Ill be getting my charge tomorrow but I was wondering why a 4g phone needs a sim card to access 4g. I havent researched enough to find out and was wondering if yall can help
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
mrmidnight said:
Ill be getting my charge tomorrow but I was wondering why a 4g phone needs a sim card to access 4g. I havent researched enough to find out and was wondering if yall can help
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because it does?
I guess I'm confused. Do you have a problem with using a SIM card? They actually are a pretty darned good idea in my opinion. Especially if you want to travel overseas with your phone, and buy a local card at the Quickie-Mart.
Found this from a quick Google search.
http://www.gemalto.com/uicc_role/
They introduced SIM cards for LTE, therefore this phone requires one.
Sent from my Droid Charge running Humble 1.42
kvswim said:
They introduced SIM cards for LTE, therefore this phone requires one.
Sent from my Droid Charge running Humble 1.42
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OP is wondering WHY it needs a sim card. Stop being such a smart ass.
No I don't have a problem with using a SIM, I was with TMobile for a while and know how useful it is, as a matter of fact when I was in the Navy we had a sim imbedded into our smart card IDs. I appreciate the link, does this also make it a world phone or will is it only used for LTE?
No, this is not a world phone. The SIM is just a spec that is required for LTE
10-4 thanks fellas
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
While the Charge (or, any other LTE phone) isn't technically a "world phone", it can be if the country you go to supports LTE - at least partially.
The Charge doesn't support VoLTE (Voice over LTE), which requires a special modem chipset. I believe the Revolution does have the VoLTE chipset. If you have an LTE phone with VoLTE, your phone will eventually be a "World Phone" when other countries implement VoLTE.
That said, you may be able to use your LTE phone in an LTE country to make calls using a VoIP application, such SIPDroid.
On the bright side if you switch between 4g phones, you can just plug in your sim card like a GSM phone.
That's what I do to switch between my Tbolt and Charge, none of that x228 stuff. Just plug in my sim and all is well
¿GotJazz? said:
While the Charge (or, any other LTE phone) isn't technically a "world phone", it can be if the country you go to supports LTE - at least partially.
The Charge doesn't support VoLTE (Voice over LTE), which requires a special modem chipset. I believe the Revolution does have the VoLTE chipset. If you have an LTE phone with VoLTE, your phone will eventually be a "World Phone" when other countries implement VoLTE.
That said, you may be able to use your LTE phone in an LTE country to make calls using a VoIP application, such SIPDroid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's IF the country you are in is using the same LTE bands as the US. Think about it, how many GSM bands does a phone need to support to work for Voice and Data in every country?
GSM and CDMA are forks of the same technology.
Way back when things split, the CDMA-based carriers (at the time AirTouch, and Sprint) decided that (partially in order to keep carrier lock-in) it would be better to include everything needed for connection to the network within the body of the phone. Essentially, CDMA phones have the SIM integrated into the SOC.
In comes LTE, which Verizon decided on as their 3.9G technology, but also happens to be SIM-based and doesn't support the integration with the SOC like CDMA.
If you look closely, the primary technology behind GSM networks is actually called WCDMA.
LTE must dictate that the SIM be removable then because it could easily be integrated. Otherwise 4G looks like an afterthought.
Related
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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!
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
So this may be a dumb question, but I can't help but to wonder. Is there a way to use different carrier's networks? I know each operate on their own frequencies or ranges, but it seems with all the things you can do with this phone it could be possible. I think it would be amazing if I could use T-Mobile's or Verizon's 4g network, or just switch carriers whenever one had better service/reception. Is there an app for this maybe? Would it require installation of different modems every time you switch networks? Would you have to modify sim card somehow? Is there any kind of information I can read on this somewhere? Any info is appreciated.
You can only connect to the carriers network for whom you have a sim card for.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I know that. I'm wondering if there is a way around that. Verizon doesn't have sim cards right? At least not removable like ATT. Maybe it's just a matter of programming/software on your simcard. I'm just wondering if doing this would be possible. I know how the game goes now, just wondering what stops us from doing this? Aside from the morality issues of stealing.
