Related
Is there a working ROM (home brewed or otherwise) that will make the 3G in HTC Diamond work in the US with a carrier like ATT?
I would like to buy a phone and I am not sure if this is possible. I read somewhere that the FCC recently approved 3G version of the model - but would like to know for sure.
Thanks,
Karter
No, there is no ROM. The European Diamonds don't have the hardware necessary for getting anything but 900/2100mhz 3G. Try searching before you ask questions that have been answered 5 times over.
Black93300ZX said:
No, there is no ROM. The European Diamonds don't have the hardware necessary for getting anything but 900/2100mhz 3G. Try searching before you ask questions that have been answered 5 times over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok now I'm really confused ! I thought the fact (or at least I thought it was) that the "European" Diamonds were ROM upgradable to access US 3G was the whole basis for those of us that are hoping for the Touch Pro to eventually be the same way ??????????????
Black93300ZX said:
No, there is no ROM. The European Diamonds don't have the hardware necessary for getting anything but 900/2100mhz 3G. Try searching before you ask questions that have been answered 5 times over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry hit the submit button twice
we ALL hope so, but it looks like is NOT happening!
lol this is just funny now...
frozenwaffles said:
lol this is just funny now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry guys - I must have misunderstood some of the posts and I haven't been following the Diamond area closely enough
But I sure am glad I could provide you some entertainment ... but even more so, I sure hope that the when the dust settles the laugh will be on you ???
hopefully
yes yes the manufacturers want to give out all those free features..i forgot how the commercial world works...
Black93300ZX said:
No, there is no ROM. The European Diamonds don't have the hardware necessary for getting anything but 900/2100mhz 3G. Try searching before you ask questions that have been answered 5 times over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that is not entirely true. The hardware is exactly the same.
Please don't perpetuate this false rumor - DIAM 100 is not 850mz 3G capable
Based on the fact that HTC submitted a different model number than DIAM 100, the DIAM110
http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/...mFrame=N&application_id=417017&fcc_id='NM8DM')
to the FCC, it seems pretty clear that the hardware between the European version and the US version are in fact different. In addition, no one has been ale to get 850mhz 3G working on any existing (i.e., DIAM100) phone. If you can show evidence otherwise, I'm sure people would be interested. Otherwise, I think you're spreading a false rumor created out of wishful thinking and HTC's past behavior of not enabling GPS on the Trinity.
landshark said:
Based on the fact that HTC submitted a different model number than DIAM 100, the DIAM110
http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/...mFrame=N&application_id=417017&fcc_id='NM8DM')
to the FCC, it seems pretty clear that the hardware between the European version and the US version are in fact different. In addition, no one has been ale to get 850mhz 3G working on any existing (i.e., DIAM100) phone. If you can show evidence otherwise, I'm sure people would be interested. Otherwise, I think you're spreading a false rumor created out of wishful thinking and HTC's past behavior of not enabling GPS on the Trinity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed there is no evidence to prove the DIAM100 can work on US 3G. But, i dont think its hardware related well i just keep my hope that something can make mine work. Dont want to sell it out!
lets speculate a little....
1) Mobile phone chipsets ARE multiband by definition. Even if it says that it is only 1900MHz, its chipset suports a range of frequencies (something like 1850 to 1990). Why? because it has to support lots of call in a single cell. The call are spread over hundreds of channels (frequencies) and across time-slots in a code division scheme.
And because it uses a code division scheme for multiple simultaneos calls, then all these frequencies are used at the same time.
So, operating frequency is programmable.
2) The Antenna has also to support multiple frequencies.
3) I think the only reason a chipset has to not support a frequency is the processor speedy. But 7201A specs says it suports 2.1GHz as well as 850GHz UMTS.
So, the reason a mobile phone has to be dual band and not quadband has to be only market related and not technical.
Is this correct?
or only bull****?
If this is correct, then Diamod Hardware HAS to be UMTS Quadband.
