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I talk to us cellular a few weeks ago and they said I could activate a HTC touch Pro without the data package. Well, I bought one on ebay and went to activate the phone and then they said I had to have a data package. Is there anyway to activate the htc touch pro as a phone only? I would still like to use the wifi, gps and and sync my calendar to my computer. I tried to find info on the web but have found nothing that really helped me.
I think US Cellular is a CDMA network, which means, unlike GSM where you just swap the SIM card from an existing phone, US Cellular actually has to activate your phone for you for your account to be active. So this isn't really a phone issue, its really a matter of whether US Cellular will permit you to use a smartphone w/o a data plan.
Call back a few times asking the same thing, sometimes different customer service reps will give you different answers/service.
Yes, us cellular reps seems to give different answers and it is a CDMA. Is it possible to activate the phone without them knowing it is a smart phone and just activate the phone option. I would need to know how to activate the phone before hand and know what option I need to fill out. I would give them the dec number and than ask for the number I need to make the phone work.
Not sure if this rings true for CDMA, but the IMEI number for GSM phones identify each phone uniquely (manufacturer, model, plus unique code for each phone). So if you need to give them a similiar number for a CDMA phone (its called the ESN number I think), they'll know right away if its a smartphone (if they cared to look it up).
Best bet is probably keep calling until you get a nice rep that won't ask too many questions.
Not sure if this rings true for CDMA, but the IMEI number for GSM phones identify each phone uniquely (manufacturer, model, plus unique code for each phone). So if you need to give them a similiar number for a CDMA phone (its called the ESN number I think), they'll know right away if its a smartphone (if they cared to look it up).
Best bet is probably keep calling until you get a nice rep that won't ask too many questions.
Where to begin. I have a Sprint TP2 that I have unlocked and flashed over to verizons rom and radio. All I need to do now is have it activated on verizon's network. I am getting multiple stories from them.
1. It has to be shipped out to a lab and it will be sent back 4-6 weeks later activated.
2. It's not possible, we only active Verizon phones. Your meid is not being found in your database.
3. Certain departments can add your meid to our database. We can't
4. We cannot activate sprint phones.
I was under the impression verizon had an open network? I'm at the point of frustration. Someone tried to add it to their DB and they said that it wouldn't take. Another person said the department that handles this is not open now and that I would be emailed on monday with a follow up. I now have the number for global activations if anyone needs it.
Can anyone share any hints or tips?
Thank you.
It can be done. People do it all the time. Verizon is just giving you a load of bull. The truth is their techs either don't know the answer, or they're just not allowed to give that info out. It seems like all you would have to do is flash a valid VZ ROM & radio, deactivate old phone, then fire up new phone and do *228 option 1. As long as the ESN is valid and not flagged for some reason, then it should work.
Someone else chime in here. Need more facts
It cannot be done....
Verizon does not allow other carrier branded devices on their network.. nor Sprint. You have to have a Verizon phone from their device list... The system will not allow it.. No manager overrides.. No magical digging.. It can't happen... Tough titties on the purchase.
This is what I'm talking about. . . Everyone has a different answer. I've gotten some parts of the company that say it can be done, while others say it cant. The lower tier tech support say it can't. The higher teir tech support say it can and gave me some numbers. But the dept that can do it is closed till monday.
It's just confusing. Can we get an answer from someone who works with verizon?
Verizon does have an open network. This happened just recently maybe 6 or so months ago. If I remeber correctly the quote I read, "If it has the hardware(CDMA with the TP2 has) it will run on our netwrok.
Make sure the ROM is set to CDMA and run the *228 option it should propt you for everythign you need.
teknotard said:
Verizon does have an open network. This happened just recently maybe 6 or so months ago. If I remeber correctly the quote I read, "If it has the hardware(CDMA with the TP2 has) it will run on our netwrok.
Make sure the ROM is set to CDMA and run the *228 option it should propt you for everythign you need.
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Click to collapse
It will not activate as the ESN is not in their database. I had a form, which was to be filled out, signed by your local Verizon store, then shipped with the phone to their "verification" center. Once they "verified" it they told me it would be added to their database. I decided not to jump through all the hoops though, since it was a TP and I now have a TP2 on Sprint.
