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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.
So far I like the tab, but voice+2G with absolutely no 3G, I am out of it.
ps: ATT user with Tmo Tab.
Now does any of you could confidently tell me that with ATT tab, I could have 2G+voice and 3G only by using ATT sim card? Cuz in that case I am gonna sell this one and buy a ATT tab and start all over again.
Thank you very much!
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
At&t tab with at&t sim card with voice plan and data plan means your tab will get calls and 3g data without any modem switching. It will be a giant android smartphone.
If you moved to Spain or Isreal, you could have that with your t-mobile tab.
Thank you cap! You are always helpful. I actually asked the ATT store clerk and got the answer that I can only get data but no voice by using GT, hence the question. Would you enlighten me? Thanks!
Right, a stock at&t tab doesn't have a dialer app, even though the hardware supports it.
So when you get the at&t tab, flash the gingerbread stocksafe v5 rom from team overcome, sim card in, check apn values, and . . .
. . . BOOM . . . voice calls and 3g data, no switch!
For context let me say that I live in the US, currently on Verizon, but not on contract. I have been waiting since February for a device worthy of upgrading from my Droid Incredible. This is the phone for me.
Given that the US carriers seem incapable of getting new high-end hardware (7 months for SGSII to launch here is the US!!!), and that there has been no announcement of this phone on any US carrier, I am planning for the worst.
I am unfamiliar with GSM networks, having been on Verizon's CDMA for 10+years. My understanding is that I simply need a SIM card from a GSM carrier, say AT&T, and an "unlocked" GSNote from the UK. Is there any risk this won't work? I would hate to spend a ton of money for a phone I can't use.
Any news on a US release.
The galaxy note selling right now is unlock and the 3G band will work on AT&T USA 850/1900 bands and get edge on tmobile.
Sent from my note
3G > Edge?
Does it use standard SIM or the new Micro SIM?
Any suggestions on where / who to buy from in UK? Reputable seller.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Seth Turner said:
3G > Edge?
Does it use standard SIM or the new Micro SIM?
Any suggestions on where / who to buy from in UK? Reputable seller.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, 3G > EDGE. EDGE is the GSM equivalent to 1x.
The biggest benefit of GSM network is the ability to swap phones around by just swapping the sim card as long the phone is network unlocked.
GNote from europe is network unlocked.
All you have to do is visit and att store, get a sim and a plan.
Once u get a sim and a number, u can put it in any gsm phone and use it .
Seth Turner said:
3G > Edge?
Does it use standard SIM or the new Micro SIM?
Any suggestions on where / who to buy from in UK? Reputable seller.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im using AT&T and I order the device from mobilecotyonline.com but no ETA but negrielectronics have instock also in the US the two retailers sell the unlock device with AT&T 3G bands and regular SIM Card.
Buy an unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note. Put it on Straight Talk Mobile prepaid for $45/month which uses AT&T's network. You would have to buy a refurbed Nokia E71 phone for $99 to do it and put the sim card in the Note with some settings changes. You get unlimited talk/text/data with no contract using AT&T's 3G network.
I too must have this device. My contract with verizon ends in a couple of weeks and i was planning to renew and get the galaxy nexus but after seeing the galaxy note, well....anyway i'd like to wait for the korean release of the note since it's supposed to have lte. will that model work on verizon or do i need to switch to at&t no matter what? if the lte note will work on verizon, i was thinking getting the nexus with contract renewal and then selling it to get the note.
Seth - I can recommend Expansys.co.uk
Received mine the day after they got it in stock.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
leaverus said:
I too must have this device. My contract with verizon ends in a couple of weeks and i was planning to renew and get the galaxy nexus but after seeing the galaxy note, well....anyway i'd like to wait for the korean release of the note since it's supposed to have lte. will that model work on verizon or do i need to switch to at&t no matter what? if the lte note will work on verizon, i was thinking getting the nexus with contract renewal and then selling it to get the note.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon uses CDMA which is not compatible if the Korean version is GSM. Only way is if it was released as a world phone with both CDMA and GSM built in.
What about speeds?
It sounds like getting a European version will limit the data speeds here in the US due to compatibility of data technology faster than 3G. I don't know if T-Mobile or AT&T have anything faster than 3G, but the CDMA carriers (Sprint and Verizon) have 4G (WiMax/LTE) data.
