[Q] Can one buy or build an independent T-Mobile Radio - One (M7) Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I've accepted the lack of one of the T-Mobile radios in the HTC One phones. The only way to get all their radios, is to buy the T-Mobile version. For those who get any other version (in my case, a Developer Edition), the missing radio seems to means that if you don't get LTE coverage in any given area, you are stuck with 2G Edge.
The following question may either make sense or sound totally ridiculous, but here goes:
Can someone build or buy a separate radio device that would "pick up" and/or convert data from the missing range to LTE or Wi-Fi, so the phone could access it?​I might not be asking this properly - but the end result would be a small box you'd carry around along with your HTC One, and when you wanted to do something that used "data", this box would allow you to access faster T-Mobile connections than 2G Edge.

T-Mobile wireless hot spot. That's what you want
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/phones/default.aspx?shape=mblhsp

Not quite - to use those, you need a separate SIM card with a separate data plan. I doubt if what I want is even possible, but I'm asking in case I am wrong.
What I want, is a device that would somehow give my phone access to the "3G" band on T-Mobile. Currently, it apparently only has radios for LTE and 2G.

mikemyersgnex said:
Not quite - to use those, you need a separate SIM card with a separate data plan. I doubt if what I want is even possible, but I'm asking in case I am wrong.
What I want, is a device that would somehow give my phone access to the "3G" band on T-Mobile. Currently, it apparently only has radios for LTE and 2G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not possible.

Related

HTC Tilt - 3g? EDGE? - Rogers?!

My apologies if this has been asked but I'm not someone who is a guru with his phone. I just enjoy everythign this tilt offers me. I only just realized I could be getting more out of it. I understand that EDGE is slower than 3g and I can only connect to EDGE - what are the steps to start using 3g? I read somewhere that it may have to do with the SIM card?
anjew said:
... I can only connect to EDGE - what are the steps to start using 3g? I read somewhere that it may have to do with the SIM card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Move to the places which have Rogers 3G coverage.
When our area finally got 3G, my Tilt just automatically connected to the higher level of service. You actually have to mod it to make it *not* try to connect at 3G, providing your area has it.
Have you checked with AT&T to see if your area has been upgraded?
anjew said:
My apologies if this has been asked but I'm not someone who is a guru with his phone. I just enjoy everythign this tilt offers me. I only just realized I could be getting more out of it. I understand that EDGE is slower than 3g and I can only connect to EDGE - what are the steps to start using 3g? I read somewhere that it may have to do with the SIM card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the Rogers network in the major metropolitan areas of Canada will support 3G and even HSDPA... and supporting this in the TILT is fairly automatic. You do have to make sure the 3G mode is turned on in the phone, however -- usually done from the COMM Manager application.
Be aware however, that there are a number of Tilts out there which have bad 3G radios -- you can connect fine using Edge, but when you turn on the 3G, the phone no longer connects to the network. If you find you have one of these (there are a number of threads about it on here), the only alternative is to contact either ROGERS here in Canada (if you bought it from them) or AT&T in the US and ask for a Return Merchandize Authorization (RMA) number, and send the unit back for repair. I had to do that with mine, and they replaced the entire motherboard. Cost was about $125 after shipping charges, etc.
Good luck!
*sigh* i'm such an idiot....
not gonna elaborate but you can imagine.

Using on Other Carriers(GSM)

