[Q] Unlocked for USA - Galaxy Note GT-N7000 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

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..

Related

Nexus One...At&t or T-Mobile?

Hey guys i just had a few questions for the nexus one users out there..by the way i am finally giving in and deciding to buy a nexus one!! I waited and waited to see if there were going to be any better phones coming out, but for some reason the nexus one just calls my name, its a perfect phone.
Anyways my dad has current service with at&t (the $60 individual plan) and i am pretty sure he already completed his two year contract. I was thinking of adding a line to his account and purchase a nexus one to use with it. My question was if i were to buy the n1, would there need to be a requirement to establish a new contract?
Also in your personal opinions, is the n1 better on the at&t or t-mobile network?
Thanks i cant wait to get the phone!
jsnplus10 said:
if i were to buy the n1, would there need to be a requirement to establish a new contract?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. It's $529... then you just add the line to your service. The only time you would have to start a new contract with the phone is if you opt for the $179 deal through T-Mobile (AT&T doesn't have a deal like that).
Also in your personal opinions, is the n1 better on the at&t or t-mobile network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on where you live and what you want.
T-Mobile is the only provider that allows you to have a smart phone on a non-contract plan without requiring you pay for a data package. So if you have steady access to WiFi, it really isn't worth paying extra for data, and using Google Voice for free unlimited texting means that T-Mobile is by far the cheapest non-contract option.
AT&T generally has better overall 3G/coverage nationwide (they certainly do where I live in Utah), but if you go non-contract with them, you still have to pay for data.
T-Mobile is rolling out HSPA+ all over the USA, and people are reporting 6-7mbps speeds. Check out androidforums.com/nexus-one
If I were you, and if data/3G was important, I'd check your local AT&T retailers and have them show you speed tests.
It seems in general ATT nexus users don't have signal issues like the t-mobile nexus users often have. But that's just a general observation. It all depends on your specific area.
Me personally, ATT will have stronger service cause ATT uses 850 and 1900 mhz, where t-mobile uses 1700/2100 mhz. So ATT's 850 is much stronger signal penetration and range. I think this is partially why t-mobile users get that flaky 3g issue. But also ATT 3g has a head start on coverage over t-mobile, so they will catch up eventually.
...and the nexus one would be subject to follow the new data usage rules for at&t right? I think its 250 mb for $15 and 2 gb for $25.
Hmm ok, i do want to go with the cheapest option here and it sounds like if i go ahead and try out t-mobile they will eventually upgrade to hspa+ network...
Does the upgraded network on t-mobile mean that current 3g phones (like the nexus one) would be able to use it?
current tmobile 3g phones (including N1) are already ready for the hspa+
i sell tmo and att (amongst other carriers) i also have both carriers. the high speeds you can get on the tmo hspa+ are nice, but inconsistent.
go AT&T. pay a little more, but have a far better network.
Get T-Mobile service if you can get 3G service where you are.
i would vote for at&t. one of my buddy's using t-mo, and as mentioned before inconsistent with their network
I am on AT&T and T-Mobile gave me a free phone with unlimited free service which I stopped using because the audio quality was horrible and people kept complaining how bad it sounded.
I vote AT&T.
if you travel, tmobile really doesnt work outside metro areas and highways. just food for thought. at&t works in more rural areas as well. I dont have any issues with my at&t nexus, dont know about the tmobile version. Mine is for sale if you are interested, I need the money towards importing a phone at retail. Pm me if you are interested.
Okay thanks for all the help!

fast help please (may be buying a nexxus one)