So I could wait for any US carrier to offer it, but it seems only Sprint or Verizon would provide high speed data. If only T-Mobile or AT&T carry it I would do better to get one from UK to get it earlier.
Of course all these issues would go away if US carriers would get decent f'ing hardware!!!
Why is it that all the good stuff launches in Europe first anyway?
Seth Turner said:
It sounds like getting a European version will limit the data speeds here in the US due to compatibility of data technology faster than 3G. I don't know if T-Mobile or AT&T have anything faster than 3G, but the CDMA carriers (Sprint and Verizon) have 4G (WiMax/LTE) data.
So I could wait for any US carrier to offer it, but it seems only Sprint or Verizon would provide high speed data. If only T-Mobile or AT&T carry it I would do better to get one from UK to get it earlier.
Of course all these issues would go away if US carriers would get decent f'ing hardware!!!
Why is it that all the good stuff launches in Europe first anyway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I almost sure for thi syear non US carrier launch the Note,You can wait to see but if you like a carrier have this device remember just AT&T 3G?HSPA+ version pass the FCC till the moment and I think is because they know users in the US sure buy this device and they test to skip future problems not because a carrier in the US have this.
I am a bit confused. Would it have faster than 3G data if it was released on T-Mobile or AT&T as opposed to importing one from Europe?
Seth Turner said:
I am a bit confused. Would it have faster than 3G data if it was released on T-Mobile or AT&T as opposed to importing one from Europe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The speed of your device is influence by your carrier the device is ready to run like from 28 to 40 M,sorry don‘t be more specific but you can check the database of the device.
OP, if you leave Verizon for AT&T you'll get HSPA+ speeds (aka: fake 4G). You can typically expect 3MBish down in areas where AT&T hasn't upgraded their backhaul and 6-8MB down where they have. Anybody that uses a non-AWS device on T-Mobile is nuts.
Because the device isn't recognized on AT&T's network you can save a bunch of money on voice and data. You can get a $39.99 450 minute voice plan (900 = $59.99) with 5,000 nights and weekends minutes (900 = unlimited). Add unlimited messaging with mobile to any mobile calling (any mobile on any carrier) for $20 and you can add unlimited data for $10 on the data for non-Smartphones plan. So you're close to a truly unlimited plan for $69.99 a month. Also, if you bring your own equipment (tell them you're using a Moto Krzr) you can go contract-less and leave any time you want. I did this in May coming from T-Mobile when I got my ISGS2. I don't know if you travel internationally but, if you do, having AT&T and an unlocked phone is a joy. They have great international data roaming plans and you can also buy a pay-as-you-go plan in any country you visit and just pop the SIM in to the Note. If you want to go the route I described you have to do it over the phone, it can't be done online.
---------- Post added at 05:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:16 PM ----------
Seth Turner said:
I am a bit confused. Would it have faster than 3G data if it was released on T-Mobile or AT&T as opposed to importing one from Europe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, HSPA+ is the fastest speed you can get on AT&T short of LTE. The ASGS2 and ISGS2 get the same speeds on AT&T's network with a theoretical max of 21MB down. If AT&T introduces an LTE version of the Note then yes, that would be faster. T-Mobile's a non-starter because: A) they use funky bands that aren't typically supported by international devices, and B) they'll probably be gone soon anyway.
BarryH_GEG said:
OP, if you leave Verizon for AT&T you'll get HSPA+ speeds (aka: fake 4G). You can typically expect 3MBish down in areas where AT&T hasn't upgraded their backhaul and 6-8MB down where they have. Anybody that uses a non-AWS device on T-Mobile is nuts.
Because the device isn't recognized on AT&T's network you can save a bunch of money on voice and data. You can get a $39.99 450 minute voice plan (900 = $59.99) with 5,000 nights and weekends minutes (900 = unlimited). Add unlimited messaging with mobile to any mobile calling (any mobile on any carrier) for $20 and you can add unlimited data for $10 on the data for non-Smartphones plan. So you're close to a truly unlimited plan for $69.99 a month. Also, if you bring your own equipment (tell them you're using a Moto Krzr) you can go contract-less and leave any time you want. I did this in May coming from T-Mobile when I got my ISGS2. I don't know if you travel internationally but, if you do, having AT&T and an unlocked phone is a joy. They have great international data roaming plans and you can also buy a pay-as-you-go plan in any country you visit and just pop the SIM in to the Note. If you want to go the route I described you have to do it over the phone, it can't be done online
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thnx, this is probably exactly what i'll do since i'm coming from verizon as well. but i think i'm gonna wait for the release of the lte version in korea and import that. will at&t send me a sim card with new service??
