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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you compared both side by side?
kawaiichi said:
have you compared both side by side?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MattMJB0188 said:
How so? Would it be the same as flashing a T-Mobile modem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Related
Ok, just a disclaimer (I am well-aware of my n00b status here)... I spent quite a few hours already on this site and on the Android forums, and on Google searching for answers to this... Not to mention time at the AT&T store and chatting w/some other phone reps (including Samsung tech support and AT&T tech support)... And while I've made some progress, I still can't get any definitive answers here.
So... that being said, first (and big 'sigh' I'm sure to many) is that I'm using a South Korea Note - the SHV-E160S. I know this is the I717 forums, but before I get flamed and booted, let me explain...
Well, I am on AT&T. No problems with calls or texting (minus the annoying 80-character limit, but anyways)... However, I have a BIG problem with the LTE. I'm on the LTE data plan, however, I cannot access any data network other than GPRS. Yes, my pings take about 533ms. My download speeds are about 53kb/s. This sucks, quite a lot. Esp when compared to my fiance's Note, which side-by-side gets about 13mb/s on the LTE network.
So... Did some research, and got the run-around... Less all the crap I heard from AT&T reps... It seems that the antenna for my Note is set to LTE850/LTE1800, and the actual AT&T SGH-I717's antenna is set to LTE700/LTE1700/2100. My sources for this come from PDAdb.net (I'd hyperlink, but my post count is not high enough to do that, yet).
So... Here come the questions. First... Is the antenna frequency tuning something built-into the hardware, or is it something that can be tuned via software?
-If it's in the hardware, would it be possible to buy an AT&T-spec LTE antenna? Which antenna gets replaced (from what I understand, there are two, and I can't find a legit source that tells me which is which), and where could I buy such a thing?
-If it's in the software, what would I have to do to re-tune the antenna? My phone is rooted with the latest Gingerbread Tegrak kernel.
Lastly... Though there is a difference between the LTE antennas... I still cannot access any network other than GPRS. I should at least be able to access EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA and HSPA+ as well, but I can't.
If ALL else fails, I guess I could get a portable tethering device with a contract... But that'd be oh-so-annoying to have to carry around all the time, and I'd like to avoid that option as much as possible. I'm paying $30/mo for LTE service on my phone already!
Anyways... Any thoughts or advice would be very appreciated, and my apologies if anything here is out-of-place. Thanks in advance!
U have the international note. Doesn't have late chip in it. But ur note has better CPU then the att note. The international note CPU is not comparable with att lte chipset that's y Samsung use 2different CPU. Yes u should be able to get 3g. Reset your apn. And search around. To find the code to reset your apn. I forgot. Its something like *2260*
I had an international first, had to rest everything to get data. But after few days. I return it cos I prefer to have lte speed more then CPU speed. And I found out the u can just over clock att note to 1.85 instead of stock 1.5. So now I am very happy with my att note.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
Hmm I'm not sure if this method works with the International Note but it's worth a try. You need to get into ServiceMode. On your phone dialer keypad type *#2263# and choose 2 WCDMA Band Preference and select (6) WCDMA all.
Reply with your findings.
babymatteo said:
Hmm I'm not sure if this method works with the International Note but it's worth a try. You need to get into ServiceMode. On your phone dialer keypad type *#2263# and choose 2 WCDMA Band Preference and select (6) WCDMA all.
Reply with your findings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip, but all I get is an error: "Connection problem or invalid MMI code."
:\
Maybe the issue is your kernal and/or radio? Isn't the Tegrak kernal Korean? Most likely your radio is also. That is probably your issue. The way I see it you have 3 choices: Live with it, Sell it and buy an I717 variant, Take the risk and at least flash the ATT Gingerbread radio.
home screen/ menu/ system settings/ more/ mobile networks/ access point names/ AT&T
Do all your entries match these? Write down your current ones before changing or take screen shots. You must use the menu key and save changes. Also make sure that is the APN checked after rebooting.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7226/7298567918_306aaab920.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7298567982_82c3b41861.jpg
chak29 said:
U have the international note. Doesn't have late chip in it. But ur note has better CPU then the att note. The international note CPU is not comparable with att lte chipset that's y Samsung use 2different CPU. Yes u should be able to get 3g. Reset your apn. And search around. To find the code to reset your apn. I forgot. Its something like *2260*
I had an international first, had to rest everything to get data. But after few days. I return it cos I prefer to have lte speed more then CPU speed. And I found out the u can just over clock att note to 1.85 instead of stock 1.5. So now I am very happy with my att note.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
he doesn't have the international note(n7000) he has the South Korea Note - the SHV-E160S (he says it in OP), which it has the same processor as ours but some minor diferences in other things.
