Database Info

3G Frequencies

Is there a way to change the 3G Frequencies on the G1 to support AT&T 3G network?

Nope, thats a hardware issue.

I thought it was possibly a software issue. If not, is there a way to change out the chip or the incompatable part to make it compatible?

card13 said:
I thought it was possibly a software issue. If not, is there a way to change out the chip or the incompatable part to make it compatible?
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Nope...not going to work for many reasons.

been answered plenty plenty of times.

From what I can figure a hardware change may not be required with the correct radio but we dont know the right radio without the right hardware. lol I know that makes no sense but it makes as much sense as anyone can make of it thus far. When its possible I assure you I will be among the first to do it. Although Im not ready to try installing a new radio without first acquiring a backup phone but if I do Im gonna give it a try and maybe have better luck than the last guy to try.

What about a mini-usb attachment that can receive atnt signals?
I am sure with that and the right software manipulation it could work.

sjbayer3 said:
What about a mini-usb attachment that can receive atnt signals?
I am sure with that and the right software manipulation it could work.
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While it sounds great in theory I doubt anyone would put forth the resources for such a limited market.
You would be best off getting android to work on existing AT&T hardware.

in order to do it we would need hardware which would plug in the bottom and software to tell the phone to use the signal from the attachment.
while there wouldnt be millions in the market i guarantee there are hundreds.
if anyone wants to think about it i dont mind making 50 of em and selling for cost. i have some hook ups in the engineering field i work in

ok, my question is... Europe 3g is diff than tmob usa 3g, but is tmob europe the same 3g setup as US? and if europe 3g is same as tmob europe 3g, is att US 3g same as europe 3g. so if tmob europe is same as europe 3g then a europe g1 should work on att US 3g. am i coming thru clear or am i jumping all over?
Shaggy

Shagman68 said:
ok, my question is... Europe 3g is diff than tmob usa 3g, but is tmob europe the same 3g setup as US? and if europe 3g is same as tmob europe 3g, is att US 3g same as europe 3g. so if tmob europe is same as europe 3g then a europe g1 should work on att US 3g. am i coming thru clear or am i jumping all over?
Shaggy
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The American G1 has 3G support for HSDPA 1700 MHz & 2100 MHz, both bands I believe are used by T-Mobile. In Europe I believe they use only 2100 MHz band for 3G.
AT&T on the other hand uses 850 and 1900 MHz HSDPA
The phone has the capability for 2G at 850 and 1900 MHz, so technically it can be used on their network, just not at 3G speeds.
Although technically it's possible to design a Phase-Locked Loop to operate at a variable frequency and to be tuned with jumpers or something, it's probably cheaper for them or they might be subsidized to make phones so that they are exclusive for one network in the US.
To me the ideal is more about standardizing the protocols and the frequencies used for all companies, and having all bands available for traffic. But at least in the short-term that's not really good for business and so probably won't happen for a while.
This is all based entirely on a limited amount of research and my opinion, take it for what it's worth.

Europe uses 1900/2100 in a pair (1900 is the uplink, 2100 is the downlink). (source)
Most phones produced these days are tri or quad band and can work (almost) anywhere.. I'm surprised the G1 isn't.

Shagman68 said:
ok, my question is... Europe 3g is diff than tmob usa 3g, but is tmob europe the same 3g setup as US? and if europe 3g is same as tmob europe 3g, is att US 3g same as europe 3g. so if tmob europe is same as europe 3g then a europe g1 should work on att US 3g. am i coming thru clear or am i jumping all over?
Shaggy
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TonyHoyle said:
Europe uses 1900/2100 in a pair (1900 is the uplink, 2100 is the downlink). (source)
Most phones produced these days are tri or quad band and can work (almost) anywhere.. I'm surprised the G1 isn't.
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*sigh*.
Folks, you need to learn about UMTS bands before complaining about that the G1 or any other phone can't do this or that when it certainly can.
The G1 is a 3g worldphone. It works on the US 1700 AWS network (UMTS Band IV) and works on the world's 2100 network (UMTS Band I). ATT uses the 1900 Band (UMTS Band II).
Apparently the common names for these networks is being confused with the actual operating frequencies because they don't upload and download on the same frequencies. The 1900 band is not the same as the 2100 band, even though the 2100 band (UMTS Band I) uploads in the 1900mhz frequency and downloads at the 2100mhz frequency range. The 1900 Band (UMTS Band II) uploads on the upper half of the 1800mhz and downloads on the 1900mhz frequency range. UMTS Band II uploads on the frequencies that UMTS Band I downloads.
These bands separate.
TMO 3g band is different from ATT 3g band which is also different from EU 3g band.
The 1700 band (UMTS band IV) is actually made up of 2 frequency ranges like the other bands I and II are: 1700mhz and 2100mhz. In fact, the 2100mhz download range for UMTS Band IV is within the same frequencies used for the Band I download range, theoretically making it cheaper/easier for manufacturers who make Band I phones to "support" UMTS Band IV phone production.
Most phones produced today are NOT "tri or quad-band" 3g phones. In fact, I have yet to find a quad-band 3g phone. If quad-band 3g phones were made, they would be very likely to support the T-Mobile 3g network, because it's the 4th largest UMTS band type (behind Band I, II, and V). I would be very shocked to find a phone which was 2100/1900/900/850 instead of 2100/1900/1700/850.
And the G1 is a worldphone. It works just fine on UMTS in Europe. It is a band I and band IV device.
read these 2 links:
http://www.htc.com/www/product/g1/specification.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UMTS_frequency_bands#UMTS-FDD
So to clarify, when you see a list of support bands, this is what you should interpret from those advertised bands:
2100 Band = UMTS Band I (The entire world outside of North America)
1900 Band = UMTS Band II (The Americas, ATT)
1700 Band = UMTS Band IV (The Americas, TMO)
900 Band = UMTS Band VIII (Australia)
850 Band = UMTS Band V (The Americas, ATT)
Outside of North America, the 2100 band is almost universally deployed, even where the 850,900,1700 or 1900 band is deployed.

