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Something is breaking the GSM Radio in US CDMA TP2's from being used with US GSM operators. Trying both a ATT and TMo SIM in a Sprint TP2 fails - network search shows no networks available.
Closer inspection shows that while the devices are SIM unlocked, they Ignore/Reject any networks with US MCC's.
Attempting to show networks with MCC 310 and 311 failed, while 334 and 666 showed up just fine.
Running the fieldTest utility (not to be confused with fieldTrial) shows the GSM radio a-flutter with activity, finding and listing UMTS and GSM networks stateside.
I've poured over the registry and nothing sticks out as the culprit for this behavior; I fear that certain MCC's are locked out of the baseband - but I'm not sure how one would go about examining such configurations and removing such limitations.
Thoughts?
Forgive my naivety, but will this benefit people like me who are VZW subscribers? Is there GSM speeds that CDMA can't reach in certain areas, which unlocking the other radios would allow us to automatically latch onto?
I'm just wondering if this discussion is geared more towards those trying to unlock to move to ATT, or if it can benefit us all equally.
fronc said:
Forgive my naivety, but will this benefit people like me who are VZW subscribers? Is there GSM speeds that CDMA can't reach in certain areas, which unlocking the other radios would allow us to automatically latch onto?
I'm just wondering if this discussion is geared more towards those trying to unlock to move to ATT, or if it can benefit us all equally.
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Click to collapse
I have accounts with Sprint, Verizon, and ATT. If I can pop in my ATT SIM in my Sprint TP2, and switch service at will (depending on coverage or preference), it would be most excellent.
Maybe I don't get it, but isn't this known? I thought the GSM radios were locked out in the U.S.? It has something to do with FCC compliance?
I believe US GSM frequencies are locked out via software and hardware, either by request of the CDMA carriers and/or the FCC's requirements.
jasonjoo said:
I believe US GSM frequencies are locked out via software and hardware, either by request of the CDMA carriers and/or the FCC's requirements.
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It's an FCC thing, they have not authorized the GSM radio in it for use in the United States, even though it can do 850/1900 GSM. I'm afraid the GSM in these things is strictly for traveling outside the USA. It will show the GSM networks here, as you have found out, but the networks here will not allow it to use them, so no amount of hacks will make it work.
californiarailroader said:
It's an FCC thing, they have not authorized the GSM radio in it for use in the United States, even though it can do 850/1900 GSM. I'm afraid the GSM in these things is strictly for traveling outside the USA. It will show the GSM networks here, as you have found out, but the networks here will not allow it to use them, so no amount of hacks will make it work.
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Click to collapse
Are you sure about it being an "FCC thing"?
There have been a few reports of people getting an unlock code, and getting their hybrid TP2 to work domestically...sans 3G connectivity, apparently.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=555067
The cheapest I've found for an unlock code for the TP2 is $20 from here:
http://www.uniquephones.com/
but I don't know what their success rate is like; some companies charge as much as $35 for one.
That's a Canadian version though, I'm sure the models sold there are not subject to US FCC Laws.
Edit-I found this- http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/05/20/htc-passes-cdma-gsm-hybrid-touch-pro2-through-the-fcc/
californiarailroader said:
That's a Canadian version though, I'm sure the models sold there are not subject to US FCC Laws.
Edit-I found this- http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/05/20/htc-passes-cdma-gsm-hybrid-touch-pro2-through-the-fcc/
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Hmm... SIM lock and firmware lock--both "modifiable". I have hope.
I give it a month max till there is a workaround.
californiarailroader said:
That's a Canadian version though, I'm sure the models sold there are not subject to US FCC Laws.
Edit-I found this- http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/05/20/htc-passes-cdma-gsm-hybrid-touch-pro2-through-the-fcc/
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The Verizon version if you get the unlock code, it will work in the US GSM.
Gsm not enabled
Hi does anyone know if there is a work around for this it sounds like a firmware thing and not a hardware limitation also I have installed 6.5 on my GSM TP2 is there an SPL for the cdma version yet sorry to post here on this however im trying to get to the bottom of this
Thanks in advance for any help
I got my Verizon TP2 unlocked (just emailed support and they mailed back the unlock code). Popped in my Orange (UK) SIM, told the phone to use GSM only and was able to TXT/call from it and receive calls/TXT just fine via my UK number. (I'm physically in the US).
So it's not a lock so much on registering with US networks... but it may be a lock on US GSM SIM cards so you can't go toss in your TMobile (US) SIM and dump VZ service.
