Database Info

Using an unlocked Inspire in Europe

I will be travelling to Europe in the next few weeks, and have some questions about using my inspire.
I have already unlocked my phone by calling AT&T and getting the code, then inserting another SIM, and entering the code. So I am good to go in that regard.
When I get to Europe, I just buy a SIM card and put it in the phone, which will allow me to make calls. What about overseas calls?
What about data? Do the SIM cards allow you to access data? Will I get 4G, or be restricted to Edge?
Honestly, I am more interested in Data than voice, as I am more likely to send/receive e-mails that call.
Would I be better off signing up temporarility with one of the AT&T international plans?
Thanks!

f308gt4 said:
I will be travelling to Europe in the next few weeks, and have some questions about using my inspire.
I have already unlocked my phone by calling AT&T and getting the code, then inserting another SIM, and entering the code. So I am good to go in that regard.
When I get to Europe, I just buy a SIM card and put it in the phone, which will allow me to make calls. What about overseas calls?
What about data? Do the SIM cards allow you to access data? Will I get 4G, or be restricted to Edge?
Honestly, I am more interested in Data than voice, as I am more likely to send/receive e-mails that call.
Would I be better off signing up temporarility with one of the AT&T international plans?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Research the area you are going and find which the carriers are and see who's related to who. If you find a carrier thats somewhat related to att you may get 3g or 4g, but T-Mobile you'll get edge. Also call or get in contact with carrier and see what they have, dunno how it works overseas cuz i never really been overseas with my phone. Hope it helps and if anyone see anything I mentioned that's wrong you're welcome to A) correct me and B) call me mean evil names =D
Sent from my MIUI HTC Desire HD

bluizzo said:
Research the area you are going and find which the carriers are and see who's related to who. If you find a carrier thats somewhat related to att you may get 3g or 4g, but T-Mobile you'll get edge. Also call or get in contact with carrier and see what they have, dunno how it works overseas cuz i never really been overseas with my phone. Hope it helps and if anyone see anything I mentioned that's wrong you're welcome to A) correct me and B) call me mean evil names =D
Sent from my MIUI HTC Desire HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bluizzo you ninja turtle you. Lol just a slight correction. Europe uses different bands than us. So no 3g, just good old edge. Though I think I saw someone post that their country used our bands somewhere. But generally they use the 900/2100 for 3g.
I would get a prepaid sim from a euoropean carrier. They have way better deals that put our prices to shame.

marsdta said:
Bluizzo you ninja turtle you. Lol just a slight correction. Europe uses different bands than us. So no 3g, just good old edge. Though I think I saw someone post that their country used our bands somewhere. But generally they use the 900/2100 for 3g.
I would get a prepaid sim from a euoropean carrier. They have way better deals that put our prices to shame.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol hey I was close shweet jebus
Sent from my MIUI HTC Desire HD

marsdta said:
Bluizzo you ninja turtle you. Lol just a slight correction. Europe uses different bands than us. So no 3g, just good old edge. Though I think I saw someone post that their country used our bands somewhere. But generally they use the 900/2100 for 3g.
I would get a prepaid sim from a euoropean carrier. They have way better deals that put our prices to shame.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah there are some countries that use the same bands
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App

The main countries that uses the same ATT band are Canada and Australia for 3G. The rest use the same bands Tmobile uses.

Thanks for the info. Looks like I will be picking up a SIM when I get there.

Hopefully my reply is not too late.....
I have been travelling to London for work for the last several months and have used O2 as the carrier on my Inspire. I was able to get a pay as you go SIM with a data plan. You will need to manually enter the APN information get the data and MMS working properly. I found the APN info by doing a web search.
And yes the service was Edge and not 3G.

cyclingmike said:
Hopefully my reply is not too late.....
I have been travelling to London for work for the last several months and have used O2 as the carrier on my Inspire. I was able to get a pay as you go SIM with a data plan. You will need to manually enter the APN information get the data and MMS working properly. I found the APN info by doing a web search.
And yes the service was Edge and not 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANKS!!! I am in Ireland, and picked up a vodafone SIM card. Could get voice, but not data. Did a web search for APN, and found the APN on the vodafone site. Now I've got working internet. It is EDGE (I've got a G with up/down arrows), but is fine for what I need.

