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Hello All! First off, this is my first post on this forum, and I must say, that I am glad to be a part of a "community" that is passionate about mobile technology!
Question: I currently use an iPhone 3Gs on AT&T. I have the unlimited data and text message plan. If I decide to purchase an unlocked GS2, will my 3G sim card out of my iphone work in the GS2? Also, will I be able to keep my unlimited data and text plan?
Thanks in advance!
As far as I know, and from my experience. Yes.
I am also on that plan, and it works great for me in NYC. HSPA+ 95 percent of the time.
yes, because technically, youre not cancelling the original plan.
Thanks for the reply everyone! So just to clarify, my regular iPhone 3G sim will fit and work on the GS2? Will I only be able to receive 3G connectivity since I don't have a 4G sim or data plan?
Yes it will fit but not sure about the other question.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Anyone know if I will only be able to receive 3G connectivity since I do not have a 4G sim card? Also, will I have to call in to AT&T customer service to have them activate the GS2?
jroc151 said:
Anyone know if I will only be able to receive 3G connectivity since I do not have a 4G sim card? Also, will I have to call in to AT&T customer service to have them activate the GS2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will receive 4g speeds ( actually hsdpa + which att calls 4g)
U dont need to activate ur phone in att to get it to work with data or phone
To activate the 4g network for ur phone u will need an imei from atrix or other ATT 4g plan.
The imei of SGS 2 wont show up in ATT network as a 4g phone as they do not have that data base.
There is big thread here on how to thistopic - The pages 8-11 , I think are more fruitful
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1109983
Hope this helps
drgopoos said:
You will receive 4g speeds ( actually hsdpa + which att calls 4g)
U dont need to activate ur phone in att to get it to work with data or phone
To activate the 4g network for ur phone u will need an imei from atrix or other ATT 4g plan.
The imei of SGS 2 wont show up in ATT network as a 4g phone as they do not have that data base.
There is big thread here on how to thistopic - The pages 8-11 , I think are more fruitful
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1109983
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info drgopoo! How do I go about obtaining a valid 4G IMEI from such devices?
jroc151 said:
Thanks for the info drgopoo! How do I go about obtaining a valid 4G IMEI from such devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i used my wife's atrix. Some people had luck by going to the att store and getting one from one of the reps
Even though I love the GS2, having to locate a "4G IMEI" to get the phone to work on AT&T sounds like too much work!
Hate to say it, but I think I may end up waiting for the AT&T variant (ATTAIN) to come out this year. Sucks there isn't a release date in sight as of yet!
jroc151 said:
Even though I love the GS2, having to locate a "4G IMEI" to get the phone to work on AT&T sounds like too much work!
Hate to say it, but I think I may end up waiting for the AT&T variant (ATTAIN) to come out this year. Sucks there isn't a release date in sight as of yet!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone WILL WORK on AT&T no matter what. You will get H+ service no matter what. However if you are switching SIM from a 3G phone, most likely your H+ speed will be capped at like 6 Mbps. To unlock at&t backhaul that is not capped, you OPTIONALLY may want to call in an ask them to change your existing plan to the plan they have for AT&T certified 4G devices like the Infuse. In order to do that, AT&T needs a random IMEI number from such a device. You can give them ANY number. Just stop buy AT&T store, take a look at a display Infuse, go to menus to see the IMEI and take a picture of that screen, then give that number to AT&T rep.
This is just how their plan changing software works, it needs a capable IMEI to put you on the "4G" network.
Just to reiterate , by default imported SGS2 will work on 3g and 4g on AT&T, 4G "may-be" capped though at 6 or so Mbps. I personally do not give two ****s about this capping because only on a rare day I can get more than 3 Mbps in my market (New York) where AT&T sucks tremendously. So I did not bother to call in and upgrade.
Note though, that you do NOT want to call in and upgrade if you are on a dumbphone plan.