4got2g0 said:
I know that. I'm wondering if there is a way around that. Verizon doesn't have sim cards right? At least not removable like ATT. Maybe it's just a matter of programming/software on your simcard. I'm just wondering if doing this would be possible. I know how the game goes now, just wondering what stops us from doing this? Aside from the morality issues of stealing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon gives u a SIM card if u say u are traveling abroad, and want to use their service abroad.
AT&T and T-Mobile along with some others are aa GSM style of network. Verizon, sprint and others.are based on a CDMA network. They are completely different. The only it could be possible if is all the companies 4G networks were the same, such as LTE. Which is extremely doubtful that it will work that way seeing that Sprint is already going Wimax and T-Mobile HSPA+
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
diablo009 said:
Verizon gives u a SIM card if u say u are traveling abroad, and want to use their service abroad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't know that. I guess I could pay $80 a month to each company. I'm wondering if it's possible to not do that and still get it using only one sim card.
Yes their is. If you have AT&T you can add T-Mobile's APNs along with any other carrier that is GSM that supports your frequency. However, if you switch to that other carriers APN you will be bill astronomical roaming charges.
bptba93 said:
AT&T and T-Mobile along with some others are aa GSM style of network. Verizon, sprint and others.are based on a CDMA network. They are completely different. The only it could be possible if is all the companies 4G networks were the same, such as LTE. Which is extremely doubtful that it will work that way seeing that Sprint is already going Wimax and T-Mobile HSPA+
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T is switching to UMTS for their 3G. Same 850 and 1900 bands though. And will be upgrading to LTS for 4g sometime in the near future. I actually install the UMTS cabinets, 850&1900 radios, and coax at towers around here. So there's no possible way to take whatever it is on a sim card that works for a CDMA network and throw it on an AT&T simcard somehow(maybe like a stored contact) and use that programming selectively?
nbs11 said:
Yes their is. If you have AT&T you can add T-Mobile's APNs along with any other carrier that is GSM that supports your frequency. However, if you switch to that other carriers APN you will be bill astronomical roaming charges.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh so it is possible, but it's considered roaming? I guess that makes sense. Pretty much what roaming is, using something outside of your carrier.
4got2g0 said:
Oh so it is possible, but it's considered roaming? I guess that makes sense. Pretty much what roaming is, using something outside of your carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The sim card ties a phone to a carrier. There is no software to bypass this. Some phones support 2 sims via 2 slots. As for vzw, there sim is a vodaphone sim and only works in other countries as there is no vodaphone service in the us.
If you want multiple gsm carriers you need multiple sims. EU has a hundred different sim cards to support all the carriers.
Sent from my MB520 using XDA App
alphadog00 said:
The sim card ties a phone to a carrier. There is no software to bypass this. Some phones support 2 sims via 2 slots. As for vzw, there sim is a vodaphone sim and only works in other countries as there is no vodaphone service in the us.
If you want multiple gsm carriers you need multiple sims. EU has a hundred different sim cards to support all the carriers.
Sent from my MB520 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have personally use T-Mobile with an AT&T sim card but the bill is not pretty.
Ok, so a little background...
I have a Motorola Atrix 4g (Live in the US). It is on AT&T.
I have a Verizon Wireless 4G Sim Card (I want to use this instead, as I don't pay for this one).
What I've done so far:
Unlocked the phone with a 3rd party code (it said successful)
Rooted Atrix 4G
Installed an unknown sources fix (to add the ability to install unknown sources)
Installed GingerBlur Rom
Basically what is happening is this:
I put the AT&T Sim in and everything works fine.
I put the Verizon Sim in and I get no signal for 3g/4g/edge/whatever or phone.
I'm assuming I have to change the APN (but I have no idea how to do this, what screen it's on, etc...)
