[Q] [MODEM] Verizon S5 on T-Mobile - T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S 5

Hello All,
A family member recently purchased a VZW S5 and now I've helped to move them from VZW over to T-Mobile.
The phone is factory unlocked, and with the addition of the T-Mo SIM + the T-Mo APN, everything is up and running.
The key issue I am seeing is the signal strength vs. that of a true T-Mobile Handset. Example, in my house, I have 4 bars on my T-Mo Galaxy Note 3 but 1 bar on the VZW Galaxy S5. Additionally, it's constantly switching from LTE to H+ to 3G.
I've rooted the S5, custom ROM'd it, and even did the mod to unlock all of the different LTE bands but this hasn't helped.
The phone was running the latest FW from Verizon with the most recent Modem, but I'm wondering if there is another modem I could flash that is T-Mobile oriented that may help to improve the service.
Please let me know, thank you!
- Taxmaster

Taxmaster said:
Hello All,
A family member recently purchased a VZW S5 and now I've helped to move them from VZW over to T-Mobile.
The phone is factory unlocked, and with the addition of the T-Mo SIM + the T-Mo APN, everything is up and running.
The key issue I am seeing is the signal strength vs. that of a true T-Mobile Handset. Example, in my house, I have 4 bars on my T-Mo Galaxy Note 3 but 1 bar on the VZW Galaxy S5. Additionally, it's constantly switching from LTE to H+ to 3G.
I've rooted the S5, custom ROM'd it, and even did the mod to unlock all of the different LTE bands but this hasn't helped.
The phone was running the latest FW from Verizon with the most recent Modem, but I'm wondering if there is another modem I could flash that is T-Mobile oriented that may help to improve the service.
Please let me know, thank you!
- Taxmaster
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that the phone simply doesn't have the hardware for all of the bands. It's not as simple as just flashing, to my knowledge. For example, I don't think the phone supports 2100 which is used by Tmobile in some areas.

I just went through the same process. Enabled the bands, tried different modems, no improvement. Finally, bought a T-Mobile S5 and sold the Verizon. Performance is far better, plus it supports Wi-Fi calling.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

Related

ATT Galaxy S II - i9100 T-Mobile 3G/4G Network???

