[Q] Lumia 521 metropcs & t-mobile differences? - Windows Phone 8 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I currently want to try windows phone 8 because I'm a bit tired of android and I would like a smaller device while it looks like all the top android phones are going 5+ inches.
So I found out that metropcs has the Lumia 521 for $99 but I'm on T-Mobile. I searched online without finding any info so I'm asking you (the experts), will this version of the 521 work on Tmo? Are the two hardware the same?
Cheers to whoever answers me
By the way sorry for posting this here, I can't think of a better section on the forum.

Believe it or not, the "Q&A" section of the WP8 forum is actually the correct place for questions about WP8... It's OK though, I'm sure you searched really hard, but you couldn't really be expected to find it. After all, the link must be at *least* 12 pixels from the one for this sub-forum... (Sorry, not normally this snarky, but... really?)
A *very* quick online search showed that T-Mobile owns what was formerly a separate company called MetroPCS, and that MPCS has been using TMoUS's GSM/LTE network since June (they were formerly a CDMA provider, which would not have worked, so it was good to check). Seriously through, basic search, click the Wikipedia link, read the one-line section under "Network Coverage" if the rest of the page was TL;DR for you. It's vaguely possible that the phone will be SIM-locked and you'll need to unlock it to use TMo's network instead of MetroPCS', but I'm honestly not even sure if there's a difference (if there is. it's probably in things like roaming coverage and the like).
Oh, by the way, the Lumia 52x line is one of the lowest-end sets of WP8 devices. It's a great budget smartphone, but it's not going to compete with the high-end Android phones you seem to have been comparing it to.

GoodDayToDie said:
Believe it or not, the "Q&A" section of the WP8 forum is actually the correct place for questions about WP8... It's OK though, I'm sure you searched really hard, but you couldn't really be expected to find it. After all, the link must be at *least* 12 pixels from the one for this sub-forum... (Sorry, not normally this snarky, but... really?)
A *very* quick online search showed that T-Mobile owns what was formerly a separate company called MetroPCS, and that MPCS has been using TMoUS's GSM/LTE network since June (they were formerly a CDMA provider, which would not have worked, so it was good to check). Seriously through, basic search, click the Wikipedia link, read the one-line section under "Network Coverage" if the rest of the page was TL;DR for you. It's vaguely possible that the phone will be SIM-locked and you'll need to unlock it to use TMo's network instead of MetroPCS', but I'm honestly not even sure if there's a difference (if there is. it's probably in things like roaming coverage and the like).
Oh, by the way, the Lumia 52x line is one of the lowest-end sets of WP8 devices. It's a great budget smartphone, but it's not going to compete with the high-end Android phones you seem to have been comparing it to.
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Thanks, you appeased my insecurities.
I wasn't comparing it, I'm just noticing small android phones have very modest hardware and I know android gives a very miserable experience on it. So maybe another OS does better.
Extra question: If it bothered you so much why did you help me? :silly:

From what I can see from the firmware releases, it's almost identical except the file sizes is smaller for Metro version.
I would not advise buying a Metro PCS one if you are using T-Mobile because the phone could be SIM Locked. There aren't cheap ways to get it unlocked liked the 520
Sent from my Nexus 4

killer23d said:
From what I can see from the firmware releases, it's almost identical except the file sizes is smaller for Metro version.
I would not advise buying a Metro PCS one if you are using T-Mobile because the phone could be SIM Locked. There aren't cheap ways to get it unlocked liked the 520
Sent from my Nexus 4
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I just did a whole lot of reading on metro pcs. It will be locked to metro and they don't like to unlock easily. You could buy an unlock code from one of the online services. I heard they go as much as $40. Also, you can't sim swap- the phones need to be pared to their sim. To change phones you have to go to the store and have them change it :*( Their plans are $10 cheaper, but really inconvenient.
I have some really good android phones- Gnex- note 1, and I really love this lumia 521. Totally different, but really nice to learn and use.

If your on t-mobile its like 60 bucks to get one going, no need to fuss with unlocked statues etc.
for the challenged - http://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/nokia-lumia-521.html

Nicolfa said:
If your on t-mobile its like 60 bucks to get one going, no need to fuss with unlocked statues etc.
for the challenged - http://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/nokia-lumia-521.html
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You can also do the $30 prepaid plan- but to get it unlocked you need 2 months of service or $50 in refils. Same for PAYG. Shorter unlock time on the prepaid plans but you need the $50 refils. Just make sure if you are sim swapping you call tmo and have the lumia added to your account as the user phone- imei needs to be official.