Now I'm being told Sprint has a hold on the ESN, so I have to get sprint to release the ESN, then I'll be in business.
azyouthinkeyeiz said:
It cannot be done....
Verizon does not allow other carrier branded devices on their network.. nor Sprint. You have to have a Verizon phone from their device list... The system will not allow it.. No manager overrides.. No magical digging.. It can't happen... Tough titties on the purchase.
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Click to collapse
Thats a load of bull tbh. Sprint is an open device network. As long as your radio supports the frequency they will hook it up. You may have to do the legwork and read a few threads but Sprint nor verizon refuses to hook up a CDMA device. Ive done it myself many times. They will however refuse to support the device or insure it. Basicly you are on your own.
I just got a deal on a Sprint touch pro 2. Bought 2 for 350 cash. Gave one to my brother who is now using it on Verizon and myself on Sprint.
How the **** did he do it?????????????????????????????????
Does Verizon have online chat that pops up on their site?
I've found that the chat people many times seem to know more about what they're doing than people on the phone. But that may just be my experience with Sprint.
IT IS POSSIBLE. I own a Sprint Touch Pro I activated onto Verizon. Verizon employees will always tell you no. Verizon lies to you so you will only buy one of their phones. VERIZON WILL NOT ACTIVATE IT. YOU HAVE TO ACTIVATE IT YOURSELF by calling the phone number *228. When they automated call starts reading out your options press option 3. Then it will ask you for your 10 digit telephone number. Then it will ask you for your billing account password (usually 4 digits). Then the music should play for a couple minutes while your phone is being programmed. Then your phone will reboot and walah complete .
"unfortunatly we are unable to complete your request"
:[
Just to save you some time and grief “it will not work”. If the ESN/MEID is not in Verizon's Data base it cannot be activates. Take this case and point about the open network (Which by the way was ever really stated by the company as being in effect.) If you have and Alltel device it cannot be activated on a Verizon plan.
I understand.
JerseySprint said:
Thats a load of bull tbh. Sprint is an open device network. As long as your radio supports the frequency they will hook it up. You may have to do the legwork and read a few threads but Sprint nor verizon refuses to hook up a CDMA device. Ive done it myself many times. They will however refuse to support the device or insure it. Basicly you are on your own.
I just got a deal on a Sprint touch pro 2. Bought 2 for 350 cash. Gave one to my brother who is now using it on Verizon and myself on Sprint.
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Click to collapse
Um... I personally know to be a fact, being as I am a Sprint Repair Tech. There is no way to activate a phone onto the Sprint Network that is not on our list...
Nothing you say will make that any different.. Have a picture of this Verizon phone on Sprint??? Because I know its a load...
I have activated a Verizon Touch Pro on pageplus wireless, they use the nationwide verizon towers and data settings. Page Plus wireless does allow any ESN's to be inputted into their system. Google for more info.
wow. wow. wow. I feel your pain on this issue. all you need s to have the device loaded into VZW dmd(device management database). To do that you have two options: first. you can contact the open device ppl but doing that you'll have to send the phone out for 4-6 weeks. or two you can pray you find a way to contact the marketing team where they can load your meid into the database. after that you're set.
teknotard said:
If I remember correctly the quote I read, "If it has the hardware(CDMA with the TP2 has) it will run on our network.
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Click to collapse
you should take some memory pills because what you remember is very wrong.
read http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/01/06/verizons-open-hardware-compatibility-list-is-insanely-boring/ and http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Verizons-Open-Development-Initiative-So-Far-Its-A-Joke-100102
For those of you out there that are planning on buying a Sprint Touch Pro to use on Verizon's network, the switch over instructions on this site are no longer valid. Go to the last few pages and you'll see why. The phone can NOT be activated on Verizons network any longer. The *228 option 3 hole has been plugged up. Apparently they figured out how to piss us off again earlier this week.
If you have a Sprint Touch Pro that's already on the VZW network, you're safe for the moment. Just don't attempt to switch phones and then try and go back to using your Sprint branded Touch Pro. It just flat out won't activate.
Some have rumored that they have been able to convince Verizon to add the ESN from their phone to the VZW database, but it doesn't sound like many have much success with it.
