$50 bounty for LTE solution for TMobile users! - AT&T LG Optimus G

That's right.... I want LTE bad. The entire reason I switched to T-Mobile was for LTE. Now the issue is after the sim is activated, LTE disappears.
$50 Amazon gift card if you develop a fix for this. $25 if you give a solution that works!
Let's figure this out! I can't afford an S4 or htc one now....

I don't mean to sound negative or pessimistic but, the LGOG using T-Mobile's HSPA+ service is pretty damned fast as it is... and yes I'd like it to work on my LGOG since it did work not once but twice with two different T-Mobile SIM cards for periods of time but, if you're in an area serviced by T-Mobile's current LTE rollout then you're also getting HSPA+ service too so...
"How fast is fast?" is the question I end up eventually asking people: how fast do you really need the connection to be for a smartphone? What are you folks doing with your smartphones that requires more than ~15-20Mbps?
Also...
Can anyone that is rooted/unlocked (bootloader) and has a recovery installed boot your device into fastboot mode and see if it shows a baseband listed at all? Mine - which is running the stock JB 4.1.2 presently and using the stock JB AT&T radio shows N/A which makes me think there's something going on in there or I busted something during my multiple flashing phase over the past week or so, I don't know. Here's what mine says presently:
FASTBOOT MODE
PRODUCT NAME - mako
VARIANT - mako 16GB
HW VERSION - rev_10 (16)
BOOTLOADER VERSION - MAKOZ10o
BASEBAND VERSION - N/A
CARRIER INFO - None
SERIAL NUMBER - YADDAYADDAYADDA
SIGNING - production
SECURE BOOT - enabled
LOCK STATE - unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now I'm wondering about two aspects there: the MAKOZ10o reference which could be related to the older ICS bootloader since that was a V10o thing, maybe it was updated and now IDs itself as Z10o, I don't know for sure, and of course the fact that it doesn't show a baseband version at all. I don't particularly believe that's what's causing the LTE to crap out and die but, I can't say for certain.
But I'm interested in seeing if anyone else's device running the stock JB 4.1.2 (mine has been flashed with LGNPST directly, not as an OTA - the device could have been 4.0.4 > 4.1.2 by OTA from the previous owner, I have no idea), and of course I can't say for certain when the LTE just stopped working but it was within the first day of me owning the device and before I ever flashed anything or rooted it so I will say that rooting it didn't cause the LTE to stop working and that was the first step in the flashing I've done since I got it.
Still, it's odd that it works then just stops working and never comes back...

br0adband said:
I don't mean to sound negative or pessimistic but, the LGOG using T-Mobile's HSPA+ service is pretty damned fast as it is... and yes I'd like it to work on my LGOG since it did work not once but twice with two different T-Mobile SIM cards for periods of time but, if you're in an area serviced by T-Mobile's current LTE rollout then you're also getting HSPA+ service too so...
"How fast is fast?" is the question I end up eventually asking people: how fast do you really need the connection to be for a smartphone? What are you folks doing with your smartphones that requires more than ~15-20Mbps?
Also...
Can anyone that is rooted/unlocked (bootloader) and has a recovery installed boot your device into fastboot mode and see if it shows a baseband listed at all? Mine - which is running the stock JB 4.1.2 presently and using the stock JB AT&T radio shows N/A which makes me think there's something going on in there or I busted something during my multiple flashing phase over the past week or so, I don't know. Here's what mine says presently:
Now I'm wondering about two aspects there: the MAKOZ10o reference which could be related to the older ICS bootloader since that was a V10o thing, maybe it was updated and now IDs itself as Z10o, I don't know for sure, and of course the fact that it doesn't show a baseband version at all. I don't particularly believe that's what's causing the LTE to crap out and die but, I can't say for certain.
But I'm interested in seeing if anyone else's device running the stock JB 4.1.2 (mine has been flashed with LGNPST directly, not as an OTA - the device could have been 4.0.4 > 4.1.2 by OTA from the previous owner, I have no idea), and of course I can't say for certain when the LTE just stopped working but it was within the first day of me owning the device and before I ever flashed anything or rooted it so I will say that rooting it didn't cause the LTE to stop working and that was the first step in the flashing I've done since I got it.
Still, it's odd that it works then just stops working and never comes back...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the most part, it's fast.... But it's line having a Porsche with a speed limiter.... Who wants that?

Mine didn't have lte bone stock. I just rooted mine and booted into bootloader and I do have a line of letters and numbers with the baseband.

Bounty is going to be void unless someone has a solution quick! I put it up on craigslist and supposedly someone is going to buy it. Guess I'll have to fork over extra $ for a One or S4

I'm on T-Mobile LTE has never worked for me (been on it about a week). I get week 4g in town and most the time it wont even load ANYTHING! 2G is garbage...... My fastboot shows baseband version as n/a also. Unlocking the bootloader via freegee simply flashes the nexus aboot image which likely hasn't been modified. Does Tmobile LTE work on the nexus/nexus conversion? I know free also flashes a modified boot image but it simply removes the wallpaper.bin file from the phones bin directory to allow removal of any apps (its checks for videos,apk etc etc). I haven't tried flash the T-Mobile modem in the modem thread (.38 or something?) but I am assuming it also wont allow for LTE? Do these phones share modems with nexus or are they just cross compatible? Does the phone run LTE stock? I'm not familiar with at&t and do not know if they have a LTE band. Is it possible the hardware has just been removed on this model for LTE and those that get it do so without the antenna? I know there is another phone where that is the case but I cant remember which one of the top of my head.

Guys really need to quit buying e970s and thinking lte on tmo will work.
Sent from my LG Optimus G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

DeathmonkeyGTX said:
Guys really need to quit buying e970s and thinking lte on tmo will work.
Sent from my LG Optimus G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I just noted in another post, the LGOG is fully capable of LTE service on the T-Mobile frequencies - it's a damned Nexus 4 in a different package, with the same hardware radio and I/we can even run the T-Mobile radio firmware as well. That's not the issue.
The issue is that for many of us it DOES work at first but then the LTE stops working and I/we would most certainly like to figure out why it's happening.

