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I live in the USA, using AT&T, and is shopping around for Galaxy S phone. The Captivate is the obvious choice under the Galaxy S flag. I just noticed the Galaxy S Vibrant from Canada today and I am really interested in it, especially because of the front facing camera.
How would I go about purchasing it? How would I get it working under the AT&T carrier? How is Edge, 3G, and voice, etc? How would future rom updates be installed? What are the down sides to buying the Vibrant versus a local Captivate?
Thanks
I have a Bell GS and on Bell it works great. Though after a firmware upgrade yesterday is is acting a bit wonky, might have to do reset.
To use it on ATT in the US you would have to buy it outright from Bell or other brick and mortar store that carry Bell phones. ie. Best Buy/FutureShop.
There is an unlock app for GS's and supposedly works on the Bell I9000, haven't tried it myself, no need atm. This will allow you to use a ATT sim card in the phone.
To update, you can use Samsung kies, supposedly what they will be using to push updates to GS, you can get that from samsungs web site. From what I have found so far you need to be in the touch wiz launcher to use kies. only matters if you use 3rd party launchers.
Not sure how the FFC will work for you. That might be dependant on ATT?
Your best bet, if you decide to get one. ROOT and make it your *****!
It would be 100% compatible on AT&T's network. In fact, it's even more compatible because Bell doesn't have a 2G network you can switch to to save battery life.
ROM updates come officially through Kies like normal, although you should also be able to flash most international i9000 ROMs you see floating around here, just make sure before doing so. Flashing a Captivate ROM just because you're on AT&T is a surefire way to brick your phone.
To buy it you will likely need to use something like eBay because even if you purchase it outright almost every store won't let you leave unless you have existing service with Bell. You can unlock it for free though with the method that I am sure is detailed on the Android Development board somewhere.
The obvious downside to buying Bell's Galaxy S is it comes at full retail price (over $500 Canadian) and in all likelihood you're probably going to get a model with the three button download/recovery modes disabled, making flashing ROMs risky. Hold out until the end of this month to see if Samsung Canada announces more about their promised fix for this.
I am using one on AT&T as well and it works fine. Best part is that AT&T doesn't force you on their limited smartphone plans and you can put it on a cheaper unlimited plan.
I got mine in a trade for a BB Torch but you can find one on eBay or maybe talk to a Canadian member here to see about picking one up for you. I would suggest you have them check for the 3 button recovery to make sure it's working before they buy it though.
The downside is warranty issues if it breaks but as long as the 3 button recovery works you should be able to recover from a bad flash and the hardware seems pretty solid so far so no worries there.
Based on the responses, I am definitely going with the Bell/Canadian Vibrant. The only trouble I have now is just finding one to purchase.
How do I post my intentions here to let people that I want one? Who is a reliable dealer here?
Many Thanks
GH
the bell ones got both 850 and 1900 bands?
Also does it have a bell logo on it or is it unbranded.
send me a PM if you want to buy a Bell SGS with 3 button working tested, and GPS tested before mailing it to your address of choice.
BuddyLee said:
the bell ones got both 850 and 1900 bands?
Also does it have a bell logo on it or is it unbranded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is unbranded
3 button mode is enabled again with latest firmware
Epic 4G (used as 3G on Bell / Rogers)
Hello,
I am interested exactly the opposite: I want to buy an Epic from Sprint (with no contract) and to use it in Canada (on Bell or Rogers) but only with a data plan, no voice (as I will use the SIP / VOIP). If Bell or Rogers offers only data plan, should this phone (Epic) works out of the box (or with the unlocking code) on the 3G network of Bell / Rogers, simply inserting their SIM card into the phone?
catalinu said:
Hello,
I am interested exactly the opposite: I want to buy an Epic from Sprint (with no contract) and to use it in Canada (on Bell or Rogers) but only with a data plan, no voice (as I will use the SIP / VOIP). If Bell or Rogers offers only data plan, should this phone (Epic) works out of the box (or with the unlocking code) on the 3G network of Bell / Rogers, simply inserting their SIM card into the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the sprint version is CDMA, chances are it's CDMA locked to sprint
CDMA unlocking is done on the server side, is not on the phone like GSM
you need to register your CDMA IMEI number to the say... Bell or Telus, if they see it on their server it's allowed they will let you in, if they see it listed as not allowed then they wont register the phone into their (Telus/Bell) CDMA network
garyHal said:
I live in the USA, using AT&T, and is shopping around for Galaxy S phone. The Captivate is the obvious choice under the Galaxy S flag. I just noticed the Galaxy S Vibrant from Canada today and I am really interested in it, especially because of the front facing camera.
