Expatriate cell phone international portability strategies - Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers

Expatriate cell phone international portability strategies - Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers

Purpose: I named the thread "Expatriate cell phone international portability strategies" not only to answer my questions, but generate a thread focused on general portability strategies, the lay of the land, options, considerations, and how to put together what they need without spending weeks picking up bits at a time. I will toss in what I BELIEVE I know from a couple weeks of reading and research, and request corrections and fill in gaps where needed to make this thread a resource.
Scenario: I am a US citizen, and I plan to live in Colombia and work with orphan kids. I want to maintain seamless US connections as well. I also don't want to go past Oreo until they fix the call recording they broke in Pie. The carriers in Colombia all have GSM roots and their market shares are Claro (48%), Movistar(24%), Tigo(18%) Claro is their Verizon meaning it works even in rural areas and other countries in South America, Tigo has the fastest 3G and 4G speeds, the most 4G, and lowest latencies, while Movistar has some rural areas, it made its name with HD Voice in cities before the others.
Code:
The bands in Colombia are:
GSM (2G): 850, 1900 (PCS) - Claro, Movistar, Tigo
UMTS (3G): B2 (1900 PCS) - Claro, Tigo
UMTS (3G): B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1) - Movistar (AWS uses frequencies in several segments between 1695 to 2200 MHz)
LTE (4G): B4 (1700) - Movistar, Tigo, Avantel
LTE (4G): B7 (2600) - Claro, Tigo
LTE (4G): B38 (TD 2600) - DirecTV data
LTE (4G): Future - Colombia will soon (when pigs fly) be auctioning in the 700 range 2x 15MHz blocks (Block A/B12), 2x 10MHz blocks (Block B/B12) and two 2x 5MHz blocks (Blocks C/B12&orB13, and D/B14). A supplementary 2x 2.5MHz block of 1900MHz spectrum will also be auctioned, comprising frequencies in the 1865MHz-1867.5MHz/1945MHz-1947.5MHz bands (Block E/B25).
Strategy Development:
1 The phone must be carrier unlocked. You cannot switch SIMs to another provider in the US or any other country unless the phone is unlocked from the carrier. If you buy a phone through a carrier, you pay for your phone with your monthly payments. They own the phone. You will need to request from them to unlock the phone, which they probably will. If you stop making payments on the phone, they will blacklist the MEID so that whoever has the phone cannot use it, which is how people buy a phone on eBay or Craigslist with a clean MEID and end up later with their phone and phone number being blacklisted for non-payment because the previous owner stopped paying on a phone contract or owes them for service. If you buy a phone outright from a non-carrier source such as Amazon or Walmart, it comes Factory Unlocked because you paid for it, it's yours, and at the time of purchase they don't know which network you will be using it on. *There are exceptions to this. Sometimes Walmart will sell pre-pay phones for a carrier at a deeply discounted rate at which point the phone is locked to the carrier until you spend at least so much on the carrier's network, typically a couple months of service. It will normally state that in the fine print on the box if that is the case.
2. I don't want to get updated past Oreo or some way to preserve call recording. All phones sold for the US market are SM-960U*, and are the same hardware platform thus you can change the model from U to U1 by simply flashing new firmware. The only firmware capable of maintaining Oreo 8.1 without getting forced into an upgrade is the SM-N960U1 Oreo 8.1 firmware, which makes the model of the phone SM-N960U1. You must also do other things to prevent the Play Store from ruining your phone with their malware policies and software updates. You can side-loading earlier versions for software by downloading the APKs from APKPure.com. I subsequently did a thread that spells this out in detail. Restore Call Recording to your Note 9 SM-N960U and SM-N960U1
However, there is another way to get call recording without the cooperation of Android, Play Store, and the phone manufacturer and that is to have a VOIP service host your number(s) and record and backup your calls and logs that puts this entire are outside of their ability to control and monetize your information. This opens up many possibilities such as additional telephone lines for $6.00/mo., local presence in multiple countries around the world with no long distance, your number is protected and isolated from wireless provider control, cheaper data-only SIMs, no number porting, you can pick up a phone anywhere and not be concerned with the number assigned because you won't be using that number, you needn't be concerned that your phone doesn't have the carrier specific firmware for their network to use Voice over LTE (VoLTE) or Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) because you won't be using it. You will be using VOIP, which can be used by anything that can support a VOIP client, which is PCs, phones, and tablets. One such service that fits that quite nicely is CallHippo for $15.00/mo. With VOIP, if your wireless service lapses, you do not lose your number and you simply need Internet access from anywhere, from any device capable of running a VOIP client to use it, including free hot spots. One thing you want to pay attention to when evaluating VOIP plans is what calls cost. Some have "free" incoming, but for instance with CallHippo there is a limit of 800 minutes/mo. free before they start charging $0.01/minute, and outbound calls always cost money, which in the case of CallHippo is also $0.01/minute. Thus, 1000 minutes will cost you $10.00. VOIP includes hosting your number and switching your traffic across the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) which they are paying for and not being reimbursed for by spying on you as your wireless provider does and "free" services such as Google Voice. Moreover, with regard to Video Calling (ViLTE), many countries have defacto applications people use such as WhatsApp, which is rapidly being replaced by Signal from Open Whisper Systems, for secure calling, video calling, and messaging. The reason for this is in most countries using the public switched telephone network (PSTN) costs more than the cost of the data required a call on Signal, there is never any long distance, all you need is an Internet connection where even a hot spot will do, and unlike with carrier communications where the contents of everything is being monetized, it is 100% secure between callers with no server between that can monitor the content of the communications. Unlike other services, Signal doesn't log the calls or even have the metadata to give even under court order.. Therefore, depending on your strategy, the missing network functionality of not running carrier-specific firmware may be of no consequence. 1 GB of data will do 1200 to 2000 minutes of voice calling, which means the bandwidth requirements are so low, that even when throttled after you use up your data allowance, you will still have at least twice the bandwidth needed for quality voice calls.
