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LTE cards are basically next gen GSM sim cards, right?
Will a Verizon (cdma) phone that is LTE capable like the droid bionic work outside the USA?
Since LTE needs an LTE sim card, would an LTE device work outside the USA simply by removing the LTE card and inserting a local country sim card?
Thanks!
No the radio frequency is different.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
If your device has an antenna that supports GSm then yes it will work. You wont get LTE of course.
Ala my Tbolt works in Europe.
I didnt' think the Tbolt had any GSM capability, where in Europe does it work az?
I have seen conflicting information on whether or not the Bionic has a GSM radio in it. On GSM Arena, they have the specs up now, and emphasize that it doesn't have a GSM radio, but when the phone went through the FCC, there are articles talking about how it will be a 'world phone'.
Does anyone work for Verizon, or actually know the situation? It baffles me that there are no LTE devices that are also usable in Europe.
Verizon piggy backs on Vodaphone's network in Eruope.
Check out http://b2b.vzw.com/international/Global_Phone/Europe/Germany.html for proof.
It isn't cheap though
azwildfire said:
Verizon piggy backs on Vodaphone's network in Eruope.
Check out http://b2b.vzw.com/international/Global_Phone/Europe/Germany.html for proof.
It isn't cheap though
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Click to collapse
Thanks for that page. I see that Verizon uses that network overseas, but it doesn't appear as though the Bionic has a GSM chip in it, does it?
There is almost zero CDMA in Europe.
Yeah, you won't get 3g speeds - but you will have basic voice and sms service.
My phone stayed at 1x the whole trip - but the vast aray of free hotspots in Munich kept me well connected.
Bionic is supposed to be a world phone with 3G service on European frequencies:
http://www.phonearena.com/phones/Motorola-DROID-BIONIC_id5306
Superguy said:
Bionic is supposed to be a world phone with 3G service on European frequencies:
http://www.phonearena.com/phones/Motorola-DROID-BIONIC_id5306
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Click to collapse
Thank you for that link. It seems that for every link that I find that says that the Bionic has a GSM chip in it, there is another link that says that it doesn't. Phonearena is a good site, so this keeps me being hopeful, but then I find sites like this: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_droid_bionic-3710.php
They don't have a GSM chip listed, and specifically say that, "it will not work on any GSM network worldwide."
I guess that we will not know until after it is released and Verizon is finally allowed to talk about it? I tried talking to Motorola about it, and I have e-mails out to Verizon, but I'm not getting any information back that is relevant.
Check the FCC page for the Bionic here.
It's referred to in the user manual.
Though I will say, I couldn't find the GSM stuff in the tests, so it may not have made the final cut. I guess we'll see for sure on Thursday.
The link you had was for the original Bionic (the Etna). It got canned and reworked. The code name for this version was the Targa. This also has a model number of XT875 vs. the original's XT865.
I am currently living and working overseas. I can confirm that 4G LTE does not work in China. Actually, neither does verizon's 3G, which i believe is evdo (?).
No dice on it being a world phone it looks like it.
Phone Arena posted the user manual from Verizon's site. The manual's been updated from what Moto submitted to the FCC. It looks like GSM/UMTS was dropped from the final version. Makes sense considering it wasn't mentioned in the FCC test reports.
Bummer.
I would like to make a note that this phone can work in specific countries. Yes GSM is used throughout the world as the primary network (freq. band) which this phone does not provide but, it can still work in countries that has the CDMA network capabilities.
If you look in the "Getting Started" guide which came with the phone, there are Three sections about the "Go Global", "International Calling", "International Romaning" service provided by Verizon.
What I find odd is why mention this service if this phone is not a world/global/international phone..
HERE is an Example of some Countries that this phone should work in.
Japan, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Philippines, Thailand, Bahamas, Canada, Mexico, India, etc....
for a full list you can find it on Verizon's Wireless Site.
I also called Verizon to verify if this phone will work in Japan specifically as it is a primary destination of mine. They told me that in their records, The Motorola Droid Bionic phone will work in Japan. There is though, supposedly, an issue in texting where you can receive but not send
Even if its on the list, call them to verify to be safe before making a trip with the phone.
I did also ask about Europe to verify since they use GSM and they said that it would not work there. I was testing to see if they would say something opposite to what was mentioned publicly... something possibly hidden lol
Note: The primary focus was, does this phone will work in a specific country that I might travel to while still using the Verizon's plan.
If you are looking to try and get this phone moved to another service provider in that country on the other hand, I cant guarantee that it would work or is even possible. This was not a question that I brought up to Verizon.
Also I did not ask about the 4G/3G Data plan overseas.
Bionic in Japan and China
I went to China in 2005, my CDMA phone worked fine, however it was an old phone. No smart phones in 2005. I went to Japan last year with my Droid x. Everything worked well, Navigation text, phone calls. However the entire time you are in 1x mode. No 3G service in Japan, for Verizon customers. However ATT customers often had no service. I only had no service in once place. Not in a big city.
Since Japan is moving towards LTE there is no support for 3G on the CDMA network.
I do not think an LTE World phone is ready yet, for the difference band Frequency LTE operates on in different regions of the world. I would be happy if my phone worked in Japan, and it will but you will not get fast speeds and Data is very expensive on the network. When I went it was unlimited data for $64. Now Verizon has international plans. That will give you up to 250 Mb for $100. THe good thing is at 1x, how much data can you use.
not sure why this thread is spanning more than two posts.
it's cdma. no gsm chip.
there are about a dozen countries that support cdma. google it.
well the thing is the 4g chip for LTE uses a GSM network, thus the sim card... but the GSM chip works for 700 mhz OMLY, which is a LTE network frequency ONLY, so if you roam out of country, to do texts and calls, it would have to use CDMA. Not only that, but atm verizon is the only LTE carrier to use 700mhz. (correct me if I am wrong about that) so unless verizon has LTE tours out of country (vodafone?) you only will get 4G here, and if you do get 4G out of country, not only would it cost you a arm and a leg, but if there is no CDMA in the area, you would have data only. no calls, texts, or such.