--Chris
christr said:
I got my Verizon TP2 unlocked (just emailed support and they mailed back the unlock code). Popped in my Orange (UK) SIM, told the phone to use GSM only and was able to TXT/call from it and receive calls/TXT just fine via my UK number. (I'm physically in the US).
So it's not a lock so much on registering with US networks... but it may be a lock on US GSM SIM cards so you can't go toss in your TMobile (US) SIM and dump VZ service.
--Chris
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This is great news! I like to unlock any GSM enabled phone I get for Verizon, just in case I ever decide to leave - so I can take my phone with me
I'll be unlocking mine tomorrow when I get it, if they'll allow it. I've been a customer for over a year, and they allowed it on the Storm and Tour, so this shouldn't be a problem.
I've been with them for several years and as far as I know as long as you're current on your bill they'll give you the unlock code. I had mine for 2 whole days and they gave it to me.
--chris
.mak said:
This is great news! I like to unlock any GSM enabled phone I get for Verizon, just in case I ever decide to leave - so I can take my phone with me
I'll be unlocking mine tomorrow when I get it, if they'll allow it. I've been a customer for over a year, and they allowed it on the Storm and Tour, so this shouldn't be a problem.
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Click to collapse
Well thats good news I will see if Sprint allows me to do the same as I have accounts with AT&T and TMO also I would really like to use this on my ATT plan but it appears from reading the previous posts that perhaps US based sims are locked out I will attempt to unlock it tommorow nonetheless and see what happens on the other hand my VZW Storm worked like a charm after getting it unlocked ........... for some reason this seems different though if the FCC notice is read at face value Anyone having any experience with this giving feedback would be much appreciated
christr said:
I've been with them for several years and as far as I know as long as you're current on your bill they'll give you the unlock code. I had mine for 2 whole days and they gave it to me.
--chris
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Click to collapse
Are you with VZW OR Sprint
dooglesmail said:
Are you with VZW OR Sprint
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Click to collapse
Yes are we talking VZW or Sprint?
I have had my phone two days on VZW. The CSR first said I have to wait 60 days, then checked with T2 and came back and said it is not available. I am sure he doesn't know what I was talking about. I will call again and then a third and if that doesn't work I will just email support as mentioned above. I need an unlock code before November as I will be on the road again overseas and I don't want to pay crazy International VZW rates!
californiarailroader said:
It's an FCC thing, they have not authorized the GSM radio in it for use in the United States, even though it can do 850/1900 GSM. I'm afraid the GSM in these things is strictly for traveling outside the USA. It will show the GSM networks here, as you have found out, but the networks here will not allow it to use them, so no amount of hacks will make it work.
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mmmmmmmm. do i have a fellow railroader on this site besides me??????
unorthodoxx said:
Yes are we talking VZW or Sprint?
I have had my phone two days on VZW. The CSR first said I have to wait 60 days, then checked with T2 and came back and said it is not available. I am sure he doesn't know what I was talking about. I will call again and then a third and if that doesn't work I will just email support as mentioned above. I need an unlock code before November as I will be on the road again overseas and I don't want to pay crazy International VZW rates!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm VZW Global support was not given the instructions to SIM unlock this TP2 from HTC. Sounds strange to me, has anyone had any luck getting it unlocked in order to use and overseas SIM while overseas instead of the VZW SIM with access to high rates?
I will contact HTC.
I purchased a DG2 in hopes of unlocking for tmo or att in the usa. Does anyone know how to do this? I have allready unlocked it. It shows ATT and Tmo at the top when I view the lock screen. I have allready selected gsm and ATT as the network. Bought it for a friend and I am really frustrated. I personally use a vibrant and I am not new to development. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Should have done some research before buying the phone. As of now, there is no known method to make a D2G work on any US GSM carrier. There is one company that claims to have a hardware unlock method, but they don't offer it to the public yet, and their projected price is $100. They also require you to revert your phone to an older firmware, and the unlock removes all capabilities for updates. Not worth it at all, IMHO. Some people have suggested trying a turbo SIM, but nobody has posted an update about whether or not that actually works.
So, short answer: You can't make your phone work on ATT or TMO.
Ok so here it is in a nutshell. I spend half of the year in New Zealand and Half in the US, in new Zealand I am on a GSM network and have had good success unlocking IOS devices (AT&T) and buying a prepaid SIM card and using them there. I want to pick up a Samsung either a S2 or S3 and use it over there as I am just sooooooooo sick of IOS. with all of that being said. I have a few questions and I did a bit of looking but not sure.
I have a HTC Thunderbolt for Verizon (yes I realize it CDMA and wont work on GSM) and have rooted it and flashed a custom ROM on it so I am not unfamilliar with the process.
so first question
1. Do you have to Carrier Unlock Android OS phones like you do IOS devices Or do you just root and flash a new ROM to it?