And, to provide HTC a commercial advantage when negotiating with carriers (that is, HTC locks european models to not work in USA --- so that, to use 3G in USA one needs to by the device from the local carrier --- this leads to better contracts with the carrier).
If Diamond hardware is quadband where is the lock?
From all the reseaches we are almost sure it is not in the main storage memory (Radio or ROM).
It can be hardware locked....then the only way to unlock will be hacking the hardware wich is not viable for almost all of us (if it is not impossible).
But (trying thinking as HTC engineers), how about lock it (outside the memory --- because users are flashing hacked Radios and ROMs) but still in a programable way? (I think like sim-lock is done this way in many devices). Because doing this way I don´t have to create diferent production pipelines and different projects.
By programmable I mean a process that is done after the phone (or the main board) is manufactured.
If all of this is true (and I think it is not ) than the question is: is this final process reversible? (like simlock)?
If yes then how?
Uau.....I am impressed on the amount of **** I can write sometimes.
Hello,
As you can guess, I'm new to Blackstone. I have what I hope to be a simple question. Is the fact that HTC Touch HD doesn't support US 3G a hardware limitation or a software limitation.
Reason for asking:
When a US carrier gets off their lazy a** and picks up this awesome device, will there be a ROM update to enable US 3G?
I really want this device and the only thing keeping me from getting it is the 3G limitation, but I can live with it if one day (less than a year) there is a ROM update to enable US 3G. But if it is a hardware limitation then I'm out of luck.
Thanks,
Roger
hello,
just as new as you...got mine but knew it wouldnt work on us3g becoz us and europe have diferent types of network band for the 3g that why it wont here... hd was made for conveniently europe networks bands
Hardware or Software
I was aware of the limitation right off hand but do you know if its a hardware or software limitation?
AS IN:
Difference in protocols
OR
Different Chip All Together
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=433548
orb3000 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=433548
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do have to ask, due to this happening to me as well, when asking about status or news on 3G in the US for the HTC Touch HD everyone refers back to the link above for the "HTC to USA: No 3G..." message-thread.
I dont see the issue with asking the US 3G status question and getting a reply, rather than wading through 15 pages of postings in a huge thread. Discussion of everything from EDGE speeds, to speed-tests, performance in different areas, etc... but the question posed here is quite specific. Personally I've tried many searches and just looking to find status and how, if at all, I can help. Can we at least start a new thread to this end?
* Can anyone share a simple software/hardware issue for UD 3G with the Touch HD?
* How can [new people] people get involved to look into this kind of an issue?
Thanks for listening and any information...
D
kzw2zx said:
I do have to ask, due to this happening to me as well, when asking about status or news on 3G in the US for the HTC Touch HD everyone refers back to the link above for the "HTC to USA: No 3G..." message-thread.
I dont see the issue with asking the US 3G status question and getting a reply, rather than wading through 15 pages of postings in a huge thread. Discussion of everything from EDGE speeds, to speed-tests, performance in different areas, etc... but the question posed here is quite specific. Personally I've tried many searches and just looking to find status and how, if at all, I can help. Can we at least start a new thread to this end?
* Can anyone share a simple software/hardware issue for UD 3G with the Touch HD?
* How can [new people] people get involved to look into this kind of an issue?
Thanks for listening and any information...
D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think maybe people are somewhat brusque when answering this question because it has been asked so often with respect to other devices. That being said, I do not think anyone knows whether the issue with the HD is hardware or software related (please correct me if I am wrong). I know that some members have been working on making US 3G bands work for the non-AT&T Touch Pro (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=2565338&postcount=2), so you may want to ask those guys how to get involved in starting up a similar project with the HD.
I would like to say, though, that I have been simply amazed at how well Edge has been performing on the HD. It is faster for mobile browsing than my US 3G Diamond, Touch Cruise, Tilt, and my wife's iPhone 3G with the 3G/H showing and all bars up. So if you are putting off a decision to get the phone based on mobile browsing speed, in my experience (and it is just that, my experience), I have not missed 3G at all.