Related

Modify Verizon Droid to work with Sprint

With the recent influx of Droid devices generated by them being handed out to many individuals through Google's developer channels, I imagine I'm not the only one wondering whether or not it would be possible to get service for this device by anyone other than Verizon. I'm hoping that someone can explain to me what it might take to make this possible.
As I understand it, VZW uses both 1900 and 850 while Sprint uses only 1900 with roaming possible on 850. That means the device should be compatible between the two networks from a frequency standpoint. What I'm not sure about is whether any of the software instructions coded into the VZW/Sprint devices are important to the correct operation of the phone on the network, or if they are identical and it only matters which network accepts the device's ESN.
In short:
- Would any software modifications to the device be necessary for appropriate functionality on the Sprint network?
- If so, could those modifications be derived from existing Sprint Android platforms like the Hero/Moment?
I have been given a free Droid, but I have no plan on ever switching to Verizon. It will remain a development only device if I can't modify it to work with my existing Sprint account.
Thanks in advance for any information.
othelil said:
With the recent influx of Droid devices generated by them being handed out to many individuals through Google's developer channels, I imagine I'm not the only one wondering whether or not it would be possible to get service for this device by anyone other than Verizon. I'm hoping that someone can explain to me what it might take to make this possible.
As I understand it, VZW uses both 1900 and 850 while Sprint uses only 1900 with roaming possible on 850. That means the device should be compatible between the two networks from a frequency standpoint. What I'm not sure about is whether any of the software instructions coded into the VZW/Sprint devices are important to the correct operation of the phone on the network, or if they are identical and it only matters which network accepts the device's ESN.
In short:
- Would any software modifications to the device be necessary for appropriate functionality on the Sprint network?
- If so, could those modifications be derived from existing Sprint Android platforms like the Hero/Moment?
I have been given a free Droid, but I have no plan on ever switching to Verizon. It will remain a development only device if I can't modify it to work with my existing Sprint account.
Thanks in advance for any information.
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the only way to get this to work is via esn swapping !! and that is illegal!! so.... good luck google it!! sprint will not add esns to there network from other carriers !! verizon does is sometimes but sprint will not do it!! sorry are u willing to sell it?
adrianh85 said:
the only way to get this to work is via esn swapping !! and that is illegal!! so.... good luck google it!! sprint will not add esns to there network from other carriers !! verizon does is sometimes but sprint will not do it!! sorry are u willing to sell it?
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Illegal, huh? Good 'ol US; the only country that feels the need to so tightly bind our devices to specific carriers. I vastly prefer the unlocked GSM phone model that Europe operates under. Le sigh.
Thanks for the info. I'm unlikely to sell, as I can find uses even for a device that doesn't have service. I just thought I could kill the proverbial two birds with one stone if I could make it work. C'est la vie.
You're forgetting the fact that there are at least TWO major nationwide GSM carriers in the US.
Japan has better game-shows than the US does, but I'm not going to say, "good ol' US" when complaining about it. But, I wouldn't even complain about it.
Cirkustanz said:
You're forgetting the fact that there are at least TWO major nationwide GSM carriers in the US.
Japan has better game-shows than the US does, but I'm not going to say, "good ol' US" when complaining about it. But, I wouldn't even complain about it.
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I'm not forgetting at all. The difference is that phones here, even for those two carriers, are sold locked rather than unlocked. Many consumers don't even know they have a choice, nor are they aware that their phones can be unlocked. The fact that the phones can be unlocked, and maybe could be used somewhere else in the world (depending on whether or not they support non-US bands), hardly excuses the fact that a tiny number of consumers would ever even realize that, or go through the hoops and hurdles necessary to unlock their phones.
This is a far cry from a market with many options for carriers where phones are sold unlocked and can be easily moved between any available carrier. The Wikipedia listing of mobile network operators in Europe (which I can't post) is quite illuminating when you realize that countries a tiny fraction of our size have a lot more than 2 choices that the phones they purchase, their property, can operate on. I would say cheering that at least we have two choices seems a little silly when the competition level here for carriers is so much weaker than elsewhere in the world.
Let's just say I'm more than a bit frustrated that what I've been gifted is, in the absence of one particular company's service, a brick. The phone belongs to me, yet whether or not I can use it as more than an alarm clock is dictated by only one company. It seems a little silly, and more than a tad bit frustrating. I would have much preferred an unlocked GSM phone; not only would I have two networks, albeit only one with 3G, to choose from, but my international options would have been wonderful.
Ok, so long story short.. there is no way to get the Droid A855 on gsm even if its unlocked? I know I just might be in the wrong forum but I have been searching all freaking day and honestly every site is starting to look the same to me 10:1 I'll prolly just sell the phone back off
Mr_Vicious said:
Ok, so long story short.. there is no way to get the Droid A855 on gsm even if its unlocked? I know I just might be in the wrong forum but I have been searching all freaking day and honestly every site is starting to look the same to me 10:1 I'll prolly just sell the phone back off
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No, because the A855 does not have a GSM radio in it. Without the capable hardware, what you want to do is impossible.

HTC X8T (Sprint) Windows Phone 8 Q&A, Help

Okay so yesterday my dream phone came out on sprint network the HTC X8T I really like this phone a lot. to my understanding the HTC X8T Is a lot like the HTC ONE with boom sound and front faceing spekers. but yet running windows phone 8. so I am very interested In this phone.
but yet I have a lot of questions.
1. is there an unlocked version of the phone I can buy?
2. is sprint the only ones selling this device?
3. could this device be used on boost mobile instead of sprint.
4. what are the chances of a boost version?
5.why is there not new fourm for this new device?
That should be a good start thanks.
1. Unlocked version: Maybe. Sprint uses CDMA2000, rather than GSM, although they might use SIM cards for LTE support like Verizon does (I haven't checked) typically, CDMA2000 phones won't work on other networks unless those other networks also use CDMA, and sometimes not then (because they're locked). I don't know yet whether the 8XT will be available unlocked in general, or available for GSM.
2. Sprint only seller: So far as I know, yes. If there's a GSM variant, you'll be able to buy it internationally. If not, then they will probably be the only one this side of China or something. I'd expect a GSM variant, but I don't know.
3. Use on Boost: See the answer to #1.
4. Boost version: I doubt anybody here knows. You should ask Boost Mobile about that.
5. New forum: Many WP8 devices don't have their own forums. Until such time as custom ROMs or similar are possible, one WP8 device is much like another, so there isn't usually enough traffic to justify per-phone forums.
By the way, the 8XT looks somewhat liike the One, and has the same speakers, but its specs are considerably worse. Its screen is lower resolution, and I believe it's processor is much less powerful.
HTC has not announced a version or variant of this phone for anyone except Sprint, so for now, we can only assume its a Sprint only device and does not come unlocked. Considering that Sprint is CDMA, it wouldn't be wise to purchase a Sprint branded phone to use on other networks as it will most likely not work. Boost has been known to activate Sprint phones on their service, but its very hit or miss as you need to speak directly with a customer service rep, and that itself is difficult. XD
prjkthack said:
HTC has not announced a version or variant of this phone for anyone except Sprint, so for now, we can only assume its a Sprint only device and does not come unlocked. Considering that Sprint is CDMA, it wouldn't be wise to purchase a Sprint branded phone to use on other networks as it will most likely not work. Boost has been known to activate Sprint phones on their service, but its very hit or miss as you need to speak directly with a customer service rep, and that itself is difficult. XD
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You only need to look at the radio specs for the phone. I knew it was for Sprint a full week before the tech i was on the phone with did and she was Tier 2 support with 'upcoming training for some new WP8 device' but didnt know what the hardware was.
It runs on the 1xRTT network, so wont even work on VZW. Also given that Sprint is (or at least used to be) an HTC Premier Partner its no surprise they made a phone that only Sprint would carry. Its smack in the middle of the 8X and 8S but what sucks is we are stuck with Touch Pro2/Arrive resolution on a screen thats nearly 33% bigger (4.3" vs 3.7"). Will i get one? Im still on the fence as my TP2 still does the job for me, even without native apps for Twitter or games.