I am a n00b in the subject of unlocking phones to use on other networks etc.
Is there a possibility when the SPL is unlocked that we could use this on any GSM network since it is a 'world' capable phone with the GSM radio and a SIM card?
I have used a lot of WINMO phone son VZW and I flash and unlock quite often. Just had no idea how this process worked. sorry if this is a duplicate of any kind
thank you
You can call Verizon and ask them for the unlock code to your phone. The number is 1-800-711-8300, option 2 I believe. Either way you'll end up talking to a human who can do that for you. Then you'll enter the code (code A) in All Settings > Personal > Security. According to others, this unlock on the SIM will remain, even after flashing with a custom ROM.
no software to unlock the sim card, i don't want to call vz
I can buy unlock code for Imagio.
Why dont you want to call verizon? They are perfectly happy to unlock the sim for you as long as you dont have any problems with your account like delinquent payments. I called and had both of my phones unlocked in minutes and tested my ATT sim card, worked great on the aTT network
GSM 3G on america?
devlspawn said:
Tested my ATT sim card, worked great on the aTT network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you see if you had E or 3G or H?
I've looked at the specs but haven't found the GSM 3G bands that it has.
Just this:
Digital Dual (CDMA,PCS) /1X, EVDO /Rev.A <---- perfectly clear
GSM Quad Band (GSM/GPRS/EDGE) <---- perfectly clear
WCDMA / HSDPA / HSUPA <---- not clear if it has 850mhz here
I guess it doesn't have 3G in 850mhz but I still have hopes.
Regards!
I only get "E" - my SIM is 3G capable, but the corporate plan is text-only. In other words, I can't say for certain if it will get 3G speeds. HSDPA is available here in the US, so it should be possible for an Imagio to have 3G in the States.
I called yesterday, told them I would be going overseas, they gave me the unlock code. Simple as pie. I can use my neighbor's AT&T sim card without any issues minus stuff that is Verizon specific.
The SIM unlock was easy and successful. Just call Verizon at the above number and its a done deal in 30 seconds. Will try my wife's SIM in it later.....woohoo....
because i dont have vz wireless phone number, but i need to use the t-moible or at&t, i call them, but they need me vz wireless phone number... i dont have, they not unlock for me
as i was told u are able to get it unlocked verizon will do it if ur account is 3months old and in good standing... also as far as using it on gsm not sure as of yet but will say tmobile basic signal i E in an area where out of ur basic ntwork jumpin off of another tower it will put u on H or even G but there is no 3G
wingtytn said:
as i was told u are able to get it unlocked verizon will do it if ur account is 3months old and in good standing... also as far as using it on gsm not sure as of yet but will say tmobile basic signal i E in an area where out of ur basic ntwork jumpin off of another tower it will put u on H or even G but there is no 3G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
H is HSDPA, which is 3.5G (faster than 3G... 7.2mbps compared to 1.5 mbps or something like that)
Edge is like 0.3 mbps and GPRS like 0.1
not really sure, but you get the idea.
Here in Mexico we have HSDPA but never get above 2mbps, at nights we do peak at 3mbps but avarage is still at much 2mbps.
Did I do something wrong?
I told them I was going over seas, I gave them my sim number and they said I was all set to go over there. Does this mean my phone is unlocked, I didn't have to put in any numbers. I will hate myself if I said the wrong thing. And if I did it right then how do I switch between sim cards and cdma?
For you phone to be unlocked they would have to give you a number to enter.
To switch between sim and cdma, go to settings -> phone -> network and change it from global mode to GSM
Razorfold said:
For you phone to be unlocked they would have to give you a number to enter.
To switch between sim and cdma, go to settings -> phone -> network and change it from global mode to GSM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, works fine with t mobile and at&t, didn't enter any numbers did it all from their, weird, but whatever.
I think a few things from the last three posts need clarification:
1. When you call VZW Global Support, they should have given a security code to unlock the SIM. It is a string of numbers. It is not a phone number.
2. Once the SIM is unlocked, if a SIM is present in the phone, there is no guarantee that switching back from GSM/UMTS to Global will switch the phone back to CDMA. There have been times where I've done that, and the phone has stayed on AT&T (my employer uses AT&T). I think a better method is to use either CDMA or GSM/UMTS, and to avoid the Global setting completely.
Kebero said:
I think a few things from the last three posts need clarification:
1. When you call VZW Global Support, they should have given a security code to unlock the SIM. It is a string of numbers. It is not a phone number.
2. Once the SIM is unlocked, if a SIM is present in the phone, there is no guarantee that switching back from GSM/UMTS to Global will switch the phone back to CDMA. There have been times where I've done that, and the phone has stayed on AT&T (my employer uses AT&T). I think a better method is to use either CDMA or GSM/UMTS, and to avoid the Global setting completely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On item number 1 I would agree with you ignore my experience because even my friend who unlocks all kinds of phones for metro says it is a weird case. I have never received any unlcock cod yet it says "sim security unlocked" probably will be screwed up if I ever want to flash or reset it but whatever.
On number 2 I can't agree with you because I bought an at&t go card just for sh**ts and giggles and I have no problems, infact I can switch between the two while the phone is on, done many tests. But if anyone else experiences this issue I would like to know.
I have never heard an unlock like that. But could be... like an 'on air update'... Most times is a code or the frown upon methods (connect it to a PC or a box).
If any one wants to know, no it does not have GSM 3G for 850mhz band, not 3G with ATT and others in the world that uses that band. Tested it myself.
medellinrob said:
I have never heard an unlock like that. But could be... like an 'on air update'... Most times is a code or the frown upon methods (connect it to a PC or a box).
If any one wants to know, no it does not have GSM 3G for 850mhz band, not 3G with ATT and others in the world that uses that band. Tested it myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if you run at&t 3g it is much slower than verizon's. Either that or safari renders slower than s**t on brother's Icrap 3g. T mobile's is faster if you can find their 3g coverage, good luck.
PS I am still looking for internet connection settings for tmobile as I sold an unlocked imagio to my buddy and he can't get the data connection working.
does anyone ever solve de 3G problem with the 850 MHZ band... I live in Venezuela use movistar i ve the imagio sim unlocked can´t get 3G due to band restriction

