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will the htc thunderbolt be fully flashable to cricket yes or no
I'm sure there is a switch under the battery Criket<>Verizon ... I never got why you would pay 700 for a phone just to save 40 a month and not have 4g and have sub par service... but i'm sure someone will develop a criket rom like the did with the incredible but nothing special
two_cents said:
I'm sure there is a switch under the battery Criket<>Verizon ... I never got why you would pay 700 for a phone just to save 40 a month and not have 4g and have sub par service... but i'm sure someone will develop a criket rom like the did with the incredible but nothing special
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because after 10 months that 40 turns into 400 and we just paid for the subsidy that ppl are paying for every month for 24 months(40 * 24 = $960) In comparison, after 24 months you get paid $260 for using it on a different network. Sub par service is a matter of opinion...no need to be rude about it, some ppl prefer a frugal alternative.
I guess the thought is that you could buy a cheaper device, and get just as good performance out of it because on Cricket you will never, ever, see any of the 4G speeds that we see.
This thing gets downloads that are consistently as fast as my Home Comcast (15mbps). I have seen some speeds that are double 30+mbps.
I guess what the other poster is thinking is that you could buy a droid 2 or a droid X and basically get the same results. Outside of the 4G LTE speeds, this device is nothing more than a MT4G or Desire HD (same internals). You wouldn't have to spend the extra money for a 4G phone that you will never utilize.
I thought that cricket was signing up for Lightsquared's LTE service? Which I would assume would be the same 700 Mhz our devices run on? I could be wrong, but if cricket did this it seems like it wouldn't be a terrible deal and as op said, he would still save money and actually be able to utilize the service. I doubt they would have the coverage we will, but don't denigrate the dude. He did nothing wrong asked a relevant question. Sorry, this was more directed at two_cents.
I have no idea what frequency Cricket would use, but keep in mind that metroPCS has 4G LTE as well and it is not at all compatible with Verizon 4G LTE. So it may be that the carriers try to distinguish themselves in the near future (especially from value based carriers) based on their phones not being compatible with other networks.
This would have the effect of making you go with one of the Big 3(?) carriers if you wanted a quality smartphone, or pick an inferior or entry level device and go with a prepaid carrier.
Yeah, I know metro's is different, but I was thinking that, which I could be remembering wrong, that LS's LTE service was going to be the same 700mhz. Like I said, I could be wrong. This is just what I vaguely remember.
When cricket starts using sim cards to register devices
Yes that's right the sim card is like those from other networks, doubt it will work
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
Chips in Crickets?
Been an At&t user since forever. Service is good enough in Savannah and the job pays for it so I haven't had an argument to switch. So, SIM cards in phones have always been the norm. Could switch out my Nokia, Palm, iPhone whenever.
So forgive my ignorance when I ask what the significance of sims appearing in Cricket phones to being able to use the Thunderbolt? I currently use a Huawei on Cricket to play with and it doesn't have a sim. I've seen a Droid X also on Cricket and I don't know whether it has a sim or not.
Personally I wouldnt use a DX or TB on Cricket but for $55 a month (unlimited everything) it's an attractive offer.
Btw, the Huawei is Z4 rooted and has 2.2.1, which ruins the Wifi. But Wifi tethering works great. About 1mb u/d, but worthwhile. My iP4 gets 3+mb down and 1+mb up on 3G even with MyWi. When 4G LTE comes here with big red then I'll probably switch. I looking forward to a 4.3 screen and 2.3GB
1454 said:
I thought that cricket was signing up for Lightsquared's LTE service? Which I would assume would be the same 700 Mhz our devices run on? I could be wrong, but if cricket did this it seems like it wouldn't be a terrible deal and as op said, he would still save money and actually be able to utilize the service. I doubt they would have the coverage we will, but don't denigrate the dude. He did nothing wrong asked a relevant question. Sorry, this was more directed at two_cents.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you are mixing up Cricket for Metro PCS.
also the 700Mhz band is verizons if I am not mistaken, so the band will be different for Lightsquared's LTE unless them roam on verizons network.
No, I know metro has their own LTE service, that is not on the same bandwidth ours. Reading further into the lightsquared's frequency range they are on three bands. 1.4 1.6 and 2.0. So, yes I was wrong about it about the TB working on crickets network if they partnered with LS, but I wasn't talking about MPCS. I thought that I had saw where LS was running on the 700 mhz band with VZW. Not sure where I pulled that one out of thin air from, because apparently I was way off. Here's where I got my new info.http://www.dailywireless.org/2010/07/20/lightsquared-announces-lte-network/
MPCS runs on the 1700 mhz band.
ok, I may have to scrap this whole post. We will just chalk it up to the fact I don't know WTF I'm talking about.
