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Question about unlocked phones and changing networks

Can someone explain why it I've heard that if you take an unlocked AT&T phone like the Fuze to T-Mobile or another provider, that you won't get full 3G data speeds like you do on AT&T? Isn't an unlocked phone "fully" unlocked? What would prevent data from operating at it's fullest?
Thank you! Trying to look online to find a site that will explain this and I'm not getting anywhere.

in usa it depend on what 3g band the provider use vs. what 3g band the phone have
elsewhere it would work 100% as only usa use alternative 3g bands

[Q] (Q) Intresting thing does anyone know that?

This question is from ppl where they have no carrier boundation but all ppl can give their opinion Can i buy a android smartphone from a carrier based company like at&t or t-mobile and bring it to my own country where is no carrier boundation and get the phone rooted/unlocked will it be able to run normally like other phones/unlocked phones? I'm asking this coz i live in a non-carrier bound country,cost of unlocked/sim free phone is 550$ and carrier bound is 150$. Now even the dumbest would had understanded why im asking it Plz answer this coz i dont know it. Thanx in adv.

Yes if you can get it unlocked it will work just like an unbranded phone. You have to be careful with the frequency bands though. T-mobile uses the 1700 band which isn't prevelant overseas. AT&T phones work well all over the world, as they use the same bands as most other GSM networks. Verizon and Sprint use CDMA instead of GSM, so they would be useless for you.

lowandbehold said:
Yes if you can get it unlocked it will work just like an unbranded phone. You have to be careful with the frequency bands though. T-mobile uses the 1700 band which isn't prevelant overseas. AT&T phones work well all over the world, as they use the same bands as most other GSM networks. Verizon and Sprint use CDMA instead of GSM, so they would be useless for you.
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Thanks for ur response btw in my country 900/1800 band is used. Can u tell me specifically other than cdma network which carrier uses this type of bandwidth?

[Q] Verizon Razr Maxx HD LTE in Canada?

Hi Guys,
So I got a new Razr HD from Verizon, and took it to Canada where I live. I travel a lot from the USA to Canada. The phone specs seem to indicate that it has all the bands necessary to support all the GSM and LTE bands as well as CDMA when in the states. I was able to easily get 3G/H+ service from Rogers in Canada by simply changing the Network Mode to GSM/UMTS instead of Global and then adding an APN for Rogers. However, I cannot get LTE service. The LTE choice seems to be bundled with CDMA LTE/CDMA but I don't think that matters, I think its just a radio choice. However, when selecting this, I get an error from the phone saying "No LTE networks could be found" and Do I want to switch to GSM?
This is sad because the phone would be excellent on LTE. Does anyone know how to get a Verizon branded phone to run on Rogers LTE?
If you have any ideas let me know, I will test them.
Thanks,
Blue

BluePlanetMan said:
Hi Guys,
So I got a new Razr HD from Verizon, and took it to Canada where I live. I travel a lot from the USA to Canada. The phone specs seem to indicate that it has all the bands necessary to support all the GSM and LTE bands as well as CDMA when in the states. I was able to easily get 3G/H+ service from Rogers in Canada by simply changing the Network Mode to GSM/UMTS instead of Global and then adding an APN for Rogers. However, I cannot get LTE service. The LTE choice seems to be bundled with CDMA LTE/CDMA but I don't think that matters, I think its just a radio choice. However, when selecting this, I get an error from the phone saying "No LTE networks could be found" and Do I want to switch to GSM?
This is sad because the phone would be excellent on LTE. Does anyone know how to get a Verizon branded phone to run on Rogers LTE?
If you have any ideas let me know, I will test them.
Thanks,
Blue
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Short answer, you can't. Different LTE bands. Rogers is 4 and 17, Verizon is 1, 3, 5, 13, 25. No overlap, and no-one currently makes LTE hardware that supports ALL LTE bands.

EdwardN said:
Short answer, you can't. Different LTE bands. Rogers is 4 and 17, Verizon is 1, 3, 5, 13, 25. No overlap, and no-one currently makes LTE hardware that supports ALL LTE bands.
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Just wanted to add to this... I tested my Samsung Galaxy S3, a generic version that I got from Amazon, works on AT&T in the USA on LTE and in ROGERS in Canada. Too bad the Verizon Droid does not support a similar global LTE band. Or does AT&T and Rogers simply have the same LTE bands???

