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
Related
Hi all
I'm travelling to South Korea next week and I plan to pick a local prepaid sim card. I know Korean carriers use 2100 Mhz spectrum (except LG U+ a CDMA carrier) and when I checked to see if my note supports 2100 spectrum, I found out that it says WCDMA IMT 2000 [Refer to the attached image]
What do you mean by WCDMA IMT 2000? I know what a WCDMA is but if my phone supports 2100 mhz it should say WCDMA 2100, no? or is this another way of saying 2100?
Thanks in advance!
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note_i717-4374.php
Look at the bands supported in the general section. The note supports the 2100mhz HSDPA and 2100 mhz lte bands.
Oh dear. IMT 2000 means International Mobile Telecommunications-2000, you might know it as 3G simply Nothing to do with frequencies but I can how confusing this can be when the IMT band http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UMTS_frequency_bands itself is said to be 2100MHz and yes, two Korean networks http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UMTS_networks operate on this band.
Im curious to see if it works in Korea or not. Im guessing you have your note carrier unlocked already. Please post results when you get to Korea please. Thanks.
Sent from my SGH-I717D using Tapatalk
@bean1975
Ya i was really confused I was expecting to see WCDMA 2100 not IMT2000 lol
@chunsaa
Ya I will let you know when I'm there
If your galaxy note is an unlocked i717, phone call and sms works with korean carrier.
However, if you want to use a data plan, you need to set up APN.
bon voyage!
chunsaa said:
Im curious to see if it works in Korea or not. Im guessing you have your note carrier unlocked already. Please post results when you get to Korea please. Thanks.
Sent from my SGH-I717D using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works great on KT!
Oh thats great to hear!! Thanks for the reply! Can I ask where you unlocked your phone and did you have to change any settings or anything or was it just straight plug and play for the sim card? And i m guessing you are getting data there as well?
Sent from my SGH-I717D using Tapatalk
chunsaa said:
Oh thats great to hear!! Thanks for the reply! Can I ask where you unlocked your phone and did you have to change any settings or anything or was it just straight plug and play for the sim card? And i m guessing you are getting data there as well?
Sent from my SGH-I717D using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did it through cellunlocker dot net
I never had to changed anything on the phone it worked right away! and ya I'm getting data but be careful not to use a lot since prepaid could be quite expensive in Korea lol
You are awesome! Thank you so much!!! Enjoy your stay there
Sent from my SGH-I717D using Tapatalk
KT is best and you will get 3g/4g in the areas where they have 2100 band coverage. In older/non-urban areas they use 900 band and our phone (not talking about N7000) doesn't have that frequency. You will drop to EDGE or lower. You can still use data there but it will be sllooowww.
seoho0759 said:
I did it through cellunlocker dot net
I never had to changed anything on the phone it worked right away! and ya I'm getting data but be careful not to use a lot since prepaid could be quite expensive in Korea lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how were you able to get a sim card in south korea? when i went to seoul in january i went to every cell shop and they all told me no and one of the places was telling i had to rent a phone, and there would be just voice no data. i'm pretty sure i went ti KT as well all the places just telling me no in korean. is there a special way to ask for a sim card there or something?
There are stores that deal with prepaid stuff from what I experienced. The small shops don't deal with them meaning you cannot even recharge your balance even if it is the same comapany. You have to walk into a bigger store and ask them there. Just ask them for a prepaid usim card. Alot easier to communicate if you could speak the language.
Sent from my SGH-I717D using Tapatalk
For the sim card:
선불 sim 카드를하시기 바랍니다
My personal favorite:
시오 내 할인 혜택 제공
cbqfly said:
how were you able to get a sim card in south korea? when i went to seoul in january i went to every cell shop and they all told me no and one of the places was telling i had to rent a phone, and there would be just voice no data. i'm pretty sure i went ti KT as well all the places just telling me no in korean. is there a special way to ask for a sim card there or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
chunsaa said:
There are stores that deal with prepaid stuff from what I experienced. The small shops don't deal with them meaning you cannot even recharge your balance even if it is the same comapany. You have to walk into a bigger store and ask them there. Just ask them for a prepaid usim card. Alot easier to communicate if you could speak the language.