1454 said:
ok, I may have to scrap this whole post. We will just chalk it up to the fact I don't know WTF I'm talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha it happens brah, no biggie.
Since no one has yet answer the original question... I'm a professional cell phone tech normally all Verizon phones can be flashed to cricket HOWEVER Verizon has decided to use identification cards similar to Sim cards for their service starting with the thunderbolt and all future Verizon 4g phones. I have yet to attempt to flash a thunderbolt I will try Monday however I'm fairly confident without the id card it will not work on cricket. The card is what stores registration info for the network now VERY similar to a Sim. I'm doubting a flash will work but I will repost tomorrow with my results.
jejogo said:
Since no one has yet answer the original question... I'm a professional cell phone tech normally all Verizon phones can be flashed to cricket HOWEVER Verizon has decided to use identification cards similar to Sim cards for their service starting with the thunderbolt and all future Verizon 4g phones. I have yet to attempt to flash a thunderbolt I will try Monday however I'm fairly confident without the id card it will not work on cricket. The card is what stores registration info for the network now VERY similar to a Sim. I'm doubting a flash will work but I will repost tomorrow with my results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your correct there is no way to load a .prl on the phone without a sim unless theres another way. For the rest of the off topic posts you pay for what you get
Yeah, the SIM card makes this impossible at the moment.
possibly
Its possible because cricket will be getting 4G LTE sometime at the end of this year or early next. But it also depends if it works the same as Verizon's.
The Thunderbolt has officially been flashed to cricket with Talk and Text and hopefully data to come. I flashed it yesterday and i can make and recieve calls and texts atm so wish me luck to get data working
Crickets 4g is gonna be very limited they said they're basically making hotspot style 4g similar to att having wifi at starbucks
Sent From My LG G2X
Hey
Can u tell me how to connect it to qpst and enable the writing??? i have tried using qpst/cdmaws hell i even tried manual programming... but to no avail. if someone could just let me know whats up with this to get it connected... not looking to pay for the answer just need someone to help with this, everything else i can figure on my own... lol just need to write the prl first... thx...
Only if crickets 4G network is LTE
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt
I like Verizon, the coverage is great but sometimes I wonder if the grass is greener. I like to try all the different phones out there and T-Mobile and AT&T have the most open networks for switching out phones. I think T-Mobile is not going to work because the coverage is just not there. I used to be an At&T customer and only left really for Android (Original Droid). Now that Android is spread to al the carriers I wonder if I might like AT&T better just because I can switch out phones so much easier. Anyone have any input, maybe someone that has switched from Verizon to AT&T?
Character Zero said:
I like Verizon, the coverage is great but sometimes I wonder if the grass is greener. I like to try all the different phones out there and T-Mobile and AT&T have the most open networks for switching out phones. I think T-Mobile is not going to work because the coverage is just not there. I used to be an At&T customer and only left really for Android (Original Droid). Now that Android is spread to al the carriers I wonder if I might like AT&T better just because I can switch out phones so much easier. Anyone have any input, maybe someone that has switched from Verizon to AT&T?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd love to provide some input as a user who has been a Verizon customer for a few years and is switching to AT&T. I previously used the Galaxy Nexus on Verizon and then switched to the iPhone 5 last year. I am still on an unlimited data plan. However, I have grown increasingly frustrated at Verizon because of their lack of phone variety, slow updates, locked bootloaders, Verizon customizations (persistent WIFI notifications, for example), etc.
So I bought an HTC One on AT&T the other day and am currently evaluating it. Right now I still have my Verizon iPhone 5 with unlimited data. But I also have the HTC One with the 5GB data plan (I have a 25% business discount).
SO is the grass greener? Yes and No. Here are some of my thoughts:
- Verizon has better overall coverage, but AT&T is faster. In my area, LTE on AT&T just went live, and while speeds are comparable, AT&T has better penetration already into the buildings I've been in. In my workplace, for example, I can get 4G LTE on AT&T but only 3G on Verizon unless I am close to the windows. It's nice having HSPA+ as a drop down from LTE as opposed to Verizon's very slow 3G network IMO. Can't deny Verizon's coverage is second to none, but AT&T is good in my area so this is probably the primary consideration (how is AT&T in your main area you'll be in???)
- It would be very hard to give up my Unlimited Data plan on Verizon. It's nice not having to worry about data caps. However, in actual use, I rarely go over 3-4GB per month and only occasionally reach 5GB. I don't think 3GB would be enough as I'd be constantly worrying about going over, plus I'd have to workaround tethering. For now, I'm keeping my Verizon line until I am absolutely sure.