It can be done, I do it all the time via *228. You need to reprogram the phone with the correct EPST & MSL codes. A few times I've gotten a message saying the automated system cannot activate my phone and I was forced to talk to a rep to get them to activate it, but they usually don't give too much hassle.
I figured I'd ask here. I'm almost certain that it isn't possible at all to do but you never know what the great devs here at XDA has come up with.
I have a HTC HD7s from ATT. It's a GREAT phone in my opinion. Never had a single problem with it; but I did with AT&T. They were just; lacking in terms of anything in my local area.
Now for my question; It's probably not possible but like I said you never know until you ask. I am currently running on Sprint service with my Epic 4G Touch. Love the service as it does what I need it to do (a lot better then AT&T ever did). Now AT&T is GSM if I'm correct and I know sprint is CDMA.
But what could I change my HD7s over to via flashing/custom roms or whatnot. I doubt sprint would even think of being an option; but if there's a way to get it on even a pre-pay service; I'd love to have it sitting around as a backup phone if I ever needed it. So is it possible to flash over my HD7s to any other carriers? I have read that my current phone can actually be flashed to multiple other carriers, but with sprints (decent) service, there's no need.
Thanks ahead of time!
Your HD7S cannot work on a CDMA network (Sprint, Verizon) because it lacks the necessary radio hardware. No amount of flashing can fix that.
If it's unlocked, you can use it on any GSM network, however; no flashing would be required for that. The most obvious example of a non-AT&T GSM network in the USA is T-Mobile. Your phone will work on T-Mobile but won't get 3G due to lack of AWS UMTS support -- in other words, it doesn't have support for T-Mobile's 3G frequency.
If you can find a virtual network operator that uses AT&T's network, then you should be able to use your phone on that network and get 3G. I'm not up on which operators that might include.
The specific thing you need for your phone is a "SIM-unlock" which means removing the restriction that AT&T puts on their phones to prevent using SIM cards from other carriers. Typically, AT&T will remove this lock for you if you ask them, but otherwise there are sites online that can sell you unlock codes or you could try calling HTC.
3. Post only using a clear subject and message.
You're most likely to receive a helpful answer to your question if you use a short subject title that describes your problem and a message that explains in detail what your problem is and what you've tried to solve it.
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Please use search function, most of the questions are already answered. If you still need to post your doubts please do it in an existing thread. Is really no need to open a new thread with same topic. Dispersed information helps to nobody.
Though this phone is capable of VOLTE it has not, as of yet, functioned on my carrier AT&T. My line is supposedly provisioned properly in their system for VOLTE however the agent I spoke with informed me that an IMEI must be whitelisted on their servers before it will actually work. Basically this means that normally only the phones you buy from them are VOLTE capable because of their whitelisting system. Now this agent supposedly filed a case to get my IMEI added to this list which should supposedly allow for the VOLTE to then function on the AT&T network. And so if this actually ends up working I will report back so others can do the same if they wish to use VOLTE on AT&T.
Cool.... I tried the same but did not get offered to try and get my imei white listed.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
timde9 said:
Though this phone is capable of VOLTE it has not, as of yet, functioned on my carrier AT&T. My line is supposedly provisioned properly in their system for VOLTE however the agent I spoke with informed me that an IMEI must be whitelisted on their servers before it will actually work. Basically this means that normally only the phones you buy from them are VOLTE capable because of their whitelisting system. Now this agent supposedly filed a case to get my IMEI added to this list which should supposedly allow for the VOLTE to then function on the AT&T network. And so if this actually ends up working I will report back so others can do the same if they wish to use VOLTE on AT&T.
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Click to collapse
This support doc from ATT mentions needing a specific SIM to be able to access voLTE. Did you make sure yours was indeed a UICC-G SIM card ?
https://www.att.com/esupport/article.jsp?sid=KB425890&cv=820
Yeah but that's not the problem this sim came right out of my att galaxy s6 which the VOLTE worked very well on. I'm gonna call back later today after work and see if my case went anywhere
Crappyvate said:
This support doc from ATT mentions needing a specific SIM to be able to access voLTE. Did you make sure yours was indeed a UICC-G SIM card ?
