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Hello, I am going to visit USA in August for 1 month (many states), could you please advise me, which 3g network is cheapest for SMS (foreign SMS too) and 3g Internet (well, probably unlimited or best for Android heavy usage)
Thanks for attention
Read that AT&T has the best 3G coverage, but it's pretty expensive - 5 gb for $40, am I right?
P.S. Not sure if I chose correct place to post this thread
For no plan prepay you best bet is Tmobile. 3G coverage in almost all real cities. Edge in most small towns, and G everywhere else. I can get internet anywhere with it just slow internet if I'm in the middle of nowhere driving state to state. They have a data only plan for $38.99 a month unlimited(10GB). Or 500 anytime minutes free nights and weeksends, unlimited txt and unlimited data(10GB) for $59.99. If you go ATT you will have to run a credit check even to get 1 month of service and even then they don't have any data only plans so your bill will most likely be the 39.99 + $30 for 2GB data, + tax's which run around $10.
Thank you very much, in this case I'll take T-mobile unlimited data plan then
And maybe keeping second (old) phone with old sim card in roaming
Which plan do you think it is better to take for my sister if she doesn't use the internet at all and just SMS?
and are this unlimited SMS work if you send them abroad? I mean are they still free?
maxpower097 said:
For no plan prepay you best bet is Tmobile. 3G coverage in almost all real cities. Edge in most small towns, and G everywhere else.
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uh... just make sure that your phone supports Tmo's 3G bands (probably not)... 1700 AWS, not 2100 (i.e. UTMS 1700 not UTMS 2100)...
Yep, T-Mobile would be your best bet
Check out Simple Mobile.
They use T-mobile's network and offers $60 for everything INCLUDING unlimited international text message. If can get good T-mobile service in your area, you might as well sign up with them to save bunch. The only downside is you have to have a unlocked or T-mobile compatible GSM phone in advance as they don't provide subsidized phones.
hbkmog said:
Check out Simple Mobile.
They use T-mobile's network and offers $60 for everything INCLUDING unlimited international text message. If can get good T-mobile service in your area, you might as well sign up with them to save bunch. The only downside is you have to have a unlocked or T-mobile compatible GSM phone in advance as they don't provide subsidized phones.
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thanks, I am planning to but off contract Samsung Captivate (AT&T version of Galaxy S), but then unlock it for any GSM network
never heard about Simple Mobile, will google it, thanks
DarkVasyaK said:
thanks, I am planning to but off contract Samsung Captivate (AT&T version of Galaxy S), but then unlock it for any GSM network
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Again... don't expect such phones to work with Tmo's 3G... you'll be stuck with EDGE...
You'll need the Samsung Vibrant if you want Tmo's 3G to work in the US... or a Behold II or MyTouch... plus Tmo has funky rules for Android phones on prepay (or not)... you may need to do their FlexPay ...
there's a good chance that you'll have to go with AT&T prepaid... given what you're planning...
Your Euro phones probably won't work with Tmo 3G but you very well might pick it up some places. Many many many people have picked up 3G on tmo's US network with INTL unlocked phones. One of the bands matches, the other doesn't. So it depends on which tower your near.
maxpower097 said:
Your Euro phones probably won't work with Tmo 3G but you very well might pick it up some places. Many many many people have picked up 3G on tmo's US network with INTL unlocked phones. One of the bands matches, the other doesn't. So it depends on which tower your near.
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I believe what you say is incorrect. Not only are the frequencies around 2100Mhz different between Tmo's 1700/2100 (UTMS1700) and UTMS2100 different, but UTMS1700 *depends* on the 1700Mhz for uplink, so you can't even create a connection.
Actually...certain Asian phones operate on the same frequency bands as T-Mobile...but good luck getting your hands on one.
~Jasecloud4
Confused
So, I am going to buy Samsung Captivate
It's UMTS 850/1900/2100
If I unlock it for any sim and put T-mobile sim inside, 3g won't work?