How would I go about purchasing it? How would I get it working under the AT&T carrier? How is Edge, 3G, and voice, etc? How would future rom updates be installed? What are the down sides to buying the Vibrant versus a local Captivate?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use it on Rogers network and it works great. No problem so far.
AllGamer said:
the sprint version is CDMA, chances are it's CDMA locked to sprint
CDMA unlocking is done on the server side, is not on the phone like GSM
you need to register your CDMA IMEI number to the say... Bell or Telus, if they see it on their server it's allowed they will let you in, if they see it listed as not allowed then they wont register the phone into their (Telus/Bell) CDMA network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your answer.
I am not a tech, but the 4G/3G is also depending on CDMA? Or CDMA concerns only voice? Is it 4G/3G a standard (the same on Sprint and Bell and Rogers) that doesn't depend neither on CDMA or GSM?
we don't have 4G support yet in Canada
CDMA is for voice, but if you can not register the phone in the network for voice, you will also not get access to data
to have data you must have a voice connection
not a phone requirement but a phone network carrier requirement
Thanks.
Anyway, I checked right now with Bell and Rogers and no one offers only data plan... But what they will do with iPad and Galaxy Tab that doesn't support voice, but only data? If I will take the SIM out the gTab and put in a phone (Epic or Vibrant or Captivate), will the phone be able to work on 3G?
catalinu said:
Thanks.
Anyway, I checked right now with Bell and Rogers and no one offers only data plan... But what they will do with iPad and Galaxy Tab that doesn't support voice, but only data? If I will take the SIM out the gTab and put in a phone (Epic or Vibrant or Captivate), will the phone be able to work on 3G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tab is a Cell phone, just gigantic! one at that LOL
you can make phone calls with Samsung Tab, just like the Apple iTab... ipad i mean
AllGamer said:
Tab is a Cell phone, just gigantic! one at that LOL
you can make phone calls with Samsung Tab, just like the Apple iTab... ipad i mean
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but if Bell already sells the dataonly plan for iPad, why they don't sell a dataonly plan also for a smartphone?
because they can claim a Tab is "not a phone" (whatever...)
and a Galaxy is a "phone"
garyHal said:
I live in the USA, using AT&T, and is shopping around for Galaxy S phone. The Captivate is the obvious choice under the Galaxy S flag. I just noticed the Galaxy S Vibrant from Canada today and I am really interested in it, especially because of the front facing camera.
How would I go about purchasing it? How would I get it working under the AT&T carrier? How is Edge, 3G, and voice, etc? How would future rom updates be installed? What are the down sides to buying the Vibrant versus a local Captivate?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I currently have a I9000 and am on ATT's network in southern california. I'm all but satisfied since my coverage is poor indoors and in some areas because of the lack of 850 band support.
I'm looking to move instead to the I9000M from Bell to get the added 850 3g coverage. Were you able to get a phone, root, unlock it and upgrade to froyo 2.2? Can you tell me about your experience so far including testing for 3-button boot into recovery? Where and how much you got the phone for out-the-door? Thanks.
Sorry mate, still waiting on mine, can't believe its been a month. An xda member here indicated that the stores in Canada are out of stock for awhile now.
I just purchased a rooted Nexus 1 from eBay. It came with Cyanogen 6.0 RC3. 5.08 radio. I noticed it was always displaying an E for edge signal. I went into the phone menu (*#*#4636#*#*) to set it to WCDMA Only. It then would not get a signal at all. I set signal back (WCDMA perfered) and Flashed Cyanogen ROM again with 4.06 Radio. I still get only EDGE. I have another Nexus 1 and it goes between H and 3G (HSPA is active in my area). Does anyone have any idea what could be causing this or how to fix?
One is AT&T band and another is T-Mobile band, perhaps?
No they r for T-Mobile. The problem is it only shows edge and never 3g like it should.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Try flashing back to stock to see if it keeps doing that.
Did you check settings>wireless & networks>mobile networks "use only 2g networks" unchecked. I assume you did since you know the (*#*#4636#*#*) method, but maybe someone else will read this who needs it. If that doesn't work I would test an ATT sim card to clear my curiosity.
adambenjamin said:
Did you check settings>wireless & networks>mobile networks "use only 2g networks" unchecked. I assume you did since you know the (*#*#4636#*#*) method, but maybe someone else will read this who needs it. If that doesn't work I would test an ATT sim card to clear my curiosity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I did check this. What will testing phone with ATT sim card do? Phone is advertised as unlocked and rooted. What am I missing?