I have an Ekit SIM card that we have used successfully for international calling when we're traveling (we're based in the US). I have used it in my old HTC Touch Pro 2 (one of Verizon's 'world phones') - put in the card, then the pin, and it connects to available GSM signals. Testing it out at my home in NC, it quickly connects to TMobile.
I have SIM unlocked my wife's Motorola Droid 3, another Verizon 'world phone' - I install the SIM, boot it up, type in the PIN which is accepted, but when it tries to connect, I get the following:
Network Error
No GSM/UMTS networks were found. Would you like to switch to the Global mode?
Is there something different about the signal bands between these 2 phones, such that my Touch Pro 2 has no problem connecting to TMobile GSM here in the US, while the Droid 3 won't? Now that I write this, I do kind of remember reading somewhere that the Droid 3 is not compatible with US GSM bands, so that might explain it.
The bigger question is will it still work outside the US? Specifically, we're going to Tanzania, by way of Amsterdam, and would like to have the option of calling home, or receiving calls from home, with my wife's Droid 3 (I retired my Touch Pro 2, and am now using the Samsung Galaxy Nexus).
We want to travel as light as possible, so would prefer not to bring an extra phone if the Droid 3 will in fact work with this SIM card when overseas.
Thanks!
Being that you have a U.S. branded DROID 3, you need to do some modifications to get it to work on GSM carriers.
Everything you need is here
Sent from my XT862 using Tapatalk 2
KayxGee1 said:
Being that you have a U.S. branded DROID 3, you need to do some modifications to get it to work on GSM carriers.
Everything you need is here
Sent from my XT862 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply - interesting link!
In my case, I don't need it work on GSM carriers in the U.S. - I just want to be confident it will work when I'm overseas.
I did a little more checking, and confirmed that (without the steps in your link) the Droid 3 would not work with US GSM carriers, so I'm reasonably confident I'll be okay when I get overseas.
Thanks again.
DLCPhoto said:
Thanks for the reply - interesting link!
In my case, I don't need it work on GSM carriers in the U.S. - I just want to be confident it will work when I'm overseas.
I did a little more checking, and confirmed that (without the steps in your link) the Droid 3 would not work with US GSM carriers, so I'm reasonably confident I'll be okay when I get overseas.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just need the unlock code, either by contacting Verizon with an account in good standing (or a friend with one) or purchasing one by a well known code dealer (I've heard several people recommend unlock4moto). Although you did mention you already unlocked it. Just putting that there for drifters reading the thread.
After unlock, the D3 should work flawless with foreign GSM carriers, you just need to make sure to input the APNs for data if they are not provided already on the SIM. Otherwise, the phone will not connect to US GSM networks (such as T-Mobile, which is 2g only, D3 lacks the 1700MHz band for Tmo 3g), it would require a flash of the XT883 radio + build.prop... Which is actually quite quick, painless, and simple once you do it a couple times. I keep a copy of both build.props in my /system folder.
For informational purposes; the D3 supports these bands to compare to carriers;
UMTS on 850Mhz, 1900Mhz, and 2100Mhz. (Supports HSPA+ 14.4Mbps)
GSM/EDGE on 850Mhz, 900Mhz, 1800Mhz, and 1900MHz.
CDMA on 800Mhz and 1900Mhz
Stock radio gets you; Verizon in the US, unlocked for any foreign GSM network
XT883 radio gets you; No CDMA (Might work with RUIM card, SIM equiv for foreign CDMA networks/4g LTE networks) GSM anywhere, including the US.
Skreelink said:
You just need the unlock code, either by contacting Verizon with an account in good standing (or a friend with one) or purchasing one by a well known code dealer (I've heard several people recommend unlock4moto). Although you did mention you already unlocked it. Just putting that there for drifters reading the thread.
After unlock, the D3 should work flawless with foreign GSM carriers, you just need to make sure to input the APNs for data if they are not provided already on the SIM. Otherwise, the phone will not connect to US GSM networks (such as T-Mobile, which is 2g only, D3 lacks the 1700MHz band for Tmo 3g), it would require a flash of the XT883 radio + build.prop... Which is actually quite quick, painless, and simple once you do it a couple times. I keep a copy of both build.props in my /system folder.
For informational purposes; the D3 supports these bands to compare to carriers;
UMTS on 850Mhz, 1900Mhz, and 2100Mhz. (Supports HSPA+ 14.4Mbps)
GSM/EDGE on 850Mhz, 900Mhz, 1800Mhz, and 1900MHz.
CDMA on 800Mhz and 1900Mhz
Stock radio gets you; Verizon in the US, unlocked for any foreign GSM network
XT883 radio gets you; No CDMA (Might work with RUIM card, SIM equiv for foreign CDMA networks/4g LTE networks) GSM anywhere, including the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I've already unlocked the SIM - got that through Verizon with no difficulty. Appreciate the other details!
Based on what I've read, and the posts here, I'll be happy to leave my Touch Pro 2 home, and the D3 should do what I need to on my trip. I actually don't need/want data on my phone out there - just wanted another option to call home when WiFi isn't available (I'll be using Skype when it is).
Thanks for the replies - told me what I needed to know!
DLCPhoto said:
Yes, I've already unlocked the SIM - got that through Verizon with no difficulty. Appreciate the other details!
Based on what I've read, and the posts here, I'll be happy to leave my Touch Pro 2 home, and the D3 should do what I need to on my trip. I actually don't need/want data on my phone out there - just wanted another option to call home when WiFi isn't available (I'll be using Skype when it is).
Thanks for the replies - told me what I needed to know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you enjoy your romp around the globe!