Probably tmo trying to force you to buy a phone from them.
Sent from my LG Optimus G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Doubtful considering that's one reason they refarmed their network in the first place, so potential customers could bring their unlocked ATT devices to the T-Mobile network and have great service, LTE included. The "uncarrier" has great pride in that fact and have gone through great lengths to advertise it. The issue the OP is having appears to be LGOG specific as I hadn't heard of or seen any other devices with said issue, thus the bounty.
Sent from my LG-E970 using xda app-developers app

The reason you guys are losing LTE is T-Mobile is slowly switching to a diff band. And it is one this phone doesn't handle. As they convert towers to the new frequency phones that do not handle all the US LTE bands get left behind.
Sent from my LG Optimus G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

autosurgeon said:
The reason you guys are losing LTE is T-Mobile is slowly switching to a diff band. And it is one this phone doesn't handle. As they convert towers to the new frequency phones that do not handle all the US LTE bands get left behind.
Sent from my LG Optimus G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=47076068&postcount=67
Since this double-posting and chasing people around threads gets tiring.

autosurgeon said:
The reason you guys are losing LTE is T-Mobile is slowly switching to a diff band. And it is one this phone doesn't handle. As they convert towers to the new frequency phones that do not handle all the US LTE bands get left behind.
Sent from my LG Optimus G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hadn't seen any information to back this up, feel free to direct me to the info if you'd like. I find it hard to believe as T-Mobile just refarmed the network to support the same LTE bands as att and are still actively advertising the fact you can bring your unlocked device to their network without issue and with full support. In addition individuals are reporting LTE service that works fine initially then ceases generally after reboot or within a few days. The odds of these bands being changed just as users switch in multiple locations to multiple users are slim to none.
Sent from my LG-E970 using xda app-developers app

I was told this by technical support when helping a friend that has an e970. Whether it is accurate info I guess is now in question. Sorry if it is not.
Sent from my LG Optimus G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

No worries in the long run, we just like to make sure people do get accurate info. T-Mobile uses band 4 for LTE purposes, and that'll fall within the 850 and 1900 MHz bands they're refarming aka repurposing from primarily 2G/EDGE network usage towards more HSPA+ access which would also get more LTE support there as well.
And yeah, it's irritating as hell knowing it did work and now it doesn't, very frustrating. It's the only thing I haven't been able to get addressed with this LGOG so far and it flat out pisses me off.

Bounty is OFF! I sold the LGOG and picked up an ATT S4 for $185 off CL! Only slight damage to volume button but other than that clean, not stolen and LTE works! Until I bricked it by flashing the wrong rom but it's in the mail shipping back to me repaired !!

I had it running on Simple and I would mainly get terrible edge a I guess HSPA since it would say 4G sometimes. Didn't get LTE until I went over to AT&T.

Related

[Q] Wind vs. TMobile Amaze plus a couple of other questions....

