I'm in Canada using Rogers GSM, currently with a Treo 650 + SIM card. I am about to buy a Sprint unlocked Touch Pro 2 (the GSM is unlocked on the phone). It's as simple as popping my SIM card in like any other GSM phone and that's it to use the phone?
Also, I found this on a site selling Touch Pro 2 unlocked: "*Cell phones which are marked as unlocked ( being international phones ) are not capable of working on the internet. They are not enabled to browse the internet and will not be able to access it."
^^^ Can someone tell me if this means Wi-Fi does not work, or 3G (data plan with carrier) does not work? I have no intention of getting a data plan so the 3G is irrelevant to me, I would only be using Wi-Fi here and there.
Thanks for any help
No, the WiFi is a completely separate radio...
If you end up getting a data plan, the difference would be that the World-Wide GSM frequencies are different than the US ones... So you might have to reconfigure some data settings and may only have 2G data where you are...
Thanks zcarman. What does it mean that the WiFi is a separate "radio?" Is that just the term for each connection aspect, like GPS, WiFi, bluetooth? Or?
Yes I have talked to Rogers support already about the lack of 3G, again that's no prob as I will not have a data plan..
And I was searching this forum a lot and it appears the Sprint TP2 already comes unlocked for GSM so I can pop in my SIM card, but then other posts say that it is a CDMA phone, I am just confused I suppose hehe..
Exactly, they are separate connections - Bluetooth, WiFi, CDMA, GSM - as far as the phone is concerned. The wifi as far as I know is B/G... No N support, but I don't know that for a fact since my networks are all backward compatible.
For better support of the SIM slot, you can force the phone to stay on GSM by setting to manual network instead of automatic so it stays connected to Rogers and doesn't try to flip back to CDMA - if you've already one this, then someone else will have to jump in, but the settings are:
All Settings > Personal > Phone > Network (tab) > Mode of Operation = GSM/UMTS Only
Thanks a lot zcarman, I just won a Sprint TP2 off ebay It should be here early next week. I am confused, though, about getting ROMs and all the modifications/hacks floating around here and PPC Geeks, because from what I have read it is super important to only install stuff based on whether your phone is CDMA or GSM... so which is mine? Because I will be using my sim card and GSM, does that mean I have a GSM TP2 and install ROMs and such for GSM version of the phone, or? Kinda confused on this
Sprint and Verizon are CDMA phones...
AT&T and T-Mo are GSM phones...
ONLY USE CDMA ROMS ON DEVICES LABELED FOR VZW OR SPRINT!
Thanks zcarman Appreciate all your help!!
Related
I just got off the phone with Telus and what they told me is that they are releasing ANOTHER TP2 on the GSM network and that I would have to buy another phone TP2 just to get onto the GSM network.
This being said, is there any way to modify the radio signal in my CDMA phone to read both CDMA and GSM, or atleast get more speed out of my phone for connectivity to the net?
*update
I just got off the phone with HTC and the lady I spoke with told me, that to change the radio frequency I just had to change the ROM. That being said IF, I put a Telus HSPA ROM on there the phone should be capable of working on the network. Now that being said. If this is possible would it not be possible to run on both networks, CDMA and HSPA, making the signal control software dependent, meaning I have CDMA controls for standard phone calls and HSPA for running the highspeed network?
Update in previous post.
Eazy, just HardSPL and security unlock your radio bro...Only then you can use the GSM networks in your country (I'm guessing it's US)
But you can only activate one at a time. Either GSM only or CDMA only..CMIIW..
Just my 2 cents
Actually it's Canada
Right but if I unlock the phone, and switch it back and forth on and off the networks, how would that affect my account, could I hide the fact i was doing this?
slight22 said:
Actually it's Canada
Right but if I unlock the phone, and switch it back and forth on and off the networks, how would that affect my account, could I hide the fact i was doing this?
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I have this phone on Telus...I got it unlocked and I put my work sim card in this phone and it's on rogers. I switch networks when necessary....If you get a Telus sim card you would be able to use it GSM.
You should be able to pick which network you use. I saw it in phone settings, I think.
bundybp said:
I have this phone on Telus...I got it unlocked and I put my work sim card in this phone and it's on rogers. I switch networks when necessary....If you get a Telus sim card you would be able to use it GSM.
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TELUS does not provide GSM at all. They are CDMA and UMTS.
So does this mean its possible. If i have a CDMA Sprint HTC Touch pro 2. That i have the potential of using it on At&t in the US?? All i have to do is unlock it?? Any information would be greatly appreciated.. Thanks!!
And if one does unlock a radio on said Telus phone, can one use both radio frequencies, thus enabling both CDMA and HSPA frequencies?