Hey everyone. So i have a question that i can't find on here so im going to ask it. I have a Verizon HTC one unlocked. The sim car works fine and i can do everything on the phone with the T-mobile sim card. The issue is its always Edge data. Is there a specfic APN i have to use? something im not seeing? Does anyone else have this issue? It is a stock factory HTC One, nothing custom.
super-6-1 said:
Hey everyone. So i have a question that i can't find on here so im going to ask it. I have a Verizon HTC one unlocked. The sim car works fine and i can do everything on the phone with the T-mobile sim card. The issue is its always Edge data. Is there a specfic APN i have to use? something im not seeing? Does anyone else have this issue? It is a stock factory HTC One, nothing custom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think the Verizon model will have the correct radio frequencies to use T-Mo's LTE or HSPA+ network, hence you're stuck on Edge. If you're staying with T-Mo, I'd suggest selling your current One and buying a T-Mo specific HTC One.
LBN1 said:
I don't think the Verizon model will have the correct radio frequencies to use T-Mo's LTE or HSPA+ network, hence you're stuck on Edge. If you're staying with T-Mo, I'd suggest selling your current One and buying a T-Mo specific HTC One.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is pulled from Verizons website
Network: LTE, CDMA/1xEVDO Rev. A (800/1900 MHz)
Global Network: EDGE/GSM (850/900/1800/1900), HSPA/UMTS(1900/2100) aGPS capable for E911 emergency location, aGPS (assisted), sGPS (simultaneous), Standalone GPS, eCompass, GLONASS
T-mobile uses the 1900 Mhz base band and the HSPA as well. So i don't see the issue in that one.
super-6-1 said:
This is pulled from Verizons website
Network: LTE, CDMA/1xEVDO Rev. A (800/1900 MHz)
Global Network: EDGE/GSM (850/900/1800/1900), HSPA/UMTS(1900/2100) aGPS capable for E911 emergency location, aGPS (assisted), sGPS (simultaneous), Standalone GPS, eCompass, GLONASS
T-mobile uses the 1900 Mhz base band and the HSPA as well. So i don't see the issue in that one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I can tell, nobody uses the dual 1900/2100 to achieve 4G like TMO. The UMTS referred to on that phone is for worldwide use, not US. So while it may have the frequencies, it is not set up to use them like TMO. Your software and firmware are set up to work with Verizon and overseas, not with a competitor like TMO. TMO refers to theirs as HSPA+. However, it might work on the new "reframed" 1900 bands (which is called HSPA), but those are not very highly deployed. Unfortunately, I don't see LTE on that list of frequencies. The TMO LTE is really great. EDIT: I mean TMO LTE, which is also 1700/2100.
I suppose you could try unlocking it and flashing the TMO radio, but there is an entire thread on trying to unlock TMO frequencies (in that case on the developer version), and no one has figured it out yet.
I concur that your best bet would be to sell the phone and get a TMO model.
stevedebi said:
From what I can tell, nobody uses the dual 1900/2100 to achieve 4G like TMO. The UMTS referred to on that phone is for worldwide use, not US. So while it may have the frequencies, it is not set up to use them like TMO. Your software and firmware are set up to work with Verizon and overseas, not with a competitor like TMO. TMO refers to theirs as HSPA+. However, it might work on the new "reframed" 1900 bands (which is called HSPA), but those are not very highly deployed. Unfortunately, I don't see LTE on that list of frequencies. The TMO LTE is really great. EDIT: I mean TMO LTE, which is also 1700/2100.
I suppose you could try unlocking it and flashing the TMO radio, but there is an entire thread on trying to unlock TMO frequencies (in that case on the developer version), and no one has figured it out yet.
I concur that your best bet would be to sell the phone and get a TMO model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah thats what im thinking. I need to contact and t-mobile rep and see if the re-farmed LTE here. Ill call and ask.
Alright so i called the rep and he said the area i am has been re-farmed to the 1900 range and i should be getting at least HSPA/3G but im not. Very odd issue
super-6-1 said:
Hey everyone. So i have a question that i can't find on here so im going to ask it. I have a Verizon HTC one unlocked. The sim car works fine and i can do everything on the phone with the T-mobile sim card. The issue is its always Edge data. Is there a specfic APN i have to use? something im not seeing? Does anyone else have this issue? It is a stock factory HTC One, nothing custom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verison use the CDMA, maybe that's why you can only use 2.5G network, just like some phones in China, they only have GSM in common
xunqren said:
Verison use the CDMA, maybe that's why you can only use 2.5G network, just like some phones in China, they only have GSM in common
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes but this phone has 4g lte already in it which accepts the sim card. Also, i have seen other verizon htc ones with t-mobile and never had a issue. I fell i may have to use a custom rom.
super-6-1 said:
yes but this phone has 4g lte already in it which accepts the sim card. Also, i have seen other verizon htc ones with t-mobile and never had a issue. I fell i may have to use a custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he is referring to is that what Verizon uses as "3G" is CDMA technology. So although they (T-Mobile and Verizon) may be on the same frequency they're using totally different technologies. Just because it has a sim card slot for a Verizon sim doesn't mean the device will be compatible with another carrier's sim. A custom ROM would not resolve this issue. Your best bet would be to sell this device and purchase one from T-Mobile. :fingers-crossed:
jayrivi said:
What he is referring to is that what Verizon uses as "3G" is CDMA technology. So although they (T-Mobile and Verizon) may be on the same frequency they're using totally different technologies. Just because it has a sim card slot for a Verizon sim doesn't mean the device will be compatible with another carrier's sim. A custom ROM would not resolve this issue. Your best bet would be to sell this device and purchase one from T-Mobile. :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know what the best way to go is but i am very curious as to what is really keeping it from going out of edge. baseband? Is the TMO and Verizon radios the same? these are things i need to know! >.<
super-6-1 said:
I know what the best way to go is but i am very curious as to what is really keeping it from going out of edge. baseband? Is the TMO and Verizon radios the same? these are things i need to know! >.<
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that the devices run on different systems for 3G and different LTE bands. You wont get more than GSM compatibility (GPRS, EDGE). Hopefully it is something that a software hack can fix but if you read around all the HTC One forums you will see no one has found it. Right now it is not possible.
