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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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Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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) ?
Click to expand...
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)...
Now im not sure why noone is asking about this but is there some reason why my Bell Sim card will not recognize on this fido Nexus S?
***RESOLVED/UPDATE***
I can verify that a Fido supplied Google Nexus S can work on Canada's Bell Mobility without modification.
You basically just need to be patient and reboot allot at first. But basically it just took some time to get over me wanting to switch its provider.
Although I have heard some reports of some carriers actually locking the Nexus S to their company's sim cards but I believe this is easily remedied. Although as this wasn't an issue for me I do not have any links for you sorry.
Nevermind this issue was resolved with a reboot or two. The sim card was just being stuck.
To answer some other questions that I've found around.
This phone will not do HSPDA+ so bell users are restricted to 3G use only.
Yes Bell Canada does support 3G
This phone apparently does support HSPDA regular though that is without the + at the end basically meaning you can use it on a 7mbps downstream wireless provider.
But again no HSPDA+ so no 14mbps downstream.
You can see the levels of network access on bell canada's coverage map. http://support.bell.ca/en-on/Mobility/Network_coverage/What_is_the_Bell_network_coverage_in_Canada
Anyways I just figured that I would close this thread because I hate finding questions that are clearly resolved with no answers.
So I have my phone with rogers and my data plan is just the regular speed i guess and not LTE (around 10 down, 3 up)
I wanted to know if I need to choose GSM/HSPA or GSM/HSPA/LTE in Network Mode. Or it doesn't matter? I don't know if the LTE radio stays on even if the network is not available and if I could save battery by going with GSM/HSPA. I get the same speeds in both modes so thats why I know I don't have the LTE plan.
ALso does anyone know how I could get LTE speeds with Rogers? I currently have the 6 gig, $30 plan.
You should choose the lte one. And the radio stays on even when your not in an lte area. Are you sure your in an lte coverage area?
when i suing LTE, my speed is still very slow,only about 500kb/s download, not much faster that HSPA..
You need an lte specific data plan. If not you will only get 4g. Does you icon say lte or 4g? When i got it it was 4g (had a regular non lte option with my nexus s) then I swapped it and it changed to lte. Now I average 30mbs down and 15 up.
nick931224 said:
when i suing LTE, my speed is still very slow,only about 500kb/s download, not much faster that HSPA..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, are you on a custom rom? Second, add a new APN for HSPA+ only. Third, switch the network mode to GSM/HSPA only. Lastly, place a call to any number to lock in 4G.
All this can be found in the thread, "Throttle... solved." in the General Section.
depends where you live dude, LTE is only in Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, but soon will be most other places. I am waiting for LTE in Victoria, should be end of Jan. did you buy, or get the LTE Sim card?
Sent from my SGH-I727R using xda premium
According to Roger's coverage map Brampton does have LTE coverage.
Do you have a LTE sim already? If so, just call into Rogers and ask to be switched to the 6gb LTE plan. You might have to resign another 3 yrs data contract tho.. I had to when I switched from the regular 6gb plan to the LTE plan. Some reps might deny this plan existing.. but it is out there.
Above&Beyond™ said:
First, are you on a custom rom? Second, add a new APN for HSPA+ only. Third, switch the network mode to GSM/HSPA only. Lastly, place a call to any number to lock in 4G.
All this can be found in the thread, "Throttle... solved." in the General Section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
eg...how can do do that, I'm using the default rom now.but where can i switch the network mode to GSM/HSPA only.And add an new apn for HSPA+ only..i'm a noob lol.And also,when i cilck in my Network operators, is all grey, i can't change any thing or do anything...
All you need is a Lte similar card you shouldn't have to pay more or renew your contact just let them know you have a Lte device and the aim cars your 30 $ 6gb plan should work with LTE
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA App
offwiththeface said:
All you need is a Lte similar card you shouldn't have to pay more or renew your contact just let them know you have a Lte device and the aim cars your 30 $ 6gb plan should work with LTE
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
30 $ 6gb plan？OMG my 2G DATA was 25$....
tom0927 said:
According to Roger's coverage map Brampton does have LTE coverage.