Turbo Sim success unlock D3 Subsidy-locked

Hello!
Well, after so may time since I bought my phone I finally today was able to make my D3 to make/receive calls and sms.
So I would like to share my experience so may be helpfull to another friend around here, since by today, is the first time that could be confirmed that a subsidy+locked D3 is unlocked by a Turbo sim (the info around is about D2G that was the info tha I was following in order to try another turbosim after my previous failed attemp with other turbosim version), and my phone is in original Veri$*n version 590 rom.
So, in order to be detailed and helpfull:
My D3, was and until today, Subsidy+Locked after try 2 codes that was sold to me form an internet code seller well recognized and after weeks of try the other codes providers over the net, ALL of them have the same codes. If this is You case, You like me are in bad luck and by now seems that Turbosim is the only hope.
Seems that if the D3 was activated over Veri$*n network, None of this codes works because appears that Veri$*n change the internal code OTA at the time of first activation, so if You want to have a real unlocked D3, buy for one that NEVER will be activated so very probably you could unlock it by internet sellers codes or buy for a D3 that have been really UNLOCKED with a proper code of Veri$*n.
The version of turbosim that I already bought was exactly this (Ebay # Item number: 270686865877):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/27068686587...X:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649#ht_4125wt_1398
and I prepare my phone with this steps in order to get it working:
1) Made a factory reset form settings
2) I choose to root my phone and then made the fix for the Wrong UMTS signal indication
follow the info on this link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1326310
is Yellow transparent very thin and flexible and the package is ORANGE with a YELLOW big spot in front with the title: "Sim Unlock Card SmartPhone" (beware of the version because my previous turbosim that failed have the same title BUT was BLACK color with a Round Rubber cover over the chip and came in a BLACK package with the same title in RED characters and this BLACK turbosim DIDNT WORKS!), only the Yellow works.
By now I found in the seller store that It now have a new version that seems the same color but said 2011 version (the one that Iordered was 2010 version, but I almost sure that I received the 2011 version, but since I not sure I ordered both versions as spares, since during my tests I was almost sure that I damage my turbosim, but lucky was not), The Yellow turbosim package states that is compatible with 1500 diferent phone models, and that have capabilities to allow 3g data and fix to won't be out of signal when travel from one cell tower to another, so said that have 99% signal back automatically.... well, I will see in the followinbg days...
3) Then I put my local sim WITHOUT turbosim, and boot the phone (if your phone locks on android screen, bypass it by touch the 4 corners of the black background,so in the below corners of screen,just above the "buttons")
4) Go to wireless networks and set the phone for GSM/UMTS service, automatic and make an apn with the name only (in the original Veri$*n you will be not able to change mcc and mnc numbers since if You change when You save the phone delete the apn instead of save it)
5) Turn off, then remove sim and carefully put the turbosim in place and the slide the local sim over and in position (the gold rivets goes UP making contact with local sim contacts). I was in need of ligth bend over the steel belt of my D3 in order to allow put the Turbo sim with local sim above in position, AND in my case I slide the turbosim from botton to up and the sim in the other normal sim insert directin SINCE THE CHIP is somewhat tall for the steel slot of sim so, I prefer to do anything but force my turosim since it is fragile.
6) Turn on the phone and then the screen may change to tell your about autorize data roaming and I suggest You to allow it, in order to easy test of the turbosim connection and after 2-3minutes the network may be available.Try to make the process in a zone that You may be sure that have a good signal coverage from provider antennas.