- Phones! GMS > CDMA if only for the flexibility the former has for phones. The floodgates are open on AT&T and T-Mobile, but Verizon takes longer to get phones, has less variety, and has complete control over them. I hate everything about what Verizon is doing, and it's clear they don't have geeks in mind that like to tinker and switch phones often. I change phones every 9-12 months usually, and AT&T is going to provide a better environment than Verizon for that. Not perfect, mind you. They still lock bootloaders, and have some draconian policies and practices, but by the nature of their GMS network, there is more flexibility.
- HTC One. I bought the One on AT&T before it was officially confirmed that Verizon would be getting it. So there is a part of me that thinks I should just return the AT&T version and wait for the Verizon version. However, I am not at all confident that Verizon won't screw it up or prevent HTC from allowing us to unlock the bootloader. And like I said, I'm just really tired of Verizon and their meddling. I may just end up keep both plans for a while, but right now I'm leaning towards keeping the AT&T version despite my unlimited data plan on Verizon.
Hope that helps.
Yes that was a great help. I am really torn because Verizon's coverage is so great. I know that ATT LTE went live here a little bit ago and I think the coverage is pretty good. Ironically I left ATT for the Droid on Verizon because of the lack of variety on ATT at the time. Thanks for your input.
honestly i would move to verizon right now if i could, in my area better coverage + better speeds
Character Zero said:
Yes that was a great help. I am really torn because Verizon's coverage is so great. I know that ATT LTE went live here a little bit ago and I think the coverage is pretty good. Ironically I left ATT for the Droid on Verizon because of the lack of variety on ATT at the time. Thanks for your input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. I know what you mean, I had AT&T a long time ago too and moved to Verizon when they changed their unlimited data policy. So it's ironic that I am now switching back. AT&T has done a good job of courting Android phone makers, and Verizon seems to be in the honeymoon phase of having the iPhone now. It's weird how things have flip-flopped! AT&T also has a few more consumer-friendly policies such as not forcing customers into a Share Everything data plan if you aren't already grandfathered in. They have rollover minutes (which I know isn't a big deal these day with people using voice less). And they have Mobile to ANY Mobile rather than just Mobile to Mobile, which is a small advantage I know.
But yeah, the primary consideration is how each carrier performs in your area. If both are good (like in my area), you have more options.
xnknown said:
honestly i would move to verizon right now if i could, in my area better coverage + better speeds
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Click to collapse
Yes, if one carrier has better coverage and speeds in your area, then it makes sense to use that carrier. In my area, Verizon's LTE has been around for almost two years now and I rarely get more than 10 Mbps downloads. Usually it hovers around 5-9 Mbps, which is not even much better than AT&T's HSPA+, let alone LTE. And when my phones on Verizon drop down to 3G, it feels like dialup speeds. So far, AT&T is noticeable better for speeds between my HTC One and iPhone 5.
But again, YMMV and this is just a subjective observation on my part. To the OP, you could always give AT&T a shot for 14 days and compare the networks. If it doesn't work out, you can cancel and just pay the restocking fee. Just use the new phone with a new number, so you don't have to port and cancel your old line yet.
It all depends on your location really. I live near philly and the service has actually been a bit better on att then verizon from when i had them a few years ago. The speeds are also better on att thanks to it not being cdma but rather hspa. Overall I would never go back to verizon due to their prices and slower speeds unless I moved somewhere where they had clearly better service than all other companies.
So what about dropped calls. I barely have any on Verizon, but I remember having them on AT&T. Does being on LTE fix that or is it still a problem?
I went from Verizon (been a customer for 10 years) to At&t recently because my wife's office only gets At&t reception and we wanted to be on a Mobile Share plan instead of having two separate accounts (saves us around 40 a month). I've had an At&t line over the years for work, so I know the coverage isn't NEARLY as good as Verizon, especially LTE coverage in my area (At&t just went live on a few towers in my neck of the woods), but the savings is worth the sacrifice at this time.
Plus, as you said, being able to use most GSM phones on the network is a HUGE plus. Being able to run the Google Edition on my HTC One will be fantastic and I don't think Verizon is going to make it easy to run that software. Plus, as another guy mentioned above, that persistent Wifi thing Verizon does is sooooooo annoying. Almost as bad as At&t putting their name in the notification bar of the GS3/GS4. At least it goes away after a few seconds on the HTC One.
I haven't had many dropped calls on At&t, but calls are not what I do the most of, so I'm a bad barometer for that. I know the wife drops a bunch but I just attributed it to being the Nexus 4 and not a tried and true, tested, At&t phone. She has a GS4 now, so we'll see if that improves.
