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I have been digging through the threads and it gets confusing with different people referring to unlocked tablets that are overseas etc.
I have a tmobile US springboard that is running the most recent rooted mediapad rom from this board (it runs great btw).
I was hoping I could use this device as my phone. I rarely take voice calls on the phone. I have Bluetooth in my car which is really the only place I talk to anyone and I have a Bluetooth headset if I need it. Most of the time I send texts and use data.
The problem is that when I put my phone sim card in the tablet, phone and sms work fine but data stops working (more specifically, it redirects to my.tmobile.com). From what I have read, I think we are just going to have to deal with it for now but I wanted to see if there are any options because some people thought that removing the imei file would help. There is also some stuff about data in the build.prop for the device.
How about getting a device subsidy unlock code from t-mobile? I should be eligible.
IMEI unlock
I copy and paste tmobile policy as blow:
support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1588
" For information on the SIM Unlock Code, refer to the following:
If you purchased a device from T-Mobile, it has been programmed with a SIM lock which will prevent the phone from operating with other compatible wireless telephone carrier’s services. If you wish to use the phone with the service of another wireless telephone carrier, you must enter a numeric SIM Unlock Code to unlock the phone.
If you have a Postpaid Plan, T-Mobile will provide the SIM Unlock Code upon request to eligible customers, provided the requesting customer has a minimum of 40 days of active service with T-Mobile and did not request a Subsidy unlock code in the last 90 days.
For customers with a Prepaid Plan, T-Mobile will provide the SIM Unlock Code upon request to eligible customers, provided the requesting customer has a minimum of 60 days of active service with T-Mobile and either a Prepaid Plan account balance of at least $10.00 or a prior refill within the last 30 days.
T-Mobile will provide the SIM Unlock Code upon request to eligible former customers, provided that T-Mobile has such code or can obtain it from the manufacturer.
If you paid full retail price for a device, you qualify to have the SIM subsidy unlock code providedif you meet the following requirements:
The device must have been purchased at a T-Mobile retail store or authorized T-Mobile retailer.
The device must be paid for completely. You must be able to fax the proof of purchase to T-Mobile."
As indicated if the device is paid for completely, we qualify to have the unlock code. Have you or anyone tried to get an unlock code and tested?
I bought a Springboard on ebay and signed up for prepaid data for 60 days with tmobile after which time I requested a SIM unlock. I received the unlock code and after inserting my AT&T sim I'm able to make calls , get data, and text.
I can't specifically verify which bands on ATT nor whether I am getting real 3G data. I can verify that I am able to talk, text, get data.
v35lee said:
I bought a Springboard on ebay and signed up for prepaid data for 60 days with tmobile after which time I requested a SIM unlock. I received the unlock code and after inserting my AT&T sim I'm able to make calls , get data, and text.
I can't specifically verify which bands on ATT nor whether I am getting real 3G data. I can verify that I am able to talk, text, get data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're able to get more than 384kbps then you've got HSDPA/HSUPA/HSPA or whatever (real 3G is 384kbps). On most country, the signal label would change to H, on T-Mobile it would probably change to 4G. I can't exactly verify the label change though, since I'm on a data plan with 3G only speed (so my top speed is 384kbps).
If you can't trust the label then use those speed test app and verify it yourself.
richdaley said:
I have been digging through the threads and it gets confusing with different people referring to unlocked tablets that are overseas etc.
I have a tmobile US springboard that is running the most recent rooted mediapad rom from this board (it runs great btw).
I was hoping I could use this device as my phone. I rarely take voice calls on the phone. I have Bluetooth in my car which is really the only place I talk to anyone and I have a Bluetooth headset if I need it. Most of the time I send texts and use data.
The problem is that when I put my phone sim card in the tablet, phone and sms work fine but data stops working (more specifically, it redirects to my.tmobile.com). From what I have read, I think we are just going to have to deal with it for now but I wanted to see if there are any options because some people thought that removing the imei file would help. There is also some stuff about data in the build.prop for the device.