Which variant to buy? Some confusing info/sales pitches out there...

Greetings. I'm looking to confirm if I should go with a 405QA7 or if 405UA will do. (Or...?)
My requirements:
- Phone needs to work on VZW for now (don't need WiFi calling or anything exotic);
- Maybe on T-Mobile later. It's a serious possibility.
- MUST be bootloader-unlockable and/or (at least) rootable.
- Might need to downgrade one I buy from 10 to Pie (or lower), understanding ofc that ARB is always a potential issue. (I'm familiar with LG V30, assume V40 is much the same.) I always ask sellers what Android version is on a particular phone; 9 out of 10 tell me they don't know, even on unboxed/used phones.
One reason I'm asking is because I see lots of 405UAs for sale, advertised as "unlocked! will work on everything but Sprint!" or whatever. Yes or no? Not nearly as many QA7s available, especially not "New In Box".
Any clarification will be greatly appreciated. T.I.A.
Moondroid said:
Greetings. I'm looking to confirm if I should go with a 405QA7 or if 405UA will do. (Or...?)
My requirements:
- Phone needs to work on VZW for now (don't need WiFi calling or anything exotic);
- Maybe on T-Mobile later. It's a serious possibility.
- MUST be bootloader-unlockable and/or (at least) rootable.
- Might need to downgrade one I buy from 10 to Pie (or lower), understanding ofc that ARB is always a potential issue. (I'm familiar with LG V30, assume V40 is much the same.) I always ask sellers what Android version is on a particular phone; 9 out of 10 tell me they don't know, even on unboxed/used phones.
One reason I'm asking is because I see lots of 405UAs for sale, advertised as "unlocked! will work on everything but Sprint!" or whatever. Yes or no? Not nearly as many QA7s available, especially not "New In Box".
Any clarification will be greatly appreciated. T.I.A.
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I guess for me it's fun to try to figure out what makes you think, or assume what, to ask this question.
So, the QA is the us open version. It's not tied to any carrier (no chance of it being locked to a carrier then, obviously).
The UA is the version that Sprint, at&t, Vzw (maybe more) use. They would certainly have a chance of being carrier locked. But, if you buy one and it say's not carrier locked... then... what's the difference?
Well, sure, it could actually be carrier locked, but if it was advertised as not, and it is, send it back?
It gets a little more complicated when you want to use it with a specific carrier, such as vzw (or sprint or at&t etc), then, you have to check with them what phones they will allow on their network and what capabilities it will have (for instance, at&t allows other (than their) phones, but only allows their phones to have capabilities like vowifi (and I think) volte).
Assuming it's a necessity you stay with vzw (at least for awhile), and you need the additional capabilities only allowed to their specific phones (determined by imei), then get a vzw UA phone. Vzw does make their kdz available (where sprint and at&t don't - but that's only really relevant if u were on vzw, crossflashed to something else, and wanted to go back - keep in mind, just crossflashing to the kdz isn't enough for carrier extra features, it has to be their phone / imei).
But, to answer your question, QA? UA? why do u think that matters? in your situation?
cheers
Thanks for replying. First I want to reduce as much as possible the risk of having to send a phone back. As for ads, I see varying info especially for the UA, and I also know that quite a few sellers don't really know what they're selling. I've had my share of "wtf" transactions especially with phone buys, and I'm really tired of wasting time that way. The more I know about a particular model/variant up front, the better.
I simply don't want a branded phone, especially one filled with VZW (or any other) junk. Had my fill of those too. (I would not do custom ROM on this phone, so need relatively clean stock firmware.) I have tons of APN info for VZW and T-Mobile, can mod settings as I might need to... as long as the bands/etc are there. One thing I know from my V30 is that even crossflashing firmware is a relatively safe and sometimes even advisable thing to do. Like my carrier-unlocked US998 was actually born as a Sprint LS998 (or at least that's how it shows on imei-checker websites), but as it is, that means pretty much nothing to me.
There was one other question I probably should've included -- which variants have Android 10 OTAs out there, or not. If not for a particular variant (or brand), then I wouldn't have to worry about downgrading that variant.
Especially thanks for confirming that the QA is in fact the US wide-open version. Honestly, it seems to be getting harder and harder to find just simple statements of detail on various points, and even reading through XDA any more (I'm sorry to say) often has me turning in circles for hours and even days at a time, looking for simple, clearly and fully stated facts. But there are still (of course) a number of very expert (and willing) folks to assist and guide the rest us not-so-expert users (and players, and experimenters) in crunch times. XDA is still gold on that score. I've unlocked/rooted/ROM'd a big handful of phones and couldn't have done any of it, wouldn't have even known possibilties, without XDA.
Way too wordy I'm sure. I'll shut up now.
Cheers mate.
Moondroid said:
