Database Develop

[Q] Verizon LG G2 GSM Support

Hello All,
I have been thinking about traveling to Japan this coming year; I have looked at Verizon's International plan, and it seems like they are very pricey.
I have heard that the VS980 has GSM support, with no LTE, which is fine. I have looked into the h20 network, as they have exceptional prices for their international plan.
I have googled it and have gotten mixed answers, so I came here. I have a h20 sim card, and it pulls the APNs, but does not get any service. Is it that I am using a custom rom?
Thanks for the help in advance! :laugh:

aerial irrntsrt
Please someone answer this. I'm in a similar boat.
I'm on the stock verizon ROM. I have a Piranha mobile sim card. I am testing the setup in the US to verify it works. It connects to the T-mobile/Piranha voice and sms network, but data is not working.
Their setup instructions call for setting the apn to openroamer.com, but no mention on the mnc or the mcc values. If I just set the apn to openroamer.com I'm able to save and select it, but as soon as I change the mnc or mcc values to t-mobile the apn disappears after I save. Do I need to set the mnc and mcc values to something specific? I tried to track down exactly what they do, with no luck.
I see mention in another thread that Verizon locks the phones to be unable to connect to other US domestic networks. They also mention that once I'm overseas I'll be fine. I'm skeptical.
I was thinking of going to the t-mobile store to see if I could borrow a sim card to confirm it's a firmware issue. I would rather not root at this point. Any other courses of action?
Thanks for shedding any light.

buttercm said:
Please someone answer this. I'm in a similar boat.
I'm on the stock verizon ROM. I have a Piranha mobile sim card. I am testing the setup in the US to verify it works. It connects to the T-mobile/Piranha voice and sms network, but data is not working.
Their setup instructions call for setting the apn to openroamer.com, but no mention on the mnc or the mcc values. If I just set the apn to openroamer.com I'm able to save and select it, but as soon as I change the mnc or mcc values to t-mobile the apn disappears after I save. Do I need to set the mnc and mcc values to something specific? I tried to track down exactly what they do, with no luck.
I see mention in another thread that Verizon locks the phones to be unable to connect to other US domestic networks. They also mention that once I'm overseas I'll be fine. I'm skeptical.
I was thinking of going to the t-mobile store to see if I could borrow a sim card to confirm it's a firmware issue. I would rather not root at this point. Any other courses of action?
Thanks for shedding any light.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It turns out to be a activation error for me, after I correctly activated the sim, it worked! (silly me!)
For your problem, I looked on your carriers website/ help websites and there are no values except the APN.
You might need a data plan active. I would try using other carriers, because for me the h20 sim worked with data.
Verizon has no control over what network you go on either, FCC has a couple laws that prevent from Verizon doing that except exclude the hardware needed to connect to other networks.
Sorry I could not help.

I popped my Aio Wireless (AT&T) SIM from my Nexus 4 into my G2 and after a little APN tweaking I had HSPA+ working with no issues. It is my understanding if you have AT&T Band 4 LTE (limited markets) and the correct service providor, it will even connect 4G/LTE on AT&T networks. I swapped my Verizon SIM back in and removed the APN's and all was well on Verizon again. I am stock (KitKat) and rooted with only a few few Xposed modules installed, no custom ROM.

It sounds like, from reading the posts above, the Verizon LG-G2 IS a World Phone and should function straight on from stock on a UK provider like Three just by purchasing a sim and plugging it in then configuring the APN settings !
The problem is that when my Susan went just this morning to a Three store in London, the guy there told her that her Verizon LG-G2 was LOCKED to Verizon network only, and that she would have to do something like obtain an unlock code because the phone would not work on any other provider until she did that.
Verizon's International folks told us earlier that the phone would work fine, given GSM frequency issue restrictions, overseas and there was no need for any UnLock proceedure or code.
Does she just need to find a competent tech at a different Three store ?
Or is she going to be unable to play Ingress the whole two weeks she is over there in England and Scotland ?

Update...both Three and Vodaphone folks in London have now told her that the Verizon LG-G2 is carrier locked and cannot be used without Verizon unlocking it on any other network. So, Verizon was wrong and she is limited to WiFi only for the next two weeks ?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

trent999 said:
Update...both Three and Vodaphone folks in London have now told her that the Verizon LG-G2 is carrier locked and cannot be used without Verizon unlocking it on any other network. So, Verizon was wrong and she is limited to WiFi only for the next two weeks ?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No global mode Verizon phones are carrier locked.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

It is very odd. We tried it on a T-Mobile sim over here before she left, I am pretty sure, and it just worked. Still, over in London Three & Vodaphone say it is locked and useless on their networks and their sims don't work.
Maybe it is subsidy-locked ?
Maybe they just didn't set the APN and data settings right at the stores ?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

AHD doesn't seem to roam unless forced.