https://www.att.com/esupport/article.jsp?sid=KB425890&cv=820
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Click to collapse
I have a Pure on ATT, with a brand new NanoSIM card (picked it up from the AT&T store just after I picked up the phone); the 9th and 10th digits of the ICCID are '27', so it is a UICC-G SIM.. I was bummed to see that VoLTE wouldn't work on the device; all my investigation led me to the phone not being whitelisted in ATT's database. The 'Enhanced 4G LTE Mode' setting doesn't show up at all under Cellular Networks. I ran across a page that says to do the '*#*#4636#*#*' trick, go to 'Phone Info', and make sure that the toggle shows 'TURN OFF VOLTE PROVISIONED FLAG' (versus 'Turn On').. on my phone it showed it as provisioned to start with, but the option to enable Enhanced 4G LTE still is gone.
Apparently with Verizon customers, if the provisioned flag is on, but that menu option is missing, they need to log into their Verizon account and enable the 'HD Voice' flag on their account, at which point the option to enable it will show up. I'm guessing that basically whitelists their devices IMEI, which is the part we're apparently missing with ATT. :/
---------- Post added at 02:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:57 PM ----------
timde9 said:
Yeah but that's not the problem this sim came right out of my att galaxy s6 which the VOLTE worked very well on. I'm gonna call back later today after work and see if my case went anywhere
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Click to collapse
Hopefully it will, or else they will figure out that they need to let people who want this enable it and make it an account setting we can change! Verizon allows BYOD HD Voice, why can't ATT?!
natecarlson said:
I have a Pure on ATT, with a brand new NanoSIM card (picked it up from the AT&T store just after I picked up the phone); the 9th and 10th digits of the ICCID are '27', so it is a UICC-G SIM.. I was bummed to see that VoLTE wouldn't work on the device; all my investigation led me to the phone not being whitelisted in ATT's database. The 'Enhanced 4G LTE Mode' setting doesn't show up at all under Cellular Networks. I ran across a page that says to do the '*#*#4636#*#*' trick, go to 'Phone Info', and make sure that the toggle shows 'TURN OFF VOLTE PROVISIONED FLAG' (versus 'Turn On').. on my phone it showed it as provisioned to start with, but the option to enable Enhanced 4G LTE still is gone.
Apparently with Verizon customers, if the provisioned flag is on, but that menu option is missing, they need to log into their Verizon account and enable the 'HD Voice' flag on their account, at which point the option to enable it will show up. I'm guessing that basically whitelists their devices IMEI, which is the part we're apparently missing with ATT. :/
---------- Post added at 02:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:57 PM ----------
Hopefully it will, or else they will figure out that they need to let people who want this enable it and make it an account setting we can change! Verizon allows BYOD HD Voice, why can't ATT?!
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Click to collapse
I will follow up with ATT as well as they assure me that voLTE was available in my area..
Your APN also needs to point the the correct server.
APN: nxtgenphone
MMSC: http://mmsc.mobile.att.net
MMS Proxy: proxy.mobile.att.net
MMS Port: 80
APN Type: default,mms,supl,hipri,fota
My question is how to tell when you are on VOLTE?
goolac said:
My question is how to tell when you are on VOLTE?
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Click to collapse
If you can see the "Enhanced 4G LTE Mode" setting, and it's turned on, in theory it should work.
Then, when you place a call, your status bar's cell signal icon should still show 'LTE' instead of falling back to 'HSPA'.
I ordered this phone via Moto Maker and expect to have it in my hands next week. I currently have an older AT&T sim from my Samsung Galaxy S4, and imagine that I would need a new one to utilize VoLTE. Thanks to all of you trying to figure this out.
I found out from another at&t rep that the guy who told me about creating a case apparently did nothing but keep me on hold for a long time because she couldn't locate this apparent case anywhere. After asking her some hard questions I have gotten her to divulge that hdvoice and VOLTE are operating on lte band 2 or 1900 frequency. If I'm not mistaken this phone is already capable of that band right now even without marshmallow so there is almost certainly some sort of white list on at&ts part. Honestly I will probably write to the President about this because its not like its a security issue its just an absurdity
I asked a friend of mine that works as a manager at a corporate store here in town if he knew anything about it... He said it would be something to ask tech support, but he's not heard of a whitelist for VoLTE services. He did also say that most of what they do is just adding IMEI's to the system, and that they don't get BYOD cases very often...