Hey all!
Sorry if this has been asked before (I've seen posts about it but no straight answers on the issue).
I have a brand new T-Mobile Amaze and a brand new Wind Mobile Amaze. Long story about why!
I can't decide which to keep. I like the fact that Winds is unbranded. I would probably like to use the wifi calling feature on the T-Mobile one when I visit the US (I spend 5 months in the US and the rest of the year in Canada). I don't think I want to root this phone....am undecided right now. The thing that bothers me though, is the camera program on the Wind Mobile version. It's completely different and I like the T-Mobile one better. If I DID decide to root, could I get the T-mobile camera on the Wind one? And then, how would wifi calling work?
Sorry, I'm a newb who is not savvy about any of this stuff....
Any help would be appreciated
Also, I read something a while back, that the bands are different between the two versions. Is this true?
Thanks in advance! CHEERS!
I'm no pro and please correct me anyone if i'm wrong but yes. the bands are different, which is why there are different RUU's for the telus, tmos, wind etc amazes.
I'm pretty sure if you kept your wind mobile one and then followed the procedure to root the device, you'll be able to use the ROM's that we have on XDA and then in my opinion that would give you the camera from the T-mobile one (most likely unless it's been changed) - but yeah don't hold me 100% accountable for this.
You can flash a T-Mobile based ROM onto the WIND's Amaze. With this, you will get the camera interface from the T-Mobile Amaze. I'm not sure about WiFi calling since I never use it - actually I don't even know if WIND has WiFi calling on their network.
Keep the t mobile one, wind one is not yet compatible with the kernels supplied by custom ROMs for now. Means anything with faux kernel
I know it says compatible with all the htc amaze on the kernel page but it is not for the Wind
Thanks for the replies
Hmmmm, I may think about rooting after all....I am looking at both the T-Mobile and the Wind site....
T-Mobile Amaze:
850 MHz;900 MHz;1800 MHz;1900 MHz;UMTS: Band I (2100);UMTS: Band IV (1700/2100);UMTS: Band V (850)
Wind Amaze:
3G (UMTS/HSPA) AWS 1700/2100 2G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE) 850/1900/900/1800
They look like the same bands to me. (??) I really like the unbranded Wind one. I'm not sure if I would ever use wifi calling when I had the phone in the US. Could I potentially add the T-Mobile wifi calling to a rooted Wind Amaze do you think?
Thanks so much once again. Sorry for the dummy questions....!
Wind's Amaze bands are (from the box, and I have verified that I could connect to both T-mobile and AT&T bands while in the states):
HSPA 850/1700/1900/2100.
GSM 850/900/1800/1900.
Kernels from Faux do work on the Wind Amaze (at least, they did for me when I was running custom).
morrislee said:
Keep the t mobile one, wind one is not yet compatible with the kernels supplied by custom ROMs for now. Means anything with faux kernel
I know it says compatible with all the htc amaze on the kernel page but it is not for the Wind
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ohhh I had no idea....
Well I guess that makes things easier for me
Thanks everyone once again!
morrislee said:
Keep the t mobile one, wind one is not yet compatible with the kernels supplied by custom ROMs for now. Means anything with faux kernel
I know it says compatible with all the htc amaze on the kernel page but it is not for the Wind
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what you're talking about, but Faux kernel works fine with my WIND Amaze.
adslee said:
I don't know what you're talking about, but Faux kernel works fine with my WIND Amaze.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your videos work fine after? camera still work???? maybe you have a slightly different variant, but recent batch seems to be incompatible.
Hmmm, now I REALLY don't know what to do! I guess I will keep the T-Mobile one since I have already been tinkering with it...that keeps the Wind Mobile one brand new so I can resell it! I suppose I can be a girly girl and put some swarovski crytals over the darned T-Mobile branding!
Now, next step is to find out how to get the wifi hotspot working. Have been reading up on this. May be easier just to root it.
If I unlock it and use it on Wind, would the wifi hotspot work without rooting it?
Thanks again everyone
if i was you i would keep the wind one ... why? because the tmobile branding is a HUGE turnoff when you are looking at your screen (sorry americans!) They are generally the same device just with no branding, you could push an apk to your system folder or apps cant remember and it should work as long as you have a t-mobile sim card. In canada we do not have wifi calling so it wouldnt working here (duh!) Good luck with your pick! what i would suggest be the breaking point is check if either device has S-OFF if it does you could sell it to a developer (possible a little cheaper so they can start making roms and try to achieve s-off in all other devices.) Good luck with your pick, basically theyre both the same device.
ed116 said:
if i was you i would keep the wind one ... why? because the tmobile branding is a HUGE turnoff when you are looking at your screen (sorry americans!) They are generally the same device just with no branding, you could push an apk to your system folder or apps cant remember and it should work as long as you have a t-mobile sim card. In canada we do not have wifi calling so it wouldnt working here (duh!) Good luck with your pick! what i would suggest be the breaking point is check if either device has S-OFF if it does you could sell it to a developer (possible a little cheaper so they can start making roms and try to achieve s-off in all other devices.) Good luck with your pick, basically theyre both the same device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heya!
Ok, so they are the same device exactly....hmmm. So, wifi calling isn't as a big deal as the camera software. I want to make sure I could for SURE have the T-Mobile Camera on the Wind phone. And if I root the Wind one, I am assuming the start up animation can be changed. The Wind one is lame. T-Mobile one is much better;-)
I am not sure what S-Off is....but can you tell me how to check for that?
Thanks a bunch!
starspun said:
Heya!
Ok, so they are the same device exactly....hmmm. So, wifi calling isn't as a big deal as the camera software. I want to make sure I could for SURE have the T-Mobile Camera on the Wind phone. And if I root the Wind one, I am assuming the start up animation can be changed. The Wind one is lame. T-Mobile one is much better;-)
I am not sure what S-Off is....but can you tell me how to check for that?
Thanks a bunch!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you have to boot into bootloader (by removing battery then - pressing volume down and holding it down and then press power button (you should keep pressing both power + volume until you get into bootloader.) if you install a custom rom like bulletproof or sense 3.5 you will get The new Camera APK and bulletproof has wifi calling included good luck!
I don't know why people keep saying that T-Mobile and Wind are different bands.
You do realize that the reason why Wind doesn't get different phones from T-Mobile is because they use the same bands, right?
If the phone doesn't work on T-Mobile's standard 3g+ network (AWS) it won't work on Wind, and vice-versa.
The only thing you need to worry about it is it being sim-unlocked.
The different RUUs only exist because of carrier customization and locking. Wind's Amaze RUU is pretty much stock without the extra bloat of T-Mobile Apps. But of course, the T-Mobile RUU also has the updated camera function, unlike Wind's.
Also, that's the first I've heard about Wind Amaze's having problems with faux's kernel. FYI my Wind Amaze's camera works fine on faux's latest kernel and NRG's Energy ROM (and xboarder's when I used his). However, mine was manufactured in November, so YMMV.
Actually youre a bit wrong on that, T-Mobile does support 2G network so any phone with 2G bands (such as iphone or galaxy note) will work on T-Mobile Network with 2G Internet Speeds. And the RUUs are made for the carrier specific device so if you want to revert stock always use ur own carriers RUU!
I know, that's why I mentioned the standard 3g+ AWS network. If it doesn't work on the 3g network on T-mobile, it won't work on Wind's Home network which uses the same 1700/2100 band (also why people tend to buy T-mobile phones and use them on Wind's network).
And yes, reverting to stock using the same RUU is a good idea. However, from my experience with Motorola's SBFs, they are interchangable among the same device. Because Wind didn't have a publicly leaked SBF, we've been using other carrier's SBFs without problems when reverting to "near" stock.
Raydonn said:
I know, that's why I mentioned the standard 3g+ AWS network. If it doesn't work on the 3g network on T-mobile, it won't work on Wind's Home network which uses the same 1700/2100 band (also why people tend to buy T-mobile phones and use them on Wind's network).
And yes, reverting to stock using the same RUU is a good idea. However, from my experience with Motorola's SBFs, they are interchangable among the same device. Because Wind didn't have a publicly leaked SBF, we've been using other carrier's SBFs without problems when reverting to "near" stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh... another unsatisfied XT720 user. ;p
Accophox said:
Ahh... another unsatisfied XT720 user. ;p
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hohoho, you've caught me. (So many random freezes/battery pulls)
Now I'm a mostly satisfied Amaze user. Just need to wait for those new ICS ROMs.
Also, quick reading for those who are still confused about radio bands / if it will work on your network.
http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...ne-Will-Work-With-WIND-(or-Any-Other-Carrier)
i still dont know why tmobile version is the only one that have all those camera features, the wind version of the Amaze have the old camera UI like the sensation does, but im sure there should be a flashable zip for the camera like tmobile amaze version is.
anyone that had the sensation 4g knows what im talking about
i dont know if the same flash zip file from the sensation works or not, im not a pro but i figure it wont cause its made to work with the sensation,
another thing guys, they have a blueray feature for the camera when recording, you guys think it can be port over to the amaze?
If you rooted your phone, I have the tmo camera apk for you.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using xda premium

How do you know if inter version work with your carrier?