Hey whats up erybody?
Im new to the forum as well as the android flashing/modding scene as i've always had an iPhone but recently gave in to this Galaxy sII as it looks and performs amazing. The only issue I have currently is I own an ATT Galaxy sII that is unlocked and I am using for T-Mobile but cannot get any 3G/4G network at all.
This phone is rooted and running cyanogen mod on ICS 4.0.4. I have read online about people flashing there ATT Note's radio to force your phone to accept 3G/4G for T-Mobile and I was just wondering if this is possible for the Galaxy SII? I tried using the same method but no luck, can anyone possibly point me to the right modem to install if one is available? This phone is great but I cant stand this slow ass EDGE signal.
Thanks :cyclops:
wexpac said:
Hey whats up erybody?
Im new to the forum as well as the android flashing/modding scene as i've always had an iPhone but recently gave in to this Galaxy sII as it looks and performs amazing. The only issue I have currently is I own an ATT Galaxy sII that is unlocked and I am using for T-Mobile but cannot get any 3G/4G network at all.
This phone is rooted and running cyanogen mod on ICS 4.0.4. I have read online about people flashing there ATT Note's radio to force your phone to accept 3G/4G for T-Mobile and I was just wondering if this is possible for the Galaxy SII? I tried using the same method but no luck, can anyone possibly point me to the right modem to install if one is available? This phone is great but I cant stand this slow ass EDGE signal.
Thanks :cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, you're in the wrong forum for your device.
This is the forum for the i9100, the international Galaxy S2.
You say you have the AT&T Galaxy S2... Which is the SGH-I777.
Second, since ATT and T-mobile use different frequencies for high speed mobile data, most devices for ATT will only get Edge on T-mobile. Vice versa, most devices for T-mobile, if unlocked for ATT, will only get Edge on ATT's network. SOME devices you can flash a different modem, because they have the requisite antenna hardware to get the necessary frequencies.
Unfortunately for you, the SGH-I777 isn't one of them.
Unless, you actually have the Skyrocket, which is the SGH-I727. (check the label under the battery to get the exact model number) That phone, you CAN flash a T-mobile modem to it and get high speed on T-mobile's network.
Ahhh I see. When I power on the phone it displays the international model however in the menu settings it does say SGH-I777 which is why I was a little confused since there are so many differen't models aparently.
Looks like im screwd until later this year when/if T-Mobile does go good on there word that they will be acquiring new towers to promote the other frequencies for ATT devices. Thanks for the reply.
wexpac said:
Ahhh I see. When I power on the phone it displays the international model however in the menu settings it does say SGH-I777 which is why I was a little confused since there are so many differen't models aparently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The boot screen and indeed, the about phone screen can change depending on what is flashed to the phone. So if you flash an i9100 firmware to an i777, it will then display the wrong model when booting. Which is why I said to check the label under the battery to be sure.
wexpac said:
Looks like im screwd until later this year when/if T-Mobile does go good on there word that they will be acquiring new towers to promote the other frequencies for ATT devices. Thanks for the reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't hold my breath for this to help you.
ctomgee said:
First off, you're in the wrong forum for your device.
This is the forum for the i9100, the international Galaxy S2.
You say you have the AT&T Galaxy S2... Which is the SGH-I777.
Second, since ATT and T-mobile use different frequencies for high speed mobile data, most devices for ATT will only get Edge on T-mobile. Vice versa, most devices for T-mobile, if unlocked for ATT, will only get Edge on ATT's network. SOME devices you can flash a different modem, because they have the requisite antenna hardware to get the necessary frequencies.
Unfortunately for you, the SGH-I777 isn't one of them.
Unless, you actually have the Skyrocket, which is the SGH-I727. (check the label under the battery to get the exact model number) That phone, you CAN flash a T-mobile modem to it and get high speed on T-mobile's network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CTOMGEE,
I have the i9100 International Galaxy S2 and am wondering if I can access 3G speeds on T-Mobile? I know the phone is not 4G compatible, so unfortunately I won't be able to access those speeds, but I am wondering if I will be forced to use the EDGE network.
ellewms said:
CTOMGEE,
I have the i9100 International Galaxy S2 and am wondering if I can access 3G speeds on T-Mobile? I know the phone is not 4G compatible, so unfortunately I won't be able to access those speeds, but I am wondering if I will be forced to use the EDGE network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check your thread
Swyped from my Samsung Galaxy SII
Supercharged ParanoidAndroid 2.12
Dorimanx kernel 5.76B
GT I9100
Next phone: Galaxy NOTE II
ellewms said:
CTOMGEE,
I have the i9100 International Galaxy S2 and am wondering if I can access 3G speeds on T-Mobile? I know the phone is not 4G compatible, so unfortunately I won't be able to access those speeds, but I am wondering if I will be forced to use the EDGE network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not as of now. T-Mobile in the US uses AWS currently for 3g and "4g". This band requires both 1700 & 2100 mhz for data to get these speeds. The phone doesn't get 1700, do it won't get higher than Edge.
There are rumors T-Mobile will be re-purposing 1900 mhz (which the phone DOES get) for data, so if and when that happens, the phone will probably get high speed mobile data. But until then, you're out of luck for T-Mobile with this phone, and will have to use ATT to get high speed data.
Ananda
Hi ctomgee and others, I'm using a Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 that was bought unlocked. I'm also getting only 2G speeds on T-mobile. Could you tell me what is flashing the T-mobile modem and how it is done? Can I try to do this so that I can get 3G speeds? If this is not possible, would I get 3G speeds if I buy a S2 from T-mobile?
On the sidelines: What do they do to the phone that the phones bought from T-mobile would work but the others won't? Is it something done to the hardware or the software? If the change is in the software, can't we try to do it ourselves - are there any online tutorials on this?
ctomgee said:
Not as of now. T-Mobile in the US uses AWS currently for 3g and "4g". This band requires both 1700 & 2100 mhz for data to get these speeds. The phone doesn't get 1700, do it won't get higher than Edge.