2. Do all of the US based GSM carriers have SIM card slots? (I know the IOS devices on AT&T did.
3. If AT&T phones work over there will sprint and singular will work as well?
4. Since I will not be using 4G over there am I better off with the Galaxy S2, I was also looking at the Nexus as well any thoughts?
Guys I realize that there are probable 20 threads with the same questions or a variation and I have done some looking but with everything happening in my life at the moment I don't have a lot of time to make decisions about phones.
thanks.
I'm going to answer this as best as I can. A CDMA phone overseas isn't usually a hot idea. A gem phone will typically have a sim card in fact I haven't seen one that didn't... and still fell into the gsm umbrella. Get an unlocked device as the only way a CDMA phone overseas will benefit you is if you find a CDMA phone company in aus and flash it. But again gsm will be the easiest way to go. Its a T-Mobile phone call and say you want a sim subsidy unlock (current active and not past due tmobile customers only) can take up to 14 days for the code.all the phones you will get in USA will need a carrier unlock unless a software one is available. And I'd go with the galaxy s2 just because it has some beastly ROMs and great longevity
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
jaidlion said:
I'm going to answer this as best as I can. A CDMA phone overseas isn't usually a hot idea. A gem phone will typically have a sim card in fact I haven't seen one that didn't... and still fell into the gsm umbrella. Get an unlocked device as the only way a CDMA phone overseas will benefit you is if you find a CDMA phone company in aus and flash it. But again gsm will be the easiest way to go. Its a T-Mobile phone call and say you want a sim subsidy unlock (current active and not past due tmobile customers only) can take up to 14 days for the code.all the phones you will get in USA will need a carrier unlock unless a software one is available. And I'd go with the galaxy s2 just because it has some beastly ROMs and great longevity
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok just to be clear I won't be using CDMA overseas jsut GSM. does the Galaxy S2 have software unlocks?
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/sgs-2-sim-unlock-code-finder-frees-your-sgs-2/
Also most CDMA phones don't also come with a simcard slot. Gsm is your best bet so get your galaxy s2 with T-Mobile or att
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
I have spent a few hours researching this issue and I am not sure it will work out, hoping I can get some guidance from someone more educated on the subject.
I currently travel back and forth between Kuwait and the United States on a regular basis. I really like the Samsung Galaxy SIII, so I am considering buying one at full price from Verizon. I have been using Verizon's service since 2009 and have never been late on a bill or anything. I would like to be able to buy a Samsung Galaxy SIII and unlock the SIM for use in Kuwait on a local carrier like Wataniya, Zane, Viva or any other local carrier in Kuwait as long as the phone will work. Of course 4G would be nice, but I can live without it if I am stuck using 3G while out of the states. I would prefer not to pay for a separate phone for both locations, as I do not want to use some crappy flip phone while I'm in Kuwait, but I do not want to pay for two expensive smart phones either.
The representative at the Verizon store told me I would have to go with an iPhone, but I do not like to give companies like Apple money and I certainly prefer Android over iOS.
Any help / guidance would be greatly appreciated.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809314
This may help you out.
Also the RAZR and RAZR maxx just became global ready with Verizon also.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
voodoomanx said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809314
This may help you out.
Also the RAZR and RAZR maxx just became global ready with Verizon also.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The RAZR Maxx is the other phone I have been considering. Are you saying that I can do what I need to do with the RAZR Maxx without all the trouble this thread implies I am going to have to go through to get it working with the Samsung Galaxy SIII?
I don't suppose there is any chance that anyone on these forums has actually used a Verizon Android phone in Kuwait on a Kuwait provider before?
Yes. The razr maxx is global ready, however you still would have to hack it to make it accept a international sim card.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
voodoomanx said:
Yes. The razr maxx is global ready, however you still would have to hack it to make it accept a international sim card.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know if there are any Verizon Android phones I could just say pay cellunlocker to unlock and go?
So I did a little research on the providers available within Kuwait and this is what it looks like is available.
Wataniya
GSM: 900 and 1800 MHz
EDGE, GPRS and MMS
3G 1900/2100
Viva
We offer Dual Band radio frequencies on GSM 900/1800 MHz, and WCDMA 2100.
We also have broadband data services (HSDPA, EDGE, GPRS and MMS) service so you will be able to check emails, read news, watch content, send and receive MMS and more while you're on the move.
Zane
Dual band GSM 900/1800 handsets, but Tri-band GSM 900/1800/1900 preferred
Is it likely the Samsung Galaxy SIII or RAZR Maxx will work on any of these networks? Any chance of 4G or 3G?