To the OP, why do you have a korean Note when from your avatar you're in the US?, I'm sure there's your problem, that note is set to use bands in korea and not in US, so the data is going to be crap, and for you to attempt to swap out the antenna is risking braking the phone because you run a chance after swapping it, not working and not having a working phone anymore.
aj_vogtman said:
home screen/ menu/ more/ mobile networks/ access point names/ AT&T
Do all your entries match these? Write down your current ones before changing or take screen shots. You must use the menu key and save changes. Also make sure that is the APN checked after rebooting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I matched the APN settings of my fiancee's LTE Note first, and that did not work... It's pretty much exactly what you have posted. However, there are a couple things of note (bad pun, sorry). I do not have a 'APN enable/disable' or 'Bearer' field... However, everything else is set the same.
roloracer said:
To the OP, why do you have a korean Note when from your avatar you're in the US?, I'm sure there's your problem, that note is set to use bands in korea and not in US, so the data is going to be crap, and for you to attempt to swap out the antenna is risking braking the phone because you run a chance after swapping it, not working and not having a working phone anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Korean Note because I was living in Korea for a while, and I just got back to the US last week.
As in my OP, I found that the LTE bands are different; however, I can't even get on any other data networks other than GPRS. I've tried some APNs for HSPA+, and the results are the same.
Swapping the antennas shouldn't be THAT big of a deal if I had to... I'm pretty mechanically inclined. Obviously, I need to know if it would provide the intended results or not first.
Pscheoverdrive said:
I have a Korean Note because I was living in Korea for a while, and I just got back to the US last week.
As in my OP, I found that the LTE bands are different; however, I can't even get on any other data networks other than GPRS. I've tried some APNs for HSPA+, and the results are the same.
Swapping the antennas shouldn't be THAT big of a deal if I had to... I'm pretty mechanically inclined. Obviously, I need to know if it would provide the intended results or not first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply, was just wondering where you got a Korean note. hope you can figure it out and good luck.
Sent from my CM9 Note.
Background: Work bought me an S4, but they use Verizon...I use T-Mobile. I must solve this issue. (Plus it's been so long that since I've even opened my QXDM/QPST that I almost...almost forgot how to use it, man, I miss it)...
This is more of a running log to potentially help others in their endeavors. This is an advanced topic...by today's standards. There is a LOT you need to know before just jumping in on this...unless you're like me and don't mind bricking a device for the sake of learning...then, carry on.
BTW, As you can clearly tell..I don't do super formatted frilly assed colorful posts...
ONWARD!!
What is known so far:
1. The modem MDM9615m is capable of anything...(Maybe even making you tea).
2. Using either 2009031920090615 or 2010031619780721 as the 16 digit PW in QXDM allows you to use "Software Backup" to backup and restore QCN files...(Both work, only one puts the phone offline)
4. The AWS band method that is floating around here (337_aws.qcn) doesn't work...it actually breaks the phone. (more on that later)
5. Putting your backup on again leaves whichever fields the 337 file had intact...so say you put the 337_aws.qcn file onto the phone, it stops working...however, you restore your backup...and the phone starts working again but all the fields of the NV that were written by the 337 file remain. Though phone functionality is restored.
6. MDK or ME7...doesn't matter at this point...no effect on functionality.
7. Flashing an MD1 modem/NV Backup from a T-Mobile Note II (which also has the 9615 doesn't seem to work...yet)...It actually kills the phone...I'll update when/IF I revive it...
8. You can Odin your modem back...whew!
What needs to be explored:
1. Whether or not flashing (shoehorning) another carriers radio will help (or if it's even an option)...this would probably have to be a regional carrier or maybe an international (non US) carrier's radio. Usually the bigger carriers can tell the manufacturer what to leave out/put into their phone...