Hello, I have a AT&T MB886 unlocked flashed with LiquidSmooth 4.nightly running LP. I have a T-mobile business line which includes roaming...
My question is how do I get the phone to be more aggressive at picking up other carriers? When I'm in my local town, service is great, but once I get outside of town, the options change to AT&T and other random carriers. If I manually select another carrier, it will roam just fine... however it doesn't do it automatically. I have roaming turned on in the settings, and I checked the build.prop to make sure it was enabled there also. Have I been too spoiled with CDMA roaming just working quickly or am I missing a setting somewhere?
Thanks!

Delayed incoming texts and calls

I'm having some issues that defeat the purpose of this device being a phone. These issues have been occurring for a few months and over many different ROMs.
I've been getting texts from others slightly delayed and it causes my conversation flow to get messed up. Testing by texting myself is even worse. At times it can take up to 20 minutes to receive the text. I've also had my incoming calls only start ringing my phone just as the other person gives up. I'll even pickup my phone to see I have a voicemail but no missed call; it never rang.
I would say this could be a SIM card or network problem but the SIM is new and I've stuck it in other phones and these symptoms go away. I see that others have had similar problems but couldn't find any solution unless I overlooked something. Any thoughts?

Cobra04 said:
I'm having some issues that defeat the purpose of this device being a phone. These issues have been occurring for a few months and over many different ROMs.
I've been getting texts from others slightly delayed and it causes my conversation flow to get messed up. Testing by texting myself is even worse. At times it can take up to 20 minutes to receive the text. I've also had my incoming calls only start ringing my phone just as the other person gives up. I'll even pickup my phone to see I have a voicemail but no missed call; it never rang.
I would say this could be a SIM card or network problem but the SIM is new and I've stuck it in other phones and these symptoms go away. I see that others have had similar problems but couldn't find any solution unless I overlooked something. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't give a lot of information about your carrier. So, we'll assume you are on Verizon. Your past posts seem to indicate that.
Check your APN. A LOT of people for some reason are on Straight Talk APN -- which has messaging issues, when they are Verizon customers and should be on Verizon APN.
In CM/LOS based custom ROMs about a dozen APNs are listed for various Verizon MNVOs. Since "S" comes before "V" the default APN ends up being the WRONG one. You should DELETE all the APNs you do not need, except for the one you will be using. This has been discussed many times in various custom ROM threads...
The correct one for Verizon customers I think is "VZWINTERNET". Delete ALL others, unless you are a Straight Talk customer -- in which case I feel very sorry for you.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
These are the MMS settings you should have in that APN, courtesy @koftheworld, from one of those previous ROM thread discussions:
koftheworld said:
Attached for MMS settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight Talk (Verizon version) does use the Verizon network but they have the lowest priority -- as they are an MVNO using Verizon's excess capacity. Straight Talk uses proxy data servers (at least on AT&T version), so you will get slower data speeds and more lag (if the Verizon experience is similar to the AT&T version of Straight Talk), and any MVNO customers will be kicked off for "real" Verizon customers if there's any congestion. Also and one of Straight Talk's practices was to batch-send messages, sometimes hours later.
If you are an actual Verizon customer paying Verizon for your account, you should not be using an MVNO's APN. At best you are being served hamburger at steak prices. At worst, you won't be served at all.

ChazzMatt said:
You don't give a lot of information about your carrier. So, we'll assume you are on Verizon. Your past posts seem to indicate that.
Check your APN. A LOT of people for some reason are on Straight Talk APN -- which has messaging issues, when they are Verizon customers and should be on Verizon APN.
In CM/LOS based custom ROMs about a dozen APNs are listed for various Verizon MNVOs. Since "S" comes before "V" the default APN ends up being the WRONG one. You should DELETE all the APNs you do not need, except for the one you will be using. This has been discussed many times in various custom ROM threads...
The correct one for Verizon customers I think is "VZWINTERNET". Delete ALL others, unless you are a Straight Talk customer -- in which case I feel very sorry for you.
These are the MMS settings you should have in that APN, courtesy @koftheworld, from one of those previous ROM thread discussions:
Straight Talk (Verizon version) does use the Verizon network but they have the lowest priority -- as they are an MVNO using Verizon's excess capacity. Straight Talk uses proxy data servers (at least on AT&T version), so you will get slower data speeds and more lag (if the Verizon experience is similar to the AT&T version of Straight Talk), and any MVNO customers will be kicked off for "real" Verizon customers if there's any congestion. Also and one of Straight Talk's practices was to batch-send messages, sometimes hours later.
If you are an actual Verizon customer paying Verizon for your account, you should not be using an MVNO's APN. At best you are being served hamburger at steak prices. At worst, you won't be served at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I am on Verizon and have been using the APN you've given. Only thing missing was the MMSC value which I have added. I'll see how it goes.

