q4: You need to flash CDMA phones with CDMA roms. Flashing with a GSM rom will probably brick it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although I'd imagine that most ROM cookers will release both versions of their major releases. At least, I'd hope so.

I get conflicting reports about that.
I've read in some places that as long as you don't cross flash the Radio ROMs (GSM for CDMA), then it's ok to use the generic ROMs available for GSM phones.
Also, can anyone check on the box of your CDMA Rhodiums to see if you ahve both an ESN and an IMEI number?
What are you guys doing about the handsfree? From all the unboxing videos I have seen for Verizon and Sprint TP2s, they don't provide you with it although the Telus version comes with a 3.5mm based headset. (Not the Ext-USB one)

My answer comes from my reading when I had the VZW TP - the CDMA threads were very specific about being CDMA only (and warned of bricking if you cross flashed). The radios will be different in them - so I am imagining it will be separate still. I don't cook - so maybe one of the more experienced can weigh in.

Humble1 said:
Answer to Q9 in regards to the VERIZON version - no, it is not locked to the VZ programs. I've successfully used the GPS (with nearly instant locks) on both Google Maps and Garmin MobileXT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that too, only tried it with Google Maps though. To anyone having issue with the GPS make sure you run the QuickGPS program that comes installed while you have an active data connection. It downloads data on GPS satellites or something that makes the locks much faster than without this data.

Q8: Works. Had to install it twice (First time it said not supported) but it works.

leepriestenator said:
I get conflicting reports about that.
I've read in some places that as long as you don't cross flash the Radio ROMs (GSM for CDMA), then it's ok to use the generic ROMs available for GSM phones.
Also, can anyone check on the box of your CDMA Rhodiums to see if you ahve both an ESN and an IMEI number?
What are you guys doing about the handsfree? From all the unboxing videos I have seen for Verizon and Sprint TP2s, they don't provide you with it although the Telus version comes with a 3.5mm based headset. (Not the Ext-USB one)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the telus one and it COMES with a 3.5mm besides the usb port

LifeStealer said:
Q8: Works. Had to install it twice (First time it said not supported) but it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what? really?

@ LifeStealer.
Are you sure you got your RADIO working? FM RADIO???
How? When? What? Where?

Q7. This phone seems far more superior to the International version simply because it supports CDMA and has everything else that the International version has (except the Front CAM). Is there any reason why this is not the preffered phone for ALL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My take on it is that, currently, we can't flash custom ROMs onto it. That's a huge part of the community here, and really, very often custom ROMs are superior in every way. Plus, you get a "new phone" feel every flash.
Once HardSPL/whatever comes out, perhaps everyone'll love the CDMA/GSM version. Who knows. In any case, Verizon's already sold out and most everyone on VZW who has one loves it, so perhaps just wait for time to tell.

Another question.
Have they in any way crippled the Video Out feature on the CDMA's?

Q11. Headset
b. Can an old headset with the Ext-USB connector work as a handsfree?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that the Ext-USB stereo headset that came with my Sprint Mogul works just fine.

I just bought a brand new sprint touch pro 2 but I'm looking to use it on GSM US network. I do know that it's sim unlocked and it can be used with any GSM carrier except for US carriers. I know there's currently no unlock code or app for CDMA tp2. I want to know if the phone is missing the hardware to use with GSM US carriers or is it just locked with software and if it's possible to sim unlock it in the future.

It probably just is software. The verizon model works with US carriers after you receive the unlock code.
Just a matter of time before someone here figures it out.
Also regarding the Radio. This is the PM I received from LifeStealer
LifeStealer said:
So... its installed and picking up stations I know to be be real (Via my stereo). But no sound. So it picks up but doesn't play? I dunno I didn't have a headset when I first tried it and now that I have one plugged in maybe it needs the default HTC headset?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can anyone check this out?

leepriestenator said:
It probably just is software. The verizon model works with US carriers after you receive the unlock code.
Just a matter of time before someone here figures it out.
Also regarding the Radio. This is the PM I received from LifeStealer
Can anyone check this out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that you can INSTALL the program and START the program, but it doesn't actually pick up any stations. The interface allows you to dial in any frequency but doesn't actually pick up any signal despite the fact that it says "Now Playing".

AstarteSV said:
I can confirm that you can INSTALL the program and START the program, but it doesn't actually pick up any stations. The interface allows you to dial in any frequency but doesn't actually pick up any signal despite the fact that it says "Now Playing".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you have the headphones plugged in? I read somewhere the headphones have to be plugged in to pickup radio stations.

My TP2 Won't turn on, please help!