Why would you not go back to Media Net plan? It costs 10 bucks with messaging plan, its unlimited and you get H+ speed.
drgopoos said:
You will receive 4g speeds ( actually hsdpa + which att calls 4g)
U dont need to activate ur phone in att to get it to work with data or phone
To activate the 4g network for ur phone u will need an imei from atrix or other ATT 4g plan.
The imei of SGS 2 wont show up in ATT network as a 4g phone as they do not have that data base.
There is big thread here on how to thistopic - The pages 8-11 , I think are more fruitful
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1109983
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info.
I am currently using my Unlimited Data plan of my iPhone 4 on my SGS2.
I bought this simtray that can hold the micro sim so it fits in the SGS2.
The speeds I get are on the so called 4G network H+ but I am not that impressed for now.
Right now the Upload speed I get is 2.2Mbps Down / 0.79Mbps Up and 138ms Ping. I believe this could be better.
I guess I will try to get the IMEI changed with an Atrix as mentioned.
*Update*
So I just talked with ATT over chat when I logged on to their website.
I lied to them and told them I had an ATT ATRIX 4G and needed the right speed.
They asked me for the IMEI, so I searched for an ATT ATRIX 4G IMEI on Google , they changed it on my account and now I have unlimited HSPA dataplan.
I did some tests with the APN both give more or less the same results but the area I am currently at is not that great for H+ but I did see improvement in the upload speed.
Right now I have 2.39Mbps Down / 1.03Mbps Up and 142ms ping.
Will try it out tonight when I am more close to H+ areas but my iPhone SIM just works fine in my SGS2
kreoXDA said:
This is just how their plan changing software works, it needs a capable IMEI to put you on the "4G" network.
Just to reiterate , by default imported SGS2 will work on 3g and 4g on AT&T, 4G "may-be" capped though at 6 or so Mbps. I personally do not give two ****s about this capping because only on a rare day I can get more than 3 Mbps in my market (New York) where AT&T sucks tremendously. So I did not bother to call in and upgrade.
Note though, that you do NOT want to call in and upgrade if you are on a dumbphone plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I currently have the unlimited data plan on my iPhone 3Gs. I do not want to lose it downgrading myself to the cappeed bandwidth plan. Will the standard AT&T 3G sim card (non-micro sim chip) work in the GS2? Does the imported GS2 come with a sim tray?
Flupken said:
Thanks for the info.
I am currently using my Unlimited Data plan of my iPhone 4 on my SGS2.
I bought this simtray that can hold the micro sim so it fits in the SGS2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The GS2 doesn't not come with a sim card tray???
jroc151 said:
I currently have the unlimited data plan on my iPhone 3Gs. I do not want to lose it downgrading myself to the cappeed bandwidth plan. Will the standard AT&T 3G sim card (non-micro sim chip) work in the GS2? Does the imported GS2 come with a sim tray?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jroc151 said:
The GS2 doesn't not come with a sim card tray???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No SIM tray in the package, SGS2 was not build for Apple converts.
Your unlimited 3G will be grandfathered if you put that SIM (with your own adapter) into the SGS2.
Further, I believe (but am NOT sure) you can call in and ask them to "mark" your grandfathered unlimited plan as 4G by telling them your new device is an Infuse or Atrix and giving them the IMEI, per the numerous posts here. I repeat, I did NOT do it myself, so I can't 100% assure you can do it and will not lose anything.
I just upgraded my Unlimited 3g plan to 4g and at&t accidentally put me on the 2gb limited plan and removed my txt messaging. Don't know how the rep made this mistake.
Wasnt a big deal to resolve and get back the unlimited plan. Just make sure you clarify multiple times.
Btw, my 4g and 3g speeds suck in salt lake city. Can't get higher than 2mb download.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
jbooker12 said:
I just upgraded my Unlimited 3g plan to 4g and at&t accidentally put me on the 2gb limited plan and removed my txt messaging. Don't know how the rep made this mistake.
Wasnt a big deal to resolve and get back the unlimited plan. Just make sure you clarify multiple times.