Will SM-N960UZBAXAA work on AT&T?

So I've been torn on switching from iOS back to Android because the Note 9 looks amazing. I've waited too long and both AT&T models won't ship until next week (first world problems), so I'm wondering if the unlocked SM-N960UZBAXAA model will work on AT&T or what all will be missing network wise.

It will work on all major and minor carriers in the US. I'm also getting that version~

When using the unlocked/unbraded GS8/Note8/GS9 there were a few limits on the USA carriers... While calling/data/sms works, Carrier specific features like Wifi Calling, VoLTE, Visual Voicemail, etc. varied. I expect that will apply to the unlocked/unbranded Note 9 too.
For unlocked on ATT, there is a VVM app in the play store that works. But if I recall correctly, Wifi Calling and VoLTE didn't work.
For Verizon, at first there wasn't a VVM app, but there is one in the GALAXY app store now that works (and now will auto install when Verizon sim is in the phone if you open the Galaxy App Store). VoLTE (aka HD Voice) works. Wifi Calling and Verizon's Video Calling features do not work.
For T-Mobile, all features worked "out of the box"
But if its like the GS8/Note8/GS9, eventually the carrier branded Note 9 firmware/software will leak and you can flash the unlocked device with the carrier branded firmware (and remain sim unlocked). Doing this you would also get any/all "carrier bloat" apps just like the carrier branded devices have pre-installed.
EDIT: And since my unlocked/unbranded SMN960U1ZBAX (per end of box) arrived today, I can confirm that its the same as my unlocked/unbranded Note 8 and Galaxy S9 on Verizon... Wifi calling and Verizon's video calling don't work, the Visual Voice Mail app downloads from the Galaxy App store, and everything else works.

KidJoe said:
But if its like the GS8/Note8/GS9, eventually the carrier branded Note 9 firmware/software will leak and you can flash the unlocked device with the carrier branded firmware (and remain sim unlocked). Doing this you would also get any/all "carrier bloat" apps just like the carrier branded devices have pre-installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am assuming the opposite is true as well if it's the same way as before? In other words, start with an (unlocked) carrier variant, and flash the original US XAA firmware to get rid of carrier bloat and unlock any frequencies not in the carrier firmware variant?

vacaloca said:
I am assuming the opposite is true as well if it's the same way as before? In other words, start with an (unlocked) carrier variant, and flash the original US XAA firmware to get rid of carrier bloat and unlock any frequencies not in the carrier firmware variant?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm assuming (you know what they say about that word!!) that it will be the same as it was with the GS8/Note8/GS9 when it comes to flashing... including any bloat or frequency changes depending on what/how you flash. BUT I haven't tried anything on my unlocked Note 9 yet other than initial setup and quick tests of calls/messages/VoLTE/VVM/etc. and I haven't seen any Verizon firmware/rom leak to flash it.

KidJoe said:
I'm assuming (you know what they say about that word!!) that it will be the same as it was with the GS8/Note8/GS9 when it comes to flashing... including any bloat or frequency changes depending on what/how you flash. BUT I haven't tried anything on my unlocked Note 9 yet other than initial setup and quick tests of calls/messages/VoLTE/VVM/etc. and I haven't seen any Verizon firmware/rom leak to flash it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, thanks. Where did you get your SMN960U1ZBAX model? What carrier is BAX? Curious

vacaloca said:
Cool, thanks. Where did you get your SMN960U1ZBAX model? What carrier is BAX? Curious
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blue 128gig Unlocked from Samsung USA. That is just from the label on the end of the box. Maybe the label is missing the last two letters. and should be SMN960U1ZBAXAA
About screen shows SM-N960U1 similar to how my Black Note 8 from Samsung shows SMN950U1ZKAX on the box (also missing the trailing AA) but shows SM-N950U1 on the about screen .

hello
about N960U and U1 :
SM-N960U OYN multi CSC ( ATT BST CCT CHA GCF SPR TMB USC VMU VZW XAA XAS )
by default : XAA
CROWNQLTE_USA_SINGLE.pit
SM-N960U1 OYM multi CSC ( ACG AIO ATT BST CCT GCF LRA SPR TFN TMB TMK USC VMU VZW XAA XAR XAS )
by default : XAA
CROWNQLTE_USA_SINGLE.pit
regards