How about getting a device subsidy unlock code from t-mobile? I should be eligible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a question: Since your device has updated firmware (mine is running ICS), does it mean it has been unlocked already? Have you tried a SIM from another carrier? In another word, will updating to a generic firmware unlock tablet automatically? My reasoning is that all the coding/decoding is through software and an updated generic firmware removes all the T-mobile stuff as far as I can tell. The software that is in charge of sim lock is very likely been replaced as well. My doubt is that people can then buy a Springboard with data contract at a much lower price and update the firmware to remove the lock. I bet T-mobile is smart enough not to let that happen.
I finally got the unlock code from T-mobile and bought an ATT sim card. Unlock is not that as simple as I thought to be. Strangely, my ICS does not pop up the unlock code entering interface. I cannot remember from which post I downloaded the ICS. It is within "the" giant thread. By using the famous ()()2846579()()=, it showed nothing after "SIM card lock state". So I flash back to HC3.2 and unlock the device in the pop up interface. After flashing again to the most recent general firmware from huaweidevice.com, it shows "SIMLOCK_DEACTIVE" after "SIM card lock state". Recalling the sim card lock status is one of the features installed after a second boot during the installation and I did not recall my first ICS did that, I am wondering if the first ICS does not install the component related to sim card lock status. Probably my springboard under first ICS is unlocked by software.
Anyway, I am pretty happy with the latest version and have an officially unlocked springboard. From this experience I learned that SIM card lock status in general does not change after update the firmware (at least the official one). And probably someone can do it by modifying the firmware by his/her own.
By the way the ICS I first had has no fastboot option.
pokemonian said:
So I flash back to HC3.2 and unlock the device in the pop up interface.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am thinking of unlocking too and I am wondering where you found the HC3.2 to flash? I searched the forum and the only one I found appeared to be made up of many smaller files. There appeared to be multiple versions of files and I was not sure which ones I needed and how to flash them.
If you only want to unlock, flash the latest ics for general purpose from Huawei. The unlock interface appears after you insert a sim card other than tmobile.
Sent from my HUAWEI MediaPad using XDA
Hello, I recently visited the USA (Las Vegas) and discovered that my UK bought (UNLOCKED) Samsung Galaxy S3 could not make nor receive calls in the USA. Roaming WAS enabled and I had an R symbol over the signal strength indicator. I have a Vodafone pay as you go sim card which I have used (as my main sim) over numerous years now. I have used it in other phones previously (HTC, Samsung, LG, etc.) over the years and they have all made and received calls in the USA (roaming) no problem. I did get a text message (eventually) when I was in the USA saying welcome to USA and calls cost £1.50, etc, etc. Yet when I tried making a call, I had an automated voice message asking me to contact my operator for some reason (can't remember the specifics). I've never had a problem using my Vodafone sim roaming in the USA and with previous phones, always made and received calls without any hassle (i.e. found a network automatically, e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.). Also, I visited Las Vegas last year with the same sim card but a different phone (HTC Desire HD) and was able to make and receive calls. I recall my brother saying that he had read something on the internet about the UK spec. S3 having hardware differences with the rest of the world versions, including not being able to work in the USA for calls. However, he could not find the site again. Has anybody else had this problem or know about it?
Yee1 said:
Hello, I recently visited the USA (Las Vegas) and discovered that my UK bought (UNLOCKED) Samsung Galaxy S3 could not make nor receive calls in the USA. Roaming WAS enabled and I had an R symbol over the signal strength indicator. I have a Vodafone pay as you go sim card which I have used (as my main sim) over numerous years now. I have used it in other phones previously (HTC, Samsung, LG, etc.) over the years and they have all made and received calls in the USA (roaming) no problem. I did get a text message (eventually) when I was in the USA saying welcome to USA and calls cost £1.50, etc, etc. Yet when I tried making a call, I had an automated voice message asking me to contact my operator for some reason (can't remember the specifics). I've never had a problem using my Vodafone sim roaming in the USA and with previous phones, always made and received calls without any hassle (i.e. found a network automatically, e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.). Also, I visited Las Vegas last year with the same sim card but a different phone (HTC Desire HD) and was able to make and receive calls. I recall my brother saying that he had read something on the internet about the UK spec. S3 having hardware differences with the rest of the world versions, including not being able to work in the USA for calls. However, he could not find the site again. Has anybody else had this problem or know about it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea about roaming in the USA...