jayplusone said:
What he is referring to is that what Verizon uses as "3G" is CDMA technology. So although they (T-Mobile and Verizon) may be on the same frequency they're using totally different technologies. Just because it has a sim card slot for a Verizon sim doesn't mean the device will be compatible with another carrier's sim. A custom ROM would not resolve this issue. Your best bet would be to sell this device and purchase one from T-Mobile. :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My question is that HTC makes phones for all T mobile verison sprint the same, so I believe its just software problem that we cant use Tmobile 4g lte on Verizon unlocked phone. SO does anyone have any comment for that?
aaloknaik said:
My question is that HTC makes phones for all T mobile verison sprint the same, so I believe its just software problem that we cant use Tmobile 4g lte on Verizon unlocked phone. SO does anyone have any comment for that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is hardware not software that is the issue. The T-Mobile variant has different bands than the other variants including Verizon. T-Mobile is a GSM variant while Verizon is a CDMA variant. Here is a comparison of the specs for the variants.
CDMA and GSM technology requires the antenna to be done differently. If they are not programmed to use those signals. Nothing you can dox will change it short of putting a new antenna in.
majmoz said:
It is hardware not software that is the issue. The T-Mobile variant has different bands than the other variants including Verizon. T-Mobile is a GSM variant while Verizon is a CDMA variant. Here is a comparison of the specs for the variants.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SO how do i know if my phone is Verizon CDMA unlocked or GSM unlocked
aaloknaik said:
SO how do i know if my phone is Verizon CDMA unlocked or GSM unlocked
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Click to collapse
Because you can only unlock GSM. Cdma uses the serial/esn number of the device.
Has there been any update on this? I called tmobile and they said it was simply because I couldn't put in the APN. So, there's no chance that rooting the phone and putting a tmobile rom on it would fix the problem and let me get more than edge speeds.
I myself have been wondering the answer to this. The device might seem the same but under the cover they are different. The actual daughter board which the camera, vibrating thing, volume rocker, power button are connected to are fairly different from each other. The CDMA variant is not compatible with the GSM variant. Not even by adding a CDMA daughter board to the GSM motherboard and vice versa, the are made quiet differently and will not be able to use GSM bands on a CDMA m7
Sent from my HTC My touch 4G
¤-¤-TIP FROM THE NOOB-¤-¤
1. Enable USB Debugging before flashing custom recovery.
2. Make a backup via recovery before granting apk's root permission, editing system files, or flashing a new Rom
☺*better safe than sorry*☺
?May the Angels lead your way Tom (Tony Stark) . Thanks for your contribution ?*
Wondering if the unlocked Tmobile Moto X will work on either CDMA carrier in the US (VZW, Sprint, or any of their off-contract small spin off carriers)?
I've read that people have gotten the VZW Moto X to work on T Mobile GSM, but haven't heard definitively whether the Tmobile version will work with Sprint or Straight Talk?
I'd like to buy an off contract version of the X and be able to use it on T Mobile, ATT, Straight Talk or Sprint towers in the USA. I'm currently with Sprint but am tired of them locking devices to their network not allowing you to use your device elsewhere. Was going to switch to Tmobile and have them pay my ETF so I'm contract free. Coverage is spotty sometimes in rural areas between carriers, so if after doing this Tmobile coverage sucks if I can use it with Straight Talk (which uses ATT towers I believe) then I would have better coverage from the same device. An added plus would be if it works on Sprint too, cuz then I could buy the Tmobile unlocked version now and use it on Sprint, then switch to Tmobile later on instead of having to do both at once.
bobby2478 said:
Wondering if the unlocked Tmobile Moto X will work on either CDMA carrier in the US (VZW, Sprint, or any of their off-contract small spin off carriers)?
I've read that people have gotten the VZW Moto X to work on T Mobile GSM, but haven't heard definitively whether the Tmobile version will work with Sprint or Straight Talk?
I'd like to buy an off contract version of the X and be able to use it on T Mobile, ATT, Straight Talk or Sprint towers in the USA. I'm currently with Sprint but am tired of them locking devices to their network not allowing you to use your device elsewhere. Was going to switch to Tmobile and have them pay my ETF so I'm contract free. Coverage is spotty sometimes in rural areas between carriers, so if after doing this Tmobile coverage sucks if I can use it with Straight Talk (which uses ATT towers I believe) then I would have better coverage from the same device. An added plus would be if it works on Sprint too, cuz then I could buy the Tmobile unlocked version now and use it on Sprint, then switch to Tmobile later on instead of having to do both at once.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you on a sprint family plan? If so, do they have a lower rate plan for tablets, or something of the sort?
justinisloco said:
Are you on a sprint family plan? If so, do they have a lower rate plan for tablets, or something of the sort?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and yes, they just switched me to their "Framily" plan. My frustration with Sprint honestly is around their current network rollout as I started getting dropped calls and network issues all the time now when I never did before. Their LTE rollout is such a mess, and it will take years to resolve. And ever since the 4.2 update for my GS4 it's been behaving like crap (poor battery life, dropped Wifi, weather apps not working, etc). So was looking at selling it outright and I like the Moto X.
Also my brother who is on my plan lives in a small town and wants to eventually switch to Straight Talk from Sprint. So ideal is a device that will work on Tmobile, Straight Talk and Sprint. That way he could switch to the device now while on Sprint, and if he wants to leave for Straight Talk he can first go to Tmobile to pay off the ETF then after a few months he could switch to Straight Talk. I think in his area Tmobile coverage is very spotty, so if it doesn't work out he can at least switch to Straight Talk, which I believe uses ATT towers so likely much better GSM coverage than Tmobile).
bobby2478 said:
Wondering if the unlocked Tmobile Moto X will work on either CDMA carrier in the US (VZW, Sprint, or any of their off-contract small spin off carriers)?