I note that that I have been using the HD in New York City with AT&T, which means notoriously crappy service no matter what the technology the phone is capable of, and, of course, tethering, etc. might be a whole different story, so I realize that my experience is of limited use. Also, I am going to be in a Euro standard 3G country soon, so I may be singing a different tune once I see what the HD can really do
Anyway, just my 2 cents, and I wish you luck. If you get a project for 3G going, I will happily donate, as, I am sure, many other will, too.
The only GSM carriers in the US offering 3G capabilities are AT&T and T-Mobile. For 3G on the T-Mobile network, your phone must support both 1700 and 2100Mhz. The 2100Mhz bandwidth has been well-defined as the "D" (download) portion of HSDPA. I believe you will also see 3G referred to as WCMDA on the 2100Mhz spectrum. AT&T Wireless has opted for a more "standard" approach where they are reusing the original PCS frequency (1900Mhz) for the "U" (upload) portion of HSUPA.
To get true, bi-directional 3G, your device must include a software radio that supports both HSDPA and HSUPA. Anything else will be a hit-or-miss affair. While this may lead you to "rejoice" because our radios are software-based, be aware that the antennas in our phones are also a part of the equation.
Therefore, you will likely be able to use a Touch HD on the AT&T network at 3G speeds, but you will NOT (EVER) get 3G out of a Touch HD on the T-Mobile network in the US.
It's a real shame that T-Mobile chose to deviate from its parent (Deutsche Telekom - T-Mobile in Germany) on their frequency choice for 3G. It makes them odd-man out virtually world-wide. I suspect that they were unable to secure the rights to anything other than 1700Mhz, but I would argue that theie decision really crippled their users..... it's yet another reason why I would NEVER buy a G1. Really sad IMO.
simple and straight answer:
its a hardware issue ... you won't get US 3g on touch hd, period. (no rom update etc. will make it start working)
thesire said:
simple and straight answer:
its a hardware issue ... you won't get US 3g on touch hd, period. (no rom update etc. will make it start working)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simple and straight answer back
No this is not true its a political issue, and the past shows already that it#s only a software issue, because the frequency range is so close to the European that the antenna is capable of those "between" frq.
The same is with Australia where some phones were original not capable but thr radio updates worked (nonofficial)
just my 2c
tobyp said:
It's a real shame that T-Mobile chose to deviate from its parent (Deutsche Telekom - T-Mobile in Germany) on their frequency choice for 3G. It makes them odd-man out virtually world-wide. I suspect that they were unable to secure the rights to anything other than 1700Mhz, but I would argue that theie decision really crippled their users..... it's yet another reason why I would NEVER buy a G1. Really sad IMO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IIRC, they showed up for the auction of the ranges and lost bids for the more standard frequencies. They were left with what they have...
3G Big Deal
Ive said it once and ill say it again. Edge on my HD is FASTER than my 3G diamond!!!!!!!!...so there...
thesire said:
simple and straight answer:
its a hardware issue ... you won't get US 3g on touch hd, period. (no rom update etc. will make it start working)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is not a hardware issue. i know it has been mentioned else where in this forum and others, and we got "official word" that this is a hardware issue. but it is not. i didn't speak up earlier because i know if i did, people will ask me for sources. i don't have sources, i know because i work on these type of stuff.
in simple terms, the hardware is just an antenna, it is the "software" that should be tuned to interpret the signal. just like you can use regular analog TV antenna to catch over the air HD signals, it is the tuner that does the job.
however the software you are thinking (cab files or ROM files) won't solve this problem:
the hardware isn't flashed with the firmware, it is not enabled in the low level to understand the language EVEN IF the ROM file and high level application allows for the functionality.
everyone's familiar with computers, an analogy is: if you disable say sound in the BIOS (by using a older/different version of BIOS), you can install (what we call "FLASH" in the mobile world) OS you want, and you can install different audio drivers, you are not going to get that functionality.
so that is why you can flash left and right different Touch HD roms, you can enable/disable different registry keys that make it look like it has the 850MHz choices in the drop down menus, and you can always try different Radio ROMs, but you are not going to get a bit of that functionality if the hardware/feature is disabled at the lowest level. you need to flash the actual hardware (in this case the anthenna//baseband) with the correct firmware. and i am talking about the real firmware. I think the misconception here when everyone's talking about "i'm flashing my Radio's firmware to the latest one", they are actually talking about the equivalent of a "driver" in the windows world. the real firmware is even lower than those "firmwware".
