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Hello, I am going to visit USA in August for 1 month (many states), could you please advise me, which 3g network is cheapest for SMS (foreign SMS too) and 3g Internet (well, probably unlimited or best for Android heavy usage)
Thanks for attention
Read that AT&T has the best 3G coverage, but it's pretty expensive - 5 gb for $40, am I right?
P.S. Not sure if I chose correct place to post this thread
For no plan prepay you best bet is Tmobile. 3G coverage in almost all real cities. Edge in most small towns, and G everywhere else. I can get internet anywhere with it just slow internet if I'm in the middle of nowhere driving state to state. They have a data only plan for $38.99 a month unlimited(10GB). Or 500 anytime minutes free nights and weeksends, unlimited txt and unlimited data(10GB) for $59.99. If you go ATT you will have to run a credit check even to get 1 month of service and even then they don't have any data only plans so your bill will most likely be the 39.99 + $30 for 2GB data, + tax's which run around $10.
Thank you very much, in this case I'll take T-mobile unlimited data plan then
And maybe keeping second (old) phone with old sim card in roaming
Which plan do you think it is better to take for my sister if she doesn't use the internet at all and just SMS?
and are this unlimited SMS work if you send them abroad? I mean are they still free?
maxpower097 said:
For no plan prepay you best bet is Tmobile. 3G coverage in almost all real cities. Edge in most small towns, and G everywhere else.
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uh... just make sure that your phone supports Tmo's 3G bands (probably not)... 1700 AWS, not 2100 (i.e. UTMS 1700 not UTMS 2100)...
Yep, T-Mobile would be your best bet
Check out Simple Mobile.
They use T-mobile's network and offers $60 for everything INCLUDING unlimited international text message. If can get good T-mobile service in your area, you might as well sign up with them to save bunch. The only downside is you have to have a unlocked or T-mobile compatible GSM phone in advance as they don't provide subsidized phones.
hbkmog said:
Check out Simple Mobile.
They use T-mobile's network and offers $60 for everything INCLUDING unlimited international text message. If can get good T-mobile service in your area, you might as well sign up with them to save bunch. The only downside is you have to have a unlocked or T-mobile compatible GSM phone in advance as they don't provide subsidized phones.
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Click to collapse
thanks, I am planning to but off contract Samsung Captivate (AT&T version of Galaxy S), but then unlock it for any GSM network
never heard about Simple Mobile, will google it, thanks
DarkVasyaK said:
thanks, I am planning to but off contract Samsung Captivate (AT&T version of Galaxy S), but then unlock it for any GSM network
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Click to collapse
Again... don't expect such phones to work with Tmo's 3G... you'll be stuck with EDGE...
You'll need the Samsung Vibrant if you want Tmo's 3G to work in the US... or a Behold II or MyTouch... plus Tmo has funky rules for Android phones on prepay (or not)... you may need to do their FlexPay ...
there's a good chance that you'll have to go with AT&T prepaid... given what you're planning...
Your Euro phones probably won't work with Tmo 3G but you very well might pick it up some places. Many many many people have picked up 3G on tmo's US network with INTL unlocked phones. One of the bands matches, the other doesn't. So it depends on which tower your near.
maxpower097 said:
Your Euro phones probably won't work with Tmo 3G but you very well might pick it up some places. Many many many people have picked up 3G on tmo's US network with INTL unlocked phones. One of the bands matches, the other doesn't. So it depends on which tower your near.
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Click to collapse
I believe what you say is incorrect. Not only are the frequencies around 2100Mhz different between Tmo's 1700/2100 (UTMS1700) and UTMS2100 different, but UTMS1700 *depends* on the 1700Mhz for uplink, so you can't even create a connection.
Actually...certain Asian phones operate on the same frequency bands as T-Mobile...but good luck getting your hands on one.
~Jasecloud4
Confused
So, I am going to buy Samsung Captivate
It's UMTS 850/1900/2100
If I unlock it for any sim and put T-mobile sim inside, 3g won't work?