Anyway, in short, I did it for strictly monetary reasons, but the plus sides of At&t are numerous so it's not as bad as thought it would be.
dbdynsty25 said:
I went from Verizon (been a customer for 10 years) to At&t recently because my wife's office only gets At&t reception and we wanted to be on a Mobile Share plan instead of having two separate accounts (saves us around 40 a month). I've had an At&t line over the years for work, so I know the coverage isn't NEARLY as good as Verizon, especially LTE coverage in my area (At&t just went live on a few towers in my neck of the woods), but the savings is worth the sacrifice at this time.
Plus, as you said, being able to use most GSM phones on the network is a HUGE plus. Being able to run the Google Edition on my HTC One will be fantastic and I don't think Verizon is going to make it easy to run that software. Plus, as another guy mentioned above, that persistent Wifi thing Verizon does is sooooooo annoying. Almost as bad as At&t putting their name in the notification bar of the GS3/GS4. At least it goes away after a few seconds on the HTC One.
I haven't had many dropped calls on At&t, but calls are not what I do the most of, so I'm a bad barometer for that. I know the wife drops a bunch but I just attributed it to being the Nexus 4 and not a tried and true, tested, At&t phone. She has a GS4 now, so we'll see if that improves.
Anyway, in short, I did it for strictly monetary reasons, but the plus sides of At&t are numerous so it's not as bad as thought it would be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what I am afraid of. My wife values the voice and I value the data. So dropped calls don't bother me as much, but it would really bother my wife. Especially coming from Verizon with very few dropped calls.
I dropped Verizon last year for AT&T and, despite the few rough patches everyone else has mentioned, it was worth it. No one can beat Verizon's LTE network coverage at this point, but I was so fed up with their other BS on updates and pretty scanty selection of phones that I did what you did and suspended my service for a month to see what happened. At first they weren't perfect, but I was fine with them and loved that I could go from a US SGS3 to an international One X without a hitch. Also, AT&T's coverage (both 3G and LTE) has expanded greatly in quality and quantity over the last 6 months where I'm at for work and everyday life. So now I've finally convinced my wife to drop them also and thus ending our 12 year run with Verizon and their devolution into Apple-like "It's our way or you don't need it" business model.
Will I ever go back? Not until I can buy a new phone from anywhere I want and activate it on their network. And I believe it'll be a cold day in heck before that is ever allowed to happen!
I attempted to do my homework on device compatibility beforehand so as to avoid the shock of something like being stuck on EDGE for data. Nevertheless even with a video review showing the DNA operating HSPA+ on Solavei I am stuck on dreaded EDGE. The activation period took a couple of hours with my new phone (DNA) being able to dial out but SMS/MMS non functional as well as calls to my handset. EDGE was running during this time but after a bit I saw it flash to 3G then H.....success! NOPE. At this point I verified SMS and all calls were working and my phone seemed to want to connect to HSPA+ but was having network communication issues when trying to run speed tests. I attributed all this to my home location, it having always with any carrier been quite on the outskirts of general coverage even though I'm only 1/4 mile from town which is a bit ludicrous in itself. Later that night I drove a little into town to test the data and alas H+ lit up, ran a speed test 2.5MB download...not to shabby IMO. Next day I drive to work and into the center of my home area where the best coverage is for ANY carrier and the entire trip H+ only lit up for a few seconds. Ever since there is no change in data always on E. I called Solavei and told them the issue and they pretty much gave me the runaround and couldn't definitively explain why it worked for a short period but wouldn't now. I can't 100% confirm that T-Mobile has refarmed the area to 1900Mhz but I read my city in a list of 49 in an article that said they were done. This being said I'm forced to let this month play out until possibly switching carrier perhaps one that uses AT&T instead. I asked Straight Talk about my device and they said they offer SIMs for both AT&T and T-Mobile but AT&T is limited to 3G service only whilst T-Mobile should work for HSPA+. I don't know if this a T-Mobile issue or a Solavei one or it's just my phone, but don't see how it could be the phone since it was up and running briefly.
I use T-Mobile and my connection is all over the place at times, refarming is actually the reason I think, its going for the strongest signal, if its edge, it gets edge towers, until the refarm is done I think we'll continue to see this kind of behavior for awhile. As time has gone by its gotten better around here with less time on edge and more on 3g/h+ since I first got the phone.
I can't vouch for at&t but no h+ sounds a little strange to me, if anything bands wise they should be more compatible then T-Mobile.
Tapatalked from my HTC DNA - Carbon
pio_masaki said:
I use T-Mobile and my connection is all over the place at times, refarming is actually the reason I think, its going for the strongest signal, if its edge, it gets edge towers, until the refarm is done I think we'll continue to see this kind of behavior for awhile. As time has gone by its gotten better around here with less time on edge and more on 3g/h+ since I first got the phone.