Hey buggybug0
I read through your comments and it seems very logical to me. However, do you think that it is possible in the future that the us 3g band will be enabled through a "hardware flash"?
I cant wait until that day happens. So I should buy now so the price premium isn't higher. . . . .How long does it usually take to take a phone that has the bands enabled already then some how incorporate that FW with the one on the HD?
typhoon99 said:
Hey buggybug0
I read through your comments and it seems very logical to me. However, do you think that it is possible in the future that the us 3g band will be enabled through a "hardware flash"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this hardware flash already exists, but because we are flashing a lower level hardware, you need a special cable, in addition to the binary file. only HTC has this special development cable, the cable plugs directly onto the board (not the miniUSB or extUSB port). we can't use the extUSB port because this port has no access to the memory that governs the baseband low level functionality: this is much like the older computer BIOS which you can only flash through the floppy drive. i believe windows mobile is behind windows, so this is where things are right now. nowadays you can run a high level .exe file in windows and have it access and flash the low level BIOS, may be some day this will become possible on windows mobile with a cab file flashing the low level baseband. but for the time being, the analogy is you need a special cable to flash, just like you need a floppy drive to flash.
everyone kept on saying lack of US 3g is a hardware difficulty, i know for a fact that this is a business decision. as much as US loves gadgets, europe and asia are much bigger markets, (the coolest phones always gets to europe, korean, japan taiwan first, other than a certain fruity brand). i don't doubt when HTC said "by the time we bring Touch HD to US, there will be much better phones, they are using this one-phone-for-you, one-phone-for-me strategy to keep customers hooked--> they disable the US band, and make the touch HD exclusive to europe, so North AMerican customers are all drooling, when the next gen phone comes that and improves on touch HD (call it HD2 for argument sake), they will release it to another regional market (for example US), then all european people will all get jealous and hooked, and get their interest up while US customers are paying big bucks to get them, so the 3rd phone which improves upon the HD2, and release it in europe, they will be all over it. it's a very good strategy because customer never loses interest. becuase you always want something you can't get. and you DEFINITELY want something that is better than the previous gen which you can't get. this for HTC means that the demand for their phone is always there at a healthy high level.
So what was up with the TyTn and TyTn 2.
Were they not able to do both US and EU 3G speeds? I don't recall there being different EU and US versions (like the Diamond).
I was using a Softbank X01HT version TyTn and was getting HSDPA speeds.
I would be surprised the HTC decided to cripple the phones since.
The Juggler said:
So what was up with the TyTn and TyTn 2.
Were they not able to do both US and EU 3G speeds? I don't recall there being different EU and US versions (like the Diamond).
I was using a Softbank X01HT version TyTn and was getting HSDPA speeds.
I would be surprised the HTC decided to cripple the phones since.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, there are HTC phones which had the same "BIOS", but the band were only disabled at the "driver" level, so the european brands of the same phone gets one Radio Rom while the US version gets a different Radio ROM. but since the functionality is already enabled at the lower level, it's just a matter of using a different radio rom (ie. driver) to enable the US 3G band.
I am not sure if the phone I am talking about is TyTn, but what I have same in the past 3 posts applies to a regular phone as well -- antenna is capable of receiving any frequency, it's up to the manufacture to insert the baseband software (this is the low level) to interpret those signals, then the interpretation gets passed onto the Radio stack (driver, radio rom), from there it goes to the operation system (winmob, symbian) then translates into applicatoin language to the actual application that's using the data (internet explorer, cell phone, IM app).
charlatan01 said:
IIRC, they showed up for the auction of the ranges and lost bids for the more standard frequencies. They were left with what they have...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your postulation could very well be the case. The fact remains that T-Mobile has created a 3G island for themselves and their subscribers here in the US. In my corporate discussions with T-Mobile, they demonstrate to me time and again that they simply do not "get it". Sad, very sad.