I've got a GT-I9000M right now and I've pre-ordered up the inter version. How do I know I'm not just wasting money?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk 2
Unlocked GSM devices will work on any carrier that uses a SIM card.. i.e. T-Mobile, AT&T, etc. CDMA are the devices without SIM cards like Verizon and Sprint.
You just have to be aware of which carrier and what they use.
(I think I got that right ) maybe someone else can chime in..
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2
Coreym said:
T-Mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Careful, it'll work but most models are missing the 1700 band for HSPA+.
OP: Make sure it's GSM, then compare the bands.
thebobp said:
Careful, it'll work but most models are missing the 1700 band for HSPA+.
OP: Make sure it's GSM, then compare the bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good point.. thank you
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2
It's 850Mhz as far as I know.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk 2
Funny, you should ask; I was wondering about the same thing just yesterday:
What I learned, as far as T-Mobile (US) is concerned: it will work - if using a Tmo or AT&T SIM card - but only at 2G speeds, for now (probably until 2013).
That's my finding, and also the opinion of some other fine forum folks here.
Just wish it was wrong...
Well, according to the specs compared between my current I9000 and the SGS3, they have the same bands across the board. So I SHOULD be okay.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk 2
MaesterB said:
Well, according to the specs compared between my current I9000 and the SGS3, they have the same bands across the board. So I SHOULD be okay.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be awesome...if you were right!
What are your download speeds, and where do you live, bro?
4.5-5mbps down. 3mbps up.
I'm in Saskatchewan on Sasktel. It's a 3G/4G network that most devices on it are 850 and 1900 compatible.
Sasktel has boasted LTE in the fall, but only in the main cities, Regina and Saskatoon. Doesn't really affect me because in the city, at work or at home or friends/family, I'm on wifi.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks, man!
So there is hope that it actually may work OK... hmm.
Guess I'll wait some more, and until more folks chime in, as I would not want to gamble $800 (US ) on it... not yet.
Would sure love to buy an International/Unlocked S3 and run it on a prepaid T-Mobile SIM, but that may just not work the same way here in the US of A...
Well, expansys offers up to 15 days to return the device. So I'll know within the first day or so of receiving it if it's going to work or not. I'll have to go buy a MICRO SIM for it or not.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk 2
MaesterB said:
Well, expansys offers up to 15 days to return the device. So I'll know within the first day or so of receiving it if it's going to work or not. I'll have to go buy a MICRO SIM for it or not.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang...You're right! I totally forgot about that option
I9300, here I come
Thanks, MaesterB!
International version for AT&T
I have a question, I am new to GSM as I have been with Sprint for the past 13 years but just switched to AT&T for the purpose of being able to easily swap phones and use international versions. I got the HTC One X but I have to say that it is not "doing it" for me. I am used to the GS1 and then the GS2 and my plan WAS to get the GS3. I don't want to wait until AT&T gets the phone, plus its my understanding that the US versions are dual-core vs the quad.
With that in mind, I was thinking I could easily take my HTC which is only a day old and sell it on Ebay for 2-3 times what I paid for it, and use that money to get an international GS3. Before I do that though I have a few questions about using international versions.
1) With international phones (GS3 or any other model), would I still be able to use my AT&T apps such as Uverse Live TV, myAT&T, FamilyMap?
2) I realize that as long as the version of phone I get has the 850 and 1900Mhz bands, it will be compatible with AT&T for voice and 2G. What I want to know is would I be able to use AT&T's LTE or at the minimum the fake 4G (HSPA+). I don't want to spend $800 on a phone that is stuck on 3G.
3) Obviously I would not get OTA updates from AT&T but I assume that even without rooting I could go somewhere else (perhaps XDA) to get regular firmware updates?
4) Last, for those of you that have alot of exp buying swapping international phones, would you say that if for instance, I would not be able to use the phones LTE on AT&T, and that I was stuck on 3G, if I went ahead and purchased the phone anyway with the intent of using it until the AT&T version comes out, do you think at that time I would still get most of my purchase price back from the re-sale of the international version to use that to buy the AT&T one?
Thank You very much for your help.
I may not be "The Capacity" on the subject, but I have been tinkering with my phones over the last years, I do have some "smartphone cred" and also learned a lot myself on XDA (on the same subject) this weekend...
Let's see if other folks can confirm my answers:
1. According to my information, the US version of the S3 will indeed come with a dual S4 (Krait), compared to the International Exynos quad core CPU. Reason: the S4 can handle LTE, the quad core Exynos not yet;
2. If you buy a (prepaid) SIM card/plan from a 3rd party provider, or from AT&T or T-mo directly, you will be able to use the network you decide to go with. Since only Tmo and ATT have GSM networks, you can only use these with the International S3 and SIM card (Micro-SIM, that is). However, I am pretty sure you won't have a problem using network-specific apps either... since you are using the network/carrier already;
3. As far as the network speed (LTE <> 2G <> 3G) is concerned, I have heard different opinions. T-mo specifically states that you need the 1700MHz band, which the International S3 does not cover. However, they - and I believe also ATT - offer 3G on the 1900 MHz band, which the Inter S3 does pick up.
I have had a good exchange with a nice guy from Canada earlier today (look for MaesterB, the OP of this thread...), and he confirmed that his I9000 does pick up 3G speeds/5Mbps (in Canada). Since the I9000 covers the same bands as the I9300 (S3), I am convinced that it's gonna work to get 3G speeds.
I doubt that it's going to be HSPA+ anytime soon, but you'll definitely won't get LTE - as that depend on the 1700MHz spectrum, I think.
T-Mobile, however, is upgrading their network, and we are supposed to get HSPA+ on the 1900MHz band by the end of the year/next year here in the US... (??);
4. Don't know about the OTA updates... but who cares? You've gotta root your phone anyway to get the most from it. At least, that's my stance. And if you do root, you might as well get the OTAs from the XDA community. Who cares about 'straight-from-the-carrier' updates anyway..?
5. I'm not so sure if you're right with your resale philosophy, especially on 'getting most of your money back'. I wouldn't bank on it. Usually, and once the phone is on the market for some time, the level of desirability tanks, and so does the resale value...
6. Now that I have wised up some over the weekend myself, I'm going to get an unlocked S3, together with a prepaid SIM (probably from 'Straight Talk', 'Simple Mobile', or even directly from T-mo [the latter only with 2-yr contract... yuck!]). If I find out that I cannot get decent 3G speeds (area of 5 Mbps/down) on the phone already the same day I get it, I will return it - and the SIM card - right away and get my money back
Let's see what others can add to this...
cott789 said:
I have a question, I am new to GSM as I have been with Sprint for the past 13 years but just switched to AT&T for the purpose of being able to easily swap phones and use international versions. I got the HTC One X but I have to say that it is not "doing it" for me. I am used to the GS1 and then the GS2 and my plan WAS to get the GS3. I don't want to wait until AT&T gets the phone, plus its my understanding that the US versions are dual-core vs the quad.
With that in mind, I was thinking I could easily take my HTC which is only a day old and sell it on Ebay for 2-3 times what I paid for it, and use that money to get an international GS3. Before I do that though I have a few questions about using international versions.
1) With international phones (GS3 or any other model), would I still be able to use my AT&T apps such as Uverse Live TV, myAT&T, FamilyMap?
2) I realize that as long as the version of phone I get has the 850 and 1900Mhz bands, it will be compatible with AT&T for voice and 2G. What I want to know is would I be able to use AT&T's LTE or at the minimum the fake 4G (HSPA+). I don't want to spend $800 on a phone that is stuck on 3G.
3) Obviously I would not get OTA updates from AT&T but I assume that even without rooting I could go somewhere else (perhaps XDA) to get regular firmware updates?
4) Last, for those of you that have alot of exp buying swapping international phones, would you say that if for instance, I would not be able to use the phones LTE on AT&T, and that I was stuck on 3G, if I went ahead and purchased the phone anyway with the intent of using it until the AT&T version comes out, do you think at that time I would still get most of my purchase price back from the re-sale of the international version to use that to buy the AT&T one?
Thank You very much for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no possible way you will be able to "sell your one x for 2 or 3 times what you paid for it". You will NOT get LTE on the international version. HSPA+ is 3G and it will get that on AT&T, so yes you will be stuck on 3G. You will still get OTA updates on the phone regardless of what carrier you use it on. Depending on how long you wait you probably won't get most of your purchase price for the phone. If AT&T waits until August to release it you will probably get $100 less at least. Six months later the Galaxy nexus is $350 cheaper, and the One X already only fetches about $500-550.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Sweet.
I was just doing some snooping on my providers website.
EVERYTHING they're doing is in the 850 and 1900 bands. Even the "4G", which still isn't anything to write home about.
Now, as long as I don't suffer from my modem problems that I had after I flashed my SGS the first time (ie. lose carrier once I'm out of my home zone) I'm REALLY set.
(pre-)Ordered my S3 yesterday...
Yeah! Can't wait for the baby to arrive next week!
Also got me a prepaid SIM (AT&T) with Straight Talk, and - just in case - a SIM cutter. Looks like I'm ready to roll!
Let's see how this all shakes out... but it better be good!
I read in another thread here on XDA ("Samsung Galaxy S III... No LTE for $800?!") that the phone will "perform sexual favors and make a sandwich afterward." -- Awesome!!!
Unbelievable, how Samsung pulls these things off again and again and again... LOL
Well, I had to double-check to make sure I asked for 1-3 day shipping on mine. Still waiting for a reply back!
Even if Expansys gets it next week, I won't be seeing it until the week of June 4th OR later.
And it's being shipped to the office where I work. Double-bonus. So as soon I get it, my lunch break will be go down to the kiosk of my provider, pay $10 for the microsim, get it programmed, and voila...done and done.

