Fascinate from cdma to sim - Fascinate Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

seen this video where they take a Samsung Droid phone apart and there is what seems to be a sim card chip socket you can take off.. just wondering if there is a way to add this to a Verizon Fascinate phone to make it a SIM card phone, as I can see when checking out the hidden menus there is a selection for other type of networks.
Just a thought maybe it can be done maybe it can't.. Figured I would leave it to smarter people than me o find out.
Seems I can not post the link on here due to me being new to this form.. Email me and I'll send link.
thanks

What, the Charge? That's LTE -- which requires a SIM card -- as well as CDMA. The Fascinate only has a CDMA radio, no LTE or GSM/HSPA.

No, The Vibrant phone.. and the Fascinate..

you cant magically make a cdma phone into a gsm or world phone with quick hardware changes
if you want a world phone..vzw sells some

afraid the level of engineering required to get this phone to working on gsm would be staggering. While nothing is impossible, this would require using almost nothing of the original phone.
However if you want a SGS on gsm, they do make those that are pretty close to this i think.

MattRussNC said:
afraid the level of engineering required to get this phone to working on gsm would be staggering. While nothing is impossible, this would require using almost nothing of the original phone.
However if you want a SGS on gsm, they do make those that are pretty close to this i think.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup 90%+ of all sgs phones sold are gsm

Related

[Q] Changing CDMA

I recently messed up my HTC Incredible and thinking about getting this phone off ebay/craigslist. My question is, is it easy to change the CDMA from phone to phone? I wasn't able to really see any instructions online specifically for these phones. Also, am I obligated to get a 4G enabled on the phone from Verizon?
Thanks
nocode99 said:
I recently messed up my HTC Incredible and thinking about getting this phone off ebay/craigslist. My question is, is it easy to change the CDMA from phone to phone? I wasn't able to really see any instructions online specifically for these phones. Also, am I obligated to get a 4G enabled on the phone from Verizon?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and yes.
Thanks - are there any tutorials on changing CDMAs? I'm having a hard time finding anything through Google.
What exactly do you mean by "changing CDMA's?" Do you mean switching the phones out on your line?
Yeah - I want to switch my line from the old incredible into a new phone. Should I just go to Verizon and have them program the new phone?
nocode99 said:
Thanks - are there any tutorials on changing CDMAs? I'm having a hard time finding anything through Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CDMA != GSM
I believe you might be confusing swapping out a SIM card for transferring your number to another phone. You can get the phone off of eBay or CL, go to your local VZW store, and just have them transfer your number to your new phone. I believe the TB should come with the 4G LTE SIM card (has nothing to do with a GSM SIM card). If not I'm sure when you go to VZW to activate the phone that they will give you one there.
g00s3y said:
CDMA != GSM
I believe you might be confusing swapping out a SIM card for transferring your number to another phone. You can get the phone off of eBay or CL, go to your local VZW store, and just have them transfer your number to your new phone. I believe the TB should come with the 4G LTE SIM card (has nothing to do with a GSM SIM card). If not I'm sure when you go to VZW to activate the phone that they will give you one there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd recommend going to Verizon because you need to get a SIM card to activate the device anyway. Head over there and tell them that you're switching your DInc out for the Thunderbolt and that you need a SIM for it. They can activate it on the spot for you.
Even if he did get a SIM card with it, that SIM is not tied to his number. I'd still suggest going to Verizon and letting them handle the situation.
As someone who just purchased a TB this way I can confirm: just walk into a corporate Vzw store and they'll give you a new sim (free) and activate your phone.
Kind of annoying having a sim like that, we used to be able to change equipment on he fly through Vzw.com or over the phone.
VZW's 4G phones still use ESN numbers too. The sim is just to get access to the 4G network. You will want to make sure the phone you are buying has a clean ESN number. If VZW has it flagged as stolen or something, they wont activate the phone for you and there's nothing you can do.