I've read that people have gotten the VZW Moto X to work on T Mobile GSM, but haven't heard definitively whether the Tmobile version will work with Sprint or Straight Talk?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is because you can't.
The Verizon uses CDMA/1xRtt/EVDO for Voice and 2G/3G data, and includes GSM/HSPA radio for "global' use. Due to FCC rules around the 700mhz spectrum Verizon won and is using, their LTE devices have been SIM unlocked. So, you can take a GSM SIM, pop-it into the VZW X, set the X for Global mode, or GSM/UMTS mode, and work on a GSM Carrier (like ATT or T-Mobile) network.
While the Sprint version might include GSM radios for global roaming, its not SIM Unlocked, so you are stuck with a Sprint SIM being the only ones that work in the phone.
And finally, the GSM Moto X lack CDMA radio, so you can't get them working on a CDMA carrier.
KidJoe said:
That is because you can't.
The Verizon uses CDMA/1xRtt/EVDO for Voice and 2G/3G data, and includes GSM/HSPA radio for "global' use. Due to FCC rules around the 700mhz spectrum Verizon won and is using, their LTE devices have been SIM unlocked. So, you can take a GSM SIM, pop-it into the VZW X, set the X for Global mode, or GSM/UMTS mode, and work on a GSM Carrier (like ATT or T-Mobile) network.
While the Sprint version might include GSM radios for global roaming, its not SIM Unlocked, so you are stuck with a Sprint SIM being the only ones that work in the phone.
And finally, the GSM Moto X lack CDMA radio, so you can't get them working on a CDMA carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, that helps. So the GSM Moto X (whether ATT or Tmobile) don't have CDMA radio, and thus impossible to work with Sprint or Verizon. Where Verizon has both CDMA and GSM, and should work on VZW, ATT, Tmobile and Straight Talk. Meaning any Sprint Moto X is 100% locked to their network in the USA, and it isn't possible to unlock the SIM to use it on a GSM carrer?
If so, that further makes my decision to leave Sprint at some point easier given there are options for sufficient GSM coverage between Tmobile and Straight Talk. What radios does the Tmobile Moto X have that the VZW X does not?
bobby2478 said:
Thanks, that helps. So the GSM Moto X (whether ATT or Tmobile) don't have CDMA radio, and thus impossible to work with Sprint or Verizon. Where Verizon has both CDMA and GSM, and should work on VZW, ATT, Tmobile and Straight Talk. Meaning any Sprint Moto X is 100% locked to their network in the USA, and it isn't possible to unlock the SIM to use it on a GSM carrer?
If so, that further makes my decision to leave Sprint at some point easier given there are options for sufficient GSM coverage between Tmobile and Straight Talk. What radios does the Tmobile Moto X have that the VZW X does not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason why I asked about the family plan thing is because I did this to get out of etf with Verizon and keep my number.
-Port out of VZW to Google Voice
-Within 24 hours, changed phone number on VZW
-Ported out from Google Voice to ATT
-Swapped my line with a tablet on VZW, thus paying 10 a month for 20 remaining months rather than $310+tax cancelation fee.
-Simply try now to give someone else a AOL on my VZW now if they choose
This may work for Sprint as well, but I'm unfamiliar with them
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk
The other thing I may need to consider is the Nexus 5, as the unlocked version from Google Play can be activated and used on Sprint, ATT and Tmobile networks as it has all radios in it. You can also take it with you to any of those 3 carriers, the only one it won't work on is Verizon.
Main thing I liked about the Moto X was the customization of colors, as well as the Touchless control and Active Notifications. Although I'm reading now that there are apps in Play that bring both of those to the Nexus 5 also. So I need to do some more research. If the Nexus 5 can have all the features of the Moto X, minus the customization, then I'll likely be willing to sacrifice customization for the sake of interoperability between carriers. Plus, the X doesn't have wireless charging while the Nexus 5 does.
Is it possible to have the Sprint Moto X unlocked for use on T-mobile? I can't seem to find any sites offering such a service.
bobby2478 said:
Thanks, that helps. So the GSM Moto X (whether ATT or Tmobile) don't have CDMA radio, and thus impossible to work with Sprint or Verizon. Where Verizon has both CDMA and GSM, and should work on VZW, ATT, Tmobile and Straight Talk. Meaning any Sprint Moto X is 100% locked to their network in the USA, and it isn't possible to unlock the SIM to use it on a GSM carrer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much, so long as Straight Talk uses ATT or T-Mobile towers.
To make things clearer, let me quote something I posted in another thread..see -> THIS POST
KidJoe said:
....Because Verizon's 4G LTE phones are "global" they support the same GSM/GPRS/Edge bands (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) as ATT and T-Mobile for voice and data so they can be used globally on GSM carrier networks. Another little plus is that due to the FCC rules around their 700Mhz spectrum, they are SIM unlocked, so they happen to work with ATT and T-Mobile sim inserted. Since ATT uses the same bands for HSPA and HSPA+ as they do for EDGE, you can get HSPA speeds. In areas where T-Mobile's "network modernization" has refarmed their 1900Mhz edge to HSPA, you'll get HSPA speeds. In Tmobile areas that HSPA is still over AWS, you'll fall back to Edge when trying Verizon branded devices....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I didn't mention that ATT's HSPA also uses 2100 Mhz, but the VZW X also supports that, so you can get ATT HSPA on the VZW X.
Two other important things to keep in mind... LTE, and APNs.
The LTE bands used/supported by the wireless carriers differ. So while the VZW X supports LTE, it only supports Band 4 and 13, if the carrier you intend to use doesn't use one of those bands where you go, you wont get LTE.
