Would the vibrant work in china? - Vibrant Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I'm leaving for hong kong in a month and I plan to call tmobile to get an unlock code for my phone. I was wondering if our phones would worth there if I picked up a sim card? Would out work with their cell frequency?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

I've an unlocked Vibrant and it works just fine here in Jordan, as it did with many countries' sim cards I used when traveling on this phone. So I suppose you wouldn't have a problem.

I'm going to china also. (have a US vibrant)
But what I'm concerned about is :
NOTE: I plan to live in Guangzhou , China.
1) The ability to make phone calls
2) data plans work there? If not, how can I check?
3) So wifi should work (Be universally compatible)?
4) Any other issues? or potential issues?

Jhnboy said:
I'm going to china also. (have a US vibrant)
But what I'm concerned about is :
NOTE: I plan to live in Guangzhou , China.
1) The ability to make phone calls
2) data plans work there? If not, how can I check?
3) So wifi should work (Be universally compatible)?
4) Any other issues? or potential issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol completely irrelevant but at least now I know I'm probably not the only Cantonese speaking person on the vibrant forums lol.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Unlock your phone and check what bands carriers use there. I would guess you will be okay.

pvspencer22 said:
Unlock your phone and check what bands carriers use there. I would guess you will be okay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 this is correct you may need to go in and lock the band to whatever they are using over there. Also, it may be cheaper to buy a Hong Kong sim
(prepaid kind) not sure if they do that there but that is often much cheaper look on the net.....

oka1 said:
+1 this is correct you may need to go in and lock the band to whatever they are using over there. Also, it may be cheaper to buy a Hong Kong sim
(prepaid kind) not sure if they do that there but that is often much cheaper look on the net.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by checking what brands they use?
do you mean to check if china mobile service providers use Samsung galaxy s phones? But couldn't they be just using a different version of the phone with differing hardware specs ( as to mins compatible)?
Because, unless im mistaken, the vibrant is unique to America and the rest of the world uses the i9000 galaxy s ? In other words, even if thet use a Samsung smartphone in china, that doesn't guarantee my vibrant to be fully compatible there though right?
Thanks

Jhnboy said:
What do you mean by checking what brands they use?
do you mean to check if china mobile service providers use Samsung galaxy s phones? But couldn't they be just using a different version of the phone with differing hardware specs ( as to mins compatible)?
Because, unless im mistaken, the vibrant is unique to America and the rest of the world uses the i9000 galaxy s ? In other words, even if thet use a Samsung smartphone in china, that doesn't guarantee my vibrant to be fully compatible there though right?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should work on everything (calls, texts, everything).
The only problem you might have is 3G. Unless the carrier you are using has the AWS bands (1700/2100), you won't get 3G. You also need BOTH bands to get 3G, not just one.
Although, I suppose if they use AT&T like bands, you would get 3G, as long as they have 1900 support.

Longcat14 said:
It should work on everything (calls, texts, everything).
The only problem you might have is 3G. Unless the carrier you are using has the AWS bands (1700/2100), you won't get 3G. You also need BOTH bands to get 3G, not just one.
Although, I suppose if they use AT&T like bands, you would get 3G, as long as they have 1900 support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i think 3g is only compatible in the north where they use 1900 band

I used a G1 in China and Honk Kong last summer with my T-mobile SIM. Cellular calls, text and GPRS data worked. I'm not sure if EDGE would work or not (probably have better luck with a local SIM) since I was trying not to use any cellular data at all. I'm pretty sure 3G would not work. I would imagine you would have a similar experience with the Vibrant since it uses the same frequencies as the G1.

So if i'm understanding everything correctly, there are TWO types of compatibilities for phones (mainly):
- Cell network for CALLING (ex: quad band )
- Data frequencies
So the vibrant is QUAD BAND right? so calls for sure will work.
For data:
Do you guys know what frequencies the providers use for data in china and whether the vibrant supports them? (what data bands the vibrant uses?)
Thanks!

Related

UK phone in US - 3G does not work.