I'm assuming the reason I can't get connected is I can't access a temp network to do a *228 and activate the verizon service on the phone.
Any suggestions or pointers would be greatly appreciated.
Thank yoU!
casca_the_immortal said:
Ok, so a little background...
I have a Motorola Atrix 4g (Live in the US). It is on AT&T.
I have a Verizon Wireless 4G Sim Card (I want to use this instead, as I don't pay for this one).
....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I understand, you have a phone which is supposed to work with GSM (AT&t), whereas you are trying to use it on CDMA (Verizion).
These two service providers use two different technologies to deliver their services, and these technologies require different types of handsets(GSM receiver for AT&T, CDMA receiver for Verizon).
So this is the reason you are not getting the signals for Verizon in an AT&T phone!!
crack.mech said:
As far as I understand, you have a phone which is supposed to work with GSM (AT&t), whereas you are trying to use it on CDMA (Verizion).
These two service providers use two different technologies to deliver their services, and these technologies require different types of handsets(GSM receiver for AT&T, CDMA receiver for Verizon).
So this is the reason you are not getting the signals for Verizon in an AT&T phone!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that blows I was under the impression that the new Verizon Wireless 4G SIMS were GSM? Also the Atrix is supposed to be quad band, doesn't that mean it does it all?
Well that does shine some light on it for sure, I was getting two companies when I did a search for networks (Tmobile and AT&T).
Thank you very much for the response
Just read from the Rezound subforum about it supporting global gsm/wcdma roaming.
I'm wondering if it is also possible for the Thunderbolt as the chipsets MSM 8655 and MDM 9600 both support GSM/UMTS mode.
Has anyone tried getting the Thunderbolt to work with GSM network?
Thanks.
I called Verizon about a week ago and they told me that yes the Thunderbolt would work worldwide but its VERY expensive
Sent from my Desensed Tbolt
NickxSfK said:
I called Verizon about a week ago and they told me that yes the Thunderbolt would work worldwide but its VERY expensive
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did that person say in what way expensive? Roaming rate?
Or was that person talking about CDMA roaming which I know is possible in some countries.
I'm more interested in using other network SIM to work on the GSM network.
wmserver said:
I'm more interested in using other network SIM to work on the GSM network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im curious about this also. but i think the sim slot is only for 4g cards. my incredible 2 has a menu in the security settings that allows me to unlock my sim card for use with other carriers. the inc2 is advertised as a global phone though
They said my rates would be large. I think it was like 1.50 a minute for calls and 50 cents a text. So probably not GSM
Sent from my Desensed Tbolt
Sounds about right for most carriers. Depends on the country you travel to. When I travel international on business I kill my phone bill. Almost $1000 for two weeks in New Zealand, almost $700 for two weeks in Argentina. I forgot what I spent for a week in France, but I didn't use my phone as much there.
If you're traveling abroad, really suggest getting a go-phone or some kind of burner in-country. A lot of my colleagues get data SIMs in country at the airport for their data needs.
I also feel that thunderbolt supports GSM & Wcdma, for MSM8655 supports GSM & Wcdma
hzw1199 said:
I also feel that thunderbolt supports GSM & Wcdma, for MSM8655 supports GSM & Wcdma
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also feel that thunderbolt supports GSM & Wcdma, for MSM8655 supports GSM & Wcdma
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey guys, I was in London last May with my tbolt.
Now that I think about it- I didn't try to switch the radio to a GSM radio with cyanogenmod's network switch, but I can say that there are no CDMA radio towers in and around London.
Also, if you're going to London, be prepared to hunt down wifi. You will almost always pay for it- although there are a few (from what I understand) blanketed areas that O2 has now set up in Kensington for the Olympics. Otherwise, you'll be paying companies like Boingo for hourly access. They have deals with most pubs.
Hope this helps.
I was in Europe during the holidays and had no luck. Where I was there were no CDMA towers so I got no signal. I tried switching the SIM with a Vodafone one and switching the radio to GSM and global with no luck. I had Cm7 on then.