BarryH_GEG said:
OP, if you leave Verizon for AT&T you'll get HSPA+ speeds (aka: fake 4G). You can typically expect 3MBish down in areas where AT&T hasn't upgraded their backhaul and 6-8MB down where they have. Anybody that uses a non-AWS device on T-Mobile is nuts.
Because the device isn't recognized on AT&T's network you can save a bunch of money on voice and data. You can get a $39.99 450 minute voice plan (900 = $59.99) with 5,000 nights and weekends minutes (900 = unlimited). Add unlimited messaging with mobile to any mobile calling (any mobile on any carrier) for $20 and you can add unlimited data for $10 on the data for non-Smartphones plan. So you're close to a truly unlimited plan for $69.99 a month. Also, if you bring your own equipment (tell them you're using a Moto Krzr) you can go contract-less and leave any time you want. I did this in May coming from T-Mobile when I got my ISGS2. I don't know if you travel internationally but, if you do, having AT&T and an unlocked phone is a joy. They have great international data roaming plans and you can also buy a pay-as-you-go plan in any country you visit and just pop the SIM in to the Note. If you want to go the route I described you have to do it over the phone, it can't be done online.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for this suggestion. I am coming from T-mobile and I will switch over to AT&T because I need fast internet speed for the Note.
BarryH_GEG said:
Because the device isn't recognized on AT&T's network you can save a bunch of money on voice and data.
Also, if you bring your own equipment (tell them you're using a Moto Krzr) you can go contract-less and leave any time you want. I did this in May coming from T-Mobile when I got my ISGS2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
once the ISGS2 got released on AT&T, don't they notice? or they still don't because it's a different model number?
- Frank
leaverus said:
thnx, this is probably exactly what i'll do since i'm coming from verizon as well. but i think i'm gonna wait for the release of the lte version in korea and import that. will at&t send me a sim card with new service??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two things. The Korean versions of Samsung products are optimized for the two Korean carriers. They are tri-band, not quad-band like the rest of the world and don't support AT&T's bands. Also, LTE is a moving target. There are over a dozen different spectrums in use worldwide so there's no assurance a device designated LTE will work with a specific carrier. VZW and AT&T both use the 700 series bands yet their devices are incompatible.
---------- Post added at 07:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:22 PM ----------
ChodTheWacko said:
once the ISGS2 got released on AT&T, don't they notice? or they still don't because it's a different model number?
- Frank
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They can detect a phone's model based on its IMEI. They don't have the IMEI's for international phones in their database. The exception being Google phones (including the new Galaxy Nexus) because Google makes that data available to them. So they can't identify an ISGS2 as a smartphone. The ASGS2 is both a different model number and they have the IMEIs for all of those models produced.
Might suggest sticking with Verizon buy the phone out right and get the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot then use that as your data and if you need to talk VOIP / SIP never worry about min. Benefit you can use the MIFI on your laptop and any other Wifi enabled devices. Other benefit is the price a heck of a lot cheaper than those Cell contracts. Just an idea..
Hello,
I recently purchased an unlocked international version GNote GT-N7000.
I went to the ATT local store and told them that I wanted to buy a gophone simcard. They asked me if I had a phone with me, I said no and the simcard is for my friend so I don't know which phone my friend's gonna use.
I got $50 unlimited call, text, data plan, and the rep activated the simcard for me.
After that, I put the simcard into my GNote.
Calls and texts work fine.
I've tried every APN settings on "[GUIDE] Getting your unlocked Note fully functional on AT&T (including MMS)" this thread.
Even the last one that should work for GoPhone plan doesn't work for me.
The Network Mode is set to "GSM/WCDMA".
When I choose "GSM only", some APN settings (about cingular one) worked for a moment with really slow speed (EDGE speed) and went back to not working.
If I left the mode to "GSM/WCDMA", I see 3G, H, H+, these signs and arrows going up and down, and mobile network shows it's connected, but if I open browser or market, none of them works (network error).
What did I do wrong? I can't find any answer from the above thread that I mentioned.