7) The only issue by now is that since I not able to change APN mnc and mcc codes I not able to get any data connection, so I wonder if some friend could help me clarify if I flash another rom diferent from original Veri$*n, may be posible that I could change APN settings and save them to test if could be available data connection.
Please, excuse me by my long post, I hope that I dont bother, but I would like to share all the info, since I didnt like the short posts that have short partial info since makes the whole answer a ping-pong of posts.
Hope that may helps and best regards!
How do we know that this isn't some way to get people to buy your fake lock code.
Sent from my DROID3 using xda premium
@tacosrdelicioso
well, if You may simply check on this site, you will found a lot of my previous posts about the troubles that I have with my D3, and in addition, I found ofensive Your suggestion because I never said that I sell anything, so you put conclusions over me and my post.
To friends around here, well, I continue my testing, and the happyness dont last too much... the main trouble is that the signal lost is NOT really recovered (as same in the D2G case).So,meanwhile, the phone is in coverage, at least voice and sms work fine, but as soon You move from your place and lost signal from the cell tower that You register at phone turn on, it lost signal and the only way by now is too put the sim on another phone and reboot, then move the local sim to the D3 with turbosim and turn on again, and it will be working again... BUT what a [email protected]!N in @ss!!!
Crap, of course the only real solution is have a D3 unlocked with Veri$on code in veri$on network coverage or unlock a D3 that never was activated over veri$on with internet sellers codes.
Any help will be welcome.Thanks
Best regards to all.
https://market.android.com/details?id=ale.android.apnmanager&feature=search_result
maybe this prog. can be helpful to change mnc and mcc, give it a try..
I have now droid 3 on the way to my country.
Seller say, that the phone was never out of box and never was activated.
So this phone is unlockable ?
The bootloader on the d3 is still locked and I'm not sure if anyone is working on unlocking it because of the bootstrap/ safestrap workarounds
Sent from my Eris using XDA App
disconnecktie said:
The bootloader on the d3 is still locked and I'm not sure if anyone is working on unlocking it because of the bootstrap/ safestrap workarounds
Sent from my Eris using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This discussion is in no way related to the phone's bootloader lock but rather the phone's subsidy lock (meaning that the SIM tray is locked to Verizon's/Vodafone SIM card and will not accept any other SIM).
Back to topic, thank you so much xaser for your findings. I'm only having 2 problems right now:
1st: I can't get rid of the R in the signal bars, so the phone thinks it's roaming when it actually isn't. I made sure I wasn't paying roaming charges (you can never be sure) by calling my carrier and asking about it, but apparently it's just the phone thinking it's roaming.
2nd: When I get to choose my network operator (settings / wireless and networks / Mobile Networks / Select network ) I can only select 2G services which to me sounds like I won't get 3G at all. This isn't a major problem for me since I don't have a data plan, but it will be an issue when I decide to sell the phone.
Also, I would like to ask if anyone can confirm that the device can ONLY be unlocked when connected to Verizon's network, for I have tried with 2 different unlock codes here in Argentina but had no luck with them (making me turn to the Turbo Sim option).
I would also like to note that the SIM model that Xaser suggested didn't work for me, but instead this one did
I hope the thread revival helps people under the same circumstances.
I'd suggest finding a way to get the phone back on Verizon temporarily so that a valid unlock code can be used. This would be achievable by finding a trusted friend with an account in good standing with Verizon, a line which has been active for longer than six months, then have them put the D3 on their line and get the code. They can easily switch back to their phone after unlocking the D3. I'm not sure if Verizon will require the D3 be on the line for six months, but I'm sure some sweet talking would help. I've heard some cases where people get their phones unlocked after a month or two, just because they are nice to customer service ;-)