For 3g, T-Mobile USA exclusively uses the AWS 1700/2100 MHz frequency-band, and ATT uses the 850/2100 MHz band, so a special batch of N1's were made for ATT with different hardware. If a friend's ATT sim card picks up a 3G signal, it means you can't pick up T-mobile usa.
You said the phone was advertised as unlocked and rooted. The thing to check would be to ask if the phone is compatible with ATT's 3G bands or T-mobile's 3g bands. "Unlocked for all GMS carriers" for example, only tells you that it works on all EDGE networks. I haven't seen a Nexus One that can run both 3G networks, but they may exist. (Was there anything in the ad specifically about the 3g bands?)
The ATT Nexus One is more rare, you may be able to sell or trade with someone in the marketplace here on xda or on the internet somewhere.
Sanity check: shut down the phone, take off your battery cover, remove the battery and tell us the FCC ID. It's in the second of three lines of text below where the barcodes are.
My AWS (T-Mobile) Nexus One says:
FCC ID: NM8PB99100
If you have the AT&T version it should say:
FCC ID: NM8PB99110
Note the single-digit difference. If you have the AT&T version you'll want to trade it with someone else who has the T-Mobile version in order to get 3G. If this is the case, you're in luck, because the AT&T version is discontinued and lots of people would be very happy to obtain one from you.
cmstlist said:
Sanity check: shut down the phone, take off your battery cover, remove the battery and tell us the FCC ID. It's in the second of three lines of text below where the barcodes are.
My AWS (T-Mobile) Nexus One says:
FCC ID: NM8PB99100
If you have the AT&T version it should say:
FCC ID: NM8PB99110
Note the single-digit difference. If you have the AT&T version you'll want to trade it with someone else who has the T-Mobile version in order to get 3G. If this is the case, you're in luck, because the AT&T version is discontinued and lots of people would be very happy to obtain one from you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the information. You hit the nail on the head! The phone is marked as one of the early AT&T Unlocked models. I also had one of my friends put his AT&T card in the phone and it picked up 3g just fine. I spoke to seller of this phone on ebay and he said he would take item back. IS THERE ANY WAY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM SO THAT PHONE WILL WORK ON T-MOBILE?
att for tmobile nexus one
hello there, I would be interested in trading you that att nexus for my tmobile nexus one. Please let me know if you are interested, text @ 801-228-0176
Poseidon20 said:
IS THERE ANY WAY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM SO THAT PHONE WILL WORK ON T-MOBILE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm...I don't think so.
Take it back to the seller or trade with someone
As many already stated in the thread (starting with me), you have AT&T Nexus, and there is NO WAY to make it work with T-Mobile. But, as also stated, you're lucky - lot of people will probably be happy to trade with you or buy it from you.
I just got a flawless AT&T Nexus One for next to nada $150 from a guy that heads up the IT department at a hospital, he had bought over a dozen f them and I mistakenly thought that since they were Google Nexus devices and since I had a "android data plan" and because I could make and receive calls and get on the web that all was good! What I didn't realize is that I'd be stuck on EDGE for good, they only real downside is that I cannot be on a call and surf the web at the same time, I'm just glad I got a pristine phone that's outta warranty, and running 2.3.6 (stock) and for only $150! Also I've always been a physical keyboard guy, so darn I get EDGE... I run the fastest web on my WEP encrypted network at home and hop on the VPN network at school, and now that the bastards at TMOB don't offer (unlimited) I really don't use alot of data anyways cause I don't goto social networking sites neways!
Any one wanting to trade a TMOB NEXUS ONE for a ATT NEXUS ONE??
Hi Guys, this is my first post.
I am relocating to N.Y. from Europe for work and i am bringing my Galaxy Note with me of course.
I was not aware of the situation in U.S. with phone carriers and I am only beginning to grasp the things you have to suffer.
Could you please recommend me a plan. I have already contacted sprint and they refused to accept my cell phone. I am currently thinking of getting boost mobile unlimited but i can't find out if my phone is fully compatible with their service.
I have no credit history in U.S.. I would like at least 200' 100sms and a few GBs of data. Some minutes for calling landlines in Europe would also be great.
I would realy appreciate your help, feeling kind of lost in the open sea.