Can you reply your APN settings that work for your GoPhone plan here?
What if I change to different prepaid company, which one works best in SoCal like reception, data speed, and etc?
Anyone use Simple Mobile? cuz I know thay have $40 unlimited everything plan include 3G internet.
Thank you!!
Sorry, but I've never tried making use of GoPhone, so I can't offer assistance there.
Two issues with Simple Mobile.
Their $40 3G plan throttles data to just barely above 2G speeds.
Simple Mobile runs off of the T-Mobile network, which uses 3G/4G (UMTS/HSPA+) frequencies the International Note is currently incapable of using.
Long story short, International Note would be limited to Edge speeds on Simple Mobile. If you want a cheap unlimited plan, go to Straight Talk. If you can manage staying under 100MB of data a day, their $45 Unlimited plan would probably be the way to go. If you prefer 2GB of data per month that you're free to use any way you like, Jolt Mobile offers such a plan for $60/month.
I use Straight Talk on my International Note and the settings in the "How to use your International Note on Straight Talk" settings work for me off the bat: voice, data, sms, and mms. It's $45/month and it runs on AT&T's network. Maybe you could try the APN settings for Straight Talk on your GoPhone plan and see if it works.
If you want to try Straight Talk, you can order a SIM from their website for $15.
at t knows that your using a smartphone.so you need to add a data package to your go phone Sim account
I had the same trouble. The unlimited data us only for their approved phones. And iPhones you cannot even add a data package to their go phone accounts. Att is pure evil
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
adelmundo said:
I use Straight Talk on my International Note and the settings in the "How to use your International Note on Straight Talk" settings work for me off the bat: voice, data, sms, and mms. It's $45/month and it runs on AT&T's network. Maybe you could try the APN settings for Straight Talk on your GoPhone plan and see if it works.
If you want to try Straight Talk, you can order a SIM from their website for $15.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Noooo it doesn't work for my GoPhone plan =[
So, Straight Talk uses ATT's network? Then I maybe go for Straigh Talk.. I was worried about the coverage because in the website, the map doesn't clearly show the coverage.
Thank you!
snoopycr said:
at t knows that your using a smartphone.so you need to add a data package to your go phone Sim account
I had the same trouble. The unlimited data us only for their approved phones. And iPhones you cannot even add a data package to their go phone accounts. Att is pure evil
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow... so they know. =[
I don't understand then why they would call the $50 plan as unlimited call, text and data if they are gonna charge extra $$ for smartphone data.
hmmmmm 250 minutes for $25 plan sound little short for me.
maybe I should go for Straight Talk then.
if you do decide to go with Straight Talk, when ordering a sim card from their site, make sure to order the AT&T compatible sim, and you will be set. I just got my N7000 Note Friday and hooked it up with Straight Talk no problem. Speeds are very decent. Good luck.
How's us the data speed for straight talk
Does it work for international unlocked iPhones too
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
Straight talk is the best option for unlocked gsm phone. I'm using it on my unlocked Note and iPhone
Data speed is very good. $45 is a great deal for unlimited everything
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
I have a LG G2 and I am no longer under contract to Verizon, so I just pay VZW month to month for my service.
My questions here are:
Can I switched to Walmarts Straight Talk with my G2?
Would I still have the same coverage (4G) area on Straight Talk?
Thank you
No one has any info on this?
hd-renegade said:
No one has any info on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK you have to buy one of their phones to use CDMA networks. Only the gsm carriers have the bring your own phone on ST.
Geekybiker said:
AFAIK you have to buy one of their phones to use CDMA networks. Only the gsm carriers have the bring your own phone on ST.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't the G2 CDMA and GSM capible??
Yes it is.
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk 4
There are people who wrote a method to flash a sprint epic to straight talk Verizon towers that works on sprint Note 2s. One of the intermediate steps flashes a vzw phone. CDMA workshop and a little bit of work can make it happen.
hd-renegade said:
I have a LG G2 and I am no longer under contract to Verizon, so I just pay VZW month to month for my service.
My questions here are:
Can I switched to Walmarts Straight Talk with my G2?