Thanks for replying. First I want to reduce as much as possible the risk of
<brevity>
Way too wordy I'm sure. I'll shut up now.
Cheers mate.
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oh no, that's fine, it helps to be able to answer the questions. It *sounds* like yer not really tied to any carrier, but trying to avoid hassle / bad experiences.
I'd suggest this, go with a UA version and crossflash it to one of the 'open' variants. The US Open kdz is only 9, but 10 will hopefully come out. I personally have an at&t ua crossflashed to Korean Open 10 (30e). But after copying over my OP partition (from US Open 9), it now behaves much like us open 10. It's of course bootloader unlocked and magisk, etc.
My mvno is mint mobile, and that allows for, with slight mods to the device, volte and vowifi.
Also, swappa is a good place to look for a device. Many sellers (volume, not individual) have them new or even better, open box. And their guarantee they are unlocked can't be beat. They have a reputation and the ability to sell on swappa to protect.
I still have a v30 with us998 on it doesn't get any use anymore though...
cheers
Yeah swappa! I've bought (and sold) a bunch of phones there. But no LGs to speak of lately. Actually I sold another V30 (US998) in, get this, less than an hour -- at my full asking price. It was the only one listed. But (duh) I didn't think to check there for a V40, will do that right after posting this.
Not on contract to anybody, nope, I'm free for whatever. I've been on Vz for 20+ years, family plan more or less, done just fine with them but if I can save $10-15/mo somewhere else... why not..... (I'm not a big data user, don't need unlimited, so that's one higher cost I don't worry about.)
I've seen a lot of refs for Mint lately. But I'll be getting fiber from Ting (mvno) soon and maybe could get a discount by going mobile with them too. If they can just settle the dust on their new pricing scheme.
So back to point: No real risk in going with a UA? And crossflash it. There are defo more UAs available. OTOH, I prefer not to deal with 10 at all, so no kdz for 10 would be ok with me.
Confession: One reason I needed to ask about this phone is cuz I'm purely burnt out from scouring XDA regarding 3 other phones in the past month. (Actually more, but 3 in exhaustive detail.) So I super-appreciate your willingness to help me out. You've saved me hours I'm sure.
Moondroid said:
Yeah swappa! I've bought (and sold) a bunch of phones there. But no LGs to speak of lately. Actually I sold another V30 (US998) in, get this, less than an hour -- at my full asking price. It was the only one listed. But (duh) I didn't think to check there for a V40, will do that right after posting this.
Not on contract to anybody, nope, I'm free for whatever. I've been on Vz for 20+ years, family plan more or less, done just fine with them but if I can save $10-15/mo somewhere else... why not..... (I'm not a big data user, don't need unlimited, so that's one higher cost I don't worry about.)
I've seen a lot of refs for Mint lately. But I'll be getting fiber from Ting (mvno) soon and maybe could get a discount by going mobile with them too. If they can just settle the dust on their new pricing scheme.
So back to point: No real risk in going with a UA? And crossflash it. There are defo more UAs available. OTOH, I prefer not to deal with 10 at all, so no kdz for 10 would be ok with me.
Confession: One reason I needed to ask about this phone is cuz I'm purely burnt out from scouring XDA regarding 3 other phones in the past month. (Actually more, but 3 in exhaustive detail.) So I super-appreciate your willingness to help me out. You've saved me hours I'm sure.
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hey no probs. Yeah basically, the UA is perfectly fine. The only caveat would be that if u want to be carrier specific, then it gets into have to use their specific phone for specific svcs etc.
You can crossflash any of them (except t-mo, don't buy t-mo). It seems the only ones that result in probs cross flashing are the ones (ebw) that have dual sim, and they sometimes lose one or both sims working. But US carriers don't have that variant, so no worries for us.
really the only thing to be aware of, with carriers moving to do away with 3G, you want to be sure that which phone u end with, what it's cross flashed to, and the carrier, will volte work? Because if that doesn't work, in the not to distant future u might not be able to make a call!
be aware though, if u buy at&t or sprint, they don't make their kdz available, so if u think u might want to go back to their OS, back it up first.
cheers
AsItLies said:
...
really the only thing to be aware of, with carriers moving to do away with 3G, you want to be sure that which phone u end with, what it's cross flashed to, and the carrier, will volte work? Because if that doesn't work, in the not to distant future u might not be able to make a call!
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Click to collapse
Yeah that always sits in the back of my mind these days. Checking around it looks like the V40 might be a little safer than the V30.
Oh and I already had a note that I had grabbed from somewhere, "NOT the t-mo variant" ... but didn't know about the ebw's, so thanks for that.
First I'll see if I can find a decent QA at a decent price. If not, then I'll grab a UA. Again mucho mega thanks, and have a great weekend!
Cheers and out.