3. Doesn't Voice over Wi-Fi really come in handy for International travel? First we need to understand the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) It is a world-wide system that originated with copper wires to central offices near your house. This is called the "Last mile", which might be 3 miles. This also means if you move even across the street or somewhere else where and that location is wired to a different Central Office, your phone number will have to change. With mobile devices that had to change. The cellular carrier provides the "Last Mile" that integrates your telephone number into the PSTN. This costs money, and when you pop a SIM into your phone and pay to make it active, that carrier is now the one getting paid to provide the wireless connection and integrate your phone number into the PSTN and they in fact own the number even if you ported it there. Wi-Fi calling is a VOIP connection to your wireless provider that treats the Internet connection of your phone as though it were another cell tower as you drive down the road and when that signal is better than the one it has, it switches to that one. Therefore, in theory, running your carrier's firmware and Voice over Wi-Fi, you could be in a different country, and still have local cell service over the Internet, but it would have to come from Wi-Fi. HOWEVER, because your wireless provider back home is doing your connection to the PSTN, if you don't have a Wi-Fi connection, and your phone roams without an International plan, it gets very expensive very fast, or calls. If you put a local wireless provider's SIM into your phone, you get a new number local to that country, you lose your connection to your number back home, and calls and messages are stored with your carrier back home, and you are paying for a wireless service that you are not using in order to maintain your number. You can switch back to your carrier's SIM AFTER you connect to a hot spot to return your calls and messages to avoid roaming charges. With a SIM local to the country, your to and from back home would be charged long distance rates. With VOIP, changing to a SIM local to your location or using a Wi-Fi hotspot does not affect your access to your number back home, you are not paying for a service you are not using, VOIP can be used by any SIP/VOIP-client-capable device with any kind of Internet connection, either through a SIM or local Wi-Fi hotspot. Additionally, VOIP presents a stable US number, where nobody back home pays long distance to or from that number, no matter where you are in the world. With VOIP as your PSTN provider and the fact that cellular networks are all now data-based, your "Last Mile" becomes anywhere in the world you can get an Internet connection, whether that be Ethernet, Wi-Fi, cellular, or any combination, and with any device capable of running a SIP/VOIP client, such as a phone, tablet, or computer. Moreover, a lapse of wireless or ISP service, cellular service, or change in country location, does not cause you to lose your telephone number as long as you pay the VOIP provider. So to answer the question, "Doesn't Voice over Wi-Fi really come in handy for International travel?" That depends what your expectations are. First, it requires a Wi-Fi connections, which even when free, requires you to agree to their terms before connecting. This works out well in an airport, airplane, or someplace you may be working whether in US or abroad. In the US it can help inside of a building where reception is poor and you connect to the Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is not going to work like a cell phone and ring while you are going down the highway or when you don't take the time to find a wireless network to connect to. After you find a wireless connection, you will mostly be working off voicemails, older emails, and older text messages. Popping in a local SIM would cut you off from your wireless services back home but with VOIP, you would have both local access where you are and perfect connectivity back home.
4. Why don't carriers simply use the US UNLOCKED SM-N960U1 firmware? It covers all of the bands for all of the US carriers, and a lot of the rest of the world, both current and future. I can simply change the SIM for the carrier I want, and I'm good to go. Because the U firmware is tailored to the carrier's network which often contains proprietary methods while they were innovating and before standards were established. Thus, those carriers require non-standard firmware to deliver those services in the near-term. The U1 firmware is tailored to current standards. Also, a phone manufacturer has no right to include the intellectual property that a carrier has invested time and money in and is/was used by the carrier for competitive advantage. Therefore, you may be missing some important features of the network by using the U1 firmware, but it will travel better because it is standards-based, but as mentioned above, those missing features may not matter to you. I did a thread that explains that here: US Note 9 Carrier-Specific vs. US Unlocked Firmware Observations & Theories Question: If I use Google Voice, and use a SM-960U1 US Unlocked phone with a local carrier's SIM in Colombia, will I still get VoLTE and carrier banding from the Colombia carrier without their firmware? As mentioned above, that may be of no consequence to you, but carriers are rushing to become standards-compliant both for regulatory and profitability reasons. VoLTE, VoWiFi, messaging, etc. are things they monetize and don't want to turn away people with other phones. Carrier Banding enables them to not only provide better speed, but also more capacity from the very expensive bands they've been licensed by their regulating authority. These affect price and profitability. Thus, the "U" software force you to update to their latest firmware. The "U1" firmware is standards-based already.
5. Google Voice enables me to have VOIP service any time I have a data connection, and if Internet is not available via the data plan or Wi-Fi, incoming calls and text messages are queued for later when I do. It must be a US number and it must have a backup number in the US. I can forward my Verizon number to the Google number, which in turn can forward to multiple other devices to ring, which is essentially free VOIP. (In exchange for your privacy of course.) Their number cross references to my phone book to show who is calling, and their call rings and works exactly like when I get a call to my Verizon number. To avoid spam, you can have it require them to state their name before forwarding the call plus they do a good job of killing off the spammers anyway. If you return their call, you can elect to have their caller ID show your Google number or your home number at the time you place the call. As with non-free VOIP carriers, Google Voice allows you to use the number any way you can get an Internet connection, call anywhere in the US or Canada for free, the best long distance rate if you call elsewhere, and you are not paying a VOIP provider the the month or minute. You don't lose your number for non-payment because you never pay them anyway, BUT you do need to have a US number to back it. It will do incoming call recording but not outgoing, and plays a message that the call is being recorded.
Curiosity got me checking why Samsung uses the Snapdragon processor on all of the US phones, and Samsung's own Exynos on other phones? What I've found, and seems logical is this:
The Exynos chipset, while good on CPU/GPU benchmarking, is still quite weak in radio performance compared to Qualcomm. Qualcomm is still more than one year, possibly even two years ahead, allowing Qualcomm-based devices to use the network more efficiently and make use of advanced network features which are currently relevant for US (to throw some abbreviations here: MIMO, LTE-U, LAA/LWA,etc), and will be for others in the future. Another is the US market still needs CDMA (the predecessor of LTE which is still in use by some carriers). CDMA may have been replaced by LTE-A on the Verizon network, and CDMA scheduled to be shut down EOY 2019, with Sprint EOY 2020, but they still may be using other CDMA networks they have agreements with beyond that. CDMA is not supported by the Exynos modem. The Snapdragon chipset is very power efficient, and Qualcomm develops a lot of good technology and patents. It's hard not to use their chips, and they are priced where you can't afford to compete with them in a level playing field. Intel, who was supplying Apple, threw in the towel and told Apple they were not going to compete with Qualcomm in the 5G world because they couldn't equal their performance and lost money the entire time in the 3G and 4G world. Apple bought their way back into Qualcomm's good graces by repaying a successful law suit against Qualcomm, and signed a 6-year contract. Thus, the processor that made the most sense at this time is the SnapDragon. The US Note 9s use is as well as the Chinese SM-N9600, which unlike the US SM-N960U* has an unlockable boot loader tempting me with a rootable phone and good firmware support in South America, with instances of success working on the Verizon network in the US. The US UNLOCKED SM-N960U1 supports a few more bands than the SM-N9600 and if I root, I lose Samsung Pay. I'm torn on this one.
Looking forward to your input and corrections,
Thanks!