Would I still have the same coverage (4G) area on Straight Talk?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked into this a while back, since it sounded so wonderful in the commercials. I don't think Straight Talk offers any 4G service, but I could be wrong. It may be available on their GSM towers. Either way, if you follow the link below for "bring your own phone," then click on CMDA, the next page states BYOP does not work on 4G phones.
http://straighttalkbyop.com/
I seem to remember them selling a 3G Samsung S3 when I was looking into their service. That kind of put me off of them.
zandroid said:
I looked into this a while back, since it sounded so wonderful in the commercials. I don't think Straight Talk offers any 4G service, but I could be wrong. It may be available on their GSM towers. Either way, if you follow the link below for "bring your own phone," then click on CMDA, the next page states BYOP does not work on 4G phones.
http://straighttalkbyop.com/
I seem to remember them selling a 3G Samsung S3 when I was looking into their service. That kind of put me off of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I sort of figured maybe it was to good to be true.
Straight talk=3g only and vzw network only. No roaming networks.
trollarc said:
Straight talk=3g only and vzw network only. No roaming networks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another thank you on good info for this.
trollarc said:
Straight talk=3g only and vzw network only. No roaming networks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get a LTE sim with ATT now on ST. Don't know if you can make it work in a VZW g2, but it should work fine in the ATT g2.
Okay, correction to my post. If you want vzw towers on st you have to have only vzw towers if you have a CDMA only phone. You can fflash to their sprint based service and only have sprint service (probably, not sure if they have donors to hack). Their sim networks are Att/T-Mobile. I haven't heard of anybody flashing to the st vzw towers with a vzw sim equipped phone and using one of their sims. That might be useful if you were in a place that regularly has simbased services and occasionally went to the boonies- you could just switch which service was active assuming you get better speed or home coverage on the sim service. Also useful for international (read: not north American) roaming.
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I realize that this is an old thread but I just switched to Straight Talk from Verizon and thought I would share this. After the switch (I kept my number from Verizon) my phone still shows Verizon Wireless on the lock screen, still says VZWInternet for my APN settings and still shows that I am getting 4GLTE. I am actually on Straight Talk service though as I have my SIM from ST in my phone. I didnt have to use an ATT sim or anything. I registered CDMA on the Straight Talk site before I switched my phone number over. Hope this is useful to anyone thinking about switching over.
Verizon is a straighttalk's carrier so basically your phone is still working under Verizon wireless.
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Just to shed a little light on this, while Straight Talk might operate on VZW towers in some regions, VZW does not authorize straight talk to use phones like the LG G2. One of the powers of CDMA is they can pre-approve select serial numbers for certain carriers, thus VZW knows every single phone ever manufactured for their network and can selectively choose which can be authorized to connect. Thats why you have to go through all the crazy phone cloning to get CDMA phones to look like authorized devices.
Anyway, ST operates on both CDMA and GSM in certain markets. When operating on GSM they utilize AT&T. The LG G2 can only connect to ST if you are using the native unlocked GSM mode. Thats right, all Verizon LG G2 phones are GSM unlocked. So if Straight Talk offers a GSM service through ATT in your area then you can use Straight Talk. If you are trying to connect to Straight Talk's CDMA service (verizon towers) it will not work. Of course you can also use your G2 on any GSM carrier, so T-mobile is also a good player here as they offer some pretty attractive plans, namely their $30/month 5GB/100minute plan. If you have a google voice number you can use Hangouts to place calls that count against data and not minutes, thus you have an Unlimited voice plan with 5GB data for $30/month.
RunNgun42 said:
Just to shed a little light on this, while Straight Talk might operate on VZW towers in some regions, VZW does not authorize straight talk to use phones like the LG G2. One of the powers of CDMA is they can pre-approve select serial numbers for certain carriers, thus VZW knows every single phone ever manufactured for their network and can selectively choose which can be authorized to connect. Thats why you have to go through all the crazy phone cloning to get CDMA phones to look like authorized devices.
Anyway, ST operates on both CDMA and GSM in certain markets. When operating on GSM they utilize AT&T. The LG G2 can only connect to ST if you are using the native unlocked GSM mode. Thats right, all Verizon LG G2 phones are GSM unlocked. So if Straight Talk offers a GSM service through ATT in your area then you can use Straight Talk. If you are trying to connect to Straight Talk's CDMA service (verizon towers) it will not work. Of course you can also use your G2 on any GSM carrier, so T-mobile is also a good player here as they offer some pretty attractive plans, namely their $30/month 5GB/100minute plan. If you have a google voice number you can use Hangouts to place calls that count against data and not minutes, thus you have an Unlimited voice plan with 5GB data for $30/month.