SM-G973F/DS in USA? Waste of time?

Long time lurker, first time poster here. First of all, a massive THANK YOU to everyone here. You guys and gals are Awesome! <3
So, I bought a Samsung S10 (SM-G973F/DS) on Ebay recently and flashed it to Lineage OS 19.1. All was fine until I tried to activate it. We did everything...manually changing the ASP settings, and a bunch of other stuff to try and get this thing to connect to the mobile network. Even placed the SIM card in another phone just to confirm the SIM card was fine, which it was.
Long story short, I think the device was perhaps locked even though the seller claimed it was unlocked. Whatever, I'm over it. I flashed stock back on it and re-locked the boot loader, sent it back. Not worth the aggravation. However, I am questioning if there wasn't something else I could have done?
I was trying to activate the S10 on Mint Mobile USA (a T-Mobile reseller, so GSM) it should have been fine. The default language on the device was German. I don't think that should matter, but maybe it does? Do European phones have problems activating in North America?
My question is: If I decide to get another S10 (SM-G973F/DS) from the secondary market (if its even worth it at this point, since the SM-G973F/DS is really hard to find), is there anything I can find out from the seller first so I don't end up having to send it back?
Or, should I just give up my dream of having an S10 installed with Lineage OS and it's glorious headphone jack and expandable storage forever? If so, are there any worthy alternatives to the S10 worth considering, given my affinity for headphone jacks and expandable storage?
Hello PhonePerfection, all a novel why you speak S10 G973F / DS in the United States.
Already your model S10 G973F/DS exynos 5G or the first 4G model so if these this Europe chip model, if now installed Samsung phone info look at who is scoring at worst take screenshots.
I don't understand your question United States, locked unlocked the seller.
You buy in the back market refurbished and unlocked telephone all operator therefore for sim card, the concern these the chip to install network either US or ASIA controls your model if these good SM-G973F/DS and not SM-G973U or G973U1.
Don't forget to say hello
I think what @meric57 is trying to say is that your phone doesn't have the right chips to communicate on the frequencies in the USA. It's made for other markets and other frequencies... so it won't work here.
If you use FrequencyCheck you can see what carriers support what frequencies on your specific model: https://www.frequencycheck.com/comp...m-td-lte-512gb-samsung-beyond-1/united-states
Scroll down to the "United States" area and you'll see it doesn't support the frequencies used in the USA (except for GSM 2.5, which is old and dead here in the USA). The US is primarily on LTE... and you can see that phone model doesn't support ANY of the available frequencies.
Bottom line "GSM" doesn't tell you enough. You have an incomatible phone model for the USA market. No SIM card will fix that.
Note, in SOME cases, you can activate other frequencies by loading different ROMs into the phone. My old LG V30 did this, for example. I have heard that you can run some Exynos phones here in the USA, but I don't know the details to help. FrequencyCheck may help you figure that out. Be sure the look for the complete model number, not just "Galaxy S10" or something... the naming is worthless for figuring this out.
schwinn8 said:
I think what @meric57 is trying to say is that your phone doesn't have the right chips to communicate on the frequencies in the USA. It's made for other markets and other frequencies... so it won't work here.
If you use FrequencyCheck you can see what carriers support what frequencies on your specific model: https://www.frequencycheck.com/compsomethingatibility/RdEkS7k/samsung-sm-g973f-ds-galaxy-s10-global-dual-sim-td-lte-512gb-samsung-beyond-1/united-states
Scroll down to the "United States" area and you'll see it doesn't support the frequencies used in the USA (except for GSM 2.5, which is old and dead here in the USA). The US is primarily on LTE... and you can see that phone model doesn't support ANY of the available frequencies.
Bottom line "GSM" doesn't tell you enough. You have an incomatible phone model for the USA market. No SIM card will fix that.
Note, in SOME cases, you can activate other frequencies by loading different ROMs into the phone. My old LG V30 did this, for example. I have heard that you can run some Exynos phones here in the USA, but I don't know the details to help. FrequencyCheck may help you figure that out. Be sure the look for the complete model number, not just "Galaxy S10" or something... the naming is worthless for figuring this out.
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Click to collapse
schwinn8 said:
I think what @meric57 is trying to say is that your phone doesn't have the right chips to communicate on the frequencies in the USA. It's made for other markets and other frequencies... so it won't work here.
If you use FrequencyCheck you can see what carriers support what frequencies on your specific model: https://www.frequencycheck.com/comp...m-td-lte-512gb-samsung-beyond-1/united-states
Scroll down to the "United States" area and you'll see it doesn't support the frequencies used in the USA (except for GSM 2.5, which is old and dead here in the USA). The US is primarily on LTE... and you can see that phone model doesn't support ANY of the available frequencies.
Bottom line "GSM" doesn't tell you enough. You have an incomatible phone model for the USA market. No SIM card will fix that.
Note, in SOME cases, you can activate other frequencies by loading different ROMs into the phone. My old LG V30 did this, for example. I have heard that you can run some Exynos phones here in the USA, but I don't know the details to help. FrequencyCheck may help you figure that out. Be sure the look for the complete model number, not just "Galaxy S10" or something... the naming is worthless for figuring this out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, this is great info. Good to know. It looks like that S10 could only communicate on 1 of 8 bands used by Mint/T-Mobile. That 1 usable band appears to have been deprecated by T-Mobile as it is. I think that explains it perfectly. Thank You!