I just purchased a SG SII here in the US and later found out it is a UK phone (the sales rep said it was a US model)
anyway, the phone works great EXCEPT it will not log onto T-Mobiles 3G network. All I get is EDGE which is terrible.
How can I get it to go to 3G?
Spoke with T-Mobile, even got a new sim card. No help
Spoke wth Samsung US - they tried, could not help and then said to contact the UK.
Called Samsung UK and they said it should work, if not, bring it back as it is broken!
anyway, is there some sort of settings that I can change to make it work in the US.
I also need it to work in Brazil as I will be going there and will be using the Brazilian Tim network and installing their sim card.
thank you for your assistance in advance.
The phone is suppose to be:
HSPA+ 21Mbps/ HSUPA 5.76Mbps
EDGE/ GPRS Class 12
Quad band GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Quad band UMTS 850/900/1900/2100
Did you limit the phone to only work with 2G in the settings?
Check Wireless Network settings.
Much more better would be goto Settings->About phone, tell us what Baseband, and Kernel, and ROM version you are using.
Reboot phone.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
pblocal said:
How can I get it to go to 3G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't, it doesnt work on tmobiles aws frequency.
peachpuff said:
You can't, it doesnt work on tmobiles aws frequency.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, that phone will never work on T-Mobile USA 3G network, refund it or switch to AT&T. Makes you wish someone would regulate mobile networks here.
Edit: SGS2 should work fine on TIM Brazil.
you guys are absolutely certain that this phone will not work on T-Mobile?
what about certainty that it will work on Tim? I live in Brazil and defintely need it to work there.
Here, in the US, when I return next year, I can alway switch over to AT+T.
I need to be certain because if I get to brazil and it does not work, I am screwed because then it is almost impossible to get anything done to it.
BTW- they have been saying that t-mobile will have this same phone in a few months. How will that one be able to work? will it be possible to flash that info to this phone when it comes out?
thanks
pblocal said:
you guys are absolutely certain that this phone will not work on T-Mobile?
what about certainty that it will work on Tim? I live in Brazil and defintely need it to work there.
Here, in the US, when I return next year, I can alway switch over to AT+T.
I need to be certain because if I get to brazil and it does not work, I am screwed because then it is almost impossible to get anything done to it.
BTW- they have been saying that t-mobile will have this same phone in a few months. How will that one be able to work? will it be possible to flash that info to this phone when it comes out?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The US T-mobile Variant is completely different from the UK model, won't be the same. Also it's true you can never get 3G with T-Mobile, don't know anything about TIM though.
T-Mobile uses the 1700 AWS band which this phone does not use so yes... You will NEVER get 3g or HSPA+ with T-Mobile U.S.
From Wikipedia's list of UMTS frequencies:
TIM Brasil Brazil 2008 April 850/2100
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UMTS_networks
The phone will work fine for you in Brazil.
kcaz said:
From Wikipedia's list of UMTS frequencies:
TIM Brasil Brazil 2008 April 850/2100
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UMTS_networks
The phone will work fine for you in Brazil.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so when you say fine, the phone, 3g to get to the internet, etc etc will all work?
as it is here, the phone works great and when with wi-fi, the internet is great but EDGE sucks ass.
So, as I already know that I am beating the dead horse. 3G here with T-Mobile is never going to happen but it will work with AT+T, in Brazil, the phone for calls will work fine, 3G will also work fine too.
does anyone know about claro, vivo or oi in brazil? just wondering....
and what about other carriers in the US, will it work with anyone beside AT+T?
thanks again. this has been very useful!
EDGE runs on GPRS. Your phone matches TIM's UMTS frequencies so it will have 3G data on that network.
just pretend your like a tmobile iphone customer E
vabeachfc3s said:
just pretend your like a tmobile iphone customer E
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not get that, some sort of inside joke?
Why would you buy a phone without checking on what radio bands it works , its not like US has only one provider they all have different bands/frequencies.
ghost77 said:
Why would you buy a phone without checking on what radio bands it works , its not like US has only one provider they all have different bands/frequencies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as I said in my first post, I was told it was a US version phone. HENCE, I figured it would work in the US.
I buy unlocked phones as I am in Brazil 9 months a year and Cali 3 months a year so I can not be under contract.
but thanks for the help on this.
LiFE1688 said:
The phone is suppose to be:
HSPA+ 21Mbps/ HSUPA 5.76Mbps
EDGE/ GPRS Class 12
Quad band GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Quad band UMTS 850/900/1900/2100
Did you limit the phone to only work with 2G in the settings?
Check Wireless Network settings.
Much more better would be goto Settings->About phone, tell us what Baseband, and Kernel, and ROM version you are using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so if I have been schooled properly. T-Mobile uses 1700 and 2100, so without the 1700 band, it wont work!
I guess I got to talk with AT+T
will any other carrier in the US support this?????
thanks again to all who have helped....
pblocal said:
as I said in my first post, I was told it was a US version phone. HENCE, I figured it would work in the US.
I buy unlocked phones as I am in Brazil 9 months a year and Cali 3 months a year so I can not be under contract.
but thanks for the help on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And it does work in US ON AT&T. T-Mobile is only a minor carrier.
So it is your fault.
LiFE1688 said:
The phone is suppose to be:
HSPA+ 21Mbps/ HSUPA 5.76Mbps
EDGE/ GPRS Class 12
Quad band GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Quad band UMTS 850/900/1900/2100
Did you limit the phone to only work with 2G in the settings?
Check Wireless Network settings.
Much more better would be goto Settings->About phone, tell us what Baseband, and Kernel, and ROM version you are using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it seems that only T-Mobile and a few Canadian carriers (and cincinati bell) use the 1700 network! I wonder why?
they need to join the rest of the world and get on board with 2100!
kcaz said:
From Wikipedia's list of UMTS frequencies:
TIM Brasil Brazil 2008 April 850/2100
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UMTS_networks
The phone will work fine for you in Brazil.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for this link. it eases my mind about returning to brazil with a 600 phone! I needed to know it would work....