There are rumors T-Mobile will be re-purposing 1900 mhz (which the phone DOES get) for data, so if and when that happens, the phone will probably get high speed mobile data. But until then, you're out of luck for T-Mobile with this phone, and will have to use ATT to get high speed data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ananda.b said:
Hi ctomgee and others, I'm using a Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 that was bought unlocked. I'm also getting only 2G speeds on T-mobile. Could you tell me what is flashing the T-mobile modem and how it is done? Can I try to do this so that I can get 3G speeds? If this is not possible, would I get 3G speeds if I buy a S2 from T-mobile?
On the sidelines: What do they do to the phone that the phones bought from T-mobile would work but the others won't? Is it something done to the hardware or the software? If the change is in the software, can't we try to do it ourselves - are there any online tutorials on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing a modem is essentially changing the software drivers for your antenna. This does not, however, change what frequencies your phone is capable of receiving. This is a hardware limitation.
The T-mobile USA Galaxy S2 is model number SGH-T989 - a totally different model than the GT-I9100. The hardware is completely different. The size itself, the CPU/GPU/SoC, the antenna hardware - all different. This isn't something you can fix with flashing a modem.
If you are patient, as I stated above, T-mobile USA is in the process of re-purposing a frequency the I9100 DOES get so it will get 3/4g on T-mobile. When that happens in the market you are in is up to T-mobile.
ctomgee said:
First off, you're in the wrong forum for your device.
This is the forum for the i9100, the international Galaxy S2.
You say you have the AT&T Galaxy S2... Which is the SGH-I777.
Second, since ATT and T-mobile use different frequencies for high speed mobile data, most devices for ATT will only get Edge on T-mobile. Vice versa, most devices for T-mobile, if unlocked for ATT, will only get Edge on ATT's network. SOME devices you can flash a different modem, because they have the requisite antenna hardware to get the necessary frequencies.
Unfortunately for you, the SGH-I777 isn't one of them.
Unless, you actually have the Skyrocket, which is the SGH-I727. (check the label under the battery to get the exact model number) That phone, you CAN flash a T-mobile modem to it and get high speed on T-mobile's network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I spent hours online chatting with support trying to get this information and they couldn't provide it. 10 minutes of internet searching and you said EXACTLY what I needed to know. Thank you sir!! Helped me a ton.
Also, just a heads up. At the end of this year (2012) T-Mobile is going to launch their 1900 mhz band towers (see: newsroom.t-mobile(d0t)com/articles/4GNetworkEvolutionVendorsSelected) so AT&T phones that use that 4G band will work with T-Mobile once unlocked and moved over.
Thanks again!
Roelith said:
I spent hours online chatting with support trying to get this information and they couldn't provide it. 10 minutes of internet searching and you said EXACTLY what I needed to know. Thank you sir!! Helped me a ton.
Also, just a heads up. At the end of this year (2012) T-Mobile is going to launch their 1900 mhz band towers (see: newsroom.t-mobile(d0t)com/articles/4GNetworkEvolutionVendorsSelected) so AT&T phones that use that 4G band will work with T-Mobile once unlocked and moved over.
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like i occasionally get the 4G speeds on tmobile on my i9100, but it switches between Edge and 4G quite frequently. Anyone know how to force a 4G?
mok86 said:
Looks like i occasionally get the 4G speeds on tmobile on my i9100, but it switches between Edge and 4G quite frequently. Anyone know how to force a 4G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can set the network mode to WCDMA only... but I think there's a problem with that. If you wander into an area where T-mobile doesn't have "4G" coverage on 1900mhz, then I don't think you'll have any signal at all. When it is set to GSM/WCDMA (Auto mode), it switches automatically to Edge if you don't get the "4G" signal.
Wrong forum, this is for the international i9100 not Skyrocket.
TheATHEiST said:
Wrong forum, this is for the international i9100 not Skyrocket.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OP is from July. The guy above me today was asking a general question, and ATT sells TWO variants of the GS2 - the SGH-I777, which is their branded regular Galaxy SII, and the SGH-I727, which is the "Skyrocket" - which is the variant that has LTE.
I'm confused
Sent from my Zanpakuto using Getsuga Tensho!
Nick281051 said:
I'm confused
Sent from my Zanpakuto using Getsuga Tensho!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guy posted in i9100 forums because he tripped the flash counter causing his phone to say i9100 so he was confused and posted there. Asked about TMO only getting 2g and was already answered,
ctomgee said:
You can set the network mode to WCDMA only... but I think there's a problem with that. If you wander into an area where T-mobile doesn't have "4G" coverage on 1900mhz, then I don't think you'll have any signal at all. When it is set to GSM/WCDMA (Auto mode), it switches automatically to Edge if you don't get the "4G" signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same problem , get mostly Edge and Very less 4G with my International 9100 in T Mobile. Was wondering if a modem change will fix the problem . I am currently on Slimbean Rom. Any suggestions guys ?
nikunj_cal said:
Same problem , get mostly Edge and Very less 4G with my International 9100 in T Mobile. Was wondering if a modem change will fix the problem . I am currently on Slimbean Rom. Any suggestions guys ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Its a hardware thing. Not that complicated to understand really.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Pirateghost said:
No. Its a hardware thing. Not that complicated to understand really.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed since we are missing 1700mhz here but I was wondering whether its possible to capitalize on the 1900 mhz freq.
nikunj_cal said:
Agreed since we are missing 1700mhz here but I was wondering whether its possible to capitalize on the 1900 mhz freq.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hello every one I was wondering I have the i9100 and I have metropcs on it and I also flashed omni rom on it but I was thinking that I need to flash the us radios on it because I got it from Japan and as I can make calles they drop alot and the network is so slow so is this something where I would need to flash that ? and if so can someone post a link for the file's?