KidJoe said:
When using the unlocked/unbraded GS8/Note8/GS9 there were a few limits on the USA carriers... While calling/data/sms works, Carrier specific features like Wifi Calling, VoLTE, Visual Voicemail, etc. varied. I expect that will apply to the unlocked/unbranded Note 9 too.
For unlocked on ATT, there is a VVM app in the play store that works. But if I recall correctly, Wifi Calling and VoLTE didn't work.
For Verizon, at first there wasn't a VVM app, but there is one in the GALAXY app store now that works (and now will auto install when Verizon sim is in the phone if you open the Galaxy App Store). VoLTE (aka HD Voice) works. Wifi Calling and Verizon's Video Calling features do not work.
For T-Mobile, all features worked "out of the box"
But if its like the GS8/Note8/GS9, eventually the carrier branded Note 9 firmware/software will leak and you can flash the unlocked device with the carrier branded firmware (and remain sim unlocked). Doing this you would also get any/all "carrier bloat" apps just like the carrier branded devices have pre-installed.
EDIT: And since my unlocked/unbranded SMN960U1ZBAX (per end of box) arrived today, I can confirm that its the same as my unlocked/unbranded Note 8 and Galaxy S9 on Verizon... Wifi calling and Verizon's video calling don't work, the Visual Voice Mail app downloads from the Galaxy App store, and everything else works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right on. Thanks for the info.
I don't really use any of that, so as long as everything else (voice, data, etc.) works as it should, I think it'll be a-okay.

yakapa40 said:
hello
about N960U and U1 :
SM-N960U OYN multi CSC ( ATT BST CCT CHA GCF SPR TMB USC VMU VZW XAA XAS )
by default : XAA
CROWNQLTE_USA_SINGLE.pit
SM-N960U1 OYM multi CSC ( ACG AIO ATT BST CCT GCF LRA SPR TFN TMB TMK USC VMU VZW XAA XAR XAS )
by default : XAA
CROWNQLTE_USA_SINGLE.pit
regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first one can be found in the firmware for this thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...in-firmware-snapdragon-n960usqu1arg6-t3827862
What about the second one?

I have had the unlocked note 8 on AT&T for a year and it works just fine. I had to download VVM app and MyATT app from play store and they work great. I never used VoLTE or Video calling so that never bothered me. My note 9 unlocked should be here today and I plan just to switch out sim cards and go.
Sent from my Galaxy Note8 using XDA Labs

nuclearrage said:
I have had the unlocked note 8 on AT&T for a year and it works just fine. I had to download VVM app and MyATT app from play store and they work great. I never used VoLTE or Video calling so that never bothered me. My note 9 unlocked should be here today and I plan just to switch out sim cards and go.
Sent from my Galaxy Note8 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice! I don't care about VoLTE or Video Calling and I don't even have voicemail set up on my line, so sounds like I'm golden! :good:

N960U , about VoLTE
in : setting/about phone/software informaion/Service provider SW ver
if your CSC is ATT/ATT/... ( active/SIM/original product code )
you will have :
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
regards

KidJoe said:
...EDIT: And since my unlocked/unbranded SMN960U1ZBAX (per end of box) arrived today, I can confirm that its the same as my unlocked/unbranded Note 8 and Galaxy S9 on Verizon... Wifi calling and Verizon's video calling don't work, the Visual Voice Mail app downloads from the Galaxy App store, and everything else works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also guess that:
- Carrier aggregation doesn't work so that maximum download is around 17mbps and upload is around 6mbps instead of downloads is ~82mbps and uploads ~44mbps.
- The IMEI is not recognized with regard to pushing secondary LTE bands, which in turn also throttles bandwidth.
Other: This is one of those hostage situations like number portability that is something every consumer wants and no carrier wants. Laws passed by Congress removed cable companies anti-competitive ability to force you to lease their equipment. They need to take the next step and separate content from the cable infrastructure like they did when they deregulated the utilities and separated the lines from the selling of energy, which resulted in my paying 1/4th in today's dollars what I did before in yesterday's dollars and solving the fake energy shortage. The same needs to happen with wireless providers. They need to let you buy your own equipment with no penalty. Cable Internet gateways have a globally unique ID that identifies you as a paying customer on their network and the type of equipment it is. Cell phones have their own globally unique ID that does the same. Both receive an IP address for Internet access. We don't need any new protocols. We've been using Internet data connections for voice over data networks for more than two decades. The SIP protocol, even after packaging the data into IP packets, requires only 85 kbps per session, and is often marketed as HD Voice. Just a .5 mbps Internet connection is more than enough to handle multiple sessions. VoLTE uses SIP, which has been in widespread use for 16 years. The phone simply needs to be a hand-held PC on the Internet, running any operating system that can communicate with the Internet. The bands are simply the connection protocols for communications between the tower and your phone. For me, there is the perfect U.S. unlocked phone that can take care of my communications needs while I'm here in the U.S., and a foreign location. However, AT&T will severely hamstring that phone, even though it is the same hardware as the one they sell. This situation is akin to having to buy your PC from your cable company in order to get high-speed Internet, AND accept their apps and permissions, whatever they do.