However, I do know that the phone works on AT&Ts network, because I live in the USA & use the I9300 on AT&Ts network. The I9300 will not work on T-Mobile's data network, but should work on T-Mo's voice network.
That probably wasn't much help to you. I just wanted to confirm for you that the phone does work on AT&Ts network here.
brkshr said:
I have no idea about roaming in the USA...
However, I do know that the phone works on AT&Ts network, because I live in the USA & use the I9300 on AT&Ts network. The I9300 will not work on T-Mobile's data network, but should work on T-Mo's voice network.
That probably wasn't much help to you. I just wanted to confirm for you that the phone does work on AT&Ts network here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks brkshr, that was helpful. Good to know that a GT-I9300 does work in the USA.
I thought the USA had different models (SGH-T999 and SGH-I747). What made you decide to get a GT-I9300?
I may try again (next time I go back to USA) and if still the same, will try an AT&T sim. I must admit, I don't know anything about the different networks in the USA. Can I get a pay as you go sim for free? In England, you can get sim cards for different networks free and then obviously pay to top up.
Yee1 said:
Thanks brkshr, that was helpful. Good to know that a GT-I9300 does work in the USA.
I thought the USA had different models (SGH-T999 and SGH-I747). What made you decide to get a GT-I9300?
I may try again (next time I go back to USA) and if still the same, will try an AT&T sim. I must admit, I don't know anything about the different networks in the USA. Can I get a pay as you go sim for free? In England, you can get sim cards for different networks free and then obviously pay to top up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct. The U.S. does have it's own variations. I decided to buy the I9300 for the quad-core & I was hoping that Samsung would be more likely to release sources for it & update it faster. They do update the I9300 faster, but I prefer AOSP (Google's stock Android) over Samsungs TouchWiz & that's where sources come in to play. So now I wish I would have gone with a U.S. variant, because sources for the US variant are released. Oh well! (Sorry for the rant)
Unfortunately, we don't get free SIM cards here. The best thing to do is buy an AT&T SIM card online ahead of time. Then activate it on a prepaid plan when you get here. You need a Micro SIM card. They should cost anywhere from $5 to $15. Otherwise, you have to go into an AT&T store & buy their 'SIM Starter Kit' for $25... Complete BS.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=at&t+sim+card
Thanks again, the link (to Amazon) is very useful. I think I will get an AT&T pre-paid sim card as suggested. At least that way I can use mobile data (when wi-fi is not available) and not have to pay extortionate data roaming charges. Especially useful for mobile data assisted GPS.
One last question though. In the UK, you can keep your number even if you don't top up for ages. In the US, can you buy a pre-paid sim card, use it once, not top up for say a year and still be able to use the sim again, i.e. it won't be deactivated will it? That way I can have it as a holiday sim (I visit the US every year).
Yee1 said:
Thanks again, the link (to Amazon) is very useful. I think I will get an AT&T pre-paid sim card as suggested. At least that way I can use mobile data (when wi-fi is not available) and not have to pay extortionate data roaming charges. Especially useful for mobile data assisted GPS.
One last question though. In the UK, you can keep your number even if you don't top up for ages. In the US, can you buy a pre-paid sim card, use it once, not top up for say a year and still be able to use the sim again, i.e. it won't be deactivated will it? That way I can have it as a holiday sim (I visit the US every year).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know the answer to that question. Sorry.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Question!!