f308gt4 said:
THANKS!!! I am in Ireland, and picked up a vodafone SIM card. Could get voice, but not data. Did a web search for APN, and found the APN on the vodafone site. Now I've got working internet. It is EDGE (I've got a G with up/down arrows), but is fine for what I need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDGE should be an "E". "G" is GPRS which is like 1G or worse, but hey, if it works for you, then great, but you should be able to get EDGE with the proper APN.

Gene Poole said:
EDGE should be an "E". "G" is GPRS which is like 1G or worse, but hey, if it works for you, then great, but you should be able to get EDGE with the proper APN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't seem to get EDGE, just the G. Which is OK, since all I am doing is checking e-mails.
However, my battery life has improved dramatically. I don't even need the powerskin case here. Battery lasts all day, no problem.
It's incredible how much battery is used by a fast network.

f308gt4 said:
Can't seem to get EDGE, just the G. Which is OK, since all I am doing is checking e-mails.
However, my battery life has improved dramatically. I don't even need the powerskin case here. Battery lasts all day, no problem.
It's incredible how much battery is used by a fast network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed. Especially if it needs to boost the radio for reception. I was camping a few months back on the fringe of coverage area. The first day, I left mobile networks on and it kept going in and out of coverage and my battery was dead within about 14 hours. The next day, with a fresh charge from my car, I turned off mobile networks and I still had 80% battery by the end of the day.

Any US Tmobile users in the Bahamas?

Are there any US Tmobile users out there that have gone/moved to the Bahamas and used their devices on BTC's network? Will our phones work at all, like if we input the proper APNs? I'm using an HTC Glacier...irrespective of whether we are on roaming or not...just want to know if they work at all, and if anyone can share their experience about this

tnpapadakos said:
Are there any US Tmobile users out there that have gone/moved to the Bahamas and used their devices on BTC's network? Will our phones work at all, like if we input the proper APNs? I'm using an HTC Glacier...irrespective of whether we are on roaming or not...just want to know if they work at all, and if anyone can share their experience about this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We do have US users down here, the coverage is based on the island though. Currently BTC has its 4G network on New Providence (Nassau), and some parts of Freeport, Grand Bahama and are still working to properly cover the entire island. We're hoping it's on every island by the middle to late part of this year.
As for your phone, it won't get data other than EDGE, but the voice should be just fine. Also, I really would suggest going for a SIM card from BTC. It's $15, and you have the choice of prepaid or postpaid, this also affects which APN you put into your phone. Trust me when I say roaming charges come hard.
Data's 4G frequency is 900 MHz for HSPA+.

Tutsumi said:
We do have US users down here, the coverage is based on the island though. Currently BTC has its 4G network on New Providence (Nassau), and some parts of Freeport, Grand Bahama and are still working to properly cover the entire island. We're hoping it's on every island by the middle to late part of this year.
As for your phone, it won't get data other than EDGE, but the voice should be just fine. Also, I really would suggest going for a SIM card from BTC. It's $15, and you have the choice of prepaid or postpaid, this also affects which APN you put into your phone. Trust me when I say roaming charges come hard.
Data's 4G frequency is 900 MHz for HSPA+.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
or use google voice and wifi calling...that should avoid the roaming charges, right?

It should, but you'd also have to make sure roaming data is off and quite honestly I'd suggest you turn off your mobile network.

