U.S. carrier connectivity - Blackview S8 Questions & Answers

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.

Related

[Q] What US Carrier is the International GTab 7.0 plus (P6200) fully compatible with?

Sorry for what is probably a stupid question.
I am thinking of buying an International version of the 7.0 plus (P6200) but I'm having a hard time figuring out which US Carrier, if any, (AT&T, T-Moble or Verizon) is fully compatible with the table's supported frequencies.
Any help in pointing me to the carrier, that will allow the tablet to get 3g data and allow the tablet to make phone calls, would be greatly appreciated.
Also, if you are using a P6200 in the US, I would be interested in what carrier you use, your opinions of the carrier and your opinion of the tablet in general.
Thank you
Over 140 views but no replies.
Does no one know the answer or is the question so simple it is basic knowledge I should already know?
I'm not familar witht eh international model but I can tell you that it won't work with Sprint or Verizon as they are CDMA and not GSM. So that leaves T-Mobile and AT&T and it would depend upon what frequency the GTab7+ recieves, is it tri-band (850, 1800, 1900) or just a single band? AT&T uses 850/1900 MHz and T-Moblile 1900 MHz for 3G service. I would assume that it would be tri-band as are so called "world phones".
TMo also requires UMTS1700.
So almost surely it will NOT get 3G service on TMo. That's why there is a special Tmo variant.
Don't know about AT&T
Thank you for your reply!
Here are the listed frequencies for the tablet
2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100
it appears that it supports all the frequencies for AT&T and T-Mobile. I guess my confusion is I can't tell if the tablet will support 3G or just 2G (wouldn't be worth it if all I could get is 2G).
Entropy512 said:
TMo also requires UMTS1700.
So almost surely it will NOT get 3G service on TMo. That's why there is a special Tmo variant.
Don't know about AT&T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh, that is what I was looking for. As much as I dislike them, seems I will need to go with AT&T if I get this tablet.
Thank you very much, both of you!
Sorry I got a little confused between tabs and phones. Verizon uses EV-DO (CDMA based) for 3G and AT&T is HSDPA (GSM based) at 1900 MHz. T-Mobile uses 1700 and 2100 MHz for 3G.
warning, if you plan on using as phone and tab, at&t may want to make sure you are on tab data plan as well an it could be pricey for both.
with that being said Im using this on att with voice and unlimited grandfathered smartphone data. havent heard a word from them. I pray it stays this way. I will fight them for it.
conclusion: best mobile device in the world right now IMHO, until 7.7 comes out.
P6200 and iPhone SIM
Hi all,
just to make sure...
If I get the P6200, can I just pop my iPhone 3gs SIM with unlimited data plan (as long as I don't use it too much)?
I saw someone said they can do that on the 7.7 thread but I wanted to make sure the AT&T iPhone SIM isn't restricted to iPhones somehow.
Thanks
O
I have GT-P620900 from the Philippines and I am my tablet in the US now. I tested using at&t sim card and it works when I tried making a call using sim card (gsm).
Sent from my GT-P6200 using Tapatalk
Hi Neogrin,
With the posted frequencies:
2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100
it will work perfectly for 3G (HSDPA/HSPA+) speeds only on AT&T. You should get 2-4 Mbps downlink, or maybe even more with a good signal on AT&T.
Unfortunately for T-Mobile (whom I also prefer over AT&T), it will only work on their 2G network, at EDGE speeds, which would be about 200 Kbps if you are lucky. Actually, EDGE speeds are good enough for twitter, facebook, and a bit of surfing, but would be frustratingly slow for YouTube or downloading apps.
The Tab 7plus will NOT work on Sprint or Verizon as their CDMA, LTE, and WiMax networks are different technology from GSM and HSDPA and thus not compatible.
Internationally, the 7plus should work on almost any 2G or 3G network, with maybe a few country exceptions here and there.
BTW if you decide to activate your 7plus on AT&T, I can share a bit of experience. I received a Tab 7.7 3G this week, with a similar frequency list to the 7plus. (Unfortunately, it also lacks the "AWS" 1700/2100 band for T-Mobile). I went to an AT&T store today to activate the 7.7 on a month-to-month data plan, of US$25 for 2GB with US$10 per each 1GB of overage. They were not able to assign the data plan in their system to me, because the 7.7 3G is not an AT&T device. The same will be true for your 7plus. What they did to get it to work was to take the IMEI number from one of the other tablets they had on display in the store - making sure it was an HSDPA tablet, and not an LTE one - and used that to activate my account. It took them a while to figure this out, but when they did, it worked. Once the account was activated, and the SIM card was in my 7.7, it found AT&T service and I immediately got a welcome text message. However, data did not yet work - for that I had to do one more thing, which the staff did not know about (but luckily I did).
Go into Settings->Wireless and Networks->Mobile Network Settings
In there is an "Access Point Names" item.
Click on this, and you should see some entries. If it's a new AT&T SIM, it likely says "Cingular 410" or "wap.cingular" or something. This would be correct for a phone, but does not work with tablet data plans, so we need to add the correct one.
Bring up the menu, and there should be a "New APN" option. Select this. In the form which comes up, in the "Name" field, enter "broadband" (one word, no caps, without the quotes). In the "APN" field, do the same - "broadband" one word, no caps, no quotes.
Once you've done this, hit the menu again, and there should be a "Save" option. Choose this, and it will take you back to the list of APNs. Now in the list there should be an APN item called "broadband" which you just created. Press the radio button to the far right of the broadband item. It should turn green.
Give the tablet a few seconds, or a minute, and data should start working!
Hope this helps.
Craig