Thanks in advance (if the list is complete it could be a nice sticky), relocated from general section
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA App
from: foxmeister: Your Note will only give you 3G on AT&T or AT&T MVNO
The only GSM carriers (which is what you need for compatiblity with the Note) are AT&T and Tmobile (Verizon and Sprint use CDMA technology which is not compatible with European phones.) Tmobile uses weird frequencies for their 3G and fauxG (HSPA+), so you would only get EDGE speeds with them on your Note. So that pretty much leaves AT&T. They're expensive compared to what you guys have; I'm sure you can find their pricing online.
There are MVNOs which appear to be carriers, but use one of the big four's networks. There are a few that use AT&T's network. One of the MVNOs, Straight Talk, has a plan that's $45 for unlimited talk, sms, and data, but there's a complicated workaround to utilize it on your Note, as they technically only offer it on a couple of their phones.
You have to buy one of their phones "compatible" with that plan (I think you can find them for $99 refurbed), take the sim card out, and put it in your Note. I haven't done this, but I've read that there's a lot more to do in order to utilize HSPA+ speeds. You'll have to search and read for more info, as this is all I know.
In addition to the great info maxh provided, I wanna say that I personally don't trust any of the "unlimited data" plans. They'll cut your data off at the most inopportune time. Classic bait & switch. You're better off with data plans that are hard limited to 2GB or maybe 5GB so you can monitor your own usage.
The Note is kinda new so not enough info is currently available online as to which AT&T MVNO's support it with 3G+ rates. I'm in the same boat as you, actually...
And there's another option. For me, since I carry a bag with me most of the time, I may eventually decide to get a MiFi with the 5GB of 4G "Walmart" plan. I'm waiting a month to see if I'll have to go that route. I ain't spending over $80/mo on voice+data combined even if I have to give up on the Note altogether. There's a limit to how spoiled I allow myself to be.
maxh said:
The only GSM carriers (which is what you need for compatiblity with the Note) are AT&T and Tmobile (Verizon and Sprint use CDMA technology which is not compatible with European phones.) Tmobile uses weird frequencies for their 3G and fauxG (HSPA+), so you would only get EDGE speeds with them on your Note. So that pretty much leaves AT&T. They're expensive compared to what you guys have; I'm sure you can find their pricing online.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't T-mobile use the same set of 850Hz HSDPA/ HSPA tech that Telstra in Australia uses?
If so then I can tell you that stuff works fine with the note.... Best internet speeds I've ever seen on a phone.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
senectus said:
Doesn't T-mobile use the same set of 850Hz HSDPA/ HSPA tech that Telstra in Australia uses?
If so then I can tell you that stuff works fine with the note.... Best internet speeds I've ever seen on a phone.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-mobile only 850MHz only on their GSM network (EDGE.) For 3G and 4G (not really 4G as in LTE, but faux G as in HSDPA+) they use the 1700/2100 combo. Both are needed as one is used for upload and the other for download. 2100MHz only on a phone without the 1700 will still leave you with only EDGE speeds on Tmobile.
Hello,
I have just purchased an unlocked international version of the Galaxy s3 from newegg.ca
I'm not allowed to post the link to the product as I am a new member.
Before I bought it I noticed that it will work on Rogers (in Canada, where I am from) so I went ahead and ordered it. I went back to the site a few days later and noticed that in the details it says that this phone will only work on the AT&T 3g network. In Canada we don't use AT&T so basically I am stuck with a smart phone that I can't connect to a data network with. A useless phone. I can send it back and get a refund so it's really not a big problem. I am wondering however, if there is a way that I can get the phone to work on a rogers network? Is there anything I can do, or do I just have to send it back? Thanks.
HaZe905 said:
Hello,
I have just purchased an unlocked international version of the Galaxy s3 from newegg.ca
I'm not allowed to post the link to the product as I am a new member.
Before I bought it I noticed that it will work on Rogers (in Canada, where I am from) so I went ahead and ordered it. I went back to the site a few days later and noticed that in the details it says that this phone will only work on the AT&T 3g network. In Canada we don't use AT&T so basically I am stuck with a smart phone that I can't connect to a data network with. A useless phone. I can send it back and get a refund so it's really not a big problem. I am wondering however, if there is a way that I can get the phone to work on a rogers network? Is there anything I can do, or do I just have to send it back? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So i am unsure about your carrier networks over there, but usually when a phone is locked to a carrier here in Australia, you really just need to pay an unlocking fee to use the other networks. Sure there might be some difference between their networks, but overall you should be able to get a working phone, maybe just not on the fastest mobile infrastructure.