Only reason I stay with T-Mobile is the old (and I mean REALLY OLD) plan I have with them that no one has been able to beat cost-wise (plenty of minutes, unlimited data and hotspot access). I don't stay with them because they are at the top of the heap technically!
Well for those interested in the numebrs aspect, I have both the US and EU Diamond.
I tested both at dslreports.com using internet sharing. Same ROM (duttys 3.2), Same Radio (.05) , Same Laptop (via USB cable).
EU version (at EDGE speeds) came back at roughly 150 kbps.
US version (at H speeds) came back at roughly 450 kbps.
Of course this would only specifically apply to people in my area (Minneapolis). But it might shed some light on speed difference.
buggybug0,
until you provide your sources, your conclusions will remain a speculation for most of forum members. What you are saying may sound logical, but HTC may have different logic than you and you could still be wrong.
I agree with you that disabling 3G bands is a political decision though. And it's a commercial decision too. US carriers are apparently not looking to subsidize latest HTC handsets just yet for various reasons (T-Mob - due to G1, AT&T - due to iPhone 3G). However they will be shopping for new handsets sooner or later. If HTC releases a proper 3G quad-band device now, US carriers won't be happy and their further contracts for subsidized phones (which mean big money with no marketing/retail headaches for HTC) may never come in... Do they want to risk this big chunk? No.
Chances are you are right about the nature of band limitation problem and RF IC microcode may be crippled to support only certain bands on latest HTC devices. But it's still possible that some tracks are missing on the antenna PCB too. According to Qualcomm functional diagrams, it should be possible to multiplex RF signals for specific bands only.
This said, here's a challenge for you, prove your point with facts rather than speculations and you'll be a hero for a day.
If I were to get the VZW Nexus One, would I be able to flash any ROMs for the T-Mo Nexus One? Themes, apps, ROMs, etc.?
Doubt it..
:'( Man, since everyone is so hyped over this Nexus, I doubt anyone will ever make a ROM for the Verizon one.
I'm sure there will be a fairly standard process to port these ROMs to the VZW N1... but then again, I'm not a dev.
Are there any super geniuses out there that know if it will work or not?
Without looking at the android source tree. I would assume that calling the radio interface is the same between devices. The radio image itself will be drastically different, but the OS itself will not see that complexity due to calling the radio through standard API's.
Think of it this way, when you call a friend through a landline using a regular phone. Does your regular phone care who your provider is? It just translates your button pushes to sounds and transmits it via a well established standard. The interaction between rom's and the radio are more than likely very similar.
Devastatin said:
Without looking at the android source tree. I would assume that calling the radio interface is the same between devices. The radio image itself will be drastically different, but the OS itself will not see that complexity due to calling the radio through standard API's.
Think of it this way, when you call a friend through a landline using a regular phone. Does your regular phone care who your provider is? It just translates your button pushes to sounds and transmits it via a well established standard. The interaction between rom's and the radio are more than likely very similar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^This.
Considering that this will be the newest CDMA Android device released in the US, I'd guess that it's going to have the most updated radio out (at least for a while). The SPL, Recovery and such should be pretty much identical I would think. While it may not be possible to just take Cyanogen's ROM and flash it as it currently exists, the necessary changes SHOULD be pretty minor.
The better question is this...
how many people are going to not pay attention when a new radio image is released and flash it to the wrong device
it is possible.
But the devs are mostly gsm. CDMA is too limited with device releases.
Gsm is more flexible so the dev support for gsm is always going to be greater.
May take months for a port to happen.
I believe the droid just recently got their cyanogen mod port after like 8 months of release.
always bet on gsm cdma is too limited.