[Q] Evo 3d on the Verizon network

So I've read a bunch on this from all sorts of sites. I believe this to be possible, but need some help with the technical aspect of this.
I posted in the Thunderbolt section because it is probably closest to the Evo 3d, from a hardware standpoint, and need info on how the thunderbolt is configured.
I can get it activated that is not an issue.
A few questions:
1) How to get the phone talking to the network?
I've updated to the verizon prl, and when I *228 I get the verizon programming prompts, but It won't update programming due to not being activated.
2)Do you think the Thunderbolt radio will work with the Evo 3d?
2a) If not, would it be possible to merge the T-bolt radio code with the Evo radio code to create a hybrid?
3)Settings, would any know the ##3282# settings for the verizon network.
If you could post the non-personal info that would really help. Please exclude MEIDs, phone numbers, etc.
I understand this is difficult, I've also read the posts, "Why not just go to sprint?", I'm not interested in those responses. This is a challenge, and I'd like to complete it.
Dev's what do you know?
The sprint 4g network isn't compatible with Verizon's as sprint uses wimax and verizon uses lte so the radios would be completely different hardware.
In theory since sprint and verizon phone are both capable of useing the same cdma frequencies 1900mhz and 800mhz you should be able to get 3g working
The question becomes why would you want to use verizon if you cant take advantage of the 4g. And also why would you come here insted of just googleing your question
Search this
Activate Sprint phone on Verizon, Altell, etc... Network. - PPCGeeks and it might help
And why wouldn't you post it in Q&A where it belongs or in the EVO 3D forum? I predict a short life for this thread.....
I did post in evo 3d, and it was moved to Q+A. Apparently the dev forums are to advertise Rom, kernals, etc. for the devs. Not actual development.
nutrulz said:
I did post in evo 3d, and it was moved to Q+A. Apparently the dev forums are to advertise Rom, kernals, etc. for the devs. Not actual development.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, they are to post development. What you're asking is definitely Q&A. Devs do spend time at Q&A. I see them answer questions regularly. What do you think the EVO 3D has in common with a Tbolt?
Aren't they basically the same phone, just with a second camera? Same form factor, processor, memory, etc?
SubliminalME said:
Aren't they basically the same phone, just with a second camera? Same form factor, processor, memory, etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Totally different CPU. It's running a Snapdragon S3, as opposed the the Tbolt's S2. The memory is the same. More advanced GPU. Faster USB. The screen is a bit different because of the linticular 3D feature. The CDMA radio might be similar. If my understanding is right, he's gonna need to find a ROM from the Tbolt that's been ported to the EVO 3D so that the data will work since Sprint and Verizon use different device authentication for data service. I'm not even sure that's possible since the devices are so very different. If what they say is true, and the Tbolt replacement more closely matches EVO 3D specs, I think finding a ROM ported to the 3D will be easier, or possibly the tools to make it work across networks. As it stands, they just don't have a lot in common.
Well it can be done, just follow these steps:
1. Switch to Sprint
2. Load a Verizon PRL onto the Evo 3D
3. Enjoy until they kick you off in a few months for roaming too much.
Other than that, the only other possible way would be if Verizon added the ESN to their phone list, and the chances of that happening are..... well, zero.
Unfortunately, they do this so you can only get the equipment from either them, or by private seller (ebay,CL) and they can put more cash in their pockets. It may be possible to do this in about 10 years when everything is LTE, as (please correct me if i'm incorrect) the net neutrality laws do not allow carriers to limit the types of phones accepted on the network, and you can potentially switch 4GLTE sim cards between phones of different networks. Unfortunately (again), it seems that AT&T and Verizon are going to be using different frequencies for their LTE networks, so it seems that this idea won't work either. Looks like they win again.
Topher227 said:
Well it can be done, just follow these steps:
1. Switch to Sprint
2. Load a Verizon PRL onto the Evo 3D
3. Enjoy until they kick you off in a few months for roaming too much.
Other than that, the only other possible way would be if Verizon added the ESN to their phone list, and the chances of that happening are..... well, zero.
Unfortunately, they do this so you can only get the equipment from either them, or by private seller (ebay,CL) and they can put more cash in their pockets. It may be possible to do this in about 10 years when everything is LTE, as (please correct me if i'm incorrect) the net neutrality laws do not allow carriers to limit the types of phones accepted on the network, and you can potentially switch 4GLTE sim cards between phones of different networks. Unfortunately (again), it seems that AT&T and Verizon are going to be using different frequencies for their LTE networks, so it seems that this idea won't work either. Looks like they win again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GSM SIM cards aren't frequency specific. So long as the handset functions on those bands it should work. In Europe, Mecha of GSM, carriers cannot sell contract-subsidized phones so the SIM must work regardless of the band the carrier uses. LTE is a subset of GSM, and if the same rules apply, there shouldn't be an issue.
Yes it can be done, but the wimax would be completely worthless and it would require a ESN/MEID clone/donor device which is technically illegal other than a few remote clauses that are often read WAAAAY to loosely. In short, just wait for the device on verizon or switch. IF you really want to do it, there are folks that can step you through it if you google enough.
loonatik78 said:
Nope. Totally different CPU. It's running a Snapdragon S3, as opposed the the Tbolt's S2. The memory is the same. More advanced GPU. Faster USB. The screen is a bit different because of the linticular 3D feature. The CDMA radio might be similar. If my understanding is right, he's gonna need to find a ROM from the Tbolt that's been ported to the EVO 3D so that the data will work since Sprint and Verizon use different device authentication for data service. I'm not even sure that's possible since the devices are so very different. If what they say is true, and the Tbolt replacement more closely matches EVO 3D specs, I think finding a ROM ported to the 3D will be easier, or possibly the tools to make it work across networks. As it stands, they just don't have a lot in common.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm really looking for a solution to the connectivity issue. I'm not worried about WiMax, just the 3g capabilities. I know I can get it added to the verizon db, and I already have Verizon service. I'm looking for real solutions, not "switch to Sprint".
Loonatik is on the track I'm thinking of. I know I need settings changes that I can make, but don't have the info for.
I'm NOT going to do a ESN/MEID swap, not worth the risk.
Topher227 said:
Well it can be done, just follow these steps:
1. Switch to Sprint
2. Load a Verizon PRL onto the Evo 3D
3. Enjoy until they kick you off in a few months for roaming too much.
Other than that, the only other possible way would be if Verizon added the ESN to their phone list, and the chances of that happening are..... well, zero.
Unfortunately, they do this so you can only get the equipment from either them, or by private seller (ebay,CL) and they can put more cash in their pockets. It may be possible to do this in about 10 years when everything is LTE, as (please correct me if i'm incorrect) the net neutrality laws do not allow carriers to limit the types of phones accepted on the network, and you can potentially switch 4GLTE sim cards between phones of different networks. Unfortunately (again), it seems that AT&T and Verizon are going to be using different frequencies for their LTE networks, so it seems that this idea won't work either. Looks like they win again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, it is possible but not with a phone that uses a SIM to store all the configuration. It uses a different registration method than the phones that do not require a SIM. Besides, any phone not specifically designed for LTE won't support the 4G data anyway.