I also work for AT&T, but not in the mobility side... Currently no contacts in the tech side of mobility either.
/scratches head
Am I the only one thinking that this really shouldn't be such a big mystery?
Especially for actual AT&T Wireless reps?
Here is a link to the ATT HD Voice info page... Turns out I have a goPhone plan and so HD is restricted.
http://www.att.com/esupport/article.html#!/wireless/KM1046250
It says in my online account that I am provisioned for VOLTE and from what I discovered from tech support the VOLTE operates on a frequency band that is fully supported by this phone. A whitelisting approach is then the only possible explanation at this point and I will be writing, the President to figure out why
It seems that VOLTE is not yet available on our phones. This is what I was told:
"Enrique: At the moment, VOLTE is only compatible with your Samsung S5 for the Moto X Pure, we are still waiting for a firmware update from Motroloa to have the feature enabled."
and then
"Enrique: Actually when the firmware is released, VOLTE will automatically be enabled on the Moto X, all you need to do is turn it on by heading over to Settings > More Networks > Mobile Networks > VoLTE"
So it seems we need a firmware update from Motorola. Maybe I missed something on this, though?
I called AT&T yesterday and they also confirmed that your account must be 'enabled' for VoLTE, but their "advanced' engineers (whatever this means) also need to provision your device on the back end. My ticket has an SLA of 12/22. I suspect it should be done much sooner than this and will also update everyone on my findings/results.
Just FYI, volte works perfectly on my MXPE on Verizon. I did have to call and have the feature added. Rebooted the phone, and it was enabled. The firmware DOES fully support it so the problem is likely on AT&T's end. Please keep us updated.
Update from ATT Advanced Tech Support.
"April: At this time we only support VOLTE for AT&T devices."
---------- Post added at 08:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:24 AM ----------
So upon further discussion with ATT Advanced Tech Support, the MXPE is NOT on their list of approved VOLTE devices because it's not an ATT device.
That sucks.
Yep, AT&T is the worst carrier because they are one of the largest (just behind Verizon) and aren't bound to any regulation such as the C-block agreement that Verizon must adhere to. So, that means that AT&T services can be restricted to AT&T devices and only those devices. Verizon and T-Mobile have opened up VoLTE to unlocked phones, however Wifi calling seems to be another story. T-Mobile makes Wifi calling available to Nexus devices, and I'm not sure if agreements are needed between the carrier and phone manufacturer (or proxy for Nexuses - Google). Verizon will definitely limit Wifi calling to Verizon devices too, I'm sure of it, at least at the start. They'll make up some technical or security reason for disallowing unlocked phones.
I wouldn't worry about it too much though. VoLTE is more of a necessity for Verizon because they can't do simultaneous voice/data when on a CDMA call (2013 Moto X can). HSPA/HSPA+ supports voice and data. VoLTE often comes with other issues too, depending on network congestion. Unfortunately, carriers are struggling to keep up with demand for data, and VoLTE is no exception to that as calls are data packets.
VoLTE and VoWifi (Wifi calling) are part of the IMS services framework, and it is up to the carrier to allow access to that framework.
timde9 said:
I found out from another at&t rep that the guy who told me about creating a case apparently did nothing but keep me on hold for a long time because she couldn't locate this apparent case anywhere. After asking her some hard questions I have gotten her to divulge that hdvoice and VOLTE are operating on lte band 2 or 1900 frequency. If I'm not mistaken this phone is already capable of that band right now even without marshmallow so there is almost certainly some sort of white list on at&ts part. Honestly I will probably write to the President about this because its not like its a security issue its just an absurdity
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This isn't surprising. I recently had a HORRIBLE experience with AT&T U-Verse (yes I know, different department but same company). They sold me "fiber" Internet which turned out to be DSL and talked me into switching from 60MBPS Charter cable. Long story short, one of the many lies I was told is that I could cancel within the first month without paying any service or installation charges.