Do you have a LTE sim already? If so, just call into Rogers and ask to be switched to the 6gb LTE plan. You might have to resign another 3 yrs data contract tho.. I had to when I switched from the regular 6gb plan to the LTE plan. Some reps might deny this plan existing.. but it is out there.
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Click to collapse
ditto... talk to customer relations... option 4.. option 5...option 1.. (cancelling a wireless service).
just tell them u want the 6GB LTE plan... i had a 1gb regular plan and they upgraded me to the 6gb LTE at no cost..
also got a LTE sim card with my phone (which was also sent from customer relations).
I get around 30-35 down and 15-20 up..
but i actually live in Toronto .. not the GTA
johentie said:
ditto... talk to customer relations... option 4.. option 5...option 1.. (cancelling a wireless service).
just tell them u want the 6GB LTE plan... i had a 1gb regular plan and they upgraded me to the 6gb LTE at no cost..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your saying that people can get an extra 5GB for free? If so I'm def going to do that but I doubt Rogers would do that, please confirm what you are paying for data
Sent from my Rogers Samsung i727r!
Got my FIDO Razr HD. Rogers SIM = all is good. AT&T sim = asks for unlock code, which i buy online.
After entering code, phone appears to do a factory reset. During the reboot, a box pops up:
"SIM not allowed MM #3"
Now the phone permits "Emergency Calls Only" with the AT&T sim. Rogers SIM = still good.
When I put AT&T sim into my other phone (HTC desire) it works fine on roaming (rogers network). So I know sim + signal is fine.
Don't understand this error message.
Did I mess up the unlock?
advice appreciated, thanks.
Do you have another Canadian SIM you can try? Bell/Telus etc?
grant2 said:
Got my FIDO Razr HD. Rogers SIM = all is good. AT&T sim = asks for unlock code, which i buy online.
After entering code, phone appears to do a factory reset. During the reboot, a box pops up:
"SIM not allowed MM #3"
Now the phone permits "Emergency Calls Only" with the AT&T sim. Rogers SIM = still good.
When I put AT&T sim into my other phone (HTC desire) it works fine on roaming (rogers network). So I know sim + signal is fine.
Don't understand this error message.
Did I mess up the unlock?
advice appreciated, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you inserted your fido/rogers simcard when you are in usa... and roaming (put the phone on and get the att signal)... if yes... there are no solution you must roam with rogers... imei is recorded via att and you can t use att on your razr ;( this is a strange things... but is real ... many user report this ! ( not just with the razr ) this is not a phone problem
This is a very... great problem for traveller...
grant2 said:
Got my FIDO Razr HD. Rogers SIM = all is good. AT&T sim = asks for unlock code, which i buy online.
After entering code, phone appears to do a factory reset. During the reboot, a box pops up:
"SIM not allowed MM #3"
Now the phone permits "Emergency Calls Only" with the AT&T sim. Rogers SIM = still good.
When I put AT&T sim into my other phone (HTC desire) it works fine on roaming (rogers network). So I know sim + signal is fine.
Don't understand this error message.
Did I mess up the unlock?
advice appreciated, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was doing some research for you, have you tried using a different SIM card from AT&T? The SIM might be corrupted.
Sent from my XT925 using Tapatalk 2
Really not sure...
My fathers who travel in usa and canada... have tried 2 others att simcard ... same problems ...
i have see anothers topics on howardforum
o2qc418 said:
Really not sure...
My fathers who travel in usa and canada... have tried 2 others att simcard ... same problems ...
i have see anothers topics on howardforum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are the SIM cards prepaid or postpaid? Did you have to cut then yourself or were they already micro sized?
Sent from my XT925 using Tapatalk 2
I have try with a rogers xt925 last month ... tried with different sim... micro and regular... postpaid and prepaid too... have see many people in the same boat...