Hello All,
I hope someone can help me with this.
I have a TP2 (Sprint) and I need to use it for At&t.
The first thing I did was unlock the device using RhodiumWUnlocker from Olipro (and made my donation ).
I did all steps, and everything went fine. No problems. And it detected AT&T
Then I flashed the ROM with EnergyROM Leo Manila 2.5 WM6.5 v 16Feb2010, By NRGZ28. (File: Energy.RHOD500.23529.Leo_MaxManila.16.Feb.2010.rar) - Still all well, no problems.
Then it went back to stock and could not detect AT&T. So I flashed the Radio Version: 4.49.25.91 from this thread: forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=549939.
Now I cannot turn on my phone at all - No "touchpro2" screen, no bootloader, nothing at all. The phone doesn't react to any combinations of buttons to turn on or load up bootloader. When I connect the phone to the computer (Vista by the way) the charging orange light comes on for about 3 minutes then goes off. Then I press the power button and the light comes back on, but nothing else happens to the phone.
Please help!!! Let me know what's wrong and how I can fix it, please!!! I'll make another donation to fix it.
Thanks!

I'm no expert but it sounds like you may have flashed a CDMA Rhodium with GSM firmware. I had a quick look and it seems the Sprint Rhodium is CDMA, you should have a look at the CDMA Rhodium forum here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=517
I'm not totally sure of the GSM / CDMA thing because I'm not in the U.S. it's not something I need to worry about.
Good luck dude

Yeah the more I look at this, the more I am convinced this is what has happened.
You used CDMA HardSPL (RhodiumWUnlocker)
Then flashed a CDMA ROM (Energy.RHOD500 ...)
but your mistake was to flash a GSM Radio ROM (I followed the URL you gave and up popped the GSM Radio ROM thread)
I don't know if this is recoverable but searching the CDMA forum would be a good start. You can't be the first person this has happened to.

Thanks for the response, but I am certain I flashed the correct ROM.
*I went to the wingster website
*I selected CDMA ROM's
*Clicked on EnergyROM Leo
*Clicked on Download - Hotfile.com
*Selected this ROM: Energy.RHOD500.23529.Leo_MaxManila.16.Feb.2010.rar
When I flashed this ROM, the phone loaded up without any issues. The only problem was that I could not make calls because it could not detect the AT&T SIM card. So I flashed the radio shown on the post from xda, and the PC said congratulations, everything is complete and good. At this time, the cell phone rebooted and it just never came back on.
Thanks for the help!!

Thanks MadBeef, I will research the CDMA forum.

The Main ROM you flashed was fine. It's the Radio ROM you flashed that killed it, because your phone is CDMA hardware but now it has GSM Radio ROM on it. That's my theory anyway, I'm hoping someone a bit more experienced with CDMA will be able to chime in.
If you can get back into the bootloader somehow, you should be able to flash a CDMA Radio ROM.

I only read the first line of your problem...sprint to at&t...it can never happen. Sprint is cdma which has no sim and at&t is a gsm which has a sim. You better have insurance so you can run over your now "speed bump" and get a new one.

shenriquez84 said:
Thanks for the response, but I am certain I flashed the correct ROM.
*I went to the wingster website
*I selected CDMA ROM's
*Clicked on EnergyROM Leo
*Clicked on Download - Hotfile.com
*Selected this ROM: Energy.RHOD500.23529.Leo_MaxManila.16.Feb.2010.rar
When I flashed this ROM, the phone loaded up without any issues. The only problem was that I could not make calls because it could not detect the AT&T SIM card. So I flashed the radio shown on the post from xda, and the PC said congratulations, everything is complete and good. At this time, the cell phone rebooted and it just never came back on.
Thanks for the help!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROM fine.
Radio ROM = BAD.
RHOD400 and RHOD500 are the model numbers for the Sprint and Verizon TP2s respectively. Other carriers also share these model numbers, but those are the big two.
The Radio ROM you flashed however is for the GSM only TP2, not the combo CDMA/GSM TP2 that you have.
Flashing that Radio ROM was a HUGE no-no. Boom.
akademik_acheeba said:
I only read the first line of your problem...sprint to at&t...it can never happen. Sprint is cdma which has no sim and at&t is a gsm which has a sim. You better have insurance so you can run over your now "speed bump" and get a new one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should put a little more time into research before jumping in with the flip comments.
1) Sprint does have SIM cards. I've got one in my hand. (No, they're not used in all phones of course, but Sprint does have their own).
2) The Sprint Touch Pro 2 can very well be used on ATT once it is security unlocked and a patched Radio ROM is flashed. To say "it can never happen" is flat out wrong because it's been happening for a few months.
3) The CDMA Touch Pro 2 models (RHOD400 and RHOD500) aren't just CDMA. They are CDMA/GSM/UMTS worldphones, supporting operation in all three modes.