Spike15 said:
TELUS does not provide GSM at all. They are CDMA and UMTS.
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So Telus new 3G network is not GSM? It does have drop down menu showing "Send SMS over" GMS and CDMA. GSM is selected by default.
I know this is an odd request, but is there anyway to use the internet while talking on the phone. Normally I wouldn't care but I'm tired of the iPhone goons hassling me about it since those new commercials.
If not would there be a way if I unlocked my phone for GSM so I could talk on one frequency and surf on another?
Please direct me to a link if this has already been answered, I searched and didn't find anything.
Whoo boy, the old GSM vs. CDMA debate. No to your first question; it's a technology limitation of CDMA, which is why AT&T loves flaunting that fact. GSM also has the leg up in the number of simultaneous connections for conference calling. If you're looking for ammunition, CDMA generally enjoys better penetration of structures, and I know that I have found my service on Sprint to be stronger and much more reliable than my old plan with AT&T. Some people would even say that CDMA offers better call quality than GSM, but that's a huge debate with opinions on both sides. Also, GSM's encryption method was cracked recently, making calls potentially more vulnerable to eavesdropping. Finally, even when I had my old Tilt on AT&T I don't think I did too much surfing while talking on the phone; I really don't think it's as amazing a feature as they make it out to be.
For your second question, the CDMA Worldphone edition Touch Pro 2 used by Verizon and Sprint does have a GSM radio, but the question has been asked before if both networks can be used simultaneously and I believe the answer is always no. Anyone else feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.
last I checked in order to use cdma/gsm phone networks at the same time can't you just pop in a sim card!!!!!
trogdor1138 said:
Whoo boy, the old GSM vs. CDMA debate. No to your first question; it's a technology limitation of CDMA, which is why AT&T loves flaunting that fact. GSM also has the leg up in the number of simultaneous connections for conference calling. If you're looking for ammunition, CDMA generally enjoys better penetration of structures, and I know that I have found my service on Sprint to be stronger and much more reliable than my old plan with AT&T. Some people would even say that CDMA offers better call quality than GSM, but that's a huge debate with opinions on both sides. Also, GSM's encryption method was cracked recently, making calls potentially more vulnerable to eavesdropping. Finally, even when I had my old Tilt on AT&T I don't think I did too much surfing while talking on the phone; I really don't think it's as amazing a feature as they make it out to be.
For your second question, the CDMA Worldphone edition Touch Pro 2 used by Verizon and Sprint does have a GSM radio, but the question has been asked before if both networks can be used simultaneously and I believe the answer is always no. Anyone else feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.
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one word IMPOSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!! GSM and CDMA are hardware radios an unlock is IMPOSSIBLE unless the phone is a world phone with both CDMA and GSM but your phone doesn't qualify so try getting a GSM/CDMA hybrid and then come back to me. However verizon will upgrade to LTE which is GSM based!!!!!!!! watch em LTE will allow voice and data at the same time. When LTE upgrade is complete say goodbye and good riddance to CDMA it will be shut down soon!!!!!
KW TP said:
I know this is an odd request, but is there anyway to use the internet while talking on the phone. Normally I wouldn't care but I'm tired of the iPhone goons hassling me about it since those new commercials.
If not would there be a way if I unlocked my phone for GSM so I could talk on one frequency and surf on another?
Please direct me to a link if this has already been answered, I searched and didn't find anything.
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qjsmartphone - I thought that the TP2 was a world phone and thus held both antennas for cdma and gsm?
trogdor1138 -thanks for the input.
now I'm with sprint, and they offer 4G. This may be an ignorant comment, but can't a world phone with both antenna's say call on cdma and use the 4G provided by sprint? Or am I missing something? I kind of new at this so forgive the question if it is stupid. If there is a wiki on it please give me the link and I will be glad to read up. Thanks
qjsmartphone said:
one word IMPOSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!! GSM and CDMA are hardware radios an unlock is IMPOSSIBLE unless the phone is a world phone with both CDMA and GSM but your phone doesn't qualify so try getting a GSM/CDMA hybrid and then come back to me. However verizon will upgrade to LTE which is GSM based!!!!!!!! watch em LTE will allow voice and data at the same time. When LTE upgrade is complete say goodbye and good riddance to CDMA it will be shut down soon!!!!!
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I'm not sure what you are talking about, but CDMA variant of Touch Pro 2 does have both GSM and CDMA hardware in them.
Also, LTE and WiMAX is a two new 4G technologies that will eventually replace 3G data.
LTE is not based on GSM, they are two different communication technologies.
Back to OP's question, if you are using CDMA branded TP2 you cannot surf and talk at a same time. It is limitation on CDMA technology.
4G and 3G is not compatible, is your grandparent's old 2G phone do 3G? no.