BluePlanetMan said:
Just wanted to add to this... I tested my Samsung Galaxy S3, a generic version that I got from Amazon, works on AT&T in the USA on LTE and in ROGERS in Canada. Too bad the Verizon Droid does not support a similar global LTE band. Or does AT&T and Rogers simply have the same LTE bands???
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Yes, AT&T and Rogers have maintained the same bands since they were partnered maybe 10 years ago. Fido is owned by Rogers, so it also uses the same, from GSM up to LTE.
Neither AT&T or Verizon use "global" LTE bands, because there aren't any. Almost every country/provider uses different bands. There's some crossover, but with LTE, buy a phone for the market you are in, because you probably couldn't afford the roaming rates abroad anyway.

Hey guys, I think I have a related question.. maybe you guys can help
I live in Toronto and Rogers is my wireless carrier. From my understanding, Rogers operates on band 4 (1700 / 2100 mhz) as well as 2600 Mhz.
I am thinking of gettnig the new DROID MAXX from Verizon. I have tried asking the Verizon / Motorola reps about whether the LTE would work in Canada but wasn't able to get a firm answer.
From the Motorola website, however, as well as from gsmarena.com, it looks like the DROID MAXX will have access to not only LTE 700mhz, but also at 1700 and 2100 mhz.
What are the chances that this phone will work on Rogers LTE?
Really hoping it could work out... let me know if you guys have any ideas..

Verizon S GS3 on Straight Talk

Hi all,
With Verizon releasing officially, the update making its SGS3 Global ready atleast for voice as of now, a lot of discussion is happening right now about the Global capabilities.
FYI. I'm a good reader and explorer on hofo,androidforums and xda. So any guidance is highly appreciated
So here is my question.
I have a Verizon S GS3. It is brand new.
1. Can I use it with Straight Talk T-Mobile SIM ( T-Mobile has good coverage near my house ) after doing the rooting, unlocking, etc. etc all the technical stuff
2. If I unlock the phone, will it be truly global capable, I mean, can I use my S GS3 on any GSM Network in the World, even in the USA, with 3G Speeds? Did anyone use it in any Country with 4G LTE Speeds?
3. I know this is really a very very strange question. But after unlocking the S GS3, will it be working on the AT&T LTE Netowrk in the USA? My thinking is, if it working in the LTE Network in the USA, then it will work in other countries as well, where LTE Network is going to be available in the future. Sorry, I know this is a bit weird.
If You can please refer and threads or links, it is fine with me. I'm also looking and not depending only on the answers that I get from this thread. But looking for replies/guidance/links though.
Thank You.

hope this is the answers you are looking for
qzmpal said:
Hi all,
With Verizon releasing officially, the update making its SGS3 Global ready atleast for voice as of now, a lot of discussion is happening right now about the Global capabilities.
FYI. I'm a good reader and explorer on hofo,androidforums and xda. So any guidance is highly appreciated
So here is my question.
I have a Verizon S GS3. It is brand new.
1. Can I use it with Straight Talk T-Mobile SIM ( T-Mobile has good coverage near my house ) after doing the rooting, unlocking, etc. etc all the technical stuff
2. If I unlock the phone, will it be truly global capable, I mean, can I use my S GS3 on any GSM Network in the World, even in the USA, with 3G Speeds? Did anyone use it in any Country with 4G LTE Speeds?
3. I know this is really a very very strange question. But after unlocking the S GS3, will it be working on the AT&T LTE Netowrk in the USA? My thinking is, if it working in the LTE Network in the USA, then it will work in other countries as well, where LTE Network is going to be available in the future. Sorry, I know this is a bit weird.
If You can please refer and threads or links, it is fine with me. I'm also looking and not depending only on the answers that I get from this thread. But looking for replies/guidance/links though.
Thank You.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for Q1:yes you well be able to use any network... install any mod now most of them are already rooted and unlocked
for Q2:yes you can... all you need to ddo is to download a program called hiapn.. wipe the existing apn settings.. then auto detect and you are good to go 3g and hspa
Q3: yes it works thanks to the magic of hiapn software... but not many countrys use LTE .. usa canada japan and maybe few others

Verizon SGS3 on any GSM Carrier
Hi experts,
I have a small doubt here.
If the Verizon SGS3 can be used with any GSM Carrier around the world, then that means, the Verizon SGS3 can be used with AT&T or T-Mobile as well along with Verizon Network.
But the T-Mobile or AT&T Versions cannot be used on the Verizon's Network. Is that true?
I'm have got a traveling assignment coming up to Europe this Summer and I need to know what is the best possible solution out there before I leave.
Thank You.

Verizon's GS3 uses CDMA technology for the phone calling and data, as far as I know the SIM in the verizon version is only used for LTE.
From what I have read in forum posts, (this one in particular http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2013647) if you pop in a SIM card, calling and texting should work. If you want data to work then you need to change some APNs around. Stock touchwiz does not allow this so you would need an app to do that. AOSP ROMs should have a way for you to edit APNs.
On the topic of getting 4G on any other network besides Verizon, that is fairly unlikely as they all use different technologies/ bands. Verizon has LTE, T-Mobile has HSPA+, not entirely sure what AT&T has but I think its also LTE.