I should use AT&T then? I saw at the web site that there is a 5 gb data plan for $60
I don't really want to buy T-mobile Samsung Vibrant because it's easier for me to buy international version then, but I don't really like how it looks.
And just one more question, I am going to live in Singapore for 1 year soon, does anybody know if 3g will work with Captivate in Singapore?
DarkVasyaK said:
Confused
So, I am going to buy Samsung Captivate
It's UMTS 850/1900/2100
If I unlock it for any sim and put T-mobile sim inside, 3g won't work?
I should use AT&T then? I saw at the web site that there is a 5 gb data plan for $60
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This is correct. Tmo runs on a special band so only Tmo branded phones, and some "asian or INTL" phones can use tmo 3G. ATT 3G is US standard and can be used by most phones, but ATT doesn't have any unlimited dataplans anymore. They don't have any prepay dataplans, the only data only plans they offer are for the ipad. So your gonna pay much more, but ATT will give you better 3G coverage, but slower in the cities compared to TMO. TMO actually is beating out sprint 4G in most area's, but its coverage is spotty and only in large cities. I would go tmo and buy a throw away phone when you get here. Or get a tmo phone for the trip, then actually spend real money on a phone when you get home. You can get a TP2 for around $150-$200 here, and HD2 for $250, then you can ebay it off when you get home or sell it real quick on CL before you leave. If you haven't tried it the TMO HD2 is a beast.
well, I wanted to use tons of android apps using 3g internet, but in this case I should just use EDGE... don't want to buy special phone for 3g or something like that...
it seems that I have a choice between 3g with AT&T for $60 (5 gb) and T-mobile EDGE for $40 (unlimited data) ?
DarkVasyaK said:
well, I wanted to use tons of android apps using 3g internet, but in this case I should just use EDGE... don't want to buy special phone for 3g or something like that...
it seems that I have a choice between 3g with AT&T for $60 (5 gb) and T-mobile EDGE for $40 (unlimited data) ?
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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)...
Hi There!
I was just in the US for 9 days, and bought a 30 day prepaid plan thinking that because it said I could have 4G I would actually get 4G Speeds. I was only able to get Edge Speeds anywhere I went, and it was pretty horrible.
I logged 2 support chat incidents the first guy was clueless, the second person said they don't give 4g speeds to non T-Mobile provided devices which I thought was pretty crappy.
Is there a software workaround to allow 4G speeds on Android devices purchased from other providers? My phone is an international unlocked device (NZ) and I can get H+ Speeds in Countries like Australia with no issues.
Anyone who could shed some light would be appreciated.
If it was a T-mobile prepaid card that was probably your issue. T-mobile utilizes different frequencies (AWS 1700 band) than almost all other GSM carriers. So if you do not have a t-mobile branded, or a pentaband phone you are only able to get edge speeds. Next time get prepaid AT&T and you will be good to go.
Yah it was a Prepaid Simcard and then a $30 card from Walmart delivered Electronically. I forgot to state I was using a Galaxy S2. Hard to comprehend it not supporting the 4G considering it's a device T-Mobile sell (Though it has slightly different spec's in terms of screen size and button configuration so potentially it could I guess support additional bands.
networkn said:
Yah it was a Prepaid Simcard and then a $30 card from Walmart delivered Electronically. I forgot to state I was using a Galaxy S2. Hard to comprehend it not supporting the 4G considering it's a device T-Mobile sell (Though it has slightly different spec's in terms of screen size and button configuration so potentially it could I guess support additional bands.
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The international SGSII (I9100) and the AT&T SGSII (I777) do not support T-mobile 3G or 4G. The Skyrocket and the T-mobile SGSII (Hercules) are pentaband phones that support both AT&T and T-mobile 4G. The reason for this is the Exynos processor which does not support the AWS bands. That is why the skyrocket and hercules come with the snapdragon processor.
Thanks for the reply, at least now I know. ATT doesn't seem to have anything similar to T-Mobile in so far as you get 5GB 4G, unlimited calling and texting for $30, are ATT generally more expensive?