I'm Sorry Gamescan if I did not understand correctly. Does this mean there is no help? There's absolutely nothing I can do to revert this and fix it?
I really appreciate all the help!!
I wanted to reply to Akademik's comment, but I didn't have time. This is not the first phone I flash, but it is the first CDMA/GSM phone. I know this phone is dualmode, else I wouldn't have bought it to use it in AT&T.
Thanks again!

shenriquez84 said:
I'm Sorry Gamescan if I did not understand correctly. Does this mean there is no help? There's absolutely nothing I can do to revert this and fix it?
I really appreciate all the help!!
I wanted to reply to Akademik's comment, but I didn't have time. This is not the first phone I flash, but it is the first CDMA/GSM phone. I know this phone is dualmode, else I wouldn't have bought it to use it in AT&T.
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you connect to it via a mtty terminal?

I don't know if the SD card flash method would work here. If it were my phone I'd try it, but if it's not getting as far as the bootloader I think the chances are slim Maybe while there is no SIM card in it, give the radio ROM less to do?
Found some CDMA radios here:
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=90342
Sounds like you might be screwed but there's a few ideas you can try. Good luck.

gamescan said:
mtty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I knew that would get a mention sooner or later uh oh hehe

Sorry, but what's a mtty terminal? That's new material for me...
and as Madbeef said, I have no access to the bootloader screen. I'm pressing all possible combinations of keys, and nothing.
Thanks again.

gamescan said:
ROM fine.
You should put a little more time into research before jumping in with the flip comments.
1) Sprint does have SIM cards. I've got one in my hand. (No, they're not used in all phones of course, but Sprint does have their own).
2) The Sprint Touch Pro 2 can very well be used on ATT once it is security unlocked and a patched Radio ROM is flashed. To say "it can never happen" is flat out wrong because it's been happening for a few months.
3) The CDMA Touch Pro 2 models (RHOD400 and RHOD500) aren't just CDMA. They are CDMA/GSM/UMTS worldphones, supporting operation in all three modes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shenriquez84 said:
I'm Sorry Gamescan if I did not understand correctly. Does this mean there is no help? There's absolutely nothing I can do to revert this and fix it?
I really appreciate all the help!!
I wanted to reply to Akademik's comment, but I didn't have time. This is not the first phone I flash, but it is the first CDMA/GSM phone. I know this phone is dualmode, else I wouldn't have bought it to use it in AT&T.
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this result is based on shenriquez american flag in his pro. basically saying hes in america using an american sprint tp2 and trying to use american att service.
gamescan, if i said it cant be dont its quite obvious ive done research through trials and also working a phone carrier for 3 years before finding a better job...THIS CANNOT BE DONE. the dual mode in the sprint tp2 is ment for when people travel to europe, they can pop their "european sim" in and be on their merry way. european cell towers accept the frequency of the sprint tp2 and establish a connection. the US towers have "locked out" tmo and att from being used in the sprint tp2. the reason why you found att on connection setup was that your phone was basically saying" yes att is here, but your not connecting". shenriquez i followed the link to the radio you flashed before you got "shut off". you shouldnt have flashed a GSM radio on a SPRINT TP2...you are bricked my dude. you gave your phone a seizure man.

shenriquez84 said:
Sorry, but what's a mtty terminal? That's new material for me...
and as Madbeef said, I have no access to the bootloader screen. I'm pressing all possible combinations of keys, and nothing.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google mtty (or search for it on here).
Short version it's text based, but it's pretty much the lowest level access that a consumer can get to a HTC device without ripping the sucker open, manually desoldering the flash chip and putting in another.
If you're not getting the tri-color bootloader screen, there is still the possibility of saving it via terminal commands, but it's not straightforward (and depending on what happened it is certainly NOT guaranteed).
akademik_acheeba said:
this result is based on shenriquez american flag in his pro. basically saying hes in america using an american sprint tp2 and trying to use american att service.
gamescan, if i said it cant be dont its quite obvious ive done research through trials and also working a phone carrier for 3 years before finding a better job...THIS CANNOT BE DONE. the dual mode in the sprint tp2 is ment for when people travel to europe, they can pop their "european sim" in and be on their merry way. european cell towers accept the frequency of the sprint tp2 and establish a connection. the US towers have "locked out" tmo and att from being used in the sprint tp2. the reason why you found att on connection setup was that your phone was basically saying" yes att is here, but your not connecting". shenriquez i followed the link to the radio you flashed before you got "shut off". you shouldnt have flashed a GSM radio on a SPRINT TP2...you are bricked my dude. you gave your phone a seizure man.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only it can be done.
With the tools mentioned in this here very forum.
Any many people have done it.
Again, you're not doing your research and making claims that are flat out wrong.
1) The Sprint TP2 hardware does support the US GSM frequencies.
2) The Sprint TP2 hardware does not ship with a SIM lock.
3) The Sprint TP2 hardware does ship with the two US GSM frequencies disabled in software.
4) If you pay for the Olinex security unlocker you can easily flash a patched radio ROM which re-enabled the two disabled frequencies.
About the only correct thing said in the post above is that he should not have flashed a radio ROM from a GSM-only TP2 to a CDMA/GSM combo TP2. The two devices do have different hardware so flashing the wrong drivers *IS* a BAD THING(tm).
But, assuming you have paid for the security unlocker, flashing a Sprint TP2 with an updated radio ROM is stupid easy and once you've done that making it work on ATT or TMO in the US requires nothing more than slotting in an active SIM card and switching the phone to GSM mode.
If you don't know the answer to something, please feel free to ASK about it, but don't make unfounded and incorrect statements. When you state an absolute that is false it just spreads misinformation which makes things confusing for other users, especially those new to the device.