Using MT4GS outside US

Hi everyone.. I'm planning to get this device and use it outside the US (mainly China and Indonesia).
Will the 3G work in those 2 countries? From the specs sheet, I understand that MT4GS support UMTS 2100. So theoretically, there should be no problem, since China and Indonesia use UMTS 2100 band, but it would be better if someone with personal experience can confirm this.
Anyone here has any experience using MT4GS outside the US?

yep. I am. In the Netherlands. Don't know what band i am though. And i had to unlock the device before i could use it.

I'm in Canada, working fine on the regular GSM bands but I only get 2G speeds when using data...thinking about switching to a UMTS provider.

nldroid said:
yep. I am. In the Netherlands. Don't know what band i am though. And i had to unlock the device before i could use it.
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so just to be clear.. your handset has no problem using 3G connection right? as far as i know, the netherlands also use UMTS 2100 band
mat_oli said:
I'm in Canada, working fine on the regular GSM bands but I only get 2G speeds when using data...thinking about switching to a UMTS provider.
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why do you only get 2G when using data? is it due to the provider or the handset?

forzanetti said:
so just to be clear.. your handset has no problem using 3G connection right? as far as i know, the netherlands also use UMTS 2100 band
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Yep i don't have any problems using the 3G connection. Just needed to find the right APN settings.
And according this site (and a couple of others):
http://www.worldtimezone.com/gsm.html
It's indeed the 2100 band.

nldroid said:
Yep i don't have any problems using the 3G connection. Just needed to find the right APN settings.
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Great!! one less thing to worry then so I think there isn't any limitations if this device is used outside the US, as long as the UMTS band is correct.
Thanks a lot!

forzanetti said:
so just to be clear.. your handset has no problem using 3G connection right? as far as i know, the netherlands also use UMTS 2100 band
why do you only get 2G when using data? is it due to the provider or the handset?
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It's due to the provider, they don't operate on the 2100 band, so I can only use their 2G network.

mat_oli said:
It's due to the provider, they don't operate on the 2100 band, so I can only use their 2G network.
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Thanks for the info!! Now I feel more encouraged to get this device

I found this in the review section of this phone in phonearena :
Global travelers will like the handset very much since it can be used just about anywhere around the world for phone calls, but 3G and 4G data speeds can only be experience domestically through T-Mobile’s AWS band. However, you can still achieve 2G EDGE speeds with other network carriers.
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now I'm confused again

2G it is GSM that can be used anyware in the world that supports GSM however 3G on different carriers uses different bands and different technology, Tmob uses a AWS* some carriers use this for there 3G.... Check if your carrier uses AWS for its 3G.
I know that Canada has WIND and Mobilicity that use AWS 1.7/2.1 for there 3G,.... that said I don't know about other countrys...
* About AWS in the USA
In September 2006, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) auctioned licenses in the first Advanced Wireless Services band. This band was an area of wireless spectrum, half in the 1700 MHz (1.7 GHz) and half in the 2100 MHz (2.1 GHz) frequencies, that was already in use by government services. The spectrum was planned to become available after the government users migrated to different frequencies.

Mistix said:
2G it is GSM that can be used anyware in the world that supports GSM however 3G on different carriers uses different bands and different technology, Tmob uses a AWS* some carriers use this for there 3G.... Check if your carrier uses AWS for its 3G.
I know that Canada has WIND and Mobilicity that use AWS 1.7/2.1 for there 3G,.... that said I don't know about other countrys...
* About AWS in the USA
In September 2006, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) auctioned licenses in the first Advanced Wireless Services band. This band was an area of wireless spectrum, half in the 1700 MHz (1.7 GHz) and half in the 2100 MHz (2.1 GHz) frequencies, that was already in use by government services. The spectrum was planned to become available after the government users migrated to different frequencies.
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Hi Mistix.. thanks for your reply
Yes I'm aware about the AWS which uses the 1700/2100 band for their 3G and 4G, but according to phonearena, MT4GS supports the following band :
UMTS: 1700/2100, 2100
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which means besides supporting AWS (1700/2100), it also supports the "regular" 2100 UMTS band. The information could be wrong though..
but nldroid has stated that he has no problem using 3G in the Netherlands. And the last time I checked, the Netherlands still use the "regular" 2100 UMTS band (AWS is only available in the states and Canada).