I should use AT&T then? I saw at the web site that there is a 5 gb data plan for $60
I don't really want to buy T-mobile Samsung Vibrant because it's easier for me to buy international version then, but I don't really like how it looks.
And just one more question, I am going to live in Singapore for 1 year soon, does anybody know if 3g will work with Captivate in Singapore?
DarkVasyaK said:
Confused
So, I am going to buy Samsung Captivate
It's UMTS 850/1900/2100
If I unlock it for any sim and put T-mobile sim inside, 3g won't work?
I should use AT&T then? I saw at the web site that there is a 5 gb data plan for $60
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Click to collapse
This is correct. Tmo runs on a special band so only Tmo branded phones, and some "asian or INTL" phones can use tmo 3G. ATT 3G is US standard and can be used by most phones, but ATT doesn't have any unlimited dataplans anymore. They don't have any prepay dataplans, the only data only plans they offer are for the ipad. So your gonna pay much more, but ATT will give you better 3G coverage, but slower in the cities compared to TMO. TMO actually is beating out sprint 4G in most area's, but its coverage is spotty and only in large cities. I would go tmo and buy a throw away phone when you get here. Or get a tmo phone for the trip, then actually spend real money on a phone when you get home. You can get a TP2 for around $150-$200 here, and HD2 for $250, then you can ebay it off when you get home or sell it real quick on CL before you leave. If you haven't tried it the TMO HD2 is a beast.
well, I wanted to use tons of android apps using 3g internet, but in this case I should just use EDGE... don't want to buy special phone for 3g or something like that...
it seems that I have a choice between 3g with AT&T for $60 (5 gb) and T-mobile EDGE for $40 (unlimited data) ?
DarkVasyaK said:
well, I wanted to use tons of android apps using 3g internet, but in this case I should just use EDGE... don't want to buy special phone for 3g or something like that...
it seems that I have a choice between 3g with AT&T for $60 (5 gb) and T-mobile EDGE for $40 (unlimited data) ?
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Click to collapse
well you could get 100MB of data on AT&T for $20... but perhaps that isn't enough for you... seek out Wifi whenever possible? (that's what I do when traveling outside the US...)
or live with Tmo EDGE, which really isn't that bad and some would claim that you may be dealing with EDGE or EDGE-like bandwidth on AT&T as well, depending on where you go and congestion (hoards of iphone users)...
Any info on when this might released in canada.
I am on ATT and I feel terrible that another great handset is going to T mobile and F**** att is not interested. Carriers in Canada like rogers and telus have the same band for ATT.
( But again no 4G )
So curious to know if canada is getting one.
Just letting you know that Telus AND Bell use a 4G network (HSPA+)
The DHD actually came out on what was considered a 3G+ network, with DL speeds up to 14 Mb/s, which is really the American 4G standard. With Telus' LTE coming in soon, you can expect DL speeds up to 75 Mb/s... So yeah, canadians don't really lag behind in that aspect!
As for the phone coming out here, Bell and Telus are big fans of HTC, and Bell even launched the Incredible S! So I'd say the chances are pretty good for it to come out here... Only thing is that if it comes to Telus, it might take a few months, as they tend to take their time with phone launches, and Rogers is just a Sony fan...
is Telus received the HTC Deasire HD and the first Desire look to see the Sensation on Telus as well but Telus has issues with taking to long to release phones but dont be suprised to see the phone with bell as well since the Atrix was a hit and miss
TheSobadef said:
Just letting you know that Telus AND Bell use a 4G network (HSPA+)
The DHD actually came out on what was considered a 3G+ network, with DL speeds up to 14 Mb/s, which is really the American 4G standard. With Telus' LTE coming in soon, you can expect DL speeds up to 75 Mb/s... So yeah, canadians don't really lag behind in that aspect!