....so I cancelled in July only a couple weeks after starting service. I was told by a rep that I would receive a bill only because it's issued before the adjustments are issued and that the account will be zeroed out. The following month I called back when I got another bill. And I've called every month since (several times a month) and received the same story from every rep I've talked to. Each rep says they've zeroed the account but they can't e-mail or fax out any confirmation. I've even been told this by managers. Some of the reps are too lazy for this lie and they'll pretend I've called the wrong department and transfer me to a dead extension, which disconnects the call.
Yesterday I received a collection notice for this. That's going to ding my 809 credit score! AT&T is a shady company! As a long time Verizon Wireless customer I can say that I've never received this kind of service from any tier of their support. I'd highly recommend anyone having issues with AT&T to make the switch. What company can't send external communications? I've had Verizon reps send me e-mails, call me back, or even send official texts while on a call. AT&T is a garbage company and I pity any soul trying to get them to do anything other than bill you.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
If a VoLTE capable phone has the mbn files updated to use those of an AT&T white listed phone what would need to happen to get the phone active on AT&T's network?
healerdan said:
If a VoLTE capable phone has the mbn files updated to use those of an AT&T white listed phone what would need to happen to get the phone active on AT&T's network?
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Click to collapse
The same as any other device, SIM/carrier unlock the device then activate the device on AT&T using an AT&T SIM.
I know what white list means but I don't understand what that has to do with what you are asking.
Also, just because the device is VoLTE capable, that does not necessarily mean you will be able to use the VoLTE feature on the AT&T network, even if you successfully activate the device on AT&T. VoLTE is controlled and regulated by the carrier, you will not be able to use VoLTE unless AT&T offers VoLTE support for your specific device, if they do not offer VoLTE support for your specific model number, you will not be able to use VoLTE on the AT&T network.
OP, it would help to know which model of phone.
My unlocked N10+ has no issues on AT&T.
Works identically to my AT&T N10+ variant.
Try talking to AT&T advanced technical support.
Droidriven said:
The same as any other device, SIM/carrier unlock the device then activate the device on AT&T using an AT&T SIM.
I know what white list means but I don't understand what that has to do with what you are asking.
Also, just because the device is VoLTE capable, that does not necessarily mean you will be able to use the VoLTE feature on the AT&T network, even if you successfully activate the device on AT&T. VoLTE is controlled and regulated by the carrier, you will not be able to use VoLTE unless AT&T offers VoLTE support for your specific device, if they do not offer VoLTE support for your specific model number, you will not be able to use VoLTE on the AT&T network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right. So VoLTE is a software program which must be present in the firmware of the phone. When AT&T developed their whitelist, they charged manufacturers to "certify" their VoLTE software on the AT&T network. The manufacturer of my phone (ASUS) along with many other manufacturers chose not to pay AT&T for the privilege of AT&T's customers continuing to use their (sometimes) relatively new devices (mine is barely two years old now, and I purchased it outright with the intention of using it for 5-6 years.)
So the software which runs VoLTE from my phone can be altered to work like one of AT&T's 'whitelisted' phones. This is discussed in this guide (as well as others) in which the final few steps has us replace the VoLTE programming with that of a phone from a different manufacturer.
My question is, supposing I can comfortably flash the .mbn file from a phone on AT&T's whitelist AND it works, what other information does AT&T have on my phone which might prevent my phone from connecting to their network? I believe that when I spoke to them and activated my IMEI they asked what phone I had. I think that based on the model information which I told them, it has been disabled*. If I were to tell them "oh, yeah, it's actually a Pixel 4" would there be any other checks which I'd have to spoof/bypass to continue using my phone?
*Also, I'm sure that my phone tried to make a 3g call which their system could have flagged. I'm working to reprogram my phone to only operate with VoLTE, so when I reactivate my phone that flag wouldn't reappear.
blackhawk said:
OP, it would help to know which model of phone.
My unlocked N10+ has no issues on AT&T.
Works identically to my AT&T N10+ variant.
Try talking to AT&T advanced technical support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't feel that my specific model was relevant and figured there's plenty of others wondering a similar thing as AT&T's actions are causing many perfectly good phones to go to disuse. I wanted this thread to generally discuss VoLTE programming and what, if any, recourse a power user might have to program their own non-whitelisted phone to conform with AT&T's network demands.