R800x GSM Enabled Development?

Haven't posted here in awhile but I've been watching the HP Touchpad forums lately. Anyhow
I managed to get one of the AT&T Developer Xperia Play R800a units awhile back and posted pictures etc. Lately I've been borrowing a r800x model from a friend and he's borrowing my R800a to use in the Philippines. I was curious and pulled off the battery cover and saw the nice plastic SIM cover..
I just bought a water damaged r800x (took a risk on e-bay should be here soon). Hopefully the board is still salvageable... the seller just mentioned the screen was shot.....
I've noticed the bootloader has been cracked for the r800x models and was wondering if anyone ever tried flashing a GSM generic firmware to a R800x?
I imagine it would brick the device if all else..but was curious.
From what i've been reading on various sources is that the R800x has both the CDMA/GSM Radios however the GSM Side is more likely disabled in the firmware. I know it probably takes more than just flashing a GSM variants firmware to enable GSM use but was wondering if anyone was attacking or attempting on a solution to enable GSM.
In the Verizon forums, verizon workers are claiming the phone does not have a sim slot but a member basically shut them up by pulling the glued tab however there was no other posts. Seems like a pretty useless phone if you are traveling abroad... there has to be a way to enable this!
I own a Verizon Blackberry Storm 1 and it has a simcard slot that works when it's unlocked. I also got it flashed for Metro PCS and it was funny using a ESN off a old Motorola Razor and paying a dumb phone monthly price.
Thoughts suggestions? When I get the water damaged phone in the mail, i'll be happy to donate for DEV use. I repair cell phones and will have the phone in a workable state if the water damage is not beyond repair.
Warudakumi said:
Haven't posted here in awhile but I've been watching the HP Touchpad forums lately. Anyhow
I managed to get one of the AT&T Developer Xperia Play R800a units awhile back and posted pictures etc. Lately I've been borrowing a r800x model from a friend and he's borrowing my R800a to use in the Philippines. I was curious and pulled off the battery cover and saw the nice plastic SIM cover..
I just bought a water damaged r800x (took a risk on e-bay should be here soon). Hopefully the board is still salvageable... the seller just mentioned the screen was shot.....
I've noticed the bootloader has been cracked for the r800x models and was wondering if anyone ever tried flashing a GSM generic firmware to a R800x?
I imagine it would brick the device if all else..but was curious.
From what i've been reading on various sources is that the R800x has both the CDMA/GSM Radios however the GSM Side is more likely disabled in the firmware. I know it probably takes more than just flashing a GSM variants firmware to enable GSM use but was wondering if anyone was attacking or attempting on a solution to enable GSM.
In the Verizon forums, verizon workers are claiming the phone does not have a sim slot but a member basically shut them up by pulling the glued tab however there was no other posts. Seems like a pretty useless phone if you are traveling abroad... there has to be a way to enable this!
I own a Verizon Blackberry Storm 1 and it has a simcard slot that works when it's unlocked. I also got it flashed for Metro PCS and it was funny using a ESN off a old Motorola Razor and paying a dumb phone monthly price.
Thoughts suggestions? When I get the water damaged phone in the mail, i'll be happy to donate for DEV use. I repair cell phones and will have the phone in a workable state if the water damage is not beyond repair.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has been tried, and did indeed brick the phone...It has a sim slot, but it is apparently not connected...
Nhialor said:
It has been tried, and did indeed brick the phone...It has a sim slot, but it is apparently not connected...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for posting! When you say not connected... do you mean hardware wise? I have yet to see the inside of the phone other than FCC pictures and don't want to tear open my friends R800x. Now you got me scared like it's missing something hardware wise internally
I was the one that took the brick...
The thought is that it's firmware locked, although it could just very well be unsoldered just the same.
And for the record, the generic firmware will work just fine on the phone. There is just intermittent data and calling issues since all the CDMA stuff has been removed.
The brick occurred when the TA partition in the nand memory was flashed with a gsm build. That's a lot deeper than replacing just the /system files like the generic build does.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App