Sent from my XT925 using xda premium
If you think AT&T are blocking your phone, then why don't you try T-Mobile...?
... Yes no problem with tmobile or others prepaid carrier on att network...
You just don t roam on att with uour rogers simcard...
Sent from my XT925 using xda premium
Thanks for the replies everyone. to answer the questions:
1) i don't have any other sims right now: just rogers + ATT. Next time i am w/ friends I will ask to borrow telus/bell microsim.
2) they were regular sims that were cut down.
3) haven't had a chance to visit USA since posting topic- but when i do, i will test both cards and also visit an AT&T shop to bug them about it.
Is sim corrupted? I don't think so because it works fine in HTC desire. But I guess trying a new one will prove or disprove.
imei is recorded via att and you can t use att on your razr ;( this is a strange things... but is real ... many user report this ! ( not just with the razr ) this is not a phone problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do we know this is happening, has someone from AT&T discussed this before?
grant2 said:
Thanks for the replies everyone. to answer the questions:
1) i don't have any other sims right now: just rogers + ATT. Next time i am w/ friends I will ask to borrow telus/bell microsim.
2) they were regular sims that were cut down.
3) haven't had a chance to visit USA since posting topic- but when i do, i will test both cards and also visit an AT&T shop to bug them about it.
Is sim corrupted? I don't think so because it works fine in HTC desire. But I guess trying a new one will prove or disprove.
How do we know this is happening, has someone from AT&T discussed this before?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to let you know that I was able to use a Bell sim card in my phone. That's what I used to unlock it with.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
grant2 said:
Thanks for the replies everyone. to answer the questions:
1) i don't have any other sims right now: just rogers + ATT. Next time i am w/ friends I will ask to borrow telus/bell microsim.
2) they were regular sims that were cut down.
3) haven't had a chance to visit USA since posting topic- but when i do, i will test both cards and also visit an AT&T shop to bug them about it.
Is sim corrupted? I don't think so because it works fine in HTC desire. But I guess trying a new one will prove or disprove.
How do we know this is happening, has someone from AT&T discussed this before?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using this phone with at&t with no problems, I took my sim out from my iphone 5 and used a adapter to go to micro sim and it works fine, no issues.
I'm receiving a Fido RAZR HD to be used with AT&T this afternoon, I'll let you guys know if there are any issues.
OOI, is AT&T seen as a much better GSM network than T-Mobile in the US?
I was looking at the T-Mo USA site, and there are some amazing "Monthly4G" SIM only plans (e.g. $30/month for 100 minutes, unlimited texts and 5GB of HSPA data).
This seems much better value than AT&T, Verizon and even Sprint! But is their network sketchy compared to the others?
Sumanji said:
OOI, is AT&T seen as a much better GSM network than T-Mobile in the US?
I was looking at the T-Mo USA site, and there are some amazing "Monthly4G" SIM only plans (e.g. $30/month for 100 minutes, unlimited texts and 5GB of HSPA data).
This seems much better value than AT&T, Verizon and even Sprint! But is their network sketchy compared to the others?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T offers the second largest network coverage behind Verizon. They are also one of the two GSM carriers in the United States, and tend to be more popular with mobile phone enthusiasts because their UMTS bands are more common and used with other regions such as Canada or Australia. T-Mobile does indeed offer excellent value, but they use mainly AWS band in addition to PCS band in selected regions, thus making them the lesser choice for using unlocked phones from outside the country.
Hey,
Just looking on wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-Mobile_USA#Radio_frequency_spectrum_chart
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AT&T_Mobility#Radio_Frequency_Summary
It looks like T-Mo mainly use 1900 for 2G and 1700 for 3G, whereas AT&T use 850 and 1900 for both 2G/3G, right?
So if I bought a Canadian Razr HD XT925 and came to the US, would I be able to use T-Mo's 3G network? I am guessing no, since it does not support 3G on 1700MHz.
