Verizon GS3 "World", "GSM", or ??? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III

The GS3 Verizon is a CDMA device. Supposedly it has GSM compatible radios too. It's supposed to be able to work on GSM networks after a software update coming soon. Does this thing have a sim card slot? I don't see how it would work on GSM networks without it. Does anyone know how this works?
I'm hoping to use it on Verizon in USA, but on Telcel while in Mexico BUT with my Telcel sim. I realize my hopes are slim but if there's a sim card slot maybe it's possible???
Thanks.

ckinninger said:
The GS3 Verizon is a CDMA device but it's supposed to be able to work on GSM networks after a software update coming soon. Does this thing have a sim card slot? I don't see how it would work on GSM networks without it. Does anyone know how this works?
I'm hoping to use it on Verizon in USA, but on Telcel while in Mexico BUT with my Telcel sim. I realize my hopes are slim but if there's a sim card slot maybe it's possible???
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has a SIM card slot for the LTE. Unsure about compatibility though.

seoulstyle said:
It has a SIM card slot for the LTE. Unsure about compatibility though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I have an old Verizon Motorola Z6c World Phone here that I bought in 2008. It has a Verizon sim card inside.
Z6c Specs say:
2G Network GSM 900 / 1800
3G Network CDMA 1xEVDO (800 / 1900 MHz)
Anyway, there's no LTE involved on the Z6c back then. SO apparently the GS3 will need the sim on non CDMA networks. I just wonder if the software experts here can make it possible to use the sim only at certain times and at the same time unlock the phone.
A lot to ask but will be a huge feature if done.

ckinninger said:
Actually, I have an old Verizon Motorola Z6c World Phone here that I bought in 2008. It has a Verizon sim card inside.
Z6c Specs say:
2G Network GSM 900 / 1800
3G Network CDMA 1xEVDO (800 / 1900 MHz)
Anyway, there's no LTE involved on the Z6c back then. SO apparently the GS3 will need the sim on non CDMA networks. I just wonder if the software experts here can make it possible to use the sim only at certain times and at the same time unlock the phone.
A lot to ask but will be a huge feature if done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I said earlier that I wasn't sure about compatibility, but I'm starting to believe that this is not possible, as the Verizon version lacks the proper GSM/HSPA+ radios. There's a model comparison chart that you can expand on the Wikipedia page. Software probably won't be able to pull the miracle you're asking for. Sorry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaxy_S3

Maybe this will help? http://androidcommunity.com/verizon-may-enable-global-roaming-on-lte-phones-soon-20120518/ from what I gather LTE is based off of GSM and its just a matter of unlocking the GSM bands on the phones.

seoulstyle said:
I said earlier that I wasn't sure about compatibility, but I'm starting to believe that this is not possible, as the Verizon version lacks the proper GSM/HSPA+ radios. There's a model comparison chart that you can expand on the Wikipedia page. Software probably won't be able to pull the miracle you're asking for. Sorry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaxy_S3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SCH-i535 did recieve GSM certification for bands 850 and 1900. No HSPA+ though.

bbeelzebub said:
The SCH-i535 did recieve GSM certification for bands 850 and 1900. No HSPA+ though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I don't think the current specs out on the GS3 are totally complete. If the phone is admittedly needing a software update to allow the GSM roaming then they can't just put those bands in the specs with no caveats.

Related

Which version TP2 can I buy?