IT_Architect said:
I would also guess that:
- Carrier aggregation doesn't work so that maximum download is around 17mbps and upload is around 6mbps instead of downloads is ~82mbps and uploads ~44mbps.
- The IMEI is not recognized with regard to pushing secondary LTE bands, which in turn also throttles bandwidth.
Other: This is one of those hostage situations like number portability that is something every consumer wants and no carrier wants. Laws passed by Congress removed cable companies anti-competitive ability to force you to lease their equipment. They need to take the next step and separate content from the cable infrastructure like they did when they deregulated the utilities and separated the lines from the selling of energy, which resulted in my paying 1/4th in today's dollars what I did before in yesterday's dollars and solving the fake energy shortage. The same needs to happen with wireless providers. They need to let you buy your own equipment with no penalty. Cable Internet gateways have a globally unique ID that identifies you as a paying customer on their network and the type of equipment it is. Cell phones have their own globally unique ID that does the same. Both receive an IP address for Internet access. We don't need any new protocols. We've been using Internet data connections for voice over data networks for more than two decades. The SIP protocol, even after packaging the data into IP packets, requires only 85 kbps per session, and is often marketed as HD Voice. Just a .5 mbps Internet connection is more than enough to handle multiple sessions. VoLTE uses SIP, which has been in widespread use for 16 years. The phone simply needs to be a hand-held PC on the Internet, running any operating system that can communicate with the Internet. The bands are simply the connection protocols for communications between the tower and your phone. For me, there is the perfect U.S. unlocked phone that can take care of my communications needs while I'm here in the U.S., and a foreign location. However, AT&T will severely hamstring that phone, even though it is the same hardware as the one they sell. This situation is akin to having to buy your PC from your cable company in order to get high-speed Internet, AND accept their apps and permissions, whatever they do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. Last paragraph if it existed I agree with you.
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk

IT_Architect said:
I would also guess that:
- Carrier aggregation doesn't work so that maximum download is around 17mbps and upload is around 6mbps instead of downloads is ~82mbps and uploads ~44mbps.
- The IMEI is not recognized with regard to pushing secondary LTE bands, which in turn also throttles bandwidth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your wrong about the imei issue. I have a converted Sprint ls998(v30+) that is flashed with Verizon sw, and volte, wifi calling, video calling, and vvm work fine. The phone is not in vz's database. Ca is working properly too. It's all sw related.

suzook said:
Your wrong about the imei issue. I have a converted Sprint ls998(v30+) that is flashed with Verizon sw, and volte, wifi calling, video calling, and vvm work fine. The phone is not in vz's database. Ca is working properly too. It's all sw related.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe he was referring to unlocked devices working on ATT network. Whether flashed or not .
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk

suzook said:
Your wrong about the imei issue. I have a converted Sprint ls998(v30+) that is flashed with Verizon sw, and volte, wifi calling, video calling, and vvm work fine. The phone is not in vz's database. Ca is working properly too. It's all sw related.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe, if you re-read the thread, you are agreeing with us.
People buy the U.S. unlocked phone version to get the additional bands so they can use the phone internationally where they spend time. When you flash the phone to a U.S. carrier's firmware, you lose the communications bands you need to do that, and you pick up all of the provider's unwanted apps. If you flash the firmware from one, and the modem of another, you are "not in Kansas anymore." For some, their only goal is to have a phone that works in both environments and do not see the following limitations as onerous:
1) Not doing carrier aggregation therefore maximum download is around 17mbps and upload is around 6mbps while with an carrier branded phone download is 82mbps and upload is 44mbps.
2) Not provisioning LTE advanced features such as VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling, or advanced messaging.
3) Not setting up the IMEI to push secondary LTE bands which in turn also throttles bandwidth.
4) Forfeiting a warranty (usually)
5) Not having forced, irremovable, carrier-specific software and services, when perhaps there was one or two of which they would have wanted to use.

IT_Architect said:
I believe, if you re-read the thread, you are agreeing with us.
People buy the U.S. unlocked phone version to get the additional bands so they can use the phone internationally where they spend time. When you flash the phone to a U.S. carrier's firmware, you lose the communications bands you need to do that, and you pick up all of the provider's unwanted apps. If you flash the firmware from one, and the modem of another, you are "not in Kansas anymore." It may or may not work right or worse, and almost certainly trip KNOX, thereby making it impossible to use secure apps of any kind such as payment processing, etc. For some, their only goal is to have a phone that works in both environments and do not see the following limitations as onerous:
1) Not doing carrier aggregation therefore maximum download is around 17mbps and upload is around 6mbps while with an carrier branded phone download is 82mbps and upload is 44mbps.
2) Not provisioning LTE advanced features such as VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling, or advanced messaging.
3) Not setting up the IMEI to push secondary LTE bands which in turn also throttles bandwidth.
4) Forfeiting a warranty (usually)
5) Not having forced, irremovable, carrier-specific software and services, when perhaps there was one or two of which they would have wanted to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't define speeds based on your own experience. It will vary wildly by region because of density, congestion and peak times and what is setup there. Yeah, you will probably lose CA but speeds are not written in stone no matter the path chosen.