2. Which NV Items need to be modified in order to get AWS (maybe even LTE) working.
3. Can a backup of another phone....let's sayyyy a T-Mo S4...be made and dumped onto the i545.
4. What complications are there? Is this permanent, can the phone be put back to "normal"? etc. etc.
5. If, as a last resort, we can edit the current parameters that are in the NV of a stock i545 to simply "reroute" (work with me here)...what bands it uses for which function...(this is the most tedious...but most undoable method...that I can think of....so far).
Troubles I've already ran into:
As mentioned before...after you write the 337_aws.qcn file to the phone it's pretty much set in stone...for now. When this happens, the modem starts boot looping...I'm sure this is due to bad parameters since the 337_aws.qcn file was probably from a 9215, i545 uses a 9615...you will not be able to access it again in QPST/XDM...
You'll have to get into Settings, More Networks, Mobile Networks, Network Mode, and select GSM/UMTS...this will keep the modem alive for you to be able to play with it again.
So far that's it. I've only been able to start messing with this phone in the past day or so...so, I'm sure this thread will be my dumping ground for my progress/findings/ideas...etc. Again, I encourage anyone that wants to help....to do so. I'm always open for collaboration.
This is where I start filtering down and organizing what I'm doing.
I believe that the best course of action right now is to utilize the 9615m radio from a Note 2...and perhaps a ROM from a T-Mo S4...
The main reason is because when you flash the 9615 modem but still use a VZ Rom...it tries to force it into a "WCDMA Preferred" selection. Which as we know...isn't an option in the menu. However, it's still trying...but I think the ROM doesn't know what to do at that point (could be way off here). I'm thinking that there has got to be a specific combination that needs to be used....for example...a Note 2 modem with a Tmobile ROM and NV backup? or that...but with a VZ NV backup...
I'm not a programmer/rom guy, (I'm more RF engineering etc...), so I don't know if there are things in the ROM itself that dictate which options are available and how the modem is used...
More exploration to be done...
Build.prop indicates to the system what network options should be available
Tmo rom looks like the way to go
On these newer phones the modem dictates pretty much everything else network-wise
CNexus said:
Build.prop indicates to the system what network options should be available
Tmo rom looks like the way to go
On these newer phones the modem dictates pretty much everything else network-wise
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good information....I tried running Paranoid Android but it wouldn't boot and any other rom told me that the device ID was wrong. I'm going to look into bypassing that check and try some more...
It hasn't been fully proven/disproven but it seems that there may be a "hard" block for US CDMA devices to use US GSM.
It can certainly see it but won't connect based on the threads I read.
But I don't think anyone has documented it in thorough detail what has and has not been tested.
Now if that setting is in NV data and can be modified... you may have a shot.
But if it's something hard coded and/or physical (QFuse) it may not be possible.
Q: Would it not be easier to find someone to swap with you? Or sell the device and get a Tmo?
garwynn said:
Q: Would it not be easier to find someone to swap with you? Or sell the device and get a Tmo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, leaps and bounds! easier, but what's the fun in that? How will we learn what can and can't be done if we take the easy way? Plus...maybe someone runs into a stellar deal and can't afford a full priced S4...they might nab a VZ one for cheap...this could potentially help a lot of people...
This is more to learn than anything...
Any progress?
Any progress with this? I'm in the same boat.
Thats a shame. Would be nice to have found out if a CDMA S4 could be fully used with GSM network.
blackhand901 said:
Any progress with this? I'm in the same boat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------------------------------------------
ThunderBob
Galaxy S4 SGH-M919 - GoldenEye 8.0 - XXUDMI1
HTC One - Stock
blackhand901 said:
Any progress with this? I'm in the same boat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been stalking the internet for weeks to try and see if i can pick up all of T-Mobile's hspa frquencies in my area cause I'm tired of edge and I know the hardware is there i just don't want a brick. would rather 2g over a brick.
I have been on tmobiles 4g network with my i545 for 2 weeks now... I have had zero issues.
You an only get
justda said:
I have been on tmobiles 4g network with my i545 for 2 weeks now... I have had zero issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HSPA on this divi e. Not LTE.