I'm planning to buy an TP2 from ebay but I couldn't decide which version(s) are compatible with my country's cellular networks. I use Vodafone in Turkey and Vodafone uses GSM 900 and UMTS 2100 bands. I read the forum a lot but I got very confused.
I'll use both UMTS and GSM networks because the UMTS covarage is limited in Turkey so far. I'm looking for Sprint or AT&T versions but I didn't understand if need to unlock these devices or not. In a thread I read that Sprint is unlocked for GSM networks but the same thread didn't mention anything about UMTS band. Please make suggestions to me.
I hope that I could explain my concerns clearly.
tasmania said:
I'm planning to buy an TP2 from ebay but I couldn't decide which version(s) are compatible with my country's cellular networks. I use Vodafone in Turkey and Vodafone uses GSM 900 and UMTS 2100 bands. I read the forum a lot but I got very confused.
I'll use both UMTS and GSM networks because the UMTS covarage is limited in Turkey so far. I'm looking for Sprint or AT&T versions but I didn't understand if need to unlock these devices or not. In a thread I read that Sprint is unlocked for GSM networks but the same thread didn't mention anything about UMTS band. Please make suggestions to me.
I hope that I could explain my concerns clearly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=566043
That should have the information about which phone you need. You can always unlock the phones, so make sure it has the correct GSM/CDMA networks and you should be fine.
*edit*
I should have mentioned this before. Sometimes carriers are really picky about which phones they will activate, make sure that Vodafone will activate the model TP2 that you get.
tasmania said:
I'm planning to buy an TP2 from ebay but I couldn't decide which version(s) are compatible with my country's cellular networks. I use Vodafone in Turkey and Vodafone uses GSM 900 and UMTS 2100 bands. I read the forum a lot but I got very confused.
I'll use both UMTS and GSM networks because the UMTS covarage is limited in Turkey so far. I'm looking for Sprint or AT&T versions but I didn't understand if need to unlock these devices or not. In a thread I read that Sprint is unlocked for GSM networks but the same thread didn't mention anything about UMTS band. Please make suggestions to me.
I hope that I could explain my concerns clearly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Sprint TP2 will work for you in its stock configuration.
It supports GSM 900, GSM 1800 and UMTS 2100 out of the box and it is NOT SIM locked. Basically all you'll have to do it pop in your SIM card and go.
Now, you will still have to register the IMEI with customs (assuming Turkey still has that stupid ass rule) so it doesn't get blocked from the network, but aside from that you're golden.
If you get the ATT version it will also work, however it will be SIM locked out of the box and you will have to unlock it to use it. The same is true of the Verizon TP2.
burtonsnow8 said:
That should have the information about which phone you need. You can always unlock the phones, so make sure it has the correct GSM/CDMA networks and you should be fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read that thread 3 times But the the explanations about GSM does not contain UMTS band so i need to ask. Thanks for your reply.
gamescan said:
The Sprint TP2 will work for you in its stock configuration.
It supports GSM 900, GSM 1800 and UMTS 2100 out of the box and it is NOT SIM locked. Basically all you'll have to do it pop in your SIM card and go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. This was the exact answer I expected to get.
On ebay i found a Sprint with bad ESN. In the descriptions it says that it can be used in any networks other than Sprint. Can I use a phone like this in Turkey with confidence?
tasmania said:
Thanks. This was the exact answer I expected to get.
On ebay i found a Sprint with bad ESN. In the descriptions it says that it can be used in any networks other than Sprint. Can I use a phone like this in Turkey with confidence?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. A Sprint Touch Pro 2 will work just fine with a Vodaphone SIM so long as your local network is one of the three frequencies that I listed.
You only need to replace the Radio ROM if you want to use it on US GSM frequencies.
gamescan said:
Yes. A Sprint Touch Pro 2 will work just fine with a Vodaphone SIM so long as your local network is one of the three frequencies that I listed.
You only need to replace the Radio ROM if you want to use it on US GSM frequencies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks gamescan. Does a bad ESN phone be a problem for me?
tasmania said:
Thanks gamescan. Does a bad ESN phone be a problem for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bad ESN means that the phone has been banned from its home network.
This usually happens because:
1) There is an outstanding bill that was not paid
2) The phone was reported lost and claimed on insurance
3) The phone was stolen
If you are using it on another CDMA network or on a GSM network, the bad ESN will not impact you (aside from possibly in a karmic way).
If it does have a bad ESN you should get it pretty cheap.
gamescan said:
Bad ESN means that the phone has been banned from its home network.
This usually happens because:
1) There is an outstanding bill that was not paid
2) The phone was reported lost and claimed on insurance
3) The phone was stolen
If you are using it on another CDMA network or on a GSM network, the bad ESN will not impact you (aside from possibly in a karmic way).
If it does have a bad ESN you should get it pretty cheap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for the valuable information you give gamescan.