gamescan said:
Google mtty (or search for it on here).
Short version it's text based, but it's pretty much the lowest level access that a consumer can get to a HTC device without ripping the sucker open, manually desoldering the flash chip and putting in another.
If you're not getting the tri-color bootloader screen, there is still the possibility of saving it via terminal commands, but it's not straightforward (and depending on what happened it is certainly NOT guaranteed).
Only it can be done.
With the tools mentioned in this here very forum.
Any many people have done it.
Again, you're not doing your research and making claims that are flat out wrong.
1) The Sprint TP2 hardware does support the US GSM frequencies.
2) The Sprint TP2 hardware does not ship with a SIM lock.
3) The Sprint TP2 hardware does ship with the two US GSM frequencies disabled in software.
4) If you pay for the Olinex security unlocker you can easily flash a patched radio ROM which re-enabled the two disabled frequencies.
About the only correct thing said in the post above is that he should not have flashed a radio ROM from a GSM-only TP2 to a CDMA/GSM combo TP2. The two devices do have different hardware so flashing the wrong drivers *IS* a BAD THING(tm).
But, assuming you have paid for the security unlocker, flashing a Sprint TP2 with an updated radio ROM is stupid easy and once you've done that making it work on ATT or TMO in the US requires nothing more than slotting in an active SIM card and switching the phone to GSM mode.
If you don't know the answer to something, please feel free to ASK about it, but don't make unfounded and incorrect statements. When you state an absolute that is false it just spreads misinformation which makes things confusing for other users, especially those new to the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Prove your lame theory. Links that sprint gsm will connect to US towers. Even links in "this very forum". Different frequencies dude.

My two cents -- as I am new, too -- but I ran into a similar situation trying to update the radio on my Verizon TP2 due to 1X issues. My phone is unlocked as I was running Mighty but decided to return to stock (6.1).
Note: my SIM is not unlocked. If I understand correctly, the SIM needs to be unlocked to be able to install a radio from a different carrier, like Sprint.
[As a side note: I think these forums use the term "radio" a little too loosely because the program to unlock the phone to be able to flash unsigned ROMs is also called a "radio" unlocker.]
Back on topic: I flashed my phone with and unlocked radio 2.23.00WU and the result was similar to what happened to your phone: it did not turn on, orange light was on.
I was able to flash stock ROM back onto the phone using the USB cord and the phone is back to normal. Even though it was basically non-responsive except for the orange light.
My phone is in working order after the wrong radio incident.
I hope this helps.
--
sunNsnow

akademik_acheeba said:
Prove your lame theory. Links that sprint gsm will connect to US towers. Even links in "this very forum". Different frequencies dude.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you believe that you're obviously flat out lying when you make the claim of having worked for a carrier for three years, because no one who worked for a wireless carrier could possibly be this ignorant about how GSM works. It's either that or you're purposely posting false information in a lame attempt to screw with the newbies on this site.
The Sprint TP2 hardware supports all four GSM frequencies - 850, 900, 1800, 1900. You can pull up any spec sheet on the model to see that. This isn't exactly hidden information.
Sprint disables the US frequencies in firmware.
If you are security unlocked you can flash one of the two patched radios in the sticky thread in this forum.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=578659
Then you toss an active SIM card into the phone and turn it on while in the US. Set it to GSM mode and bam, you're on a US tower.
Your claim is the equivalent of running around screaming "The sky is GREEN because I say it is! The sky can't be blue. That's false!"
sunNsnow said:
My two cents -- as I am new, too -- but I ran into a similar situation trying to update the radio on my Verizon TP2 due to 1X issues. My phone is unlocked as I was running Mighty but decided to return to stock (6.1).
Note: my SIM is not unlocked. If I understand correctly, the SIM needs to be unlocked to be able to install a radio from a different carrier, like Sprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone needs to be security unlocked to flash a different radio. If it is not security unlocked a unsigned radio will cause the boot sequence to fail. Flashing a carrier provided radio will restore the phone to service.
Security Unlocking means setting the phone to SuperCID. It is different than SIM unlocking.
SIM unlocking allows you to use different SIM cards. It does not allow you to flash unsigned radios.
The Olinex unlocker will both security unlock you (SuperCID) and SIM unlock you (if needed).