When it comes to APNs, or Access Point Names, these are critical for proper data settings, MMS usage, texting, etc. Set incorrectly and your phone wont work right. In another thread, I explained how when I first got my VZW Moto X Developer Edition, and it had 4.2.2, putting my T-Mobile USA SIM in, resulted in the T-Mo APN being received automatically, and everything working. However, with 4.4 on my X, the APN isn't properly received and I have to manually enter, and MMS doesn't work. See my posts in -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2594302
bobby2478 said:
If so, that further makes my decision to leave Sprint at some point easier given there are options for sufficient GSM coverage between Tmobile and Straight Talk. What radios does the Tmobile Moto X have that the VZW X does not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In addition to the GSM bands the VZW X supports, the T-Mobile X, (as well as the GSM Developer Edition as they are the same phone), supports HSPA on AWS (1700/2100) which the VZW X doesn't have. Why is this important? When T-Mo started their HSPA/HSPA+ 3G/4G built out, they used AWS 1700/2100 spectrum for it. In 2013, T-Mobile started their "Network Modernization" plan underwich they are coverting (or refarming) their 1900 Mhz from usage for EDGE to HSPA/HSPA+. So as mentioned above, where T-Mobile still has their HSPA/HSPA+ on the AWS (1700/2100) bands the T-Mo X will get and fully utilize HSPA/HSPA+, and the Verizon X will fall back to Edge. However, in areas they have refarmed their 1900mhz spectrum from EDGE to HSPA (aka "network modernization"), you'll get HSPA/HSPA+ with the Verizon X.
The T-Mo X also supports LTE bands 2 and 17, in addition to Band 4 that the verizon X also supports. So as you can imagine, if T-Mobile is using Band 2 or 17 for LTE where you are, the VZW X wont be able to use it. If TMobile is using band 4 for LTE in your area, the VZW X will be fine.
When it comes to the ATT GSM vs T-Mobile GSM band differences... It comes down to... Like the VZW X, the ATT X lacks HSPA/HSPA+ on AWS. And the LTE bands supported are slightly different. It was posted in another thread that the T-mobile (and thus GSM Developer Edition) X is missing two LTE bands when compared to the ATT X, however it was said that the two missing bands are not used in the USA.
---------- Post added at 08:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:59 AM ----------
Rayz321 said:
Is it possible to have the Sprint Moto X unlocked for use on T-mobile? I can't seem to find any sites offering such a service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From the posts I've seen around the net. No one except Sprint can SIM Unlock the Sprint Moto X. To do so, your X must be currently active on Sprint.
--------
!UPDATE! 1/31/2014...
I do need to add something based experiences yesterday when I put my T-Mobile SIM in my Verizon Moto X developer edition (Kit Kat rom) again.
With the T-Mobile SIM inserted, and the phone reporting LTE, trying to make a phone call fails, service is briefly lost (4GLTE/3G indicator next to the bars goes out), Forcing the phone to LTE/GSM/UMTS doesn't help. Using an app like LTE OnOFF to go into the service menu and force the phone to either LTE/GSM auto (PRL) or LTE Only does not help, and the phone reverts back to LTE/GSM/CDMA auto (PRL)
There is a bug posted in another thread about not being able to use simultaneous voice/data while LTE on T-Mobile. I do not know the details on it, but its possible this is exactly what I'm seeing. Its posted in another thread that I don't have the link to right this second. Thread link -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2578665 just start reading around post 13 and 14... The work around was to force the phone to HSPA.
It was suggested to me by CellZealot to change the build.prop line of LteOnCdmaDevice to LteOnGsmDevice I have NOT tried this yet. I haven't had time, and VZW is my primary carrier, so I'd need to make the edit to test, then undo it to switch back to "normal" use. There may be other settings in there which need edited to be used in "pure GSM mode"
Also, I found that ATT also might be using LTE Band 4 in some areas, but I do not have a map showing which band LTE is used where, so while the VZW X may get ATT LTE in some areas, it wont pick it up everywhere. Also, I'm not sure how much Band 4 LTE ATT might have left due to the spectrum swap ATT did with T-Mobile as a result of the failed take over attempt. I have not had a chance to try an ATT Sim in my VZW X.
KidJoe said:
Pretty much, so long as Straight Talk uses ATT or T-Mobile towers.
To make things clearer, let me quote something I posted in another thread..see -> THIS POST
Sorry, I didn't mention that ATT's HSPA also uses 2100 Mhz, but the VZW X also supports that, so you can get ATT HSPA on the VZW X.
Two other important things to keep in mind... LTE, and APNs.
The LTE bands used/supported by the wireless carriers differ. So while the VZW X supports LTE, it only supports Band 4 and 13, if the carrier you intend to use doesn't use one of those bands where you go, you wont get LTE.
When it comes to APNs, or Access Point Names, these are critical for proper data settings, MMS usage, texting, etc. Set incorrectly and your phone wont work right. In another thread, I explained how when I first got my VZW Moto X Developer Edition, and it had 4.2.2, putting my T-Mobile USA SIM in, resulted in the T-Mo APN being received automatically, and everything working. However, with 4.4 on my X, the APN isn't properly received and I have to manually enter, and MMS doesn't work. See my posts in -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2594302
In addition to the GSM bands the VZW X supports, the T-Mobile X, (as well as the GSM Developer Edition as they are the same phone), supports HSPA on AWS (1700/2100) which the VZW X doesn't have. Why is this important? When T-Mo started their HSPA/HSPA+ 3G/4G built out, they used AWS 1700/2100 spectrum for it. In 2013, T-Mobile started their "Network Modernization" plan underwich they are coverting (or refarming) their 1900 Mhz from usage for EDGE to HSPA/HSPA+. So as mentioned above, where T-Mobile still has their HSPA/HSPA+ on the AWS (1700/2100) bands the T-Mo X will get and fully utilize HSPA/HSPA+, and the Verizon X will fall back to Edge. However, in areas they have refarmed their 1900mhz spectrum from EDGE to HSPA (aka "network modernization"), you'll get HSPA/HSPA+ with the Verizon X.