[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.

[Q] DNA to Straight Talk T-Mobile vs AT&T

I currently have a Droid DNA through Verizon and would like to switch to Straight Talk. I see options for both AT&T and T-Mobile compatible SIM cards, and am curious which one I should go with. I live in the Houston area. I prefer not to have to cut the card but it's not a deal breaker.
In my area AT&T has much wider and more reliable data coverage. I was often on edge everywhere in my hometown while on T-Mobile. This may not be the case for Houston. Just test drive both networks for a month each.
Ah, excellent point. Should be cheap enough to try them both. Thanks!
I actually work in Electronics at Walmart and deal with this all the time. Straight Talk will not move 4G LTE phones to their service. They aren't compatible and do not have the agreements with carriers for LTE access. If you read the CDMA/GSM bring your own phone package that includes the SIM cards it says in bold writing LTE Phones are not compatible. The DNA would not be able to be used on Straight Talk because it is a LTE phone. Straight Talk has a list of approved devices on their website. Because you do have to provide your phones IMEI they will know it is a LTE phone and deny your request to activate the phone on their services.
Kutster, I hate to correct you but I actually did successfully connect my Droid DNA using the Walmart SIM card. Now in my area it was actually called FamilyMobile, and run by T-Mobile. I purchased a SIM card from Walmart, took it home, plugged it in, set up an account, and it worked. Granted, you don't get LTE, but it does work and is mega cheap ($40/mo unlimited). I ended up cancelling and taking it back, simply because the internet was very slow, and the coverage wasn't very good in my area (T-Mobile sucks in my area). I do want to stress though that it definitely does work! I think I'll try AT&T GoPhone next.
The important thing to remember is this phone (the DNA) has all the radios necessary to connect to just about anybody but Sprint's network. Don't always believe what the companies tell ya.
impala454 said:
Kutster, I hate to correct you but I actually did successfully connect my Droid DNA using the Walmart SIM card. Now in my area it was actually called FamilyMobile, and run by T-Mobile. I purchased a SIM card from Walmart, took it home, plugged it in, set up an account, and it worked. Granted, you don't get LTE, but it does work and is mega cheap ($40/mo unlimited). I ended up cancelling and taking it back, simply because the internet was very slow, and the coverage wasn't very good in my area (T-Mobile sucks in my area). I do want to stress though that it definitely does work! I think I'll try AT&T GoPhone next.
The important thing to remember is this phone (the DNA) has all the radios necessary to connect to just about anybody but Sprint's network. Don't always believe what the companies tell ya.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
impala454 said:
I currently have a Droid DNA through Verizon and would like to switch to Straight Talk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See that's where your terms and confusion of prepaid comes into play. Of course Family Mobile worked they don't have restrictions on LTE especially since Family Mobile is powered by T-mobile. Straight Talk which is the company I was referring to and the company you were referring to does has limitations on LTE phones, and will NOT allow any LTE phone to to brought to their service. This has to do with they license the use of multiple carriers towers.
Trust me I am not trying to be rude, but I honestly deal with this on a daily basis. You know how many Straight Talk bring your own phone kits I have had to refund because customers buy them for their nice Verizon LTE smartphones? It doesn't work. I am telling you from my experience and my countless hours on the phone with Straight Talk reps and on their website, what their policy is on LTE phones. I beg you to go to Walmart and look at the Straight Talk CDMA/GSM BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) kits that they sell for $60. In the middle of that package on the front it says something along the lines of "LTE Phones are not Compatible." Which like it reads means you cannot bring over a LTE phone to Straight Talk.
AT&T prepaid I would venture to guess would work, but I can't remember if AT&T is as picky as Verizon is about what smartphones get put on their prepaid plans. You would have to call and find out.
So once again, please keep in mind that every prepaid carrier is different, use different towers, and different policies. Just because it worked on one does not mean a different company has policies that differ or block that same practice.
I didn't realize StraightTalk and FamilyMobile were different. I just assumed that when I went to Walmart it was whatever they were using. I see now that StraightTalk is AT&T and FamilyMobile is T-Mobile. I only had the option for FamilyMobile at my Walmart. Thanks for the clarification.
I'm not going to disagree, but I will say that the FamilyMobile website also said my specific phone was not eligible, but it did in fact work. So to anyone else reading this, YMMV. Considering Walmart takes the card back for a full refund, I don't see a problem in at least attempting it (except that employees such as yourself have to deal with it ). It makes sense to me that there's no way for the carrier to enforce specific phones when they are SIM card based. So long as your phone has the radios that carrier operates on, it should work. My guess is that the LTE phones statement on the package is in reference to the fact that you won't get LTE speeds with that network.
kutster said:
See that's where your terms and confusion of prepaid comes into play. Of course Family Mobile worked they don't have restrictions on LTE especially since Family Mobile is powered by T-mobile. Straight Talk which is the company I was referring to and the company you were referring to does has limitations on LTE phones, and will NOT allow any LTE phone to to brought to their service. This has to do with they license the use of multiple carriers towers.
Trust me I am not trying to be rude, but I honestly deal with this on a daily basis. You know how many Straight Talk bring your own phone kits I have had to refund because customers buy them for their nice Verizon LTE smartphones? It doesn't work. I am telling you from my experience and my countless hours on the phone with Straight Talk reps and on their website, what their policy is on LTE phones. I beg you to go to Walmart and look at the Straight Talk CDMA/GSM BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) kits that they sell for $60. In the middle of that package on the front it says something along the lines of "LTE Phones are not Compatible." Which like it reads means you cannot bring over a LTE phone to Straight Talk.