US Cellular TP2 works with ATT 3G?

As the title reads out, I was wanting to know if the USCC TP2 will ever work on 3G because Edge is getting a little slow... I have seen the "G" up on my bar before but quickly goes away, so that leads me to believe that it could be possible.
Also, I heard that hardware is compatible with the 3G network. So please, could someone that knows more into this tell me if anything will work or even MIGHT work?
Thank you so much!
-Cyanide
i would also like to know because i just unlocked the us cellular touch pro 2 for use on att. but when i try the internet it just says dialed 777 failed
Hey, in order for that dialed 7777 error to go away, you need to add ATT internet settings instead of the original carrier settings.
So do this...
Go to your Data Connection options
Add New Connection
Then Put this in for the info:
wap.cingular for the APN
[email protected] - username
CINGULAR1 - password
That should work, of course there is an ATT data cab somewhere, but thats how you set it up manually, I hope this helped!
Cyanide
thanks man i really appreciate. kinda new to this but not really. last windows mobikle phone i had was a touch pro. and i bought an iphone after. BIGGEST MISTAKE EVER. now ive forgotten everything
for some reason it wont go E to G and i cant use certain att features like being on the phone and internet please help
cyanide77 said:
As the title reads out, I was wanting to know if the USCC TP2 will ever work on 3G because Edge is getting a little slow... I have seen the "G" up on my bar before but quickly goes away, so that leads me to believe that it could be possible.
Also, I heard that hardware is compatible with the 3G network. So please, could someone that knows more into this tell me if anything will work or even MIGHT work?
Thank you so much!
-Cyanide
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
G = GPRS
E = EDGE
G = Slower than EDGE and nothing to do with 3G.
You're not going to get that phone to work on ATT 3G/UMTS. The band support simply isn't there.
gamescan said:
G = GPRS
E = EDGE
G = Slower than EDGE and nothing to do with 3G.
You're not going to get that phone to work on ATT 3G/UMTS. The band support simply isn't there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on phonearena's tech specs though the TP2 cant even reach full 3g on verizon's network. Here is the link to some verizon phones:
http://www.phonearena.com/htmls/HTC-Touch-Pro2-CDMA-phone-p_3710.html
http://www.phonearena.com/htmls/Palm-Pre-Plus-phone-p_4347.html
http://www.phonearena.com/htmls/Motorola-DROID-phone-p_3853.html
Same shows true for both sprint and AT&T versions as well.
So what is required of the phone to reach 3G at all?
cyanide77 said:
So what is required of the phone to reach 3G at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone has 3g capability, it is not accessing the full power of the network due to hardware though. If AT&T nerfs their non-iPhones to EDGE then that is what you will max at. If you look at the palm pixi or pre it has faster data speeds because of the hardware. In other words i'm not really sure if faster speeds are capable (due to hardware restrictions) and on AT&T i'm even more unsure because of how their apple contract is structured.
Ah that sounds really crazy! Lol, I wish things were simple. And now, I am noticing my Multimedia Messages aren't going though, I am not sure what that is from though. Anyone have a clue on that?
burtonsnow8 said:
Based on phonearena's tech specs though the TP2 cant even reach full 3g on verizon's network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are you talking about? The CDMA TP2 can very well reach 3G speed (EVDO Rev A) on Sprint and Verizon. It'll also reach 3G speed on European WCDMA/UMTS networks. The ATT TP will reach 3G speed on ATT and European WCDMA/UMTS networks.
The statement above doesn't make any sense.
cyanide77 said:
So what is required of the phone to reach 3G at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All that's required is that you use a version of the phone on a network with a compatible band. The ATT, TMO, Sprint, VZW, etc. TP2s will all reach 3G ontheir respective networks with no problem. When used on other networks the phones may or may not have support for the 3G band used by the network. If it doesn't have the band support then it's not going to work.
burtonsnow8 said:
The phone has 3g capability, it is not accessing the full power of the network due to hardware though. If AT&T nerfs their non-iPhones to EDGE then that is what you will max at. If you look at the palm pixi or pre it has faster data speeds because of the hardware. In other words i'm not really sure if faster speeds are capable (due to hardware restrictions) and on AT&T i'm even more unsure because of how their apple contract is structured.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please stop making stuff up. This is absolutely not true. The TP2 is not "nerfed." You just need to use the correct model (ie ATT version) on ATT if you want 3G on ATT.