Sent from my SGH-I717D using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
expatblog dot kt.com/176
You should be able to get it from the global store
cbqfly said:
how were you able to get a sim card in south korea? when i went to seoul in january i went to every cell shop and they all told me no and one of the places was telling i had to rent a phone, and there would be just voice no data. i'm pretty sure i went ti KT as well all the places just telling me no in korean. is there a special way to ask for a sim card there or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you been to Itaewon? At least, people there will say no in English if they have to. LOL. I believee you can get prepaid phone or sim easily in Itaewon.
You can get anything there and you don't have to speak Korean to get it. Friendly is the key that opens all the doors. 50 times there at least.
Thanks for all the help, hopefully the next time i go to korea i will not have the same issue getting a sim card.
much appreciated
Long story short, I rooted using the Exynos Abuse and flashed the SuperNexus I777 ROM and am only getting EDGE.
My friend gave me his ATT Galaxy S2 SGH-1777. I have a local carrier that also uses GSM. So I have a non-ATT SIM card.
When I plugged in the SIM card to this ATT SGS2, only the texting and dialing worked. I didn't get any data. I talked to ATT for an unlock code (which they gave me). It wasn't until after I got the unlock code that I found out the phone was already GSM unlocked.
So I proceeded to root and flash the ROM I listed above. I am only getting EDGE data. Wifi works and as far as I know (with the minimal poking around) everything else does so far.
Am I missing something in terms of toggle switches inside the settings menu to turn on EDGE? Is this carrier specific? I don't see why EDGE would work but 3G wouldn't if I am in the coverage area.
I am doing this for a friend. I am a HTC Thunderbolt user so the SGS2 is new to me. What are these modems people are flashing? Should I flash one of these in hopes of picking up a 3G signal through the Non-ATT carrier?
zilla. said:
Long story short, I rooted using the Exynos Abuse and flashed the SuperNexus I777 ROM and am only getting EDGE.
My friend gave me his ATT Galaxy S2 SGH-1777. I have a local carrier that also uses GSM. So I have a non-ATT SIM card.
When I plugged in the SIM card to this ATT SGS2, only the texting and dialing worked. I didn't get any data. I talked to ATT for an unlock code (which they gave me). It wasn't until after I got the unlock code that I found out the phone was already GSM unlocked.
So I proceeded to root and flash the ROM I listed above. I am only getting EDGE data. Wifi works and as far as I know (with the minimal poking around) everything else does so far.
Am I missing something in terms of toggle switches inside the settings menu to turn on EDGE? Is this carrier specific? I don't see why EDGE would work but 3G wouldn't if I am in the coverage area.
I am doing this for a friend. I am a HTC Thunderbolt user so the SGS2 is new to me. What are these modems people are flashing? Should I flash one of these in hopes of picking up a 3G signal through the Non-ATT carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What carrier are u on? If u are accessing other towers besides at&t then u will pretty much get edge
Sent from my Pink Unicorn stable
brandonarev said:
What carrier are u on? If u are accessing other towers besides at&t then u will pretty much get edge
Sent from my Pink Unicorn stable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The carrier is Cincinnati Bell. Is it possible to get the phone to pick up towers specific for Bell or do I need the carrier to do this?
zilla. said:
The carrier is Cincinnati Bell. Is it possible to get the phone to pick up towers specific for Bell or do I need the carrier to do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure Cincinnati Bell uses T-Mobile towers so all the limitations that T-Mobile had with At&t phones on its network applies here
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Pirateghost said:
I'm pretty sure Cincinnati Bell uses T-Mobile towers so all the limitations that T-Mobile had with At&t phones on its network applies here
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^This! Confirm what network your carrier is accessing. If it's T-Mobile you're out of luck
Sent from my Pink Unicorn stable
brandonarev said:
^^This! Confirm what network your carrier is accessing. If it's T-Mobile you're out of luck
Sent from my Pink Unicorn stable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the phone is GSM unlocked, should it be able to access the respective tower of the carrier that is tied to the SIM card?
