Any US owners of the i9300 (that's the non-US/International) version of the S3 using the Straight Talk service? I've been looking into them as a way to get some 3G data access for two weeks, but their customer service folks just replied saying that my S3 won't work because it's not a US model.
Looking at the specs seems to show that my S3 will support their frequencies, but I'm wondering if there's some kind of clever device block in place.
bluebobx said:
Any US owners of the i9300 (that's the non-US/International) version of the S3 using the Straight Talk service? I've been looking into them as a way to get some 3G data access for two weeks, but their customer service folks just replied saying that my S3 won't work because it's not a US model.
Looking at the specs seems to show that my S3 will support their frequencies, but I'm wondering if there's some kind of clever device block in place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using it, it works fine. You need to choose AT&T-Compatible SIM when you buy a SIM, otherwise most of the time they'll send you a T-Mobile SIM if you choose for them to pick it automatically. Also, this wouldn't affect whether or not you get 3G/HSPA+, but make sure when you fill in the APN, you don't fill in any proxy information except for MMS proxy.
Product F(RED) said:
I'm using it, it works fine. You need to choose AT&T-Compatible SIM when you buy a SIM, otherwise most of the time they'll send you a T-Mobile SIM if you choose for them to pick it automatically. Also, this wouldn't affect whether or not you get 3G/HSPA+, but make sure when you fill in the APN, you don't fill in any proxy information except for MMS proxy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks. :good: I think their CS folks are about as good as the ones for the carriers over here - since their emailed advice contradicts what the website says:
BRING AN AT&T OR T-MOBILE COMPATIBLE GSM PHONE, OR AN UNLOCKED GSM PHONE
Make sure it operates on our compatible frequencies (850 and 1900 MHz)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And according to http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/mobile-devices/smartphones/android/GT-I9300MBDBTU-spec the International (UK spec in my case) S3 supports "850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100".
Again, thanks for taking the time out to reply. Maybe see if I can use a local Walmart's click n' collect service to get the SIM+minutes card when I get over to Orlando.
edge
bluebobx said:
Many thanks. :good: I think their CS folks are about as good as the ones for the carriers over here - since their emailed advice contradicts what the website says:
And according to http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/mobile-devices/smartphones/android/GT-I9300MBDBTU-spec the International (UK spec in my case) S3 supports "850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100".
Again, thanks for taking the time out to reply. Maybe see if I can use a local Walmart's click n' collect service to get the SIM+minutes card when I get over to Orlando.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has anyone done this with an i9300 and gotten anything othere than 2.5g edge?
electrojas said:
Has anyone done this with an i9300 and gotten anything othere than 2.5g edge?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Accidentally thanked you.
Yes, you have to make sure the SIM card isn't for T-Mobile's network. Until recently Straight Talk was only offering this SIM, so your best bet would be to buy an AT&T compatible SIM from their website.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
att sim.
Shakes27 said:
Accidentally thanked you.
Yes, you have to make sure the SIM card isn't for T-Mobile's network. Until recently Straight Talk was only offering this SIM, so your best bet would be to buy an AT&T compatible SIM from their website.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what I did. I put an att compatible gsm sim in a locked Verizon gs3 assigned apn settings but it will at best go on edge. Never 3 or 4g
This is a stock 4.1.2 jb untouched no root nothin. I was under the same assumption that it would work. but Nada. any widom from the masters here?
electrojas said:
Thats what I did. I put an att compatible gsm sim in a locked Verizon gs3 assigned apn settings but it will at best go on edge. Never 3 or 4g
This is a stock 4.1.2 jb untouched no root nothin. I was under the same assumption that it would work. but Nada. any widom from the masters here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
<rant> Verizon and att use different networks, that will never work, especially with a LOCKED phone. Also, this is the forum for the international s3 (i9300), not the verizon s3. </rant>
Pick up the straight talk activation kit, Verizon uses CDMA signal, not GSM.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Shakes27 said:
<rant> Verizon and att use different networks, that will never work, especially with a LOCKED phone. Also, this is the forum for the international s3 (i9300), not the verizon s3. </rant>
Pick up the straight talk activation kit, Verizon uses CDMA signal, not GSM.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon S3 supports GSM though (their LTE devices from the Rezound [2010 or 11] onwards do). Their LTE devices also come factory unlocked out of the box due to a deal that Verizon made with the FCC in order to be able to use the 750 MHz LTE spectrum. Long story short, Verizon LTE devices will get EDGE and HSPA+ (no LTE) on AT&T. It supports the same bands as the i9300.