How about your 3G phone accesing 2G? yes. Usually when newer technology is being deployed, they make sure that it is backward compatible, so that they can lower battery consumption and remain accessible to area where new technology is not yet available.
Just be near wifi and then show them you can surf while talking.
segadc said:
Just be near wifi and then show them you can surf while talking.
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I like the way you think
Or pop in a ATT or T-mobile SIM card and switch to GSM mode. The phone IS capable of voice and data when using GSM.
isdnmatt said:
Or pop in a ATT or T-mobile SIM card and switch to GSM mode. The phone IS capable of voice and data when using GSM.
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I'll jump in here...
I thought Sprint/Verizon phones with both GSM/CDMA radios cannot use AT&T nor T-Mo SIM cards. I thought they only accepted the GSM SIM cards of countries outside the US.
Wait... HardSPL fixes that, doesn't it?... Oh well, I think I should stop stalking the CDMA forums when I have almost no idea on anything CDMA-related!
But, I'm still in favor of the WiFi suggestion!
mac people live in their own little world. don't let them bother you. sure, they can talk and surf the web at the same time...if they have 3g coverage. but there are areas where they have no coverage at all let alone 3g. then they can use the 'paper weight mode'. i also love how they tout their app store meanwhile we've had multiple wm app stores for years already. also i get to choose what apps i want to use without htc or sprint telling me what i'm allowed to.
segadc said:
Just be near wifi and then show them you can surf while talking.
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this is what i would do
sumflipnol said:
I'll jump in here...
I thought Sprint/Verizon phones with both GSM/CDMA radios cannot use AT&T nor T-Mo SIM cards. I thought they only accepted the GSM SIM cards of countries outside the US.
Wait... HardSPL fixes that, doesn't it?... Oh well, I think I should stop stalking the CDMA forums when I have almost no idea on anything CDMA-related!
But, I'm still in favor of the WiFi suggestion!
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Click to collapse
i think you can use any SIM card you want if you phone is SIM Unlocked
yes you can use any sim card if your phone is sim unlock buy the Sprint TP2 is not working with us 3G
unlock
I called up VZW and told them I was going to Europe and wanted to use prepaid SIM cards instead of paying Big Red the $$. They gave me the SIM unlock code and now I can use T-Mo or AT&T SIM cards with no problem. Only downside is that their GSM frequencies are slightly off from the rest of the world so no high-speed data when using VZW on GSM carrier in the states...
Nate
qjsmartphone said:
one word IMPOSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!! GSM and CDMA are hardware radios an unlock is IMPOSSIBLE unless the phone is a world phone with both CDMA and GSM but your phone doesn't qualify so try getting a GSM/CDMA hybrid and then come back to me.
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Click to collapse
The CDMA Touch Pro 2 *is* a dual mode world phone with both GSM and CDMA.
sumflipnol said:
I'll jump in here...
I thought Sprint/Verizon phones with both GSM/CDMA radios cannot use AT&T nor T-Mo SIM cards. I thought they only accepted the GSM SIM cards of countries outside the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon TP2 has a simple SIM lock on it which is similar to standard GSM SIM locks. Remove the SIM lock and you can use any SIM card with a compatible network, including US networks.
The Sprint TP2 doesn't have a standard SIM lock, but instead has the US frequency bands disabled. Hence the need for a new radio.
I unlocked my us cellular phone and now when i try to use it with ar&t i cant use the internet while im on the phone or find an at&t rom so i can use programs at&t offer can anyone help and i dont see a G next to to atenna just an E
Us cellular
So is it possible then to use the touch pro 2 from us cellular on a gsm network?
Thanks
yea it is but you wont be able to use a lot of features i believe ive been looking around for answers and asking ppl but no one seems to have anything to say
interesting. so what are the features i wont be able to use??
1) The US Cellular TP2 likely only supports the Euro 3G frequencies. As a result you will only get EDGE (indicated by the E) when on GSM in the US, not 3G.
2) If you want to use the Internet on ATT, you need to configure the ATT data settings (and of course pay for data) the same as you would with any unlocked/unbranded GSM phone. The settings can be found on the ATT site.
3) The US Cellular phone can run any WinMo programs that you install on it. You don't need a specific ROM.
To claim you "won't be able to use a lot of features" is incorrect.
???
I am living in Jamaica so can the us cellular touch pro 2 be used here on a Gsm network with/ without being unlocked? thanks
yes it will make call and answer but internet you need to set it up
in costa rica it works but internet does not work
wow. i have been dealing with a very similar issue.
i am using a US Cellular TP2 on AT&T, Sim unlocked and security unlocked with the radio provided by Olinex. radio version2.32.00WU. see signature.
i am using an Energy CDMA rom, and i have internet, but i have been searching for some sort of settings to get 3G. as of now i am stuck with the E, or edge data connection. i have changed all of my settings to match those of MEdia Net, but still no 3G.