As you asked, and I would certainly appreciate any personalized assistance, I am using an ASUS ROG ii. The phone is VoLTE capable, and is functional on T-mobile's network, but ASUS apparently didn't want to pay AT&T to "certify" the phone on AT&T's network. I know no stock firmware coming from ASUS will allow me to connect to AT&T's network, but a procedure described in this guide ends with us flashing the .mbn file of a different phone onto ours to utilize "known working" VoLTE software.
I'm sure finding an .mbn that matches both the ROG ii's hardware AND is compatible with AT&T's network isn't going to be a breeze, but assuming that's possible - what other hurdles might I face with AT&T? If I call them to have my phone activated and tell them it's a pixel 4 what happens if I've programmed my phone to communicate on their network as though it were a pixel 4?
I don't think AT&T really cares that much as they're making a killing on the service.
The worst they will do unless it's illegal or specified in writing is to not support the device as far as troubleshooting it. Oddly some techs there will go out of their way sometimes to help you find out of box solutions.
Once you update it you may have to ask them to do a network reset on their end.
I always try to verify a device I'm getting is 100% compatible with their network, if not I return it.
That's one of the first shake down tests I do with a new phone.
This is why
healerdan said:
I didn't feel that my specific model was relevant and figured there's plenty of others wondering a similar thing as AT&T's actions are causing many perfectly good phones to go to disuse. I wanted this thread to generally discuss VoLTE programming and what, if any, recourse a power user might have to program their own non-whitelisted phone to conform with AT&T's network demands.
As you asked, and I would certainly appreciate any personalized assistance, I am using an ASUS ROG ii. The phone is VoLTE capable, and is functional on T-mobile's network, but ASUS apparently didn't want to pay AT&T to "certify" the phone on AT&T's network. I know no stock firmware coming from ASUS will allow me to connect to AT&T's network, but a procedure described in this guide ends with us flashing the .mbn file of a different phone onto ours to utilize "known working" VoLTE software.
I'm sure finding an .mbn that matches both the ROG ii's hardware AND is compatible with AT&T's network isn't going to be a breeze, but assuming that's possible - what other hurdles might I face with AT&T? If I call them to have my phone activated and tell them it's a pixel 4 what happens if I've programmed my phone to communicate on their network as though it were a pixel 4?
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No, telling them you have a different phone isn't going to work. Your phone actually identifies itself to the network based upon a combination of hardware and software information that the network detects or receives from the device remotely, their job on the other end is to set their network up to provide service to the identified device and to identify the device and the service as yours. If you tell them that you have a Pixel 4 and they configure the network on their end to make VoLTE work with Pixel 4 then VoLTE more than likely will not work on your device because the system thinks you have Pixel 4 hardware and software when you actually don't. That is like asking a car parts store for a starter for a Ford engine when you actually need a starter for a Nissan engine, they'll give you what you ask for but it doesn't mean the Ford starter will actually work on the Nissan engine.
Trying to trick them into enabling VoLTE probably won't work, if their system does not offer VoLTE support for your hardware itself, you will not be able to use VoLTE.
It basically boils down to this, control of whether VoLTE will work for you or not is completely in their hands, not yours, it is all done from their end, there isn't really anything you can do from your end.
If you want to use VoLTE on their network, then you need to get a device that is compatible with their VoLTE service and is actually supported by their network.
Even if you find a shortcut to make VoLTE work, somehow, someway, you will not be satisfied with the end result.
Droidriven said:
If you tell them that you have a Pixel 4 and they configure the network on their end to make VoLTE work with Pixel 4 then VoLTE more than likely will not work on your device because the system thinks you have Pixel 4 hardware and software when you actually don't.
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I think you are missing the part where I am using (in this example) programming and hardware from a pixel 4. this is only partly a hardware problem, but there's not as wide an array of different hardware types as you seem to think. a cursory search shows my device utilizes a snapdragon 855, and an X50 modem. The Oneplus 6T, which is permitted on AT&T's network utilizes the exact same hardware. The difference between the two phones is that Oneplus was ready to pay AT&T to check their software engineer's work.
Droidriven said:
That is like asking a car parts store for a starter for a Ford engine when you actually need a starter for a Nissan engine, they'll give you what you ask for but it doesn't mean the Ford starter will actually work on the Nissan engine.