Verizon GS3 "World", "GSM", or ???

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.

[Q] 1800MHz LTE Band

This phone is the first phone Verizon is selling (except the iPhones) that has the 1800MHz LTE Band (band 3).
When I saw this I was particularly excited as I visit Australia often and that's the band Telstra uses. I am currently in Australia now, and I am unable to pick up any LTE on this phone. I have gone through every possible mode in the phoneinfo app, but none will get any LTE signal.
I am using a Telstra SIM that has LTE service and I put in the correct APN settings.
The only possible explanation that comes to mind is that Verizon is blocking the 1800MHz LTE band from being used, just like the S4 came with AWS but only a software update pushed later on was able to unlock that band. If that were the case, is there any way around it?
Any other ideas why it's not working?
I tested my SIM in the same location in a iPhone and it got lte
Sent from my HTC One M8 using Tapatalk
levilib said:
This phone is the first phone Verizon is selling (except the iPhones) that has the 1800MHz LTE Band (band 3).
When I saw this I was particularly excited as I visit Australia often and that's the band Telstra uses. I am currently in Australia now, and I am unable to pick up any LTE on this phone. I have gone through every possible mode in the phoneinfo app, but none will get any LTE signal.
I am using a Telstra SIM that has LTE service and I put in the correct APN settings.
The only possible explanation that comes to mind is that Verizon is blocking the 1800MHz LTE band from being used, just like the S4 came with AWS but only a software update pushed later on was able to unlock that band. If that were the case, is there any way around it?
Any other ideas why it's not working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bit of a necro-post, but I asked both HTC and Verizon associates and they said that it should work...so don't know if some bad information has been passed my way or GSM/LTE is just being funky (I do remember reading that has been, or was, a problem)

[Q] wcdma phone on straight talk cdma network. please help!!

Hello! I have been at this for a week now.
This is my situation, I bought a fully unlocked dual sim wcdma phone (Mpie 909T) running 4.4.2 KitKat.
I want to use this phone on my straight talk plan, but I only get service from Verizon wireless where I live.
I did some searching and found that I could use a R-UIM card to pick up signal from Verizon BUT I can not find where to buy one at (unless I buy bulk for a couple hundo). So I'm at a loss. I didn't realize that I didn't get service from at&t or T-Mobile till I got the phone and went to the straight talk site and it told me to buy a sim card activation kit, (checked on AT&T site to make sure I would have service and it showed that I would)... so I went and bought the kit only to find out that they actually don't have service out here. ? so if there is no way to find a r-uim card, would there be a way to change the radio frequencies in the phone? But I would also need a MEID # to activate on straight talk CDMA (Verizon towers). Or can I get one of those sim read/writer kits on eBay and program it to work?
I have not rooted the phone yet.
PLEASE HELP!!! I love this phone!!
I've been using the phone via WiFi from my old dx2 that's currently active.
Sadly, you cannot access a CDMA2000 network like Verizon's from a device that does not have a CDMA2000 transceiver. CDMA2000 is technologically incompatible with GSM and UMTS (sometimes called WCDMA). There are some dual mode devices, but Verizon explicitly forbids non-Verizon devices on their network. Even if you could somehow get a RUIM for Verizon, and their blessing to use it, your phone would not work unless it specifically has a CDMA transceiver in it. (remember, CDMA and WCDMA are not the same)
You need a device that supports not only the right technologies, but also the right frequencies. Most Dual-SIM phones are based exclusively on GSM and UMTS/WCDMA, and often operate on frequencies that are not comparable with US GSM operators. AT&T operates on GSM850, GSM1900, UMTS850, UMTS1900, and several bands of LTE. T-mobile operates on GSM1900, UMTS1700, UMTS1900, and several bands of LTE as well. However, most networks outside the Americas use GSM900, GSM1800, UMTS2100, and LTE800, 1800, and 2600.
You can use a site called GSMArena to check which bands your device has. If you want to use a CDMA carrier (Verizon, Sprint, and many rural operators in the US), you generally have to buy a phone with their branding or one of their partners.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news
I have similar question. Since I am currently using ST with a Verizon phone ( CDMA) could I buy a new phone to replace current one ? And does it need to be another CDMA phone? And what is LOCKED/UNLOCKED have to do with it ?
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA Free mobile app
This is a very large problem. I am in the same boat. Up here, we have Verizon,and ATT. that's it. My first phone here was ATT. worked great in town. As soon as I got to my house dead.,... I bought a Nexus 6 popped the Verizon SIM in it called straight talk they registered me on Verizon's network and boom Full LTE, and VoLTE. My issue now though is I want to try other devices and it seems that the N6 is literally the only non branded phone I can use. There are some awesome new Chinese devices I would love to try and on paper have the correct signals but still claim no Verizon. I am frustrated and stumped after weeks of research and conflicting reports. Does anyone know what is going on? Thanks in advance