Alternate SGSII modem that'll allow band\manual network selection?

Just like on the Samsung Infuse 4G, ATT's radio on the SGSII restricts the band selection\alternate carrier selection when using different SIMs .... are there any radios yet that can be flashed to disable this limitation yet? Flying to Asia tomorrow so would be nice to have the ability.
As far as I knew it has nothing to do with the Carrier software (at least it doesn't with non-android phones I have. They have a manual selection menu hidden, it's just the SIM locks it down.
naturefreak85 said:
As far as I knew it has nothing to do with the Carrier software (at least it doesn't with non-android phones I have. They have a manual selection menu hidden, it's just the SIM locks it down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if a sim locks it down that's a carrier restriction
If all you want is Sim unlock, get your Sim unlock code. ROM or modem won't make that happen.
There are a few ways to unlock your phone. Do a search.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
foxbat121 said:
If all you want is Sim unlock, get your Sim unlock code. ROM or modem won't make that happen.
There are a few ways to unlock your phone. Do a search.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to be rude but there's more to it than that... I travel internationally weekly and you're correct when it comes to using country specific Sims in thosecountries bit not when it comes to using a "country x" sim in "country z" on an att phone. I went through this with infuse too and flashing Rogers radio solves the issue. Its an att imposed limitation.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
That is because if you are using AT&T Sim, there is a built in preferred carrier list from
AT&T to keep the cost down, to At&t, not necessary to you.
IIRC, if you Sim unlock and use a local Sim, you will have the option to manually select network.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
foxbat121 said:
That is because if you are using AT&T Sim, there is a built in preferred carrier list from
AT&T to keep the cost down, to At&t, not necessary to you.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right and that's why I said yo don't understand because I'm not referring to att Sims. Its a function of the radio and affects any sim hence why I had to flash the Rogers radio
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
foxbat121 said:
That is because if you are using AT&T Sim, there is a built in preferred carrier list from AT&T to keep the cost down, to At&t, not necessary to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Known as a PRL (preferred roaming list) but this does not effect the ability to use a different SIM. The PRL is on the SIM not on the phone. Typically, you have the option on the device to ignore the PRL and do a manual network selection but only if the subsidy lock allows it.
bella92108 said:
Right and that's why I said yo don't understand because I'm not referring to att Sims. Its a function of the radio and affects any sim hence why I had to flash the Rogers radio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to remove the subsidy lock without having to change the modem firmware. As for the band selection, a modem from the international version of SGSII is probably your best bet. But do a search to see what happens when applying different modems for overseas use.
bella92108 said:
Well if a sim locks it down that's a carrier restriction
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But that's not a carrier software and will not be resolved by flashing a different Modem software.
ianwood said:
Known as a PRL (preferred roaming list) but this does not effect the ability to use a different SIM. The PRL is on the SIM not on the phone. Typically, you have the option on the device to ignore the PRL and do a manual network selection but only if the subsidy lock allows it.
You should be able to remove the subsidy lock without having to change the modem firmware. As for the band selection, a modem from the international version of SGSII is probably your best bet. But do a search to see what happens when applying different modems for overseas use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's the issue is I need to be able to select a carrier. The phone is sim unlocked, but it's preferring a different carrier than I need to be using. Any way to free myself from being able to get the international version? Won't the International version not have the appropriate "4G" AT&T frequency\technology?
Thanks!
As a side note, I'm in Bangkok at the moment. I just grabbed a dtac one day sim (cause using local sims work, it's just when using foreign roaming sims i have the att issue selecting a carrier manually), and whatever category of HSPA+ they're using is rockin no a mofo... I'm getting 11mbps down and 2.44mbps upload. Now THAT seems more like "4G" than anything we have back home in the US, hehe.
naturefreak85 said:
But that's not a carrier software and will not be resolved by flashing a different Modem software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, on the Infuse and this phone, it's ATT's radio that prevents manual selection of networks. If you take an infuse, and unlock, then try to manually select a network operator, the menu is grayed out. If you then flash the rogers radio, wa=lahh... the network selection is available.
Yea, this restriction has nothing to do with the SIM. It's the AT&T-customized radio that's in our phones. The AT&T Android also removes the 3g/2g toggle, but that has nothing to do with the radio, and is a simple Android tweak.