This phone will take any SIM card cut to micro-size.
3G+ speeds depends on the frequency the carrier uses. The VZW GS3 uses the following radio frequencies after the JB update: GPRS/EDGE/GSM (850/900/1800/1900); HSPA/UMTS (2100) [I had to search high and low to find this for my trip to China]
Each LTE carrier uses different radio frequencies, and global countries also use LTE frequencies different than the US ones. 4G is a very varied standard at the moment.
If you want fast internet on a non VZW carrier, it better have HSPA+, otherwise you are on 3G at best.
Right now, the only truely global phone is the iPhone5 on VZW, which supports 5 different LTE frequencies. Sad but true.
The US based SG3's dont even have the FM radio that the international versions have

Edge
Mix3d said:
This phone will take any SIM card cut to micro-size.
3G+ speeds depends on the frequency the carrier uses. The VZW GS3 uses the following radio frequencies after the JB update: GPRS/EDGE/GSM (850/900/1800/1900); HSPA/UMTS (2100) [I had to search high and low to find this for my trip to China]
Each LTE carrier uses different radio frequencies, and global countries also use LTE frequencies different than the US ones. 4G is a very varied standard at the moment.
If you want fast internet on a non VZW carrier, it better have HSPA+, otherwise you are on 3G at best.
Right now, the only truely global phone is the iPhone5 on VZW, which supports 5 different LTE frequencies. Sad but true.
The US based SG3's dont even have the FM radio that the international versions have
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Yeah, my girlfriend has a verizon s3 and with straight talk she is only on edge it never changes. It makes the phone nearly useless. Ive tried to talk her into letting me flash and unlock it but she isnt real interested in it. I dont even know forsure if unlocking the bootloader downgrading to 4.1.1 and using the att sim unlock method would work but I would assume that flashing it would allow you to at least get 3-4g. not?

Question Usa carrier support

I've asked this question before and I can't find anything.
Can anybody confirm the 0/B/E versions to work on TMobile or att or mvnos of them?
If someone wants to be so kindid appreciate it. Really wanting to buy one for root.

if you use AT&T, don't buy any international models because they will block your sim. You may call them to unlock it but the sim will be blocked again after a couple days. The reason is AT&T has a list of supported models and international phones are not on their list.
T-Mobile doesn't have such a horrible thing. So yeah, it works.
Oh, and I am using 908E/DS on T-Mobile network.

bobimbap said:
if you use AT&T, don't buy any international models because they will block your sim. You may call them to unlock it but the sim will be blocked again after a couple days. The reason is AT&T has a list of supported models and international phones are not on their list.
T-Mobile doesn't have such a horrible thing. So yeah, it works.
Oh, and I am using 908E/DS on T-Mobile network.
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So when I purchase my S22 Ultra. I can use it on T-Mobile no issues? I assume it can be unlocked rooted and install custom roms.

doubledragon5 said:
So when I purchase my S22 Ultra. I can use it on T-Mobile no issues? I assume it can be unlocked rooted and install custom roms.
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Click to collapse
That’s what I’ve done and been using till now. Bought the 908E on Amazon, unlocked the bootloader and rooted it. No custom rom for it yet other than tha Magisk rom by dr.ketan. I’ve always been an AT&T customer in so many years. They refused to work with me to make my phone work on their network so I switch to T-mobile.
I’m using the S22 Ultra 908E on T-mobile to write this right now. I don’t see any issue. If there is one, the phone is the issue.

bobimbap said:
That’s what I’ve done and been using till now. Bought the 908E on Amazon, unlocked the bootloader and rooted it. No custom rom for it yet other than tha Magisk rom by dr.ketan. I’ve always been an AT&T customer in so many years. They refused to work with me to make my phone work on their network so I switch to T-mobile.
I’m using the S22 Ultra 908E on T-mobile to write this right now. I don’t see any issue. If there is one, the phone is the issue.
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Carrier aggregation and 5g all working well for you on t-mobile?