Mills00013 said:
I was the one that took the brick...
The thought is that it's firmware locked, although it could just very well be unsoldered just the same.
And for the record, the generic firmware will work just fine on the phone. There is just intermittent data and calling issues since all the CDMA stuff has been removed.
The brick occurred when the TA partition in the nand memory was flashed with a gsm build. That's a lot deeper than replacing just the /system files like the generic build does.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good info. Hmm...well that sucks! Now I really can't wait till I get the phone to tear it apart. Unsoldered? Hmm yeah that could be a possibility as well since i hear people sticking SIMS into the phone but it won't detect it. If I remember correctly I think my Verizon Blackberry would still detect a SIM inserted even when it wasn't unlocked. It just wouldn't logon to a GSM network.
I'll check to see how the R800a and R800x boards differ with their sim slots. If it's indeed unsoldered it will be obvious by looking.
Does anyone know if there is a hidden system menu on the Xperia Play like how some Galaxy Devices have to enable different radio frequencies, gsm/cdma etc? My thinking..if there is such a menu Verizon and Sony won't say anything about it.
Warudakumi said:
Good info. Hmm...well that sucks! Now I really can't wait till I get the phone to tear it apart. Unsoldered? Hmm yeah that could be a possibility as well since i hear people sticking SIMS into the phone but it won't detect it. If I remember correctly I think my Verizon Blackberry would still detect a SIM inserted even when it wasn't unlocked. It just wouldn't logon to a GSM network.
I'll check to see how the R800a and R800x boards differ with their sim slots. If it's indeed unsoldered it will be obvious by looking.
Does anyone know if there is a hidden system menu on the Xperia Play like how some Galaxy Devices have to enable different radio frequencies, gsm/cdma etc? My thinking..if there is such a menu Verizon and Sony won't say anything about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no support in the kernel and I doubt even in the hardware. IF (and this is the best case) the baseband supports GSM, it is disabled via firmware (not the kernel driver, but the hardware firmware). A good way to test if the SIM card is hooked up is to use a multimeter and measure the voltage through the pins in the sim slot. This of course required opening up the phone partially.
Hidden Systems Menus
Warudakumi said:
Does anyone know if there is a hidden system menu on the Xperia Play like how some Galaxy Devices have to enable different radio frequencies, gsm/cdma etc? My thinking..if there is such a menu Verizon and Sony won't say anything about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only two hidden systems menus i've found are as follows:
Open your dialer, enter:
*#*#4636#*#*
This one has Phone info, Battery info, Usage States and Wifi info.
*#*#7378423#*#*
Has Service Info, Service settings (empty on my phone), and Service Tests.
Is this what you were looking for?
AFAIK, R800x has CDMA radio so GSM can't be enabled.
multimeter
nothing yet?
will it really be possible?
http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/cdma-xperia-play-visits-fcc-promptly-gets-dissected/
I think using a multimeter in the sim slot would be the best way to answer it!
Could anyone try it?
I thought the CPU in the R800x could only do CDMA so GSM is impossible
Warudakumi said:
Good info. Hmm...well that sucks! Now I really can't wait till I get the phone to tear it apart. Unsoldered? Hmm yeah that could be a possibility as well since i hear people sticking SIMS into the phone but it won't detect it. If I remember correctly I think my Verizon Blackberry would still detect a SIM inserted even when it wasn't unlocked. It just wouldn't logon to a GSM network.
I'll check to see how the R800a and R800x boards differ with their sim slots. If it's indeed unsoldered it will be obvious by looking.
Does anyone know if there is a hidden system menu on the Xperia Play like how some Galaxy Devices have to enable different radio frequencies, gsm/cdma etc? My thinking..if there is such a menu Verizon and Sony won't say anything about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever get the phone to take apart and check?
Bump......
Any update on this? Its been almost 2 months so I doubt it. But still like to know. Would love to activate the sim card slot on my R800x.
It can't be done it's already been talked about over in q&a or general section one of the two that's why this thread is dead in the water
Sent from my R800a using XDA App