cyanide77 said:
Ah that sounds really crazy! Lol, I wish things were simple. And now, I am noticing my Multimedia Messages aren't going though, I am not sure what that is from though. Anyone have a clue on that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is simple. Stupid simple.
If you want 3G you buy the version of the phone that supports the 3G band that your carrier is using.
As far as MMS, you need to make sure that your account is data enabled and that your phone has the data settings for your carrier loaded.
I found a cab that worked for my ATT MMS settings, that was no problem, but like I stated, I have a US Cellular TP2, so it is not a Tilt 2 (ATT) or I would not be posting in the CDMA section of the TP2 forums.
As far as I know the US Cellular device (TP2) has the hardware requirements of ATT 3G network, and I am asking why will it not work up to 3G speeds? Only thing I could think of is that there is not a specific radio for this yet, or something... because the specs of the USC TP2 does in fact work with the 3G bands of ATT.
So what is stopping the device from connecting to it?
cyanide77 said:
I found a cab that worked for my ATT MMS settings, that was no problem, but like I stated, I have a US Cellular TP2, so it is not a Tilt 2 (ATT) or I would not be posting in the CDMA section of the TP2 forums.
As far as I know the US Cellular device (TP2) has the hardware requirements of ATT 3G network, and I am asking why will it not work up to 3G speeds? Only thing I could think of is that there is not a specific radio for this yet, or something... because the specs of the USC TP2 does in fact work with the 3G bands of ATT.
So what is stopping the device from connecting to it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to all of the hardware specs, none of the TP2 CDMA variants support the 3G bands used by ATT. It will not work because it is simply not compatible.
If you want to use it in Europe or Japan, you'll get 3G. But as far as using it in the US on ATT or TMO, you're only going to get EDGE speeds because those are the only US bands that it supports.
The only versions of the TP2 that support ATT's 3G bands are the ATT version and (if launched) the Australian GSM version. The CDMA versions, the Euro version and the TMO US version will not support ATT 3G.
gamescan said:
According to all of the hardware specs, none of the TP2 CDMA variants support the 3G bands used by ATT. It will not work because it is simply not compatible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the specs I read, the Verizon CDMA phone supports Quad band GSM
GSM Quad-band phone capable of global roaming (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
CDMA dual band (1900/800 MHz)
UMTS European/Asian 3G (2100 MHz)
Does this not cover the 3G bands ATT uses? I thought it was 1900?
x51 said:
All the specs I read, the Verizon CDMA phone supports Quad band GSM
GSM Quad-band phone capable of global roaming (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
CDMA dual band (1900/800 MHz)
UMTS European/Asian 3G (2100 MHz)
Does this not cover the 3G bands ATT uses? I thought it was 1900?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GSM = GPRS (2G) and EDGE (2.5G)
UMTS = 3G
ATT uses GSM 850/1900 for 2G/2.5G and UMTS/WCDMA 850/1900 for 3G.
If you use a CDMA Touch Pro 2 on ATT it'll work on 2G/2.5G (since it is compatible) but it won't work on 3G since the band support isn't there.
If ATT used UMTS 2100 it would work.
so will the US Cellular TP2 ever be able to get 3G from ATT network? or will it always be limited to Edge?
cyanide77 said:
so will the US Cellular TP2 ever be able to get 3G from ATT network? or will it always be limited to Edge?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edge.
If you want to use a TP2 on ATT with 3G, get the ATT version.
If you want to use a TP2 on TMO US with 3G, get the TMO US version.
gamescan said:
Edge.
If you want to use a TP2 on ATT with 3G, get the ATT version.
If you want to use a TP2 on TMO US with 3G, get the TMO US version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TMo US uses UMTS 2100 for 3G so you should be able to get 3G on TMo but not ATT.
piedra92 said:
TMo US uses UMTS 2100 for 3G so you should be able to get 3G on TMo but not ATT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TMO US uses UMTS 1700.
While it technically uses both 1700 and 2100 channels, UMTS 1700 is not the same as UMTS 2100 (used in Europe).
So no, the Sprint TP2 won't use UMTS 2100 on TMO US. It'll just use Edge. Now TMO UK (or anywhere in Europe) it'll get 3G because there they use UMTS 2100.
so there is no way???
i was checking ht cell and in the bands it says umts 850 but nothing happens thats too bad. it lloks like im gonna have to buy a at&t one to be able to work