if device was security unlocked and is detected by pc, most likely it can be recovered by mtty. unlike my case where device was not sec unlocked but its detected by mtty using usb or serial. bad news is it would be very hard to recover, im doing some jtag research first, at least i found the pins but no pinout.

gamescan said:
If you believe that you're obviously flat out lying when you make the claim of having worked for a carrier for three years, because no one who worked for a wireless carrier could possibly be this ignorant about how GSM works. It's either that or you're purposely posting false information in a lame attempt to screw with the newbies on this site.
The Sprint TP2 hardware supports all four GSM frequencies - 850, 900, 1800, 1900. You can pull up any spec sheet on the model to see that. This isn't exactly hidden information.
Sprint disables the US frequencies in firmware.
If you are security unlocked you can flash one of the two patched radios in the sticky thread in this forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats for a radio not rom. find the cdma rom that allows you to use a gsm sim. you cant use the cdma rom over att network...and that link you posted, there are no success stories in it, only complaints. you have no idea what you are talking about. you sit there posting false statements and trying to sound smart with your handy thesaurus. stop posting false statements lame.

Questions before AT&T Band unlock

Picking up a Droid 2 Global today in hopes of doing the Band unlock hack.
I understand it must be on Froyo to do this, and I am buying from a random/normal guy on Craigslist. In the off chance he upgraded to Gingerbread, could it be reverted to stock Froyo for the hack? I wanna put Hexen on it eventually.
Also, we went back and forth for a while, and he finally told me Verizon gave him the unlock code.
How do I "use" the unlock code and how can I tell if it's working or not?
So basically, it's...
- Buy Droid 2 Global
- Unlock Code
- Make sure its on Froyo and do the band unlock
- Flash Hexen
Am I missing anything? Thanks a lot!

Right.
You can still flash back form 2.3 to 2.2

Just bear in mind the "Unlock" step may prove to be hard to get. Given the fact you live in US, it is likely you could get "a hand" from a friend of yours on Verizon to get it unlocked. Just in case online unlockers can't.
Also - 2.4.xxx firmwares (Froyo) are known to have issues with HSPA connectivity - so called 'radio resets', in other words - be ready for not very fluent experience with this phone.
Personally I'd advise against going this way. Get yourself a Desire Z - much better modding capabilities and no hassle with unlocking/using it on any GSM network anywhere worldwide..

Wanted to make new thread to ensure responses, but don't wanna clutter XDA either so here goes. I'm buying a Droid 2 Global soon for my bro and wanna use with AT&T, so I have some questions
1. Does it matter what SBF or version is on it? I'm under the impression that it can all be flashed to the correct ones that I want to use.
2. Seller does not have unlock code, but he is a Verizon customer (just got iPhone 4S) and has assured me that he will get unlock code with me at meetup.
So basically, how do I reach Verizon/get unlock code (I think I can call 611 with HIS iPhone)? And how do I input it? And how do I know when its complete?
And anyone have a simple guide on how to do the process of flashing and applying the hack? I know its a search away so links would be nice (on mobile)
Thanks a lot XDA
Sent from Sensation z710a on xda Premium

fluent experience?
leobg said:
Just bear in mind the "Unlock" step may prove to be hard to get. Given the fact you live in US, it is likely you could get "a hand" from a friend of yours on Verizon to get it unlocked. Just in case online unlockers can't.
Also - 2.4.xxx firmwares (Froyo) are known to have issues with HSPA connectivity - so called 'radio resets', in other words - be ready for not very fluent experience with this phone.
Personally I'd advise against going this way. Get yourself a Desire Z - much better modding capabilities and no hassle with unlocking/using it on any GSM network anywhere worldwide..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if im unlocked, on 4.5.608 and N_01.48.00R
will the HSPA still suck?
I dont have an ATT sim right now but did the flashing, etc in case I ever did...

To get the unlock code from VZW, the phone needs to be on a Verizon line of service, and the account must be in good standing for the past 6 months.
As for firmware versions, you need 2.4.29 as the base. I'm not quite sure if it's possible to update to any other version leaving the baseband intact. 2.4.330 won't work.
And yes, HSPA will most probably still suck because it's a problem with the baseband firmware.

I followed
http://rootzwiki.com/topic/8326-d2g-gingerbread-hack-for-us-band-unlockers/
to leave the baseband but move forward for the overall rom.
I guess i'll need to get an att sim for the fun of trying out the 'bad' HSPA
I know it basically worked because I could use an available tmobile sim for a basic phone test - no att test as of yet.