Confused, I have Samsung galaxy Axiom and....

it is from us cellular if you ask me its the s3 mini anyways itsa cdma phone that has a sim slot which has a card in it for us ceullar. now im confused the phone specs say its cdma only but with a sim card that makes me t hink its gsm global(locked to any us gsm providers im sure) and cdma so I would assume it will work with say cricket wireless.
I am leaving u ceulluar and would like to use the phone with c ricket wireless and being its a cdma phone im surei could it is just that sim card confused me.
I know on phone in past cricket can take your imei i think it is and use a tool over the phone to convert it to propperly work on their network.
So basically anyone know if this phone can be used with cricket? is it locked? do I ahve to flash it. if the gsm part is locked that wont matter since i will only be ising the cdma part. here is the link to the phone on us cellular
http://www.uscellular.com/uscellula...tandard&device-category=device-category-phone
Edited: The sim card has your programing for CDMA & 4g/LTE access. Just took mine out and it has zero service without it. I would guess as long as you put it in another compatible phone you would get service.
Hoping someone will figure out a simple rooting method, but doesn't appear there is a lot of interest yet.
Sent from my SCH-R830 using xda app-developers app
mrtwisty said:
Edited: The sim card has your programing for CDMA & 4g/LTE access. Just took mine out and it has zero service without it. I would guess as long as you put it in another compatible phone you would get service.
Hoping someone will figure out a simple rooting method, but doesn't appear there is a lot of interest yet.
Sent from my SCH-R830 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but nah not what I was wanting, i wanted to be able to use the phone on cricket but since they dont use sim cards since their phones are cdma was why I was confused that this one has a card since usually only GSM phones use those. so im guessing I wont be able to use it on their network if they added it..I know they can convert certain imei's over the phone with a tool they ahve with cricket support but have not tried that yet.
talrune said:
Thanks but nah not what I was wanting, i wanted to be able to use the phone on cricket but since they dont use sim cards since their phones are cdma was why I was confused that this one has a card since usually only GSM phones use those. so im guessing I wont be able to use it on their network if they added it..I know they can convert certain imei's over the phone with a tool they ahve with cricket support but have not tried that yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mrtwisty said:
Edited: The sim card has your programing for CDMA & 4g/LTE access. Just took mine out and it has zero service without it. I would guess as long as you put it in another compatible phone you would get service.
Hoping someone will figure out a simple rooting method, but doesn't appear there is a lot of interest yet.
Sent from my SCH-R830 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, just wondering, would the Samsung Axiom work on T-Mobile or AT&T ?
yes and no
The R830 by U.S cellular is a CDMA phone. now ah days having a sim card slot does not symply mean its GSM ....TMobile....GSM ALL DAY. ATT GSM all day. Vzw,sprint, uscellular...CDMA. the Sim card in question is a 4glite. it controls the 4g side and basically activates the phone upon new activation. the question is: WELL THIS PHONE WORK ON CRICKET? Answer...yes...I put one on Pageplus by just activatiing the imei and then OTA...but I'm having trouble with the DAta side... cant get data or MMS (picture messaging) to work..talk and texts works fine.....Now im on to figuring out how to get this thing into DiagMode without rooting it Oh yeah.....try activating your Imei on cricket and then star code it. . if it asks you to press 1 or 2 but you dont see a keyboard,....thats okay...just let the lady run her mouth until the music starts playing....when its done the phone will restart and you'll have talk and text
answer
joellecool said:
So, just wondering, would the Samsung Axiom work on T-Mobile or AT&T ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, your phone will not work on either. The sim slot in question is for 4glte, all 4g phones will have this sim slot. A GSM sim will not provide any functionality at all.
oleskool1970 said:
but I'm having trouble with the DAta side... cant get data or MMS (picture messaging) to work..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was anyone got success in enabling the data ???

