Verizon version: a true WORLD phone? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III

Hi there.
Trying to find out if the Verizon version is a TRUE world phone with access to GSM networks overseas.
Web site says nothing.
Thanks for any info.

I think so...they plan on upgrading it with global capabilities with a software update..don't think it will work on every gsm carrier overseas though.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

I called Verizon Global support a few days ago to have my wife's iPhone 4s unlocked. While I had the CSR on the phone, I asked if I could get my SGS3 unlocked too. The rep informed me that there is no need to "unlock" the SGS3 and that is Global Ready.
I take everything VZW CS Reps say with a huge spoon of salt though because I believe she was simply saying all Verizon 4G phones do not require an unlock code and all come global ready. But, AFAIK, I don't think the Verizon SGS3 is "Global Ready" yet.

Related

Unlocking SIM for International Use

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.
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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.
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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
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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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha ha. Good point!
try this may be help u:laugh:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2231544

How can an "unlocked phone" not be "unlocked"?

I asked this question a few days ago & no one answered, so I will try a different way.
Verizon tells me that my phone that is "unlocked & rooted" with CyanogenMod 10.2.1 is not truly unlocked.
So how do you completely "unlock" a phone so that it will work on Verizon's CDMA network?
Is there a different way to unlock for CDMA?
Thanks.
Rebel60 said:
I asked this question a few days ago & no one answered, so I will try a different way.
Verizon tells me that my phone that is "unlocked & rooted" with CyanogenMod 10.2.1 is not truly unlocked.
So how do you completely "unlock" a phone so that it will work on Verizon's CDMA network?
Is there a different way to unlock for CDMA?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your running cyanogen mod your bootloader is unlocked. There's two different kinds of unlocked, one is sim unlocked which means it can run on almost any carrier and bootloader unlocked meaning you can flash custom roms
As far as CDMA not that I'm aware of
From my S3 on Wicked 4.3
ShapesBlue said:
If your running cyanogen mod your bootloader is unlocked. There's two different kinds of unlocked, one is sim unlocked which means it can run on almost any carrier and bootloader unlocked meaning you can flash custom roms
As far as CDMA not that I'm aware of
From my S3 on Wicked 4.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I couldn't understand how a phone can be unlocked & rooted & still not be unlocked. The salesman at Verizon told me on the phone that whatever company originally sold the phone would have to unlock it. I forgot that this was a T-Mobile phone. I use T-mobile sim via Straight Talk. If this sim is removed then would the phone be able to work on Verizon network? Verzion is telling me this is a GSM phone & not CDMA & won't work unless unlocked by carrier. Which makes no sense if it isn't a cdma to begin with. I assume that all Verizon version of phones are made for them as CDMA only?
If this is so, then Verizon should not be advertising "bring your own device" as it won't work. It should be "bring your own Verizon phone".
Rebel60 said:
Thanks. I couldn't understand how a phone can be unlocked & rooted & still not be unlocked. The salesman at Verizon told me on the phone that whatever company originally sold the phone would have to unlock it. I forgot that this was a T-Mobile phone. I use T-mobile sim via Straight Talk. If this sim is removed then would the phone be able to work on Verizon network? Verzion is telling me this is a GSM phone & not CDMA & won't work unless unlocked by carrier. Which makes no sense if it isn't a cdma to begin with. I assume that all Verizon version of phones are made for them as CDMA only?
If this is so, then Verizon should not be advertising "bring your own device" as it won't work. It should be "bring your own Verizon phone".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizons idea of bring your own device really isn't what it should be. It should work on the vzw network but all phones should be sim unlocked by the carrier as a law was passed to do so, however verizon won't a lot of times sim unlock it like it should be until the contract is fulfilled.
And yes there bring your own device is irrelevant because most gsm phones won't work like they should on this crappy network because they are the only CDMA only network left.
From my S3 on Wicked 4.3
ShapesBlue said:
Verizons idea of bring your own device really isn't what it should be. It should work on the vzw network but all phones should be sim unlocked by the carrier as a law was passed to do so, however verizon won't a lot of times sim unlock it like it should be until the contract is fulfilled.
And yes there bring your own device is irrelevant because most gsm phones won't work like they should on this crappy network because they are the only CDMA only network left.
From my S3 on Wicked 4.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks ShapesBlue. I assumed it was not really bring any device to play as they state. My phone came from T-Mobile from the original buyer, so I don't know if T-Mobile would till unlock it or not since it isn't stock any longer. I have a friends that use Verizon & they get good service in our area. Mine is limited on T-Mobile, lot of dead spots especially where I work & slow data. I had a non digital CDMA phone that I used through Straight Talk & it used Verizon network & I got good phone service in places way off the beaten trail, so that is why I wanted to try Verizon again.
Where can I find a copy of the "unlock law". I searched for it but didn't find anything. I would like to print it out & take with me for proof.
Thanks.
Rebel60 said:
Thanks ShapesBlue. I assumed it was not really bring any device to play as they state. My phone came from T-Mobile from the original buyer, so I don't know if T-Mobile would till unlock it or not since it isn't stock any longer. I have a friends that use Verizon & they get good service in our area. Mine is limited on T-Mobile, lot of dead spots especially where I work & slow data. I had a non digital CDMA phone that I used through Straight Talk & it used Verizon network & I got good phone service in places way off the beaten trail, so that is why I wanted to try Verizon again.
Where can I find a copy of the "unlock law". I searched for it but didn't find anything. I would like to print it out & take with me for proof.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if it has passed just yet but here is some info on it
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-signs-bill-unlocking-cellphones/
From my S3 on Wicked 4.3
I Just found the law, it was signed into law by president on Aug. 1st. 2014. S.517, Public law 113-114
Thanks.