Note 8 & 9 are what I'm looking at. I'm currently with Verizon and it has been good. I'm thinking AT&T. Are you on AT&T? If so, what is your experience with them? Do you travel outside of your local area much? Thanks!

VoLTE, WiFi calling with the upcoming 3G shutdown

Visiting the US and trying to find more information on this upcoming 3G shutdown.
From what I have learned from calling/chatting with T-mobile, AT&T, Sprint, Mint Mobile, Boost Mobile, Straight Talk and Consumer Cellular (** all this info is not guaranteed completely accurate as not all cell tech support people actually know everything - not a knock - how could they know everything about 1000 different handsets just saying)
Following anything you see below is certainly without warranty. I am not responsible for bricking your phone or turning it into a coffee maker.
Okay so enough disclaimer. Here is what I think I have learned:
For reference my phone is a V40 ThinQ LM-V405UA. It was manufactured for Sprint - bought it unlocked and refurbished.
AT&T has already shutdown 3G calling and all voice calls are now on VoLTE... but maybe not in all areas??
T-Mobile and it's MVNO's still have 3G operating and plan to shut it down in July.. ish...
Mint Mobile and Boost shows my IMEI to be compatible.
Consumer Cellular show my IMEI to NOT be compatible.
The AT&T store told me in person that I would NOT be able to enable VoLTE on my phone with the network since it was made for Sprint
AT&T Chat - escalated to Technical Support - confirmed that there was no way to enable VoLTE and that it would not function on their network.
Chatted with T-Mobile, Sprint and LG - they could not tell me any service codes or techniques to enable VoLTE. Each did kindly tell me I should check with LG, T-Mobile, Sprint...
*#*#4636#*#* brings up the Testing Menu
Under Phone Info you can switch on "VoLTE Provisioned"... (YES!! - right? ...not sure this does anything)
Below that is a toggle for "Wifi Calling Provisioned" . Mine is grey'd out in the off position
You can set the preferred network type - and mine is set currently to LTE/CDMA/UMTS auto (PRL) - not sure what that means but...
You can enter the "HiddenMenu" by dialing *#546368#*405#
I clicked all around and found only one thing
Click SVC Menu
Scroll down to VoWiFi (Ahaaa!! right??)
Click on Wi-Fi Calling Toggle and change the value to 1 - on
I rebooted and... no change.
I currently have a Mint Mobile sim (T-Mobile towers) and it currently works. Gleaning from what I read somewhere - if you truly have VoLTE activated and configure correctly you should be able to have data to load a web page DURING a call (with WiFi switched off). Mine fails to load during a call.
If you have VoWifi configured and activated correctly you should be able to make a phone call having Cell data switched off and attached to WiFi. Mine can not make a call.
My wife's Xioami phone does all of this and even has little VoLTE symbols at the top of the screen.
Hopefully all of this information helps someone else - but even better yet - hopefully someone can tell me if I will still have cell service in July when T-Mobile is shutting down their 3G service. Are there other tests I should be doing?
Also for fun - pulled my LG-V20 from the drawer and messing with it. It shows that WiFi Calling is WORKING... Battery is bloated but I think I had a successful test with it.
Anyway - that is where I am at. All tips, tricks and ANSWERS are appreciated.

I don't know if flashing it to the AT&T or open market version rom would do the trick but probably would. Note, since it's refurbished you sure it wasn't already reflashed to the open market version rom? If so it should work!
AT&T might have gotten confused by your description...
AT&T whitelisted phones:
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My understanding, and it could be outdated, but maybe not, but at&t (supposedly) checks imei, and if it's not one of their phones, there's nothing you can do to make it work. From your description, it *sounds* like they are still doing this.
For VoWifi to work, with my mint mobile sim at least, you have to go to your mint account and turn on VoWifi ability. So not only does the phone need to be capable, the sim needs to be provisioned for it. Many people overlook this part.
There are numerous indicators of VoLTE working. Many times when you bring up the dialer there's a little HD symbol on the talk button. Other times it will give you a little LTE symbol on the status bar when making a call (and it doesn't change to 3G during call), etc.
The VoLTE situation is where 'what rom are u running?' becomes very important. The lte bands that the rom is capable of need to coincide with the carrier you want to use. The 'Open US' roms have the most bands available, and is usually a great choice for T-MO (and mvno of t-mo). Even has band 71 (which is only used by t-mo).
Lastly, for those that may not be aware, after market roms, like lineage, aren't capable of VoLTE (or VoWifi), for most LG phones. that's because LG (and Sammy) both use a 'proprietary' IMS stack, which means those Vo technologies only work on their phones with their roms.