The T-Mo X also supports LTE bands 2 and 17, in addition to Band 4 that the verizon X also supports. So as you can imagine, if T-Mobile is using Band 2 or 17 for LTE where you are, the VZW X wont be able to use it. If TMobile is using band 4 for LTE in your area, the VZW X will be fine.
When it comes to the ATT GSM vs T-Mobile GSM band differences... It comes down to... Like the VZW X, the ATT X lacks HSPA/HSPA+ on AWS. And the LTE bands supported are slightly different. It was posted in another thread that the T-mobile (and thus GSM Developer Edition) X is missing two LTE bands when compared to the ATT X, however it was said that the two missing bands are not used in the USA.
---------- Post added at 08:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:59 AM ----------
From the posts I've seen around the net. No one except Sprint can SIM Unlock the Sprint Moto X. To do so, your X must be currently active on Sprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best post I've seen so far on my latest obsession, getting the VZW Moto X Dev Ed to work on ATT LTE. By unlocking the VZW phone's bootloader, flashing the phone's modem ( and I know there will be more to it than that ) with ATT modem, is there _any_ chance other LTE bands could be made available?
Axilarry said:
Best post I've seen so far on my latest obsession, getting the VZW Moto X Dev Ed to work on ATT LTE. By unlocking the VZW phone's bootloader, flashing the phone's modem ( and I know there will be more to it than that ) with ATT modem, is there _any_ chance other LTE bands could be made available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I might be brave enough to try it since I'm too lazy to sell my old backup of a GNex. HOWEVER the only SIM I have access to that isn't VZ is TMo. Since TMo only has band 4 here, I already know I can get their LTE. If I flash a full TMo image and the 1700/2100 H+ service starts popping up when it reverted to EDGE on Verizon radios, we may be onto something.
I HIGHLY doubt these devices are physically identical and firmware is all that separates the SKUs, but the Nexus 4 showed us that it doesn't always have to be FCC certified to be physically capable of picking up the band in question.
Thankfully I have time to decide since I have already flashed a 4.4.2 bootloader and I can't do anything until a TMo 4.4.2 factory image surfaces.
Axilarry said:
Best post I've seen so far on my latest obsession, getting the VZW Moto X Dev Ed to work on ATT LTE. By unlocking the VZW phone's bootloader, flashing the phone's modem ( and I know there will be more to it than that ) with ATT modem, is there _any_ chance other LTE bands could be made available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would NOT cross flash modems between models.
i.e. the Verizon X is an XT1060, the T-Mobile is XT0153. I would not flash a XT1053 rom onto a XT1060 or vice versa. It could result in brick.
Oh, and see the update I just added to my post that you quoted...
Vandyyy said:
I might be brave enough to try it since I'm too lazy to sell my old backup of a GNex. HOWEVER the only SIM I have access to that isn't VZ is TMo. Since TMo only has band 4 here, I already know I can get their LTE. If I flash a full TMo image and the 1700/2100 H+ service starts popping up when it reverted to EDGE on Verizon radios, we may be onto something.
I HIGHLY doubt these devices are physically identical and firmware is all that separates the SKUs, but the Nexus 4 showed us that it doesn't always have to be FCC certified to be physically capable of picking up the band in question.
Thankfully I have time to decide since I have already flashed a 4.4.2 bootloader and I can't do anything until a TMo 4.4.2 factory image surfaces.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shouldn't be long, soak test invites are going out
tapped out via XT1053 DE
My son's AT&T S5 got stolen and my wife bought a US Cellular S5 off of Craigslist. My 1st thought was she got ripped off, but I took it in to US Cellular and they unlocked it for me. The phone doesn't have the option to switch to GSM network, so my AT&T Sim still doesn't work, but it doesn't say invalid Sim now. My question is this: is the modem GSM capable, but not listed? And if I root and flash another rom, will that enable the settings for GSM ?
I did notice the unlocked bootloader. I just rooted it very easily. Now if I can just get it to work on ATT.
sizemore2000 said:
My son's AT&T S5 got stolen and my wife bought a US Cellular S5 off of Craigslist. My 1st thought was she got ripped off, but I took it in to US Cellular and they unlocked it for me. The phone doesn't have the option to switch to GSM network, so my AT&T Sim still doesn't work, but it doesn't say invalid Sim now. My question is this: is the modem GSM capable, but not listed? And if I root and flash another rom, will that enable the settings for GSM ?
I did notice the unlocked bootloader. I just rooted it very easily. Now if I can just get it to work on ATT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the unfortunate answer is no, CDMA devices do not work on GSM networks.
Thank you sir. Guess I'll put this one up for sale for a Sprint, Verizon, or US Cellular customer.
sizemore2000 said:
My son's AT&T S5 got stolen and my wife bought a US Cellular S5 off of Craigslist. My 1st thought was she got ripped off, but I took it in to US Cellular and they unlocked it for me. The phone doesn't have the option to switch to GSM network, so my AT&T Sim still doesn't work, but it doesn't say invalid Sim now. My question is this: is the modem GSM capable, but not listed? And if I root and flash another rom, will that enable the settings for GSM ?
I did notice the unlocked bootloader. I just rooted it very easily. Now if I can just get it to work on ATT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually CDMA Phones wont work on GSM Network. But Verizon CDMA Phones does work on GSM too when unlocked as they have GSM Frequency.
I looked at Spec of US Cellular S5 and looks they don't have GSM Frequency. Its more like a strip down version and no GSM Frequency.
Here are the spec for
US Cellular
FREQUENCIES AND DATA TYPE
LTE: Bands 2/4/5/12/17; CDMA 1x/EVDO Rev.A: 800/1900MHz
Verizon S5
FREQUENCIES AND DATA TYPE
LTE: Bands 4/13; CDMA 1x/EVDO Rev.A: 800/1900MHz; GSM: 850/900/1800/1900MHz; HSPA+/UMTS: 850/900/1900/2100MHz
ATT
FREQUENCIES AND DATA TYPE
LTE: Bands 1/2/3/4/5/7/17; HSPA+/UMTS: 850/1900/2100MHz; GSM: 850/900/1800/1900MHz;
sakdroid said:
Usually CDMA Phones wont work on GSM Network. But Verizon CDMA Phones does work on GSM too when unlocked as they have GSM Frequency.