Rogers Razr HD XT925 on Verizon?

Based on what I have read, given that the Rogers XT925 operates on the following bands:
Rogers version is GSM/UMTS - 850/900/1800/1900 and LTE : BAND 4 (700) and BAND 17 AWS (1700)
It is therefore impossible for it to work in the USA on Verizons network on either CDMA (which the phone does not support) or LTE (which it supports but the wrong band, Verizon supports 700 Band 13)
Can anyone confirm this? If it is possible to operate this phone on Verizon please let me know. I have a Verizon account and an AT&T account and the phone works on the AT&T account, but not the Verizon. My problem is that AT&T has recently blocked the IMEI on TWO of my Rogers phones that I travel with, with no explanation other than that they are being recognized as 2G phones and cannot get service on AT&T (which is BS, because I can roam with my Rogers SIM from my Galaxy S3 onto AT&T just fine), so AT&T is clearly blocking IMEI's of phones that come from other providers and are unlocked. I cannot see how this is good business for AT&T, or even legal, and I imagine one day there will be a class action suit to stop this practice.
My two cents...
BluePlanetMan said:
Based on what I have read, given that the Rogers XT925 operates on the following bands:
Rogers version is GSM/UMTS - 850/900/1800/1900 and LTE : BAND 4 (700) and BAND 17 AWS (1700)
It is therefore impossible for it to work in the USA on Verizons network on either CDMA (which the phone does not support) or LTE (which it supports but the wrong band, Verizon supports 700 Band 13)
Can anyone confirm this? If it is possible to operate this phone on Verizon please let me know. I have a Verizon account and an AT&T account and the phone works on the AT&T account, but not the Verizon. My problem is that AT&T has recently blocked the IMEI on TWO of my Rogers phones that I travel with, with no explanation other than that they are being recognized as 2G phones and cannot get service on AT&T (which is BS, because I can roam with my Rogers SIM from my Galaxy S3 onto AT&T just fine), so AT&T is clearly blocking IMEI's of phones that come from other providers and are unlocked. I cannot see how this is good business for AT&T, or even legal, and I imagine one day there will be a class action suit to stop this practice.
My two cents...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No the rogers hd never work on Verizon ... the rogers don't have CDMA ... and LTE is on the wrong band ... There are no solution...
Yes some friend have same problem as you ... have a rogers simcard ... use a little on the ATT network ... switch to ATT simcard ... and phone don't work ... really a strange issue ...

Bad ESN Verizon One hd in Canada?