Is the VZW Galaxy S4 SIM and APN unlocked out of the box?

Hey everyone,
I just searched this topic and didn't find any definitive answers so I thought I'd ask...
Anyways is the VZW Galaxy S4 SIM unlocked out of the box? I keep reading the new VZW releases in 2012 and onwards are according to the VZW forums and website but then I found a post of someone asking VZW for an unlock. It its an official code its easier to just ask VZW as I meet all the requirements (1+ year customer). Also I read that on the S3 the APN settings are blocked on the default VZW firmware unless rooted. Is the APN settings on the S4 open (changeable) by default?
Also what's a realistic battery life you guys are getting out of this phone?
Am comparing phones and need a phone that is:
1. SIM Unlocked and APN settings changable that has VZW's US CDMA and LTE bands PLUS ALL the international bands (the 4 GSM and 4 UMTS international bands).
2. Has HSPA+21 at least.
3. Long battery life to last the day.
4. Rootable so I can get rid of VZW crap and increase the battery life.
I've also not seen any international VZW phones with HSPA+42 dual carrier like Apple's iPhone 5. I'm also debating getting a Android versus iOS phone...
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and help issues go in Q&A and Help section
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
Recently took my S4 to Brazil and spent a fair bit of time talking to Verizon Global Support before the trip. One of the questions I asked was whether the phone was SIM unlocked so that I could purchase a SIM card while in Brazil and use local service down there. The VZW rep assured me the phone was indeed unlocked, but I did not use a Brazilian SIM card while on travel so I cannot confirm via personal experience.
I can confirm that it is unlocked. I put an active att sim card in, that then allowed me to add the correct apn info. I was then able to make calls and use data.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
willzzz88 said:
Hey everyone,
I just searched this topic and didn't find any definitive answers so I thought I'd ask...
Anyways is the VZW Galaxy S4 SIM unlocked out of the box? I keep reading the new VZW releases in 2012 and onwards are according to the VZW forums and website but then I found a post of someone asking VZW for an unlock. It its an official code its easier to just ask VZW as I meet all the requirements (1+ year customer). Also I read that on the S3 the APN settings are blocked on the default VZW firmware unless rooted. Is the APN settings on the S4 open (changeable) by default?
Also what's a realistic battery life you guys are getting out of this phone?
Am comparing phones and need a phone that is:
1. SIM Unlocked and APN settings changable that has VZW's US CDMA and LTE bands PLUS ALL the international bands (the 4 GSM and 4 UMTS international bands).
2. Has HSPA+21 at least.
3. Long battery life to last the day.
4. Rootable so I can get rid of VZW crap and increase the battery life.
I've also not seen any international VZW phones with HSPA+42 dual carrier like Apple's iPhone 5. I'm also debating getting a Android versus iOS phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SCH-I545 has Quad band GSM/EDGE frequency's (850/900/1800/1900) and Quad band UMTS/HSPA (850/900/1900/2100) As well as AWS bands for LTE (1700/2100) so it should get LTE on T-Mobile. However, it does not have the capabilities to get LTE on AT&T since the SCH-I545 does not have the frequency's to operate on AT&T's LTE network but it will get HSPA+ on both networks. It will work on Sprint as well but it will not get LTE since its two LTE bands, (700 and 1700/2100), are not compatible. Sprint operates on the same CDMA/ Ev-Do bands as VZW so you will get 3G. I can confirm that i have used the SCH-I545 with an AT&T SIM card and i got HSPA+ speeds.
echo1030 said:
The SCH-I545 has Quad band GSM/EDGE frequency's (850/900/1800/1900) and Quad band UMTS/HSPA (850/900/1900/2100) As well as AWS bands for LTE (1700/2100) so it should get LTE on T-Mobile. However, it does not have the capabilities to get LTE on AT&T since the SCH-I545 does not have the frequency's to operate on AT&T's LTE network but it will get HSPA+ on both networks. It will work on Sprint as well but it will not get LTE since its two LTE bands, (700 and 1700/2100), are not compatible. Sprint operates on the same CDMA/ Ev-Do bands as VZW so you will get 3G. I can confirm that i have used the SCH-I545 with an AT&T SIM card and i got HSPA+ speeds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The AWS is there but not activated yet. for now you will only get EDGE on t-mobile unless in a refarmed are you will pickup HSPA. you will however pickup all AWS tis summer when verizon activates that band on our phone.
SOURCE: I'm on the 30$ a month prepaid with t-mobile. edge sucks but it works.
att sim in verizon sg4
Silentgray said:
I can confirm that it is unlocked. I put an active att sim card in, that then allowed me to add the correct apn info. I was then able to make calls and use data.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I have had the same outcome, voice and data work, BUT data is only HPSA+ at best. Do you get 4G LTE or found a way to get it?
Thanks!
ddckylec said:
Hi,
I have had the same outcome, voice and data work, BUT data is only HPSA+ at best. Do you get 4G LTE or found a way to get it?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, but that is because i am not in an area where ATT has LTE turned on. South Dakota is still on the waiting list. Verizon uses different frequencies for LTE then ATT does.
Verizon has never locked their phones, even the CDMA ones. If you put a non Verizon SIM in you can change the APN settings
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk

[Q] Question about the radio bands when switching my VZW Galaxy S4 to T-Mobile

Hey guys,
I've spent 2 hours searching, but I can't find any clear or up-to-date information. I have a Verizon Wireless Galaxy S4 (SCH-I545 running VRUFNC5), and I will be switching from Verizon to T-Mobile. I've read that the VZW Galaxy S4 does not have the AWS 1700 band enabled, but then I've read that recent updates have enabled it. So, I'm confused.
Will my phone be able to access ALL T-Mobile bands (3G, 4G, 4G LTE, etc) to fully access T-Mobile's network?
If not, what bands will I be missing? Am I able to flash the radio or modify any settings to activate any particular bands?
Thanks everyone!
Randy
I don't know much about T-Mobile but the Verizon S4 has had the AWS 700mhz spectrum enabled since MJ7, which was our first 4.3 firmware.
joshm.1219 said:
I don't know much about T-Mobile but the Verizon S4 has had the AWS 700mhz spectrum enabled since MJ7, which was our first 4.3 firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So does that mean that this phone has ALL bands enabled that's needed for full T-Mobile service?
Can anyone verify? Thanks so much!
I am also wondering the same question. Running NC5 also and looking to use T-Mobile.

Using Galaxy S3 (sch-I535) from Verizon with AT&T sim-no HSPA or LTE

Not including myself, the rest of my family is on Verizon. My daughter recently upgraded her S3 so I have it now as a handmedown. I have AT&T
and have been using it with their sim. (Verizon doesn't lock their smartphones) I get normal voice coverage but can't get anything more than
edge on data. I have 2 APN's programmed that I found here. One is HSPA+ and the other is for LTE. If the sim is in an AT&T phone, I get LTE
coverage but in the S3, nothing more than as mentioned. Is this because AT&T doesn't have the IMEI registered on their end or is it something else?
I'd really like to get more out of this phone. Any ideas?
Thanks ahead of time,
Todd

Verizon s5 to T-Mobile

So I'm switching from verizon to T-Mobile after this month and I was wondering what would be the best way to flash the T-Mobile firmware and get rid of the verizon firmware?
Firmware is not the problem. TMO & ATT have GSM radios, Verizon & Sprint are CDMA. Your Verizon S5 *will not* connect to the t-mobile network no matter what firmware you are running. T-mobile probably still has a very generous trade-in program.
Actually the Verizon S5 should work as it contains an LTE radio, meaning GSM functionality is present. Furthermore, the Verizon model comes unlocked as per FCC regulations. You will need to set the proper APNs to get connectivity on the Verizon S5, however.
Short answer: The S5 works on TMO.
I just made the same switch two months ago. I had two S5s and an S4. My dad is still using his VZW S4 on TMO and I used both of my S5s. However, the coverage seemed to be less than optimal and I wanted the WiFi calling options so I bought two used TMO S5s and my dad is getting a Kyocera Hydro. Even with the cellspot extender my dad's S4 won't make a call at his house.
I guess I got it wrong. DOH! Thanks for setting me straight. So what about going the other way, would a TMO S5 work on the Verizon network?

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