https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-9/help/n9600-samsung-pay-verizon-cdma-support-t3875582

bober10113 said:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-9/help/n9600-samsung-pay-verizon-cdma-support-t3875582
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read the thread, and my takeaway is with the SM-N9600 I can go places with root, but kills any pay apps. I tried to follow the link to to check out how the revisions work, but the link is broken. So it still seems like an SM-960U, if I freeze at Oreo and add PIE modem firmware, and add other software to prevent the upgrade, I can block the upgrade to Pie and beyond. Which modem firmware would be the best one to flash to the modem is what I'm after. I don't know if the PIE SM-N960U1 modem firmware would work with the Verizon Oreo Firmware to block the upgrade and allow me to use the extra bands of the U1 when using a SIM abroad, or if I need to put in the modem firmware upgrade for PIE for Verizon. EDIT: The only way to prevent an SM-N960U from being upgraded by the wireless provider to Pie and beyond is by flashing the phone to the XAA "U1" firmware.
Thanks!

Related

AT&T Nexus One in Europe

Hi,
My brother is planning to travel across Europe and wanted to take my Nexus One along with him and there fore I had few questions
1) Can he use Nexus One GPS without a SIM Card in Europe ?
2) Does Nexus One GPS use 3G data ?
3) Do European countries offer "To Go" 3G SIM cards ?
Any alternate recommendations are welcome.
Thanks

I suspect that there is a bug that makes GPS use data when roaming even if the phone is set to not allow data when roaming. If A-GPS is turned off this should no longer be of much worry, but do pay attention to it. The reason for me suspecting this is because of a bill I got after being to Norway where small frequent packets of data was added to my bill, even though nothing else worked: no widget updates, no surfing worked, and no google maps worked (as intended and expected).
Several countries offer pay as you go SIM-cards, and I would be surprised if any of them did not include 3G. I just visited the UK and got a free SIM which I topped up with a £5 for one month "unlimited" data-plan (they have a weird concept of unlimited on the other side of the pond).
Most countries should have a decent data-plan in the £10-range, or a ceiling on data cost per day (seems that £1/day is the norm in several countries).
Do note that you might have issues in some countries obtaining a SIM-card due to registration-requirements, e.g. requiring either proof of ID or at least a residential address. YMMV. If your brother is a people-person have him ally with some of the locals to get a pay as you go-SIM through them

So Why Project Fi?

For the current PF subscribers, why did you choose to switch to Project Fi when MetroPCS (another T-Mobile subsidiary) offers the $60 truly unlimited plan?
I'm definitely not trying to step on any toes here, I'm just curious since I bought a Nexus 6 during the Black Friday sale and I'm wondering if I should make the switch. But, TBH, Looking at what I've seen so far, MetroPCS seems to have the better plan as of right now.
I'm really looking forward to hearing your inputs on this subject, I just might be a new subscriber if there's a benefit from switching.
Thanks in advance ?
Sent from my draconis using Tapatalk

1) If you need to use lots of cellular data, then Project Fi is not for you. Its pay-as-you-go data-pricing model is optimized for users who can stay on WiFi most of the time. For them, Fi is very cost effective.
2) A big appeal of Fi is that it offers two networks (T-Mobile and Sprint) with dynamic switching between them, and between cell data and WiFi. This switching is not perfect, but the basic architecture is there.