I can't vouch for at&t but no h+ sounds a little strange to me, if anything bands wise they should be more compatible then T-Mobile.
Tapatalked from my HTC DNA - Carbon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like the refarm is much more of a gradual process than a one and done. At least I hope so or else there's not much to look forward to there. I know the Solavei rep was full of complete and utter BS since she told my phone was incompatible since it wasn't on their database of phones to service APN settings OTA. I may try out Straight Talk or Net10 just to see how the AT&T network speed performs.
Sorry for my ignorance, does the DNA really get H+ (42Mbs) ? On GSM network?
Thanks
trungbeo said:
Sorry for my ignorance, does the DNA really get H+ (42Mbs) ? On GSM network?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No reason it can't, hardware supports it if you have the connection to do it. In my coverage I'm usually edge or 3g so I can't say for sure.
Tapatalked from my HTC DNA - Carbon
I ended up leaving solavei (T-Mobile) for net10 (at&t) The coverage is worlds apart in terms of hspa. I get it everywhere though the speeds fluctuate but are decent. T-Mobile definitely needs to expand coverage it was not good where I lived about 80% was edge.
Just picked up a new G3 and new service provider in Verizon. Is it common to be stuck on 3G majority of the time in a decent size city? It sometimes in a blue moon switches to 4GLTE, but won't stay long.
I am with tmobile currently as well as that is my main carrier, but needed good coverage in the bad areas of Pennsylvania. Have awesome coverage where I live with tmobile, however with Verizon not so much.
Is it common?
I guess I have 14 days to decide. Any feedback greatly appreciated,
JesseMT4G said:
Just picked up a new G3 and new service provider in Verizon. Is it common to be stuck on 3G majority of the time in a decent size city? It sometimes in a blue moon switches to 4GLTE, but won't stay long.
I am with tmobile currently as well as that is my main carrier, but needed good coverage in the bad areas of Pennsylvania. Have awesome coverage where I live with tmobile, however with Verizon not so much.
Is it common?
I guess I have 14 days to decide. Any feedback greatly appreciated,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
take it back... verizon locks everything down tmo allows you to be free .
sorry i didn't actually help you in regards to your question.
The only time I see myself switch to 3g is where I have crappy service at my parent's place. Otherwise I don't have that issue..
However I'm also not in Pennsylvania so someone else may need to comment on that bit.
Perhaps they're doing tower upgrades over there?
The G3 gets really good reception, on par or better than the Motorola phones which are known to have excellent reception. I'd give it a day or so to settle along with a few restarts to see if you can grab an updated PRL. Outside of that Verizon may not be great in your area. I have to go outside to get a decent 4G signal, inside it's 3G most of the time.
That's the thing, I still have my T-Mobile phone. I actually live in Ohio, however work in PA and a little of West Virginia where I get no signal and can only make emergency calls. When in Ohio, where I live I get amazing 4G signal on lte. 40 down and 10 up to where on Verizon where I live I get 7 down and barely 1 up. It's crazy... Then again I am on 3G most of the time.
So wifi it goes....
Also is it normal to be on wifi and next to it the 4G/3G signal shows. I only have a gig of data is why I ask. Don't want unwanted charges on my bill.
T-Mobile g Flex unfortunately will still be my main phone. Unlimited everything.
JesseMT4G said:
Also is it normal to be on wifi and next to it the 4G/3G signal shows. I only have a gig of data is why I ask. Don't want unwanted charges on my bill.
T-Mobile g Flex unfortunately will still be my main phone. Unlimited everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep that's normal, nothing to worry about there
Ok, thanks. Just worried as T-Mobile phone goes straight to wifi symbol only.
You could try switching airplane mode on and then back off
Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk
kwkw480 said:
take it back... verizon locks everything down tmo allows you to be free .
sorry i didn't actually help you in regards to your question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Explain this a little more.
Go to network and Switch to LTE from global. I had the same problem and that fixed it
leemsami said:
Go to network and Switch to LTE from global. I had the same problem and that fixed it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did this and at 1st it gave me full bars. I did a reset for some reason and when it came back it's back to 1 bar. Weird....So does this mean I'll stay on 4G and won't pan back to 3G, if so might need to be on global in order to get signal in bad areas.
Thanks though, see what happens.
Things to try:
Power off take out the sim, power back on without sim, power off and put sim back in.
Call Verizon and have then send an update to your sim card.
Factory reset your device
Get a new sim card
toy028 said:
Things to try:
Power off take out the sim, power back on without sim, power off and put sim back in.