Product F(RED) said:
The Verizon S3 supports GSM though (their LTE devices from the Rezound [2010 or 11] onwards do). Their LTE devices also come factory unlocked out of the box due to a deal that Verizon made with the FCC in order to be able to use the 750 MHz LTE spectrum. Long story short, Verizon LTE devices will get EDGE and HSPA+ (no LTE) on AT&T. It supports the same bands as the i9300.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had no idea, last Verizon phone I had was the OG Incredible. Thanks for the info good sir.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Long story short my work has offered me cell phone service but they only have Verizon or ATT.
I have a tmob s4 ... rooted and custom rom. Are the phones "essentially" the same so with a kernel and modem would I be good on Verizon?
Any caveats to be concerned with? its been probably 8 years since I had a Verizon plan but it does offer better coverage than ATT in the places I need...
thansks!
Razzzzer said:
Long story short my work has offered me cell phone service but they only have Verizon or ATT.
I have a tmob s4 ... rooted and custom rom. Are the phones "essentially" the same so with a kernel and modem would I be good on Verizon?
Any caveats to be concerned with? its been probably 8 years since I had a Verizon plan but it does offer better coverage than ATT in the places I need...
thansks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only the Verizon S4 will work with Verizon, you'll need to go to ATT.
Oishikatta said:
Only the Verizon S4 will work with Verizon, you'll need to go to ATT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see others that have used the Verizon s4 on Tmob so not sure why the reverse wouldn't be true... ill research more but I am finding that all the s4 hardware is the same... only software differences.. (possible that its not possible to get the Verizon software on the phone the hardware should be the same)...
maybe get some more input
Razzzzer said:
I see others that have used the Verizon s4 on Tmob so not sure why the reverse wouldn't be true... ill research more but I am finding that all the s4 hardware is the same... only software differences.. (possible that its not possible to get the Verizon software on the phone the hardware should be the same)...
maybe get some more input
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know where you're researching, but the S4 definitely has hardware differences.
Verizon is what's called a "CDMA" carrier. Their S4 includes hardware that can connect to both their CDMA and others' GSM networks.
T-Mobile has a GSM network. Their S4 includes only the GSM hardware, there is no possibility of using it with a CDMA carrier.
Most variations of the S4 also have slightly different sets of "bands" that they can connect to, so the speed you get will vary depending on both the network type and your S4's type. However, the S4 should be able to get at least 2G on any GSM network. Verizon's S4 has the widest possible area of use, because it includes both CDMA and GSM. It can be used on T-Mobile or ATT, but their S4s cannot be used on Verizon entirely because of the hardware differences.
Oishikatta said:
I don't know where you're researching, but the S4 definitely has hardware differences.
Verizon is what's called a "CDMA" carrier. Their S4 includes hardware that can connect to both their CDMA and others' GSM networks.
T-Mobile has a GSM network. Their S4 includes only the GSM hardware, there is no possibility of using it with a CDMA carrier.
Most variations of the S4 also have slightly different sets of "bands" that they can connect to, so the speed you get will vary depending on both the network type and your S4's type. However, the S4 should be able to get at least 2G on any GSM network. Verizon's S4 has the widest possible area of use, because it includes both CDMA and GSM. It can be used on T-Mobile or ATT, but their S4s cannot be used on Verizon entirely because of the hardware differences.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand the networks are different.. what I am seeing is that the hardware is the same ... they all have the same chips.. the different carriers are just using software to use what they need
for example here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25953096&postcount=13
and this thread has examples of people who have used their Verizon on Tmob (voice, wifi, and 4g)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2331131
long story short they say all the phones are the same... they just use different Radio software (plus kernel I assume)
The answer is simple: You will never use a T-Mobile S4 on Verizon.
Verizon S4 on T-Mobile is completely irrelevant, because they're designed to work that way.