But then there is a note on that Wiki page saying that they now have a roaming agreement with AT&T after the failed acquisition. So if I forced the phone into "WCDMA only" mode from the test menu, would it then fall back onto the AT&T 3G network?
Sorry for taking the thread slightly off topic
Cheers,
Su
Sumanji said:
Hey,
Just looking on wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-Mobile_USA#Radio_frequency_spectrum_chart
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AT&T_Mobility#Radio_Frequency_Summary
It looks like T-Mo mainly use 1900 for 2G and 1700 for 3G, whereas AT&T use 850 and 1900 for both 2G/3G, right?
So if I bought a Canadian Razr HD XT925 and came to the US, would I be able to use T-Mo's 3G network? I am guessing no, since it does not support 3G on 1700MHz.
But then there is a note on that Wiki page saying that they now have a roaming agreement with AT&T after the failed acquisition. So if I forced the phone into "WCDMA only" mode from the test menu, would it then fall back onto the AT&T 3G network?
Sorry for taking the thread slightly off topic
Cheers,
Su
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you have read, T-Mobile did acquire PCS bands from the failed merger with AT&T, but these bands are not as utilized as their 850 MHz band so it's not as widely available as you may think. Some areas might be able to use the 1900 MHz band for T-Mobile 3G, but I would check with fellow T-Mobile users to confirm first before you dive in headfirst. I know that there are T-Mobile users in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that are getting 3G data connectivity with their unlocked AT&T iPhones.
Well T-Mo do daily plays for like 2 bucks right, so I can always try this out before committing to a contract
Do you think AT&T would be the better bet if I am bringing my own device from Europe?
The reason I ask is that I may be coming to a US college for a couple of years, so naturally, I'm planning ahead to see if my phone will work over there
Sumanji said:
Well T-Mo do daily plays for like 2 bucks right, so I can always try this out before committing to a contract
Do you think AT&T would be the better bet if I am bringing my own device from Europe?
The reason I ask is that I may be coming to a US college for a couple of years, so naturally, I'm planning ahead to see if my phone will work over there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're using a device from Europe or Asia, then yes, you have a much higher chance of being able to get 3G connectivity with AT&T. Off the top of my head, Nokia seems to be the only one that tries to actively keep AWS band in their radios.
Hmm, so I did a bit of research on GSM Arena. Seems the Nexus line of devices consistently support 1700MHz 3G (including the Nexus S which I currently have).
Guess who cancelled their Nexus 4 order last week, and opted for a Canadian RAZR HD instead...
Whoops
1) i'm confused as to which one to get. i'm on the tmobile $30 prepaid plan with unlimited data. If i get global GSm version, would i still be able to use my 3g data? If i get the U.S gsm version instead, if i travel outside the U.S, does this mean that prepaid 3g plans on other countries won't work on this phone? i'm confused and need help on which on to get since i want the phone to work with tmobile 3g data while in the U.S but also work when with other data plans in other countries i travel.
2) i got another question, lets say i don't care about using Data and accessing the internet. In which case, does it really matter if i get the global GSM or US gsm if i live in the U.S? i would still the the same signal strength just for talking and texting right?
jinjin12 said:
1) i'm confused as to which one to get. i'm on the tmobile $30 prepaid plan with unlimited data. If i get global GSm version, would i still be able to use my 3g data? If i get the U.S gsm version instead, if i travel outside the U.S, does this mean that prepaid 3g plans on other countries won't work on this phone? i'm confused and need help on which on to get since i want the phone to work with tmobile 3g data while in the U.S but also work when with other data plans in other countries i travel.
2) i got another question, lets say i don't care about using Data and accessing the internet. In which case, does it really matter if i get the global GSM or US gsm if i live in the U.S? i would still the the same signal strength just for talking and texting right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was another thread that talked about this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=48104955&postcount=22
The conclusion was if you are on T-Mobile to go with the US version. You can see the map where the 1700 band is used in the US too.