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Two quick noob questions

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!!

Web Surfing while Talking

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.

[Q] Will any phone work on Telus?

Telus has some nice phones, but Verizon has a few coming out that i love, namely the Droid Bionic and Thunderbolt.
Telus, Bell and Rogers use bands 850/1900
Verizon uses 800/1900
Do the phone specs have to match identically? what if just the 1900 matches, which seems to be the case in every phone.
Also, would unlocking the device make a difference?
Thanks

Anyone?

As far as I understand Verizon uses mostly CDMA phones on it´s network, but I think there are some that also includes a slot for inserting a SIM GSM card, if so and it´s unlocked it may work but I´m not totally sure...

[Q] From CDMA to GSM via Firmware Update ?

I've read that XOOM use the Radio chip Qualcomm MDM6600 ( the same of Iphone 4 ) and that is compatible with CDMA and also GSM network.
If it's true there's a way to set the actual CDMA Xoom for using GSM net with a cooked firmware ?

Not possible. Verizon's Xoom does not have GSM, only CDMA and LTE down the road.

LordLugard said:
Not possible. Verizon's Xoom does not have GSM, only CDMA and LTE down the road.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure the iFixit tear down indicated that the verizon xoom had gsm hardware inside that just wasnt activated.

mattkeane88 said:
I'm pretty sure the iFixit tear down indicated that the verizon xoom had gsm hardware inside that just wasnt activated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But isn't the LTE simcard bigger than a normal phone SIM card?

snowg said:
I've read that XOOM use the Radio chip Qualcomm MDM6600 ( the same of Iphone 4 ) and that is compatible with CDMA and also GSM network.
If it's true there's a way to set the actual CDMA Xoom for using GSM net with a cooked firmware ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The chip is a world capable but the radio with it is cdma so it can't work on GSM networks unlessbit has a GSM radio. The chip probably just makes it easier for moto to produce xooms without having buy separate parts when GSM version comes out.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

socomdark said:
The chip is a world capable but the radio with it is cdma so it can't work on GSM networks unlessbit has a GSM radio. The chip probably just makes it easier for moto to produce xooms without having buy separate parts when GSM version comes out.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm. Pretty sure that's wrong. The chip is the actual modem - it is what *modulates*/*demodulates* digital signals to/from the radio. The "radio" is merely a power transmitter/receiver; the modem is what controls what the radio signals mean. As long as the radio is tuned for the right frequencies, it should work.

So, is it possible or not? Has anyone tried it?

I'd just buy a data dongle and have the best of both. CDMA -> GSM has brick written all over it.

How to make a GSM Radio for Thunderbolt

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.