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Er, no. "Phone cloning" was necessary for using devices on older 3G-only MVNOs, but it's no longer the case now that Verizon uses SIM cards. (as do many Verizon MVNOs, like Straight Talk, Pageplus, etc)
As long as the G2 is in good standing (IMEI/ESN not blacklisted due to non-payment/stolen phone/etc), you can use it on ST. All you need to do is request a Verizon SIM from ST CS, pop it in the phone, and go. The $45 for Unlimited/Unlimited/5GB BYOP plan works fine on Verizon. Hell, as long as you have an activated SIM card, you can even use non-Verizon-approved LTE devices on a Verizon plan as long as it has the necessary LTE bands.
Why are you reviving an old, dead topic with outdated information?
xtermmin said:
Er, no. "Phone cloning" was necessary for using devices on older 3G-only MVNOs, but it's no longer the case now that Verizon uses SIM cards. (as do many Verizon MVNOs, like Straight Talk, Pageplus, etc)
As long as the G2 is in good standing (IMEI/ESN not blacklisted due to non-payment/stolen phone/etc), you can use it on ST. All you need to do is request a Verizon SIM from ST CS, pop it in the phone, and go. The $45 for Unlimited/Unlimited/5GB BYOP plan works fine on Verizon. Hell, as long as you have an activated SIM card, you can even use non-Verizon-approved LTE devices on a Verizon plan as long as it has the necessary LTE bands.
Why are you reviving an old, dead topic with outdated information?
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Thanks for the info, I was misinformed. Since I just canceled with Verizon and ate the ETF penalty, I still have my Verizon 4G sim. Can I use that with ST? Or do I still need to order an official ST branded sim to use with Verizon?
RunNgun42 said:
Thanks for the info, I was misinformed. Since I just canceled with Verizon and ate the ETF penalty, I still have my Verizon 4G sim. Can I use that with ST? Or do I still need to order an official ST branded sim to use with Verizon?
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ST will give you a SIM when you sign up, but be sure that it's for the Verizon network.
If you're ordering over the phone, just tell the rep that you want it for Verizon.
If you're doing it in store, make sure you're getting the ST Activation Kit for Verizon. Apparently not all Walmarts carry the ST Verizon kit, so you might have to order over the phone/on ST's website.
Once you get it, just pop it in your Verizon G2 and you're good to go.
xtermmin said:
ST will give you a SIM when you sign up, but be sure that it's for the Verizon network.
If you're ordering over the phone, just tell the rep that you want it for Verizon.
If you're doing it in store, make sure you're getting the ST Activation Kit for Verizon. Apparently not all Walmarts carry the ST Verizon kit, so you might have to order over the phone/on ST's website.
Once you get it, just pop it in your Verizon G2 and you're good to go.
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What seems so unreal about this is that I'm paying for Verizon service for less than Verizon charges. How the hell does that work for them? Does Verizon just make most of their money roping people into contracts for new phone subsidies? Do they severely deprioritize non VZW customers to the point that ST might be miserable on their network?
RunNgun42 said:
What seems so unreal about this is that I'm paying for Verizon service for less than Verizon charges. How the hell does that work for them? Does Verizon just make most of their money roping people into contracts for new phone subsidies? Do they severely deprioritize non VZW customers to the point that ST might be miserable on their network?
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There are a few of catches to ST's service, which apply to other Verizon MVNOs as well:
1) Verizon postpaid has roaming on 3rd party networks, while prepaid and MVNOs are limited to Verizon's native network only.
2) Verizon MVNOs have lower priority than Verizon-proper. On congested towers, ST and other MVNOs will have the slowest speeds.
3) Similar to the above, all Verizon MVNOs are capped at 5mbps LTE speeds. So not only do ST/MVNOs have the lowest priority, but even on uncongested towers their speeds are limited.
On the plus side, you get Verizon coverage, the largest data bucket at the $45 price point (5GB), and no additional charges/suspended data after you use your allotment (ST throttles to 64kbps after).
If priority and speeds are important, Verizon Prepaid has unlimited talk+text+2GB data (suspended after unless you pay for more) for $45. Higher priority than MVNOs and no speed restrictions.