I use Fi because I live in a rural area that has poor reception from all carriers. I wanted an option to have Wifi calling. If I'm at home I am making calls/text through wifi most of the time. My WiFi is always great at home, and is in most stores and shops I go to (although cell service is fine in town). I know t-mobile offers this, but I like that I can switch between sprint and t-mobile with Fi. This is great because both sprint and t mobile have contracts with other carriers in the area. So If I'm on t-mobile and have a weak connection, it will sometimes roam to AT&T. Other times nothing is available on GSM and it will roam to Bluegrass Cellular through Sprint. I have better overall coverage with both carriers vs just being on att.
The phone does a pretty good job on switching. Sometimes it will get stuck on sprint when I know there is a better t-mobile signal in that spot, but I can use a dialer code to force it to switch (Fi spy makes this easy, although the codes are pretty easy to memorize).
I mostly work from home so cellular data isn't a big issue. On the days I'm in the office, I only use cell data on the way to the office to stream music. There is Wifi at work for data. I seem to find WiFi in most areas I go to. I have averaged 1gb of data per month, making this an affordable service. I do use the data saver in chrome, but don't take any other precautions on saving data. If I want to use the internet, I do, whether i'm on wifi or cellular.
The customer service is great with Fi, and the billing is nice and easy. I can now send/receive all calls and texts at home. On my previous carrier, I would just get voice messages randomly without the phone ringing and usually couldn't send text.

alex.o said:
I use Fi because I live in a rural area that has poor reception from all carriers. I wanted an option to have Wifi calling. If I'm at home I am making calls/text through wifi most of the time. My WiFi is always great at home, and is in most stores and shops I go to (although cell service is fine in town). I know t-mobile offers this, but I like that I can switch between sprint and t-mobile with Fi. This is great because both sprint and t mobile have contracts with other carriers in the area. So If I'm on t-mobile and have a weak connection, it will sometimes roam to AT&T. Other times nothing is available on GSM and it will roam to Bluegrass Cellular through Sprint. I have better overall coverage with both carriers vs just being on att.
The phone does a pretty good job on switching. Sometimes it will get stuck on sprint when I know there is a better t-mobile signal in that spot, but I can use a dialer code to force it to switch (Fi spy makes this easy, although the codes are pretty easy to memorize).
I mostly work from home so cellular data isn't a big issue. On the days I'm in the office, I only use cell data on the way to the office to stream music. There is Wifi at work for data. I seem to find WiFi in most areas I go to. I have averaged 1gb of data per month, making this an affordable service. I do use the data saver in chrome, but don't take any other precautions on saving data. If I want to use the internet, I do, whether i'm on wifi or cellular.
The customer service is great with Fi, and the billing is nice and easy. I can now send/receive all calls and texts at home. On my previous carrier, I would just get voice messages randomly without the phone ringing and usually couldn't send text.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 that's why I switched since I live in the rural mountains near Yosemite. In town I have perfect T-Mobile service, plus Comcast is every where so my phone automatically connects to their hotspots all around. No one has cell service at my house, so WiFi calling is perfect. When I leave my town, sprint is in some areas, and even more rural locations I roam off Verizon. If the op is a heavy data user then I'd go with metro. I personally need the flexibility of the fi network of networks.

I thought about going FI. But with verizon unlimited and their cell tower 500 yards away I don't think I would have a benefit. But is still so tempting.

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!