AT&T prepaid I would venture to guess would work, but I can't remember if AT&T is as picky as Verizon is about what smartphones get put on their prepaid plans. You would have to call and find out.
So once again, please keep in mind that every prepaid carrier is different, use different towers, and different policies. Just because it worked on one does not mean a different company has policies that differ or block that same practice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being an an LTE device wouldn't matter in this case since the LTE radio will only work on the CDMA side of the phone and with Verizon's LTE. It has UMTS and Straight Talk already confirmed with me the phone would get 3G while on their network. There's not a magic way of them detecting an LTE phone ( one that works on a CDMA carrier mind you) and flipping the off switch. The 2G and 3G networks are available for AT&T and T-Mobile regardless of which prepaid carrier you use.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 4
xlxcrossing said:
Being an an LTE device wouldn't matter in this case since the LTE radio will only work on the CDMA side of the phone and with Verizon's LTE. It has UMTS and Straight Talk already confirmed with me the phone would get 3G while on their network. There's not a magic way of them detecting an LTE phone ( one that works on a CDMA carrier mind you) and flipping the off switch. The 2G and 3G networks are available for AT&T and T-Mobile regardless of which prepaid carrier you use.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not going to argue about it. When you go to activate a BYOP on Straight Talk you have to input the IMEI, which does tell Straight Talk if the phone is LTE capable or not and if it isn't eligible it will not allow you to activate the phone. Period. I hate done it and tried it. It isn't like ATT where you put in the SIM card and it is activated. You activate the phone IMEI and SIM card # with Straight Talk. That is how it works with BYOP.
@Impala Im glad you had luck getting Family Mobile working.
Uh, I'm currently using Straight Talk on my DNA with full HSPA+ capability, as are many others.
holyinstantrice said:
Uh, I'm currently using Straight Talk on my DNA with full HSPA+ capability, as are many others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, ours is an LTE device so please tell us why it certainly does work on Straight Talk when you claim it doesn't.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 4
xlxcrossing said:
Exactly, ours is an LTE device so please tell us why it certainly does work on Straight Talk when you claim it doesn't.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, Straight Talk just got support for AT&T LTE. So they're going to have to accept LTE devices?
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Yeah I just read up on that. I wonder if the DNA 700mhz band will work. I checked online and it shows AT&T as using the 700 bands as well (a,b,c) I'm assuming the new Sim they are selling enables the LTE?
Can anyone with the new Sim confirm LTE connectivity?
EDIT : looks like at&t is band 17 and Verizon is 13. The FCC is pushing for interoperability within the upper 700 but it looks as if the chipset controls which band LTE operates off of...damn. It would be sweet to get LTE on an unlimited prepaid plan.
Interesting. I wonder if GoPhone or anyone else that's AT&T related would work LTE wise?
So are you guys able to use gsm networks with the 2.06 firmware?
I'm using net10 (att) with my DNA with 2.04 firmware and I'm hesitant to update to 2.06 until I can confirm that the 2.06 update keeps gsm completely unlocked?
ac7822 said:
So are you guys able to use gsm networks with the 2.06 firmware?
I'm using net10 (att) with my DNA with 2.04 firmware and I'm hesitant to update to 2.06 until I can confirm that the 2.06 update keeps gsm completely unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on 2.06 using a straight talk sim I can't get LTE speeds or even my signal to say LTE but I get H+ and max out at about 8mbps
Sent from my AOSP on Grouper using xda app-developers app
tdizzle404 said:
I'm on 2.06 using a straight talk sim I can't get LTE speeds or even my signal to say LTE but I get H+ and max out at about 8mbps
Sent from my AOSP on Grouper using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too. Straight Talk claims LTE works for unlocked AT&T smartphones.
Hey everyone, I'm totally new to Straight Talk and GSM and the DNA being used somewhere besides Verizon. (I'm a long time VZ customer but read Android Police daily and am familiar with all things Android.) Anyways, I'm pretty clear on using the phone on Straight Talk, getting MMS and all that, my only question is, how do you go about getting OTA's? Since the phone technically is a Verizon phone, updates would come from them. While on Straight Talk can I throw a Verizon sim card in the phone, download the OTA. Then after completing the update, put back in my AT&T sim card. Or does HTC offer OTA downloads online?
How do you guys go about updating your phone? (OTA's obviously apply to non-rooted devices. I may or may not root it.)
Thanks for your help!
b_hermon said:
Hey everyone, I'm totally new to Straight Talk and GSM and the DNA being used somewhere besides Verizon. (I'm a long time VZ customer but read Android Police daily and am familiar with all things Android.) Anyways, I'm pretty clear on using the phone on Straight Talk, getting MMS and all that, my only question is, how do you go about getting OTA's? Since the phone technically is a Verizon phone, updates would come from them. While on Straight Talk can I throw a Verizon sim card in the phone, download the OTA. Then after completing the update, put back in my AT&T sim card. Or does HTC offer OTA downloads online?
How do you guys go about updating your phone? (OTA's obviously apply to non-rooted devices. I may or may not root it.)
Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just s-off my phone using moonshine and then there are some bone stock roms to flash. Apart from that I'm not sure, before soff I was looking for an ruu to flash but couldn't find an updated one
Sent from my AOSP on Flo using Tapatalk 4
ac7822 said:
I just s-off my phone using moonshine and then there are some bone stock roms to flash. Apart from that I'm not sure, before soff I was looking for an ruu to flash but couldn't find an updated one
Sent from my AOSP on Flo using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks ac! That sounds like something I could do. I'm not too familiar with s-off, moonshine or HTC (the phone is my wife's. I'm a nexus guy) but I may have to look into that. Anybody else out there with any ideas?