It makes me confused that band 4 LTE is locked on the phone
I always thought verizon had the open access regulation from FCC and that's the reason all verizon LTE phones are gsm unlocked
in fact some posts indicates it's CDMA unlocked also. Some CDMA carriers use R-uim card such as China telecom,and people were able to insert the ruim and have cdma working.
From this post, it seems verizon only had the regulation on LTE 700 band 17, not AWS band 4?
or is it just because verizon hasn't really deployed AWS LTE yet, so the relative software hasn't been released yet?
michael3770 said:
It makes me confused that band 4 LTE is locked on the phone
I always thought verizon had the open access regulation from FCC and that's the reason all verizon LTE phones are gsm unlocked
in fact some posts indicates it's CDMA unlocked also. Some CDMA carriers use R-uim card such as China telecom,and people were able to insert the ruim and have cdma working.
From this post, it seems verizon only had the regulation on LTE 700 band 17, not AWS band 4?
or is it just because verizon hasn't really deployed AWS LTE yet, so the relative software hasn't been released yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just for clarification, Verizon uses LTE 700 B13 not B17. According to Samsung and some other website Verizon S4 support LTE B4 and B13. and according to the guy in this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=44206677&postcount=20 he is using or have used VZW S4 on T-mobile LTE.
This is one of the oddest things I've ever run into.
I can put a T-Mobile Sim in the phone and it works almost like it was a Verizon Sim with the exception of needing to switch it to global mode when prompted.
If I stick a GSM Metro PCS Sim that I am currently using on the M919 it wont connect to anything except Wifi.
I hate locked bootloaders.
What about with custom roms?
dennis5pia said:
just for clarification, Verizon uses LTE 700 B13 not B17. According to Samsung and some other website Verizon S4 support LTE B4 and B13. and according to the guy in this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=44206677&postcount=20 he is using or have used VZW S4 on T-mobile LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry that was a typo, yep att use b17 and vzw use b13
Verizon is going to deploy a second LTE network using AWS spectrum in congested areas
Why you guys don't install "android data tool" to be able to enter the *#*#4636#*#* menu so you could set LTE only to see if Verizon S4 pick up T-Mobile LTE?
If you are rooted and have access to write system data you could edit the "sale_code.dat" file under system/csc and change from VZW to SPR, AWS or any other code, so you can have more network mode options under mobile network settings.
Just for some clarification... This is done on Stock Touchwiz rom or is the device rooted and / or rommed and loki-d
Thanks,
Eric
So I can put a verizon sim card in my tmobile Gs4?I thought Verizon didnt use sim cards like tmobile and at&t.my tmobile Gs4 is unlocked so basically I just need a Verizon sim card and a Verizon plan. Thanks!!!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
I don't think that works that way. Verizon is a CDMA carrier and T-Mobile a GSM carrier. Verizon sim card is for LTE only (LTE is GSM based technology). Voice works over CDMA radio which T-Mobile S4 lack of it. T-Mobile sim works on Verizon S4 because Verizon S4 is CDMA/GSM/LTE capable.
xda23 said:
So I can put a verizon sim card in my tmobile Gs4?I thought Verizon didnt use sim cards like tmobile and at&t.my tmobile Gs4 is unlocked so basically I just need a Verizon sim card and a Verizon plan. Thanks!!!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
I know this has been addressed a few times, but with the new radio's and T-mobile running on LTE bands I feel it can be addressed again.
I have been running a T-Mobile sim in my Verizon S4 for about 9 months now having 90% functionality of T-Mobile apps and after 4.3 using LTE with a few MMS hiccups that seem to have been ironed out.I have ran just about every ROM available here on XDA, and even attempted to write my own Rom a couple times with limited success. And every ROM I have ran was written for Verizon, I just changed the APN settings, and sometimes had to flash some other items to get them working 100%.
I have a few things I am working on trying to "fix" such as Hotspot and a few T-Mobile only apps. I have convinced my phone it is a SGH-M919 changing a lot of info in the build prop, which allows me to use the T-Mobile TV app. But being a trial and error kinda guy I don't know how much of my editing was necessary, or if I actually needed to change more to allow me to use the hot-spot app. I have bricked my phone to many times to count trying out Radio's and changing setting in the ROMs trying to make my I545 more a T-Mobile phone than a Verizon phone.