Call Verizon and have then send an update to your sim card.
Factory reset your device
Get a new sim card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a new phone and I would have to already take put the SIM. I mean I will as I dont get why I am constantly on 3G. Thought Verizon was good at penetrating buildings for 4G.
Not to mention even when I am on 4G it's no where near the speeds my tmobile phone gets.
Might have to chalk it up to so many people on big red....I guess as long as I get signal in the boonies I'll be okay. Just a little disappointed.
Thanks for the help.
I had this same issue and switching it from Global to CDMA/LTE fixed it for me. I've read that it shouldn't matter if it's on Global.... But I clearly saw the difference.
This G3 gets the same or better reception that my S4 does. I'm happy with it
- Sent From My G3
You should be on 4G, if it is available in your area. Signal strength is the main reason it'll drop to 3G, but that's only when your 4G signal drops above -100 dBm. Somewhere around the -115 is where mine decides it's better to switch to 3G. I even get some 1X's here at my desk, but I've got a crappy signal at my desk. If you're on 3G most of the time, then there's a problem. As stated earlier, take the following steps:
FDR (Factory Data Reset.) You'll lose everything, so back it up.
Go into the VZW store and tell them you want another SIM card. (Try not to handle it with your fingers and tell them not to handle it with theirs either.)
Replacement phone is the only other alternative.
If none of the above works, then you probably do need to switch back to T-Mobile. Just remember, you only have 14 days to figure this out!
Have you looked at a coverage map? Verizon does have excellent coverage but all carriers have holes
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Looks like Verizon has spotty service in the area you described. Vzw May not be the best choice for you in that area. Especially if you travel.
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
leyvatron said:
Explain this a little more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile's version comes factory unlocked. It already has the TWRP recovery.
OTOH, T-Mobile's version is SIM locked and Verizon's isn't, so Verizon's version is more free if you ever need to travel internationally.
scy1192 said:
T-Mobile's version comes factory unlocked. It already has the TWRP recovery.
OTOH, T-Mobile's version is SIM locked and Verizon's isn't, so Verizon's version is more free if you ever need to travel internationally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got faith in the devs as far at unlocking this phone for a custom recovery!
- Sent From My G3
I have T-mobile and im close to buying this phone. My worry is how well will data work in my area? The specs are great for the price
I know i wont get LTE speeds.
Would I be able to get data inside buildings?
Anyone have experience with this phone on t-mobile? Or any other xiaomi/chinese phone
tlxxxsracer said:
I have T-mobile and im close to buying this phone. My worry is how well will data work in my area? The specs are great for the price
I know i wont get LTE speeds. Would I be able to get data inside buildings? Anyone have experience with this phone on t-mobile? Or any other xiaomi/chinese phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here are three links (sort of cheat sheets) with some information that will help:
http://androidforums.com/threads/how-to-tell-if-a-phone-will-work-on-t-mobile.706991/
http://www.prepaidphonenews.com/2014/09/what-phone-works-with-which-operator.html
http://www.droid-life.com/2015/02/05/us-wireless-carrier-bands-gsm-cdma-wcdma-lte-verizon-att-sprint-tmobile/
You should also check out http://www.willmyphonework.net/, and if you end up with the FDD + TDD LTE version, that helps reconfirm things will work because of the 1900 MHz coverage.
You asked specifically about getting data inside buildings. My understanding is that lower frequencies work better for indoor coverage because they can more easily pass through walls, but they do not have the best range. In turn, if you want better outdoor distance and range, then higher frequencies work better because they are less attenuated by the atmosphere. Somebody else more knowledgeable can comment on this. But in the long run, it will probably be about your local coverage, too. I.e. if you are generally close to cell towers, the indoor/outdoor factor might not make much of a difference. And if you can somehow manage wifi calling with T-Mobile, that might also minimize any potential issue.
I think wifi calling must be baked into the phone to use it, but I may be wrong about this.
Any US T-Mobile users that can confirm this either way?
I am waiting on a Prime model myself, and plan to use it with an AT&T mvno in the US. AT&T supposedly has 3G on both 850 and 1900 MHz so 3G should work no problem.
thanks for the response. Accoring to the willmyphonework site it will work on Tmobile with 3g.. So im guessing no HSPA or HSPA+ right? these bands/network/freq confuse me.
tlxxxsracer said:
thanks for the response. Accoring to the willmyphonework site it will work on Tmobile with 3g.. So im guessing no HSPA or HSPA+ right? these bands/network/freq confuse me.