Btw, my 4g and 3g speeds suck in salt lake city. Can't get higher than 2mb download.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that once you switch from 3G to 4G, AT&T will remove the unlimited data and ask to put you on one of their new data plans. THis is how they are getting people to let go of the unlimited data. Is this true?
I've been having this problem probably once a day since I've gotten the phone where my phone will lose data signal while switching between 3G and LTE and the only way to get data back is to restart the phone. Turning airplane mode on and off won't work either.
Ive had that issue too..but most of the time it switches back n forth no problem
bik2101 said:
I've been having this problem probably once a day since I've gotten the phone where my phone will lose data signal while switching between 3G and LTE and the only way to get data back is to restart the phone. Turning airplane mode on and off won't work either.
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Click to collapse
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA App
I haven't noticed any data problems until today. I am unable to connect to 3G. We do not have 4G in my area.
These problems are probably bugs in the LTE System.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab 10.1
jbh00jh said:
These problems are probably bugs in the LTE System.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab 10.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why should bugs in the LTE system affect 3G?
the 3G our phones use is not exactly the same as standard 3G unless you force your phone into EVDO 3G via the ##778 menu. which if you are not in a 4g zone I would recommend simply for stability. The 3G our phones use is basically a layer between 3G and LTE as I've had it explained to me.. I really don't know much else about it though, sorry. I'm sure someone else here can shine more light on it however.
racingtiger03 said:
the 3G our phones use is not exactly the same as standard 3G unless you force your phone into EVDO 3G via the ##778 menu. which if you are not in a 4g zone I would recommend simply for stability. The 3G our phones use is basically a layer between 3G and LTE as I've had it explained to me.. I really don't know much else about it though, sorry. I'm sure someone else here can shine more light on it however.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh that's really interesting. thanks for that little bit of info. had no idea.
Same problem with it dropping data signal and never coming back without restart. At least now i know its not a hardware issue
I've had the same problem lately
~John
damn.. i was actually hoping this was a small problem with a simple solution... everything else about the phone is perfect except for this one problem.
Having the same issue here....when switching to cdma I get no 3G just 1X.....hope they find a fix soon
Sent from my HTC Rezound
same here guys. call Verizon and let them know. I think it helps if a bunch of us make them aware.
I've had a ton of weird data issues with the Rezound. I get 1x where i should get 3g, i get 3g where i should get 4g and i get nothing way too often.
I've only had this happen once with the rezound. Shows nothing but bars, no data can be used. Sometimes switching to 3g or 4g in lte on/off helps.
Had this problem intermittently on both my wife's and my bolts, completely agree its just a lte being a new tech issue.
I've listened to a podcast on how the handoff works and its definitely not fool proof.
racingtiger03 said:
the 3G our phones use is not exactly the same as standard 3G unless you force your phone into EVDO 3G via the ##778 menu. which if you are not in a 4g zone I would recommend simply for stability. The 3G our phones use is basically a layer between 3G and LTE as I've had it explained to me.. I really don't know much else about it though, sorry. I'm sure someone else here can shine more light on it however.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im in Lawton Oklahoma and I'm not gonna c 4G till 2013 and I'll be pcs before that.
Now I access the ##778 menu in edit mode and what do I do to force EVDO 3G?
Rocking and Loving My Unbelievable Crazy ReZound
Dial ##778#, call
edit mode
password is 000000
modem settings
Rev. A
select "enable"
menu > commit
phone will reboot and you should get 3G back
This changes your network from eHRPD back to EVDO Rev.A. For LTE phone owners, eHRPD causes 3G to die (most of the time anyway) when the LTE network has problems. Get back on normal EVDO and you're good to go.
^ from Jntdroid on another forum (not sure if we're allowed to post to other forums here) I'm not positive on where he got it from, but this is a capability of all HTC 4G phones
I've had occasional issues with being down to 1X, but even that was only during nationwide 4G network issues, definitely get in touch with VZW about that... not that they have enough sense to fix anything *sigh*
Data Connection slow to Acquire (3G/LTE)
If I'm on the subway, or somewhere with no service, then come above ground, I get voice (full bars) but no data -- it could take upwards of 3 minutes+ for data to come back up. Any thoughts?