[Q] Thunderbolt VZ to Straightalk

I'm a noob here, but other places i'm not. I have read VERY many posts and the gist of owning a thunderbolt is that it only work(ed) on CDMA VZ so it is not compatible with GSM although it has a SIM card because its is/was locked to VZ only frequencies.
Just to make sure, I called VZ to attempt to get an unlock code saying I was going on a trip overseas and needed my phone to work. I was told that if I upgraded via the OTA to ICS, my device would then be compatible with GSM and I could simply use any SIM card in my phone and get it to work.
What I am trying to do is move over to straightalk away from VZ.
Instead of unrooting, I flashed the radios and ROM available on this site and ICS is up and running.
So has anyone tried straight talk yet on ICS?
That doesn't sound right to me but I would be interested in finding out whether or not it works. From what I understood about the antenna in this phone is that it is locked in on the 700mhz band at a hardware level. Also there are no settings to change to GSM in the network settings.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
Hmmm. Don't know why tech support would lie though -- especially when I waited online for about 30 minutes throughout the conversation. I've been a customer since 1997. He even said, after I switched to ICS, simply insert new SIM and I'm ready to go.
disconnecktie said:
That doesn't sound right to me but I would be interested in finding out whether or not it works. From what I understood about the antenna in this phone is that it is locked in on the 700mhz band at a hardware level. Also there are no settings to change to GSM in the network settings.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They may not be lying but rather don't know what they are talking about lol. They are wrong all the time. Just because we have a sim doesn't mean that putting a gsm sim in makes it possible to use on other networks. Give it a try maybe they finally did make it possible. Like I said I thought at a hardware level this phone was permitted from using gsm bands.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
RE: Thunderbolt to straight talk
Granted, they may be wrong. But, all the many hours of reading I have done, says that CDMA only phones don't have SIM cards and my TB does. And per another posts GSM in the USA operates on more frequencies than abroad. Why would HTC create a phone with a SIM card if there was no reason because it was only CDMA?
Regardless, I purchased a ST SIM and an unlimited plan to try out. I'll post back after I see if I wasted my $$$ or not.
The LTE frequency Verizon uses is actually a GSM which is one reason. Verizon owns the upper c block of the 700mhz spectrum. Also, because Verizon is originally a CDMA carrier they had to use another antenna in all LTE phones in order for them to function. The LTE antenna uses data only. It is not equipped to make phone calls unless a phone call is already in progress in which case the phone is routed through the LTE antenna and is then made over the data connection much like VoIP.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
disconnecktie is right, the Thunderbolt can not connect to GSM services. The sim card is not a GSM sim card, its is a 4g LTE sim card. Just because its called a sim and looks similar, does not mean they are the same. The guy you spoke with on the phone probably knew nothing about the Thunderbolt and just assumed that because it has a sim card it would connect to GSM networks.
understandably.
Milimbar said:
disconnecktie is right, the Thunderbolt can not connect to GSM services. The sim card is not a GSM sim card, its is a 4g LTE sim card. Just because its called a sim and looks similar, does not mean they are the same. The guy you spoke with on the phone probably knew nothing about the Thunderbolt and just assumed that because it has a sim card it would connect to GSM networks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"The LTE antenna uses data only. It is not equipped to make phone calls unless a phone call is already in progress in which case the phone is routed through the LTE antenna and is then made over the data connection much like VoIP."
So theoretically, if there is an LTE only antenna....how does a call get routed regularly when LTE networks (such as 1G and 3G) occur when LTE network isn't available to pass the information over the data connection? More than one antenna?
I'm not expecting this card to work in and of itself. I'm going to swap out another GSM to see if after ICS upgrade, it is actually opened as promised. Now if it doesn't have the requisite antenna, that's understandable, but in that case, why theoretically couldn't I just get a GSM antenna and swap it out for the CDMA one? Can't be any worse than replacing a wireless card in a laptop?
Based upon the "answer" given to me by VZ tech support, I have to wonder if there really is a different antenna or simply the "sim" card installed locks it into the frequency -- and the OS lock(ed) into the sim card previously. A SIm card is essentially what allows you to communicate with a carrier afterall.
Definitely interested if this works, thanks for attempting this