AT&T doesn't care about who's phone it was as long it's imei isn't blacklisted.
What is important is the hardware which can't be changed or the firmware which can be changed.
My guess is the issue is the former. The carrier variant phones can have slightly different hardware configurations.

Thanks gang for the notes.
I'm running stock rom. I'm not rooted nor bootloader unlocked. I'm a bit resistant as this is my daily driver phone plus there doesn't seem to be clear confirmation that cross flashing something will really result in better performance. Add to that I won't be able to reinstall whatsapp nor my banking app etc - since my home country sim and phone number (Colombia) won't receive a confirmation text until I return there in October. Tough situation.
But I've got more test results
@AsItLies - thanks for that - I was able to enable wifi calling in the Mint app. I also called consumer cellular to confirm that my sim had volte and wifi calling enabled on their end. This was all done before testing below.
I found some exciting new settings inside the hidden menu.
Dialing *#546368#*405# choosing: Field test / GPRI VoLTE+VoWifi / IMS / Slot 0
VoLTE was enabled (possibly from steps done above in my first poat?) But I was also able to enable VoWifi ViWifi and ViLTE. I enabled them all.
After making that change I dialed the Testing menu - *#*#4636#*#* - Wifi calling Provisioned and Video calling Provisioned are still greyed out in the off position. VoLTE Provisioned is still on.
Testing - I can make a call using a Consumer cellular (At&t mvno) sim. I can not get cell data during the call though- same results as with my Mint mobile (T-mobile) sim.
I was told that At&t has already shut down all 3G calling so my phone MUST be using VoLTE if the call worked?
I have read unconfirmed reports that not all 3G calling has been shut down since some of the cell towers have not been upgraded yet... so could be I just get lucky.
My wife's phone can make calls with either sim AND get cell data during the call. (so does that prove that the nearest tower must already be upgraded?)
My wife's phone has nice symbols and setting sliders for wifi calling and volte calling - all enabled
I tried running tests with airplane mode on and wifi enabled - but it wont make a call that way on my phone or the wife's phone.
So basically it seems like nothing has changed. I'm still not convinced that I will have a working phone in July ish... Any more tips on testing and verifying that are appreciated.

It's likely running on 4G VoLTE.
This is how my Note 10+ is configured, no changes were needed.

@blackhawk - My screen looks very similar.
My preferred network type is set to - GSM/WCDMA/LTE (PRL).
I am not sure if that was the default or if I fiddled with that... I am going to dink around with that and see if changing that solves my problem. But
But I did some more testing. I was away from the house at the grocery store. I dialed my phone with Mint Mobile sim in and my 4G symbol changed to 3G and the call went through. I did have data during that time - but painfully slow.
Grabbed the wife's Xiamoi phone with her Consume Cellular (AT&T Mvno sim). Dialed and the 4G symbol stayed on and she had data of a reasonable speed.
So - I am believing... not proof... that my phone is still dropping to 3G to make calls and is skating away on the still operating 3G system of T-Mobile. Evidence that I might be without calling in July.
I should test the reverse - and pop the sim out of the wife's phone and try my phone with an AT&T sim and see if I had no calling service.... but she doesn't really like when I pop open her phone in the grocery store. She puts up with a lot - but I didn't have any "geek credits" in the bank so I will have to plan for that later...
Anyway - that is the latest.

wantpizza said:
@blackhawk - My screen looks very similar.
My preferred network type is set to - GSM/WCDMA/LTE (PRL).
I am not sure if that was the default or if I fiddled with that... I am going to dink around with that and see if changing that solves my problem. But
But I did some more testing. I was away from the house at the grocery store. I dialed my phone with Mint Mobile sim in and my 4G symbol changed to 3G and the call went through. I did have data during that time - but painfully slow.
Grabbed the wife's Xiamoi phone with her Consume Cellular (AT&T Mvno sim). Dialed and the 4G symbol stayed on and she had data of a reasonable speed.
So - I am believing... not proof... that my phone is still dropping to 3G to make calls and is skating away on the still operating 3G system of T-Mobile. Evidence that I might be without calling in July.
I should test the reverse - and pop the sim out of the wife's phone and try my phone with an AT&T sim and see if I had no calling service.... but she doesn't really like when I pop open her phone in the grocery store. She puts up with a lot - but I didn't have any "geek credits" in the bank so I will have to plan for that later...
Anyway - that is the latest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Set it to that setting I'm using.
Clear Sim toolkit data.
Network reset and a reset on AT&T's side too.
The APN profile should ATT Nextgenphone I believe.