You're welcome.
Yeah, frequencies/bands are very important to watch, particularly if you're buying out of market devices. You have to know model numbers and carriers to be sure of anything, and unfortunately this info is relatively hidden.
schwinn8 said:
You're welcome.
Yeah, frequencies/bands are very important to watch, particularly if you're buying out of market devices. You have to know model numbers and carriers to be sure of anything, and unfortunately this info is relatively hidden.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The CSC on that device was DBT (Germany). I had to find that out in order to put the correct stock OS back on there.
Makes me wonder if the ebay seller even knows this. They appear to specialize in mobile phones with tens of thousands of transactions, so I would hope they've encountered this situation before. They were more than happy to accept a return on the device. Sent me a prepaid shipping label immediately.
Back to the CSC... Let's say I look for another S10 (SM-G973F/DS) but I ask what the CSC is for that device. Are there any regions outside the lower 48 states with reasonably good chances of it working? I suppose I would need to study the mobile frequency website for the answer to that.
I did some quick searching, and supposedly there are websites that say the 973F/DS will work on MM (mint mobile)... but they don't detail how. For example: https://de-googled.com/blogs/news/a-word-on-network-compatibility-of-our-degoogled-phones
and https://www.ebay.com/p/15030406771 (in the description).
So, maybe it is possible? I don't know, so maybe someone else can chime in.
Personally, I stuck with U-version phones and gave up rooting/romming. It's just getting too hard to find phones that offer this, so I figured I'd just adapt back to a stock ROM, since choices are limited. I had done a bunch of that in the past, but I found that stock roms (today) are pretty good... and allow enough customization that made root/rom unnecessary... for me. My current is an SM-G975U1 (unlocked, USA, Snapdragon S10+) on Total Wireless (VZ MVNO)... it works great and I don't miss root/rom at all.
Rumor is that the Galaxy S23 will only be offered as Snapdragon, so maybe that will open up more options... but I doubt it. Samsung loves it's Knox system, and will likely lock down the phone even more with every generation.
schwinn8 said:
I did some quick searching, and supposedly there are websites that say the 973F/DS will work on MM (mint mobile)... but they don't detail how. For example: https://de-googled.com/blogs/news/a-word-on-network-compatibility-of-our-degoogled-phones
and https://www.ebay.com/p/15030406771 (in the description).
So, maybe it is possible? I don't know, so maybe someone else can chime in.
Personally, I stuck with U-version phones and gave up rooting/romming. It's just getting too hard to find phones that offer this, so I figured I'd just adapt back to a stock ROM, since choices are limited. I had done a bunch of that in the past, but I found that stock roms (today) are pretty good... and allow enough customization that made root/rom unnecessary... for me. My current is an SM-G975U1 (unlocked, USA, Snapdragon S10+) on Total Wireless (VZ MVNO)... it works great and I don't miss root/rom at all.
Rumor is that the Galaxy S23 will only be offered as Snapdragon, so maybe that will open up more options... but I doubt it. Samsung loves it's Knox system, and will likely lock down the phone even more with every generation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link. I think I may try for an S10 again if the seller can tell me what the CSC is. That page on De-googled.com affirms that American devices are more restrictive than their European counterparts.
It just doesn't make any sense to me personally to use a device with an open source OS that has loads of telemetry, spyware, bloat, etc. Which is a contradiction that I am not comfortable with. It's like installing a Linux distro that comes bundled with Facebook.
To me, being proactive about privacy is the equivalent to standing up for yourself in the real world. Sure, you can use a stock ROM and there is nothing wrong with that. It's having the freedom to choose which is most important. So long as that choice is available, I will happily go that route.
I like the added bonus of an Android device that seems faster with a longer lasting battery as well. I mean, I paid for this device. I should have the right to decide what apps are running on it.
No argument there... I agree with why we should be allowed to root/rom. Unfortunately, the carriers pull the strings in the USA (business over people) so we are losing options. Frankly, it pisses me off that they can still prevent phones from connecting to their network just because the IMEI doesn't match (even if the software is correct). In the end, if the device CAN work on the network, the carrier should have no say in allowing/disallowing it on the network. They like to claim that a "bad" device could "hurt" the network, but if that happens, they can lock out that phone and figure it out. I doubt that's even ever happened, but whatever. (They prevented me from using my already-working V30 US998 phone on the network, even though it ran as VS996 with no issues for years... they only later saw the IMEI wasn't "theirs" (original SIM card failed) so they prevented me from re-registering it. So stupid.)
Good luck, and let us know if you figure it out... I'm always curious to learn!
yes, most japan and europe phones do not have the correct radios channels in them for 4g and 5g. i ran into this same problem with my xperia phones that i bought overseas. this is a common problem that can happen.
The S10 and all it's variants is a world compatible GSM phone. So yes, the F variant should work with most GSM carriers and resellers in N. America.
There are various websites that will tell you what frequencies and carriers any particular model will work with if you do a search. Like this one.
WillMyPhoneWork.net - Check if your phone works on a network
Check 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE Network Frequency Compatibility for a Smartphone, Tablet, and Mobile Device in any Country and Mobile Network Carrier
willmyphonework.net
According to that site the SM-G973F/DS supports all 2G, 3G, and 4G frequencies used by Mint.