If not can the radios (?) specifically select towers?
zilla. said:
If the phone is GSM unlocked, should it be able to access the respective tower of the carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not if the phone doesn't have the hardware to support those specific bands.
Sent from my Zanpakuto using Getsuga Tensho!
zilla. said:
If the phone is GSM unlocked, should it be able to access the respective tower of the carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Your phone is GSM unlocked; therefore it can access the Cincinnati Bell towers. However, since those are actually T-Mobile towers, you can only use T-Mobile bands. Since T-Mobile and AT&T used different bands for 3G, and the phone's radio is designed to use AT&T's bands, you can only access the 2G bands.
EDIT: Ninja'd
mattdm said:
Yes. Your phone is GSM unlocked; therefore it can access the Cincinnati Bell towers. However, since those are actually T-Mobile towers, you can only use T-Mobile bands. Since T-Mobile and AT&T used different bands for 3G, and the phone's radio is designed to use AT&T's bands, you can only access the 2G bands.
EDIT: Ninja'd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the insight. I will call to confirm.
some of the newer tablets have both bands built in....so then you could use both gsm bands on tmo and att.....like the new note 8....it will have more gsm and lte bands than those in the past
mokokawi said:
some of the newer tablets have both bands built in....so then you could use both gsm bands on tmo and att.....like the new note 8....it will have more gsm and lte bands than those in the past
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for this insightful post that has ZERO to do with the i777.....
mattdm said:
Yes. Your phone is GSM unlocked; therefore it can access the Cincinnati Bell towers. However, since those are actually T-Mobile towers, you can only use T-Mobile bands. Since T-Mobile and AT&T used different bands for 3G, and the phone's radio is designed to use AT&T's bands, you can only access the 2G bands.
EDIT: Ninja'd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for bringing this up again, I was looking at the specs of the SGH-I777 (ATT's SGS2) vs SGH-T989 (T-Mobile's SGS2). It looks like both of the phones use the same bands except T-Mobile is capable of one more: WCDMA 2100. Is this the band that T-Mobile transmits it's 3G over? Otherwise they look almost identical.
Attached screenshot of comparison: http://imgur.com/8OQXftD
T-Mobile utilizes AWS (1700 MHz) band. Look better and you'll see that what you marked isn't a difference, 1700 is.
Google "List of UMTS networks".
Jack_R1 said:
T-Mobile utilizes AWS (1700 MHz) band. Look better and you'll see that what you marked isn't a difference, 1700 is.
Google "List of UMTS networks".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh of course. I glanced over that way too fast. Thanks.
Hi,
So I've read the FCC documents located here: LINK
Page 1 and Page 5 are the most interesting! These state that the Verizon model SCH-i545 will have AWS band 4 (of course 13 too) which does support T-mobiles LTE network right? It never states 1700/1200 frequencies.
Thing I want to know from the pros is will this phone indeed offer LTE support for T-Mobile or and I'm just seeing things?
Also, for all the other people that are wondering if the ATT model will offer LTE support for T-Mobile as well? It will since it supports both bands 4 and 17 But wait is that AWS band 4?... the jury is out on that! -_-
Many Thanks
Becool0130 said:
Hi,
So I've read the FCC documents located here: LINK
Page 1 and Page 5 are the most interesting! These state that the Verizon model SCH-i545 will have AWS band 4 (of course 13 too) which does support T-mobiles LTE network right? It never states 1700/1200 frequencies.
Thing I want to know from the pros is will this phone indeed offer LTE support for T-Mobile or and I'm just seeing things?