US Note 9 Carrier-Specific vs. US Unlocked Firmware Observations & Theories

Observations:
For any particular build generation:
1. Between the U and U1, none of the firmware files are the same, not AP, BL, CP or CSC.
2. Between the U firmwares, only the USERDATA changes. The others have the same name and SHA-512.
3. Between the U1 firmwares, ALL of the files have the same and SHA-512. This indicates SamMobile's different zip files for XAA, VZW, TMB, TMK, etc. are an "exercise". U1s are sold by non-carrier outlets who have no idea where the phone will be used.
4. Flash file size differences between the U and U1 are as follows:
AP - The Unlocked U1 flash is more than a gig larger than for the carrier U flash.
BL - They are very close to same size with the carrier version being 41K larger.
CP - They are very close to the same size with the carrier version being 327K larger.
CSC - The carrier U flash is about 20 megs larger than the Unlocked U1.
USERDATA - T-Mobile is 1.35 GB, Verizon: 1.76 GB. The US UNLOCKED U1 doesn't have a USERDATA flash file.
My Theory:
There are many theories swirling about that center on carriers restricting services when you don't buy your phone from them. My theory is much simpler. With all of the U carrier firmware, you will see a gig plus USERDATA flash file. The U1's firmware doesn't have a USERDATA flash file, but the U1's AP flash file is a gig plus larger than U's AP flash file. I also work in the UNIX world. Applications that are installed at the same time you install the operating system will be installed in the operating system area. If you install those same apps later, they will be installed in the user software area. My theory about the Note 9's firmware is that the U1 Firmware is Android+Samsung-specific software+Samsung specific hardware drivers+standards-based wireless network drivers+Samsung basic apps. Samsung gives wireless providers the same with standards-based wireless network drivers+Samsung basic apps in separate install. This could explain how the gig plus moved from the U1's APP to the U's USERDATA. It would also enable a consistent user interface for the same service across all wireless providers who may be providing the service using entirely different methods. This would explain why running the carrier-specific the U firmware vendors all support capabilities such as Wi-Fi calling and Video Calling, while when the same phones are running US Unlocked firmware, only some do. That would mean those with the services available have deployed them in a standards-compliant way. For instanced, for T-Mobile, Voice over LTE(VoLTE) and Voice over Wi-Fi(VoWiFi) work but USCC roaming doesn't. On Verizon, Voice over LTE(VoLTE) and Carrier Aggregation works, but NOT Voice over Wi-Fi(VoWiFi). With AT&T, neither work. So that likely means the Verizon does not support VoWiFi on their network while AT&T doesn't support VoLTE nor VoWiFi, and have proprietary implementations on their network that are only available if your flash their carrier-specific firmware. This would also explain why when a phone is running the US Unlocked U1 software with a Verizon SIM installed you will not have Wi-Fi calling available, and when you simply swap to the T-Mobile SIM, it will magically show up. This seems to me to simply be the U1 firmware responding to what it finds. It hasn't been that long since our phones would only work on one network. It hasn't been that long since the critical mass existed to migrate to the new LTE standard. The T-Mobile build-out only increased rapidly, and Sprint may not even be finished rolling out VoLTE yet, thus much less likely to have non-compliant systems in place. You could extend this reasoning to other wireless technologies as well. It also makes sense why the mechanism to prevent firmware upgrades to not be present in the U carrier-specific firmware, while it is present in the the standards-compliant U1 firmware. The U1 path adds support for new standards as it goes. The U path must replace proprietary methods for advantage or regulatory reasons. If this theory is correct, you would be better off with U1 firmware when traveling abroad. The name US Unlocked may have little to do with US, and a lot more to do with being standards-based, which is more likely what you would encounter in other countries where widespread deployment occurred later. The SM-N960U* already supports more bands than any phone I've found, and with US Unlocked U1 firmware, it may be the best world phone as well.
Why I believe this:
In an environment of democracy and capitalism, companies are free to make decisions that benefit themselves the most, and those who are stockholders appoint CEOs who know how to make that happen. They would get fired for not using other people's equipment and networks for free if they could. If they could make more money by getting rid of non-VoLTE devices to free up bands, they will, and the FCC is forcing it to happen. The fact that VoLTE is not controllable by the user interface, does not indicate it is not being used. Why would you give a user the option control VoLTE, Carrier Aggregation, etc.? Voice Over Wi-Fi VoWiFi employs SIP/VOIP technology, which predates smart phones. Towers and equipment are often not owned by the wireless providers because they are co-location sites that must be approved by local authorities. Standards-based equipment means it would be cheaper, you need less of it, you have more options with regard to inter-carrier agreements of which some are mandated by the FCC. Moreover, investments in non-standard methods and equipment devalues the company, and even determines how much they can leverage money. Holding out on people who do not buy their phones from them doesn't make sense because they are not denying these services to BYOD pre-pay users, or anyone who flashes their phones to their firmware. The FCC already forces them to unlock their phones before they are paid for, so it doesn't make sense to put themselves at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to acquiring users from other carriers. If carrier salesmen posts are true, they don't make much on phones anyway, and phones are more a vehicle to sell their services and accessories. They know that you know they don't have you over a barrel anymore and implementing interoperability is their new reality, and the reality of any maturing technology.
Surprises and Mysteries:
After I paid my premium membership for a month and went to SamMobile to download US Unlocked U1 firmware, I was surprised to find files for all different wireless network providers. Puzzled, I downloaded them all. SamMobile shows TMK as USA, so believing that I was getting US Unlocked, I downloaded it and flashed it. Booting up I got the Samsung Logo, which also made sense. I learned later that SamMobile has things mislabeled. TMK is MetroPCS, and XAA is the US Unlocked I should have flashed. However, then I noticed after the U1 files were unzipped that the flash files all had the same name. Then I tested their SHA-512 numbers and they were exactly the same, which means they are the same files. So, if they are the same files, why do they list the different wireless providers and put them in separate zip files with the carrier's extension on them? There isn't even an expectation of a difference because when they sell a U1 phone, they don't know which network it will be used on. What I do know is the Phone INFO app shows:
Firmware's CSC Code: XAA (I never flashed the XAA zip file. I flashed the TMK zip file, but since I found the flash files were the same for every U1 firmware zip file, seeing the US Unlocked code of XAA was not shocking.)
Active CSC Code: VZW (SIM installed)

Future

Great discussion .... Thanks
I've been down several roads with this including an S9 Exynos and then an S10
I then tried a One Plus 7 Pro and even switched to TMO because I couldn't get WiFi Calling with AT&T.
Currently am experimenting with a Note 9 that I believe was original sim locked to At&T but now unlocked and now with the most recent U1 firmware
Calling features work fine with TMO including WiFi Calling, but I'm looking to try AT&T as well (my reception is much better in my rural areas with att vs TMO).
Do you know if the calling features will work with the U1 firmware and ATT? ( If I get IMEI compatibility issues squared away with att)
Or do I have to flash U firmware?
I'm awaiting a Note 10 that is unlocked. Wondering if I can get ATT calling features to work on it?

jcrompton said:
Do you know if the calling features will work with the U1 firmware and ATT? ( If I get IMEI compatibility issues squared away with att) Or do I have to flash U firmware? I'm awaiting a Note 10 that is unlocked. Wondering if I can get ATT calling features to work on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not use AT&T. From what I've read, is no advanced features work with U1 on AT&T. With Verizon, VoLTE and Carrier Aggregation works fine, but ViLTE and VoWiFi does not.

I live in a T-Mobile fringe area that uses B71 exclusively (at least at my house). My experience with U vs U1 is that even though the signal is relatively weak, -118 dBm, the T-mobile branded U firmware holds the LTE signal fine. On the unlocked U1 firmware the signal is a tad weaker, plus it will drop the signal entirely and give me a no network error and/or it will roam on AT&T hspa. So clearly the Tmo software has optimizations for B71 at least over the unlocked U1.
I also have used a Pixel 3XL, an iPhone XR and a Moto G7 power in the same area. They do occasionally roam but I don't experience the loss of signal that I get with the Note 9 and the unlocked firmware.