Now, about some other things talked about here: it depends on which frequencies or 3G bands your carrier uses if you want to get the D3 to work on 3G. I don't know the names of them, but the D3 gets AT&T's 3G bands and 2G of course, but isn't compatible with T-Mobile's. If you look those up and compare them to your carrier's bands, you'll know whether you'll get 3G or not.
I'd like to share my own small note and ask a question too. My D3 is unlocked by VZW and works on T-Mobile, but it loses signal randomly (like it forgot my previous selections for preferred operator, and it always shows that operator will be found automatically, which makes it not work) and sometimes it has signal but no 3G. It could be from changing towers as mentioned above, but I'm still trying to figure out whether this problem is caused by my messing with APNdroid (which is used to turn off UMTS data connection in instances when it isn't necessary, like when connected to wifi, by changing APN settings), or if it has to do with the SIM moving or being bumped, or if it's simply resetting after I cycle power. I'm used to turning my phone off then back on whenever it starts lagging or having other performance issues, but I'm wondering if that may be causing issues with my network connection or settings.
If anyone has more clues or ideas, thanks. I hope my perspective has helped here as well
Guys I just had a friend who for a Verizon Droid 3 from The US... It was locked but had it unlocked here in my country via some "code" he bought... saying it is working perfect now unlocked...
Does it work that way or not... cuz seems the Verizon phones have lots of issues when it comes to.unlocking...
Sent from my Galaxy SII
BenSWoodruff said:
I'd suggest finding a way to get the phone back on Verizon temporarily so that a valid unlock code can be used. This would be achievable by finding a trusted friend with an account in good standing with Verizon, a line which has been active for longer than six months, then have them put the D3 on their line and get the code. They can easily switch back to their phone after unlocking the D3. I'm not sure if Verizon will require the D3 be on the line for six months, but I'm sure some sweet talking would help. I've heard some cases where people get their phones unlocked after a month or two, just because they are nice to customer service ;-)
Now, about some other things talked about here: it depends on which frequencies or 3G bands your carrier uses if you want to get the D3 to work on 3G. I don't know the names of them, but the D3 gets AT&T's 3G bands and 2G of course, but isn't compatible with T-Mobile's. If you look those up and compare them to your carrier's bands, you'll know whether you'll get 3G or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I don't think I will be returning to the US any time soon, maybe around the end of next year. And the few friends I do have in the US are on Sprint so they wouldn't be able to give me a hand. I just want to know whether it is necessary to be within Verizon Network in order to have the phone code unlocked or if one can unlock it regardless of coverage overseas.
Also, regarding 3G, I hear what you are saying but my point is that since I am using a Turbo Sim to unlock my phone I am unsure whether the Turbo Sim will give me issues to get data at 3G speeds. The Droid 3 does indeed support Argentina's 3G bands (UMTS 850 and 1900).
Thank you all for your input.
TurbiSIM does no longer unlock my XT862. Used it successfully for about 3 months. It started with data communication errors for about a month.
I noticed that every time I went abroad and used the phone (even in flight mode), I had to reset it in order to unlock it with Turbosim. Now, total failure...
Later edit:
To my surprise, it works again! But with another SIM from a different service provider. The one that used to work is no longer working with TurboSIM.
Turbo sim works in my case
I had the same problem - hardlocked droid 3. I have tried all the way but there was no solution arround this. finaly turbo sim was the only way. now Phone works perfectly. no any problems at all.