LG Phoenix 2 (K371) Network mode issue

Hello,
I've got a LG Phoenix 2(K371) phone that I bought from Bestbuy and unlocked through AT&T
The phone is supposed to support the UMTS B1(2100 Mhz) frequency (as stated in specs).
I'm in North Africa right now for a business trip and unfortunately I wasn't able to get any 3G data with the local carrier that uses the UMTS 2100 Mhz frequency, I'm stuck with only 2G while my other phone works just fine.
I tried to change my Network Mode from 4G to 3G but the Network mode menu is missing!!!!!!
My questions are:
1- Does the K371 really supports the UMTS 2100 Mhz frequency ?
2- How can I change my Network mode from 4G/Lte to 3g/WCDMA?
Thanks
Did you ever get this sorted out? I am in Germany and can only get 2G also.
Same here in the UK! Only 2G.
My understanding is that either the official specifications of the phone are wrong - it doesn't support the HSDPA frequency of 2100 MHz, or (most likely) this frequency is disabled in the phone software settings since [email protected] doesn't use this frequency in the US. In any case it is very frustrating: I bought this phone convinced it is going to work while I am travelling in Europe, but obviously it doesn't as 2G data connection is useless.
Same problem in SE Asia. Phone doesn't have the right LTE bands but HSPC should work. Only getting 2G. No option in the hidden menu to change the modem RAT settings that I can see. *#546368#*371#
Anyone have any luck using the k371 overseas?
Same here...
I tried every single method I know in hopes that I could root the phone, but no luck!!!
I believe at&t disabled the said frequencies....
Our only bet is a proper root, and a custom rom..
any update on no UMTS 2100Mhz?
any solutoion on this issue?
I have found a solution. I am using it outside the US. I contacted my cellular provider, gave them the phone name (LG K371) and they sent me a text message with automatic settings for their data network. As soon as I opened it, I got a message like "data settings have been updated" and now it works on 3G and 4G without any issues. You may also be able to find these data configuration settings on your cell service provider's web site.
Seriously???
Please let me know is it AIRTEL service? since i am from INDIA.
we have the same problem in 2 mobiles..
Hmmm
I tried of calling and received setting for MMS , GPRS, INERNET but still i m seeing 2G symbol as E - edge detection
Please help me
Hi this is sainath
am also facing same problem, any one got solutions
please give reply.
tromal said:
Hello,
I've got a LG Phoenix 2(K371) phone that I bought from Bestbuy and unlocked through AT&T
The phone is supposed to support the UMTS B1(2100 Mhz) frequency (as stated in specs).
I'm in North Africa right now for a business trip and unfortunately I wasn't able to get any 3G data with the local carrier that uses the UMTS 2100 Mhz frequency, I'm stuck with only 2G while my other phone works just fine.
I tried to change my Network Mode from 4G to 3G but the Network mode menu is missing!!!!!!
My questions are:
1- Does the K371 really supports the UMTS 2100 Mhz frequency ?
2- How can I change my Network mode from 4G/Lte to 3g/WCDMA?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for a late reply, but here's the real scoop about the LG K371 (AT&T)
First, being a "cheap" LG phone, there are very few bands actually included, and they only cover the main (not all) AT&T US frequencies, therefore it's no surprise that doesn't work on all overseas carriers. Again, they are covering only major US bands, and despite what it shows on the box or specs it may not be always true. B1 (2,100Mhz) band has different sub-bands, therefore it doesn't mean that the US B1 will work on an overseas B1, let alone the air-interface (2G/3G/4G/LTE) may not all be supported even if this sub-band exists.
Second, being that it's an AT&T phone, they are knows to load firmware with major restrictions for band selection called RAT Restrictions, which cannot be undone unless you can reflash it with a non-customized firmware, but you can't do that either due to the locked bootloader. A better option is to always go with the un-customized or Tmobile K7/K8 because they always have a lot more bands enabled than the AT&T version. Better yet, go with a Samsung which have more bands even on the AT&T models.
Bottom line, "cheap" phones along with AT&T restrictions will not work everywhere, despite the specs, and there's nothing you can do about it.
And my favorite old adage is "You get what you pay for!" LOL

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