BladeRunner said:
I live in a T-Mobile fringe area that uses B71 exclusively (at least at my house). My experience with U vs U1 is that even though the signal is relatively weak, -118 dBm, the T-mobile branded U firmware holds the LTE signal fine. On the unlocked U1 firmware the signal is a tad weaker, plus it will drop the signal entirely and give me a no network error and/or it will roam on AT&T hspa. So clearly the Tmo software has optimizations for B71 at least over the unlocked U1. I also have used a Pixel 3XL, an iPhone XR and a Moto G7 power in the same area. They do occasionally roam but I don't experience the loss of signal that I get with the Note 9 and the unlocked firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is very valuable information for a guy on the fence like me.
Thanks TONS!!!

BladeRunner said:
I live in a T-Mobile fringe area that uses B71 exclusively (at least at my house). My experience with U vs U1 is that even though the signal is relatively weak, -118 dBm, the T-mobile branded U firmware holds the LTE signal fine. On the unlocked U1 firmware the signal is a tad weaker, plus it will drop the signal entirely and give me a no network error and/or it will roam on AT&T hspa. So clearly the Tmo software has optimizations for B71 at least over the unlocked U1.
I also have used a Pixel 3XL, an iPhone XR and a Moto G7 power in the same area. They do occasionally roam but I don't experience the loss of signal that I get with the Note 9 and the unlocked firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on U1 firmware, when you go to the phones dialer and dial:
*#2263#
do you get a hidden service mode menu like attached picture? if so then just force band 71 so that it dosen't switch. you can also disable other bands and leave only the ones you know work best so that device dosent try to switch to other weaker ones that you know will drop. also by setting to forcefully stay on LTE by selecting menu 4 in band selection and specifying the bands it should stop from reverting to hspa. but also might cause no signal. but again by selecting only the bands you know work i believe it should help. i have done many tests and what i do is to force bands one by one and check strength in a place where i know signal is poor. this way you weed out the bad bands. write it down somewhere and then go reactiavte all of them. then go to the disable band menu and remove everything except the ones listed previously and be left with only the stronger ones and stop fone from attempting to connect to random weaker ones.

USA Carrier Test[Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Google Fi]

This is the first time I have ever posted anything so please excuse the lack of formatting or "neatness."
First of all I want to say that every test I have done was done for a period of 3 days with each of these carriers. The test involved taking the cell phone to the city(Raleigh, NC) to a more rural area(literally anywhere not Raleigh) to test for signal strength differences, voice, and sms. Also, the phone I used is the North American model not the tencent model.
The reason I even did this is because I do not want let go of my Verizon SIM card(I still won't but there is a different reason why at the end)
OK so with that being said let's talk FUNCTIONALITY: ASUS(I have a screenshot of this) is telling me to read in between the lines and that they will push for VoLTE and VoWIFI with USA Carriers AFTER they shut down their 2g/3g Services. However right now VOLTE & VOWIFI DO NOT WORK WITH ANY CARRIER IN THE USA. The closest thing you can get to VOWIFI/VOLTE.
Verizon: Full 4G Support, Data speed and reliability FAR exceed that of AT&T or T-Mobile in RURAL areas of NC. VOICE CALLS AND TEXT MESSAGES DO NOT WORK ON VERIZON. If you absolutely need to stick to Verizon I have a functional work-around but it does take some time to set up(at the end of post)
AT&T: Full 4G,H+,1X Support. VOICE CALLS, TEXT, DATA ALL WORK ON AT&T. If you are not tied to any carrier, I would recommend using AT&T or the best MVNO it has: Good2GO. It is on par with T-Mobile in the city, and also works fine in rural areas.
T-Mobile: Full 4G,H+,1X Support. VOICE CALLS, TEXT, DATA ALL WORK ON T-Mobile. I do not recommend this unless you only live in the city and only stay in the city. Rural areas are a no-go for T-Mobile in NC(if you want more specific about which rural areas were tested lmk, but this is mostly central NC)
So I came from Verizon. What is holding me there or why would I recommend you keep it? Well, if you have a current family plan on Verizon with unlimited data, you may want to consider this too, although it is inconvenient.
Reasons to keep Verizon: Unlimited 4G LTE Data plan or an MVNO from Verizon all offer the *MOST RELIABLE* 4G LTE connection. This means that there will rarely be a place without 4G LTE on. The next best thing is AT&T, and although you may not get 4G in as many places as Verizon, it is pretty damn close. Bonus from AT&T is you can actually make calls and text, but wait.... what about 100% Verizon?
IF you reached this spot it is because you want to know the ONLY currently FUNCTIONAL workaround for this problem with no VOLTE VOWIFI or Calls or texts. The solution is to set up call forwarding to a free google voice number from the my verizon app. While you are there, you may as well want to bookmark a webpage in chrome or your browser of choice for text messages. Verizon offers a free service where you can check your texts online. This was originally intended for looking at texts on your computer, but who said you can't use it on your phone?
However, I, cannot stand the idea of being in an emergency where the 4G signal from verizon is too low to make a google voice call, and that I NEED to call someone. Therefore what I am doing is the following: Setting up the Verizon workaround for forwarding calls to the google number, setting up the text message workaround on verizon, and STILL getting an emergency $10/mo AT&T MVNO plan that has unlimited text and calls(Good2go mobile).
other AT&T MVNO's charge way more for that feature by the way. I am usually always travelling, so the amount of times I will be without 4G LTE from any carrier(T-mobile, AT&T, or Verizon) is increased exponentially. I need that backup failsafe with the AT&T MVNO.
With that being said though, if you're wondering why I didn't mention google fi, it is because this sim card 100% did not work at all in this cell phone. I tried changing the APN's and everything else under the sun but it simply did not work. Big bummer since I was hoping this would be my next daily driver for a carrier.
If there is anything else you're interested in let me know. I've had the phone for a good week now so I'm pretty comfy with the way it works and other small things.