Razzzzer said:
I understand the networks are different.. what I am seeing is that the hardware is the same ... they all have the same chips.. the different carriers are just using software to use what they need
for example here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25953096&postcount=13
and this thread has examples of people who have used their Verizon on Tmob (voice, wifi, and 4g)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2331131
long story short they say all the phones are the same... they just use different Radio software (plus kernel I assume)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is NO CDMA radio in a T-Mobile GS4.
Even if it were, Verizon will not add foreign IMEID/ESN to their database. Without the IMEID/ESN added to the database you cannot get voice service. You could possibly take a provisioned SIM and get data only, but what good is that.
Sell the S4, buy an HTC M8 do S-Off, move on.
Your S4 will never work on Verizon.
OK so after one 2 many beers I purchased a sm-n900p off EBay on sprint. I am based in UK and we use GSM. Only just realised the handset is CDMA. Am I now stuck with a useless phone or is there anyway I can flash it or do anything for my O2 sim card to work on it?
smilar problem
Spendy said:
OK so after one 2 many beers I purchased a sm-n900p off EBay on sprint. I am based in UK and we use GSM. Only just realised the handset is CDMA. Am I now stuck with a useless phone or is there anyway I can flash it or do anything for my O2 sim card to work on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
both Same model Sm-N900P... can it be use in GSM asia?
There is currently no way to unlock the phone for international SIM without being a Sprint customer and having the phone activated on an account.
more info needed
miguelfp1 said:
There is currently no way to unlock the phone for international SIM without being a Sprint customer and having the phone activated on an account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you explain more regarding having sprint customer?
from a lot of forum threads i'm getting Bias information:
so, It is possible to use GSM international but nobody can do that unless Sprint authorize person do something to the phone or account?
so Unlocked version doesn't exit? or what Unlocked mean on SM-N900P?
datamin said:
can you explain more regarding having sprint customer?
from a lot of forum threads i'm getting Bias information:
so, It is possible to use GSM international but nobody can do that unless Sprint authorize person do something to the phone or account?
so Unlocked version doesn't exit? or what Unlocked mean on SM-N900P?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the phone can only be unlocked for International SIM cards by Sprint, and for this to be able to be done, the phone has to be activated on a Sprint account. this is the ONLY unlock method currently available for this particular Note 3 model (Sprint variant, SM-N900P)
I have an old M8 lying around that I fired up and had remembered I had rooted it and the bootloader is unlocked.. Is there a way to 'trick' this phone into thinking it's an AT&T branded phone? hboot, etc. and that will allow me to RUU something official from AT&T? I know this sounds really strange and probably stupid but.. I just can't sleep and need something to fill the time.. Can I do it?
Don't think so, radio hardware is different, not to mention the partition layout.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
jbarcus81 said:
Is there a way to 'trick' this phone into thinking it's an AT&T branded phone? hboot, etc. and that will allow me to RUU something official from AT&T? ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely not. At least not any way that is known; and your chance of failure is high (with a brick being the possible or even probable result).
As mentioned in the previous comment, the partitioning on the phones is different. If you try to run the RUU, you at best it will fail, at worst it will brick the device.
Most other M8 versions (that don't support CDMA) can be "converted" from one version to another (other exceptions being dual SIM and M8 Eye). But Verizon and Sprint are the oddballs here. Some experienced devs have been messing around with these variants from the start (to try to convert them) with no success.
Perfect! All I needed to hear! Ah well.. it was worth a shot! Just trying to get my account provisioned for LTE so I can get LTE on my unlocked devices.. I've been told, and read, that if I can get an AT&T branded LTE capable phone to just swap my SIM in it.. and let my account provision, then I'll have LTE on any device AT&T or not... Just trying to avoid a contract..
jbarcus81 said:
I've been told, and read, that if I can get an AT&T branded LTE capable phone to just swap my SIM in it.. and let my account provision, then I'll have LTE on any device AT&T or not... Just trying to avoid a contract..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as the phone is SIM unlocked (Verizon version is) then you should just be able to put an AT&T SIM in, and enter the proper AT&T APN for service, as long as the phone supports the proper bands. Its irrelevant whether the phone is AT&T branded or not.
Now the underlined bit in the paragraph above is the main issue. The Verizon M8 only supports one of the four bands (Bands 2, 5, 4, and 17) used by AT&T for LTE (Verizon M8 supports Bands 3, 4, 7, and 13). So depending on what band is used in your area, you may or may not get LTE.