Thanks.
Att is generally more expensive yes. But as someone already mentioned, Tmobile uses aws band which is different than almost all others for 4g. So you have to weigh your options
Sent from my Sensation using XDA App
Well at the moment my old vibrants usb port is broken, and my parents are too lazy/cheap to send it to mobile tech videos. But i may get a new phone soon, i love the galaxy s 3 but since im not getting it very soon but like few months soon, i need good backup phones. I love the htc one s but its screen maybe to small. Is the htc one x from att or unlocked compatible with my network? Or maybe the droid razr?
Anything made for AT&T will get 2G speeds on T-Mobile, but only if you can get it carrier unlocked. Most international phones are also compatible with only T-Mobile 2G
While T-Mobile is working on improving their network for better compatibility with other GSM standards, its not at a stage i would call "reliable" yet, that is, unless 2G and spotty 3G is good enough for you, with the promise of things to become better in the future. If that IS good enough for you, than you can use ANY GSM device on T-Mobile.
However, I have a feeling you want a 4G device. The best tried-and-true unlocked off-contract phone that's T-Mobile 4G compatible is the Play Store Galaxy Nexus
I'm curious if anyone in the forum has bought the Blu Pure XL and used it on T-Mobile? Supposely the LTE support is "limited", but I would like to know what that might mean to me in the real world........
I recently took my Verizon-branded Samsung Galaxy S4 and ported it to Walmart Family Mobile (which runs off T-Mobile), and I've had some baffling issues. Time for an upgrade. Considering this device, but only IF it will work well with T-Mobile... thanks
Yes, it works on TMobile. I get 4G LTE on it. I'm using it around the Bay Area, East Bay and Sacramento area in California.
I'm surprised you can take any Verizon phone - which runs on CDMA - and use it on TMobile - which uses GSM.
jaybirdhawaii said:
I'm surprised you can take any Verizon phone - which runs on CDMA - and use it on TMobile - which uses GSM.
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Yes Verizon phones have cdma and GSM bands and I know ever since the iPhone 5 and the galaxy s5 Samsung and Apple phones from verizon come factory unlocked for GSM use.
homerpez said:
I'm curious if anyone in the forum has bought the Blu Pure XL and used it on T-Mobile? Supposely the LTE support is "limited", but I would like to know what that might mean to me in the real world........
I recently took my Verizon-branded Samsung Galaxy S4 and ported it to Walmart Family Mobile (which runs off T-Mobile), and I've had some baffling issues. Time for an upgrade. Considering this device, but only IF it will work well with T-Mobile... thanks
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Works fine in San Francisco bay area, Las Vegas, LA, San Diego & Austin TX. I had no coverage in Orlando,FL only.
I'm using it on t-mobile and have not had connectivity issues anywhere I've traveled.
The only thing missing on T-Mobile is LTE band 12, which is faster than the other bands present (provided you live in an area that has band 12.) I live in Dallas/Fort Worth and IN a band 12 area, and my LTE performance is usually the same on my LG V10 (which supports band 12) and my BLU Pure XL. I've had no problems (other than some minor bluetooth issues, that seem to have been resolved with the latest update.)
I came from a T-Mobile G4 I pre-ordered, so I had it a long time. Got the BLU in December. As far as I can tell, the Pure XL actually gets better and more consistent signal then the G4 did, I use about 40gb of data a month. Very consistent LTE signal in covered areas, and even rural signal is very good; I drive a lot.
I live in Dallas/Fort Worth area as well.
I have no issues with my Pure XL on T-Mobile. Since it doesn't have support for band 12, LTE coverage inside buildings can occasionally be spotty, but it just goes to regular 4G with full signal, no problem. I'm in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
homerpez said:
I'm curious if anyone in the forum has bought the Blu Pure XL and used it on T-Mobile? Supposely the LTE support is "limited", but I would like to know what that might mean to me in the real world........