Just an FYI. When I had an ATT SIM for testing I regularly pulled 6-7 Mbits tethering on it despite the so called "bad HSPDA+" radio performance of the original firmware versions.
This was freind's mother's SIM who had passed away and was an old basic feature phone plan that I added a 15/month unlimited data feature to when I borrowed it for a few months.
I used it primarily for tethering and testing various radio builds etc. when we were first working on it.
The low bars is a feature of the VZW Global phone configuration and not an actual signal issue.
The radio performance of networks outside the US may vary greatly from user reports and I have no experience with international use, but on ATT the GSM/HSPDA+ performance was generally excellent or at least quite useable.

[Q] I'm pretty sure it's not possible but...

I figured I'd ask here. I'm almost certain that it isn't possible at all to do but you never know what the great devs here at XDA has come up with.
I have a HTC HD7s from ATT. It's a GREAT phone in my opinion. Never had a single problem with it; but I did with AT&T. They were just; lacking in terms of anything in my local area.
Now for my question; It's probably not possible but like I said you never know until you ask. I am currently running on Sprint service with my Epic 4G Touch. Love the service as it does what I need it to do (a lot better then AT&T ever did). Now AT&T is GSM if I'm correct and I know sprint is CDMA.
But what could I change my HD7s over to via flashing/custom roms or whatnot. I doubt sprint would even think of being an option; but if there's a way to get it on even a pre-pay service; I'd love to have it sitting around as a backup phone if I ever needed it. So is it possible to flash over my HD7s to any other carriers? I have read that my current phone can actually be flashed to multiple other carriers, but with sprints (decent) service, there's no need.
Thanks ahead of time!

Your HD7S cannot work on a CDMA network (Sprint, Verizon) because it lacks the necessary radio hardware. No amount of flashing can fix that.
If it's unlocked, you can use it on any GSM network, however; no flashing would be required for that. The most obvious example of a non-AT&T GSM network in the USA is T-Mobile. Your phone will work on T-Mobile but won't get 3G due to lack of AWS UMTS support -- in other words, it doesn't have support for T-Mobile's 3G frequency.
If you can find a virtual network operator that uses AT&T's network, then you should be able to use your phone on that network and get 3G. I'm not up on which operators that might include.

The specific thing you need for your phone is a "SIM-unlock" which means removing the restriction that AT&T puts on their phones to prevent using SIM cards from other carriers. Typically, AT&T will remove this lock for you if you ask them, but otherwise there are sites online that can sell you unlock codes or you could try calling HTC.

3. Post only using a clear subject and message.
You're most likely to receive a helpful answer to your question if you use a short subject title that describes your problem and a message that explains in detail what your problem is and what you've tried to solve it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please use search function, most of the questions are already answered. If you still need to post your doubts please do it in an existing thread. Is really no need to open a new thread with same topic. Dispersed information helps to nobody.

Sim Unlock Suggestion (T-Mobile & Metro PCS)

So i assume that everyone has heard of the new Device Unlock app preinstealled on Devices sold by T-Mobile and Metro PCS. They present it as a new way for carrier unlocking devices in an easier way but the catch is having to meet THEIR requirements like using their service for at least 90 days (Prepaid) or fully paying off the device (Postpaid).
The problem is that they are practically forcing us to throw money at them to get anything we want even though we prepaid customers purchased our devices outright. Sure for some people the device was sold at a discounted price so it would make since for them to gain that money back through service activations, but that still wouldn't equal the amount you would be paying during a 90 day period. On top of that there are people that didnt get this device at a discounted price, therefore we shouldn't have to be "Limited" like those who did.
So after doing alot of research, since i too have a MS631 Stylo, it seems that this device was reprogram to generate sim unlocking remotely, but that doesnt entirely mean it's impossible to bypass this like most people say. This isn't iPhone, this is Android. Completely open sourced and with root access, we have the ability to manipulated any given SOFTWARE function.
Looking through files etc. It seems the sim unlocking menu was removed. Doesnt take a scientist to do that (Nice job Metro and T-Mobile). Simply sideloading the SimUnlock Menu apk from another LG device will bring it back. The dialer codes were also generating null output. On the MS631 the dialer code is 2945#*631# if im not mistaken. Entering this defaultly will generating nothing but the digits being erased. Installing the sim unlock menu from the LG G2 reactivates this function. Using the same dialer code will bring up the sim unlock menu successfully but none of the options will work. Choose any will greet you with a nice message stating "Your phone is not personalised". This means theirs no internal script or file locking your device like before, this officially confirms the unlock proccess is server sided. But, you have to take into consideration that the SimUnlock menu only reads from a specific directory to locate and process the unlock code when entered. So now the question relies on where the unlock is triggered on your phone from their servers.
Removing the Device Unlock app will do nothing since it's nothing but a tool to proccess this unlock via sever then callbacked to trigger the unlock on the device. So i tried flashing the T-Mobile KDZ thinking it would automatically unlock my device or at least lock it to the T-Mobile's Network instead which is the service im trying to switch to anyway. Flashing the KDZ is successful but nothings changes. Im still greeted with the Network Lock message upon entering a foreign sim, even a T-Mobile sim. Users in the S6 forums have had success flashing the Metro PCS firmware on their T-Mobile S6's to bring up the Unlock Screen, but the thing with their situation was the device unlocking software was not programmed into the Metro PCS software. The Device Unlock was programmed on Both Metro and T-Mobile stylo firmwares.
How can your phone still tell you're locked to a specific network even though youre using a different firmware? Well apparently the device unlocking function is programmed in the modem. To my knowledge Metro and T-Mobile share the same modem for the Stylo, meaning flashing another firmware may have worked on other phones but not on the Stylo considering the status of the modem has not changed.
So here's my suggestion to get the Stylos unlocked or at least bring back a work Unlocking menu and bypassing the Device Unlock app. Port the international rom to the Metro and T-Mobile versions. Don't say it's impossible, because it's been done on several devices and people still do it to this day. The international versions dont carry the same modems nor do the cricket and boost versions. It could also be possible to look at porting those too. It would be harder to port due to the T-Mobile and Metro versions being the only ones to have 16GB or Internal and 2GB of RAM, but it's possible. If there are any devs willing to do this then that would be great. This isn't just a solution for the LG Stylos but potentially for every other phone with this new unlocking function. Carriers are trying to control us again and it's time to fight for our rights to what WE OWN! Thanks