But GSM (2G) and HSPA (3G) should work just fine on AT&T.
redpoint73 said:
As long as the phone is SIM unlocked (Verizon version is) then you should just be able to put an AT&T SIM in, and enter the proper AT&T APN for service, as long as the phone supports the proper bands. Its irrelevant whether the phone is AT&T branded or not.
Now the underlined bit in the paragraph above is the main issue. The Verizon M8 only supports one of the four bands (Bands 2, 5, 4, and 17) used by AT&T for LTE (Verizon M8 supports Bands 3, 4, 7, and 13). So depending on what band is used in your area, you may or may not get LTE.
But GSM (2G) and HSPA (3G) should work just fine on AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the odd part.. My main phone is the S6 Edge from Verizon.. it's on the AT&T network and I assume my APN is correct.. But it's not picking up LTE and I am almost certain the S6 Edge from Verizon will pick up the correct band for AT&T LTE .. But it's only using the H+ speed.. What's even more strange?? When I throw my SIM into the M8? I get LTE on AT&T and verify with 30+mpbs speeds.. I have no idea what's going on...
jbarcus81 said:
That's the odd part.. My main phone is the S6 Edge from Verizon.. it's on the AT&T network and I assume my APN is correct.. But it's not picking up LTE and I am almost certain the S6 Edge from Verizon will pick up the correct band for AT&T LTE .. But it's only using the H+ speed.. What's even more strange?? When I throw my SIM into the M8? I get LTE on AT&T and verify with 30+mpbs speeds.. I have no idea what's going on...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that is strange. According to the specs for the S6 Edge here, the Verizon version supports the same LTE bands as the VZN M8, and actually some additional bands (2 and 5) that also happen to be bands used by AT&T.
One thing I can think of, is that the VZN M8 in actuality supports some bands that are not advertised/explicit in the specs. It wouldn't be unheard of, as members here have reported some versions of the non-CDMA M8 as supporting some bands not indicated in the specs. And that band happens to be what AT&T is using in your market region. In this case, that band would seem to be Band 17 (the only band that AT&T is known to use, that isn't listed on the S6 Edge specs).
Or the other possibility, is there is just some issue with the S6 that is preventing connection to LTE (but on the same supported band that the M8 has).
redpoint73 said:
Yeah, that is strange. According to the specs for the S6 Edge here, the Verizon version supports the same LTE bands as the VZN M8, and actually some additional bands (2 and 5) that also happen to be bands used by AT&T.
One thing I can think of, is that the VZN M8 in actuality supports some bands that are not advertised/explicit in the specs. It wouldn't be unheard of, as members here have reported some versions of the non-CDMA M8 as supporting some bands not indicated in the specs. And that band happens to be what AT&T is using in your market region. In this case, that band would seem to be Band 17 (the only band that AT&T is known to use, that isn't listed on the S6 Edge specs).
Or the other possibility, is there is just some issue with the S6 that is preventing connection to LTE (but on the same supported band that the M8 has).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah.. I'm not worried about it.. I've been told that all I need is an AT&T branded LTE capable device hooked up to the account and that my account hasn't been provisioned for LTE .. I've seen this in a few places so it's worth a shot.. I ordered a junk LTE phone branded AT&T to test it out.. ordered a OnePlus 2 and will likely unload the S6 Edge (if it never picks up the LTE from AT&T)
jbarcus81 said:
I've been told that all I need is an AT&T branded LTE capable device hooked up to the account and that my account hasn't been provisioned for LTE ..)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I've already mentioned, its not really necessary to have an AT&T branded device. I suspect the reason you've seen people say this, is that AT&T branding means by definition the phone has all the bands used by AT&T for LTE; since obviously the phone is intended for use on AT&T's network. Since AT&T uses a number of bands (4) and LTE bands being used worldwide has become very un-standardized, its somewhat difficult to find a non-AT&T phone that has all the bands. But they do exist, such as the US unlocked M8, Dev Edition M8, and Nexus devices. Also, I've seen folks used other non-ATT branded phones, which may not have all 4 LTE bands used by AT&T, but the one(s) needed in the particular user's region. Not ideal, but sufficient for some folks.