As for the phone coming out here, Bell and Telus are big fans of HTC, and Bell even launched the Incredible S! So I'd say the chances are pretty good for it to come out here... Only thing is that if it comes to Telus, it might take a few months, as they tend to take their time with phone launches, and Rogers is just a Sony fan...
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Click to collapse
I dint mean to say that US was ahead in terms of 4G. I thought the band for 4G was different between the networks. However its really good to know they are the same. Will be jumping to get hold of sensation when its released in canada.
Now have to find out someone to ship me one
TheSobadef said:
Just letting you know that Telus AND Bell use a 4G network (HSPA+)
The DHD actually came out on what was considered a 3G+ network, with DL speeds up to 14 Mb/s, which is really the American 4G standard. With Telus' LTE coming in soon, you can expect DL speeds up to 75 Mb/s... So yeah, canadians don't really lag behind in that aspect!
As for the phone coming out here, Bell and Telus are big fans of HTC, and Bell even launched the Incredible S! So I'd say the chances are pretty good for it to come out here... Only thing is that if it comes to Telus, it might take a few months, as they tend to take their time with phone launches, and Rogers is just a Sony fan...
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Click to collapse
Rogers uses the same type of HSPA+ network as well.. I really wish they wouldn't call it 4g though.
Having been on both sides , I miss the net speeds in Canada.
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA Premium App
Is this phone going to work properly on rogers?
I've read that on rogers its only going to get 2G speeds...
I've been waiting for rogers to get a good phone for almost a year now, I'm going to leave if they don't get any good phones soon.
Rogers, Bell and Telus use 1900MHz for 3G.
The Sensation uses 1700MHz.
If you want a carrier that's compatible with the Sensation, you need Mobilicity (ME!) or Wind.
I think htc will release one with a compatible band
Thracks said:
Rogers, Bell and Telus use 1900MHz for 3G.
The Sensation uses 1700MHz.
If you want a carrier that's compatible with the Sensation, you need Mobilicity (ME!) or Wind.
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Click to collapse
The G2 was released with T-Mobile bands, then later released with support for 1900 as the Desire Z. I'm returning my Nexus S and am going to stick with the Nexus One for the time being - I really hope this model makes it to Telus. There's nothing about it that I'd change other than maybe a bigger battery. Sense is tolerable.
Thracks said:
Rogers, Bell and Telus use 1900MHz for 3G.
The Sensation uses 1700MHz.
If you want a carrier that's compatible with the Sensation, you need Mobilicity (ME!) or Wind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually,
Rogers, Telus and Bell use 850/1900 for 3G, and many phones with just the 850 UMTS frequency work on these networks (i.e. The Australian HTC HD2)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UMTS_networks
Thracks said:
Rogers, Bell and Telus use 1900MHz for 3G.
The Sensation uses 1700MHz.
If you want a carrier that's compatible with the Sensation, you need Mobilicity (ME!) or Wind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The sensation only uses 1700 in the US for T-Mobile. But who cares about 1700? No one ****ing uses that band. 2100 is what's used worldwide, and that's the sensation the world will get. What we're wondering is when a 850/1900 Sensation will hit.
As an AT&T customer, I'm not even counting on AT&T to get it, nor do I care if they get the phone. I don't want to be thrown on their smartphone data plan anyway. I like importing phones and slapping a SIM in so I can keep going on the $15/plan
Anyway, so if Canada carries the Sensation, that means it will come in 850/1900 flavors.
Even if u have a smartphone u can still use the 15$ plan
drgopoos said:
Even if u have a smartphone u can still use the 15$ plan
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If you use a non carrier smartphone you can get away with it. AT&T's not gonna make a huge list of all the smartphones in the world and blacklist them from the $15 plan.
They did it for the N1 but taht's because it was sold in the US targetted @ AT&T customers with the 850/1900 bands.