The missing of band 71 if using on TMO, is a big loss. I wouldn't bother.

dj24 said:
Carrier aggregation and 5g all working well for you on t-mobile?
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No. I don't expect an international phone to be fully working on a US carrier network such as TMO or ATT due to missing bands. If I have to choose between slower connection and the ability to root, I'd choose the latter one. I chose TMO because it works, white ATT not working at all.
There are wifi networks available almost everywhere I go nowadays. In case there is none, usually when I was driving, 4G/LTE always available and that's good enough.

bobimbap said:
No. I don't expect an international phone to be fully working on a US carrier network such as TMO or ATT due to missing bands. If I have to choose between slower connection and the ability to root, I'd choose the latter one. I chose TMO because it works, white ATT not working at all.
There are wifi networks available almost everywhere I go nowadays. In case there is none, usually when I was driving, 4G/LTE always available and that's good enough.
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So to confirm, no signal at all for att/cricket?
What about h20wireless? Redpocket mobile?
What site to use to check compatibility? I'll take slower speeds

To confirm:
1. AT&T blocks your sim right away. Your phone turns into a small tablet. That's it. Nothing you can do about it. I don't bother with smaller companies. I only go for the big boys.
2. T-Mobile will give you slower speed and freedom of root. This comes from my experience. Very little chance I need to use my plan's data. I can't tell the speed is slower at all. As far as carrier's features, I don't use any of them, but I think you can still have them if you change it to proper CSC.
Google search your model then you will find what bands your model support. Then Google search your choice of carrier to see what bands they have. Google is your friend.

Not just slower speed. Theres some areas that band 71 would be required to even get service at all in rural areas. Like just 5 min from my house if you have T-Mobile and your phone doesnt have band 71 no service.

hyelton said:
Not just slower speed. Theres some areas that band 71 would be required to even get service at all in rural areas. Like just 5 min from my house if you have T-Mobile and your phone doesnt have band 71 no service.
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Will Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra work in USA?
In this page we are going to show you the compatibility of Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra with the mobile networks of USA and with the telephony operators that provide service in USA.
www.kimovil.com
This site is what I used and it looks like the version I want to get will suffice. But what do you think?

this.guy.lol said:
Will Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra work in USA?
In this page we are going to show you the compatibility of Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra with the mobile networks of USA and with the telephony operators that provide service in USA.
www.kimovil.com
This site is what I used and it looks like the version I want to get will suffice. But what do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All depends on area. It's still missing band 71 and N71 5G. I personally couldn't as it would make my phone useless in areas I frequent

hyelton said:
All depends on area. It's still missing band 71 and N71 5G. I personally couldn't as it would make my phone useless in areas I frequent
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But you could get the 4G LTE tho at least right? I have a 5G phone and i only get LTE speeds which is fine but the carrier doesn't offer 5G.

this.guy.lol said:
But you could get the 4G LTE tho at least right? I have a 5G phone and i only get LTE speeds which is fine but the carrier doesn't offer 5G.
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No. Band 71 is an LTE band on TMobile.

hyelton said:
No. Band 71 is an LTE band on TMobile.
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Ohh ok.

hyelton said:
Not just slower speed. Theres some areas that band 71 would be required to even get service at all in rural areas. Like just 5 min from my house if you have T-Mobile and your phone doesnt have band 71 no service.
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In the end, as @hyelton just said, it all depends on your area, your luck and how you would use your phone... There is no definite answer to the op's question until he figures it out himself. It works for me and I am happy with what I got but that may not apply to everyone else... If the op decides to roll the dice for a chance to get a phone that he can have total freedom over it he can go for it. Otherwise, just buy the one on Samsung website ending with U models and have all of his worries put away. Honestly, I didn't think about any of that when I placed my order.

My unlocked 908U1 on t-mobile work perfectly, supported band25 with 130-180mbps speeds on LTE.
ps: 5G is totally disabled as it switching every 5 seconds between 4G\5G networks

malikin said:
My unlocked 908U1 on t-mobile work perfectly, supported band25 with 130-180mbps speeds on LTE.
ps: 5G is totally disabled as it switching every 5 seconds between 4G\5G networks
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My OP was based on the international versions because I absolutely have to have root. I have not owned a phone that I could not have root capabilities in over 10 years.
I don't care so much about 5G I just want to have a phone that functions on a US carrier from overseas. Maybe it got lost in translation but I just want to know what carriers people have and if anybody has the carriers that I mentioned with confirmation or denial of service.
Specifically the carriers on most questioned about are H2O wireless and red pocket. I'm not very Google friendly and so I'm not familiar with the bands I'm used to just buying a phone and it working as intended for my purposes.

^^^ You're overthinking it. Just pull up the bandwidths for the carrier you're looking to utilize and go from there. As mentioned you're better served by going for one of the major carriers and maybe their prepaid services. Remember major carriers prioritize their post paid plans first for their optimum network traffic followed by their own respective prepaid plans and finally the MVNOs. I would stay away from the MVNOs in your scenario if you're importing a handset not configured for the U.S to begin it and degrading it further by using an MVNO.