Again I appreciate all the responses.
Any ideas? I would like to make sure if I pay full price for a Verizon Android phone and go through the trouble to unlock it that it will definitely work.
There is a dual sim adapter and app that you can use on the s3, if you search xda you will see what im talking about. I suggest that you post in that topic and see if there is any better info.
Good luck it looks like the s3 will work but i would get as much info as possible. And the dev edition might be an option. I don't know the price difference between it and Verizon version. But it might be worth seeing if one has different specs for the area you want to use it in. Good luck
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
I don't mind having to switch the SIMs out as long as the phone will work on both Verizon and one of the carriers in Kuwait.
Caldaga said:
I don't mind having to switch the SIMs out as long as the phone will work on both Verizon and one of the carriers in Kuwait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to consider the Developer version now with the bootloader unlocked. (e.g. there isn't going to be anything the developer edition allows you to do that the regular retail version will not). With regard to which bands the Verizon S3 supports, in theory the MSM8960 chipset (Snapdragon S4) supports GSM 850/900/1800/1900, WCDMA 850/1700/1900/2199, CDMA 800/850/1900, and LTE 700/750/1700/1900. The thread linked earlier seems to offer some hope of getting it working, but such things are always going to be a little complicated.
thanx for the info guys
verizon global svc
Couple questions.
I travel overseas extensively. Mainly HK/China and EU countries.
I want to use my phone and it would be nice to not have to swap Sims as I then have to update my contact information to customers etc.
I have the unlimited plan and paid full retail for my phone.
I have rooted my phone and am running the stock debloated ROM.
Can Verizon support a modification to the phone that would allow usage on GSM networks?
Alternatively is there some sort of service available that will forward calls from my VZW phone number to a PPsim card?
Additionally, it unclear to me with these unlock processes, do I have to modify my phone upon return to the states and use of my native Sim card should I choose one of these options.
Makes no sense to me why Verizon would want to inhibit this feature on this phone. They could charge me exorbitant rates and get away with it just for the convienence of not having to screw with apn's swap Sims etc.
Thanks for the help
voodoomanx said:
Yes. The razr maxx is global ready, however you still would have to hack it to make it accept a international sim card.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Droid 2 Global (which I bought outright) and wanted to use it in Europe (instead of carrying a separate unlocked Cricket GSM phone). I called up VZN, asked them about it and they said "we see you have met your contract obligation and have not had any phones unlocked in 14 months -- here is the code and here is what you do with it".
I did what they said and have been able to pop in multiple foreign SIM cards with no problem (I did have to switch off VZN however so I did not connect to their partners).
So, my question is - are the guts in the VZN S3 such that all one needs to do is call them up and ask for the unlock code (assuming you have not done this in past 14 months)? Or is the guts of the S3 not really 'global' and hence the need to root, unlock and load new ROMs to use them abroad?
Frank
Michigan
FMinMI said:
I have a Droid 2 Global (which I bought outright) and wanted to use it in Europe (instead of carrying a separate unlocked Cricket GSM phone). I called up VZN, asked them about it and they said "we see you have met your contract obligation and have not had any phones unlocked in 14 months -- here is the code and here is what you do with it".
I did what they said and have been able to pop in multiple foreign SIM cards with no problem (I did have to switch off VZN however so I did not connect to their partners).
So, my question is - are the guts in the VZN S3 such that all one needs to do is call them up and ask for the unlock code (assuming you have not done this in past 14 months)? Or is the guts of the S3 not really 'global' and hence the need to root, unlock and load new ROMs to use them abroad?
Frank
Michigan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S3 has the hardware for international roaming. As I understand, Verizon announced that it will have a software update to make it work as an international phone (together with the rezound). Knowing Verizon's history on timelines, I wouldn't hold my breath.
tsachi said:
The S3 has the hardware for international roaming. As I understand, Verizon announced that it will have a software update to make it work as an international phone (together with the rezound). Knowing Verizon's history on timelines, I wouldn't hold my breath.
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Click to collapse
Ha ha. Good point!
try this may be help u:laugh:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2231544
Hey all,
I'm looking at getting an Exynos or an HK version of the S22 series. I saw none of the other versions besides the U supports bands 29 and 30 that AT&T uses. Since they seem to be the more minor bands, how much does it matter and how much does the lack of those bands impact service? And does AT&T ban those S22 versions from their 5G networks?
I'm starting to get tired of OP, but I want something I can tinker without having to deal with AT&T's Sammy versions.
Thanks!