They can only really control the phones they sell to make sure that if you want data with their phones, if it's a smartphone you will be on the $30 plan. Suck it ATT.
dmo580 said:
if it's a smartphone you will be on the $30 plan. Suck it ATT.
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Click to collapse
This is no longer valid.
Att has changed the rules now. Even if u have a smartphone u can have the 15$ plan.
My wife has iphone and she is on 15$ plan
drgopoos said:
This is no longer valid.
Att has changed the rules now. Even if u have a smartphone u can have the 15$ plan.
My wife has iphone and she is on 15$ plan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well AT&T is rather nice to you. Up here in Canada, Rogers (AT&T's counterpart in Canada) forces you into a minimum $45 Data Plan if you upgrade from a normal phone to a smartphone. Negotiations never seem to work unless you're extremely lucky, or know someone in the business.
On the topic of the Sensation coming to Canada, I have my doubts on Rogers getting it. They haven't supported many HTC devices in the past, and I doubt they will now. Rogers always carries Samsung and LG, with the occasional Sony Ericsson device.
I'd be willing to put money on Telus and/or Bell getting the Sensation, while Rogers probably taking the Galaxy S II.
If the phone comes out on telus or bell ill still be happy, since telus/bell/rogers all use the same 3G bands now.
Actually in Canada, for BlackBerry you need a minimum of $40 V&D, but for any other smartphone, it's $50... That said, I hear in the US V&D plans can go as high as $100 (here too, but they're the exception, not the norm). Unfortunately though, around these parts most plans don't come with more than 1GB of data.
One of the benefits of our plans though, is that download speeds destroy US speeds. LTE here is 125 Mb/s vs the 14 Mb/s you guys get. For us 14 Mb/s is considered regular HSPA+ (3G+).
As a Bestbuy mobile rep though, I get a fair plan for myself ($35 all incl) for my V&D plan that gives me all the add-ons i need (unlimited txt, Caller ID, VM, early nights) + 200 min and 1 GB data. Pretty good if you ask me
As a Telus customer though, and back on topic, whichever new phone to come out first to Bell or Telus (Sensation or S2), will be the one I buy. I'm hoping both will launch this summer, but I don't really feel like leaving Telus unless I have to...
I am hoping that the sensation gets a GSM release. Being it supports the MAP bluetooth profile, i would like to get a Android phone for my Focus to work with the My ford touch system. There are no android phones in canada that i know of that work with that profile.
When is the glaxy s2 supposed to be released in canada?
ive been with every big phone supplier 4 at least afew weeks and htc is the only 1 im interested in. the galaxy s could be a great phone but they dont give you enough great features. if samsung had its own "friendstream" style social widget, it woyuld compete. but after flahsing sense 3.0 on my desire hd, ill never go back to plain android. every company's UI look sboring in comparision to sense 3.0. only flaw with htc right now is psx4droid doesnt work on the updated sense ui. oncenthat is fixed, this is easily the best brand phone
Hi There!
I was just in the US for 9 days, and bought a 30 day prepaid plan thinking that because it said I could have 4G I would actually get 4G Speeds. I was only able to get Edge Speeds anywhere I went, and it was pretty horrible.
I logged 2 support chat incidents the first guy was clueless, the second person said they don't give 4g speeds to non T-Mobile provided devices which I thought was pretty crappy.
Is there a software workaround to allow 4G speeds on Android devices purchased from other providers? My phone is an international unlocked device (NZ) and I can get H+ Speeds in Countries like Australia with no issues.
Anyone who could shed some light would be appreciated.
If it was a T-mobile prepaid card that was probably your issue. T-mobile utilizes different frequencies (AWS 1700 band) than almost all other GSM carriers. So if you do not have a t-mobile branded, or a pentaband phone you are only able to get edge speeds. Next time get prepaid AT&T and you will be good to go.