I'd have to agree, I also live here in The Bahamas and the roaming data alone might cost more than your vacation. Get a SIM while here, pay $24.99 get up to 7Mbs (lcapped of course, to about 10Gb I believe) and have a good time lol use googe voice etc and be happy!

krazie1999 said:
I'd have to agree, I also live here in The Bahamas and the roaming data alone might cost more than your vacation. Get a SIM while here, pay $24.99 get up to 7Mbs (lcapped of course, to about 10Gb I believe) and have a good time lol use googe voice etc and be happy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you show me how to get this, please? can i buy it while still in US?
thanks

Btc bahamas simcard
norman505 said:
Can you show me how to get this, please? can i buy it while still in US?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go here to get what your looking for ( mrsimcard.com/s-batelco.html )

Straight talk

Hey guys I have a question about straight talk service.my question is what is the best option between simple mobile vs straight talk.the thing is where I live T-Mobile service is only edge service so I called straight talk customer service and they told me that they run on T-Mobile and at&t so can I use at&t service on my Samsung galaxy s 4g.(at&t is the best service here now does any one here have straight talk on there phone here that can give me some advice..side note my phone is unlocked
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk 2

I currently am not on either one of those services. However if I understand correctly about the two services I believes Simple Mobile is the better service when it comes to data usage, however though according to research the two are very similar when it comes to coverage(they both use basically the same towers) the main differences would be data caps. Look into the data caps of both plans, but if what you are saying is true about T-Mobile having only Edge then that shouldn't really matter, go with the one that has the better speed, because if you only get Edge you'll never even get close to the data cap anyways.
I've even read things that say Straight Talk now owns Simple Mobile. How true that is I don't really know, do some research for yourself and make the best decision from your budget and your area, even if I had one of those plans my experience would most likely be very different than any experiences you will have because of the areas we live in. Try talking to people in your area that have one of the two, they would know a lot more about the service, speed, and coverage than anyone that doesn't live near you.
That's just my advice...

Check you: T-mobile Unlimited Nationwide 4G

just one thing you need to know. when if you go to att, the thing is you might not even get 3/4g but only edge because of the difference on frequency/broadband att and tmobile uses. i don't know about straight talk because never use it nor research what frequency/broadband it uses

The biggest issue is Straight Talk has a invisible DAILY data cap. And they dont just shut off the data they turn off the service completely. Ive been told to order the T-Mo sim from them not the att so you dont hit the daily cap.

eollie said:
The biggest issue is Straight Talk has a invisible DAILY data cap. And they dont just shut off the data they turn off the service completely. Ive been told to order the T-Mo sim from them not the att so you dont hit the daily cap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the problem for me is that the T-Mobile service sucks here I only get edge and at&t service is the best here..
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk 2

tlopez1973 said:
the problem for me is that the T-Mobile service sucks here I only get edge and at&t service is the best here..
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would use a data monitor for a couple weeks get a idea of how much data you use per day. Then decide if it is worth having to ***** at ST to get your account turned back on if you go over.

n1vlek said:
just one thing you need to know. when if you go to att, the thing is you might not even get 3/4g but only edge because of the difference on frequency/broadband att and tmobile uses. i don't know about straight talk because never use it nor research what frequency/broadband it uses
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SGS4G has a 1900 MHz UMTS modem, so you should be able to get at least 3G from the AT&T network (unless you live in one of their 850 MHz areas).

sutexibunsu said:
The SGS4G has a 1900 MHz UMTS modem, so you should be able to get at least 3G from the AT&T network (unless you live in one of their 850 MHz areas).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to tell you this can be your reference.
http://m.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s_4g-3719.php
Clearly state that our device only get 3/4g from 1700/2100MHz and others are Edge/2g

I just switched from T-mobile to Straight talk due to the same reason as stated in the OP. The T-mobile coverage was bad in my office building and AT&T penetration in buildings is always claimed to be better. I unlocked my Galaxy S 4g using the helpful posts from here and ordered the Straight talk AT&T card. I can confirm that I do see 3G showing on my phone and the speed was great when it was 3G. But, its not always 3G, I do get in the Edge areas too often too. I am very happy because my voice coverage has improved leaps and bounds after switching.
I have read about the scary part where Straight talk cancels service if we go over some hidden limits. So to be safe, I ported my number over to Google voice and use that to make a call. This way, I can switch between phone providers easily without any porting issues. But, not sure if Google voice will remain free after the end of the year.