Also, for all the other people that are wondering if the ATT model will offer LTE support for T-Mobile as well? It will since it supports both bands 4 and 17 But wait is that AWS band 4?... the jury is out on that! -_-
Many Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I am correct, Verizon phones do not use sim cards (CDMA) and AT&T and T-Mobile are GMS (sim phones). So even if the bands are supported, I don't see how a Verizon phone would work on T-Mobile or AT&T unless they are CDMA / GSM dual phones. And even then they would have to be unlocked.
scott14719 said:
If I am correct, Verizon phones do not use sim cards (CDMA) and AT&T and T-Mobile are GMS (sim phones). So even if the bands are supported, I don't see how a Verizon phone would work on T-Mobile or AT&T unless they are CDMA / GSM dual phones. And even then they would have to be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of the major Verizon releases over the past year have come GSM unlocked. They are world phones that contain GSM and CDMA radios. I'm using a Verizon iPhone 5 on the Straight Talk (AT&T) network currently.
All lte phones have sim cards as it is a gsm technology. My girls verizon gs3 has a sim. As far as it being compatible that is a hell of a question.
OneStepAhead said:
All of the major Verizon releases over the past year have come GSM unlocked. They are world phones that contain GSM and CDMA radios. I'm using a Verizon iPhone 5 on the Straight Talk (AT&T) network currently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes! I sold my iPhone 4s to get Samsung galaxy s4 and it sold to someone over in the UK world (Ireland) that says it works! Lol.
I've also seen threads about sim unlocking the Verizon S3 for domestic and international use. Some people use HiAPN as system app along with other steps and viola... Working on whatever network you want
Question is... Am I seeing right that Verizon S4 will support AWS Band 4 for t-mobile?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda app-developers app
good news
OneStepAhead said:
All of the major Verizon releases over the past year have come GSM unlocked. They are world phones that contain GSM and CDMA radios. I'm using a Verizon iPhone 5 on the Straight Talk (AT&T) network currently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey this is one question i have lingering on my mind. How is the StraightTalk connection? Is it any good? Are there call drop issues? And do they have data plans?
if i buy a tmobile s4 will it work on verizon??
I know most things are under the catagory of speculation/rumor but i was wanting to to check out tmobile network for a bit.... the no contract is appealing. If i bought the phone outright and ending up not liking tmobile i would switch to verizon. Short of selling the tmobile and getting a verizon phone i was wondering about just activating the same phone on verizon?
Will there be "one phone" in US or would they all have thier own modem chips i guess is the real question....
thanks for the guesses and speculat'n!
You have to consider its Verizon and they have 700Mhz LTE and you can't roam on AT&T's 700Mhz so I would not expect to access Verizons AWS spectrum on T-Mobile or vice versa. Remember when they said LTE was the unifying spectrum to allow for easier use across networks and carriers, well that was a pile of BS.
Great news, but I heard verizon was purposely going to burn in their logo onto the amoled screens.
RaptorMD said:
You have to consider its Verizon and they have 700Mhz LTE and you can't roam on AT&T's 700Mhz so I would not expect to access Verizons AWS spectrum on T-Mobile or vice versa.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong: those "700mhz" frequencies are different bands. Both T-Mobile and Verizon are building out LTE on the same band: 4 (AWS). They will be interoperable device-wise.
AT&T also owns a lot of AWS, and though they're currently running LTE on it only in one market (somewhere in Oklahoma IIRC), all their LTE devices do come with band 4 enabled.
The more I read about the differences, the more I'm convinced that the Verizon model is more cross compatible with all other services. It's still the only CDMA model. But it's also gsm unlocked if you know how to program APNs. Any thoughts?
jerzyboy2421 said:
The more I read about the differences, the more I'm convinced that the Verizon model is more cross compatible with all other services. It's still the only CDMA model. But it's also gsm unlocked if you know how to program APNs. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I posted a pretty detailed analyzation of the LTE bands the different GS4 models work with here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=40974831#post40974831
if we ever get to the point where we don't need 3g at all any more (CDMA) and we can get VoLTE and use the LTE band exclusively that will eliminate a lot of the incompatability between Verizon and GSM carriers .