I recently took my Verizon-branded Samsung Galaxy S4 and ported it to Walmart Family Mobile (which runs off T-Mobile), and I've had some baffling issues. Time for an upgrade. Considering this device, but only IF it will work well with T-Mobile... thanks
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Click to collapse
Works great for me on T-Mobile and never have problems with getting LTE. I'll take some speed tests and report. I work about 30 miles from home so will take both areas and list them to see if that helps.
Springfield Illinois checking in, I use T mobile and works great... fast lte (30+ MB down, ive seen as high as 45 i think
Works great on T-mo for me in Denver.
homerpez said:
I'm curious if anyone in the forum has bought the Blu Pure XL and used it on T-Mobile? Supposely the LTE support is "limited", but I would like to know what that might mean to me in the real world........
I recently took my Verizon-branded Samsung Galaxy S4 and ported it to Walmart Family Mobile (which runs off T-Mobile), and I've had some baffling issues. Time for an upgrade. Considering this device, but only IF it will work well with T-Mobile... thanks
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Click to collapse
Working for me. T-Mobile in sim 1. AT&T in sim 2.
Sent from my PURE XL using XDA-Developers mobile app
Works great in Livermore CA 94550.
Still want to switch to net 10 though, as I had previously.
Net10 Customer support is really bad......
The Pure XL works well in South FLorida ( WPB, Broward and Miami-Dade) on Tmobiles LTE network. Occasionally, I will drop down to 4G but 99% of the time, 4G LTE is available in my coverage area.
Down- 44Mbps UP - 27Mbps
Besides the US (and probably South Korea), does anyone know where the Gear S3 Frontier LTE is available?
Hard to locate
rodrigobarg said:
Besides the US (and probably South Korea), does anyone know where the Gear S3 Frontier LTE is available?
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I got mine at T-Mobile. Had to open an account with them. I have all my other stuff at Verizon. But I think I can get a better price from the T. Looking into that. VZW is not carrying the S3 at this time, but it's my birthday and that is what I wanted.....
ishore99 said:
I got mine at T-Mobile. Had to open an account with them. I have all my other stuff at Verizon. But I think I can get a better price from the T. Looking into that. VZW is not carrying the S3 at this time, but it's my birthday and that is what I wanted.....
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I was just looking into getting one at t-mobile but the maximum data speed is 512kbs which isnt LTE so whats the point of the watch being lte capable if tmobile will restrict it to 3g speed.
saulc1981 said:
I was just looking into getting one at t-mobile but the maximum data speed is 512kbs which isnt LTE so whats the point of the watch being lte capable if tmobile will restrict it to 3g speed.
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That's plenty fast enough to do whatever task that'd be performed on a smartwatch. Heck, that's even fast enough for most smartphone duties.
T-Mobile charges $15/mo to those who don't have a smartphone line. If speed is that important to you, pay 3x more for 1 GB of high speed data to AT&T.
afblangley said:
That's plenty fast enough to do whatever task that'd be performed on a smartwatch. Heck, that's even fast enough for most smartphone duties.
T-Mobile charges $15/mo to those who don't have a smartphone line. If speed is that important to you, pay 3x more for 1 GB of high speed data to AT&T.
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That is isnt fast enough for a smartphone especially when you are streaming full hd videos and what not. Thats why ive stuck with sprint they dont throttle my data or have to pay extra for full hd videos or have a hd day pass like tmobile does where you have to use an app to start hd streaming thats a joke. And the issue wasnt the price of the plan its the principal of the point that the full potential of the watch is not being used. You must have a flip phone if you think that speed is enough for a smartphone of today. Buffering most of the day.
rodrigobarg said:
Besides the US (and probably South Korea), does anyone know where the Gear S3 Frontier LTE is available?
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Click to collapse
Hey,you asking about the countries where the LTE is available? If you are wondering about where to buy in the US.