pmattie said:
I just switched from T-mobile to Straight talk due to the same reason as stated in the OP. The T-mobile coverage was bad in my office building and AT&T penetration in buildings is always claimed to be better. I unlocked my Galaxy S 4g using the helpful posts from here and ordered the Straight talk AT&T card. I can confirm that I do see 3G showing on my phone and the speed was great when it was 3G. But, its not always 3G, I do get in the Edge areas too often too. I am very happy because my voice coverage has improved leaps and bounds after switching.
I have read about the scary part where Straight talk cancels service if we go over some hidden limits. So to be safe, I ported my number over to Google voice and use that to make a call. This way, I can switch between phone providers easily without any porting issues. But, not sure if Google voice will remain free after the end of the year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you guys all here for your responds I will try straight talk next month when my service is about to end with simple mobile.I don't have nothing to lose but the 12 dollar for:thumb ST sim card and 5 dollars extra ST service vs my 40 dollar simple mobile service :thumbup:
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk 2

n1vlek said:
Sorry to tell you this can be your reference.
http://m.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s_4g-3719.php
Clearly state that our device only get 3/4g from 1700/2100MHz and others are Edge/2g
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung doesn't advertise the 1900 MHz UMTS band for the phone, but it's there. I often swap out the SIM on my phone with my work iPhone, and the 3G works just fine.
View attachment 1327145View attachment 1327146

Galaxy s3 Verizon - SIM unlock

This Friday I will travel to Portugal and I would like to use the carriers from there.
I already went to the Verizon store and they told me that they couldn't unlock and for 100mb would be 30$.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

euphoriapt said:
This Friday I will travel to Portugal and I would like to use the carriers from there.
I already went to the Verizon store and they told me that they couldn't unlock and for 100mb would be 30$.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They lied to you. The phone is already unlocked ( I went to guam and used a DoCoMo Sim while i was there on CM10.1)
You can use the 100mb data plan if your going somewhere for a short amount of time. ( I used that plan while i had my layovers in Japan)

jnc8651 said:
They lied to you. The phone is already unlocked ( I went to guam and used a DoCoMo Sim while i was there on CM10.1)
You can use the 100mb data plan if your going somewhere for a short amount of time. ( I used that plan while i had my layovers in Japan)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have CM stable 10.1.2 that means if i buy a vodafone sim card i can use it with no problem ??
My wife have the factory rom ( never rooted) is her phone unlocked to ??

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

I traveled to Thailand earlier this year and used a local sim for voice and data.
You'll likely need to be on a touch wiz ROM. I highly recommend you install one before you leave. You can't go wrong with cleanrom. Beans is also good if you like also roms. I used beans 14 at the time.
You'll need to add the pay as you go global voice and data feature to your plan. You can do that online or over the phone. You'll also need an app to swap apn's to use data on your third party carrier's sim card. I use apn manager pro.
Once you have the new sim, turn off you phone and swap out your Verizon sim. Pop the new one in and power on. You should be connected for voice at least. Now use your apn app to input the new carrier's info. Most of the time you can search for it online, but it's best to get it when you buy your sim.
When you return just replace the sim and return to verizon apn settings. And for the love of all that is holy, don't use your Verizon service overseas. It's expensive.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

jnc8651 said:
They lied to you. The phone is already unlocked ( I went to guam and used a DoCoMo Sim while i was there on CM10.1)
You can use the 100mb data plan if your going somewhere for a short amount of time. ( I used that plan while i had my layovers in Japan)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm not sure if they lied - my understanding was that you can easily swap a local SIM in to get access to voice and text, but that data does not work (at least out of the box). there's another post that talks about swapping APNs, which is what you would need to do. i thought that the latest OTA allowed that flexibility though...? i'm rooted and use Beans B14 though, so i don't keep up with OTAs.
for what it's worth, i went to europe recently and used 97 MB over a two week period. i saved all google maps offline before heading there, checked emails and used internet only on wifi, and only used mobile data occasionally when i was out and about in order to look up restaurant reviews and whatnot.
they pro-rated the $25 over half the month so my bill was only $14 more than it would have been normally. for me, at $14 it was worth it so i didn't have to screw around with buying a local SIM and worrying about things not working.