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium
All the LTE sim does is authenticate your phone on the network. That is the reason *228 is no longer needed.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
The thunderbolt does not support GSM. It has 3 radios, two 3g cdma which enables svdo or simultaneously voice and data over 3g. FYI some new 4g phones won't do this. The LTE is data only and no phone calls are placed over LTE on any phone for vzw. VZW is not setup for voip yet and that won't start until at least 2014. The thunderbolt is not global ready even with ics. There is no apn info to edit. This all has been discussed many times over the last two years.
Sent from my A100 using Tapatalk 2
Just to clarify I wasn't saying the thunderbolt uses VoIP but that svdo is similar is all.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
disconnecktie said:
Just to clarify I wasn't saying the thunderbolt uses VoIP but that svdo is similar is all.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm no cell tech and I get what you were trying to say. I apologize the last part of my post was a little rude. I don’t think voip and svdo are even close, I admit I could be wrong. Voip uses a data connection to place calls while svdo uses the cellular connection for calls and data. If you place the phone into airplane mode, connect to wifi you would not be able to place a call. If you had voip you'd be able to place a call. I know many carriers offer some sort of 3g to network extender that creates a similar type of connection.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Svdo also makes it so that calls can be placed over 4g when it is present which is like VoIP. Either way I know it isn't exactly the same but was merely using VoIP for a comparison.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
disconnecktie said:
Svdo also makes it so that calls can be placed over 4g when it is present which is like VoIP. Either way I know it isn't exactly the same but was merely using VoIP for a comparison.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my original post above I incorrectly used VoIP when I should have used VoLTE, I knew what i wanted to say, but used the wrong terms which can lead to confusion and this is all to the best of my understanding
The Thunderbolt as with all 3G cell phones make phones calls over 1x voice network while data is handled by 3G network. The thunderbolt does not make any phone calls over 3G or LTE, it has multiple radios which allow SVDO, a 1x for voice calls, a 3G radio, and a LTE radio. Calls are placed over 1x and data is handled by 3G or LTE whichever is available.
The link below has a good discussion and more clarification on the Thunderbolt when it was first released.
http://androidforums.com/htc-thunde...ort-voice-over-lte-when-verizon-launches.html
revisited
dms76 said:
The thunderbolt does not support GSM. It has 3 radios, two 3g cdma which enables svdo or simultaneously voice and data over 3g. FYI some new 4g phones won't do this. The LTE is data only and no phone calls are placed over LTE on any phone for vzw. VZW is not setup for voip yet and that won't start until at least 2014. The thunderbolt is not global ready even with ics. There is no apn info to edit. This all has been discussed many times over the last two years.
Sent from my A100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I realize that it has been "talked" about. But based upon conversations with VZ support perhaps it was time to rehash it based upon what I was told.
As far as the APN to edit -- after ICS update (non over the air -- the one provided here). See screenshot. There is even a folder created on the SD called APN Backup restore.
My phone is rooted using revolutionary and running the ICS deodexed, etc. found on xda-developers.
Based upon what I was told by VZ tech support, I purchased a ST test SIM with unlimited service. I installed it today and get SIM card is from an unknown source. I googled that and it appears to be locked. I thought I was unlocked and rooted using revolutionary. But now I question that. So am I truly unlocked like I thought I was? I then tried getting the unlock code using fastboot as per instructions on HTC's development site using oem get_identifier_token waiting for device, and I get stuck at "waiting for device" with no information ever coming up. The only way I appear to be able to communicate w device using ADB is by letting the phone boot then connecting it via usb using debugging mode, and always awake, then it appears as a device, but that's where I get that waiting for device message.
Meanwhile, with the ST card in it's downloading email. I just cannot send.
wrkrbee said:
I realize that it has been "talked" about. But based upon conversations with VZ support perhaps it was time to rehash it based upon what I was told.
As far as the APN to edit -- after ICS update (non over the air -- the one provided here). See screenshot. There is even a folder created on the SD called APN Backup restore.
My phone is rooted using revolutionary and running the ICS deodexed, etc. found on xda-developers.