@blackhawk - thanks. I have an AT&T sim to fiddle with now (Straight talk this time).
AT&T only gives me 1 bar here in my house.
It seems no matter when I chose as my Preferred network type - I get
Out of service area / Mobile network is unavailable
SIM not provisioned for voice
But I don't have a SIM toolbox on this phone. Can I get that installed without root? Can you point me in that direction. Because maybe that is what I need to do next is clear that - especially since I keep popping in random sim cards.
Thanks again

Oh - skip that - brain dead. I got the sim toolkit cleared...
On with the testing!

Did some testing again with my Mint SIM - i get 4 bars here...
Did you know that you can have the dialer, Testing menu and Sim Toolkit settings page open/split screen or background screens at the same time? Well that saves some time... By the way the HiddenMenu won't stay open as a background page... Just so you know.
So here is my testing sequence: Wifi switched off. Dial the local automated weather number and then switching to the Testing menu to watch the reported "Voice Network Type" . Record results. Enable Airplane mode. Got to Sim Toolbox and clear data. Disable Airplane mode and try a new "Voice Network Type".
Basically all of the settings for "Set preferred network type:" that include UMTS or GSM will work. But the Voice type drops to GSM or UMTS. Data drops to UMTS , HSPAP or sometimes EDGE. 5 seconds after the call ends the Phone Info page reports "Voice Network Type" and "Data Network Type" as LTE.
Any settings like LTE Only or something that doesn't include UMTS in it - the calls just fail. Actually - if the "GSM Service" inside Testing Menu/Phone Info reported "Emergency Calls Only" under "GSM Service" - then you can bet the call failed. Despite really wanting to do complete testing - I did not dial 911 to see if it would work. Just seemed wrong to potentially interrupt a real emergency - even in nowhere USA.
I found some more interesting settings inside HiddenMenu / IMS Setting / GPRI VoLTE / Slot - 0 / Roaming
Inside there are VoLTE and VoWifi - I enabled all the roaming options inside each.
But - alas no change to my tests so far.
I tested the Wife's phone on Straight talk and the Mint sim = VoLTE symbol
So that is one AT&T and one T-Mobile MVNO
Preferred Network Type: LTE/TD-SCDMA/UMTS
Worked great. Testing page showed that the voice call stayed on LTE. I enabled Wifi and tried getting it to transfer to a VoWifi call but - even with 1 bar it wouldn't go. If you have 0 bars it won't initiate a call. Probably a security thing as they don't know if you are a real subscriber??
Anyway - I think that proves?? that my phone is still not doing any VoLTE nor VoWifi calling and will likely fail or have extreme problems as the 3G network fades away.

On my N10+ the hidden menu stays open until I close it. Makes things easier.
Get the carrier advanced tech support to troubleshoot it if possible. You probably know more about than me at this point.
I can highly recommend a Note 10+ N975U1, they run great on Android 9 or 10; Android 11 and especially 12 not so much so. I have two, just bought another new one about 5 months ago.
It's a better flagship Samsung than the ones Samsung released after it in my opinion.
New factory sealed ones are available still for $800 and used ones in "excellent" condition for half of that. In a good case they will easily last 3+ years with only battery replacements. The one in my hand is 2.5 yo and looks/runs like new with zero display degradation. It's heavily used. Current OS load will be 2 yo in June, still fast and stable with minimal maintenance. Supports up to 1tb expandable storage.
Both the N975U (AT&T variant) and the N975U1 (unlocked) run seamlessly on AT&T. There's a 5G variant but it will likely eat more battery.
It's display is one of the best, maybe the best in any smartphone even today It's gorgeous with an exceptional color rendering index and white point. Being 60hz means less power consumption and better color rendering/calibration, great for vids.
It's just a snappy fast fun work horse of a phone that has excellent build quality.
Lately Samsung and Google Android have been subpar... dropping balls.

That is a smoking fast phone! I may have to give this phone up and move on. But that has issues of it's own as I will still have to keep this phone around because there are a bunch of apps I won't be able to install on a new phone because I can't get my sms confirmation until I get back to South America. But not a whole lot of other options.
Thanks again,

wantpizza said:
That is a smoking fast phone! I may have to give this phone up and move on. But that has issues of it's own as I will still have to keep this phone around because there are a bunch of apps I won't be able to install on a new phone because I can't get my sms confirmation until I get back to South America. But not a whole lot of other options.
Thanks again,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome.
It's a true pain migrating to a new device. I hope you get that one successfully running on VoLTE.
If you like that large of a display, it's form factor is still the best. Better display to bevel ratio too. Lighter and thinner the S22U with better SOT.
Watch this vid where the N10+ literally smokes the S22U after both rams get loaded up with apps. wtf? I'll take the dinosaur Note...