ZyroSS said:
This is the first time I have ever posted anything so please excuse the lack of formatting or "neatness."
First of all I want to say that every test I have done was done for a period of 3 days with each of these carriers. The test involved taking the cell phone to the city(Raleigh, NC) to a more rural area(literally anywhere not Raleigh) to test for signal strength differences, voice, and sms. Also, the phone I used is the North American model not the tencent model.
The reason I even did this is because I do not want let go of my Verizon SIM card(I still won't but there is a different reason why at the end)
OK so with that being said let's talk FUNCTIONALITY: ASUS(I have a screenshot of this) is telling me to read in between the lines and that they will push for VoLTE and VoWIFI with USA Carriers AFTER they shut down their 2g/3g Services. However right now VOLTE & VOWIFI DO NOT WORK WITH ANY CARRIER IN THE USA. The closest thing you can get to VOWIFI/VOLTE.
Verizon: Full 4G Support, Data speed and reliability FAR exceed that of AT&T or T-Mobile in RURAL areas of NC. VOICE CALLS AND TEXT MESSAGES DO NOT WORK ON VERIZON. If you absolutely need to stick to Verizon I have a functional work-around but it does take some time to set up(at the end of post)
AT&T: Full 4G,H+,1X Support. VOICE CALLS, TEXT, DATA ALL WORK ON AT&T. If you are not tied to any carrier, I would recommend using AT&T or the best MVNO it has: Good2GO. It is on par with T-Mobile in the city, and also works fine in rural areas.
T-Mobile: Full 4G,H+,1X Support. VOICE CALLS, TEXT, DATA ALL WORK ON T-Mobile. I do not recommend this unless you only live in the city and only stay in the city. Rural areas are a no-go for T-Mobile in NC(if you want more specific about which rural areas were tested lmk, but this is mostly central NC)
So I came from Verizon. What is holding me there or why would I recommend you keep it? Well, if you have a current family plan on Verizon with unlimited data, you may want to consider this too, although it is inconvenient.
Reasons to keep Verizon: Unlimited 4G LTE Data plan or an MVNO from Verizon all offer the *MOST RELIABLE* 4G LTE connection. This means that there will rarely be a place without 4G LTE on. The next best thing is AT&T, and although you may not get 4G in as many places as Verizon, it is pretty damn close. Bonus from AT&T is you can actually make calls and text, but wait.... what about 100% Verizon?
IF you reached this spot it is because you want to know the ONLY currently FUNCTIONAL workaround for this problem with no VOLTE VOWIFI or Calls or texts. The solution is to set up call forwarding to a free google voice number from the my verizon app. While you are there, you may as well want to bookmark a webpage in chrome or your browser of choice for text messages. Verizon offers a free service where you can check your texts online. This was originally intended for looking at texts on your computer, but who said you can't use it on your phone?
However, I, cannot stand the idea of being in an emergency where the 4G signal from verizon is too low to make a google voice call, and that I NEED to call someone. Therefore what I am doing is the following: Setting up the Verizon workaround for forwarding calls to the google number, setting up the text message workaround on verizon, and STILL getting an emergency $10/mo AT&T MVNO plan that has unlimited text and calls(Good2go mobile).
other AT&T MVNO's charge way more for that feature by the way. I am usually always travelling, so the amount of times I will be without 4G LTE from any carrier(T-mobile, AT&T, or Verizon) is increased exponentially. I need that backup failsafe with the AT&T MVNO.
With that being said though, if you're wondering why I didn't mention google fi, it is because this sim card 100% did not work at all in this cell phone. I tried changing the APN's and everything else under the sun but it simply did not work. Big bummer since I was hoping this would be my next daily driver for a carrier.
If there is anything else you're interested in let me know. I've had the phone for a good week now so I'm pretty comfy with the way it works and other small things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try CDMA_Less on Verizon?

tech_head said:
Did you try CDMA_Less on Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, didn't work

So this is all true for the international version, but not for the Tencent edition. Tencent version only supports bands 1-4 and pretty much nothing else. Those are the old school bands for AT&T and TMobile, so signal is ok but not great. Indoors TMobile is pretty bad with the Tencent phone, whereas I get fantastic signal with my OnePlus 7 pro in the same places on TMobile.
Damn shame, other than that the rog2 is better in every way and I'm going to miss it dearly but I've got a 1 year old and not having a cell signal at home or work is not an option.

cyagl643 said:
Are there any other downsides, because im thinking even if going overseas you can use it like Vowifi because as long as you have some kind of connection via wifi or data you should get calls and texts via the app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm considering this method as well. I'm a trucker, so network coverage is a deal breaker for which carrier I use, and no one comes close to Verizon. My big concern now is how 911 would work. I know I couldn't do it via Google Voice, but I'm wondering if the phone would default back to the phone radio and seek out a usable network. I know cell phones are required be able to make 911 calls from any available network in the U.S, even if not activated with a carrier. So would the phone make a 911 call via AT&T or TMO?
If I go through with it, I may do it a slightly different way. I have a spare line I could cancel. Instead, I may activate the ROG II to that one, then port my existing number to GV. That way I could use GV but as my current number. I figure that would be easiest on those with my contact info.