S7 AT&T or TMobile Model

Hey guys im going to be pre-ordering tomorrow and want to know your thoughts on which carrier variant to go with. I have AT&T where I live but I have heard that tmobiles phone are usually easier to get bootloader unlocked, or they come pre unlock. Which one do you think is a better choice?
I'm sure the tmobile one will have all. The band's requires for att.. Or at least the main ones. If you're looking at modding, go the tmobile route. But Idk how easy it will be to get the tmobile one and have them unlock it for you. I went through hell with my s6 edge and getting them to unlock it
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I am debating the same thing. Last time I got a TMOB, and paid for a 3rd party unlock which took a week. Then canceled the TMOB service before the 30 days were up.
TMOB won't unlock phones until they are on plan after two payment cycles and the phone is fully paid off.
Now TMOB unlocks via app and I understand there is a 3rd party vendor that might be able to get them unlocked, but might be troublesome. I asked my sister who is a TMOB customer if she could just outright buy the phone for me but she said under her plan they require her to surrender her old phone so I have to put it on their stupid plan.
Not sure if you can get the phone via MetroPCS as a pre-paid plan and avoid this nonsense but it seems their phone choices are severely limited.
Definitely looking for a better way to get an unlocked bootloader.
I'm in the same boat. Have an AT&T S4 and finally looking to upgrade but after the hell AT&T gave with the S4 locked bootloader I think T-mobile is the way to go. Just hope unlocking it for AT&T will be a straight forward process.
The guy that unlocked an S6 for me emailed me back that he was not sure yet if he could unlock a TMOB S7.
I believe AT&T has more bands than T-Mobile.
Will get the AT&T model as will use with prepaid carriers and AT&T supports most T-Mobile bands. T-Mobile does not support all AT&T bands.
Nextstep said:
I believe AT&T has more bands than T-Mobile.
Will get the AT&T model as will use with prepaid carriers and AT&T supports most T-Mobile bands. T-Mobile does not support all AT&T bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only bands that are missing from the 930T (t-mobile version) versus the 930A (AT&T) are bands 29 and 30 which don't appear to be used in the US at all. I found the bands on the product pages on both sites. You are better off getting the t-mobile one and hope for an unlocked bootloader. AT&T will be locked down for sure.
zcubed said:
The only bands that are missing from the 930T (t-mobile version) versus the 930A (AT&T) are bands 29 and 30 which don't appear to be used in the US at all. I found the bands on the product pages on both sites. You are better off getting the t-mobile one and hope for an unlocked bootloader. AT&T will be locked down for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great news, thanks for checking.
What I'm currently debating is preordering the AT&T S7 from Best Buy to get in on the VR and MicroSD, then just selling once an unlocked T-Mobile variant becomes available No other way to preorder a 930T without an account right?
The TMOB preorder is up. You need to subscribe to a plan to order it. It does not let you pre-order it on a post paid or prepaid plan.
I am really hesitant to preorder it since TMOB sucks and won't unlock until after 2 billing cycles. And you have to unlock it using their app verses typing in a code provided by a 3rd party unlocker after you turn the phone on when a non-TMOB sim is inserted.
Guess I'll have to wait until some unlocked ones appear on Swappa or Fleabay. Hate doing that as I was just burned with a phone that that eventually popped up with a blacklisted IMEI.
Like Flame Red said, there's no way to get the T-Mobile one without signing up for a plan but you also get a year of Netflix with the t-mobile one that's worth WAY more than the microSD from Best Buy. You can cancel the plan immediately though and hope for a third party unlocking service to unlock the phone for a fee.
---------- Post added at 10:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:02 AM ----------
Bands detail links:
https://support.t-mobile.com/community/phones-tablets-devices/android/samsung_galaxy_s_7#id_1299991
https://www.att.com/cellphones/samsung/galaxy-s7.html#sku=sku7840239 (Click Details)
Is there a place to order the 930F Global version? Will that have all the bands required for ATT & TMO?
Are there any Galaxy S7 that will support CDMA and GSM.
I looking to go prepaid route and Sprint prepaid MVNO and T-Mobile prepaid MVNO with maybe some AT&T prepaid.
Any assistance greatly appreciated.
According to this thread, the underlying hardware is the same for all S7 variants and the bands are turned on/off via the radio files. http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/how-to/finally-single-hardware-variant-carriers-t3308040
Should be interesting if I decide to get a t-mobile S7 and possibly being able to "turn on" the extra bands at a later date.
Looks like it doesn't matter which one you get anymore: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Cert...the-carrier-of-the-first-SIM-inserted_id78809
The S7 should "lock" to the first carrier's sim you insert. Would love confirmation of this if someone gets the T-Mobile one and puts in an AT&T sim.
Will see, hoping some users will get the phone soon, and confirm before I purchase.
clove.co.uk is now showing pre-orders for the unlocked international s7 (and edge). Interestingly enough, they're showing it having the SD820 whereas I thought EU was getting the Exynos!?
zcubed said:
Looks like it doesn't matter which one you get anymore: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Cert...the-carrier-of-the-first-SIM-inserted_id78809
The S7 should "lock" to the first carrier's sim you insert. Would love confirmation of this if someone gets the T-Mobile one and puts in an AT&T sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So technically speaking, no matter what version ill get it will be locked to att after I put in that sim card?
I wonder if that means the bootloaders will be the same on all the models, since they are all the same except for the radio differences?
Neither for me. International versions only
As far as unlocking goes, I've been in that scene for about 6 months. If it's an app unlock, no biggie, it'll just cost about $30 more than without the app unlock. You should expect to pay about $20-50 for the unlock once the phone comes out. No sweat!
The big difference between att and tmobile is not the sim lock, but the fact that att phones come with locked bootloaders thereby severely limiting their attractiveness to the mod community.