Yah it was a Prepaid Simcard and then a $30 card from Walmart delivered Electronically. I forgot to state I was using a Galaxy S2. Hard to comprehend it not supporting the 4G considering it's a device T-Mobile sell (Though it has slightly different spec's in terms of screen size and button configuration so potentially it could I guess support additional bands.
networkn said:
Yah it was a Prepaid Simcard and then a $30 card from Walmart delivered Electronically. I forgot to state I was using a Galaxy S2. Hard to comprehend it not supporting the 4G considering it's a device T-Mobile sell (Though it has slightly different spec's in terms of screen size and button configuration so potentially it could I guess support additional bands.
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Click to collapse
The international SGSII (I9100) and the AT&T SGSII (I777) do not support T-mobile 3G or 4G. The Skyrocket and the T-mobile SGSII (Hercules) are pentaband phones that support both AT&T and T-mobile 4G. The reason for this is the Exynos processor which does not support the AWS bands. That is why the skyrocket and hercules come with the snapdragon processor.
Thanks for the reply, at least now I know. ATT doesn't seem to have anything similar to T-Mobile in so far as you get 5GB 4G, unlimited calling and texting for $30, are ATT generally more expensive?
Thanks.
Att is generally more expensive yes. But as someone already mentioned, Tmobile uses aws band which is different than almost all others for 4g. So you have to weigh your options
Sent from my Sensation using XDA App
Well at the moment my old vibrants usb port is broken, and my parents are too lazy/cheap to send it to mobile tech videos. But i may get a new phone soon, i love the galaxy s 3 but since im not getting it very soon but like few months soon, i need good backup phones. I love the htc one s but its screen maybe to small. Is the htc one x from att or unlocked compatible with my network? Or maybe the droid razr?
Anything made for AT&T will get 2G speeds on T-Mobile, but only if you can get it carrier unlocked. Most international phones are also compatible with only T-Mobile 2G
While T-Mobile is working on improving their network for better compatibility with other GSM standards, its not at a stage i would call "reliable" yet, that is, unless 2G and spotty 3G is good enough for you, with the promise of things to become better in the future. If that IS good enough for you, than you can use ANY GSM device on T-Mobile.
However, I have a feeling you want a 4G device. The best tried-and-true unlocked off-contract phone that's T-Mobile 4G compatible is the Play Store Galaxy Nexus
Hi all,
With Verizon releasing officially, the update making its SGS3 Global ready atleast for voice as of now, a lot of discussion is happening right now about the Global capabilities.
FYI. I'm a good reader and explorer on hofo,androidforums and xda. So any guidance is highly appreciated
So here is my question.
I have a Verizon S GS3. It is brand new.
1. Can I use it with Straight Talk T-Mobile SIM ( T-Mobile has good coverage near my house ) after doing the rooting, unlocking, etc. etc all the technical stuff
2. If I unlock the phone, will it be truly global capable, I mean, can I use my S GS3 on any GSM Network in the World, even in the USA, with 3G Speeds? Did anyone use it in any Country with 4G LTE Speeds?
3. I know this is really a very very strange question. But after unlocking the S GS3, will it be working on the AT&T LTE Netowrk in the USA? My thinking is, if it working in the LTE Network in the USA, then it will work in other countries as well, where LTE Network is going to be available in the future. Sorry, I know this is a bit weird.
If You can please refer and threads or links, it is fine with me. I'm also looking and not depending only on the answers that I get from this thread. But looking for replies/guidance/links though.
Thank You.
hope this is the answers you are looking for
qzmpal said:
Hi all,
With Verizon releasing officially, the update making its SGS3 Global ready atleast for voice as of now, a lot of discussion is happening right now about the Global capabilities.
FYI. I'm a good reader and explorer on hofo,androidforums and xda. So any guidance is highly appreciated
So here is my question.
I have a Verizon S GS3. It is brand new.
1. Can I use it with Straight Talk T-Mobile SIM ( T-Mobile has good coverage near my house ) after doing the rooting, unlocking, etc. etc all the technical stuff
2. If I unlock the phone, will it be truly global capable, I mean, can I use my S GS3 on any GSM Network in the World, even in the USA, with 3G Speeds? Did anyone use it in any Country with 4G LTE Speeds?