I've been losing my 3G service throughout my city, being restricted to 1x so many times lately where I SHOULD be getting 3G!(4G isnt available in my area yet). It's really annoying...perhaps nexus isnt theeee only one...
^should I try calling and programing what the user implied? Again, I am not in a 4G area...
not2gutta said:
I've been losing my 3G service throughout my city, being restricted to 1x so many times lately where I SHOULD be getting 3G!(4G isnt available in my area yet). It's really annoying...perhaps nexus isnt theeee only one...
^should I try calling and programing what the user implied? Again, I am not in a 4G area...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same issue as you. I live in a 3G area only and my 3G drops out a lot. Even a reboot doesn't get it back. Not sure what to do :/
For some reason I haven't been able to cnnect to LTE here in Olympia, WA. Works great 3-4 bars on my Nexus, anyone else around here having problems? Voice works fine, and I am getting full 4g signal.
Thanks
I'm in Seattle and getting fine LTE - maybe call VZW? Might need a new sim?
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
Forehead316 said:
For some reason I haven't been able to cnnect to LTE here in Olympia, WA. Works great 3-4 bars on my Nexus, anyone else around here having problems? Voice works fine, and I am getting full 4g signal.
Thanks[/QUOHad the same problem
went to settings
more settings
mobile networks
network mode
mine was defaulted to global
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're in oly there's your problem. .....I kid. If settings didn't work then yes sim card could be an issue. Don't think mine has dropped LTE since I got it. But I left the nw for the warm South.
I'm in Portland, and I have no 4G connection for some reason. I activated my phone online and it told me to use the sim card that was in my gnex. I've even tried to switch my preferences from global to CDMA/LTE but no go. I should have full bars where I'm at.
My phone just stays on 3G.
*EDIT*
Decided to call Verizon and activate the sim card that came w/ the Note and 4G is working so all is well. Kinda weird you have to activate a new sim each time you get a new phone...
I live in Puyallup WA and I have full bars 4G just like I had with my Galaxy Nexus and Razr Maxx. I used to get poor reception in big department stores with my GN, so far the Note 2 has gotten better reception in the same stores.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
Hi I used to have the S3, obviously I have the Note2, I notice that the location of work in nyc area had constant 4G all day. Now it bounces 3G most of the time. So what I did it checked mobile networks from global to LTE..
Is that right or should I leave it to global. When on global it searches for a better signal all the time. Maybe my sim card is bad??
Are there any issues with the radio, baseband, software issues?
Maybe my phone has an issue with the antenna?
I actually in fact live in NYC as well (downtown manhattan to be specific) and in my area, when i start to drive out, I bounce to 3G then eventually to 4G. Its everytime I drive out. Not sure if its the path or something .Doesn't really bother me because I shouldn't be using this beast while driving but just noticed if that helps.
Great to hear from you, neighbor! Yes some odd reason the phone bounces in & out 3G then 4G. Its annoying....But I thought it was just me.
Sent from my Portable SCH-I605
torqtube said:
Great to hear from you, neighbor! Yes some odd reason the phone bounces in & out 3G then 4G. Its annoying....But I thought it was just me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in Florida and I was noticing my phone jump from 4g to 3g and back yesterday while at home where I normally have solid 4g.
I found the opposite. Cincinnati Ohio tho but my 4G is rock solid on my note II and was ehhhhh on my GSIII
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Glad to hear I'm not alone...I was ready to bring the phone back.
I guess the Samsung phones don't have a great antennas. My partner has a Motorola Bionic, his phone is 4G, all day. Other partner has a Rezound his is 3G but full signal strength.
We have the same signal bars strength wise. But his is 4G mine is 3G.