AT&T or T-Mobile for unlocked S8+ ?

The backstory.... Preordered an ATT Note 7 and had many headaches with delivery / billing. I am now living with my old Note3 using Goggle Voice/Hangouts because of my weak signal (all carriers) at home. I'm using a pre-paid Straight Talk plan when away from home.
I've been waiting patiently for the S8+ and now need to decide between AT&T and T-Mobile for a GSM phone. I plan on paying full cash price and having it unlocked to use a 3rd part prepaid plan (Straight Talk or ?).
I considered a factory unlocked phone (Best Buy, May 9th??) but I am told that those will also have a locked bootloader. Up until the Note 7 I always ran rooted with custom ROMS. I became a big fan of Samsung Pay which I think also means a locked bootloader with no root is needed. Of coarse, bloatware sucks. I had good luck with Package Disabler Pro on my Note 7. I will be using my Google number, if only for forwarding to another number. WiFi calling is a must one way or another.
My Note 7 from ATT let me run Mobile Hotspot at the same time WiFi was enabled. This made it easy for giving my Android head unit in my car Internet access. The T-mobile version at the time needed to be turned on and off.
I'm leaning toward T-mobile only because of my bad blood with ATT. ATT coverage is marginally better in my area.
Thoughts, comments.
Either and flash the OS on it with ODIN. It is the same hardware so it doesnt matter.
mweinbach said:
Either and flash the OS on it with ODIN. It is the same hardware so it doesnt matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and also if the T-Mobile version is going to have an unlocked bootloader, flashing T-Mobile firmware should allow you to unlock it through the OS.
But it's highly unlikely it will have an unlocked bootloader, although T-Mobile have supported it, I don't think it's happening.
No unlocked bootloaders on u.s.a. Carriers....
SBERG117 said:
No unlocked bootloaders on u.s.a. Carriers....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get that if you buy a carrier phone and then unlock it. But what about the factory unlocked phones sold in the US?
I've heard that the bootloader on those phones is also locked, but not from a real good source of info. I've also heard international versions do not have a locked bootloader and do not support Samsung Pay. They also do not support CDMA (which doesn't bother me at all).
Interceptor777 said:
Yes and also if the T-Mobile version is going to have an unlocked bootloader, flashing T-Mobile firmware should allow you to unlock it through the OS.
But it's highly unlikely it will have an unlocked bootloader, although T-Mobile have supported it, I don't think it's happening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I flash via ODIN does that kill Samsung Pay? What about Knox?
Phredeee said:
The backstory.... Preordered an ATT Note 7 and had many headaches with delivery / billing. I am now living with my old Note3 using Goggle Voice/Hangouts because of my weak signal (all carriers) at home. I'm using a pre-paid Straight Talk plan when away from home.
I've been waiting patiently for the S8+ and now need to decide between AT&T and T-Mobile for a GSM phone. I plan on paying full cash price and having it unlocked to use a 3rd part prepaid plan (Straight Talk or ?).
I considered a factory unlocked phone (Best Buy, May 9th??) but I am told that those will also have a locked bootloader. Up until the Note 7 I always ran rooted with custom ROMS. I became a big fan of Samsung Pay which I think also means a locked bootloader with no root is needed. Of coarse, bloatware sucks. I had good luck with Package Disabler Pro on my Note 7. I will be using my Google number, if only for forwarding to another number. WiFi calling is a must one way or another.
My Note 7 from ATT let me run Mobile Hotspot at the same time WiFi was enabled. This made it easy for giving my Android head unit in my car Internet access. The T-mobile version at the time needed to be turned on and off.
I'm leaning toward T-mobile only because of my bad blood with ATT. ATT coverage is marginally better in my area.
Thoughts, comments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in a similar situation and my first concern is what bands both phones support. Online it seems AT&T covers both GSM providers perfectly. The info on T-Mobile and its bands is extremely lacking. My second concern is the process of unlocking either fully paid off phone for use on the other. I think I can have TMobile unlock it for me but I'm not sure how it works with AT&T. The easiest solution is the unlocked version but thats not even got a release date set in writing anywhere.
Phredeee said:
If I flash via ODIN does that kill Samsung Pay? What about Knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long you are flashing official firmware from Samsung nothing will break. Knox will not be tripped and Samsung Pay will work.