[QUOTE=frescagod;44178283]i'm not sure if they lied - my understanding was that you can easily swap a local SIM in to get access to voice and text, but that data does not work (at least out of the box). there's another post that talks about swapping APNs, which is what you would need to do. i thought that the latest OTA allowed that flexibility though...? i'm rooted and use Beans B14 though, so i don't keep up with OTAs.
for what it's worth, i went to europe recently and used 97 MB over a two week period. i saved all google maps offline before heading there, checked emails and used internet only on wifi, and only used mobile data occasionally when i was out and about in order to look up restaurant reviews and whatnot.
they pro-rated the $25 over half the month so my bill was only $14 more than it would have been normally. for me, at $14 it was worth it so i didn't have to screw around with buying a local SIM and worrying about things not working.[/QUOTE]
I will be going to France and England in September. I have a stock S3 with very little tech knowledge. Could someone explain in simple term how to go about obtaining and loading Sims. I don't even know what you all mean by APN
EB

I will be going to France and England in September. I have a stock S3 with very little tech knowledge. Could someone explain in simple term how to go about obtaining and loading Sims. I don't even know what you all mean by APN
EB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The sim is a small card inserted in the back of your phone next to where you'd put the SD card. It lets you connect to the cellular provider. You have a Verizon sim card in your phone. There are several sizes. The GS3 uses a micro-sim card. If you turn your phone off now and take the back panel off, you'll see it. I can't remember, but it may be under the battery.
If your phone isn't rooted, which it doesn't appear to be, then you won't be able to get data service, but you can still get phone service with an overseas carrier. You can see my earlier post for steps, but all you need to do is have Verizon add the Global Roaming feature to your plan. When you get to Europe, you can buy a micro-sim from one of the local carriers and put some money on a pre-pay plan. Turn off your phone and swap out the verizon sim for the local sim. Turn your phone back on and you'll have voice service.
The APN info needs to be changed to connect to data services after the sim card is changed out, but you need to have a rooted phone for this. You can change that with an app. I use APN Manager Pro. There are several fields you have to enter, but you can get it from the carrier. It's a little like telling your computer what IP server to connect to to get internet access.
Another option entirely is to get a Google voice number and use a service like GrooveIP or Talkatone. You won't have cell service, but you can make and recieve calls using your Google voice number when connected to wifi. This will let you call back to the U.S. for very cheap rates.
The easiest thing would be just call on Verizon using their global roaming feature, but it can get pricey. Ask Verizon for roaming rates in the countries you'll be going to.
[edited for clarity]

just came back from Europe and I was able to buy two prepaid data cards(Wife and I) in Germany(Orange) and Italy(TIM) and was able to get HPSA+ data without any issues, all I had to do is add the APN setting into my phone and I was good to go. I was on CM10.1 and wife on stock rom and didnt have any issue getting them to work. Good Luck

in search of experts advice
Hey !
So i purchased a Verizon galaxy s3 a few months back on Craigslist. I'm currently living in Mexico so I'm using Telcel Mexico as my carrier.
I rooted it and added the apn for telcel using hiapn and currently internet and data is working but all i'm getting is Edge or 2G speed.
I've looked around and read various different posts, it seems that verizon blocks the the speed.
This is deffinitely a hindrance for me since web browsing is really slow and downloads are even worse. If i flash a different Rom with this be taken care of ? Does anyone know of any other way of dealing with this ?
Please help! I've looked everywhere in vain

I do not think flashing any type of Rom will increase your data speed since it depends on the radio frequenices allowed for your device.

continued - thanks for answering so fast
vgs929 said:
I do not think flashing any type of Rom will increase your data speed since it depends on the radio frequenices allowed for your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So there is nothing to be done then ?