Sent from my Portable SCH-I605
Outside of Philly and my phone was randomly going into 3G the other night. I think it's network related as I restarted and had 4G back.
imnuts said:
Outside of Philly and my phone was randomly going into 3G the other night. I think it's network related as I restarted and had 4G back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I too had to restart the phone and I would get 4G.
Wouldn't that be an issue with the sim card at that point? I wouldnt think its the phone because the sim is what recognizes Verizon LTE networks?
Cirrect me if I'm wrong, I want to figure this out.
Sent from my Portable SCH-I605
Restarting causes the phone to re-authenticate with the network. Picking up 4G again is likely just luck of the draw. If a local tower (or towers) are having problems, you may keep 4G until there is an issue, then it'll disappear again until you swap towers, toggle airplane mode, or restart the phone. Without talking to VZW though, there is no telling if it is a network issue, or a device issue. Given the number of people that have seen problems recently though, I'm going to go with network issue.
I have 4G issues as well, seems just a day or so after rooting. I haven't seen 4G since; I've restarted several times, pulled sim card, put in airplane mode. I think I need the "get a new sim card" fix. I am rooted but no roms installed; does anyone know should I go full stock before walking into the store and asking for a new card? Or will I be ok since it's only rooted?
I had 4g issues this morning and this evening (in boston); reboots restored but i have no doubt this is verizon crap; my razr periodically had the same issue. At work i had no 4g issues. Drives me batty - I think the only fix is for at&t to record these issues and start using them in advertisements
Xaxxas said:
I have 4G issues as well, seems just a day or so after rooting. I haven't seen 4G since; I've restarted several times, pulled sim card, put in airplane mode. I think I need the "get a new sim card" fix. I am rooted but no roms installed; does anyone know should I go full stock before walking into the store and asking for a new card? Or will I be ok since it's only rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok..I just replaced my sim from Verizon. They told me there was a bad batch of sims. So they gave me the 2nd batch. Please don't quote me, because that guy was a sales person who tries to sell me everything in the store...lol
I will let everybody know within a day or two.
Sent from my Portable SCH-I605
when i have lte issues I'll throw my phone in airplane mode for a couple seconds, then take it off. works most of the time for me.
sent from my rooted SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 2...
I'm no longer having issues, in fact I'm now seeing 4g in areas that were only 3g before. I think it was just network related.
EDIT: See you got it sorted out. Sorry for the bump.
I've noticed over the past few days that I've really been bouncing around a lot. Seems to go through phases.
Just picked up a new G3 and new service provider in Verizon. Is it common to be stuck on 3G majority of the time in a decent size city? It sometimes in a blue moon switches to 4GLTE, but won't stay long.
I am with tmobile currently as well as that is my main carrier, but needed good coverage in the bad areas of Pennsylvania. Have awesome coverage where I live with tmobile, however with Verizon not so much.
Is it common?
I guess I have 14 days to decide. Any feedback greatly appreciated,
JesseMT4G said:
Just picked up a new G3 and new service provider in Verizon. Is it common to be stuck on 3G majority of the time in a decent size city? It sometimes in a blue moon switches to 4GLTE, but won't stay long.
I am with tmobile currently as well as that is my main carrier, but needed good coverage in the bad areas of Pennsylvania. Have awesome coverage where I live with tmobile, however with Verizon not so much.
Is it common?
I guess I have 14 days to decide. Any feedback greatly appreciated,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
take it back... verizon locks everything down tmo allows you to be free .
sorry i didn't actually help you in regards to your question.
The only time I see myself switch to 3g is where I have crappy service at my parent's place. Otherwise I don't have that issue..
However I'm also not in Pennsylvania so someone else may need to comment on that bit.
Perhaps they're doing tower upgrades over there?
The G3 gets really good reception, on par or better than the Motorola phones which are known to have excellent reception. I'd give it a day or so to settle along with a few restarts to see if you can grab an updated PRL. Outside of that Verizon may not be great in your area. I have to go outside to get a decent 4G signal, inside it's 3G most of the time.