AT&T won't support the international models on their network or so various users have said in other posts. You end up locked out. T-Mobile doesn't do this but the long range 5G and LTE band 71 is missing from the international versions which would mean no coverage in any areas using band 71. Either way you are screwed on AT&T and T-Mobile. Don't have any info on Verizon. Best suggestion is. (Don't Do It)
Paul_Deemer said:
AT&T won't support the international models on their network or so various users have said in other posts. You end up locked out. T-Mobile doesn't do this but the long range 5G and LTE band 71 is missing from the international versions which would mean no coverage in any areas using band 71. Either way you are screwed on AT&T and T-Mobile. Don't have any info on Verizon. Best suggestion is. (Don't Do It)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crap. Guess my only option would be getting an AT&T version and using a paid service to unlock the BL and SIM.
We already tried T-Mobile last year and had a really bad experience with service and network quality, so they're out.
Thanks for the info!
You might want to rethink the Exynos version and look at one of the SD versions that can be rooted.
I am afraid you will not be able to get the bootloader unlocked (I may be wrong there). Rooting is not possible on the US or Canadian S22. I just switched to TMO this year and so far have had no issues. I use their 5G home internet too.
dalepl said:
You might want to rethink the Exynos version and look at one of the SD versions that can be rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is that the Hong Kong and Korea versions? Again brings up the question of if bands 29 and 30 missing impacts service and if so, how much.
If I get an AT&T BL unlocked with a paid service, can I root using the method listed in another thread?
Superguy said:
Crap. Guess my only option would be getting an AT&T version and using a paid service to unlock the BL and SIM.
We already tried T-Mobile last year and had a really bad experience with service and network quality, so they're out.
Thanks for the info!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see the S22 series in the list yet. So might wanna further research that.
PSA: Unlock Bootloader on Snapdragon Galaxy Devices with SamPWND (Paid Service)
SamPWND is a paid remote service that allows you to unlock the bootloader on Snapdragon Samsung Galaxy devices sold in the USA and Canada.
www.thecustomdroid.com
There are many posts on here attesting to the fact that the US models of the S22 cannot be rooted. The BL cannot be unlocked, so no root.
May I ask what you are trying to achieve with root? Do you have something in mind or do you just want a custom ROM. There are other issues with rooting the phone. Main one is loss of Knox. This will stop the Samsung apps from working. So there is a trade-off no matter what.
dalepl said:
May I ask what you are trying to achieve with root? Do you have something in mind or do you just want a custom ROM. There are other issues with rooting the phone. Main one is loss of Knox. This will stop the Samsung apps from working. So there is a trade-off no matter what.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are magisk mods I run on my phone as well as some Xposed mods.
Not terribly concerned about Samsung apps. I haven't had a Samsung phone in years. Last one I had was an S8 and I only got that thru insurance when I lost my OP6.
Understand. Just wanted to let you know that things like Samsung Pay and Health Monitoring will no longer work and this can not be fixed if you change your mind. I did read that AT&T will ban any international phone from their network, so you do not want to go that way if you intend on staying with them. I think there was talk about the Korean model being SD and was missing band 71 (I think). There is no full solution out there unless a way comes along to unlock the BL.
dalepl said:
Understand. Just wanted to let you know that things like Samsung Pay and Health Monitoring will no longer work and this can not be fixed if you change your mind. I did read that AT&T will ban any international phone from their network, so you do not want to go that way if you intend on staying with them. I think there was talk about the Korean model being SD and was missing band 71 (I think). There is no full solution out there unless a way comes along to unlock the BL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T doesn't use 71, so not a big deal. T-Mo did.
We tried T-Mo in the summer and had a horrible experience. We went running back to AT&T after 3 months.
When you say banned, are you talking about just the 5G or the entire network? I'm already blocked from 5G with my OP phones. I can't say I miss it as I wasn't impressed with it on T-Mo, and LTE does what I need it to do. Outright banning seems like a stupid thing to do, especially as a lot of foreign travelers could very well end up using AT&T while they're here. But then again, it IS AT&T ...
From what I read, AT&T will ban your IEMI if it is an international phone so it will not work on their network. They are the only ones that do this as far as I know.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...lash-official-firmware-noob-friendly.4404283/
Check this out. Long read through all the posts, but may be able to answer your questions. There are other discussions on the US models and international models, so just look around.
You ain't gonna win with the U.S. Carriers. They absolutely don't want you rooting your phone on their networks. Why do you think all U.S. models have unlockable bootloader's when shipped from Samsung? Because they demand it. They also know you will try to get around it and when you do they will screw you by banning your device. If you gotta have a rooted phone move to another country lol.