90 days doesn't seem to terribly long to wait.

Thediesel1972 said:
90 days doesn't seem to terribly long to wait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right it isn't. But there are people that buy T-Mobile devices strictly for the Unlocked Bootlader and having to activate service with them for 90 days and dish out 3 months worth of money just to use it on their service provider is a bit far fetched. Like in my situation, I bought the Metro variant on CL because no one was selling the T-Mobile variant except the T-Mobile store which cost almost $100 more. I was told my T-Mobile sim would work in it since its the same network anyway. Well it was my fault for not researching and seeing that even though metro works on T-Mobile devices out of the box, T-Mobile does not work on metro devices unless it's unlocked. According to metro in order for me to unlock it I have to have service with them for 90 days. So now I'm forced to cancel my T-Mobile service and hop on Metro, when I don't won't to because of the crappy coverage, for 90 days just to use my main service provider afterwards. It's too much for one simple thing.

sirhc said:
You're right it isn't. But there are people that buy T-Mobile devices strictly for the Unlocked Bootlader and having to activate service with them for 90 days and dish out 3 months worth of money just to use it on their service provider is a bit far fetched. Like in my situation, I bought the Metro variant on CL because no one was selling the T-Mobile variant except the T-Mobile store which cost almost $100 more. I was told my T-Mobile sim would work in it since its the same network anyway. Well it was my fault for not researching and seeing that even though metro works on T-Mobile devices out of the box, T-Mobile does not work on metro devices unless it's unlocked. According to metro in order for me to unlock it I have to have service with them for 90 days. So now I'm forced to cancel my T-Mobile service and hop on Metro, when I don't won't to because of the crappy coverage, for 90 days just to use my main service provider afterwards. It's too much for one simple thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that metro ditched their cdma network i do believe they run on the same towers. You could also change the apn to t-mobile as well. And Metro is cheaper and doesn't throttle the data speeds on their unlimited plan.
I used around 50gb in two days with pretty fast speed.
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Thediesel1972 said:
Now that metro ditched their cdma network i do believe they run on the same towers. You could also change the apn to t-mobile as well. And Metro is cheaper and doesn't throttle the data speeds on their unlimited plan.
I used around 50gb in two days with pretty fast speed.
View attachment 3545095
View attachment 3545096
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changing Apns wont work as the apn never sticks. T-Mobile rep confirmed that even though Metro runs on their network, they aren't allowed to utilize all of their towers which explains the crappy coverage with them. Based on what T-Mobile said, there could be 7 of their FULL LTE towers in an area but the Metro network could only use maybe 1-3 of them. Thats the price they pay for being an MVNO instead of an official carrier. That's great that you get good speeds with Metro, but unfortunately in my area i don't.

All in all, the new network lock seems to point out the actual locking/unlocking process is being done in the modem.
If using a new modem image (taken from an unlocked version) won't work by default (which I tend to think will be the case) then, the network lock validation process (based on the IMEI) must be done within the modem???
Anyway, I think this whole new locking process is kind of abusive. I read many forum threads about people complaining that they had to either address to FCC or try many times with the TMO support to get an unlock for their phones even though they should have been able to do it from the app because they met the conditions.
I think this new abusive unlock method will continue to plague many new phones in the future.

sirhc said:
Changing Apns wont work as the apn never sticks. T-Mobile rep confirmed that even though Metro runs on their network, they aren't allowed to utilize all of their towers which explains the crappy coverage with them. Based on what T-Mobile said, there could be 7 of their FULL LTE towers in an area but the Metro network could only use maybe 1-3 of them. Thats the price they pay for being an MVNO instead of an official carrier. That's great that you get good speeds with Metro, but unfortunately in my area i don't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you use this hidden menu by dialing 277634#*# you will be able to APNunlock which lets you deleted defult apn and make new Apn's and they will stick
P.S im assuming metro variant have the same dialing code for the hidden menu. Images below.