Go get boost mobile and buy 10$ extra per month for international. Cheapest way possible. Get a crap boost mobile phone for calls and texting. Virgin mobile may have this too. I don't understand how its not more cost effective to just buy an extra per month on your current plan
Sent from my Glacier using xda premium
Actually the cheapest way is to pay an unlocked used Droid2, about 50 bucks some places, and use it with a prepaid sim overseas. You can have an extra phone while in the states and use the wifi teather in the EU, in addition to an android working phone, to keep the tbolt w wifi.
On top of that if you connect your normal number to a GV nr and than connect that to a SIP the phone calls cost less than 1¢/min.
t bolt unlock
you know how can activate Tbolt to other gsm can activate that option.
Im from colombia and here dont exist cdma only gsm and my thunderbolt dont run here i don have roaming or signal to call and using a sim maked here i only can see: this sim card is from a unknown source.... Blah blah blah...
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt using Tapatalk
Hello
It sucks being an european and to have a 4g/cdma phone because in my country (Romania) you dont have a cdma network
So as we all know the Thunderbolt has the same chipset as the Rezound so in theory it should be able to transform into a Global Phone.
My question is why didn't anyone do that and how i can make one myself if a dev dosent bother.
I feel it in my guts that this will work but i need some guidelines, or someone with actual knowledge to help me.
charris said:
Hello
It sucks being an european and to have a 4g/cdma phone because in my country (Romania) you dont have a cdma network
So as we all know the Thunderbolt has the same chipset as the Rezound so in theory it should be able to transform into a Global Phone.
My question is why didn't anyone do that and how i can make one myself if a dev dosent bother.
I feel it in my guts that this will work but i need some guidelines, or someone with actual knowledge to help me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thunderbolt doesn't have the hardware. Not possible.
and what hardware are you talking about?
Thunderbolt has a CDMA radio and an LTE radio. Global phones need a separate GSM radio to work in Europe. If it has an unlocked SIM, the Thunderbolt should work on any 700mhz band LTE network, but is incompatible with GSM on all levels.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
MDM 9600
Actually, the Thunderbolt has an MDM 9600 baseband chipset that supports Hspa and Hspa+ which is a technology that At&t and T-mobile uses for their data connections. So, I believe that if the LTE radio is backwards compatible with those frequencies of At&t or T-mobile that it might work. The thunderbolt has two antennas: one for strictly CDMA and the other for lte and backwards compatibility to gsm/hspa(+) from what I understand. From what I have read Verizon has just opted to not install the drivers to support the GSM/HSPA(+) side of things. That, and the MSM 8650 processor or other hardware in the Thunderbolt may not support it. Just because the modem supports GSM/HSPA(+) doesn't mean the phone will, but I do think that if someone really wanted to they could modify the thunderbolt to work on GSM. The may need more hardware, but I do not know.
I would post the link about the chipset I have, but sadly as a noob it will not let me.
P.S. Verizon allows you to log-in to your account and view the unlock code for the thunderbolts SIM yourself. You do not have to call them. I have not used another Carriers SIM in my Thunderbolt, but HAVE read about people who have in other threads. Verizon from what I understand and have read on other forums does not allow you to use USA SIM cards other than VERIZON'S own SIM. From what I have read, it only unlocks the phone to use foreign country SIMs only. From what I had read, once you use VERIZON'S SIM unlock procedures a NEW menu pops up in your network settings giving you the option to select to use GSM only. The same thread was speaking about the iphone 4s and the Thunderbolt and said that Verizon allows for both to be unlocked and used as World Phones. I will not know for sure until I see proof, but I do know that Verizon allows you to unlock the Thunderbolt's SIM to use on Foreign Networks.
The MDM9600 baseband definitely supports quad-band GSM. However, the RF transceiver in the Thunderbolt may or may not, and the power amplifiers definitely do not. You need all three in order for a mode & band to actually work on a device.
Not possible from a hardware point of view.