I used a Rogers Magic for a long time. Each time Cyanogen released an update, there were 2-3 devs that patched it and ported to the Magic for Rogers and also for the MyTouch. Each phone required different things but there will be devs that will handle it on here, just about guaranteed.
As long as I can have the ROM fast, I'll get the Nexus.
So are you guys saying 1 week, or a year?
awtryau89 said:
I used a Rogers Magic for a long time. Each time Cyanogen released an update, there were 2-3 devs that patched it and ported to the Magic for Rogers and also for the MyTouch. Each phone required different things but there will be devs that will handle it on here, just about guaranteed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rogers is GSM though, not CDMA.
GNOve said:
it is possible.
But the devs are mostly gsm. CDMA is too limited with device releases.
Gsm is more flexible so the dev support for gsm is always going to be greater.
May take months for a port to happen.
I believe the droid just recently got their cyanogen mod port after like 8 months of release.
always bet on gsm cdma is too limited.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Droid and Nexus One are totally different devices. The UMTS and CDMA Nexus One should be identical save for the radio and associated hardware.
EDIT: Not quite. The UMTS model uses the QSD8250 Snapdragon, which only supports GSM/UMTS. The CDMA model will likely use the QSD8650, which also has CDMA support (in addition to GSM/UMTS, which adds the possibility of the CDMA model being a world phone) but is otherwise the same.
I mean, they are basically the same phone.
So, are we saying that it is undecided if all the ROMs will work or not? Or do we know that they won't/will?
Thanks
I have heard mixed opinions on this matter and I am very curious to hear from someone who knows for certain the process that needs to take place for CM to run on the VZW N1 when it is available.
Funny that nobody mentions the kernel, which could very well be different for the GSM N1 and the CDMA N1. The radio is the obvious factor, it is the other factors that may be the issue.
Hoping a knowledgeable dev will chime in with a solid answer!
With the recent influx of Droid devices generated by them being handed out to many individuals through Google's developer channels, I imagine I'm not the only one wondering whether or not it would be possible to get service for this device by anyone other than Verizon. I'm hoping that someone can explain to me what it might take to make this possible.
As I understand it, VZW uses both 1900 and 850 while Sprint uses only 1900 with roaming possible on 850. That means the device should be compatible between the two networks from a frequency standpoint. What I'm not sure about is whether any of the software instructions coded into the VZW/Sprint devices are important to the correct operation of the phone on the network, or if they are identical and it only matters which network accepts the device's ESN.
In short:
- Would any software modifications to the device be necessary for appropriate functionality on the Sprint network?
- If so, could those modifications be derived from existing Sprint Android platforms like the Hero/Moment?
I have been given a free Droid, but I have no plan on ever switching to Verizon. It will remain a development only device if I can't modify it to work with my existing Sprint account.
Thanks in advance for any information.
othelil said:
With the recent influx of Droid devices generated by them being handed out to many individuals through Google's developer channels, I imagine I'm not the only one wondering whether or not it would be possible to get service for this device by anyone other than Verizon. I'm hoping that someone can explain to me what it might take to make this possible.
As I understand it, VZW uses both 1900 and 850 while Sprint uses only 1900 with roaming possible on 850. That means the device should be compatible between the two networks from a frequency standpoint. What I'm not sure about is whether any of the software instructions coded into the VZW/Sprint devices are important to the correct operation of the phone on the network, or if they are identical and it only matters which network accepts the device's ESN.
In short:
- Would any software modifications to the device be necessary for appropriate functionality on the Sprint network?
- If so, could those modifications be derived from existing Sprint Android platforms like the Hero/Moment?
I have been given a free Droid, but I have no plan on ever switching to Verizon. It will remain a development only device if I can't modify it to work with my existing Sprint account.