I have seen alot of "ports" such as the 4.4.2 GE that I am currently running ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2643031 ). The first release I had amazing signal and no connection issues. But after the DEV (Danvdh) plucked away at it making it work better for Verizon and fixing a lot of Verizon data issues has started to have a couple signal issues here and there. Nothing that I would say broke the connection but definitely slowed a few things for me down.
Same for the INT build ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2552605 ) from jrkruze it works amazing then started to slowly after updates not work as well as it did from his first release. The ROM got better but my "connection" got worse.
So on to my question:
What is being changed in the ROMs that make them better for Verizon? I know that I am part of a small majority of people here running a SIM and a network that it was never supposed to run on, but it does work and I would like to make it work as best as it can. I know I can go back and use the older versions of the ROMs but I like the other changes and I like being able to update.
justda said:
I have been running a T-Mobile sim in my Verizon S4 for about 9 months now having 90% functionality of T-Mobile apps and after 4.3 using LTE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you have LTE working? Correct me if I'm Wrong but TMO has LTE on 700/1700, the i545 doesn't support either of those bands. HSPA+ with a 4gLTE logo maybe?
snatale1 said:
How do you have LTE working? Correct me if I'm Wrong but TMO has LTE on 700/1700, the i545 doesn't support either of those bands. HSPA+ with a 4gLTE logo maybe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The AWS spectrum was unlocked for the i545 a few updates ago. Since TMobile LTE runs on the AWS band, a Verizon S4/i545 is capable of running TMobile LTE
AWS was unlocked with the MJ7 modem.
I get 29Mbps down 6.5 up defenitly not H+ the whole Seattle area is AWS so I am loving it. That combined with T-mobiles truly unlimited data I torrent on the go!
Do you receive SMS? I just switched about an hour ago to T-Mobile and everything works except for receiving SMS messages. Not sure how to get it working.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
65vdub said:
Do you receive SMS? I just switched about an hour ago to T-Mobile and everything works except for receiving SMS messages. Not sure how to get it working.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you have to change your APN settings.
If you are interested I am working on something else, that would give us T-Mobile guys a working 4.4.2 TW ROM...
Go here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2675384
justda said:
you have to change your APN settings.
If you are interested I am working on something else, that would give us T-Mobile guys a working 4.4.2 TW ROM...
Go here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2675384
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I changed my apn settings to T-Mobile fast LTE and did get LTE and HSPA+. And I'll check out the thread right now.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Besides the obvious model number, what are the differences in hardware and firmware between the two.
They seem identical my cousin has the galaxy note 2 at&t and I have the i605 Verizon gn2 maybe the network receivers are different
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Free mobile app
drarkanex said:
Besides the obvious model number, what are the differences in hardware and firmware between the two.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot...Verizon (and Sprint) uses CDMA frequencies and radios and AT&T (and T-Mobile) uses GSM frequencies and radios
KennyG123 said:
A lot...Verizon (and Sprint) uses CDMA frequencies and radios and AT&T (and T-Mobile) uses GSM frequencies and radios
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand the obvious here but I currently have the verizon 605 and I'm on at&t so it would seem that it can be on any carrier considering the n2 uses a lot of freqs. I'm talking about actual hardware differences. I might need to do some research on my own with this one. But if anyone else can help with this would be appreciated.
drarkanex said:
I understand the obvious here but I currently have the verizon 605 and I'm on at&t so it would seem that it can be on any carrier considering the n2 uses a lot of freqs. I'm talking about actual hardware differences. I might need to do some research on my own with this one. But if anyone else can help with this would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon model doesn't have what it needs to be on AT&T LTE. I believe the way the memory is partitioned is different as well.
Just out of curiosity, why are you wanting to know?
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
BluGuy said:
Verizon model doesn't have what it needs to be on AT&T LTE. I believe the way the memory is partitioned is different as well.
Just out of curiosity, why are you wanting to know?