3. I know this is really a very very strange question. But after unlocking the S GS3, will it be working on the AT&T LTE Netowrk in the USA? My thinking is, if it working in the LTE Network in the USA, then it will work in other countries as well, where LTE Network is going to be available in the future. Sorry, I know this is a bit weird.
If You can please refer and threads or links, it is fine with me. I'm also looking and not depending only on the answers that I get from this thread. But looking for replies/guidance/links though.
Thank You.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for Q1:yes you well be able to use any network... install any mod now most of them are already rooted and unlocked
for Q2:yes you can... all you need to ddo is to download a program called hiapn.. wipe the existing apn settings.. then auto detect and you are good to go 3g and hspa
Q3: yes it works thanks to the magic of hiapn software... but not many countrys use LTE .. usa canada japan and maybe few others
Verizon SGS3 on any GSM Carrier
Hi experts,
I have a small doubt here.
If the Verizon SGS3 can be used with any GSM Carrier around the world, then that means, the Verizon SGS3 can be used with AT&T or T-Mobile as well along with Verizon Network.
But the T-Mobile or AT&T Versions cannot be used on the Verizon's Network. Is that true?
I'm have got a traveling assignment coming up to Europe this Summer and I need to know what is the best possible solution out there before I leave.
Thank You.
Verizon's GS3 uses CDMA technology for the phone calling and data, as far as I know the SIM in the verizon version is only used for LTE.
From what I have read in forum posts, (this one in particular http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2013647) if you pop in a SIM card, calling and texting should work. If you want data to work then you need to change some APNs around. Stock touchwiz does not allow this so you would need an app to do that. AOSP ROMs should have a way for you to edit APNs.
On the topic of getting 4G on any other network besides Verizon, that is fairly unlikely as they all use different technologies/ bands. Verizon has LTE, T-Mobile has HSPA+, not entirely sure what AT&T has but I think its also LTE.
This phone will take any SIM card cut to micro-size.
3G+ speeds depends on the frequency the carrier uses. The VZW GS3 uses the following radio frequencies after the JB update: GPRS/EDGE/GSM (850/900/1800/1900); HSPA/UMTS (2100) [I had to search high and low to find this for my trip to China]
Each LTE carrier uses different radio frequencies, and global countries also use LTE frequencies different than the US ones. 4G is a very varied standard at the moment.
If you want fast internet on a non VZW carrier, it better have HSPA+, otherwise you are on 3G at best.
Right now, the only truely global phone is the iPhone5 on VZW, which supports 5 different LTE frequencies. Sad but true.
The US based SG3's dont even have the FM radio that the international versions have
Edge
Mix3d said:
This phone will take any SIM card cut to micro-size.
3G+ speeds depends on the frequency the carrier uses. The VZW GS3 uses the following radio frequencies after the JB update: GPRS/EDGE/GSM (850/900/1800/1900); HSPA/UMTS (2100) [I had to search high and low to find this for my trip to China]
Each LTE carrier uses different radio frequencies, and global countries also use LTE frequencies different than the US ones. 4G is a very varied standard at the moment.
If you want fast internet on a non VZW carrier, it better have HSPA+, otherwise you are on 3G at best.
Right now, the only truely global phone is the iPhone5 on VZW, which supports 5 different LTE frequencies. Sad but true.
The US based SG3's dont even have the FM radio that the international versions have
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, my girlfriend has a verizon s3 and with straight talk she is only on edge it never changes. It makes the phone nearly useless. Ive tried to talk her into letting me flash and unlock it but she isnt real interested in it. I dont even know forsure if unlocking the bootloader downgrading to 4.1.1 and using the att sim unlock method would work but I would assume that flashing it would allow you to at least get 3-4g. not?