I looked at Spec of US Cellular S5 and looks they don't have GSM Frequency. Its more like a strip down version and no GSM Frequency.
Here are the spec for
US Cellular
FREQUENCIES AND DATA TYPE
LTE: Bands 2/4/5/12/17; CDMA 1x/EVDO Rev.A: 800/1900MHz
Verizon S5
FREQUENCIES AND DATA TYPE
LTE: Bands 4/13; CDMA 1x/EVDO Rev.A: 800/1900MHz; GSM: 850/900/1800/1900MHz; HSPA+/UMTS: 850/900/1900/2100MHz
ATT
FREQUENCIES AND DATA TYPE
LTE: Bands 1/2/3/4/5/7/17; HSPA+/UMTS: 850/1900/2100MHz; GSM: 850/900/1800/1900MHz;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon switched to GSM thats why there devices will ocasionally work as long as the freqs are the same (some arent)
they still also have CDMA/EVDO configs as well since their network is still supporting both once they complete the switch over (from what ive been told mid to late 2016) they will no longer support any CDMA devices.
cstayton said:
Verizon switched to GSM thats why there devices will ocasionally work as long as the freqs are the same (some arent)
they still also have CDMA/EVDO configs as well since their network is still supporting both once they complete the switch over (from what ive been told mid to late 2016) they will no longer support any CDMA devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to sound harsh but what you're saying is complete nonsense. Verizon did not (and is not planning on a) switch to GSM. They were, and still are a CDMA carrier.
The reason Verizon devices support GSM is so that their customers can roam in countries outside the US, some of which happen to use the same GSM frequencies as AT&T and T-Mobile do in the US (and therefore, by extension, support these two carriers domestically). And since all Verizon devices which include support for LTE are completely unlocked, in most instances you can take the phone and use it on AT&T or T-Mobile US. That said, when it comes to LTE specifically, these devices often do not have all of the LTE bands supported by T-Mobile and AT&T so on them they will often only work on GSM (2G) or UMTS (3G).
The reason the US Cellular variant won't work on AT&T or T-Mobile is because it looks like US Cellular didn't care about giving their customers the capability to roam internationally with their variant of the S5 - meaning they had the phone made in such a way that it doesn't support any GSM or UMTS bands at all.
myphone12345 said:
Sorry to sound harsh but what you're saying is complete nonsense. Verizon did not (and is not planning on a) switch to GSM. They were, and still are a CDMA carrier.
The reason Verizon devices support GSM is so that their customers can roam in countries outside the US, some of which happen to use the same GSM frequencies as AT&T and T-Mobile do in the US (and therefore, by extension, support these two carriers domestically). And since all Verizon devices which include support for LTE are completely unlocked, in most instances you can take the phone and use it on AT&T or T-Mobile US. That said, when it comes to LTE specifically, these devices often do not have all of the LTE bands supported by T-Mobile and AT&T so on them they will often only work on GSM (2G) or UMTS (3G).
The reason the US Cellular variant won't work on AT&T or T-Mobile is because it looks like US Cellular didn't care about giving their customers the capability to roam internationally with their variant of the S5 - meaning they had the phone made in such a way that it doesn't support any GSM or UMTS bands at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
calm down dude, i'm only passing on information that was provided to me by the local verizon store manager and unless your a verizon employee im gonna go with what im told by a verizon employee
cstayton said:
calm down dude, i'm only passing on information that was provided to me by the local verizon store manager and unless your a verizon employee im gonna go with what im told by a verizon employee
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can tell you with 100% certainty that the person you talked to has no clue whatsoever (and Lord help Verizon if that is the level of technical understanding of their store managers ).
My suspicion as to where the confusion is coming from is that at some point in the future Verizon will stop putting CDMA radios in their devices and rely solely on VoLTE (voice over LTE) technology to provide voice services (currently most voice calls on Verizon are carried on their CDMA network). However, that certainly doesn't mean that they will be shutting off their CDMA service anytime in the foreseeable future .since they will still have a lot of legacy devices whose voice support will only be on CDMA. Nor does it mean that they are switching over to GSM, which is certainly not something they are planning on doing.
myphone12345 said:
I can tell you with 100% certainty that the person you talked to has no clue whatsoever (and Lord help Verizon if that is the level of technical understanding of their store managers ).
My suspicion as to where the confusion is coming from is that at some point in the future Verizon will stop putting CDMA radios in their devices and rely solely on VoLTE (voice over LTE) technology to provide voice services (currently most voice calls on Verizon are carried on their CDMA network). However, that certainly doesn't mean that they will be shutting off their CDMA service anytime in the foreseeable future .since they will still have a lot of legacy devices whose voice support will only be on CDMA. Nor does it mean that they are switching over to GSM, which is certainly not something they are planning on doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well like i said was info passed on by a verizon store manager so take that as you may im not a verizon customer nor will i be since they dont provide coverage where i need it.
Thanks for the info. I ended up selling the phone on ebay and now the guy wants to send it back claiming it's only unlocked for us cellular. I told him it should work on any cdma network, but they might have to flash it on their network. Oh well, if all else fails, I can use it to download movies and stream to the TV! Lol.
I'll install Kodi on it and use it as a media center.
Lol
cstayton said:
Verizon switched to GSM thats why there devices will ocasionally work as long as the freqs are the same (some arent)
they still also have CDMA/EVDO configs as well since their network is still supporting both once they complete the switch over (from what ive been told mid to late 2016) they will no longer support any CDMA devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just gonna LMAO to this reply. Lol. It's an old thread but I'm assuming you have done some research and realize your answer is wrong pertaining to Verizon and GSM. Have a great day.