TheFatHobbits said:
So i am unsure about your carrier networks over there, but usually when a phone is locked to a carrier here in Australia, you really just need to pay an unlocking fee to use the other networks. Sure there might be some difference between their networks, but overall you should be able to get a working phone, maybe just not on the fastest mobile infrastructure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks. It is already unlocked. But for some reason, which I don't understand, the 3g will only work with AT&T networks. I'm sure there is a way to fix it if it's rooted or something like that but I just don't know how.
strange, according to wikipedia both AT&T and Rogers use 850/1900MHz for their 3G, so if you buy a phone for the AT&T network, the 3G should work fine on Rogers..
omniwolf said:
strange, according to wikipedia both and use 850/1900MHz for their 3G, so if you buy a phone for the AT&T network, the 3G should work fine on Rogers..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah I wish I could post the link to the product. I even called the company and they said it would be AT&T only. I guess this is why noobs should just stick to carriers and contracts.. I can't sign a contract because I may be headed overseas (hence the international version of the phone) but I am just not knowledgeable enough to navigate this situation without risk, I suppose
Hello everyone,
I want to to know exactly how I can implement this to my HTC one however what I've been told is that what ever Sprint devices they have sold will not able to work on this new upgrade.
I've been chatting back and fourth with an employee and he says it's a gsm based 4g LTE that's works on hspa or something that uses 1900mhz bandwidth. With that said will I be able to go ahead and convert to what my carrier uses?
Another note, I've successfully SIM unlocked but haven't had a SIM to try it out if it is unlocked, in doing the unlock will I be able to utilize this update to my carriers data speeds? All the employee said as of right now Sprint branded devices are not able to be used with the upgraded network and it uses a gsm based 4g that uses 1900mhz bands. Quite a few people are pissed about this but their normal users and do not know about root and everything associated with it, to include SIM unlocking.
Another thing the employee mentioned was they are now selling HTC one m7 and m8 that are able to utilize the network, he says they are "generic" and Verizon, what I'm thinking that they are just global versions of the device, so who ever got Sprint branded phones are screwed cause they can't upgrade to the new network.
I am hoping I can use this new found boost in data speeds locally!!
v1ral said:
Hello everyone,
I want to to know exactly how I can implement this to my HTC one however what I've been told is that what ever Sprint devices they have sold will not able to work on this new upgrade.
I've been chatting back and fourth with an employee and he says it's a gsm based 4g LTE that's works on hspa or something that uses 1900mhz bandwidth. With that said will I be able to go ahead and convert to what my carrier uses?
Another note, I've successfully SIM unlocked but haven't had a SIM to try it out if it is unlocked, in doing the unlock will I be able to utilize this update to my carriers data speeds? All the employee said as of right now Sprint branded devices are not able to be used with the upgraded network and it uses a gsm based 4g that uses 1900mhz bands. Quite a few people are pissed about this but their normal users and do not know about root and everything associated with it, to include SIM unlocking.
Another thing the employee mentioned was they are now selling HTC one m7 and m8 that are able to utilize the network, he says they are "generic" and Verizon, what I'm thinking that they are just global versions of the device, so who ever got Sprint branded phones are screwed cause they can't upgrade to the new network.
I am hoping I can use this new found boost in data speeds locally!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
County? City? State? You provided no information here. Also from the sounds of it NO you can not convert your phone. The bands 4G uses are limited by the hardware in them, if you bought a SPRINT CDMA phone in a foreign county no one screwed anyone except you screwing yourself. You should have bought the global version directly from HTC.
Kraizk said:
County? City? State? You provided no information here. Also from the sounds of it NO you can not convert your phone. The bands 4G uses are limited by the hardware in them, if you bought a SPRINT CDMA phone in a foreign county no one screwed anyone except you screwing yourself. You should have bought the global version directly from HTC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
I'm not in the states I'm located in Guam, I'm aware of the hardware limitations, but I'm wondering if the device will be able to pick up signal. I believe my carrier will be using hsdpa bands at 1900mhz and I'm under the impression that the Sprint use those
I am screwed as well as others that have gotten Sprint branded devices here, I feel for them but those people are normal users, that don't know rooting and what associated with it. I don't feel too bad about having this device at all, it's been working great, I was just waiting for my carrier to bring out something 3G data.
I was really banking on having it be able to get the upgraded speeds, and maybe help others who are on the same boat as me.
Thanks again!