Its a dual sim phone. Why not have Verizon and a GSM MVPN? Straight talk has some call only plans for $20/month.

bruciebabie1963 said:
Its a dual sim phone. Why not have Verizon and a GSM MVPN? Straight talk has some call only plans for $20/month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And what happens when the gsm(3g) gets turned off in beginning of 2020? Asus seriously f'd up not allowing volte.

homerunbm33 said:
So I have att and really would like to get this phone but concerned about any possible issues(for example no band 14 and 30) . Did you have any issues with service with att? I'm considering the rog, op7t or pixel 4. Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I had no real issues with AT&T, it's the reason I'm getting my 2nd sim to be an MVNO for this phone. 1 Carrier only AT&T is simply the best overall for this phone. If we say Verizon is 100% 4G LTE strength/reliabililty, then AT&T is like 90%, while AT&T is 60%. This is of course in more rural areas. In the city it matters not if you have AT&T or T-Mobile...

cyagl643 said:
The Verizon idea sounds like a great workaround because you can also download the My Messages app at the play store and it works the same as the website. The only downside, and correct me if Im wrong would be when calling people they would see your google number and not your real cell number. Are there any other downsides, because im thinking even if going overseas you can use it like Vowifi because as long as you have some kind of connection via wifi or data you should get calls and texts via the app.
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I'm afraid you can't use the app it just doesn't work I tried this... maybe it'll work for you though? Otherwise yes, they would get a call from another number(the google number) and they can call either your google number or verizon number and both will work. it's more of there so you don't inconvenience your contacts, but you should probably tell them you simply switched to (google number) and to just call/text there if you're sticking to verizon only, imo.
otherwise yes the app itself only needs data it doesnt matter if you grab data from ethernet(works), 4G, or wifi...

Mr_Mooncatt said:
I'm considering this method as well. I'm a trucker, so network coverage is a deal breaker for which carrier I use, and no one comes close to Verizon. My big concern now is how 911 would work. I know I couldn't do it via Google Voice, but I'm wondering if the phone would default back to the phone radio and seek out a usable network. I know cell phones are required be able to make 911 calls from any available network in the U.S, even if not activated with a carrier. So would the phone make a 911 call via AT&T or TMO?
If I go through with it, I may do it a slightly different way. I have a spare line I could cancel. Instead, I may activate the ROG II to that one, then port my existing number to GV. That way I could use GV but as my current number. I figure that would be easiest on those with my contact info.
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Technically speaking 911 SHOULD work, but I'm not about to get in trouble trying that one out LOL. I have a backup emergency cell phone line for those emergencies since I also, cannot stand not being able to have that option even if the chances are slim. I am also keeping Verizon because it simply has the strongest 4G signal of the USA carriers that I tested, however AT&T isn't too far behind it's definitely good, just not great. AT&T gets calls and texts by default too so theres that as well lol

bruciebabie1963 said:
Its a dual sim phone. Why not have Verizon and a GSM MVPN? Straight talk has some call only plans for $20/month.
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This is exactly what I did. I purchased a plan $10/mo for unlimited calls/texts through Good2go mobile, an AT&T MVNO...

ZyroSS said:
This is exactly what I did. I purchased a plan $10/mo for unlimited calls/texts through Good2go mobile, an AT&T MVNO...
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I may consider this as well. I'll likely run it Verizon only with the work around and see how it goes before adding a second SIM.
As for 911, I think I may be able to contact a local 911 operator and see what info I can glean from them.
---------- Post added at 03:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:20 PM ----------
I did find this, which includes some info both on how 911 works with un-activated phones, and how to make a test call.
https://www.911.gov/frequently_asked_questions.html

ZyroSS said:
I'm afraid you can't use the app it just doesn't work I tried this... maybe it'll work for you though? Otherwise yes, they would get a call from another number(the google number) and they can call either your google number or verizon number and both will work. it's more of there so you don't inconvenience your contacts, but you should probably tell them you simply switched to (google number) and to just call/text there if you're sticking to verizon only, imo.
otherwise yes the app itself only needs data it doesnt matter if you grab data from ethernet(works), 4G, or wifi...
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I mean I tried the app on the current phone I have with wifi calling off and airplane mode on, and had someone text me and I got it.

Hey, so I've tried everything I read online to forward my calls to Google voice. I have Verizon. I've tried both *72 and *73. I've made sure to not have any forwarding set up on GV so I'm not in an infinite forwarding loop. But no matter what, it seems the calls straight to GV voicemail. Is there something I'm missing? I've also tried it with my Verizon number linked and after I deleted it. Any help would be much appreciated. thank you

Drkstover said:
Hey, so I've tried everything I read online to forward my calls to Google voice. I have Verizon. I've tried both *72 and *73. I've made sure to not have any forwarding set up on GV so I'm not in an infinite forwarding loop. But no matter what, it seems the calls straight to GV voicemail. Is there something I'm missing? I've also tried it with my Verizon number linked and after I deleted it. Any help would be much appreciated. thank you
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I called Verizon and had them forward my calls to my GV # and it works fine.

AVJ1221 said:
I called Verizon and had them forward my calls to my GV # and it works fine.
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What app are you using for GV calls? Google Voice app doesn't ring for me...

ram4ufriends said:
What app are you using for GV calls? Google Voice app doesn't ring for me...
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Try restarting your phone. Sometimes GV gets buggy for some unknown reason. I also have Hangouts and Hangouts dialer downloaded so Google assistant can make calls when I ask. I believe GV can dial out through dialer as well.
And make sure to allow GV and any other calling app you're using to auto start in your phone settings.

ZyroSS said:
This is exactly what I did. I purchased a plan $10/mo for unlimited calls/texts through Good2go mobile, an AT&T MVNO...
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Click to collapse
How is Good2go working for you?
Any problems in calls/texts?
Thanks.

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