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This phone should work with T-Mobile 3G, and also what T-Mobile calls 4G, but which is actually HSPA+, and thus, by the book is on 3G. Take a look at the AndroidForums link I sent above. Supposing that information is true, it says the following:
3G
The technology for 3G is called UMTS. T-Mobile uses two frequencies for their UMTS network: 1900MHz and 1700/2100MHz. So if you check your phone's specifications and see that it has either 1900MHz or 1700/2100MHz listed as one of the UMTS frequencies, then it will support T-Mobile's 3G network.
4G - HSPA+
T-Mobile did a bit of marketing on this one. What T-Mobile calls 4G can more accurately be called HSPA+. This is not really a new technology, rather, it's an upgrade of the 3G technology UMTS. Therefore, if your phone supports the UMTS frequencies 1900MHz or 1700/2100MHz, then we just need to check to see if the phone supports HSPA (slower) or HSPA+ (faster). If it does, then it will be compatible with T-Mobile's 4G network.
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The RN2 supports UMTS at 1900 MHz and HSPA+ so yes, you should be able to get HSPA+ service. HSPA+ is pretty speedy, and for my own use case, it is perfectly fine. Some people will want/need/demand LTE speeds (even though HSPA+ gets very close, and sometimes passes it...). But at least for my own use case, I don't plan to be downloading huge files, or streaming HD video when I am away from wifi coverage. So for me, data up to 3G/HSPA+ is fine. But you'll have to figure out if it is good enough for you.
verbage said:
This phone should work with T-Mobile 3G, and also what T-Mobile calls 4G, but which is actually HSPA+, and thus, by the book is on 3G. Take a look at the AndroidForums link I sent above. Supposing that information is true, it says the following:
The RN2 supports UMTS at 1900 MHz and HSPA+ so yes, you should be able to get HSPA+ service. HSPA+ is pretty speedy, and for my own use case, it is perfectly fine. Some people will want/need/demand LTE speeds (even though HSPA+ gets very close, and sometimes passes it...). But at least for my own use case, I don't plan to be downloading huge files, or streaming HD video when I am away from wifi coverage. So for me, data up to 3G/HSPA+ is fine. But you'll have to figure out if it is good enough for you.
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This is good news thank you! I mostly stream music while driving or browse the web anyways..
Now to just sell my Samsung s6 to buy a RN2
tlxxxsracer said:
This is good news thank you! I mostly stream music while driving or browse the web anyways.. Now to just sell my Samsung s6 to buy a RN2
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tlxxxsracer, I'm always nervous to suggest something I cannot back up with my own firsthand experience. According to the information I pointed out, it seems like the RN2 should be able to use T-Mobile 3G/HSPA+ service. But it would sure be nice to have an actual RN2 T-Mobile user out there confirm this. Are there any of you around?
Check out the Huawei ascend mate 7. It's a little more than the RN2, but is compatible with tmobile lte bands. I'm gonna purchase it here soon. Idk where u live, but I used tmobiles hspa, and got crappy service. Only like 5 down and .5 up. But switching to lte I'm getting like 45d and 8u. Huge difference lol.
HSPDA works on Tmobile
tlxxxsracer said:
I have T-mobile and im close to buying this phone. My worry is how well will data work in my area? The specs are great for the price
I know i wont get LTE speeds.
Would I be able to get data inside buildings?
Anyone have experience with this phone on t-mobile? Or any other xiaomi/chinese phone
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I was waiting for my phone to reply on this topic. I had lots of doubts about this issue, and finally bought Redmi Note 2. In the NY/NJ area, i am able to get HSPDA+ similar to my Nexus 4 (previous phone).
jpkml said:
I was waiting for my phone to reply on this topic. I had lots of doubts about this issue, and finally bought Redmi Note 2. In the NY/NJ area, i am able to get HSPDA+ similar to my Nexus 4 (previous phone).
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Thanks i also spoke with Tmobile store rep, and they said it will work and that i should get 4g (hspa+) and showed a map of exact coverage the the frequencies in my area.
Where did you buy yours from?
jpkml said:
I was waiting for my phone to reply on this topic. I had lots of doubts about this issue, and finally bought Redmi Note 2. In the NY/NJ area, i am able to get HSPDA+ similar to my Nexus 4 (previous phone).
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Great, thanks for confirming this, jpkml!
tlxxxsracer said:
Thanks i also spoke with Tmobile store rep, and they said it will work and that i should get 4g (hspa+) and showed a map of exact coverage the the frequencies in my area.
Where did you buy yours from?