I can not say for your specific carrier.
But it seems that your apn settings are correct because you are getting edge/2g speeds.
The problem is what frequency Telcel uses for 4g/LTE and the frequency Verizon allows for that device.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G

vgs929 said:
I can not say for your specific carrier.
But it seems that your apn settings are correct because you are getting edge/2g speeds.
The problem is what frequency Telcel uses for 4g/LTE and the frequency Verizon allows for that device.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry, I'm still trying to make sense of all of this. so you're saying it's hardware related, in other words the phone doesn't have the right frequencies to pick up the 4g ? or that verizon has blocked it somehow and that's why it's not working?
if that's the case do you think something can be done to unlock it?
thanks again

timaloud said:
Hey !
So i purchased a Verizon galaxy s3 a few months back on Craigslist. I'm currently living in Mexico so I'm using Telcel Mexico as my carrier.
I rooted it and added the apn for telcel using hiapn and currently internet and data is working but all i'm getting is Edge or 2G speed.
I've looked around and read various different posts, it seems that verizon blocks the the speed.
This is deffinitely a hindrance for me since web browsing is really slow and downloads are even worse. If i flash a different Rom with this be taken care of ? Does anyone know of any other way of dealing with this ?
Please help! I've looked everywhere in vain
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hadn't heard of Verizon throttling international carriers. The first thing I'd check would be coverage area or maybe the service you purchased doesn't include 3G. I've been able to get 3G service internationally.
The Verizon S3 uses [EDIT]:
2G Network CDMA 800 / 1900 - SCH-I535
3G Network CDMA2000 1xEV-DO - SCH-I535
4G Network LTE 700 MHz Class 13 - SCH-I535
If telcel doesn't use CDMA, that could be your problem.

sorry for delay
Wrngway said:
I hadn't heard of Verizon throttling international carriers. The first thing I'd check would be coverage area or maybe the service you purchased doesn't include 3G. I've been able to get 3G service internationally.
The Verizon S3 uses [EDIT]:
2G Network CDMA 800 / 1900 - SCH-I535
3G Network CDMA2000 1xEV-DO - SCH-I535
4G Network LTE 700 MHz Class 13 - SCH-I535
If telcel doesn't use CDMA, that could be your problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After investigating it, it seems that TELCEL uses the TDMA 850 / GSM 1900 / UMTS 850 frequency bands for its network. So this would mean that since they use a different frequency for 3g and 4g than my phone there's nothing to be done right ?
Cheers.

timaloud said:
After investigating it, it seems that TELCEL uses the TDMA 850 / GSM 1900 / UMTS 850 frequency bands for its network. So this would mean that since they use a different frequency for 3g and 4g than my phone there's nothing to be done right ?
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, that would be the problem. Here's some info on the differences between the networks.
http://mashable.com/2011/01/11/cdma-umts-att-verizon-networks/
http://www.tutorialspoint.com/gsm/tdma_and_cdma.htm
Verizon offers global roaming there with 3g service in Mexico. They must partner with another network. Here's a list of available service by country:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/content/dam/vzw/pdfs/Available_Global_Servies.pdf

timaloud said:
Hey !
So i purchased a Verizon galaxy s3 a few months back on Craigslist. I'm currently living in Mexico so I'm using Telcel Mexico as my carrier.
I rooted it and added the apn for telcel using hiapn and currently internet and data is working but all i'm getting is Edge or 2G speed.
I've looked around and read various different posts, it seems that verizon blocks the the speed.
This is deffinitely a hindrance for me since web browsing is really slow and downloads are even worse. If i flash a different Rom with this be taken care of ? Does anyone know of any other way of dealing with this ?
Please help! I've looked everywhere in vain
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here are the specs for the Verizon Galaxy S3:
LTE, CDMA/PCS/1xEVDO Rev. A (800/1900 MHz)
Global: GPRS/EDGE/GSM (850/900/1800/1900); HSPA/UMTS (2100)
I don't know the answer to your question but I use a "Movistar" wireless carrier SIM in Mexico on my Verizon S3 and I get ~150kbps data speed. Its not very fast but at least it's something...