Flash AT&T Modem on G900T?

Can this be done? I ask because I am using the T-Mobile version on AT&T. LTE reception is not bad, it just can be better, especially in low signal areas? Does anyone have any information flashing the G900A modem for T-Mobile? I have searched and can't seem to find anything on this.
Radio and antenna wise, I believe they are the same device specs, so not like a number of years ago where there were antenna differences between them. T-Mobile radio supports all of T-Mobile and AT&T, AT&T radio however only partially supports T-Mobile (NO 4G AWS band, more limited LTE)
There are a number of people that have compared the two variants and no significant reception differences have been found
MattMJB0188 said:
Can this be done? I ask because I am using the T-Mobile version on AT&T. LTE reception is not bad, it just can be better, especially in low signal areas? Does anyone have any information flashing the G900A modem for T-Mobile? I have searched and can't seem to find anything on this.
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risestar2 said:
Radio and antenna wise, I believe they are the same device specs, so not like a number of years ago where there were antenna differences between them. T-Mobile radio supports all of T-Mobile and AT&T, AT&T radio however only partially supports T-Mobile (NO 4G AWS band, more limited LTE)
There are a number of people that have compared the two variants and no significant reception differences have been found
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Right. I understand that. But what I was asking if we could extract the AT&T modem from the G900A (AT&T Branded S5) and flash it on the T-Mobile S5 (G900T). That way the frequencies would be better optimized.
Now my T-Mobile S5 did pick up Band 4 LTE on AT&T and reception was excellent. This is mostly due to the fact that T-Mobile natively uses band 4 for LTE.
MattMJB0188 said:
Right. I understand that. But what I was asking if we could extract the AT&T modem from the G900A (AT&T Branded S5) and flash it on the T-Mobile S5 (G900T). That way the frequencies would be better optimized.
Now my T-Mobile S5 did pick up Band 4 LTE on AT&T and reception was excellent. This is mostly due to the fact that T-Mobile natively uses band 4 for LTE.
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I doubt that has any effect at all. Frequencies don't get optimized at least not on your end. I think the phone does have a priority list for which bands to use but it automatically switches when one is better than the other.
Sent from my One using Tapatalk
luigi311 said:
I doubt that has any effect at all. Frequencies don't get optimized at least not on your end. I think the phone does have a priority list for which bands to use but it automatically switches when one is better than the other.
Sent from my One using Tapatalk
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I don't know about that. Perhaps it is not "optimizing" but carriers definitely do something to their modems on smartphones to make them work best with their networks. While the T-Mobile S5 works almost flawlessly on AT&T, the AT&T S5 still gets better reception. Perhaps the difference is negligible, but its there.
MattMJB0188 said:
I don't know about that. Perhaps it is not "optimizing" but carriers definitely do something to their modems on smartphones to make them work best with their networks. While the T-Mobile S5 works almost flawlessly on AT&T, the AT&T S5 still gets better reception. Perhaps the difference is negligible, but its there.
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have you compared both side by side?
kawaiichi said:
have you compared both side by side?
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I am comparing my signal with the T-Mobile S5 from what I experienced on the AT&T S5. While signal difference in good reception areas is not noticeable, signal in lower reception areas is much weaker. The AT&T S5 would send texts messages almost 95% of the time at my work. With the T-Mobile S5, I am getting about a 10% success rate on text messages being sent.
slimc84 said:
I am comparing my signal with the T-Mobile S5 from what I experienced on the AT&T S5. While signal difference in good reception areas is not noticeable, signal in lower reception areas is much weaker. The AT&T S5 would send texts messages almost 95% of the time at my work. With the T-Mobile S5, I am getting about a 10% success rate on text messages being sent.
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Yeah that's what I mean. But nonetheless, I still love the phone and this really isn't an issue the majority of the time. Hopefully soon, we can flash an AT&T modem.
MattMJB0188 said:
Yeah that's what I mean. But nonetheless, I still love the phone and this really isn't an issue the majority of the time. Hopefully soon, we can flash an AT&T modem.
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The only way I have been able to increase texts going through successfully is by toggling airplane mode. I guess we will have to use that as a work around.
Having an AT&T modem on the Tmobile variant will make the device better handle connecting to LTE/HSPA networks and the phone will switch between frequencies them more efficiently. Now, I don't know if that's possible without bricking the phone.
daraj said:
Having an AT&T modem on the Tmobile variant will make the device better handle connecting to LTE/HSPA networks and the phone will switch between frequencies them more efficiently. Now, I don't know if that's possible without bricking the phone.
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I think some guy did it with the Note 3. But thing is, the AT&T modem on the S5 has not been extracted.
MattMJB0188 said:
I think some guy did it with the Note 3. But thing is, the AT&T modem on the S5 has not been extracted.
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Extracting the AT&T modem is not a problem I can get it quickly using the stock firmware file. But, still i think it will brick your tmobile s5.
daraj said:
Extracting the AT&T modem is not a problem I can get it quickly using the stock firmware file. But, still i think it will brick your tmobile s5.
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How so? Would it be the same as flashing a T-Mobile modem?
slimc84 said:
I am comparing my signal with the T-Mobile S5 from what I experienced on the AT&T S5. While signal difference in good reception areas is not noticeable, signal in lower reception areas is much weaker. The AT&T S5 would send texts messages almost 95% of the time at my work. With the T-Mobile S5, I am getting about a 10% success rate on text messages being sent.
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There's your answer right there. T-Mobile released a patch today to deal with poor SMS/MMS or texting issues. Doubt it has anything to do with signal.
Flash the latest T-Mobile update and then see it perform as you'd expect.
SeaFractor said:
There's your answer right there. T-Mobile released a patch today to deal with poor SMS/MMS or texting issues. Doubt it has anything to do with signal.
Flash the latest T-Mobile update and then see it perform as you'd expect.
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MattMJB0188 said:
How so? Would it be the same as flashing a T-Mobile modem?