I think we're gonna have to wait and see if an I9100 modem will work with our GS2s and if it will support both 850 Mhz and 1900 Mhz WCDMA...
Shammyh said:
Yea, this restriction has nothing to do with the SIM. It's the AT&T-customized radio that's in our phones. The AT&T Android also removes the 3g/2g toggle, but that has nothing to do with the radio, and is a simple Android tweak.
I think we're gonna have to wait and see if an I9100 modem will work with our GS2s and if it will support both 850 Mhz and 1900 Mhz WCDMA...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. I'm finding that it's not a huge deal anyhow w\ Google Voice. More and more while travelling I want to use my phone for internet, and thats never cost effective for using a global roaming sim like Tru anyhow. Here DTAC, the biggest carrier just turned on "4G" (funny enough they call it 4G+ haha), and I'm getting 10mbps+ down and 2.5mbps+ upload. It's crazy-fast compared to my ATT at home. And for 30 Thai Baht per 24 hours it's unlimited data and unlimited local calls. Can't beat that. Here until Friday, so for $5 I have a week of amazingly fast internet.
Question for you. Does the International unlocked version have the ability to use the same HSPA+ frequencies and work fine on ATT? I like that idea if it does, seems a lot more people developing for it. But I'm not sure I can give up having 4 capacitive touch keys having had them for 2 phones now, hehe. A physical button just looks so old-fashioned, hehe.
Thanks!
bella92108 said:
Question for you. Does the International unlocked version have the ability to use the same HSPA+ frequencies and work fine on ATT? I like that idea if it does, seems a lot more people developing for it. But I'm not sure I can give up having 4 capacitive touch keys having had them for 2 phones now, hehe. A physical button just looks so old-fashioned, hehe.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
International version of GS2 has quad-band HSPA+ radio (supports all AT&T bands w/o problems) while AT&T GS2 has only tri-band HSPA+. If you travel a lot internationally and want local 3G/4G data speed, international vesion is a better choice.
foxbat121 said:
International version of GS2 has quad-band HSPA+ radio (supports all AT&T bands w/o problems) while AT&T GS2 has only tri-band HSPA+. If you travel a lot internationally and want local 3G/4G data speed, international vesion is a better choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That seems like it'd solve my issues. Just wish it had the 4 capacitive buttons not the silly big button.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
foxbat121 said:
International version of GS2 has quad-band HSPA+ radio (supports all AT&T bands w/o problems) while AT&T GS2 has only tri-band HSPA+. If you travel a lot internationally and want local 3G/4G data speed, international vesion is a better choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any idea what the best going price on these is? I'll look at the market here in BKK
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
foxbat121 said:
International version of GS2 has quad-band HSPA+ radio (supports all AT&T bands w/o problems) while AT&T GS2 has only tri-band HSPA+. If you travel a lot internationally and want local 3G/4G data speed, international vesion is a better choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That may not be the case.
The Captivate had a published "tri-band UMTS radio w/ 850/1900/2100" support, but in reality the radio supported 850/900/1900/2100. Suspect it's the same case with the SGH-i777. Further, the potentially missing UMTS/WCDMA band (900 MHz) is used in very few places, and almost no where exclusively.
But back on topic:
When I have some more time and feel like mucking around, I might run through a bunch of different i9100 modems and see what happens.
Shammyh said:
That may not be the case.
The Captivate had a published "tri-band UMTS radio w/ 850/1900/2100" support, but in reality the radio supported 850/900/1900/2100. Suspect it's the same case with the SGH-i777. Further, the potentially missing UMTS/WCDMA band (900 MHz) is used in very few places, and almost no where exclusively.
But back on topic:
When I have some more time and feel like mucking around, I might run through a bunch of different i9100 modems and see what happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm. If the phones were physically identical I'd have done the i9100 in a heartbeat. For me the radio issue is annoying .
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
bella92108 said:
Any idea what the best going price on these is? I'll look at the market here in BKK
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In US, i9100 is around $550 to $600 but none of them come with any US warranty, only international warranty which ironically excludes US.
Shammyh said:
That may not be the case.
The Captivate had a published "tri-band UMTS radio w/ 850/1900/2100" support, but in reality the radio supported 850/900/1900/2100. Suspect it's the same case with the SGH-i777. Further, the potentially missing UMTS/WCDMA band (900 MHz) is used in very few places, and almost no where exclusively.
But back on topic:
When I have some more time and feel like mucking around, I might run through a bunch of different i9100 modems and see what happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This same thing is true with the i777. And turning on the 900MHz band is done with the same method. Not sure if it will stick though.