LOL I'm an idiot, was thinking HTC ONE when I said one hd...
Found a really good deal ($170) on a bnib razr hd from verizon with a bad esn on ebay. Didnt really have the time to fully research it before the auction ended so I just took the chance and placed the order.
Did some searching after the fact and have found some really conflicting information. I know the phone would be pretty much useless in the states, but I'm unsure of its usability in Canada? I've herd they would work fine in asia and india so I'm basically curious if anyone knows the extent of how far verizon shares its blocked phone information? Does it extend to Canada?
I've herd on the states you need to have your phone activated onto a network? In Canada we just throw in our sim card and are good to go. Is this a different technology (CDMA vs GSM?). If so assuming the Activation portion of the phone is blocked could the sim card part of it still be open theoretically?
Assuming its possible to work with the bad esn does anyone know if I could use LTE on Bell/virgin?
According to bell it uses LTE AWS 1700mhz and LTE 700mhz and HSPA 850mhz and 1900mhz
According to gsm arena the xt926 uses:
HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G Network LTE 700 MHz Class 13
Should be fully compatible no? I cant find any information on what class bell uses for their LTE, nor do I know if the class affects anything?
mikeinaus said:
LOL I'm an idiot, was thinking HTC ONE when I said one hd...
Found a really good deal ($170) on a bnib razr hd from verizon with a bad esn on ebay. Didnt really have the time to fully research it before the auction ended so I just took the chance and placed the order.
Did some searching after the fact and have found some really conflicting information. I know the phone would be pretty much useless in the states, but I'm unsure of its usability in Canada? I've herd they would work fine in asia and india so I'm basically curious if anyone knows the extent of how far verizon shares its blocked phone information? Does it extend to Canada?
I've herd on the states you need to have your phone activated onto a network? In Canada we just throw in our sim card and are good to go. Is this a different technology (CDMA vs GSM?). If so assuming the Activation portion of the phone is blocked could the sim card part of it still be open theoretically?
Assuming its possible to work with the bad esn does anyone know if I could use LTE on Bell/virgin?
According to bell it uses LTE AWS 1700mhz and LTE 700mhz and HSPA 850mhz and 1900mhz
According to gsm arena the xt926 uses:
HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G Network LTE 700 MHz Class 13
Should be fully compatible no? I cant find any information on what class bell uses for their LTE, nor do I know if the class affects anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can unlock it for gsm carriers in the us and its already unlocked for international use. I know with att u get h+ witch is good enough for me on straight talk. I average about 6mps.
Got the phone on the weekend. It works fine on bell/ virgin except I can't connect to lte. Does anyone know of it's possible to unlock lte? According to gsm area the phone should be compatible with lte 700mhz which is what bell uses... Will that radio com thing you guys use to unlock it for us carriers help?

U.S. carrier connectivity

Having received the S8 from Gearbest , and inserting a new Mintsim sim card I have been unable to get a data connection using the current MintSim APN settings. I am not a real phone teckie but I almost believe there are no options to make (via engineering mode) changes to get the phone compatible with U.S. carriers. Any suggestions would be helpful.
Not sure if updating the modem.img is an option. I don't see too many US carrier phones using the MTK6750T processor. I just get 2g edge on t-mobile. Not a bad phone if I could get 4g.
rctomes said:
Having received the S8 from Gearbest , and inserting a new Mintsim sim card I have been unable to get a data connection using the current MintSim APN settings. I am not a real phone teckie but I almost believe there are no options to make (via engineering mode) changes to get the phone compatible with U.S. carriers. Any suggestions would be helpful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have considered buying one of these phone's myself as it does look rather nice
This phone supports bands
2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz
3G: WCDMA 900/2100MHz
4G: FDD-LTE 800/900/1800/2100/2600MHz
AT&T vs T-Mobile (Mintsim)
https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-4988
https://www.att.com/esupport/article.html#!/wireless/KM1069631
There is a comment about the Doogee Mix 2 regarding support on the at&t link which shares the same bands.
I do not live in the USA so cant really comment too much about what does and does not work.

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