Sorry for asking for fast help but I may be buying a (used, good shape) Nexxus One (via craigslist) and have an important question.
I have ATT wireless, the old, old "blue sim" ATT wireless (with a grandfathered plan I will not get rid of). Also added "unlimited mmode data plan in time before they cancelled unlimited plans (*this is not the iphone data plan).
I currently use a Nokia E51 (symbian s60v3, wifi, decent reception, works on 3G (and switches to Edge when 3G isn't avail).
I'm looking at a Nexxus One that is unlocked, currently on Tmobile.
Question is: will this nexus one work 100% (3g and edge) on my ATT account?
and/or - Is there anything I can do to make it work? (I'd like to buy it).
I'm just not sure a unlocked Tmobile nexus one is 100% compatible or will work on ATT (or can be made to work).
it's cost is making it risky so I came here in hopes of advice and help.
I hope this is the right forum section.
Any help here is appreciated and thank you very much
You will not get 3G. Only edge. T-Mobile and AT&T use different bands for 3G.
btw: here is a link to info on my Nokia E51 (GSM arena)
gsmarena.com/nokia_e51-2106.php
Am I correct in saying that nexus one has the same bands (3g/edge) as the E51 and should work well for an updated phone?
thanks
Like I said, it depends which Nexus one. The AT&T one will only give 3G on AT&T, and the TMobile one will only give 3G on Tmobile. You can't change it, no way to hack it. If you want 3G, you need the correct version for your network.
I see, and thanks for the reply. i was thinking there is a hack/workaround but there isn't apparently.
Now, is there a like phone which still would fullfill my ATT needs (blue sim plan, 3g/edge modes, wifi capable, etc that I should be looking at...essentially like the nexus one)?
What about the HTC Desire (or is this the sam scenario)?
* again, i just can't leave this grandfathered plan, and I'm not a big iphone fan (enough to make me switch plans that is).
thanks for any advice
I just received a reply from a user on the ATT forums (very well versed with my blue plan and mmode, GSM phones) who stated this...
The Nexus One would be your best choice if you want to use AT&T Mobility's 2G & 3G network (they use 850 & 1900 MHz for both).
Now in regard to this used, unlocked Tmobile nexus it may be unusable for me...
but based on his reply, he seems to be saying an (att) Nexus one should offer the 2g (edge) and 3g band features (which I need).
Are we sure about the 3g or edge but not both in regard to the nexus one?
* got my eye set on a att nexus one (really, first it was the HTC Desire - very similar, but the band support was the concern there with the Desire)
thanks
Yes, that is exactly what I am saying. You are not listening. The Tmobile Nexus One will NOT give you 3G on AT&T.
BUT the AT&T Nexus One WILL give you 3G.
You just need to get the right one. You just need to buy the AT&T compatible Nexus One. Not the Tmobile one.
You need a Nexus One with the AT&T bands. They exist. I have one. A friend of mine is selling his in the CT area.
No, no...i'm listening, but likely not asking the question right.
I understand to get att 3g I need to get the ATT nexus one. Got it.
* And no, I will not be buying this tmobile nexus one thanks to your replies.
What I'm asking is in regard to 2g/edge ability here. Are you saying that a att nexus one will ONLY offer 3G and not offer any 2G/edge capability?
Others are saying it will also offer the 2G/edge capability as well as att's 3G (like with my E51 currently).
* see there are times when att 3G is unavil/spotty and the phone (E51 in my case) switches to 2G/edge. I just wanted to make sure the att nexus one offers this ability.
thanks
URPREY said:
You need a Nexus One with the AT&T bands. They exist. I have one. A friend of mine is selling his in the CT area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I inquire about this phone for sale somehow?
I was looking at this tmobile nexus one for $350, decent condition.
I'm very interested in buying an att nexus one (provided it's 100% working and condition isnt too bad).
thanks for replying guys!
jojoatt said:
No, no...i'm listening, but likely not asking the question right.
I understand to get att 3g I need to get the ATT nexus one. Got it.
* And no, I will not be buying this tmobile nexus one thanks to your replies.
What I'm asking is in regard to 2g/edge ability here. Are you saying that a att nexus one will ONLY offer 3G and not offer any 2G/edge capapbility?
Others are saying it will also offer the 2G/edge capability as well as att's 3G (like with my E51 currently).
* see there are times when att 3G is unavil/spotty and the phone (E51 in my case) switches to 2G/edge. I just wanted to make sure the att nexus one offers this ability.
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Nexus One with AT&T bands works just like every other 3G AT&T phone. It works on both EDGE and 3G. If you look at the bands it has, there's no reason it wouldn't.
You need an AT&T banded N1 to get both 3G and EDGE.
If you get the T-Mobile version, you will ONLY GET EDGE on AT&T.
That's the difference: the 3G bands are different between the two, but the EDGE bands are the same.
jojoatt said:
Can I inquire about this phone for sale somehow?
I was looking at this tmobile nexus one for $350, decent condition.
I'm very interested in buying an att nexus one (provided it's 100% working and condition isnt too bad).
thanks for replying guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can email him at t4show at gmail dot com
It's only about a month old. He bought an iPhone 4. Yuck.
thank you, i sent him an email. hopefully it's still for sale.
btw: what about the HTC Desire? issues with this on my ATT network?
http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_desire-3077.php
The desire does not have ATT 3g bands, so you will be stuck on edge. Recently they announced a usa desire which might come with proper 3g, but that phone does not yet exist. So no the desire won't work unless you just want edge.
well, your friend selling his att nexus one stopped replying so I have to assume he's either kept it or selling for a bit more on ebay/etc.
I can bid on a few on ebay that will likely end up being $500+ for slightly used, but can anyone tell me if I can still buy the att 3g version ffor $529 straight from google (as in if I order by this friday)?
or I should also ask: does anyone have an att verision nexus one they're selling?