Parafly said:
if we ever get to the point where we don't need 3g at all any more (CDMA) and we can get VoLTE and use the LTE band exclusively that will eliminate a lot of the incompatability between Verizon and GSM carriers .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When we get to that point, Verizon will basically be a GSM carrier. Considering LTE is just an evolution GSM, both developed by 3GPP.
camaroz28 said:
When we get to that point, Verizon will basically be a GSM carrier. Considering LTE is just an evolution GSM, both developed by 3GPP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When it gets to that point, the question is will LTE then become open so Google can sell a Nexus that works on every network without carriers involved?
Schoat333 said:
When it gets to that point, the question is will LTE then become open so Google can sell a Nexus that works on every network without carriers involved?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not just Google...all the manufacturers could do it. But...don't get your hopes up. That situation is not in the carriers' nor major manufacturers' interests, and they sit on the standards bodies. No one represents the users/customers.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=43469207&postcount=11
samsung GS4
scott14719 said:
If I am correct, Verizon phones do not use sim cards (CDMA) and AT&T and T-Mobile are GMS (sim phones). So even if the bands are supported, I don't see how a Verizon phone would work on T-Mobile or AT&T unless they are CDMA / GSM dual phones. And even then they would have to be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon does use sim cards I am in the process of trying to unlock
SCH-I545 On T-Mobile
i Have This phone running on T-Mobile and have notice it does pick up AWS but very limied when compared to a T-Mobile branded phone... im wondering if anyone has tested flashing the T-Mobile modem??
---------- Post added at 04:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:56 AM ----------
No need to unlock just go into settings on the phone and under mobile networks their should be a tab that says prefered network.... click it and select global....
Hey everyone,
I just searched this topic and didn't find any definitive answers so I thought I'd ask...
Anyways is the VZW Galaxy S4 SIM unlocked out of the box? I keep reading the new VZW releases in 2012 and onwards are according to the VZW forums and website but then I found a post of someone asking VZW for an unlock. It its an official code its easier to just ask VZW as I meet all the requirements (1+ year customer). Also I read that on the S3 the APN settings are blocked on the default VZW firmware unless rooted. Is the APN settings on the S4 open (changeable) by default?
Also what's a realistic battery life you guys are getting out of this phone?
Am comparing phones and need a phone that is:
1. SIM Unlocked and APN settings changable that has VZW's US CDMA and LTE bands PLUS ALL the international bands (the 4 GSM and 4 UMTS international bands).
2. Has HSPA+21 at least.
3. Long battery life to last the day.
4. Rootable so I can get rid of VZW crap and increase the battery life.
I've also not seen any international VZW phones with HSPA+42 dual carrier like Apple's iPhone 5. I'm also debating getting a Android versus iOS phone...
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and help issues go in Q&A and Help section
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
Recently took my S4 to Brazil and spent a fair bit of time talking to Verizon Global Support before the trip. One of the questions I asked was whether the phone was SIM unlocked so that I could purchase a SIM card while in Brazil and use local service down there. The VZW rep assured me the phone was indeed unlocked, but I did not use a Brazilian SIM card while on travel so I cannot confirm via personal experience.
I can confirm that it is unlocked. I put an active att sim card in, that then allowed me to add the correct apn info. I was then able to make calls and use data.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
willzzz88 said:
Hey everyone,
I just searched this topic and didn't find any definitive answers so I thought I'd ask...
Anyways is the VZW Galaxy S4 SIM unlocked out of the box? I keep reading the new VZW releases in 2012 and onwards are according to the VZW forums and website but then I found a post of someone asking VZW for an unlock. It its an official code its easier to just ask VZW as I meet all the requirements (1+ year customer). Also I read that on the S3 the APN settings are blocked on the default VZW firmware unless rooted. Is the APN settings on the S4 open (changeable) by default?
Also what's a realistic battery life you guys are getting out of this phone?
Am comparing phones and need a phone that is:
1. SIM Unlocked and APN settings changable that has VZW's US CDMA and LTE bands PLUS ALL the international bands (the 4 GSM and 4 UMTS international bands).