Question Unlimited Native Hotspot (T-Mobile)

Hi,
I just got a OnePlus 10 Pro. I haven't yet activated it and gotten in yet, but I'm also moving to T-mobile from Sprint/T-Mobile.
The plan I'll be on has a 5GB hotspot allowance. I'd like to set my phone up to bypass the hotspot allowance and treat it has normal data use from my phone.
Can anyone help direct me in how to do this? The phone is unlocked, and I'm guessing I'll need to root it first, but any help from anyone on how to get this going would be great.
Thanks.
Sounds like another t mobile limitation..
Send it back when you get it and grab a pixel 7 pro... Read through some of the threads about t mobile, they really do sound like an awful company, I wouldn't line their pockets, just like I wouldn't line OnePlus anymore.
There used to be a limitation on three devices here in the UK, their sales slumped and they stopped doing it, now their phones are unlocked and open..
I'll be honest, from what I've read it seems t mobile locks their phones up pretty good, you could maybe look into changing region but that's a whole other can of worms and in all fairness not something you should be doing with a brand new phone..
Have a look about through the 10 pro threads and you'll see what I mean...
There may be a magisk module that allows you to use your data, but have never needed it myself
dladz said:
Sounds like another t mobile limitation..
Send it back when you get it and grab a pixel 7 pro... Read through some of the threads about t mobile, they really do sound like an awful company, I wouldn't line their pockets, just like I wouldn't line OnePlus anymore.
There used to be a limitation on three devices here in the UK, their sales slumped and they stopped doing it, now their phones are unlocked and open..
I'll be honest, from what I've read it seems t mobile locks their phones up pretty good, you could maybe look into changing region but that's a whole other can of worms and in all fairness not something you should be doing with a brand new phone..
Have a look about through the 10 pro threads and you'll see what I mean...
There may be a magisk module that allows you to use your data, but have never needed it myself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eh, clearly you are not from the US
T-Mobile is by far the best carrier for devs if you buy a carrier locked device. VZW and ATT are by far worse, and Dish is still a joke of a network. Check out VZW and you'll see that even if you buy a Verizon carrier Pixel, you will NEVER be able to unlock it (without an exploit, see Pixel 3). This is unfortunately the Android situation in the US. The NE2217 actually allows you to oem unlock and get the unlock code from oneplus prior to getting the SIM unlocked, which was unheard of in the past. Too bad oneplus decided to **** that up by not having a MSM.
Regarding the OP's question: He's on an unlimited plan called Magenta, which has unlimited data but limited tethering of 5GB. No device sets limit on this, because T-Mobile measures hotspot usage with TTL value on the TCP packet. Technically, you can set the TTL to 65 on devices 1 hop from the phone and the network will never know it's tethered, but obviously you'll need to be using a device where you can modify the TTL. Some people use a 2nd router to achieve it, you'll find a lot of resources about this online.
dladz said:
Sounds like another t mobile limitation..
Send it back when you get it and grab a pixel 7 pro... Read through some of the threads about t mobile, they really do sound like an awful company, I wouldn't line their pockets, just like I wouldn't line OnePlus anymore.
There used to be a limitation on three devices here in the UK, their sales slumped and they stopped doing it, now their phones are unlocked and open..
I'll be honest, from what I've read it seems t mobile locks their phones up pretty good, you could maybe look into changing region but that's a whole other can of worms and in all fairness not something you should be doing with a brand new phone..
Have a look about through the 10 pro threads and you'll see what I mean...
There may be a magisk module that allows you to use your data, but have never needed it myself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So line Google's pockets?
craznazn said:
Eh, clearly you are not from the US
T-Mobile is by far the best carrier for devs if you buy a carrier locked device. VZW and ATT are by far worse, and Dish is still a joke of a network. Check out VZW and you'll see that even if you buy a Verizon carrier Pixel, you will NEVER be able to unlock it (without an exploit, see Pixel 3). This is unfortunately the Android situation in the US. The NE2217 actually allows you to oem unlock and get the unlock code from oneplus prior to getting the SIM unlocked, which was unheard of in the past. Too bad oneplus decided to **** that up by not having a MSM.
Regarding the OP's question: He's on an unlimited plan called Magenta, which has unlimited data but limited tethering of 5GB. No device sets limit on this, because T-Mobile measures hotspot usage with TTL value on the TCP packet. Technically, you can set the TTL to 65 on devices 1 hop from the phone and the network will never know it's tethered, but obviously you'll need to be using a device where you can modify the TTL. Some people use a 2nd router to achieve it, you'll find a lot of resources about this online.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Global would be an improvement over t mobiles mess...
No I'm not in the US gladly, I wouldn't touch t mobile based on what I've read about it.
dladz said:
Global would be an improvement over t mobiles mess...
No I'm not in the US gladly, I wouldn't touch t mobile based on what I've read about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We have a triopoly. Better than Canada though. If you can't stand tmo based on what you've seen on here, you would just not have any cell service and any discussion over phones would be moot lol.
i use pdanet+
craznazn said:
We have a triopoly. Better than Canada though. If you can't stand tmo based on what you've seen on here, you would just not have any cell service and any discussion over phones would be moot lol.
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Click to collapse
I have no idea what their network is but surely they offer sim only, in which case I'd buy the phone I wanted then contract the SIM I wanted....this has to be an option in every country.
dladz said:
I have no idea what their network is but surely they offer sim only, in which case I'd buy the phone I wanted then contract the SIM I wanted....this has to be an option in every country.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that doesn't answer the OP's question at all. You can buy a NE2215, or a U1 Samsung, or unlocked Pixel, or an iPhone. Doesn't help that the network will measure hotspot usage the same way, with the TCP packet's TTL value.
And also to resolve your confusion. In the US, carriers do not sell SIM free devices ever. You need to buy from the manufacturer directly.
OP wants to know how to defeat network hotspot measurement. Ranting about how the carrier locks down the phone or even the manufacturer is not helpful. g96818's solution might work, but it's not guaranteed.
craznazn said:
Yeah that doesn't answer the OP's question at all. You can buy a NE2215, or a U1 Samsung, or unlocked Pixel, or an iPhone. Doesn't help that the network will measure hotspot usage the same way, with the TCP packet's TTL value.
And also to resolve your confusion. In the US, carriers do not sell SIM free devices ever. You need to buy from the manufacturer directly.
OP wants to know how to defeat network hotspot measurement. Ranting about how the carrier locks down the phone or even the manufacturer is not helpful. g96818's solution might work, but it's not guaranteed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
last i used it, pdanet+ has a module to block t-mobile, but you need to use it in tether mode. it's been a while since i needed to tether, buy looks like it might work via wifi now.
craznazn said:
Yeah that doesn't answer the OP's question at all. You can buy a NE2215, or a U1 Samsung, or unlocked Pixel, or an iPhone. Doesn't help that the network will measure hotspot usage the same way, with the TCP packet's TTL value.
And also to resolve your confusion. In the US, carriers do not sell SIM free devices ever. You need to buy from the manufacturer directly.