Maybe they mean that if you're T-Mobile USA customer you can only use 2G outside the US with roaming.
I'm definitly on 3G. (it actually says 4G sometimes: http://attachments.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=689448&d=1313411454)

nldroid said:
Maybe they mean that if you're T-Mobile USA customer you can only use 2G outside the US with roaming.
I'm definitly on 3G. (it actually says 4G sometimes: http://attachments.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=689448&d=1313411454)
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Thanks for the pic! Looking forward to get my hand on this baby next month

[Q] [Noob question] Frequency bands

I work for Tmous retail sales and we have never really been taught anything about bands. Ive been pretty curious myself since some customers come into the store with AT&t phones asking about tmo service. I have been instructed (by a fellow retail associate) to tell them that no At&t phone will ever have 3G on tmo ( I assume thats just the safe answer though).
real question!
in terms of 3G/4G (hspa+) what bands does tmous use?
same question for AT&t.
To tie that together. ex: If a phone from At&t hypothetically has capabilities to use the same bands as tmous and is unlocked, can it get 3G/4G service on tmous?
i did search around and didnt find a very clear answer so i figured i'd start a thread, im sure other noobs have the same question.

T-Mobile uses 1700 2100 MHz bands for 3G/"4G"
AT&T uses 850 and 1900 MHz bands for 3G/"4G"
Yes if a phone has all those bands for 3G, and it's SIM unlocked you can get 3G on other cell company.
The T-Mobile Vibrant actually has those AT&T bands too, if you SIM unlock the Vibrant, you can get 3G on AT&T.
http://www.androidguys.com/2010/08/22/samsung-galaxy-unlockable-tmobile-vibrant-supports-att-3g/
It's very rare to see a phone that supports both T-Mobile and AT&T 3G bands.

nxt said:
T-Mobile uses 1700 2100 MHz bands for 3G/"4G"
AT&T uses 850 and 1900 MHz bands for 3G/"4G"
Yes if a phone has all those bands for 3G, and it's SIM unlocked you can get 3G on other cell company.
It's very rare to see a phone that supports both T-Mobile and AT&T 3G bands.
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Thanks for the clarification. In hopes that im not being a further nuisance, I was wondering, what about a phone that has 1 of the matching bands?
T-Mobile USA is using the 1700/2100 Mhz bands for 3G (UMTS)
T-Mobile Germany uses 1900/2100 Mhz for 3G (UMTS)
If you couldnt tell, im considering buying an iPhone (to develop on for fun). Will a phone that uses 2100 Mhz only be usable on USA towers (for 3G service)?

DrewMullen said:
Will a phone that uses 2100 Mhz only be usable on USA towers (for 3G service)?
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No it will not get 3G

What other carriers (anywhere not just USA) use AT&T 3G/4G Frequencies?

What other carriers (anywhere not just USA) use AT&T 3G/4G data Frequencies? Basically where else in the world could one get 3G/4G data with an AT&T phone.

most of Canada,some in austraia and new zeland and some in south America. not sure about aisa. but I can tell you bell telus and rogers from Canada are all compatible. can't really name the ones in other countries but maybe someone else can help out.

Works for me here in Mexico, just had to add the proper APN for my carrier Telcel and its good to go, i think some central and south america countries too i had a friend from Argentina telling me he bought and Infuse also and its working good on his carrier Claro.

Works in India on a few networks. I was on two - Airtel and Tata, and it worked on both. Airtel used 900 GSM and Tata used 1900 GSM for 3G.

Thanks to everyone who has helped!

infuse use 850/1900/2100
and AT&T use 850/1900
and 2100 is used all over the world.
I don't know why american carrier use other frequencies
but except United States, all use 2100 for 3G
so, if you unlock your infuse, you can use it everywhere

jtha said:
infuse use 850/1900/2100
and AT&T use 850/1900
and 2100 is used all over the world.
I don't know why american carrier use other frequencies
but except United States, all use 2100 for 3G
so, if you unlock your infuse, you can use it everywhere
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Looks like you are referring to EU markets.
I was in India a couple months back, and my Infuse was on 1900 band on Tata network for 3G.

[Q] North America LTE, 2100MHZ and T-Mobile

The North America LTE version supports band 4 for LTE but only in the 1700MHZ range. Much of T-Mobile's network apparently operates in the 2100MHZ range. The International LTE variant supports 2100MHZ.
The question is this: has anybody figured out if it's possible to enable the radio to utilize 2100MHZ (and how)? ... or is it truly a hardware limitation of the North American model?
Thanks!