Based upon what I was told by VZ tech support, I purchased a ST test SIM with unlimited service. I installed it today and get SIM card is from an unknown source. I googled that and it appears to be locked. I thought I was unlocked and rooted using revolutionary. But now I question that. So am I truly unlocked like I thought I was? I then tried getting the unlock code using fastboot as per instructions on HTC's development site using oem get_identifier_token waiting for device, and I get stuck at "waiting for device" with no information ever coming up. The only way I appear to be able to communicate w device using ADB is by letting the phone boot then connecting it via usb using debugging mode, and always awake, then it appears as a device, but that's where I get that waiting for device message.
Meanwhile, with the ST card in it's downloading email. I just cannot send.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone is S-off, and rooted, unlocked is totally different. Unlocked means that verizon has allowed that phone to be used on other networks and carriers. You should really do some research, you will find that the thunderbolt will somewhat work on straight talk for a little while, then they will kick you off the network. Just google it instead of questioning everything people say here as they are just trying to help you and you seem to want to do nothing but argue anything that is said.
Milimbar said:
Your phone is S-off, and rooted, unlocked is totally different. Unlocked means that verizon has allowed that phone to be used on other networks and carriers. You should really do some research, you will find that the thunderbolt will somewhat work on straight talk for a little while, then they will kick you off the network. Just google it instead of questioning everything people say here as they are just trying to help you and you seem to want to do nothing but argue anything that is said.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, I'm not trying to "argue" with anyone. If these forums are not to ask questions, then what are they for? With that said, as I previously stated, I have spent HOURS which have amounted to DAYS reading not only the forums here and elsewhere and the information conflicts -- and I may have updated information who the heck knows. You never know when there is false information out there floating around and when it becomes outdated -- and the only way to update that information is by sharing upon these types of forums, I would think. You take your car to an automechanic and he tells you the entire transmission needs to be changed, do you just say ok or do you ask questions until you can fully understand the scope, do you do research, and if that research conflicts, do you ask for a second opinion or simply tell him, ok, go ahead and change it?
Milimbar said:
Your phone is S-off, and rooted, unlocked is totally different. Unlocked means that verizon has allowed that phone to be used on other networks and carriers.
And as far as unlocked by Verizon, I followed a post until I reached an HTC forum indicating it can be unlocked for all carriers....by replacing the carrier OEM identifier token with an unlock code in binary format from HTC. See what I have pritned and attached.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think your issue is you read too much into this. Yes, your phone cane be unlocked, it can run on other carriers and networks.
Your phone can however only use CDMA carriers and networks. Just because it can be unlocked does not mean it can be used on networks that do not support the hardware your phone was made with. nothing can be done with software to change that.
Your second problem is, you are misunderstanding terms, and HTC them self are not helping this. The PDF files you linked say unlocking, they refer to unlocking the bootloader, meaning you gain S-off (you can flash files) The unlocking you are questioning here is to get your phone working on another network.
Those 2 things are entirely different.
A phone is designed to work on specific frequencies when it is designed. Some phones are CDMA phones, some are GSM phones, and some are global (they use both). This is a hardware thing. Nothing changes this once the phone has been made. Our Thunderbolts are CDMA phones, unfortunately we can not just up and go to AT&T or anywhere we want with this phone.
I am sorry for being argumentative with my last post, you are right this is a place to discuss issues like this.
If you search for StraightTalk you'll find that it may be both CDMA and GSM supported depending on where you live. If you search for Thunderbolt other carrier you'll find that some people have had limited success with missing functions getting it to work on other carriers.
If Your switching to another carrier, buy a phone for that carrier or a global phone. It's a lot of work getting a phone to work on another carrier and you can get a smartphone better than your thunderbolt for a low price on a MNVO. If your dead serous on taking your thunderbolt to another carrier it loks like Page plus is going to be your best bet. USE EXTREME CAUTION when flashing your phone as you could brick it and it would do you no good at all.

Categories

Resources