Another reason why some may say the phone needs to be AT&T branded, is that AT&T tech support won't provide you any support if you have a non-ATT phone. But honestly, I've used non-branded devices (and plenty of folks here have), and this is very rarely an issue. The folks here on XDA will usually provide you better support, anyway!
Of course, your ATT account needs to be provisioned for LTE in order to have that service. Its a simple matter, and doesn't cost anything (just need a smartphone data plan).
redpoint73 said:
As I've already mentioned, its not really necessary to have an AT&T branded device. I suspect the reason you've seen people say this, is that AT&T branding means by definition the phone has all the bands used by AT&T for LTE; since obviously the phone is intended for use on AT&T's network. Since AT&T uses a number of bands (4) and LTE bands being used worldwide has become very un-standardized, its somewhat difficult to find a non-AT&T phone that has all the bands. But they do exist, such as the US unlocked M8, Dev Edition M8, and Nexus devices. Also, I've seen folks used other non-ATT branded phones, which may not have all 4 LTE bands used by AT&T, but the one(s) needed in the particular user's region. Not ideal, but sufficient for some folks.
Another reason why some may say the phone needs to be AT&T branded, is that AT&T tech support won't provide you any support if you have a non-ATT phone. But honestly, I've used non-branded devices (and plenty of folks here have), and this is very rarely an issue. The folks here on XDA will usually provide you better support, anyway!
Of course, your ATT account needs to be provisioned for LTE in order to have that service. Its a simple matter, and doesn't cost anything (just need a smartphone data plan).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've dug deeper and have to not only have an AT&T branded phone, I have to register the IEMI on my account, then swap the SIM card back into the other phone. I've got the phone but can't find a way to do this online so I'll have to call tomorrow...
Sent from my ONE A2005 using Tapatalk
I have a m8 whl sprint abd does not use CDMA only gsm network. I can I change the mid and convert the phone to get latest ota for dev edition version? I thanks
long.nguyen said:
I have a m8 whl sprint abd does not use CDMA only gsm network. I can I change the mid and convert the phone to get latest ota for dev edition version? I thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely NO.
What I mentioned above (Post #3) for the Verizon variant, also applies to Sprint (both versions support CDMA - the fact you don't use it is irrelevant). If you try to convert to another version won't work, and will probably result in a brick.
Also, even if you didn't have a CDMA version M8, you typically can't convert using an OTA, it has to be an RUU.
redpoint73 said:
Absolutely NO.
What I mentioned above (Post #3) for the Verizon variant, also applies to Sprint (both versions support CDMA - the fact you don't use it is irrelevant). If you try to convert to another version won't work, and will probably result in a brick.
Also, even if you didn't have a CDMA version M8, you typically can't convert using an OTA, it has to be an RUU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@redpoint ; don't we have any chance to install different provider radios to Verizon Htc devices..?
because verizon devices you know that support 3, 4, 7, and 13 bands,but i want to enable band 20 for europe LTE..
pls help us to enable other bands =( because only u can do that as a genius =)
thanx a lot
cincon said:
@redpoint ; don't we have any chance to install different provider radios to Verizon Htc devices..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely NOT. As already thoroughly discussed on this thread, if you attempt to install another version's radio on the Verizon version, it won't work, and you may radio brick the phone (permanent damage possible).
Different radios, different partition layout.
Don't even try it. Experienced devs have tried to "convert" by various methods and mods, and failed.
But there may be other ways (besides flashing another version's radio) to enable the band(s) you want, read on:
cincon said:
[MENTION=434105]
because verizon devices you know that support 3, 4, 7, and 13 bands,but i want to enable band 20 for europe LTE..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can take a look at the following method, as it claims to enable Band 20: http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-htc-one-m8/general/lte-band-7-2600mhz-finally-guide-t2992523
Read the thread, and proceed at your own discretion. I'm not knowledgeable with changing NV values (it doesn't work on "GSM" M8 variants, so does not apply to me). I simply know this thread exists.
cincon said:
[MENTION=434105]
pls help us to enable other bands =( because only u can do that as a genius =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Far from a genius, and I don't create any of these mods. I just contribute by passing on knowledge I've gained here. Really, that is part of what XDA is all about.