I bought an unlocked i9300 the quad core international galaxy s3.. i'm using Simple Mobile micro simcard.. i wanted to use AT&T prepaid simcard the one amazon sell.. i 'm asking if anyone used the AT&T with this phone and make it work.. i went to AT&T store and they told me the simcard will never work on my phone so don't buy it..i live in Texas USA.
PS: i'm sorry if this question been asked before and thank you all for your time and help
Have you seen this thread?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1696025
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Hi,
After using a CL purchased At&T Galaxy S3 for 14 days, the phone now says "Phone not allowed MM#6", and does not allow any calls.
I verified the IMEI number with T-Mobile and AT&T and the number is not Blacklisted / Reported Stolen (had to confirm this before I tried anything). AT&T even gave me an unlock code for the phone (no use, as the phone is already unlocked through UMTS/Debug Screen/......./Network Lock settings).
I have also refreshed the IMEI data.
Any advise on how to get rid of this message.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
neerajyadav86 said:
Hi,
After using a CL purchased At&T Galaxy S3 for 14 days, the phone now says "Phone not allowed MM#6", and does not allow any calls.
I verified the IMEI number with T-Mobile and AT&T and the number is not Blacklisted / Reported Stolen (had to confirm this before I tried anything). AT&T even gave me an unlock code for the phone (no use, as the phone is already unlocked through UMTS/Debug Screen/......./Network Lock settings).
I have also refreshed the IMEI data.
Any advise on how to get rid of this message.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I also have been having the same problem with a Samsung Galaxy Note (first version), I bought used. I have confirmed that mine wasn't blacklisted with T-Mobile. Another indication that it is not blacklisted is if the phone "comes back" to the network. I would at times get the MM#6 error and my phone would not see the network.. Luckily in about 1-2 hours my phone would magically connect back to T-Mobile.
I talked this over with T-Mobile and they believe in my case it is probably the phone. I had to clean the SIM contacts to see if that made a difference (didn't really). I am running ICS on the phone and it is rooted and unlocked. I am also using the TMART extended battery..
What seems to help me a bit is going into Titanium Backup and under Batch Actions , going to MANIPULATE DATA and then CLEAR CACHE for USER & SYSTEM APPS and then reboot the phone. I also take the battery out for a minute or two after I clear cache. Mine started happenign when I started using the T-MART extended battery so it is possible that my phone is getting pretty hot, but I am just speculating. After doing this, my phone typically comes back and I have fully connectivity.
According to T-MOBILE if the phone isn't blacklisted, and the SIM card works in another phone (mine did) it could the SIM card contacts. Since they think the phone is having trouble reading the SIM card. Hope this helps.
same problem
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Can't really find a straight answer on this. Has anyone been able to setup their Gear S sim to have the same number as their mobile sim?
I guess this could be a different story for each carrier...
It usually has to be paired with you mobile device to share your mobile devices number.
Jay-Taicho said:
Can't really find a straight answer on this. Has anyone been able to setup their Gear S sim to have the same number as their mobile sim?
I guess this could be a different story for each carrier...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On AT&T if you are paired via BT it will show as your primary phone's number. If you are connected remotely and make a phone call, of course the Gear S is going to use and display it's phone number. However, I've been texting people from my Gear S while my phone is at home and it shows as my Primary Phone number as the source for the text.
Overall, I'll say that in the past 3-4 weeks it hasn't made a bit of a difference as no one has questioned anything or gotten confused. Working as I expected and hoped. In the case of a different phone number showing up, people have recognized it as me without worry. My Gear S has the same area code and prefix which I think helps.
dawgboy1783 said:
It usually has to be paired with you mobile device to share your mobile devices number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, realised I wasn't clear enough. So what I want to do is have a sim in the Gear s that shares the same number as the sim in my mobile. So if I wanted to leave my phone home, I could.
Don't want to pay for a separate mobile plan for the Gear S, but don't want to switch my mobile number to the watch either.