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I got the Prime (32GB) version from merimobiles.com . The buying experience was good. If you plan on buying from them, signup for their emails, you get a $20 discount points. Create a new account and order via that account to get the status via their website. I forgot to do both these steps, and had to ping them everyday (5-6am EST ) to followup on my order. It will take a good 2-3 weeks to get the phone in your hands. I used Singapore post as my shipping option(extra $$), but they decided to send it via China Post epacket, which was pretty fast once EMS gets their hands on the package. It reached US within 3 days, but USPS/customs had it for a good 3 days after reaching our shore .
jpkml said:
I got the Prime (32GB) version from merimobiles.com . The buying experience was good. If you plan on buying from them, signup for their emails, you get a $20 discount points. Create a new account and order via that account to get the status via their website. I forgot to do both these steps, and had to ping them everyday (5-6am EST ) to followup on my order. It will take a good 2-3 weeks to get the phone in your hands. I used Singapore post as my shipping option(extra $$), but they decided to send it via China Post epacket, which was pretty fast once EMS gets their hands on the package. It reached US within 3 days, but USPS/customs had it for a good 3 days after reaching our shore .
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Good info, thanks and just found out it has 1yr warranty as well with option for $10 to buy 24month warranty.
Was there any import taxwith the singapore post option you selected?
I'll probably add shipping insurance too, just to be safe.
Did you check out with paypal? is there any protection from them in regards to shipping?
No import tax. ePackets is a sort of China Post & USPS offering. You can actually track the package using both their tracking system. I didn't get any insurance. The phone itself came nicely packaged in a bubble wrap. I did use paypal, but didn't check their shipping protection.
I also have T-Mobile and recently received my Redmi Note 2 16GB version from gearbest.com. Tried out a few different ROMs, both MIUI and AOSP. On MIUI, the network symbol shows an "H+" whenever I'm using data. On AOSP, only "3G" shows up top even though I have "4G Preferred" selected in network settings. Hope that helps!
Friend bought me the Redmi Note 2 straight from China. I have AT&T. Took my SIM out of the IPhone 5S and stuck it in slot 2 SIM. You can't slide it in all the way in as the SIM is a little bit shorter than the slot, it only works if you don't slide it in all the way. I get the H+ for data too which I assume is 3G and my signal is fine. If anyone has an easy way to use the LTE please update!
haywires said:
Friend bought me the Redmi Note 2 straight from China. I have AT&T. Took my SIM out of the IPhone 5S and stuck it in slot 2 SIM. You can't slide it in all the way in as the SIM is a little bit shorter than the slot, it only works if you don't slide it in all the way. I get the H+ for data too which I assume is 3G and my signal is fine. If anyone has an easy way to use the LTE please update!
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For the moment, this will not work on LTE using AT&T or T-Mobile as the RN2 does not have the correct band/frequency coverage. If somebody figures out how to hack the baseband and add the right coverage, and there is not an actual physical/hardware limitation, that could possibly open up LTE coverage in the future.
HSPA+ is quite fast, in fact, T-Mobile refers to it as "4G" (but not LTE). Some folks will want/demand LTE coverage, but depending on your use case, HSPA+ may be perfectly fine.
tlxxxsracer said:
Thanks i also spoke with Tmobile store rep, and they said it will work and that i should get 4g (hspa+) and showed a map of exact coverage the the frequencies in my area.
Where did you buy yours from?
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haywires said:
Friend bought me the Redmi Note 2 straight from China. I have AT&T. Took my SIM out of the IPhone 5S and stuck it in slot 2 SIM. You can't slide it in all the way in as the SIM is a little bit shorter than the slot, it only works if you don't slide it in all the way. I get the H+ for data too which I assume is 3G and my signal is fine. If anyone has an easy way to use the LTE please update!
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HSPA+ (H+) is similar to 3G, but is as fast as band B20 of LTE (the slowest LTE band)
~ Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 Prime ~
Satenru said:
I also have T-Mobile and recently received my Redmi Note 2 16GB version from gearbest.com. Tried out a few different ROMs, both MIUI and AOSP. On MIUI, the network symbol shows an "H+" whenever I'm using data. On AOSP, only "3G" shows up top even though I have "4G Preferred" selected in network settings. Hope that helps!
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correct me if I'm wrong, but I think GearBest is one of those dealers who'd install custom ROM that gives a bunch of pop-ups on Xiaomi Redmi Note 2
felix168 said:
correct me if I'm wrong, but I think GearBest is one of those dealers who'd install custom ROM that gives a bunch of pop-ups on Xiaomi Redmi Note 2
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I don't know if it was a custom ROM but it did came with a bunch of bloat ware because I barely had any free space left so I just flashed TWRP and installed a fresh ROM over it.
I can confirm that the phone works on T-mobile HSPA+. I used it while visiting the US recently with a T-mobile MVNO (GoSmart).
I can also confirm that Gearbest ships the phone in an almost unusable state due to constant popups. Flashing new ROM is necessary.