[Q] AT&T Galaxy S II i777 on T-Mobile

Once unlocked,will the i777 be able to access data at 3G and 4G speeds on T-Mobile USA's cellular network?
monoloco1 said:
Once unlocked,will the i777 be able to access data at 3G and 4G speeds on T-Mobile USA's cellular network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to put it plainly,
NO
the i777 does not support the required bands for accessing TMobile's 3g/4g network.
Had the merger gone through, possibly. But as of right now, no.
Tmobile is on 1700MHz and 2100MHZ while AT&T is on 850MHz and 1900MHz.
No, and this is the case for every AT&T device in existence to my knowledge.
In fact, the ONLY device I know of that is not sold by T-Mobile and supports their HSPA bands is the GSM Galaxy Nexus, which is one of the first (if not the first) phones to do pentaband HSPA.
Personnally I tested the Unlock Process with a T-Mobile SimCard...not sure if working properly due to a operation range described by the fellows
Entropy512 said:
No, and this is the case for every AT&T device in existence to my knowledge.
In fact, the ONLY device I know of that is not sold by T-Mobile and supports their HSPA bands is the GSM Galaxy Nexus, which is one of the first (if not the first) phones to do pentaband HSPA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually....
in even more bastardization provided by Samsung, the skyrocket can work on TMobile's 3/4G as long as you flash a TMo modem.bin to it.
jcomana said:
Personnally I tested the Unlock Process with a T-Mobile SimCard...not sure if working properly due to a operation range described by the fellows
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still get 2G on T-Mo because T-Mo uses the standard 850/1900 for 2G. What OP asks is 3G/4G.
Entropy512 said:
No, and this is the case for every AT&T device in existence to my knowledge.
In fact, the ONLY device I know of that is not sold by T-Mobile and supports their HSPA bands is the GSM Galaxy Nexus, which is one of the first (if not the first) phones to do pentaband HSPA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actualy the T-Mobile version of the Samsung Galaxy SII Can work on AT&T`s 3G network. with BETTER Speeds than the AT&T version Data wise
hyelton said:
Actualy the T-Mobile version of the Samsung Galaxy SII Can work on AT&T`s 3G network. with BETTER Speeds than the AT&T version Data wise
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is that an exception to what I'm saying. The T-Mobile version is not a device sold by AT&T, and is, by definition, a device sold by T-Mobile.
It's always been a bit easier to get T-Mo phones to work on AT&T - a number of them support the AT&T bands. But it's never been easy (and with the possible exception of the Skyrocket, never even possible) to go the other way without losing 3G.
Entropy512 said:
How is that an exception to what I'm saying. The T-Mobile version is not a device sold by AT&T, and is, by definition, a device sold by T-Mobile.
It's always been a bit easier to get T-Mo phones to work on AT&T - a number of them support the AT&T bands. But it's never been easy (and with the possible exception of the Skyrocket, never even possible) to go the other way without losing 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exactly. The skyrocket is the ONLY at&t phone i have seen that has this capability, and i have been hacking away on phones for a while, and i have both carriers
Pirateghost said:
to put it plainly,
NO
the i777 does not support the required bands for accessing TMobile's 3g/4g network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be the obvious answer based on the published specs, but I found an unselected listing in the hidden modem/ band settings for WCDMA 1700 MHz (Band IV) on my i777. I don't know if it works, but it's listed. From the phone keypad on the stock version, type in *#2263# and then look under Combinations. The phone lists 7 different GSM/PCS/WCDMA frequencies and only the obvious 5 are selected.