Jay-Taicho said:
Sorry, realised I wasn't clear enough. So what I want to do is have a sim in the Gear s that shares the same number as the sim in my mobile. So if I wanted to leave my phone home, I could.
Don't want to pay for a separate mobile plan for the Gear S, but don't want to switch my mobile number to the watch either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think this is possible in the U.S. I'm on T-Mobile and my SIM that came with T-Mobile Wearable Plan has its own number.
Here is how it normally works:
1) When Gear S and the Samsung phone are connected using Bluetooth, all calls are placed and received using the PHONE. The watch simply acts as a Bluetooth headset
2) When Phone and Watch are not connected, you can configure the gear manager to forward calls to your watch. It works similar to forwarding your calls to another phone or voice mail. So, after a couple of rings, your Gear S would ring and you could pick up the call on it.
All in all it works pretty well. Also, in Europe, I think you can have two SIM cards associated with the same number but not in the U.S.
I think that would be considered Sim cloning. An illegal process in US... even if you are the #'s user.
Remember, we NEVER own our phone number. It's basically leased to us, and have sole use of it...as long as we pay for it.
With that said, I do remember reading an article about a year back, of a patent filed for a virtual SIM that would be for this purpose.
The OP is talking about multi-sim . Multi-sim is a service offered by many providers around the world. It gives you multiple identical sims with the same number and you can seamlessly share minutes and data. The watch even has a toggle for multi-sim setting. That would be the ideal seamless way to use this watch as your outgoing number from the watch is the same as the phone.
Here's an example: http://www.du.ae/mobile/mobileplans/multi-sim
I ordered a nano sim adapter for my Galaxy S5, and plan on asking att to issue me a nano sim.
Then I can pop it out of the phone and into the watch and go.
Btw, The watch will still call ems even without a sim. Score for me, I am an early am runner and there is only 1 number that can help me.
No monthly plan needed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
I live in the Netherlands and just ordered a DualSIM which should make it possible for me to use both my S4A and GearS with the same phone and Sim number.
One of the Sims will be nano to fit the watch.
Can't wait for testing!
That's awesome, I wish the US would allow Dual sim cards.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
Jay-Taicho said:
Sorry, realised I wasn't clear enough. So what I want to do is have a sim in the Gear s that shares the same number as the sim in my mobile. So if I wanted to leave my phone home, I could.
Don't want to pay for a separate mobile plan for the Gear S, but don't want to switch my mobile number to the watch either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My carrier in Thailand allows me 2 sims, same number. However, not so with carrier in Afghanistan where I work, so depends on the carrier. I presently have Thai sim in gear s, and AFG in phone. Works OK with calls being registered against AFG sim in phone, roaming and data off on gear s.
Hope this helps.
ampm325 said:
That's awesome, I wish the US would allow Dual sim cards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same for the UK.
Apparently some of the networks used to offer it years ago but primarily as a business service.
I've heard that Samsung have approached networks in markets such as the US and the UK about possibly introducing such a service but I doubt we'll see such a change.
I have a palm phone since yesterday and I am running through a mayor problem. I live in germany and bought the phone from a german private seller from ebay and he hided the information that its not the european model but the verizon model from the US. Its not even unlocked (verizon boot screen).
Problem: mobile internet, messages and phone calls
I replaced the standard apps for calling and texting and after some restarts it was possible to get both calls and messages. Mobile internet also worked, though its only 2G. However, after a short time mobile internet, messages and phone calls stop working. After a restart it works again - at least most times. But again only for a short time.
Any solutions for these issues? Restarting the phone every half an hour or so cant be the only way...
Nobody using an US palm in Europe?
I had the same issue when I first got it. It could be related to the incorrect/absent APN (Access Point Name). Usually you can get hold of them by contacting your network provider (should probably be on their website). Once I was able to set the correct ones up, I started getting 3G. Haven't been able to get 4G nor LTE just yet despite the phone being capable of supporting this.