So let me get this straight...
So once I root my phone I can use it for Sprint? Also, does my phone have gsm capability?

No. You can't just use it for sprint. But it is a global capable device and supports international gsm.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

Can the LTE band unlocker utility unlock band 12 again?

I've seen this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/cro...ad-progress-please-leave-im-updating-t2871269
And since we're all pretty sure due to FCC filings that the Moto hardware supports band 12, could anyone tell me itd be possible to open this great budget phone up to t mobiles expanding 700mhz coverage?

Even if you unlock the band, without VoLTE support you wouldn't be able to make calls or send/receive sms messages. This is why Motorola disabled it.

Is that really so important though? Data coverage is all I really need. If there's 2g or 3g fallback texts will still come in, and I think I've gotten texts on lte only mode on my galaxy s4 even on roms that don't support VoLTE or WiFi calling, so texts might still work. Calling can easily be done over Google hangouts as a data call anyway. The coverage is most important to power users, not making it compatible with calls
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app

I'll be driving to Seattle from Chicago next week and I could use all of the additional coverage I can get. I really don't care if I can't get traditional voice / text, hangouts etc are perfectly fine stop gaps. I'm going to buy a Moto G from Best Buy and try this but with no band 12 near me I can't know if it actually is working. If anyone who has coverage in their area wants to give it a shot, I think everyone would love to know if its possible.

ben7337 said:
Is that really so important though? Data coverage is all I really need. If there's 2g or 3g fallback texts will still come in, and I think I've gotten texts on lte only mode on my galaxy s4 even on roms that don't support VoLTE or WiFi calling, so texts might still work. Calling can easily be done over Google hangouts as a data call anyway. The coverage is most important to power users, not making it compatible with calls
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If the radio supports band 12, then you can definitely unlock it. Give it a try.

ryude said:
If the radio supports band 12, then you can definitely unlock it. Give it a try.
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I returned my phone, and that guide seems to be very device specific. Since no one has done it for the Moto G 3rd gen yet, I could easily brick my phone with the only fix as "flash the stock FTF file" which seems to be some special file for sony devices? I'd rather not get in over my head and ruin a brand new device.

Unlock instruction
I found this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=55475431&postcount=1
But it's for 1st gen

Just so you know.. most of the twin cities area you'd be driving through has band 12 with t-mobile (multiple sources on Google as well as personal experience working at MSP). Band 12 probably wont be deployed anytime soon in rural areas because T-mobile is only using it in urban areas to penetrate buildings with lower frequencies with less line-of-sight areas. What you'd be wanting to look for is T-Mobile refarming their old 2G (EDGE) towers to LTE. Regardless, even with 2G coverage you can still get calls/text/Google Maps to work.
I travel all of North America for work and I'm in a different state every week. I carry a T-Mobile phone as my primary and a Cricket phone (through AT&T) as a backup. I know most people don't have that luxury of carrying two carriers with them, so I keep up to date on this stuff as best I can. People have been getting really mis-informed with this whole T-Mobile Band 12 thing lately.
Another trivial fact.. Minneapolis metro area is one of the best covered metro locations in North America for T-Mobile. Because they bought out VoiceStream, that was one of their top markets. I remember having them when I lived up there years ago!
Anyway, have a safe trip! I'm jealous you're heading to Seattle. Used to live out there as well and I woul do anything to move back! I just got married out there last December.

Hi everybody
Someone check the link shared by lockheed_man in a Moto G (3rd generation)?
Thanks in advance

Anyone with an unlocked band 12?

ben7337 said:
Is that really so important though? Data coverage is all I really need. If there's 2g or 3g fallback texts will still come in, and I think I've gotten texts on lte only mode on my galaxy s4 even on roms that don't support VoLTE or WiFi calling, so texts might still work. Calling can easily be done over Google hangouts as a data call anyway. The coverage is most important to power users, not making it compatible with calls
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Regular sms needs a voice signal. If you got a text with only data it was an mms.