2. Has HSPA+21 at least.
3. Long battery life to last the day.
4. Rootable so I can get rid of VZW crap and increase the battery life.
I've also not seen any international VZW phones with HSPA+42 dual carrier like Apple's iPhone 5. I'm also debating getting a Android versus iOS phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SCH-I545 has Quad band GSM/EDGE frequency's (850/900/1800/1900) and Quad band UMTS/HSPA (850/900/1900/2100) As well as AWS bands for LTE (1700/2100) so it should get LTE on T-Mobile. However, it does not have the capabilities to get LTE on AT&T since the SCH-I545 does not have the frequency's to operate on AT&T's LTE network but it will get HSPA+ on both networks. It will work on Sprint as well but it will not get LTE since its two LTE bands, (700 and 1700/2100), are not compatible. Sprint operates on the same CDMA/ Ev-Do bands as VZW so you will get 3G. I can confirm that i have used the SCH-I545 with an AT&T SIM card and i got HSPA+ speeds.
echo1030 said:
The SCH-I545 has Quad band GSM/EDGE frequency's (850/900/1800/1900) and Quad band UMTS/HSPA (850/900/1900/2100) As well as AWS bands for LTE (1700/2100) so it should get LTE on T-Mobile. However, it does not have the capabilities to get LTE on AT&T since the SCH-I545 does not have the frequency's to operate on AT&T's LTE network but it will get HSPA+ on both networks. It will work on Sprint as well but it will not get LTE since its two LTE bands, (700 and 1700/2100), are not compatible. Sprint operates on the same CDMA/ Ev-Do bands as VZW so you will get 3G. I can confirm that i have used the SCH-I545 with an AT&T SIM card and i got HSPA+ speeds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The AWS is there but not activated yet. for now you will only get EDGE on t-mobile unless in a refarmed are you will pickup HSPA. you will however pickup all AWS tis summer when verizon activates that band on our phone.
SOURCE: I'm on the 30$ a month prepaid with t-mobile. edge sucks but it works.
att sim in verizon sg4
Silentgray said:
I can confirm that it is unlocked. I put an active att sim card in, that then allowed me to add the correct apn info. I was then able to make calls and use data.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I have had the same outcome, voice and data work, BUT data is only HPSA+ at best. Do you get 4G LTE or found a way to get it?
Thanks!
ddckylec said:
Hi,
I have had the same outcome, voice and data work, BUT data is only HPSA+ at best. Do you get 4G LTE or found a way to get it?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, but that is because i am not in an area where ATT has LTE turned on. South Dakota is still on the waiting list. Verizon uses different frequencies for LTE then ATT does.
Verizon has never locked their phones, even the CDMA ones. If you put a non Verizon SIM in you can change the APN settings
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk
OK Question:
I have been trying to find reliable information on this specific question for quite some time.. I am wondering two things:
How well will a Sprint Samsung S6 work unlocked on T-Mobile? I was comparing Basebands or bands or whatever and it has most of the LTE bands but none of the 3G bands. Does that mean that IF I was in a place where LTE was not available that it wouldn't be able to connect to 3G? How well would this work?
Thanks
beforedenied said:
OK Question:
I have been trying to find reliable information on this specific question for quite some time.. I am wondering two things:
How well will a Sprint Samsung S6 work unlocked on T-Mobile? I was comparing Basebands or bands or whatever and it has most of the LTE bands but none of the 3G bands. Does that mean that IF I was in a place where LTE was not available that it wouldn't be able to connect to 3G? How well would this work?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3G will work.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
optimummind said:
3G will work.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok Please give me more information. how well will it work? Perfectly all the time?
If you are in the United States, by law the carrier cannot "lock" a phone to be only activated by their own network. You may have to call them to get it unlocked though. They may request for you to pay off the ETF on it, which is usually the remaining balance of the discounted phone on contract.
So really there is no such thing as a locked phone anymore, at least not for now. The hardware on the Samsung S6 should be the same for all carriers, the only difference should be the SIM card.