954wrecker said:
I'm in a similar situation and my first concern is what bands both phones support. Online it seems AT&T covers both GSM providers perfectly. The info on T-Mobile and its bands is extremely lacking. My second concern is the process of unlocking either fully paid off phone for use on the other. I think I can have TMobile unlock it for me but I'm not sure how it works with AT&T. The easiest solution is the unlocked version but thats not even got a release date set in writing anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is my understanding that all US (Snapdragon) phones cover all bands, including CDMA. That means you could even take an unlocked AT&T phone to Verizon. I'm not used to that! It even has LTE-U which TMo is supposed to be soon supporting.
I am an ex AT&T customer. They unlocked my Note 7, and again with the replacement, without issue. I seem to remember there was a wait period at first. 7 or 14 days?
The thing I'm considering is also the VR incentives for pre-ordering. I can tell you AT&T messed up my Note 7 pre-order. They shipped it on the release day by a slow method. I ended up going to a store and buying one outright and returning the unopened one once it arrived. That caused a billing nightmare that I had to call them every months until I finally turned it in and closed my account.
Phredeee said:
It is my understanding that all US (Snapdragon) phones cover all bands, including CDMA. That means you could even take an unlocked AT&T phone to Verizon. I'm not used to that! It even has LTE-U which TMo is supposed to be soon supporting.
I am an ex AT&T customer. They unlocked my Note 7, and again with the replacement, without issue. I seem to remember there was a wait period at first. 7 or 14 days?
The thing I'm considering is also the VR incentives for pre-ordering. I can tell you AT&T messed up my Note 7 pre-order. They shipped it on the release day by a slow method. I ended up going to a store and buying one outright and returning the unopened one once it arrived. That caused a billing nightmare that I had to call them every months until I finally turned it in and closed my account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Phredeee said:
I get that if you buy a carrier phone and then unlock it. But what about the factory unlocked phones sold in the US?
I've heard that the bootloader on those phones is also locked, but not from a real good source of info. I've also heard international versions do not have a locked bootloader and do not support Samsung Pay. They also do not support CDMA (which doesn't bother me at all).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're missing what I'm saying... There will be no unlocked bootloaders on any Samsung S8 phones for the USA. You cannot get one from carrier or factory.
I think you may be mixing up Bootloader unlock and Sim unlock....
954wrecker said:
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do remember that it was a story about FCC approval of the factory unlocked (SIM) phone. Keep that in mind that it may be the unbranded, factory unlocked phone only, but the article did say they were all the same. The locked carrier phones may not be so flexible.
Other things I've found.. Best Buy SIM unlocked does not get the incentives. Best Buy, and their cheaper price, does not seem to offer a T-Mo phone.
The VR incentive is attractive to me, but is not a must have. At this moment, until I can find out for sure if Samsung Pay will work on an international version, I am leaning towards a T-Mo pre-order. But that is me and my preferences YMMV. I have a major dislike for AT&T.
Looking for where I read it. In the mean time this may be interesting to you.
Model numbers http://techbeasts.com/list-of-samsung-galaxy-s8-galaxy-s8plus-model-numbers/
Frequencies https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/OyqBp/samsung-sm-g955a-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream
The link is for the AT&T model search for other models.
954wrecker said:
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears that going by this information the factory unlocked and the AT&T are NOT the same https://www.frequencycheck.com/compare-devices/6MQWs05y/samsung-sm-g950a-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream/samsung-sm-g950f-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream
You're correct that it seems T-mo info is evasive.
Hello,
I would like to know, if it posible to buy the Galaxy S8 from the samsung web page (att version), then unlock it and after that flash the unlocked rom flashing it with odin.
Can someone help me?
thanks.
Just ordered the 955F from Clove...
I'm hoping that missing bands won't hurt my AT&T usage much. Or any prepaid sims I may throw in there.
Will see if the 955U info comes out before my phone, and will decide if I want to cancel.
:good::angel:

The big ATT 5G scam

So it gets out there....
Apparently AT&T (possibly/probably others) are taking advantage of their network upgrades to force phone sales. I'm currently using an LG V30+ which from what I see of it's specifications is fully compatible with 4G LTE and even 5G NSA and I can see that VoLTE is currently configured too. I've been using it on an AT&T MVNO for years without much issue. When I paid my bill this month, bam! No more data! Over 3 hours with technical support and multiple agents to get my data working again and when asked what the issue was I was told "It's nothing sir just a little update." Last week my MMS suddenly stopped working and nobody has been able to fix it it, the best (only) answer I've received is that my "sim card is too old, it's from 2014, you need a new sim card." Mind you I've had service through this MVNO since 2014 but have since changed the sim card. So obviously I'm tired of this mess right? So I'm switching MVNOs right? Wrong! I go to port my number to another MVNO (Straight Talk) and my "IMEI shows that my phone is not compatible with the new AT&T network". Comment and share.
Edit: Screenshot attached.
I'm also interested in hearing of any comparable phones that are rootable and have TWRP available that show they are compatible this year on an AT&T MVNO. I checked a T-Mobile MVNO and it showed compatible with Mint.
Edit: Look what I found:
These phones will still work on our network after we phase out ... - ATT
https://www.att.com/idpassets/images/support/wireless/Devices-Working-on-ATT-Network.pdf
Confirmed? See the only LG V30 listed is the AT&T version.
been getting this on Verizon both with my LG G6 and even my V50 (which also has 5g but they claim it doesn't)
b1n4ry said:
been getting this on Verizon both with my LG G6 and even my V50 (which also has 5g but they claim it doesn't)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon uses a different method and they are all CDMA, so I think first they deny anything that can use a sim, I did some research on this once and came across the information...
Basically only two types of phones are compatible with the Verizon Network...
1. iphones
2. Androids that were made for the Verizon Network.
So if it's not an iphone or a Verizon phone it is not compatible for their network because they say so. But you're not missing anything as they seem to have the worst coverage of the big 3.
1. AT&T
2. T-Mobile
3. Verizon
According to their own coverage maps.
But now AT&T is starting to play the same game? My LG V30+ is a US998. Maybe they allow the AT&T versions?
Edit: Typo and additional info as follows...
Allegedly Apple pays for this privilege if you want to call it that.

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