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Well i was looking to this this with my t mobile s5 with no luck. like another guy said, in good signal areas signal doesnt change but i am in a bad signal area a lot and my phone jst doesnt switch frequecies like it should. I been using att on t mobile phones for a while and installing the att modem but with this one im having some trouble. i have the att modem.bin but when flashing it i get a bootloader response error
You're lucky to get an error and the bin file didn't flash! Please read and search more. There are many threads on xda about similar attempt types. Device-specific modem files cannot and should not be flashed on other devices. They are hardware specific and will cause your phone to stop working if you manage to get it to flash.
Setting up ATT APN settings will suffice for those using att Sim in a sm-g900t.
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
Commodore 64 said:
You're lucky to get an error and the bin file didn't flash! Please read and search more. There are many threads on xda about similar attempt types. Device-specific modem files cannot and should not be flashed on other devices. They are hardware specific and will cause your phone to stop working if you manage to get it to flash.
Setting up ATT APN settings will suffice for those using att Sim in a sm-g900t.
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
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Yes i realize the risk, and I'm actually not too worried about them. I don't at all think the phone will stop working, however I still can't get the modem on here anyway. I have tried the tar, and bin with no luck. If anybody is willing to put something together I'm willing to test it out. Fortunately in my line of work, it wouldn't be a big deal to get another S5.
---------- Post added at 08:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:03 AM ----------
Jtrain88 said:
Yes i realize the risk, and I'm actually not too worried about them. I don't at all think the phone will stop working, however I still can't get the modem on here anyway. I have tried the tar, and bin with no luck. If anybody is willing to put something together I'm willing to test it out. Fortunately in my line of work, it wouldn't be a big deal to get another S5.
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Click to collapse
Commodore 64 said:
You're lucky to get an error and the bin file didn't flash! Please read and search more. There are many threads on xda about similar attempt types. Device-specific modem files cannot and should not be flashed on other devices. They are hardware specific and will cause your phone to stop working if you manage to get it to flash.
Setting up ATT APN settings will suffice for those using att Sim in a sm-g900t.
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
I have made all the proper backups. Not to mention I'm not a noob to this, having built a few Roms myself.
Jtrain88 said:
Yes i realize the risk, and I'm actually not too worried about them. I don't at all think the phone will stop working, however I still can't get the modem on here anyway. I have tried the tar, and bin with no luck. If anybody is willing to put something together I'm willing to test it out. Fortunately in my line of work, it wouldn't be a big deal to get another S5.
---------- Post added at 08:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:03 AM ----------
have made all the proper backups. Not to mention I'm not a noob to this, having built a few Roms myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's not taking in Odin, then I really don't think its going to work. Odin is like the master of all things Samsung for end users. The S5 has a lot of tampering prevention measurements made by Samsung. It wouldn't surprise me if the bootloader is doing a reference check with the modem to see if the modem matches the bootloader.
Also, I wouldn't go about flashing full ATT tar files to the T-Mobile S5. The partition tables are now different in the Galaxy S5 variants when in previous models they were the same. So flashing the ATT full tar could lead to your download mode being wiped.
What exactly is your problem? When you say "not switching frequencies" what exactly do you mean? Like going from LTE to HSPA+ or HSPA+ to LTE etc.
I have created an xposed module for myself that allows me to quickly switch my network preference at ease using a widget. I may share that once I tidy it up a bit. If your issue is being able to switch between HSPA+ LTE 2G etc then the widget should help you. I only use it to force 4G when in a low 4G environment or to force LTE when in low LTE environment.
BTW: What line of work do you do that you can simply get another S5? I'm jealous
elesbb said:
If it's not taking in Odin, then I really don't think its going to work. Odin is like the master of all things Samsung for end users. The S5 has a lot of tampering prevention measurements made by Samsung. It wouldn't surprise me if the bootloader is doing a reference check with the modem to see if the modem matches the bootloader.
Also, I wouldn't go about flashing full ATT tar files to the T-Mobile S5. The partition tables are now different in the Galaxy S5 variants when in previous models they were the same. So flashing the ATT full tar could lead to your download mode being wiped.
What exactly is your problem? When you say "not switching frequencies" what exactly do you mean? Like going from LTE to HSPA+ or HSPA+ to LTE etc.
I have created an xposed module for myself that allows me to quickly switch my network preference at ease using a widget. I may share that once I tidy it up a bit. If your issue is being able to switch between HSPA+ LTE 2G etc then the widget should help you. I only use it to force 4G when in a low 4G environment or to force LTE when in low LTE environment.
BTW: What line of work do you do that you can simply get another S5? I'm jealous
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Yes I definitely wouldn't go as far as flashing att tar.... And sometimes when I lose signal it takes a heck of a lot longer to gain it back ad t mobile basebands as opposed to art ones. I get another phone about every month and a half to two months so I've definitely tested around on and and also yes when it switches from lte to hspa+ etc it doesn't switch it like any att phone I've had. Takes longer.
And as far as my line of work goes I just mean that I would be able to afford another one if this one broke.
Jtrain88 said:
Yes I definitely wouldn't go as far as flashing att tar.... And sometimes when I lose signal it takes a heck of a lot longer to gain it back ad t mobile basebands as opposed to art ones. I get another phone about every month and a half to two months so I've definitely tested around on and and also yes when it switches from lte to hspa+ etc it doesn't switch it like any att phone I've had. Takes longer.
And as far as my line of work goes I just mean that I would be able to afford another one if this one broke.
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Might be taking longer due to the different radios. Weird though cause if it has an ATT sim and ATT APN configuration, it shouldn't have any delay and function like an ATT phone.
And yeah I'm jealous you can afford a new one if you broke this one takes me a year to save up in order to buy my next upgrade.

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