Anyone with an unlocked i777 on Tmo want to try it out?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
Even though there is a setting for wcdma on 1700, it doesn't seem to make a difference. Still stuck on edge.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
desertflyer said:
Even though there is a setting for wcdma on 1700, it doesn't seem to make a difference. Still stuck on edge.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WCDMA is 2G/Edge technology. HSPA is 3G/4G technology.
maybe it will possible if we can flash a T-Mobile midem on out phone with out breaking it
jaysix79 said:
maybe it will possible if we can flash a T-Mobile midem on out phone with out breaking it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlikely. Unless the phone has the hardware support for it.
I found out after extensive research on the Nexus One, that even though the radio chip inside it supports both frequency sets (pentaband, I suppose); the power amplifiers were only connected to certain frequency outputs, depending on the carrier it was advertised for. Which means even if I flashed a T-Mobile radio, the signal wouldn't be strong enough to get outside the case of the phone, let alone to a cell tower.
Your best bet is with European phones, as I believe they use the same frequencies as T-Mobile (since they're owned by a euro company).
Someone should confirm, but I would guess that the I9100 will work on T-Mobile with 3G.
Phoenix84118 said:
Unlikely. Unless the phone has the hardware support for it.
I found out after extensive research on the Nexus One, that even though the radio chip inside it supports both frequency sets (pentaband, I suppose); the power amplifiers were only connected to certain frequency outputs, depending on the carrier it was advertised for. Which means even if I flashed a T-Mobile radio, the signal wouldn't be strong enough to get outside the case of the phone, let alone to a cell tower.
Your best bet is with European phones, as I believe they use the same frequencies as T-Mobile (since they're owned by a euro company).
Someone should confirm, but I would guess that the I9100 will work on T-Mobile with 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
Tmo's AWS band its an odd ball. Only certain Canadian Carriers use the same band.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Red5 said:
WCDMA is 2G/Edge technology. HSPA is 3G/4G technology.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, WCMDA = UMTS = pure vanilla 3G.
2G = GSM/GPRS
"2.5G" = EDGE
3G = vanilla UMTS (WCDMA)
3.5G = HSDPA
3.75G = HSPA+
3.9G (it's not really 4G) = LTE
true 4G = LTE Advanced
Most phones, even if they support advanced modulation schemes (HSPA, HSPA+) will list the band support as "UMTSxxxx or WCDMAxxxx"
I heard (it's actually confirmed, can't find the article), T-Mo has the same 3G bands as AT&T in some remote part of the USA, I think somewhere in Washington state, not sure though? The OP might want to move there
veliksam said:
I heard (it's actually confirmed, can't find the article), T-Mo has the same 3G bands as AT&T in some remote part of the USA, I think somewhere in Washington state, not sure though? The OP might want to move there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That might explain why the Vibrant apparently supported one (but not both) of AT&T's bands.
As I understand it, unlike the N1, the international HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus is full-blown pentaband.
Tmo has roaming agreement with at&t. So it is possible in places there is no tmo tower, your tmo phone could roam to at&t tower without showing the roaming sign.
veliksam said:
I heard (it's actually confirmed, can't find the article), T-Mo has the same 3G bands as AT&T in some remote part of the USA, I think somewhere in Washington state, not sure though? The OP might want to move there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App