At&t + N9005 = Any data at all?

Purchased a N9005 Czech version and currently using it was Straight talk. Made the stupid mistake thinking 4G/LTE were two different services but pretty are the same. Now I have texting working just fine, factory unlocked. None of that region lock, bs. When I go out on the town. I'll try to access such apps like Firefox and connection error. I'm pretty sure I have my APN settings correct but it won't matter if the phone isn't gonna accept any data at all from At&t. I know it won't accept LTE just yet (fingerscrossed) but will it accept any data at all or do I just have a texting phone and can't enjoy anything else.
PatienceWithin said:
Purchased a N9005 Czech version and currently using it was Straight talk. Made the stupid mistake thinking 4G/LTE were two different services but pretty are the same. Now I have texting working just fine, factory unlocked. None of that region lock, bs. When I go out on the town. I'll try to access such apps like Firefox and connection error. I'm pretty sure I have my APN settings correct but it won't matter if the phone isn't gonna accept any data at all from At&t. I know it won't accept LTE just yet (fingerscrossed) but will it accept any data at all or do I just have a texting phone and can't enjoy anything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With AT&T all data is handled on the highband like LTE/4G which are the same and the slower 3G. Unless you can access those bands which are in the 850Mhz range you will get no data. What frequencies is your version supposed to operate on?
Solarenemy68 said:
With AT&T all data is handled on the highband like LTE/4G which are the same and the slower 3G. Unless you can access those bands which are in the 850Mhz range you will get no data. What frequencies is your version supposed to operate on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not too sure how to find that out to be fully honest. How would one go about finding this. I'm pretty sure the phone can pick up 850 band but not the 700 band if that's what you're referring too. I know it can access At&t HSPA+ network but I'm only going by what I read around the forums.
You'll have to bare with me on the stupidity of my responses, haha.

Is it cdma or gsm?

I tried searching it, but I kept finding it for other phones and then answers that did not fit what I have. The most common answer is, if it has a sim card, it is GSM. Sprint is CDMA though, so is it CDMA and GSM? When I took the SIM card out, it said that I would not be able to use 4G LTE without the SIM, but I still had full bars, so does it use GSM for 4G, but CDMA for 2G (calls and sms). I was told that the Google PE RUU did not work on my phone because it only works on GSM, but then when I ran MSL finder, it told me it had no MSL (ie not a CDMA phone) and I have en IMEI, not an ESN.
This should be in q&a
If you're on Sprint or Verizon, you're using a CDMA carrier. Since CDMA is too old to support LTE, they used the SIM card to access access GSM technology (LTE) To keep up to date with the new carriers that are running insane download/uploading speeds using LTE.
djpabz23 said:
If you're on Sprint or Verizon, you're using a CDMA carrier. Since CDMA is too old to support LTE, they used the SIM card to access access GSM technology (LTE) To keep up to date with the new carriers that are running insane download/uploading speeds using LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it...I was looking at the some hidden menus and I found the section to choose GSM/WCDMA.CDMA/LTE and some other few options. Thanks for the clarification.
jobzombi said:
Got it...I was looking at the some hidden menus and I found the section to choose GSM/WCDMA.CDMA/LTE and some other few options. Thanks for the clarification.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, if you choose GSM/UMTS, you won't be able to receive data at all since Sprint isn't a GSM carrier.
djpabz23 said:
Yup, if you choose GSM/UMTS, you won't be able to receive data at all since Sprint isn't a GSM carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On that note, it has several options, including CDMA only, GSM only, and then gsm/cdma/wcdma/lte (ie all of them). Is it prudent to just leave it on all, or since I am going to use it on Verizon and/or sprint/ting, just leave it cdma/wcdma/lte? If I choose the catch all one that includes gsm, will it affect the phone negatively, as in extra battery usage, overheating, no signal, etc?
jobzombi said:
On that note, it has several options, including CDMA only, GSM only, and then gsm/cdma/wcdma/lte (ie all of them). Is it prudent to just leave it on all, or since I am going to use it on Verizon and/or sprint/ting, just leave it cdma/wcdma/lte? If I choose the catch all one that includes gsm, will it affect the phone negatively, as in extra battery usage, overheating, no signal, etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you switch to CDMA Only, you're gonna get a much longer battery life than if you were using CDMA/LTE since your LTE service will be disabled. This means that you will only get 3G but your battery life will last longer since LTE requires more power than 3G

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