Anyone have any info or suggestions?
I have an AT&T rooted Motorola Atrix 4G that I purchased and SIM unlocked (still running Android 2.2). I am using it currently on GCI's (of Alaska) GSM network which is currently 2G (Edge) in my area. However, GCI (yeah, this next part is weird) actually has a 3G network, but it is CDMA. I looked and it looks like I can get a 3G data only package from them for $19 a month (separate from the phone package I already have). I called and they said their systems are separate so I can't "have it all" on one number. The question is, would I be somehow able to use both on the phone? There is an option in the settings to use both types of networks, but I am not sure how I would input the CDMA settings to get it to work (if it would).
Reasons why I would want to do this:
GCI's CDMA coverage is not great outside of town (and some places in town). However, their GSM 2G coverage is the largest in the state (works even in crazy small remote villages). So basically I want to maintain good phone coverage but have the faster data when it's available.
Banger_AK said:
I have an AT&T rooted Motorola Atrix 4G that I purchased and SIM unlocked (still running Android 2.2). I am using it currently on GCI's (of Alaska) GSM network which is currently 2G (Edge) in my area. However, GCI (yeah, this next part is weird) actually has a 3G network, but it is CDMA. I looked and it looks like I can get a 3G data only package from them for $19 a month (separate from the phone package I already have). I called and they said their systems are separate so I can't "have it all" on one number. The question is, would I be somehow able to use both on the phone? There is an option in the settings to use both types of networks, but I am not sure how I would input the CDMA settings to get it to work (if it would).
Reasons why I would want to do this:
GCI's CDMA coverage is not great outside of town (and some places in town). However, their GSM 2G coverage is the largest in the state (works even in crazy small remote villages). So basically I want to maintain good phone coverage but have the faster data when it's available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get your atrix to connect to GCI? I can't get it to connect. Mine has 2.3 and the phone wont connect to GCI! Will rooting it help?
Ok, so I've searched all over and haven't had much luck. I have no experience with cdma phones, as t mobile is all I've ever had.
I was given a new US Cellular HTC Hero s. I opened it up and saw the sim slot and though, sweet I can replace my sensation with it (I smashed the screen pretty bad). Well, that was a no go, as the phone is cdma. Looking online though, I see it can run in gsm (options global mode, cdma mode, gsm / umts mode. I unlocked the bootloader using the htc site (not sure it matters) and popped in my sim card again, and tried both global and gsm mode, though neither got signal or would dial out. (under networks, it had the tmo apn info.)
So, is the GSM mode offered on this phone only for non US bands? Would a custom rom (now or down the road) allow it to work on tmo? I read something about the HTC Merge and someone being able to switch out the modem in the rom that allowed it to work in the US, but that is well beyond me. I can follow instructions, work ADB and flash roms.. but thats about it.
Is it possible, or will it soon be, to have this phone work on GSM or am I just stuck trying to sell it as a us cellular phone (or perhaps another cdma carrier.. like I said, I don't know anything about cdma)
As a Canadian I'm not sure about who owns US cellular or if they are their own company but I'm guessing they work like Verizon world phones. They have sim card slots but will work only outside of the US. If those verizon phones are used within the States, they will only pick up Verizon's frequency, as opposed to T-Mobile or AT&T where you can unlock them and use them with any GSM carrier within the States. But yeah, you can unlock it and it will work with any GSM carrier outside the States but within the States I think it will only work under US Cellular CDMA network...please correct me if I'm wrong.
That's right, u.s. cdma "world phones" have gsm radios but are locked down from connecting to gsm networks in the u.s. This is not just the normal sim lock found on gsm phones but they are hard coded to ignore u.s. gsm networks.
Some have been unlocked to work on any network through various methods including flashing a modem from a non-us varient of the same phone and other hacks. I can't comment specifically on this phone however.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Well, that points me in the right direction, and confirms what I read about swapping modems (on the other phone mentioned).
So basically it's software telling it not use a certain frequency, and not that the phone itself is incapable of picking it up (had my doubts about that)
Pretty shady the way phone companies are allowed to operate (don't get me started on my unlimited internet in my contract [pre data caps in tmo]. "Hey! check it out, this phone uses data 5 times faster than your old one, oh, and you get half as much too) sorry, end of rant.
I'll keep searching, and post if I find something..
On a side note, can cdma phones be flashed to another cdma carrier like verizon or sprint, or is it the same deal, coded to only use a certain frequency range?
only thing I've heard of is flashing sprint and verizon phones to cricket, metro pcs and boost.