[Q] Galaxy S III T999 and Galaxy S III I747

Do these two phones have identical hardware but different firmware, so that flashing for example the CM9 mod would make them identical, or do their hardware differs from each other, considering different band support and lack of LTE on T-Mobile?
Thank you.
For the most part hardware seems yo be same... you may have to switch the modems though. Expect a common Cm9 base and then a zip flash for each service provider.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Hopefully there will be some good collaboration between the ATT/Tmo (and possibly some parts from Sprint/Verizon) devs since the hardware is so similar.
It opens up the possibilities for a lot more ROMs!
Actually my question was more about the possibility to use the devices across the networks using custom mods (e.g. to use the I747 on the T-Mobile network).
Thank you.
mikhailmv said:
Actually my question was more about the possibility to use the devices across the networks using custom mods (e.g. to use the I747 on the T-Mobile network).
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do this without mods but you won't have access to the 3g band on TMo just like TMo won't have access to the LTE 4g ATT Band...flashing a diff modem/radio won't give you the missing bands unless the hardware actually supports them and its just locked out...which currently isnt known.
djkinetic said:
You can do this without mods but you won't have access to the 3g band on TMo just like TMo won't have access to the LTE 4g ATT Band...flashing a diff modem/radio won't give you the missing bands unless the hardware actually supports them and its just locked out...which currently isnt known.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is what my question was about. So the answer is unknown.
Thank you.
mikhailmv said:
That is what my question was about. So the answer is unknown.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a very valid question… the AT&T Galaxy S III is $550 out of contract; the T-Mobile version, $630.
If you're paying out of pocket, $80 less for what amounts to the same device (arguably, the AT&T one is better since it has an LTE radio) is nothing to sneeze at.
I am having the same question as well.
The situation here is the same to what I have as Rogers/Bell/Telus vs Wind/Mobilicity
I'd like the flexibility to use the phone across the network since the new carriers charge way cheaper than the big 3....
I suppose the hardware between the two model are identical. All support the same band 850 900 1700 2100 (AWS/LTE). Only the AWS version has the LTE radio disabled and HSPA 42 enabled???
It should work, the phone is locked to att thou. You will have to have it unlocked. But the skyrocket and the hercules were interchangeable between networks. But the international will not work on lte or Hspa.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Micronads said:
It should work, the phone is locked to att thou. You will have to have it unlocked. But the skyrocket and the hercules were interchangeable between networks. But the international will not work on lte or Hspa.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you are saying that that radio modules of these two phones are identical. Meaning that T989 supports LTE, and I747 supports the 1700 band (they just have to be unlocked).
I'm gettin mine unlocked and using it on straight talk t mobile. I need to get that hspa 42 workin. It's just software. From what I gather, once t mobile rolls out their LTE they may just release a firmware update enabling LTE on the t mobile galaxy sIII's. This phone is a seven band monster world phone. To such an extent that carriers are turning features off.
---------- Post added at 09:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:43 PM ----------
mikhailmv said:
So you are saying that that radio modules of these two phones are identical. Meaning that T989 supports LTE, and I747 supports the 1700 band (they just have to be unlocked).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the radio modules on this phone are integrated in the S4 processor. And the processor is identical. One would have to conclude, that yes, that is the case.
From a strictly electrical background the modem is software running on transistors which can handle being pushed to the frequencies T-mobile requires, so I would think that it would be doable with the right software. When a transistor has the ability to handle the current and frequency the rest would be a matter of software, I assume.
As for LTE I have no knowledge as to the hardware or if there its something missing in non LTEs.
noahattic said:
I am having the same question as well.
The situation here is the same to what I have as Rogers/Bell/Telus vs Wind/Mobilicity
I'd like the flexibility to use the phone across the network since the new carriers charge way cheaper than the big 3....
I suppose the hardware between the two model are identical. All support the same band 850 900 1700 2100 (AWS/LTE). Only the AWS version has the LTE radio disabled and HSPA 42 enabled???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have unlocked (Sim Unlocked) my SGSIII I747 from Bell and it works with Rogers and all... however i do not have a micro sim from Wind or Mobilcity to test it... however i wiill go to a few stores to test it out... if it works... which i assume it should.... but there are so many factors that it might not....
However, if someone like tomin.... i cant rememebr his id can provide an interchangable flashable modem for the two phones i747 could be used on aws 1700 using the radio from t999.
See the chart on Wikipedia
Samsung Galaxy S III Model variants
I've looked at the specs sheet from samsung.com and it's the same thing.
Weve been arguing in the other thread about how t999 has msm8260 instead of a msm8960Sent from my cm_tenderloin using Tapatalk 2
Unlocked as in correect combination of software loaded on the phone to correspond with the carrier, not simply unlocking the phone. More like unleashing its potential.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
It is interesting as its normally a possibility with Galaxy devices. This is a bit different since they have used slightly different models. We won't know until we get flashable radios and someone is brave enough to try to flash it on their device. I know with the Skyrocket I was able to flash a T-Mobile radio and get a 3G signal on wind (same type of network but in canada). The only limit was that you couldn't take a t-mobile version, flash at&t's radio and get LTE.
y2whisper said:
It is interesting as its normally a possibility with Galaxy devices. This is a bit different since they have used slightly different models. We won't know until we get flashable radios and someone is brave enough to try to flash it on their device. I know with the Skyrocket I was able to flash a T-Mobile radio and get a 3G signal on wind (same type of network but in canada). The only limit was that you couldn't take a t-mobile version, flash at&t's radio and get LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would be great if we ca use the same technique to make i747 work with Wind & Mobilcity and make it just like T999
Any Luck>>>
it's good finally there's not that big of a difference in hardware and looks vs the Galaxy s2. too many variants makes it difficult to buy any accessories