OP wants to know how to defeat network hotspot measurement. Ranting about how the carrier locks down the phone or even the manufacturer is not helpful. g96818's solution might work, but it's not guaranteed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to chill lad...
T-Mobile seems to be the only network selling a device that's a massive ballache to do anything with.
Also you're suggesting you can't buy a device SIM free??
Just checked with Verizon. They offer the device SIM free so your chatting bubbles pal
My point is don't buy from T-Mobile, ever... Why would you if this is what they do to you? They do not offer a SIM free device, here in the UK we used to have EE do the same thing with mobile hotspot when it was called T-mobile then they need with orange.
People just stopped using them for that reason, it promoted the other networks like Three and even Vodafone. Soon as the then merged companies realised this they stopped doing it, as well as locking down bootloaders.. So the answer to the question is to swerve them believe it or not.
@Strawboy good luck with your phone buddy, my stance is rigidly within sending it back, T-Mobile sound awful mate..
There may be a magisk module or otherwise that may help but you shouldn't have to jump through hoops just to use your phone. That's nuts.
dladz said:
You need to chill lad...
T-Mobile seems to be the only network selling a device that's a massive ballache to do anything with.
Also you're suggesting you can't buy a device SIM free??
Really?
I do not believe you at all.
My point is don't buy from T-Mobile, ever... Why would you if this is what they do to you?
@Strawboy good luck with your phone buddy, my stance is rigidly within sending it back, T-Mobile sound awful mate..
There may be a magisk module or otherwise that may help but you shouldn't have to jump through hoops just to use your phone. That's nuts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the tether limit isn't based on the device they sell, it's across all devices regardless if it's sim unlocked or not. In the past, you would edit the build prop and add one line to the global tables to bypass the tether check, but google changed that several android generations ago so now only pdanet+ was working for me.
It all depends on the plan your carrier offered. No carrier in the US offers unlimited tethering anymore and those lucky few who have it are all grandfathered plans that the carrier cannot change.
as far as i know, t-mobile has a bunch of restrictions, but it's also the cheapest, offers free 5G (vice an upgrade by other carriers), and offers unlimited data plans.
g96818 said:
the tether limit isn't based on the device they sell, it's across all devices regardless if it's sim unlocked or not. In the past, you would edit the build prop and add one line to the global tables to bypass the tether check, but google changed that several android generations ago so now only pdanet+ was working for me.
It all depends on the plan your carrier offered. No carrier in the US offers unlimited tethering anymore and those lucky few who have it are all grandfathered plans that the carrier cannot change.
as far as i know, t-mobile has a bunch of restrictions, but it's also the cheapest, offers free 5G (vice an upgrade by other carriers), and offers unlimited data plans.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm aware that they capture data to identify hotspot usage.
Seems that Verizon offer unlimited, after an allotted amount of data they reduce the speed but it's still unlimited..
If you're still getting 50-100Mb then that's perfectly fine...
As does t mobile.
3G max speed is 42Mb down... That's perfectly fine for most people tbh.
Seeing as it's 3G in 2022 it should max out.
dladz said:
I'm aware that they capture data to identify hotspot usage.
Seems that Verizon offer unlimited, after an allotted amount of data they reduce the speed but it's still unlimited..
If you're still getting 50-100Mb then that's perfectly fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
didn't realize verizon changed their plans to compete with t-mobile.
dladz said:
As does t mobile.
3G max speed is 42Mb down... That's perfectly fine for most people tbh.
Seeing as it's 3G in 2022 it should max out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will test that 40 gb hot spot limit and see if the speed drops afterwards. didn't realize they changed that. was only 5 gb tether when i signed up for the plan. it'll probably drop to 4G
btw, the unlimited i was talking about is without speed reduction.
g96818 said:
didn't realize verizon changed their plans to compete with t-mobile.
I will test that 40 gb hot spot limit and see if the speed drops afterwards. didn't realize they changed that. was only 5 gb tether when i signed up for the plan. it'll probably drop to 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's there its there give it a whirl.
Tbh they probably do something similar in the UK but just lie to us and say it's "unlimited"
┤Mod Edit├┤Added some colour to the darker language├
dladz said:
As does t mobile.
3G max speed is 42Mb down... That's perfectly fine for most people tbh.
Seeing as it's 3G in 2022 it should max out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Holy spirit man, not only do you not know the answer to the OP's question other than aimlessly suggesting "magisk module", you decide to go to arms about market environments that you know nothing about. I don't tell you what's what in the UK, and you don't get to spread misguided misinformation for the US market.
"T-Mobile seems to be the only network selling a device that's a massive ballache to do anything with."
No, I've already stated this. Both ATT and VZW in the US lock their swans down more than TMO. TMO is by far the most dev friendly carrier if you wanted to get a carrier device. Buy manufacturer unlocked if you must, but if you want carrier deals, you are going to have the best option with TMO.
"My point is don't buy from T-Mobile, ever... Why would you if this is what they do to you?"
The phone is free or nearly free, that's why people put up with carrier phones, because of carrier deals. IDK about you, but I'm willing to go through the trouble of hacking up my devices than to pay an additional $800-$1000.
"Just checked with Verizon. They offer the device SIM free so your chatting bubbles pal"
Clueless reps at all 3 carriers will promise the flowering world, esp overseas chat reps. VERIZON DOES NOT EVER SELL SIM FREE, All VZW devices (even fully paid) will be SIM locked for 60 days as an "anti-fraud" measure. This even includes Verizon MVNOs. https://www.verizon.com/support/device-unlocking-policy/
Oh, and good luck ever accessing the bootloader of a VZW device.
"3G max speed is 42Mb down... That's perfectly fine for most people tbh."
"If you're still getting 50-100Mb then that's perfectly fine..."
Both offer unlimited at throttled speeds. Don't assume speed based on the technology. 50-100mbps isn't even normal on a good day for VZW LTE or DSS 5G
Verizon: After exceeding 50 GB/mo of 5G Ultra Wideband, 5G Nationwide, or 4G LTE data, you can still use hotspot at lower speeds of 3 Mbps when on 5G Ultra Wideband and 600 Kbps when on 5G Nationwide / 4G LTE for the rest of the month.
T-Mobile: "3G", but it is 600 Kbps on Magenta / Magenta Max
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyways, the OP's question's been answered, so I'm out. There are plenty of wireless hacking forums out there that can teach you to bypass restrictions that are against XDA rules and generally don't work on phones but other LTE/NR devices, Google it and you'll find it.
[kind reminder] People can get so passionate about their view on things, it's both amazing and frightening sometimes. Don't forget the person behind the username. [/kind reminder]
Thanks for the replies thus far.
I am currently using easytether and Netshare, and both work pretty well for me. I would just love to be able to use the native option without third party apps.
I had read about editing the build prop in the past but never had the chance to try it out.
I'll look into the TTL/TCP comment that was made as well.
Thanks!
Strawboy said:
Thanks for the replies thus far.
I am currently using easytether and Netshare, and both work pretty well for me. I would just love to be able to use the native option without third party apps.
I had read about editing the build prop in the past but never had the chance to try it out.
I'll look into the TTL/TCP comment that was made as well.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that got patched ages ago, plus you can't access the build prop on this phone.

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