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am a hardware guy. I'm also considering finding out how they tick and make my own custom rom to maybe figure this out and streamline a rom that will be custom only to the note 2 regardless of carrier. i mean its out there that the note 2 will work on any carrier regardless of model because I'm on my 605 running an att rom on att carrier.
drarkanex said:
I understand the obvious here but I currently have the verizon 605 and I'm on at&t so it would seem that it can be on any carrier considering the n2 uses a lot of freqs. I'm talking about actual hardware differences. I might need to do some research on my own with this one. But if anyone else can help with this would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main differences are the included radios
Verizon: http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=3926
AT&T: http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=3918
Of course firmware will be very different because of interfacing with the radios
KennyG123 said:
The main differences are the included radios
Verizon: http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=3926
AT&T: http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=3918
Of course firmware will be very different because of interfacing with the radios
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^ Thanks for this.
Thinking out loud here, not sure why Samsung wouldn't be able to have one radio that can handle all those different LTE bands. Perhaps this is intentional based on requests from US carriers?
devious_z said:
^ Thanks for this.
Thinking out loud here, not sure why Samsung wouldn't be able to have one radio that can handle all those different LTE bands. Perhaps this is intentional based on requests from US carriers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes...that sounds like something they would request to try and keep you tied to their carrier or make you buy one of their phones when moving to them.
devious_z said:
^ Thanks for this.
Thinking out loud here, not sure why Samsung wouldn't be able to have one radio that can handle all those different LTE bands. Perhaps this is intentional based on requests from US carriers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KennyG123 said:
Yes...that sounds like something they would request to try and keep you tied to their carrier or make you buy one of their phones when moving to them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm I am confused here.. doesn't the Verizon note 2 have both GSM and CDMA capabilities, that why is considered a World phone..
I'm pretty certain the main differences is firmare and not hardware. I'll have to check those links Kenny..
I know of people running t mobile on a Verizon note 2 that have everything working perfectly fine and t mobile is GSM. Pop the Sim in, switch mobile networks to GSM, maybe edit apns for lte..but I don't even thunk that is needed once the GSM Sim is in place. This unlocks the add apn feature under access points
lacoursiere18 said:
Hmm I am confused here.. doesn't the Verizon note 2 have both GSM and CDMA capabilities, that why is considered a World phone..
I'm pretty certain the main differences is firmare and not hardware. I'll have to check those links Kenny..
I know of people running t mobile on a Verizon note 2 that have everything working perfectly fine and t mobile is GSM. Pop the Sim in, switch mobile networks to GSM, maybe edit apns for lte..but I don't even thunk that is needed once the GSM Sim is in place. This unlocks the add apn feature under access points
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, look at the specs...it has GSM radio too with some frequencies. And no, you cannot flash AT&T firmware on a Verizon phone and have a perfectly working AT&T phone.
KennyG123 said:
Yes, look at the specs...it has GSM radio too with some frequencies. And no, you cannot flash AT&T firmware on a Verizon phone and have a perfectly working AT&T phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I know that.. I am not saying flashing att firmware would work out of the box, so they say.. I am aware of what it takes to port different firmwares
I'm saying using a att or t mobile Sim is possible.. maybe I wondered off the op's topic here..sorry about that
drarkanex said:
I am a hardware guy. I'm also considering finding out how they tick and make my
own custom rom to maybe figure this out and streamline a rom that will be custom only to the note 2 regardless of carrier. i mean its out there that the note 2 will work on any carrier regardless of model because I'm on my 605 running an att rom on att carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is possible.. but not without a pretty intense aroma installer..you'll need to separate different csc features, apps, frameworks, permissions, libs, build.props and vender folders. .but yea. Would be a pretty big task and knowledge of all the carriers
lacoursiere18 said:
I know of people running t mobile on a Verizon note 2 that have everything working perfectly fine and t mobile is GSM. Pop the Sim in, switch mobile networks to GSM, maybe edit apns for lte..but I don't even thunk that is needed once the GSM Sim is in place. This unlocks the add apn feature under access points
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for this tidbit of info. I'm currently trying to figure a way to get my old VZW Note 2 working on Straight Talk for my Dad, who's currently using a 3" Samsung something-or-other P.O.S. I'm going to get the AT&T version of the Straight Talk SIM and try it out since some have reported success with it. If not that one, then maybe the T-Mobile one.
I'll post back with my results (5-10 business days for delivery--yikes!)
P.S. Anyone else out there have a recommendation for a ROM to use for this? I'm going to go with something 4.1.x because I've read that later versions won't work. Jedi X maybe?