[Q] i9300 and Straight Talk

Any US owners of the i9300 (that's the non-US/International) version of the S3 using the Straight Talk service? I've been looking into them as a way to get some 3G data access for two weeks, but their customer service folks just replied saying that my S3 won't work because it's not a US model.
Looking at the specs seems to show that my S3 will support their frequencies, but I'm wondering if there's some kind of clever device block in place.
bluebobx said:
Any US owners of the i9300 (that's the non-US/International) version of the S3 using the Straight Talk service? I've been looking into them as a way to get some 3G data access for two weeks, but their customer service folks just replied saying that my S3 won't work because it's not a US model.
Looking at the specs seems to show that my S3 will support their frequencies, but I'm wondering if there's some kind of clever device block in place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using it, it works fine. You need to choose AT&T-Compatible SIM when you buy a SIM, otherwise most of the time they'll send you a T-Mobile SIM if you choose for them to pick it automatically. Also, this wouldn't affect whether or not you get 3G/HSPA+, but make sure when you fill in the APN, you don't fill in any proxy information except for MMS proxy.
Product F(RED) said:
I'm using it, it works fine. You need to choose AT&T-Compatible SIM when you buy a SIM, otherwise most of the time they'll send you a T-Mobile SIM if you choose for them to pick it automatically. Also, this wouldn't affect whether or not you get 3G/HSPA+, but make sure when you fill in the APN, you don't fill in any proxy information except for MMS proxy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks. :good: I think their CS folks are about as good as the ones for the carriers over here - since their emailed advice contradicts what the website says:
BRING AN AT&T OR T-MOBILE COMPATIBLE GSM PHONE, OR AN UNLOCKED GSM PHONE
Make sure it operates on our compatible frequencies (850 and 1900 MHz)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And according to http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/mobile-devices/smartphones/android/GT-I9300MBDBTU-spec the International (UK spec in my case) S3 supports "850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100".
Again, thanks for taking the time out to reply. Maybe see if I can use a local Walmart's click n' collect service to get the SIM+minutes card when I get over to Orlando.
edge
bluebobx said:
Many thanks. :good: I think their CS folks are about as good as the ones for the carriers over here - since their emailed advice contradicts what the website says:
And according to http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/mobile-devices/smartphones/android/GT-I9300MBDBTU-spec the International (UK spec in my case) S3 supports "850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100".
Again, thanks for taking the time out to reply. Maybe see if I can use a local Walmart's click n' collect service to get the SIM+minutes card when I get over to Orlando.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has anyone done this with an i9300 and gotten anything othere than 2.5g edge?
electrojas said:
Has anyone done this with an i9300 and gotten anything othere than 2.5g edge?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Accidentally thanked you.
Yes, you have to make sure the SIM card isn't for T-Mobile's network. Until recently Straight Talk was only offering this SIM, so your best bet would be to buy an AT&T compatible SIM from their website.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
att sim.
Shakes27 said:
Accidentally thanked you.
Yes, you have to make sure the SIM card isn't for T-Mobile's network. Until recently Straight Talk was only offering this SIM, so your best bet would be to buy an AT&T compatible SIM from their website.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what I did. I put an att compatible gsm sim in a locked Verizon gs3 assigned apn settings but it will at best go on edge. Never 3 or 4g
This is a stock 4.1.2 jb untouched no root nothin. I was under the same assumption that it would work. but Nada. any widom from the masters here?
electrojas said:
Thats what I did. I put an att compatible gsm sim in a locked Verizon gs3 assigned apn settings but it will at best go on edge. Never 3 or 4g
This is a stock 4.1.2 jb untouched no root nothin. I was under the same assumption that it would work. but Nada. any widom from the masters here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
<rant> Verizon and att use different networks, that will never work, especially with a LOCKED phone. Also, this is the forum for the international s3 (i9300), not the verizon s3. </rant>
Pick up the straight talk activation kit, Verizon uses CDMA signal, not GSM.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Shakes27 said:
<rant> Verizon and att use different networks, that will never work, especially with a LOCKED phone. Also, this is the forum for the international s3 (i9300), not the verizon s3. </rant>
Pick up the straight talk activation kit, Verizon uses CDMA signal, not GSM.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon S3 supports GSM though (their LTE devices from the Rezound [2010 or 11] onwards do). Their LTE devices also come factory unlocked out of the box due to a deal that Verizon made with the FCC in order to be able to use the 750 MHz LTE spectrum. Long story short, Verizon LTE devices will get EDGE and HSPA+ (no LTE) on AT&T. It supports the same bands as the i9300.
Product F(RED) said:
The Verizon S3 supports GSM though (their LTE devices from the Rezound [2010 or 11] onwards do). Their LTE devices also come factory unlocked out of the box due to a deal that Verizon made with the FCC in order to be able to use the 750 MHz LTE spectrum. Long story short, Verizon LTE devices will get EDGE and HSPA+ (no LTE) on AT&T. It supports the same bands as the i9300.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had no idea, last Verizon phone I had was the OG Incredible. Thanks for the info good sir.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

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