DrakenFX said:
If you use this hidden menu by dialing 277634#*# you will be able to APNunlock which lets you deleted defult apn and make new Apn's and they will stick
P.S im assuming metro variant have the same dialing code for the hidden menu. Images below.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done the Apn Unlock already and even though i change the Apn settings, nothing changes. I still can't use my sim because i get presented with the Network Lock screen. I've used the dialer code and I've used an app called Shortcut Master and accessed hidden menus through there to see if i could find anything in the modem pointed to a Network Lock

sirhc said:
I've done the Apn Unlock already and even though i change the Apn settings, nothing changes. I still can't use my sim because i get presented with the Network Lock screen. I've used the dialer code and I've used an app called Shortcut Master and accessed hidden menus through there to see if i could find anything in the modem pointed to a Network Lock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you rooted with twrp install i may have an idea...

feabhas said:
All in all, the new network lock seems to point out the actual locking/unlocking process is being done in the modem.
If using a new modem image (taken from an unlocked version) won't work by default (which I tend to think will be the case) then, the network lock validation process (based on the IMEI) must be done within the modem???
Anyway, I think this whole new locking process is kind of abusive. I read many forum threads about people complaining that they had to either address to FCC or try many times with the TMO support to get an unlock for their phones even though they should have been able to do it from the app because they met the conditions.
I think this new abusive unlock method will continue to plague many new phones in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly! Even people who do meet the eligibility requirements still have issues using the app. When i use the app i cant even get to the permanent unlock option. It says "Device not recognized by your service provider, please call customer care". I looked up the error and Metro says it's due rooting. I've flashed the stock KDZ, removing root, several times and the message still comes up. My device actually does meet the eligibility requirements as it was active with Metro for well over 90 days but the app always throws an error. Metro has no clue how to help me and basically just says "Oh well". This new unlocking is just bs and they know it. They're trying way too hard to force people on their network. Thats bad business. The more people figure out about this stupid unlock system, the more customers they lose. I know for a fact it's modem related. Flashing the T-Mobile modem won't do anything because it's the exact same as Metros modem. The only other modem i can think that could unlock this device is Fidos Variant but i feel thats just gonna cause a brick. I remember flashing Fidos KDZ and i got a super hard brick, having to send the device to LG for repair. There is an international version of this phone but theres no way to get my hands on the modem.

DrakenFX said:
Are you rooted with twrp install i may have an idea...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes i am

sirhc said:
Yes i am
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download my T-mobile Bootstack and flash it over TWRP... Do factory reset after that let us know what happen.....
No worries you can just reflash metro bootstack if that doesnt do what im thinking will do

DrakenFX said:
Download my T-mobile Bootstack and flash it over TWRP... Do factory reset after that let us know what happen.....
No worries you can just reflash metro bootstack if that doesnt do what im thinking will do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think i flashed your T-Mobile Bootstack when i was using the Katana rom and it still didnt work. Im back on stock now but I'll give it another try and post results

DrakenFX said:
Download my T-mobile Bootstack and flash it over TWRP... Do factory reset after that let us know what happen.....
No worries you can just reflash metro bootstack if that doesnt do what im thinking will do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashed your Bootstack and did a Factory Reset and still no dice. Im still greeted with the beautiful Network Lock screen

sirhc said:
Flashed your Bootstack and did a Factory Reset and still no dice. Im still greeted with the beautiful Network Lock screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have TWRP and flashed the Bootstack as well but no changes whatsoever. I still get the nasty Network Lock message ...

I seen on youtube where some guy unlocked an S6 and removed the Network Lock message via USB. He had the phone plugged into his computer and i could see ADB shell command notifications on the phone. He wouldnt show his method obviously because he was charging people for it. So there must be away to get rid of this if the guy did it himself

sirhc said:
I seen on youtube where some guy unlocked an S6 and removed the Network Lock message via USB. He had the phone plugged into his computer and i could see ADB shell command notifications on the phone. He wouldnt show his method obviously because he was charging people for it. So there must be away to get rid of this if the guy did it himself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you post the video?

feabhas said:
Could you post the video?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't find it. Just search on youtube galaxy s6 device unlock app solution or something

Could we extract the modem from one of the flashable zips to see if its possible to use it to simunlock

ipeedalil said:
Could we extract the modem from one of the flashable zips to see if its possible to use it to simunlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile and Metro have the same modem, so that won't work. I've already flashed the modem from the Fido Kdz and got a bootloop.