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If you want a car analogy it would be more like... I purchased an after market starter which has the same bolt& spindle pattern, and electrical configuration BUT when I connected everything ford's on-board diagnostics refused to start using a non-ford component. In this scenario, I have already done the starter installation and software patch, and know that these two things are operating as they should. I am now reaching out to the modder's forum to see if anyone knows of any other checks the OBD does to verify the starter which I should take into account while designing my patch before I turn on my car.
Droidriven said:
Trying to trick them into enabling VoLTE probably won't work, if their system does not offer VoLTE support for your hardware itself, you will not be able to use VoLTE.
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See first response - the communications hardware is the same between my phone and other phones on their whitelist.
Droidriven said:
It basically boils down to this, control of whether VoLTE will work for you or not is completely in their hands, not yours, it is all done from their end, there isn't really anything you can do from your end.
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VoLTE is just like any other communications protocol, it requires both devices to be able to communicate, and is a matter of both software and hardware. The thing that is lacking in my case is software, not hardware. and as the guide which I linked previously shows the software can be altered.
Droidriven said:
Your phone actually identifies itself to the network based upon a combination of hardware and software information that the network detects or receives from the device remotely, their job on the other end is to set their network up to provide service to the identified device and to identify the device and the service as yours.
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This seems to be getting at what I'm actually asking. I'm trying to see what other items are involved in the "handshake" between my device and the network which might cause a flag. do you know what the "combination of hardware and software information" which the carrier's network uses to identify my phone would be, specifically?
healerdan said:
I think you are missing the part where I am using (in this example) programming and hardware from a pixel 4. this is only partly a hardware problem, but there's not as wide an array of different hardware types as you seem to think. a cursory search shows my device utilizes a snapdragon 855, and an X50 modem. The Oneplus 6T, which is permitted on AT&T's network utilizes the exact same hardware. The difference between the two phones is that Oneplus was ready to pay AT&T to check their software engineer's work.
If you want a car analogy it would be more like... I purchased an after market starter which has the same bolt& spindle pattern, and electrical configuration BUT when I connected everything ford's on-board diagnostics refused to start using a non-ford component. In this scenario, I have already done the starter installation and software patch, and know that these two things are operating as they should. I am now reaching out to the modder's forum to see if anyone knows of any other checks the OBD does to verify the starter which I should take into account while designing my patch before I turn on my car.
See first response - the communications hardware is the same between my phone and other phones on their whitelist.
VoLTE is just like any other communications protocol, it requires both devices to be able to communicate, and is a matter of both software and hardware. The thing that is lacking in my case is software, not hardware. and as the guide which I linked previously shows the software can be altered.
This seems to be getting at what I'm actually asking. I'm trying to see what other items are involved in the "handshake" between my device and the network which might cause a flag. do you know what the "combination of hardware and software information" which the carrier's network uses to identify my phone would be, specifically?
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Actually, my car analogy was accurate, I don't think I explained why as well as I could have. The hardware/software differences that I'm referring to equate to the differing parts having the same purpose and same function but having differening bolt patterns the same as a Ford/Nissan starter sharing the same purpose and function but have differing bolt patterns.
Yes, another device might share the same hardware components and be approved but that doesn't necessarily mean that there is cross compatibility because the two devices have other differences that come into play.
When I say "if they support your hardware", I am not referring to ONLY the radio hardware, I mean the whole device being different hardware, which means differences in kernel also because kernel and hardware are very closely related which comes into play because these components also play a part in identifying the device remotely. Using a kernel from another device won't work either because the "other" hardware differences between the devices would cause the kernel from another device to brick your device.
You can modify software and you can emulate software but emulation at the hardware level isn't really feasible for android.
Some of the "handshakes" that identify your device come from things that if you modify them to make the network see your device as a different device, it may cause your device to lose functionality, other parts are illegal in certain places so they can't be discussed here.
It is such a rabbit hole that it is just all around more sensible to just use a device that is compatible without modifying. If you want to use VoLTE on AT&T, you'll have more success by playing their game because they hold the cards.
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Why AT&T are shutting down all not AT&T phones on their Network?. Even if phones are working perfectly on AT&T network now and are 4G with VoLTE, Video Calling and WiFi calling capabil...
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