[Q] US Carries and compatible plans for Galaxy note

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.

Verizon and Walmarts Straight Talk??

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.
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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.
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Another thank you on good info for this.
trollarc said:
Straight talk=3g only and vzw network only. No roaming networks.
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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.
Sent from my LG-LS970 using Tapatalk
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.
Sent from my HTC One XL using XDA Free mobile app
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.

At&t note 3 on cricket wireless / aio

I'm planning on buying a note 3 at&t branded because I'd be using it on at&ts network but through cricket wireless. Does anyone have any exp in doing this? Does everything work? And LTE?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
I think you'll be one of the first to test this. Cricket use to be cdma style communication whereas at&t is gsm. I believe at&t just merged aio wireless and cricket thus changing cricket from cdma to gsm. If this is true you won't have any problems whatsoever. Just pop in the SIM and it will probably update the apn settings automatically. You can find the apn settings on crickets website and enter them yourself if it doesn't.
Just to clarify I am already using aio/cricket for months on this device. All will work fine if you have been reading up on aio and cricket merger you would know att is killing off crickets cdma line and will be using GSM, op just make sure you let SM-N900A is UNLOCKED and that you get a sim card and you should be fine. As per 4g/4g lte you may as well go elsewhere you will get 4g/4g lte where available but remember AIO/CRICKET is throttled data, so no matter what you will be limited to a lower speed. If you need any help let me know I've been on aio for months (pre merger to the point I have an aio sim but cricket in the top left).
I'm from the Pittsburgh area but now I'm in savanna Georgia and I've had lte almost the whole way..... I'm on cricket wireless also and I've had no problems with them.... I get lte almost everywhere I go
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Why to go with "Criplet" if you can have this with AT$T Note 3 on $30 T-M prepaid (the radio chip is much better than T-M original)
jondoe27 said:
Why to go with "Criplet" if you can have this with AT$T Note 3 on $30 T-M prepaid (the radio chip is much better than T-M original)
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Not to he offensive but tmobile sucks. Tmobile only has coverage (4g/4g lte) in major cities, aio/cricket runs off of AT&T network so you already get better coverage. Speeds may be throttled but I can do everything off it on these speeds, youtube, milk music, pandora no problems. When I had tmobile I was constantly on "edge"/2g, but on aio/cricket 75% of the time I'm on 4g lte and the rest I'm on 4g. OP unless you plan on never leaving a major city, just get aio/cricket.
I was on AIO for about a month, and now am on the merged Cricket with an Unlocked Note 3 (for another month). The 4g LTE data speed is capped at 8mbps. I have no problem streaming whatever I want. I had Verizon and most of the time I only got around that speed anyway. I looked at about every MNVO and provider for a cheaper way to do smartphones, and for 3 smartphones, I am at only $115 a month total with 2.5gb per line. I put out about $700 on a Note 3 and 2 S4 phones, and am saving about $115 a month on what it would cost me with AT&T or Verizon. The coverage for AT&T in my area is excellent. I have also found that the online chat is very quick and helpful with any questions. So far I am very pleased.
AT&T basically threw out Cricket and merely put the brand onto their existing AIO wireless. Given that there are so many more Cricket stores, it makes sense.
I am looking to purchase a note 4 either with T-Mobile, Verizon, or Att Wireless and use it on Cricket Wireless since you guys have done this with the Note 3. Will I be able to pop the Cricket sim card in and let it update by air or will I have to unlock all of these phones for this to work.. Also any suggestions for mms .. 4g LTE..etc will be appreciated..
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zhable said:
Not to he offensive but tmobile sucks. Tmobile only has coverage (4g/4g lte) in major cities, aio/cricket runs off of AT&T network so you already get better coverage. Speeds may be throttled but I can do everything off it on these speeds, youtube, milk music, pandora no problems. When I had tmobile I was constantly on "edge"/2g, but on aio/cricket 75% of the time I'm on 4g lte and the rest I'm on 4g. OP unless you plan on never leaving a major city, just get aio/cricket.
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They have nicer phones
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vicdamon1001 said:
I am looking to purchase a note 4 either with T-Mobile, Verizon, or Att Wireless and use it on Cricket Wireless since you guys have done this with the Note 3. Will I be able to pop the Cricket sim card in and let it update by air or will I have to unlock all of these phones for this to work.. Also any suggestions for mms .. 4g LTE..etc will be appreciated..
Sent from my HTCEVOV4G using XDA Free mobile app
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If you get the N4 AT&T branded phone and plan to use cricket, you just put in SIM. Within minutes, you will get the configuration message, install and you're ready to go. No unlocking needed. With the Verizon and T-Mobile phones, you'll have to unlock. However, with any phone, unless you are on that branded phones service, you will not get OTA to new OS versions. This is not that big of a deal since you are already on xda, you can just go to your forum and more than likely find a flashable. [emoji3]
Im also doing the same now, just got a ATT note 3 to use it on cricket.. i have a note 3 on sprint but i just switched jobs and dont have reception at all, im trying it and if it works i might go to ATT later on, or who knows i might stay at cricket.. is way cheaper and 8mps is good for what i use it.. 55 per month with 10 GB thats a hell of a deal, I use about 8 to 10 on sprint right now
Wow...
Ctfu, yeah, give me a sweet device with crappy coverage... That makes SOOO much sense? AT&T/Cricket/AIO all they way! Funny stuff, keep it comin'!
optimusv45 said:
They have nicer phones
Sent from my SM-N900A using XDA Free mobile app
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zhable said:
Just to clarify I am already using aio/cricket for months on this device. All will work fine if you have been reading up on aio and cricket merger you would know att is killing off crickets cdma line and will be using GSM, op just make sure you let SM-N900A is UNLOCKED and that you get a sim card and you should be fine. As per 4g/4g lte you may as well go elsewhere you will get 4g/4g lte where available but remember AIO/CRICKET is throttled data, so no matter what you will be limited to a lower speed. If you need any help let me know I've been on aio for months (pre merger to the point I have an aio sim but cricket in the top left).
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How does one unlock their phone?
vicdamon1001 said:
I am looking to purchase a note 4 either with T-Mobile, Verizon, or Att Wireless and use it on Cricket Wireless since you guys have done this with the Note 3. Will I be able to pop the Cricket sim card in and let it update by air or will I have to unlock all of these phones for this to work.. Also any suggestions for mms .. 4g LTE..etc will be appreciated..
Sent from my HTCEVOV4G using XDA Free mobile app
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I'm not too much of a phone geek, but I just started using my ATT Note 3 on Cricket. My APN settings didn't automatically set with the Cricket SIM, but that was an easy change.
I'd suggest the ATT N4 just because ATT bought Cricket, and they're using the same towers now. All things the same, I think it would be the path of least resistance.
BTW, I was paying $120/mo. for Unlimited everything with a 20% corporate discount with ATT. I was only using an average of 1.8GB per month. That also included a partially subsidized phone every 2 years with a new contract.
Now my bill is $35/mo but I'll have to buy my next phone. I'm only on day 2 of the change, but it's a big deal for me after 14yrs with the same company.
-Kevin
I am currently using a AT&T branded Note 3 on Cricket, switched from Tmobile months ago. No need to unlock a AT&T branded phone or at least I didn't have to with my 3.
You can just put a SIM in and change the APN settings to Cricket's which are available on their website.
I've never had issues with dropped calls or losing data with Cricket. I'm paying 150 a month for 3 lines unlimited calls, texts and 10g data on each line.
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