That's the thing, I still have my T-Mobile phone. I actually live in Ohio, however work in PA and a little of West Virginia where I get no signal and can only make emergency calls. When in Ohio, where I live I get amazing 4G signal on lte. 40 down and 10 up to where on Verizon where I live I get 7 down and barely 1 up. It's crazy... Then again I am on 3G most of the time.
So wifi it goes....
Also is it normal to be on wifi and next to it the 4G/3G signal shows. I only have a gig of data is why I ask. Don't want unwanted charges on my bill.
T-Mobile g Flex unfortunately will still be my main phone. Unlimited everything.
JesseMT4G said:
Also is it normal to be on wifi and next to it the 4G/3G signal shows. I only have a gig of data is why I ask. Don't want unwanted charges on my bill.
T-Mobile g Flex unfortunately will still be my main phone. Unlimited everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep that's normal, nothing to worry about there
Ok, thanks. Just worried as T-Mobile phone goes straight to wifi symbol only.
You could try switching airplane mode on and then back off
Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk
kwkw480 said:
take it back... verizon locks everything down tmo allows you to be free .
sorry i didn't actually help you in regards to your question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Explain this a little more.
Go to network and Switch to LTE from global. I had the same problem and that fixed it
leemsami said:
Go to network and Switch to LTE from global. I had the same problem and that fixed it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did this and at 1st it gave me full bars. I did a reset for some reason and when it came back it's back to 1 bar. Weird....So does this mean I'll stay on 4G and won't pan back to 3G, if so might need to be on global in order to get signal in bad areas.
Thanks though, see what happens.
Things to try:
Power off take out the sim, power back on without sim, power off and put sim back in.
Call Verizon and have then send an update to your sim card.
Factory reset your device
Get a new sim card
toy028 said:
Things to try:
Power off take out the sim, power back on without sim, power off and put sim back in.
Call Verizon and have then send an update to your sim card.
Factory reset your device
Get a new sim card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a new phone and I would have to already take put the SIM. I mean I will as I dont get why I am constantly on 3G. Thought Verizon was good at penetrating buildings for 4G.
Not to mention even when I am on 4G it's no where near the speeds my tmobile phone gets.
Might have to chalk it up to so many people on big red....I guess as long as I get signal in the boonies I'll be okay. Just a little disappointed.
Thanks for the help.
I had this same issue and switching it from Global to CDMA/LTE fixed it for me. I've read that it shouldn't matter if it's on Global.... But I clearly saw the difference.
This G3 gets the same or better reception that my S4 does. I'm happy with it
- Sent From My G3
You should be on 4G, if it is available in your area. Signal strength is the main reason it'll drop to 3G, but that's only when your 4G signal drops above -100 dBm. Somewhere around the -115 is where mine decides it's better to switch to 3G. I even get some 1X's here at my desk, but I've got a crappy signal at my desk. If you're on 3G most of the time, then there's a problem. As stated earlier, take the following steps:
FDR (Factory Data Reset.) You'll lose everything, so back it up.
Go into the VZW store and tell them you want another SIM card. (Try not to handle it with your fingers and tell them not to handle it with theirs either.)
Replacement phone is the only other alternative.
If none of the above works, then you probably do need to switch back to T-Mobile. Just remember, you only have 14 days to figure this out!
Have you looked at a coverage map? Verizon does have excellent coverage but all carriers have holes
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Looks like Verizon has spotty service in the area you described. Vzw May not be the best choice for you in that area. Especially if you travel.
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
leyvatron said:
Explain this a little more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile's version comes factory unlocked. It already has the TWRP recovery.
OTOH, T-Mobile's version is SIM locked and Verizon's isn't, so Verizon's version is more free if you ever need to travel internationally.
scy1192 said:
T-Mobile's version comes factory unlocked. It already has the TWRP recovery.
OTOH, T-Mobile's version is SIM locked and Verizon's isn't, so Verizon's version is more free if you ever need to travel internationally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got faith in the devs as far at unlocking this phone for a custom recovery!
- Sent From My G3