I just bought an ATT version from Best Buy for full retail (349). And plan on using it as non lte.
saulc1981 said:
That is isnt fast enough for a smartphone especially when you are streaming full hd videos and what not. Thats why ive stuck with sprint they dont throttle my data or have to pay extra for full hd videos or have a hd day pass like tmobile does where you have to use an app to start hd streaming thats a joke. And the issue wasnt the price of the plan its the principal of the point that the full potential of the watch is not being used. You must have a flip phone if you think that speed is enough for a smartphone of today. Buffering most of the day.
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But Sprint doesn't have the gear S3. And either way my T-Mobile plan is unlimited no throttling and it's $5 to add the data plan to the Gear S3 and will you be really watching HD video on a smartwatch? I wonder if the throttle is for all TMobile plans or just their new unlimited one plan
Guys, I know it's available in the US, but it's not unlocked and not the same bands, but I was wondering if the gear s3 was available in the LTE version in other countries, and maybe even unlocked like you can find the S2 now.
rodrigobarg said:
Guys, I know it's available in the US, but it's not unlocked and not the same bands, but I was wondering if the gear s3 was available in the LTE version in other countries, and maybe even unlocked like you can find the S2 now.
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It's more complicated than that. The S3 uses an embedded SIM, so the carriers activate it electronically. Therefore it won't work with other wireless providers even on the same network, like MVNOs. So the AT&T version won't work on Cricket, for example. I'm not even sure they'll activate it on a GoPhone plan.
afblangley said:
It's more complicated than that. The S3 uses an embedded SIM, so the carriers activate it electronically. Therefore it won't work with other wireless providers even on the same network, like MVNOs. So the AT&T version won't work on Cricket, for example. I'm not even sure they'll activate it on a GoPhone plan.
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But if the watch is not locked to a carrier, could we not just take the watch to our carrier and ask them to activate the eSIM on the network?
I'm in the same boat as the OP but I'm thinking of ordering the LTE version from eBay which comes from South Korea. Apparently it is not carrier locked but I have no idea if I will be able to connect to the network of my local carrier.
Byte_76 said:
But if the watch is not locked to a carrier, could we not just take the watch to our carrier and ask them to activate the eSIM on the network?
I'm in the same boat as the OP but I'm thinking of ordering the LTE version from eBay which comes from South Korea. Apparently it is not carrier locked but I have no idea if I will be able to connect to the network of my local carrier.
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Exactly, right now I only know the south Korean version is unlocked, but it seems to only support one band (b5 - 850 lte), so it doesn't even work on 3G networks here in brazil. The us versions from att and tmobile do support our 3g networks (850 and 2100), but they are not unlocked... Tough decision
According to the info that the eBay seller has listed, the Korean version supports the following bands:
LTE, 3G WCDMA, 3G UMTS: B1(2100), 4G LTE: B1(2100), B3(1800), B5(850)
Byte_76 said:
But if the watch is not locked to a carrier, could we not just take the watch to our carrier and ask them to activate the eSIM on the network?
I'm in the same boat as the OP but I'm thinking of ordering the LTE version from eBay which comes from South Korea. Apparently it is not carrier locked but I have no idea if I will be able to connect to the network of my local carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm late to the party and see there have been no posts in here for awhile. I didn't want to be an early adopter so I waited, I went through the Note 7 fiasco. Anyway, in order to save $50.00 I ordered the T-Mobile LTE version directly from Samsung and it's been on back-order for days!!! It's been out for months, I don't get it!! Most displeased!!!!
rodrigobarg said:
Guys, I know it's available in the US, but it's not unlocked and not the same bands, but I was wondering if the gear s3 was available in the LTE version in other countries, and maybe even unlocked like you can find the S2 now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rodrigo, I live in Argentina and purchased the AT&T LTE version from Best Buy in the USA.
Traditionally AT&T phones work well with the local LTE bands, so I imagine that if and when local carriers can work with embedded sim devices that they will be able to program mine.
By the way, I successfully unlocked my device by contacting AT&T.
So if in your country any local carrier works with the same LTE bands as AT&T, you can just get one from AT&T in the USA and unlock it.
Saludos