Thanks in advance for any information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the only way to get this to work is via esn swapping !! and that is illegal!! so.... good luck google it!! sprint will not add esns to there network from other carriers !! verizon does is sometimes but sprint will not do it!! sorry are u willing to sell it?
adrianh85 said:
the only way to get this to work is via esn swapping !! and that is illegal!! so.... good luck google it!! sprint will not add esns to there network from other carriers !! verizon does is sometimes but sprint will not do it!! sorry are u willing to sell it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Illegal, huh? Good 'ol US; the only country that feels the need to so tightly bind our devices to specific carriers. I vastly prefer the unlocked GSM phone model that Europe operates under. Le sigh.
Thanks for the info. I'm unlikely to sell, as I can find uses even for a device that doesn't have service. I just thought I could kill the proverbial two birds with one stone if I could make it work. C'est la vie.
You're forgetting the fact that there are at least TWO major nationwide GSM carriers in the US.
Japan has better game-shows than the US does, but I'm not going to say, "good ol' US" when complaining about it. But, I wouldn't even complain about it.
Cirkustanz said:
You're forgetting the fact that there are at least TWO major nationwide GSM carriers in the US.
Japan has better game-shows than the US does, but I'm not going to say, "good ol' US" when complaining about it. But, I wouldn't even complain about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not forgetting at all. The difference is that phones here, even for those two carriers, are sold locked rather than unlocked. Many consumers don't even know they have a choice, nor are they aware that their phones can be unlocked. The fact that the phones can be unlocked, and maybe could be used somewhere else in the world (depending on whether or not they support non-US bands), hardly excuses the fact that a tiny number of consumers would ever even realize that, or go through the hoops and hurdles necessary to unlock their phones.
This is a far cry from a market with many options for carriers where phones are sold unlocked and can be easily moved between any available carrier. The Wikipedia listing of mobile network operators in Europe (which I can't post) is quite illuminating when you realize that countries a tiny fraction of our size have a lot more than 2 choices that the phones they purchase, their property, can operate on. I would say cheering that at least we have two choices seems a little silly when the competition level here for carriers is so much weaker than elsewhere in the world.
Let's just say I'm more than a bit frustrated that what I've been gifted is, in the absence of one particular company's service, a brick. The phone belongs to me, yet whether or not I can use it as more than an alarm clock is dictated by only one company. It seems a little silly, and more than a tad bit frustrating. I would have much preferred an unlocked GSM phone; not only would I have two networks, albeit only one with 3G, to choose from, but my international options would have been wonderful.
Ok, so long story short.. there is no way to get the Droid A855 on gsm even if its unlocked? I know I just might be in the wrong forum but I have been searching all freaking day and honestly every site is starting to look the same to me 10:1 I'll prolly just sell the phone back off
Mr_Vicious said:
Ok, so long story short.. there is no way to get the Droid A855 on gsm even if its unlocked? I know I just might be in the wrong forum but I have been searching all freaking day and honestly every site is starting to look the same to me 10:1 I'll prolly just sell the phone back off
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, because the A855 does not have a GSM radio in it. Without the capable hardware, what you want to do is impossible.
Does anyone have any information on if the HD7 for T-Mobile USA will have UMA/Wifi Calling? I have horrible reception in my apartment, and I'd rather switch to WP7 than get one of the new android phones that will have Wifi calling on it.
I would not hold me breath. UMA requires special hardware, so it isn't an option. T-Mobile USA does have a software wifi calling solution ready for Android, but given that Tmo has publicly stated they are betting on Android I would guess the wifi app will only be available on that platform.
suttonjk82 said:
I would not hold me breath. UMA requires special hardware, so it isn't an option. T-Mobile USA does have a software wifi calling solution ready for Android, but given that Tmo has publicly stated they are betting on Android I would guess the wifi app will only be available on that platform.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's my thought, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to find out. Some older WinMo devices had the capability, so I was hopeful. I don't really care that much about the UMA part, since all that'll give me is the handoff to the towers. I would settle for Wifi calling with no problem. All of T-Mo's current BlackBerry's, I believe, support UMA, as well as the Nokia E73 Mode. With them bringing the wifi calling feature to android as well, there may be more pressure on them to make it a more widely available option, as it seems they're not willing to put out a femtocell like AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint have.